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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

     
þ
  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005

or

     
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OF 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the transition period from            to

Commission file number 333-40076

Knowles Electronics Holdings, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
  36-2270096
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
1151 Maplewood Drive
Itasca, Illinois
(Address of principal executive offices)
   
60143
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(630) 250-5100

     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 whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ

 
 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

             
        Page  
PART I — Financial Information        
  Financial Statements Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004     2  
 
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004     3  
 
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004     4  
 
  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements     5  
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     17  
  Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk     24  
  Controls and Procedures     24  
PART II — Other Information        
Item 1
  Legal Proceedings — None        
Item 2
  Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds — None        
Item 3
  Defaults Upon Senior Securities - None        
Item 4
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders — None        
Item 5
  Other Information — None        
  Exhibits and Report on Form 8-K — None        
 
  Signatures        
 
  Certifications        
 Certification
 Certification

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Part I — Financial Information

KNOWLES ELECTRONICS HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
                 
    Three months ended  
    March 31,  
    2005     2004  
     
    (In thousands)  
Net sales
  $ 48,499     $ 45,328  
Cost of sales
    27,857       24,044  
     
Gross margin
    20,642       21,284  
Research and development expenses
    3,090       2,722  
Selling and marketing expenses
    2,874       2,490  
General and administrative expenses
    4,750       5,339  
Restructuring activity
    127       (86 )
     
Operating income
    9,801       10,819  
Other income (expense):
               
Interest income
    24       16  
Interest expense
    (8,876 )     (8,616 )
     
Income before income taxes
    949       2,219  
Income taxes
    711       942  
     
Net income
  $ 238     $ 1,277  
     

     See notes to these consolidated financial statements.

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Knowles Electronics Holdings, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands except share data)
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2005,     2004,  
     
    (unaudited)          
Assets
               
Cash & cash equivalents
  $ 18,690     $ 16,970  
Accounts receivable, net
    27,814       22,464  
Inventories, net
    28,602       29,421  
Prepaid expenses and other
    5,172       5,053  
     
Total current assets
    80,278       73,908  
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
               
Land
    2,688       2,688  
Building and improvements
    13,195       12,875  
Machinery and equipment
    70,990       69,827  
Furniture and fixtures
    25,750       25,408  
Construction in progress
    3,488       3,397  
     
Subtotal
    116,111       114,195  
Accumulated depreciation
    (62,763 )     (60,723 )
     
 
    53,348       53,472  
Net assets held for sale
    3,231       3,231  
Other assets, net
    1,140       1,045  
Deferred finance costs, net
    6,780       6,418  
     
Total assets
  $ 144,777     $ 138,074  
     
 
               
Liabilities and stockholders’ deficit
               
Accounts payable
  $ 16,092     $ 22,893  
Accrued compensation and employee benefits
    5,656       11,358  
Accrued interest payable
    10,290       4,945  
Accrued warranty and rebates
    1,511       1,866  
Accrued restructuring costs
    639       1,405  
Other liabilities
    1,896       1,945  
Income taxes
    3,497       4,120  
Deferred income taxes
    502       609  
Short term debt
    5,000       9,000  
     
Total current liabilities
    45,083       58,141  
 
               
Accrued pension liability
    13,928       13,639  
Other noncurrent liabilities
    1,209       1,019  
Notes payable
    317,869       298,793  
Preferred stock mandatorily redeemable in 2019 including accumulating dividends of: $135,290 March 2005; $127,842 December 2004
    320,290       312,842  
 
               
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
               
Common stock, Class A, $0.001 par value, 1,052,632 shares authorized, outstanding: 952,500 March 2005; 952,500 December 2004
    1       1  
Common stock, Class B, $0.001 par value, 52,632 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: none
           
Capital in excess of par value
    16,337       16,337  
Accumulated deficit
    (562,820 )     (555,610 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (7,120 )     (7,088 )
     
Total stockholders’ deficit
    (553,602 )     (546,360 )
     
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit
  $ 144,777     $ 138,074  
     

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Knowles Electronics Holdings, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
                 
    Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2003     2004  
    (in thousands)  
Operating Activities
               
Net income
  $ 238     $ 1,277  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    2,308       1,912  
Restructuring costs
    (766 )     (110 )
Amortization of deferred financing fees and debt discount
    544       430  
Inventory obsolescence provision
    245       703  
Deferred income taxes
    (107 )     (200 )
Loss on disposal of assets
    71        
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (5,350 )     (4,801 )
Inventories
    574       (268 )
Other assets
    (214 )     (761 )
Accounts payable
    (5,769 )     934  
Accrued interest payable
    5,345       5,594  
Accrued compensation and benefits
    (5,702 )     (2,752 )
Other current liabilities
    (404 )     (446 )
Other noncurrent liabilities
    479       1,092  
Income taxes payable
    (623 )     (601 )
 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (9,131 )     2,003  
 
               
Investing Activities
               
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment, net
    (3,287 )     (4,164 )
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (3,287 )     (4,164 )
 
               
Financing Activities
               
Debt payments - short term, net
    (4,000 )      
Debt proceeds - long term
    19,000        
Costs associated with debt
    (830 )      
Repurchase of common stock
          (150 )
 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    14,170       (150 )
 
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (32 )     15  
 
           
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    1,720       (2,296 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    16,970       11,227  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 18,690     $ 8,931  
 
           

     See notes to these consolidated financial statements.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In Thousands)

March 31, 2005 and 2004

(unaudited)

1.   Basis of Recapitalization and Presentation

     The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Knowles Electronics Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Company). All material intercompany accounts, transaction and profits are eliminated in consolidation.

