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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the year ended December 31, 2006
Commission file number 1-14287
USEC Inc.
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Delaware
(State of incorporation)
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52-2107911
(I.R.S. Identification No.) |
2 Democracy Center
6903 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20817
(301) 564-3200
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of Each Class
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
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Name of Exchange on Which Registered
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule
405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ
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 þ No o
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 registrants 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. þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and non-accelerated
filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
Large accelerated filer
þ Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Act). Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant
calculated by reference to the closing price of the registrants Common Stock as reported on the
New York Stock Exchange as of June 30, 2006, was $1,031 million. As of January 31, 2007, there were
87,114,000 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 26,
2007, are incorporated by reference into Part III.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I
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Items 1 and 2. |
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Business and Properties |
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3 |
Item 1A. |
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Risk Factors |
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21 |
Item 1B. |
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Unresolved Staff Comments |
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35 |
Item 3. |
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Legal Proceedings |
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35 |
Item 4. |
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Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
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35 |
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Executive Officers of the Company |
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36 |
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PART II
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Item 5. |
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Market for Common Stock,
Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |
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38 |
Item 6. |
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Selected Financial Data |
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41 |
Item 7. |
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Managements Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
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43 |
Item 7A. |
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk |
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71 |
Item 8. |
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Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data |
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71 |
Item 9. |
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Changes in and Disagreements
with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
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71 |
Item 9A. |
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Controls and Procedures |
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72 |
Item 9B. |
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Other Information |
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73 |
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PART III
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Item 10. |
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Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant |
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73 |
Item 11. |
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Executive Compensation |
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73 |
Item 12. |
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Security Ownership of
Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
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73 |
Item 13. |
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Certain Relationships and Related Transactions |
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73 |
Item 14. |
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Principal Accountant Fees and Services |
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73 |
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PART IV
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Item 15. |
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Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules |
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Signatures |
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Consolidated Financial Statements |
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76 114 |
Glossary |
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115 |
Exhibit Index |
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118 |
This annual report on Form 10-K, including Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7, contains forward-looking statements that is,
statements related to future events. In this context, forward-looking statements may address our
expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as expects,
anticipates, intends, plans, believes, will and other words of similar meaning.
Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees,
uncertain. For USEC, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results
to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include, but are not
limited to: the success of the demonstration and deployment of our American Centrifuge technology
including our ability to meet our target cost estimate and schedule for the American Centrifuge
Plant and our ability to secure required external financial support; the cost of electric power
used at our gaseous diffusion plant; our dependence on deliveries under the Russian Contract and on
a single production facility; our inability under existing long-term contracts to pass on to
customers increases in SWU prices under the Russian Contract resulting from significant increases
in market prices; the depletion of our uranium inventory in order to meet our uranium delivery
obligations under the Russian Contract;
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changes in existing restrictions on imports of Russian enriched uranium, including the
imposition of duties on imports of enriched uranium under the Russian Contract; the elimination of
duties charged on imports of foreign-produced low enriched uranium; pricing trends in the uranium
and enrichment markets and their impact on our profitability and the price we pay for enriched
uranium under the Russian Contract; changes to, or termination of, our contracts with the U.S.
government and changes in U.S. government priorities and the availability of government funding;
the impact of government regulation; the outcome of legal proceedings and other contingencies
(including lawsuits, government investigations or audits and government/regulatory and
environmental remediation efforts); the competitive environment for our products and services; and
changes in the nuclear energy industry. Revenue and operating results can fluctuate significantly
from quarter to quarter, and in some cases, year to year. For a discussion of these risks and
uncertainties and other factors that may affect our future results, please see Item 1A of this
report entitled Risk Factors. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements
except as required by law.
PART I
Items 1 and 2. Business and Properties
Overview
USEC, a global energy company, is a leading supplier of low enriched uranium (LEU) for
commercial nuclear power plants. LEU is a critical component in the production of nuclear fuel for
reactors to produce electricity. We, either directly or through our subsidiaries United States
Enrichment Corporation and NAC International Inc. (NAC):
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supply LEU to both domestic and international utilities for use in about 150 nuclear
reactors worldwide, |
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are the exclusive executive agent for the U.S. government for a nuclear nonproliferation
program with Russia, known as Megatons to Megawatts, |
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are in the process of demonstrating, and expect to deploy, what we expect to be the
worlds most efficient uranium enrichment technology, known as the American Centrifuge, |
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perform contract work for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and DOE contractors at
the Paducah and Portsmouth plants, and |
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provide transportation and storage systems for spent nuclear fuel and provide nuclear
and energy consulting services, including nuclear materials tracking. |
USEC Inc. is organized under Delaware law. USEC was a U.S. government corporation until July
28, 1998, when the company completed an initial public offering of common stock. In connection with
the privatization, the U.S. government transferred all of its interest in the business to USEC,
with the exception of certain liabilities from prior operations of the U.S. government. References
to USEC or we include USEC Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries as well as the predecessor to
USEC unless the context otherwise indicates. A glossary of terms is included in Part IV of this
annual report.
Uranium and Enrichment
As found in nature, uranium is principally comprised of two isotopes: uranium-235
(U235) and uranium-238 (U238). U238 is the more abundant
isotope, but it is not fissionable in nuclear reactors. U235 is fissionable, but its
concentration in natural uranium is only about 0.711% by weight. Most commercial nuclear reactors
require LEU fuel with a U235 concentration greater than natural uranium and up to 5% by
weight. Uranium enrichment is the process by which the concentration of U235 is
increased to that level.
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The following outlines the steps for converting natural uranium into LEU fuel, commonly known
as the nuclear fuel cycle:
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Mining and Milling Natural or unenriched uranium is removed from the
earth in the form of ore and then crushed and concentrated. |
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Conversion Uranium concentrates are 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 currently has the only commercial uranium enrichment plant operating in
the United States. The standard measure of uranium enrichment 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. SWUs are measured
using a standard formula derived from the physics of uranium enrichment. The amount of
enrichment contained in LEU under this formula is commonly referred to as its SWU
component. |
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Fuel Fabrication LEU is converted to uranium oxide and formed into
small ceramic pellets by fabricators. The pellets are loaded into metal tubes that
form fuel assemblies, which are shipped to nuclear power plants. |
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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 worlds electricity. |
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Consumers Businesses and homeowners rely on the steady, baseload
electricity supplied by nuclear power and value its clean air qualities. |
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We produce or acquire LEU from two principal sources. We produce LEU at the gaseous diffusion
plant in Paducah, Kentucky, and we acquire LEU by purchasing the SWU component of LEU from Russia
under the Megatons to Megawatts program.
Products and Services
Low Enriched Uranium
The majority of our customers are domestic and international utilities that operate nuclear
power plants. Revenue is derived primarily from:
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sales of the SWU component of LEU, |
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sales of both the SWU and uranium components of LEU, and |
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sales of uranium. |
Agreements with electric utilities are primarily long-term contracts under which customers are
obligated to purchase a specified quantity of SWU or uranium or a percentage of their annual SWU or
uranium requirements. Under requirements contracts, customers are not obligated to make purchases
if the reactor does not have requirements.
U.S. Government Contract Work
USEC performs contract work for DOE and DOE contractors at the Paducah and Portsmouth plants
including:
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maintaining the Portsmouth gaseous diffusion plant in a state of readiness or cold standby, |
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processing out-of-specification uranium, and |
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providing infrastructure support services. |
USEC, through its subsidiary NAC, is a leading provider of nuclear energy solutions and
services, specializing in:
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design, fabrication and implementation of spent nuclear fuel technologies, |
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nuclear materials transportation, and |
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nuclear fuel cycle consulting 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):
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Years Ended December 31, |
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2006 |
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2005 |
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2004 |
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United States |
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1,109.5 |
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1,074.1 |
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$ |
918.2 |
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Foreign: |
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Japan |
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389.8 |
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224.2 |
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215.2 |
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Other |
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349.3 |
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261.0 |
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283.8 |
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739.1 |
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485.2 |
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499.0 |
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$ |
1,848.6 |
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$ |
1,559.3 |
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$ |
1,417.2 |
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Other than the U.S. government, our 10 largest customers represented 53% of revenue
and our three largest customers represented 22% of revenue in 2006. Revenue from U.S. government
contracts represented 10% of revenue in 2006, 13% of revenue in 2005, and 12% of revenue in 2004.
No other customer represented more than 10% of revenue.
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 we expect to sell under
contracts with utilities. At December 31, 2006, we had contracts with utilities aggregating an
estimated $7.0 billion through 2015 ($6.7 billion through 2012, including $1.5 billion expected to
be delivered in 2007), compared with $5.9 billion at December 31, 2005. Backlog is partially based
on customers estimates of their fuel requirements and certain other assumptions, including our
estimates of selling prices and inflation rates. Such estimates are subject to change. Some
contracts include pricing elements based on market prices prevailing at the time of delivery. We
use an external composite forecast of future market prices in our estimate. Pricing under some new
contracts is subject to escalation based on a broad power price index. For purposes of the backlog,
we assume increases to the power price index in line with overall inflation rates.
Gaseous Diffusion Plants
Two existing commercial technologies are currently used to enrich uranium for nuclear power
plants: gaseous diffusion and gas centrifuge. We currently use the older gaseous diffusion
technology and are in the process of demonstrating gas centrifuge technology to replace our gaseous
diffusion operations.
Gaseous Diffusion Process
The gaseous diffusion process separates the lighter U235 isotopes from the heavier
U238. 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 a barrier 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.
The process begins with the heating of solid uranium hexafluoride to form a gas that is forced
through the barrier. Because U235 is lighter than U238, it moves through the
barrier more easily. As the gas moves, the two isotopes are separated, increasing the
U235 concentration and decreasing the concentration of U238 in the finished
product. The gaseous diffusion process requires significant amounts of electric power to push
uranium through the barrier.
Paducah Plant
We operate 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. The process buildings have a total floor area of 150 acres, and the site covers 750 acres.
We estimate that the maximum capacity of the existing equipment is about 8 million SWU per year and
we currently produce about 5 million SWU per year. 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.
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Portsmouth Plant
The Portsmouth gaseous diffusion plant, located in Piketon, Ohio, is maintained in cold
standby under a contract with DOE. We ceased uranium enrichment operations at the Portsmouth plant
in 2001. Cold standby is a condition where the plant could be returned to production of 3 million
SWU within 18 to 24 months if the U.S. government determined that additional domestic enrichment
capacity was necessary. DOE and USEC have periodically extended the cold standby program, most
recently through the end of April 2007. The program was modified beginning in 2006 to include
actions necessary to transition to a preliminary decontamination and decommissioning program (cold
shutdown).
Lease of Gaseous Diffusion Plants
We lease the Paducah and Portsmouth plants from DOE. The lease covers most, but not all, of
the buildings and facilities relating to gaseous diffusion activities. Major provisions of the
lease follow:
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except as provided in the DOE-USEC Agreement, we have the right to renew the lease at
either plant indefinitely and can adjust the property under lease to meet our changing
requirements; |
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we may leave the property in an as is condition at termination of the lease, but must
remove wastes we generate and must place the plants in a safe shutdown condition; |
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the U.S. government is responsible for environmental liabilities associated with plant
operations prior to July 28, 1998 except for liabilities relating to the disposal of some
identified wastes generated by USEC and stored at the plants; |
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DOE is responsible for the costs of decontamination and decommissioning of the plants; |
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title to capital improvements not removed by USEC will transfer to DOE at the end of the
lease term, and if removal of any of our capital improvements increases DOEs
decontamination and decommissioning costs, we are required to pay the difference; |
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DOE must indemnify us for costs and expenses related to claims asserted against or
incurred by us arising out of the U.S. governments operation, occupation, or use of the
plants prior to July 28, 1998; and |
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DOE must indemnify us against claims for public liability from a nuclear incident or
precautionary evacuation in connection with activities under the lease. Under the Price-
Anderson Act, DOEs financial obligations under the indemnity are capped at $10 billion for
each nuclear incident or precautionary evacuation occurring inside the United States. |
In December 2006, USEC and DOE signed a lease agreement for our long-term use of facilities at
the Portsmouth plant in Piketon for the American Centrifuge Plant. The lease for these facilities
and other support facilities is a stand-alone amendment to our current lease with DOE for the
gaseous diffusion plant facilities. Further details are provided in American Centrifuge.
Raw Materials
Electric Power
The gaseous diffusion process uses significant amounts of electric power to enrich uranium.
In 2006, the power load at the Paducah plant averaged 1,370 megawatts. We purchase electric power
for the Paducah plant under a multiyear power contract signed with Tennessee Valley Authority
(TVA) in 2000. On June 1, 2006, fixed, below market prices under the 2000 TVA power contract
expired and a new one-year pricing agreement went into effect. Costs for electric power increased
from approximately 60% of production costs at the Paducah plant to approximately 70%. The new
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pricing, which consists of a summer and a non-summer power price, is about 50% higher than the
previous pricing and also is subject to a fuel cost adjustment to reflect changes in TVAs fuel
costs, purchased power costs, and related costs. For power purchases through December 2006, fuel
cost adjustments equaled an average 8% increase over base prices under the new one-year pricing
agreement, and we expect that fuel cost adjustments will continue to have a negative impact on us
over the term of the one-year agreement. The increase in electric power costs has significantly
increased overall LEU production costs, and will increasingly reduce our gross profit margin and
cash flow.
The quantity of power purchases under the one-year agreement ranges from 300 megawatts at all
hours in the summer months (June August) to 1,600 megawatts at all hours in the non-summer
months. In addition, we can request additional power supply from TVA at market-based prices.
Consistent with past practice, TVA made available and we purchased, at market-based prices, an
additional 600 megawatts of power at all hours during the summer months of 2006. Negotiations with
TVA for the quantity and prices of power after June 1, 2007 are expected to be finalized during the
second quarter.
We are required to provide financial assurance to support our payment obligations to TVA.
These include an irrevocable letter of credit and weekly prepayments based on the price and our
usage of power.
Uranium
Natural uranium is the feedstock in the production of LEU at the Paducah plant. The plant uses
the equivalent of approximately 6 million kilograms of uranium each year in the production of LEU.
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 uranium
resources to fuel nuclear power at current usage rates for at least 70 years.
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, deliver and hold title to
uranium at the Paducah plant.
Utility customers provide uranium to us as part of their enrichment contracts or purchase the
uranium required to produce LEU from us. Customers who provide uranium to us generally do so by
acquiring title to uranium from Cameco, ConverDyn and other suppliers at the Paducah plant. USEC
held uranium with an estimated fair value of approximately $5.1 billion at December 31, 2006, to
which title was held by customers and suppliers. The uranium is fungible and commingled with our
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 and we take title to the uranium.
The uranium that we sell to utility customers for the production of LEU comes from our uranium
inventories, which includes uranium from underfeeding the enrichment process, purchases of uranium
from third-party suppliers and uranium that we obtained from DOE prior to privatization.
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, which supplements our supply of 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 economics of the cost of electric
power relative to the price of uranium.
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Coolant
The Paducah plant uses Freon as the primary process coolant. The production of Freon in the
United States was terminated in 1995 and Freon is no longer commercially available. In August 2006,
we exhausted our existing inventory of Freon at the Paducah plant and began using Freon that we
moved from the Piketon plant. A total of 2.9 million pounds from a supply of 4 million pounds of
Freon located at the Piketon plant has been transferred to Paducah. We have asserted that we have
the right to use the Freon supply from the Piketon plant under our lease with DOE. We expect to
continue to use this Freon and we have been in communication with DOE regarding its use. At current
use rates, the 2.9 million pounds of Freon now at Paducah would be sufficient to support
approximately 10 years of continued operations.
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 are no longer 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 96% of capacity in 2006. The utilization of
equipment is highly dependent on power availability and costs. We reduce 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.
Russian Contract (Megatons to Megawatts)
We are the U.S. governments exclusive executive agent (Executive Agent) in connection with
a government-to-government nonproliferation agreement between the United States and the Russian
Federation. Under the agreement, we have been designated by the U.S. government to order LEU
derived from dismantled Soviet nuclear weapons. In January 1994, USEC, as Executive Agent for the
U.S. government, signed a commercial agreement (Russian Contract) with a Russian government
entity known as OAO Techsnabexport (TENEX, or the Russian Executive Agent), Executive Agent for
the Federal Agency for Atomic Energy of the Russian Federation, to implement the program.
SWU Component of LEU
We have agreed to purchase approximately 5.5 million SWU each calendar year for the remaining
term of the Russian Contract through 2013. Over the life of the 20-year Russian Contract, we expect
to purchase about 92 million SWU contained in LEU derived from 500 metric tons of highly enriched
uranium. As of December 31, 2006, we had purchased 54 million SWU contained in LEU derived from 292
metric tons of highly enriched uranium, the equivalent of about 11,700 nuclear warheads. Purchases
under the Russian Contract represent approximately 50% of our supply mix. 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 the index is used to minimize the disruptive effect of
short-term market price swings. Increases in these price points in recent years have resulted, and
likely will continue to result, in increases to the index used to determine prices under the
Russian Contract.
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The Russian Contract provides that, after the end of 2007, the parties may agree on
appropriate adjustments, if necessary, to ensure that the Russian Executive Agent receives at least
approximately $7.6 billion for the SWU component over the 20-year term of the Russian Contract
through 2013. We do not expect that any adjustments will be required. Officials of the Russian
government have announced that Russia will not extend the Russian Contract or the
government-to-government agreement it implements, beyond 2013. Accordingly, we do not anticipate
that we will purchase significant quantities of Russian SWU after 2013.
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.
Uranium Component of LEU
Under the Russian Contract, we are obligated to provide to TENEX an amount of uranium
equivalent to the uranium component of LEU delivered to us by TENEX, totaling about 9 million
kilograms per year. We provide the uranium to an account at the Paducah plant maintained on behalf
of TENEX. TENEX holds, sells or otherwise exchanges this uranium in transactions with other
suppliers or utility customers. From time to time, TENEX may take physical delivery of uranium
supplied by a uranium converter that would otherwise deliver such uranium to us. Under these
arrangements, the converter provides uranium to TENEX for shipment back to Russia, and the
converter receives an equivalent amount of uranium in its account at the Paducah plant.
DOE-USEC Agreement and Related Agreements with DOE
On June 17, 2002, USEC and DOE signed an agreement (DOE-USEC Agreement) in which both USEC
and DOE made long-term commitments directed at resolving issues related to the stability and
security of the domestic uranium enrichment industry. USEC and DOE have entered into subsequent
agreements relating to these commitments. The following is a summary of material provisions and an
update of activities under the DOE-USEC Agreement and related agreements:
Russian Contract
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 we order the specified
amount of LEU from the Russian Executive Agent and comply with our obligations under the DOE-USEC
Agreement and the Russian Contract.
Remediating or Replacing Out-of-Specification Uranium
Under the DOE-USEC Agreement, DOE was obligated to remediate or replace 9,550 metric tons of
natural uranium transferred to USEC from DOE prior to privatization that contained elevated levels
of technetium. The contaminant put the uranium out-of-specification for commercial use. USEC has
been operating facilities at the Portsmouth plant in Piketon, Ohio under contract with DOE to
process and remove technetium from the out-of-specification uranium, and in October 2006, the
remediation project for USEC-owned uranium was completed. USEC has also been processing and
removing technetium from out-of-specification uranium owned by DOE under an agreement with DOE
entered into in December 2004. These efforts are expected to continue through September 2008, but
are subject to additional funding from DOE.
10
Domestic Enrichment Facilities
Under the DOE-USEC Agreement, we agreed to operate the Paducah plant at a production rate at
or above 3.5 million SWU per year. Historically, we have operated at production rates significantly
above this level, and in calendar 2007, we expect to produce about 5 million SWU at the Paducah
plant. Production at Paducah may not be reduced below a minimum of 3.5 million SWU per year until
six months before we have completed a centrifuge enrichment 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, we may cure the defect by increasing SWU production to the 3.5 million
SWU level in the ensuing fiscal year. We may only use the right to cure once in each lease period.
If we do not maintain the requisite level of operations at the Paducah plant and have not
cured the deficiency, we are required to waive our exclusive rights to lease the Paducah and
Portsmouth plants. If we cease operations at the Paducah plant or lose our certification from the
NRC, DOE may take actions 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 event, DOE may be released from its obligations under the DOE-USEC Agreement. We will be
deemed to have ceased operations at the Paducah plant if
we (a) produce less than 1 million SWU per year or (b) fail to meet specific maintenance and operational criteria established in the DOE-USEC
Agreement.
Advanced Enrichment Technology
The DOE-USEC Agreement provides that we will begin operations of an enrichment facility using
advanced enrichment technology with annual capacity of 1 million SWU (expandable to 3.5 million
SWU) in accordance with certain milestones. If, for reasons within our control, we do
not meet a milestone and the resulting delay will materially impact our ability to begin commercial
operations on schedule, DOE may take any of the following actions:
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terminate the DOE-USEC Agreement, including DOEs obligation to
recommend against removal, in whole or in part, of USEC as Executive Agent under the
Russian Contract, |
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require us to reimburse DOE for increased costs caused by DOE expediting
decontamination and decommissioning of facilities used by us for the centrifuge
technology, |
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require us to transfer our rights to the centrifuge technology and data
in the field of uranium enrichment to DOE royalty-free, |
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require us to return any leased facilities where the centrifuge
technology project was being or was intended to be constructed, and |
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except for plant facilities being operated, require us to waive our
exclusive rights to lease the Paducah and Portsmouth plants. |
After we have secured firm financing commitments for the construction of a 1 million SWU plant
and have begun construction, DOEs remedies are limited to circumstances where our gross negligence
in project planning and execution is responsible for schedule delays or we have abandoned the
project. In such cases, we will be entitled to a reasonable royalty for the use of any USEC
intellectual property and data transferred for non-governmental purposes by DOE.
Other
The DOE-USEC Agreement contains force majeure provisions which excuse our failure to perform
under the DOE-USEC Agreement if such failure arises from causes beyond our control and without our
fault or negligence.
11
American Centrifuge
American Centrifuge Technology
We continue our substantial efforts at developing and deploying the American Centrifuge
technology as a replacement for the gaseous diffusion technology used at our Paducah plant. The
American Centrifuge technology is based on U.S. centrifuge technology, a proven workable technology
developed by DOE during the 1970s and 1980s. DOE spent approximately $3.4 billion on research and
development and construction of centrifuge facilities and operated hundreds of centrifuges in the
process buildings USEC now leases. Work on U.S. centrifuge technology was terminated by DOE because
of forecasts of declining demand and DOE budget constraints. We license U.S. gas centrifuge
technology from DOE and we are working on improvements to the original DOE design with the intent
to reduce costs and improve efficiency through the use of state-of-the-art materials, control
systems and manufacturing processes.
Development of Centrifuge Machines
Since early 2005, we have been manufacturing and testing prototype parts, components,
subassemblies and full centrifuges in order to finalize the design and gather reliability data. As
part of this process, individual parts, subassemblies and individual machines are put through a
series of mechanical tests to determine operating parameters and performance capability. These
initial tests are run with the centrifuges empty. Subsequently, machines are tested with uranium
hexafluoride (UF6) gas to measure separation performance under plant-like
conditions. This testing takes place at our leased facilities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Our plan is
to assemble a group of these machines in what we call a Lead Cascade, that is, the first cascade in
our American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility in Piketon, Ohio.
In mid-2006, we opted to delay building our Lead Cascade of centrifuges to allow for
additional testing of individual machines at facilities in Oak Ridge. This resulted in a delay of
about one year, but also allowed the USEC project team at Oak Ridge to successfully test machines
with an output of approximately 350 SWU per machine, per year. We had set a target performance of
320 SWU per machine, per year, which was about eight times higher than the next best commercially
deployed centrifuge. The improved performance to date adds approximately 300,000 SWU to the
previously expected plant capacity of 3.5 million SWU. The improvement should result in 3.8 million
SWU plant capacity, based on our current estimates of machine output and plant availability.
USECs project team has frozen the design of the centrifuge machine that will be deployed over
the next several months in the initial Lead Cascade, which is expected to be in operation by
mid-year. During 2007, the project team will continue to optimize the performance of the centrifuge
machines and conduct value engineering demonstrations at the Oak Ridge facility. This work is
intended to achieve the lower centrifuge unit costs that our target cost estimate assumes for the
machines to be installed in the commercial plant.
Start-up activities at Piketon for the Lead Cascade continue. In August 2006, the NRC assumed
oversight of the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility from the DOE. This regulatory
transition allows operation with uranium hexafluoride gas. A small number of centrifuges have been
installed at the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility and have been operated in the last
several months. Related cascade systems have been conditioned with uranium hexafluoride gas and
USEC expects to introduce the uranium gas into the centrifuges in the near future. These machines
will help verify cascade configuration and support system functionality. USEC and its project
participants have begun building centrifuge machines based on the frozen design parameters and
expect to begin installing the Lead Cascade machines in March or April 2007.
12
Schedule and Cost Estimate
USEC recently completed a comprehensive review of the deployment schedule and cost of
deploying the American Centrifuge Plant. Based on this review, we have revised our deployment
schedule and estimate for the cost of the plant. We are working toward beginning commercial plant
operations of the American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon, Ohio in late-2009 and having approximately
11,500 machines deployed in 2012, which we expect to operate at a production rate of about 3.8
million SWU per year based on our current estimates of machine output and plant availability.
Based on this review, USEC has a target estimate for the cost of deployment of $2.3 billion in
nominal dollars, including amounts already spent and not including costs of financing or a reserve
for general contingencies. This estimate reflects the progress we have made to date in
demonstrating the American Centrifuge technology, and our understanding of the work remaining to be
done to complete demonstration and commercial deployment of the technology. In the process of
revising our estimate, we solicited substantial input from the companies we have engaged to work
with us in deploying the technology, including Honeywell International, Alliant Techsystems, Boeing
Company, and Fluor Enterprises.
The initial estimate of $1.7 billion for deployment of American Centrifuge was an update and
extrapolation of cost projections prepared for DOEs centrifuge project. Strong upward cost
pressures of key materials that will be needed to manufacture the centrifuges and in the
commodities that will be used in construction of the balance of the plant have increased our cost
estimate. However, the expected increase in SWU output of individual centrifuges results in an
increase in plant capacity that should help to offset some of these cost increases over the long
term.
Our target cost estimate is subject to change as certain key variables are difficult to
quantify with certainty at this stage of the project. These include potential increases in the
market price for key materials and the cost of manufacturing complex centrifuge machine components
on a commercial scale. In addition, the target estimate maintains an ambitious schedule for
demonstration and deployment activities and reflects certain cost savings we expect to achieve in
2007 and beyond. We are pursuing cost mitigation approaches involving value engineering, high
volume manufacturing efficiencies and system/component refurbishment versus replacement to meet our
target estimate and to help offset potential future cost increases as we proceed from demonstration
to deployment of the project.
Project Funding
We have been funding the American Centrifuge project through internally generated cash since
2002 when we signed the DOE-USEC Agreement and entered into a Cooperative Research and Development
Agreement. We expect to have sufficient cash or access to cash through our bank credit facility to
fund project activities in 2007, including building and evaluating the Lead Cascade. We expect to
spend approximately $340 million in 2007 on the American Centrifuge project. The rate of planned
investment will increase substantially after 2007 under our new deployment schedule, with spending
in 2008 currently projected to be about double the level of 2007.
During the past four years, we have spent $371 million from internally generated cash to
develop and demonstrate the American Centrifuge technology. To fund the balance of the American
Centrifuge project, our plan has been to use internally generated cash flow together with funds
raised through equity and debt offerings. Given the declining level of cash generated by our
existing operations due primarily to increases in electric power costs, the increase in cost to
complete the American Centrifuge project and the current level of perceived risk in the project, we
will need some form of investment or other participation by a third party and/or the U.S.
government to raise the capital required in 2008 and beyond to complete the project on our
deployment schedule. We have
been exploring such investment or other participation with companies that might have a
strategic interest in the nuclear fuel business and with the U.S. government, which we believe has
an interest in the deployment of U.S.-owned centrifuge technology. We have also been exploring ways
in which our customers and American Centrifuge project participants and vendors could help support
the financing of the project. In addition, we continue to pursue operational initiatives to improve
our financial position and increase the probability of a successful financing of the project.
13
Project Milestones under the 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement
We are in discussions with DOE regarding the October 2006 project milestone of obtaining
satisfactory reliability and performance data from Lead Cascade operations. We made substantial
progress towards meeting this milestone, having obtained substantial satisfactory performance and
reliability data with respect to centrifuges and related systems. However, this data is principally
from testing at Oak Ridge rather than from Lead Cascade operations. We are also in discussions with
DOE regarding the January 2007 milestone that requires us to have secured a financing commitment
for a 1 million SWU centrifuge plant. As described in Item 1A, Risk Factors, a failure to meet
one or more milestones that would substantially impact our ability to begin commercial operations
on schedule could result in DOE actions or other consequences that could have a material adverse
impact on our business.
Given our progress in the American Centrifuge program and our continuing strong commitment to
the project, we anticipate that we will reach a mutually acceptable agreement with DOE regarding
rescheduling of the October 2006, January 2007 and subsequent milestones. Following are the
existing centrifuge project milestones under the DOE-USEC Agreement, the first nine of which have
been achieved:
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Milestones under DOE-USEC Agreement |
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Milestone Date |
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Achievement Date |
Begin refurbishment of K-1600
centrifuge testing facility in Oak Ridge,
Tennessee
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December 2002
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December 2002 |
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Build and begin testing a centrifuge end cap
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January 2003
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January 2003 |
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Submit license application for Lead Cascade
to NRC
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April 2003
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February 2003 |
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NRC dockets Lead Cascade application
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June 2003
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March 2003 |
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First rotor tube manufactured
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November 2003
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September 2003 |
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Centrifuge testing begins
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January 2005
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January 2005 |
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Submit license application for commercial
plant to NRC
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March 2005
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August 2004 |
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NRC dockets commercial plant application
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May 2005
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October 2004 |
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Begin Lead Cascade centrifuge manufacturing
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June 2005
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April 2005 |
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Satisfactory reliability and performance
data obtained from Lead Cascade
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October 2006
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Under Discussion |
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Financing commitment secured for a
1 million SWU centrifuge plant
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January 2007
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Under Discussion |
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Begin commercial plant construction and
refurbishment
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June 2007
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Under Discussion |
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Begin American Centrifuge commercial plant
operations at facility in Piketon, Ohio
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January 2009
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Under Discussion |
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American Centrifuge Plant capacity at
one million SWU per year
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March 2010
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Under Discussion |
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American Centrifuge Plant projected to have
an annual capacity of 3.5 million SWU
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September 2011
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Under Discussion |
14
NRC Operating License
In 2004, USEC received an NRC license to operate the American Centrifuge Demonstration
Facility. The process of obtaining an operating license for the American Centrifuge Plant
continues to move forward. Our license application, submitted in August 2004, seeks a license term
of 30 years and authorization to enrich uranium to a U235 assay of up to 10%. The plant
is expected to have an initial annual production capacity of 3.8 million SWU. The environmental
report submitted with the license application evaluates the potential expansion of the plant to an
annual production capacity of 7 million SWU.
In May 2006, the NRC issued the final environmental impact statement (EIS), and in September
2006, the NRC issued its final safety evaluation report (SER). The NRC held a public hearing in
October 2006 in Piketon for comment on the SER and the EIS, and the Atomic Safety and Licensing
Board (ASLB) conducted a site visit in December 2006. In February 2007, the NRC issued an order
detailing a schedule that anticipates a licensing decision for the American Centrifuge Plant in
April 2007. Construction for the commercial plant is expected to begin after the license is issued.
DOE Lease
In December 2006, USEC and DOE signed a lease agreement for our long-term use of facilities in
Piketon for the American Centrifuge Plant. The process buildings that will house the cascades of
centrifuges encompass more than 14 acres under roof. The lease for these facilities and other
support facilities is a stand-alone amendment to our current lease with DOE for the gaseous
diffusion plant facilities in Piketon and in Paducah. The initial term runs through June 2009, but
can be extended under specific conditions by five years when an NRC license is issued for the
American Centrifuge Plant. After the first five-year extension, we have the option to extend the
lease term for additional five-year terms up to a date that is 36 years after the date the NRC
license is issued. Thereafter, we also have the right to extend the lease for up to an additional
20 years, through 2063, if we agree to demolish the existing buildings leased to us. We pay monthly
rent to DOE to cover the cost of administering the lease.
American Centrifuge Asset Retirement Obligation
We own all capital improvements and, unless otherwise consented to by DOE, must remove them at
lease turnover. This provision is unlike the lease of our gaseous diffusion plants
where we may leave the property in an as is condition at termination of the lease. DOE
generally only remains responsible for pre-existing conditions of the American Centrifuge leased
facilities. At the conclusion of the 36-year lease period, assuming no further extensions, we must
return these leased facilities to DOE in a condition that meets NRC requirements and in the same
condition as the facilities were in when they were leased to us (other than due to normal wear and
tear). We are required to maintain financial assurance for DOE in an amount equal to a current
estimate of costs to comply with lease turnover requirements, less the amount of financial
assurance required by the NRC
for decommissioning. As of December 31, 2006, we had provided $8.8 million of financial
assurance in accordance with our decommissioning funding plan, through a surety bond, related to
American Centrifuge decommissioning. This amount of asset retirement obligation is recorded in
construction work in progress and as part of other long-term liabilities on our balance sheet.
15
DOE Technology License
In December 2006, USEC and DOE signed an agreement licensing U.S. gas centrifuge technology to
USEC for use in building new domestic uranium enrichment capacity. We will pay royalties to the
U.S. government on annual revenues from sales of LEU produced in the American Centrifuge Plant. The
royalty ranges from 1% to 2% of annual gross revenue from these sales. Payments are capped at $100
million over the life of the technology license.
Risks and Uncertainties
The successful construction and operation of the American Centrifuge Plant is dependent upon a
number of factors, including satisfactory performance of the American Centrifuge technology at
various stages of demonstration, overall cost and schedule, financing, NRC licensing, and the
achievement of milestones under the DOE-USEC Agreement. Risks and uncertainties related to the
demonstration, construction and deployment of the American Centrifuge technology are described in
further detail in Item 1A, Risk Factors.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulation
Our operations are subject to regulation by the NRC. The Paducah and Portsmouth plants are
regulated by and are required to be recertified by the NRC every five years. The term of the
current NRC certification expires December 31, 2008, and the NRC will evaluate the plants in
connection with the renewal. The NRC will regulate operation of the American Centrifuge Plant and,
in August 2006, assumed oversight of the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility.
