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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

     
[X]
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF
  THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the year ended December 31, 2003

OR

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

Commission file number 1-14287

USEC Inc.

     
Delaware   52-2107911
(State of incorporation)   (I.R.S. Identification No.)

2 Democracy Center
6903 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817
(301) 564-3200

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

     
Title of Each Class   Name of Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share   New York Stock Exchange
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights   New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes     X     No        

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   [   ]

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.)      Yes     X     No        

     As of December 31, 2003, there were 82,554,000 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding. The market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant calculated by reference to the closing price of the registrant’s Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange as of June 30, 2003, was $578 million.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

     Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 for the annual meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held April 29, 2004, are incorporated by reference into Part III.



 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

         
        Page
PART I
Items 1 and 2.     3
Item 3.     21
Item 4.     22
      23
 
PART II
Item 5.     25
Item 6.     27
Item 7.     29
Item 7A.     47
Item 8.     47
Item 9.     47
Item 9A.     47
 
PART III
Item 10.     48
Item 11.     48
Item 12.     48
Item 13.     48
Item 14.     48
 
PART IV
Item 15.     49
Signatures   53
Consolidated Financial Statements   54-87
Glossary   88
Exhibit Index   90


     This annual report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking information (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that involves risks and uncertainty, including certain assumptions regarding the future performance of USEC. Actual results and trends may differ materially depending upon a variety of factors, including, without limitation, market demand for USEC’s products, pricing trends in the uranium and enrichment markets, deliveries under the Russian Contract, the availability and cost of electric power, implementing agreements with the Department of Energy (“DOE”) regarding uranium inventory remediation and the use of advanced technology and facilities, satisfactory performance of the American Centrifuge technology at various stages of demonstration, USEC’s ability to successfully execute its internal performance plans, the refueling cycles of USEC’s customers, final determinations of environmental and other costs, the outcome of litigation and trade actions, and the impact of any government regulation. Revenue and operating results can fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter, and in some cases, year to year.

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PART I

Items 1 and 2. Business and Properties

Overview

     USEC Inc. (“USEC”), a global energy company, is the world’s leading supplier of low enriched uranium (“LEU”) for commercial nuclear power plants. LEU is a critical component in the production of nuclear fuel for nuclear reactors to produce electricity. USEC’s customers are domestic and international utilities that operate nuclear power plants. USEC is the exclusive executive agent for the U.S. Government under a government-to-government agreement (the “Russian Contract”) to purchase the SWU component of LEU derived from highly enriched uranium contained in decommissioned nuclear warheads in Russia. In addition, USEC performs contract work for DOE and DOE contractors at the Paducah and Portsmouth plants.

     USEC, including its wholly owned subsidiary United States Enrichment Corporation, is organized under Delaware law. USEC completed an initial public offering of common stock on July 28, 1998, thereby transferring all of the U.S. Government’s interest in the business, with the exception of certain liabilities from prior operations of the U.S. Government. References to USEC include its wholly owned subsidiaries as well as the predecessor to USEC unless the context otherwise indicates. A glossary of technical terms is included in Part IV of this annual report.

     USEC continues implementing plans to reduce its cost structure, move forward to demonstrate the American Centrifuge technology, and explore ways to leverage its unique expertise within the energy, nuclear power and government contracting fields. Highlights of these actions include:

    USEC has met the first five American Centrifuge project milestones on or ahead of schedule. USEC expects the American Centrifuge program will reinforce its long-term position as the global leader in the uranium enrichment marketplace.
 
    In January 2004, USEC selected Piketon, Ohio as the site for its American Centrifuge uranium enrichment plant. The plant is expected to cost up to $1.5 billion, employ up to 500 people, and reach an initial annual production level of 3.5 million SWU by 2010.
 
    In January 2004, USEC and its Russian partner, TENEX, marked the 10th anniversary of commercial implementation of the Russian Contract which recycles weapons-grade uranium from Russia into fuel for nuclear power plants.
 
    Lower, market-based prices negotiated under the Russian Contract took effect in 2003. The pricing agreement remains in effect until 2013 and has lowered USEC’s purchase costs.
 
    Workforce reductions involving 220 employees at the Paducah gaseous diffusion plant were completed in 2003; the reductions have reduced production costs at the plant.

Uranium and Enrichment

The uranium fuel cycle consists of the following process:

    Mining and Milling – Uranium is removed from the earth in the form of ore and then crushed and concentrated.
 
    Conversion – Uranium is combined with fluorine gas to produce uranium hexafluoride, a powder at room temperature and a gas when heated. Uranium hexafluoride is shipped to an enrichment plant.

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    Enrichment – Uranium hexafluoride is enriched in a process that increases the concentration of U235 isotopes in the uranium hexafluoride from its natural state of 0.711% up to 5%, which is usable as a fuel for commercial nuclear power reactors. Depleted uranium is a by-product of the uranium enrichment process. USEC has the only enrichment operation in the United States.
 
    Fuel Fabrication – Enriched uranium is converted to uranium oxide and formed into small ceramic pellets. The pellets are loaded into metal tubes that form fuel assemblies, which are shipped to nuclear power plants.
 
    Nuclear Power Plant – The fuel assemblies are loaded into nuclear reactors to create energy from a controlled chain reaction. Nuclear power plants generate about 16% of the world’s electricity.
 
    Consumers – Business and homeowners rely on the steady, baseload electricity supplied by nuclear power and value its clean air qualities.

(NUCLEAR DIAGRAM CHART)

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     As found in nature, uranium consists of three isotopes, the two principal ones being uranium-235 (“U235”) and uranium-238 (“U238”). U238 is the more abundant isotope, but is not fissionable in thermal reactors. U235 is the fissionable isotope, but its concentration in natural uranium is only about .711% by weight. Light water nuclear reactors, which are operated by most nuclear utilities in the world today, require LEU fuel with a U235 concentration up to 5% by weight. Uranium enrichment is the process by which the concentration of U235 is increased to that level.

     The standard measure of enrichment in the uranium enrichment industry is a separative work unit (“SWU”). A SWU represents the effort that is required to transform a given amount of natural uranium into two streams of uranium, one enriched in the U235 isotope and the other depleted in the U235 isotope, and is measured using a standard formula based on the physics of uranium enrichment. The amount of enrichment contained in LEU under this formula is commonly referred to as its SWU component.

     USEC supplies LEU to electric utilities for use in about 160 nuclear reactors worldwide. Revenue is derived from sales of the SWU component of LEU, from sales of both the SWU and uranium components of LEU, and from sales of uranium.

     Generally, contracts with customers to provide LEU are long-term requirements contracts under which the customer is obligated to purchase from USEC a specified percentage of the SWU component of the LEU that the customer subsequently delivers to fabricators for conversion into nuclear fuel. Annual sales are dependent upon customers’ nuclear fuel requirements which are driven by nuclear reactor refueling and maintenance schedules and regulatory actions. Under delivery optimization and other customer-oriented programs, USEC ships LEU to nuclear fuel fabricators for scheduled or anticipated orders from utility customers.

U.S. Government Contracts

     In addition to uranium enrichment operations, USEC performs contract work for DOE and DOE contractors at the Paducah and Portsmouth plants. Following the end of enrichment operations at the Portsmouth enrichment plant in 2001, DOE contracted with USEC to maintain the Portsmouth plant in a state of “cold standby” and to remove certain uranium deposits. USEC has been operating facilities at the Portsmouth plant since September 2002 to process and clean up certain contaminated uranium transferred to USEC by DOE. USEC also provides ancillary services to DOE and DOE contractors at the Paducah and Portsmouth plants, including, fire protection, security, laboratory and utility services.

Revenue by Geographic Area, Major Customers and Segment Information

     Revenue attributed to domestic and foreign customers, including customers in a foreign country representing 10% or more of total revenue, follows (in millions):

                                                 
                    Six-Month   Fiscal Years
    Years Ended   Periods Ended   Ended
    December 31,
  December 31,
  June 30,
    2003
    2002
    2002
    2001
    2002
    2001
 
United States
    $931.7       $860.2       $457.0       $651.2       $1,054.3       $592.2  
 
                                               
Foreign:
                                               
Japan
    277.8       342.9       171.0       178.6       350.5       370.6  
Other
    250.8       193.7       149.4       79.6       124.0       216.4  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
    528.6       536.6       320.4       258.2       474.5       587.0  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
    $1,460.3       $1,396.8       $777.4       $909.4       $1,528.8       $1,179.2  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

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     Revenue from Exelon Corporation, a domestic customer, represented more than 10%, but less than 15%, of total revenue in 2003, the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, and the fiscal years ended June 30, 2002 and 2001. Revenue from U.S. Government contracts represented 11% of total revenue in 2003.

     Reference is made to segment information reported in note 15 to the consolidated financial statements.

SWU and Uranium Backlog

     Backlog is the aggregate dollar amount of SWU and uranium that USEC expects to sell pursuant to long-term requirements contracts with utilities. Backlog is based on customers’ estimates of their requirements and certain other assumptions including estimates of inflation rates, and such estimates are subject to change. At December 31, 2003, USEC had long-term requirements contracts with utilities aggregating $4.9 billion through 2011 (including $2.9 billion through 2006), compared with $4.1 billion at December 31, 2002.

Gaseous Diffusion Plants

     Two existing commercial technologies are currently used to enrich uranium for nuclear power plants: the gaseous diffusion process, and the gas centrifuge process. USEC currently uses the gaseous diffusion process and USEC is developing the American Centrifuge technology to replace the gaseous diffusion process. The gaseous diffusion process involves the passage of uranium in a gaseous form through a series of filters (or porous barriers) such that the uranium is continuously enriched in U235 as it moves through the process. Because U235 is lighter and moves faster, it passes through the barrier more readily than does U238, resulting in a gaseous uranium that has a higher portion of U235, the fissionable isotope. The gaseous diffusion process is power intensive, requiring significant amounts of electric power to push uranium through the filters.

     The fundamental building block of the gaseous diffusion process is known as a stage, consisting of a compressor, a converter, a control valve and associated piping. Compressors driven by large electric motors are used to circulate the process gas and maintain flow. Converters contain porous tubes known as barriers through which process gas is diffused. Stages are grouped together in series to form an operating unit called a cell. A cell is the smallest group of stages that can be removed from service for maintenance. Gaseous diffusion plants are designed so that cells can be taken off line with little or no interruption in the process. In each converter, the portion of the process gas that passes through the barrier is slightly enriched in U235 and is fed to the next higher stage. Process gas that has not passed through the barrier is depleted in U235 to the same degree and is recycled back to the next lower stage. Because the amount of separation between the two isotopes of uranium in a stage is very small, hundreds of successive stages are required for enrichment. A gaseous diffusion plant configured to produce enriched uranium with a U235 concentration of up to 5% from uranium at .711% by weight U235 would contain at least 1,200 stages in series.

     USEC produces LEU at the Paducah gaseous diffusion plant located in Paducah, Kentucky. The Paducah plant consists of four process buildings and is one of the largest industrial facilities in the world. Process buildings have a total floor area of 150 acres, and the site covers 750 acres. The Paducah plant has been certified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) to produce LEU up to an assay of 5.5% U235. USEC estimates that the maximum capacity of the existing equipment is about 8 million SWU per year. USEC produces about 5 million SWU per year consistent with power purchase economics and purchases under the Russian Contract.

     The Paducah plant is located near the New Madrid fault line. NRC required seismic upgrading of two main process buildings at the Paducah plant to reduce the risk of release of radioactive and

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hazardous material in the event of an earthquake. USEC completed the seismic modifications in July 2000 in compliance with the NRC requirements.

     The Portsmouth gaseous diffusion plant is located in Piketon, Ohio. USEC ceased uranium enrichment operations at the Portsmouth plant in 2001. USEC ceased operation of the transfer and shipping facilities at the Portsmouth plant for purposes of shipping LEU to fuel fabricators and began shipping LEU directly to fuel fabricators from the Paducah plant in 2002. The Portsmouth plant was placed into cold standby under a contract with DOE.

     USEC performs contract work for DOE at the Portsmouth and Paducah plants as a contractor and as a subcontractor under various contracts, including the cold standby contract at the Portsmouth plant. Cold standby is a condition under which the plant could be returned to production of 3 million SWU within 18 to 24 months notice if the U.S. Government determined that additional domestic enrichment capacity was necessary. The cold standby contract covered the period July 2001 to September 2003, and the contract has been extended to March 2004. USEC and DOE are negotiating contract terms for this extension and for further extensions. Continuation of the program is subject to DOE funding and Congressional appropriations. There can be no assurance that revenue and fees that may be earned in the future years will be comparable to fees earned in 2003.

     USEC leases the Paducah and Portsmouth plants from DOE. The lease covers most, but not all, of the buildings and facilities. Except as provided in the DOE-USEC Agreement, USEC has the right to extend the lease indefinitely, with respect to either or both plants, for successive renewal periods. USEC may increase or decrease the property under the lease to meet its changing requirements, subject to notice and consent requirements in the lease. Within the contiguous tracts, certain buildings, facilities and areas related to environmental restoration and waste management have been retained by DOE and are not leased to USEC. At termination of the lease, USEC may leave the property in “as is” condition, but must remove all wastes generated by USEC, which are subject to off-site disposal, and must place the plants in a safe shutdown condition. Environmental liabilities associated with plant operations prior to July 28, 1998, are the responsibility of the U.S. Government, except for liabilities relating to the disposal of certain identified wastes generated by USEC and stored at the plants. DOE is responsible for the costs of decontamination and decommissioning of the plants. Title to capital improvements not removed by USEC will transfer to DOE at the end of the lease term. If removal of any of USEC’s capital improvements increases DOE’s decontamination and decommissioning costs, USEC is required to pay the difference.

     Under the lease, DOE is required to indemnify USEC for costs and expenses related to claims asserted against or incurred by USEC arising out of DOE’s operation, occupation, or use of the plants. DOE activities at the plants are focused primarily on environmental restoration and waste management and management of depleted uranium. DOE is required to indemnify USEC against claims for public liability (a) arising out of or in connection with activities under the lease, including domestic transportation, and (b) arising out of, or resulting from, a nuclear incident or precautionary evacuation. DOE’s financial obligations are capped at the $9.4 billion statutory limit calculated pursuant to the Price-Anderson Act for each nuclear incident or precautionary evacuation occurring inside the United States, as these terms are defined in the U.S. Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. The DOE indemnification against public liability provided in the USEC lease was not affected by the expiration or the renewal of the Price-Anderson Act and continues in effect.

     In connection with international transportation of LEU, it is possible for a claim to be asserted which may not fall within the indemnification under the Price-Anderson Act. In its customer contracts and operations, USEC takes steps to mitigate any risk consistent with commercial practice in the nuclear fuel business, and USEC believes that, in the event a claim was asserted, it would be covered by international conventions and/or applicable national laws.

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     Electric Power

     The gaseous diffusion process uses significant amounts of electric power to enrich uranium, and, in 2003, the power load at the Paducah plant averaged 1,409 megawatts. Costs for electric power represented 61% of production costs at the Paducah plant in 2003. USEC reduces LEU production and the related power load in the summer months when power availability is low and power costs are high. USEC purchased 78% of the electric power for the Paducah plant in 2003 at fixed prices primarily under a power purchase agreement with Tennessee Valley Authority (“TVA”). Capacity under the TVA agreement ranges from 300 megawatts in the summer months to 1,650 megawatts in the non-summer months, and prices are fixed through May 2006. Subject to prior notice and under certain circumstances, TVA may interrupt power to the Paducah plant, except for a minimum load of 300 megawatts that can only be interrupted under limited circumstances.

     In addition, USEC purchases the remaining portion of the electric power for the Paducah plant at market-based prices from TVA and under a power purchase contract between DOE and Electric Energy, Inc. (“EEI”). DOE transferred the benefits of the EEI power purchase contract to USEC. Market prices for electric power vary seasonally with rates higher during the winter and summer as a function of the extremity of the weather. In 2003, USEC’s purchases of market-priced power totaled $71 million.

     Ohio Valley Electric Corporation

     In fiscal 2001 and prior years, USEC purchased electric power for the Portsmouth uranium enrichment plant from DOE under a contract that USEC concluded with DOE in July 1993. DOE acquired the power from the Ohio Valley Electric Corporation (“OVEC”) under a power purchase agreement signed in 1952. In June 2000, USEC announced that it would cease uranium enrichment operations at the Portsmouth plant in June 2001. As a result of this decision, in September 2000, USEC requested that DOE notify OVEC that DOE would terminate the power purchase agreement effective April 30, 2003, and that DOE would cease taking power after August 2001. At the end of fiscal 2001, USEC ceased uranium enrichment operations at the Portsmouth plant.

     As a result of termination of the power purchase agreement, DOE is responsible for a portion of the costs incurred by OVEC for postretirement health and life insurance benefits and for the eventual decommissioning, demolition and shutdown of the coal-burning power generating facilities owned and operated by OVEC. Under its July 1993 contract with DOE, USEC is, in turn, responsible for a portion of DOE’s costs. In February 2004, OVEC and DOE, and DOE and USEC, entered into agreements and settled all the issues relating to the termination, and USEC paid $33.2 million representing its share of costs.

     Uranium

     Natural uranium is the feedstock in the production of LEU at the Paducah plant. The plant uses approximately 9 million kilograms of uranium each year in the production of LEU, most of which is provided by customers. Uranium is a naturally occurring element and is mined from deposits located in Canada, Australia and other countries. According to the World Nuclear Association, there are adequate known uranium reserves to fuel nuclear power well into this century.

     Mined uranium ore is crushed and concentrated and sent to a uranium conversion facility where it is converted to uranium hexafluoride, a form suitable for uranium enrichment. Two commercial uranium converters in North America, Cameco Corporation and ConverDyn, a general partnership of Honeywell and General Atomics, deliver and hold title to uranium at the Paducah plant. Utility customers provide uranium to USEC as part of their enrichment contracts or purchase the uranium from USEC. Customers provide uranium at the Paducah plant by acquiring it from Cameco, ConverDyn and other third-party suppliers. At December 31, 2003, customers and suppliers held title

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to uranium at USEC having an estimated fair market value of $877.9 million. The uranium is fungible and commingled with USEC’s uranium inventory. Title to uranium provided by customers remains with the customer until delivery of LEU, at which time title to LEU is transferred to the customer. Other sources of uranium for the production of LEU include USEC’s uranium inventories, which include uranium generated from underfeeding the enrichment process and purchases of uranium from third-party suppliers.

     The quantity of uranium used in the production of LEU is to a certain extent interchangeable with the amount of SWU required to enrich the uranium. Underfeeding is a mode of operation that uses or feeds less uranium but requires more SWU in the enrichment process, which requires more electric power. In producing the same amount of LEU, USEC varies its production process to underfeed uranium based on the relative economics of the cost of electric power versus the cost of uranium. Underfeeding increases USEC’s inventory of uranium that can be sold.

     ConverDyn’s uranium conversion facility in Metropolis, Illinois was shut down in December 2003 following a chemical release. Operations will not resume until the NRC is satisfied with the event assessment and the implementation of corrective actions. USEC does not expect that the ConverDyn shutdown will impact its ability to meet customer requirements in 2004. If the conversion facility is shut down for an extended period and if ConverDyn is unable to secure replacement uranium, utility customers who have contracted with ConverDyn may be unable to provide uranium to USEC under enrichment contracts. If those customers are not able to secure uranium from other sources, sales of the SWU component of LEU by USEC to such customers could be delayed beginning in 2005. In such an event, USEC’s results of operations would be adversely affected.

     Coolant

     The Paducah plant uses Freon as the primary process coolant. The production of Freon in the United States was terminated in 1995. Leaks from pipe joints, sight glasses, valves, coolers and condensers resulted in leakage of 405,000 pounds in 2003 and 435,000 pounds in 2002, a leak rate that is within the level allowed under regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”). USEC plans to continue to use Freon from its inventory supply and expects to purchase additional quantities of reclaimed Freon. USEC expects that its inventory of Freon should be adequate through at least October 2005, and USEC continues to purchase Freon from vendors active in the reclaimed Freon market. In the event Freon was no longer available, other coolants are available, which would require modifications to the process system to accommodate the different properties.

     Equipment

     Equipment components (such as compressors, coolers, motors and valves) requiring maintenance are removed from service and repaired or rebuilt on site. Common industrial components, such as the breakers, condensers and transformers in the electrical system, are procured as needed. Some components and systems may no longer be produced, and spare parts may not be readily available. In these situations, replacement components or systems are identified, tested, and procured from existing commercial sources, or the plants’ technical and fabrication capabilities are utilized to design and build replacements.

     Equipment utilization at the Paducah plant was 92% of planned capacity in 2003, compared with 88% in 2002. The utilization of equipment is highly dependent on power availability and costs. USEC reduces equipment utilization and the related power load in the summer months when the cost of electric power is high. Equipment utilization is also affected by repairs and maintenance activities.

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Russian Contract

     SWU Component of LEU

     USEC has been designated by the U.S. Government to act as its exclusive executive agent (“Executive Agent”) in connection with a government-to-government agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation under which USEC purchases the SWU component of LEU derived from dismantled Soviet nuclear weapons. In January 1994, USEC, on behalf of the U.S. Government, signed an agreement (“Russian Contract”) with OAO Techsnabexport (“TENEX”, or “the Russian Executive Agent”), Executive Agent for the Ministry of Atomic Energy of the Russian Federation.

     In June 2002, the U.S. and Russian governments approved implementation of new, market-based pricing terms for the remaining term of the Russian Contract through 2013. An amendment to the Russian Contract created a market-based mechanism to determine prices beginning in 2003 and continuing through 2013. In consideration for this stable and economic structure for the future, USEC agreed to extend the calendar year 2001 price of $90.42 per SWU through 2002. Beginning in 2003, prices are determined using a discount from an index of international and U.S. price points, including both long-term and spot prices. A multi-year retrospective of this index is used to minimize the disruptive effect of any short-term market price swings. The amendment also provides that, after the end of 2007, USEC and the Russian Executive Agent may agree on appropriate adjustments, if necessary, to ensure that the Russian Executive Agent receives at least $7,565 million for the SWU component over the 20-year term of the Russian Contract through 2013. From inception of the Russian Contract to December 31, 2003, USEC has purchased the SWU component of LEU at an aggregate cost of $3,188 million, the equivalent of about 8,000 nuclear warheads.

     Under the amended contract, USEC agreed to purchase 5.5 million SWU each calendar year for the remaining term of the Russian Contract through 2013, including such amount in calendar year 2013 as may be required to ensure that over the life of the Russian Contract USEC purchases SWU contained in 500 metric tons of highly enriched uranium. USEC also agreed to purchase over two or more years a total of 1.6 million SWU that USEC had ordered in 1999 but the Russian Executive Agent had not been able to deliver. Over the life of the 20-year Russian Contract, USEC expects to purchase 92 million SWU contained in LEU derived from 500 metric tons of highly enriched uranium. USEC expects purchases under the Russian Contract will approximate 49% of its supply mix in 2004. A significant delay in deliveries of LEU from Russia would have an adverse effect on USEC’s results of operations.

     Uranium Component of LEU

     USEC does not buy or sell the uranium component of LEU delivered to USEC under the Russian Contract, totaling about 9 million kilograms per year. USEC is obligated to deliver to TENEX uranium equivalent to the uranium component of LEU delivered to USEC by TENEX. Historically, USEC has held uranium at the Paducah plant on behalf of TENEX. TENEX holds, sells or otherwise exchanges its uranium held at USEC in transactions with other suppliers or utility customers. TENEX exchanges uranium held at the Paducah plant for natural uranium from ConverDyn, a uranium conversion supplier. Under these arrangements, ConverDyn delivers uranium to TENEX that is shipped back to Russia, and ConverDyn receives an equivalent amount of uranium on account at the Paducah plant. Operations at ConverDyn’s Metropolis, Illinois facility were shut down in December 2003 following a chemical release. TENEX had indicated, prior to the Metropolis facility shutdown, that it planned to return 2.6 million kilograms of uranium to Russia in 2004. A delay in restarting operations at ConverDyn’s Metropolis facility could delay shipments of uranium to Russia in 2004. USEC and TENEX are reviewing other options available to ship uranium to Russia that had been planned to come from ConverDyn. If a delay in uranium shipments to Russia results in a significant delay in deliveries of LEU to USEC by TENEX, USEC’s results of operations would be adversely affected.

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     U.S. Executive Agent

     In April 1997, USEC entered into a memorandum of agreement (“Executive Agent MOA”) with the U.S. Government whereby USEC agreed to continue to serve as the U.S. Executive Agent following the privatization. Under the terms of the government-to-government agreement and the Executive Agent MOA, USEC can be terminated or resign as U.S. Executive Agent upon the provision of 30 days’ notice. The Executive Agent MOA also provides that the U.S. Government can appoint alternate or additional executive agents to carry out the government-to-government agreement. A new executive agent could represent a significant new competitor that could adversely affect USEC’s results of operations.

Highly Enriched Uranium from DOE

     Since 1998, DOE has been in the process of transferring 50 metric tons of highly enriched uranium to USEC. USEC recovers LEU from downblending the highly enriched uranium. At December 31, 2003, 49% of the total expected LEU had been recovered, and the remainder is scheduled for downblending over the next four years. USEC expects costs to complete downblending activities will be less than the production costs that would be required to produce an equivalent amount of LEU. Factors affecting recoverability include quality and specifications of the highly enriched uranium to be transferred by DOE to USEC, the costs and risks of completing the transfers, processing and downblending required to convert the highly enriched uranium metal and oxide into LEU suitable for sale to utility customers.

DOE-USEC Agreement

     On June 17, 2002, USEC and DOE signed the DOE-USEC Agreement (“DOE-USEC Agreement”) whereby both USEC and DOE made long-term commitments directed at resolving a number of outstanding issues bearing on the stability and security of the domestic uranium enrichment industry. The following is a summary of material provisions and an update of activities under the DOE-USEC Agreement:

     Russian Contract

     USEC agreed to purchase, if made available by the Russian Executive Agent, 5.5 million SWU per calendar year contained in LEU derived from at least 30 metric tons per year of weapons-origin highly enriched uranium. The Russian Contract continues through 2013. The DOE-USEC Agreement provides that DOE will recommend against removal, in whole or in part, of USEC as the U.S. Executive Agent under the Russian Contract as long as USEC orders the specified amount of SWU from the Russian Executive Agent and complies with its obligations under the DOE-USEC Agreement and the Russian Contract. The DOE-USEC Agreement does not affect the ability of USEC to resign, or the U.S. Government to terminate USEC, as the U.S. Executive Agent, upon the provision of proper advance notice as provided in the Executive Agent MOA.

     Replacing Out-of-Specification Natural Uranium Inventory

     In December 2000, USEC reported to DOE that 9,550 metric tons of natural uranium with a cost of $237.5 million transferred to USEC from DOE prior to privatization in 1998 may contain elevated levels of technetium that would put the uranium out of specification for commercial use. Out of specification means that the uranium would not meet the industry standard as defined in the American Society for Testing and Materials (“ASTM”) specification “Standard Specification for Uranium Hexafluoride for Enrichment.” The levels of technetium in the uranium exceed allowable levels in the ASTM specification. Under the DOE-USEC Agreement, DOE is obligated to replace or remediate the affected uranium inventory, and USEC has been working with DOE to facilitate this process.

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     Under the DOE-USEC Agreement, USEC operated facilities at the Portsmouth plant for the 15-month period ending in September 2003, and completed the processing and removal of contaminants from 2,909 metric tons of out-of-specification natural uranium. USEC will release the United States Government from liability with respect to the 2,909 metric tons. USEC incurred direct costs of $20.6 million to operate the facilities, and DOE is compensating USEC for the direct costs by taking title to depleted uranium generated by USEC at the Paducah plant up to a maximum of 23.3 million kilograms of uranium. At December 31, 2003, DOE had taken title to 73% of the depleted uranium. The transfer of depleted uranium to DOE reduces USEC’s costs for the disposition of depleted uranium. In addition, DOE is responsible for and USEC has billed DOE for site infrastructure or indirect costs associated with the operation of the facilities.

     Under two subsequent agreements with DOE covering the period from September 18 to December 19, 2003, as well as additional processing subsequent to December 19, 2003, USEC processed and removed contaminants from 635 metric tons. At December 31, 2003, the remaining amount of uranium inventory that may be impacted is 6,006 metric tons with a cost of $156.2 million reported as part of long-term assets.

     Pursuant to the terms of the DOE-USEC Agreement, DOE was obligated to exchange, replace, clean up or reimburse USEC for 2,116 metric tons of the out-of-specification natural uranium as of March 31, 2003. Although DOE had not exchanged, replaced or cleaned up, or reimbursed USEC as of January 31, 2004, USEC expects DOE will fulfill its obligation pursuant to the terms of the DOE-USEC Agreement. With respect to the remaining out-of-specification natural uranium amounting to 3,890 metric tons, USEC is continuing to process the uranium in 2004. Negotiations are underway with DOE to agree on the terms of the clean-up program since December 19, 2003, and to extend the program to clean up the remaining contaminated uranium. However, continuation of the program is subject to DOE funding and Congressional appropriations.

     DOE’s obligations to replace or remediate all remaining out-of-specification natural uranium continue until all such uranium is replaced or remediated, and DOE’s obligations survive any termination of the DOE-USEC Agreement as long as USEC is producing low enriched uranium containing at least 1 million SWU per year at the Paducah plant or at a new enrichment facility. DOE’s obligations to replace or remediate out-of-specification natural uranium are subject to availability of appropriated funds and legislative authority, and compliance with applicable law. Although the parties are pursuing any necessary legislative or administrative authority, there can be no assurance that Congress will pass requisite legislation or that DOE will act on existing regulatory authority. An impairment in the valuation of uranium inventory would result if DOE fails to exchange, replace, clean up or reimburse USEC for some or all of the out-of-specification natural uranium for which DOE has assumed responsibility. Depending on the amount, an impairment could have an adverse effect on USEC’s financial condition and results of operations.

     Domestic Enrichment Facilities

     Under the DOE-USEC Agreement, USEC agreed to operate the Paducah plant at a production rate at or above 3.5 million SWU per year. Historically, USEC has operated at production rates significantly above this level, and in calendar 2004, USEC expects to produce in excess of 5 million SWU at the Paducah plant.

     The 3.5 million annual production level may not be reduced until six months before USEC has completed an advanced enrichment technology facility capable of producing 3.5 million SWU per year. If the Paducah plant is operated at less than the specified 3.5 million SWU in any given fiscal year, USEC may cure such defect by increasing SWU production to the 3.5 million SWU level in the ensuing fiscal year. The right to cure may be used only once by USEC in each lease period.

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     If USEC does not maintain the requisite level of operations and has not cured the deficiency, USEC is required to waive its exclusive rights to lease the Paducah and Portsmouth plants. If USEC ceases operations at the Paducah plant or loses its certification from the NRC, DOE may take such actions as it deems necessary to transition operation of the plant from USEC to ensure the continuity of domestic enrichment operations and the fulfillment of supply contracts. In either such event, DOE may be released from its obligations under the DOE-USEC Agreement. USEC will be deemed to have “ceased operations” at the Paducah plant if it (a) produces less than 1 million SWU or (b) fails to meet specific maintenance and operational criteria established in the DOE-USEC Agreement.

     USEC agreed to maintain leased property at the Portsmouth plant (other than any leased property subject to the cold standby contract with DOE) in a condition to permit it to be considered as a possible site for USEC’s deployment of an enrichment facility using advanced uranium enrichment technology. If USEC does not maintain the applicable Portsmouth facilities, USEC will waive any statutory exclusive right it has to lease the Portsmouth plant and will waive certain of its rights under the lease for the Portsmouth plant. Additionally, DOE can terminate the DOE-USEC Agreement and be released from its obligations under it.

     American Centrifuge Technology

     The DOE-USEC Agreement provides that USEC will begin operations of an enrichment facility using centrifuge technology with annual capacity of 1 million SWU (expandable to 3.5 million SWU) in accordance with certain milestones. If, for reasons within USEC’s control, USEC does not meet a milestone and the resulting delay will materially impact its ability to begin commercial operations on schedule, DOE may take any of the following actions:

    terminate the DOE-USEC Agreement and be relieved of its obligations thereunder,
 
    require USEC to reimburse DOE any increased costs caused by DOE expediting decontamination and decommissioning of facilities used by USEC for advanced technology,
 
    require USEC to transfer to DOE royalty free exclusive rights to the centrifuge technology and data in the field of uranium enrichment,
 
    require USEC to return any leased facilities upon which the advanced technology project was being or was intended to be constructed, and
 
    except for plant facilities being operated, require USEC to waive its exclusive rights to lease the Paducah and Portsmouth plants.

     After USEC has secured firm financing commitments for the construction of a 1 million SWU plant and has begun construction, DOE’s remedies are limited to circumstances where USEC’s gross negligence in project planning and execution is responsible for schedule delays or USEC has abandoned or constructively abandoned the project. In such cases, USEC will be entitled to a reasonable royalty for the use of any USEC intellectual property and data transferred for non-governmental purposes.

     Other

     The DOE-USEC Agreement contains force majeure provisions which excuse USEC’s failure to perform under the DOE-USEC Agreement if such failure arises from causes beyond the control and without fault or negligence of USEC.

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American Centrifuge Enrichment Technology

     USEC has selected U.S. centrifuge technology to replace the gaseous diffusion process. U.S. centrifuge technology, which was developed from 1960 through the mid-1980s by DOE, is a proven, workable technology. Work on this technology was terminated by DOE because of changing demand forecasts and DOE budget constraints. DOE spent approximately $3.4 billion on research and development and construction of centrifuge facilities and operated full-scale centrifuge machines that achieved performance levels superior to today’s best operational centrifuges.

     USEC is working toward the construction and operation of the American Centrifuge uranium enrichment plant by the end of the decade. USEC plans to first demonstrate the American Centrifuge technology at facilities located in Piketon, Ohio (“American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility”) which is expected to begin operating in 2005. Based on economics, USEC plans to construct the uranium enrichment plant beginning in 2007 with uranium enrichment operations beginning in 2009. Following are the American Centrifuge project milestones under the DOE-USEC Agreement, the first five of which have been achieved on or ahead of schedule:

         
Milestones under DOE-USEC Agreement
  Date Achieved   Milestone Date

 
 
 
 
 
USEC begins refurbishment of K-1600 centrifuge testing facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee
  December 2002   December 2002
 
       
USEC builds and begins testing a centrifuge end cap
  January 2003   January 2003
 
       
Submit license application for lead cascade to NRC
  February 2003   April 2003
 
       
NRC dockets lead cascade application
  March 2003   June 2003
 
       
First rotor tube manufactured
  September 2003   November 2003
 
       
Centrifuge testing begins
      January 2005
 
       
Submit license application for commercial plant to NRC
      March 2005
 
       
NRC dockets commercial plant application
      May 2005
 
       
Begin lead cascade centrifuge manufacturing
      June 2005
 
       
Satisfactory reliability and performance data obtained from lead cascade
      October 2006
 
       
Financing commitment secured for a 1 million SWU centrifuge plant
      January 2007
 
       
Begin commercial plant construction and refurbishment
      June 2007
 
       
Begin Portsmouth commercial plant operations
      January 2009
 
       
Portsmouth centrifuge plant capacity at 1 million SWU per year
      March 2010
 
       
Portsmouth centrifuge plant (if expanded at USEC’s option) projected to have an annual capacity of 3.5 million SWU
      September 2011

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     In September 2002, USEC finalized a $121 million Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (“CRADA”) with UT-Battelle LLC, the management and operating contractor for DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (“ORNL”). The CRADA, approved by DOE, extends through June 2007 and is being funded entirely by USEC. USEC leases two facilities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee for testing and fabrication of its centrifuge technology and is refurbishing facilities that contain centrifuge test equipment and related infrastructure. Operation of the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility in Piketon, Ohio is expected to demonstrate USEC’s enhancements to the U.S. centrifuge technology.

     In February 2003, USEC submitted a license application to the NRC for the lead cascade of centrifuge machines in the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility in Piketon, Ohio. In February 2004, the NRC issued a license that authorizes USEC to construct and operate the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility. USEC expects to begin centrifuge testing in Oak Ridge, Tennessee in 2004 and begin operating the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility in Piketon, Ohio in 2005. Data gathered from these demonstrations is expected to reduce cost, schedule, and technology performance uncertainties prior to initiating construction of the commercial plant in 2007. In January 2004, USEC announced the selection of Piketon, Ohio as the site of the American Centrifuge uranium enrichment plant.

     USEC estimates the cost of demonstrating American Centrifuge technology will be approximately $150 million over the period July 2002 to December 2006. USEC expects advanced technology development costs will be $70 million in 2004, of which $50 million represents demonstration costs that are charged to expense as incurred and $20 million represents commercial plant costs that are expected to be capitalized. The American Centrifuge uranium enrichment plant is expected to cost up to $1.5 billion, employ up to 500 people, and reach an initial annual production level of 3.5 million SWU by 2010.

     In February 2004, USEC entered into an agreement with DOE to temporarily lease portions of the Gas Centrifuge Enrichment Plant (“GCEP”) buildings in Piketon, Ohio that will be used for the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility. The temporary lease is an extension of the lease for the Portsmouth gaseous diffusion plant. The temporary lease will expire upon execution of a long-term agreement for the American Centrifuge uranium enrichment plant, upon expiration of the NRC license for the demonstration facility, or June 30, 2009, whichever occurs first. The NRC license will expire on the earlier of February 24, 2009, or the date the temporary lease with DOE expires. USEC will perform a baseline radiological survey at the beginning of the lease. At the end of the lease, USEC must remove its personal property and capital improvements and return the facilities in the same, or as good, condition as documented in the baseline radiological survey.

     The successful construction and operation of the American Centrifuge uranium enrichment plant is dependent upon a number of DOE actions, including USEC and DOE entering into a long-term agreement for the GCEP buildings at the Portsmouth plant in Piketon, Ohio and the clean up of the GCEP buildings by DOE. In the event DOE fails to take appropriate and timely action, it could delay or disrupt USEC’s ability to meet the milestones scheduled in the DOE-USEC Agreement. According to the DOE-USEC Agreement, if USEC fails to meet a milestone and the failure is not due to negligence or is due to circumstances beyond its control, DOE and USEC will jointly agree to adjust the milestones to accommodate the delay. However, a delay could have an adverse effect on USEC’s schedule and costs to demonstrate, the technology and construct and operate the American Centrifuge uranium enrichment plant.

SILEX

     In April 2003, USEC announced that it was ending funding for research and development of the SILEX laser-based uranium enrichment process. Although the SILEX process is capable of

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enriching uranium, it is still in the early stage of development and faces numerous technological hurdles that must be overcome. USEC decided to focus its advanced technology efforts on the demonstration and deployment of the American Centrifuge uranium enrichment technology. USEC is resolving issues relating to termination of the agreement with Silex Systems Limited. Upon termination, rights to develop the SILEX technology for uranium enrichment revert back to Silex Systems Limited.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission – Regulation

     The gaseous diffusion plants are regulated by and are required to be recertified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) every five years. In 2003, USEC applied for and NRC granted a renewal of the certifications for the five-year period ending December 2008. The recertification represents NRC’s determination that the plants are in compliance with NRC safety, safeguards and security regulations.

     In response to the heightened security concerns following the events of September 11, 2001, NRC issued interim compensatory measures to USEC in June 2002 requiring additional security measures at the plants. USEC incurred costs of $11.7 million, including $4.1 million in capital costs, for the security measures in 2003. There may be additional measures based on ongoing NRC vulnerability evaluations, the cost of which, or cost sharing with DOE, is not known.

     The NRC has the authority to issue notices of violation for violations of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, NRC regulations, and conditions of a Certificate of Compliance, Compliance Plan, or Order. The NRC has the authority to impose civil penalties for certain violations of its regulations. USEC has received notices of violation from NRC for certain violations of these regulations and Certificate conditions, none of which has exceeded $88,000. In each case, USEC took corrective action to bring the facilities into compliance with NRC regulations. USEC does not expect that any proposed notices of violation it has received will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.

     USEC utilizes the collective expertise and broad radiological safety, regulatory, and nuclear operations experience of the members of its Plant Performance Review Committee to assess plant safety and operational performance against industry best practices. Committee membership includes senior plant management and independent industry consultants. The committee is chaired by one of its independent members.

Environmental Matters

     USEC’s operations are subject to various federal, state and local requirements regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. USEC’s operations generate low-level radioactive waste that is stored on-site or is shipped off-site for disposal at commercial facilities. In addition, USEC’s operations generate hazardous waste and mixed waste (i.e., waste having both a radioactive and hazardous component), most of which is shipped off-site for treatment and disposal. Because of limited treatment and disposal capacity, some mixed waste is being temporarily stored at DOE’s permitted storage facilities at the plants. USEC has entered into consent decrees with the States of Kentucky and Ohio that permit the continued storage of mixed waste at DOE’s permitted storage facilities at the plants and provide for a schedule for sending the waste to off-site treatment and disposal facilities.