     The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of our management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. The results for the period ended March 31, 2005 do not necessarily indicate the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2005. For further information, refer to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K dated for the year ended December 31, 2004.

     On June 23, 1999, the Company entered into a recapitalization agreement with Key Acquisition L.L.C. (the Investor), and the preexisting common stockholders’ of the Company. All of the membership interests of Key Acquisition LLC are held by limited partnerships for which Doughty Hanson & Co. Limited or its affiliates (“Doughty Hanson”) act as general partner. The recapitalization transaction (the Recapitalization) closed on June 30, 1999.

     The Recapitalization was treated as a leveraged recapitalization in which the issuance of the debt has been accounted for as a financing transaction, the sales and purchases of the Company’s stock have been accounted for as capital transactions at amounts paid or received, and no changes were made to the carrying values of the Company’s assets and liabilities.

2.   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     For the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, total comprehensive income amounted to $206 and $1,293, respectively. The difference between net income and comprehensive income is related to the Company’s foreign currency translation.

3.   New Accounting Standards

     In November 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs — an amendment of ARB No. 43 Chapter 4.” SFAS No. 151 more clearly defines when excessive idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and spoilage are to be current-period charges. In addition, SFAS No. 151 requires the allocation of fixed production overhead to the cost of conversion to be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company has reviewed the provisions of this standard, and does not expect SFAS No. 151 to have a material impact on the financial statements.

     In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment.” SFAS No. 123R supercedes APB No. 25, SFAS No. 123, as amended by SFAS No. 148, and related interpretations. Under SFAS No. 123R, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award and is required to be recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period. Under SFAS No. 123R, public companies would have been required to implement the standard as of the beginning of the first interim or annual period that begins after June 15, 2005. In April 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted a new rule amending the compliance dates of SFAS No. 123R to allow companies to implement SFAS No. 123R at the beginning of their next fiscal year, instead of the next reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005. The Company expects to adopt SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006. The Company has reviewed the provisions of this standard, and its adoption is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

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4.   Inventory

     Inventories are as follows:

                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2005     2004  
Raw materials
  $ 16,118     $ 15,627  
Work in process
    2,591       3,652  
Finished goods
    15,373       15,453  
     
 
    34,082       34,732  
 
               
Less allowances for :
               
Obsolescence and net realizable value
    (5,480 )     (5,311 )
     
 
  $ 28,602     $ 29,421  
     

5.   Notes Payable

     As part of the Recapitalization transaction, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement dated June 28, 1999 and amended and restated as of July 21, 1999, and further amended and otherwise modified from time to time, most recently as of March 10, 2005, with certain lenders (“1999 Credit Agreement”).

     The Company obtained an Eighth Amendment and Waiver dated as of March 10, 2005, to the 1999 Credit Agreement. The Eighth Amendment, among other things, permits the Company to incur an additional $10 million of unsecured indebtedness and increases for each period beginning December 31, 2004 through maturity of the loans, the maximum allowable leverage ration applicable to the Company under the 1999 Credit Agreement’s leverage ratio covenant.

     The 1999 Credit Agreement as amended consists of approximately $153 million, which provides for revolving loans of $15 million (“Revolving Credit Facility”) through June 30, 2006 (unless the B Facility is paid in full prior to such date in which case the Revolving Credit Facility will cease to exist and any amounts outstanding thereunder shall become due and payable), a B Facility of $90 million (“B Facility”), which matures on June 29, 2007, and a D Facility of $48 million (“D Facility”), which matures on June 29, 2007.

     The Revolving Credit Facility bears interest, at the Company’s option, at either: (1) one-, two-, three-, or six-month LIBOR plus 4.0%, or (2) the greater of the prime rate, a base certificate of deposit rate plus 1.00%, or the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% (the Alternate Base Rate), in each case plus an initial margin of 3%. The borrowings under this facility at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 was $5.0 million at an interest rate of 6.75% and $9.0 million at an interest rate of 6.4375%, respectively.

     The B Facility bears interest, at the Company’s option, at either: (1) one-, two-, three-, or six-month LIBOR plus 5.00%, or (2) Alternate Base Rate plus an initial margin of 4.00%. The D Facility bears currently payable interest, at the Company’s option, at either: (1) one-, two-, three-, or six-month LIBOR plus 7.25%, or (2) the greatest of the prime rate, a base certificate of deposit rate plus 1.0% or the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, in each case plus an initial margin of 6.25%. At March 31, 2005, the weighted average interest rate was 7.1875% for the B Facility and 9.5% for the D Facility.