The NRC has the authority to issue notices of violation for violations of the Atomic Energy
Act of 1954, NRC regulations, and conditions of licenses, certificates of compliance, or orders.
The NRC has the authority to impose civil penalties for certain violations of its regulations. We
have received notices of violation from NRC for violations of these regulations and certificate
conditions. However, none of these has resulted in a fine during the past two years, and in each
case, we took corrective action to bring the facilities into compliance with NRC regulations. We do
not expect that any proposed notices of violation we have received will have a material adverse
effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Environmental Compliance
Our 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. Our operations generate low-level radioactive waste that is stored on-site or is
shipped off-site for disposal at commercial facilities. In addition, our 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 DOEs permitted storage
facilities at the plants. We have entered into consent decrees with the States of Kentucky and Ohio
that permit the continued storage of mixed waste at DOEs permitted storage facilities at the
plants and provide for a schedule for sending the waste to off-site treatment and disposal
facilities.
Our operations generate depleted uranium that is stored at the plants. Depleted uranium is a
result of the uranium enrichment process where the concentration of the U235 isotope in
depleted uranium 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 USECs request, to accept for disposal the depleted
uranium generated after the July 28, 1998 privatization date provided we reimburse DOE for its
costs.
16
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 under CERCLA, 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 managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results
of operations and note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for information on operating
costs relating to environmental compliance.
Occupational Safety and Health
Our operations are subject to regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
governing worker health and safety. We maintain a comprehensive worker safety program that
establishes high standards for worker safety, directly involves our employees and monitors key
performance indicators in the workplace environment.
Competition and Foreign Trade
The highly competitive global uranium enrichment industry has four major producers of LEU:
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USEC, |
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Urenco, a consortium of companies owned or controlled by the
British and Dutch governments and by two private German utilities, |
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a multinational consortium controlled by AREVA, a company principally
owned by the French government, and |
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the Russian Federal Agency for Atomic Energy, which sells LEU through
TENEX, a Russian government-owned entity. |
There are also smaller producers of LEU in China and Japan that primarily serve a portion of
their respective domestic markets.
In addition to enrichment, LEU may be produced by downblending government stockpiles of highly
enriched uranium. Governments control the timing and availability of highly enriched uranium, and
the release of this material to the market could impact prevailing market conditions. We have been
the primary supplier of downblended highly enriched uranium made available by the U.S. and Russian
governments. To the extent we are not selected to market LEU downblended from highly enriched
uranium in future years, these quantities would represent a potential source of competition.
Global LEU suppliers compete primarily in terms of price, and secondarily on reliability of
supply and customer service. We believe that customers are attracted to our reputation as a
reliable long-term supplier of enriched uranium and we intend to continue strengthening this
reputation with the planned transition to the American Centrifuge technology.
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 AREVA. Gaseous diffusion plants generally have higher operating costs than gas
centrifuge plants due to the significant amounts of electric power required by the gaseous
diffusion process. Urenco has reported the capacity of its facilities was 8.1 million SWU at the
end of 2005 and expects to have capacity of 11 million SWU at its European facilities by 2010.
17
In 2006, the Enrichment Technology Company (ETC) joint venture between AREVA and Urenco
became effective with the acquisition by AREVA of a 50% equity stake in ETC. AREVA has announced
plans to install ETC-designed centrifuges to replace AREVAs Georges Besse gaseous diffusion plant.
Construction of the first section of the Georges Besse II centrifuge enrichment plant in France
has commenced with first production expected in 2009 and full capacity of 7.5 million SWU expected
by 2016.
In June 2006, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a license to Louisiana Energy Services
(LES), a group controlled by Urenco, to construct and operate a gas centrifuge uranium enrichment
plant in Lea County, New Mexico. LES commenced construction in August 2006, with operations
expected to begin in 2008 and full capacity of 3 million SWU expected in 2013.
All of our current competitors are owned or controlled, in whole or in part, by foreign
governments. These competitors may make business decisions in both domestic and international
markets that are influenced by political or economic policy considerations rather than exclusively
commercial 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.
Government Investigation of Imports from France
In 2002, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) imposed antidumping and countervailing duty
(anti-subsidy) orders on imports of LEU produced in France. The orders were imposed in response to
unfair trading practices by our French competitors in connection with imports of LEU into the
United States. Since 2002, these orders have been challenged and impacted by further judicial and
administrative actions.
In 2005, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Federal Circuit) ruled that:
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SWU contracts were sales of services, not merchandise, and thus were not subject to
the U.S. antidumping law, and |
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a subsidy provided through government payments under SWU contracts at above-market
prices is not subject to the countervailing duty law. |
On remand from the Federal Circuit, the DOC determined in March 2006 that:
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the countervailing duty investigation would result in a de minimis subsidy margin
that would not support imposition of a countervailing duty order on imports of French
LEU, and |
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the antidumping margin applicable to imports of French LEU is slightly higher than
the margin found in the original investigation, but is applicable only to LEU sold for
cash, and not to LEU supplied under SWU contracts in which the customer delivers uranium
and pays cash for the SWU component of the LEU. |
18
The Court of International Trade (CIT) subsequently affirmed the DOCs determination in the
countervailing duty investigation, but remanded the DOCs determination in the antidumping
investigation in order to more precisely define the types of SWU transactions that would be
excluded from the antidumping investigation. In May 2006, the DOC issued this further remand
determination, and in August 2006, the CIT issued a final decision concluding that DOC had complied
with the courts remand order.
The DOCs remand determinations will not be implemented until there is a final decision in the
pending appeals of the French LEU cases. The CIT decisions on the DOCs remand determinations have
been appealed to the Federal Circuit, and if the Federal Circuit affirms the DOCs remand
determinations, any of the parties to the appeal in turn could petition the U.S. Supreme Court to
review the Federal Circuits decision regarding the remand determinations and orders, as well as
the 2005 rulings described above.
On January 3, 2007, the DOC and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) initiated
sunset reviews of the antidumping and countervailing duty orders against French LEU. In these
reviews, which occur every five years, the DOC will determine whether termination of the orders is
likely to lead to a continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidization of French LEU. The ITC
will determine whether termination of the orders is likely to lead to a continuation or recurrence
of material injury to the U.S. enrichment industry. We are supporting continuation of the orders in
the proceedings before both the DOC and ITC.
Government Investigation of Imports from Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom
In June 2006, the DOC terminated the countervailing duty order against imports of LEU produced
by Urenco in Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. No duties had been imposed under this
order since 2004, but appeals concerning the findings in the original investigation are still
pending. Because these pending appeals would be rendered moot if the Urenco order were terminated,
USEC has appealed the termination of the order.
Russian Suspension Agreement
Imports of LEU produced in the Russian Federation are subject to restrictions imposed under
the Russian Suspension Agreement (Russian SA). In July 2005, the DOC and ITC each initiated a
sunset review of the Russian SA to determine whether termination of the Russian SA is likely to
lead to:
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a continuation or recurrence of dumping of Russian uranium products (a determination
made by the DOC), or |
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a continuation or recurrence of material injury to the U.S. uranium industry,
including USEC (a determination made by the ITC). |
USEC supported continuation of the Russian SA in the proceedings before both the DOC and ITC,
and actively participated in these proceedings.
On May 30, 2006, the DOC announced that it had determined that termination of the Russian SA
would result in a recurrence of dumping. On July 18, 2006, the ITC determined that termination of
the Russian SA would result in a recurrence of material injury to the U.S. uranium industry. These
determinations mean that, absent reversal on appeal, the Russian SA will not be terminated as a
result
of this five-year sunset review.
19
The parties who opposed continuation of the Russian SA, as well as the Russian Federation,
have appealed the determinations of the DOC and the ITC to the CIT. If the CIT or a higher Federal
court reverses either of these determinations, the Russian SA could be terminated, which could
result in a significant increase in sales of Russian-produced LEU in the United States that could
depress prices and undermine our ability to sell the large quantity of LEU that we are committed to
purchase under the Russian Contract. This would substantially reduce our revenues, gross profit
margins and cash flows and adversely affect the economics of the American Centrifuge program and
our ability to finance it.
The Russian Federation may terminate the Russian SA upon 60 days notice to the DOC. If the
Russian Federation were to exercise this right, the DOC would be required to recommence its 1991
antidumping investigation that was suspended as a result of the Russian SA, and would require
importers of Russian LEU, including USEC under the Russian Contract, to post bonds to cover
estimated duties on imports subject to that investigation. In this event, we would be required to
post bonds to cover those duties, which would likely exceed 100% of the value of the imports.
Further, if the investigation resulted in an antidumping order, we would have to pay the estimated
duties on future imports of Russian LEU in cash. We would be obligated for both posting of the
bonds and payment of duties unless a legal mechanism could be identified that would remove these
obligations. We are exploring with the U.S. government ways that could possibly reduce or eliminate
this obligation. We believe that the cost of posting the bonds and paying any duties ultimately
imposed on imports under the Russian Contract would significantly increase our cost of importing
Russian LEU and could make the purchase of SWU under the Russian Contract uneconomic.
Employees
A summary of USEC employees by location follows:
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
No. of Employees |
|
|
|
|
at December 31, |
Location |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
Paducah Plant |
|
Paducah, KY |
|
|
1,147 |
|
|
|
1,170 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portsmouth Plant |
|
Piketon, OH |
|
|
1,082 |
|
|
|
1,204 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NAC |
|
Primarily Atlanta, GA |
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
73 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
American Centrifuge |
|
Primarily Oak Ridge, TN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and Piketon, OH |
|
|
295 |
|
|
|
230 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Headquarters |
|
Bethesda, MD |
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Employees |
|
|
2,677 |
|
|
|
2,762 |
|
The decrease in employees at the Paducah and Portsmouth plants and NAC resulted from
the completion of our restructuring efforts initiated in late 2005 and attrition.
The United Steelworkers (USW) and the Security, Police, Fire Professionals of America
(SPFPA) represented 54% of the employees at the plants at December 31, 2006. The number of
employees represented and the term of each contract follows:
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|
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Number of |
|
Contract |
|
|
Employees |
|
Term |
Paducah plant: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USW Local 5-550 |
|
|
530 |
|
|
July 2011 |
SPFPA Local 111 |
|
|
86 |
|
|
March 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portsmouth plant: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USW Local 5-689 |
|
|
493 |
|
|
May 2010 |
SPFPA Local 66 |
|
|
94 |
|
|
August 2007 |
20
Contract renewal discussions with SPFPA Local 111 are underway and discussions with
SPFPA Local 66 are expected in mid-2007.
Available Information
Our internet website is www.usec.com. We make available on our website, or upon request,
without charge, access to our 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.
Our code of business conduct provides a brief summary of the standards of conduct that are at
the foundation of our business operations. The code of business conduct states that we conduct our
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
with the code of business conduct. A copy of the code of business conduct is available on our
website or upon request without charge. We will disclose on the website any amendments to, or
waivers from, the code of business conduct that are required to be publicly disclosed.
We also make available free of charge, on our website, or upon request, our Board of Directors
Governance Guidelines and our Board committee charters.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
You should carefully consider the following risk factors, in addition to the other information
in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, before deciding to purchase our securities.
The long-term viability of our business depends on our ability to replace our current
enrichment facility with the American Centrifuge Plant.
We currently depend on our gaseous diffusion facility in Paducah, Kentucky for approximately
one-half of the LEU that we need to meet our delivery obligations to our customers. The gaseous
diffusion technology that we use at the Paducah plant is an older, high-operating cost technology
that requires substantially greater amounts of electric power than the centrifuge technology used
by our competitors. Due to significant increases in our power costs, the possibility of additional
power cost increases in the future and the fact that our competitors use enrichment technologies
that enable them to produce LEU at a far lower operating cost, the production of LEU using gaseous
diffusion technology is becoming increasingly uneconomic. We are focused on developing and
deploying an advanced uranium enrichment centrifuge technology, which we refer to as American
Centrifuge technology, as a replacement for our gaseous diffusion technology. The American
Centrifuge technology is more advanced and substantially more operationally cost-efficient than
gaseous diffusion. We are not currently pursuing any strategies to replace our gaseous diffusion
plant at Paducah with alternatives other than the American Centrifuge Plant. As a result, if we are
unable to successfully and timely demonstrate and deploy the American Centrifuge Plant on a
cost-effective basis due to the risks and uncertainties described in this Item or for any other
reasons, our gross profit margins, cash flows and results of operations would be materially and
adversely affected and our business may not remain viable.
21
We face a number of risks and uncertainties associated with the successful demonstration,
construction and deployment of the American Centrifuge technology.
The American Centrifuge technology is expected to be more operationally cost-efficient than
our gaseous diffusion technology that we currently depend on for LEU production at our Paducah
plant. Nevertheless, the demonstration, construction and deployment of the American Centrifuge
technology is a large and capital-intensive undertaking that is subject to numerous risks and
uncertainties.
We are in the process of demonstrating the American Centrifuge technology and are working
toward meeting a target schedule for construction of the American Centrifuge Plant. To date,
however, we have experienced delays in demonstrating the American Centrifuge technology that have
impacted our schedule. These delays resulted from the failure of certain materials to meet
specifications, performance issues related to certain centrifuge components and compliance with new
regulatory requirements, and we could experience additional delays in the future for these and
other reasons. Delays in the program contributed to increases in cost and further delays could have
an adverse impact on our ability to deploy the American Centrifuge and on our business and
prospects.
To maintain a specific schedule, we may need to make key decisions, including decisions to
expend or commit to large amounts of capital and resources, before receipt of all relevant machine
performance data and confirmation of the projects costs, schedule and overall viability. There are
also risks associated with a substantial ramp-up in supplier capacity and a high production rate of
installing centrifuge machines. Delays could also increase our costs for the project, both on an
overall basis and in terms of the incremental costs we must incur to recover from delays and stay
on schedule, which could jeopardize our ability to finance the project as well as the overall
economics and success of the project. In addition, difficulties in forecasting the total costs of
the project increase the uncertainty surrounding the projects economics, which will increase the
difficulty of securing financing.
The 2002 DOE-USEC Agreement contains specific project milestones relating to the American
Centrifuge Plant. We are in discussions with DOE regarding the October 2006 and January 2007
milestones and the schedule for completion of other milestones under this agreement. We believe we
will reach a mutually acceptable agreement with DOE regarding rescheduling of these milestones;
however, we cannot provide any assurances that we will reach an agreement. If DOE determines that
we failed to comply with the terms of the DOE-USEC Agreement, then, unless such failure is
determined to arise from causes beyond our control and without our fault or negligence, DOE could
exercise one or more remedies under the DOE-USEC Agreement. These could include terminating the
DOE-USEC Agreement, revoking our access to DOEs U.S. centrifuge technology that we require for the
success of the American Centrifuge project and requiring us to transfer our rights in the American
Centrifuge technology and facilities to DOE, and requiring us to reimburse DOE for certain costs
associated with the American Centrifuge. DOE could also recommend a reduction or termination of
our access to Russian LEU or the Paducah plant. Any of these actions could have a material adverse
impact on our business and prospects.
In addition, delays in the demonstration and deployment of the American Centrifuge could make
it more difficult for us to attract and retain customers and could extend the time under which we
are contractually required to continue to operate our high-cost Paducah plant. These outcomes could
substantially reduce our revenues, gross profit margins and cash flows and reduce the likelihood of
successful deployment of the American Centrifuge.
22
Deployment of the American Centrifuge technology will require external financial support that
is likely to be difficult to secure.
We will require a significant amount of capital in order to achieve commercial deployment of
the American Centrifuge Plant. Under our new deployment schedule, spending on the American
Centrifuge project will be increasing substantially after 2007, with spending in 2008 currently
projected to be about double the level of 2007. Higher power prices have reduced the amount of cash
we expected to have available to provide internal financing for the program. Given the declining
level of cash generated by our existing operations due primarily to increases in electric power
costs, the increase in cost to complete the American Centrifuge project and the current level of
perceived risk in the project, we will need some form of investment or other participation by a
third party and/or the U.S. government to raise the capital required in 2008 and beyond to complete
the project under our deployment schedule.
We cannot assure investors that we will be able to obtain sufficient external financing
(either alone or with the investment or other participation of a third party) and we cannot predict
the cost or terms on which such financing will be available, if at all. We also cannot assure
investors that we will be able to attract the third party and/or U.S. government investment or
other participation that we may need.
Factors that could affect our ability to obtain financing and the cost of the financing or
that could affect our ability to successfully attract the third party and/or U.S. government
investment or other participation we may need to raise capital could include:
|
|
|
the success of our demonstration of the American Centrifuge and the
estimated costs, efficiency, timing and return on investment of the
deployment of the American Centrifuge Plant; |
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|
|
consequences of a failure to reach an agreement with DOE regarding the
October 2006 and January 2007 milestones and other milestones under the 2002
DOE-USEC Agreement; |
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|
our ability to get loan guarantees or other support from the U.S. government; |
|
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|
SWU prices; |
|
|
|
|
our perceived competitive position; |
|
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|
|
our ability to secure long-term SWU purchase commitments from customers at
adequate prices and for adequate duration; |
|
|
|
|
projected costs for the disposal of depleted uranium and the decontamination
and decommissioning of the American Centrifuge Plant, and the impact of
related financial assurance requirements; |
|
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|
|
the impact of reductions or changes in trade restrictions on imports of
Russian and other foreign LEU and related uncertainties; |
|
|
|
|
additional downgrades in our credit rating; |
|
|
|
|
market price and volatility of our common stock; |
|
|
|
|
general economic and capital market conditions; |
|
|
|
|
conditions in energy markets; |
|
|
|
|
regulatory developments; |
|
|
|
|
investor confidence in the industry and in us; |
|
|
|
|
our reliance on LEU delivered to us under the Russian Contract; |
|
|
|
|
the level of success of our current operations; and |
|
|
|
|
restrictive covenants in the agreements governing our revolving credit
facility and any future financing arrangements that limit our operating and
financial flexibility. |
There can be no assurance that we will attract the capital we need in a timely manner or at
all. If we do not, we might be forced to slow or stop spending on the project which could result
in delays and increased costs, and potentially make the project uneconomic. This would have a
material adverse impact on our business and prospects because we believe the long-term viability of
our
business depends on the deployment of the American Centrifuge project.
23
Our estimates of the costs of the American Centrifuge project are subject to significant
uncertainties that could adversely affect our ability to finance and deploy the American Centrifuge
Plant.
Our cost estimates for the American Centrifuge project are based on many assumptions that are
subject to change as new information becomes available or as unexpected events occur. Some of the
key variables in our estimate are difficult to quantify with certainty at this stage of the
project. Further, several key variables, such as the cost of raw materials to build the plant,
escalation of factor costs and general inflation, are outside our control. It is also difficult to
quantify with certainty at this stage the cost of manufacturing complex centrifuge machine
components on a commercial scale. This manufacturing will be done by third parties and while our
cost estimates reflect preliminary input from our project participants, we will not know the actual
cost until we finalize the design of the centrifuge machines and enter into contractual
arrangements with these project participants. In addition, our target estimate of $2.3 billion
maintains an ambitious schedule for demonstration and deployment activities and assumes certain
costs savings we hope to achieve in 2007 and beyond. We may not be able to maintain this schedule
or achieve these cost savings.
Accordingly, we cannot assure investors that costs associated with the American Centrifuge
Plant will not be materially higher than anticipated or that efforts that we take to mitigate cost
increases will be successful or sufficient. Regardless of our success in demonstrating the
technical viability of the American Centrifuge technology, uncertainty surrounding our ability to
accurately estimate costs or to limit potential cost increases could jeopardize our ability to
successfully finance and deploy the American Centrifuge Plant.
Significant increases in the cost of the electric power supplied to our Paducah plant have
materially increased our overall production costs and may, in the future, increase our cost of
sales to a level above the average prices we bill our customers.
Dramatically higher costs for power are putting significant pressure on our business and will
continue to do so unless and until we are able to deploy more efficient centrifuge technology. The
gaseous diffusion enrichment process that we use to produce LEU at our Paducah plant requires
significant amounts of electric power. Effective June 1, 2006, costs for electric power under our
power contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) increased from approximately 60% of
production costs at the Paducah plant to approximately 70%. Pricing for the one-year term ending
May 2007 is about 50% higher than the previous pricing. Our power costs are also now subject to
monthly adjustments to account for changes in TVAs fuel and purchased-power costs, which means
that our actual power costs could be even greater than we anticipate.
Capacity and prices under the TVA contract are only agreed upon through May 2007 and we have
not yet contracted for power for periods beyond that time. While we expect to reach an agreement
with TVA for power beyond May 2007, we may be unable to reach an acceptable agreement and we are at
risk for additional power cost increases in the future.
Although we are currently signing new contracts in which prices for future deliveries are
adjusted, in part, on the basis of changes in a power cost index, most of our sales contracts do
not include provisions that permit us to pass through increases in power prices to our customers.
As a result, our gross profit margin and cash flow under these sales contracts will be
significantly reduced by the higher power costs under the amended TVA contract. Additionally, if
our power costs continue to rise, profit margins under new sales contracts that we are entering
into may be similarly impacted to the extent the adjustments in the power cost index are not
sufficient to account for increases in our power costs. Accordingly, if our power costs continue to
rise and mitigating steps are unavailable or insufficient, production at the Paducah plant will
become increasingly uneconomic at
existing contract prices, which will adversely affect the long-term viability of our business.
24
In accordance with the TVA power contract, we provide financial assurance to support our
payment obligations to TVA, including providing an irrevocable letter of credit and making weekly
prepayments based on the price and usage of power. A significant increase in the price we pay for
power could increase the amount of this financial assurance, which could adversely affect our
liquidity and reduce capital resources otherwise available to fund the American Centrifuge project.
Deliveries of LEU under the Russian Contract account for approximately 50% of our supply mix
and a significant delay or stoppage of deliveries could affect our ability to meet customer orders
and could pose a significant risk to our continued operations.
A significant delay in, or stoppage or termination of, deliveries of LEU from Russia under the
Russian Contract or a failure of the LEU to meet the Russian Contracts quality specifications
could adversely affect our ability to make deliveries to our customers. A delay, stoppage or
termination could occur due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, logistical or
technical problems with shipments, commercial or political disputes between the parties or their
governments, or our failure or inability to meet the terms of the Russian Contract. Further,
because our annual LEU production capacity is less than our total delivery commitments to
customers, an interruption of deliveries under the Russian Contract could, depending on the length
of such an interruption, threaten our ability to fulfill these delivery commitments. Depending upon
the reasons for the interruption and subject to limitations of liability under our sales contracts,
we could be required to compensate customers for a failure or delay in delivery.
The appointment of a substitute or additional executive agent pursuant to the U.S.
governments compliance with the terms of the Executive Agent MOA would require that all or part of
the fixed quantity of LEU available each year under the Russian Contract be provided to the
substitute or additional executive agent. This would not only reduce our access to LEU under the
Russian Contract, but would also create a significant new competitor, which could impair our
ability to meet our existing delivery commitments while reducing our ability to bid for new sales.
Reduced access to LEU under the Russian Contract would also increase our costs and reduce our gross
profit margins.
A significant increase in market prices for SWU could result in a significant increase in the
price we pay for the SWU Component of Russian LEU.
The price charged to us for the SWU Component of Russian LEU is determined by a formula that
employs an index of international and U.S. price points, which in turn reflect market prices.
Increases in these price points will result in higher prices for SWU under the Russian Contract.
Although any increase may be moderated by the retrospective nature of the formula, a significant
increase in prices charged to us by Russia as a result of increasing price points due to
significant increases in market prices, would substantially increase our costs of sales and
inventories, which, if not offset by increases in our sales prices, would adversely affect our cash
flows and results of operations.
Changes in, or termination of, the Russian Suspension Agreement could lead to significantly
increased competition from Russian LEU or, if replaced with tariffs, could increase our costs under
the Russian Contract.
The Russian Suspension Agreement is a 1992 agreement between the United States and Russia that
today precludes Russian LEU from being sold for consumption in the United States except under the
Russian Contract. The agreement could be terminated (1) unilaterally by the Russian government upon
60 days notice or (2) as a result of periodic administrative procedures under U.S. international
trade laws. For example, a sunset review of the Russian Suspension Agreement is conducted every
five years by the Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission. Final
25
determinations in the latest sunset review were made in May and July of 2006 and were in favor of
maintaining the existing suspension agreement. However, interested parties who participated in the
sunset review have appealed the decisions of the Department of Commerce and the U.S. International
Trade Commission to the Court of International Trade and, if unsuccessful at that court, could
pursue such appeals to higher Federal courts. Such appeals could result in a reversal of either or
both of these decisions, which ultimately could lead to termination of the Russian Suspension
Agreement, without any offsetting restraints on increases in Russian imports of LEU.
Officials of the Russian and U.S. governments are currently engaged in discussions regarding a
possible amendment to the Russian Suspension Agreement that would permit Russia to sell SWU in the
United States in future years in addition to the sales currently made by Russia under the Russian
Contract. The details of these intergovernmental discussions are confidential and it is unclear
whether any relaxation of restrictions will include measures to avoid an adverse impact on domestic
enrichers, such as USEC, or whether the Russians might take action to terminate the Russian
Suspension Agreement if they are dissatisfied with the results of these discussions.
Unless accompanied by equivalent limitations on imports or unless other steps are taken by the
U.S. government to limit the impact on USEC, a termination of the Russian Suspension Agreement, or
a modification of the terms or the scope of the Russian Suspension Agreement, could result in a
significant increase in sales of Russian-produced LEU in the U.S. This could depress prices and
undermine our ability to sell the large quantity of LEU that we are committed to purchase under the
Russian Contract. This could substantially alter the economics of the American Centrifuge project
and our ability to obtain financing for it, reduce our revenues, gross profit margins and cash
flows, and jeopardize our ability to secure the long-term sales contracts we need to continue
operating our existing enrichment plant and pursue the deployment of the American Centrifuge.
Alternatively, if the Russian Federation unilaterally terminated the Russian Suspension
Agreement, the Department of Commerce would be required to recommence its antidumping investigation
and would require importers of Russian LEU, including us under the Russian Contract, to post bonds
to cover estimated duties on imports subject to that investigation that would likely exceed 100% of
the value of the imports. Further, if the investigation resulted in an antidumping order, we would
have to pay estimated duties on future imports of Russian LEU in cash. Because we have a fixed
commitment to purchase the Russian LEU under the Russian Contract and must continue to import the
Russian LEU in order to meet our obligations to customers, we may not have any alternative to
posting the bonds or paying these duties. Depending on the cost of the bonds and the magnitude of
the duties imposed, the increase in our costs could materially and adversely affect our gross
profit margins, cash flows, liquidity and results of operations and our business may not remain
viable.
We depend on a single production facility in Paducah, Kentucky for approximately 50% of our
LEU supply and significant or extended unscheduled interruptions in production could affect our
ability to meet customer orders and pose a significant risk to, or could significantly limit, our
continued operations and profitability.
Our annual imports of Russian LEU account for only approximately one-half of the total amount
of LEU that we need to meet our delivery obligations to customers. In addition, some customers do
not permit us to deliver Russian LEU to them under their contracts with us. Accordingly, our
production at the Paducah plant is needed to meet our annual delivery commitments. An interruption
of production at the Paducah plant would result in a drawdown of our inventories of LEU, and,
depending on the length and severity of the production interruption, we could be unable to meet our
annual delivery commitments, with adverse effects on our costs, results of operations, cash flows
and long-term viability. Depending upon the reasons for the interruption and subject to limitations
on our liability under our sales contracts, we also could be required to compensate customers for
our failure to deliver on time.
26
Production interruptions at the Paducah plant could be caused by a variety of factors, such as:
|
|
|
equipment breakdowns, |
|
|
|
|
interruptions of electric power, or an inability to purchase electric
power at an acceptable price, |
|
|
|
|
regulatory enforcement actions, |
|
|
|
|
labor disruptions, |
|
|
|
|
unavailability or inadequate supply of uranium feedstock or coolant, |
|
|
|
|
natural or other disasters, including seismic activity in the vicinity
of the Paducah plant, which is located near the New Madrid fault line, or |
|
|
|
|
accidents or other incidents. |
The Paducah plant is owned by the U.S. government. Our rights to the plant are defined under a
lease agreement with DOE and the law that the lease agreement implements. Under the DOE-USEC
Agreement, we could lose our right to extend the lease of the Paducah plant and could be required
to waive our exclusive right to lease the facility if we fail on more than one occasion within
specified periods to meet certain production thresholds and fail to cure the deficiency. In
addition, DOE could assume responsibility for operation of the Paducah plant if we cease production
at the Paducah plant and fail to recommence production within time periods specified in the
DOE-USEC Agreement. Without a lease to the Paducah plant and absent access to other sources of LEU,
we would be unable to meet our annual delivery commitments to customers once our available
inventories were exhausted.
The rights of our creditors under the documents governing our indebtedness may limit our
operating and financial flexibility.
We have entered into a five-year, revolving credit facility providing for an aggregate
commitment of $400 million, including up to $300 million in letters of credit, secured by our
assets and the assets of our subsidiaries. The revolving credit facility includes various operating
and financial covenants that restrict our ability, and the ability of our subsidiaries to, among
other things, incur or prepay other indebtedness, grant liens, sell assets, make investments and
declare or pay dividends or other distributions. Complying with these covenants may make it more
difficult for us to successfully execute our business strategy. For example, these covenants could
limit the amount of cash we can use to finance the American Centrifuge Plant. The revolving credit
agreement also requires that we maintain a minimum amount of inventory. The revolving credit
facility also contains reserve provisions that may reduce the facilitys availability periodically.
Our failure to comply with obligations under the revolving credit facility or other agreements
such as the DOE-USEC Agreement could result in an event of default under the credit facility. A
default, if not cured or waived, could permit acceleration of our indebtedness. We cannot be
certain that we will be able to remedy any default. If our indebtedness is accelerated, we cannot
be certain that we will have funds available to pay the accelerated indebtedness or that we will
have the ability to refinance the accelerated indebtedness on terms favorable to us or at all.
A decrease in prices for SWU and uranium could adversely affect our gross profit margins in
current and future periods.
Changes in the prices of SWU and uranium are influenced by numerous factors, such as:
|
|
|
SWU and uranium production levels and costs in the industry, |
|
|
|
|
supply and demand shifts, |
|
|
|
|
actions taken by governments to regulate, protect or promote trade in
nuclear material, including but not limited to the continuation of existing
restrictions on unfairly priced imports, |
|
|
|
|
actions of competitors, |
|
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|
|
exchange rates, |
|
|
|
|
availability of alternate fuels, and |
|
|
|
|
inflation. |
27
The long-term nature of our contracts with customers may prolong the adverse impact of low
market prices on our gross profit margins. For example, even as prices increase and we secure new
higher-priced contracts, we are contractually obligated to deliver SWU and uranium at lower prices
under contracts signed prior to the increase.
The long-term nature of our customer contracts could adversely affect our results of
operations in current and future years.
As is typically the case in our industry, we sell nearly all of our SWU under long-term
contracts. The prices that we charge under our existing contracts (particularly those reflecting
terms agreed to prior to 2006) typically only increase with inflation. Therefore, these contracts
do not allow us to pass along increases in our costs, such as increased power costs or increases in
the prices we pay under the Russian Contract for SWU, or to take advantage of market increases in
the price of SWU. We anticipate that these limitations, combined with our cost-structure and our
sensitivity to increased power costs due to the power-intensive gaseous diffusion technology that
we currently depend on, will reduce our ability to cover our cost of sales with revenues earned
under our customer contracts and will materially and adversely impact our gross profit margins and
cash flows in current and future periods.
In addition, our older contracts give customers the flexibility to determine the amounts of
natural uranium that they deliver to us, which can result in our receiving less uranium from
customers than we transferred from our inventory to the Russian Federation under the Russian
Contract. Over time, to the extent our inventory, including uranium generated through underfeeding,
is insufficient to absorb the difference, we could be required to purchase uranium to continue to
meet our obligations to the Russian Federation, which, depending on the market price of uranium,
could have an adverse impact on our gross profit margins, cash flows, results of operations and
liquidity.
We face significant competition from three major producers who may be less cost sensitive or
may be favored due to national loyalties.
We compete with three major producers, all of which are wholly or substantially owned by
governments: AREVA (France), TENEX (Russia), and Urenco (Germany, Netherlands, UK). We also compete
with Louisiana Energy Services, a group controlled by Urenco, that has begun constructing a uranium
enrichment plant in New Mexico. Our competitors may have greater financial resources, including
access to below-market financing terms and support from their government owners, which may enable
them to be less cost- or profit-sensitive. In addition, decisions by our competitors may be
influenced by political and economic policy considerations rather than commercial considerations.
For example, despite the relatively flat demand for LEU in the markets in which we sell, our
competitors may elect to increase their production or exports of LEU thereby depressing prices and
reducing demand for our LEU, which could adversely affect our revenues, cash flows and results of
operations. Similarly, the elimination or weakening of existing restrictions on imports from our
competitors could adversely affect our revenue, cash flows and results of operations.
28
The release of excess government stockpiles of enriched uranium into the market could depress
market prices and reduce demand for LEU from USEC.
The U.S. and foreign governments have stockpiles of LEU that they could sell in the market.
In addition, LEU may be produced by downblending stockpiles of highly enriched uranium owned by the
U.S. and foreign governments. Given the relatively flat demand for LEU in the markets in which we
sell, the release of these stockpiles into the market can depress prices and reduce demand for LEU
from USEC, which could adversely affect our revenues, cash flows and results of operations.
Our dependence on our largest customers could adversely affect us.
Our 10 largest customers (other than the U.S. government) represented 53% of our revenue in
2006, and our three largest customers represented 22% of our revenue in 2006. To the extent our
existing contracts with these customers include prices that are greater than or equal to market
prices, a reduction in purchases from these customers, whether due to their decision to increase
purchases from our competitors or for other reasons, including a disruption in their operations
that reduces their need for LEU from USEC, could adversely affect our business and results of
operations. Conversely, to the extent that our contracts with these customers include prices that
are lower than market prices, a decision by these customers to exercise options under these
contracts to purchase more from us also could adversely affect our business and results of
operations.