     USEC’s operations generate depleted uranium that is currently being stored at the plants. Depleted uranium is a by-product of the uranium enrichment process where the concentration of the U235 isotope is less than the concentration of .711% found in natural uranium. All liabilities arising out of the disposal of depleted uranium generated before July 28, 1998, are direct liabilities of DOE. The USEC Privatization Act requires DOE, upon USEC’s request, to accept for disposal the depleted

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uranium generated after the July 28, 1998 privatization date, in the event that depleted uranium is determined to be a low-level radioactive waste, provided USEC reimburses DOE for its costs.

     The gaseous diffusion plants were operated by agencies of the U.S. Government for approximately 40 years prior to July 28, 1998. As a result of such operation, there is contamination and other potential environmental liabilities associated with the plants. The Paducah plant has been designated as a Superfund site, and both plants are undergoing investigations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Environmental liabilities associated with plant operations prior to July 28, 1998, are the responsibility of the U.S. Government, except for liabilities relating to the disposal of certain identified wastes generated by USEC and stored at the plants. The USEC Privatization Act and the lease for the plants provide that DOE remains responsible for decontamination and decommissioning of the plants.

     Reference is made to management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations and notes to consolidated financial statements for information on operating costs and capital expenditures relating to environmental matters.

Occupational Safety and Health

     USEC’s operations are subject to regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration governing worker health and safety. USEC maintains a comprehensive worker safety program that establishes high standards for worker safety and monitors key performance indicators in the workplace environment.

Certain Arrangements Involving the U.S. Government

     USEC is a party to a significant number of agreements, arrangements and other activities with the U.S. Government that are important to USEC’s business, including:

    leases for the gaseous diffusion plants and centrifuge development facilities;
 
    the Executive Agent MOA under which USEC is the U.S. Executive Agent and purchases the SWU component of LEU under the Russian Contract;
 
    the DOE-USEC Agreement that addresses issues relating to the domestic uranium enrichment industry and advanced technology;
 
    agreements under which DOE takes certain quantities of depleted uranium generated by USEC;
 
    Contract work for DOE and DOE contractors at the Portsmouth and Paducah plants;
 
    an agreement with DOE for the transfer and the downblending of highly enriched uranium; and
 
    electric power purchase agreements with TVA and DOE.

Competition and Foreign Trade

     The highly competitive global uranium enrichment industry has four major producers of LEU:

    USEC,
 
    Urenco, a consortium of companies owned or controlled by the British and Dutch governments and by two private German utilities,
 
    Eurodif, a multinational consortium controlled by COGEMA, a subsidiary of AREVA, a company principally owned by the French government, and
 
    the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy, which sells LEU through TENEX, a Russian government-owned entity.

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     There are also smaller suppliers in China and Japan that primarily serve a portion of their respective domestic markets.

     Global LEU suppliers compete primarily in terms of price, and secondarily on reliability of supply and customer service. USEC is committed to being competitive on price and delivering superior customer service. USEC believes that customers are attracted to its reputation as a reliable long-term supplier of enriched uranium and intends to continue strengthening this reputation with the transition to the American Centrifuge technology.

     While there are only a few primary suppliers, USEC estimates that the operating capacity of the suppliers is greater than world demand, and there is an additional supply of LEU available for commercial use from the dismantlement of nuclear weapons in the former Soviet Union and the United States. Limitations on imports of Russian LEU and other uranium products into the United States and other markets help mitigate the adverse effect of excess supply in those markets. Any additional increase in operating capacity of the suppliers or increased availability of Russian LEU would cause a further imbalance between global supply and demand.

     Urenco, TENEX, and producers in Japan and China use centrifuge technology to produce LEU. Centrifuge technology is a more advanced technology than the gaseous diffusion process currently used by USEC and Eurodif. Urenco has reported the capacity of its facilities was 5.5 million SWU at the end of calendar 2002, and has an ongoing expansion program under which it has been increasing its capacity. AREVA, Eurodif’s parent company, and Urenco have announced plans to work together in the field of centrifuge technology to replace Eurodif’s gaseous diffusion plant with Urenco centrifuge technology by 2016.

     Louisiana Energy Services, a group controlled by Urenco, submitted a license application to the NRC in December 2003 to construct a uranium enrichment plant near Eunice, New Mexico based on Urenco’s centrifuge technology. The plant is targeted for production of 1 million SWU by 2008 and 3 million SWU several years later.

     All of USEC’s current competitors are owned or controlled, in whole or in part, by foreign governments and may make business decisions influenced by political and economic policy considerations rather than exclusively commercial profit-maximizing considerations. Significant portions of the European markets are effectively closed to USEC as purchasers in these markets favor local producers as a result of government influence or political or legal considerations.

     LEU supplied by USEC to foreign customers is exported from the United States under the terms of international agreements governing nuclear cooperation between the United States and the country of destination. For example, exports to countries comprising the European Union take place within the framework of an agreement for cooperation (the “EURATOM Agreement”) between the United States and the European Atomic Energy Community, which, among other things, permits LEU to be exported from the United States to the European Union for as long as the EURATOM Agreement is in effect. USEC-supplied LEU is exported to utilities in other countries under similar agreements for cooperation. If any such agreement should lapse, terminate or be amended such that USEC could not make sales or deliver LEU for export to jurisdictions subject to such agreement, it could have a material adverse effect on USEC’s financial position and results of operations.

     Government Investigation of Imports from France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom

     In February 2002, the U.S. Department of Commerce (“DOC”) issued orders imposing antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of low enriched uranium (“LEU”) from France, and countervailing duties on imports of LEU from Germany, the Netherlands and the United

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Kingdom. LEU is produced in France by Eurodif, a company controlled by COGEMA, and is produced in Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom by Urenco. The orders require the posting of cash deposits of 32.1% on the value of LEU imports from France, and 2.23% on the value of LEU imports from Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The orders do not prevent the importation of European LEU, but help to offset the European enrichers’ subsidies and unfair pricing practices.

     Appeals of the U.S. government’s determinations in these investigations are now pending before the U.S. Court of International Trade (“CIT”), and it is anticipated that, regardless of the outcome of these appeals, the CIT decisions will be subject to further appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“Federal Circuit”). Depending upon the outcome of the CIT appeals and whether the CIT decisions are affirmed by the Federal Circuit, the appeals may result in a future increase, decrease or elimination of the duties on some or all of the imports subject to the antidumping and countervailing duty orders or the revocation of those orders.

     In March 2003, the CIT remanded the DOC’s determinations on certain general issues back to the DOC for reconsideration, indicating that the DOC had failed to adequately explain the rationale for the DOC’s resolution of those issues. In June 2003, the DOC reaffirmed and elaborated on its determinations, again concluding that USEC is the sole domestic producer of LEU and that all imports of LEU are subject to antidumping and countervailing duty laws. In September 2003, the CIT affirmed the DOC’s conclusions that USEC is the sole domestic producer of LEU, with standing to file its antidumping and countervailing duty petitions, and that imports of LEU pursuant to enrichment contracts are subject to U.S. countervailing duty law. However, the CIT reversed the DOC’s decision that enrichment transactions are subject to the antidumping law.

     The DOC’s remand determination will be reviewed in 2004 by the Federal Circuit pursuant to appeals by the U.S government, USEC and other parties to the case. Given the extensive factual, legal and policy findings and analysis presented by the DOC in its remand determination, USEC believes that the DOC has substantiated its determinations with sufficient depth and clarity for the Federal Circuit to affirm the DOC on all general issues, including the scope of the antidumping law.

     A Federal Circuit ruling that the antidumping law does not apply to LEU imports under enrichment transactions could result in the exclusion of such imports from the scope of the antidumping order. Similarly, a Federal Circuit decision reversing the DOC’s determinations that the countervailing duty applies to LEU imports pursuant to enrichment contracts or that USEC is the sole domestic producer of LEU with standing to file its antidumping and countervailing duty petitions, could further limit the scope of the DOC’s determinations or lead to their dismissal. Moreover, the CIT has not yet ruled on other specific issues in the case.

     The U.S. government will continue to collect duty deposits on LEU imports from France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, pending final rulings in the appeals. Administrative reviews to establish the definitive duties for the 2001 and 2002 imports and the deposit rates for future imports are currently being conducted by the DOC. In January 2004, the DOC issued preliminary results in these administrative reviews, which concluded that the actual margins of dumping and subsidization in 2001 and 2002 were lower than the deposit rates imposed in the orders. These preliminary results suggest that Eurodif reduced its level of dumping and Eurodif and Urenco obtained fewer benefits from subsidization following the granting of trade relief in the DOC’s original investigations. If these preliminary margins become the final margins when the final results are issued (expected in the first half of 2004), the combined antidumping and countervailing duty cash deposit rate on 2001 and 2002 imports of LEU from France would be reduced from 32.1% to 8.37%, and the countervailing duty cash deposit rate on 2001 and 2002 imports from Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom would be reduced from 2.23% to 1.4%. The antidumping and countervailing duty margins published in the final results will become the cash deposit rates for any imports thereafter.

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     Russian Suspension Agreement

     Imports of LEU produced in the Russian Federation are subject to restrictions imposed under a 1992 agreement suspending an antidumping investigation of imports of all forms of Russian uranium (the “Russian SA”) that was initiated by DOC at the request of the U.S. producers of natural uranium and uranium workers. With limited exceptions, the Russian SA prohibits nearly all imports of LEU from Russia other than LEU derived from highly enriched uranium imported under the Russian Contract.

     By its terms, the Russian SA can be terminated by either the Russian or U.S. governments upon 90 days advance notice. In such a case, however, the 1992 antidumping investigation suspended by the Russian SA, including the high preliminary duties calculated at that time on imports of Russian uranium products, would be renewed. Alternatively, the Russian Federation could invoke procedures under the Russian SA, which provide for termination of both the suspended antidumping investigation and the Russian SA if the DOC makes certain specified determinations under a formal process specified in DOC regulations. In that process, the views of interested domestic parties, including USEC, would have to be considered by the DOC prior to making such determinations.

     At this time, USEC does not anticipate that the Russian SA or the antidumping investigation that it suspends will be terminated. If, however, the Russian SA were terminated without the imposition of any substitute limitations on Russian imports, USEC would face substantially increased competition in the United States and market prices for SWU and LEU could be depressed, adversely impacting USEC’s revenue and results of operations. USEC’s revenue and results of operations would also be adversely affected if termination of the Russian SA resulted in the imposition of duties on imports of LEU under the Russian Contract.

Employees

     USEC had 2,674 employees at December 31, 2003, and 2,839 employees at December 31, 2002. There were 2,439 employees at the plants (1,272 at the Paducah plant engaged principally in uranium enrichment activities and 1,167 at the Portsmouth plant performing under contracts with DOE), 116 at headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, and 119 at various locations developing the American Centrifuge technology.

     The Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union (“PACE”) and the Security, Police, Fire Professionals of America (“SPFPA”) represent 51% of the employees at the plants.

    The contract with PACE Local 5-550 covers 524 employees at the Paducah plant. In June 2003, members of PACE voted to accept an eight-year contract with USEC.
 
    The contract with SPFPA Local 111 covers 88 employees at the Paducah plant. In August 2002, terms of a new contract with a term until March 2, 2007, were ratified by SPFPA.
 
    The contract with PACE Local 5-689 covers 551 employees at the Portsmouth plant. The contract expires May 2, 2004, and contract renewal discussions are underway.
 
    The contract with SPFPA Local 66 covers 80 employees at the Portsmouth plant. In September 2002, terms of a new contract with a term until August 4, 2007, were ratified by SPFPA.

     In February 2003, PACE Local 5-550 at the Paducah plant went on strike. In June 2003 members of PACE voted to accept an eight-year contract with USEC and returned to work. The new contract includes annual pay increases of 2 to 3% and an improved pension supplement. PACE employees at the Paducah plant increased their share of health insurance costs and agreed to work-assignment flexibility designed to improve operational efficiency at the Paducah plant.

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Available Information

     USEC’s internet website is www.usec.com. USEC makes available on its website, or upon request, without charge, access to its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     USEC’s code of business conduct provides a brief summary of the standards of conduct that are at the foundation of USEC’s business operations. The code of business conduct states that USEC conducts its business in strict compliance with all applicable laws. Each employee must read the code of business conduct and sign a form stating that he or she has read, understands and agrees to comply. A copy of the code of business conduct is available on USEC’s website, www.usec.com. USEC will disclose on the website any amendments to, or waivers from, the code of business conduct that are required to be publicly disclosed.

     USEC also makes available free of charge, on its website, or upon request, its Board of Directors Governance Guidelines and its Board committee charters.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

     Environmental Matters

     In 1998, USEC contracted with Starmet CMI (“Starmet”) to convert a small portion of USEC’s depleted uranium into a form that could be used in certain beneficial applications or disposed of at existing commercial disposal facilities. In 2002, Starmet ceased operations at its Barnwell, South Carolina facility.

     In November 2002, USEC received notice from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) that EPA was undertaking removal action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), as amended (commonly known as Superfund), to clean up two evaporation ponds and remove and dispose of certain drums and other material located at Starmet’s Barnwell site containing uranium and other byproducts of Starmet’s activities at the site. The notice also stated that EPA believed USEC as well as other parties, including agencies of the U.S. Government, are potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”) under CERCLA. EPA plans to return the site to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (“SCDHEC”) after the completion of EPA’s removal action for SCDHEC to conduct an investigation to determine if there is a need for any further actions at the site.

     In February 2003, USEC received notice from SCDHEC indicating that USEC and other parties, including agencies of the U.S. Government, are PRPs under CERCLA and applicable South Carolina law. In May 2003, SCDHEC requested that USEC and other parties reimburse SCDHEC for $.4 million in costs it had incurred. The parties have agreed to a proposed settlement, and USEC has accrued its share of such costs.

     Based on EPA estimates and other data, estimated costs to remove and dispose of drums and other material and to remediate the two evaporation ponds at the site have increased to $25 to $30 million. In February 2004, USEC and certain federal agencies who have been identified as PRPs under CERCLA entered into an agreement with EPA, under which USEC is responsible for removing certain material from the site that is attributable to quantities of depleted uranium USEC had sent to the site. USEC has engaged contractors to remove and dispose of such material.

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     The EPA will perform the removal and disposal of the remaining material using funds provided by the settling federal agencies. USEC will receive contribution protection and covenants from EPA not to sue for the material being removed by USEC and the material being removed by EPA with funding from the settling federal agencies. The agreement does not settle or provide protection against any claims EPA may bring for past or future costs of remediating the evaporation ponds or other matters at the site.

     It is not known what additional cleanup could be required by EPA or SCDHEC or to what extent such costs may be recoverable under CERCLA or South Carolina law from USEC or from other PRPs. Under CERCLA, EPA has the authority to order USEC or the other PRPs to clean up the Barnwell site or EPA may initiate an action in federal court for reimbursement of costs incurred in cleaning up the site. Each PRP may be held jointly and severally liable for all cleanup costs incurred by third parties, such as EPA.

     At December 31, 2003, USEC has an accrued liability of $9.0 million representing its current estimate of its share of costs to comply with the EPA settlement agreement, the proposed SCDHEC settlement, and other costs associated with the Starmet facility. Additional costs could be incurred due to a number of factors including, but not limited to, increases in costs associated with the removal and disposal of material from the Starmet site, increases in costs associated with remediation of the evaporation ponds, or a decision by EPA or SCDHEC to perform additional remediation at the site after completion of the removal and disposal activities. An allocation of costs to USEC in excess of the amounts that USEC has accrued at December 31, 2003, could have an adverse effect on USEC’s results of operations.

     Other

     USEC is subject to various other legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted, which arise in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these claims cannot be predicted with certainty, USEC does not believe that the outcome of any of these legal matters will have a material adverse effect on its results of operations or financial position.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

     None

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Executive Officers

     Executive officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Executive officers at December 31, 2003, follow:

             
    Age at    
Name
  December 31, 2003
  Position
 
           
William H. Timbers
    54     President and Chief Executive Officer
 
           
Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty
    43     Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
 
           
Sydney M. Ferguson
    47     Senior Vice President
 
           
Ronald F. Green
    56     Senior Vice President
 
           
Timothy B. Hansen
    40     Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
 
           
Philip G. Sewell
    57     Senior Vice President
 
           
Robert Van Namen
    42     Senior Vice President
 
           
Ellen C. Wolf
    50     Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
           
J. Morris Brown
    63     Vice President, Operations
 
           
Michael T. Woo
    50     Vice President, Strategic Development
 
           
W. Lance Wright
    56     Vice President, Human Resources and Administration
 
           
Charles B. Yulish
    67     Vice President, Corporate Communications

     William H. Timbers has been President and Chief Executive Officer since 1994.

     Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty has been Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since December 2003. Prior to joining USEC, Ms. Gordon-Hagerty was Director for The White House National Security Council Office of Combating Terrorism since July 1998 and held positions at DOE overseeing several programs including emergency management, operational emergency response and the safety of the country’s nuclear weapons program since 1992.

     Sydney M. Ferguson has been Senior Vice President since April 2002. Prior to joining USEC, Ms. Ferguson was Managing Director of Qorvis Communications Inc., an international public affairs and communications firm.

     Ronald F. Green has been Senior Vice President since April 2003. Prior to joining USEC, Mr. Green was President of two divisions of FPL Group, Inc. since 2001, and prior thereto was President and Chief Executive Officer of Duke Engineering and Services since 1999 and President of the Electric Division of Tejas Energy LLC since 1998.

     Timothy B. Hansen has been Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since August 2002, was Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Secretary since August 2000, was Assistant General Counsel and Secretary since 1999, and was Assistant General Counsel since 1994.

     Philip G. Sewell has been Senior Vice President since August 2000, was Vice President, Corporate Development and International Trade since April 1998, and was Vice President, Corporate Development since 1993.

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     Robert Van Namen was named Senior Vice President in January 2004 and was Vice President, Marketing and Sales since January 1999. Prior to joining USEC, Mr. Van Namen was Manager of Nuclear Fuel for Duke Power Company.

     Ellen C. Wolf has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since December 2003. Prior to joining USEC, Ms. Wolf was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of American Water Works Company, an international water company, since May 1999, and prior thereto was Vice President and Treasurer of Bell Atlantic Corporation since 1995.

     J. Morris Brown has been Vice President, Operations since November 2000, was General Manager at the Portsmouth plant since March 1998, and prior thereto was Engineering Manager at the Paducah plant.

     Michael T. Woo has been Vice President, Strategic Development since April 2001, was Director, Power Resources since October 1998, and was Manager, Strategic Financial Programs since 1994.

     W. Lance Wright has been Vice President, Human Resources and Administration since August 2003. Prior to joining USEC, Mr. Wright was Principal of Boyden Global Executive Search since January 2002, and prior thereto held director and manager positions in Human Resources at ExxonMobil Corporation since 1986.

     Charles B. Yulish has been Vice President, Corporate Communications since 1995.

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Common Stock and Related Shareholder Matters

     USEC’s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “USU.” High and low sales prices and cash dividends paid per share follow:

                                 
                    Cash        
                    Dividends        
    High
  Low
  Paid
       
2003
                       
January to March
  $ 6.99     $ 5.20     $ .1375  
April to June
    7.69       5.27       .1375  
July to September
    7.50       6.40       .1375  
October to December
    9.00       6.43       .1375  
 
                       
2002
                       
January to March
    7.60       5.35       .1375  
April to June
    10.20       6.35       .1375  
July to September
    8.80       6.04       .1375  
October to December
    7.02       5.93       .1375  

     For federal income tax purposes, USEC has determined that 73% of the dividend payment in 2003 is taxable to shareholders, and 27% represents a non-taxable return of capital to shareholders. Dividend payments in 2002 were 100% taxable to shareholders.

     There are 250 million shares of common stock and 25 million shares of preferred stock authorized. At December 31, 2003, there were 82,554,000 shares of common stock issued and outstanding and approximately 26,000 beneficial holders of common stock. No preferred shares have been issued.

     Information concerning securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 for the annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 29, 2004.

     The declaration of dividends is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors and depends, among other things, on results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, restrictions imposed by financing arrangements, and any other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.

     In April 2001, the Board of Directors approved a shareholder rights plan. Each shareholder of record on May 9, 2001, received preferred stock purchase rights that trade together with USEC common stock and are not exercisable. In the absence of further action by the Board, the rights generally would become exercisable and allow the holder to acquire USEC common stock at a discounted price if a person or group acquires 15% or more of the outstanding shares of USEC common stock or commences a tender or exchange offer to acquire 15% or more of the common stock of USEC. However, any rights held by the acquirer would not be exercisable. The Board of Directors may direct USEC to redeem the rights at $.01 per right at any time before the tenth day following the acquisition of 15% or more of USEC common stock.

     In order to comply with certain statutory requirements and to meet certain conditions for maintaining NRC certification of the plants, USEC’s Certificate of Incorporation (the “Charter”) sets forth certain restrictions on foreign ownership of securities, including a provision prohibiting foreign persons (as defined in the Charter) from collectively having beneficial ownership of more than 10% of the voting securities. The Charter also contains certain enforcement mechanisms with respect to the

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foreign ownership restrictions, including suspension of voting rights, redemption of such shares and/or the refusal to recognize the transfer of shares on the record books of USEC.

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

     Selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations. Selected financial data as of and for the year ended December 31, 2003, the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, and the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, have been derived from consolidated financial statements that have been audited by independent public accountants. Selected financial data as of and for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2001, have been derived from consolidated financial statements that have been restated.

                                                                 
                    Six-Month      
    Years Ended   Periods Ended      
    December 31,
  December 31,
  Fiscal Years Ended June 30,
    2003
    2002
    2002
    2001
    2002
    2001
    2000
    1999
 
            (Unaudited)             (Unaudited)                                  
    (millions, except per share data)
            As restated (1)
Revenue:
                                                               
Separative work units
  $ 1,125.2     $ 1,192.0     $ 658.5     $ 775.8     $ 1,309.3     $ 1,057.3     $ 1,387.8     $ 1,475.0  
Uranium
    169.1       81.4       49.3       84.8       116.9       86.6       101.6       53.6  
U.S. Government contracts
    166.0       123.4       69.6       48.8       102.6       35.3       34.2       38.3  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total revenue
    1,460.3       1,396.8       777.4       909.4       1,528.8       1,179.2       1,523.6       1,566.9  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Cost of sales:
                                                               
Separative work units and uranium
    1,145.0       1,189.5       675.0       806.7       1,321.2       991.7       1,255.8       1,182.0  
U.S. Government contracts
    150.2       115.2       66.0       51.7       100.9       38.1       34.7       39.7  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total cost of sales
    1,295.2       1,304.7       741.0       858.4       1,422.1       1,029.8       1,290.5       1,221.7  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Gross profit
    165.1       92.1       36.4       51.0       106.7       149.4       233.1       345.2  
Special charge (credit):
                                                               
Consolidating plant operations
          (6.7 )(2)                 (6.7 )(2)           141.5 (2)      
Suspension of development of AVLIS technology
                                        (1.2 )     34.7 (3)
Advanced technology development costs
    44.8       22.9       16.0       5.7       12.6       11.4       11.4       106.4  
Selling, general and administrative
    69.4       54.1       27.6       24.2       50.7       48.8       48.9       40.3  
Other (income) expense, net
                                        (3.0 )     (6.2 )
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Operating income (loss)
    50.9       21.8       (7.2 )     21.1       50.1       89.2       35.5       170.0  
Interest expense
    38.4       36.5       18.6       18.4       36.3       35.2       38.1       32.5  
Interest (income)
    (5.4 )     (7.0 )     (3.2 )     (4.9 )     (8.7 )     (10.9 )     (8.0 )     (12.0 )
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    17.9       (7.7 )     (22.6 )     7.6       22.5       64.9       5.4       149.5  
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    7.2       (4.4 )     (7.9 )     2.8       6.3       (13.5 )(4)     (3.5 )     (2.9 )(4)
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 10.7     $ (3.3 )   $ (14.7 )   $ 4.8     $ 16.2     $ 78.4     $ 8.9     $ 152.4  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net income (loss) per share – basic and diluted
    $.13       $(.04 )     $(.18 )     $.06       $.20       $.97       $.10       $1.52  
Dividends per share
    $.55       $.55       $.275       $.275       $.55       $.55       $.825       $.825  
Average number of shares outstanding
    82.2       81.4       81.6       80.9       81.1       80.7       90.7       99.9  

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    December 31,
  June 30,
    2003
  2002
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
    (millions)
Balance Sheet Data
                                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 249.1     $ 171.1     $ 279.2     $ 122.5     $ 73.0     $ 86.6  
Inventories:
                                               
Current
    883.2       862.1       889.7       1,137.5       865.3       933.4  
Long-term
    266.1       390.2       415.5       420.2       436.4       574.4  
Total assets
    2,053.8       2,049.5       2,168.0       2,207.5       2,084.4       2,360.2  
Short-term debt
                            50.0       50.0  
Long-term debt
    500.0       500.0       500.0       500.0       500.0       500.0  
Other liabilities
    256.0       265.0       263.2       307.6       281.1       195.0  
Stockholders’ equity
    886.2       914.4       949.3       972.8       947.3       1,135.4  
Number of shares outstanding
    82.6       81.8       81.3       80.6       82.5       99.2  


(1)   USEC performs contract work for DOE and DOE contractors at the Portsmouth and Paducah plants. Beginning in 2003, billings under government contracts are reported as part of revenue, and costs are reported as part of costs and expenses. In earlier years, the net amount of income or expense under government contracts had been reported as part of other income (expense), net. The statements of income (loss) for periods prior to 2003 have been restated to conform to the current presentation. There is no effect on net income (loss) or net income (loss) per share as a result of the change.
 
(2)   The plan to consolidate plant operations and cease uranium enrichment operations at the Portsmouth plant resulted in special charges of $141.5 million ($88.7 million or $.97 per share after tax) in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000, including asset impairments of $62.8 million, severance benefits of $45.2 million, and lease turnover and other exit costs of $33.5 million.
 
    The special credit of $6.7 million ($4.2 million or $.05 per share after tax) in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, represents a change in estimate of costs for consolidating plant operations.
 
(3)   The suspension of development of the AVLIS enrichment technology resulted in special charges of $34.7 million ($22.7 million or $.23 per share after tax) in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999.
 
(4)   The provision (credit) for income taxes includes special income tax credits of $37.3 million (or $.46 per share) in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001, and $54.5 million (or $.54 per share) in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999, for deferred income tax benefits that arose from the transition to taxable status. The special tax credit in fiscal 2001 represents a change in estimate resulting from a reassessment of certain deductions for which related income tax savings were not certain.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     The following discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this report.

Overview

     USEC Inc. (“USEC”), a global energy company, is the world’s leading supplier of low enriched uranium (“LEU”) for commercial nuclear power plants. LEU is a critical component in the production of nuclear fuel for nuclear reactors to produce electricity. USEC’s customers are domestic and international utilities that operate nuclear power plants. USEC is the exclusive Executive Agent for the U.S. Government under a government-to-government agreement (the “Russian Contract”) to purchase the SWU component of LEU derived from highly enriched uranium contained in decommissioned nuclear warheads in Russia.

     The standard measure of enrichment in the uranium enrichment industry is a separative work unit (“SWU”). A SWU represents the effort that is required to transform a given amount of natural uranium into two streams of uranium, one enriched in the U235 isotope and the other depleted in the U235 isotope, and is measured using a standard formula based on the physics of uranium enrichment. The amount of enrichment contained in LEU under this formula is commonly referred to as the SWU component.

     In November 2002, the Board of Directors approved a change in fiscal year end from June 30 to December 31, effective December 31, 2002. Changing the fiscal year to a calendar year enables USEC to better align financial reporting with the way it manages and operates the business.

     Revenue from Sales of SWU and Uranium

     Revenue is derived primarily from sales of the SWU component of LEU, from sales of both the SWU and uranium components of LEU, and from sales of uranium. Agreements with electric utilities are generally long-term requirements contracts under which customers are obligated to purchase a specified percentage of their requirements for the SWU component of LEU. USEC also sells uranium under these requirements contracts and other contracts; sales of uranium were 12% of total revenue in 2003. Under requirements contracts, however, customers are not obligated to make purchases if they do not have any requirements. Backlog is based on customers’ estimates of their requirements and certain other assumptions including estimates of inflation rates, and such estimates are subject to change. At December 31, 2003, USEC had long-term requirements contracts aggregating $4.9 billion through 2011 (including $2.9 billion through 2006), compared with $4.1 billion at December 31, 2002.

     USEC estimates its market share of the SWU component of LEU purchased by and shipped to utilities in North America was 56% in 2003, 59% in 2002, and 69% in 2001. In the world market, USEC estimates its market share was 30% in 2003, 32% in 2002, and 34% in 2001.

     Revenue and operating results can fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter, and in some cases, year to year. Customer requirements are determined by refueling schedules for nuclear reactors, which are affected by, among other things, the seasonal nature of electricity demand, reactor maintenance, and reactors beginning or terminating operations. Utilities typically schedule the shutdown of their reactors for refueling to coincide with the low electricity demand periods of spring and fall. Thus, some reactors are scheduled for annual or two-year refuelings in the spring or fall, or for 18-month cycles alternating between both seasons. The percentage of revenue attributable to any customer or group of customers from a particular geographic region can vary significantly quarter to quarter or year to year. Customer orders for the SWU component of LEU are large in amount,

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typically averaging $12.0 million per order. Customer requirements and orders are more predictable over the longer term, and USEC believes its performance is best measured on an annual, or even longer, business cycle.

     Revenue could be adversely affected by actions of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) or nuclear regulators in foreign countries issuing orders to delay, suspend or shut down nuclear reactor operations within their jurisdictions. In response to acknowledgements by a Japanese nuclear reactor operator in September 2002 of falsified examination results and unauthorized repairs at several nuclear power plants in Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry ordered 17 reactors temporarily shut down by April 2003 for special inspections in addition to regular maintenance. The nuclear reactor operator is implementing corrective actions and is seeking authorization from the regulator and local government authorities to return the reactors to service. Seven reactors have returned to service. USEC supplies about half of the LEU for 10 reactors that were shutdown as of December 31, 2003. USEC expects revenue in 2004 and 2005 will be reduced as a result of delays in reactor refuelings resulting from the temporary shutdowns. A continued shutdown of reactors in Japan would have an additional adverse effect on USEC’s revenue and results of operations.

     USEC’s financial performance over time can be significantly affected by changes in prices for SWU. The average SWU price billed to customers has trended down in recent years and declined in 2003, but is expected to begin to level off in 2004. Sales volumes and average price levels may be affected by a number of factors, including success in achieving sales targets and realization of average prices and estimates of inflation in contract price provisions. Shortfalls in volume or price could adversely affect revenue and results of operations.

     The base-year market price for SWU under new long-term contracts, as published by TradeTech in Nuclear Market Review, was $105 per SWU on December 31, 2003, the same as on December 31, 2002. The SWU price increased 3% in 2002 following an increase of 20% in 2001. USEC has been signing new contracts at higher market prices, and over time sales under these new contracts are expected to begin to increase the average price billed to customers.

     The long-term market price for uranium hexafluoride, as published by TradeTech, was $46.50 per kilogram on December 31, 2003, an increase of 40% compared with $33.29 on December 31, 2002. The long-term uranium price increased 2% in 2002 following an increase of 19% in 2001. A substantial portion of USEC’s uranium inventory has been committed under long-term sales contracts with utility customers. The positive impact of the higher market prices for uranium will be limited to sales under new contracts and to sales under contracts with prices based on market prices at the time of delivery. As a result of fixed-price contracts signed in earlier years, USEC expects the increase in its average uranium price billed to customers will be limited to about 8% in 2004, following an increase of 5% in 2003.

     Future SWU market prices will be impacted by the long-term results of the U.S. Government’s international trade actions, trade policies in overseas’ markets, fundamental supply and demand shifts, the availability of secondary supplies, and actions of European competitors. Increased competition among enriched uranium suppliers for new sales commitments could cause prices to trend lower. Business decisions by utilities that take into account economic factors, such as the price and availability of alternate fossil fuels, consolidation within the electric power industry, the need for generating capacity and the cost of maintenance, could result in suspended operations or early shutdowns of some reactors.

     Contracts with customers are denominated in U.S. dollars, and although revenue has not been directly affected by changes in the foreign exchange rate of the U.S. dollar, USEC may have a competitive price advantage or disadvantage obtaining new contracts in a competitive bidding

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process depending upon the weakness or strength of the U.S. dollar. Costs of the primary competitors are denominated in the major European currencies.

     Revenue from U.S. Government Contracts

     USEC performs contract work for the Department of Energy (“DOE”) and DOE contractors at the Portsmouth and Paducah plants. Beginning in 2003, billings under government contracts are reported as part of revenue, and costs are reported as part of costs and expenses. In earlier years, the net amount of income or expense under government contracts had been reported as part of other income (expense) net. The statements of income (loss) for periods prior to 2003 have been restated to conform to the current presentation. Revenue and costs of sales increased, and other income (expense), net was adjusted by the net amount. There is no effect on net income (loss) or net income (loss) per share as a result of the change.

     Revenue from government contracts includes billings for costs incurred by USEC for these activities plus applicable fees. Allowable costs are based on government cost accounting standards and include direct costs as well as allocations of indirect plant and corporate overhead costs. Government contracts include cold standby and uranium deposit removal at the Portsmouth plant. DOE exercised its option to extend the cold standby contract through March 2004, and USEC and DOE are negotiating contract terms for this extension and further extensions. Continuation of the cold standby contract is subject to DOE funding and Congressional appropriations.

     Cost of Sales

     Cost of sales for SWU and uranium is based on the amount of SWU and uranium sold during the period and is determined by a combination of inventory levels and costs, production costs, and purchase costs under the Russian Contract. Production costs consist principally of electric power, labor and benefits, depleted uranium disposition costs, materials, depreciation and amortization, and maintenance and repairs. Under the monthly moving average inventory cost method coupled with USEC’s inventories of SWU and uranium, an increase or decrease in production or purchase costs will have an effect on inventory costs and cost of sales over future periods.

     Purchase Costs under Russian Contract

     USEC is the Executive Agent of the U.S. Government under a government-to-government agreement (“Russian Contract”) to purchase the SWU component of LEU recovered from dismantled nuclear weapons from the former Soviet Union for use as fuel in commercial nuclear power plants.

     In June 2002, the U.S. and Russian governments approved implementation of new, market-based pricing terms for the remaining term of the Russian Contract through 2013. An amendment to the Russian Contract created a market-based mechanism to determine prices beginning in 2003 and continuing through 2013. In consideration for this stable and economic structure for the future, USEC agreed to extend the calendar year 2001 price of $90.42 per SWU through 2002. Beginning in 2003, prices are determined using a discount from an index of international and U.S. price points, including both long-term and spot prices. A multi-year retrospective of this index is used to minimize the disruptive effect of any short-term market price swings. The amendment also provides that, after the end of 2007, USEC and the Russian Executive Agent may agree on appropriate adjustments, if necessary, to ensure that the Russian Executive Agent receives at least $7,565 million for the SWU component over the 20-year term of the Russian Contract through 2013. From inception of the Russian Contract through December 31, 2003, USEC has purchased the SWU component of LEU at an aggregate cost of $3,188 million.

     Under the amended contract, USEC agreed to purchase 5.5 million SWU each calendar year for the remaining term of the Russian Contract through 2013, including such amount in calendar year 2013 as

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may be required to ensure that over the life of the Russian Contract USEC purchases SWU contained in 500 metric tons of highly enriched uranium. Over the life of the 20-year Russian Contract, USEC expects to purchase 92 million SWU contained in LEU derived from 500 metric tons of highly enriched uranium. USEC expects purchases under the Russian Contract will approximate 49% of its supply mix in 2004, compared with 47% in 2003. A significant delay in deliveries of LEU from Russia would have an adverse effect on USEC’s results of operations.

     Under the terms of a 1997 memorandum of agreement between USEC and the U.S. Government, USEC can be terminated, or resign, as the U.S. Executive Agent, or one or more additional executive agents may be named. Any new executive agent could represent a significant new competitor that could adversely affect USEC’s results of operations.

     Production Costs

     The gaseous diffusion process uses significant amounts of electric power to enrich uranium, and, in 2003, the power load at the Paducah plant averaged 1,409 megawatts. Costs for electric power represented 61% of production costs at the Paducah plant in 2003. USEC reduces LEU production and the related power load in the summer months when power availability is low and power costs are high. USEC purchased 78% of the electric power for the Paducah plant in 2003 at fixed prices primarily under a power purchase agreement with Tennessee Valley Authority (“TVA”). Capacity under the TVA agreement ranges from 300 megawatts in the summer months to 1,650 megawatts in the non-summer months, and prices are fixed through May 2006. Subject to prior notice and under certain circumstances, TVA may interrupt power to the Paducah plant, except for a minimum load of 300 megawatts that can only be interrupted under limited circumstances.

     In addition, USEC purchases the remaining portion of the electric power for the Paducah plant at market-based prices from TVA and under a power purchase contract between DOE and Electric Energy, Inc. (“EEI”). DOE transferred the benefits of the EEI power purchase contract to USEC. Market prices for electric power vary seasonally with rates higher during the winter and summer as a function of the extremity of the weather. In 2003, USEC’s purchases of market-priced power totaled $71 million.

     USEC stores depleted uranium at the plants and accrues estimated costs for the future disposition of depleted uranium. The long-term liability is dependent upon the volume of depleted uranium generated and estimated transportation, conversion and disposal costs. Under the DOE-USEC Agreement signed in June 2002 (“DOE-USEC Agreement”), DOE is taking title to depleted uranium generated by USEC at the Paducah plant over a four-year period up to a maximum of 23.3 million kilograms of uranium. The transfer of depleted uranium to DOE reduces USEC’s costs for the disposition of depleted uranium.

     Replacing Out-of-Specification Natural Uranium Inventory

     Reference is made to information regarding out-of-specification uranium inventories transferred to USEC by DOE prior to privatization in 1998 and in the process of being remediated, reported in note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

     Environmental Matters

     Reference is made to information regarding environmental matters involving Starmet CMI, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, DOE, USEC and others, reported in note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.

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     Advanced Technology Development Costs

     USEC is in the process of demonstrating, and, before the end of the decade, expects to construct and operate a facility using the American Centrifuge technology. USEC has not changed its total spending estimate of $150 million for the American Centrifuge demonstration, but expects to spend that amount in less than the five years originally projected in June 2002.

     Engineering, manufacturing and testing of major components continues at centrifuge test facilities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and the first five project milestones have been achieved on or ahead of schedule. In February 2003, USEC submitted a license application to the NRC for the lead cascade of centrifuge machines in the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility in Piketon, Ohio. In September 2003, USEC manufactured the first centrifuge rotor tube, more than two months ahead of the November 2003 milestone date. The rotor tube is a long, fast-spinning component of a centrifuge machine, whose performance is critical to the economics of centrifuge technology. Constructed of lightweight, high-strength material, the rotor tubes will be subjected to extensive functional tests prior to finalizing the American Centrifuge design. In February 2004, USEC entered into an agreement with DOE to temporarily lease portions of the Gas Centrifuge Enrichment Plant buildings in Piketon, Ohio that will be used in the demonstration of the American Centrifuge technology, and the NRC issued a license that authorizes USEC to construct and operate a lead cascade in the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility. The lead cascade demonstration facility in Piketon, Ohio is expected to begin operation in 2005 and will yield cost, schedule and performance data before USEC begins construction of the American Centrifuge uranium enrichment plant in 2007. In January 2004, USEC selected Piketon, Ohio as the site for the American Centrifuge uranium enrichment plant. The plant is expected to cost up to $1.5 billion, employ up to 500 people, and reach an initial annual production level of 3.5 million SWU by 2010. USEC plans to submit the plant NRC license application in August 2004, ahead of the schedule in the DOE-USEC Agreement.

Critical Accounting Estimates

     The summary of significant accounting policies and the other notes to the consolidated financial statements provide a description of relevant information regarding USEC’s significant and critical accounting estimates with respect to the following:

    pension and postretirement health and life benefit costs and obligations,
 
    revenue recognition, including deferred revenue and advances from customers,
 
    inventories of uranium and SWU and inventory costing methods, classifications and valuations,
 
    costs for the future disposition of depleted uranium, and
 
    deferred income taxes and related valuation allowance.

     USEC provides retirement benefits under defined benefit pension plans and postretirement health and life benefit plans. The valuation of benefit obligations and costs is based on provisions of the plans and actuarial assumptions that involve judgments and estimates. Changes in actuarial assumptions impact benefit obligations and benefit costs, as follows:

    The expected return on plan assets was 9.0% for 2003 and is 8.5% for 2004. The expected return is based on historical returns and expectations of future returns for the composition of the plans’ equity and debt securities. Pension plan assets amounted to $611.1 million at December 31, 2003, and projected pension benefit obligations were 101% funded. Postretirement health and life benefit obligations, typically funded on a pay-as you go basis, were 24% funded. A 0.5% change in the expected return on plan assets would change pension costs by $3.0 million and postretirement health and life costs by $.3 million.