     On December 20, 2004 the Company entered into an unsecured credit agreement (the “Xerion Credit Agreement”) with Xerion Partners II Master Fund Limited and other lenders from time to time a party thereto providing for borrowings up to $10 million to be used for general corporate purposes. The commitment to provide loans terminated January 31, 2005, and the Company borrowed $9.0 million before that date. Pursuant to the terms of the Xerion Credit Agreement, that credit agreement is deemed to be amended by the Eighth Amendment to the 1999 Credit Agreement to the same extent. The Company obtained Amendment One to the Xerion Credit Agreement March 29, 2005 which increased the facility by $10 million. Any borrowings under the Xerion Credit Agreement mature June 29, 2007. Except in certain limited specified cases,

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the loans bear interest at a one-, two-, three-, or six-month adjusted LIBOR plus 7.75%. At March 31, 2005, there was $19.0 million outstanding under the Xerion Credit Agreement at a weighted average interest rate of 10.92%.

     The balance under the 1999 Credit Agreement B and D Facilities, the 13 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes (“13 1/8% Notes”), the 10% Senior Subordinated Notes (“10% Notes”) and the Xerion Credit Agreement is as follows:

                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2005     2004  
     
1999 Credit Agreement:
               
B Facility
  $ 89,601     $ 89,601  
D Facility
    48,000       48,000  
13 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes, net
    151,268       151,192  
10% Senior Subordinated Notes
    10,000       10,000  
Xerion Credit Agreement
    19,000        
     
Total long-term notes payable
  $ 317,869     $ 298,793  
     

     The 13 1/8% Notes were issued in a private placement on October 1, 1999 and are due October 15, 2009 with interest payable semiannually at 13 1/8% commencing April 15, 2000. The Company subsequently exchanged all of the privately placed 13 1/8% Notes for a like amount of identical 13 1/8% Notes registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 20, 2000. The 13 1/8% Notes rank equally with all other unsecured senior subordinated indebtedness of the Company. The 13 1/8% Notes are junior to all of the Company’s current and future indebtedness, except indebtedness which is expressly not senior to the 13 1/8% Notes.

     The 10% Notes were issued in a private placement on August 29, 2002 and are due October 15, 2009 with interest payable semiannually at 10% commencing April 15, 2003. The 10% Notes rank equally with all other unsecured senior subordinated indebtedness of the Company. The 10% Notes were purchased by an affiliate of Doughty Hanson & Co., Ltd., a private equity concern which controls the equity of Knowles.

     The Company’s 1999 Credit Agreement and Xerion Credit Agreement requires that the Company comply with certain covenants and restrictions, including specific financial ratios that must be maintained. As of March 31, 2005, the Company is in compliance with these covenants. If future actual results are lower than planned the Company may be unable to comply with the debt covenants or make required debt service payments. Such inability could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. There are no assurances that the Company could favorably resolve such a situation.

     As security for the obligations under the 1999 Credit Agreement the Company has pledged all of the shares of its U.S. subsidiaries and 65% of the shares of its non-U.S. subsidiaries and has granted the lenders a security interest in substantially all of its assets and the assets of its U.S. subsidiaries.

     The 13 1/8% Notes and 10% Notes (collectively “Subordinated Notes”) are unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by the following wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries of the Company: Knowles Electronics LLC, Knowles Intermediate Holding, Inc., Knowles Electronics Sales Corp. and Knowles Manufacturing Ltd. The following tables present summarized balance sheet information of the Company as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, summarized income statements for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, and summarized cash flow information for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004. The column labeled “Parent Company” represents the holding company for each of the Company’s direct subsidiaries, which are guarantors of the Subordinated Notes, all of which are wholly owned by the parent company; and the column labeled “Non-guarantors” represents wholly owned subsidiaries of the Guarantors, which are not guarantors of the Subordinated Notes. Pursuant to a contribution agreement effective August 30, 1999, Knowles Electronics, Inc., recognized in prior periods as the Parent Company, contributed substantially all of its operating assets and liabilities (other than the capital stock of Knowles Intermediate Holding, Inc. and certain foreign subsidiaries and Knowles Electronics, Inc.’s liabilities under the Senior Credit Agreement and Subordinated Notes) to Knowles Electronics, LLC. As a result of this reorganization, Knowles Electronics, Inc., which changed its name to Knowles Electronics Holdings, Inc., is now a holding

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company that does not conduct any significant operations. The Company believes that separate financial statements and other disclosures regarding the Guarantors, except as otherwise required under Regulation S-X, are not material to investors.

     Summarized balance sheet information as of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, summarized income statement for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, and summarized cash flow information for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 is as follows:

                                         
    March 31, 2005  
    Parent     Guarantors     Non-Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 5,652     $ 10,436     $ 2,602     $     $ 18,690  
 
                                       
Accounts receivable, net
          49,987       96,426       (118,599 )     27,814  
 
                                       
Inventories, net
          7,218       21,384             28,602  
 
                                       
Other current assets
          3,942       1,230             5,172  
 
                                       
Net property, plant and equipment
          15,721       37,627             53,348  
 
                                       
Net assets held for sale
          3,231                   3,231  
 
                                       
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries
    101,346       374,660       60       (476,066 )      
 
                                       
Deferred finance costs, net
    6,780                         6,780  
 
                                       
Other non-current assets
          196       944             1,140  
     
 
                                       
Total assets
  $ 113,778     $ 465,391     $ 160,273     $ (594,665 )   $ 144,777  
     
 
                                       
Accounts payable
  $     $ 41,892     $ 92,575     $ (118,375 )   $ 16,092  
 
                                       
Accrued restructuring costs
          639                   639  
 
                                       
Advances from parent
    226,827       86,032       340       (313,199 )      
 
                                       
Other current liabilities
    10,289       10,217       2,569       (225 )     22,850  
 
                                       
Short term debt
    5,000                         5,000  
 
                                       
Deferred income taxes
                502             502  
 
                                       
Noncurrent liabilities
          11,230       3,907             15,137  
 
                                       
Notes payable
    317,869                         317,869  
 
                                       
Preferred stock
    320,290                         320,290  
 
                                       
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)
    (766,497 )     315,381       60,380       (162,866 )     (553,602 )
     
 
                                       
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
  $ 113,778     $ 465,391     $ 160,273     $ (594,665 )   $ 144,777  
     

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    December 31, 2004  
    Parent     Guarantors     Non-Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 625     $ 10,053     $ 6,292     $     $ 16,970  
 
                                       
Accounts receivable, net
          40,089       80,621       (98,246 )     22,464  
 
                                       
Inventories, net
          8,222       21,199             29,421  
 
                                       
Other current assets
          3,398       1,655             5,053  
 
                                       
Net property, plant and equipment
          17,481       35,991             53,472  
 
                                       
Net assets held for sale
          3,231                   3,231  
 
                                       
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries
    101,346       380,928       60       (482,334 )      
 
                                       
Deferred finance costs, net
    6,418                         6,418  
 
                                       
Other non-current assets
          197       848             1,045  
     
 
                                       
Total assets
  $ 108,389     $ 463,599     $ 146,666     $ (580,580 )   $ 138,074  
     
 
                                       
Accounts payable
  $     $ 40,028     $ 80,886     $ (98,021 )   $ 22,893  
 
                                       
Accrued restructuring costs
          1,405                   1,405  
 
                                       
Advances from parent
    233,090       86,027       350       (319,467 )      
 
                                       
Other current liabilities
    4,944       14,669       4,846       (225 )     24,234  
 
                                       
Short term debt
    9,000                         9,000  
 
                                       
Deferred income taxes
                609             609  
 
                                       
Noncurrent liabilities
          10,844       3,814             14,658  
 
                                       
Notes payable
    298,793                         298,793  
 
                                       
Preferred stock
    312,842                         312,842  
 
                                       
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)
    (750,280 )     310,626       56,161       (162,867 )     (546,360 )
     
 
                                       
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
  $ 108,389     $ 463,599     $ 146,666     $ (580,580 )   $ 138,074  
     

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    Three Months Ended March 31, 2005  
    Parent     Guarantors     Non-guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
Net sales
  $     $ 42,305     $ 73,600     $ (67,406 )   $ 48,499  
Cost of sales
          28,568       66,418       (67,129 )     27,857  
     
Gross margin
          13,737       7,182       (277 )     20,642  
Selling, research and administrative expenses
          8,784       2,207       (277 )     10,714  
Restructuring activity
          100       27             127  
     
Operating income
          4,853       4,948             9,801  
Other income (expense):
                                       
Interest income
          11       15       (2 )     24  
Interest expense
    (8,876 )           (2 )     2       (8,876 )
     
Income (loss) before taxes
    (8,876 )     4,864       4,961             949  
Income taxes
                711             711  
     
Net income (loss)
  $ (8,876 )   $ 4,864     $ 4,250     $     $ 238  
     
                                         
    Three Months Ended March 31, 2004  
    Parent     Guarantors     Non-guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
Net sales
  $     $ 39,924     $ 49,015     $ (43,611 )   $ 45,328  
Cost of sales
          24,752       42,683       (43,391 )     24,044  
     
Gross margin
          15,172       6,332       (220 )     21,284  
Selling, research and administrative expenses
          8,754       2,015       (218 )     10,551  
Restructuring activity
          (86 )                 (86 )
     
Operating income
          6,504       4,317       (2 )     10,819  
Other income (expense):
                                       
Interest income
          7       185       (176 )     16  
Interest expense
    (8,858 )     71       (2 )     173       (8,616 )
     
Income (loss) before taxes
    (8,858 )     6,582       4,500       (5 )     2,219  
Income taxes
                (942 )           (942 )
     
Net income (loss)
  $ (8,858 )   $ 6,582     $ 3,558     $ (5 )   $ 1,277  
     

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    Three Months Ended March 31, 2004  
    Parent     Guarantors     Non-guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
Net cash used in operating activities
  $ (2,880 )   $ (3,714 )   $ (2,537 )   $     $ (9,131 )
 
                                       
Purchases of property , plant and equipment, net
          (2,171 )     (1,116 )           (3,287 )
     
 
                                       
Net cash (used in) investing activities
          (2,171 )     (1,116 )           (3,287 )
 
                                       
Debt proceeds - long term
    19,000                         19,000  
 
                                       
Debt payments - short term, net
    (4,000 )                       (4,000 )
 
                                       
 
                                       
Costs associated with debt
    (830 )                       (830 )
 
                                       
Intercompany loans
    (6,263 )     6,268       (5 )            
     
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    7,907       6,268       (5 )           14,170  
 
                                       
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
                (32 )             (32 )
     
 
                                       
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    5,027       383       (3,690 )           1,720  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    625       10,053       6,292             16,970  
     
 
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 5,652     $ 10,436     $ 2,602     $     $ 18,690  
     
                                         
    Three Months Ended March 31, 2004  
    Parent     Guarantors     Non-guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (2,837 )   $ 6,049     $ (1,209 )   $     $ 2,003  
Purchases of property , plant and equipment, net
          (1,917 )     (2,247 )           (4,164 )
     
Net cash used in investing activities
          (1,917 )     (2,247 )           (4,164 )
Common stock transactions
    (150 )                       (150 )
Intercompany loans
    2,596       (3,256 )     660              
     
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    2,446       (3,256 )     660             (150 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
                15               15  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (391 )     876       (2,781 )           (2,296 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    866       5,627       4,734             11,227  
     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 475     $ 6,503     $ 1,953     $     $ 8,931  
     

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6.   Segment Information

     The Company’s business consists of one operating segment known as Microacoustics. The Microacoustic operating segment utilizes the Company’s acoustic technologies to design, manufacture, and market transducers and other components for hearing aids, mobile communications and computer telephony integration telematics (voice controlled wireless services delivered to an automobile environment).

     The Company uses consolidated financial information to assess performance and make resource allocation decisions.

7.   Restructuring Expenses

November 2003 Elgin, Illinois Restructure

     The Company announced the closure of its Elgin, Illinois facility in November of 2003, which it completed in September of 2004. Operations were shifted to facilities in China, Malaysia and Itasca, Illinois, with 76 positions at the Elgin facility being eliminated. Facility consolidation costs represent employee training costs. The following table presents the restructure costs and payments for the period.

                 
            Accrued  
    Restructure     Restructure  
    Expense     Liability  
Balance December 31, 2004
  $     $ 1,405  
Facility consolidation costs
    127       127  
Facility consolidation payments
          (127 )
Employee severance and outplacement payments
          (766 )
     
Balance March 31, 2005
  $ 127     $ 639  
     

8.   Commitments and Contingencies

     Synchro-Start Divestiture Indemnifications In connection with the 2003 sale of the Synchro-Start business, the Company has agreed to indemnify certain tax obligations arising out of tax audits or administrative or court proceedings relating to tax returns for any periods ending on or prior to the closing date of the sale. The Company has also agreed to indemnify certain liabilities, losses or claims arising from presale operations, limited such that the Company is not liable for total claims under $0.3 million, is fully liable for claims totaling between $0.3 and $7.5 million, is 50% liable for total claims between $7.5 million and $12.5 million and is not liable for total claims exceeding $12.5 million. Proceeds from the Synchro-Start sale included $2.5 million in escrow for potential indemnification obligations, of which the Company received $2.0 million in September 2004 and the remaining $0.5 million in April 2005.

     Retention Incentive Plan. In 2003 the Company established the Retention Incentive Plan to provide key management employees with an incentive to remain in the employ of the Company. The Plan provides for a Retention Bonus Pool of $4.0 million to be paid on the earlier of an initial public offering, sale of the Company or August 31, 2008. In 2004 the Company established the Asia Retention Incentive Plan to provide key management employees with an incentive to remain in the employ of the Company which provides for a Retention Bonus Pool of $400 to be paid on the earlier of an initial public offering, sale of the Company or August 31, 2008.

     Other Commitments and Contingencies The Company is involved in various lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings including patent and commercial matters that are in the ordinary course of business. The Company cannot at this time estimate with any certainty the impact of such matters on its financial position.

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     Product Warranties The Company provides an accrual for estimated future warranty costs at the time products are sold and periodically adjusts the accrual to reflect actual experience. The warranty on products sold generally extends from one to three years.

     Changes in the Company’s accrual for warranty during the period are as follows:

         
    2004  
Balance December 31, 2004
  $ 564  
Settlements made during the period
    (120 )
Provision for warranty liability on sales
    131  
Adjustments in estimates for pre-existing warranties
     
 
     
Balance March 31, 2005
  $ 575  
 
     

9.   Retirement Plans

     Components of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended March 31, 2005 are as follows:

                                 
    U.S. Plans     Foreign Plans  
    2005     2004     2005     2004  
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
                               
Service cost
  $ 354     $ 381     $ 126     $ 64  
Interest cost
    950       843       185       164  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,100 )     (1,000 )     (150 )     (155 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    20       20             (1 )
Amortization of transitional asset
                4       3  
Recognized actuarial (gain) or loss
                107       87  
Expected contributions from employees
                (12 )     (11 )
         
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 224     $ 244     $ 260     $ 151  
         

     Through April 2005, the Company made contributions of $229 to its U.S. defined benefit plan.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     We are a leading international manufacturer of technologically advanced products in micro-acoustics. We have leveraged our core competency in acoustic technology to build expertise in hearing aid transducers, electromechanical components, low voltage integrated circuit design, micro-electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) design and precision manufacturing.

Quarter Ended March 31, 2005 Compared to Quarter Ended March 31, 2004

The table below shows the principal line items from our consolidated income statements for the three months ending March 31.

                                 
    Three Months Ended     Increase/decrease  
    March 31,     from prior year  
($000s)   2005     2004     Amount     %  
Net sales
  $ 48,499     $ 45,328     $ 3,171       7.0 %
Cost of sales
    27,857       24,044       3,813       15.9 %
 
                         
Gross margin
    20,642       21,284     $ (642 )     -3.0 %
 
    42.6 %     47.0 %                
 
                               
Research and development expenses
    3,090       2,722       368       13.5 %
Selling and marketing expenses
    2,874       2,490       384       15.4 %
General and administrative expenses
    4,750       5,339       (589 )     -11.0 %
 
                         
Total operating expenses
  $ 10,714     $ 10,551     $ 163       1.5 %
 
                               
Restructuring activities
    127       (86 )     213       -247.7 %
 
                         
 
                               
Operating income
  $ 9,801     $ 10,819     $ (1,018 )     -9.4 %
Interest income
    24       16       8       50.0 %
Interest expense
    (8,876 )     (8,616 )     (260 )     3.0 %
 
                         
Income before income taxes
    949       2,219       (1,270 )     -57.2 %
Income tax
    711       942       (231 )     -24.5 %
 
                         
 
                               
Net income
  $ 238     $ 1,277     $ (1,039 )     -81.4 %
 
                         
 
                               
EBITDA
  $ 12,109     $ 12,731     $ (622 )     -4.9 %

     EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and is presented solely as a supplemental disclosure because we believe that it is a widely used measure of operating performance and because of debt covenants based on a defined EBITDA.

                                 
    Three Months Ended     Increase/decrease  
    March 31,     from prior year  
($000s)   2005     2004     Amount     %  
Net income
  $ 238     $ 1,277     $ (1,039 )     -81.4 %
Depreciation
    2,308       1,912       396       20.7 %
Interest expense, net
    8,852       8,600       252       2.9 %
Income tax expense
    711       942       (231 )     -24.5 %
                   
EBITDA
  $ 12,109     $ 12,731     $ (622 )     -4.9 %
 
                         

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     Sales increased $3.2 million or 7% in the first quarter 2005 compared to the same quarter of 2004. The increase in sales is primarily due to increased sales of the company’s innovative silicon microphone (“Sisonic”).

     Cost of sales as a percent of sales increased by 4.4% or $3.8 million in the first quarter of 2005 compared to the same period the prior year. The increase in costs in both dollar and percentage terms is primarily associated with higher sales of lower margin Sisonic product line and unfavorable mix of products sold, resulting in a lower gross margin percentage.

     Research and development expenses in the first quarter of 2005 were 13.5% higher than in the same period in the prior year, primarily due to higher spending on Sisonic related projects. Sales and marketing expenses increased 15.4% primarily to support new products. General and administrative expenses decreased by 11.0% primarily due to lower depreciation on software and lower legal expenses. Total operating expenses increased slightly by $0.2 million, or 1.5%.

     Restructuring expenses of $0.1 million were recorded in the first quarter related to training costs associated with the closure of our Elgin, Illinois facility and the transfer of activities to our China, Malaysia and Itasca, Illinois locations. The Elgin facility closed in September 2004.

     Operating income in the first quarter of 2005 decreased by $1.0 million or 9.4% from the first quarter of 2004 due to unfavorable product mix, increased restructure costs and slightly higher operating expenses.

     In connection with our June 1999 recapitalization, we currently have significant senior debt and senior subordinated debt. Net interest expense increased by $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2005 compared to the first quarter of 2004 primarily due to higher debt levels in the current year.

     Income tax was $0.7 million of expense in the first quarter of 2005 compared to $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2004. We are providing tax consistent with the expected taxes in foreign locations.

     We reported net income of $0.2 million for the first quarter of 2005 compared to net income of $1.3 million in the same period the prior year, a decrease of $1.0 million primarily due to unfavorable product mix, increased restructure costs and slightly higher operating expenses.

     The key measurement used by management to gauge the profitability of the business is EBITDA, which decreased by $0.6 million or 4.9% in the first quarter of 2005 to $12.1 million compared to $12.7 million in the first quarter of 2004. The decline in EBITDA is due to the decline in operating income partly offset by an increase in depreciation expense, which is excluded from EBITDA.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     We have historically used available funds for capital expenditures and working capital management. These funds have been obtained from operating activities and from lines of credit. We also will have substantial interest expense of approximately $35 to $38 million each year.

     We are a holding company. Our subsidiaries conduct substantially all of our consolidated operations and own substantially all of our consolidated assets. Consequently, our cash flow and our ability to meet our debt service obligations depends substantially upon the cash flow of our subsidiaries and the payment of funds by our subsidiaries to us in the form of loans, dividends or otherwise.

     In association with its recapitalization on June 30, 1999 the Company borrowed $200 million under the 1999 Credit Agreement in two facilities, an A Facility of $50 million and a B Facility of $150 million. On June 30, 1999, the Company also borrowed $153.2 million under a senior subordinated note agreement. The Company borrowed an additional $10 million in Senior Subordinated Debt in August 2002, as required under the Amendment and Waiver to the 1999 Credit Agreement dated May 10, 2002. On March 25, 2003, the Company entered into the Fifth Amendment of the 1999 Credit Agreement. The Fifth Amendment refinanced $31.7 million of the 1999 Credit Agreement, replacing the balance of the original A Facility with a C Facility and revising certain terms and conditions of the 1999 Credit Agreement. In May 2003 the Company obtained Amendment Number Six and Waiver that approved the sale of Synchro-Start and Ruwido under certain conditions. The Company completed the sale of the Synchro Start division May 30, 2003 and prepaid $42 million of B Facility loans.

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An additional prepayment of $2.3 million related to the Synchro Start sale was made in November 2003. The Company completed the sale of Ruwido in July 2003 and prepaid $1 million of the B Facility in July 2003.

     On April 14, 2004 the Company obtained a Seventh Amendment to the 1999 Credit Agreement which replaced the $36 million C Facility with a $48 million D Facility at reduced interest rates and more favorable terms. The D Facility bears interest at the Company’s option of a LIBOR rate plus 7.25% or the U.S. prime rate plus 6.25%. On the date of the refinancing, the applicable rate of the D Facility was 8.35% compared to the rate of 18.5% in the C Facility. The Company paid a related prepayment penalty of $1.1 million to the C Facility debtholders.

     In January 2005 the Company borrowed $9.0 million of unsecured indebtedness under the Xerion Credit Agreement dated as of December 20, 2004.

     On March 10, 2005 the Company obtained an Eighth Amendment to its 1999 Credit Agreement. The Eighth Amendment, among other things, allows the Company to incur an additional $10 million of unsecured indebtedness and for each period beginning December 31, 2004 through maturity of the loans, increases the maximum allowable leverage ratio applicable to the Company under the Credit Agreement’s leverage ratio covenant. The Company borrowed an additional $10 million of unsecured indebtedness under the Xerion Credit Agreement in March 2005.

     Under the amended terms of the 1999 Credit Agreement, the Company must maintain certain financial ratios. The two primary ratios the Company must maintain are the leverage ratio, which is total net debt divided by EBITDA and the interest coverage ratio, which is EBITDA divided by net cash interest expense. The Company is required to maintain its leverage ratio below a specified level and its interest coverage ratio above a specified level.

     For purposes of calculating the required ratios, under the amended terms of the 1999 Credit Agreement, EBITDA excludes up to $7.5 million in cash charges related to the nonrecurring costs of restructuring overhead in the three year period 2003 through 2005. These restructuring costs were related to the Company’s closure of its Elgin facility and other activities to reduce overhead costs. To date, cash charges of $7.4 million have been incurred relating to this restructuring.

The required ratios as amended in the Seventh and Eighth Amendment for future year-ends are as follows:

                 
    Required     Required Interest  
    Leverage     Coverage  
    Ratio     Ratio  
December 31, 2005
    6.75       1.35  
December 31, 2006
    6.00       1.45  

     We expect to be able to comply with the required covenants. However, our ability to meet these covenants is highly dependent upon market and competitive conditions. If future results are lower than planned, the company may be unable to comply with the debt covenants or make required debt service payments. Such inability could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

     The Credit Agreement as amended provides total credit of $152.6 million, including a $15 million in Revolving Credit facility that had an outstanding balance of $5.0 million as of March 31, 2005. The following table summarizes the Company’s actual credit amounts outstanding as of March 31, 2005:

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Total Credit Outstanding as of March 31, 2005

$ millions

         
Revolving Credit Facility
  $ 5.0  
B Facility
    89.6  
D Facility
    48.0  
 
     
Total 1999 Credit Agreement
    142.6  
Xerion Credit Agreement
    19.0  
13 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009, net
    151.3  
10% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009
    10.0  
 
     
Total Credit Outstanding as of March 31, 2005
  $ 322.9  
 
     
 
       
Classified as follows -
       
Short Term Debt
  $ 5.0  
Notes Payable
  $ 317.9  

     Interest rates on the Revolving Credit Facility are 4 percentage points above LIBOR. Interest on the B Facility bears interest (at the Company’s option) at either: 1.) LIBOR plus 5.0% or 2.)U.S. Prime Rate plus 4.0%. The D facility bears interest, at the Company’s option at either 1.) LIBOR plus 7.25% or 2.) Prime Rate plus 6.25%.The Xerion Credit Agreement bears interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 7.75%. (See Consolidated Financial Statement Note 5 – Notes Payable).

     The principal on the Revolving Credit Facility and the B Facility is due in four principal payments from September 30, 2006 to September 29, 2007. The D Facility is payable in full on June 29, 2007. Borrowings under the Xerion Credit Agreement are due on June 29, 2007.

     The table below summarizes the principal line items from our Statement of Cash Flows for the period ending March 31, 2005 compared to the period ending March 31, 2004.

                 
    Three Months Ended March 31,  
$ millions   2005     2004  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (9.2 )   $ 2.0  
 
               
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment
    (3.3 )     (4.2 )
 
               
Debt proceeds - long term
    19.0        
Debt payments - short term, net
    (4.0 )      
Costs associated with debt
    (0.8 )      
Repurchase of common stock
          (0.1 )
 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
  $ 14.2     $ (0.1 )
 
               
     
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1.7     $ (2.3 )
     

     Net cash provided by operating activities from operating activities was a use of cash of $9.2 million in the first three months of 2005 compared to a source of cash of $2.0 million from operating activities in the first three months of 2004. Operating activities were a use of cash in the current year primarily because of an increase in accounts receivable, a decrease in accounts payable and payment of annual incentives during the three months ending March 31, 2005. The increase in accounts receivable in the current year of $5.4 million was consistent with the increase of $4.8 million in the prior year and was primarily caused by the timing of sales within the quarter. The decrease of $5.8 million in accounts payable in the

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current year compared to an increase of $0.9 million in the first three months of the prior year was due to the high level of inventory purchases and investments in plant, property and equipment in the fourth quarter of 2004. Accrued liabilities for compensation and benefits was a use of cash of $5.7 million in the current year and $2.8 million in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to the payment of annual incentive compensation programs and payout of the terminated deferred compensation program.

     Purchases of property, plant and equipment were $3.3 million in the first three months of 2005 compared to $4.2 in the first three months of the prior year, primarily related to increases in capacity of the Silicon Microphone and new product introductions.

     Net cash from financing activities was $14.2 million in the first three months of 2005. Borrowings under the Xerion Credit Agreement was $19 million in the quarter. The Revolving Credit Facility’s December 31, 2004 balance of $9.0 million was repaid early in the quarter with subsequent borrowing of $5.0 million later in the quarter in order to fund normal working capital requirements.

     We expect capital expenditures of $12 to $15 million in 2005, funded by operating activities and lines of credit. We expect our major capital expenditures in 2005 will primarily be to support increased capacity, especially for the Sisonic product line and new product introductions. The amount and timing of actual capital expenditures may be different than our current expectations.

Forward-Looking Statements

     This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the Company’s current plans and expectations as of the date of this document and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Generally, the words “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “will” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

     Important factors that could cause such differences include, among others: general economic conditions in the U.S. and worldwide; fluctuations in currency exchange rates and interest rates; dependence on our largest customers and key suppliers; the competitive environment applicable to the Company’s operations; greater than expected expenses associated with the Company’s activities or personnel needs; changes in accounting assumptions; changes in customers’ business environments; implementation of new software systems; regulatory, legislative and judicial developments, including environmental regulations; ability to generate sufficient liquidity to service debt obligations; and ability to maintain compliance with debt covenants.

     The risks included here are not exhaustive. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors or to assess the impact of such risk factors on the Company’s business. Accordingly, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks. Our revenues are primarily denominated in the U.S. dollar. During the first three months of 2005, approximately 93% of our revenue was denominated in U.S. dollars, approximately 5% was denominated in Japanese Yen and the balance denominated in other foreign currencies. None of the revenue that is earned in foreign currencies is hedged. Some of our expenses are denominated in the local currencies of the United Kingdom, China, Japan, Malaysia and Taiwan, none of which are hedged. A number of the currencies in which are expenses are

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denominated are closely tied to the U.S. Dollar. China has had a managed floating exchange rate since 1994 and the exchange rate to the U.S. Dollar has been effectively fixed since 1996. Malaysia has practiced a fixed exchange rate regime since 1998 and the exchange rate to the U.S. Dollar has been effectively fixed since then. If the China Renminbi were to appreciate 10% against the U.S. Dollar, the Company estimates its Renminbi denominated costs would increase approximately $2.6 million. Similarly, a 10% appreciation of the Malaysia Ringgit would increase its Ringgit denominated costs approximately $2.3 million.

     We do not invest in speculative or derivative financial instruments. We have significant amounts of debt that are subject to interest rate fluctuation risk. The amounts outstanding under the term loans of the 1999 Credit Agreement have variable interest rates and, therefore, adjust to market conditions. An increase or a decrease of 1 percentage point in the interest rate of the loans under the Credit Agreement would change our annual interest expense by $0.9 million. We have $153.2 million outstanding in 13 1/8% notes due in 2009. The estimated fair value of the notes as of March 31, 2005 is 104% of their face value or $160 million based on current market prices. The fair value of the B Facility loan, D Facility loan, Xerion Credit Agreement and 10% Notes are estimated to be $90, $48, $19 million and $10 million respectively.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

     As of the end of the period covered by this report, March 31, 2005, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files and submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required.

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

Part II. Other Information

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

Exhibits

31.1   Certification pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
31.2   Certification pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Reports on Form 8-K

The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 11, 2005 announcing Amendment No. 8 and Waiver to the Credit Agreement dated as of June 28, 1999, as amended, between Knowles Electronics Holdings, Inc., Lenders, JPMorgan Chase Bank, as administrative agent, and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as Syndication Agent.

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SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

         
      KNOWLES ELECTRONICS HOLDINGS, INC.
 
       
      By           /s/ JAMES H. MOYLE
       
      James H. Moyle,
Executive Vice President & CFO,
(As duly authorized officer and as
the principal financial and
accounting officer)

Date: May 12, 2005

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