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Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×

III.
Financial Condition

Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×

Report of the Auditing Committee of the National Academy of Sciences

Dr. Bruce Alberts,

President

National Academy of Sciences

Dear Dr. Alberts:

In accordance with Bylaw V–6 of the National Academy of Sciences, the firm of KPMG, LLP was retained to conduct an audit of the accounts of the Treasurer for the year ended December 31, 2004, and to report to the Auditing Committee.

The independent accountants have completed their audit of the financial statements and have submitted their report, a copy of which is attached, concerning financial statements to which they refer. The Auditing Committee has reviewed the report and recommends its acceptance in compliance with the governing bylaw and that the opinion of the independent accountants be published with the report of the Treasurer.

Respectfully submitted,

JACK HALPERN,

Chair

PURNELL CHOPPIN

M. GORDON WOLMAN

ELAINE FUCHS

HERBERT TABOR

National Academy of Sciences

Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×

Independent Auditors’ Report

The Auditing Committee

National Academy of Sciences:


We have audited the accompanying statements of financial position of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related statements of activities and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of NAS’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of NAS as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and its changes in net assets and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

April 15, 2005

Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×

NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Statements of Financial Position

December 31, 2004 and 2003 (Dollars in thousands)

Assets

2004

2003

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 3,435

$ 4,098

Short-term investments (note 3)

53,304

54,486

Contracts receivable – U.S. government (note 11)

46,699

48,899

Contributions and other receivables (note 5)

14,996

27,454

Publications and supplies inventories

1,687

1,625

Prepaid expenses and other

2,888

2,348

Total current assets

123,009

138,910

Other assets (note 14)

7,642

7,737

Long-term investments (note 3)

340,406

286,668

Contributions receivable (note 5)

32,274

36,157

Property and equipment net (note 4)

138,110

141,316

Einstein Memorial

1,723

1,723

 

$ 643,164

$ 612,511

Liabilities and Net Assets

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

$ 29,542

$ 35,665

Deferred revenue (note 6)

21,298

20,419

Note payable (note 13)

 

10,000

Line of credit and other current liabilities (notes 7 and 12)

25,569

17,679

Total current liabilities

76,409

83,763

Bonds payable (note 12)

125,795

127,245

Funds held on behalf of others (note 3)

21,793

19,967

Note payable (note 13)

10,000

-

Accrued lease liability (note 12)

7,499

11,941

Accrued employee benefits (note 14)

11,102

9,698

Deferred gain and other liabilities (note 12)

1,168

1,921

Total liabilities

253,766

254,535

Net assets:

Unrestricted

120,497

101,130

Temporarily restricted (note 8)

171,274

160,753

Permanently restricted (note 9)

97,627

96,093

Total net assets

389,398

357,976

Commitments and contingencies (notes 3, 11, 12, 14, and 15)

 

 

Total liabilities and net assets

$ 643,164

$ 612,511

See accompanying notes to financials statements.

Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×

NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Statements of Activities

December 31, 2004 and 2003 (Dollars in thousands)

 

2004

2003

Unrestricted

Temporarily restricted

Permanently restricted

Totals

Unrestricted

Temporarily restricted

Permanently restricted

Totals

Revenues, gains, and other support:

 

Government contracts and grants (note 11)

$ 176,376

-

-

176,376

$ 184,503

-

-

184,503

Private contracts and grants

21,504

13,265

-

34,769

19,959

48,140

-

68,099

Other contributions

5,361

309

1,534

7,204

2,951

257

2,893

6,101

Fees and publications

20,073

-

-

20,073

18,192

-

-

18,192

Investment income (note 3)

20,825

17,987

-

38,812

30,833

25,287

-

56,120

Other income (note 12)

8,565

-

-

8,565

5,996

-

-

5,996

Net assets released from restriction (note 8)

21,040

(21,040)

-

-

26,351

(26,351)

-

-

Total revenues, gains, and other support

273,744

10,521

1,534

285,799

288,785

47,333

2,893

339,011

Expenses:

 

Programs (note 10)

214,165

-

-

214,165

216,094

-

-

216,094

Management and general

37,543

-

-

37,543

43,023

-

-

43,023

Fundraising

2,669

-

-

2,669

3,074

-

-

3,074

Total expenses

254,377

-

-

254,377

262,191

-

-

262,191

Change in net assets

19,367

10,521

1,534

31,422

26,594

47,333

2,893

76,820

Net assets at beginning of the year

101,130

160,753

96,093

357,976

74,536

113,420

93,200

281,156

Net assets at end of the year

$ 120,497

171,274

97,627

389,398

$ 101,130

160,753

96,093

357,976

See accompanying notes to the financial statements.

Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×

NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Statements of Cash Flows

December 31, 2004 and 2003 (Dollars in thousands)

 

2004

2003

Cash flows from operating activities:

Change in net assets

$ 31,422

$ 76,820

Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

5,095

4,670

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

155

352

Bad debt expense

246

200

Net gain on investments

(31,269)

(49,022)

Net gain on investments held on behalf of others

(1,826)

(2,992)

Amortization of deferred gain

(738)

(721)

(Gain) loss on interest rate swap

164

(187)

Contributions restricted for construction or endowment

(3,777)

(5,960)

Decrease (increase) in other receivables

16,094

(21,294)

Decrease (increase) in contracts receivable – U.S. government

2,200

(2,483)

(Increase) decrease in publications and supplies inventories

(62)

606

(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets

(539)

337

Decrease (increase) in other assets

(69)

(869)

(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses

(6,053)

2,637

Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue

880

(8,013)

Increase (decrease) in line of credit and other current liabilities

435

(209)

Increase in funds held on behalf of others

1,826

2,992

Decrease in accrued lease liability

(3)

(66)

Increase in accrued employee benefits

1,404

1,954

Decrease in deferred gain and other liabilities

(15)

(18)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

15,570

(1,266)

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

Additions to property and equipment

(3,494)

(6,763)

Sale or maturity of investments

194,434

231,457

Purchase of investments

(213,896)

(219,248)

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

(22,956)

5,446

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

Contributions restricted for construction or endowment

3,777

5,960

Proceeds from line of credit

131,036

132,294

Payments on line of credit

(123,800)

(138,488)

Payments on capital lease liability

(4,290)

(4,013)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

6,723

(4,247)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(663)

(67)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

4,098

4,165

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

$ 3,435

$ 4,098

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

Interest paid

$ 4,987

$ 5,115

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×

NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2004 and 2003

(1) ORGANIZATION AND RELATED ENTITIES

(a) National Academy of Sciences

The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) was formed under a charter that was passed as an Act of Incorporation by the United States Congress and signed into law on March 3, 1863. NAS operates as a private cooperative society of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific or engineering research, dedicated to the furtherance of science and its use for the general welfare. NAS is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, except for unrelated business income.

(b) National Research Council

Most of the activities undertaken by NAS are carried out through the divisions and boards of the National Research Council (NRC), which draw on a wide cross section of the nation’s leading scientists and engineers for advisory services to government agencies and Congress. To respond effectively to both the disciplinary concerns of the research community and the complex interdisciplinary problems facing American society, NRC is organized into the following five major units responsible for most study activities:

  • Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education

  • Division on Earth and Life Studies

  • Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences

  • Policy and Global Affairs Division

  • Transportation Research Board

NRC activities are under the control of NAS’s governance structure, and therefore are included in NAS’ financial statements.

(c) Institute of Medicine

The Institute of Medicine (IOM), established in 1970, conducts studies of policy issues related to health and medicine. IOM issues position statements on these policies, cooperates with the major scientific and professional societies in the field, identifies qualified individuals to serve on study groups in other organizational units, and disseminates information to the public and the relevant professions. IOM was established as a separate membership organization within NAS. The financial activity and results of IOM are included in the NAS financial statements.

(d) National Academy of Engineering

The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) was established in 1964 under the charter of NAS as a related parallel organization, autonomous in its governance, administration, and the selection of its members. NAE shares with NAS the responsibility for advising the federal government on scientific issues. The financial activity and results of NAE are not included in the NAS financial statements, except to the extent those activities are conducted through NRC.

(e) National Academy of Engineering Fund

The National Academy of Engineering Fund (NAEF) is a separately incorporated not-for-profit organization established and controlled by NAE to raise funds to support its goals. The financial activity and results of NAEF are not included in the NAS financial statements.

(f) The National Academies’ Corporation

The National Academies’ Corporation (TNAC) was separately incorporated in 1986 as a not for profit corporation for the purpose of constructing and maintaining a study and conference facility. This facility, the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center, located in Irvine, California, operates to expand and support the general activities of NAS, NRC, IOM, and NAE. NAS and NAEF are 50–50 joint venturers of TNAC, and therefore share control. The financial position and results of TNAC are not consolidated in the NAS financial statements. NAS utilized the Beckman Center for meetings in 2004 and 2003, for which TNAC was paid $233,000 and $261,000, respectively.