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    A discount rate of 6.0% was used at December 31, 2003, to calculate the net present value of benefit obligations. The rate is determined based on the investment yield of high quality corporate bonds. A 0.5% decrease in the discount rate would increase the valuation of pension benefit obligations by $36.0 million and the postretirement health and life benefit obligations by $17.0 million, and the change in the valuations would increase pension costs by $3.5 million and postretirement health and life costs by $2.0 million.
 
    The healthcare costs trend rates are 10.0% in 2004 reducing to 5% in 2009. A 1% increase in the healthcare cost trend rates would increase postretirement health benefit obligations by $34.0 million and costs by $3.2 million.

     Revenue includes estimates and judgments relating to the recognition of deferred revenue and price adjustments under contracts with customers that involve pricing based on inflation rates and customers’ nuclear fuel requirements. SWU and uranium inventories include estimates and judgments for production quantities and costs and the replacement or remediation of out-of-specification uranium by DOE. Production costs include estimates of future costs for the storage, transportation and disposition of depleted uranium, the treatment and disposal of hazardous, low-level radioactive and mixed wastes, and plant lease turnover costs. Income taxes include estimates and judgments for the tax bases of assets and liabilities and the future recoverability of deferred tax assets. Actual results may differ from these estimates and such estimates may change if the underlying conditions or assumptions change.

Government Investigation of Imports from France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom

     In 2003 and in January 2004, there were a number of developments related to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (“DOC”) antidumping and countervailing duty orders imposed in February 2002 on imports of LEU from France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. LEU is produced in France by Eurodif, a company controlled by COGEMA, and is produced in Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom by Urenco.

     In March 2003, the U.S. Court of International Trade (“CIT”) remanded the DOC’s determinations on certain general issues back to the DOC for reconsideration, indicating that the DOC had failed to adequately explain the rationale for the DOC’s resolution of those issues. In June 2003, the DOC reaffirmed and elaborated on its determinations, again concluding that USEC is the sole domestic producer of LEU and that all imports of LEU are subject to antidumping and countervailing duty laws. In September 2003, the CIT affirmed the DOC’s conclusions that USEC is the sole domestic producer of LEU, with standing to file its antidumping and countervailing duty petitions, and that imports of LEU pursuant to enrichment contracts are subject to U.S. countervailing duty law. However, the CIT reversed the DOC’s decision that enrichment transactions are subject to the antidumping law.

     The DOC’s remand determination on these general issues will be reviewed in 2004 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“Federal Circuit”) pursuant to appeals by the U.S government, USEC and other parties to the case. Given the extensive factual, legal and policy findings and analysis presented by the DOC in its remand determination, USEC believes that the DOC has substantiated its determinations with sufficient depth and clarity for the Federal Circuit to affirm the DOC on all general issues, including the scope of the antidumping law.

     A Federal Circuit ruling that the antidumping law does not apply to LEU imports under enrichment transactions could result in the exclusion of such imports from the scope of the antidumping order. Similarly, a Federal Circuit decision reversing the DOC’s determinations that the countervailing duty applies to LEU imports pursuant to enrichment contracts or that USEC is the sole domestic producer of LEU with standing to file its antidumping and countervailing duty petitions, could further limit the scope of the DOC’s determinations or lead to their dismissal. Moreover, the CIT has not yet ruled on other specific issues in the case.

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     The U.S. government will continue to collect duty deposits on LEU imports from France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, pending final rulings in the appeals. In January 2004, the DOC issued preliminary results in its administrative reviews of the antidumping and countervailing duty orders, which concluded that the actual margins of dumping and subsidization in 2001 and 2002 were lower than the deposit rates imposed in the orders. These preliminary results suggest that Eurodif reduced its level of dumping and Eurodif and Urenco obtained fewer benefits from subsidization following the granting of trade relief in the DOC’s original investigations. If these preliminary margins become the final margins when the final results are issued (expected in the first half of 2004), the combined antidumping and countervailing duty cash deposit rate on 2001 and 2002 imports of LEU from France would be reduced from 32.1% to 8.37%, and the countervailing duty cash deposit rate on 2001 and 2002 imports from Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom would be reduced from 2.23% to 1.4%. The antidumping and countervailing duty margins published in the final results will become the cash deposit rates for any imports thereafter.

Results of Operations

     The following table sets forth certain items as a percentage of revenue:

                                                 
                    Six-Month   Fiscal Years
    Years Ended   Periods Ended   Ended
    December 31,
  December 31,
  June 30,
    2003
  2002
  2002
  2001
  2002
  2001
Revenue
    100 %     100 %     100 %     100 %     100 %     100 %
Cost of sales
    89       93       95       94       93       87  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Gross profit
    11       7       5       6       7       13  
Advanced technology development costs
    3       2       2       1       1       1  
Selling, general and administrative
    5       4       4       3       3       4  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income (loss)
    3 %     1 %     (1 )%     2 %     3 %     8 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

Results of Operations –Years Ended December 31, 2003 and 2002

     Revenue

     Revenue from sales of the SWU component of LEU amounted to $1,125.2 million in 2003, a reduction of $66.8 million (or 6%) from $1,192.0 million in 2002. The volume of SWU sold was 4% lower and the average price per SWU billed to customers was 1.6% lower in 2003 as a result of lower-priced contracts signed in earlier years. The reductions in volume were due to lower contractual commitments from customers and the timing and movement of customer orders.

     Revenue from sales of uranium was $169.1 million in 2003, an increase of $87.7 million (or 108%) from $81.4 million in 2002. The increase reflects higher volume and higher prices. The volume of uranium sold increased substantially and included sales of $71.0 million using uranium purchased from third-party suppliers and uranium generated from underfeeding the enrichment process. USEC sells uranium from its inventory and supplements its supply of uranium by underfeeding the production process at the Paducah plant and by purchasing uranium from suppliers. Underfeeding is a mode of operation that uses or feeds less uranium but requires more SWU in the enrichment process, which requires more electric power. In producing the same amount of LEU, USEC varies its production process to underfeed uranium based on the relative economics of the cost of electric power versus the cost of uranium. Underfeeding increases the inventory of uranium that can be sold.

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     Revenue from government contracts was $166.0 million in 2003, an increase of $42.6 million (or 35%) from $123.4 million in 2002. USEC operated facilities to process out-of-specification uranium under a contract with DOE for the full year in 2003, compared with a three-month period in 2002. In addition, USEC earned a fee on the cold standby and uranium deposit removal contract in 2003 for work performed for DOE since July 2001.

     Cost of Sales

     Cost of sales for SWU and uranium amounted to $1,145.0 million in 2003, a reduction of $44.5 million (or 4%) from $1,189.5 million in 2002. The volume of SWU sold was 4% lower compared with 2002. Cost of sales per SWU improved by 6% as a result of purchases of SWU under the Russian Contract based on market-based pricing terms effective in 2003 and lower production costs and higher production efficiency at the Paducah plant.

     Cost of sales for U.S. Government contracts amounted to $150.2 million in 2003, an increase of $35.0 million (or 30%) from $115.2 million in 2002. USEC operated facilities to process out-of-specification uranium under a contract with DOE for the full year in 2003, compared with a three-month period in 2002.

     Purchase Costs under Russian Contract

     USEC is the Executive Agent of the U.S. Government under the Russian Contract to purchase the SWU component of LEU recovered from dismantled nuclear weapons from the former Soviet Union for use as fuel in commercial nuclear power plants. Purchases of SWU under the Russian Contract amounted to $443.6 million in 2003 and $499.5 million in 2002 (representing 47% of the combined produced and purchased supply mix in both years).

     Production Costs

     Production costs at the Paducah plant were lower in 2003 compared with 2002. Costs for electric power and labor were lower in 2003, but employee benefit costs were higher. Employee benefit costs increased in 2003 reflecting higher costs for pension and postretirement health benefit plans. Unit production costs improved 4% in 2003 reflecting more efficient operations and lower production costs. Power costs represented 61% of production costs, about the same as in 2002.

     Labor costs were lower in 2003 compared with 2002 reflecting the effect of a five-month strike by union employees at the Paducah plant and workforce reductions at the Paducah plant involving 220 employees completed in 2003. In February 2003, members of the Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union Local 5-550 (“PACE”), representing 635 employees (about half of the workforce at the Paducah plant) went on strike. In June 2003, members of PACE voted to accept an eight-year contract with USEC and returned to work. As a result of workforce reductions, PACE represented 524 workers or 41% of the workforce at the Paducah plant at December 31, 2003.

     Gross Profit

     Gross profit amounted to $165.1 million in 2003, an increase of $73.0 million (or 79%) from $92.1 million in 2002. Gross margin was 11% in 2003, compared with 7% in 2002. The improvement resulted from lower costs for SWU purchased under the Russian Contract and lower production costs and higher production efficiency at the Paducah plant.

     Gross profit in 2003 includes $11.8 million resulting from USEC and DOE finalizing the cold standby and uranium deposit removal contract in September 2003 for work performed at the

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Portsmouth plant from July 2001 to December 2003. USEC earned a fee on the contract along with a pension cost adjustment. The pension adjustment results from differences between pension costs calculated and funded in accordance with government cost accounting standards and pension costs determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

     Special Charge (Credit) in 2002 for Consolidating Plant Operations

     USEC recorded a special credit of $6.7 million ($4.2 million or $.05 per share after tax) in 2002 representing a change in estimate of costs for consolidating plant operations. The special credit included a cost reduction of $19.3 million for workforce reductions, primarily reflecting recovery from DOE of its pro rata share of severance benefits, and a cost reduction of $3.8 million for other exit costs. In June 2001, DOE authorized funding for the cold standby contract at the Portsmouth plant. As a result of DOE’s program, the number of workforce reductions at the Portsmouth plant announced in June 2000 was reduced. The cost reductions were partly offset by charges of $16.4 million for asset impairments relating to transfer and shipping facilities at the Portsmouth plant. In February 2002, USEC announced plans to consolidate the transfer and shipping operations at the Paducah plant and costs for the related workforce reductions were accrued. The consolidation was completed in 2002.

     Advanced Technology Development Costs

     Advanced technology development costs amounted to $44.8 million in 2003, an increase of $21.9 million (or 96%) from $22.9 million in 2002. Costs for centrifuge development activities increased following the DOE-USEC Agreement signed in June 2002. In July 2003, USEC announced that it had accelerated the schedule to construct and operate the commercial centrifuge plant by one year. Total estimated costs for American Centrifuge demonstration activities remain at $150 million, of which $48.0 million had been incurred as of December 31, 2003.

     Selling, General and Administrative

     Selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to $69.4 million in 2003, an increase of $15.3 million (or 28%) from $54.1 million in 2002. Compensation expense increased $8.1 million, legal and consulting fees increased $2.9 million, insurance increased $2.3 million, and franchise taxes increased $1.7 million. The increase in compensation expense reflects costs for supplemental executive retirement benefits resulting from the early retirement of two executive officers. Legal and consulting expenses reflect an increased level of effort related to USEC’s strategic initiatives. The increase in insurance expense reflects higher premiums for credit insurance and for directors and officers’ liability insurance.

     Operating Income

     Operating income amounted to $50.9 million in 2003, an increase of $29.1 million (or 133%) from $21.8 million in 2002. The increase reflects the increase in gross profit, partly offset by accelerated centrifuge development costs and higher selling, general and administration expenses. Operating income in 2002 included a special credit of $6.7 million from a change in estimate of costs for consolidating plant operations.

     Interest Expense and Interest Income

     Interest expense amounted to $38.4 million in 2003, compared with $36.5 million in 2002. The date to settle the OVEC termination obligation was extended, and interest expense was accrued on the obligation in 2003.

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     Interest income amounted to $5.4 million in 2003 compared with $7.0 million in 2002. USEC ships LEU to nuclear fuel fabricators in advance of customer orders and earns interest income on the inventory balances maintained at the fabricators. Advance shipments were lower in 2003.

     Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes

     The provision for income taxes amounted to $7.2 million in 2003 and reflects an effective income tax rate of 40% applied to pretax income, compared with a credit for income taxes of $4.4 million resulting from a pretax loss and an effective tax rate of 57% in 2002. The effective tax rate of 57% applied to the pretax loss in 2002 reflects the benefit of export tax incentives. The tax benefit from export tax incentives was lower in 2003.

     Net Income (Loss)

     Net income amounted to $10.7 million (or $.13 per share) in 2003, compared with a net loss of $3.3 million (or $.04 per share) in 2002. The increase reflects the increase in gross profit, partly offset by accelerated centrifuge development costs and higher selling, general and administration expenses. The net loss in 2002 had included a special credit of $4.2 million (or $.05 per share) after tax from a change in estimate of costs for consolidating plant operations.

2004 Outlook

     USEC expects revenue to be approximately $1.4 billion in 2004, with about half of such revenue coming in the fourth quarter due to timing of customer orders. SWU revenue will be impacted by sales lost to a major Japanese customer with 10 power reactors temporarily shut down for special inspections. Revenue includes expected uranium sales of about $170 million, of which $70 million will be provided by third-party uranium suppliers and from underfeeding uranium in the production process. Revenue from government contracts is not expected to change significantly from 2003.

     In 2004, USEC expects to invest approximately $70 million in the American Centrifuge technology. Of this amount, $50 million relating to development work will be expensed, which has the effect of reducing USEC’s net income by about $30 million. Approximately $20 million relating to the commercial centrifuge plant is expected to be capitalized in 2004.

     Given the substantial investment in the American Centrifuge technology, USEC expects net income to be in a range of $6 to $8 million in 2004. USEC expects the gross profit margin to be 11%, about the same as in 2003.

     USEC expects that cash flow from operating activities in 2004 will be in a range of negative $110 to $130 million and that capital expenditures, including costs relating to the American Centrifuge uranium enrichment plant, will be in a range of $30 to $35 million. USEC anticipates ending 2004 with a cash balance in the range of $40 to $60 million, and that net cash flow from operating activities will return to positive levels in 2005. USEC has no short-term debt, and the debt to total capitalization ratio is 36% percent.

Results of Operations – Six-Month Periods Ended December 31, 2002 and 2001

     Revenue

     Revenue from sales of the SWU component of LEU amounted to $658.5 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, a reduction of $117.3 million (or 15%) from $775.8 million in the corresponding period of calendar 2001. The reduction was due to lower contractual commitments from domestic customers, the timing and movement of customer orders, and a decline of 1.5% in average prices billed to customers. The volume of SWU sold was 14% lower.

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     Revenue from sales of uranium was $49.3 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, a reduction of $35.5 million (or 42%) from $84.8 million in the corresponding period of calendar 2001. The reduction was due to lower volumes.

     Revenue from government contracts was $69.6 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, an increase of $20.8 million (or 43%) from $48.8 million in the corresponding period of 2001. The increase reflects billings to DOE for the processing of out-of-specification uranium beginning in September 2002.

     Cost of Sales

     Cost of sales for SWU and uranium amounted to $675.0 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, a reduction of $131.7 million (or 16%) from $806.7 million in the corresponding period of calendar 2001. The reduction primarily reflects the lower volumes of SWU and uranium sold. Cost of sales benefited from lower production costs for depleted uranium disposition resulting from the DOE-USEC Agreement signed in June 2002. Cost of sales in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, was increased by costs accrued for the environmental cleanup of a depleted uranium disposal facility owned by Starmet CMI, a bankrupt contractor.

     Cost of sales for U.S. Government contracts amounted to $66.0 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, an increase of $14.3 million (or 28%) from $51.7 million in the corresponding period of calendar 2001. The increase reflects costs incurred processing out-of-specification uranium under contract with DOE.

     Purchase Costs

     Purchases of the SWU component of LEU under the Russian Contract amounted to $327.0 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, about the same as in the corresponding period in calendar 2001. Unit costs of $90.42 per SWU, excluding shipping charges, were the same in both periods. Purchases represented 54% of the combined produced and purchased supply mix in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, compared with 63% in the corresponding period in calendar 2001.

     Production Costs

     Production costs increased in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, compared with the corresponding period in calendar 2001. USEC substantially increased production over the low level in the 2001 period. Unit production costs improved 13% reflecting more efficient operations and a more rapid return to full production following the summer of 2002. Electric power costs amounted to $164.8 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, an increase of $42.6 million (or 35%) from $122.2 million in the corresponding period of calendar 2001. Power costs represented 60% of production costs, compared with 53% in the corresponding period of calendar 2001. Higher production costs were offset in part by lower costs for depleted uranium disposition. Under the DOE-USEC Agreement, DOE takes title for depleted uranium generated by USEC at the Paducah plant over a four-year period.

     Gross Profit

     Gross profit amounted to $36.4 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, a reduction of $14.6 million (or 29%) from $51.0 million in the corresponding period of calendar 2001. The average SWU price billed to customers declined 1.5%, and SWU and uranium sales volumes were lower. Gross margin was 5%, compared with 6% in the corresponding period of calendar 2001.

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     Advanced Technology Development Costs

     Advanced technology development costs amounted to $16.0 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, compared with $5.7 million in the corresponding period of calendar 2001. American Centrifuge development activities accelerated following the DOE-USEC Agreement signed in June 2002.

     Selling, General and Administrative

     Selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to $27.6 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, an increase of $3.4 million (or 14%) from $24.2 million in the corresponding period of calendar 2001. Higher expenses were incurred for compensation, recruiting, relocation, and insurance. Compensation expense increased $2.5 million, recruiting and relocation expense increased $.6 million, and insurance expense increased $.4 million. The increase in compensation reflects higher bonus awards and higher gross-up compensation from employee and executive relocations. A portion of the increase in the bonus resulted from the change in the bonus program to coincide with the change in fiscal year end from June 30 to December 31.

     Operating Income (Loss)

     The operating loss amounted to $7.2 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, compared with operating income of $21.1 million in the corresponding period of calendar 2001. The reduction primarily reflects lower gross profit and higher costs for centrifuge development.

     Interest Expense and Interest Income

     Interest expense amounted to $18.6 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, about the same as in the corresponding period of calendar 2001. Interest income amounted to $3.2 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, compared with $4.9 million in the corresponding period of calendar 2001.

     Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes

     The provision (credit) for income taxes in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, reflects an effective income tax rate of 35% applied to a pretax loss, compared with 37% applied to pretax income in the corresponding period of calendar 2001. The tax credit for the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, was reduced as a result of nondeductible expenses, principally lobbying.

     Net Income (Loss)

     There was a net loss of $14.7 million (or $.18 per share) in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, compared with net income of $4.8 million (or $.06 per share) in the corresponding period of calendar 2001. The reduction primarily reflects lower gross profit and higher costs for centrifuge development.

Results of Operations – Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2002 and 2001

     Revenue

     Revenue from sales of the SWU component of LEU amounted to $1,309.3 million in fiscal 2002, an increase of $252.0 million (or 24%) from $1,057.3 million in fiscal 2001. The substantial increase was due mainly to the timing and movement of customer nuclear reactor refueling orders, partly offset by a decline of 3% in average prices billed to customers. The volume of SWU sold increased 27%, and the number of customer refueling orders and the average order size were higher.

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     Revenue from sales of uranium was $116.9 million in fiscal 2002, an increase of $30.3 million (or 35%) from $86.6 million in fiscal 2001. The volume of uranium sold increased 27% and the average price improved 7%.

     Revenue from government contracts was $102.6 million in fiscal 2002, an increase of $67.3 million (or 191%) from $35.3 million in fiscal 2001. The increase reflects contract work billed to DOE under the cold standby and uranium deposit removal contract for the full fiscal year 2002. Cold standby contract work began July 2001.

     Cost of Sales

     Cost of sales for SWU and uranium amounted to $1,321.2 million in fiscal 2002, an increase of $392.5 million (or 33%) from $991.7 million in fiscal 2001. The increase reflects the 27% increases in the volumes of both SWU and uranium sold, lower purchases of the SWU component of LEU under the Russian Contract, and high unit production costs. Purchases under the Russian Contract were 16% lower in fiscal 2002, compared with fiscal 2001, as a result of the delay in the approval by the U.S. Government of the contract amendment with new market-based pricing terms. In addition, production costs benefited from lower costs for depleted uranium disposition resulting from the DOE-USEC Agreement. Cost of sales in fiscal 2001 had benefited from the monetization of excess power at the Portsmouth plant in the summer of 2000. USEC did not take delivery of a substantial portion of the electric power intended for the Portsmouth plant that USEC was under contract to purchase, and in exchange OVEC reduced its billings to USEC by $44.0 million for the power that USEC did take. USEC ceased uranium enrichment operations at the Portsmouth plant in May 2001.

     Purchases of the SWU component of LEU from the Russian Federation represented 50% of the combined produced and purchased supply mix in fiscal 2002, compared with 52% in fiscal 2001.

     Electric power costs amounted to $301.6 million (representing 58% of production costs) in fiscal 2002, a reduction of $29.8 million (or 9%) from $331.4 million (representing 52% of production costs) in fiscal 2001. The reduction reflects lower production following the ceasing of uranium enrichment operations at the Portsmouth plant at the end of fiscal 2001.

     Costs for labor and benefits were lower as the average number of employees at the plants declined 13% in fiscal 2002, compared with fiscal 2001. Labor costs in the fiscal 2001 period include costs for a retention bonus program for employees at the Portsmouth plant.

     Cost of sales for U.S. Government contracts amounted to $100.9 million in fiscal 2002, an increase of $62.8 million (or 165%) from $38.1 million in fiscal 2001. The increase reflects costs incurred under the cold standby and uranium deposit removal contract with DOE for the full fiscal year 2002. Cold standby contract work began July 2001.

     Gross Profit

     Gross profit amounted to $106.7 million in fiscal 2002, a reduction of $42.7 million (or 29%) from $149.4 million in fiscal 2001. Gross margin was 7%, compared with 13% in fiscal 2001. Despite significantly higher revenue, margins declined due to lower purchases under the Russian Contract, high unit production costs, and the 3% decline in average SWU prices billed to customers.

     Special Charges (Credit) for Consolidating Plant Operations

     USEC recorded a special credit of $6.7 million ($4.2 million or $.05 per share after tax) in fiscal 2002 representing a change in estimate of costs for consolidating plant operations.

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     Selling, General and Administrative

     Selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to $50.7 million in fiscal 2002, an increase of $1.9 million (or 4%) from $48.8 million in fiscal 2001. Lower costs from workforce reductions at the headquarters’ office were offset by higher costs for outside legal counsel and other consultants providing services for the Russian Contract amendment approved in June 2002, the DOE-USEC Agreement signed in June 2002, and international trade actions.

     Operating Income

     Operating income amounted to $50.1 million in fiscal 2002, a reduction of $39.1 million (or 44%) from $89.2 million in fiscal 2001. The reduction reflects lower gross profit, partly offset by the special credit for consolidating plant operations.

     Interest Expense

     Interest expense amounted to $36.3 million in fiscal 2002, compared with $35.2 million in fiscal 2001. The increase reflects interest expense accrued on a deferred payment obligation under a power purchase agreement with TVA.

     Provision for Income Taxes

     The provision for income taxes in fiscal 2002 reflects an effective income tax rate of 28%. The provision (credit) for income taxes in the fiscal 2001 period includes a special income tax credit of $37.3 million (or $.46 per share) resulting from changes in the estimated amount of deferred income tax benefits that arose from the transition to taxable status. USEC transitioned to taxable status in July 1998 at the time of the initial public offering of common stock. The change in estimate resulted from a reassessment of certain deductions for which related income tax savings were not certain. Excluding the special income tax credit, the effective income tax rate was 37% in fiscal 2001.

     Net Income

     Net income amounted to $16.2 million (or $.20 per share) in fiscal 2002 and $78.4 million (or $.97 per share) in fiscal 2001. There was a special credit of $4.2 million (or $.05 per share) after tax in fiscal 2002 from a change in estimate of costs for consolidating plant operations and a special income tax credit of $37.3 million (or $.46 per share) in fiscal 2001.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Contractual Commitments

     USEC had contractual commitments at December 31, 2003, estimated as follows (in millions):

                                                                 
    2004
  2005
  2006
  2007
  2008
  2009
  Thereafter
  Total
Financing:
                                                               
Long-term debt (1)
              $ 350.0                 $ 150.0             $500.0  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Production:
                                                               
Power purchase commitments:
                                                               
Paducah plant (2)
  $ 278.5     $ 256.0       145.5                               680.0  
OVEC termination obligation
    33.2                                           33.2  
Downblending highly enriched uranium from DOE
    31.4       28.3       15.0                               74.7  
Purchase commitments (3)
    27.4       3.3                                     30.7  
Operating leases
    6.0       5.7       4.8     $ 4.8     $ 4.4                   25.7  
Other long-term liabilities(4)
    9.0                                     $180.0       189.0  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    385.5       293.3       165.3       4.8       4.4             180.0       1,033.3  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Purchase for Resale:
                                                               
Commitments to purchase SWU under Russian Contract(5)
    437.7       437.7       437.7       437.7       437.7       437.7       1,750.8       4,377.0  
Commitments to purchase uranium (6)
    26.6       24.3       26.8       25.8       27.1                   130.6  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    464.3       462.0       464.5       463.5       464.8       437.7       1,750.8       4,507.6  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 849.8     $ 755.3     $ 979.8     $ 468.3     $ 469.2     $ 587.7     $ 1,930.8     $ 6,040.9  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 


(1)   6.625% senior notes amounting to $350.0 million are due January 2006, and 6.750% senior notes amounting to $150.0 million are due January 2009.
 
(2)   USEC purchases about 78% of the electric power for the Paducah plant pursuant to a power purchase agreement with TVA. Capacity and prices are fixed through May 2006.
 
(3)   Purchase commitments are enforceable and legally binding and consist of purchase orders or contracts issued to vendors and suppliers to procure materials and services, such as the treatment and disposal of contaminated waste, centrifuge research, development and engineering, uranium cylinders, valves and overpacks, and transportation of uranium cylinders.
 
(4)   Other long-term liabilities reported on the balance sheet include postretirement health and life benefit obligations.
 
(5)   Under the amendment to the Russian Contract approved by the U.S. and Russian governments in June 2002, USEC agreed to continue to purchase 5.5 million SWU each year for the remaining term of the Russian Contract through 2013, including such amount in calendar 2013 as may be required to ensure that over the life of the Russian Contract USEC purchases SWU contained in 500 metric tons of highly enriched uranium. Over the life of the 20-year Russian Contract, USEC expects to purchase 92 million SWU contained in LEU derived from 500 metric tons of highly enriched uranium.
 
    The amendment to the Russian Contract created a market-based mechanism to determine prices beginning in 2003 and continuing through 2013. Prices are determined using a discount from an index of international and U.S. price points, including both long-term and spot prices. A multi-year retrospective of this index is used to minimize the disruptive effect of any short-term market price swings.

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    The Russian Contract also provides that, after the end of calendar year 2007, the parties may agree on appropriate adjustments, if necessary, to ensure that the Russian Executive Agent receives at least $7,565 million for the SWU component over the 20-year term of the Russian Contract through 2013. From inception of the Russian Contract to December 31, 2003, USEC had purchased the SWU component at an aggregate cost of $3,188 million. Amounts reported in the table above as commitments at December 31, 2003, reflect the remaining portion of the minimum amount payable under the Russian Contract pro rated over the periods. Actual amounts will be based on the multi-year index and will change based on changes in market prices.
 
(6)   USEC sells uranium from its inventory and supplements its supply by purchasing uranium from suppliers.

     Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

     There were no material off-balance sheet arrangements, obligations, or other relationships at December 31, 2003.

     Liquidity and Cash Flows

     Cash and cash equivalents amounted to $249.1 million at December 31, 2003, an increase of $78.0 million from $171.1 million at December 31, 2002. The increase primarily resulted from the liquidation of inventories and the 79% increase in gross margin.

     Net cash flow from operating activities amounted to $144.9 million in 2003, compared with $201.0 million in 2002. Cash flow reflects a net inventory reduction or liquidation of $117.7 million in 2003 and $71.9 million in 2002. Sales of uranium from inventories transferred to USEC prior to the privatization in 1998 contribute to cash flow. Uranium sales were $169.1 million in 2003 (including $71.0 million using uranium purchased from third-party suppliers and generated from underfeeding) and $81.4 million in 2002. Cash flow in 2003 was reduced by accelerated centrifuge development spending and higher selling, general and administrative expenses.

     Cash flow of $201.0 million in 2002 also benefited from a reduction of $118.1 million in accounts receivable. Collections from customers were high following a substantial increase in trade receivables at December 31, 2001, from record revenue in the last quarter of 2001. The variability of quarterly revenue, customer receivables, and cash flow reflects the timing and movement of customer orders.

     Net cash outflow from operating activities amounted to $69.5 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, compared with a net cash outflow of $8.1 million in the corresponding period of calendar 2001. A substantial reduction in inventories, primarily the liquidation of SWU inventories, had contributed to cash flow in the 2001 period. The timing of cash payments under the Russian Contract, the timing of collections of trade receivables, and lower operating results reduced cash flow in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002. In addition, deliveries against advances from customers resulted in non-cash revenue.

     Net cash flow from operating activities amounted to $262.4 million in fiscal 2002, compared with $207.6 million in fiscal 2001. Cash flow in fiscal 2002 benefited from the substantial reduction in inventories, partly offset by a reduction in deferred revenue and advances from customers. Lower net income and cash payments for consolidating plant operations and income taxes reduced cash flow in fiscal 2002.

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     Capital expenditures amounted to $24.9 million in 2003, compared with $40.2 million in 2002. Capital expenditures in 2003 included costs for additional security measures and replacement equipment at the plants and, in 2002, included costs to complete upgrades of the transfer and shipping facilities at the Paducah plant.

     Compliance with NRC regulations requires that USEC provide financial assurances regarding the cost of the eventual disposition of depleted uranium for which USEC retains disposal responsibility. An insurance deposit of $21.4 million was paid in the six-month period ended December 31, 2001, in connection with the issuance of a surety bond for the eventual disposition of depleted uranium.

     Dividends paid to stockholders amounted to $45.2 million (or a quarterly rate of $.1375 per share) in 2003, about the same as in 2002. Beginning in December 2002, cash dividends are charged against excess of capital over par value in the stockholders’ equity section.

     Capital Structure and Financial Resources

     In January 1999, USEC issued $350.0 million of 6.625% senior notes due January 2006 and $150.0 million of 6.750% senior notes due January 2009. The senior notes are unsecured obligations and rank on a parity with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of USEC Inc.

     There were no short-term borrowings at December 31, 2003 or 2002.

     In September 2002, United States Enrichment Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of USEC, entered into a new three-year syndicated revolving credit facility. The facility provides up to $150 million in revolving credit commitments (including up to $50 million in letters of credit) and is secured by certain assets of the subsidiary and, subject to certain conditions, certain assets of USEC. Borrowings under the new facility are subject to limitations based on percentages of eligible accounts receivable and inventory. Obligations under the facility are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by USEC. Deferred financing costs for the revolving credit facility amounted to $4.7 million in 2002 and are being amortized to interest expense over the three-year term of the facility.

     Outstanding borrowings under the facility bear interest at a variable rate equal to, based on the borrower’s election, either (i) the sum of (x) the greater of the JP Morgan Chase Bank prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1% plus (y) a margin ranging from .75% to 1.25% based upon collateral availability or (ii) the sum of LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2.5% to 3% based on collateral availability. The revolving credit facility includes various operating and financial covenants that are customary for transactions of this type, including, without limitation, restrictions on the incurrence and prepayment of other indebtedness, granting of liens, sales of assets, making of investments, maintenance of a minimum amount of inventory, and payment of dividends or other distributions. The new facility does not restrict USEC’s payment of common stock dividends at the current level, subject to the maintenance of a specified minimum level of collateral. Failure to satisfy the covenants would constitute an event of default. At December 31, 2003, USEC was in compliance with the covenants under the revolving credit facility.

     The total debt-to-capitalization ratio was 36% at December 31, 2003, 35% at December 31, 2002, and 34% at June 30, 2002. In June 2003, Standard & Poor’s revised the outlook on USEC from negative to stable and affirmed the BB- rating of USEC’s senior notes ($500 million), the BB corporate credit rating, and the BBB- rating for the revolving credit facility. In November 2003, Moody’s affirmed its negative outlook, Ba2 rating for senior notes, and Ba1 senior implied rating.

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     A summary of working capital follows (in millions):

                         
    December 31,   December 31,   June 30,
    2003
  2002
  2002
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 249.1     $ 171.1     $ 279.2  
Accounts receivable
    254.5       225.4       185.1  
Inventories, net
    838.2       862.1       889.7  
Accounts payable and other assets, net
    (326.7 )     (341.0 )     (428.8 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Working capital
  $ 1,015.1     $ 917.6     $ 925.2  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

     USEC expects that its cash, internally generated funds from operations, and available financing under the revolving credit facility will be sufficient in 2004 to meet its obligations as they become due and to fund operating requirements and capital expenditures for the Paducah plant, purchases of SWU under the Russian Contract, interest expense, demonstration costs for the American Centrifuge technology, termination obligations under the OVEC power purchase agreement, and quarterly dividends.

Environmental Matters

     In addition to estimated costs for the future disposition of depleted uranium, USEC incurs costs for matters relating to compliance with environmental laws and regulations, including the handling, treatment and disposal of hazardous, low-level radioactive and mixed wastes generated as a result of its operations. Environmental liabilities associated with plant operations prior to July 28, 1998, are the responsibility of the U.S. Government, except for liabilities relating to certain identified wastes generated by USEC and stored at the plants. DOE remains responsible for decontamination and decommissioning of the plants. Operating costs for environmental compliance were $19.5 million in 2003 and $22.7 million in 2002. USEC expects costs will approximate $15.0 million in 2004.

     Reference is made to information regarding an environmental matter involving Starmet CMI, EPA, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, DOE, USEC and others, reported in the note 11 of the notes to consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Standards

     Reference is made to note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements for information on new accounting standards.

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     At December 31, 2003, the balance sheet carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and payables under the Russian Contract approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of the instruments.

     USEC does not enter into financial instruments for trading purposes. The fair value of long-term debt is calculated based on a credit-adjusted spread over U.S. Treasury securities with similar maturities. The scheduled maturity dates of long-term debt, the balance sheet carrying amounts and related fair values at December 31, 2003, follow (in millions):

                                 
    Maturity Dates
  December 31, 2003
    January   January   Balance Sheet   Fair
    2006
  2009
  Carrying Amount
  Value
Long-term debt:
                               
6.625% senior notes
  $ 350.0               $350.0       $331.6  
6.750% senior notes
            $150.0       150.0       134.4  
 
                   
 
     
 
 
 
                    $500.0       $466.0  
 
                   
 
     
 
 

Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

     The consolidated financial statements are filed as part of this annual report.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

     None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

     Disclosure Controls and Procedures

     Management, with the participation of the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2003. Based on such evaluation, management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by USEC in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

     Internal Control over Financial Reporting

     There have not been any changes in USEC’s internal control over financial reporting during the period to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, USEC’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

     Certain information regarding executive officers is included in Part I of this annual report. Additional information concerning directors and executive officers is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the annual meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held April 29, 2004.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

     Information concerning management compensation is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the annual meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held April 29, 2004.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

     Information concerning security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the annual meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held April 29, 2004.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

     Information concerning certain relationships and related transactions is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the annual meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held April 29, 2004.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     Information concerning principal accountant fees and services is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the annual meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held April 29, 2004.

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PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

  (a)   (1) Consolidated Financial Statements
 
      Consolidated financial statements are set forth under Item 8 of this annual report.
 
      (2) Financial Statement Schedules
 
      No financial statement schedules are required to be filed as part of this annual report.
 
      (3) Exhibits

     The following exhibits are filed as part of this annual report:

         
Exhibit    
No.   Description

 
       
 
  3.1      
Certificate of Incorporation of USEC Inc. (1)
         
 
  3.3      
Amended and Restated Bylaws of USEC Inc., dated September 13, 2000, incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.
       
 
  4.2      
Indenture, dated January 15, 1999, between USEC Inc. and First Union National Bank, incorporated by reference to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999.
       
 
  4.3      
Rights Agreement, dated April 24, 2001, between USEC Inc. and Fleet National Bank, as Rights Agent, including the form of Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights as Exhibit A, the form of Rights Certificates as Exhibit B and the Summary of Rights as Exhibit C, incorporated by reference to Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed April 24, 2001.
       
 
  10.1      
Lease Agreement between the United States Department of Energy and the United States Enrichment Corporation, dated as of July 1, 1993, including notice of exercise of option to renew. (1)
       
 
  10.4      
Memorandum of Agreement, dated December 15, 1994, between the United States Department of Energy and United States Enrichment Corporation regarding the transfer of functions and activities, as amended. (1)
       
 
  10.11    
Memorandum of Agreement between the United States Department of Energy and the United States Enrichment Corporation for electric power, entered into as of July 1, 1993. (1)
       
 
  10.13    
Contract between United States Enrichment Corporation, Portsmouth gaseous diffusion plant, and the Paper Allied-Industrial Chemical and Energy Workers International Union, AFL-CIO and its local no. 3-689, April 1, 1996 – May 2, 2000, as amended (1).
       
 
  10.17    
Contract between United States Enrichment Corporation, Executive Agent of the United States of America, and AO Techsnabexport, Executive Agent of the Ministry of Atomic Energy, Executive Agent of the Russian Federation, dated January 14, 1994, as amended. (1)
       
 
  10.18    
Memorandum of Agreement, dated April 6, 1998, between the Office of Management and Budget and United States Enrichment Corporation relating to post-privatization liabilities. (1)
       
 
  10.20    
Memorandum of Agreement, dated April 20, 1998, between the United States Department of Energy and United States Enrichment Corporation for transfer of natural uranium and highly enriched uranium and for blending down of highly enriched uranium (1).

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  10.25    
Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement. (1)
       
 
  10.26    
Memorandum of Agreement entered into as of April 18, 1997, between the United States, acting by and through the United States Department of State and the United States Department of Energy, and United States Enrichment Corporation for United States Enrichment Corporation to serve as the United States Government’s Executive Agent under the Agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation concerning the disposal of highly enriched uranium extracted from nuclear weapons. (1)
       
 
  10.27    
Memorandum of Agreement, entered into as of June 30, 1998, between the United States Department of Energy and United States Enrichment Corporation regarding disposal of depleted uranium. (1)
       
 
  10.28    
Memorandum of Agreement, entered into as of June 30, 1998, between the United States Department of Energy and United States Enrichment Corporation regarding certain worker benefits. (1)
       
 
  10.30    
Employment agreement, dated April 28, 1999, between USEC Inc. and William H. Timbers, President and Chief Executive Officer, incorporated by reference to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999.
       
 
  10.35    
USEC Inc. 1999 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-8, No. 333-71635, filed February 2, 1999.
       
 
  10.36    
Amendment No. 12, dated March 4, 1999, to Contract between USEC Inc., Executive Agent of the United States of America, and AO Techsnabexport, Executive Agent of the Ministry of Atomic Energy, Executive Agent of the Russian Federation, dated January 14, 1994, incorporated by reference to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999.
       
 
  10.38    
USEC Inc. Pension Restoration Plan, dated September 1, 1999, incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1999.
       
 
  10.39    
Form of Change in Control Agreement with executive officers, incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1999.
       
 
  10.40    
USEC Inc. 401(k) Restoration Plan, incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 1999.
       
 
  10.45    
Power Contract between Tennessee Valley Authority and United States Enrichment Corporation, dated July 11, 2000, incorporated by reference to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000. (Certain information has been omitted and filed separately pursuant to confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2).
       
 
  10.51    
USEC Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, dated April 7, 1999 and amended April 25, 2001, incorporated by reference to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.
       
 
  10.53    
Employment agreement between USEC Inc. and Dennis R. Spurgeon, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, dated June 4, 2001, as amended January 22, 2002, incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002.
       
 
  10.54    
Agreement, dated June 17, 2002, between U.S. Department of Energy and USEC Inc., incorporated by reference to current report on Form 8-K filed June 21, 2002.

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  10.55    
Promissory Note, dated February 1, 2002, between William H. Timbers and USEC Inc., incorporated by reference to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002.
       
 
  10.58    
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, Development of an Economically Attractive Gas Centrifuge Machine and Enrichment Process, by and between UT-Battelle, LLC, under its U.S. Department of Energy Contract, and USEC Inc., dated June 30, 2000, Amendment A, dated July 12, 2002, and Amendment B, dated September 11, 2002, incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.
       
 
  10.59    
Revolving credit agreement, dated as of September 27, 2002, among United States Enrichment Corporation, the lenders named therein parties thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank (as administrative agent, collateral agent and lead arranger), Merrill Lynch Capital (as syndication agent), GMAC Business Credit, LLC (as documentation agent), and Congress Financial Corporation (as managing agent), incorporated by reference to current report on Form 8-K filed October 4, 2002.
       