We are seeking to improve the pricing under our long-term contracts with our customers,
including our largest customers, as these contracts come up for renewal. However, because price is
the most significant factor in a customers choice of an enricher, customers may reduce their
purchases from us if we attempt to increase our prices in order to offset increases in our costs,
resulting in the loss of the contracts being renewed. Moreover, once lost, customers are difficult
to regain because they typically purchase under long-term contracts. Therefore, given the need to
maintain existing customer relationships, particularly with our largest customers, our ability to
raise prices in order to respond to increases in costs or other developments may be limited. In
addition, because we have a fixed commitment to order LEU derived from at least 30 metric tons of
highly enriched uranium each year under the Russian Contract and to purchase the approximately 5.5
million SWU deemed to be contained in such material, any reduction in purchases by our customers
below the level required for us to resell both our own production and the Russian material could
adversely affect our revenues, cash flows and results of operations.
Our ability to compete in certain foreign markets may be limited for political, legal and
economic reasons.
Agreements for cooperation between the U.S. government and various foreign governments control
the export of nuclear materials from the United States. If any of the agreements with countries in
which our customers are located were to lapse, terminate or be amended, it is possible we would not
be able to make sales or deliver LEU to customers in those countries. This could adversely affect
our results of operations.
Purchases of SWU by customers in the European Union (EU) is subject to a policy of the Euratom
Supply Agency that seeks to limit foreign enriched uranium to no more than 20% of EU consumption
per year. Further, we are precluded from selling in the Russian Federation by the absence of an
agreement for cooperation that permits exports to Russia.
29
Recent court decisions may reduce our ability to protect ourselves from unfairly priced
imports, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
Recent decisions of the U.S. Court of International Trade and the U.S. Court of Appeals for
the Federal Circuit could preclude the U.S. Department of Commerce from imposing antidumping and
countervailing duties to offset unfairly-priced LEU imported from foreign countries. Under these
rulings, we would be unable to use certain U.S. trade laws to protect us from unfairly priced LEU
in the future, thereby increasing the possibility that our competitors will seek to increase market
share by reducing prices to unfair levels. An increase in our competitors market share and the
accompanying reduction in market prices could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our future prospects are tied directly to the nuclear energy industry worldwide.
Potential events that could affect either nuclear reactors under contract with us or the
nuclear industry as a whole, include:
|
|
|
accidents, terrorism or other incidents, at nuclear facilities or involving
shipments of nuclear materials, |
|
|
|
|
regulatory actions or changes in regulations by nuclear regulatory bodies, |
|
|
|
|
disruptions in other areas of the nuclear fuel cycle, such as uranium supplies or
conversion, |
|
|
|
|
civic opposition to, or changes in government policies regarding, nuclear
operations, |
|
|
|
|
business decisions concerning reactors or reactor operations, |
|
|
|
|
the need for generating capacity, or |
|
|
|
|
consolidation within the electric power industry. |
These events could adversely affect us to the extent they result in a reduction or elimination
of contractual requirements, the suspension or reduction of nuclear reactor operations, the
reduction of supplies of raw materials, lower demand, burdensome regulation, disruptions of
shipments or production, increased operational costs or difficulties or increased liability for
actual or threatened property damage or personal injury.
Changes to, or termination of, any of our agreements with the U.S. government, or
deterioration in our relationship with the U.S. government, could adversely affect our results of
operations.
USEC, or our subsidiaries, are a party to a number of agreements and arrangements with the
U.S. government that are important to our business, including:
|
|
|
leases for the gaseous diffusion plants and American Centrifuge
facilities, |
|
|
|
|
the Executive Agent MOA under which we are designated the U.S. Executive
Agent and purchase the SWU component of LEU under the Russian Contract, |
|
|
|
|
the DOE-USEC Agreement and other agreements that address issues relating
to the domestic uranium enrichment industry and centrifuge technology, |
|
|
|
|
electric power purchase agreements with the Tennessee Valley Authority,
and |
|
|
|
|
contract work for DOE and DOE contractors at the Portsmouth and Paducah
plants, including contracts for maintenance of the Portsmouth plant in cold
standby or cold shutdown states, |
Termination or expiration of one or more of these agreements, without replacement with an
equivalent agreement or arrangement that accomplishes the same objectives as the terminated or
expired agreement(s), could reduce our profitability and results of operations. In addition,
deterioration in our relationship with the U.S. agencies that are parties to these agreements could
impair or impede our ability to successfully implement these agreements, which could adversely
affect our results of operations.
30
Our existing U.S. government contracts are subject to continued appropriations by Congress and
may be terminated if future funding is not made available.
Approximately 10% of our revenues are from U.S. government contracts. All contract work for
DOE, including cold standby of the Portsmouth plant, cleanup of out-of-specification uranium and
certain NAC consulting and transportation activities, is subject to the availability of DOE funding
and congressional appropriations. If funds were not available, we could be required to terminate
these operations and incur related termination costs. In addition, the criteria for award of
contracts to USEC or NAC may change, such that USEC or NAC are not eligible to compete for such
contracts, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
Revenue from U.S. government contract work is based on cost accounting standards and allowable
costs that are subject to audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Allowable costs include
direct costs as well as allocations of indirect plant and corporate overhead costs. Audit
adjustments could reduce the amounts we are allowed to bill for DOE contract work or require us to
refund to DOE a portion of amounts already billed.
Our operations are highly regulated by the NRC and DOE.
Our operations, including the Paducah and Portsmouth plants, the American Centrifuge
Demonstration Facility, and NAC, are regulated by the NRC. In addition, the construction and
operation of the American Centrifuge Plant must be licensed by the NRC, which would regulate our
activities at the plant.
The gaseous diffusion plants are required to be recertified every five years and the term of
the current certification expires on December 31, 2008. The NRC could refuse to renew either or
both of the certificates if it determines that we are foreign owned or controlled or the issuance
of a certificate would be adverse to United States defense or security objectives. If the
certificate for the Paducah plant were not renewed, we could no longer produce LEU at the Paducah
plant, which would threaten our ability to make deliveries to customers.
The NRC has the authority to issue notices of violation for violations of the Atomic Energy
Act of 1954, NRC regulations and conditions of licenses, certificates of compliance, or orders.
The NRC has the authority to impose civil penalties for some violations of its regulations.
Penalties under NRC regulations could include substantial fines, imposition of additional
requirements or withdrawal or suspension of licenses or certificates. If significant penalties
were imposed on us, they could adversely affect our results of operations.
In August 2004, USEC submitted an application to the NRC for a license to operate the American
Centrifuge Plant. In February 2007, the NRC issued an order detailing a schedule that anticipates a
licensing decision in April 2007. Failure to obtain a license for the construction and operation of
the American Centrifuge Plant in a timely manner could have a significant adverse impact on our
ability to finance and deploy the American Centrifuge technology or to meet the requirements of the
DOE-USEC Agreement. Our American Centrifuge facilities in Oak Ridge are subject to regulation by
DOE. DOE has the authority to impose civil penalties and additional requirements which could
adversely affect our results of operations.
31
Our operations are subject to numerous federal, state and local environmental protection laws
and regulations.
We incur substantial costs for 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 our operations. Unanticipated events or regulatory developments, however, could
cause the amount and timing of future environmental expenditures to vary substantially from those
expected.
Under a cleanup agreement with the EPA, we removed certain material from the Starmet site in
South Carolina that was attributable to quantities of depleted uranium we had sent there under a
1998 contract. We could incur additional costs associated with our share of costs for cleanup of
the Starmet site, resulting from a variety of factors, including a decision by federal or state
agencies to recover costs for prior cleanup work or require additional remediation at the site.
Pursuant to numerous federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, we are
required to hold multiple permits. Some permits require periodic renewal or review of their
conditions, and we cannot predict whether we will be able to renew such permits or whether material
changes in permit conditions will be imposed. Changes in permits could increase costs of producing
LEU and reduce our profitability while an inability to secure or renew permits could prevent us
from producing LEU needed to meet our delivery obligations to customers.
Our operations involve the use, transportation and disposal of toxic, hazardous and/or
radioactive chemicals and could result in liability without regard to our fault or negligence.
Our plant operations involve the use of toxic, hazardous, and radioactive chemicals. A
chemical release would primarily pose a health risk to humans or animals in proximity to the
release. If an accident were to occur, its severity could be significantly affected by the volume
of the release and the speed of corrective action taken by plant emergency response personnel, as
well as other factors beyond our control, such as weather and wind conditions. Actions taken in
response to an actual or suspected release of chemicals could result in significant costs.
The Price-Anderson Act requires DOE to indemnify USEC against claims for public liability
arising out of or in connection with activities under the lease resulting from a nuclear incident
or precautionary evacuation. If an incident or evacuation is not covered under Price-Anderson, we
could be held liable for damages regardless of fault, which could have an adverse effect on our
results of operations and financial condition. In connection with international transportation of
LEU, it is possible for a claim to be asserted which may not fall within the indemnification under
Price-Anderson.
NACs business involves providing products and services for the storage and transportation of
toxic, hazardous and radioactive materials, which, if released or mishandled, could cause personal
injury and property damage (including environmental contamination). NAC obtains nuclear liability
insurance to protect against third party liability resulting from a nuclear incident, but this
insurance contains exclusions and limits and there is no assurance that this insurance would cover
all potential liabilities.
In our contracts, USEC and NAC seek to protect ourselves from liability, but there is no
assurance that such contractual limitations on liability will be effective in all cases or that our
insurance will cover all the liabilities we have assumed under those contracts. The costs of
defending against a claim arising out of a nuclear incident or precautionary evacuation, and any
damages awarded as a result of such a claim, could adversely affect our results of operations and
financial condition.
32
The dollar amount of our sales backlog, as stated at any given time, is not necessarily
indicative of our future sales revenues.
Backlog is the aggregate dollar amount of SWU and uranium that we expect to sell under
contracts with utilities. As of December 31, 2006, our sales backlog was an estimated $7.0 billion
through 2015 ($6.7 billion through 2012, including $1.5 billion expected to be delivered in 2007).
There can be no assurance that the revenues projected in our backlog will be realized, or, if
realized, will result in profits. Backlog is partially based on customers estimates of their fuel
requirements and certain other assumptions, including our estimates of selling prices and inflation
rates. Such estimates are subject to change. For example, some of our contracts include pricing
elements based on market prices prevailing at the time of delivery. We use an external composite
forecast of future market prices in estimating the price that we will be entitled to charge under
such contracts in the future. These forecasts may not be accurate, and therefore our estimate of
future prices could be overstated. Pricing under some new contracts is subject, in part, to
escalation based on a broad power price index. For purposes of the backlog, we assume increases to
the power price index in line with overall inflation rates. However, because the index is not
geared to general inflation rates, our estimates of future prices under these contracts could be
inaccurate. Any inaccuracy in our estimates of future prices would add to the imprecision of our
backlog estimate.
For a variety of reasons, the amounts of SWU and uranium that we will sell in the future under
our existing contracts, or the timing of customer purchases under those contracts, may differ from
our estimates. Customers may not purchase as much as we predicted, or at the times we anticipated,
as result of operational difficulties, changes in fuel requirements or other reasons. Reduced
purchases would adversely affect the revenues we actually receive from contracts included in the
backlog. For example, our revenue could be adversely affected by actions of the NRC or nuclear
regulators in foreign countries issuing orders to delay, suspend or shut down nuclear reactor
operations within their jurisdictions. Increases in our costs of production or other factors could
cause some of the sales included in our backlog to be at prices that are below our cost of sales,
which could adversely affect our results of operations in future years, and customers may purchase
more under lower priced contracts than we predicted.
We use estimates in accounting for the future disposition of depleted uranium and changes in
these estimates or in actual costs could affect our future financial results and liquidity.
We store depleted uranium at the Paducah and Portsmouth plants and accrue estimated costs for
its future disposition. The long-term liability for depleted uranium is dependent upon the volume
of depleted uranium generated and estimated processing, transportation and disposal costs, which
involves many assumptions. Our estimated cost and accrued liability are subject to changes as new
information becomes available, and an increase in the estimate would have an adverse effect on our
results of operations.
We anticipate that we will send most or all of our depleted uranium to DOE for disposition
unless a more economic disposal option is available. DOE is constructing facilities at the Paducah
and Portsmouth plants to process large quantities of depleted uranium owned by DOE. Under federal
law, DOE would also process our depleted uranium if we provided it to DOE. If we were to dispose
of our uranium in this way, we would be required to reimburse DOE for the related costs of
disposal, including our pro rata share of capital costs.
The NRC requires that we guarantee the disposition of our depleted uranium with financial
assurance. Our estimate of the unit disposition cost for accrual purposes is approximately 35% less
than the unit disposition cost for financial assurance purposes, which includes contingencies and
other potential costs as required by the NRC. Any increase in our estimated unit cost of disposal
will require us to provide additional financial assurance and could adversely affect our liquidity.
The
amount of future depleted uranium disposal costs could also vary substantially from amounts accrued
and an increase in our actual cost of disposal could have a material adverse impact on our results
of operations in future years.
33
Deferral of revenue recognition could result in volatility in our quarterly and annual
results.
We do not recognize revenue for sales of uranium or LEU until the uranium or LEU is physically
delivered. Consequently, in sales transactions where we have received payment and title has
transferred to the customer but delivery has not occurred because the terms of the agreement
require us to hold the uranium to which the customer has title or because a customer encounters
brief delays in taking delivery of LEU at our facilities, recognition of revenue is deferred until
the uranium or LEU is physically delivered. This deferral can potentially be over an indefinite
period and is outside our control and can result in volatility in our quarterly and annual results.
If a significant amount of revenue is deferred or a significant amount of previously deferred
revenue is recognized, in a given period, earnings in that period will be affected, which could
result in volatility in our quarterly and annual results. Additional information on our deferred
revenue is provided in note 8 to our consolidated financial statements.
Our operating results may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter, and even year to
year, which could have an adverse effect on our cash flows.
Under their contracts with us, our customers determine their requirements based on their
refueling schedules for nuclear reactors, which generally range from 12 to 18 months, or in some
cases up to 24 months. Customer payments for the SWU component of LEU typically average $12
million per order. As a result, a relatively small change in the timing of customer orders may
cause operating results to be substantially above or below expectations, which could have an
adverse effect on our cash flows.
The levels of returns on pension and post-retirement plan assets, changes in interest rates
and other factors affecting the amounts we have to contribute to fund future pension liabilities
could adversely affect our earnings in future periods.
Our earnings may be positively or negatively impacted by the amount of expense we record for
our employee benefit plans. This is particularly true with expense for our pension plans.
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (GAAP) require that we calculate
expense for the plans using actuarial valuations. These valuations are based on assumptions that
we make relating to financial market and other economic conditions. Changes in key economic
indicators can result in changes in the assumptions we use. The key year-end assumptions used to
estimate pension expense for the following year are the discount rate, the expected rate of return
on plan assets, healthcare cost trend rates and the rate of increase in future compensation levels.
For additional information and a discussion regarding how our financial statements can be affected
by pension plan accounting policies, see Critical Accounting Estimates in Managements Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and note 12 to our consolidated
financial statements.
Anti-takeover provisions in Delaware law and in our charter, bylaws and shareholder rights
plan could delay or prevent an acquisition of USEC.
We are a Delaware corporation, and the anti-takeover provisions of Delaware law impose various
impediments to the ability of a third party to acquire control of our company, even if a change of
control would be beneficial to our existing shareholders. Our certificate of incorporation, or
charter, establishes restrictions on foreign ownership of our securities. Other provisions of our
charter and bylaws may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us without
the consent of our board of directors. We also have adopted a shareholder rights plan, which could
increase the cost of,
or prevent, a takeover attempt. These various restrictions could deprive shareholders of the
opportunity to realize takeover premiums for their shares.
34
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
DOE Contract Services Matter
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) asserted in a letter to USEC dated July 10, 2006 that
DOE may have sustained damages in an amount that exceeds $6.9 million under USECs contract with
DOE for the supply of cold standby services at the Portsmouth plant. DOJ indicated that it was
assessing possible violations of the Civil False Claims Act (FCA) and related claims in
connection with invoices submitted under that contract. We have responded to DOJs letter and have
been cooperating with DOJ and the DOE Office of Investigations with respect to their inquiries into
this matter. We continue to believe that the government does not have any legitimate bases for
asserting any FCA or related claims under the cold standby contract, and intend to defend
vigorously any such claim that might be asserted against it.
Other
We are 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, we do not believe that the outcome of any of these legal matters will
have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None
35
Executive Officers of the Company
Executive officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Executive officers at February 15, 2007 follow:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position |
John K. Welch
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
John C. Barpoulis
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
Timothy B. Hansen
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
Philip G. Sewell
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
Senior Vice President, American Centrifuge and Russian HEU |
Robert Van Namen
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
Senior Vice President, Uranium Enrichment |
W. Lance Wright
|
|
|
59 |
|
|
Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Administration |
John M.A. Donelson
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
Vice President, Marketing and Sales |
Stephen S. Greene
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
Vice President and Treasurer |
Victor N. Lopiano
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
Vice President, American Centrifuge |
J. Tracy Mey
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
Controller and Chief Accounting Officer |
E. John Neumann
|
|
|
59 |
|
|
Vice President, Government Relations |
Russell B. Starkey, Jr.
|
|
|
64 |
|
|
Vice President, Operations |
John K. Welch has been President and Chief Executive Officer since September 2005. Prior to
joining USEC, Mr. Welch served as a consultant to several government and corporate entities. Mr.
Welch was Executive Vice President and Group Executive, Marine Systems for General Dynamics
Corporation from January 2000 to March 2003, and President of General Dynamics Electric Boat from
1995 to 2000.
John C. Barpoulis has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since August
2006. Mr. Barpoulis joined USEC as Vice President and Treasurer in March 2005 and served as
Treasurer until February 2007. Prior to joining USEC, Mr. Barpoulis was Vice President and
Treasurer of National Energy & Gas Transmission, Inc. (formerly a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation)
and certain of its subsidiaries from 2003 to March 2005 and was Vice President and Assistant
Treasurer from 2000 to 2003. National Energy & Gas Transmission, Inc. and certain of its
subsidiaries filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in July
2003.
Timothy B. Hansen has been Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since August
2002. Mr. Hansen left USEC in November 2004 and returned in January 2005 to serve as General
Counsel and Secretary on an interim, part-time basis. He returned to his current position in
September 2005. Mr. Hansen has held positions of progressively more responsibility since joining
USEC as Assistant General Counsel in 1994.
Philip G. Sewell has been Senior Vice President, American Centrifuge and Russian HEU since
September 2005. Mr. Sewell was Senior Vice President directing international activities and
corporate development programs since August 2000 and assumed responsibility for the American
Centrifuge program in April 2005. Prior to that, Mr. Sewell was Vice President, Corporate
36
Development and International Trade since April 1998, and was Vice President, Corporate
Development since 1993.
Robert Van Namen has been Senior Vice President, Uranium Enrichment since September 2005. Mr.
Van Namen was Senior Vice President directing marketing and sales activities since 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.
W. Lance Wright has been Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Administration since
February 2005, and was Vice President, Human Resources and Administration since August 2003. Prior
to joining USEC, Mr. Wright was Vice President and Principal of Boyden Global Executive Search
since January 2002, and previously held director and manager positions in Human Resources at
ExxonMobil Corporation since 1986.
John M.A. Donelson has been Vice President, Marketing and Sales since December 2005 and was
previously Director, North American and European Sales since June 2004, Director, North American
Sales since August 2000 and Senior Sales Executive since July 1999.
Stephen S. Greene was named Vice President and Treasurer in February 2007. Prior to joining
USEC, Mr. Greene was a Vice President and Executive Director of Pace Global Energy Services, an
energy consulting firm, from January 2006 to January 2007. Previously, Mr. Greene was a Vice
President of Progress Energy, an electric utility holding company, and prior to that a Vice
President of National Energy & Gas Transmission, Inc. (formerly a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation).
Victor N. Lopiano has been Vice President, American Centrifuge since December 2005 and was
Director, Projects in USECs corporate development department since January 2000. Mr. Lopiano
joined USEC in 1996 as USECs senior manager at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Prior
to joining USEC, Mr. Lopiano held senior management positions with various business units of ABB,
Inc. over an 11-year period including Senior Vice President, Operations, ABB Environmental Systems;
Vice President, ABB Project Services, Power Plant Systems; and Vice President, Engineering &
Facility Operations, ABB Resource Recovery Systems.
J. Tracy Mey was named Controller and Chief Accounting Officer in January 2007 and was
Controller since June 2005. Prior to joining USEC, Mr. Mey was Controller and Chief Accounting
Officer of Power Services Company, a national energy company and former subsidiary of PG&E
Corporation, from June 2004 to May 2005, and previously was Corporate Controller of National Energy
& Gas Transmission, Inc. (formerly a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation) since 1994.
E. John Neumann has been Vice President, Government Relations since April 2004. Prior to
joining USEC, Mr. Neumann was Vice President, Government Relations, for the Edison Electric
Institute since 1995.
Russell B. Starkey, Jr. has been Vice President, Operations since February 2005 and was
General Manager of the Paducah plant since October 2001, Training Manager since April 1998 and
Senior Staff Consultant since October 1997.
37
PART II
Item 5. Market for Common Stock, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
USECs common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol USU. High and
low sales prices per share follow:
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
High |
|
Low |
|
High |
|
Low |
First Quarter ended March 31 |
|
$ |
15.84 |
|
|
$ |
11.08 |
|
|
$ |
18.69 |
|
|
$ |
9.39 |
|
Second Quarter ended June 30 |
|
|
14.65 |
|
|
|
9.74 |
|
|
|
16.95 |
|
|
|
11.94 |
|
Third Quarter ended September 30 |
|
|
12.18 |
|
|
|
9.19 |
|
|
|
16.25 |
|
|
|
9.79 |
|
Fourth Quarter ended December 31 |
|
|
13.52 |
|
|
|
9.35 |
|
|
|
12.95 |
|
|
|
9.05 |
|
USEC declared and paid a dividend of 13.75 cents per share in each quarter of 2005. In
February 2006, the Board of Directors voted to discontinue paying a common stock dividend in order
to redirect those funds to reduce the level of external financing needed for construction of the
American Centrifuge Plant. Accordingly, we have no intention to pay cash dividends in the
foreseeable future.
There are 250 million shares of common stock and 25 million shares of preferred stock
authorized. At January 31, 2007, there were 87,114,000 shares of common stock issued
and outstanding and approximately 37,000 beneficial holders of common stock. No preferred shares
have been issued.
The following table gives information about the Companys common stock that may be issued
under the USEC Inc. 1999 Equity Incentive Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan as of December 31,
2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
securities to be |
|
|
|
|
|
|
issued upon |
|
Weighted-average |
|
Number of securities |
|
|
exercise of |
|
exercise price of |
|
remaining available |
|
|
outstanding |
|
outstanding |
|
for future issuance |
|
|
options, warrants |
|
options, warrants |
|
under equity |
Plan category |
|
and rights |
|
and rights |
|
compensation plans |
Equity
compensation plans
approved by
security holders |
|
|
1,212,000 |
|
|
$ |
9.45 |
|
|
|
7,690,000 |
(1) |
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
1,212,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,690,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes 7,543,000 shares available for issuance under the USEC Inc. 1999 Equity
Incentive Plan (net of awards which terminate or are cancelled without being exercised or
that are settled for cash) and 147,000 shares available for issuance under the Employee
Stock Purchase Plan. |
The Board of Directors approved a shareholder rights plan in 2001. 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.
38
To comply with statutory requirements and to meet conditions for maintaining NRC certification
of the plants, our certificate of incorporation, or charter, sets forth 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 our voting securities.
Our charter also contains enforcement mechanisms with respect to the foreign ownership
restrictions, including suspension of voting rights, redemption of such shares and/or the refusal
to recognize the transfer of shares on our record books.
Fourth Quarter 2006 Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) Total Number |
|
|
(d) Maximum Number |
|
|
|
(a) Total |
|
|
(b) |
|
|
of Shares (or Units) |
|
|
(or Approximate Dollar |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Average |
|
|
Purchased as Part |
|
|
Value) of Shares (or |
|
|
|
Shares (or |
|
|
Price Paid |
|
|
of Publicly |
|
|
Units) that May Yet Be |
|
|
|
Units) |
|
|
Per Share |
|
|
Announced Plans |
|
|
Purchased Under the |
|
Period |
|
Purchased(1) |
|
|
(or Unit) |
|
|
or Programs |
|
|
Plans or Programs |
|
October 1 October 31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 1 November 30 |
|
|
1,631 |
|
|
$ |
10.52 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 1 December 31 |
|
|
1,839 |
|
|
$ |
12.97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
3,470 |
|
|
$ |
11.82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
These purchases were not made pursuant to a publicly announced repurchase plan or
program. Represents 3,470 shares of common stock surrendered to USEC to pay withholding
taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock under the 1999 Equity Incentive
Plan. |
In 2006, we did not make any unregistered sales of equity securities.
39
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph shows a comparison of cumulative total returns for an investment in the
common stock of USEC Inc., the S&P 500 Index, and a peer group of companies. USEC is the only U.S.
company in the uranium enrichment industry. However, USEC has identified a peer group of companies
that share similar business attributes with it. This group includes utilities with nuclear power
generation capabilities, chemical processing companies, and aluminum companies. USEC supplies
companies in the utility industry, and its business is similar to that of chemical processing
companies. USEC shares characteristics with aluminum companies in that they are both large users of
electric power. The graph reflects the investment of $100 on December 31, 2001 in the Companys
common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the peer group, and reflects the reinvestment of dividends.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
|
2001 |
|
2002 |
|
2003 |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
USEC Inc. |
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
$ |
90.74 |
|
|
$ |
137.46 |
|
|
$ |
168.92 |
|
|
$ |
217.81 |
|
|
$ |
231.84 |
|
S&P 500 Index |
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
$ |
77.90 |
|
|
$ |
100.24 |
|
|
$ |
111.15 |
|
|
$ |
116.61 |
|
|
$ |
135.02 |
|
Peer Group Index1 |
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
$ |
84.68 |
|
|
$ |
109.48 |
|
|
$ |
125.13 |
|
|
$ |
139.15 |
|
|
$ |
163.21 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Peer Group consists of: Air Products and
Chemicals, Inc., Albemarle Corporation, Alcoa Inc.,
Constellation Energy Group, Inc., Dominion Resources,
Inc., Duke Energy Corporation, Eastman Chemical
Company, Exelon Corporation, Georgia Gulf Corporation,
NL Industries, Inc., PPL Corporation, Praxair, Inc.,
Progress Energy, Inc., The Southern Company, and XCEL
Energy Inc. In accordance with SEC requirements, the
return for each issuer has been weighted according to
the respective issuers stock market capitalization at
the beginning of each year for which a return is
indicated. |
40
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and related notes and managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and
results of operations. Selected financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2006,
2005, 2004 and 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. In 2002, the Board of Directors approved a change in fiscal year
end from June 30 to December 31, effective December 31, 2002.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | |
Six-Month |
|
|
Fiscal Year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | |
Period Ended |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
| |
December 31, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
2002 |
|
|
2002 |
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(millions, except per share data) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Separative work units |
|
$ |
1,337.4 |
|
|
$ |
1,085.6 |
|
|
$ |
1,027.3 |
|
|
$ |
1,110.8 |
|
|
$ |
1,181.5 |
|
|
$ |
668.0 |
|
|
$ |
1,289.3 |
|
Uranium |
|
|
316.7 |
|
|
|
261.3 |
|
|
|
224.0 |
|
|
|
159.9 |
|
|
|
75.3 |
|
|
|
43.2 |
|
|
|
116.9 |
|
U.S. government contracts and
other |
|
|
194.5 |
|
|
|
212.4 |
|
|
|
165.9 |
|
|
|
166.0 |
|
|
|
123.4 |
|
|
|
69.6 |
|
|
|
102.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
|
1,848.6 |
|
|
|
1,559.3 |
|
|
|
1,417.2 |
|
|
|
1,436.7 |
|
|
|
1,380.2 |
|
|
|
780.8 |
|
|
|
1,508.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Separative work units and uranium |
|
|
1,349.2 |
|
|
|
1,148.4 |
|
|
|
1,071.6 |
|
|
|
1,124.1 |
|
|
|
1,174.2 |
|
|
|
675.2 |
|
|
|
1,305.7 |
|
U.S. government contracts and other |
|
|
162.5 |
|
|
|
181.4 |
|
|
|
151.5 |
|
|
|
150.2 |
|
|
|
115.2 |
|
|
|
66.0 |
|
|
|
100.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of sales |
|
|
1,511.7 |
|
|
|
1,329.8 |
|
|
|
1,223.1 |
|
|
|
1,274.3 |
|
|
|
1,289.4 |
|
|
|
741.2 |
|
|
|
1,406.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
336.9 |
|
|
|
229.5 |
|
|
|
194.1 |
|
|
|
162.4 |
|
|
|
90.8 |
|
|
|
39.6 |
|
|
|
102.2 |
|
|
Special charges (credits), net |
|
|
3.9 |
(1) |
|
|
7.3 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6.7 |
)(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6.7 |
)(3) |
Advanced technology costs |
|
|
105.5 |
|
|
|
94.5 |
|
|
|
58.5 |
|
|
|
44.8 |
|
|
|
22.9 |
|
|
|
16.0 |
|
|
|
12.6 |
|
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
48.8 |
|
|
|
61.9 |
|
|
|
64.1 |
|
|
|
69.4 |
|
|
|
54.1 |
|
|
|
27.6 |
|
|
|
50.7 |
|
Other (income) expense, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.0 |
)(4) |
|
|
(1.7 |
)(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
178.7 |
|
|
|
66.8 |
|
|
|
73.2 |
|
|
|
48.2 |
|
|
|
20.5 |
|
|
|
(4.0 |
) |
|
|
45.6 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
14.5 |
|
|
|
40.0 |
|
|
|
40.5 |
|
|
|
38.4 |
|
|
|
36.5 |
|
|
|
18.6 |
|
|
|
36.3 |
|
Interest (income) |
|
|
(6.2 |
) |
|
|
(10.5 |
) |
|
|
(3.9 |
) |
|
|
(5.4 |
) |
|
|
(7.0 |
) |
|
|
(3.2 |
) |
|
|
(8.7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
|
170.4 |
|
|
|
37.3 |
|
|
|
36.6 |
|
|
|
15.2 |
|
|
|
(9.0 |
) |
|
|
(19.4 |
) |
|
|
18.0 |
|
Provision (credit) for income taxes |
|
|
64.2 |
|
|
|
15.0 |
|
|
|
13.1 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
|
|
|
(5.0 |
) |
|
|
(6.7 |
) |
|
|
4.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
106.2 |
|
|
$ |
22.3 |
|
|
$ |
23.5 |
|
|
$ |
9.0 |
|
|
$ |
(4.0 |
) |
|
$ |
(12.7 |
) |
|
$ |
13.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share basic and
diluted |
|
$ |
1.22 |
|
|
$ |
.26 |
|
|
$ |
.28 |
|
|
$ |
.11 |
|
|
$ |
(.05 |
) |
|
$ |
(.16 |
) |
|
$ |
.17 |
|
Dividends per share |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
.55 |
|
|
$ |
.55 |
|
|
$ |
.55 |
|
|
$ |
.55 |
|
|
$ |
.275 |
|
|
$ |
.55 |
|
41
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
June 30, |
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
2002 |
|
2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance Sheet Data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash, cash equivalents, and
short-term investments |
|
$ |
171.4 |
|
|
$ |
259.1 |
|
|
$ |
174.8 |
|
|
$ |
249.1 |
|
|
$ |
171.1 |
|
|
$ |
279.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
900.0 |
|
|
|
974.3 |
|
|
|
1,009.4 |
|
|
|
883.2 |
|
|
|
862.1 |
|
|
|
889.7 |
|
Long-term |
|
|
24.2 |
|
|
|
71.4 |
|
|
|
156.2 |
|
|
|
266.1 |
|
|
|
390.2 |
|
|
|
415.5 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
1,861.4 |
|
|
|
2,080.8 |
|
|
|
2,003.4 |
|
|
|
2,134.8 |
|
|
|
2,108.4 |
|
|
|
2,228.2 |
|
Current portion of long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
288.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
150.0 |
|
|
|
150.0 |
|
|
|
475.0 |
|
|
|
500.0 |
|
|
|
500.0 |
|
|
|
500.0 |
|
Other long-term liabilities |
|
|
300.3 |
|
|
|
270.2 |
|
|
|
244.4 |
|
|
|
256.0 |
|
|
|
265.0 |
|
|
|
263.2 |
|
Stockholders equity |
|
|
986.0 |
|
|
|
907.6 |
|
|
|
918.7 |
|
|
|
923.6 |
|
|
|
953.5 |
|
|
|
986.4 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Special charges of $3.9 million in 2006 include a $2.6 million impairment of an intangible
asset established in 2004 relating to the acquisition of NAC, $1.5 million related to
consolidation of office space in connection with the 2005 restructuring plan, and special
credits totaling $0.2 million representing changes in estimate of costs for termination
benefits charged in 2005. |
|
(2) |
|
The plan to restructure headquarters and field operations resulted in special charges of $7.3
million in 2005 related to termination benefits, principally consisting of severance benefits. |
|
(3) |
|
The special credit of $6.7 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, represented a
change in estimate of costs for consolidating plant operations originally accrued in the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2000. |
|
(4) |
|
Other income in 2005 includes $1.0 million from customs duties paid to USEC as a result of
trade actions. |
|
(5) |
|
Other income in 2004 includes income of $4.4 million from customs duties paid to USEC as a
result of trade actions, partly offset by an expense of $2.7 million for acquired-in-process
research and development expense relating to the acquisition of NAC. |
42
Item 7. Managements 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, a global energy company, is a leading supplier of low enriched uranium (LEU) for
commercial nuclear power plants. LEU is a critical component in the production of nuclear fuel for
reactors to produce electricity. We, either directly or through our subsidiaries United States
Enrichment Corporation and NAC International Inc. (NAC):
|
|
|
supply LEU to both domestic and international utilities for use in about 150 nuclear
reactors worldwide, |
|
|
|
|
are the exclusive executive agent for the U.S. government under a nuclear
nonproliferation program with Russia, known as Megatons to Megawatts, |
|
|
|
|
are in the process of demonstrating, and expect to deploy, what we expect to be the
worlds most efficient uranium enrichment technology, known as the American Centrifuge, |
|
|
|
|
perform contract work for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and DOE contractors at
the Paducah and Portsmouth plants, and |
|
|
|
|
provide transportation and storage systems for spent nuclear fuel and provide nuclear
and energy consulting services, including nuclear materials tracking. |
Low Enriched Uranium
LEU is sold and measured by two components: separative work units (SWU) and uranium. SWU is
a standard unit of measurement which represents the effort required to transform a given amount of
natural uranium 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. The amount
of enrichment contained in LEU under this formula is commonly referred to as the SWU component.