(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a) Basis of Accounting

Net assets, revenues, gains, and losses are classified based on the existence or absence of donor-imposed restrictions. Accordingly, net assets of NAS are classified and reported as follows:

Permanently restricted – Net assets subject to donor-imposed stipulations that they be maintained in perpetuity by NAS. Generally, the donors of these assets permit NAS to use all or part of the income earned on related investments for general or specific purposes.

Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×

Temporarily restricted – Net assets subject to donor-imposed stipulations that may or will be met either by actions of NAS and/or the passage of time. When a donor restriction expires, temporarily restricted net assets are reclassified to unrestricted net assets.

Unrestricted – Net assets arising from exchange transactions and contributions not subject to donor-imposed stipulations.

(b) Cash Equivalents

NAS reports liquid, temporary investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less as cash equivalents.

(c) Investments

Equity and debt securities (including hedge funds and private equity investments) are reported at fair value when quoted market prices are available, or estimated fair value based on amounts reported by fund managers for nonmarketable investments. Investments in real estate mortgages are recorded at cost and consist of mortgages on certain administrative facilities that NAS occupies. Investments in residential property are valued at fair value based on market prices.

Changes in the fair value of investments are reported within investment income in the statements of activities.

Certain investments are pooled for long-term investment purposes. Investments in the pool are administered as an open-end investment trust, with shares of the pool funds expressed in terms of participating capital units (PCUs). PCU values are used to determine equity in the allocation of investment income among funds in the pool whenever additional funds are contributed or withdrawn.

(d) Contributions

Contributions, including unconditional promises to give, are recognized as revenues in the period received. Conditional promises to give are not recognized until all conditions on which receipt depends are substantially met.

Gifts of land, buildings, or equipment are reported as unrestricted net assets unless explicit donor stipulations specify how the donated assets must be used. Temporary restrictions on gifts that must be used to acquire long-lived assets are released in the period in which the assets are acquired or placed in service.

NAS performs certain fundraising activities on behalf of NAEF. A total of approximately $2,282,000 and $2,924,000 in 2004 and 2003, respectively, was collected by NAS on behalf of NAEF. NAS disbursed approximately $2,025,000 and $2,810,000 to NAEF from these collected amounts in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Amounts collected but not yet remitted to NAEF are reported as assets and liabilities on NAS financial statements.

(e) Contracts and Grants

The majority of NAS activities are performed under cost-reimbursable contracts with the U.S. government. Federal sponsors individually providing more than 10% of NAS revenues are summarized below:

Federal agency sponsor

Percentage of NAS revenues

2004

2003

Department of Transportation

27%

25%

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

12%

11%

Department of Health and Human Services

12%

12%

NAS records federal contracts as exchange transactions, recognizing revenue as recoverable costs are incurred.

Revenues from nonfederal grants qualifying as contributions are recorded by NAS upon notification of the grant award. Such grants are classified as temporarily restricted net assets when use of the grant funds are limited to specific areas of study or to be used in future periods.

(f) Deferred Revenue

For both federal and nonfederal grants and contracts that are determined to be exchange transactions, revenue is recognized as the related costs are incurred. Funds received in advance of being earned for these grants are recorded as deferred revenue in the statements of financial position.

(g) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of bonds payable in the financial statements was less than their fair value by approximately $3,722,000 and $3,303,000 on December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

NAS makes limited use of derivative financial instruments for the purpose of managing interest rate risks. Current market pricing models are used to estimate fair values of interest rate swap agreements. The fair market value of all other financial instruments in the financial statements approximates their reported carrying values.

(h) Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value and include supplies and both work in-process and finished goods related to publication activities. The

Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×

majority of NAS publication inventories and supplies reside with an NAS unit, the National Academy Press (NAP). NAP uses the full absorption costing methodology in pricing finished products. This methodology includes direct printing and related indirect costs.

(i) Property and Equipment

Depreciation of NAS buildings and equipment is computed on a straight-line basis using the following lives:

  • Buildings – 40 to 50 years

  • Building and leasehold improvements – lesser of the remaining life of the building or improvement

  • Furniture and equipment – 4 to 10 years

The Einstein Memorial sculpture is not depreciated. Construction-in-progress is not depreciated until the related assets are placed in service.