 
  10.60    
Guarantee, dated as of September 27, 2002, by USEC Inc. in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, (as administrative agent and collateral agent), in respect of the obligations of United States Enrichment Corporation under the revolving credit agreement, incorporated by reference to current report on Form 8-K filed October 4, 2002.
       
 
  10.61    
Agreement between USEC Inc. and James R. Mellor, dated July 22, 2003, incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.
       
 
  10.62    
Severance Agreement and General Release between USEC Inc. and Dennis R. Spurgeon, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, dated November 21, 2003.
       
 
  10.63    
Employment Agreement between USEC Inc. and Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, dated December 15, 2003.
       
 
  10.64    
Administrative Order on Consent for Removal Action in the Matter of Starmet CMI, dated February 6, 2004, between the United States Environmental Protection Agency, United States Enrichment Corporation, United States Department of Energy and United States Department of the Army.
       
 
  10.65    
Settlement Agreement (relating to Power Agreement between Ohio Valley Electric Corporation and the United States of America), dated February 9, 2004, between United States Enrichment Corporation and the United States of America, acting by and through the United States Department of Energy.
       
 
  10.66    
Agreement, dated February 17, 2004, between the U.S. Department of Energy and the United States Enrichment Corporation Concerning the Temporary Lease of Certain Facilities In Support of the American Centrifuge Program.
       
 
  21.1      
Subsidiaries of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Registration Statement on Form S-1, No. 333-67117, filed November 12, 1998, as amended December 18, 1998, and January 6, 1999.
       
 
  23.1      
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants.
       
 
  31.1      
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).
       
 
  31.2      
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).
       
 
  32         
Certification of CEO and CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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  99.4    
Letter from U.S. Department of State, dated August 23, 2002, in compliance with Rule 0-6 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, incorporated by reference to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002.


(1)   Incorporated by reference to Registration Statement on Form S-1, No. 333-57955, filed June 29, 1998, or Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed July 20, 1998.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

     On October 30, 2003, USEC filed a current report on Form 8-K, dated October 29, 2003, to furnish its press release announcing financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003.

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SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

         
  USEC Inc.    
       
March 12, 2004
  /s/ William H. Timbers    
 
 
   
  William H. Timbers    
  President and Chief Executive Officer    

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

             
Signature   Title   Date    

 
 
   
   
       
   
 
       
/s/ William H. Timbers
William H. Timbers
 
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Director
  March 12, 2004    
   
 
       
/s/ Ellen C. Wolf
Ellen C. Wolf
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
  March 12, 2004    
   
 
       
/s/ James R. Mellor
James R. Mellor
 
Chairman of the Board
  March 12, 2004    
   
 
       
/s/ Michael H. Armacost
Michael H. Armacost
 
Director
  March 12, 2004    
   
 
       
/s/ Joyce F. Brown
Joyce F. Brown
 
Director
  March 12, 2004    
   
 
       
/s/ John R. Hall
John R. Hall
 
Director
  March 12, 2004    
   
 
       
/s/ W. Henson Moore
W. Henson Moore
 
Director
  March 12, 2004    
   
 
       
/s/ Joseph F. Paquette, Jr.
Joseph F. Paquette, Jr.
 
Director
  March 12, 2004    
   
 
       
/s/ James D. Woods
James D. Woods
 
Director
  March 12, 2004    

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USEC Inc.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     
    Page
Report of Independent Auditors
  55
Report of Independent Public Accountants
  56
Consolidated Balance Sheets
  57
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)
  58
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
  59
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
  60
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  61 to 87

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of USEC Inc.:

     In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements of USEC Inc. listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of USEC Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2003, the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, and the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. The consolidated financial statements of USEC Inc. for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001, were audited by other independent accountants who have ceased operations. Those independent accountants expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements in their report dated July 26, 2001.

     As discussed in note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has restated the consolidated statements of income (loss) for the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, and for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 to reflect work under government contracts as revenue and cost of sales rather than as a component of other income (expense), net.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

McLean, Virginia
February 11, 2004

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

 

This is a copy of the report of independent public accountants issued by Arthur Andersen LLP on July 26, 2001. The report has not been reissued. The consolidated financial statements of USEC Inc. as of June 30, 2000, and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2000 and 1999 are not required to be included in this annual report.

To USEC Inc.:

     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of USEC Inc. (a Delaware Corporation) as of June 30, 2001 and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended June 30, 2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

     We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

     In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of USEC Inc. as of June 30, 2001 and 2000, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended June 30, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Vienna, Virginia
July 26, 2001

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USEC Inc.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(millions, except share and per share data)

                         
    December 31,   December 31,   June 30,
ASSETS   2003
  2002
  2002
 
Current Assets
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 249.1     $ 171.1     $ 279.2  
Accounts receivable – trade
    254.5       225.4       185.1  
Inventories:
                       
Separative work units
    673.0       689.1       708.1  
Uranium
    187.9       150.5       159.8  
Materials and supplies
    22.3       22.5       21.8  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total Inventories
    883.2       862.1       889.7  
Other
    39.9       29.1       26.7  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total Current Assets
    1,426.7       1,287.7       1,380.7  
Property, Plant and Equipment, net
    185.1       190.9       191.5  
Other Assets
                       
Deferred income taxes
    52.5       50.8       51.5  
Prepayment and deposit for depleted uranium
    47.1       46.1       46.0  
Prepaid pension benefit costs
    76.3       83.8       82.8  
Inventories
    266.1       390.2       415.5  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total Other Assets
    442.0       570.9       595.8  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total Assets
  $ 2,053.8     $ 2,049.5     $ 2,168.0  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                       
 
Current Liabilities
                       
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
  $ 221.5     $ 218.5     $ 224.2  
Payables under Russian Contract
    119.3       106.6       156.4  
Uranium owed to suppliers
    45.0              
Deferred revenue and advances from customers
    25.8       45.0       74.9  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total Current Liabilities
    411.6       370.1       455.5  
Long-Term Debt
    500.0       500.0       500.0  
Other Liabilities
                       
Deferred revenue and advances from customers
    13.5       21.2       23.4  
Depleted uranium disposition
    53.5       57.9       58.0  
Postretirement health and life benefit obligations
    138.1       137.8       135.1  
Other liabilities
    50.9       48.1       46.7  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total Other Liabilities
    256.0       265.0       263.2  
 
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 6, 10, and 11)
                       
 
Stockholders’ Equity
                       
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, 25,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
                 
Common stock, par value $.10 per share, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 100,320,000 shares issued
    10.0       10.0       10.0  
Excess of capital over par value
    1,009.0       1,054.8       1,066.1  
Retained earnings (deficit)
    (4.6 )     (15.3 )     10.6  
Treasury stock, 17,766,000, 18,547,000 and 19,010,000 shares.
    (127.7 )     (133.5 )     (136.8 )
Deferred compensation
    (.5 )     (1.6 )     (.6 )
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total Stockholders’ Equity
    886.2       914.4       949.3  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 2,053.8     $ 2,049.5     $ 2,168.0  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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USEC Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
(millions, except per share data)

                                                 
                    Six-Month   Fiscal Years
    Years Ended   Periods Ended   Ended
    December 31,
  December 31,
  June 30,
    2003
    2002
    2002
    2001
    2002
    2001
 
            (Unaudited)             (Unaudited)                  
            As restated
Revenue:
                                               
Separative work units
  $ 1,125.2     $ 1,192.0     $ 658.5     $ 775.8     $ 1,309.3     $ 1,057.3  
Uranium
    169.1       81.4       49.3       84.8       116.9       86.6  
U.S. Government contracts
    166.0       123.4       69.6       48.8       102.6       35.3  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total revenue
    1,460.3       1,396.8       777.4       909.4       1,528.8       1,179.2  
Cost of sales:
                                               
Separative work units and uranium
    1,145.0       1,189.5       675.0       806.7       1,321.2       991.7  
U.S. Government contracts
    150.2       115.2       66.0       51.7       100.9       38.1  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total cost of sales
    1,295.2       1,304.7       741.0       858.4       1,422.1       1,029.8  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Gross profit
    165.1       92.1       36.4       51.0       106.7       149.4  
Special charges (credit) for consolidating plant operations
          (6.7 )                 (6.7 )      
Advanced technology development costs
    44.8       22.9       16.0       5.7       12.6       11.4  
Selling, general and administrative
    69.4       54.1       27.6       24.2       50.7       48.8  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Operating income (loss)
    50.9       21.8       (7.2 )     21.1       50.1       89.2  
Interest expense
    38.4       36.5       18.6       18.4       36.3       35.2  
Interest (income)
    (5.4 )     (7.0 )     (3.2 )     (4.9 )     (8.7 )     (10.9 )
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    17.9       (7.7 )     (22.6 )     7.6       22.5       64.9  
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    7.2       (4.4 )     (7.9 )     2.8       6.3       (13.5 )
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 10.7     $ (3.3 )   $ (14.7 )   $ 4.8     $ 16.2     $ 78.4  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net income (loss) per share – basic and diluted
    $.13       $(.04 )     $(.18 )     $.06       $.20       $.97  
Dividends per share
    $.55       $.55       $.275       $.275       $.55       $.55  
Average number of shares outstanding
    82.2       81.4       81.6       80.9       81.1       80.7  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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USEC Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(millions)

                                                 
                    Six-Month   Fiscal Years
    Years Ended   Periods Ended   Ended
    December 31,
  December 31,
  June 30,
    2003
  2002
  2002
  2001
  2002
  2001
            (Unaudited)           (Unaudited)                
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
                                               
Net income (loss)
  $ 10.7     $ (3.3 )   $ (14.7 )   $ 4.8     $ 16.2     $ 78.4  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                                               
Depreciation and amortization
    29.3       28.4       13.0       8.5       23.9       22.6  
Depleted uranium disposition
    (5.4 )     (11.2 )     (.2 )     5.3       (5.7 )     25.9  
Deferred revenue and advances from customers
    (26.9 )     (25.3 )     (32.1 )     (57.0 )     (50.2 )     78.2  
Deferred income taxes
    (1.7 )     5.6       .7       (14.3 )     (9.4 )     (31.4 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                                               
Accounts receivable – (increase) decrease
    1.5       118.1       (40.3 )     (167.7 )     (9.3 )     247.3  
Inventories – net (increase) decrease
    117.7       71.9       52.9       217.7       236.7       (274.0 )
Payables under Russian Contract – increase (decrease)
    12.7       6.8       (49.8 )     (.5 )     56.1       59.8  
Accounts payable and other – net increase (decrease)
    7.0       10.0       1.0       (4.9 )     4.1       .8  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
    144.9       201.0       (69.5 )     (8.1 )     262.4       207.6  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities
                                               
Capital expenditures
    (24.9 )     (40.2 )     (12.4 )     (14.6 )     (42.4 )     (53.1 )
Insurance deposit
                      (21.4 )     (21.4 )      
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities
    (24.9 )     (40.2 )     (12.4 )     (36.0 )     (63.8 )     (53.1 )
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities
                                               
Dividends paid to stockholders
    (45.2 )     (44.7 )     (22.4 )     (22.3 )     (44.6 )     (44.3 )
Deferred financing costs
          (4.7 )     (4.7 )                  
Repayment of short-term debt
                                  (50.0 )
Repurchase of common stock
                                  (13.0 )
Common stock issued
    3.2       2.3       .9       1.3       2.7       2.3  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net Cash (Used in) Financing Activities
    (42.0 )     (47.1 )     (26.2 )     (21.0 )     (41.9 )     (105.0 )
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net Increase (Decrease)
    78.0       113.7       (108.1 )     (65.1 )     156.7       49.5  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    171.1       57.4       279.2       122.5       122.5       73.0  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  $ 249.1     $ 171.1     $ 171.1     $ 57.4     $ 279.2     $ 122.5  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
                                               
Interest paid
    $34.7       $33.1       $16.7       $16.6       $33.0       $34.4  
Income taxes paid (refund)
    (10.0 )     (5.4 )     (6.2 )     17.5       18.3       12.7  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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USEC Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(millions, except per share data)

                                                 
    Common                            
    Stock,   Excess of                        
    Par Value   Capital   Retained                   Total
    $.10 per   over   Earnings   Treasury   Deferred   Stockholders’
    Share
  Par Value
  (Deficit)
  Stock
  Compensation
  Equity
Balance at June 30, 2000
    10.0       1,070.7       4.9       (135.8 )     (2.5 )     947.3  
Restricted and other stock issued, net of amortization
          (3.8 )           6.6       1.6       4.4  
Repurchase of common stock
                      (13.0 )           (13.0 )
Dividends paid to stockholders
                (44.3 )                 (44.3 )
Net income
                78.4                   78.4  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Balance at June 30, 2001
    10.0       1,066.9       39.0       (142.2 )     (.9 )     972.8  
Restricted and other stock issued, net of amortization
          (.8 )           5.4       .3       4.9  
Dividends paid to stockholders
                (44.6 )                 (44.6 )
Net income
                16.2                   16.2  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Balance at June 30, 2002
    10.0       1,066.1       10.6       (136.8 )     (.6 )     949.3  
Restricted and other stock issued, net of amortization
          (.1 )           3.3       (1.0 )     2.2  
Dividends paid to stockholders
          (11.2 )     (11.2 )                 (22.4 )
Net income (loss)
                (14.7 )                 (14.7 )
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2002
    10.0       1,054.8       (15.3 )     (133.5 )     (1.6 )     914.4  
Restricted and other stock issued, net of amortization
          (.6 )           5.8       1.1       6.3  
Dividends paid to stockholders
          (45.2 )                       (45.2 )
Net income
                10.7                   10.7  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2003
  $ 10.0     $ 1,009.0     $ (4.6 )   $ (127.7 )   $ (.5 )   $ 886.2  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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USEC Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS

     USEC Inc., a Delaware corporation (“USEC”), is a global energy company and is the world’s leading supplier of low enriched uranium (“LEU”) for commercial nuclear power plants. USEC supplies LEU to electric utilities for use in about 160 nuclear reactors worldwide.

     Customers typically provide uranium to USEC as part of their enrichment contracts. Customers are billed for the separative work units (“SWU”) deemed to be contained in the LEU delivered to them. SWU is a standard unit of measurement which represents the effort required to separate specific quantities of uranium containing .711% of U235 into two components: enriched uranium having a higher percentage of U235 and depleted uranium having a lower percentage of U235. The SWU contained in LEU is calculated using an industry standard formula based on the physics of enrichment. USEC uses the gaseous diffusion process to enrich uranium, separating and concentrating the lighter uranium isotope U235 from its slightly heavier counterpart U238. The process relies on the slight difference in mass between the isotopes for separation. The concentration of the isotope U235 is increased from less than 1% to up to 5%. Revenue is derived from sales of the SWU component of LEU, from sales of both the SWU and uranium components of LEU, and from sales of uranium.

     USEC has been designated by the U.S. Government as the Executive Agent under a government-to-government agreement and as such entered into an agreement with the Executive Agent for the Russian Federation (the “Russian Contract”) under which USEC purchases the SWU component of LEU derived from highly enriched uranium recovered from dismantled nuclear weapons of the Russian Federation for use in commercial electricity production.

     USEC leases the Paducah gaseous diffusion plant located in Paducah, Kentucky and the Portsmouth gaseous diffusion plant located in Piketon, Ohio from the Department of Energy (“DOE”). USEC purchases about 78% of the electric power for the Paducah plant at fixed prices primarily under a power purchase agreement with Tennessee Valley Authority (“TVA”). USEC purchases the remaining portion of the electric power for the Paducah plant at market-based prices from TVA and under a power purchase contract between DOE and Electric Energy, Inc. (“EEI”).

     In May 2001, USEC ceased uranium enrichment operations at the Portsmouth plant and began cold standby and uranium deposit removal contract work for DOE. In 2001 and prior years, electric power for the Portsmouth plant had been purchased by USEC under a power purchase agreement between DOE and Ohio Valley Electric Corporation (“OVEC”).

     The gaseous diffusion plants are regulated by and are required to be recertified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) every five years. In 2003, USEC applied for and NRC granted a renewal of the certifications for the five-year period ending December 2008. The recertification represents NRC’s determination that the plants are in compliance with NRC safety, safeguards and security regulations.

     USEC is in the process of demonstrating the American Centrifuge technology and expects to construct and operate the American Centrifuge uranium enrichment plant by 2010. In January 2004, USEC selected Piketon, Ohio as the site for the American Centrifuge uranium enrichment plant.

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2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Consolidation

     USEC Inc. is a holding company. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of USEC Inc., its principal subsidiary, United States Enrichment Corporation, and its other subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions are eliminated.

     In November 2002, the Board of Directors approved a change in fiscal year end from June 30 to December 31, effective December 31, 2002. Changing the fiscal year to a calendar year enables USEC to better align financial reporting with the way it manages and operates the business.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

     Cash and cash equivalents include temporary cash investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Inventories

     Inventories of SWU and uranium are valued at the lower of cost or market. Market is based on the terms of long-term contracts with customers, and, for uranium not under contract, market is based primarily on long-term market prices quoted at the balance sheet date. SWU and uranium inventory costs are determined using the monthly moving average cost method. SWU costs are based on production costs at the plants, purchase costs under the Russian Contract, and costs of LEU recovered from downblending highly enriched uranium in the process of being transferred from the U.S. Government. Production costs consist principally of electric power, labor and benefits, depleted uranium disposition costs, materials, depreciation and amortization and maintenance and repairs. The cost of the SWU component of LEU purchased under the Russian Contract is recorded at acquisition cost plus related shipping costs.

     Underfeeding is a mode of operation that uses or feeds less uranium but requires more SWU in the enrichment process, which requires more electric power. The quantity of uranium that is earned or added to uranium inventory from underfeeding is accounted for as a byproduct of the enrichment process, the costs for which is based on the market value of uranium. Uranium inventory costs are increased and SWU inventory costs are reduced as a result of underfeeding uranium.

Property, Plant and Equipment

     Construction work in progress is recorded at acquisition or construction cost. Upon being placed into service, costs are transferred to leasehold improvements or machinery and equipment at which time depreciation and amortization commences. Leasehold improvements and machinery and equipment are recorded at acquisition cost and depreciated on a straight line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or the expected productive life of the plant which is estimated to be 2010 for the Paducah plant. USEC leases most, but not all, of the buildings and facilities at the Paducah and Portsmouth plants from DOE. At the end of the lease, ownership and responsibility for decontamination and decommissioning of property, plant and equipment that USEC leaves at the plants transfer to DOE. Property, plant and equipment assets at December 31, 2003, are not subject to an asset retirement obligation. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to production costs as incurred.

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     A summary of changes in property, plant and equipment follows (in millions):

                                                                                 
                    Impairment                        
            Capital   at   Transfers           Capital   Transfers    
    June 30,   Expenditures   Portsmouth   and   June 30,   Expenditures   and   December 31,
    2001
  (Depreciation)
  Plant
  Retirements
  2002
  (Depreciation)
  Retirements
  2002
Construction work in progress
  $ 24.2     $ 41.5     $ (.4 )   $ (42.2 )   $ 23.1     $ 12.1     $ (20.9 )   $ 14.3  
Leasehold improvements
    118.8             (11.3 )     27.4       134.9             13.4       148.3  
Machinery and equipment
    124.4       .9       (9.0 )     10.6       126.9       .3       7.5       134.7  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
    267.4       42.4       (20.7 )     (4.2 )     284.9       12.4             297.3  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (77.6 )     (23.9 )     4.3       3.8       (93.4 )     (13.0 )           (106.4 )
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
  $ 189.8     $ 18.5     $ (16.4 )   $ (.4 )   $ 191.5     $ (.6 )   $     $ 190.9  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
                                 
            Capital   Transfers    
    December 31,   Expenditures   and   December 31,
    2002
  (Depreciation)
  Retirements
  2003
Construction work in progress
  $ 14.3     $ 21.9     $ (27.1 )   $ 9.1  
Leasehold improvements
    148.3             3.1       151.4  
Machinery and equipment
    134.7       3.0       22.4       160.1  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
    297.3       24.9       (1.6 )     320.6  
 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (106.4 )     (29.3 )     .2       (135.5 )
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
  $ 190.9     $ (4.4 )   $ (1.4 )   $ 185.1  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Revenue

     Revenue from sales of the SWU and uranium components of LEU is recognized at the time LEU is delivered under the terms of contracts with domestic and international electric utility customers. Contracts with customers are primarily requirements contracts, under which customers are required to order LEU based on their annual reactor requirements. USEC ships LEU to nuclear fuel fabricators in advance of scheduled or anticipated orders from utility customers. Based on the customer orders, USEC arranges the transfer of title of LEU from USEC to the customer for the specified quantity of LEU at the fuel fabricator. Revenue is recognized when delivery of LEU to the customer occurs at the fuel fabricator. Some customers take title and delivery of LEU at the Paducah plant, and revenue is recognized when delivery occurs at the plant.

     Certain customers make advance payments to be applied against future orders or deliveries. Advances from customers are reported as deferred revenue, and revenue is recognized as LEU is delivered. Under SWU barter contracts, USEC exchanges SWU for electric power or uranium. Revenue from the sale of SWU under barter contracts is recognized at the time LEU is delivered with selling prices for SWU based on the fair market value of the electric power or uranium received. Revenue from SWU barter contracts amounted to $9.5 million in 2003 and $21.7 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002. There were no barter sales in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002.

     USEC performs contract work for DOE and DOE contractors at the Portsmouth and Paducah plants. USEC records revenue as work is performed and as fees are earned. Amounts representing contract change orders or revised provisional billing rates are accrued and included in revenue when they can be reliably estimated and realization is probable. Revenue includes billings for pension costs based on government cost accounting standards, whereas costs and expenses include pension costs determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

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Financial Instruments

     The balance sheet carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and payables under the Russian Contract approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of the instruments.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

     Credit risk could result from the possibility of a customer failing to perform according to the terms of a contract. Extension of credit is based on an evaluation of each customer’s financial condition. USEC regularly monitors credit risk exposure and takes steps to mitigate the likelihood of such exposure resulting in a loss. Based on experience and outlook, an allowance for bad debts has not been established for trade receivables from utility customers.

Environmental Costs

     Environmental costs relating to operations are accrued and charged to costs as incurred. Estimated future environmental costs, including depleted uranium disposition and waste disposal, are accrued where environmental assessments indicate that storage, treatment or disposal is probable and costs can be reasonably estimated. Costs are based on current cost estimates and are not discounted.

Advanced Technology Development Costs

     Centrifuge development costs relating to the process of demonstrating the American Centrifuge technology are charged to expense as incurred. Demonstration costs include engineering, manufacturing, and testing of major components at centrifuge test facilities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and the lead cascade demonstration facility in Piketon, Ohio. USEC expects that costs relating to the American Centrifuge uranium enrichment plant will begin to be capitalized in 2004.

Stock–Based Compensation

     Compensation expense for employee stock compensation plans is measured using the intrinsic value-based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” As long as stock options are granted at an exercise price that is equal to the market value of common stock at the date of grant, there is no compensation expense for the grant, vesting or exercise of stock options.

     Grants of restricted stock result in deferred compensation based on the market value of common stock at the date of grant. Deferred compensation is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Compensation expense for awards of restricted stock units is accrued over a three-year performance period.

     Under the disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure,” pro forma net income assumes compensation expense is recognized based on the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” with the fair value of stock options measured at the date of grant based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model and amortized to expense over the vesting period. The following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss) if the fair value method of accounting had been applied (in millions, except per share data):

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            Six-Month     Fiscal Years
    Year Ended     Period Ended     Ended
    December 31,
    December 31,
    June 30,
    2003
    2002
    2002
    2001
 
Net income (loss), as reported
    $10.7       $(14.7 )     $16.2       $78.4  
Add - Stock-based compensation expense included in reported results, net of tax
    2.8       1.0       2.6       1.3  
Deduct - Stock-based compensation expense determined under the fair-value method, net of tax
    (4.3 )     (2.0 )     (3.7 )     (2.7 )
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Pro forma net income (loss)
    $9.2       $(15.7 )     $15.1       $77.0  
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per share:
                               
As reported
    $.13       $(.18 )     $.20       $.97  
Pro forma
    $.11       $(.19 )     $.19       $.95  
 
Weighted average fair value per share of stock options granted
    $1.04       $1.83       $2.05       $.96  
 
Assumptions:
                               
Risk-free interest rate
    3.5 %     3.5 %     4.4 %     5.5 %
Expected dividend yield
    8 %     8 %     8 %     7-10 %
Expected volatility
    35 %     53 %     50 %     50-60 %
Expected option life
  6 years   6 years   6 years   6 years

Deferred Income Taxes

     USEC follows the asset and liability approach to account for deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the anticipated future tax consequences of temporary differences between the balance sheet carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred income taxes are based on income tax rates in effect for the years in which temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred income taxes of a change in income tax rates is recognized in income when the change in rates is enacted in the law. A valuation allowance is provided if it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized.

Net Income per Share

     Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is calculated by increasing the weighted average number of shares by the assumed conversion of potentially dilutive stock options.

Estimates

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and reported amounts of revenue and costs and expenses during the periods presented. Pension and postretirement health and life benefits obligations and costs are based on actuarial assumptions and expected returns on plan assets. Revenue includes estimates and judgments relating to the recognition of deferred revenue and price adjustments under contracts with customers that involve pricing based on inflation rates and customers’ nuclear fuel requirements. SWU and uranium inventories include estimates and judgments for production quantities and costs and the replacement or remediation of out-of-specification uranium by the DOE. Production costs include estimates of future costs for the storage, transportation and disposition of depleted uranium, the treatment and disposal of hazardous, low-level radioactive and mixed wastes, and plant lease turnover

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costs. Income taxes include estimates and judgments for the tax bases of assets and liabilities and the future recoverability of deferred tax assets. Actual results may differ from these estimates and such estimates may change if the underlying conditions or assumptions change.

New Accounting Standards

     Financial Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” was revised by the Financial Accounting Standards Board in December 2003. If an entity is determined to be a variable interest entity, it must be consolidated by the company that absorbs the majority of the entity’s expected losses or receives the majority of the entity’s expected residual returns. Adoption of the accounting interpretations did not have an effect on USEC’s financial condition or results of operations.

     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits” was revised by the Financial Accounting Standards Board in December 2003. USEC has provided additional disclosures related to plan assets, benefit obligations, cash flows, and net benefit costs as described in the revised accounting standards.

     Under SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of SFAS No. 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” new accounting standards amend and clarify financial accounting and reporting for derivatives and for hedging activities. Adoption of the new accounting standards did not have an effect on USEC’s financial condition or results of operations.

     Under SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity,” certain financial instruments with an obligation to transfer assets or to issue equity securities are classified as liabilities. Adoption of the new accounting standards did not have an effect on USEC’s financial condition or results of operations.

     In 2001, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) issued its proposed Statement of Position (“SOP”), “Accounting for Certain Costs and Activities Related to Property, Plant, and Equipment.” In 2003, the AICPA completed redeliberations of the proposed SOP based on the comment letters received, and a revised proposed SOP is expected to be submitted to the Financial Accounting Standards Board in 2004. USEC is in the process of evaluating the potential impact of the proposed SOP. USEC has not completed its assessment of the proposed SOP and has not determined whether or not it would have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

Financial Data Unaudited

     Unaudited consolidated condensed financial data for 2002 and for the six-month period ended December 31, 2001, are presented for comparative purposes. The financial data reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial results.

Reclassifications

     Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.

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3. RESTATEMENT OF STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)

     USEC performs contract work for DOE and DOE contractors at the Portsmouth and Paducah plants. Beginning in 2003, billings under government contracts are reported as part of revenue, and costs are reported as part of costs and expenses. In earlier years, the net amount of income or expense for government contracts had been reported as part of other income (expense) net. The statements of income (loss) for periods prior to 2003 have been restated to conform to the current presentation. Revenue and cost of sales increased, and other income (expense), net was adjusted by the net amount. There is no effect on net income (loss) or net income (loss) per share as a result of the change. The effects of the restatement follow (in millions, except per share data):

                   
      As previously    
      reported (1)   As restated (2)
     
 
Six-Month Period Ended December 31, 2002
               
 
Revenue
    $707.8       $777.4  
 
Cost of sales
    675.0       741.0  
 
Other (income) expense, net
    (3.6 )      
 
Net income (loss)
    (14.7 )     (14.7 )
 
Net income (loss) per share
    $(.18 )     $(.18 )
 
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2002
               
 
Revenue
    $1,426.2       $1,528.8  
 
Cost of sales
    1,321.2       1,422.1  
 
Other (income) expense, net
    (1.7 )      
 
Net income
    16.2       16.2  
 
Net income per share
    $.20       $.20  
 
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2001 (3)
               
 
Revenue
    $1,143.9       $1,179.2  
 
Cost of sales
    991.7       1,029.8  
 
Other (income) expense, net
    2.8 (3)      
 
Net income
    78.4       78.4  
 
Net income per share
    $.97       $.97  


(1) Prior to 2003, interest income, amounting to $3.2 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, $8.7 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, and $10.9 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001, had been reported as part of other income. Beginning in 2003, interest income is reported as a separate line item in the statement of income (loss) and periods prior to 2003 have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

(2) Pursuant to SFAS No. 131 “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” segment information is presented in note 15 to the consolidated financial statements.

(3) The consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001, have been restated to conform to the current year presentation. USEC considers this to be an inconsequential change.

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4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

     Accounts receivable include the following (in millions):

                             
        December 31,   December 31,   June 30,
        2003   2002   2002
       
 
 
 
Trade receivables:
                       
   
Utility customers
  $ 168.4     $ 163.5     $ 136.3  
   
U.S. Government contracts
    22.8       28.6       29.0  
 
   
     
     
 
 
                       
Uranium loaned to customers
    30.6             3.6  
Retainage under government contracts
          10.6       7.3  
Unbilled revenue under government contracts
    32.7       22.7       8.9  
 
   
     
     
 
 
  $ 254.5     $ 225.4     $ 185.1  
 
   
     
     
 

     Billings under government contracts are invoiced based on provisional billing rates approved by DOE. Unbilled revenue represents the difference between actual costs incurred and invoiced amounts. USEC expects to invoice and collect the unbilled amounts as soon as revised provisional billing rates are approved by DOE.

5. INVENTORIES

     Inventories and related balance sheet accounts follow (in millions):

                             
        December 31,   December 31,   June 30,
        2003   2002   2002
       
 
 
Current assets:
                       
 
Separative work units
  $ 673.0     $ 689.1     $ 708.1  
 
Uranium
    187.9       150.5       159.8  
 
Materials and supplies
    22.3       22.5       21.8  
 
   
     
     
 
 
    883.2       862.1       889.7  
Long-term assets:
                       
 
Out-of-specification uranium
    156.2       230.9       237.5  
 
Highly enriched uranium from Department of Energy
    109.9       159.3       178.0  
 
   
     
     
 
 
    266.1       390.2       415.5  
Current liabilities:
                       
 
Uranium owed to suppliers
    (45.0 )            
 
   
     
     
 
   
Inventories, net
  $ 1,104.3     $ 1,252.3     $ 1,305.2  
 
   
     
     
 

     Uranium Provided by Customers and Suppliers

     USEC holds uranium with estimated fair values of $877.9 million at December 31, 2003, $830.2 million at December 31, 2002, and $801.5 million at June 30, 2002, for which title is held by customers and suppliers and for which no assets or liabilities are recorded on the balance sheet. Utility customers provide uranium to USEC as part of their enrichment contracts. Title to uranium provided by customers remains with the customer until delivery of LEU at which time title to LEU is transferred to the customer.

     Replacing Out-of-Specification Natural Uranium Inventory

     In December 2000, USEC reported to DOE that 9,550 metric tons of natural uranium with a cost of $237.5 million transferred to USEC from DOE prior to privatization in 1998 may contain elevated levels of technetium that would put the uranium out of specification for commercial use. Out of specification means that the uranium would not meet the industry standard as defined in the

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American Society for Testing and Materials (“ASTM”) specification “Standard Specification for Uranium Hexafluoride for Enrichment.” The levels of technetium exceeded allowable levels in the ASTM specification. Under the DOE-USEC Agreement, DOE is obligated to replace or remediate the affected uranium inventory, and USEC has been working with DOE to facilitate this process.

     Under the DOE-USEC Agreement (“DOE-USEC Agreement”), USEC operated facilities at the Portsmouth plant for the 15-month period ending in September 2003 and completed the processing and removal of contaminants from 2,909 metric tons of out-of-specification natural uranium. USEC will release the United States Government from liability with respect to the 2,909 metric tons. USEC incurred direct costs of $20.6 million to operate the facilities, and DOE is compensating USEC for the direct costs by taking title to depleted uranium generated by USEC at the Paducah plant up to a maximum of 23.3 million kilograms of uranium. At December 31, 2003, DOE had taken title to 73% of the depleted uranium. The transfer of depleted uranium to DOE reduces USEC’s costs for the disposition of depleted uranium. In addition, DOE is responsible for and USEC has billed DOE for site infrastructure or indirect costs associated with the operation of the facilities.

     Under two subsequent agreements with DOE covering the period from September 18 to December 19, 2003, as well as additional processing subsequent to December 19, 2003, USEC processed and removed contaminants from 635 metric tons. At December 31, 2003, the remaining amount of uranium inventory that may be impacted is 6,006 metric tons with a cost of $156.2 million reported as part of long-term assets.

     Pursuant to the terms of the DOE-USEC Agreement, DOE was obligated to exchange, replace, clean up or reimburse USEC for 2,116 metric tons of the out-of-specification natural uranium as of March 31, 2003. Although DOE had not exchanged, replaced or cleaned up, or reimbursed USEC as of January 31, 2004, USEC expects DOE will fulfill its obligation pursuant to the terms of the DOE-USEC Agreement. With respect to the remaining out-of-specification natural uranium amounting to 3,890 metric tons, USEC is continuing to process the uranium in 2004. Negotiations are underway with DOE to agree on the terms of the clean-up program since December 19, 2003, and to extend the program to clean up the remaining contaminated uranium. However, continuation of the program is subject to DOE funding and Congressional appropriations.

     DOE’s obligations to replace or remediate all remaining out-of-specification natural uranium continue until all such uranium is replaced or remediated, and DOE’s obligations survive any termination of the DOE-USEC Agreement as long as USEC is producing low enriched uranium containing at least 1 million Separative Work Units per year at the Paducah plant or at a new enrichment facility. DOE’s obligations to replace or remediate out-of-specification natural uranium are subject to availability of appropriated funds and legislative authority, and compliance with applicable law. Although the parties are pursuing any necessary legislative or administrative authority, there can be no assurance that Congress will pass requisite legislation or that DOE will act on existing regulatory authority. An impairment in the valuation of uranium inventory would result if DOE fails to exchange, replace, clean up or reimburse USEC for some or all of the out-of-specification natural uranium for which DOE has assumed responsibility. Depending on the amount, an impairment could have an adverse effect on USEC’s financial condition and results of operations.

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6. PURCHASE OF SEPARATIVE WORK UNITS UNDER RUSSIAN CONTRACT

     In January 1994, USEC on behalf of the U.S. Government signed the 20-year Russian Contract with OAO Techsnabexport (“TENEX”, or “the Russian Executive Agent”), the Executive Agent for the Ministry of Atomic Energy of the Russian Federation, under which USEC purchases the SWU component of LEU derived from up to 500 metric tons of highly enriched uranium recovered from dismantled nuclear weapons from the former Soviet Union. Highly enriched uranium is blended down in Russia and delivered to USEC, F.O.B. St. Petersburg, Russia, for sale and use in commercial nuclear reactors.

     In June 2002, the U.S. and Russian governments approved implementation of new, market-based pricing terms for the remaining term of the Russian Contract through 2013. An amendment to the Russian Contract created a market-based mechanism to determine prices beginning in 2003 and continuing through 2013. In consideration for this stable and economic structure for the future, USEC agreed to extend the calendar year 2001 price of $90.42 per SWU through 2002. Beginning in 2003, prices are determined using a discount from an index of international and U.S. price points, including both long-term and spot prices. A multi-year retrospective of this index is used to minimize the disruptive effect of any short-term market price swings. The amendment also provides that, after the end of 2007, USEC and the Russian Executive Agent may agree on appropriate adjustments, if necessary, to ensure that the Russian Executive Agent receives at least $7,565 million for the SWU component over the 20-year term of the Russian Contract through 2013. From inception of the Russian Contract to December 31, 2002, USEC has purchased the SWU component at an aggregate cost of $3,188 million.

     The cost of the SWU component of LEU purchased under the Russian Contract, including related shipping charges, amounted to $453.7 million in 2003, $327.0 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, and $510.5 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002.

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7. INCOME TAXES

     The provision (credit) for income taxes follows (in millions):

                                     
                Six-Month   Fiscal Years
        Year Ended   Period Ended   Ended
        December 31,   December 31,   June 30,
       
 
 
        2003   2002   2002   2001
       
 
 
 
Current:
                               
 
Federal
  $ 12.1     $ (7.6 )   $ 14.1     $ 16.4  
 
State and local
    1.9       (1.0 )     1.6       1.5  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    14.0       (8.6 )     15.7       17.9  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Deferred:
                               
 
Federal
    (6.0 )     .6       (8.5 )     5.4  
 
State and local
    (.8 )     .1       (.9 )     .5  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    (6.8 )     .7       (9.4 )     5.9  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Special deferred tax credit from transition to
taxable status:
                               
   
Federal
                      (34.3 )
   
State and local
                      (3.0 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
                      (37.3 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
  $ 7.2     $ (7.9 )   $ 6.3     $ (13.5 )
 
   
     
     
     
 

     The provision (credit) for income taxes in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001, includes a special income tax credit of $37.3 million resulting from changes in the estimated amount of deferred income tax benefits that arose from the transition to taxable status. USEC transitioned to taxable status in July 1998 at the time of the privatization. The change in estimate resulted from a reassessment of certain deductions for which related income tax savings were not certain.

     Future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes and USEC’s estimate of the tax bases of its assets and liabilities resulted in deferred tax assets and liabilities, as follows (in millions):

                               
          December 31,   December 31,   June 30,
          2003   2002   2002
         
 
 
Deferred tax assets:
                       
 
Plant lease turnover and other exit costs
  $ 39.4     $ 42.1     $ 44.7  
 
Employee benefits costs
    23.6       18.5       18.7  
 
Tax intangibles
    10.3       11.4       12.0  
 
Deferred costs for depleted uranium
    23.5       28.4       27.0  
 
Tax credit carryforwards
    6.0       10.2       3.2  
 
Other
    .3       2.4       .4  
 
   
     
     
 
 
    103.1       113.0       106.0  
 
Valuation allowance
    (45.2 )     (45.2 )     (45.2 )
 
   
     
     
 
     
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
    57.9       67.8       60.8  
 
   
     
     
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
                       
 
Property, plant and equipment
    3.9       8.1       5.6  
 
Inventory costs
    1.5       8.9       3.7  
 
   
     
     
 
   
Deferred tax liabilities
    5.4       17.0       9.3  
 
   
     
     
 
 
  $ 52.5     $ 50.8     $ 51.5  
 
   
     
     
 

     The valuation allowance of $45.2 million reduces deferred tax assets to $57.9 million at December 31, 2003, a net amount that USEC has determined, based on an assessment of positive and negative available evidence, is more likely than not to be realized in future years. USEC intends to maintain the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets until changes in circumstances occur,

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such as developments relating to the American Centrifuge technology, or other positive or negative evidence is established to support a change in the allowance.

     A reconciliation of income taxes calculated based on the federal statutory income tax rate of 35% and the effective tax rate follows:

                                 
            Six-Month   Fiscal Years
    Year Ended   Period Ended   Ended
    December 31,   December 31,   June 30,
   
 
 
    2003   2002   2002   2001
   
 
 
 
Federal statutory tax rate
    35 %     (35 )%     35 %     35 %
State income taxes (credit), net of federal
    3       (3 )     3       5  
Export tax incentives
    (1 )     (3 )     (9 )     (5 )
Other
    3       6       (1 )     2  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    40       (35 )     28       37  
Special deferred tax credit from transition to
  taxable status
                      (58 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
    40 %     (35 )%     28 %     (21 )%
 
   
     
     
     
 

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8. DEBT

                           
      December 31,   December 31,   June 30,
      2003   2002   2002
     
 
 
Long-term debt (in millions):
                       
 
6.625% senior notes, due January 20, 2006
  $ 350.0     $ 350.0     $ 350.0  
 
6.750% senior notes, due January 20, 2009
    150.0       150.0       150.0  
 
   
     
     
 
 
  $ 500.0     $ 500.0     $ 500.0  
 
   
     
     
 

     There were no short-term borrowings at December 31, 2003, December 31, 2002, or June 30, 2002.