We produce or acquire LEU from two principal sources. We produce LEU at the gaseous diffusion
plant in Paducah, Kentucky, and we acquire LEU from Russia under a contract (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.
Our View of the Business Today
The nuclear industry today is at its best point in more than two decades as governmental
policy, public acceptance, environmental concerns about global warming and economics have joined
together to promote new nuclear power plant construction in the United States and many other
nations. Better performance, lower costs and a lengthening record of safety at the existing fleet
of 435 commercial reactors worldwide have served to improve the reputation of nuclear power as a
solution to a growing demand for electricity. The World Nuclear Association recently estimated a
net addition of approximately 70 reactors worldwide by 2015. In the United States, utilities and
consortiums of utilities have indicated to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) that they
intend to apply for construction and operating licenses over the next several years for more than
25 new reactors. In addition, many existing U.S. reactors are being licensed to operate for 20
additional years.
43
The market price for our product has improved recently. Market fundamentals suggest that SWU
prices should remain firm as supply and demand for LEU needed to fuel the next generation of
reactors seeks a balance. We see our role in the nuclear fuel cycle as essential to the success of
the revival of nuclear power.
It is against this positive backdrop that we are working to deploy a new generation of uranium
enrichment technology. We currently operate a 50-year-old plant that employs an energy intensive
technology, which we are working to replace with the more efficient American Centrifuge Plant in
order to remain competitive. The path to financing and building the American Centrifuge Plant has
significant challenges over the next several years, and 2007 will be a critical year for USEC.
Our primary challenges include addressing a decline in gross profit margins resulting from
electric power costs increasing faster than we can realize higher prices under existing contracts
with our customers, financing the construction of the American Centrifuge and scaling up to produce
thousands of complex centrifuge machines for the American Centrifuge Plant.
In 2006, we entered into a one-year pricing agreement to purchase electric power from the
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). We have a 10-year agreement with TVA to provide electricity to
our Paducah gaseous diffusion plant through May 2010. The first six years of that agreement
established power prices at an industrial rate that recognized USEC as a unique customer with an
attractive power load profile. The one-year pricing agreement signed in 2006 increased the price we
pay TVA for power by approximately 50%, and introduced additional risk through a fuel cost
adjustment provision that allows TVA to pass on fuel-related costs to USEC each month. As the
higher cost of power rolls through our SWU inventory, our cost of sales will increase during 2007
and put significant pressure on our gross profit margin. We are currently negotiating with TVA
regarding power prices beyond May 31, 2007. Although energy prices are generally lower than one
year ago and TVA is expected to restart its Browns Ferry 1 nuclear plant this spring, we have no
assurance that the price we pay going forward will be lower than the current agreement. Thus, the
high cost of energy likely will continue to adversely affect our gross profit margin until the
American Centrifuge Plant is complete.
We have benefited from a rise in SWU and uranium prices in recent years. Over the two-year
period ended December 31, 2006, SWU and uranium prices have increased 27 percent and 156 percent,
respectively. However, the long-term nature of nuclear fuel contracts and the lack of immediate
contractual adjustments for higher production costs mean that our average price billed to customers
will rise at a slower rate than our cost of sales, and our gross profit margin is expected to
decline from 18 percent in 2006 to roughly 9 to 10 percent in 2007. In addition, an inventory of natural
uranium that has provided us with substantial earnings and cash flow in recent years will be
substantially depleted by the end of 2007, further pressuring our profitability. We now include
formulas in new contracts to supply LEU that take into account power prices in the United States,
changes to the market price of SWU and inflation. As we sign more contracts at higher prices and
more favorable terms, and our older, lower priced contracts expire, the increased revenues earned
will begin to offset the higher cost of sales.
To supplement our production, we purchase the SWU component of LEU that we order from Russia
under a 20-year government-to-government agreement that we refer to as Megatons to Megawatts.
The pricing formula for these purchases uses a discount off an index of U.S. and international
price points. Because recent increases in market prices for SWU have pushed up these price points
substantially, the price we pay Russia will also increase. While our newer sales contracts include
pricing formulas that will generate higher prices in the future, many of our current deliveries of
LEU are being made under older, lower priced contracts. As a result, we expect that the price we
pay Russia for SWU will increase faster than our average price billed to customers increases,
further pressuring gross profit margins. In addition, we must transfer to Russia natural uranium
equivalent to the natural uranium component of LEU delivered to us. As uranium prices have gone up,
utility
44
customers have used contractual flexibility to reduce the amount of uranium they deliver to
USEC for the LEU we deliver to them under their contracts to purchase SWU. Because the amount of
uranium that must be transferred to Russia is fixed under the Russian Contract, this has resulted
in a mismatch between the amount of uranium that we must give TENEX for the Russian LEU delivered
to us and the uranium that we later receive from the customers to whom we choose to deliver the
Russian LEU. We currently have sufficient uranium supplies to meet our obligations under the
Russian Contract, but we may need to obtain additional uranium in future years to make up the
difference created by this mismatch.
A stable domestic enrichment market is essential to the successful financing and deployment of
the American Centrifuge technology. In the past, unrestrained Russian imports undermined the
stability of the domestic market and the U.S. government proposed significant tariffs on Russian
uranium imports. Those tariffs were not implemented after the Russian government signed a
Suspension Agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce that essentially restricts direct Russian
access to the U.S. market but allows LEU imports under the Megatons to Megawatts program. In 2006,
at the conclusion of its periodic review of the continued need for that Suspension Agreement, the
U.S. International Trade Commission found that elimination of existing restrictions on Russian
imports would likely result in material injury to the U.S. uranium industry. Nonetheless, the
Russian government continues to seek greater access to the U.S. market and has stated that it does
not intend to extend the Megatons to Megawatts program beyond 2013. The two governments have been
in discussions that could result in providing limited Russian access to the U.S. market after 2013.
Given the high priority that the Bush Administration has placed on building new nuclear power
plants in the United States and the importance of a secure domestic nuclear fuel supply, we believe
the U.S. government will seek reasonable limits on Russian imports beyond 2013. We support this
balanced approach that will provide the market with needed Russian LEU while sustaining a stable
domestic enrichment market that can support investment in new uranium enrichment facilities. If,
however, Russia were permitted to make significant sales in the U.S. market, or to begin selling
before we have secured an adequate backlog of sales of the LEU produced by the American Centrifuge
plant, that would present a significant risk that long-term SWU prices could drop to a level where
USEC could no longer justify an investment in the American Centrifuge Plant.
We believe the American Centrifuge technology is essential to the successful renaissance of
nuclear power in the United States. Utilities must be certain that there will be a dependable
supply of nuclear fuel before investing billions of dollars in new nuclear power plants. The
American Centrifuge can be a reliable and cost-effective source of enriched uranium for USECs
customers for decades to come. We, in turn, must ensure that our shareholders can earn a reasonable
return on their investment in a new enrichment plant.
In mid-2006, USEC decided to delay building its Lead Cascade of centrifuges to allow for
additional testing of individual machines at facilities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This resulted in a
delay of about one year, but the USEC project team at Oak Ridge has successfully tested machines
with an output of approximately 350 SWU, per machine, per year. USEC had set a target performance
of 320 SWU per machine, per year, which was about eight times higher than the next best
commercially deployed centrifuge. The improved performance to date adds approximately 300,000 SWU
to the previously expected plant capacity of 3.5 million SWU and partially offset the long-term
economic impact of increases in construction costs.
USECs project team has frozen the design of the centrifuge machine that will be deployed over
the next several months in the initial Lead Cascade. This Lead Cascade, which is expected to be in
operation by mid-year, will provide important performance and reliability data for the project.
45
USEC recently completed a comprehensive review of the cost of deploying the American
Centrifuge Plant. Based on this review, we have revised our estimate for the cost of the plant.
This estimate reflects the progress we have made to date in demonstrating the American Centrifuge
technology, and our understanding of the work remaining to be done to complete demonstration
and commercial deployment of the technology. In the process of revising our estimate, we solicited
substantial input from the companies we have engaged to work with us in deploying the technology,
including Honeywell International, Alliant Techsystems, Boeing Company, and Fluor Enterprises.
Based on this review, USEC has a target estimate for the cost of deployment of $2.3 billion in
nominal dollars, including amounts already spent and not including costs of financing or a reserve
for general contingencies. The initial estimate of $1.7 billion for deployment of American
Centrifuge was an update and extrapolation of cost projections prepared for DOEs centrifuge
project. Increases in the costs of key materials that will be needed to manufacture the centrifuges
and of the commodities that will be used in construction of the balance of the plant have resulted
in strong upward cost pressures in our estimates. However, the expected increase in SWU output of
individual centrifuges results in an anticipated increase in plant capacity that should help to
offset some of these cost increases over the long term.
Our target cost estimate is subject to change as certain key variables are difficult to
quantify with certainty at this stage of the project. These include potential increases in the
market price for key materials and the cost of manufacturing complex centrifuge machine components
on a commercial scale. In addition, the target estimate maintains an ambitious schedule for
demonstration and deployment activities and reflects certain cost savings we expect to achieve in
2007 and beyond. We are pursuing cost mitigation approaches involving value engineering, high
volume manufacturing efficiencies and system/component refurbishment versus replacement to meet our
target estimate and help offset potential future cost increases as we proceed from demonstration to
deployment of the project.
We have been funding the American Centrifuge project through internally generated cash since
2002 when we signed the DOE-USEC Agreement and entered into a Cooperative Research and Development
Agreement. We expect to have sufficient cash or access to cash through our bank credit facility to
fund project activities in 2007, including building and evaluating the Lead Cascade. We expect to
spend approximately $340 million in 2007 on the American Centrifuge project. The rate of planned
investment will increase substantially after 2007 under our new deployment schedule, with spending
in 2008 currently projected to be about double the level of 2007.
During the past four years, we have spent $371 million from internally generated cash to
develop and demonstrate the American Centrifuge technology. To fund the balance of the American
Centrifuge project, our plan has been to use internally generated cash flow together with funds
raised through equity and debt offerings. Given the declining level of cash generated by our
existing operations due primarily to increases in electric power costs, the increase in cost to
complete the American Centrifuge project and the current level of perceived risk in the project, we
will need some form of investment or other participation by a third party and/or the U.S.
government to raise the capital required in 2008 and beyond to complete the project on our
deployment schedule. We have been exploring such investment or other participation with companies
that might have a strategic interest in the nuclear fuel business and with the U.S. government,
which we believe has an interest in the deployment of U.S.-owned centrifuge technology. We have
also been exploring ways in which our customers and American Centrifuge project participants and
vendors could help support the financing of the project. In addition, we continue to pursue
operational initiatives to improve our financial position and increase the probability of a
successful financing of the project.
We are focused on meeting theses substantial challenges, and we are excited about the
prospects for the nuclear power industry and the important role that USEC will play in fueling that
future. We believe that over the longer term, the deployment of the American Centrifuge Plant will
provide our customers with an efficient and reliable source of low enriched uranium, and that our
production costs will be more predictable and stable than under the current technologys variable
and high power
costs. In addition, the American Centrifuge Plant will provide the United States with energy
security for nuclear fuel, which provides substantial national security benefits.
46
Revenue from Sales of SWU and Uranium
The majority of our customers are domestic and international utilities that operate nuclear
power plants. Revenue is derived primarily from:
|
|
|
sales of the SWU component of LEU, |
|
|
|
|
sales of both the SWU and uranium components of LEU, and |
|
|
|
|
sales of uranium. |
Our agreements with electric utility customers are primarily long-term contracts under which
they are obligated to purchase a specified quantity of SWU or uranium or a percentage of their
annual SWU or uranium requirements. Under requirements contracts, our customers are not obligated
to make purchases if the reactor does not have requirements. Backlog is the aggregate dollar amount
of SWU and uranium that we expect to sell under contracts with utilities. At December 31, 2006, we
had contracts with utilities aggregating an estimated $7.0 billion through 2015 ($6.7 billion
through 2012, including $1.5 billion expected to be delivered in 2007), compared with $5.9 billion
at December 31, 2005. Backlog is partially based on customers estimates of their fuel requirements
and certain other assumptions, including our estimates of selling prices and inflation rates. Such
estimates are subject to change. Some contracts include pricing elements based on market prices
prevailing at the time of delivery. We use an external composite forecast of future market prices
in our estimate. Pricing under some new contracts is subject to escalation based on a broad power
price index. For purposes of the backlog, we assume increases to the power price index in line with
overall inflation rates.
Our revenues 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. Our revenue could be
adversely affected by actions of the NRC or nuclear regulators in foreign countries issuing orders
to delay, suspend or shut down nuclear reactor operations within their jurisdictions.
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.
Customer payments for the SWU component of LEU typically average $12 million per order. Customer
requirements and orders are more predictable over the longer term, and we believe our performance
is best measured on an annual, or even longer, business cycle.
Our financial performance over time can be significantly affected by changes in prices for
SWU. The SWU price indicator for new long-term contracts, as published by TradeTech in Nuclear
Market Review, is an indication of base year prices under new long-term enrichment contracts in our
primary markets. The long-term price for uranium hexafluoride, as calculated using indicators
published in Nuclear Market Review, the spot price indicator for uranium hexafluoride, and the SWU
price indicator as of year-end follow:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
SWU price indicator ($/SWU) |
|
$ |
136.00 |
|
|
$ |
113.00 |
|
|
$ |
107.00 |
|
Uranium hexafluoride: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spot price indicator ($/KgU) |
|
|
199.00 |
|
|
|
106.00 |
|
|
|
63.00 |
|
Long-term price composite ($/KgU) |
|
|
192.54 |
|
|
|
106.06 |
|
|
|
75.32 |
|
47
Since our backlog includes contracts awarded to us in previous years, the average SWU
price billed to customers typically lags the current price indicators. While the SWU price
indicator increased 6% in 2005 and 20% in 2006, our average SWU price billed to customers increased
2% in 2005 and 5% in 2006. We expect this trend of steady increases in our average SWU price billed
to customers to continue with increasing sales under newer contracts.
Most of our uranium inventory has been committed under sales contracts with utility customers,
and the positive impact of higher prices is limited to sales under new contracts and to sales under
contracts with prices determined at the time of delivery.
A substantial portion of our earnings and cash flows in recent years has been derived from
sales of uranium. Revenue from uranium sales, and related earnings and cash flows, will decrease as
our inventory of uranium available for sale is depleted. The volume of uranium sold declined 17% in
2006 compared to 2005, and we expect the volume to be about 50-60% lower in 2007 compared to 2006
reflecting the substantial completion of sales of our uranium inventory as this inventory is
depleted.
We will continue to supplement our supply of uranium by underfeeding the production process at
the Paducah plant, as long as it continues to be economical, and by purchasing uranium from
suppliers in connection with specific customer contracts. 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, we vary our production process to underfeed
uranium based on the economics of the cost of electric power relative to the price of uranium.
Although rising uranium prices in the market may continue to make underfeeding economical,
increases in power costs reduce the benefits to us of underfeeding.
We also use our uranium inventories (including uranium generated by underfeeding) to supply
uranium to the Russian Federation for the LEU we receive under the Russian Contract. We replenish
this uranium with uranium supplied by customers under our contracts for the sale of SWU. SWU
quantities in the LEU we order from Russia under the Russian Contract are calculated based on a
fixed U235 assay of depleted uranium (tails assay) of 0.3%. However, due to the high
market price of uranium, many of our customers are currently exercising rights under their
contracts to order LEU based on a tails assay of less than 0.3%. This means that more SWU, but
less uranium, is associated with the LEU we deliver to these customers than would be the case if
the customers ordered LEU at a tails assay of 0.3%. Our new sales contracts require customers to
deliver amounts of natural uranium that are closer to the amounts we deliver under the Russian
Contract. However, customers who receive Russian LEU under older contracts that include the right
to select a tails assay lower than 0.3% deliver to us less uranium than we deliver to the Russian
Federation for that LEU. This creates a shortfall of uranium that we must make up. We can make up
some of this shortfall through underfeeding, but over time underfeeding may not produce sufficient
uranium to account for the full amount of the shortfall. If this happens, we will have to purchase
uranium to deliver to Russia. Given the substantial increase in market prices for uranium, this
will increase our cost of sales. Some of the increase is partially offset by higher revenues on
the sale of the increased quantity of SWU associated with LEU ordered by customers at tails assays
lower than 0.3%.
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, we may have a
competitive price advantage or disadvantage obtaining new contracts in a competitive bidding
process depending upon the weakness or strength of the U.S. dollar. Costs of our primary
competitors are denominated in the major European currencies.
48
Revenue from U.S. Government Contracts
We perform and earn revenue from contract work for DOE and DOE contractors at the Paducah and
Portsmouth plants, including contracts for cold standby and processing out-of-specification uranium
at the Portsmouth plant. DOE and USEC have periodically extended the cold standby program, most
recently through the end of April 2007. The program was modified beginning in 2006 to include
actions necessary to transition to a preliminary decontamination and decommissioning program (cold
shutdown). Processing of USEC-owned out-of-specification uranium under contract with DOE was
completed in October 2006, and we expect that the processing of DOE-owned out-of-specification
uranium for DOE will continue through September 2008. Continuation of U.S. government contracts is
subject to DOE funding and Congressional appropriations, and the processing of out-of-specification
uranium is currently funded through February 2008. Revenue from U.S. government contracts is based
on allowable costs determined under government cost accounting standards. Allowable costs include
direct costs as well as allocations of indirect plant and corporate overhead costs and are subject
to audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Revenue from U.S. government contracts includes
revenue from NAC.
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. Production costs consist principally of electric power, labor and benefits,
long-term depleted uranium disposition cost estimates, materials, depreciation and amortization,
and maintenance and repairs. Under the monthly moving average inventory cost method coupled with
our 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 current and future periods.
We have agreed to purchase approximately 5.5 million SWU each calendar year for the remaining
term of the Russian Contract through 2013. Over the life of the 20-year Russian Contract, we expect
to purchase about 92 million SWU contained in LEU derived from 500 metric tons of highly enriched
uranium, and as of December 31, 2006, we had purchased 54 million SWU contained in LEU derived from
292 metric tons of highly enriched uranium, the equivalent of about 11,700 nuclear warheads.
Purchases under the Russian Contract approximate 50% of our supply mix. 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 the index is used to minimize the disruptive effect of
short-term market price swings. Increases in these price points in recent years have resulted, and
likely will continue to result, in increases to the index used to determine prices under the
Russian Contract.
The Russian Contract provides that, after the end of 2007, the parties may agree on
appropriate adjustments, if necessary, to ensure that the Russian Executive Agent receives at least
approximately $7.6 billion for the SWU component over the 20-year term of the Russian Contract
through 2013. We do not expect that any adjustments will be required. Officials of the Russian
government have announced that Russia will not extend the Russian Contract or the
government-to-government agreement it implements, beyond 2013. Accordingly, we do not anticipate
that we will purchase significant quantities of Russian SWU after 2013.
49
The gaseous diffusion process uses significant amounts of electric power to enrich uranium.
In 2006, the power load at the Paducah plant averaged 1,370 megawatts. We purchase electric power
for the Paducah plant under a multiyear power contract signed with TVA in 2000. On June 1, 2006,
fixed, below market prices under the 2000 TVA power contract expired and a new one-year pricing
agreement went into effect. Costs for electric power increased from approximately 60% of
production costs at the Paducah plant to approximately 70%. The new pricing, which consists of a
summer and a non-summer power price, is about 50% higher than the previous pricing. This price is
also subject to a fuel cost adjustment to reflect changes in TVAs fuel costs, purchased power
costs, and related costs. For power purchases through December 2006, fuel cost adjustments equaled
an average 8% increase over base prices under the new one-year pricing agreement, and we expect
that fuel cost adjustments will continue to have a negative impact on us over the term of the
one-year agreement. The increase in electric power costs has significantly increased overall LEU
production costs, and will increasingly reduce our gross profit margin and cash flow.
The quantity of power purchases under the one-year agreement ranges from 300 megawatts at all
hours in the summer months (June August) to 1,600 megawatts at all hours in the non-summer
months. In addition, we can request additional power supply from TVA at market-based prices.
Consistent with past practice, TVA made available and we purchased, at market-based prices, an
additional 600 megawatts of power at all hours during the summer months of 2006. Negotiations with
TVA for the quantity and prices of power after June 1, 2007 are expected to be finalized during the
second quarter.
We are required to provide financial assurance to support our payment obligations to TVA.
These include an irrevocable letter of credit and weekly prepayments based on the price and our
usage of power.
We store depleted uranium at the Paducah and Portsmouth plants and accrue estimated costs for
its future disposition. We anticipate that we will send most or all of our depleted uranium to DOE
for disposition unless a more economic disposal option becomes available. DOE is constructing
facilities at the Paducah and Portsmouth plants to process large quantities of depleted uranium
owned by DOE. Under federal law, DOE would also process our depleted uranium if we provided it to
DOE. If we were to dispose of our uranium in this way, we would be required to reimburse DOE for
the related costs of disposing our depleted uranium, including our pro rata share of DOEs capital
costs. Processing DOEs depleted uranium is expected to take about 25 years. The timing of the
disposal of our depleted uranium has not been determined. The long-term liability for our depleted
uranium disposition is dependent upon the volume of the depleted uranium that we generate and
estimated processing, transportation and disposal costs. The liability for depleted uranium
disposition, based on current-dollar cost estimates, is $71.5 million at December 31, 2006. This
liability could increase by an estimated $20 to $25 million per year depending on production
volumes until a disposal agreement or methodology is determined. In addition, changes in the
accrued liability resulting from changes in the estimated unit cost affect results of operations
for accumulated depleted uranium, and production costs for depleted uranium generated thereafter.
Our estimate of the unit cost is based primarily on estimated cost data obtained from DOE without
consideration given to contingencies or reserves, and was increased by 2% in the second quarter of
2006.
The NRC requires that we guarantee the disposition of our depleted uranium with financial
assurance. Our estimate of the unit disposition cost for accrual purposes is approximately 35% less
than the unit disposition cost for financial assurance purposes, which includes contingencies and
other potential costs as required by the NRC. Our estimated cost and accrued liability, as well as
financial assurance we provide for the disposition of depleted uranium, are subject to change as
additional information becomes available.
50
Advanced Technology Costs
We continue our substantial efforts at developing and deploying the American Centrifuge
technology as a replacement for the gaseous diffusion technology used at our Paducah plant.
Expenditures related to American Centrifuge technology for the twelve months ended December 31,
2006, 2005, and 2004, as well as to-date activity, follow (in millions):
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
as of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
31, 2006 |
|
Total expenditures (A) |
|
$ |
144.5 |
|
|
$ |
108.7 |
|
|
$ |
64.2 |
|
|
$ |
370.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount expensed |
|
$ |
103.3 |
|
|
$ |
92.7 |
|
|
$ |
58.1 |
|
|
$ |
307.4 |
|
Amount capitalized (B) |
|
$ |
41.2 |
|
|
$ |
16.0 |
|
|
$ |
6.1 |
|
|
$ |
63.3 |
|
|
|
|
(A) |
|
Total expenditures are all American Centrifuge costs including demonstration facility, licensing activities, commercial
plant facility, program management, and interest related costs. |
|
(B) |
|
Cumulative capitalized costs include interest of $4.0 million at December 31, 2006,
$0.9 million at December 31, 2005, and $0.2 million at December 31, 2004. |
For discussions of the target cost estimate and financing plan for the American
Centrifuge program, see Managements Discussion and Analysis Our View of the Business Today,
and Managements Discussion and Analysis Liquidity and Capital Resources Potential Impacts to
Liquidity American Centrifuge Funding, respectively. Risks and uncertainties related to the
demonstration, construction and deployment of the American Centrifuge technology are described in
Item 1A, Risk Factors.
Advanced technology costs also include research and development efforts undertaken for NAC,
relating primarily to its new generation MAGNASTOR dual-purpose dry storage system for spent fuel.
MAGNASTOR, or Modular, Advanced Generation, Nuclear All-purpose Storage System, consists of a
concrete cask and a welded stainless steel transportation storage canister with a welded closure
lid to safely store spent nuclear fuel. A license application for the MAGNASTOR storage system was
submitted in 2004 and withdrawn in February 2007 as a result of NRC comments that further analyses
regarding the basket design and structural integrity were required in order for them to complete
their review. NAC will submit a revised license application in the third quarter of 2007 with
expanded confirmatory analysis. We expect final certification by the end of 2008. The design of
the MAGNASTOR system was demonstrated in the fourth quarter of 2006 with the fabrication of a
prototype basket. The transportation license application is expected to be submitted in the second
half of 2007.
Government Investigation of Imports from France
In 2002, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) imposed antidumping and countervailing duty
(anti-subsidy) orders on imports of LEU produced in France. The orders were imposed in response to
unfair trading practices by our French competitors in connection with imports of LEU into the
United States. Since 2002, these orders have been challenged and impacted by further judicial and
administrative actions.
51
In 2005, in connection with these appeals, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
concluded that:
|
|
|
SWU contracts were sales of services, not merchandise, and thus were not subject to
the U.S. antidumping law, and |
|
|
|
|
a subsidy provided through government payments under SWU contracts at above-market
prices is not subject to the countervailing duty law. |
The orders were remanded to the DOC for further action in light of the Federal Circuits
decision. In March 2006, the DOC determined (i) that the countervailing duty investigation would
result in a de minimis subsidy margin that would not support imposition of a countervailing duty
order on imports of French LEU, and (ii) the antidumping margin applicable to imports of French LEU
is slightly higher than the margin found in the original investigation, but is applicable only to
LEU sold for cash, and not to LEU supplied under SWU contracts in which the customer delivers
uranium and only pays cash for the SWU component of the LEU. The DOCs determinations were
affirmed by the Court of International Trade and are now being appealed by USEC to the Federal
Circuit. If the Federal Circuit affirms the DOCs determinations, any of the parties to the appeal
in turn could petition the U.S. Supreme Court to review the Federal Circuits decision regarding
the remand determinations and orders, as well as the 2005 rulings described above.
Government Investigation of Imports from Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom
In June 2006, the DOC terminated the countervailing duty order against imports of LEU produced
by Urenco in Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. No duties had been imposed under this
order since 2004, but appeals concerning the findings in the original investigation are still
pending. Because these pending appeals would be rendered moot if the Urenco order were terminated,
USEC has appealed the termination of the order.
Russian Suspension Agreement
Imports of LEU produced in the Russian Federation are subject to restrictions imposed under
the Russian Suspension Agreement (Russian SA). In July 2005, the DOC and ITC each initiated a
sunset review of the Russian SA to determine whether termination of the Russian SA is likely to
lead to:
|
|
|
a continuation or recurrence of dumping of Russian uranium products (a determination
made by the DOC), or |
|
|
|
|
a continuation or recurrence of material injury to the U.S. uranium industry,
including USEC (a determination made by the ITC). |
USEC supported continuation of the Russian SA in the proceedings before both the DOC and ITC,
and actively participated in these proceedings.
On May 30, 2006, the DOC announced that it had determined that termination of the Russian SA
would result in a recurrence of dumping. On July 18, 2006, the ITC determined that termination of
the Russian SA would result in a recurrence of material injury to the U.S. uranium industry. These
determinations mean that, absent reversal on appeal, the Russian SA will not be terminated as a
result of this five-year sunset review. However, following each determination, the parties who
opposed continuation of the Russian SA, as well as the Russian Federation, have appealed the
determinations of the DOC and the ITC to the Court of International Trade. Those appeals are
currently pending.
52
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are summarized in note 1 to the consolidated financial
statements, which were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Included within these policies are certain policies which require critical accounting estimates and
judgments. Critical accounting estimates are those which require management to make assumptions
about matters that are uncertain at the time the estimate was made and for which different
estimates, often based on complex judgments, probabilities and assumptions that we believe to be
reasonable, but are inherently uncertain and unpredictable, could have a material impact on our
operating results and financial condition. It is also possible that other professionals, applying
their own judgment to the same facts and circumstances, could develop and support a range of
alternative estimated amounts. We are also subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual
results to differ from estimated amounts, such as the healthcare environment, legislation and
regulation.
The sensitivity analyses used below are not intended to provide a reader with our predictions
of the variability of the estimates used. Rather, the sensitivities used are included to allow the
reader to understand a general cause and effect of changes in estimates.
We have identified the following to be our critical accounting estimates:
Pension and Postretirement Health and Life Benefit Costs and Obligations
We provide 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 could impact benefit obligations and benefit costs, as follows:
|
|
|
The expected return on plan assets was 8.0% for 2006 and is 8.0% for 2007. The expected
return is based on historical returns and expectations of future returns for the
composition of the plans equity and debt securities. A 0.5% change in the expected return
on plan assets would affect annual pension costs by $3.4 million and postretirement health
and life costs by $0.3 million. |
|
|
|
|
A discount rate of 5.75% was used at December 31, 2006 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% reduction in the discount rate would affect the valuation
of pension benefit obligations by $47.9 million and postretirement health and life benefit
obligations by $9.8 million, and the resulting changes in the valuations would affect
annual pension costs by $4.3 million and postretirement health and life costs by $1.0 million. |
|
|
|
|
The healthcare costs trend rates are 9% projected in 2007 reducing to 5% in 2011. The
healthcare costs trend rate represents our estimate of the annual rate of increase in the
gross cost of providing benefits. The trend rate is a reflection of health care inflation
assumptions, changes in healthcare utilization and delivery patterns, technological
advances, and changes in the health status of our plan participants. A 1% increase in the
healthcare cost trend rates would affect postretirement health benefit obligations by about
$10.1 million and would affect costs by about $1.2 million. |
Costs for the Future Disposition of Depleted Uranium and Plant Lease Turnover Costs
SWU and uranium inventories include estimates and judgments for production quantities and
production costs. Production costs include estimates of future expenditures for the conversion,
transportation, and disposition of depleted uranium, the treatment and disposal of hazardous,
low-level radioactive and mixed wastes, and plant lease turnover costs. Lease turnover
costs are estimated
and are accrued over the expected productive life of the plant. An increase or decrease in
production costs has an effect on inventory costs and cost of sales over current and future
periods.
53
We store depleted uranium generated from our operations at the Paducah and Portsmouth plants
and accrue estimated costs for its future disposition. We anticipate that we will send most or all
of our depleted uranium to DOE for disposition unless a more economic disposal option becomes
available. DOE is constructing facilities at the Paducah and Portsmouth plants to process large
quantities of depleted uranium owned by DOE. Under federal law, DOE would also process our depleted
uranium if we provided it to DOE. If we were to dispose of our uranium in this way, we would be
required to reimburse DOE for the related costs of disposing our depleted uranium, including our
pro rata share of DOEs capital costs. Processing DOEs depleted uranium is expected to take about
25 years. The timing of the disposal of our depleted uranium has not been determined. The long-term
liability for depleted uranium disposition is dependent upon the volume of depleted uranium that we
generate and estimated processing, transportation and disposal costs. Our calculation of the
estimated unit cost is based primarily on projected cost data obtained from DOE without
consideration given to contingencies or reserves. Our estimate of the unit cost is periodically
reviewed as additional information becomes available, and was increased by 2% in the second quarter
of 2006.
The NRC requires that we guarantee the disposition of our depleted uranium with financial
assurance. Our estimate of the unit disposition cost for accrual purposes is approximately 35% less
than the unit disposition cost for financial assurance purposes, which includes contingencies and
other potential costs as required by the NRC. Our estimated cost and accrued liability, as well as
financial assurance we provide for the disposition of depleted uranium, are subject to change as
additional information becomes available.
The amount and timing of future costs could vary from amounts accrued. Accrued liabilities for
depleted uranium and lease turnover costs are $71.5 million and $55.5 million, respectively, as of
December 31, 2006.
American Centrifuge Technology Costs
Costs relating to the demonstration and deployment of the American Centrifuge technology are
charged to expense or capitalized based on the nature of the activities and estimates and judgments
involving the completion of project milestones. Centrifuge costs relating to the demonstration of
American Centrifuge technology are charged to expense as incurred. Demonstration costs include NRC
licensing of the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility in Piketon, Ohio, engineering
activities, and assembling and testing of centrifuge machines and equipment at centrifuge test
facilities located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and at the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility.
Capitalized costs relating to the American Centrifuge technology include or will include NRC
licensing, engineering activities, construction of centrifuge machines and equipment, leasehold
improvements and other costs directly associated with the American Centrifuge Plant. Capitalized
centrifuge costs are recorded in property, plant and equipment as part of construction work in
progress. The continued capitalization of such costs is subject to ongoing review and successful
project completion, including NRC licensing, financing, and installation and operation of
centrifuge machines and equipment. As of December 31, 2006 we had capitalized $63.3 million related
to design, licensing, and permitting of American Centrifuge technology. If conditions change and
deployment were no longer probable, costs that were previously capitalized would be charged to
expense.
54
Income Taxes
During the ordinary course of business, there are transactions and calculations for which the
ultimate tax determination is uncertain. As a result, we recognize tax liabilities based on
estimates of whether additional taxes and interest will be due. To the extent that the final tax
outcome of these
matters is different than the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact
the income tax provision in the period in which such determination is made. To the extent that the
provision for income taxes increases/decreases by 1% of income from continuing operations, net
income would have declined/improved by $1.7 million in 2006.
Accounting for income taxes involves estimates and judgments relating to the tax bases of
assets and liabilities and the future recoverability of deferred tax assets. In assessing the
realization of deferred tax assets, we determine whether it is more likely than not that the
deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent
upon generating sufficient taxable income in future years when deferred tax assets are recoverable
or are expected to reverse. Factors that may affect estimates of future taxable income include, but
are not limited to, competition, changes in revenue, costs or profit margins, market share, and
developments related to the American Centrifuge technology. We have determined that it is more
likely than not that deferred tax assets will be realized.