(j) Use of Estimates

The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(k) Reclassifications

Certain amounts from the prior year have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

(3) INVESTMENTS

Investments, which are reported at fair value (except as noted), consisted of the following as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 (dollars in thousands):

 

2004

2003

Short-term investments:

Cash equivalents

$ 6,689

$ 1,558

Bonds and notes

32,429

41,620

Equity securities

14,186

11,308

Total short-term investments

$ 53,304

$ 54,486

Endowment and trust investments:

Cash equivalents

$ 2,253

$ 1,418

Bonds and notes

34,096

29,158

Equity securities

235,782

194,760

Real estate

14,621

6,051

Hedge funds

25,704

28,915

Private placements

9,412

7,535

 

321,868

267,837

 

2004

2003

Other long-term investments:

Cash equivalents

$ 2,503

$ 2,600

Bonds and notes

7,595

16,231

Equity securities

8,440

-

 

18,538

18,831

Total long-term investments

$ 286,668

$ 340,406

NAS received proceeds from the sale and leaseback of the Green/Harris facility of approximately $36 million in 2000 (see note 12). Remaining proceeds were invested within other long-term investments, and are available for future payments toward related obligations to the former landlord. In both 2004 and 2003, NAS made lease payments of approximately $2.3 million.

Vanguard equity funds comprised approximately $127 million and $109 million of the total equity securities funds at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Real estate investments include real estate mortgages at cost, shares of real estate investment trusts, and ownership of a residential property located in Washington, D.C.

NAS invests a portion of its endowment in hedge funds. The unrealized gain on these funds, which is included as a component of investment income in the accompanying statements of activities, was approximately $1.7 million and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Private equity investments are comprised of limited partnership interests. NAS had remaining commitments at December 31, 2004 and 2003 to provide approximately $5.4 million and $7.2 million, respectively, to these partnerships.

TNAC, a related entity, invests certain of its assets in the NAS long-term investment pool. TNAC investments participate in the investment pool experience equally with all other funds in this pool. The NAS obligation to TNAC for these funds held in trust, which totaled approximately $22 million and $20 million as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, is reported as funds held on behalf of others in the statements of financial position.

Investment income is reported net of investment expenses of approximately $694,000 and $494,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and is comprised of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

2004

2003

Interest and dividends income

$ 7,543

$ 7,098

Net gain on investments

31,269

49,022

Total investment income

$ 38,812

$ 56,120

Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×
(4) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

2004

2003

Land

$ 29,689

$ 29,689

Furniture and equipment

29,421

25,750

Buildings and improvements

108,533

106,325

Construction in progress

919

4,213

Leasehold improvements

6,894

6,882

 

175,456

172,859

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

(37,346)

(31,543)

Total property and equipment, net

$ 138,110

$ 141,316

(5) CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVABLE

Contributions not yet collected are included in contributions and other receivables (current) and contributions receivable (long term) in the statements of financial position, and mature as follows (dollars in thousands):

Years ending December 31

2005

$ 8,867

2006

5,908

2007

3,351

2008

2,719

2009

2,766

Thereafter

23,940

 

47,551

Less discount at rates from 3% to 5% to estimate net present value

(6,201)

Less allowance for uncollectible pledges

(42)

 

41,308

Less current portion

(9,034)

Total long-term contributions receivable

$ 32,274

At December 31, 2003, the discount on pledges receivable was $7,277,000 at rates ranging from 3% to 5%. The allowance for uncollectible pledges was $29,000 at December 31, 2003.

(6) DEFERRED REVENUE

Deferred revenue consisted of the following as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 (dollars in thousands):

 

2004

2003

Advances from private grants and contract sponsors

$13,903

$12,290

Advances from U.S. government sponsors

3,904

5,149

Publication subscriptions and other

3,491

2,980

Total deferred revenue

$21,298

$20,419

(7) LINE OF CREDIT

NAS is party to a $24 million unsecured line of credit from Bank of America bearing interest at LIBOR plus 0.40%. Outstanding balances on the line at December 31, 2004 and 2003 were approximately $14.8 million and $7.5 million, respectively, and are included in line of credit and other liabilities in the statements of financial position.

Interest expense related to the line for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, was approximately $302,000 and $185,000, respectively.

(8) TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS

Temporarily restricted net assets were available for the following purposes as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 (dollars in thousands).