     In January 1999, USEC issued $350.0 million of 6.625% senior notes due January 20, 2006, and $150.0 million of 6.750% senior notes due January 20, 2009, resulting in net proceeds of $495.2 million. The senior notes are unsecured obligations and rank on a parity with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of USEC Inc. The senior notes are not subject to any sinking fund requirements. Interest is paid every six months on January 20 and July 20. The senior notes may be redeemed by USEC at any time at a redemption price equal to the principal amount plus any accrued interest up to the redemption date plus a make-whole premium, as defined.

     In September 2002, United States Enrichment Corporation, a wholly owned principal operating subsidiary of USEC, entered into a new three-year syndicated revolving credit facility. The facility provides up to $150 million in revolving credit commitments (including up to $50.0 million in letters of credit) and is secured by certain assets of the subsidiary and, subject to certain conditions, certain assets of USEC. Borrowings under the new facility are subject to limitations based on percentages of eligible accounts receivable and inventory. Obligations under the facility are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by USEC. Deferred financing costs for the revolving credit facility amounted to $4.7 million in 2002 and are being amortized to interest expense over the three-year term of the facility.

     Outstanding borrowings under the facility bear interest at a variable rate equal to, based on the borrower’s election, either (i) the sum of (x) the greater of the JPMorgan Chase Bank prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1% plus (y) a margin ranging from .75% to 1.25% based upon collateral availability or (ii) the sum of LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2.5% to 3% based on collateral availability. The revolving credit facility includes various operating and financial covenants that are customary for transactions of this type, including, without limitation, restrictions on the incurrence and prepayment of other indebtedness, granting of liens, sales of assets, making of investments, maintenance of a minimum amount of inventory, and payment of dividends or other distributions. The new facility does not restrict USEC’s payment of common stock dividends at the current level, subject to the maintenance of a specified minimum level of collateral. Failure to satisfy the covenants would constitute an event of default. At December 31, 2003, USEC was in compliance with the covenants under the revolving credit facility.

     At December 31, 2003, the fair value of debt calculated based on a credit-adjusted spread over U.S. Treasury securities with similar maturities was $466.0 million, compared with the balance sheet carrying amount of $500.0 million.

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9. SPECIAL CHARGES FOR CONSOLIDATING PLANT OPERATIONS

     Changes in accrued liabilities resulting from special charges for consolidating plant operations follow (in millions):

                                                           
    Balance   Paid   Balance   Special   Paid   Balance          
    June 30,   and   June 30,   Charge   and   June 30,          
    2000   Utilized   2001   (Credit)   Utilized   2002          
   
 
 
 
 
 
         
Workforce reductions
$ 45.2     $ (15.2 )   $ 30.0     $ (19.3 )   $ (1.5 )   $ 9.2            
Lease turnover and other exit costs
  30.7       (7.4 )     23.3       (3.8 )     (3.1 )     16.4            
Impairment of property,
plant and equipment
                    16.4       (16.4 )                
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
           
 
  $ 75.9     $ (22.6 )   $ 53.3     $ (6.7 )   $ (21.0 )   $ 25.6            
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
           
                                                           
      Balance           Paid   Balance           Paid   Balance
      June 30,   Charge   and   December 31,   Charge   and   December 31,
      2002   (Credit)   Utilized   2002   (Credit)   Utilized   2003
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
Workforce reductions:
                                                       
 
Portsmouth
  $ 9.2     $ (6.3 )     (2.9 )                        
 
Paducah
          6.3           $ 6.3     $ 1.3     $ (7.6 )      
Lease turnover and other
exit costs
    16.4             .1       16.5       (.8 )     (2.8 )   $ 12.9  
 
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
  $ 25.6     $     $ (2.8 )   $ 22.8     $ .5     $ (10.4 )   $ 12.9  
 
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

     In June 2000, USEC announced workforce reductions and plans to cease uranium enrichment operations at the Portsmouth plant, resulting in special charges of $141.5 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000 ($88.7 million or $.97 per share after tax). In May 2001, USEC ceased uranium enrichment operations at the Portsmouth plant as an important step in the ongoing efforts to consolidate plant operations, reduce costs, and better align worldwide supply and demand. In the first quarter of calendar 2002, USEC recorded a special credit of $6.7 million ($4.2 million or $.05 per share after tax) representing a change in estimate of costs for consolidating plant operations.

     Under the DOE-USEC Agreement, the Portsmouth plant has been operating facilities to remove contaminants from out-of-specification uranium inventories. As a result, the number of workforce reductions at the Portsmouth plant changed, and costs of $6.3 million previously accrued for workforce reductions were reduced in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, for the change in estimate. In November 2002, USEC announced and accrued estimated costs of $6.3 million for workforce reductions involving 200 employees at the Paducah plant. There was no net increase or decrease in estimated costs for workforce reductions in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002. In 2003, additional efficiencies were identified and the number of workforce reductions at the Paducah plant was expanded to 220 employees. The workforce reductions were completed in 2003 and resulted in the payment of the accrued liability of $6.3 million and the payment of an additional $1.3 million that was charged to cost of sales in 2003.

     Amounts paid and utilized include cash payments, non-cash charges for asset impairments, and liabilities incurred for incremental pension and postretirement health benefits. The remaining liability for lease turnover and other exit costs at the Portsmouth plant amounted to $12.9 million at December 31, 2003.

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10. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

     Environmental compliance costs include the handling, treatment and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes. Pursuant to the USEC Privatization Act, environmental liabilities associated with plant operations prior to July 28, 1998, are the responsibility of the U.S. Government, except for liabilities relating to certain identified wastes generated by USEC and stored at the plants. DOE remains responsible for decontamination and decommissioning of the plants.

Depleted Uranium

     USEC stores depleted uranium at the plants and accrues estimated costs for the future disposition of depleted uranium. The long-term liability is dependent upon the volume of depleted uranium generated and estimated transportation, conversion and disposal costs. Under the DOE-USEC Agreement, DOE is taking title to depleted uranium generated by USEC at the Paducah plant over a four-year period up to a maximum of 23.3 million kilograms of uranium. The transfer of depleted uranium to DOE reduces USEC’s costs for the disposition of depleted uranium. The accrued liability for the future disposition of depleted uranium is included in long-term liabilities and amounted to $53.5 million at December 31, 2003, $57.9 million at December 31, 2002, and $58.0 million at June 30, 2002.

     In June 1998, USEC and DOE entered into an agreement, under which DOE assumed responsibility for disposal of a certain quantity of depleted uranium to be generated by USEC and USEC paid $50.0 million to DOE. The prepayment for depleted uranium is reduced as depleted uranium is transferred to DOE over the term of the agreement. The unamortized balance included in prepayment and deposit for depleted uranium in long-term assets amounted to $24.7 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002 and at June 30, 2002.

     Compliance with NRC regulations requires that USEC provide financial assurance regarding the cost of the eventual disposition of depleted uranium for which USEC retains disposal responsibility. An insurance deposit of $21.4 million was paid in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, in connection with the issuance of a surety bond for the eventual disposition of depleted uranium. The insurance deposit is included in prepayment and deposit for depleted uranium in long-term assets, and earns interest at a rate approximating the five-year U.S. Treasury rate.

Other Environmental Matters

     USEC’s operations generate hazardous, low-level radioactive and mixed wastes. The storage, treatment, and disposal of wastes are regulated by federal and state laws. USEC utilizes offsite treatment and disposal facilities and stores wastes at the plants pursuant to permits, orders and agreements with DOE and various state agencies. Liabilities accrued for the treatment and disposal of stored wastes generated by USEC’s operations amounted to $5.1 million at December 31, 2003, $4.4 million at December 31, 2002, and $4.8 million at June 30, 2002.

Nuclear Indemnification

     DOE is required to indemnify USEC against claims for public liability arising out of or in connection with activities under the lease, including domestic transportation, resulting from a nuclear incident or precautionary evacuation. DOE’s obligations are capped at the $9.4 billion statutory limit calculated pursuant to the Price-Anderson Act for each nuclear incident or precautionary evacuation occurring inside the United States, as these terms are defined in the U.S. Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. The DOE indemnification against public liability provided in the USEC lease was not affected by the expiration or the renewal of the Price-Anderson Act and continues in effect.

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     In connection with international transportation of LEU, it is possible for a claim to be asserted which may not fall within the indemnification under the Price-Anderson Act. In its customer contracts and operations, USEC takes steps to mitigate any risk consistent with commercial practice in the nuclear fuel business, and USEC believes that, in the event a claim was asserted, it would be covered by international conventions and/or applicable national laws.

11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Power Contracts and Commitments

     The gaseous diffusion process uses significant amounts of electric power to enrich uranium, and, in 2003, the power load at the Paducah plant averaged 1,409 megawatts. Costs for electric power represented 61% of production costs at the Paducah plant in 2003. USEC reduces LEU production and the related power load in the summer months when power availability is low and power costs are high. USEC purchased 78% of the electric power for the Paducah plant in 2003 at fixed prices primarily under a power purchase agreement with Tennessee Valley Authority (“TVA”). Capacity under the TVA agreement ranges from 300 megawatts in the summer months to 1,650 megawatts in the non-summer months, and prices are fixed through May 2006. Subject to prior notice and under certain circumstances, TVA may interrupt power to the Paducah plant, except for a minimum load of 300 megawatts that can only be interrupted under limited circumstances.

     In addition, USEC purchases the remaining portion of the electric power for the Paducah plant at market-based prices from TVA and under a power purchase contract between DOE and Electric Energy, Inc. (“EEI”). DOE transferred the benefits of the EEI power purchase contract to USEC. Market prices for electric power vary seasonally with rates higher during the winter and summer as a function of the extremity of the weather.

     USEC is obligated, whether or not it takes delivery of electric power, to make minimum annual payments for the purchase of electric power from TVA and others, estimated as follows (in millions):

         
2004
  $ 278.5  
2005
    256.0  
2006
    145.5  
 
   
 
 
  $ 680.0  
 
   
 

     Ohio Valley Electric Corporation

     In fiscal 2001 and prior years, USEC purchased electric power for the Portsmouth uranium enrichment plant from DOE under a contract that USEC concluded with DOE in July 1993. DOE acquired the power from the Ohio Valley Electric Corporation (“OVEC”) under a power purchase agreement signed in 1952. In June 2000, USEC announced that it would cease uranium enrichment operations at the Portsmouth plant in June 2001. As a result of this decision, in September 2000, USEC requested that DOE notify OVEC that DOE would terminate the power purchase agreement effective April 30, 2003, and that DOE would cease taking power after August 2001. At the end of fiscal 2001, USEC ceased uranium enrichment operations at the Portsmouth plant.

     As a result of termination of the power purchase agreement, DOE is responsible for a portion of the costs incurred by OVEC for postretirement health and life insurance benefits and for the eventual decommissioning, demolition and shutdown of the coal-burning power generating facilities owned and operated by OVEC. Under its July 1993 contract with DOE, USEC is, in turn, responsible for a portion of DOE’s costs. In February 2004, OVEC and DOE, and DOE and USEC, entered into agreements and settled all the issues relating to the termination, and USEC paid $33.2 million representing its share of costs.

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Legal Matters

     Environmental Matters

     In 1998, USEC contracted with Starmet CMI (“Starmet”) to convert a small portion of USEC’s depleted uranium into a form that could be used in certain beneficial applications or disposed of at existing commercial disposal facilities. In 2002, Starmet ceased operations at its Barnwell, South Carolina facility.

     In November 2002, USEC received notice from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) that EPA was undertaking removal action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), as amended (commonly known as Superfund), to clean up two evaporation ponds and remove and dispose of certain drums and other material located at Starmet’s Barnwell site containing uranium and other byproducts of Starmet’s activities at the site. The notice also stated that EPA believed USEC as well as other parties, including agencies of the U.S. Government, are potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”) under CERCLA. EPA plans to return the site to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (“SCDHEC”) after the completion of EPA’s removal action for SCDHEC to conduct an investigation to determine if there is a need for any further actions at the site.

     In February 2003, USEC received notice from SCDHEC indicating that USEC and other parties, including agencies of the U.S. Government, are PRPs under CERCLA and applicable South Carolina law. In May 2003, SCDHEC requested that USEC and other parties reimburse SCDHEC for $.4 million in costs it had incurred. The parties have agreed to a proposed settlement, and USEC has accrued its share of such costs.

     Based on EPA estimates and other data, estimated costs to remove and dispose of drums and other material and to remediate the two evaporation ponds at the site have increased to $25 to $30 million. In February 2004, USEC and certain federal agencies who have been identified as PRPs under CERCLA entered into an agreement with EPA, under which USEC is responsible for removing certain material from the site that is attributable to quantities of depleted uranium USEC had sent to the site. USEC has engaged contractors to remove and dispose of such material.

     The EPA will perform the removal and disposal of the remaining material using funds provided by the settling federal agencies. USEC will receive contribution protection and covenants from EPA not to sue for the material being removed by USEC and the material being removed by EPA with funding from the settling federal agencies. The agreement does not settle or provide protection against any claims EPA may bring for past or future costs of remediating the evaporation ponds or other matters at the site.

     It is not known what additional cleanup could be required by EPA or SCDHEC or to what extent such costs may be recoverable under CERCLA or South Carolina law from USEC or from other PRPs. Under CERCLA, EPA has the authority to order USEC or the other PRPs to clean up the Barnwell site or EPA may initiate an action in federal court for reimbursement of costs incurred in cleaning up the site. Each PRP may be held jointly and severally liable for all cleanup costs incurred by third parties, such as EPA.

     At December 31, 2003, USEC has an accrued liability of $9.0 million representing its current estimate of its share of costs to comply with the EPA settlement agreement, the proposed SCDHEC settlement, and other costs associated with the Starmet facility. Additional costs could be incurred due to a number of factors including, but not limited to, increases in costs associated with the removal and disposal of material from the Starmet site, increases in costs associated with remediation of the evaporation ponds, or a decision by EPA or SCDHEC to perform additional remediation at the site after completion of the removal and disposal activities. An allocation of costs to USEC in excess of the amounts that USEC has accrued at December 31, 2003, could have an adverse effect on

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USEC’s results of operations.

     Other

     USEC is subject to various other legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted, which arise in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these claims cannot be predicted with certainty, USEC does not believe that the outcome of any of these legal matters will have a material adverse effect on its results of operations or financial position.

Lease Commitments

     Total costs incurred under the lease with DOE for the plants and leases for office space and equipment aggregated $7.5 million in 2003, $3.3 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, and $6.5 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002. Minimum lease payments are estimated at $6.0 million for 2004, $5.7 million for 2005, $4.8 million for 2006, $4.8 million for 2007, and $4.4 million for 2008.

     Except as provided in the DOE-USEC Agreement, USEC has the right to extend the lease for the plants indefinitely and may terminate the lease in its entirety or with respect to one of the plants at any time upon two year’s notice. DOE retained responsibility for decontamination and decommissioning of the plants. At termination of the lease, USEC may leave the property in “as is” condition, but must remove all wastes generated by USEC, which are subject to off-site disposal, and must place the plants in a safe shutdown condition. Lease turnover costs are accrued based on current cost estimates over the expected productive life of the plant which is estimated to be 2010 for the Paducah plant. Accrued liabilities for lease turnover costs are not discounted and amounted to $42.7 million at December 31, 2003, $39.9 million at December 31, 2002, and $38.5 million at June 30, 2002.

12. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH AND LIFE BENEFITS

     There are 7,300 employees and retirees covered by defined benefit pension plans providing retirement benefits based on compensation and years of service, and 3,500 employees, retirees and dependents covered by postretirement health and life benefit plans. DOE retained the obligation for postretirement health and life benefits for workers who retired prior to July 28, 1998.

     The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 enacted in December 2003 will provide a prescription drug benefit for seniors and a federal subsidy to sponsors of postretirement health benefit plans. The postretirement health benefit obligation and the related benefit cost in 2003 do not reflect effects of the legislation. USEC is continuing to evaluate the legislation and its effect on the postretirement health benefit obligation and costs. The Financial Accounting Standards Board has indicated that it will provide accounting guidance on the effects of the legislation.

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     Changes in the projected benefit obligations and plan assets and the funded status of the plans follow (in millions):

                                                 
                            Postretirement Health
    Defined Benefit Pension Plans
  and Life Benefit Plans
            Six-Month   Fiscal Year           Six-Month   Fiscal Year
    Year Ended   Period Ended   Ended   Year Ended   Period Ended   Ended
    December 31,   December 31,   June 30,   December 31,   December 31,   June 30,
    2003
  2002
  2002
  2003
  2002
  2002
Changes in Benefit Obligations
                                               
Obligations at beginning of period
  $ 521.2     $ 486.2     $ 452.5     $ 193.3     $ 173.2     $ 153.6  
Actuarial (gains) losses
    66.1       26.3       17.4       26.7       12.1       3.5  
Service costs
    11.5       5.6       10.3       6.3       3.5       7.2  
Interest costs
    35.3       17.3       34.6       13.2       6.3       11.9  
Benefits paid
    (31.8 )     (14.2 )     (28.6 )     (4.9 )     (1.8 )     (3.0 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Obligations at end of period
    602.3       521.2       486.2       234.6       193.3       173.2  
 
Changes in Plan Assets
                                               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period
    507.6       542.5       574.4       42.7       43.7       42.0  
Actual return (loss) on plan assets
    126.4       (22.3 )     (4.3 )     11.0       (2.8 )     (1.5 )
USEC contributions
    8.9       1.6       1.0       8.3       3.6       6.2  
Benefits paid
    (31.8 )     (14.2 )     (28.6 )     (4.9 )     (1.8 )     (3.0 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at end of period
    611.1       507.6       542.5       57.1       42.7       43.7  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Funded (unfunded) status
    8.8       (13.6 )     56.3       (177.5 )     (150.6 )     (129.5 )
Unrecognized prior service costs (benefit)
    2.9       1.4       1.5       (3.3 )     (5.8 )     (7.0 )
Unrecognized net actuarial (gains) losses
    64.6       96.0       25.0       42.7       18.6       1.4  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Prepaid (accrued) benefit costs at end of period
  $ 76.3     $ 83.8     $ 82.8     $ (138.1 )   $ (137.8 )   $ (135.1 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
                                               
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at end of period:
                                               
Discount rate
    6.00 %     6.75 %     7.25 %     6.00 %     6.75 %     7.25 %
Compensation increases
    4.00       4.25       4.50       4.00       4.25       4.50  

     Projected benefit obligations are based on actuarial assumptions including future increases in compensation. Accumulated benefit obligations are based on actuarial assumptions but do not include possible future increases in compensation. The accumulated benefit obligations for the defined benefit pension plans was $525.7 million at December 31, 2003, $456.3 million at December 31, 2002, and $419.3 million at June 30, 2002.

     The expected cost of providing pension benefits is accrued over the years employees render service, and actuarial gains and losses are amortized over the employees’ average future service life. For postretirement health and life benefits, actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs or benefits are amortized over the employees’ average remaining years of service from age 40 until the date of full benefit eligibility.

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     The components of net benefit costs (income) follow (in millions):

                                                                 
                                    Postretirement Health
    Defined Benefit Pension Plans
  and Life Benefits Plans
            Six-Month   Fiscal Years           Six-Month   Fiscal Years
    Year Ended   Period Ended   Ended   Year Ended   Period Ended   Ended
    December 31,
  December 31,
  June 30,
  December 31,
  December 31,
  June 30,
    2003
  2002
  2002
  2001
  2003
  2002
  2002
  2001
Service cost
  $ 11.5     $ 5.6     $ 10.3     $ 9.4     $ 6.3     $ 3.5     $ 7.2     $ 7.1  
Interest cost
    35.3       17.3       34.6       33.7       13.2       6.3       11.9       12.4  
Expected return on plan assets (gains)
    (44.5 )     (23.5 )     (50.5 )     (55.0 )     (3.6 )     (2.0 )     (3.6 )     (3.4 )
Amortization of prior service costs (credit)
    .2             .1             (2.4 )     (1.2 )     (2.4 )     (2.4 )
Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses
    4.8
     
     
      (7.3)
   
     
     
     
 
Net benefit costs (income)
  $ 7.3     $ (.6)   $ (5.5)     $ (19.2)     $ 13.5     $ 6.6     $ 13.1     $ 13.7  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
                                                                 
Assumptions used to determine net benefit costs:
                                                               
Discount rate
    6.75 %     7.25 %     7.50 %     8.00 %     6.75 %     7.25 %     7.50 %     8.00 %
Expected return on plan assets
    9.00       9.00       9.00       9.00       9.00       9.00       9.00       9.00  
Compensation increases
    4.25       4.5       4.50       4.50       4.25       4.50       4.50       4.50  

     The expected return on plan assets for determining net benefits costs has been reduced to 8.50% for 2004. The expected return is based on the weighted average of long-term return expectations for the composition of the plans’ equity and debt securities. Expected returns for each asset class are based on historical returns and expectations of future returns. Independent investment advisors manage assets in each category to maximize investment returns within reasonable and prudent levels of risk. Risk is reduced by diversifying plan assets in a broad mix of asset classes and by following a strategic asset allocation approach. Asset classes and target weights are adjusted periodically to optimize the long-term portfolio risk/return tradeoff, to provide liquidity for benefit payments, and to align portfolio risk with the underlying obligations.

     Healthcare cost trend rates used to measure postretirement health benefit obligations follow:

                         
    Postretirement Health
    Benefits Plans
    December 31,
  June 30,
    2003
  2002
  2002
Healthcare cost trend rate for the following year
    10 %     10 %     12 %
Long-term rate that the healthcare cost trend rate gradually declines to
    5 %     5 %     5 %
Year that the healthcare cost trend rate is expected to reach the long-term rate
    2009     2006     2006

     A one-percentage-point change in the assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have an effect on the postretirement health benefit obligation and costs, as follows (in millions):

                 
    One Percentage Point
    Increase
  Decrease
Postretirement health benefit obligation
  $ 34.0     $ (27.7 )
Net benefit costs
    3.2       (2.6 )

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Plan Assets

     The allocation of plan assets between equity and debt securities and the target allocation range by asset category follows:

                                 
    Percentage of Plan Assets
  Target
Allocation
    December 31,
  June 30,
  Range
    2003
  2002
  2002
  2003
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
                               
Equity securities
    63 %     59 %     60 %     50-70 %
Debt securities
    37       41       40       30-50  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
         
 
    100 %     100 %     100 %        
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
         
Postretirement Health and Life Plans
                               
Equity securities
    65 %     64 %     63 %     55-75 %
Debt securities
    35       36       37       25-45  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
         
 
    100 %     100 %     100 %        
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
         

Cash Flows

     USEC’s cash contributions to the plans in 2004 are expected as follows: $8.3 million for the defined benefit pension plans and $9.0 million for the postretirement health and life benefit plans.

Other Plans

     USEC sponsors 401(k) and other defined contribution plans for employees. Employee contributions are matched at established rates. Amounts contributed are invested in securities and administered by independent trustees. USEC’s matching cash contributions amounted to $4.8 million in 2003, $2.6 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, and $5.3 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002.

13. DEFERRED COMPENSATION

     Pursuant to Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (“SERP”) and pension restoration plans, USEC provides executive officers additional retirement benefits in excess of qualified plan limits imposed by tax law. Under a 401(k) restoration plan, executive officers contribute and USEC matches contributions in excess of amounts eligible under the 401(k) plan. Costs for plans providing SERP, pension and 401(k) restoration benefits for executive officers amounted to $9.7 million in 2003, $1.3 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, $2.3 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, and $1.3 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.

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14. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Dividend Payments

     Cash dividend payments of $45.2 million (quarterly rate of $.1375 per share) in 2003 and $11.2 million (or $.1375 per share) paid in December 2002 were charged against excess of capital over par value in the stockholders’ equity section. Cash dividends paid at the quarterly rate of $.1375 per share in March, June and September 2002 aggregated $33.5 million and were charged against retained earnings.

Common Stock

     Changes in the number of shares of common stock outstanding follow (in thousands):

                         
    Shares   Treasury   Shares
    Issued
  Stock
  Outstanding
Balance at June 30, 2000
    100,320       (17,842 )     82,478  
Repurchase of common stock
          (2,819 )     (2,819 )
Common stock issued
          907       907  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance at June 30, 2001
    100,320       (19,754 )     80,566  
Common stock issued
          744       744  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance at June 30, 2002
    100,320       (19,010 )     81,310  
Common stock issued
          463       463  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2002
    100,320       (18,547 )     81,773  
Common stock issued
          781       781  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2003
    100,320       (17,766 )     82,554  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

Preferred Stock Purchase Rights

     In April 2001, the Board of Directors approved a shareholder rights plan, under which shareholders of record on May 9, 2001, received rights that initially trade together with USEC common stock and are not exercisable. In the absence of further action by the Board, the rights generally would become exercisable and allow the holder to acquire USEC common stock at a discounted price if a person or group acquires 15% or more of the outstanding shares of USEC common stock or commences a tender or exchange offer to acquire 15% or more of the common stock of USEC. However, any rights held by the acquirer would not be exercisable. The Board of Directors may direct USEC to redeem the rights at $.01 per right at any time before the tenth day following the acquisition of 15% or more of USEC common stock.

Stock-Based Compensation

     In February 1999, stockholders approved the USEC Inc. 1999 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), under which 9.0 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance over a 10-year period: 6,750,000 shares for nonqualified and incentive stock options and 2,250,000 shares for restricted stock or stock units, performance awards and other stock-based awards. There were 2,227,000 shares available for future awards under the Plan at December 31, 2003, including: 1,494,000 shares available for grants of stock options and 733,000 shares for other awards. A total of 3,092,000 shares was available at December 31, 2002.

     Grants of restricted stock, net of forfeitures, resulted in deferred compensation, based on the market value of common stock at the date of grant, of $1.4 million in 2003, $2.1 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, and $2.3 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002. Sale of such shares is restricted prior to the date of vesting. Deferred compensation is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

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     Compensation expense for restricted stock units is accrued to expense over a three-year performance period.

     Stock-based compensation expense amounted to $4.5 million in 2003, $1.6 million in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, and $4.2 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002.

     As long as stock options are granted at an exercise price equal to the market value of common stock at the date of grant, there is no compensation expense for the grant, vesting, or exercise of stock options. Options vest or become exercisable in equal annual installments over a three to five year period and expire 10 years from the date of grant. In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, certain officers and employees surrendered their rights to 1.2 million stock options that had been granted to them in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000, at an exercise price of $11.88 per share. A summary of shares available for grants of stock options and stock options outstanding follows (shares in thousands):

                         
             
    Shares   Outstanding Stock Options
    Available for           Weighted-
    Grant of           Average
    Stock Options
  Shares
  Exercise Price
Balance at June 30, 2000
    2,571       4,179     $ 8.27  
Granted
    (108 )     108       4.33  
Exercised
          (67 )     4.69  
Forfeited
    972       (972 )     9.69  
 
   
 
     
 
         
Balance at June 30, 2001
    3,435       3,248       7.78  
Granted
    (1,138 )     1,138       8.18  
Exercised
          (162 )     5.06  
Forfeited
    1,378       (1,378 )     11.36  
 
   
 
     
 
         
Balance at June 30, 2002
    3,675       2,846       6.40  
Granted
    (1,575 )     1,575       7.02  
Exercised
          (56 )     4.69  
Forfeited
    37       (37 )     8.30  
 
   
 
     
 
         
Balance at December 31, 2002
    2,137       4,328       6.63  
Granted
    (728 )     728       6.97  
Exercised
          (264 )     5.19  
Forfeited
    85       (85 )     10.16  
 
   
 
     
 
         
Balance at December 31, 2003
    1,494       4,707       6.70  
 
   
 
     
 
         

     Options outstanding and options exercisable at December 31, 2003, follow (shares in thousands):

                             
Exercise   Options   Remaining   Options
Price
  Outstanding
  Life in Years
  Exercisable
  $4.69       1,234       6.3       1,234  
  7.00       699       8.2       112  
  7.02       1,443       7.4       665  
  7.90       300       .9       300  
  8.50       743       7.6       519  
  4 to 14       288       7.1       216  
 
       
 
             
 
 
 
        4,707       6.8       3,046  
 
       
 
             
 
 

     In February 1999, stockholders approved the USEC Inc. 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan under which 2.5 million shares of common stock can be purchased over a 10-year period by participating employees at 85% of the lower of the market price at the beginning or the end of each six-month offer period. Employees can elect to designate up to 10% of their compensation to

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purchase common stock under the plan. There were 333,000 shares purchased by participating employees in 2003, 130,000 shares purchased in the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, and 320,000 shares purchased in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002.

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15. REVENUE BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA, MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND SEGMENT INFORMATION

     Revenue attributed to domestic and foreign customers, including customers in a foreign country representing 10% or more of total revenue, follows (in millions):

                                                 
                    Six-Month   Fiscal Years
    Years Ended   Periods Ended   Ended
    December 31,
  December 31,
  June 30,
    2003
  2002
  2002
  2001
  2002
  2001
            (Unaudited)           (Unaudited)                
United States
  $ 931.7     $ 860.2     $ 457.0     $ 651.2     $ 1,054.3     $ 592.2  
 
Foreign:
                                               
Japan
    277.8       342.9       171.0       178.6       350.5       370.6  
Other
    250.8       193.7       149.4       79.6       124.0       216.4  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    528.6       536.6       320.4       258.2       474.5       587.0  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 1,460.3     $ 1,396.8     $ 777.4     $ 909.4     $ 1,528.8     $ 1,179.2  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

     Revenue from Exelon Corporation, a domestic customer, represented more than 10%, but less than 15% of total revenue in 2003, the six-month period ended December 31, 2002, and the fiscal years ended June 30, 2002 and 2001. Revenue under government contracts with DOE and DOE contractors represented 11% of total revenue in 2003.

     USEC’s long-term or long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment and other assets reported on the balance sheet at December 31, 2003, all of which were located in the United States.

     USEC has two reportable segments: low enriched uranium and U.S. Government contracts. Low enriched uranium is the primary business focus and includes sales of the SWU component of LEU, sales of both the SWU and uranium components of LEU, and sales of uranium. The government contracts segment represents work performed for DOE and DOE contractors at the Portsmouth and Paducah plants.

     Operating income for segment reporting is measured before selling, general and administrative expenses. Advanced technology development costs reduce the operating income of the low enriched uranium segment. There are no intersegment transactions that impact revenue or operating income before selling, general, and administrative expenses.

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            Six-Month   Fiscal Years
    Year Ended   Period Ended   Ended
    December 31,
  December 31,
  June 30,
    2003
  2002
  2002
  2001
            (millions)        
Revenue:
                               
Low enriched uranium
  $ 1,294.3     $ 707.8     $ 1,426.2     $ 1,143.9  
U.S. Government contracts
    166.0       69.6       102.6       35.3  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 1,460.3     $ 777.4     $ 1,528.8     $ 1,179.2  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income (loss) before selling, general, and administrative expenses:
                               
Low enriched uranium
  $ 149.3     $ 32.8     $ 111.7     $ 152.2  
Less: Advanced technology development costs
    44.8       16.0       12.6       11.4  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    104.5       16.8       99.1       140.8  
U.S. Government contracts
    15.8 (1)     3.6       1.7       (2.8 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income before selling, general, and administrative expenses
    120.3       20.4       100.8       138.0  
Selling, general, and administrative
    69.4       27.6       50.7       48.8  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income (loss)
    50.9       (7.2 )     50.1       89.2  
Interest expense, net of interest income
    33.0       15.4       27.6       24.3  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ 17.9     $ (22.6 )   $ 22.5     $ 64.9  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 


(1)   Operating income before selling, general, and administrative expenses for government contracts in 2003 includes $11.8 million resulting from USEC and DOE finalizing the cold standby and uranium deposit removal contract in September 2003 for work performed at the Portsmouth plant from July 2001 to December 2003. USEC earned a fee on the contract along with a pension cost adjustment. The pension adjustment results from differences between pension costs calculated and funded in accordance with government cost accounting standards and pension costs determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
                         
    December 31,   December 31,   June 30,
    2003
  2002
  2002
            (millions)        
Assets:
                       
Low enriched uranium
  $ 1,995.7     $ 1,987.6     $ 2,122.8  
U.S. Government contracts
    58.1       61.9       45.2  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 2,053.8     $ 2,049.5     $ 2,168.0  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

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16. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)

     The following table summarizes quarterly and annual results of operations (in millions, except per share data):

                                         
    March 31,   June 30,   Sept. 30,   Dec. 31,   Year
    2003
  2003
  2003
  2003
  2003
    As restated(1)
               
Revenue
  $ 327.1     $ 362.6     $ 341.1     $ 429.5     $ 1,460.3  
Cost of sales
    292.0       321.0       304.4       377.8       1,295.2  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Gross profit
    35.1       41.6       36.7       51.7       165.1  
Advanced technology development costs
    9.6       11.0       10.6       13.6       44.8  
Selling, general and administrative
    14.4       14.8       12.3       27.9       69.4  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income
    11.1       15.8       13.8       10.2       50.9  
Interest expense
    9.2       9.7       9.8       9.7       38.4  
Interest (income)
    (1.7 )     (1.4 )     (1.5 )     (.8 )     (5.4 )
Provision for income taxes
    1.5       3.2       2.1       .4       7.2  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income
  $ 2.1     $ 4.3     $ 3.4     $ .9     $ 10.7  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income per share – basic and diluted
  $ .03     $ .05     $ .04     $ .01     $ .13  
Average number of shares outstanding
    82.0       82.2       82.3       82.5       82.2  
                                         
    March 31,   June 30,   Sept. 30,   Dec. 31,   Year
    2002
  2002
  2002
  2002
  2002
    As restated (1)
Revenue
  $ 272.6     $ 346.8     $ 394.4     $ 383.0     $ 1,396.8  
Cost of sales
    252.5       311.2       367.6       373.4       1,304.7  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Gross profit
    20.1       35.6       26.8       9.6       92.1  
Special charge (credit) for consolidating plant operations
    (6.7 )(2)                       (6.7 )(2)
Advanced technology development costs
    2.4       4.5       6.0       10.0       22.9  
Selling, general and administrative
    11.7       14.8       11.7       15.9       54.1  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income (loss)
    12.7       16.3       9.1       (16.3 )     21.8  
Interest expense
    8.9       9.0       9.3       9.3       36.5  
Interest (income)
    (1.6 )     (2.2 )     (2.2 )     (1.0 )     (7.0 )
Provision (credit) for income taxes
    1.1       2.4       .8       (8.7 )     (4.4 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 4.3     $ 7.1     $ 1.2     $ (15.9 )   $ (3.3 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss) per share – basic and diluted
    $.05       $.09       $.01       $(.19 )     $(.04 )
Average number of shares outstanding
    80.9       81.3       81.5       81.7       81.4  


(1)   USEC performs contract work for DOE and DOE contractors at the Portsmouth and Paducah plants. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2003, billings under government contracts are reported as part of revenue, and costs are reported as part of costs and expenses. In earlier periods, the net amount of income or expense for government contracts was reported as part of other income (expense) net. The statements of income (loss) for periods prior to the fourth quarter of 2003 have been restated to conform to the current presentation. There is no effect on net income or net income per share as a result of the change.

(2)   The special credit of $6.7 million ($4.2 million or $.05 per share after tax) in the first quarter of 2002 represents a change in estimate of costs for consolidating plant operations.

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Glossary

American Centrifuge – USEC is developing the American Centrifuge technology based on the proven workable U.S. centrifuge technology developed by DOE in the mid-1980s.

American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility – Demonstration facility in Piketon, Ohio where USEC plans to install a lead cascade of centrifuge machines to demonstrate the American Centrifuge technology.

Assay – The concentration of U235 expressed by percentage of weight in a given quantity of uranium ore, uranium hexafluoride, uranium oxide or other uranium form. An assay of 3 to 5% U235 is required for most commercial nuclear power plants.

Cascade – Enrichment stages piped together in a series or combination series/parallel arrangement to form the production process in a gas centrifuge plant or a gaseous diffusion plant.

Centrifuge – A means of enriching uranium by spinning uranium hexafluoride at high speeds, thus using centrifugal force to separate the heavier U238 from the lighter U235.

CERCLA – The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.). A federal law passed in 1980 by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. The acts created a government trust fund, commonly known as Superfund, to investigate and clean up abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.

Depleted Uranium – Uranium hexafluoride that is depleted in the U235 isotope as a result of the enrichment process.

DOC – The U.S. Department of Commerce.

DOE – The U.S. Department of Energy.

Downblending – The process of downblending is diluting or mixing highly enriched uranium with uranium to produce low enriched uranium which is a uranium with a concentration of U235 of less than 5% for use in commercial nuclear reactors.

EEI – Electric Energy Inc., an electric power supplier to the Paducah plant.

Enrichment – The step in the nuclear fuel cycle that increases the weight percent of U235 relative to U238 in order to make uranium usable as a fuel for nuclear power reactors.

EPA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Executive Agent MOA – the Executive Agent Memorandum of Agreement under which USEC is the U.S. Executive Agent and purchases the SWU component of LEU under the Russian Contract.

Gaseous Diffusion – A means of enriching uranium hexafluoride, which is heated to a gas and passed repeatedly through porous barriers to separate the heavier U238 from the lighter U235. The gas that diffuses through the barrier becomes increasingly more concentrated or enriched.

GCEP – Gas Centrifuge Enrichment Plant – Buildings located in Piketon, Ohio under temporary lease from DOE where USEC plans to demonstrate the American Centrifuge technology and construct and operate the American Centrifuge uranium enrichment plant.

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Highly Enriched Uranium – Highly enriched uranium is enriched to an assay in excess of 20 percent U235.

Isotope – One or more atoms of an element having the same atomic number but different mass number.

Low Enriched Uranium (“LEU”) – Low enriched uranium enriched in the isotope U235 to an assay of less than 20%. Commercial grade LEU typically has an assay of 3 to 5% and is used as fuel in nuclear reactors for the generation of electric power.

Megawatt (“MW”) – A megawatt equals 1,000 kilowatts. One megawatt-hour represents one hour of electricity consumption at a constant rate of 1 MW.

Natural Uranium – Uranium that has not been enriched.

NRC – The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

OVEC – Ohio Valley Electric Corporation, an electric power supplier to the Portsmouth plant.

PACE – Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union.

Russian Contract – Agreement Between the United States and the Russian Federation Concerning the Disposition of Highly Enriched Uranium Extracted from Nuclear Weapons, dated January 14, 1994, as amended. USEC serves as Executive Agent for the United States Government, and TENEX serves as Executive Agent of the Russian Federation.

SCDHC – South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Separative Work Unit (“SWU”) – The standard measure of enrichment in the uranium enrichment industry is a separative work unit. A SWU represents the effort that is required to transform a given amount of natural uranium into two streams of uranium, one enriched in the U235 isotope and the other depleted in the U235 isotope, and is measured using a standard formula based on the physics of uranium enrichment. The amount of enrichment contained in LEU under this formula is commonly referred to as the SWU component.

Technetium – A byproduct from the operation of nuclear reactors and a contaminant in natural uranium.

TENEX – OAO Techsnabexport, Executive Agent for Russian Federation under the Russian Contract.

TVA – Tennessee Valley Authority supplies electric power to the Paducah gaseous diffusion plant.

Underfeeding – Underfeeding is a mode of operation that uses or feeds less uranium but requires more SWU in the enrichment process, which requires more electric power.

Uranium – One of the heaviest elements found in nature. Approximately 993 of every 1000 uranium atoms are U238 while approximately seven atoms are U235, which can be made to split, or fission, and generate heat energy.

Uranium Hexafluoride – Uranium chemical compound produced from converting natural uranium oxide into a fluoride at a conversion plant. Uranium hexafluoride is the feed material for uranium enrichment plants.

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EXHIBIT INDEX

     
Exhibit    
Number   Description
 
   
10.62
  Severance Agreement and General Release between USEC Inc. and Dennis R. Spurgeon, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, dated November 21, 2003.
 
   
10.63
  Employment Agreement between USEC Inc. and Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, dated December 15, 2003.
 
   
10.64
  Administrative Order on Consent for Removal Action in the Matter of Starmet CMI, dated February 6, 2004, between the United States Environmental Protection Agency, United States Enrichment Corporation, United States Department of Energy and United States Department of the Army.
 
   
10.65
  Settlement Agreement (relating to Power Agreement between Ohio Valley Electric Corporation and the United States of America), dated February 9, 2004, between United States Enrichment Corporation and the United States of America, acting by and through the United States Department of Energy.
 
   
10.66
  Agreement, dated February 17, 2004, between the U.S. Department of Energy and the United States Enrichment Corporation Concerning the Temporary Lease of Certain Facilities In Support of the American Centrifuge Program.
 
   
  23.1
  Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants.
 
   
  31.1
  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d- 14(a).
 
   
  31.2
  Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).
 