Determining the need for or amount of a valuation allowance involves judgments, estimates and
assumptions. We review historical results, forecasts of taxable income based upon business plans,
eligible carryforward periods, periods over which deferred tax assets are expected to reverse,
developments related to the American Centrifuge technology, tax planning opportunities, and other
relevant considerations. The underlying assumptions may change from period to period. In the event
we were to determine that it is more likely than not that all or some of the deferred tax assets
will not be realized in future years, a valuation allowance would result.
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No.
48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48). This interpretation clarifies the
accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is
required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. This interpretation is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. USEC will adopt FIN 48 as of January
1, 2007, as required and report the impact of adoption in the first quarter of 2007. The cumulative
effect of adopting FIN 48 will be recorded to retained earnings. On February 7, 2007, the FASB
directed its staff to draft an amendment to FIN 48 to provide guidance as to when an uncertain tax
position is ultimately settled with a taxing authority. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is
examining USECs federal income tax returns for 1998 through 2003. With the exception of one issue,
USEC has reached agreement with the IRS on all other matters. As a result, USEC anticipates that
the audit will conclude and the statute of limitations will expire for 1998 through 2002 by March
31, 2007. Due to the pending FASB guidance, the status of the IRS audit, and the pending expiration
of the statute of limitations, USEC is currently unable to estimate the cumulative effect to
retained earnings of adopting FIN 48.
55
Results of Operations
The following tables show for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, certain items
from the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income detailed by reportable segments
and in total.
Segment Information
We have two reportable segments measured and presented through the gross profit line of
our income statement: the low enriched uranium (LEU) segment with two components, separative work
units (SWU) and uranium, and the U.S. government contracts segment. The LEU segment is our
primary business focus and includes sales of the SWU component of LEU, sales of both SWU and
uranium components of LEU, and sales of uranium. The U.S. government contracts segment includes
work performed for DOE and DOE contractors at the Portsmouth and Paducah plants as well as nuclear
energy solutions provided by NAC. Intersegment sales were less than $0.1 million in 2006 and 2005
and have been eliminated in consolidation. There were no intersegment sales in 2004. Segment
information is discussed following this table (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Government |
|
|
|
|
|
|
LEU Segment |
|
|
Contracts Segment |
|
|
Total |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
1,654.1 |
|
|
$ |
194.5 |
|
|
$ |
1,848.6 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
1,349.2 |
|
|
|
162.5 |
|
|
|
1,511.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
$ |
304.9 |
|
|
$ |
32.0 |
|
|
$ |
336.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
1,346.9 |
|
|
$ |
212.4 |
|
|
$ |
1,559.3 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
1,148.4 |
|
|
|
181.4 |
|
|
|
1,329.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
$ |
198.5 |
|
|
$ |
31.0 |
|
|
$ |
229.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
1,251.3 |
|
|
$ |
165.9 |
|
|
$ |
1,417.2 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
1,071.6 |
|
|
|
151.5 |
|
|
|
1,223.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
$ |
179.7 |
|
|
$ |
14.4 |
|
|
$ |
194.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
Total revenue increased $289.3 million in 2006 compared to 2005 and $142.1 million in
2005 compared to 2004. Total LEU revenue increased $307.2 million in 2006 compared to 2005 and
$95.6 million in 2005 compared to 2004 as shown in the table below (in millions, except percentage
change):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
SWU Revenue |
|
|
Uranium Revenue |
|
|
LEU Revenue |
|
2006 |
|
$ |
1,337.4 |
|
|
$ |
316.7 |
|
|
$ |
1,654.1 |
|
2005 |
|
|
1,085.6 |
|
|
|
261.3 |
|
|
|
1,346.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase from 2005 to 2006 |
|
$ |
251.8 |
|
|
$ |
55.4 |
|
|
$ |
307.2 |
|
Percentage Change |
|
|
23 |
% |
|
|
21 |
% |
|
|
23 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
$ |
1,085.6 |
|
|
$ |
261.3 |
|
|
$ |
1,346.9 |
|
2004 |
|
|
1,027.3 |
|
|
|
224.0 |
|
|
|
1,251.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase from 2004 to 2005 |
|
$ |
58.3 |
|
|
$ |
37.3 |
|
|
$ |
95.6 |
|
Percentage Change |
|
|
6 |
% |
|
|
17 |
% |
|
|
8 |
% |
Revenue from sales of SWU increased $251.8 million in 2006 compared to 2005. In 2006,
the volume of SWU sold increased 18% and the average price billed to customers increased 5%. The
increase in volume reflects net increases in purchases by customers and the timing of utility
customer refuelings. The increase in the average price reflects higher prices charged to customers
under contracts signed in recent years, price increases from contractual provisions for inflation,
and the mix of deliveries under newer versus older contracts.
56
Revenue from sales of SWU increased $58.3 million in 2005 compared to 2004. In 2005, the
volume of SWU sold increased 4% and the average price billed to customers increased 2%. The
increase in volume reflects the timing and mix of customer orders and increases in contractual
commitments from customers. The increase in the average price reflects contractual provisions for
inflation and sales under contracts signed in recent years with higher prices.
Revenue from sales of uranium increased $55.4 million in 2006 compared to 2005. The average
price for uranium delivered increased 45% in 2006. The volume of uranium sold declined 17%
reflecting a reduction in uranium inventories available for sale. Revenue from sales of uranium
increased $37.3 million in 2005 compared to 2004. In 2005, the average price for uranium delivered
increased 15% and the volume of uranium sold increased 1%. The increases in the average prices for
uranium delivered in 2005 and 2006 reflect higher prices charged to customers under contracts
signed in recent years.
Revenue from our U.S. government contracts segment follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Contract work at Portsmouth |
|
$ |
156.7 |
|
|
$ |
167.5 |
|
|
$ |
151.4 |
|
Contract work at Paducah |
|
|
11.6 |
|
|
|
17.2 |
|
|
|
11.6 |
|
NAC (acquired November 2004) |
|
|
26.2 |
|
|
|
27.7 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. government contracts segment revenue |
|
$ |
194.5 |
|
|
$ |
212.4 |
|
|
$ |
165.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue from the U.S. government contracts segment declined $17.9 million (or 8%) in
2006 compared to 2005, primarily due to declines in DOE and other contract work at the Portsmouth
and Paducah plants. Contract work to provide support services to DOE contractors at both plants was
reduced in 2006 compared to 2005, and the removal of legacy equipment and refurbishment of the
centrifuge process buildings at the Portsmouth plant was completed in August 2006. Revenue at the
Portsmouth plant also decreased in 2006 compared to 2005 as a result of the final settlement of the
project-to-date incentive fee earned on the cold standby contract in 2005 that was not replicated
in 2006. These reductions in 2006 revenues compared to 2005 were partially offset by additional
work associated with the remediation of out-of-specification uranium for DOE during the year.
Revenue from the U.S. government contracts segment increased $46.5 million (or 28%) in 2005
compared to 2004, reflecting a full year of revenue from NAC, which we acquired in November 2004.
Revenue at the Portsmouth plant increased primarily due to additional work associated with the
remediation of out-of-specification uranium for DOE, refurbishing a portion of the centrifuge
process buildings for DOE, and new work associated with the depleted uranium processing facilities
being constructed by DOE at the site. Revenue at the Portsmouth plant also increased in 2005 as a
result of the final settlement of the project-to-date incentive fee earned on the cold standby
contract. The increase of contract work at the Paducah plant resulted primarily from cylinder
reimbursements and new work related to the depleted uranium processing facilities being constructed
by DOE at the site.
57
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales for SWU and uranium increased $200.8 million (or 17%) in 2006 and $76.8 million
(or 7%) in 2005 compared to the corresponding prior periods, resulting primarily from increases in
the volume of SWU sold of 18% in 2006 and 4% in 2005. Cost of sales per SWU was 2% higher in 2006
and 3% higher in 2005 reflecting increases in the monthly moving average inventory costs, as
discussed below. Under the monthly moving average inventory cost method coupled with our
inventories of SWU and uranium, an increase or decrease in production or purchase costs has an
effect on inventory costs and cost of sales over current and future periods. The unit cost of
sales per SWU during the fourth quarter was 3% higher than the corresponding period in 2005,
reflecting a 49% increase in production costs per SWU due to higher power costs, a higher starting
inventory cost and higher prices paid under the Russian Contract.
Production costs increased $97.6 million (or 18%) in 2006 compared to 2005. Production levels
increased 4% in 2006 and unit production costs increased 13%. The cost for electric power increased
$98.0 million, reflecting an increase in the average cost per megawatt hour and an increase in
megawatt hours purchased. The effect of higher power costs on the unit production cost was
partially offset by decreases in labor and benefits costs resulting from the 2005 organizational
restructuring and by the increase in production. The average cost per megawatt hour increased 25%
in 2006, reflecting higher prices under the one-year pricing agreement with TVA that went into
effect on June 1, 2006. The utilization of electric power, a measure of production efficiency, was
about the same as in 2005. Direct labor and benefit costs of production declined $2.2 million in
2006 compared to 2005.
Production costs increased $34.0 million (or 7%) in 2005 compared to 2004. Production levels
decreased 1% in 2005 and unit production costs increased 7%. The cost for electric power increased
$21.0 million. The average cost per megawatt hour increased 9% in 2005, reflecting increases in the
cost of market-based power purchased above the fixed-price power included in the 2000 TVA power
contract. The utilization of electric power, a measure of production efficiency, slightly increased
in 2005 compared to 2004. Direct labor and benefit costs of production in 2005 were about the same
as in 2004. Estimated costs for the future disposition of depleted uranium increased in 2005 due to
a 10% increase in the estimated unit disposition cost and declines in transfers of depleted uranium
to DOE under the DOE-USEC Agreement. USECs effective disposition costs were reduced for quantities
of depleted uranium transferred to DOE under the agreement, and transfers under the agreement were
completed in the quarter ended June 30, 2005.
We purchase 5.5 million SWU per year under the Russian Contract. Purchase costs for the SWU
component of LEU under the Russian Contract increased $7.9 million in 2006 compared to 2005, and
increased $15.6 million in 2005 compared to 2004 due to increases in the market-based purchase cost
per SWU. Purchase prices paid under the Russian Contract are set by a market-based pricing formula
and have increased as market prices have increased in recent years.
Cost of sales for the U.S. government contracts segment declined $18.9 million (or 10%) in
2006 compared to 2005, primarily due to declines in DOE and other contract work at the Portsmouth
and Paducah plants as highlighted in the revenue discussion. Portsmouth and Paducah expenses were
$15.3 million less in 2006 compared to 2005 and reflect reduced contract work as well as a
reduction in field operations staffing implemented at the end of 2005. In addition, NAC reduced
its overall cost of sales by $3.6 million from 2005 to 2006 reflecting cost reduction initiatives
and staff reductions taken during the year.
Cost of sales for the U.S. government contracts segment increased $29.9 million (or 20%) in
2005 compared to 2004. The increase primarily reflects costs related to NAC, which we acquired in
November 2004. NACs cost of sales were $16.7 million greater on a consolidated basis with USEC
in 2005, reflecting twelve months of activity, compared to the amount included in our consolidated
operations in 2004 since acquisition date. Contract-related costs at the Portsmouth plant
increased $8.8 million from 2004 to 2005 primarily due to additional work associated with the
remediation of out-of-specification uranium for DOE, refurbishing a portion of the centrifuge
process buildings for DOE, and new work associated with the depleted uranium processing facilities
being constructed by DOE at the site. Contract-related costs at Paducah increased $4.5 million
from 2004 to 2005
primarily from costs associated with cylinder reimbursements and new work related to the
depleted uranium processing facilities being constructed by DOE at the site.
58
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the LEU segment increased $106.4 million (or 54%) in 2006 and $18.8 million
(or 10%) in 2005 compared to corresponding prior periods. Our gross profit margin was approximately
18% in 2006 compared to 15% in 2005. Sales of uranium in 2006 and 2005 generated a higher gross
profit margin than in prior years as a result of increases in prices of uranium over the last few
years.
Gross profit for the U.S. government contracts segment increased $1.0 million (or 3%) in 2006
compared to 2005. NAC contributed $2.0 million of the increased gross profit in 2006 compared to
2005 as cost reductions exceeded reduced revenues. Offsetting NACs increase were declines in DOE
and other contract work at the Portsmouth and Paducah plants, as well as the lack of incentive fees
and nonrecurring items that occurred in 2005. Offsetting some of these declines in 2006 were
favorable increases in allowable benefit costs used to invoice government contracts.
Gross profit for the U.S. government contracts segment increased $16.6 million (or 115%) in
2005 compared to 2004. Gross profit of NAC, which we acquired in November 2004, amounted to $9.2
million in 2005 as compared to $1.0 million included in USECs consolidated operations
in 2004. Gross profit increased $7.5 million in 2005 as compared to 2004 for our Portsmouth
operations, primarily related to the final settlement of project to date incentive fees earned on
the cold standby contract. In addition, we resolved a number of outstanding issues and recovered
past due billings to a DOE contractor, for which an allowance had previously been accrued,
resulting in nonrecurring income of $2.3 million in 2005.
Non-Segment Information
The following table presents elements of the accompanying Consolidated Statements of
Income that are not categorized by segment (amounts in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Gross profit |
|
$ |
336.9 |
|
|
$ |
229.5 |
|
|
$ |
194.1 |
|
Special charges (credits), net |
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
7.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
Advanced technology costs |
|
|
105.5 |
|
|
|
94.5 |
|
|
|
58.5 |
|
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
48.8 |
|
|
|
61.9 |
|
|
|
64.1 |
|
Other (income) expense, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.0 |
) |
|
|
(1.7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
178.7 |
|
|
|
66.8 |
|
|
|
73.2 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
14.5 |
|
|
|
40.0 |
|
|
|
40.5 |
|
Interest (income) |
|
|
(6.2 |
) |
|
|
(10.5 |
) |
|
|
(3.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
170.4 |
|
|
|
37.3 |
|
|
|
36.6 |
|
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
64.2 |
|
|
|
15.0 |
|
|
|
13.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
106.2 |
|
|
$ |
22.3 |
|
|
$ |
23.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59
Special Charges (Credits), Net
Special charges (credits), net, consisted of the following (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Special charges (credits) for
organizational restructuring, net |
|
$ |
1.3 |
|
|
$ |
7.3 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Special charge for intangible asset impairment |
|
|
2.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Special charges (credits), net |
|
$ |
3.9 |
|
|
$ |
7.3 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In September 2005, we announced a restructuring of our organization. This included the
implementation of an involuntary reduction of 38 employees in the headquarters operations located
in Bethesda, Maryland, including the elimination of some senior positions and the realignment of
responsibilities under a smaller senior management team. The restructuring was intended to place a
priority on the demonstration and deployment of American Centrifuge, while maintaining reliable and
efficient enrichment operations. The workforce reductions resulted in special charges for
termination benefits of $4.5 million, of which $2.7 million was paid or utilized during 2005 and
$1.8 million in 2006. Additionally, facility related charges of $1.5 million related to efforts
undertaken to consolidate office space at the headquarters location were accrued during the first
quarter of 2006 and utilized during the second quarter of 2006.
In October 2005, USEC continued its restructuring efforts, announcing voluntary and
involuntary staff reductions at its field organizations. This resulted in the reduction of 151
employees and special charges for termination benefits of $2.8 million consisting principally of
severance benefits. Of these termination charges, $1.5 million was paid or utilized during 2005 and
$1.1 million in the first quarter of 2006. Credits of $0.1 million were recorded in each of the
third and fourth quarters of 2006 representing changes in estimate of costs for termination
benefits.
The impairment of an intangible asset established in 2004 relating to the acquisition of NAC
resulted in a special charge of $2.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. The amount allocated to
customer contracts and relationships from the NAC acquisition was $3.9 million. Of the total amount
allocated to customer contracts and relationships, $3.4 million was related to the contracts and
relationship with DOE related to the Nuclear Materials Management and Safeguards System (NMMSS).
As of October 1, 2005, a three-year, $25 million contract extension to manage NMMSS for DOE became
effective. The NMMSS portion of the intangible asset was determined based on the fair value of the
three-year NMMSS contract extension along with expected renewals and was anticipated to be
amortized over an expected life of 13 years. During the fourth quarter 2006, DOE verbally
communicated to NAC that the NMMSS contract will be set aside for a small business after the
contract expires in 2008. Additionally, DOE issued a solicitation on November 29, 2006 seeking
qualified small businesses with an interest to bid. NAC is not considered a qualified small
business as defined by DOE. As a result of this action by DOE, USEC has reviewed the potential
impairment of the intangible asset created from the NAC acquisition and has determined that a
special charge of $2.6 million be taken as a write-down to the intangible asset.
Advanced Technology Costs
Advanced technology costs increased $11.0 million (or 12%) in 2006 compared to 2005,
reflecting increased demonstration costs for the American Centrifuge technology.
60
Advanced technology costs increased $36.0 million (or 62%) in 2005 compared to 2004. Expenses
increased primarily as a result of an increase in the number of employees and contractors working
on American Centrifuge demonstration activities, increased spending to manufacture centrifuge
components for the Lead Cascade, and costs to upgrade equipment at the American Centrifuge
Demonstration Facility in Piketon, Ohio in preparation for the anticipated startup of centrifuge
machines in the Lead Cascade.
Advanced technology costs also include research and development efforts undertaken for NAC,
relating primarily to its new generation MAGNASTOR storage system. NAC-related advanced technology
costs are $2.1 million in 2006, $1.8 million in 2005 and $0.3 million in 2004.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general, and administrative expenses declined $13.1 million (or 21%) in 2006 compared
to 2005, reflecting reductions in salaries and employee benefit expenses from the organizational
restructuring of headquarters that was announced in September 2005. Salaries and employee benefit
expenses declined $4.7 million, consulting expenses declined $1.0 million and office lease expenses
declined $1.0 million compared to the prior year. Expenses in 2005 include a charge of $7.6 million
in connection with the settlement of the executive termination matters with USECs former president
and chief executive officer.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses declined $2.2 million (or 3%) in 2005 compared
to 2004. Based on a focused effort by management to continue to reduce selling, general and
administrative expenses, consulting expenses declined $5.1 million and compensation and employee
benefit costs declined $5.0 million in 2005 compared to 2004, even with the addition of expenses
related to NAC for the full year. The declines were offset by the settlement of the executive
termination matters with USECs former president and chief executive officer. In connection with
the settlement, and after taking into account amounts previously accrued, we recorded a charge of
$7.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2005.
Other (Income) Expense, Net
In December 2005 and in December 2004, we received $1.0 million and $4.4 million,
respectively, from U.S. Customs and Border Protection as a distribution of countervailing duties to
injured domestic producers under the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act of 2000. The duties
were paid to USEC as reimbursement of certain qualifying expenses we incurred following the
issuance of countervailing duty orders in 2002 against LEU from Germany, the Netherlands, and the
United Kingdom. Offsetting this other income in 2004 were acquired in-process research and
development costs of $2.7 million which were, in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, charged to expense in 2004 in connection with the acquisition of the outstanding common
stock of NAC. The amount allocated to in-process research and development represents the estimated
fair value, based on risk-adjusted cash flows and historical costs expended, relating to
MAGNASTOR.
Operating Income
Operating income increased $111.9 million (or 168%) in 2006 compared to 2005. The increase
reflects higher gross profits principally in the LEU business segment, lower selling, general and
administrative expenses, slightly offset by higher centrifuge demonstration costs.
Operating income declined $6.4 million (or 9%) in 2005 compared to 2004. The decline in the
comparative period reflects higher centrifuge demonstration costs and the special charges for
organizational restructuring, offset by higher gross profits in both operating segments and lower
selling, general and administrative expenses.
61
Interest Expense and Interest Income
Interest expense declined $25.5 million (or 64%) in 2006 compared to 2005. The decline
resulted primarily from our repayment of $288.8 million of our 6.625% senior notes on the scheduled
maturity date in January 2006, and an increase of $2.4 million in capitalized interest related to
American Centrifuge. Interest expense declined $0.5 million (or 1%) in 2005 compared to 2004. The
decline resulted primarily from the repurchase in December 2004 of $25.0 million of the 6.625%
senior notes due January 20, 2006. The interest expense reduction was offset by additional interest
expense accrued on federal tax matters related to an Internal Revenue Service audit that is in
process for the years through 2003.
Interest income declined $4.3 million (or 41%) in 2006 compared to 2005 due to reduced cash
and investment balances following the senior note repayment and interest income earned in 2005 on
inventory balances maintained at nuclear fuel fabricators. Interest income increased $6.6 million
(or 169%) in 2005 compared to 2004, due to a higher average balance of invested cash, cash
equivalents and short-term investments, and a higher average rate of return.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes in 2006 was $64.2 million with an overall effective income tax
rate of 38%. Differences between the effective tax rate in 2006 as compared to the statutory
federal and state income tax rate include the effects of state deferred tax asset reductions offset
by research and other tax credits.
The provision for income taxes in 2005 was $15.0 million with an overall effective income tax
rate of 40%. We recorded negative effects on deferred tax assets from reductions in the Kentucky
and Ohio tax rates in 2005. Excluding the effects of the Kentucky and Ohio deferred tax asset
reduction, our effective tax rate would have been 30% in 2005. The most significant items in the
remaining difference in the effective rates between 2006 and 2005 reflect accruals of a nontaxable
Medicare subsidy, research and other tax credits, and other nondeductible expenses.
The provision for income taxes of $13.1 million in 2004 reflects an effective income tax rate
of 36%. Differences between the effective tax rate of 36% in 2004 and the statutory federal income
tax rate of 35% include research and other tax credits, an accrual of a nontaxable Medicare
subsidy, nondeductible acquired in-process research and development expense, and other
nondeductible expenses.
Net Income
Net income increased $83.9 million (or $.96 per share) in 2006 compared to 2005. The
improvement primarily reflects higher gross profits in the LEU business segment and decreases in
interest expense as well as lower selling, general and administrative expenses, slightly offset by
higher centrifuge demonstration costs.
Net income decreased $1.2 million (or $.02 per share) in 2005 compared to 2004. The decrease
in net income primarily reflects higher centrifuge demonstration costs, special charges for
organizational restructuring, and higher provision for income taxes, partly offset by higher gross
profit from both operating segments and lower selling, general and administrative expenses.
62
2007 Outlook
Revenue in 2007 is expected to be approximately $1.86 billion, with $1.54 billion coming from
the sale of SWU. We expect the volume of SWU sold to increase by approximately 10 percent over 2006
and the average price billed to customers will increase by 4 to 5 percent. Uranium is expected to
generate approximately $135 million in revenue as the volume of uranium delivered declines by about
half compared to 2006. Uranium and SWU revenues include previously deferred revenue that is
expected to be recognized during the year as deliveries of low enriched uranium are made to
customers. Revenue from U.S. government contracts and other is expected to total about $185
million, down slightly from 2006.
USECs guidance reflects an increase of more than 50 percent in power costs since June 1,
2006, under a one-year agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority. USEC uses the average monthly
inventory methodology, which delayed the impact of these higher power costs on the cost of sales in
2006 but will significantly affect 2007 results. The price USEC will pay Russia for low enriched
uranium purchased under the Megatons to Megawatts program, which represents about half of our
supply, is expected to increase by approximately 5 percent. Our production costs and the price we
pay Russia for low enriched uranium are both increasing faster than our average price billed to
customers. We expect our gross profit margin to decline over the next several years, with the gross
profit margin in 2007 expected to be roughly 9 to 10 percent.
Total spending on the American Centrifuge project in 2007 is expected to be approximately $340
million, initially split between $130 million in expense, $190 million in capital expenditures and
the remainder in prepayments for specialty materials and new manufacturing facilities. The
allocation of spending between expense and capital expenditures will ultimately be dependent on our
ability to move the project from a demonstration phase to a commercial plant phase in which
significant expenditures will be capitalized.
The higher volume of SWU sold and a higher expected SWU price billed to customers is expected
to be more than offset by higher unit cost of goods sold, lower volume of uranium sales and higher
expenses related to the American Centrifuge demonstration. USEC expects expenses for selling,
general and administrative (SG&A) to be approximately $53 million and interest expense to be
$10 million. USEC expects a net loss for 2007 in a range of $10 to $20 million. Due to the
anticipated net loss for 2007 and recent changes in state tax laws, we expect our 2007 effective
tax rate to be in the range of 15 to 20 percent. We expect to report losses in the second and third
quarters.
The earnings guidance provided by USEC is subject to a number of assumptions and uncertainties
that could affect results either positively or negatively. Variations from our expectations could
cause substantial differences between our guidance and ultimate results. Among the factors that
could affect net income are:
|
|
|
The outcome of ongoing negotiations with TVA regarding the price of electricity
provided to USEC after June 1, 2007; |
|
|
|
|
The timing of recognition of previously deferred revenue; |
|
|
|
|
The timing of the decision to begin capitalizing most spending related to the
American Centrifuge. Any further delays could result in more spending allocated as
expense, which would have a direct negative impact on net income; |
|
|
|
|
Movement and timing of customer orders; and |
|
|
|
|
Additional uranium sales related to underfeeding the production process at Paducah. |
63
Cash flow from operations in 2007 is expected to be negative $65 to $75 million, a reduction
of approximately $350 million from 2006. The reduction in cash flow from operations is expected to
be a result of lower customer collections due to the timing of orders delivered in the fourth
quarter and revenue recognition of deferred sales where the cash was previously collected. Other
factors include higher disbursements for electric power, higher spending on the American Centrifuge
and higher disbursements to Russia under the Megatons to Megawatts program. USEC expects to end the
year with short-term debt under the bank credit facility and a small cash balance.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overall, we have generated positive cash flows from operating activities ranging from $52.6
million to $278.1 million over the past three years. We provide for additional liquidity through
our cash balances, working capital and access to our bank credit facility. In January 2006, we
repaid the remaining balance of the 6.625% senior notes amount of $288.8 million on the scheduled
maturity date. This payment was accomplished through a combination of the use of cash on hand and
utilization of the bank credit facility. During 2005 and 2004, we repurchased $36.2 million and
$25.0 million, respectively, of the 6.625% senior notes.
We have been funding the American Centrifuge project through internally generated cash since
2002 when we signed the DOE-USEC Agreement and entered into a Cooperative Research and Development
Agreement. We expect to have sufficient cash or access to cash through our bank credit facility to
fund project activities in 2007, including building and evaluating the Lead Cascade. We expect to
spend approximately $340 million in 2007 on the American Centrifuge project. The rate of planned
investment will increase substantially after 2007 under our new deployment schedule, with spending
in 2008 currently projected to be about double the level of 2007.
During the past four years, we have spent $371 million from internally generated cash to
develop and demonstrate the American Centrifuge technology. To fund the balance of the American
Centrifuge project, our plan has been to use internally generated cash flow together with funds
raised through equity and debt offerings. Given the declining level of cash generated by our
existing operations due primarily to increases in electric power costs, the increase in cost to
complete the American Centrifuge project and the current level of perceived risk in the project, we
will need some form of investment or other participation by a third party and/or the U.S.
government to raise the capital required in 2008 and beyond to complete the project on our
deployment schedule. We have been exploring such investment or other participation with companies
that might have a strategic interest in the nuclear fuel business and with the U.S. government,
which we believe has an interest in the deployment of U.S.-owned centrifuge technology. We have
also been exploring ways in which our customers and American Centrifuge project participants and
vendors could help support the financing of the project. In addition, we continue to pursue
operational initiatives to improve our financial position and increase the probability of a
successful financing of the project.
The change in cash and cash equivalents from our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows are as
follows on a summarized basis (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities |
|
$ |
278.1 |
|
|
$ |
188.9 |
|
|
$ |
52.6 |
|
Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities |
|
|
(79.6 |
) |
|
|
(26.3 |
) |
|
|
(34.3 |
) |
Net Cash (Used in) Financing Activities |
|
|
(286.2 |
) |
|
|
(78.3 |
) |
|
|
(57.6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents |
|
$ |
(87.7 |
) |
|
$ |
84.3 |
|
|
$ |
(39.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64
Operating Activities
During 2006, we generated net cash flow from operating activities of $278.1 million. Results
of operations contributed $106.2 million to cash flow as well as $36.7 million in non-cash
adjustments for depreciation and amortization. A reduction in net inventory balances of $176.1
million period to period also contributed to cash flow, as we sold from existing inventories as
well as from current production. Reductions in accounts payable and other liabilities reduced cash
flow from operations by $82.1 million during the period, principally from tax payments, prepayment
modifications under the amended TVA contract, and payments to our former president and chief
executive officer in settlement of his claims. The timing of other balance sheet items, principally
the timing of accounts receivable collections, also contributed to the increase in cash flow.
During 2005, we generated net cash flow from operating activities of $188.9 million. Results
of operations contributed $22.3 million of cash flow as well as $35.0 million in non-cash
adjustments for depreciation and amortization. Cash flow in 2005 had benefited from a net inventory
reduction or liquidation of $76.3 million and an increase in the amount owed from timing of
purchases of SWU under the Russian Contract of $21.9 million. In addition, $42.0 million of
deferred profits relating to LEU and uranium that were sold but not shipped during the year
increased cash flow. These increases in cash flow were slightly offset by the timing of other
balance sheet items.
During 2004, we generated net cash flow from operating activities of $52.6 million principally
from our results of operations with adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities for items such as depreciation, amortization, and the timing of deferred tax
benefits. Short-term investments declined $35.0 million and were converted to cash in 2004. Cash
flow in 2004 was reduced by increased payments of $29.6 million from timing of purchases of SWU
under the Russian Contract, $17.0 million from the build up of inventories, and $12.1 million of
deferred profits related to previously sold LEU and uranium that were shipped and recognized into
income. Included in the other items above and reducing cash provided by operating activities was a
payment of a previously accrued obligation of $33.2 million resulting from the settlement of
termination obligations under the OVEC power purchase agreement. The remaining increase to cash
flow from operations was primarily due to the timing of both accounts receivable collections and
accounts payable payments.
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures include capitalized costs associated with the American Centrifuge Plant as
well as ongoing gaseous diffusion plant upgrades and enhancements. Capital expenditures amounted
to $44.8 million in 2006, $26.3 million in 2005, and $20.2 million in 2004. Cash flows used in
investing activities also include the additional interest-earning cash deposits of $34.8 million
made during 2006. These cash deposits are collateral for surety bonds placed during the year for
financial assurance relating primarily to the future disposition of depleted uranium generated in
our enrichment process and American Centrifuge decontamination and decommissioning. Net cash used
in investing activities in 2004 also included funding related to our acquisition of NAC in November
2004.
Financing Activities
The issuance of common stock, primarily from the exercise of stock options, and related tax
benefit provided cash flow from financing activities of $2.5 million in 2006, $8.8 million in 2005,
and $14.3 million in 2004. There were 87.1 million shares of common stock outstanding at December
31, 2006, compared with 86.6 million at December 31, 2005, an increase of 0.5 million shares (or
1%) and 85.1 million at December 31, 2004, or an increase from 2004 to 2005 of 1.5 million shares
(or 2%).
65
In February 2006, the Board of Directors voted to discontinue paying a common stock dividend
in order to redirect those funds to reduce the level of external financing needed for construction
of the American Centrifuge Plant. Dividends paid to stockholders amounted to $47.3 million in 2005
and $46.3 million in 2004 (or a quarterly rate of $0.1375 per share).
During 2005 and 2004, we repurchased $36.2 million and $25.0 million, respectively, of the
6.625% senior notes, due January 20, 2006, excluding premiums.
We repaid the remaining principal balance of our 6.625% senior notes of $288.8 million on the
scheduled maturity date of January 20, 2006, using cash on hand and borrowing under our bank credit
facility of approximately $78.5 million. We repaid the $78.5 million borrowing with funds from
operations by the end of January 2006. During 2006, aggregate borrowings and repayments amounted to
$133.8 million, and the peak amount borrowed was the $78.5 million used to repay the senior notes
described above. There were no short-term borrowings under the revolving credit facility at
December 31, 2006 or at December 31, 2005. As described in Capital Structure and Financial
Resources below, the bank credit facility was amended in October 2006. Financing costs of $0.3
million related to the amendment are deferred and amortized over the life of the facility.
Working Capital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(millions) |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
171.4 |
|
|
$ |
259.1 |
|
Accounts receivable- trade |
|
|
215.9 |
|
|
|
256.7 |
|
Inventories |
|
|
900.0 |
|
|
|
974.3 |
|
Current portion of long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(288.8 |
) |
Other current assets and liabilities, net |
|
|
(303.3 |
) |
|
|
(338.6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Working capital |
|
$ |
984.0 |
|
|
$ |
862.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories included in current assets decreased $74.3 million (or 8%) at December 31,
2006, compared with December 31, 2005 reflecting lower expected SWU delivery requirements in the
first half of 2007 compared to corresponding period in 2006. Uranium inventories reflect higher
unit costs and reduced quantities available for sale.
There were no short-term borrowings at December 31, 2006 or 2005. At December 31, 2005,
current portion of long-term debt consisted of the remaining balance of $288.8 million of 6.625%
senior notes due January 20, 2006, which were paid in full at maturity.
Capital Structure and Financial Resources
At December 31, 2006, our long-term debt consisted of $150.0 million of 6.750% senior notes
due January 20, 2009. The senior notes are unsecured obligations and rank on a parity with all of
our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. We repaid the remaining balance of our 6.625%
senior notes of $288.8 million on the scheduled maturity date of January 20, 2006. The total
debt-to-capitalization ratio was 13% at December 31, 2006 and 33% at December 31, 2005.
In August 2005, we entered into a five-year, syndicated bank credit facility, providing up to
$400.0 million in revolving credit commitments, including up to $300.0 million in letters of
credit, secured by assets of USEC Inc. and our subsidiaries. The credit facility is available to
finance working capital needs, refinance existing debt and fund capital programs, including the
American Centrifuge project. Borrowings under the facility are subject to limitations based on
established percentages of eligible accounts receivable and inventory. Financing costs of $3.5
million related to the facility are deferred and amortized over the five-year life.
66
Utilization of the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
(millions) |
Short-term borrowings |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Letters of credit |
|
|
35.8 |
|
|
|
25.0 |
|
Available credit |
|
|
346.2 |
|
|
|
375.0 |
|
Effective July 20, 2006, available credit (availability) under the credit facility
was reduced by $150.0 million because of a reserve referred to in the agreement as the senior note
reserve tied to the aggregate amount of proceeds received by us from any future debt or equity
offerings. Effective October 16, 2006, the credit agreement was amended to modify the treatment of
this reserve. Following the amendment, the senior note reserve is now treated as a reduction to our
qualifying assets (such as eligible inventory and accounts receivable) that establish the borrowing
base, rather than directly reducing availability. This means that the senior note reserve now
reduces availability under the credit facility only at such time and to the extent that we do not
have sufficient qualifying assets available to cover the reserve and our other reserves. Our other
reserves against our qualifying assets currently consist primarily of a reserve for future
obligations to DOE with respect to the turnover of the gaseous diffusion plants to them at the end
of the term of the lease of these facilities.
The revolving credit facility also contains various other reserve provisions that reduce
available borrowings under the facility periodically or restrict the use of borrowings, including
covenants that can periodically limit us to $50.0 million in capital expenditures based on
available liquidity levels. Other reserves under the revolving credit facility, such as
availability reserves and borrowing base reserves, are customary for credit facilities of this
type.
We expect that our cash, internally generated funds from operations and available
financing under the credit facility will be sufficient over the next 12 months to meet our cash
needs.
Outstanding borrowings under the facility bear interest at a variable rate equal to, based on
our election, either:
|
|
|
the sum of (1) the greater of the JPMorgan Chase Bank prime rate and the federal funds
rate plus 1/2 of 1% plus (2) a margin ranging from 0.25% to 0.75% based upon collateral
availability, or |
|
|
|
|
the sum of LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2.0% to 2.5% based on collateral
availability. |
The revolving credit facility includes various customary operating and financial covenants,
including 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. Failure to satisfy the covenants would constitute an event of
default under the revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2006, we were in compliance with
all of the covenants.
67
In September 2006, Moodys announced the implementation of a new rating methodology for its
North American Metals & Mining sector and, as a result, lowered its credit ratings on USECs senior
notes ($150.0 million) to B3 from B2. On February 15, 2007, Moodys changed USECs outlook from
stable to rating under review and placed USECs corporate family rating of B1 and senior
unsecured debt rating of B3 under review for possible downgrade. Our current credit ratings are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Standard & Poors |
|
Moodys |
Corporate credit/family rating
|
|
B-
|
|
B1 |
Senior unsecured debt
|
|
CCC
|
|
B3 |
Outlook
|
|
Negative
|
|
Rating Under Review |
We do not have any debt obligations that are accelerated or in which interest rates increase
in the event of a credit rating downgrade, although reductions in our credit ratings may increase
the cost and reduce the availability of financing to us in the future.
Contractual Commitments
USEC had contractual commitments at December 31, 2006, estimated as follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
Thereafter |
|
|
Total |
|
Financing (1): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
150.0 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
150.0 |
|
Interest on debt |
|
|
10.1 |
|
|
|
10.1 |
|
|
|
5.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.1 |
|
|
|
10.1 |
|
|
|
155.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production and Related Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Power purchase commitments for
the Paducah plant (2) |
|
|
187.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
187.8 |
|
Purchase commitments (3) |
|
|
29.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29.7 |
|
Expected payments on operating leases |
|
|
9.1 |
|
|
|
7.4 |
|
|
|
6.6 |
|
|
|
5.7 |
|
|
|
5.1 |
|
|
|
67.8 |
|
|
|
101.7 |
|
Other long-term liabilities (4) |
|
|
15.1 |
|
|
|
15.1 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
6.8 |
|
|
|
39.5 |
|
|
|
218.8 |
|
|
|
300.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
241.7 |
|
|
|
22.5 |
|
|
|
11.6 |
|
|
|
12.5 |
|
|
|
44.6 |
|
|
|
286.6 |
|
|
|
619.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of SWU and Uranium for Resale (5) |
|
|
536.3 |
|
|
|
586.2 |
|
|
|
626.0 |
|
|
|
681.4 |
|
|
|
703.6 |
|
|
|
1,402.6 |
|
|
|
4,536.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
788.1 |
|
|
$ |
618.8 |
|
|
$ |
792.7 |
|
|
$ |
693.9 |
|
|
$ |
748.2 |
|
|
$ |
1,689.2 |
|
|
$ |
5,330.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
(1) |
|
The 6.750% senior notes amounting to $150.0 million are due January 20, 2009. |
|
(2) |
|
We purchase electric power for the Paducah plant under a power purchase agreement with TVA.
Capacity and prices are fixed through May 2007. We expect to contract for electric power for
the period subsequent to May 2007. |
|
(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. |
|
(4) |
|
Other long-term liabilities reported on the balance sheet
include pension benefit obligations and postretirement health and
life benefit obligations amounting to $148.9 million, accrued depleted uranium disposition
costs of $71.5 million, and the long-term portion of accrued lease turnover costs of $53.6
million. |
|
(5) |
|
Commitments to purchase SWU and uranium for resale include commitments to purchase SWU under
the Russian Contract and to purchase uranium from suppliers. We have agreed to purchase 5.5
million SWU each year for the remaining term of the Russian Contract through 2013. Over the
life of the 20-year Russian Contract, we expect to purchase 92 million SWU contained in LEU
derived from 500 metric tons of highly enriched uranium. 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 the index is used to minimize the disruptive effect
of any short-term price swings. Actual amounts will vary based on changes in the price
points. |
68
Potential Impacts to Liquidity Financial Assurance Requirements
The NRC requires that we guarantee the disposition of our depleted uranium and stored wastes
with financial assurance. The financial assurance requirement for depleted uranium and stored
wastes is based on the quantity of depleted uranium and waste at the end of the year plus expected
depleted uranium generated over the coming year. The financial assurance requirements for 2007,
principally the amount associated with disposition of depleted uranium, total $154.7 million, or
$63.3 million greater than 2006. The increase reflects an increase in the quantity of depleted
uranium as well as an increase in the unit disposition cost. The unit disposition cost for purposes
of the financial assurance requirement includes additional contingencies and other potential costs
to meet NRC requirements. The financial assurance requirements for 2007 are covered by a
combination of a $24.1 million letter of credit and $130.6 million under two surety bonds. The
amount of financial assurance needed in the future could increase by an estimated $30 to $40
million per year depending on production volumes and the estimated unit disposition cost.
The liability for the disposition of depleted uranium generated to date, included in long-term
liabilities, increased $24.5 million to $71.5 million at December 31, 2006, compared with December
31, 2005. The increase reflects depleted uranium generated in 2006 and an increase in the estimated
unit disposition cost earlier in the year. Our estimated cost and accrued liability, as well as
financial assurance we provide for the disposition of depleted uranium, are subject to change as
additional information becomes available.
Effective in 2006, financial assurance is also required for the ultimate decontamination and
decommissioning (D&D) of the American Centrifuge facilities. At the conclusion of the 36-year
lease period, assuming no further extensions, we must return these leased facilities to DOE in a
condition that meets NRC requirements and in the same condition as the facilities were in when they
were leased to us (other than due to normal wear and tear). We are required to maintain financial
assurance for DOE in an amount equal to a current estimate of costs to comply with lease turnover
requirements, less the amount of financial assurance required by the NRC for decommissioning. A
surety bond in the amount of $8.8 million was provided to the NRC in 2006 for the D&D requirement
under the license for the American Centrifuge facility. We anticipate approximately $8 million of
additional financial assurance needed in 2007, to be provided to DOE, related to the on-going
construction activities. The financial assurance increase will be needed commensurate with the
timing of the NRC license. At this time, it is unclear whether the financial assurance will be
provided as a letter of credit or surety bond and the extent that cash collateral will be required
to be deposited.
The surety bonds, for both the disposition of depleted uranium and D&D, are collateralized by
interest earning cash deposits included in other long-term assets at December 31, 2006.
69
A summary of financial assurances, related liabilities and cash collateral as of December 31,
2006 and 2005 follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Depleted Uranium: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term liability for depleted uranium disposition |
|
$ |
71.5 |
|
|
$ |
47.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial assurance primarily for depleted uranium: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Letters of credit |
|
$ |
24.1 |
|
|
$ |
24.1 |
|
Surety bonds |
|
|
130.6 |
|
|
|
67.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total financial assurance for depleted uranium |
|
$ |
154.7 |
|
|
$ |
91.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) of
American Centrifuge: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term liability for asset retirement obligation |
|
$ |
8.8 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial assurance related to D&D: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Letters of credit |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Surety bonds |
|
|
8.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total financial assurance related to D&D |
|
$ |
8.8 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other financial assurance: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Letters of credit |
|
$ |
11.7 |
|
|
$ |
0.9 |
|
Surety bonds |
|
|
3.6 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other financial assurance |
|
$ |
15.3 |
|
|
$ |
3.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total financial assurance: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Letters of credit |
|
$ |
35.8 |
|
|
$ |
25.0 |
|
Surety bonds |
|
|
143.0 |
|
|
|
69.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total financial assurance |
|
$ |
178.8 |
|
|
$ |
94.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash collateral deposit for surety bonds |
|
$ |
60.8 |
|
|
$ |
24.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Other than the letters of credit issued under the facilities as discussed above, there were no
material off-balance sheet arrangements, obligations, or other relationships at December 31, 2006
or 2005.
Environmental Matters
In addition to estimated costs for the future disposition of depleted uranium, we incur 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 us and stored at the plants. DOE remains responsible for
decontamination and decommissioning of the gaseous diffusion plants. Operating costs for
environmental compliance, including estimated costs relating to the future disposition of depleted
uranium, amounted to $32.2 million in 2006, $32.3 million in 2005, and $19.5 million in 2004.
70
USEC and certain federal agencies were identified as potentially responsible parties under
CERCLA for a site in Barnwell, South Carolina previously operated by Starmet CMI (Starmet), one
of USECs former contractors. In February 2004, USEC entered into an agreement with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clean up certain areas at Starmets Barnwell site. Under
the agreement, USEC was responsible for removing certain material from the site that was
attributable to quantities of depleted uranium USEC had sent to the site. In December 2005, the EPA
confirmed that USEC completed its clean up obligations under the agreement. USEC could incur
additional costs associated with its share of costs for cleanup of the Starmet site, resulting from
a variety of factors, including a decision by federal or state agencies to recover costs for prior
cleanup work or require additional remediation at the site.
New Accounting Standards Not Yet Implemented
Reference is made to note 1 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements for
information on new accounting standards not yet implemented.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
At December 31, 2006, 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 has long-term debt consisting of $150.0 million in 6.750% senior notes scheduled to
mature January 20, 2009. At December 31, 2006, the fair value of the senior notes is $148.3 million
and the balance sheet carrying amount is $150.0 million. The fair value is calculated based on a
credit-adjusted spread over U.S. Treasury securities with similar maturities. USEC has not entered
into financial instruments for trading purposes.
Reference is made to additional information reported in managements discussion and analysis
of financial condition and results of operations included herein for quantitative and qualitative
disclosures relating to:
|
|
|
commodity price risk for electric power requirements for the Paducah plant (refer to
Overview Cost of Sales and Results of Operations Cost of Sales), |
|
|
|
|
commodity price risk for raw materials needed for construction of the American Centrifuge
Plant, that could affect the overall cost of the project (refer to Overview Our View of
the Business Today), and |
|
|
|
|
interest rate risk relating to any outstanding borrowings at variable interest rates
under the $400.0 million revolving credit agreement (refer to Liquidity and Capital
Resources Capital Structure and Financial Resources). |
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Reference is made to the index to consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in
this annual report.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
71
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
USEC maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information
required to be disclosed by USEC in reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis and that such information
is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief
Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, USEC carried out an evaluation, under the
supervision and with the participation of the Companys management, including the Chief Executive
Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of
disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon, and as of the
date of, this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded
that disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Managements Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
USECs management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control
over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended) and for an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over
financial reporting. USECs internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation
of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.
A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; provide reasonable
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of
the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of
the company; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of
unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material
effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent
or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods
are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or
that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of USECs internal control over financial reporting as
of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this
evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective
as of December 31, 2006.
Managements assessment of the effectiveness of USECs internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2006 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent
registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
72
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have not been any changes in internal control over financial reporting during the
quarter ended December 31, 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to
materially affect, USECs internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
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 on
April 26, 2007.
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 on April 26, 2007.
|
|
|
Item 12. |
|
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters |
Information concerning security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and
related stockholder matters 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 on April 26, 2007.
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 on
April 26, 2007.
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 on
April 26, 2007.
73
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) (1) Consolidated Financial Statements
Reference is made to the consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in 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 exhibits listed on the accompanying Exhibit Index are filed or incorporated by reference
as part of this report and such Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference. The
accompanying Exhibit Index identifies each management contract or compensatory plan or
arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this report, and such listing is
incorporated herein by reference.
74
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. |
|
|
|
February 27, 2007
|
|
/s/ John K. Welch |
|
|
|
|
|
John K. Welch |
|
|
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/ John K. Welch
John K. Welch
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) and Director
|
|
February 27, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ John C. Barpoulis
John C. Barpoulis
|
|
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
|
|
February 27, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ J. Tracy Mey
J. Tracy Mey
|
|
Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
|
|
February 27, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ James R. Mellor
James R. Mellor
|
|
Chairman of the Board
|
|
February 27, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Michael H. Armacost
Michael H. Armacost
|
|
Director
|
|
February 27, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Joyce F. Brown
Joyce F. Brown
|
|
Director
|
|
February 27, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Joseph T. Doyle
Joseph T. Doyle
|
|
Director
|
|
February 27, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ John R. Hall
John R. Hall
|
|
Director
|
|
February 27, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ W. Henson Moore
W. Henson Moore
|
|
Director
|
|
February 27, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Joseph F. Paquette, Jr.
Joseph F. Paquette, Jr.
|
|
Director
|
|
February 27, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ James D. Woods
James D. Woods
|
|
Director
|
|
February 27, 2007 |
75
USEC Inc.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page |
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
|
|
77 |
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets |
|
|
79 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Income |
|
|
80 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
|
|
81 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity |
|
|
82 |
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
|
|
83 - 114 |
|
76
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of USEC Inc.:
We have completed integrated audits of USEC Incs consolidated financial statements and of its
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, in accordance with the standards
of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our
audits, are presented below.
Consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item
15a(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of USEC Inc. and its
subsidiaries at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006 in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Companys 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 the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(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 of
financial statements 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.
As discussed in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in
which it accounts for stock based compensation as of January 1, 2006.
As discussed in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in
which it accounts for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans as of December 31,
2006.
Internal control over financial reporting
Also, in our opinion, managements assessment, included in Managements Annual Report on Internal
Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A, that the Company maintained effective
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006 based on criteria established
in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of
the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those
criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects,
effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006 based on criteria
established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Companys
management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and
for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our
responsibility is to express opinions on managements assessment and on the effectiveness of the
Companys internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of
internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial
reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial
reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting,
evaluating managements assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness
of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the
circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.
77
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A
companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i)
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company;
and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or
detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are
subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
McLean, Virginia
February 23, 2007
78
USEC Inc.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(millions, except share and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
171.4 |
|
|
$ |
259.1 |
|
Restricted short-term investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.8 |
|
Accounts receivable trade |
|
|
215.9 |
|
|
|
256.7 |
|
Inventories: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Separative work units |
|
|
701.7 |
|
|
|
790.3 |
|
Uranium |
|
|
189.1 |
|
|
|
171.3 |
|
Materials and supplies |
|
|
9.2 |
|
|
|
12.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Inventories |
|
|
900.0 |
|
|
|
974.3 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
24.0 |
|
|
|
39.1 |
|
Other current assets |
|
|
97.8 |
|
|
|
68.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Current Assets |
|
|
1,409.1 |
|
|
|
1,615.7 |
|
Property, Plant and Equipment, net |
|
|
189.9 |
|
|
|
171.2 |
|
Other Long-Term Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
156.2 |
|
|
|
100.6 |
|
Deposit for surety bonds |
|
|
60.8 |
|
|
|
24.6 |
|
Pension asset |
|
|
13.8 |
|
|
|
86.2 |
|
Inventories |
|
|
24.2 |
|
|
|
71.4 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
6.8 |
|
|
|
7.5 |
|
Intangibles |
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
3.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Other Long-Term Assets |
|
|
262.4 |
|
|
|
293.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets |
|
$ |
1,861.4 |
|
|
$ |
2,080.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
288.8 |
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
|
129.1 |
|
|
|
217.4 |
|
Payables under Russian Contract |
|
|
105.3 |
|
|
|
111.6 |
|
Uranium owed to customers and suppliers |
|
|
56.9 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
Deferred revenue and advances from customers |
|
|
133.8 |
|
|
|
132.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Current Liabilities |
|
|
425.1 |
|
|
|
753.0 |
|
Long-Term Debt |
|
|
150.0 |
|
|
|
150.0 |
|
Other Long-Term Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depleted uranium disposition |
|
|
71.5 |
|
|
|
47.0 |
|
Postretirement health and life benefit obligations |
|
|
128.7 |
|
|
|
153.9 |
|
Pension benefit liabilities |
|
|
20.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other liabilities |
|
|
79.9 |
|
|
|
69.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Other Long-Term Liabilities |
|
|
300.3 |
|
|
|
270.2 |
|
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 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 |
|
Excess of capital over par value |
|
|
970.6 |
|
|
|
970.6 |
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
137.5 |
|
|
|
31.3 |
|
Treasury stock, 13,178,000 and 13,749,000 shares |
|
|
(95.5 |
) |
|
|
(99.5 |
) |
Deferred compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.7 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax |
|
|
(36.6 |
) |
|
|
(2.1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Stockholders Equity |
|
|
986.0 |
|
|
|
907.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
|
$ |
1,861.4 |
|
|
$ |
2,080.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
79
USEC Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(millions, except per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Separative work units |
|
$ |
1,337.4 |
|
|
$ |
1,085.6 |
|
|
$ |
1,027.3 |
|
Uranium |
|
|
316.7 |
|
|
|
261.3 |
|
|
|
224.0 |
|
U.S. government contracts and other
|
|
|
194.5 |
|
|
|
212.4 |
|
|
|
165.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue |
|
|
1,848.6 |
|
|
|
1,559.3 |
|
|
|
1,417.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Separative work units and uranium |
|
|
1,349.2 |
|
|
|
1,148.4 |
|
|
|
1,071.6 |
|
U.S. government contracts and other |
|
|
162.5 |
|
|
|
181.4 |
|
|
|
151.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of sales |
|
|
1,511.7 |
|
|
|
1,329.8 |
|
|
|
1,223.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
336.9 |
|
|
|
229.5 |
|
|
|
194.1 |
|
Special charges (credits), net |
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
7.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
Advanced technology costs |
|
|
105.5 |
|
|
|
94.5 |
|
|
|
58.5 |
|
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
48.8 |
|
|
|
61.9 |
|
|
|
64.1 |
|
Other (income) expense, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.0 |
) |
|
|
(1.7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
178.7 |
|
|
|
66.8 |
|
|
|
73.2 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
14.5 |
|
|
|
40.0 |
|
|
|
40.5 |
|
Interest (income) |
|
|
(6.2 |
) |
|
|
(10.5 |
) |
|
|
(3.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
170.4 |
|
|
|
37.3 |
|
|
|
36.6 |
|
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
64.2 |
|
|
|
15.0 |
|
|
|
13.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
106.2 |
|
|
$ |
22.3 |
|
|
$ |
23.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per share basic and diluted |
|
$ |
1.22 |
|
|
$ |
.26 |
|
|
$ |
.28 |
|
Dividends per share |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
.55 |
|
|
$ |
.55 |
|
Weighted average number of shares outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
86.6 |
|
|
|
86.1 |
|
|
|
84.1 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
86.8 |
|
|
|
86.6 |
|
|
|
84.8 |
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
80
USEC Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Cash Flows From Operating Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
106.2 |
|
|
$ |
22.3 |
|
|
$ |
23.5 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
36.7 |
|
|
|
35.0 |
|
|
|
31.8 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
(13.4 |
) |
|
|
(43.2 |
) |
|
|
2.6 |
|
Impairment of intangible asset |
|
|
2.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term investments decrease |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35.0 |
|
Accounts receivable (increase) decrease |
|
|
40.8 |
|
|
|
(18.2 |
) |
|
|
16.0 |
|
Inventories net (increase) decrease |
|
|
176.1 |
|
|
|
76.3 |
|
|
|
(17.0 |
) |
Payables under Russian Contract increase (decrease) |
|
|
(6.3 |
) |
|
|
21.9 |
|
|
|
(29.6 |
) |
Payment of termination settlement obligation under power
purchase agreement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(33.2 |
) |
Deferred revenue, net of deferred costs increase (decrease) |
|
|
(3.7 |
) |
|
|
42.0 |
|
|
|
(12.1 |
) |
Accrued depleted uranium disposition |
|
|
24.5 |
|
|
|
19.8 |
|
|
|
(3.8 |
) |
Accounts payable and other liabilities increase (decrease). |
|
|
(82.1 |
) |
|
|
26.2 |
|
|
|
36.9 |
|
Other, net |
|
|
(3.3 |
) |
|
|
6.8 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities |
|
|
278.1 |
|
|
|
188.9 |
|
|
|
52.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures |
|
|
(44.8 |
) |
|
|
(26.3 |
) |
|
|
(20.2 |
) |
Deposits for surety bonds |
|
|
(34.8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in NAC Holding Inc., net of cash acquired |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8.1 |
) |
Deposit relating to acquisition of NAC Holding Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6.0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities |
|
|
(79.6 |
) |
|
|
(26.3 |
) |
|
|
(34.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings under credit facility |
|
|
133.8 |
|
|
|
4.7 |
|
|
|
116.2 |
|
Repayments under credit facility |
|
|
(133.8 |
) |
|
|
(4.7 |
) |
|
|
(116.2 |
) |
Dividends paid to stockholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(47.3 |
) |
|
|
(46.3 |
) |
Repayment and repurchases of senior notes, including premiums |
|
|
(288.8 |
) |
|
|
(36.3 |
) |
|
|
(25.6 |
) |
Excess tax benefit related to stock-based compensation |
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments made for deferred financing costs |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
(3.5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Common stock issued |
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
8.8 |
|
|
|
14.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash (Used in) Financing Activities |
|
|
(286.2 |
) |
|
|
(78.3 |
) |
|
|
(57.6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase (Decrease) |
|
|
(87.7 |
) |
|
|
84.3 |
|
|
|
(39.3 |
) |
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period |
|
|
259.1 |
|
|
|
174.8 |
|
|
|
214.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period |
|
$ |
171.4 |
|
|
$ |
259.1 |
|
|
$ |
174.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Cash Flow Information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid |
|
$ |
19.3 |
|
|
$ |
32.6 |
|
|
$ |
35.2 |
|
Income taxes paid |
|
|
107.3 |
|
|
|
38.7 |
|
|
|
3.6 |
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
81
USEC Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(millions, except per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock, |
|
|
Excess of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Par Value |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred |
|
|
Compre- |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Compre- |
|
|
|
$.10 per |
|
|
over |
|
|
Retained |
|
|
Treasury |
|
|
Comp- |
|
|
hensive |
|
|
Stockholders |
|
|
hensive |
|
|
|
Share |
|
|
Par Value |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Stock |
|
|
ensation |
|
|
Income (Loss) |
|
|
Equity |
|
|
Income (Loss) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2003 |
|
$ |
10.0 |
|
|
$ |
1,009.0 |
|
|
$ |
32.8 |
|
|
$ |
(127.7 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.5 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
923.6 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Exercise of stock options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted and other stock issued,
net of amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.0 |
|
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends paid to stockholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(46.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(46.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum pension liability, net of
income tax benefit of $0.4 million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23.5 |
|
|
|
23.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2004 |
|
|
10.0 |
|
|
|
963.9 |
|
|
|
56.3 |
|
|
|
(109.2 |
) |
|
|
(1.6 |
) |
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
|
|
918.7 |
|
|
$ |
22.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock issued: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of stock options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted and other stock issued,
net of amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.6 |
|
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends paid to stockholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(47.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(47.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum pension liability, net of
income tax benefit of $0.9 million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.4 |
) |
|
|
(1.4 |
) |
|
|
(1.4 |
) |
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22.3 |
|
|
|
22.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
10.0 |
|
|
|
970.6 |
|
|
|
31.3 |
|
|
|
(99.5 |
) |
|
|
(2.7 |
) |
|
|
(2.1 |
) |
|
|
907.6 |
|
|
$ |
20.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock issued: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of stock options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted and other stock issued,
net of amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
Eliminate deferred compensation
under SFAS No. 123(R) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reduction in minimum pension liability,
net of income tax of $0.5 million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
Recognition of funding status of retirement
plans under SFAS No. 158, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(35.6 |
) |
|
|
(35.6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
106.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
106.2 |
|
|
|
106.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
|
$ |
10.0 |
|
|
$ |
970.6 |
|
|
$ |
137.5 |
|
|
$ |
(95.5 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(36.6 |
) |
|
$ |
986.0 |
|
|
$ |
107.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
82
USEC Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations
USEC Inc. (USEC) is a global energy company and is the worlds leading supplier of low
enriched uranium (LEU) for commercial nuclear power plants.
Customers typically provide uranium to us 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 that represents the effort required to transform a given
amount of uranium into two streams: 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.
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of USEC Inc., its principal
subsidiary, United States Enrichment Corporation, and its other subsidiaries including NAC
International Inc. (NAC), acquired in November 2004. All material intercompany transactions are
eliminated. Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to
conform with the current presentation.
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 published long-term price indicators 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 cost estimates, 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 are based on the net realizable value of the uranium. Uranium
inventory costs are increased and SWU inventory costs are reduced as a result of underfeeding
uranium.
83
Revenue
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. Revenue is recognized at the time LEU or
uranium is delivered under the terms of contracts with domestic and international electric utility
customers. USEC often advance ships LEU to nuclear fuel fabricators for scheduled or anticipated
orders from utility customers. Based on customer orders, USEC generally arranges for 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 of LEU to the customer is complete.
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 and is based
on the fair market value of the electric power or uranium received in exchange for SWU. Revenue
from SWU barter contracts amounted to $12.5 million in 2006 and $11.9 million in 2005. There were
no barter sales in 2004.
USEC performs contract work at the Portsmouth and Paducah plants and through NAC. Contract
work is primarily for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and DOE contractors. U.S. government
contract revenue includes billings for fees and reimbursements for allowable costs that are
determined in accordance with the terms of the underlying contracts. 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. Revenues determined based on allowable costs include pension and
other allocated costs that are determined in accordance with government cost accounting standards,
whereas costs and expenses reflected in the financial statements are determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. The final settlement of the allowable costs submitted
for reimbursement is subject to audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA). The
government auditors (DCAA) are in the process of reviewing the final settlement of allowable costs
proposed by USEC for the twelve months ended June 2002, the six months ended December 2002, and
the twelve months ended December 2003. Revenue relevant to the reimbursement of allowable costs
for subsequent years is also subject to the results of DCAA audits and reviews.
Advanced Technology Costs
USEC is in the process of demonstrating its next-generation American Centrifuge uranium
enrichment technology. Costs relating to the American Centrifuge technology are charged to expense
or capitalized based on the nature of the activities and estimates and judgments involving the
completion of project milestones.
Centrifuge costs relating to the demonstration of American Centrifuge technology are charged
to expense as incurred. Demonstration costs include Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing
of the American Centrifuge Demonstration facility in Piketon Ohio, engineering activities, and
assembling and testing of centrifuge machines and equipment at centrifuge test facilities located
in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and at the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility.
84
Capitalized costs relating to the American Centrifuge technology include or will include NRC
licensing, engineering activities, construction of centrifuge machines and equipment, leasehold
improvements and other costs directly associated with the American Centrifuge commercial plant.
Capitalized centrifuge costs are recorded in property, plant and equipment as part of construction
work in progress. Cumulative capitalized costs include interest of $4.0 million at December 31,
2006, $0.9 million at December 31, 2005, and $0.2 million at December 31, 2004. The continued
capitalization of such costs is subject to ongoing review and successful project completion,
including NRC licensing, financing, and installation and operation of centrifuge machines and
equipment. If conditions change and deployment were no longer probable, costs that were previously
capitalized would be charged to expense. USECs ability to move from a demonstration phase to a
commercial plant phase in which significant expenditures will be capitalized will be based on when
the technology is determined to have a high probability of commercial success and meets company
targets of physical control and technical achievement.
In 2002, USEC and DOE signed an agreement (DOE-USEC Agreement) in which both USEC and DOE
made long-term commitments directed at resolving issues related to the stability and security of
the domestic uranium enrichment industry. Discussion of USECs commitments related to American
Centrifuge project milestones under the DOE-USEC Agreement is provided in note 11.
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.
USEC leases the Paducah gaseous diffusion plant located in Paducah, Kentucky and the
Portsmouth gaseous diffusion plant located in Piketon, Ohio from DOE. 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, commensurate with the existing lease
agreement. At the end of the lease, ownership of plant and equipment that USEC leaves at the
gaseous diffusion plants transfers to DOE, and responsibility for decontamination and
decommissioning of the gaseous diffusion plants remains with DOE. Property, plant and equipment
assets related to the gaseous diffusion plants at December 31, 2006 are not subject to an asset
retirement obligation. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to production costs as incurred.
USEC leases facilities in Piketon, Ohio from DOE for the American Centrifuge. USEC owns all
capital improvements and, unless otherwise consented to by DOE, must remove them at lease turnover.
At the conclusion of the 36-year lease period, assuming no further extensions, USEC is required to
return these leased facilities to DOE in a condition that meets NRC requirements and in the same
condition as the facilities were in when they were leased to USEC (other than due to normal wear
and tear). USEC is required to provide financial assurance in an amount equal to a current estimate
of costs to comply with lease turnover requirements. The accounting for asset retirement
obligations requires that the present value of retirement costs that USEC has a legal obligation to
pay, be recorded as a liability with an equivalent amount added to the asset cost as construction
takes place. Upon commencement of commercial operations, the asset cost will be depreciated over
the appropriate period. As of December 31, 2006, USEC has provided $8.8 million of financial
assurance in accordance with our decommissioning funding plan, through a surety bond, related to
American Centrifuge decommissioning. This amount of asset retirement obligation is recorded in
construction work in progress and as part of other long-term liabilities.
85
A summary of changes in property, plant and equipment follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Transfers, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Transfers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
Expenditures |
|
|
Retirements, and |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
Expenditures |
|
|
and |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
(Depreciation) |
|
|
Other |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
(Depreciation) |
|
|
Retirements |
|
|
2005 |
|
Construction work in progress |
|
$ |
9.1 |
|
|
$ |
19.2 |
|
|
$ |
(15.0 |
) |
|
$ |
13.3 |
|
|
$ |
28.0 |
|
|
$ |
(12.3 |
) |
|
$ |
29.0 |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
151.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.7 |
|
|
|
157.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
161.5 |
|
Machinery and equipment |
|
|
160.1 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
13.2 |
|
|
|
174.3 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
179.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
320.6 |
|
|
|
20.2 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
344.7 |
|
|
|
28.4 |
|
|
|
(2.9 |
) |
|
|
370.2 |
|
Accumulated depreciation and
amortization |
|
|
(135.5 |
) |
|
|
(31.8 |
) |
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
(166.7 |
) |
|
|
(34.7 |
) |
|
|
2.4 |
|
|
|
(199.0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
185.1 |
|
|
$ |
(11.6 |
) |
|
$ |
4.5 |
|
|
$ |
178.0 |
|
|
$ |
(6.3 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.5 |
) |
|
$ |
171.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Transfers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
Expenditures |
|
|
and |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
(Depreciation) |
|
|
Retirements |
|
|
2006 |
|
Construction work in progress |
|
$ |
29.0 |
|
|
$ |
53.9 |
|
|
$ |
(11.1 |
) |
|
$ |
71.8 |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
161.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.5 |
|
|
|
168.0 |
|
Machinery and equipment |
|
|
179.7 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
182.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
370.2 |
|
|
|
55.1 |
|
|
|
(3.5 |
) |
|
|
421.8 |
|
Accumulated depreciation and
amortization |
|
|
(199.0 |
) |
|
|
(36.3 |
) |
|
|
3.4 |
|
|
|
(231.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
171.2 |
|
|
$ |
(18.8 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.1 |
) |
|
$ |
189.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Lived Assets
USEC evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets by performing impairment tests
whenever adverse conditions or changes in circumstances indicate a possible impairment loss.
Impairment tests are based on a comparison of estimated future cash flows to the carrying values
of long-lived assets. If impairment is indicated, the asset carrying value is reduced to fair
market value or, if fair market value is not readily available, the asset is reduced to a value
determined by applying a discount rate to expected cash flows.
Financial Instruments
The balance sheet carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments,
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 or pay
according to the terms of a contract. Extension of credit is based on an evaluation of each
customers financial condition. USEC regularly monitors credit risk exposure and takes steps to
mitigate the likelihood of such exposure resulting in a loss.
Environmental Costs
Environmental costs relating to operations are accrued and charged to inventory 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. USEC stores depleted uranium at the Paducah and
Portsmouth plants for future disposition. Changes in the estimated unit disposal cost result in
charges to cost of sales for the accumulated quantity of depleted uranium. Liabilities for waste
and depleted uranium disposition are based on current-dollar cost estimates and are not discounted.
86
Stock-Based Compensation
Effective January 1, 2006, USEC adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standard (SFAS) No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, whereby compensation cost relating to
share-based payments is recognized in the financial statements. Accordingly, stock-based
compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is
recognized over the requisite service period, which is either immediate recognition if the employee
is eligible to retire, or on a straight-line basis until the earlier of either the date of
retirement eligibility or the end of the nominal vesting period. Prior to January 1, 2006, USEC
accounted for share-based compensation in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees, with pro forma disclosures in accordance with SFAS No. 123, Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation as amended by SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
Transition and Disclosure. Under APB No. 25, USEC recognized expense for restricted stock and
restricted stock units in the income statement and disclosed the fair value of compensation related
to stock options and the employee stock purchase plan. SFAS No. 123(R) requires USEC to expense all
stock-based compensation, including restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options and
costs associated with the employee stock purchase plan.
Under the modified prospective transition method, prior periods have not been revised for
comparative purposes. The valuation provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) apply to new grants and to grants
that were outstanding as of the effective date and are subsequently modified. Estimated
compensation for grants that were outstanding as of the effective date will be recognized over the
remaining service period using the compensation cost estimated for the pro forma disclosures under
SFAS No. 123.
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 compensation awards.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
|
|
(in millions) |
Weighted average number of shares
outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
86.6 |
|
|
|
86.1 |
|
|
|
84.1 |
|
Dilutive effect of stock compensation awards |
|
|
.2 |
|
|
|
.5 |
|
|
|
.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
|
86.8 |
|
|
|
86.6 |
|
|
|
84.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
87
Other options to purchase shares of common stock having an exercise price greater than
the average share market price are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
Options excluded from diluted earnings per
share calculation: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options to purchase common stock (in millions) |
|
|
.4 |
|
|
|
.2 |
|
|
|
.1 |
|
Exercise price |
|
$11.88 to $16.90 |
|
$13.25 to $16.90 |
|
$10.44 to $14.00 |
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect reported amounts presented and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements.
Significant estimates and judgments include, but are not limited to, pension and postretirement
health and life benefit costs and obligations, costs for the conversion, transportation and
disposition of depleted uranium, accounting treatment for expenditures on American Centrifuge,
plant lease turnover costs, the tax bases of assets and liabilities, the future recoverability of
deferred tax assets, and determination of the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. Actual
results may differ from such estimates, and estimates may change if the underlying conditions or
assumptions change.
New Accounting Standards Not Yet Implemented
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No.
48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48). This interpretation clarifies the
accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is
required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance
on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim
periods, disclosure and transition. This interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2006. USEC will adopt FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, as required and report the
impact of adoption in the first quarter of 2007. The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 will be
recorded to retained earnings. On February 7, 2007, the FASB directed its staff to draft an
amendment to FIN 48 to provide guidance as to when an uncertain tax position is ultimately settled
with a taxing authority. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is examining USECs federal income
tax returns for 1998 through 2003. With the exception of one issue, USEC has reached agreement with
the IRS on all other matters. As a result, USEC anticipates that the audit will conclude and the
statute of limitations will expire for 1998 through 2002 by March 31, 2007. Under FIN 48, if not
previously recognized, the benefit of a tax position is recognized when either the statute of
limitations for the relevant taxing authority to examine and challenge the tax position has expired
or at the time new information leads to a conclusion that an uncertain tax position is more likely
than not to be sustained based upon the positions technical merits. Due to the pending FASB
guidance, the status of the IRS audit, and the pending expiration of the statute of limitations,
USEC is currently unable to estimate the cumulative effect to retained earnings of adopting FIN 48.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This statement
clarifies the definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value when
required or permitted under other accounting pronouncements, and expands the disclosures on fair
value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.
We are evaluating the statement and have not determined whether or not it will have a material
effect on our financial position or results of operations.
88
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets
and Financial Liabilities. This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial
instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at
fair value. This Statement also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to
facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar
types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007. We are evaluating the statement and have not determined whether or not it will
have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
2. ACQUISITION OF NAC HOLDING INC.
In November 2004, USEC acquired all the outstanding common stock of NAC Holding Inc. and its
wholly owned subsidiary NAC International Inc. (collectively NAC) from Pinnacle West Capital
Corporation for $16.1 million in cash, including amounts placed in escrow, plus the assumption of
certain liabilities of NAC. NAC provides U.S. and foreign customers with spent nuclear fuel storage
solutions, nuclear materials transportation, and nuclear fuel cycle consulting services. Of the
purchase cost, $11.4 million was allocated to intangible assets related to customer contracts and
relationships as well as goodwill. NAC is included in the U.S. government contracts segment of
USECs operations.
The amount allocated to customer contracts and relationships from the NAC acquisition was $3.9
million. Of the total amount allocated to customer contracts and relationships, $3.4 million was
related to the contracts and relationship with DOE related to the Nuclear Materials Management and
Safeguards System (NMMSS). As of October 1, 2005, a three-year, $25 million contract extension
to manage NMMSS for DOE became effective. The NMMSS portion of the intangible asset was determined
based on the fair value of the three-year NMMSS contract extension along with expected renewals and
was anticipated to be amortized over an expected life of 13 years. During the fourth quarter 2006,
DOE verbally communicated to NAC that the NMMSS contract will be set aside for a small business
after the contract expires in 2008. Additionally, DOE issued a solicitation on November 29, 2006
seeking qualified small businesses with an interest to bid. NAC is not considered a qualified small
business as defined by DOE. As a result of this action by DOE, USEC has reviewed the potential
impairment of the intangible assets created from the NAC acquisition and has determined that a
special charge of $2.6 million be taken as a write-down to the amount allocated to customer
contracts and relationships. The special charge was calculated after analyzing cash flow
projections and comparing the results to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired at the
date of acquisition. The remaining portion of intangible assets relating to the NMMSS contract has
an expected life terminating in 2008.
The amount allocated to goodwill from the NAC acquisition was $7.5 million. Factors that
contribute to the establishment of goodwill included, but were not limited to, the assembled
workforce that produces and sells current and future products and services and the positive
reputation that NAC has in the nuclear fuel industry. As part of the acquisition, a tax-related
valuation allowance of $2.3 million was established primarily for state net operating losses that
are available to offset future taxable income of NAC. A valuation allowance is provided if it is
more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. During
2006, USEC recognized $0.7 million of tax benefits earned or expected to be earned from the net
operating losses. The offset to these benefits was recorded as a reduction to goodwill. The
goodwill amount is not deductible for income tax purposes.
89
Intangible assets associated with the NAC acquisition are as follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Intangible assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill |
|
$ |
6.8 |
|
|
$ |
7.5 |
|
Customer contracts and relationships, net |
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
3.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
7.4 |
|
|
$ |
11.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets subject to amortization are as follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
Year Ended |
|
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
Gross |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying |
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying |
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
Amount |
|
Amortization |
|
Net |
|
Amount |
|
Amortization |
|
Net |
Customer contracts and relationships |
|
$ |
1.3 |
|
|
$ |
(0.7 |
) |
|
$ |
0.6 |
|
|
$ |
3.9 |
|
|
$ |
(0.3 |
) |
|
$ |
3.6 |
|
Amortization expense was $0.4 million in 2006, $0.3 million in 2005 and less than $0.1
million in 2004. Future amortization expense is estimated at $0.4 million in 2007 and $0.2 million
in 2008.
3. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, OTHER CURRENT ASSETS, ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(millions) |
|
Accounts receivable trade, net (1): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utility customers: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade receivables |
|
$ |
176.3 |
|
|
$ |
207.0 |
|
Uranium loaned to customers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
176.3 |
|
|
|
208.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Department of Energy (2): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. government contracts |
|
|
19.8 |
|
|
|
33.6 |
|
Unbilled revenue |
|
|
19.8 |
|
|
|
14.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39.6 |
|
|
|
48.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
215.9 |
|
|
$ |
256.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred costs relating to deferred revenue |
|
$ |
78.4 |
|
|
$ |
55.7 |
|
Prepaid items |
|
|
19.4 |
|
|
|
13.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
97.8 |
|
|
$ |
68.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
$ |
68.6 |
|
|
$ |
86.9 |
|
Accrued interest payable on long-term debt |
|
|
5.2 |
|
|
|
13.5 |
|
Accrued income taxes payable |
|
|
7.4 |
|
|
|
37.4 |
|
Other accrued liabilities |
|
|
47.9 |
|
|
|
79.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
129.1 |
|
|
$ |
217.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Valuation and allowances for doubtful accounts were $14.4 million and $12.5 million
at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. |
|
(2) |
|
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 provisional billing rates are revised, submitted to and approved by DOE. |
90
4. INVENTORIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(millions) |
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Separative work units |
|
$ |
701.7 |
|
|
$ |
790.3 |
|
Uranium |
|
|
189.1 |
|
|
|
171.3 |
|
Materials and supplies |
|
|
9.2 |
|
|
|
12.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
900.0 |
|
|
|
974.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Uranium |
|
|
24.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Out-of-specification uranium |
|
|
|
|
|
|
37.6 |
|
Highly enriched uranium from DOE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24.2 |
|
|
|
71.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories owed to customers and suppliers |
|
|
(56.9 |
) |
|
|
(2.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories, net |
|
$ |
867.3 |
|
|
$ |
1,043.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories Owed to Customers and Suppliers
Generally, title to uranium provided by customers as part of their enrichment contracts does
not pass to USEC until delivery of LEU. In limited cases, however, title to the uranium passes to
USEC immediately upon delivery of the uranium by the customer. Uranium provided by customers for
which title passed to USEC is recorded on the balance sheet at estimated fair values of $4.3
million at December 31, 2006 and $2.3 million at December 31, 2005.
Additionally, USEC owed SWU and uranium inventories to fabricators with a cost totaling $52.6
million at December 31, 2006. Fabricators process LEU into fuel for use in nuclear reactors. Under
inventory optimization arrangements between USEC and domestic fabricators, fabricators order bulk
quantities of LEU from USEC based on scheduled or anticipated orders from utility customers for
deliveries in future periods. As delivery obligations under actual customer orders arise, USEC
satisfies these obligations by arranging for the transfer to the customer of title to the specified
quantity of LEU on the fabricators books. Fabricators have other inventory supplies and, where a
fabricator has elected to order less material from USEC than USEC is required to deliver to its
customers at the fabricator, the fabricator will use these other inventories to satisfy USECs
customer order obligations on USECs behalf. In such cases, the transfer of title of LEU from USEC
to the customer may result in quantities of SWU and uranium owed by USEC to the fabricator. The
amounts of SWU and uranium owed to fabricators are satisfied as future bulk deliveries are made.
Uranium Provided by Customers and Suppliers
USEC held uranium with estimated fair values of approximately $5.1 billion at December 31,
2006, and $2.3 billion at December 31, 2005, to which title was held by customers and suppliers and
for which no assets or liabilities were 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, and title to uranium is transferred to USEC.
91
Remediating or Replacing Out-of-Specification Uranium
In October 2006, USEC and DOE completed a project to replace or remediate 9,550 metric tons of
natural uranium transferred to USEC from DOE prior to privatization which contained elevated
levels of technetium that put the uranium out-of-specification for commercial use. USEC
continues to operate facilities at the Portsmouth plant in Piketon, Ohio to process and remove
contaminants from DOE-owned out-of-specification uranium under an agreement with DOE entered into
in December 2004. These efforts are expected to continue through September 2008, but are subject to
additional funding from DOE.
DOE provided uranium that met specification to USEC in February 2005 and March 2006, and the
proceeds from USECs sales of such uranium were used to reimburse USEC for costs incurred in
remediating both USEC and DOE-owned out-of-specification uranium. Proceeds from these sales of
uranium, pending payment to USEC for processing costs, were invested for DOE and reported as
restricted short-term investments, and were expended by July 2006. The balance sheet carrying
amount of $17.8 million at December 31, 2005 is stated at fair value. Following the use of the
proceeds from the sales of uranium transferred by DOE, DOE has made direct payment for USECs
processing costs.
Revenue and costs related to the processing of DOE and USEC out-of-specification uranium are
recognized in the U.S. government contracts segment.
Highly Enriched Uranium from DOE
In 1998, USEC received claim to 50 metric tons of highly enriched uranium from DOE. USEC
contracted to downblend the highly enriched uranium over several years and receive the resulting
LEU for sale to utility customers. USEC announced the completion of this nonproliferation
initiative in July 2006.
5. PURCHASE OF SEPARATIVE WORK UNITS UNDER RUSSIAN CONTRACT
USEC is the U.S. governments exclusive executive agent (Executive Agent) in connection with
a government-to-government nonproliferation agreement between the United States and the Russian
Federation. Under the agreement, USEC has been designated by the U.S. government to order LEU
derived from dismantled Soviet nuclear weapons. In January 1994, USEC, as Executive Agent for the
U.S. government, signed a commercial agreement (Russian Contract) with a Russian government
entity known as OAO Techsnabexport (TENEX, or the Russian Executive Agent), Executive Agent for
the Federal Agency for Atomic Energy of the Russian Federation, to implement the program.
USEC has agreed to purchase approximately 5.5 million SWU each calendar year for the remaining
term of the Russian Contract through 2013. Over the life of the 20-year Russian Contract, USEC
expects to purchase about 92 million SWU contained in LEU derived from 500 metric tons of highly
enriched uranium, and as of December 31, 2006, USEC had purchased 54 million SWU contained in LEU
derived from 292 metric tons of highly enriched uranium. Purchases under the Russian Contract
approximate 50% of USECs supply mix. 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 the index is used to minimize the disruptive effect of any short-term market price
swings. Increases in these price points in recent years have resulted, and likely will continue to
result, in increases to the index used to determine prices under the Russian Contract.
The Russian Contract provides that, after the end of 2007, the parties may agree on
appropriate adjustments, if necessary, to ensure that the Russian Executive Agent receives at least
approximately $7.6 billion for the SWU component over the 20-year term of the Russian Contract
through 2013. From inception of the Russian Contract in 1994 through December 31, 2006, USEC has
purchased the SWU component of LEU at an aggregate cost of approximately $4.6 billion. Purchases of
SWU under the Russian Contract are expected to be approximately $0.5 billion per year through 2013.
92
6. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Current: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal |
|
$ |
70.4 |
|
|
$ |
51.7 |
|
|
$ |
8.8 |
|
State and local |
|
|
7.2 |
|
|
|
6.5 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
77.6 |
|
|
|
58.2 |
|
|
|
10.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal |
|
|
(14.4 |
) |
|
|
(42.4 |
) |
|
|
2.9 |
|
State and local |
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13.4 |
) |
|
|
(43.2 |
) |
|
|
2.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
64.2 |
|
|
$ |
15.0 |
|
|
$ |
13.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts for
financial reporting purposes and USECs estimate of the tax bases of its assets and liabilities
result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, as follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plant lease turnover and other exit costs |
|
$ |
23.4 |
|
|
$ |
23.2 |
|
Employee benefits costs |
|
|
68.6 |
|
|
|
46.0 |
|
Inventory |
|
|
7.6 |
|
|
|
15.9 |
|
Property, plant and equipment |
|
|
40.8 |
|
|
|
24.2 |
|
Tax intangibles |
|
|
5.4 |
|
|
|
6.4 |
|
Deferred costs for depleted uranium |
|
|
26.1 |
|
|
|
19.0 |
|
Net operating loss carryforwards |
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
|
Accrued expenses |
|
|
6.9 |
|
|
|
5.6 |
|
Other |
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
182.9 |
|
|
|
143.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation allowance |
|
|
(1.4 |
) |
|
|
(2.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance |
|
|
181.5 |
|
|
|
141.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
180.2 |
|
|
$ |
139.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The valuation allowances of $1.4 million at December 31, 2006 and $2.3 million at
December 31, 2005 reduce deferred tax assets and are recorded as a result of the acquisition of
NAC, primarily for state net operating losses that are available to offset future taxable income of
NAC. The NAC state net operating losses can be carried forward from 4 to 19 years. A valuation
allowance is provided if it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset
will not be realized. Tax benefits earned or expected to be earned from the net operating losses
are recorded as reductions to goodwill and have been reflected in the balance. The goodwill amount
will not be deductible for income tax purposes. The deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance,
is more likely than not to be realized in future years based on an assessment of positive and
negative available evidence.
93
A reconciliation of income taxes calculated based on the federal statutory income tax rate of
35% and the effective tax rate follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
Federal statutory tax rate |
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
35 |
% |
State income taxes, net of federal |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
Export tax incentives |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
Nontaxable accrual of Medicare subsidy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
Research and other tax credits |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
Nondeductible acquired in-process research
and development expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
Other nondeductible expenses |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
Impact of state rate changes on deferred taxes |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38 |
% |
|
|
40 |
% |
|
|
36 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USEC recorded negative effects on deferred tax assets, as shown in the reconciliation
above, for the impact of state rate changes on deferred taxes due to reductions in the Kentucky
state tax rate and the Ohio state tax rate during 2006 and 2005.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is examining USECs federal income tax returns for years
through 2003. With the exception of one issue, USEC has reached agreement with the IRS on all other
matters. As a result, USEC anticipates that the audit will conclude and the statute of limitations
will expire for the years through 2002 by March 31, 2007.
7. DEBT
Senior Notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
(millions) |
|
6.625% senior notes, due January 20, 2006 |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
288.8 |
|
6.750% senior notes, due January 20, 2009 |
|
|
150.0 |
|
|
|
150.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
150.0 |
|
|
$ |
438.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In December 2004, USEC repurchased $25.0 million of the 6.625% senior notes, due
January 20, 2006. The cost of the repurchase was $25.6 million and included a premium of $0.6
million. In November and December 2005, USEC repurchased a total of $36.2 million of the 6.625%
senior notes, due January 20, 2006. The cost of the repurchase was $36.3 million and included a
premium of $0.1 million. USEC repaid the remaining balance of the 6.625% senior notes amounting to
$288.8 million on the scheduled maturity date of January 20, 2006.
The 6.750% 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.
94
At December 31, 2006, the fair value of the senior notes calculated based on a credit-adjusted
spread over U.S. Treasury securities with similar maturities was $148.3 million, compared with the
balance sheet carrying amount of $150.0 million.
Revolving Credit Facility
In August 2005, USEC entered into a five-year, syndicated bank credit facility, providing up
to $400.0 million in revolving credit commitments, including up to $300.0 million in letters of
credit, secured by assets of USEC Inc. and its subsidiaries. The revolving credit facility is
available to finance working capital needs, refinance existing debt and fund capital programs,
including the American Centrifuge project. Effective July 20, 2006, available credit
(availability) under the credit facility was reduced by $150.0 million because of a reserve
referred to in the agreement as the senior note reserve tied to the aggregate amount of proceeds
received by USEC from any future debt or equity offerings. Effective October 16, 2006, the credit
agreement was amended to modify the treatment of this reserve. Following the amendment, the senior
note reserve is now treated as a reduction to USECs qualifying assets (such as eligible inventory
and accounts receivable) that establish the borrowing base, rather than directly reducing
availability. The senior note reserve now reduces availability under the credit facility only at
such time and to the extent that USEC does not have sufficient qualifying assets available to cover
the reserve and USECs other reserves. USECs other reserves against its qualifying assets
currently consist primarily of a reserve for future obligations to DOE with respect to the turnover
of the gaseous diffusion plants to them at the end of the term of the lease of these facilities.
Financing costs of $3.5 million and $0.3 million to obtain and amend the bank credit facility,
respectively, were deferred and are being amortized over the life of the facility. There were no
short-term borrowings under the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2006 or at December 31,
2005. In 2006, aggregate borrowings and repayments amounted to $133.8 million, and the peak amount
outstanding was $78.5 million. Letters of credit issued under the facility amounted to $35.8
million at December 31, 2006 and $25.0 million at December 31, 2005. Availability under the credit
facility was $346.2 million at December 31, 2006 and $375.0 million at December 31, 2005.
Outstanding borrowings under the facility bear interest at a variable rate equal to, based on
USECs election, either:
|
|
|
the sum of (1) the greater of the JPMorgan Chase Bank prime rate and the federal funds
rate plus 1/2 of 1% plus (2) a margin ranging from .25% to .75% based upon collateral availability,
or |
|
|
|
|
the sum of LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2.0% to 2.5% 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. Failure to satisfy the covenants would constitute an event of default under the
revolving credit facility.
The revolving credit facility also contains various reserve provisions that may reduce the
facilitys availability periodically or restrict the use of borrowings. In addition to the senior
note reserve described above, the facility contains covenants that can periodically limit USEC to
$50 million in capital expenditures based on available liquidity levels. Other reserves under the
revolving credit facility, such as availability reserves and borrowing base reserves, are customary
for credit facilities of this type.
95
8. DEFERRED REVENUE AND ADVANCES FROM CUSTOMERS
Deferred revenue and advances from customers were as follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
$ |
129.4 |
|
|
$ |
106.8 |
|
Advances from utility customers |
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
8.3 |
|
Proceeds from sales of DOE uranium |
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
133.8 |
|
|
$ |
132.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In a number of sales transactions, title to uranium or LEU is transferred to the
customer and USEC receives payment under normal credit terms without physically delivering the
uranium or LEU to the customer. This may occur because the terms of the agreement require USEC to
hold the uranium to which the customer has title, or because the customer encounters brief delays
in taking delivery of LEU at USECs facilities. In such cases, recognition of revenue is deferred
until uranium or LEU to which the customer has title is physically delivered rather than at the
time title transfers to the customer. Related costs associated with deferred revenue, reported in
other current assets, totaled $78.4 million at December 31, 2006 and $55.7 million at December 31,
2005.
Deferred revenue and advances from customers at December 31, 2005 included proceeds from sales
of DOE uranium that were pending payment to USEC as reimbursement for USECs costs in processing
out-of-specification uranium.
9. ORGANIZATIONAL RESTRUCTURING
In September 2005, USEC announced a restructuring of the Companys organization. This included
the implementation of an involuntary reduction of 38 employees in the headquarters operations
located in Bethesda, Maryland, including the elimination of some senior positions and the
realignment of responsibilities under a smaller senior management team. The workforce reductions
resulted in special charges for termination benefits of $4.5 million, of which $2.7 million was
paid or utilized during 2005 and $1.8 million in 2006. Additionally, facility related charges of
$1.5 million related to efforts undertaken to consolidate office space at the headquarters location
were accrued during the first quarter of 2006 and utilized during the second quarter of 2006.
In October 2005, USEC continued its restructuring efforts, announcing voluntary and
involuntary staff reductions at its field organizations. This resulted in the reduction of 151
employees and special charges for termination benefits of $2.8 million consisting principally of
severance benefits. Of these termination charges, $1.5 million was paid or utilized during 2005 and
$1.1 million in the first quarter of 2006. Credits of $0.1 million were recorded in each of the
third and fourth quarters of 2006 representing changes in estimate of costs for termination
benefits.
A summary of special charges for organizational restructuring and the related balance sheet
account information follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid |
|
|
Balance |
|
|
Special |
|
|
Paid |
|
|
Balance |
|
|
|
Special |
|
|
and |
|
|
Dec. 31, |
|
|
Charge |
|
|
and |
|
|
Dec. 31, |
|
|
|
Charge |
|
|
Utilized |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
(Credit) |
|
|
Utilized |
|
|
2006 |
|
Workforce reductions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate |
|
$ |
4.5 |
|
|
$ |
(2.7 |
) |
|
$ |
1.8 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(1.8 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
Field operations |
|
|
2.8 |
|
|
|
(1.5 |
) |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Facility related charges: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
(1.5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
7.3 |
|
|
$ |
(4.2 |
) |
|
$ |
3.1 |
|
|
$ |
1.3 |
|
|
$ |
(4.4 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
96
Organizational restructuring costs are not classified by segment as USEC utilizes gross
profit as its segment measure.
10. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
Environmental compliance costs include the handling, treatment and disposal of hazardous
substances and wastes. Pursuant to the USEC Privatization Act, environmental liabilities associated
with the Paducah and Portsmouth plants 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
gaseous diffusion plants. Refer below to USECs obligations for American Centrifuge decontamination
and decommissioning.
Depleted Uranium
USEC stores depleted uranium at the Paducah and Portsmouth plants and accrues estimated costs
for its future disposition. USEC anticipates that it will send most or all of its depleted uranium
to DOE for disposition unless a more economic disposal option becomes available. DOE is
constructing facilities at the Paducah and Portsmouth plants to process large quantities of
depleted uranium owned by DOE. Under federal law, DOE would also process USECs depleted uranium if
provided to DOE. If we were to dispose of our uranium this way, USEC would be required to reimburse
DOE for the related costs of disposal, including a pro rata share of DOEs capital costs.
Processing DOEs depleted uranium is expected to take about 25 years. The timing of the disposal of
USECs depleted uranium has not been determined. The long-term liability for depleted uranium
disposition is dependent upon the volume of depleted uranium generated and estimated processing,
transportation and disposal costs. USECs estimate of the unit cost is based primarily on estimated
cost data obtained from DOE without consideration given to contingencies or reserves. USECs
estimate is periodically reviewed as additional information becomes available, and was increased by
2% in 2006. USECs estimate of the unit disposition cost for accrual purposes is approximately 35%
less than the unit disposition cost for financial assurance purposes, which includes contingencies
and other potential costs as required by the NRC.
Compliance with NRC regulations requires that USEC provide financial assurance regarding the
cost of the eventual disposition of USECs depleted uranium and stored wastes. The financial
assurance requirement is based on our year-end liability plus expected volume increases over the
coming year, including NRC required contingencies, totaling to an annual projected required amount.
The financial assurance requirements for 2007, principally the amount associated with disposition
of depleted uranium, total $154.7 million and are covered by a combination of a $24.1 million
letter of credit and $130.6 million under two surety bonds. This letter of credit is included in
USECs total letters of credit issued and outstanding.
USECs estimated cost and accrued liability for depleted uranium disposition, as well as
related financial assurances USEC provides, are subject to change as additional information becomes
available.
Stored Wastes
USECs 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 Paducah and Portsmouth 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 USECs operations amounted to $6.0 million at
December 31, 2006, and $5.1 million at December 31, 2005.
97
American Centrifuge Decontamination and Decommissioning
USEC leases facilities in Piketon, Ohio from DOE for the American Centrifuge. USEC owns all
capital improvements and, unless otherwise consented to by DOE, must remove them at lease turnover.
At the conclusion of the 36-year lease period, assuming no further extensions, USEC is required to
return these leased facilities to DOE in a condition that meets NRC requirements and in the same
condition as the facilities were in when they were leased to USEC (other than due to normal wear
and tear). USEC is required to maintain financial assurance for DOE in an amount equal to a current
estimate of costs to comply with lease turnover requirements, less the amount of financial
assurance required of USEC by the NRC for decommissioning. The accounting for asset retirement
obligations requires that the present value of retirement costs that USEC has a legal obligation to
pay, be recorded as a liability with an equivalent amount added to the asset cost as construction
takes place. Upon commencement of commercial operations, the asset cost will be depreciated over
the appropriate period. The liability is accreted over time by applying an interest method of
allocation to the liability. During 2006, USEC provided $8.8 million of financial assurance in
accordance with USECs decommissioning funding plan, through a surety bond, related to American
Centrifuge decommissioning. The surety bond was collateralized with an interest-earning cash
deposit of $2.0 million. Commensurate with the American Centrifuge Plant lease signed December 7,
2006, this amount of asset retirement obligation is recorded in construction work in progress and
as part of other long-term liabilities.
Surety Bond Collateral
Other long-term assets at December 31, 2006 include interest-earning cash deposits of $60.8
million provided as collateral for surety bonds relating primarily to depleted uranium and American
Centrifuge decontamination and decommissioning.
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Power Contracts and Commitments
The gaseous diffusion process uses significant amounts of electric power to enrich uranium.
USEC purchases electric power for the Paducah plant under a power purchase agreement signed with
the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in 2000, and amended in April 2006. Capacity under the TVA
agreement is fixed through May 2007, and prices are subject to monthly fuel cost adjustments to
reflect changes in TVAs fuel costs, purchased power costs, and related costs. As of December 31,
2006, USEC is obligated, whether or not it takes delivery of electric power, to make minimum
payments for the purchase of electric power of $187.8 million for the period January through May
2007.
American Centrifuge Technology
USEC is working to develop and deploy the American Centrifuge technology as a replacement for
the gaseous diffusion technology used at the Paducah plant. The DOE-USEC Agreement contains
specific project milestones relating to the American Centrifuge plant. Under the DOE-USEC
Agreement, if, for reasons within USECs control, USEC fails to meet one or more milestones and the
resulting delay would substantially impact USECs ability to begin commercial operations on
schedule, DOE could take a number of actions that could have a material adverse impact on USECs
business. These actions include terminating the DOE-USEC Agreement, recommending a reduction or
termination of USECs access to Russian LEU or the Paducah plant, revoking USECs access to DOEs
U.S. centrifuge technology that USEC requires for the success of the American Centrifuge project
and requiring us to transfer our rights in centrifuge technology and facilities to DOE
royalty-free, or supporting competing projects for production of LEU.
98
USEC is in discussions with DOE regarding the October 2006 project milestone under the
DOE-USEC Agreement of obtaining satisfactory reliability and performance data from Lead Cascade
operations. USEC made substantial progress towards meeting this milestone, having obtained
substantial satisfactory performance and reliability data with respect to centrifuges and related
systems. However, this data is principally from testing at Oak Ridge rather than from Lead Cascade
operations. USEC is also in discussions with DOE regarding the January 2007 milestone that requires
USEC to have secured a financing commitment for a 1 million SWU centrifuge plant.
Given the progress in the American Centrifuge program and the continuing strong commitment to
the project, USEC anticipates reaching a mutually acceptable agreement with DOE regarding
rescheduling of the October 2006, January 2007 and subsequent milestones. However, USEC cannot
provide any assurances that it will reach an agreement or that DOE will not assert its rights under
the agreement.
Settlement of Power Contract Ohio Valley Electric Corporation
In 2001 and prior years, USEC purchased electric power for the Portsmouth plant under a
contract with DOE. DOE acquired the power under a power purchase agreement with the Ohio Valley
Electric Corporation (OVEC). USEC ceased uranium enrichment operations at the Portsmouth plant in
2001 and the power purchase agreement was terminated in 2003. As a result of termination of the
power purchase agreement, DOE was 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. In 2004,
OVEC and DOE, and DOE and USEC, entered into agreements and settled all the issues relating to the
termination. Pursuant to the agreements, in 2004 USEC paid the previously accrued amount of $33.2
million representing its share of the postretirement health and decommissioning, demolition and
shutdown cost obligations.
Legal Matters
Environmental Matter
USEC and certain federal agencies were identified as potentially responsible parties under the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended (commonly known as
Superfund), for a site in Barnwell, South Carolina previously operated by Starmet CMI (Starmet),
one of USECs former contractors. In February 2004, USEC entered into an agreement with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clean up certain areas at Starmets Barnwell site. Under
the agreement, USEC was responsible for removing certain material from the site that was
attributable to quantities of depleted uranium USEC had sent to the site. In December 2005, the EPA
confirmed that USEC completed its clean up obligations under the agreement. USEC could incur
additional costs associated with its share of costs for cleanup of the Starmet site, resulting from
a variety of factors, including a decision by federal or state agencies to recover costs for prior
cleanup work or require additional remediation at the site.
DOE Contract Services Matter
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) asserted in a letter to USEC dated July 10, 2006 that
DOE may have sustained damages in an amount that exceeds $6.9 million under USECs contract with
DOE for the supply of cold standby services at the Portsmouth plant. DOJ indicated that it was
assessing possible violations of the Civil False Claims Act (FCA) and related claims in
connection with invoices submitted under that contract. USEC has responded to DOJs letter and has
been cooperating with DOJ and the DOE Office of Investigations with respect to their inquiries into
this matter. USEC continues to believe that the government does not have any legitimate bases for
asserting any FCA or related claims under the cold standby contract, and intends to defend
vigorously any such claim that might be asserted against it.
99
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 condition.
Lease Commitments
Operating costs incurred under the operating leases with DOE for the Paducah, Piketon, and Oak
Ridge facilities, and leases for office space and equipment amounted to $9.1 million in 2006, $10.8
million in 2005, and $8.2 million in 2004. Future estimated minimum lease payments and expected
lease administration payments follow (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
$ |
9.1 |
|
2008 |
|
|
7.4 |
|
2009 |
|
|
6.6 |
|
2010 |
|
|
5.7 |
|
2011 |
|
|
5.1 |
|
Thereafter |
|
|
67.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
101.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
Gaseous Diffusion Plant Lease
The lease of the Paducah gaseous diffusion plant located in Paducah, Kentucky and the
Portsmouth gaseous diffusion plant located in Piketon, Ohio (the GDPs), which are owned by the
U.S. government, is based on the lease agreement dated as of July 1, 1993 between the United States
Enrichment Corporation and DOE (the GDP Lease). 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 years notice. DOE retained
responsibility for decontamination and decommissioning of the gaseous diffusion plants. At
termination of the lease, USEC may leave the property in an 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 estimated and are accrued 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 $55.5 million at December
31, 2006 and $54.1 million at December 31, 2005.
American Centrifuge Plant Lease
On December 7, 2006, USECs wholly owned subsidiary, United States Enrichment Corporation
entered into a lease agreement with DOE for the lease of the gas centrifuge enrichment plant
facilities at Piketon, Ohio and related personal property which are owned by the U.S. government
(the GCEP Lease). The GCEP Lease is an amendment to the GDP Lease and will be subleased to USEC
Inc. The GCEP Lease applies only to the facilities and areas used for the American Centrifuge and
replaces a temporary lease with DOE for the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility that is
being terminated in accordance with its terms. The GCEP lease does not materially alter the lease
terms applicable to the GDPs.
100
The GCEP Lease covers facilities, areas and related personal property required for deployment
of the American Centrifuge demonstration facility and the American Centrifuge commercial plant.
Major provisions of the GCEP Lease include:
|
|
|
The initial term of the GCEP Lease expires June 30, 2009, but can be extended
under specified conditions by five years when an NRC license is issued for the American
Centrifuge Plant. After the first five-year extension, USEC has the option to extend the
lease term for additional five-year terms up to a date that is 36 years after the date the
NRC license is issued. Thereafter, USEC also has the right to extend the GCEP Lease for up
to an additional 20 years, through 2063, if it agrees to demolish the existing buildings
leased to USEC; |
|
|
|
|
USEC has the option, with DOEs consent, to expand the leased property to
meet its needs until the earlier of September 30, 2013 or the expiration or termination of
the GDP Lease; |
|
|
|
|
Rent is based on the cost of lease administration and regulatory oversight
and is initially estimated to be approximately $1.9 million per year, but is based on the
amount of administration and oversight needed; |
|
|
|
|
USEC must maintain any NRC required financial assurance and must also
maintain financial assurance for DOE in an amount equal to a current estimate of costs to
comply with lease turnover requirements that are not covered by the NRC financial
assurance; |
|
|
|
|
USEC may terminate the GCEP Lease upon three years notice. DOE may
terminate for default, including default under the Companys June 2002 agreement with DOE
(which includes milestones for demonstration and deployment of the American Centrifuge),
abandonment of the American Centrifuge project, and failure to operate at 1 million SWU per
year over a 2 year rolling average period (beginning the earlier of when the American
Centrifuge Plant reaches 3.5 million SWU capacity or four years after issuance of a license
from NRC for the American Centrifuge Plant); |
|
|
|
|
USEC owns all capital improvements and, unless otherwise consented by DOE,
must remove them at lease turnover; and |
|
|
|
|
DOE generally remains responsible for pre-existing conditions of the leased
facilities. USEC must return the leased facilities to DOE in a condition that meets NRC
requirements and is in the same condition as the facilities were in when they were leased
to United States Enrichment Corporation (other than due to normal wear and tear). |
Also as part of the amendment to the GDP Lease, on December 7, 2006, United States Enrichment
Corporation and DOE amended the Memorandum of Agreement between DOE and United States Enrichment
Corporation for Services, dated as of July 1, 1993 (the Services MOA). The Services MOA governs
services that United States Enrichment Corporation and DOE provide to one another in support of
each others activities at the GDPs, and was amended to also cover GCEP Lease services and to
clarify those captive services (such as provision of water) that United States Enrichment
Corporation provides to DOE on a cost basis.
Office Space and Equipment Leases
USEC has office space and equipment leases for our corporate headquarters in Bethesda,
Maryland through November 2016, for our NAC operations in Norcross, Georgia through February 2012,
and for a Washington DC office through June 2008.
101
DOE Technology License
On December 7, 2006, USEC entered into a license agreement with DOE which provides USEC with a
non-exclusive license in DOE inventions that pertain to enriching uranium using gas centrifuge
technology. The license provides for annual royalty payments beginning January 1, 2009 based on a
varying percentage (one percent up to two percent) of USECs annual revenues from sales of the SWU
component of LEU produced by USEC at the American Centrifuge Plant and any other facility using DOE
centrifuge technology. There is a minimum annual royalty payment of $100,000 and the maximum
cumulative royalty over the life of the license is $100 million.
12. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH AND LIFE BENEFITS
There are approximately 7,300 employees and retirees covered by defined benefit pension plans
providing retirement benefits based on compensation and years of service, and approximately 3,700
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. Pursuant to the supplemental executive retirement plans (SERP) and pension
restoration plan, USEC provides executive officers additional retirement benefits in excess of
qualified plan limits imposed by tax law.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, requiring the recognition in the balance sheet of the
overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability,
and an offsetting adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of
stockholders equity. SFAS No. 158 requires prospective application, and is effective beginning
with USECs financial statements at December 31, 2006. SFAS No. 158 requires balance sheet
recognition of net actuarial losses and prior service costs and benefits (items that are deferred
and recognized as net periodic benefit costs in the statement of income over time). SFAS No. 158
also requires that plan assets and benefit obligations be measured at the year-end balance sheet
date, which is consistent with USECs practice. SFAS No. 158 does not impact the measurement of
plan assets and benefit obligations, nor the determination of the amount of net periodic benefit
cost in the statement of income.
For USECs defined benefit pension plans and the postretirement health and life benefit plans,
the incremental effect of applying SFAS No. 158 is shown below. Pre-SFAS No. 158 amounts include
the effects of recording the additional minimum liability that would have been recognized at
December 31, 2006 (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-SFAS |
|
Adoption |
|
Post-SFAS |
|
|
No. 158 |
|
Adjustments |
|
No. 158 |
Pension asset |
|
$ |
85.8 |
|
|
$ |
(72.0 |
) |
|
$ |
13.8 |
|
Intangible asset |
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Pension benefit liability current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
Pension benefit liability long-term |
|
|
(13.0 |
) |
|
|
(7.2 |
) |
|
|
(20.2 |
) |
Postretirement health and life benefit obligations |
|
|
(146.7 |
) |
|
|
18.0 |
|
|
|
(128.7 |
) |
Deferred tax asset long-term |
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
26.9 |
|
|
|
27.7 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax |
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
35.6 |
|
|
|
36.6 |
|
102
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 |
|
|
|
Years Ended |
|
|
Years Ended |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Changes in Benefit Obligations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obligations at beginning of year |
|
$ |
742.2 |
|
|
$ |
701.1 |
|
|
$ |
202.7 |
|
|
$ |
253.8 |
|
Actuarial (gains) losses, net |
|
|
(16.9 |
) |
|
|
29.7 |
|
|
|
(7.5 |
) |
|
|
1.3 |
|
Plan amendments |
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(66.4 |
) |
Curtailment and special termination benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
Settlements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10.5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service costs |
|
|
18.3 |
|
|
|
16.7 |
|
|
|
4.7 |
|
|
|
7.2 |
|
Interest costs |
|
|
40.7 |
|
|
|
39.7 |
|
|
|
11.0 |
|
|
|
14.4 |
|
Gross benefits paid |
|
|
(40.6 |
) |
|
|
(34.1 |
) |
|
|
(8.9 |
) |
|
|
(7.7 |
) |
Less federal subsidy on benefits paid |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obligations at end of year |
|
|
744.4 |
|
|
|
742.2 |
|
|
|
202.2 |
|
|
|
202.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in Plan Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |
|
|
684.7 |
|
|
|
657.4 |
|
|
|
69.6 |
|
|
|
64.5 |
|
Actual return on plan assets |
|
|
77.5 |
|
|
|
52.9 |
|
|
|
7.1 |
|
|
|
4.7 |
|
USEC contributions |
|
|
16.1 |
|
|
|
8.5 |
|
|
|
5.7 |
|
|
|
8.1 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(40.6 |
) |
|
|
(34.1 |
) |
|
|
(8.9 |
) |
|
|
(7.7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |
|
|
737.7 |
|
|
|
684.7 |
|
|
|
73.5 |
|
|
|
69.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unfunded) status at end of year |
|
|
(6.7 |
) |
|
|
(57.5 |
) |
|
|
(128.7 |
) |
|
|
(133.1 |
) |
|
Adjustment prior to SFAS No. 158 application: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrecognized prior service costs (benefit) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
11.9 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
(66.4 |
) |
Unrecognized net actuarial losses |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
117.3 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
45.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net balance sheet amount |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
71.7 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
(153.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts recognized in assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noncurrent assets |
|
$ |
13.8 |
|
|
$ |
86.2 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
(17.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noncurrent liabilities |
|
|
(20.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(128.7 |
) |
|
|
(153.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(6.7 |
) |
|
$ |
68.3 |
|
|
$ |
(128.7 |
) |
|
$ |
(153.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts recognized in accumulated other
comprehensive income, pre-tax: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unfunded minimum pension liability |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
3.4 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
Net actuarial loss (gain) |
|
$ |
71.3 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
33.9 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
Prior service cost (credit) |
|
|
11.0 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
(51.9 |
) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
82.3 |
|
|
$ |
3.4 |
|
|
$ |
(18.0 |
) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumptions used to determine benefit
obligations at end of year: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount rate |
|
|
5.75 |
% |
|
|
5.50 |
% |
|
|
5.75 |
% |
|
|
5.50 |
% |
Compensation increases |
|
|
4.00 |
|
|
|
3.75 |
|
|
|
4.00 |
|
|
|
3.75 |
|
103
Projected benefit obligations for the defined benefit pension plans and the
postretirement health and life benefit plans were discounted at an annual rate of 5.75% to
determine the present values as of December 31, 2006. The discount rate is the estimated rate at
which the benefit obligations could be effectively settled on the measurement date taking into
account the nature and duration of the benefit obligations of the plans. The discount rate was
determined by taking the average of high quality corporate bond yields of different maturities
weighted by the amount and timing of our projected benefit payments.
In accordance with SFAS No. 158, the current liability for underfunded plans was measured as
the expected benefit payments for 2007 for each plan in excess of the fair value of the plan assets
at December 31, 2006. Therefore, the current liability reflects 2007 projected benefit payments for
SERP and the pension restoration plan.
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 obligation for all defined
benefit pension plans was $669.1 million at December 31, 2006 and $669.1 million at December 31,
2005. The accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit plan with an accumulated benefit
obligation in excess of the fair value of plan assets was $26.6 million at December 31, 2006, and
$28.3 million at December 31, 2005. Those plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess
of plan assets had plan assets with a fair value of $13.6 million at December 31, 2006 and $9.3
million at December 31, 2005.
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.
The Pension Protection Act eliminated the sunset provision of the Economic Growth and Tax
Reconciliation Relief Act (EGTRRA), which would have decreased the annual compensation back to an
indexed pre-EGTRRA amount. The impact was a net increase of $0.4 million in the liability and is
reflected as a plan amendment.
USEC began receiving federal subsidy payments in 2006 in connection with a change in Medicare
law affecting corporations that sponsor prescription drug benefits. The Medicare Prescription Drug
Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 provides prescription drug benefits under Medicare
(Medicare Part D) as well as federal subsidy payments to sponsors of plans that provide
prescription drug benefits that are at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. USEC in
consultation with its actuaries has determined that the prescription drug provisions of its
postretirement health benefit plan are at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D.
The change in the postretirement health and life benefit obligation for the year ended
December 31, 2005 reflects the institution of a $100,000 lifetime cap on post-age 65 claims for
medical and drug coverage under the postretirement health benefit plan. The institution of the cap
reduced the postretirement health benefit obligation by $66.4 million which will be amortized over
the average remaining years of service until full eligibility.
104
The components of net benefit costs for pension and postretirement health and life benefit
plans were as follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Postretirement Health |
|
|
|
Defined Benefit Pension Plans |
|
|
and Life Benefit Plans |
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Service costs |
|
$ |
18.3 |
|
|
$ |
16.7 |
|
|
$ |
14.6 |
|
|
$ |
4.7 |
|
|
$ |
7.2 |
|
|
$ |
7.3 |
|
Interest costs |
|
|
40.7 |
|
|
|
39.7 |
|
|
|
38.4 |
|
|
|
11.0 |
|
|
|
14.4 |
|
|
|
14.0 |
|
Expected return on plan assets (gains) |
|
|
(53.8 |
) |
|
|
(54.9 |
) |
|
|
(50.9 |
) |
|
|
(5.5 |
) |
|
|
(5.5 |
) |
|
|
(4.8 |
) |
Amortization of prior service costs (credit) |
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
|
|
|
(14.5 |
) |
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
|
|
(2.4 |
) |
Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses, net |
|
|
5.3 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
2.6 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
Settlements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Curtailment losses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net benefit costs |
|
$ |
12.2 |
|
|
$ |
2.1 |
|
|
$ |
5.9 |
|
|
$ |
(1.7 |
) |
|
$ |
16.8 |
|
|
$ |
15.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumptions used to determine net benefit costs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount rate |
|
|
5.50 |
% |
|
|
5.75 |
% |
|
|
6.00 |
% |
|
|
5.50 |
% |
|
|
5.75 |
% |
|
|
6.00 |
% |
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
8.00 |
|
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
|
8.00 |
|
|
|
8.50 |
|
|
|
8.50 |
|
Compensation increases |
|
|
3.75 |
|
|
|
3.75 |
|
|
|
4.00 |
|
|
|
3.75 |
|
|
|
3.75 |
|
|
|
4.00 |
|
The estimated net loss and prior service cost for the defined benefit pension plans
that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic pension benefit
cost during 2007 are $1.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively. The estimated net loss and prior
service cost credit for the postretirement health and life plans that will be amortized from
accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost during 2007 are $1.6 million
and $14.5 million, respectively.
The expected return on plan assets 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 |
|
|
Benefit Plans |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
Healthcare cost trend rate for the following year |
|
|
9 |
% |
|
|
9 |
% |
Long-term rate that the healthcare cost trend rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
gradually declines to |
|
|
5 |
% |
|
|
5 |
% |
Year that the healthcare cost trend rate is expected to
reach the long-term rate |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
105
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 |
|
$ |
10.1 |
|
|
$ |
(9.6 |
) |
Net benefit costs |
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
Benefit Plan Assets
The allocation of plan assets between equity and debt securities and the target
allocation range by asset category follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of |
|
Target |
|
|
Plan Assets |
|
Allocation |
|
|
December 31, |
|
Range |
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
Defined Benefit Pension Plans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity securities |
|
|
64 |
% |
|
|
66 |
% |
|
|
50-70 |
% |
Debt securities |
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
30-50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Postretirement Health and Life
Benefit Plans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity securities |
|
|
68 |
% |
|
|
66 |
% |
|
|
55-75 |
% |
Debt securities |
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
25-45 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit Plan Cash Flows
USEC expects cash contributions to the plans in 2007 will be as follows: $10.1 million for the
defined benefit pension plans and $3.3 million for the postretirement health and life benefit
plans.
Estimated future benefit plan payments and expected subsidies from Medicare follow (in
millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Postretirement |
|
Expected |
|
|
Defined Benefit |
|
Health and Life |
|
Subsidies |
|
|
Pension Plans |
|
Benefit Plans |
|
From Medicare |
2007 |
|
$ |
36.0 |
|
|
$ |
9.8 |
|
|
$ |
0.3 |
|
2008 |
|
|
37.0 |
|
|
|
11.2 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
2009 |
|
|
38.5 |
|
|
|
12.7 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
2010 |
|
|
40.0 |
|
|
|
14.2 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
|
2011 |
|
|
41.7 |
|
|
|
15.5 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
2012 to 2016 |
|
|
255.6 |
|
|
|
91.7 |
|
|
|
7.3 |
|
Other Plans
USEC sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution plan for employees. Employee contributions are
matched at established rates. Amounts contributed are invested in securities, and the funds are
administered by an independent trustee. USECs matching cash contributions amounted to $6.1 million
in 2006, $6.1 million in 2005, and $5.6 million in 2004. Under the 401(k) restoration plan,
executive officers contribute and USEC matches contributions in excess of amounts eligible under
the 401(k) plan. USECs matching contributions amounted to $0.1 million in 2006, less than $0.1
million in 2005, and $0.1 million in 2004.
106
13. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
USEC has stock-based compensation plans available to grant non-qualified stock options,
restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards and other stock-based awards to key
employees and non-employee directors. Stock-based compensation expense amounted to $4.3 million in
2006, $4.9 million in 2005, and $5.3 million in 2004.
In February 1999 and in April 2004, stockholders approved an aggregate amount of 14.1 million
shares of common stock for issuance under the USEC Inc. 1999 Equity Incentive Plan over a 10-year
period. There were 7,543,000 shares available for future awards under the plan at December 31, 2006
(excluding outstanding awards which terminate or are cancelled without being exercised or that are
settled for cash), including 5,051,000 shares available for grants of stock options and 2,492,000
shares available for restricted stock or restricted stock units, performance awards and other
stock-based awards. USECs practice is to issue shares under stock-based compensation plans from
treasury stock.
Effective January 1, 2006, USEC adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based
Payment, whereby compensation cost relating to share-based payments is recognized in the financial
statements. Accordingly, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the
fair value of the award, and is recognized over the requisite service period, which is either
immediate recognition if the employee is eligible to retire, or on a straight-line basis until the
earlier of either the date of retirement eligibility or the end of the nominal vesting period.
Prior to January 1, 2006, USEC accounted for share-based compensation in accordance with APB
Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, with pro forma disclosures in
accordance with SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation as amended by SFAS No. 148,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure. Under APB No. 25, USEC
recognized expense for restricted stock and restricted stock units in the income statement and
disclosed the fair value of compensation related to stock options and the employee stock purchase
plan. SFAS No. 123(R) requires USEC to expense all stock-based compensation, including restricted
stock, restricted stock units, stock options and costs associated with the employee stock purchase
plan.
Prior to adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), USEC used a straight-line amortization of stock-based
compensation over the nominal vesting period. Under SFAS No. 123(R), compensation cost for
stock-based awards granted after the adoption is recognized over the requisite service period. USEC
has determined that application of the nominal vesting period approach to the unvested outstanding
awards at the end of 2005 and application of the requisite service period approach to stock-based
compensation awarded beginning in 2006 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Under the modified prospective transition method, prior periods have not been revised for
comparative purposes. The valuation provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) apply to new grants and to grants
that were outstanding as of the effective date and are subsequently modified. Estimated
compensation for grants that were outstanding as of the effective date will be recognized over the
remaining service period using the compensation cost estimated for the pro forma disclosures under
SFAS No. 123.
107
On December 12, 2005, USEC accelerated the vesting of all outstanding and unvested stock
options with an exercise price greater than the closing price on December 12, 2005 of $12.41 per
share. Options to purchase 131,509 shares, including 21,000 shares held by non-employee directors,
having an exercise price of either $13.98 or $16.90 per share, became exercisable immediately as a
result of the vesting acceleration. The accelerated vesting did not result in the recognition of
compensation expense since the options had no intrinsic value. The primary purpose of the
acceleration was to eliminate the future compensation expense USEC would otherwise recognize in the
consolidated statements of income with respect to these options once SFAS No.123(R) became
effective in 2006. In addition, because these options had exercise prices in excess of current
market values, and were not fully achieving their original objectives of incentive compensation and
retention, the Board of Directors believed the acceleration might have a positive effect on morale,
retention, and perceptions of option value. The financial effect of this acceleration was to reduce
compensation expense in USECs pre-tax earnings by $0.3 million in 2006, $0.2 million in 2007 and
$0.1 million in 2008.
Stock Options
The intrinsic value of an option, if any, represents the excess of the fair value of the
common stock over the exercise price. The determination of the fair value of stock option awards is
affected by USECs stock price and a number of complex and subjective variables. Fair value is
estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which includes a number of assumptions
including USECs estimates of stock price volatility, employee stock option exercise behaviors,
future dividend payments, and risk-free interest rates.
The expected term of options granted is estimated as the average of the vesting term and the
contractual term of the option, as illustrated in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107,
Share-Based Payment. Future stock price volatility is estimated based on historical volatility
for the recent period equal to the expected term of the options. The risk-free interest rate for
the expected option term is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.
No cash dividends are expected in the foreseeable future and therefore an expected dividend yield
of zero is used in the option valuation model. Historical data are used to estimate pre-vesting
option forfeitures at the time of grant. Estimates for option forfeitures are revised in subsequent
periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The requirements of SFAS No. 123(R)
result in the recognition of compensation expense for stock option awards that are expected to
vest. USEC recognized expense of $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The impact of
adopting SFAS No. 123(R) was immaterial to basic and diluted earnings per share.
The assumptions used to value option grants in the three years ended December 31, 2006 follow:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
2004 |
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
3.8 |
% |
|
|
3.0 |
% |
Expected dividend yield |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
% |
|
|
7 |
% |
Expected volatility |
|
|
41 |
% |
|
|
42 |
% |
|
|
40 |
% |
Expected option life |
|
3.5 years |
|
|
3.5 years |
|
|
4.0 years |
|
Weighted-average grant date fair value |
|
$ |
4.21 |
|
|
$ |
4.07 |
|
|
$ |
1.60 |
|
108
Stock options vest or become exercisable in equal annual installments over a one to
three year period and expire 5 or 10 years from the date of grant. A summary of stock option
activity follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Weighted- |
|
|
Remaining |
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
Average |
|
|
Contractual |
|
|
Intrinsic Value |
|
|
|
(thousands) |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
Term (years) |
|
|
(millions) |
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
1,355 |
|
|
|
8.97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
288 |
|
|
|
12.28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
|
(292 |
) |
|
|
7.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited or expired |
|
|
(139 |
) |
|
|
15.10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
1,212 |
|
|
$ |
9.45 |
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
$ |
4.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
822 |
|
|
$ |
8.40 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
$ |
3.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $1.3 million, $4.8 million and $4.2
million during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively. Cash received from
the exercise of stock options during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $2.1
million, $5.4 million and $13.0 million, respectively.
Stock options outstanding and options exercisable at December 31, 2006, follow (options in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contractual Life in |
|
|
Stock Exercise Price |
|
|
Options Outstanding |
|
Years |
|
Options Exercisable |
$3.63 to $6.97 |
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
163 |
|
7.00 |
|
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
6.6 |
|
|
|
107 |
|
7.02 to 7.13 |
|
|
|
187 |
|
|
|
5.1 |
|
|
|
187 |
|
8.05 |
|
|
|
104 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
|
69 |
|
8.50 |
|
|
|
142 |
|
|
|
4.6 |
|
|
|
142 |
|
10.44 to 11.88 |
|
|
|
103 |
|
|
|
3.7 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
12.09 |
|
|
|
262 |
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
12.19 to 14.28 |
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
16.90 |
|
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
3.3 |
|
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,212 |
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
822 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
109
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
Compensation costs for grants of restricted stock and restricted stock units were originally
recognized in the financial statements under APB Opinion No. 25 and are now recognized under SFAS
No. 123(R). USEC recognized expense of $3.5 million, $4.8 million and $4.6 million for the years
ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. A new long-term incentive program was
established April 24, 2006, effective March 1, 2006. Under the new plan, the target award
denominated in shares of USEC stock is determined based on the average closing price of USECs
common stock in the calendar month prior to the beginning of the performance period. The awards are
then marked to market each period, with 80% of the adjustment based on the ending price of USECs
common stock. The remaining 20% is based on a market condition and is valued using a Monte Carlo
model. Compensation cost for these awards is generally recognized over a three-year service period.
The awards under the long-term incentive plan can be settled in cash or USEC stock, or can be
deferred for future settlement at the employees discretion. Since there is the potential for cash
settlement, the awards are classified as a liability. Non-employee directors are granted restricted
stock units as part of their compensation for serving on the Board of Directors. The restricted
stock units vest over one or three years.
The fair value of restricted stock is determined based on the closing price of USECs common
stock on the grant date. Compensation cost for restricted stock is amortized to expense on a
straight-line basis over the vesting period, which, depending on the grant, is amortized ratably
over a one-, three- or five-year period. Sale of such shares is restricted prior to the date of
vesting. A summary of restricted shares activity for the year ended December 31, 2006 follows
(shares in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grant-Date |
|
|
Shares |
|
Fair Value |
Restricted Shares at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
721 |
|
|
|
10.44 |
|
Granted |
|
|
249 |
|
|
|
12.25 |
|
Vested |
|
|
(117 |
) |
|
|
14.13 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(55 |
) |
|
|
13.11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted Shares at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
798 |
|
|
$ |
10.28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
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. This plan was amended in 2005 to provide that the purchase price is 85% of the market
price at the end of the six-month offer period and to institute a minimum holding period of one
year. Employees can elect to designate up to 10% of their compensation to purchase common stock
under the plan. The requirements of SFAS No. 123(R) result in the recognition of compensation costs
for the discounts provided under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. USEC recognized expense of $0.1
million for the year ended December 31, 2006 related to this plan. Shares purchased by employees
amounted to 57,000 in 2006, 455,000 in 2005, and 404,000 in 2004. At December 31, 2006, there were
147,000 remaining shares available for purchase under the plan.
Total Stock-Based Compensation
Total stock-based compensation resulted in an expense of $4.3 million, or $2.6 million after
tax, for the year ended December 31, 2006. Stock-based compensation costs capitalized as part of
the cost of inventory amounted to $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.
110
The following table illustrates the effect on net income for the years ended December 31, 2005
and 2004 under the pro forma disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 (in millions, except per share
data):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Net income, as reported |
|
$ |
22.3 |
|
|
$ |
23.5 |
|
Add Stock-based compensation expense
included in reported results, net of tax |
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
3.3 |
|
Deduct Stock-based compensation
expense determined under the fair-value
method, net of tax |
|
|
(6.0 |
) |
|
|
(5.1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net income |
|
$ |
19.3 |
|
|
$ |
21.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per share basic and diluted: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As reported |
|
$ |
.26 |
|
|
$ |
.28 |
|
Pro forma |
|
|
.22 |
|
|
|
.26 |
|
As of December 31, 2006, there was $6.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost,
adjusted for estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested stock-based payments granted, of which
$5.8 million relates to restricted shares and restricted stock units, and $0.9 million relates to
stock options. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years.
Tax Effect
Prior to the effective date of SFAS No. 123(R), the benefits of tax deductions in excess of
recognized compensation expense related to the exercise of stock options and disqualifying
dispositions are presented as operating cash flows on USECs consolidated statement of cash flows.
Effective January 1, 2006, in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), the gross windfall tax benefits are
classified as financing cash flows, and amounted to $0.4 million for the year ended December 31,
2006. USEC elected to use the long-form method to calculate its historical pool of windfall tax
benefits.
14. STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
Dividend Payments
Cash dividend payments at a quarterly rate of $.1375 per share amounted to $47.3 million in
2005 and $46.3 million in 2004. In February 2006, the Board of Directors voted to discontinue
paying a common stock dividend.
111
Common Stock
Changes in the number of shares of common stock outstanding follow (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Treasury |
|
Shares |
|
|
Issued |
|
Stock |
|
Outstanding |
Balance at December 31, 2003 |
|
|
100,320 |
|
|
|
(17,766 |
) |
|
|
82,554 |
|
Common stock issued |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,595 |
|
|
|
2,595 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2004 |
|
|
100,320 |
|
|
|
(15,171 |
) |
|
|
85,149 |
|
Common stock issued |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,422 |
|
|
|
1,422 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
|
|
100,320 |
|
|
|
(13,749 |
) |
|
|
86,571 |
|
Common stock issued |
|
|
|
|
|
|
571 |
|
|
|
571 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
|
|
100,320 |
|
|
|
(13,178 |
) |
|
|
87,142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 by a person or group.
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):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
United States |
|
$ |
1,109.5 |
|
|
$ |
1,074.1 |
|
|
$ |
918.2 |
|
Foreign: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Japan |
|
|
389.8 |
|
|
|
224.2 |
|
|
|
215.2 |
|
Other |
|
|
349.3 |
|
|
|
261.0 |
|
|
|
283.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
739.1 |
|
|
|
485.2 |
|
|
|
499.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,848.6 |
|
|
$ |
1,559.3 |
|
|
$ |
1,417.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other than the U.S. government, our 10 largest customers represented 53% of revenue and
our three largest customers represented 22% of revenue in 2006. Revenue from U.S. government
contracts represented 10% of revenue in 2006, 13% of revenue in 2005, and 12% of revenue in 2004.
No other customer represented more than 10% of revenue.
USEC has two reportable segments measured and presented through the gross profit line of the
income statement: the low enriched uranium (LEU) segment with two components, separative work
units (SWU) and uranium, and the U.S. government contracts segment. The LEU segment is USECs
primary business focus and includes sales of the SWU component of LEU, sales of both SWU and
uranium components of LEU, and sales of uranium. The U.S. government contracts segment includes
work performed for DOE and DOE contractors at the Portsmouth and Paducah plants as well as nuclear
energy solutions provided by NAC. Intersegment sales were less than
$0.1 million in 2006 and 2005
and have been eliminated in consolidation. There were no intersegment
sales in 2004.
112
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
(millions) |
|
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LEU segment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Separative work units |
|
$ |
1,337.4 |
|
|
$ |
1,085.6 |
|
|
$ |
1,027.3 |
|
Uranium |
|
|
316.7 |
|
|
|
261.3 |
|
|
|
224.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,654.1 |
|
|
|
1,346.9 |
|
|
|
1,251.3 |
|
U.S. government contracts segment |
|
|
194.5 |
|
|
|
212.4 |
|
|
|
165.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,848.6 |
|
|
$ |
1,559.3 |
|
|
$ |
1,417.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment Gross Profit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LEU segment |
|
$ |
304.9 |
|
|
$ |
198.5 |
|
|
$ |
179.7 |
|
U.S. government contracts segment |
|
|
32.0 |
|
|
|
31.0 |
|
|
|
14.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
336.9 |
|
|
|
229.5 |
|
|
|
194.1 |
|
Advanced technology costs |
|
|
105.5 |
|
|
|
94.5 |
|
|
|
58.5 |
|
Selling, general, and administrative |
|
|
48.8 |
|
|
|
61.9 |
|
|
|
64.1 |
|
Other, net |
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
6.3 |
|
|
|
(1.7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
178.7 |
|
|
|
66.8 |
|
|
|
73.2 |
|
Interest expense, net of interest income |
|
|
8.3 |
|
|
|
29.5 |
|
|
|
36.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
$ |
170.4 |
|
|
$ |
37.3 |
|
|
$ |
36.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LEU segment |
|
$ |
1,800.1 |
|
|
$ |
2,008.5 |
|
|
$ |
1,952.1 |
|
U.S. government contracts segment |
|
|
61.3 |
|
|
|
72.3 |
|
|
|
51.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,861.4 |
|
|
$ |
2,080.8 |
|
|
$ |
2,003.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USECs long-term or long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment and other
assets reported on the balance sheet at December 31, 2006, all of which were located in the United
States.
113
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 |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
361.3 |
|
|
$ |
525.3 |
|
|
$ |
417.8 |
|
|
$ |
544.2 |
|
|
$ |
1,848.6 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
269.3 |
|
|
|
445.7 |
|
|
|
365.7 |
|
|
|
431.0 |
|
|
|
1,511.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
92.0 |
|
|
|
79.6 |
|
|
|
52.1 |
|
|
|
113.2 |
|
|
|
336.9 |
|
Special charges (credit), net |
|
|
1.5 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.1 |
)(1) |
|
|
2.5 |
(1) |
|
|
3.9 |
(1) |
Advanced technology costs |
|
|
19.8 |
|
|
|
27.3 |
|
|
|
23.9 |
|
|
|
34.5 |
|
|
|
105.5 |
|
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
11.7 |
|
|
|
14.1 |
|
|
|
10.9 |
|
|
|
12.1 |
|
|
|
48.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
59.0 |
|
|
|
38.2 |
|
|
|
17.4 |
|
|
|
64.1 |
|
|
|
178.7 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
4.7 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
|
|
14.5 |
|
Interest (income) |
|
|
(1.8 |
) |
|
|
(0.5 |
) |
|
|
(1.7 |
) |
|
|
(2.2 |
) |
|
|
(6.2 |
) |
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
21.5 |
|
|
|
13.6 |
|
|
|
6.0 |
|
|
|
23.1 |
|
|
|
64.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
34.6 |
|
|
$ |
21.6 |
|
|
$ |
9.9 |
|
|
$ |
40.1 |
|
|
$ |
106.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per share basic and diluted |
|
$ |
.40 |
|
|
$ |
.25 |
|
|
$ |
.11 |
|
|
$ |
.46 |
|
|
$ |
1.22 |
|
Average number of shares outstanding basic |
|
|
86.3 |
|
|
|
86.6 |
|
|
|
86.7 |
|
|
|
86.8 |
|
|
|
86.6 |
|
Average number of shares outstanding diluted |
|
|
86.6 |
|
|
|
86.9 |
|
|
|
86.9 |
|
|
|
87.0 |
|
|
|
86.8 |
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
Dec. 31, |
|
|
Year |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2005 |
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
311.2 |
|
|
$ |
277.4 |
|
|
$ |
421.0 |
|
|
$ |
549.7 |
|
|
$ |
1,559.3 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
263.5 |
|
|
|
235.2 |
|
|
|
384.5 |
|
|
|
446.6 |
|
|
|
1,329.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
47.7 |
|
|
|
42.2 |
|
|
|
36.5 |
|
|
|
103.1 |
|
|
|
229.5 |
|
Special charges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.5 |
(1) |
|
|
2.8 |
(1) |
|
|
7.3 |
(1) |
Advanced technology costs |
|
|
22.7 |
|
|
|
23.9 |
|
|
|
20.5 |
|
|
|
27.4 |
|
|
|
94.5 |
|
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
15.2 |
|
|
|
14.0 |
|
|
|
12.3 |
|
|
|
20.4 |
|
|
|
61.9 |
|
Other (income) expense, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.0 |
)(2) |
|
|
(1.0 |
)(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
9.8 |
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
53.5 |
|
|
|
66.8 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
8.7 |
|
|
|
9.1 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
|
|
|
13.2 |
|
|
|
40.0 |
|
Interest (income) |
|
|
(1.9 |
) |
|
|
(3.2 |
) |
|
|
(2.3 |
) |
|
|
(3.1 |
) |
|
|
(10.5 |
) |
Provision (credit) for income taxes |
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
(2.3 |
) |
|
|
13.8 |
|
|
|
15.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
0.9 |
|
|
$ |
(3.0 |
) |
|
$ |
(5.2 |
) |
|
$ |
29.6 |
|
|
$ |
22.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share basic and diluted |
|
$ |
.01 |
|
|
$ |
(.03 |
) |
|
$ |
(.06 |
) |
|
$ |
.34 |
|
|
$ |
.26 |
|
Average number of shares outstanding basic |
|
|
85.5 |
|
|
|
86.2 |
|
|
|
86.3 |
|
|
|
86.5 |
|
|
|
86.1 |
|
Average number of shares outstanding diluted (3) |
|
|
86.0 |
|
|
|
86.2 |
|
|
|
86.3 |
|
|
|
86.9 |
|
|
|
86.6 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
In 2005, the plan to restructure headquarters and field operations resulted in special
charges of $7.3 million related to termination benefits. In 2006, special charges consisted of
a $1.5 million charge related to consolidation of office space in connection with the 2005
restructuring plan, credits of $0.2 million representing changes in estimate of costs for
termination benefits charged in 2005, and a $2.6 million impairment of an intangible asset
established in 2004 relating to the acquisition of NAC. |
|
(2) |
|
Other income in the three months and year ended December 31, 2005, includes $1.0 million from
customs duties paid to USEC as a result of trade actions. |
|
(3) |
|
No dilutive effect of stock compensation awards is recognized in those periods in which a net
loss has occurred. |
114
GLOSSARY
American Centrifuge An advanced uranium enrichment 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.
American Centrifuge Plant USECs planned commercial uranium enrichment facility using centrifuge
technology. USEC plans to install thousands of centrifuge machines and operate the facility in the
gas centrifuge enrichment plant buildings in Piketon, Ohio owned by DOE.
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 technology for enriching uranium by spinning uranium hexafluoride at high speed and
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
act created a governmen