 

2004

2003

Sponsored research and advisory programs

$139,865

$133,301

Prizes and awards

28,275

24,786

Woods Hole facility

3,134

2,666

Total temporarily restricted net assets

$171,274

$160,753

Temporarily restricted net assets were released from restriction for the following purposes during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 (dollars in thousands):

 

2004

2003

Sponsored research and advisory programs

$19,921

$25,511

Prizes and awards

850

552

Woods Hole facility

269

288

Total temporarily restricted net assets released from restriction

$21,040

$26,351

Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×
(9) PERMANENTLY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS

The income generated by permanently restricted net assets is available to support donor specified programs. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, NAS held the following permanently restricted net assets, classified by the purpose for which the income is to be used (dollars in thousands):

 

2004

2003

Sponsored research and advisory programs

$94,237

$92,764

Prizes and awards

3,390

3,329

Total permanently restricted net assets

$97,627

$96,093

(10) PROGRAM EXPENSES

Program expenses for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

2004

2003

Policy and Global Affairs

$ 65,522

$ 63,993

Transportation Research Board

49,349

51,179

Earth and Life Sciences

20,235

2,152

Institute of Medicine

18,582

20,535

Engineering and Physical Sciences

17,682

17,534

Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education

12,191

13,130

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

11,249

9,687

National Academy Press

6,752

7,032

National Academy of Engineering

5,437

5,508

Koshland Science Museum

2,042

924

NAS and National Sciences Resource Center

5,124

4,420

Total program expenses

$214,165

$216,094

(11) RECOVERY OF INDIRECT COSTS

NAS receives indirect cost recovery on its federal contracts and grants. An overhead assessment is applied to direct salaries, accrued leave, fringe benefits, and services provided by outside contractors (e.g., temporary personnel agencies, consultants) on NAS property. A general and administrative assessment (G&A) is applied to direct costs and overhead less subcontract costs and stipends. Therefore, both the overhead and G&A rates are applied to projects incurring direct salaries and other direct costs such as travel. If a program does not require direct salaries, such as a travel grant program, a subcontract/flow-through administration rate is applied. Certain off-site work (not performed on NAS property) is assessed reduced overhead rates.

NAS bills for indirect cost recovery throughout the year based on negotiated rates. At the end of each year, NAS compares actual expenses incurred in each of its cost pools to the amounts recovered based on its billing rates. The difference is recorded as its indirect cost carryforward. If NAS overrecovers on its indirect costs during the year, a liability is recorded. If NAS underrecovers, a receivable balance is recorded.

NAS has a cumulative net underrecovery of approximately $10.6 million and $12.5 million as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, which is included in the contracts receivable balance in the statements of financial position.

(12) BUILDING PROJECT AND FINANCING

(a) Building Project Revenue Bonds

In January 1999, the District of Columbia issued $130,960,000 of tax exempt revenue bonds on behalf of NAS. Proceeds from the sale of the revenue bonds financed the cost of the acquisition of 44,250 square feet of land and related construction of an office building, as well as paid certain costs of issuing the bonds. This building consolidates most of NAS’ program activities into one location. The facility was occupied in July 2002.

NAS is obligated under the revenue bonds as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

2004

2003

Series 1999A revenue bonds, serial, with interest rates ranging from 3.9% to 5% maturing at various dates from January 1, 2005 through 2012

$ 13,600

$ 14,990

Series 1999A revenue bonds, term Interest rate 5%, due January 1, 2019

17,085

17,085

Interest rate 5%, due January 1, 2028

32,545

32,545

Series 1999B revenue bonds, term, at flexible rates (1.18% in 2004 and 1.05% in 2003) due January 1, 2039

32,500

32,500

Series 1999C revenue bonds, term, at variable rates (1.23% in 2004 and 1.06% in 2003) due January 1, 2039

32,500

32,500

Total bonds, at face value

128,230

129,620

Less unamortized discount and premium

(990)

(985)

Total bonds payable

127,240

128,635

Less current portion

(1,445)

(1,390)

Noncurrent bonds payable

$ 125,795

$ 127,245

Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×

The serial and term bonds represent unsecured general obligations of NAS.

Interest on all Series 1999A revenue bonds is payable semiannually every January 1 and July 1, commencing on July 1, 1999. Interest on the 1999B and 1999C bonds is payable monthly.

The term bonds maturing on January 1, 2019, and January 1, 2028, are subject to mandatory redemption by operation of sinking fund installments. The installment payments for the term bonds maturing January 1, 2019, begin on January 1, 2013, and range from $2.1 to $2.8 million per year through the maturity date. Installment payments for the term bond maturing January 1, 2028, begin on January 1, 2020, and range from $2.9 to $4.3 million per year through the maturity date.