   
 32  
  Certification of CEO and CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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exv10w62
 

EXHIBIT 10.62

SEVERANCE AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

           This Severance Agreement and General Release (the “Agreement”) is between USEC Inc., a Delaware corporation (“USEC” or the “Company”) and Dennis R. Spurgeon (the “Employee”) (USEC and Employee being sometimes referred to herein individually as the “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”).

           WHEREAS, Employee has been employed by USEC in the capacity of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company;

           WHEREAS, Employee and the Company are parties to an Employment Agreement dated as of June 4, 2001, as amended (the “Employment Agreement”), that provides for certain severance benefits upon Employee’s termination;

           WHEREAS, Employee and USEC have agreed that Employee’s employment with the Company will be terminated November 30, 2003 (the “Termination Date”), and to reduce the impact of the termination, the Company hereby offers Employee a severance payment in addition to the severance benefits provided to Employee in the Employment Agreement, in exchange for, among other things, Employee’s full release of claims against the Company and the other covenants and agreements contained herein;

           NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED by and between Employee and USEC as follows:

      1.  SEVERANCE PAYMENT.

           (a)    In full consideration of Employee’s execution of this Agreement, and his agreement to be legally bound by its terms, the Company agrees to pay to Employee as severance pay, in addition to the severance benefits provided to Employee under the Employment Agreement, the gross sum of $228,956 (representing approximately 25% of Employee’s final average base salary and bonus), minus all payroll deductions required by law or authorized by Employee (the “Severance Payment”), upon either the next regularly scheduled pay day after the 8th day following either Employee’s execution of this Agreement or the next regularly scheduled pay day after the Termination Date, whichever is later.

           (b)    Employee acknowledges and agrees that the Severance Payment provided in Section 1(a) constitutes consideration beyond the severance benefits provided to Employee under the Employment Agreement and that, but for the mutual covenants set forth in this Agreement, the Company otherwise would not be obligated to provide to the Employee, and that the Company is under no obligation whatsoever to make, any other severance payment to the Employee.

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      2.  GENERAL RELEASE. Employee, for and in consideration of the undertakings of the Company set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound, does hereby remise, release, and forever discharge USEC and its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, and its and their officers, directors, shareholders, employees and agents, its and their respective successors and assigns, heirs, executors, and administrators (herein referred to collectively as “Releasees”) of and from any and all actions and causes of actions, suits, debts, claims and demands whatsoever in law or in equity, which he ever had, now has, or which his heirs, executors or administrators may have, by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever, from the beginning of his employment with USEC up to and including the Termination Date, and particularly, but without limitation, any claims arising from or relating in any way to his employment relationship or the termination of his employment relationship with USEC, including, but not limited to, any claims which have been asserted, could have been asserted or could be asserted now or in the future, including any claims under any federal, state or local laws, including, but not limited to, the United States Constitution, the Maryland Constitution, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, the Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended, the National Labor Relations Act, as amended, the Labor-Management Relations Act, as amended, the Workers Retraining and Notification Act of 1988, as amended, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, Section 211 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as amended, and the Maryland Human Rights Act, as amended or any other Maryland Statute or Regulation. This General Release does not prohibit Employee from bringing an action to challenge the validity of this Agreement.

      3.  NON SUIT. Employee agrees and covenants that neither he, nor any person, organization or other entity on his behalf, will file, charge, claim, sue or cause to permit to be filed, charged or claimed, any civil action, suit, arbitration or legal proceeding for personal relief (including any action for damages, injunctive, declaratory, monetary or other relief) against the Releasees involving any matter occurring at any time in the past up to and including the Termination Date or involving any continuing effects of any acts or practices which may have arisen or occurred prior to the Termination Date or in connection with the calculation of benefits or amounts due Employee under the Employment Agreement or any Company benefit plan, including the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. Employee further agrees that if any person, organization, or other entity should bring a claim against the Releasees involving any such matter, he will not accept any personal relief in such action.

      4.  NO DISPARAGEMENTS. Employee agrees that Employee shall not make any oral or written, public or private statements that are disparaging of the company, its parents, subsidiaries or affiliates, or any of their respective present or former officers, directors, agents, employees, successors or assigns.

      5.  RETURN OF COMPANY’S DOCUMENTS AND PROPERTY. Employee agrees to return all records, documents, proposals, notes, lists, files and any and all other materials including, without limitation, computerized an/or electronic information that refers, relates or otherwise pertains to the Company, or any and all of the Company’s parents, subsidiaries or affiliates, or any of their respective officers, directors, shareholders, agents, employees, and successors or assigns, and any and all business dealings of said persons and entities. In addition,

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Employee shall return to the Company all property or equipment that the Employee has been issued during the course of the Employee’s employment or which the Employee otherwise currently possesses. Employee shall deliver to the Company on or before the Termination Date at Employee’s expense all of the Company’s records, document, proposals, notes, lists, files, materials, property and equipment that are in the Employee’s possession. Employee is not authorized to retain any copies of any such records, documents, proposals, notes, lists, files or materials. Nor is the Employee authorized to retain any other of the Company’s property or equipment.

      6.  NON-COMPETITION. For purposes of Section 9(b) of the Employment Agreement, the period during which Employee shall not engage or become interested as an owner (other than as an owner of less than 5% of the stock of a publicly owned company), stockholder, partner, director, officer, employee (in an executive capacity), consultant or otherwise in any business that is competitive with any business conducted by the Company or any of its affiliated companies during the Employment Period or as of the Date of Termination, as applicable, shall be extended by 3 months in addition to the period required under the Employment Agreement.

      7.  REMEDIES. Employee acknowledges that a violation or attempted violation on the Employee’s part of Section 6 of this Agreement will cause irreparable damage to the Company, and Employee therefore agrees that the Company shall be entitled as a matter of right to an injunction, out of any court of competent jurisdiction, restraining any violation or further violation of such promises by Employee. Employee agrees that such right to an injunction is cumulative and in addition to whatever other remedies the Company may have under law or equity. Employee also stipulates and agrees that USEC shall be entitled to the return of all severance pay under this Agreement as a partial remedy for any breach or violation of Section 6.

      8.  NON-ADMISSION OF LIABILITY. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as an admission of liability or violation of federal, state or local statute or regulation, or of any duty owed by Employee or the Releasees; rather, Employee and the Releasees are resolving all matters arising out of their employer-employee relationship with all other relationships between Employee and the Releasees, as to each of which each of the Releasees and Employee deny any liability.

      9.  NUCLEAR, WORKPLACE, PUBLIC SAFETY AND SARBANES-OXLEY CONCERNS. Employee understands and acknowledges that nothing in this Agreement prohibits, penalizes, or otherwise discourages him from reporting, providing testimony regarding, or otherwise communicating any nuclear safety concern, workplace safety concern, public safety concern, or concern of any sort, to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor, or any federal or state government agency. Employee further understands and acknowledges that nothing in the provisions of this Agreement conditions or restricts his communication with, or full cooperation in proceedings or investigations by, any federal or state agency. Employee also understands and acknowledges that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit him from engaging in any activity protected by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1514A.

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      10.  REVIEW AND REVOCATION PERIOD.

             (a)    Employee hereby certifies that he has read the terms of this Agreement, that he has been informed by the Company, through this document, that he should discuss this Agreement with an attorney of his own choice, and that he understands its terms and effects. Employee further certifies that he has the intention of releasing all claims recited herein in exchange for the consideration described herein, which he acknowledges as adequate and satisfactory to him.

             (b)    Employee hereby certifies that he is signing and entering into this Agreement as a free and voluntary act without duress or undue pressure of influence of any kind or nature whatsoever and has not relied on any promises, representations or warranties regarding the subject matter hereof other than as set forth in this Agreement.

             (c)    Employee acknowledges that he has been given the right to consider this Agreement for a period of at least twenty-one (21) days prior to entering into the Agreement. Employee further acknowledges that he has the right to revoke this Agreement within seven (7) days of its execution by giving written notice of such revocation by hand delivery or fax the Company, Attention Richard Rowland (fax no. 301-564-3203).

      11. SEVERABILITY. While the provisions contained in this Agreement are considered by the Parties to be reasonable in all circumstances, it is recognized that some provisions may fail for technical reasons. Accordingly, it is hereby agreed and declared that if one or more of such provisions shall, either by itself or themselves or taken with others, be adjudged to be invalid as exceeding what is reasonable in all circumstance for the protection of the interests of the Company, but would be valid if any particular restrictions or provisions were deleted or restricted or limited in a particular manner, then the said provisions shall apply with any such deletions, restrictions, limitations, reductions, curtailments, or modifications as may be necessary to make them valid and effective and the remaining provisions shall be unaffected thereby.

      12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; MODIFICATION. This Agreement and the Employment Agreement constitute the entire understanding of the Parties regarding the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified without the express written consent of the Parties.

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      13. GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. This Agreement and any disputes arising therefrom shall be governed by the laws of the State of Maryland and Employee hereby agrees to submit to jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Maryland for any claims arising under this Agreement.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties have executed the foregoing Severance Agreement and General Release this 21st day of November, 2003.

         
USEC Inc.   EMPLOYEE:
         
         
         
By:   /s/ Timothy B. Hansen   /s/ Dennis R. Spurgeon
   
 
        Signature – Dennis R. Spurgeon
Title:   Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary   SSN:
   
   

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exv10w63
 

EXHIBIT 10.63

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT made and entered into as of the 15th day of December, 2003, by and between USEC Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Lisa Gordon-Hagerty (the “Executive”).

     WHEREAS, the Company desires to provide for the service and employment of the Executive with the Company and the Executive wishes to perform services for the Company, all in accordance with the terms and conditions provided herein;

     NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual premises, covenants and agreements set forth below, it is hereby agreed as follows:

     1.     Employment and Term.

     (a) The Company agrees to employ the Executive, and the Executive agrees to remain in the employ of the Company, in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement for the period set forth below (the “Employment Period”).

     (b) The Employment Period of this Agreement will commence as of the date hereof (the “Effective Date”) and continue until the second anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Second Anniversary”), unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the occurrence of a “Change in Control,” as defined in the USEC Inc. 1999 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”), during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of not less than three years from the date of the Change in Control, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided. References herein to the Employment Period shall refer to both the initial term and any extended term hereunder. The Employment Period shall end on the Date of Termination (as hereinafter defined).

     (c) The principal location at which the Executive will perform her duties will be the Company’s principal executive offices in Bethesda, Maryland.

     2.     Position; Duties. Commencing as of the Effective Date and continuing during the Employment Period, the Executive shall serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company and shall have the customary duties of such position and such responsibilities, duties and authority as are specified in the Company’s charter and/or bylaws and as specified, from time to time, by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO”). The Executive shall report to the CEO. The Executive shall devote substantially all of her working time and efforts to the business and affairs of the Company and shall not engage in activities that interfere with such performance.

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     3.     Compensation. The Executive shall receive the following compensation for her services hereunder to the Company:

     (a) Salary. Commencing as of the Effective Date and continuing during the Employment Period, the Company shall pay to the Executive an annual base salary (“Annual Base Salary”) at a rate not less than $490,000, such salary to be paid in conformity with the Company’s policies relating to salaried employees. This salary in the sole discretion of the Company may be (but is not required to be) increased from time to time, subject to and in accordance with the Company’s annual performance review process.

     (b) Annual Incentive Program. The Executive shall be a participant in the Company’s annual incentive program as in effect from time to time (the “Annual Incentive Program”) at a level commensurate with her position, and shall be entitled to receive such amounts (each, a “Bonus”) as may be authorized, declared and paid by the Company pursuant to the terms of such program and the performance goals established by the Compensation Committee.

     (c) Long-Term Incentive Plan. The Executive shall be a participant in the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan, and any other long-term equity or cash compensation programs as the Board may provide for the Company’s senior management (collectively, the “LTIP”) at a level commensurate with the Executive’s position.

     (d) Employee Benefit Plans; Perquisites; Fringe Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be eligible to participate, on a basis commensurate with her position, in all employee benefit plans, including supplemental benefit plans, welfare plans, practices, policies and programs, perquisites and other fringe benefits applicable to senior management of the Company.

     (e) Expenses. The Company agrees to reimburse the Executive for all reasonable expenses, including those for travel and entertainment, properly incurred by her in the performance of her duties under this Agreement in accordance with policies established from time to time by the Company.

     (f) Vacation. The Executive shall be entitled to no less than the number of vacation days in each calendar year as determined in accordance with the Company’s vacation policy as in effect from time to time, but not less than five weeks in any calendar year (prorated in any calendar year during which she is employed hereunder for less than the entire year in accordance with the number of days in such calendar year in which she is so employed). The Executive shall also be entitled to all paid holidays and personal days given by the Company to its executives.

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     4.     Termination of Employment.

     (a) Death; Disability. The Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon the Executive’s death during the Employment Period. The Company or the Executive may terminate the Executive’s employment on account of the Executive’s Disability. For purposes hereof, “Disability” shall mean that the Executive has become totally and permanently disabled as defined or described in the Company’s long term disability benefit plan applicable to senior executive officers as in effect at the time the Executive’s disability is incurred.

     (b) By the Company for Cause or without Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period for Cause or without Cause. For purposes of this Agreement “Cause” shall mean:

        (i)        the engaging by the Executive in willful misconduct that is injurious to the Company or its affiliates;

        (ii)      the embezzlement or misappropriation of funds or property of the Company or its affiliates by the Executive, or the conviction of the Executive of a felony or the entrance of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere by the Executive to a felony; or

        (iii)    the willful failure or refusal by the Executive to substantially perform her duties or responsibilities (other than (x) any such failure resulting from the Executive’s incapacity due to Disability, after demand for substantial performance is delivered by the Company to the Executive that specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes the Executive has not substantially performed her duties, or (y) any such actual or anticipated failure after the issuance of a Notice of Termination (as defined below) by the Executive for Good Reason (as defined below)).

For purposes of this definition, no act, or failure to act, on the Executive’s part shall be considered “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by her not in good faith and without reasonable belief that her action or omission was in the best interest of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive’s employment shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless (A) a reasonable notice shall have been given to her setting forth in reasonable detail the reasons for the Company’s intentions to terminate for Cause, and if such termination is pursuant to clause (i) or (iii) above, and the damage to the Company is curable, only if the Executive has been provided a period of ten (10) business days from receipt of such notice to cease the actions or inactions, and she has not done so; (B) an opportunity shall have been provided for the Executive together with her counsel, to be heard before the Board; and (C) if such termination is pursuant to clause (i) or (iii) above, delivery shall have been made to the Executive of a Notice of Termination from the Board finding that in the good faith opinion of a majority of the nonmanagement members of the Board she was guilty of conduct set forth in clause (i) or (iii) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in reasonable detail. Any determination of Cause made by the Company in accordance with the foregoing procedure shall

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be made by the Company, in its sole discretion. Any such determination shall be final and binding on the Executive.

     (c) By the Executive for Good Reason. The Executive may terminate her employment during the Employment Period for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean, without the Executive’s express written consent, any of the following, unless such act or failure to act is corrected prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of Termination given in respect thereof:

        (i)        any material breach by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement, including but not limited to (x) a reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary as such salary may be increased from time to time thereafter, and (y) the Company’s requiring the Executive to be based anywhere other than the offices that constitute the Company’s corporate headquarters and/or the Company’s principal executive offices;

        (ii)       the Executive is removed from her position set forth in Section 2 hereof for any reason other than (A) by reason of death or Disability, or (B) for Cause, or the failure to appoint or re-appoint the Executive to such position with the Company;

        (iii)      the Executive is assigned any duties inconsistent with the Executive’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting relationships), authority, duties or responsibilities as in effect as of the Effective Date (excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly following notice thereof given by the Executive);

        (iv)      the failure to assume this Agreement by any successor to the Company;

        (v)       any purported termination of the Executive’s employment that is not effected pursuant to a Notice of Termination satisfying the requirements of paragraph (d) below, which termination for purposes of this Agreement shall be ineffective; or

        (vi)      termination of employment by the Executive that is deemed by a majority of the nonmanagement members of the Board to constitute Good Reason.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company’s failure to extend this Agreement in accordance with Section 1(b) shall not be deemed to constitute “Good Reason” for termination of the Executive’s employment, and a termination shall not be treated as a termination for Good Reason unless the Executive shall have delivered a Notice of Termination within 90 days of the Executive’s having actual knowledge of the occurrence of one of such events, stating that the Executive intends to terminate employment for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, any good faith determination of “Good Reason” made by the Executive shall be conclusive.

     (d) Notice of Termination. Any termination of the Executive’s employment (other than by reason of death) shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto in

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accordance with Section 11(b) of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination,” means a written notice that indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated, and specifies the Date of Termination. The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company under this Agreement or preclude the Executive or the Company from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executive’s or the Company’s rights under this Agreement.

     (e) Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” shall mean:

              (i)       if the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of Disability, or by the Executive for Good Reason, other than a termination pursuant to Section 4(c)(iv) of the definition of Good Reason, the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which shall not be less than 30 nor more than 60 days from the date such Notice of Termination is given);

              (ii)      if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or without Cause, or by the Executive for other than Good Reason, the date the Notice of Termination is received;

              (iii)     if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 4(c)(iv) hereof, the date upon which any succession referred to therein becomes effective;

              (iv)     if the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of death, the date of death; and

              (v)      if the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the expiration of the Employment Period, the last day of the Employment Period.

    5.     Obligations of the Company upon Termination.

           (a) Termination by the Executive for Good Reason or by the Company without Cause. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Executive for Good Reason or by the Company without Cause:

             (i)      the Company shall pay to the Executive, within 10 days following the Date of Termination, a lump sum amount in cash equal to the sum of:

                 (A)      the Executive’s Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent not previously paid;

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                 (B)      an amount equal to the target Bonus for the year prior to the Date of Termination, to the extent such Bonus has been earned but not paid, and for the year that includes the Date of Termination, the target Bonus multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of days from the beginning of such year to and including the Date of Termination and the denominator of which shall be three hundred and sixty-five (365); and

                 (C)      any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and any accrued vacation pay, in each case to the extent not previously paid.

The amounts specified in clauses (A), (B) and (C) hereof shall be hereinafter referred to as the “Accrued Obligations”;

             (ii)      subject to the Executive’s continued compliance with Section 9 hereof, the Company shall pay to the Executive, within 10 days following the Date of Termination, a lump sum amount, in cash, equal to one times (two and one-half times if the Date of Termination occurs on or after the date of a Change in Control) the sum of the Final Average Salary and the Final Average Bonus, where (A) the “Final Average Salary” means the average of the Executive’s Annual Base Salary as in effect for each of the three years preceding the Date of Termination (or, if shorter, the number of years from the Effective Date to the Date of Termination) and (B) the “Final Average Bonus” means the average of the Bonuses awarded to the Executive pursuant to the Annual Incentive Program with respect to the three years preceding the Date of Termination (or, if shorter, the number of years from the Effective Date to the Date of Termination, and provided that, until such time as Executive has received a Bonus with respect to 2004, the Final Average Bonus shall be deemed to be 70% of the Executive’s Annual Base Salary as then in effect); provided, however, that if the Executive is found in breach of the requirements in Section 9(b) of this Agreement, she shall repay to the Company a pro-rata share of the lump sum to coincide with the period of time she was not in compliance with Section 9 (that is, the lump sum shall be multiplied by a fraction, the denominator of which is the number of days the Executive was required to comply with Section 9(b), and the numerator of which is the number of days the Executive was not in compliance, and the Executive shall repay that amount to the Company) (the “Repayment”); and

             (iii)     subject to the Executive’s continued compliance with Section 9 hereof, the Company shall continue life, disability, accident and health insurance benefits substantially similar to those that the Executive was receiving immediately prior to the Date of Termination (or if applicable, prior to the Change in Control, or thereafter, if higher) until the earlier to occur of (i) the first anniversary of the Date of Termination (or if the Date of Termination occurs on or after a Change in Control, the date that is 30 months following the Date of Termination) or (ii) such time as the Executive becomes

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eligible for comparable programs of a subsequent employer; provided, however, that in the event the Company is unable to provide such benefits, the Company shall make annual payments to the Executive in an amount such that following the Executive’s payment of applicable taxes thereon, the Executive retains an amount equal to the cost to the Executive, net of any cost that would otherwise be borne by the Executive, of obtaining comparable life, disability, accident and health insurance coverage. Benefits otherwise receivable by the Executive pursuant to this Section 5(a)(iii) shall be reduced to the extent the Executive is eligible for comparable coverage during the one year (or 30-month, as the case may be) period following termination, and any such eligibility for comparable coverage shall be reported to the Company; and.

                  (iv)      all of the Executive’s stock options (vested or nonvested) shall become exercisable and shall remain exercisable for one year, but in no event shall such period exceed the term of the stock options; and all restrictions pertaining to the Executive’s restricted stock or other equity based awards shall lapse on the Date of Termination.

           (b) Termination By Reason of Death or Disability. If the Executive’s employment shall be terminated by reason of the Executive’s death or Disability, then the Company shall pay the Executive the amounts and benefits described in clauses (a)(i) and (a)(iv) above (and solely in the case of Disability, the benefits in clause (a)(iii) above), as well as all death and disability benefits payable under group insurance programs and other fringe benefit programs that the Company may from time to time make available to its executive officers.

           (c) Termination By Company Upon Expiration of the Employment Period. If the Executive’s employment shall be terminated by the Company (other than for Cause) upon the expiration of the Employment Period, then the Company shall pay to the Executive the amounts and benefits described in clauses (a)(i)-(iv) above.

           (d) Termination by the Company for Cause or By the Executive for Other than Good Reason. Subject to the provisions of Section 6 of this Agreement, if the Executive’s employment shall be terminated by the Company for Cause or by the Executive for other than Good Reason, death or Disability, in either case, during the Employment Period, the Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive under this Agreement other than the Accrued Obligations, and the Executive shall have no further obligations to the Company under this Agreement other than pursuant to Section 9(a) of this Agreement. All of the Executive’s stock options that have not yet become exercisable shall expire and all of the Executive’s restricted stock awards and other restricted equity based awards as to which the applicable restrictions have not yet lapsed shall be forfeited on the Date of Termination.

           (e) Certain Tax Consequences. Whether or not the Executive becomes entitled to the payments and benefits described in this Section 5, if any of the payments or benefits received or to be received by the Executive in connection with a change in ownership or control of the

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Company (a “Statutory Change in Control”), as defined in section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or the Executive’s termination of employment (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Company, any person whose actions result in a Statutory Change in Control or any person affiliated with the Company or such person) (collectively, the “Severance Benefits”) will be subject to any excise tax (the “Excise Tax”) imposed under section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the Company shall pay to the Executive an additional amount equal to the Excise Tax (the “Excise Tax Payment”).

           For purposes of determining whether any of the Severance Benefits will be subject to the Excise Tax and the amount of such Excise Tax:

           (i)      all of the Severance Benefits shall be treated as “parachute payments” within the meaning of Code section 280G(b)(2), and all “excess parachute payments” within the meaning of Code section 280G(b)(1) shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless, in the opinion of tax counsel selected by the Company’s independent auditors and reasonably acceptable to the Executive, such other payments or benefits (in whole or in part) do not constitute parachute payments, including by reason of Code section 280G(b)(4)(A), or such excess parachute payments (in whole or in part) represent reasonable compensation for services actually rendered, within the meaning of Code section 280G(b)(4)(B), in excess of the “Base Amount” as defined in Code section 280G(b)(3) allocable to such reasonable compensation, or are otherwise not subject to the Excise Tax; and

           (ii)     the value of any non-cash benefits or any deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the Company’s independent auditors in accordance with the principles of Code section 280G(d)(3) and (4).

           In the event that the Excise Tax is subsequently determined to be less than the amount taken into account hereunder at the time of termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive shall repay to the Company, at the time that the amount of such reduction in Excise Tax is finally determined (the “Reduced Excise Tax”), the difference of the Excise Tax Payment and the Reduced Excise Tax. In the event that the Excise Tax is determined to exceed the amount taken into account hereunder at the time of the termination of the Executive’s employment (including by reason of any payment the existence or amount of which could not be determined at the time of the Excise Tax Payment), the Company shall make an additional Excise Tax payment in respect of such excess (plus any interest or penalties payable by the Executive with respect to such excess) at the time that the amount of such excess is finally determined. The Executive and the Company shall each reasonably cooperate with the other in connection with any administrative or judicial proceedings concerning the existence or amount of liability for Excise Tax with respect to the Severance Benefits.

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               (f) Other Fees and Expenses. With respect to a termination of Executive’s employment prior to a Change in Control, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the other party to this Agreement, all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in contesting or disputing any termination of employment or in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit to which such party is entitled under this Agreement. With respect to a termination of Executive’s employment following a Change in Control, the Company shall bear its own legal fees and expenses in connection with any such dispute, but the Company shall pay the Executive’s reasonable legal fees and expenses if the Executive is the prevailing party in connection with any such dispute.

     6.     Non-Exclusivity of Rights. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Executive’s continuing or future participation in any benefit plan, program, policy or practice provided by the Company and for which the Executive may qualify (except with respect to any benefit to which the Executive has waived her rights in writing), nor shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any other contract or agreement entered into after the Effective Date with the Company. Amounts that are vested benefits or that the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any benefit plan, policy, practice or program of, or any contract or agreement entered into after the date hereof with, the Company at or subsequent to the Date of Termination, shall be payable in accordance with such benefit plan, policy, practice, program, contract or agreement, except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.

     7.     Full Settlement; Mitigation. Other than as provided in this Agreement, the Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action that the Company may have against the Executive or others. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in Section 5 hereof by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor (except as specifically provided in Section 5 hereof) shall the amount of any payment or benefit provided for in Section 5 hereof be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as the result of employment by another employer or by retirement benefits after the Date of Termination, or otherwise.

     8.     Arbitration. Except as otherwise provided in Section 9 hereof, the parties agree that any dispute, claim, or controversy based on common law, equity, or any federal, state, or local statute, ordinance, or regulation (other than workers’ compensation claims) arising out of or relating in any way to the Executive’s employment, the terms, benefits, and conditions of employment, or concerning this Agreement or its termination and any resulting termination of employment, including whether such dispute is arbitrable, shall be settled by arbitration. This agreement to arbitrate includes but is not limited to all claims for any form of illegal discrimination, improper or unfair treatment or dismissal, and all tort claims. The Executive shall still have a right to file a discrimination charge with a federal or state agency, but the final resolution of any discrimination claim shall be submitted to arbitration instead of a court or jury.

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The arbitration proceeding shall be conducted under the employment dispute resolution arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association in effect at the time a demand for arbitration under the rules is made. The decision of the arbitrator(s), including determination of the amount of any damages suffered, shall be exclusive, final, and binding on all parties, their heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

     9.     Confidential Information; Non-Solicitation; Non-Competition. (a) The Executive shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company all secret, proprietary, or confidential materials, knowledge, data or any other information relating to the Company or any of its affiliated companies, and their respective businesses (“Confidential Information”), which shall have been obtained by the Executive during the Executive’s employment by the Company or any of its affiliated companies and that shall not have been or now or hereafter have become public knowledge (other than by acts by the Executive or representatives of the Executive in violation of this Agreement). During the Employment Period and (a) for a period of five years thereafter with respect to Confidential Information that does not include trade secrets, and (b) any time thereafter with respect to Confidential Information that does include trade secrets, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process, communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other than the Company and those designated by it.

             (b) In addition, the Executive shall not, at any time during the Employment Period and for any period thereafter with respect to which the Executive is in receipt of a severance benefit under this Agreement (by way of illustration, if the Executive terminates her employment for Good Reason, for a period of one year), (i) engage or become interested as an owner (other than as an owner of less than 5% of the stock of a publicly owned company), stockholder, partner, director, officer, employee (in an executive capacity), consultant or otherwise in any business that is competitive with any business conducted by the Company or any of its affiliated companies during the Employment Period or as of the Date of Termination, as applicable or (ii) recruit, solicit for employment, hire or engage any employee or individual consultant of the Company or any person who was an employee or individual consultant of the Company within two (2) years prior to the Date of Termination. The Executive acknowledges that these provisions are necessary for the Company’s protection and are not unreasonable, since she would be able to obtain employment with companies whose businesses are not competitive with those of the Company and its affiliated companies and would be able to recruit and hire personnel other than employees of the Company. The duration and the scope of these restrictions on the Executive’s activities are divisible, so that if any provision of this paragraph is held or deemed to be invalid, that provision shall be automatically modified to the extent necessary to make it valid.

             The Executive acknowledges that a violation or attempted violation on the Executive’s part of this Section 9 will cause irreparable damage to the Company, and the Executive therefore agrees that the Company shall be entitled as a matter of right to an injunction, out of any court of competent jurisdiction, restraining any violation or further

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violation of such promises by the Executive or the Executive’s employees, partners or agents. The Executive agrees that such right to an injunction is cumulative and in addition to whatever other remedies the Company may have under law or equity.

     10.     Successors.

     (a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

     (b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable hereunder if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executive’s devisee, legatee or other designee or, if there is no such designee, to the Executive’s estate.

     (c) The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as defined above and any successor to its business and/or assets that assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise. Prior to a Change in Control, the term “Company” shall also mean any affiliate of the Company to which the Executive may be transferred and the Company shall cause such successor employer to be considered the “Company” and to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and this Agreement shall be amended to so provide. Following a Change in Control, the term “Company” shall not mean any affiliate of the Company to which Executive may be transferred unless the Executive shall have previously approved of such transfer in writing, in which case the Company shall cause such successor employer to be considered the “Company” and to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and this Agreement shall be amended to so provide. Failure of the Company to obtain an assumption and agreement as described in this Section 10(c) prior to the effective date of a succession shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle the Executive to compensation from the Company in the same amount and on the same terms as the Executive would be entitled to under this Agreement if the Executive were to terminate the Executive’s employment for Good Reason, except that, for purposes of implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes effective shall be deemed the Date of Termination.

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     11.     Miscellaneous.

     (a) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to the conflict of laws provisions thereof. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and such officer as may be specifically designated by the CEO. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not expressly set forth in this Agreement.

     (b) All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return-receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

If to the Executive:

Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty
c/o USEC Inc.
2 Democracy Center
6903 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, Maryland 20817-1818

If to the Company:

USEC Inc.
2 Democracy Center
6903 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, Maryland 20817-1818
Attention: General Counsel

or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance with this Agreement. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.

     (c) If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared to be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

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     (d) The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

     (e) This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes any prior agreements between the Company and the Executive. There are no restrictions, agreements, promises, warranties, covenants or undertakings between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein other than those expressly set forth herein.

     (f) To the extent, and only to the extent, that a payment or benefit paid or provided under this Agreement would also be paid or provided under the terms of an applicable plan, program or arrangement, such applicable plan, program or arrangement will be deemed to have been satisfied by the payment made or benefit provided under this Agreement.

     (g) This Agreement may be signed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive and the Company have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

         
    USEC Inc.
         
         
    By:   /s/ William H. Timbers
       
        William H. Timbers
President and Chief Executive Officer
         
         
    EXECUTIVE
         
         
    /s/ Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty
    Lisa Gordon-Hagerty

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exv10w64
 

EXHIBIT 10.64

UNITED STATES
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION 4

     
IN THE MATTER OF:
STARMET CMI
Barnwell, Barnwell County, South Carolina
  ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER ON
CONSENT FOR REMOVAL ACTION
     
United States Enrichment Corporation   U.S. EPA Region 4
CERCLA Docket No.
     
Respondent    
     
United States Department of Energy and
United States Department of the Army

Settling Federal Agencies
  Proceeding Under Sections 104, 106(a), 107 and 122 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§9604, 9606(a), 9607 and 9622

 


 

             
I.     JURISDICTION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS  
4

 
II.     PARTIES BOUND  
4
 
III.     DEFINITIONS  
5

 
IV.     FINDINGS OF FACT  
7

 
V.     CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DETERMINATIONS  
9

 
VI.     ORDER  
9

 
VII.     DESIGNATION OF CONTRACTOR, PROJECT COORDINATOR, AND ON-SCENE COORDINATOR  
9

 
VIII.     WORK TO BE PERFORMED  
10

 
IX.     SITE ACCESS  
15

 
X.     ACCESS TO INFORMATION  
15

 
XI.     RECORD RETENTION  
16

 
XII.     COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER LAWS  
17

 
XIII.     EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND NOTIFICATION OF RELEASES  
17

 
XIV.     AUTHORITY OF ON-SCENE COORDINATOR  
18

 
XV.     PAYMENT OF AOC OVERSIGHT COSTS BY RESPONDENT  
18

 
XVI.     DISPUTE RESOLUTION  
19
 
XVII.    FORCE MAJEURE   20
 
XVIII.   STIPULATED PENALTIES   21
 
XIX.     PAYMENT OF EPA’s REMOVAL ACTION COSTS BY SETTLING FEDERAL AGENCIES  
23

 
XX.     COVENANTS NOT TO SUE BY THE UNITED STATES  
24

 
XXI.     RESERVATIONS OF RIGHTS BY THE UNITED STATES  
25

2


 

             
XXII.    COVENANT NOT TO SUE BY RESPONDENT  
26
 
XXIII.    COVENANT NOT TO SEEK REIMBURSEMENT BY SETTLING FEDERAL AGENCIES  
28
 
XXIV.    OTHER CLAIMS  
28
 
XXV.     CONTRIBUTION PROTECTION  
28
 
XXVI.    INDEMNIFICATION  
29
 
XXVII.    INSURANCE  
29
 
XXVIII.    FINANCIAL ASSURANCE  
30
 
XXIX.    MODIFICATIONS  
31
 
XXX.     NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF WORK  
31
 
XXXI.    ATTORNEY GENERAL APPROVAL  
31
 
XXXII.    SEVERABILITY/INTEGRATION/APPENDICES  
32
 
XXXIII.    EFFECTIVE DATE  
32

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I. JURISDICTION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

     1. This Administrative Order on Consent (“Order”) is entered into voluntarily by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), the United States Enrichment Corporation (“USEC” or “Respondent”), and the United States Department of Energy and Department of the Army (“Settling Federal Agencies”). This Order provides for the performance of a removal action by the Respondent, the payment by the Settling Federal Agencies for a removal action to be performed by EPA, and the reimbursement by Respondent of costs to be incurred by the United States from the actions taken pursuant to the sections of this Order which apply to the Respondent, at or in connection with the property located at the Starmet CMI facility located at 365 Metal Drive, in Barnwell, Barnwell County, South Carolina (“Site”). This Order also constitutes a settlement agreement between the United States and USEC to resolve USEC’s contribution claims against the Settling Federal Agencies. This Order requires Respondent to conduct the removal action described herein and requires the Settling Federal Agencies to fund a removal action to be performed by EPA to abate what EPA believes to be an imminent and substantial endangerment to the public health, welfare or the environment that may be presented by the actual or threatened release of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants at or from the Site.

     2. This Order is issued under the authority vested in the President of the United States by Sections 104, 106(a), 107 and 122 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, 42 U.S.C. §§ 9604, 9606(a), 9607 and 9622, as amended (“CERCLA”). The settlement agreement between USEC and the United States with regard to the Settling Federal Agencies is entered into pursuant to the Attorney General’s authority to settle matters in anticipation of litigation.

     3. EPA has notified the State of South Carolina, (the “State”) of this action pursuant to Section 106(a) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9606(a).

     4. The actions undertaken by Respondent and the Settling Federal Agencies in accordance with this Order do not constitute an admission of any liability. The Respondent and the Settling Federal Agencies do not admit, and retain the right to controvert in any subsequent proceedings other than proceedings to implement or enforce this Order, the validity or accuracy of the findings of facts, conclusions of law, and determinations in Sections IV and V of this Order. The Respondent and the Settling Federal Agencies agree to comply with and be bound by the terms of this Order and further agree that they will not contest the basis or validity of this Order or its terms.

II. PARTIES BOUND

     5. This Order applies to and is binding upon EPA, the Respondent, the Respondent’s agents, successors and assigns, and the Settling Federal Agencies. Any change in ownership or corporate status of the Respondent including, but not limited to, any transfer of assets or real or personal property shall not alter the Respondent’s responsibilities under this Order.

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     6. The Respondent shall ensure that its contractors, subcontractors, and representatives performing work under this Order receive a copy of this Order and comply with this Order. Respondent shall be responsible for any noncompliance by Respondent, its contractors or representatives with this Order.

III. DEFINITIONS

     7. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, terms used in this Order which are defined in CERCLA or in regulations promulgated under CERCLA shall have the meaning assigned to them in CERCLA or in such regulations. Whenever terms listed below are used in this Order or in the appendices attached hereto and incorporated hereunder, the following definitions shall apply:

a. “Action Memoranda” shall mean the EPA Action Memoranda relating to the Site signed on July 23, 2002, August 16, 2002, September 24, 2002, January 3, 2003, June 25, 2003, by the Regional Administrator, EPA Region 4, or his delegate, and all attachments thereto.

b. “AOC Oversight Costs” shall mean all costs, including but not limited to, direct and indirect costs, that the United States incurs in reviewing or developing plans, reports or other items pursuant to the USEC-Lead Work portions of this Order, verifying the USEC-Lead Work, or otherwise implementing, overseeing, or enforcing the portions of the Order relevant to USEC-Lead Work, including but not limited to, payroll costs, contractor costs, travel costs, laboratory costs, the costs incurred pursuant to Section IX (Site Access), Section XIII (Emergency Response) and Paragraph 72 (Work Takeover).

c. “CERCLA” shall mean the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 9601, et seq.

d. “Day” shall mean a calendar day. In computing any period of time under this Order, where the last day would fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the period shall run until the close of business of the next working day.

e. “Effective Date” shall be the effective date of this Order as provided in Section XXXIII.

f. “EPA” shall mean the United States Environmental Protection Agency and any successor departments or agencies of the United States.

g. “EPA’s Removal Action Costs” shall mean all costs not inconsistent with the NCP incurred by EPA in conducting the EPA-Lead Work at or around the Depleted Uranium Center and Reduction Building at the Site.

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h. “EPA-Lead Work” shall mean all work conducted by EPA and its contractors and subcontractors, in planning, implementing and overseeing the removal and disposal of the Waste Materials that are stored in and around the Reduction Building and the Depleted Uranium Building, except for work required of Respondent in Respondent’s Statement of Work (Appendix A of this Order).

i. “Interest” shall mean interest at the rate specified for interest on investments of the EPA Hazardous Substance Superfund established by 26 U.S.C. § 9507, compounded annually on October 1 of each year, in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 9607(a). The applicable rate of interest shall be the rate in effect at the time the interest accrues. The rate of interest is subject to change on October 1 of each year.

j. “National Contingency Plan” or “NCP” shall mean the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan promulgated pursuant to Section 105 of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9605, codified at 40 C.F.R. Part 300, and any amendments thereto.

k. “Order” shall mean this Administrative Order on Consent and all appendices attached hereto (listed in Section XXXII). In the event of conflict between this Order and any appendix, this Order shall control.

l. “Paragraph” shall mean a portion of this Order identified by an Arabic numeral.

m. “Parties” shall mean EPA, Settling Federal Agencies, and Respondent.

n. “Past Response Costs” shall mean all costs, including, but not limited to, direct and indirect costs, that the United States paid at or in connection with the Site through the Effective Date of this Order.

o. “RCRA” shall mean the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 6901, et seq. (also known as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act).

p. “Respondent” or “USEC” shall mean the United States Enrichment Corporation including any of its parents, subsidiaries or affiliates, or any of officers, employees, or directors.

q. “Respondent’s Statement of Work” or “SOW” shall mean the statement of work for implementation of the USEC-Lead Work, as set forth in Appendix A to this Order, and any modifications made thereto in accordance with this Order.

r. “Section” shall mean a portion of this Order identified by a Roman numeral.

s. “Settling Federal Agencies” shall mean the United States Department of Energy and United States Department of the Army, which are resolving any claims that have been or

6


 

could have been asserted against them with respect to the payment or incurrence of response and oversight costs required by this Order.

t. “Site” shall mean the Starmet Superfund Site, located at 365 Metal Drive, in Barnwell, Barnwell County, South Carolina, and depicted generally on the map attached as Appendix B.

u. “Starmet” shall mean Starmet CMI, Starmet Corporation and any and all of their current or former subsidiaries, parents, affiliates, predecessors, or successors.

v. “State” shall mean the State of South Carolina.

w. “United States” shall mean the United States of America, including all of its departments, agencies, and instrumentalities which includes without limitation EPA, the Settling Federal Agencies, and any Federal Natural Resources Trustee.

x. “USEC” shall mean the United States Enrichment Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and does not include the United States Enrichment Corporation, defined below as “USEC Federal,” which was a government corporation, and does not include any federal agency.

y. “USEC Federal” shall mean the United States Enrichment Corporation, a wholly owned government corporation and an agency and instrumentality of the United States.

z. “USEC-Lead Work” shall mean all activities that Respondent is required to perform under this Order, as described in the Respondent’s Statement of Work and Section VIII, Work To Be Performed.

aa. “Waste Material” shall mean 1) any “hazardous substance” under Section 101(14) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9601(14); 2) any pollutant or contaminant under Section 101(33) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9601(33); 3) any “solid waste” under Section 1004(27) of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. § 6903(27).

bb. “Work” shall mean all activities required under this order. It is the combination of EPA-Lead Work and USEC-Lead Work.

IV. FINDINGS OF FACT

     EPA finds as follows:

     8. From June, 1985 until August, 1993, approximately 17,079,177 pounds of depleted uranium hexafluoride (“UF6”) was shipped by the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) from DOE’s uranium enrichment facility in Paducah KY, at the request of the Department of Defense (“DOD”) to the Starmet facility in Barnwell. Starmet performed work under DOD Contracts to

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convert the UF6 to uranium tetrafluoride (“UF4”) at Starmet. This process generated calcium fluoride, dry active waste (“DAW”), process wastewater, and other materials and waste products.

     9. Prior to 1993, much of the UF4 was further processed into uranium metal (i.e., “derbies”). This process generated magnesium fluoride, DAW, process wastewater, pyrophoric uranium scrap, and other materials as waste products. The metal was used to produce counter weights for high performance aircraft, and DU munitions at the Starmet facility in Concord, Massachusetts. Approximately 281 off-spec derbies remain on site.

     10. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 Pub. L. 102-486 created the United States Enrichment Corporation, a wholly owned government corporation and an agency and instrumentality of the United States (“USEC Federal”) as an interim measure towards the privatization of DOE’s uranium enrichment enterprise. On July 1, 1993, DOE’s uranium enrichment enterprise was transferred to USEC Federal and portions of DOE’s uranium enrichment plants in Paducah Kentucky and Portsmouth Ohio were leased to USEC Federal. Pursuant to the USEC Privatization Act, Pub. L. 104-134, the assets of USEC Federal were transferred to USEC and USEC was privatized on July 28, 1998. USEC Federal ceased to exist following this transfer.

     11. From August 1998 until September 2001, USEC shipped 12,758,824 lbs of UF6 to the Starmet facility in Barnwell, to be converted into UF4. Of this amount, 88,178 pounds were returned to USEC.

     12. Starmet also acquired UF4 (“lump cake” and “yellow cake”) from DOE. Much of this material was unsuitable for any use due to its physical properties, and an estimated 6028 drums of this material remains stored at the Site. A portion of these drums are deteriorating. Starmet also acquired de minimis quantities of materials from a number of other companies.

     13. In total, an estimated 11,800 drums of UF4 are stored at the Site. In addition, approximately 4,175 drums of calcium fluoride and 116 drums of magnesium fluoride are stored at the Site. There are 79 B25 boxes which contain scrap metal with UF4 residual. Additionally, there are 9 SeaLand containers on at the Site which contain, among other things, spent parts from Derby manufacturing. These parts are embedded with uranium contamination.

     14. A significant number of the steel drums used for the storage of the UF4 are visibly deteriorating, and many of the drums are leaking.

     15. Uranium metal scraps from machining operations were abandoned at the Site, and are generating explosive Hydrogen gas.

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V. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DETERMINATIONS

     16. Based on the Findings of Fact set forth above, and the Administrative Record supporting this removal action, EPA has determined that:

a. The Starmet Site is a “facility” as defined by Section 101(9) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9601(9).

b. The contamination found at the Site, as identified in the Findings of Fact above, includes “hazardous substances” as defined by Section 101(14) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9601(14).

c. Respondent and Settling Federal Agencies are “persons” as defined by Section 101(21) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9601(21).

d. Respondent and Settling Federal Agencies are liable parties under Section 107(a) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9607(a), and potentially responsible parties under Section 122(d)(3) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9622(d)(3).

e. The conditions described in the Findings of Fact above constitute an actual or threatened “release” of a hazardous substance from the facility as defined by Section 101(22) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C.§ 9601(22).

f. The removal action required by this Order is necessary to protect the public health, welfare, or the environment and, if carried out in compliance with the terms of this Order and the SOW and any modifications thereto, will be considered consistent with the NCP, as provided in Section 300.700(c)(3)(ii) of the NCP.

VI. ORDER

     Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Determinations, and the Administrative Record for this Site, it is hereby Ordered and Agreed that Respondent and the Settling Federal Agencies shall comply with all provisions of this Order, including, but not limited to, all appendices to this Order, the SOW, and all documents incorporated by reference into this Order.

VII. DESIGNATION OF CONTRACTOR, PROJECT COORDINATOR,AND ON-SCENE COORDINATOR

     17. Respondent shall retain one or more contractors to perform all or any portion of the Respondent’s Statement of Work and shall notify EPA of the names and qualifications of such contractors within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date. Respondent shall also notify EPA of the names and qualifications of any other contractors or subcontractors retained to perform the Respondent’s Statement of Work at least ten (10) days prior to commencement of such work.

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EPA retains the right to disapprove of any or all of the contractors and/or subcontractors retained by Respondent. If EPA disapproves of a selected contractor, Respondent shall retain a different contractor and shall notify EPA of that contractor’s name and qualifications within thirty (30) days following EPA’s disapproval. EPA shall notify Respondent within five (5) days after receiving notice of the designated contractor, but retains right to disapprove at any time.

     18. Within fifteen (15) days after the Effective Date, Respondent shall designate a Project Coordinator who shall be responsible for administration of all actions by Respondent required by this Order and shall submit to EPA the designated Project Coordinator’s name, address, telephone number, and qualifications. To the greatest extent possible, the Project Coordinator shall be present on Site or readily available during implementation of USEC-Lead Work on site. EPA retains the right to disapprove of the designated Project Coordinator. If EPA disapproves of the designated Project Coordinator, and Respondent shall retain a different Project Coordinator and shall notify EPA of that person’s name, address, telephone number, and qualifications within fifteen (15) days following EPA’s disapproval. Receipt by Respondent’s Project Coordinator of any notice or communication from EPA relating to this Order shall constitute receipt by Respondent. EPA shall notify Respondent within five (5) days after receiving notice of the designated Project Coordinator but retains right to disapprove at any time.

     19. EPA has designated David Dorian of the Emergency Response and Removal Branch, Region 4, as its On-Scene Coordinator (“OSC”). Except as otherwise provided in this Order, Respondent shall direct all submissions required by this Order to the OSC at:

US EPA
Waste Division
61 Forsyth St, S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30303

     20. EPA and Respondent shall have the right, subject to Paragraph 18, to change their respective designated OSC or Project Coordinator. Respondent shall notify EPA five (5) days before such a change is made. The initial notification may be made orally, but shall be promptly followed by a written notice.

VIII. WORK TO BE PERFORMED

     21. This Order and the Work it requires provides for the removal of Waste Materials on the Site. Respondent shall, as described in the Respondent’s Statement of Work (Appendix A), perform all USEC-Lead Work required to remove all Waste Materials associated with chemical conversion of UF6 (to UF4) originating from USEC. EPA shall, with the funds provided by the Settling Federal Agencies, remove the remaining Waste Materials in and around the Reduction Building and the Depleted Uranium Center.

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     22. Work Plan and Implementation.

a. Within ninety (90) days after the Effective Date, Respondent shall submit to EPA for approval a draft Work Plan for performing the Respondent’s Statement of Work. (Hereinafter “Work Plan”). The draft Work Plan shall provide a description of, and an expeditious schedule for, the actions required by this Order.

b. EPA may approve, disapprove, require revisions to, or modify the draft Work Plan in whole or in part. If EPA requires revisions, Respondent shall submit a revised draft Work Plan within fourteen (14) days of receipt of EPA’s notification of the required revisions. Respondent shall implement the Work Plan as approved in writing by EPA in accordance with the schedule approved by EPA. Once approved, or approved with modifications, the Work Plan, the schedule, and any subsequent modifications shall be incorporated into and become fully enforceable under this Order.

c. Unless otherwise agreed to by the OSC, Respondent shall not commence implementation of the Work Plan developed hereunder until receiving written EPA approval pursuant to Paragraph 22(b).

     23. Health and Safety Plan. Within ninety (90) days after the Effective Date, Respondent shall submit for EPA review and comment a plan that ensures the protection of the public health and safety during performance of on-Site work under this Order. This plan shall be prepared in accordance with EPA’s Standard Operating Safety Guide (PUB 9285.1-03, PB 92-963414, June 1992) (“Guide”). In addition, the plan shall comply with all currently applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) regulations found at 29 C.F.R. Part 1910. If EPA determines that it is appropriate, the plan shall also include contingency planning. Respondent shall incorporate all changes to the plan recommended by EPA and shall implement the plan during the pendency of the removal action.

     24. Radiation Protection Plan. Within ninety (90) days after the Effective Date, Respondent shall submit for EPA review and comment a Radiation Protection Plan. This plan shall comply with the State of South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Regulation 61-63 Radioactive Materials and applicable OSHA regulations found in 10 C.F.R. Part 20.

     25. EPA Approval of Plans and Other Submissions.

a. After review of any plan, report or other item which is required to be submitted for approval pursuant to this Order, EPA shall, consistent with the SOW, the Guide and ARARs (as that term is defined in Paragraph 40): (i) approve, in whole or in part, the submission; (ii) approve the submission upon specified conditions; (iii) modify the submission to cure the deficiencies; (iv) disapprove, in whole or in part, the submission, directing that the Respondent modify the submission; or (v) any combination of the above. However, EPA shall not modify a submission without first providing Respondent

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at least one notice of deficiency and an opportunity to cure within twenty (20) days (unless the EPA and Respondent agree to a longer time period), except where to do so would cause serious disruption to the work or where previous submissions have been disapproved due to material defects and the deficiencies in the submission under consideration indicate a bad faith lack of effort to submit an acceptable deliverable.

b. In the event of approval, approval upon conditions, or modification by EPA, pursuant to subparagraphs (i), (ii) or (iii), Respondent shall proceed to take any action required by the plan, report, or other item, as approved or modified by EPA, subject only to their right to invoke the Dispute Resolution procedures set forth in Section XVI (Dispute Resolution) with respect to the modifications or conditions made by EPA. In the event that EPA modifies the submission to cure the deficiencies pursuant to subparagraph (iii) and the submission has a material defect, EPA retains its right to seek stipulated penalties, as provided in Section XVIII (Stipulated Penalties).

26. Resubmission of Plans

a. Upon receipt of a notice of disapproval pursuant to subparagraph (iv), Respondent shall, within twenty (20) days or such longer time as specified by EPA in such notice, correct the deficiencies and resubmit the plan, report, or other item for approval. Any stipulated penalties applicable to the submission, as provided in Section XVIII, shall accrue during the 20-day period or otherwise specified period but shall not be payable unless the resubmission is disapproved or modified due to a material defect as provided in Paragraph 26d.

b. Notwithstanding the receipt of a notice of disapproval pursuant to subparagraph (iv), Respondent shall proceed, at the direction of EPA, to take any action required by any non-deficient portion of the submission. Implementation of any non-deficient portion of a submission shall not relieve Respondent of any liability for stipulated penalties under Section XVIII (Stipulated Penalties).

c. In the event that a resubmitted plan, report or other item, or portion thereof, is disapproved by EPA, EPA may again require the Respondent to correct the deficiencies, in accordance with the preceding Paragraphs. EPA also retains the right to modify or develop the plan, report or other item. Respondent shall implement any such plan, report, or item as modified or developed by EPA, subject only to their right to invoke the procedures set forth in Section XVI (Dispute Resolution).

d. If upon resubmission, a plan, report, or item is disapproved or modified by EPA due to a material defect, Respondent shall be deemed to have failed to submit such plan, report, or item timely and adequately unless the Respondent invokes the dispute resolution procedures set forth in Section XVI (Dispute Resolution) and EPA’s action is overturned pursuant to that Section. The provisions of Section XVI(Dispute Resolution) and Section XVIII (Stipulated Penalties) shall govern the implementation of the work and accrual and

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payment of any stipulated penalties during Dispute Resolution. If EPA’s disapproval or modification is upheld, stipulated penalties shall accrue for such violation from the date on which the initial submission was originally required, as provided in Section XVIII.

e. All plans, reports, and other items required to be submitted to EPA under this Order shall, upon approval or modification by EPA, be enforceable under this Order. In the event EPA approves or modifies a portion of a plan, report, or other item required to be submitted to EPA under this Order, the approved or modified portion shall be enforceable under this Order.

27. Quality Assurance and Sampling.

a. All sampling and analyses performed pursuant to this Order shall conform to EPA direction, approval, and guidance regarding sampling, quality assurance/quality control (“QA/QC”), data validation, and chain of custody procedures. Respondent shall ensure that the laboratory used to perform the analyses participates in a QA/QC program that complies with the appropriate EPA guidance. Respondent shall follow, as appropriate, “Guidance for the Data Quality Objectives Process” (EPA/600/R-96/055) and “EPA Guidance for Quality Assurance Project Plans” (EPA/600/R-98/018). Respondent shall only use laboratories that have a documented Quality System that complies with ANSI/ASQC E-4 1994, “Specifications and Guidelines for Quality Systems for Environmental Data Collection and Environmental Technology Programs” (American National Standard, January 5, 1995), and “EPA Requirements for Quality Management Plans (QA/R-2) (EPA/240/B-01/002, March 2001),” or equivalent documentation as determined by EPA. EPA may consider laboratories accredited under the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (“NELAP”) as meeting the Quality System requirements.

b. Upon request by EPA, Respondent shall have such a laboratory analyze samples submitted by EPA for QA monitoring. Respondent shall provide to EPA the QA/QC procedures followed by all sampling teams and laboratories performing data collection and/or analysis.

c. Upon request by EPA, Respondent shall allow EPA or its authorized representatives to take split and/or duplicate samples. Respondent shall notify EPA not less than seven (7) days in advance of any sample collection activity, unless shorter notice is agreed to by EPA. EPA shall have the right to take any additional samples that EPA deems necessary. Upon request, EPA shall allow Respondent to take split or duplicate samples of any samples it takes as part of its oversight of USEC-Lead Work.

28. Reporting.

a. Respondent shall submit a written progress report to EPA concerning actions undertaken pursuant to this Order on a monthly basis, with the first report to be issued

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within ten (10) days following the month of EPA’s approval of the Work Plan until termination of this Order, unless otherwise directed in writing by the OSC. These reports shall describe all significant developments during the preceding period, including the actions performed and any problems encountered, analytical data received during the reporting period, and the developments anticipated during the next reporting period, including a schedule of actions to be performed, anticipated problems, and planned resolutions of past or anticipated problems. The monthly reports shall also include a listing of the quantities and types of materials sent offsite and the ultimate destination of such materials.

b. Respondent shall submit three (3) copies of all plans, reports or other submissions required by this Order, the Respondent’s Statement of Work, or any approved work plan. Upon request by EPA, Respondent shall submit such documents in electronic form.

     29. Final Report. Within ninety (90) days after completion of all USEC-Lead Work required by this Order, Respondent shall submit for EPA review a final report summarizing the actions taken to comply with this Order. The final report shall conform, at a minimum, with the requirements set forth in Section 300.165 of the NCP entitled “OSC Reports.” The final report shall include a good faith estimate of total costs or a statement of actual costs incurred in complying with the Order, a listing of quantities and types of materials removed off-Site or handled on-Site, a discussion of removal and disposal options that it considered for those materials, a listing of the ultimate destination of those materials, a presentation of the analytical results of all sampling and analyses performed, and accompanying appendices containing all relevant documentation generated during the removal action (e.g., manifests, invoices, bills, contracts, and permits). The final report shall also include the following certification signed by a person who supervised or directed the preparation of that report:

     “I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations.”

     30. Off-Site Shipments.

a. Respondent shall, prior to any off-Site shipment of a hazardous substance from the Site to an out-of-state waste management facility, provide written notification of such shipment of a hazardous substance to the appropriate state environmental official in the receiving facility’s state and to the On-Scene Coordinator. However, this notification requirement shall not apply to any off-Site shipments when both the total volume of all such shipments will not exceed 10 cubic yards and the activity of such material neither exceeds 30 pCi/gram nor presents a dose of 10 mRem at the surface of the material.

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Respondent shall include in the written notification the following information: 1) the name and location of the facility to which the hazardous substance is to be shipped; 2) the type and quantity of the hazardous substance to be shipped; 3) the expected schedule for the shipment of the hazardous substance; and 4) the method of transportation. Respondent shall notify the state in which the planned receiving facility is located of major changes in the shipment plan, such as a decision to ship the hazardous substance to another facility within the same state, or to a facility in another state.

b. Before shipping any hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants from the Site to an off-site location other than as provided in the SOW, Respondent shall obtain EPA’s certification that the proposed receiving facility is operating in compliance with the requirements of CERCLA Section 121(d)(3), 42 U.S.C. § 9621(d)(3), and 40 C.F.R. § 300.440. Respondent shall only send hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants from the Site to an off-site facility that complies with the requirements of the statutory provision and regulation cited in the preceding sentence.

IX. SITE ACCESS

     31. The Respondent and its contractors will be granted access to the Site to implement this Order pursuant to an EPA Administrative Order, Docket Number 04-2003-3750, (Attachment A) which also provides EPA, the State, and their representatives, including contractors, with access at all reasonable times to the Site for the purpose of conducting any activity related to this Order. USEC, including its representatives and contractors, is designated as EPA’s representative pursuant to 40 CFR §300.400(d)(3).

     32. Notwithstanding any provision of this Order, EPA retains all of its access authorities and rights including enforcement authorities related thereto, under CERCLA, RCRA, and any other applicable statutes or regulations

X. ACCESS TO INFORMATION

     33. Respondent shall provide to EPA, upon request, copies of all documents and information within their possession or control or that of their contractors or agents relating to activities at the Site under this Order, or to the implementation of this Order, including, but not limited to, sampling, analysis, chain of custody records, manifests, trucking logs, receipts, reports, sample traffic routing, correspondence, or other documents or information related to the Work. Respondent shall also make available to EPA, for purposes of investigation, information gathering, or testimony, their employees, agents, or representatives with knowledge of relevant facts concerning the performance of the Work under this Order.

     34. Respondent may assert business confidentiality claims covering part or all of the documents or information submitted to EPA under this Order to the extent permitted by and in accordance with Section 104(e)(7) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9604(e)(7), and 40 C.F.R.

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§ 2.203(b). Documents or information determined to be confidential by EPA will be afforded the protection specified in 40 C.F.R. Part 2, Subpart B. If no claim of confidentiality accompanies documents or information when they are submitted to EPA, or if EPA has notified Respondent that the documents or information are not confidential under the standards of Section 104(e)(7) of CERCLA or 40 C.F.R. Part 2, Subpart B, the public may be given access to such documents or information without further notice to Respondent.

     35. Respondent may assert that certain documents, records and other information are privileged under the attorney-client privilege or any other privilege recognized by federal law. If the Respondent assert such a privilege in lieu of providing documents, they shall provide EPA with the following: 1) the title of the document, record, or information; 2) the date of the document, record, or information; 3) the name and title of the author of the document, record, or information; 4) the name and title of each addressee and recipient; 5) a description of the subject of the document, record, or information; and 6) the privilege asserted by Respondent. However, no documents, reports or other information created or generated pursuant to the requirements of this Order shall be withheld on the grounds that they are privileged.

     36. No claim of confidentiality shall be made with respect to any data, concerning the conditions at or around the Site, including, but not limited to, all sampling, analytical, monitoring, hydrogeologic, scientific, chemical, or engineering data, or any other documents or information evidencing conditions at or around the Site.

XI. RECORD RETENTION

     37. Until five (5) years after Respondent’s receipt of EPA’s notification pursuant to Section XXX (Notice of Completion of Work), Respondent shall preserve and retain all non-identical copies of records and documents (including records or documents in electronic form) now in its possession or control or which come into its possession or control that relate in any manner to the performance of the Work or the liability of any person under CERCLA with respect to the Site, regardless of any corporate retention policy to the contrary. Until five (5) years after Respondent’s receipt of EPA’s notification pursuant to Section XXX (Notice of Completion of Work), Respondent shall also instruct their contractors and agents to preserve all documents, records, and information of whatever kind, nature or description relating to performance of the Work.

     38. At the conclusion of this document retention period, Respondent shall notify EPA at least ninety (90) days prior to the destruction of any such records or documents, and, upon request by EPA, Respondent shall deliver any such records or documents to EPA. Respondent may assert that certain documents, records and other information are privileged under the attorney-client privilege or any other privilege recognized by federal law. If Respondent asserts such a privilege, they shall provide EPA with the following: 1) the title of the document, record, or information; 2) the date of the document, record, or information; 3) the name and title of the author of the document, record, or information; 4) the name and title of each addressee and recipient; 5) a description of the subject of the document, record, or information; and 6) the

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privilege asserted by Respondent. However, no documents, reports or other information created or generated pursuant to the requirements of this Order shall be withheld on the grounds that they are privileged.

     39. Respondent hereby certifies that to the best of its knowledge and belief, after reasonable inquiry, it has not altered, mutilated, discarded, destroyed or otherwise disposed of any records, documents or other information (other than identical copies, drafts or documents received from or provided to EPA) relating to its potential liability regarding the Site since notification of potential liability by EPA or the State or the filing of suit against it regarding the Site and that it has fully complied with any and all EPA requests for information pursuant to Sections 104(e) and 122(e) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. §§ 9604(e) and 9622(e), and Section 3007 of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. § 6927.

XII. COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER LAWS

     40. Respondent shall perform all actions required pursuant to this Order in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations except as provided in Section 121(e) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 6921(e), and 40 C.F.R. §§ 300.400(e) and 300.415(j). In accordance with 40 C.F.R. § 300.415(j), all on-Site actions required pursuant to this Order shall, to the extent practicable, as determined by EPA, considering the exigencies of the situation, attain applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements (“ARARs”) under federal environmental or state environmental or facility siting laws.

XIII. EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND NOTIFICATION OF RELEASES

     41. In the event of any action or occurrence during performance of the USEC-Lead Work which causes or threatens a release of Waste Material from the Site that constitutes an emergency situation or may present an immediate threat to public health or welfare or the environment, Respondent shall immediately take all appropriate action. Respondent shall take these actions in accordance with all applicable provisions of this Order, including, but not limited to, the Health and Safety Plan, in order to prevent, abate or minimize such release or endangerment caused or threatened by the release. Respondent shall also immediately notify the OSC or, in the event of his/her unavailability, the Regional Duty Officer Region 4, EERB at 404-562-8700 of the incident or Site conditions. In the event that Respondent fails to take appropriate response action as required by this Paragraph, and EPA takes such action instead, Respondent shall reimburse EPA all costs of the response action not inconsistent with the NCP pursuant to Section XV (Payment of AOC Oversight Costs by Respondent.)

     42. In addition, in the event of any release of a hazardous substance from the Site to an off-Site location in the course of implementing USEC-Lead Work, Respondent shall immediately notify the OSC at (404)-562-8700 and the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802. Respondent shall submit a written report to EPA within seven (7) days after each release, setting forth the events that occurred and the measures taken or to be taken to mitigate any release or endangerment caused or threatened by the release and to prevent the reoccurrence of such a

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release. This reporting requirement is in addition to, and not in lieu of, reporting under Section 103(c) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9603(c), and Section 304 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. § 11004, et seq.

XIV. AUTHORITY OF ON-SCENE COORDINATOR

     43. The OSC shall be responsible for overseeing Respondent’s implementation of this Order. The OSC shall have the authority vested in an OSC by the NCP, including the authority to halt, conduct, or direct any Work required by this Order. Absence of the OSC from the Site shall not be cause for stoppage of work unless specifically directed by the OSC.

XV. PAYMENT OF AOC OVERSIGHT COSTS BY RESPONDENT

44. Payments for AOC Oversight Costs.

a. Respondent shall reimburse EPA for Respondent’s share of AOC Oversight Costs that were incurred not inconsistent with the NCP. Respondent’s share of EPA’s AOC Oversight Costs includes (1) all costs that are attributable to oversight of Respondent’s activities under this Order, (2) one-half of the cost of services shared by Respondent and EPA, such as site security and utilities that cannot be separately metered, and that have been paid or incurred by EPA, (3) Respondent’s proportional cost of services, such as wastewater treatment, where it is practicable to apply a unit rate to Respondent’s usage, and (4) EPA’s indirect costs associated with 1-3 above.

b. On a periodic basis, EPA will send Respondent a bill that identifies and requires payment of Respondent’s share of AOC Oversight Costs. The bill shall include a SCORPIOS report. Respondent shall make all payments within thirty (30) days of receipt of each bill requiring payment, except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 46 of this Order.

c. Respondent shall make all payments required by this Paragraph by a certified or cashier’s check or checks made payable to “EPA Hazardous Substance Superfund,” referencing the name and address of the parties making payment and EPA Site/Spill ID number A48Q. Respondent shall send the checks to:

US EPA Region 4
Superfund Accounting
PO Box 100142
Atlanta, GA 30384

d. At the time of payment, Respondent shall send notice that payment has been made to:

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Paula Batchelor
  Kevin Beswick, Esq.
U.S. EPA Region 4
  U.S. EPA Region 4
4WD-PSB/11th floor   Environmental Accountability Division
61 Forsyth Street, S.W.
  61 Forsyth Street, S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30303-8960   Atlanta, GA 30303-8960

e. The total amount to be paid by Respondent pursuant to Paragraph 44(a) shall be deposited in the Starmet Special Account within the EPA Hazardous Substance Superfund to be retained and used to conduct or finance response actions at or in connection with the Site, or to be transferred by EPA to the EPA Hazardous Substance Superfund.

     45. In the event that the payment for AOC Oversight Costs are not made within thirty (30) days of Respondent’s receipt of a bill, Respondent shall pay Interest on the unpaid balance. The Interest on AOC Oversight Costs shall begin to accrue on the due date of the bill and shall continue to accrue until the date of payment. Payments of Interest made under this Paragraph shall be in addition to such other remedies or sanctions available to the United States by virtue of Respondent’s failure to make timely payments under this Section, including but not limited to, payment of stipulated penalties pursuant to Section XVIII.

     46. Respondent may dispute all or part of a bill for AOC Oversight Costs submitted under this Order, if Respondent alleges that EPA has made an accounting error, or if Respondent alleges that a cost item is inconsistent with the NCP. If any dispute over costs is resolved before payment is due, the amount due will be adjusted as necessary. If the dispute is not resolved before payment is due, Respondent shall pay the full amount of the uncontested costs to EPA as specified in Paragraph 44 on or before the due date. Within the same time period, Respondent shall pay the full amount of the contested costs into an interest-bearing escrow account. Respondent shall simultaneously transmit a copy of both checks to the persons listed in Paragraph 44(d) above. Respondent shall ensure that the prevailing party or parties in the dispute shall receive the amount upon which they prevailed from the escrow funds plus interest within fifteen (15) days after the dispute is resolved.

XVI. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

     47. Unless otherwise expressly provided for in this Order, the dispute resolution procedures of this Section shall be the exclusive mechanism for resolving disputes arising under this Order. The Parties shall attempt to resolve any disagreements concerning this Order expeditiously and informally.

     48. If Respondent objects to any EPA action taken pursuant to this Order, including billings for AOC Oversight Costs, they shall notify EPA in writing of their objections within fifteen (15) days of such action, unless the objections has/have been resolved informally. EPA and Respondent shall have thirty (30) days from EPA’s receipt of Respondent’s written

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objections to resolve the dispute through formal negotiations (the “Negotiation Period”). The Negotiation Period may be extended at the sole discretion of EPA.

     49. Any agreement reached by the parties pursuant to this Section shall be in writing and shall, upon signature by both parties, be incorporated into and become an enforceable part of this Order. If the Parties are unable to reach an agreement within the Negotiation Period, an EPA management official at the Division Director level or higher will issue a written decision on the dispute to Respondent. EPA’s decision shall be incorporated into and become an enforceable part of this Order. Respondent’s obligations under this Order shall not be tolled by submission of any objection for dispute resolution under this Section. Following resolution of the dispute, as provided by this Section, Respondent shall fulfill the requirement that was the subject of the dispute in accordance with the agreement reached or with EPA’s decision, whichever occurs.

XVII. FORCE MAJEURE

     50. Respondent agrees to perform all requirements of this Order within the time limits established under this Order, unless the performance is delayed by a force majeure. For purposes of this Order, a force majeure is defined as any event arising from causes beyond the control of Respondent, or of any entity controlled by Respondent, including but not limited to their contractors and subcontractors, which delays or prevents performance of any obligation under this Order despite Respondent’s best efforts to fulfill the obligation. Force majeure does not include financial inability to complete the USEC-Lead Work or increased cost of performance.

     51. If any event occurs or has occurred that may delay the performance of any obligation under this Order, whether or not caused by a force majeure event, Respondent shall notify EPA orally within forty-eight (48) hours of when Respondent first knew that the event might cause a delay. Within five (5) days thereafter, Respondent shall provide to EPA in writing an explanation and description of the reasons for the delay; the anticipated duration of the delay; all actions taken or to be taken to prevent or minimize the delay; a schedule for implementation of any measures to be taken to prevent or mitigate the delay or the effect of the delay; Respondent’s rationale for attributing such delay to a force majeure event if they intend to assert such a claim; and a statement as to whether, in the opinion of Respondent, such event may cause or contribute to an endangerment to public health, welfare or the environment. Failure to comply with the above requirements shall preclude Respondent from asserting any claim of force majeure for that event for the period of time of such failure to comply and for any additional delay caused by such failure.

     52. If EPA agrees that the delay or anticipated delay is attributable to a force majeure event, the time for performance of the obligations under this Order that are affected by the force majeure event will be extended by EPA for such time as is necessary to complete those obligations. An extension of the time for performance of the obligations affected by the force majeure event shall not, of itself, extend the time for performance of any other obligation. If EPA does not agree that the delay or anticipated delay has been or will be caused by a force majeure event, EPA will notify Respondent in writing of its decision. If EPA agrees that the

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delay is attributable to a force majeure event, EPA will notify Respondent in writing of the length of the extension, if any, for performance of the obligations affected by the force majeure event. In either case, EPA shall endeavor to provide its response to Respondent within ten (10) days of receiving Respondent’s written notification provided to EPA in accordance with Paragraph 51.

XVIII. STIPULATED PENALTIES

     53. Respondent shall be liable to EPA for stipulated penalties in the amounts set forth in Paragraphs 54 and 55 for failure to comply with the requirements of this Order specified below, unless excused under Section XVII (Force Majeure). “Compliance” by Respondent shall include completion of the Respondent’s activities required under this Order, or any USEC-Lead Work under this Order identified below in accordance with all applicable requirements of law, this Order, the SOW, and any plans or other documents approved by EPA pursuant to this Order and within the specified time schedules established by and approved under this Order.

     54. Stipulated Penalty Amounts — Work.

a. The following stipulated penalties shall accrue per violation per day for any noncompliance identified in Paragraph 54.b:

       
Penalty Per Violation Per Day   Period of Noncompliance  

 
 
$100   1st through 30th day  
$200   31st through 60th day  
$500   61st day and beyond

b. Compliance Milestones: Completion of the USEC-Lead Work described in Respondent’s Statement of Work, on or before the date for the completion of all work as set forth in the approved Respondent’s Work Plan, unless (1) EPA shall have agreed to an extension of such scheduled completion date, or (2) if excused under Section XVII (Force Majeure).

     55. Stipulated Penalty Amounts — Reports. The following stipulated penalties shall accrue per report per day for failure to submit timely or adequate reports or other written documents pursuant to Paragraphs 22 through 29:

       
Penalty Per Violation Per Day   Period of Noncompliance  

 
 
$100   1st through 30th day  
$200   31st through 60th day  
$500   61st day and beyond  

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     56. In the event that EPA assumes performance of a portion or all of the USEC Lead Work required under this Order, pursuant to Paragraph 72, Respondent shall be liable for a stipulated penalty in the amount of $200,000.

     57. All penalties shall begin to accrue on the day after the complete performance is due or the day a violation occurs, and shall continue to accrue through the final day of the correction of the noncompliance or completion of the activity. However, stipulated penalties shall not accrue: 1) with respect to a deficient submission under Section VIII (Work to be Performed), during the period, if any, beginning on the 31st day after EPA’s receipt of such submission until the date that EPA notifies Respondent of any deficiency; and 2) with respect to a decision by the EPA Management Official at the Division Director level or higher, under Paragraph 49 of Section XVI (Dispute Resolution), during the period, if any, beginning on the 21st day after the Negotiation Period begins until the date that the EPA management official issues a final decision regarding such dispute. Nothing herein shall prevent the simultaneous accrual of separate penalties for separate violations of this Order.

     58. Following EPA’s determination that Respondent has failed to comply with a requirement of this Order, EPA may give Respondent written notification of the failure and describe the noncompliance. EPA may send Respondent a written demand for payment of the penalties. However, penalties shall accrue as provided in the preceding Paragraph regardless of whether EPA has notified Respondent of a violation.

     59. All penalties accruing under this Section shall be due and payable to EPA within thirty (30) days of Respondent’s receipt from EPA of a demand for payment of the penalties, unless Respondent invokes the dispute resolution procedures under Section XVI (Dispute Resolution). All payments to EPA under this Section shall be paid by certified or cashier’s checks made payable to “EPA Hazardous Substances Superfund,” and mailed to:

US EPA Region 4
Superfund Accounting
PO Box 100142
Atlanta, GA 30384,

The check shall indicate that the payment is for stipulated penalties, and shall reference the EPA Region and Site/Spill ID Number A48Q, the EPA Docket Number   , and the name and address of the party making payment. Copies of checks paid pursuant to this Section, and any accompanying transmittal letters, shall be sent to EPA as provided in Paragraph 19, and to:

       
Paula Batchelor
  Kevin Beswick, Esq.
 
U.S. EPA Region 4
  U.S. EPA Region 4
 
4WD-PSB/11th floor
  Environmental Accountability Division
 
61 Forsyth Street, S.W.
  61 Forsyth Street, S.W.
 
Atlanta, GA 30303-8960   Atlanta, GA 30303-8960  

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     60. The payment of penalties shall not alter in any way Respondent’s obligation to complete performance of the USEC-Lead Work required under this Order.

     61. Penalties shall continue to accrue during any dispute resolution period, but need not be paid until fifteen (15) days after the dispute is resolved by agreement or by receipt of EPA’s decision.

     62. If Respondent fails to pay stipulated penalties when due, EPA may institute proceedings to collect the penalties, as well as Interest. Respondent shall pay Interest on the unpaid balance, which shall begin to accrue on the date of demand made pursuant to Paragraph 58. Nothing in this Order shall be construed as prohibiting, altering, or in any way limiting the ability of EPA to seek any other remedies or sanctions available by virtue of Respondent’s violation of this Order or of the statutes and regulations upon which it is based, including, but not limited to, penalties pursuant to Sections 106(b) and 122(l) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. §§ 9606(b) and 9622(l), and punitive damages pursuant to Section 107(c)(3) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9607(c)(3). Provided, however, that EPA shall not seek civil penalties pursuant to Section 106(b) or 122(l) of CERCLA or punitive damages pursuant to Section 107(c)(3) of CERCLA for any violation for which a stipulated penalty is provided herein, except in the case of a willful violation of this Order, or in the event that EPA assumes performance of a portion or all of the Work pursuant to Section XXI, Paragraph 72. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, EPA may, in its unreviewable discretion, waive any portion of stipulated penalties that have accrued pursuant to this Order.

XIX. PAYMENT OF EPA’s REMOVAL ACTION COSTS BY SETTLING FEDERAL AGENCIES

     63. Settling Federal Agencies shall pay EPA for EPA’s Removal Action Costs. Payment to EPA of EPA’s Removal Action Costs shall be made by Settling Federal Agencies in installments as provided below.

     (a) Initial Installment. As soon as reasonably practicable after the execution of this agreement, the United States, on behalf of the Settling Federal Agencies, shall pay to the EPA Hazardous Substance Superfund $15,000,000.00 by Electronic Funds Transfer. EPA shall deposit this money paid pursuant to this AOC into the EPA Hazardous Substance Superfund, Starmet Special Account. This payment amount is based on the total currently-estimated cost to perform the EPA-Lead Work in this Order.

     (b) Contingent Second Installment. If, at any time, but no earlier than six (6) months after the Effective Date hereof, EPA determines that the cost to perform the EPA-Lead Work will exceed $15 million, and thus the amount of money in the Starmet Special Account is less than the amount projected by the OSC to be needed to complete the EPA-Lead Work, the Parties shall execute an amendment to this AOC which shall provide for an additional payment by the United States, on behalf of the Settling Federal Agencies, into the EPA Hazardous Substance Superfund, Starmet Special Account, of a sum equal to the newly-estimated cost of completing the EPA-

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Lead Work. The Parties’ agreement concerning the payment of any such second installment shall be memorialized in writing and made an enforceable part of this Order, which may be amended only by mutual consent of the Parties.

     (c). Contingent Final Payment — In the event that the second installment payment is not sufficient to pay for all costs of EPA-Lead Work, then upon completion of the Work, EPA shall submit to Settling Federal Agencies a bill requiring payment of such unreimbursed EPA-Lead Work Costs. Such bill shall include a SCORPIOS report. Settling Federal Agencies shall make payment to EPA as soon as reasonably practical.

     64. If any payment to the EPA Hazardous Substances Superfund required by this section is not made as soon as reasonably practicable, the appropriate EPA Regional Branch Chief may raise any issues relating to payment to the appropriate DOJ Assistant Section Chief for the Environmental Defense Section. In any event, if this payment is not made within one hundred twenty (120) days after the effective date of this Agreement, EPA and DOJ have agreed to resolve the issue within thirty (30) days in accordance with procedures set forth in the letter agreement entitled “Agreement On Procedures To Address Consent Decree Payments By Federal PRPs to the Superfund”, dated December 28, 1998.

     65. In the event that payment by the Settling Federal Agencies is not made within ninety (90) days of the effective date of this Agreement, interest on the unpaid balance shall be paid at the rate established pursuant to Section 107(a) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9607(a), commencing on the effective date of this Agreement and accruing through the date of the payment.

     66. The parties to this Order recognize and acknowledge that the payment obligations of the Settling Federal Agencies under Paragraphs 63 (a) (b) and (c) of this Order can only be paid from appropriated funds legally available for such purpose. Nothing in this Order shall be interpreted or construed as a commitment or requirement that the Settling Federal Agencies obligate or pay funds in contravention of the Anti-Deficiency Act, 31 U.S.C. § 1341, or any other applicable provision of law.

     67. Following completion of the EPA-Lead Work, any money remaining in the Starmet Special Account shall only be applied to credit the further liability of the United States in contribution for additional response costs at the Site. Such money shall be retained and used to conduct or finance response actions at or in connection with the Site.

XX. COVENANTS NOT TO SUE BY THE UNITED STATES

     68. In consideration of the actions that will be performed and the payments that will be made by Respondent under the terms of this Order, and except as otherwise specifically provided in this Order, the United States covenants not to sue or to take administrative action against Respondent pursuant to Sections 106 and 107(a) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. §§ 9606 and 9607(a), for performance of the Work, for recovery of the costs of the Work or AOC Oversight Costs, and for EPA’s Removal Action Costs. These covenants not to sue or take administrative action shall

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take effect upon the Effective Date and are conditioned upon the complete and satisfactory performance of all obligations under this Order, including, but not limited to, payment of AOC Oversight Costs by Respondent pursuant to Section XV and payment of EPA’s Removal Action Costs by the Settling Federal Agencies pursuant to Section XIX. These covenants extends only to Respondent and do not extend to any other person.

     69. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Order, in consideration of the payments that will be made by the United States on behalf of the Settling Federal Agencies under the terms of this Order, including payment of all of EPA’s Removal Action Costs, EPA covenants not to take administrative action against the Settling Federal Agencies pursuant to Section 107(a) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9607(a), for the Work, for recovery of the costs of the Work or AOC Oversight Costs, and for EPA’s Removal Action Costs under this Order. EPA’s covenant shall take effect upon receipt of the payment required under Paragraph 63. This covenant is conditioned upon the satisfactory performance by the Settling Federal Agencies of their obligations under this Order. This covenant extends only to the Settling Federal Agencies and does not extend to any other person.

XXI. RESERVATIONS OF RIGHTS BY THE UNITED STATES

     70. Except as specifically provided in this Order, nothing herein shall limit the power and authority of EPA or the United States to take, direct, or order all actions necessary to protect public health, welfare, or the environment or to prevent, abate, or minimize an actual or threatened release of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants, or hazardous or solid waste on, at, or from the Site. Further, nothing herein shall prevent EPA from seeking legal or equitable relief to enforce the terms of this Order, from taking other legal or equitable action as it deems appropriate and necessary, or from requiring Respondent or Settling Federal Agencies in the future to perform additional activities pursuant to CERCLA or any other applicable law.