Scheduled maturities and sinking fund requirements are as follows (dollars in thousands):

Years ending December 31:

2005

$ 1,445

2006

1,505

2007

1,565

2008

1,645

2009

1,725

Thereafter

120,345

 

$ 128,230

Interest expense on the bonds payable for both 2004 and 2003 totaled $3.9 million.

(b) Interest Rate Swaps

In October 1999, NAS entered into a swap agreement, with an effective date of February 1, 2000. This swap agreement related to the $66 million face amount of its Series 1999A revenue bonds. The agreement provides for NAS to receive 4.97% in interest on a notional amount of $65 million and to pay interest at a floating rate option based on the weekly interest rate resets of tax exempt variable rate issues per the BMA Municipal Swap Index.

NAS entered into this swap agreement to manage its exposure to interest rate changes. The fixed rate debt obligations expose NAS to variability in the cost recovery stream due to changes in interest rates. NAS recovers the costs of borrowing through a capital investment incentive rate that is set by the U.S. government and is tied to a variable index. If interest rates increase, the capital investment incentive recovery increases.

Conversely, if interest rates decrease, the capital investment incentive recovery decreases. Therefore, NAS entered into a derivative instrument that ties the fixed rate debt to a variable index to manage fluctuations in cash flows resulting from interest rate risk. By using derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in interest rates, NAS exposes itself to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes NAS, which creates credit risk for NAS. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, NAS owes the counterparty, and therefore, it does not possess credit risk. NAS minimizes the credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties.

In January 2001, NAS amended the October 1999 agreement by assuming responsibility for the fixed rate payments for the period 2001 2003 in exchange for an immediate cash payment of $2,435,000. Beginning January 1, 2004, the variable rate swap transaction becomes effective again with 16 years remaining under the agreement.

In October 2001, NAS further amended the agreement for the 2004–2020 period by agreeing to give up the benefit of any 30 day period during which the BMA index remains below 2.25% for the entire 30 days. Each time this occurs, the rate on the swap portfolio reverts to the fixed rate noted above for that month only. In January 2004, NAS further amended the swap agreement to delay the implementation of the 2.25% floor agreement until February 2005.

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (SFAS 133), Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, for the year ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, NAS recorded a (loss) gain on the change in the fair value of its derivative instruments in the amount of approximately ($164,000) and $187,000, respectively, which is reported as other income in the accompanying statements of activities. The fair value of the interest rate swap was $498,000 and $662,000 in 2004 and 2003, respectively, and is reported as other assets on the statements of financial position.

(c) Sale-Leaseback of Green/Harris Facility

In 1999, under a separate trust agreement, the Trustee, an unrelated third party, held record legal title to the Green/Harris facility that was under lease by NAS for a portion of its operations. This trust agreement would have conveyed title to NAS in 2007. In 2000, NAS entered into a contract with a third party to sell its future interest in the property for approximately $36 million. NAS simultaneously agreed to lease back the entire facility until 2002 (at a monthly rate of $400,000) and a portion of the facility until 2007 (at a monthly rate of $200,000). These amounts

Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×

are included in future minimum rental payments summarized in note 15.

The sale-leaseback transaction resulted in a gain of $6.8 million, of which $1.9 million and $2.6 million were deferred at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The deferred gain will be fully recognized by 2007. The current and long-term portions of the deferred gain are reflected as line of credit and other current liabilities and deferred gain and other liabilities, respectively, in the statements of financial position.

Under the original lease agreement with the Trustee, NAS remains obligated through 2007 for remaining lease payments, which have a present value of approximately $11.9 million and $16.2 million as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The current and long term portions of this obligation are reflected as line of credit and other current liabilities and accrued lease liability, respectively, in the statements of financial position.

(13) NOTE PAYABLE

During 2001, NAS entered into a three-year loan agreement of $10 million with Bank of America. The note bears interest at 30 day LIBOR plus 50 basis points and is payable monthly. During 2004, NAS extended the term of this note with Bank of America. The note matures on July 31, 2010.

(14) EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

(a) Pension Plans

NAS has an insured, noncontributory, defined contribution pension plan covering substantially all of its employees. The plan is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and uses Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association/College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA/CREF) group retirement annuity contracts as the investment vehicle. Participants in this plan vest immediately. NAS has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS on the qualification of this plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.

In addition, NAS has a voluntary employee contribution retirement plan that is funded solely by employee contributions made on a pretax salary-reduction basis under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. The investment vehicles under this voluntary plan are retirement annuity contracts issued by TIAA/CREF and mutual funds offered by the Vanguard Group, Inc.

Pension expense for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, amounted to approximately $9.1 million and $8.8 million, respectively. The NAS policy is to fund pension benefits as they are earned. The NAS normal retirement age is 65, but there is no mandatory age for retirement.

(b) Deferred Compensation

NAS holds long-term investments as part of a deferred compensation arrangement for certain employees. The fair value of these investments was approximately $4.9 million as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, which is reported within other assets in the statements of financial position. The related obligation is included in accrued employee benefits in the statements of financial position.

(c) Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits

NAS provides certain healthcare and life insurance benefits for retired employees. All employees may become eligible for these benefits if they reach normal retirement age while working for NAS and meet certain service requirements. An insurance company whose premiums are determined on an experience-rated basis provides these benefits for retirees. The plan is contributory for employees who retire after January 1, 1990. Employees contribute 25% of the monthly premium.

NAS has elected to recognize the initial postretirement benefit obligation over a period of 20 years. The accrued postretirement benefit obligation is reported in accrued employee benefits on the statements of financial position.

Prior to January 1, 2005, NAS offered certain postemployment benefits to former or inactive employees, prior to their eligibility for retirement benefits, through a separate postemployment benefit plan. Effective January 1, 2005, this plan was merged with the NAS postretirement benefit plan and the effects of this merger and plan changes are reported in the 2004 liability and expense disclosures. The postemployment and postretirement liabilities and expenses for 2003 have been also been combined so that the disclosure for 2003 are comparable to 2004. The following disclosures reflect the activity of the combined postretirement and postemployment plan.

The following table presents the changes in benefit obligations, changes in plan assets, funded status, and the components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 (dollars in thousands):

Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×

 

2004

2003

Life insurance benefits

Health benefits

Total

Life insurance benefits

Health benefits

Total

Change in benefits obligations:

 

Benefit obligation, January 1

$ 1,022

18,411

19,433

$ 1,102

15,707

16,809

Service cost

68

972

1,040

74

907

981

Interest cost

58

1,079

1,137

67

995

1,062

Plan Amendments

157

(4,065)

(3,908)

-

-

-

Actuarial (gain)/loss

(370)

(145)

(515)

(84)

1,612

1,528

Benefits paid

(121)

(873)

(994)

(137)

(810)

(947)

Benefits obligation, December 31

$ 814

15,379

16,193

$ 1,022

18,411

19,433

Change in plan assets:

 

Fair value of plan assets, January 1

$ -

5,118

5,118

$ -

4,291

4,291

Actual return on plan assets

 

312

312

-

827

827

Employer contributions

121

873

994

73

654

727

Benefits paid

(121)

(873)

(994)

(73)

(654)

(727)

Fair value of plan assets, December 31

$ -

5,430

5,430

$ -

5,118

5,118

Funded status:

 

Unfunded benefit obligation

$ (814)

(9,949)

(10,763)

$ (1,022)

(13,293)

(14,315)

Unrecognized translation obligation

244

-

244

270

4,258

4,528

Unrecognized prior service cost

158

(169)

(11)

1

50

51

Unrecognized net actuarial (gain)/loss

(149)

4,466

4,317

173

4,806

4,979

Accrued benefit cost

$ (561)

(5,652)

(6,213)

$ (578)

(4,179)

(4,757)

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

 

Service cost

$ 68

972

1,040

$ 74

907

981

Interest cost

58

1,078

1,136

67

995

1,062

Expected return on plan assets

-

(409)

(409)

-

(300)

(300)

Amortization of transition obligation

26

405

431

26

405

431

Amortization of prior service cost

 

7

7

 

7

7

Amortization of unrecognized losses

(48)

293

245

51

193

244

Net periodic cost

$ 104

2,346

2,450

$ 218

2,207

2,425

The assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

 

2004

2003

Discount rate

6.0%

6.5%

Expected long-term return on plan assets

8.0%

7.0%

The assumptions used to calculate the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

 

2004

2003

Discount rate

5.75%

6.00%

NAS postretirement benefit plan asset allocations at December 31, 2004 and 2003, by asset category are as follows:

 

2004

2003

Bonds and notes

39%

40%

Equity securities

61%

60%

 

100%

100%

The investment objective of the Plan is to produce a rate of return over the long term that will provide for some fund growth, curb against the effect of inflation, and provide for some stability in different market environments. The fund is diversified between fixed income and

Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×

equity investments. With this diversification and investment in broader market funds, there is reasonable assurance that no single security or class of securities will have a disproportionate impact on the Plan assets. Equity securities are targeted at 60% and bonds and notes at 40%.

The overall long-term rate of return was developed by estimating the long-term real rate of return for the Plan’s asset mix, while taking into account the effects of inflation. This estimate was developed by evaluating the history and similar asset allocation of the NAS Endowment.

NAS expects to contribute to the Plan the amount of benefit payments for 2005. Based on the actuarial assumptions, the projected net benefit payments for 2005 are $781,000.

The following benefit payments, which reflect future services, are expected to be paid, as of December 31, 2004 (dollars in thousands):

Years ending December 31:

2005

$ 781

2006

859

2007

920

2008

967

2009

1,044

2010-2014

6,148

 

$ 10,719

The measurement date of the plan assets and benefit obligations for 2004 and 2003 is January 1, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

The trend rates for growth in healthcare costs used in calculating the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation were 9.6% and 10.5%, respectively, during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, declining gradually to 5% in the year 2017. The healthcare cost trend rate assumption has a significant impact on the postretirement benefit costs and obligations. The effect of a 1% change in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate at December 31, 2004, would have resulted in an estimated $1,866,000 increase or $1,561,000 decrease in the postretirement benefit obligation and an estimated $355,000 increase or $288,000 decrease in the 2004 benefit expense.

The effect of a 1% change in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate at December 31, 2003, would have resulted in an estimated $2,505,000 increase or $2,081,000 decrease in the postretirement benefit obligation and an estimated $323,000 increase or $274,000 decrease in the 2003 benefit expense.

On December 8, 2003, the President signed into law the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act). Under the Medicare Prescription Drug Program, as proposed under the Act, groups who offer retiree prescription coverage at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Plan D are eligible for a subsidy. In 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 106-2, Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2004, with early adoption encouraged.

NAS has decided to adopt this standard in 2004. Based on the NAS Plan amendments effective January 1, 2005, the prescription drug benefits offered by the NAS coverage were determined to not be actuarially equivalent to Medicare Plan D, and the effects of the Act, excluding the subsidy, do not have a significant impact on the per capita claims cost. It is anticipated that the prescription drug component of the program offered by NAS to Medicare eligible retirees will be modified in future years, but at this time, the design and impact of these changes are not determinable.

(15) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

(a) Leases

NAS is committed to several noncancelable operating leases for office space. Future minimum rental payments due under noncancelable operating leases are as follows (dollars in thousands):

Years ending December 31:

Minimum rentals

2005

$ 2,752

2006

2,822

2007

2,063

2008

394

2009

392

Thereafter

285

 

$ 8,708

Rental expense amounted to approximately $3.1 million and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×

(b) Contingencies

NAS receives a portion of its revenues directly or indirectly from federal government grants and contracts, all of which are subject to audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency, which has completed its examinations through December 31, 2001. A contingency exists relating to unexamined periods to refund any amounts received in excess of allowable costs. Management is of the opinion that no material liability will result from future audits.

(c) Litigation

NAS is a defendant in several lawsuits. While the ultimate outcome of the litigation is uncertain, NAS management believes that it has strong legal positions, intends to vigorously defend its actions, and has concluded that the probable outcomes will not have a materially adverse impact on NAS.

Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×
OFFICERS

Bruce Alberts, President

James S. Langer, Vice President

John I. Brauman, Home Secretary

Michael T. Clegg, Foreign Secretary

Ronald L. Graham, Treasurer

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Ronald L. Graham, Chair

Bruce Alberts

Elwyn R. Berlekamp

Elkan R. Blout

David M. Kipnis

Lawrence R. Klein

William Rutter

Paul A. Samuelson

IOM Representative: Steven Schroeder

BUDGET AND INTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Ronald L. Graham, Chair

Roger N. Beachy

James S. Langer

Cherry A. Murray

Phil Needleman

Susan R. Wessler

AUDITING COMMITTEE

Jack Halpern, Chair

Purnell W. Choppin

M. Gordon Wolman

Elaine Fuchs

Herbert Tabor

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT STAFF

Archie L. Turner, Chief Financial Officer

Didi Salmon, Controller

Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×

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Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×
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Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×
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Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×
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Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×
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Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×
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Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×
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Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×
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Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×
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Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×
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Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×
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Suggested Citation:"III. Financial Condition." National Academy of Sciences. 2005. Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/11342.
×
Page 52
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 Report of the Treasurer to the Council for the Year Ended December 31, 2004
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This report, Treasurer's Report to the Council of the National Academy of Sciences, presents the financial position and results of operations as well as a review of the endowment and trust activities of our Academy for the year ended December 31, 2004.

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