     71. The covenants set forth in Section XX above do not pertain to any matters other than those expressly identified therein. EPA reserves the right to bring an action against the Respondent, and to take administrative action against the Settling Federal Agencies, with respect to all other matters, including, but not limited to:

a. claims based on a failure by Respondent or a Settling Federal Agency to meet a requirement of this Order;

b. liability for costs not included within the definition of AOC Oversight Costs or EPA’s Removal Action Costs;

c. liability for performance of response action other than the Work;

d. criminal liability;

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e. liability for damages for injury to, destruction of, or loss of natural resources, and for the costs of any natural resource damage assessments;

f. liability arising from the past, present, or future disposal, release or threat of release of hazardous substances outside of the Site; and

g. liability for costs incurred or to be incurred by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry related to the Site.

     72. USEC-Lead Work Takeover. In the event EPA determines that Respondent has ceased implementation of any portion of the USEC-Lead Work, is seriously or repeatedly deficient or late in their performance of that work, or is implementing that work in a manner which may cause an endangerment to human health or the environment, EPA may assume the performance of all or any portion of that work as EPA determines necessary. Except when EPA determines it is necessary to prevent endangerment to human health or the environment, prior to assuming performance of all or any portion of the USEC-Lead Work, EPA shall provide Respondent with notice of the deficiencies and at least thirty (30) days to cure any deficiencies identified in the notice. Respondent may invoke the procedures set forth in Section XVI (Dispute Resolution) to dispute EPA’s determination that takeover of the USEC-Lead Work is warranted under this Paragraph. Costs incurred by the United States in performing the USEC-Lead Work pursuant to this Paragraph shall be considered AOC Oversight Costs that Respondent shall pay pursuant to Section XV (Payment of AOC Oversight Costs by Respondent). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Order, EPA retains all authority and reserves all rights to take any and all response actions authorized by law.

XXII. COVENANT NOT TO SUE BY RESPONDENT

     73. Respondent covenants not to sue and agrees not to assert any claims or causes of action against the United States, or its contractors or employees, with respect to the Work or the costs of the Work, for AOC Oversight Costs, for EPA’s Removal Action Costs, or for any other costs incurred pursuant to this Order, including, but not limited to:

a. any direct or indirect claim for reimbursement from the Hazardous Substance Superfund established by 26 U.S.C. § 9507, based on Sections 106(b)(2), 107, 111, 112, or 113 of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. §§ 9606(b)(2), 9607, 9611, 9612, or 9613, or any other provision of law;

b. any claim arising out of response actions, oversight or response activities, or approval of plans for such activities at or in connection with the Site, including any claim under the United States Constitution, the South Carolina State Constitution, the Tucker Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1491, the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412, as amended, or at common law; or

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c. any claim against the United States pursuant to Sections 107 and 113 of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. §§ 9607 and 9613, relating to the Work, AOC Oversight Costs, EPA’s Removal Action Costs, or any other costs incurred under this Order.

     74. Except as provided in Paragraph 76 (Waiver of Claims), these covenants not to sue shall not apply (i) in the event the United States brings a cause of action or issues an order pursuant to the reservations set forth in Paragraphs 71(b), (c), and (e) — (g), but only to the extent that Respondent’s claims arise from the same response action, response costs, or damages that the United States is seeking pursuant to the applicable reservation; or (ii) in the event the Settling Federal Agencies fail to meet their responsibilities to pay EPA’s Removal Action Costs or the costs of performing the work that is part of the EPA-Lead Work, as provided in paragraphs 63 through 66 above, and Respondent is required to incur such costs or perform such work, then Respondent shall retain the right to bring an action to recover any such EPA Removal Action Costs paid by Respondent, or to recover any costs incurred by Respondent in performing any portion of the work that is part of the EPA-Lead Work.

     75. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute approval or preauthorization of a claim within the meaning of Section 111 of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9611, or 40 C.F.R. § 300.700(d).

     76. Respondent agrees not to assert any claims and to waive all claims or causes of action that they may have for all matters relating to the Site, including for contribution, against any person where the person’s liability to Respondent with respect to the Site is based solely on having arranged for disposal or treatment, or for transport for disposal or treatment, of hazardous substances at the Site, or having accepted for transport for disposal or treatment of hazardous substances at the Site, if

a. the materials contributed by such person to the Site containing hazardous substances did not exceed the greater of i) 0.002% of the total volume of waste at the Site, or ii) 110 gallons of liquid materials or 200 pounds of solid materials.

b. This waiver shall not apply to any claim or cause of action against any person meeting the above criteria if EPA has determined that the materials contributed to the Site by such person contributed or could contribute significantly to the costs of response at the Site. This waiver also shall not apply with respect to any defense, claim, or cause of action that a Respondent may have against any person if such person asserts a claim or cause of action relating to the Site against such Respondent.

     77. Respondent agrees not to assert any claims and to waive all claims or causes of action that they may have for all matters relating to the Site, including for contribution, against any person that has entered into a final de minimis settlement under Section 122(g) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9622(g), with EPA with respect to the Site as of the Effective Date. This waiver shall not apply with respect to any defense, claim, or cause of action that a Respondent may have

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against any person if such person asserts a claim or cause of action relating to the Site against such Respondent.

XXIII. COVENANT NOT TO SEEK REIMBURSEMENT BY SETTLING FEDERAL AGENCIES

     78. The Settling Federal Agencies hereby agree not to assert any direct or indirect claim for reimbursement from the Hazardous Substance Superfund (established pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 9507) through CERCLA §§ 106(b)(2), 107, 111, 112, 113, 42 U.S.C. §§ 9606(b)(2), 9607, 9611, 9612, 9613, or any other provision of law with respect to EPA’s Future Response Costs at the Site, or USEC-Lead Work.

XXIV. OTHER CLAIMS

     79. By issuance of this Order, the United States and EPA assume no liability for injuries or damages to persons or property resulting from any acts or omissions of Respondent. The United States or EPA shall not be deemed a party to any contract entered into by Respondent or their directors, officers, employees, agents, successors, representatives, assigns, contractors, or consultants in carrying out actions pursuant to this Order.

     80. Except as expressly provided in Paragraph 77, De Minimis Waivers, and Section XX (COVENANTS NOT TO SUE BY THE UNITED STATES), nothing in this Order constitutes a satisfaction of or release from any claim or cause of action against Respondent, Settling Federal Agencies, or any person not a party to this Order, for any liability such person may have under CERCLA, other statutes, or common law, including but not limited to any claims of the United States for costs, damages and interest under Sections 106 and 107 of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. §§ 9606 and 9607.

     81. No action or decision by EPA pursuant to this Order shall give rise to any right to judicial review, except as set forth in Section 113(h) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9613(h).

XXV. CONTRIBUTION PROTECTION

     82. The Parties agree that Respondent and the Settling Federal Agencies are entitled, as of the Effective Date, to protection from contribution actions or claims as provided by Sections 113(f)(2) and 122(h)(4) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. §§ 9613(f)(2) and 9622(h)(4), for “matters addressed” in this Order. The “matters addressed” in this Order are the Work, EPA’s Removal Action Costs, and AOC Oversight Costs. Except as provided in Paragraph 77, of this Order (De Minimis Waivers), nothing in this Order precludes the United States or Respondent from asserting any claims, causes of action, or demands against any persons not parties to this Order for indemnification, contribution, or cost recovery. Provided that if the Settling Federal Agencies fail to meet their responsibilities to pay the EPA’s Removal Action Costs and the costs of performing the work that is part of the EPA-Lead Work, as provided in paragraphs 63-67 above, and respondent is required to incur such costs or perform such work, nothing in this Order shall

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preclude Respondent from recovering any costs incurred or paid by Respondent for the EPA’s Removal Action Costs and any such costs incurred or paid to perform any portion of the work that is part of the EPA-Lead Work.

XXVI. INDEMNIFICATION

     83. Respondent shall indemnify, save and hold harmless the United States, its officials, agents, contractors, subcontractors, employees and representatives from any and all claims or causes of action arising from, or on account of, negligent or other wrongful acts or omissions of Respondent, its officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, or subcontractors, in carrying out actions pursuant to USEC-Lead Work required by this Order, provided that Respondent shall not indemnify the United States for any work performed by EPA or others in the event that EPA assumes performance of the Work pursuant to Paragraph 72 (Work Takeover). In addition, Respondent agrees to pay the United States all costs incurred by the United States, including but not limited to attorneys fees and other expenses of litigation and settlement, arising from or on account of claims made against the United States based on negligent or other wrongful acts or omissions of Respondent, its officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors and any persons acting on their behalf or under their control, in carrying out activities pursuant to USEC-Lead Work required under this Order. The United States shall not be held out as a party to any contract entered into by or on behalf of Respondent in carrying out activities pursuant to USEC-Lead Work required under this Order. Neither Respondent nor any such contractor shall be considered an agent of the United States.

     84. The United States shall give Respondent notice of any claim for which the United States plans to seek indemnification pursuant to this Section and shall consult with Respondent prior to settling such claim.

     85. Except as provided in Section XXII (Covenant Not to Sue by Respondent), Respondent waives all claims against the United States for damages or reimbursement or for set-off of any payments made or to be made to the United States, arising from or on account of any contract, agreement, or arrangement between Respondent and any person for performance of Work on or relating to the Site, including, but not limited to, claims on account of construction delays. In addition, Respondent shall indemnify and hold harmless the United States with respect to any and all claims for damages or reimbursement arising from or on account of any contract, agreement, or arrangement between Respondent and any person for performance of Work on or relating to the Site, including, but not limited to, claims on account of construction delays.

XXVII. INSURANCE

     86. At least seven (7) days prior to commencing any on-Site work under this Order, Respondent shall secure, and shall maintain for the duration of this Order, comprehensive general liability insurance and automobile insurance with limits of five (5) million dollars, combined single limit. Within the same time period, Respondent shall provide EPA with certificates of such insurance. At EPA’s request, Respondent shall provide a copy of each insurance policy. In

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addition, for the duration of the Order, Respondent shall satisfy, or shall ensure that their contractors or subcontractors satisfy, all applicable laws and regulations regarding the provision of worker’s compensation insurance for all persons performing the Work on behalf of Respondent in furtherance of this Order. If Respondent demonstrates by evidence satisfactory to EPA that any contractor or subcontractor maintains insurance equivalent to that described above, or insurance covering some or all of the same risks but in an equal or lesser amount, then Respondent need provide only that portion of the insurance described above which is not maintained by such contractor or subcontractor.

XXVIII. FINANCIAL ASSURANCE

     87. Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Respondent shall establish and maintain financial security in the amount of $7,850,000 in one or more of the following forms:

a. A surety bond guaranteeing performance of the Work;

b. One or more irrevocable letters of credit equaling the total estimated cost of the Work;

c. A trust fund;

d. A guarantee to perform the Work by one or more parent corporations or subsidiaries, or by one or more unrelated corporations that have a substantial business relationship with Respondent; or

e. A demonstration that one or more of the Respondent satisfy the requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 264.143(f).

     88. If Respondent seeks to demonstrate the ability to complete the USEC-Lead Work through a guarantee by a third party pursuant to Paragraph 87(a) of this Section, Respondent shall demonstrate that the guarantor satisfies the requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 264.143(f). If Respondent seeks to demonstrate their ability to complete the Work by means of the financial test or the corporate guarantee pursuant to Paragraph 87(d) or (e) of this Section, they shall resubmit sworn statements conveying the information required by 40 C.F.R. Part 264.143(f) annually, on the anniversary of the Effective Date. In the event that EPA determines at any time that the financial assurances provided pursuant to this Section are inadequate, Respondent shall, within thirty (30) days of receipt of notice of EPA’s determination, obtain and present to EPA for approval one of the other forms of financial assurance listed in Paragraph 87 of this Section. Respondent’s inability to demonstrate financial ability to complete the Work shall not excuse performance of any activities required under this Order.

     89. If, after the Effective Date, Respondent can show that the estimated cost to complete the remaining USEC-Lead Work has diminished below the amount set forth in Paragraph 87 of this Section, Respondent may, on any anniversary date of the Effective Date, or at any other time agreed to by the Parties, reduce the amount of the financial security provided under this Section

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to the estimated cost of the remaining work to be performed. Respondent shall submit a proposal for such reduction to EPA, in accordance with the requirements of this Section, and may reduce the amount of the security upon approval by EPA. In the event of a dispute, Respondent may reduce the amount of the security in accordance with the written decision resolving the dispute.

     90. Respondent may change the form of financial assurance provided under this Section at any time, upon notice to and approval by EPA, provided that the new form of assurance meets the requirements of this Section. In the event of a dispute, Respondent may change the form of the financial assurance only in accordance with the written decision resolving the dispute.

XXIX. MODIFICATIONS

     91. The OSC may make modifications to any plan or schedule in writing or by oral direction. Any oral modification will be memorialized in writing by EPA promptly, but shall have as its effective date the date of the OSC’s oral direction. Any other requirements of this Order may be modified in writing by mutual agreement of the parties.

     92. If Respondent seeks permission to deviate from any approved work plan or schedule or Respondent’s Statement of Work, Respondent’s Project Coordinator shall submit a written request to EPA for approval outlining the proposed modification and its basis. Respondent may not proceed with the requested deviation until receiving oral or written approval from the OSC pursuant to Paragraph 22.

     93. No informal advice, guidance, suggestion, or comment by the OSC or other EPA representatives regarding reports, plans, specifications, schedules, or any other writing submitted by Respondent shall relieve Respondent of its obligation to obtain any formal approval required by this Order, or to comply with all requirements of this Order, unless it is formally modified.

XXX. NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF WORK

     94. When EPA determines, after EPA’s review of the Final Report, that all USEC-Lead Work has been fully performed in accordance with this Order, with the exception of any continuing obligations required by this Order, including payment of AOC Oversight Costs, or record retention, EPA will provide written notice to Respondent. If EPA determines that any such USEC-Lead Work has not been completed in accordance with this Order, EPA will notify Respondent, provide a list of the deficiencies, and require that Respondent modify the Work Plan if appropriate in order to correct such deficiencies. Respondent shall implement the modified and approved Work Plan and shall submit a modified Final Report in accordance with the EPA notice. Failure by Respondent to implement the approved modified Work Plan shall be a violation of this Order.

XXXI. ATTORNEY GENERAL APPROVAL

     95. The Attorney General or his designee has approved the settlement embodied in this Consent Order in accordance with Section 122(h)(1) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9622(h)(1).

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XXXII. SEVERABILITY/INTEGRATION/APPENDICES

     96. If a court issues an order that invalidates any provision of this Order or finds that Respondent has sufficient cause not to comply with one or more provisions of this Order, Respondent shall remain bound to comply with all provisions of this Order not invalidated or determined to be subject to a sufficient cause defense by the court’s order.

     97. This Order and its appendices constitute the final, complete and exclusive agreement and understanding among the Parties with respect to the settlement embodied in this Order. The parties acknowledge that there are no representations, agreements or understandings relating to the settlement other than those expressly contained in this Order. The following appendices are attached to and incorporated into this Order: Respondent’s Statement of Work, Appendix A. Site Map, Appendix B.

XXXIII. EFFECTIVE DATE

     98. This Order shall be effective seven (7) days after the Order is signed by the Regional Administrator or his delegate.

The undersigned representative of Respondent certifies that he or she is fully authorized to enter into the terms and conditions of this Order and to bind the party he or she represents to this document.

         
Agreed this  12th day of  January, 2004 
         
For Respondent USEC
         
By /s/ Phillip G. Sewell      
 
     
Title Senior Vice President      
 
     

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Agreed this  5th day of  February, 2004
     
For settling Federal Agency United States Department of Energy
     
By /s/ Jacqueline R. Little  
 
 
     
Title LTC, JA, Chief Environmental Law Division  
 
 

33


 

     
Agreed this  5th day of  February, 2004
     
For settling Federal Agency United States Department of the Army
     
By /s/ Gerald Boyd  
 
 
     
Title Manager  
 
 
  U.S. Department of Energy  
 
 
  Oak Ridge Operations  
 
 

34


 

           
It is so ORDERED and Agreed this  6th day of  February, 2004
 
BY:   /s/ Shane Hitchcock   DATE: 6-Feb-04  
 
   
 
Name
Shane Hitchcock
Region 4
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
     
EFFECTIVE DATE: 13-Feb-04  
 
 

35

exv10w65
 

EXHIBIT 10.65

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

     This Settlement (the “ Settlement Agreement”) is entered into as of the 9th of February, 2004 (the “Settlement Date”), by and between United States Enrichment Corporation, a Delaware Corporation with offices at 6903 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20817 (“USEC”) and the United States of America, acting by and through the Secretary of Energy, the statutory head of the Department of Energy (“DOE”), each of which is sometimes referred to herein as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”.

Recitals

     A. Pursuant to Section 1403 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, 42 USC §2297c-2, on July 1, 1993, USEC’s predecessor, the United States Enrichment Corporation, a wholly-owned U.S. Government corporation (“USEC-Federal”), and DOE entered into a lease agreement (the “Lease Agreement”) pursuant to which USEC-Federal leased portions of the Gaseous Diffusion Plants located at Paducah, Kentucky and Portsmouth, Ohio (the “GDPs”).

     B. The Memorandum of Agreement for Electric Power between the United States of America, represented by the Secretary of Energy, and USEC-Federal, Exhibit E to the Lease Agreement (the “Power MOA”) establishes the working relationships and responsibility for liabilities incident to the supply of electric power to operate the GDPs.

     C. Article III.3 of the Power MOA provided, among other things, that USEC-Federal would be responsible for providing the budgetary resources for any and all costs associated with the “Power Purchase Agreements” (as that term is defined in the Power MOA) except (a) prior service years post-retirement benefit obligations pursuant to Section 6.04 of the Power Agreement between the Ohio Valley Electric Corporation (“OVEC”) and the United States of America, Contract No. DE-AC05-76OR01530 (the “OVEC Power Purchase Agreement”), and (b) a share of DOE’s liability pursuant to Section 6.09 of the OVEC Power Purchase Agreement calculated in accordance with a formula set forth in Article III.3.c of the Power MOA.

     D. On July 28, 1998, USEC-Federal was privatized and the Lease Agreement and Power MOA were transferred to USEC pursuant to Sections 3107 and 3108 of the USEC Privatization Act, 42 USC §2297h-5 and 6.

     E. Pursuant to the Memorandum of Agreement between the Office of Management and Budget and the United States Enrichment Corporation Relating to Post-Privatization Liabilities, dated April 6, 1998 (the “OMB MOA”), upon privatization, USEC continues to be responsible for the liabilities associated with its pro rata share of post-retirement health benefits for employees working at the OVEC power plants and shutdown and demolition costs for the OVEC power plants attributable to the Pre-privatization Period (as that term is defined in the OMB MOA).

     F. By letter dated September 29, 2000, DOE, based on USEC’s request and with USEC’s consent, notified OVEC of its election to terminate the OVEC Power Purchase Agreement, and as a result, the OVEC Power Purchase Agreement terminated in accordance with its terms on April 30, 2003 and DOE was relieved of its obligation and responsibility to provide electric power to the Leased Premises at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant under Section 6.1 of the Lease Agreement.

     G. On or about February 10, 2004, DOE, with USEC’s consent, expects to enter into a Settlement Agreement which provides for a lump sum final payment of one hundred and seven million dollars ($107,000,000.00) as a settlement, but not an admission of liability, of amounts due to OVEC under Sections 6.04 and 6.09 of the OVEC Power Purchase Agreement (“Settlement Agreement between DOE and OVEC”).

     H. By this Settlement Agreement, DOE and USEC agree on the portion of DOE’s liability under Sections 6.04 and 6.09 of the OVEC Power Purchase Agreement for which USEC is obliged to provide the budgetary resources under Article III of the Power MOA; and DOE releases USEC and USEC releases DOE from any costs associated with their respective pro rata shares of post-retirement benefit

 


 

obligations pursuant to Section 6.04 of the OVEC Power Purchase Agreement and decommissioning, shutdown, demolition and closing costs pursuant to Section 6.09 of the OVEC Power Purchase Agreement.

Agreement

     In consideration of the payment to be made hereunder and the mutual covenants and promises contained herein, said covenants and promises constituting good and valuable consideration, the Parties intending to be legally bound, enter into this Settlement Agreement as follows:

1.   Within one business day after the Settlement Date, USEC will pay DOE the amount of thirty-three million, two hundred thousand dollars ($33,200,000) by electronic funds transfer in immediately available funds to an account identified by DOE. Said monies shall by used to fund DOE’s obligations under the Settlement Agreement between DOE and OVEC.

2.   Subject to paragraphs 10 and 11 below, upon receipt by DOE of the payment required under Paragraph 1 above, DOE releases USEC, its officers, board members, shareholders, agents, and employees, from all liabilities, obligations and claims arising from or relating to USEC’s obligation to provide the budgetary resources for costs under Article III of the Power MOA for its pro rata share of post-retirement benefit obligations under Section 6.04 of the OVEC Power Purchase Agreement and decommissioning, shutdown, demolition and closing costs pursuant to Section 6.09 of the OVEC Power Purchase Agreement.

3.   Upon receipt by OVEC of the payment required under the Settlement Agreement between DOE and OVEC, USEC releases DOE, its contractors, employees, and agents, from all liabilities, obligations and claims arising from or relating to DOE’s obligation for costs associated with Articles III.3.b. and c. of the Power MOA.

4.   DOE and USEC each represent and warrant to the other Party that:

  a.   All requisite corporate or governmental power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations hereunder has been obtained;

  b.   The execution, delivery and performance by it of its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or governmental action;

  c.   This Settlement Agreement has been duly executed by an authorized representative and so delivered and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable in accordance with its terms;

  d.   The execution, delivery and performance of its obligations hereunder does not require any consent or approval of any person or entity (including any governmental body or agency) which has not been obtained and each such consent or approval that has been obtained has not been modified and is in full force and effect; and

  e.   The execution, delivery and performance of its obligations hereunder do not conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute a default under any applicable law, any provision of its constituting documents or governmental rules or regulations, or any other agreement, lease or instrument to which it is a party.

5.   DOE shall cooperate with USEC and USEC with DOE (including taking all action reasonably requested by USEC or DOE) in making filings with any regulatory or other governmental authority that may be required to implement any term or condition of this Settlement Agreement, as well as executing any documents necessary to confirm the rights and obligations of the Parties under this Settlement Agreement.

 


 

6.   This Settlement Agreement may be executed in counterparts. Each shall be deemed an original, but together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

7.   This Settlement Agreement is the sole and entire agreement between the Parties regarding the portion of DOE’s liability under Sections 6.04 and 6.09 of the OVEC Power Purchase Agreement for which USEC is obliged to provide the budgetary resources under the Power MOA. This Settlement Agreement may not be modified, altered or amended in any way except in writing signed by duly authorized representatives of the Parties. The only parties to this Settlement Agreement are DOE and USEC. This Settlement Agreement is not enforceable by, or for the benefit of, and shall create no obligation to, any person or entity other than the Parties.

8.   Except as expressly set forth herein, this Settlement Agreement shall not in any way extend, amend, supplement, waive or otherwise modify the Power MOA in any manner.

9.   This Agreement pertains exclusively to the portion of DOE’s liability under Sections 6.04 and 6.09 of the OVEC Power Purchase Agreement for which USEC is obliged to provide the budgetary resources under the Power MOA. The Parties expressly reserve all rights, remedies and causes of action that the Parties may have as to matters unrelated to that issue.

10.   DOE and USEC believe and anticipate that the Settlement Agreement between DOE and OVEC settles DOE’s liability under Sections 6.04 and 6.09 of the OVEC Power Purchase Agreement for all time. If, however, the Settlement Agreement between DOE and OVEC is challenged by any person or entity for any reason, the Parties agree that they will cooperate with and assist each other in addressing any such challenge and will allocate and apportion any alteration of DOE’s liability under Section 6.04 or Section 6.09 in accordance with the terms of the Power MOA. Except for DOE costs associated with the administration of the Electric Power MOA pursuant to Section 8.1 of the Lease Agreement, and subject to Sections 5.2 and 5.3 of the Lease Agreement, each Party will bear its own costs in addressing any such challenge.

11.   In the event that OVEC terminates the Settlement Agreement between DOE and OVEC pursuant to paragraph 10 of said Agreement, DOE and USEC agree to terminate this Settlement Agreement and DOE agrees to return to USEC within three business days the amount transferred by USEC to DOE under this Agreement, the sum of thirty-three million, two hundred thousand dollars ($33,200,000).

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Settlement Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

         
    UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT
OF ENERGY
         
    By:   /s/ J. Dale Jackson
Name: J. Dale Jackson
Title: Lease Administrator
         
    UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
         
    By:   /s/ Michael T. Woo
Name: Michael T. Woo
Title: Vice President, Strategic Development

3

exv10w66
 

EXHIBIT 10.66

Agreement between the U.S. Department of Energy and
the United States Enrichment Corporation
Concerning the Temporary Lease of Certain Facilities
In Support of the American Centrifuge Program

     THIS AGREEMENT between the U.S. Department of Energy and the United States Enrichment Corporation Concerning the Temporary Lease of Certain Facilities in Support of the American Centrifuge Program (Agreement) is made and entered into by and between the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) and the United States Enrichment Corporation (“USEC”), a Delaware corporation.

     WHEREAS, USEC leases portions of the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant located in Piketon, Ohio (“PORTS”) and portions of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant located in Paducah, Kentucky (“PGDP”) from DOE pursuant to a Lease Agreement dated July 1, 1993 (the “GDP Lease”);

     WHEREAS, DOE and USEC entered into an Agreement dated June 17, 2002, (“the DOE-USEC Agreement”) to, inter alia, “[f]acilitate the deployment of new, cost-effective advanced enrichment technology in the U.S. on a rapid schedule” (the DOE-USEC Agreement”);

     WHEREAS, the DOE-USEC Agreement establishes agreed upon milestones for the demonstration and deployment of advanced enrichment technology by USEC; and

     WHEREAS, in order to meet the DOE-USEC Agreement milestones, USEC has requested that the leasehold under the GDP Lease be expanded.

     NOW, THEREFORE, DOE and USEC hereby agree as follows:

   1. In accordance with Section 3.4 of the GDP Lease, DOE hereby consents, subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, to expand the GDP Lease to include the following buildings as more fully defined in Attachment 1 hereto (collectively referred to as the “Lead Cascade Facilities”):

     
X-3001
  Process Building #1
 
   
X-3012
  Process Support Building
 
   
X-7725 (Partial)
  Recycle/Assembly Building
  Areas needed include Buffer Storage and IPT/IPTT
  Maintenance area and battery room, container wash,
  container dry, rotor balance, level IV control Room,
  and all of the Level V area

1


 

     
X-7726 (Partial)
  Centrifuge Training and Test Facility
  (Does not include the Gas Test Stand Area)
X-7727H
  Transfer Corridor

Activities in the Lead Cascade Facilities shall be conducted in compliance with applicable requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 1988, and any other applicable statutory or regulatory requirements.

USEC hereby withdraws its previous request, dated January 24, 2003, to lease Building X-7745R (Attachment 2).

   2. Exhibit A of the GDP Lease is amended to include the Lead Cascade Facilities as more fully described in Attachment 1 to this Agreement which shall be effective for each facility or portion of a facility as of the date agreed to by USEC and the DOE Lease Administrator for the transition of the facilities to USEC. Upon the effective date of the lease of Building X-3001 at PORTS, the temporary lease of portions of Building X-3001 at PORTS pursuant to DOE’s letter to USEC, dated September 12, 2003 (Attachment 3), shall expire. The temporary lease of Building X-3002 at PORTS shall remain in effect until Building X-3002 is returned to DOE in accordance with DOE’s letter to USEC dated September 12, 2003. Except as provided in paragraph 3 below, the temporary lease of the Lead Cascade Facilities shall expire upon the execution of a commercial plant lease or other instrument that incorporates the Lead Cascade Facilities; the expiration of the license granted by the NRC for the operation of the Lead Cascade ; or June 30, 2009, whichever event occurs first. Unless a commercial plant lease or other instrument that incorporates the Lead Cascade Facilities has been executed, all Turnover Requirements are expected to be completed no later than the expiration of the Temporary lease. This temporary lease of the Lead Cascade Facilities may be renewed or extended by mutual agreement of DOE and USEC.

   3. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the DOE-USEC Agreement, in the event it is determined that USEC fails to meet a milestone and that a delay in meeting the milestone has a material impact on USEC’s ability to begin commercial operations at the new plant on schedule and that the cause of the delay was not beyond the control or without the fault or negligence of USEC, then USEC, at DOE’s request, will return the Lead Cascade Facilities in accordance with the GDP Lease and regulatory requirements on a schedule proposed by USEC and approved by DOE. Notwithstanding any expiration, conclusion or termination of this Agreement or the GDP Lease, paragraphs 7 and 8 and Attachment 4 of this Agreement (“Lead Cascade Capital Improvement and Personal Property to be Removed by USEC”) shall survive any such termination,

2


 

expiration, revocation or relinquishment of this lease Agreement or the GDP Lease. In the event of termination, expiration, revocation or relinquishment of this temporary lease, USEC shall promptly commence the return of all Lead Cascade Facilities to DOE in accordance with paragraphs 7 and 8. In the event USEC fails to return all the Lead Cascade Facilities in accordance with paragraphs 7 and 8 below, USEC shall reimburse DOE for DOE’s costs, including, but not limited to, costs related to the removal of Capital Improvements (provided such Capital Improvements are removed) and contaminated personal property (including any Material of Environmental Concern) and any incremental decontamination and decommissioning costs incurred by DOE in performing any obligation that was to be performed by USEC under paragraphs 7 and 8 of this Agreement as permitted under paragraph 9.

   4. Except for the material that USEC agreed to relocate in accordance with DOE’s September 12, 2003, letter at USEC’s expense, DOE will remove DOE equipment and wastes currently located in the Lead Cascade Facilities (“GCEP Clean up Work”), at DOE’s expense, subject to the availability of appropriated funds. USEC will perform such portion of this work for DOE under the Memorandum of Agreement between DOE and USEC for Services, Exhibit F to the Lease (“Services MOA”), or other appropriate contractual vehicle, without fee or profit with DOE reimbursing USEC’s reasonable and allocable direct and indirect costs. USEC’s work under the Services MOA will be performed in accordance with separate Work Authorization(s) agreed to by DOE and USEC, or other appropriate contractual vehicle. USEC may request to retain equipment, parts or materials located in the Lead Cascade Facilities for use in connection with USEC’s American Centrifuge Program; upon DOE’s consent this personal property shall be included under the requirements of Attachment 4 and be subject to paragraphs 7 and 8 below. All other equipment and material will be dispositioned in accordance with DOE direction at DOE’s expense, or, in the absence of DOE direction, DOE’s personal property (including any Material of Environmental Concern) may remain in the Lead Cascade Facilities in accordance with Section 3.3 of the GDP Lease. The parties recognize that DOE may not bring on to the Lead Cascade Facilities any additional DOE personal property, including Material of Environmental Concern, after the GDP Lease has been expanded to include the Lead Cascade Facilities unless USEC has expressly and specifically consented to such storage and such storage is in full compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and with the other requirements of Article IX A. of the Memorandum of Agreement between DOE and USEC for Environmental and Waste Management, Exhibit C to the GDP Lease, for the storage of additional material after July 1, 1993. In the event the Lead Cascade Facility becomes subject to International Atomic Energy Agency (“IAEA”) safeguards inspections, all the costs associated with the IAEA requirements will be the responsibility of USEC and shall not be subject to reimbursement by DOE under the Services MOA or any other contractual vehicle.

3


 

   5. In accordance with the Regulatory Approach for Post Nuclear Regulatory Commission Certification at Gaseous Diffusion Plants, dated October 10, 1995, the Regulatory Oversight Agreement between DOE and USEC (including its Appendices) and applicable nuclear safety regulations as promulgated under, and amended as necessary to fully conform with, the Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 1988, as amended, shall apply to activities conducted by USEC in the Lead Cascade Facilities, and to any other facilities subsequently leased to USEC which are not regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

   6. USEC has informed DOE that USEC Inc. currently plans to make Capital Improvements to the Lead Cascade Facility under a proposed Sublease. Attachment 5 lists the Capital Improvements currently planned. In accordance with Section 4.5(b) of the GDP Lease, DOE hereby consents to the making of Capital Improvements listed in Attachment 5.

   7. As a condition to DOE’s consent to expand the GDP leasehold to include the Lead Cascade Facilities, USEC agrees that, unless otherwise directed by DOE, and notwithstanding Section 4.3 of the GDP Lease, prior to returning any portion of the Lead Cascade Facilities to DOE, USEC shall at no cost to DOE remove or shall cause to be removed the centrifuge machines, Capital Improvements and other personal property listed in Attachment 4, and any other Capital Improvements subsequently approved by DOE. In addition, in accordance with Section 4.5(c) of the GDP Lease, if the removal of the Capital Improvements pursuant to this Section 7 increases DOE’s Decontamination and Decommissioning costs of the Lead Cascade Facilities beyond those costs extant at the execution of this lease, USEC agrees to pay any such increase in Decontamination and Decommissioning costs. In addition, USEC shall be responsible for and will pay any costs associated with the removal of any contamination that is attributable to or arises out of USEC or USEC Inc.’s occupation or operation of the Lead Cascade Facilities. The parties agree that all costs associated with the performance of USEC activities under the lease related to the Lead Cascade Facilities, including, but not limited to associated infrastructure costs until all Turnover Requirements are met, shall be the responsibility of USEC.

USEC will establish and furnish to DOE a radiological baseline survey (“baseline survey”) within the Lead Cascade Facilities from which DOE will be able to determine whether USEC has incrementally contaminated the Lead Cascade Facilities. The baseline survey plan will be developed by USEC and approved by DOE. The baseline survey shall be performed by USEC or its contractors, at USEC’s expense and under DOE oversight. It is agreed that existing DOE data may be utilized and relied upon by USEC in preparing the baseline survey. A baseline survey plan will be submitted to DOE within the first 30 days of the effective date of the Agreement, and shall be completed within ninety (90) days after USEC’s receipt of DOE’s approval of the survey plan. Any changes to the condition of the Lead Cascade Facilities above that established by the baseline

4


 

survey as the result of the GCEP Clean up Work shall be documented by USEC and provided to DOE as a Supplement to the baseline survey.

At the termination, expiration, revocation or relinquishment of this lease of the Lead Cascade Facilities, an additional radiological survey shall be performed by USEC which is of the same scope as the baseline survey prior to turnover and a final inventory and survey report shall be prepared and submitted to DOE. When agreed to by DOE, said report shall constitute the basis for ensuring that all leased property is returned to DOE in the same or as good a condition as was documented in the baseline survey (as modified by the latest GCEP Clean up Work Supplement). It is agreed that the facility is in “as good a condition” if it does not increase the total cost to decontaminate and decommission the Lead Cascade Facility. In the event of a dispute, DOE and USEC agree to jointly engage (on a shared cost basis) an independent engineering firm mutually agreed to by DOE and USEC to determine whether and how much the total cost to decontaminate and decommission the Lead Cascade Facility has been increased.

   8. USEC agrees that, unless otherwise directed by DOE, prior to returning any portion of the Lead Cascade Facilities to DOE, USEC will, at no cost to DOE, remove or will cause to be removed all personal property in addition to the property identified in paragraph 7 (including any Material of Environmental Concern) located in the portion to be returned to DOE other than personal property owned by DOE or its contractors (including property permitted to remain pursuant to paragraph 4).

   9. In the event DOE believes that the facilities were not returned in the condition required in paragraphs 7 and 8, DOE shall provide notice to USEC within ninety (90) days of the return of the facilities to DOE identifying any deficiencies with specificity (DOE Deficiency Notice) and USEC shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to cure all or any part of such deficiencies. Failure to provide such DOE Deficiency Notice shall be deemed to be acceptance of the facilities. Within thirty (30) days of receipt of the DOE Deficiency Notice, USEC shall inform DOE if it agrees with DOE and whether it elects to cure any of the deficiencies identified (USEC’s Election Notice). DOE and USEC shall attempt to resolve any disputes through negotiation within thirty (30) days of USEC’s Election Notice. If USEC elects to cure all or any part of the deficiencies identified by DOE in its notice, DOE will permit USEC, at its expense, to perform such work as is necessary to cure all or any part of the deficiencies. In the event USEC fails to cure a deficiency within sixty (60) days of, or if greater than sixty (60) days are required to cure then fails to commence actions necessary to cure the deficiency within sixty (60) days of, the date DOE permits USEC to commence work to cure the deficiency, then DOE may undertake to cure the deficiency and USEC shall reimburse DOE for DOE’s reasonable and allocable costs incurred to cure any failure by USEC to comply with the requirements of paragraphs 7 and 8 identified in the DOE Deficiency Notice.

5


 

   10. DOE acknowledges USEC’s commitment to developing the advanced gas centrifuge that is demonstrated by USEC entering into this temporary lease of the Lead Cascade Facilities, and commits to use its best efforts to conclude negotiations for the lease or transfer of the facilities for USEC’s future Commercial Plant in a timely manner.

   11. With respect to any sublease entered into between USEC and USEC Inc., USEC represents to DOE that:

a. The Sublease between USEC and USEC Inc. shall require assumption of and shall be subject to, and consistent with, all terms, conditions, covenants, provisions, and agreements contained in this Agreement and the GDP Lease.

b. USEC expressly agrees that any such Sublease will impose no new obligations, liabilities, and costs on DOE.

c. USEC acknowledges that the making of any assignment, transfer, or subletting, in whole, or in part, other than to USEC Inc for construction and operation of the Lead Cascade Facilities requires DOE’s express consent.

d. The Sublease between USEC and USEC Inc. shall not operate to relieve USEC from its obligations under this Agreement and the GDP Lease, and notwithstanding any such assignment, transfer, or subletting, USEC shall be liable for the payment of all Rent and other charges and for the due performance of all the covenants, agreements, terms and provisions of this Agreement and the GDP Lease.

Based upon these representations, consent to sublease the Lead Cascade Facilities, or any portion thereof, to USEC Inc. for the purpose of constructing and operating the Lead Cascade Facilities is hereby granted to USEC. Failure to comply with this paragraph 11 voids DOE’s consent to the sublease and in such an event, USEC agrees to terminate any sublease between USEC and USEC Inc. Possession of specific areas or portions of areas within the Lead Cascade Facility by USEC may be turned over to USEC Inc. upon the completion of GCEP Clean up Work within the area or portion of the area and written notification to DOE of the turn-over of the areas or portions of areas to USEC Inc.

   12. LEASE NOT A JOINT VENTURE — Nothing contained in this Lease shall be construed as creating or establishing a joint venture or partnership between DOE and USEC.

   13. USE OF PREMISES — The sole purposes for which the USEC or USEC Inc. shall use the Lead Cascade Facilities are to refurbish, test, evaluate and demonstrate gas centrifuges to enrich natural (and not reprocessed)

6


 

uranium. USEC must obtain the written approval from DOE prior to using the Lead Cascade Facilities for any purpose or use other than that specified above.

   14. Except as specifically and expressly provided in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to amend or modify the terms and conditions of the GDP Lease.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, DOE and USEC, in consideration of the mutual promises, commitments and obligations set forth herein, have caused this Agreement to be executed, and effective as of the later of the dates of the signatures below and hereby affix the signatures of their duly authorized representatives.

     
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
 
   
By:
  /s/ J. Dale Jackson
Name:
  J. Dale Jackson
Title:
  GDP Lease Administrator
Date:
  February 17, 2004
 
   
UNITED STATES ENRICHMENT CORPORATION
 
   
By:
  /s/ Ron Green
Name:
  Ron Green
Title:
  Senior Vice President
Date:
  February 14, 2004

7

exv23w1
 

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 of USEC Inc. (File Number 333-71635, 333-85641 and 333-101094) of our report dated February 11, 2004, relating to the financial statements, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

McLean, Virginia

March 12, 2004

 

exv31w1
 

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, William H. Timbers, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of USEC Inc.;
 
2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

  (a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
  (b)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
  (c)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

  (a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
  (b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
         
     
March 12, 2004  /s/ William H. Timbers    
  William H. Timbers   
  President and Chief Executive Officer   

 

exv31w2
 

         

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Ellen C. Wolf, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of USEC Inc.;
 
2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

  (a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
  (b)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
  (c)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

  (a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
  (b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
                   
       
March 12, 2004  /s/ Ellen C. Wolf      
  Ellen C. Wolf     
  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer    

 

exv32
 

         

EXHIBIT 32

Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

     In connection with the annual report on Form 10-K of USEC Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2003, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, William H. Timbers, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Ellen C. Wolf, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, each hereby certifies, that, to the best of his or her knowledge:

          (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

          (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of USEC Inc.

         
     
March 12, 2004  /s/ William H. Timbers    
  William H. Timbers   
  President and Chief Executive Officer   
 
     
March 12, 2004  /s/ Ellen C. Wolf    
  Ellen C. Wolf   
  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer