UNITED STATES
DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN
DISTRICT OF TEXAS
DALLAS
DIVISION
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STEPHEN S. STEPHENS, LYLE LIONBARGER AND DEANNA J.
LIONBARGER as trustees for the LW & Deanna J. Lionbarger Family Trust
Dated 06/25/96, Plaintiffs, v. HALLIBURTON COMPANY, D/B/A HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES; RICHARD B. CHENEY; DAVID J. LESAR; RAY L. HUNT; ROBERT L. CRANDALL; CHARLES J. DIBONA; LAWRENCE S. EAGLEBURGER; WILLIAM R. HOWELL; JAMES LANDIS MARTIN; JAY A. PRECOURT; CECIL J. SILAS; DOUGLAS L. FOSHEE; JERRY H. BLURTON; CEDRIC BURGHER; ROBERT CHARLES MUCHMORE, JR.; ANDERSEN; ANDERSEN WORLDWIDE; ARTHUR ANDERSEN, LLP; TERRENCE EDWARD HATCHETT; and DOES 1-20, inclusive, Defendants. ___________________________________ |
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Civil Action No. 3-02CV1442-L COMPLAINT; DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL |
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Plaintiffs, by the undersigned counsel,
aver on personal knowledge as to themselves and their own acts, and on information
and belief (based on the investigation of their counsel) as to all other
matters (as to which averments they believe that substantial evidentiary
support will exist after a reasonable opportunity for further investigation and
discovery) as follows:
NATURE
OF THE ACTION
1.
This action arises from
a fraud perpetrated by directors, officers, and accountants of Halliburton
Company, d/b/a Halliburton Energy Services (“Halliburton”) against shareholders
of and potential investors in Halliburton securities and the integrity of the
securities market.
JURISDICTION
2.
Jurisdiction exists
under 28 U.S.C. § 1332 because the parties are of diverse citizenship and the
amount in controversy, including punitive and exemplary damages, exceeds $75,000.00,
exclusive of interest and costs. On
information and belief, punitive and exemplary damages are highly likely to be
awarded to each Plaintiff in amounts exceeding $75,000.00 due to the
egregiousness of the fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme set forth in detail
below.
VENUE
3.
Venue is proper in this
district under 28 U.S.C. § 1391(a)(2) because a substantial part of the events
or omissions giving rise to the claims occurred here.
PLAINTIFFS
4.
Plaintiff Stephen F.
Stephens (“Stephens”) resides in and is a citizen of and domiciled in the State
of Indiana and at relevant times bought and/or sold Halliburton
securities. Due to the egregiousness of
the fraudulent acts, omissions, and schemes set forth below, Stephens seeks and
expects to recover, in addition to compensatory damages, at least $200,000.00
in punitive and exemplary damages from each defendant pursuant to Texas Civil
Practice & Remedies Code § 41.008(b).
5.
Plaintiffs Lyle W.
Lionbarger and Deanna J. Lionbarger are husband and wife, residents and
citizens of and domiciled in the State of New Mexico, and at relevant times
bought and/or sold Halliburton securities as trustees of the LW and Deanna J.
Lionbarger Family Trust Dated 6/25/96 (collectively, the “Lionbargers”). Due to the egregiousness of the fraudulent
acts, omissions, and schemes set forth below, the Lionbargers seek and expect
to recover, in addition to compensatory damages, at least $200,000.00 in
punitive and exemplary damages from each defendant pursuant to Texas Civil
Practice & Remedies Code § 41.008(b).
THE
CORPORATE DEFENDANT
6.
On information and
belief, Halliburton is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of
business in Dallas, Texas, and does business as Halliburton Energy Services.
7.
On information and
belief, on all filings with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (the “SEC”) Halliburton lists its business and mailing address as
3600 LINCOLN PLZ, 500 N AKARD ST, DALLAS TX 75201
8.
On information and
belief, a substantial part of the events and omissions set forth below occurred
in, or originated from, Halliburton’s principal place of business in Dallas,
Texas.
9.
On information and
belief, less than ten years before the filing of this action, on or about July
25, 1995, in United States v. Halliburton Co., U.S.D.C. Criminal Case
No. 95-CR-157-ALL (S.D. Texas),
Halliburton pled guilty to illegally exporting goods to the terrorist
nation of Libya in violation of 50 U.S.C. §§ 1702 and 1705, 31 C.F.R. §§
550.202, 550.208, 550.409, and 18 U.S.C. § 2, was fined $1.2 million on
conviction, and is a convicted felon.
///
DIRECTOR
AND OFFICER DEFENDANTS
10.
Defendant Richard B.
Cheney (“Cheney”) is currently the Vice-President of the United States,
domiciled in the State of Texas or Washington, D.C., a resident of Washington,
D.C., and was the Chief Executive Officer of Halliburton from 1995 into
2000. Cheney is sued herein under Texas
state law as a direct participant, aider and abettor, and co-conspirator in the
fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme set forth below.
11.
Defendant David J. Lesar
(“Lesar”) is domiciled in the State of Texas and a resident of Plano,
Texas. Lesar joined the Board of
Directors of Halliburton in 2000 and is currently the Chairman of the Board,
the President, and the Chief Executive Officer. He was formerly Executive Vice President and the Chief Financial
Officer from 1995 until 1997 and became the President of Halliburton in 1997. Prior to joining Halliburton, Lesar had been
a partner in Defendant Andersen, Defendant Andersen Worldwide, and/or Defendant
Arthur Andersen, LLP. Lesar is sued
herein under Texas state law as a direct participant, aider and abettor, and
co-conspirator in the fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme set forth below.
12.
Defendant Ray L. Hunt
(“Hunt”) is domiciled in the State of Texas, a resident of Addison, Texas,
joined the Board of Directors of Halliburton in 1998, and is and/or was at
relevant times the Chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of the
Audit and the Management Oversight Committees.
Hunt is sued herein under Texas state law as a direct participant, aider
and abettor, and co-conspirator in the fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme
set forth below.
13.
Defendant Robert L.
Crandall (“Crandall”) is domiciled in the State of Texas, a resident of
Houston, Texas, joined the Board of Directors of Halliburton in 1986, and is
and/or was at relevant times the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee and a member of the Audit, the Compensation, and the
Management Oversight Committees.
Crandall is sued herein under Texas state law as a direct participant,
aider and abettor, and co-conspirator in the fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme
set forth below.
14.
Defendant Charles J.
Dibona (“Dibona”) is domiciled in the State of Virginia, joined the Board of
Directors of Halliburton in 1997, and is and/or was at relevant times a member
of the Compensation and the Management Oversight Committees. Dibona is sued herein under Texas state law
as a direct participant, aider and abettor, and co-conspirator in the
fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme set forth below.
15.
Defendant Lawrence S.
Eagleburger (“Eagleburger”) is domiciled in Virginia, joined the Board of
Directors of Halliburton in 1998, and is and/or was at relevant times a member
of the Audit, the Compensation, the Management Oversight, and the Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committees.
Eagleburger is sued herein under Texas state law as a direct
participant, aider and abettor, and co-conspirator in the fraudulent acts,
omissions, and scheme set forth below.
16.
Defendant William R.
Howell (“Howell”) is domiciled in the State of Texas, a resident of Houston,
Texas, joined the Board of Directors of Halliburton in 1991, and is and/or was
at relevant times the Chairman of the Management Oversight Committee and a
member of the Audit and the Compensation Committees. Howell is sued herein under Texas state law as a direct
participant, aider and abettor, and co-conspirator in the fraudulent acts,
omissions, and scheme set forth below.
17.
Defendant James Landis
Martin (“Martin”) is domiciled in the State of Colorado, joined the Board of
Directors of Halliburton in 1998, and is and/or was at relevant times a member of
the Nominating and Corporate Governance and the Management Oversight
Committees. Martin is sued herein under
Texas state law as a direct participant, aider and abettor, and co-conspirator
in the fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme set forth below.
18.
Defendant Jay A.
Precourt (“Precourt”) is domiciled in the State of Utah, joined the Board of
Directors of Halliburton in 1998, and is and/or was at relevant times a member
of the Compensation and the Management Oversight Committees. Precourt is sued herein under Texas state
law as a direct participant, aider and abettor, and co-conspirator in the
fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme set forth below.
19.
Defendant Cecil J. Silas
(“Silas”) is domiciled in the State of Oklahoma, joined the Board of Directors of
Halliburton in 1993, and is and/or was at relevant times the Chairman of the
Audit Committee and a member of the Compensation and the Management Oversight
Committees. Silas is sued herein under
Texas state law as a direct participant, aider and abettor, and co-conspirator
in the fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme set forth below.
20.
Defendant Douglas L.
Foshee (“Foshee”) is domiciled in the State of Texas, a resident of Houston,
Texas, and is and/or was at relevant times Executive Vice President and the
Chief Financial Officer of Halliburton.
Foshee is sued herein under Texas state law as a direct participant,
aider and abettor, and co-conspirator in the fraudulent acts, omissions, and
scheme set forth below.
21.
Defendant Jerry H.
Blurton (“Blurton”) is domiciled in the State of Texas, a resident of Houston,
Texas, and is and/or was at relevant times Vice President and the Treasurer of
Halliburton. Blurton is sued herein
under Texas state law as a direct participant, aider and abettor, and
co-conspirator in the fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme set forth below.
///
22.
Defendant Cedric Burgher
(“Burgher”) is domiciled in the State of Texas, a resident of Houston, Texas,
and is and/or was at relevant times Vice President of Investor Relations for
Halliburton. Burgher is sued herein
under Texas state law as a direct participant, aider and abettor, and
co-conspirator in the fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme set forth below.
23.
Defendant Robert Charles
Muchmore, Jr. (“Muchmore”) is domiciled in the State of Texas, a resident of
Plano, Texas, and is and/or was at relevant times a Vice President, the
Principal Accounting Officer, and the Controller of Halliburton. Muchmore is sued herein under Texas state
law as a direct participant, aider and abettor, and co-conspirator in the
fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme set forth below.
24.
On information and
belief, Defendant Does 1 through 10 are past or present directors, officers,
managing agents, and/or other employees or agents of Halliburton, whose
identities are currently unknown, but who committed, aided, abetted,
participated in, and/or furthered the fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme
set forth below. On information and
belief, none of these Doe Defendants is domiciled in the same state as any
Plaintiff. Plaintiffs will seek leave
of court to identify these Does by their proper names and capacities when that
information is ascertained.
25.
Defendants Cheney,
Crandall, Dibona, Eagleburger, Howell, Hunt, Lesar, Martin, Precourt, Silas, Foshee,
Blurton, Burgher, Muchmore, and Does 1 through 10 are collectively called the
“Director and Officer Defendants.”
26.
On information and
belief, on dates currently unknown, the Director and Officer Defendants
secretly entered into an agreement, combination, and conspiracy with each other
and the defendants named below, to commit, aid, abet, participate in, and
further the fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme set forth below, all with
intent to mislead Halliburton’s shareholders, potential investors, and the
securities market as to Halliburton’s true financial condition and the value of
Halliburton’s securities.
ACCOUNTANT
DEFENDANTS
1.
On information and
belief, Defendant Andersen is either a partnership or other type of unincorporated
association consisting of member firms within “the Andersen global client
service network.” On information and
belief, at all relevant times Andersen described and promoted itself as a
single, integrated, full-service, professional business enterprise comprising
“one firm” with “one voice” and a “shared heritage and common values and
vision.” On information and belief,
Anderson does business and is found in Dallas, Texas, and was at all relevant
times one of the most sophisticated international accounting, auditing, and
management consulting firms in the United States and the world, with expertise
in all areas of Halliburton’s business.
Before the recent bankruptcy of Enron, Andersen enjoyed an excellent
reputation; Andersen’s involvement with auditing, SEC filings, and securities
offerings bestowed the imprimatur of legitimacy, confidence, and stability on
its many clients, including Halliburton.
Andersen is sued herein under Texas state law as a direct participant,
aider and abettor, and co-conspirator in the fraudulent acts, omissions, and
scheme set forth below. Plaintiffs will
seek leave of court to amend this pleading to name constituent members of
Andersen after discovery into the exact nature of Andersen, members, alter ego
issues, and sham transaction issues.
2.
On information and
belief, Defendant Andersen Worldwide is a corporation, a partnership, or
another type of unincorporated association consisting of member firms within
“the Andersen global client service network.”
On information and belief, at all relevant times Andersen Worldwide
described and promoted itself as a single, integrated, full-service,
professional business enterprise comprising “one firm” with “one voice” and a
“shared heritage and common values and vision.” On information and belief, Anderson Worldwide does business and
is found in Dallas, Texas, and was at all relevant times one of the most
sophisticated international accounting, auditing, and management consulting
firms in the United States and the world, with expertise in all areas of
Halliburton’s business. Before the
recent bankruptcy of Enron, Andersen Worldwide enjoyed an excellent reputation;
Andersen Worldwide’s involvement with auditing, SEC filings, and securities
offerings bestowed the imprimatur of legitimacy, confidence, and stability on
its clients, including Halliburton.
Andersen Worldwide is sued herein under Texas state law as a direct
participant, aider and abettor, and co-conspirator in the fraudulent acts,
omissions, and scheme set forth below.
Plaintiffs will seek leave of court to amend this pleading to name
constituent members of Andersen Worldwide after discovery into the exact nature
of Andersen Worldwide, its members, alter ego issues, and sham transaction
issues.
3.
On information and
belief, Defendant Arthur Anderson, LLP is a limited liability partnership, a
member of “the Andersen global client service network,” does business and is
found in Dallas, Texas, and was at all relevant times one of the most
sophisticated international accounting, auditing, and management consulting
firms in the United States and the world, with expertise in all areas of
Halliburton’s business. On information and belief, at all relevant times Arthur
Andersen, LLP described and promoted itself as a single, integrated,
full-service, professional business enterprise comprising “one firm” with “one
voice” and a “shared heritage and common values and vision.” Before the recent bankruptcy of Enron,
Arthur Andersen, LLP enjoyed an excellent reputation; Arthur Andersen, LLP’s
involvement with auditing, SEC filings, and securities offerings bestowed the
imprimatur of legitimacy, confidence, and stability on its clients, including
Halliburton. Arthur Andersen, LLP is
sued herein under Texas state law as a direct participant, aider and abettor,
and co-conspirator in the fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme set forth
below.
///
4.
On information and
belief, Andersen, Andersen Worldwide, and Arthur Andersen, LLP are alter egos
of each other in that they now and at all relevant times (a) held themselves
out to the public as a single, integrated, full-service, professional business
enterprise comprising “one firm” with “one voice” and a “shared heritage and
common values and vision”; (b) completely dominated and controlled each other’s
assets, operations, policies, procedures, strategies, and tactics; (c) failed
to observe corporate formalities; (d) and used and commingled the assets,
facilities, employees, and business opportunities of each other, as if those
assets, facilities, employees, and business opportunities were their own -- all
to such an extent that any adherence to the fiction of the separate existence
of any of these defendants distinct from the others would be inequitable, would
permit egregious wrongdoers to abuse a corporate, limited liability
partnership, and/or similar privilege of limited liability, if any, and would
promote injustice by allowing these defendants to evade liability or veil
assets that should be attachable.
5.
For convenience, in
light of the foregoing relationships among them, Defendants Andersen, Andersen
Worldwide, and Arthur Andersen, LLP are collectively called “AA” below.
6.
On information and
belief, on dates and/or during a period that is currently not precisely known
but appears to have commenced in or about 1998, AA made strategic business
decisions to transform itself from a traditional, independent, and objective
accounting and auditing firm with acknowledged responsibilities to the public,
into a very aggressive, pro-active, pro-client, advisory firm committed to
promoting client success through value creation. On information and belief, the
AA model of client success through value creation was restated at length by
three AA partners, on behalf of AA, in Cracking the Value Code: How
Successful Businesses Are Creating Wealth in the New Economy, and
summarized as follows:
Value creation – that is, future value
captured in the form of increased market capitalization – is how successful
businesses are creating value in the New Economy....
In the pages that
follow, you will find a new set of tools that we have developed to help you
create value in the New Economy [i.e. increased market capitalization]. It is called Value Dynamics, and it is based,
in part, on an intensive three-year, 10,000-company research project by
professionals at Arthur Andersen.
7.
On information and
belief, on or about January 10, 2001, AA appointed Joseph F. Berardino to be
its new chief executive officer. In a press
release announcing Mr. Barardino’s new appointment, AA reiterated its
collective “Cracking the Value Code” vision as follows:
Arthur Andersen’s vision is to be the
partner for success in the new economy.
The firm helps clients find new ways to create, manage and measure value
in the rapidly changing global economy.
With world-class skills in assurance, tax, consulting and corporate
finance, Arthur Andersen has more than 77,000 people in 84 countries who are united
by a single worldwide operating structure that fosters inventiveness, knowledge
sharing and a focus on client success.
8.
On information and
belief, AA’s very aggressive, pro-active, pro-client business strategy and
management-consulting philosophy of fostering “inventiveness” and promoting
client success through value creation as measured by increased market
capitalization, explained in Cracking the Value Code and reaffirmed in
the foregoing press release, had already been adopted and implemented for
numerous AA clients prior to the events set forth below.
9.
On information and
belief, the fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme set forth below were
substantially the result of AA’s very aggressive, pro-active, pro-client
business strategy and management-consulting philosophy of fostering “inventiveness”
and promoting client success through value creation as measured by increased
market capitalization. On information
and belief, if AA had performed the more traditional roles of independent and
objective accountant and auditor, then the fraudulent acts, omissions, and
scheme below would not have occurred in the first place or would have been
exposed and stopped much earlier.
///
10.
On information and
belief, Defendant Terrence E. Hatchett (“Hatchett”) is domiciled in Texas and a
resident of Houston, Texas, and was at relevant times the lead AA auditor on
the Halliburton account. On information
and belief, Hatchett was a direct participant, aider and abetter, and/or
co-conspirator in the fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme set forth
below. Hatchett is sued herein under
Texas state law as a direct participant, aider and abettor, and co-conspirator
in the fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme set forth below.
11.
On information and
belief, Defendant Does 11 through 20 are past or present partners, principals,
officers, managing agents, and/or other employees or agents of AA, whose
identities are currently unknown, but who committed, aided, abetted,
participated in, and/or furthered the fraudulent acts, omissions, and scheme
set forth below. On information and
belief, none of these Doe Defendants is domiciled in the same state as any
Plaintiff. Plaintiffs will seek leave
of court to identify these Does by their true names and capacities when
ascertained.
12.
Defendants AA, Hatchett,
and Does 11 through 20 are collectively called the “Accountant Defendants”
below.
13.
On information and
belief, an extremely close relationship has existed for many years between AA
and Haliburton at the business level, and/or between the partners or principals
of AA and the key management personnel of Halliburton on a personal and social
level. For example, on information and
belief, at least one former audit partner or principal of AA has become a
director and/or officer of Halliburton, and Lesar and Hatchett at all relevant
times were close personal friends of Cheney and other Director and Officer
Defendants.
14.
On information and
belief, AA was continuously engaged by Halliburton for many years, until April
2002, to provide “independent” accounting, auditing, and management consulting
services, tax services, examination and review of SEC filings, audits, and
reviews of financial statements included in Halliburton’s SEC filings,
including audited and unaudited information, and annual reports.
15.
On information and
belief, AA’s relationship with Halliburton went far beyond “independent”
auditing services to include both internal and external auditing and
accounting, management consulting, and extensive, active involvement in the
materially incomplete, misleading, and fraudulent reporting and disclosure of
Halliburton’s financial condition and/or the fraudulent acts, omissions, and
scheme set forth below.
16.
On information and
belief, as a result of the myriad of services rendered to Halliburton, AA had continual
access to and knowledge of Halliburton’s inside corporate, business, and
financial information, including inter alia relevant facts about
Halliburton’s financial condition and/or the fraudulent acts, omissions, and
scheme set forth below.
17.
On information and
belief, as a result of AA’s expertise, extremely close working relationship
with Halliburton, constant interaction with Halliburton, and detailed knowledge
of and access to all relevant documents and information, at all relevant times
AA knew full well that it was a direct participant, aider and abettor, and
co-conspirator in a massive scheme to mislead and defraud Halliburton
shareholders, potential investors, and the securities market as to inter
alia Halliburton’s true financial condition and the value of Halliburton’s
securities.
18.
On information and
belief, AA received millions of dollars in accounting, audit, management
consulting, and advisory fees during the fraudulent activities set forth below.
19.
On information and
belief, on dates that are currently unknown but appears to have commenced no
later than 1998, the Accountant Defendants secretly entered into an agreement,
combination, and conspiracy with each other and the Director and Officer
Defendants to commit, aid, abet, participate in, and further the fraudulent
acts, omissions, and scheme set forth below, all with the intent to keep
Halliburton as a client and continue reaping multi-million dollar fees.
COMMON
ALLEGATIONS
20.
At all relevant times
Halliburton has provided products, maintenance, engineering, and construction
services to energy, industrial, and governmental customers through two groups:
(a) the Energy Services Group provides services and products for the
exploration, development, and production of oil and gas, and “integrated
solutions” to energy companies, ranging from the initial evaluation of
producing formations to drilling, production, and well maintenance; and (b) the
Engineering and Construction Group provides diverse engineering and
construction services to energy, industrial, and governmental customers in more
than 100 countries worldwide. For these
activities, Halliburton routinely enters into long-term construction and other
contracts.
21.
Until late 1990's, Halliburton normally
entered into contracts on a cost-plus basis, which provided for payment of all
costs actually incurred, whatever they were, plus a small profit margin over
costs. Starting in the late 1990's,
Defendants started receiving more fixed-price contracts, which do not guarantee
any profit margin to Halliburton in the event of cost overruns and/or change
orders. Such fixed-price contracts
require Halliburton to negotiate and/or to sue for payment of cost overruns and
change orders. The resulting disputes
may take months or years to resolve and their outcome cannot be foreseen with
any degree of reliability. Nonetheless,
Defendants, in agreement, concert, and conspiracy with each other, improperly
decided to start recognizing at least part of the speculative revenue from
disputed claims even while the disputes were still unresolved and uncertain
(the “Change in Accounting Principle”).
22.
On information and
belief, the Change in Accounting Principle was adopted and implemented, with
the knowledge and consent of all Director and Officer Defendants and all
Accountant Defendants, pursuant to AA’s very aggressive, pro-active, pro-client
strategy and management-consulting philosophy of fostering “inventiveness” and
promoting Halliburton’s success through value creation as measured by increased
market capitalization. On information
and belief, Cheney was a strong proponent of and participant in AA’s foregoing
strategy and philosophy within Halliburton.
On information and belief, Cheney used his official position and
influence to persuade the other Director and Officer Defendants to consider,
adopt, and implement AA’s foregoing strategy and philosophy as well as to hire
Lesar away from AA in or about 1995. On
Information and belief, Cheney even participated in an AA promotional video for
AA, stating that “I get good advice, if you will, from their people based upon
how we’re doing business and how we’re operating over and above just the normal
by-the-books auditing arrangements.”
23.
On information and
belief, beginning in or about the fourth quarter of 1998 and without making
disclosure to its shareholders or investors, Halliburton, the Director and
Officer Defendants, and the Accountant Defendants changed, caused a change in,
and/or went along with the Change in Accounting Principle so as to report at
least $89 million of revenues to cover disputed, unresolved cost overruns on
long-term construction projects, on the undisclosed and speculative assumption
that its customers would pay the disputed amounts. At the time of this undisclosed Change in Accounting Principle,
Halliburton was having a very difficult year with lower oil prices adversely
affecting its business and was facing a net loss for the year, compared to
substantial net income in the prior year.
In addition, in the third quarter of 1998, before the Change in
Accounting Principle was implemented, Halliburton acquired Dresser Industries,
Inc. (“Dresser”), which had been besieged by hundreds of thousands of
asbestos-related lawsuits, all of which further threatened the financial
performance of Halliburton in 1998 and later years.
24.
On information and
belief, by virtue of the Change in Accounting Principle, Halliburton reported
unbilled receivables of $98 million for the year ended December 31, 1999,
unbilled receivables of $113 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, and
unbilled receivables of $234 million for the year ended December 31, 2001,
based on unapproved and disputed cost overruns, change orders, and unresolved
claims, without disclosing the Change in Accounting Principle to book
speculative revenue on unresolved claims and change orders not approved by its
customers. The undisclosed Change in
Accounting Principle and the revenue recognition arising therefrom violated
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) because such revenues were
not probable and could not be reliably estimated.
25.
Statement of Position
81-1 is part of GAAP, governs accounting for long-term construction-type
contracts, and provides in relevant part that:
Claims are
amounts in excess of the agreed contract price (or amounts not included in the
original contract price) that a contractor seeks to collect from customers or
others for customer-caused delays, errors in specifications and designs,
contract terminations, change orders in dispute or unapproved as to both scope
and price, or other causes of unanticipated additional costs. Recognition of amounts of additional
contract revenue relating to claims is appropriate only if it is probable that
the claim will result in additional contract revenue and if the amount can be
reliably estimated.
26.
On information and
belief, the Change in Accounting Principle violated this provision of GAAP and
constituted a material departure from both Halliburton’s long-standing accounting
policies and the general industry-wide practice, which is not to record revenue
on cost overruns, change orders, or related unresolved claims absent customer
approval.
27.
On information and
belief, the net effect of the Change in Accounting Principle was to materially
inflate Halliburton’s revenues and earnings from 1998 onward. For example, in the fourth quarter of 1998,
the Company reported $175 million of pre-tax operating profits, more than half
of which ($89 million) resulted from the undisclosed Change in Accounting
Principle in violation of GAAP. On
information and belief, under Halliburton’s previous, long-standing accounting
practices, cost overruns would not be covered by the recognition of revenue,
but would be recognized as losses, and revenue would not be recognized until
Halliburton’s clients agreed to pay additional sums to cover Halliburton’s
disputed claims or change orders.
28.
The Change in Accounting
Principle and its non-disclosure also violated GAAP principles in Accounting
Principles Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 20, which provides that an accounting
principle should not be changed unless it can be justified that the change
results in an accounting treatment that is preferable:
The Board
concludes that in the preparation of financial statements there is a
presumption that an accounting principle once adopted should not be changed in
accounting for events and transactions of a similar type. Consistent use of accounting principles from
one accounting period to another enhances the utility of financial statements
to users by facilitating analysis and understanding of comparative accounting
data.
The presumption that an entity should
not change an accounting principle may be overcome only if the enterprise
justifies the use of an alternative acceptable accounting principle on the
basis that it is preferable.
29.
APB No. 20 further
states that the nature and justification for a change in accounting principle
should be disclosed in financial statements when the change is made:
The nature and justification for a
change in accounting principle and its effect on income should be disclosed in
the financial statements of the period in which the change is made. The justification for the change should
explain clearly why the newly adopted accounting principle is preferable.
30.
APB No. 20 requires a
company making a change in accounting principle to disclose specifically “the
effect of adopting the new accounting principle on income.”
///
31.
APB No. 20 defines a change
in accounting principle to include a change from one generally accepted
accounting principle to another, as well as a change in the method of applying
a particular accounting principle:
A change
in accounting principle results from adoption of a generally accepted
accounting principle different from the one used previously for reporting
purposes. The term “accounting
principle” includes not only accounting principles and practices but also the
methods of applying them.
...
Changes
in accounting principle are numerous and varied. They include . . . a change in the method of accounting for
long-term construction-type contracts . . . .
32.
Halliburton’s change in
accounting principle was not disclosed or justified in its financial
statements, and the effect of the change on net income was not specifically
disclosed as required by GAAP.
Halliburton made no disclosure of the change in its 1998 Form 10-K. Subsequently, in its 1999, 2000, and 2001
Forms 10-K, Halliburton stated only that, “Claims and change orders which are
in the process of being negotiated with customers for extra work or changes in
the scope of the work are included in revenue when collection is deemed
probable.” This statement violated GAAP
because it did not reveal that the Change in Accounting Principle had occurred,
nor did Halliburton try to justify the change, explain why it was preferable,
or to disclose its effect on net income.
Hence, Halliburton’s reported financial results and financial statements
for 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001 were materially false and misleading when made.
33.
A change in an
accounting principle is of such material significance to an informed investment
decision that the SEC requires that a company making such a change file a
letter from its independent accountants supporting the preferability of the
accounting principle change in the first Form 10-Q to be filed by the company
after the change. SEC Regulation S-X,
Rule 10-01(b)(6). On information and
belief, the Accountant Defendants did not provide, and Halliburton did not
file, any such letter.
34.
On information and
belief, Defendants, in agreement, concert, and conspiracy with each other,
directly or indirectly initiated, directed, participated in, aided and abetted,
furthered, otherwise caused, and/or concealed the Change in Accounting
Principle, the resulting financial fraud from 1998 into 2002, or related
events, for the purpose of preserving their directorships and/or other
positions with Halliburton, keeping their contracts with Halliburton, their
income, compensation, and fringe benefits, supporting the value of their
Halliburton securities, and/or concealing their participation in and liability
for fraudulent reporting and activities.
35.
The Accountant
Defendants audited Halliburton’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998 (the “1998 Financials”), and issued an unqualified audit
report dated January 25, 1999, attesting to the accuracy and reliability of the
financial statements in conformity with GAAP (the “1/25/99 Audit Report”).
36.
Halliburton’s Form 10-K
(Annual Report) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, was filed with the
SEC on March 23, 1999 (the “1998 10-K”).
The 1998 10-K is a public record and included the 1998 Financials and
the 1/25/99 Audit Report. The 1998 10-K
was signed by Cheney, Hunt, Crandall, Dibona, Eagleburger, Howell, Martin,
Precourt, Silas, and Muchmore.
37.
On information and
belief, the 1998 Financials, the 1/25/99 Audit Report, and the 1998 10-K were all
provided not only to the SEC, but also, with the knowledge, approval, and
consent of all defendants, to Halliburton shareholders, potential investors,
securities analysts, the news media, and others who affect the securities
market.
38.
On information and
belief, the Director and Officer Defendants and Accountant Defendants
collaborated and worked together closely in preparing, finalizing, and filing
the 1998 Financials, 1/25/99 Audit Report, and 1998 10-K, and knew the contents
of those documents.
39.
The 1998 Financials,
1/25/99 Audit Report, and 1998 10-K were materially false and misleading when
made for the reasons set forth above.
In violation of GAAP, Halliburton recognized at least $89 million of
revenues in 1998 which was not probable and could not be reliably
estimated. In further violation of
GAAP, Halliburton’s 1998 financial statements did not reveal the Change in
Accounting Principle, nor did Halliburton attempt to justify the basis for such
a change or why it was preferable or disclose the effect of the change on net
income.
40.
On information and
belief, the Director and Officer Defendants and Accountant Defendants knew at
all relevant times, or recklessly failed to learn, that the 1998 Financials,
1/25/99 Audit Report, and 1998 10-K were not in conformity with GAAP and/or
were materially false and misleading for the reasons set forth above.
41.
On information and
belief, despite knowledge or reckless failure to learn that the 1998
Financials, 1/25/99 Audit Report, and 1998 10-K were not in conformity with
GAAP and/or were materially false and misleading, the Director and Officer
Defendants and Accountant Defendants intentionally, wilfully, or recklessly
continued to work for Halliburton and allow their good names, services, and work
product to be used in furtherance of fraud, without resigning, blowing the
whistle, or raising a red flag.
42.
On July 22, 1999,
Halliburton issued a press release announcing financial results for its second
quarter ended June 30, 1999, stating total revenues were $3.7 billion for the
quarter and net income was $83 million, or $0.19 per diluted share (“7/22/99
Press Release”).
43.
On August 13, 1999,
Halliburton filed its Form 10-Q with the SEC for its second quarter ended June
30, 1999, confirming previously announced financial results (the “8/13/99
10-Q”). The 8/13/99 10-Q represented
that the financial statements therein were prepared consistently with GAAP
requirements for interim financial reports and that the filing presented
Halliburton’s finances fairly, stating the following in note 1 to the quarterly
financial statement, under the title of “Management Representations”:
The accompanying unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements were prepared using generally accepted accounting
principles for interim financial information and the instructions to form 10-Q
and applicable rules of Regulation S-X.
Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all information
and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our 1998 Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
In our opinion, the condensed
consolidated financial statements present fairly our financial position as of
June 30, 1999, and the results of our operations for the three and six months
ended June 30, 1999, and our cash flows for the six months then ended.
44.
On October 21, 1999,
Halliburton issued a press release announcing financial results for its third
quarter ended September 30, 1999, reporting net income of $58 million for the
quarter ($0.13 per share diluted), compared to a loss of $527 million ($1.20
per share diluted) in the 1998 third
quarter (the “10/21/99 Press Release”).
45.
On November 15, 1999,
Halliburton filed its Form 10-Q with the SEC for its third quarter ended
September 30, 1999, confirming the previously announced financial results (the
“11/15/99 10-Q”). The 11/15/99 10-Q
represented that the financial statements therein were prepared consistently
with GAAP requirements for interim financial reports and that the filing
presented Halliburton’s finances fairly, stating the following in note 1 to the
quarterly financial statement, under the title of “Management Representations”:
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated
financial statements were prepared using generally accepted accounting
principles for interim financial information and the instructions to form 10-Q
and applicable rules of Regulation S-X.
Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all information
and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our 1998 Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
In our opinion, the condensed
consolidated financial statements present fairly our financial position as of
September 30, 1999, and the results of our operations for the three and nine
months ended September 30, 1999, and our cash flows for the nine months then
ended.
46.
On January 27, 2000,
Halliburton issued a press release announcing financial results for its fourth
quarter and year ended December 31, 1999, reporting adjusted net income of $76
million ($0.17 per diluted share), compared to net income of $66 million ($0.15
per diluted share) in the year ago quarter (the “1/27/2000 Press Release”).
47.
The Accountant
Defendants audited Halliburton’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1999 (the “1999 Financials”), and issued an unqualified audit
report dated January 27 and February 19, 2000, attesting to the accuracy and
reliability of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP (the “1/27/2000
Audit Report”).
48.
Halliburton’s Form 10-K
(Annual Report) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, was filed with the
SEC on March 14, 2000 (the “1999 10-K”).
The 1999 10-K is a public record and included the 1999 Financials and
the 1/27/2000 Audit Report. The 1999
10-K was signed by Cheney, Hunt, Crandall, Dibona, Eagleburger, Howell, Martin,
Precourt, Silas, and Muchmore.
49.
The 1999 10-K
represented that Halliburton had employed accounting principles in accordance
with GAAP and had prepared its financial statements in accordance with
GAAP. The “Revenue and Income
Recognition” section of the 1999 10-K stated as follows:
Revenues and income recognition. We recognize revenues as services are
rendered or products are shipped. The
distinction between services and product sales is based upon the overall
activity of the particular business operation.
Revenues from engineering and construction contracts are reported on the
percentage of completion method of accounting using measurements of progress
towards completion appropriate for the work performed. All known or anticipated losses on contracts
are provided for currently. Claims and
change orders which are in the process of being negotiated with customers, for
extra work or changes in the scope of the work are included in revenue when
collection is deemed probable.
50.
The “Receivables” section
of the 1999 10-K stated that claims and change orders included in unbilled
receivables amounted to $89 million at December 31, 1998, and $98 million at
December 31, 1999, and were generally expected to be collected in the following
year.
51.
The foregoing 7/22/99
Press Release, 8/13/99 10-Q, 10/21/99 Press Release, 11/15/99 10-Q, 1/27/2000
Press Release, 1999 Financials, 1/27/2000 Audit Report, and the 1999 10-K were
materially false and misleading when made for the reasons set forth above. In violation of GAAP, Halliburton recognized
as much as $98 million of revenue in 1999 which was not probable and could not
be reliably estimated. In further
violation of GAAP, the 1999 Financials did not reveal that Change in Accounting
Principle, nor did Halliburton attempt to justify the change or why it was
preferable or disclose the effect of the change on net income. The Change in Accounting Principle resulted
in a material effect of $98 million for 1999.
52.
On information and
belief, the 7/22/99 Press Release, 8/13/99 10-Q, 10/21/99 Press Release,
11/15/99 10-Q, 1/27/2000 Press Release, 1999 Financials, 1/27/2000 Audit
Report, and the 1999 10-K were all provided not only to the SEC, but also, with
the knowledge, approval, and consent of all defendants, to Halliburton
shareholders, potential investors, securities analysts, the news media, and
others who affect the securities market.
53.
On information and
belief, the Director and Officer Defendants and Accountant Defendants
collaborated and worked together closely in preparing, finalizing, and filing
the 7/22/99 Press Release, 8/13/99 10-Q, 10/21/99 Press Release, 11/15/99 10-Q,
1/27/2000 Press Release, 1999 Financials, 1/27/2000 Audit Report, and 1999
10-K, and knew their contents.
54.
On information and
belief, the Director and Officer Defendants and Accountant Defendants knew at
all relevant times, or recklessly failed to learn, that the 7/22/99 Press
Release, 8/13/99 10-Q, 10/21/99 Press Release, 11/15/99 10-Q, 1/27/2000 Press
Release,1999 Financials, 1/27/2000 Audit Report, and the 1999 10-K were not in
conformity with GAAP and/or were materially false and misleading for the
reasons set forth above.
55.
On information and
belief, despite knowledge or reckless failure to learn that the 7/22/99 Press
Release, 8/13/99 10-Q, 10/21/99 Press Release, 11/15/99 10-Q, 1/27/2000 Press
Release, 1999 Financials, 1/27/2000 Audit Report, and the 1999 10-K were not in
conformity with GAAP and/or were materially false and misleading, the Director
and Officer Defendants and Accountant Defendants intentionally, wilfully, or
recklessly continued to work for Halliburton and allow their good names,
services, and work product to be used in furtherance of fraud, without
resigning, blowing the whistle, or raising a red flag.
56.
On July 26, 2000,
Halliburton issued a press release announcing financial results for its second
quarter of 2000 ended June 30, 2000, reporting second quarter net income of $75
million ($0.17 per share diluted), compared to $83 million ($0.19 per share
diluted) in the second quarter of 1999 (the “7/26/2000 Press Release”).
57.
On August 10, 2000,
Halliburton filed its Form 10-Q with the SEC for the second quarter of 2000
ended June 30, 2000, confirming the previously announced financial results (the
“8/10/2000 10-Q”). The 8/10/2000 10-Q
represented that the financial statements therein were prepared consistently
with GAAP requirements for interim financial reports and that the filing
presented Halliburton’s finances fairly, stating the following in note 1 to the
quarterly financial statement, under the title of “Management Representations”:
///
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated
financial statements were prepared using generally accepted accounting
principles for interim financial information and the instructions to form 10-Q
and applicable rules of Regulation S-X.
Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all information
and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our 1999 Annual
Report on Form 10-K. Prior year amounts
have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
In our opinion, the condensed consolidated financial
statements present fairly our financial position as of June 30, 2000, and the
results of our operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2000, and
our cash flows for the six months then ended.
58.
On October 24, 2000, Halliburton
issued a press release announcing financial results for its third quarter of
2000 ended September 30, 2000, reporting net income was $157 million ($0.35 per
share diluted), representing a 109 % increase over the prior quarter and, a 171
% increase compared to the third quarter of 1999 (the “10/24/2000 Press
Release”).
59.
On November 9, 2000, the
Company filed a Form 10-Q with the SEC for its third quarter of 2000 ended
September 30, 2000, confirming previously announced financial results (the “11/9/2000
10-Q”). The 11/9/2000 10-Q represented
that the financial statements therein were prepared consistently with GAAP
requirements for interim financial reports and that the filing presented
Halliburton’s finances fairly, stating the following in note 1 to the quarterly
financial statement, under the title of “Management Representations”:
The accompanying unaudited condensed financial
statements were prepared using generally accepted accounting principles for
interim financial information and the instructions to form 10-Q and applicable
rules of Regulation S-X. Accordingly,
these financial statements do not include all information and footnotes
required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial
statements and should be read in conjunction with our 1999 Annual Report on
Form 10-K. Prior year amounts have been
reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
In our opinion, the condensed consolidated financial
statements present fairly our financial position as of September 30, 2000, and
the results of our operations for the three and nine months ended September 30,
2000, and our cash flows for the nine months then ended.
60.
On January 30, 2001,
Halliburton issued a press release announcing its financial results for the
fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2000, reporting net income was $123
million ($0.28 per diluted share) (the “1/30/2001 Press Release”).
61.
The Accountant
Defendants audited Halliburton’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2000 (the “2000 Financials”), and issued an unqualified audit
report dated January 30 and March 23, 2001, attesting to the accuracy and
reliability of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP (the “1/30/2001
Audit Report”).
62.
Halliburton’s Form 10-K
(Annual Report) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, was filed with the
SEC on March 27, 2001 (the “2000 10-K”).
The 2000 10-K is a public record and included the 2000 Financials and
the 1/30/2001 Audit Report. The 2000
10-K was signed by Lesar, Hunt, Crandall, Dibona, Eagleburger, Howell, Martin,
Precourt, Silas, and Muchmore. Cheney
was not a signatory because by the time the 2000 10-K was filed with the SEC he
had resigned to become the Vice President of the United States.
63.
The 2000 10-K
represented that Halliburton employed accounting principles in accordance with
GAAP and had prepared its financial statements in accordance with GAAP. The 2000 10-K described Halliburton’s
revenue recognition policy in the same format as the 1999 10-K, stating as
follows:
Revenues and income recognition. We recognize revenues as services are
rendered or products are shipped. The
distinction between services and product sales is based upon the overall
activity of the particular business operation.
Revenues from engineering and construction contracts are reported on the
percentage of completion method of accounting using measurements of progress
towards completion appropriate for the work performed. All known or anticipated losses on contracts
are provided for currently. Claims and
change orders which are in the process of being negotiated with customers, for
extra work or changes in the scope of the work are included in revenue when
collection is deemed probable.
64.
The “Receivables”
section of the 2000 10-K stated that claims and change orders included in
unbilled receivables were $98 million at December 31, 1999,and $113 million at
December 31, 2002, and were generally expected to be collected in the following
year.
65.
The 7/26/2000 Press
Release, the 8/10/2000 10-Q, the 10/24/2000 Press Release, the 11/19/2000 10-Q,
the 1/30/2001 Press Release, the 2000 Financials, the 1/30/2001 Audit Report,
and the 2000 10-K were materially false and misleading when made for the
reasons set forth above. In violation
of GAAP, Halliburton recognized $113 million of revenues in 2000 which was not
probable and could not be reliably estimated.
In further violation of GAAP, the 2000 Financials did not reveal the
Change in Accounting Principle, nor did Halliburton attempt to justify the
change or why it was preferable or disclose the effect of the change on net
income. The Change in Accounting
Principle resulted in a material effect of $113 million for 2000.
66.
On information and belief,
the 7/26/2000 Press Release, the 8/10/2000 10-Q, the 10/24/2000 Press Release,
the 11/19/2000 10-Q, the 1/30/2001 Press Release, the 2000 Financials, the
1/30/2001 Audit Report, and the 2000 10-K were all provided not only to the
SEC, but also, with the knowledge, approval, and consent of all defendants, to
Halliburton shareholders, potential investors, securities analysts, the news
media, and others who affect the securities market.
67.
On information and
belief, the Director and Officer Defendants and Accountant Defendants
collaborated and worked together closely in preparing, finalizing, and filing
the 7/26/2000 Press Release, the 8/10/2000 10-Q, the 10/24/2000 Press Release,
the 11/19/2000 10-Q, the 1/30/2001 Press Release, the 2000 Financials, the 1/30/2001
Audit Report, and the 2000 10-K, and knew the content of those documents.
///
68.
On information and
belief, the Director and Officer Defendants and Accountant Defendants knew at
all relevant times, or recklessly failed to learn, that the 7/26/2000 Press
Release, the 8/10/2000 10-Q, the 10/24/2000 Press Release, the 11/19/2000 10-Q,
the 1/30/2001 Press Release, the 2000 Financials, the 1/30/2001 Audit Report,
and the 2000 10-K were not in conformity with GAAP and/or were materially false
and misleading for the reasons set forth above.
69.
On information and
belief, despite knowledge or reckless failure to learn that the 7/26/2000 Press
Release, the 8/10/2000 10-Q, the 10/24/2000 Press Release, the 11/19/2000 10-Q,
the 1/30/2001 Press Release, the 2000 Financials, the 1/30/2001 Audit Report,
and the 2000 10-K were not in conformity with GAAP and/or were materially false
and misleading, the Director and Officer Defendants and Accountant Defendants
intentionally, wilfully, or recklessly continued to work for Halliburton and
allow their good names, services, and work product to be used in furtherance of
fraud, without resigning, blowing the whistle, or raising a red flag.
70.
On April 26, 2001,
Halliburton issued a press release to announce that its “2001 first quarter net
income was $109 million ($0.25 per diluted share). Net income from
continuing operations was $86 million,
an increase of 219 percent over the prior year quarter. Revenues
from continuing operations were $3.1 billion in the 2001 first quarter,
an increase of 10 percent compared to
the year ago quarter. Operating income
of $198 million for the quarter represents
an increase of 144 percent compared to the 2000 first quarter operating
income of $81 million. ” (the “4/26/2001 Press Release”).
71.
On May 11, 2001,
Halliburton filed its Form 10-Q with the SEC for its first quarter of 2001
ended March 31, 2001, confirming the previously announced financial results
(the “5/11/2001 10-Q”). The 5/11/2001
10-Q represented that the financial statements therein were prepared
consistently with GAAP requirements for interim financial reports and that the
filing presented Halliburton’s finances fairly, stating the following in note 1
to the quarterly financial statement, under the title of “Management
Representations”:
The accompanying unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements were prepared using generally accepted
accounting principles for interim financial information and the instructions to
form 10-Q and applicable rules of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all
information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles
for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our
2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Prior
year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year
presentation.
In our opinion, the condensed
consolidated financial statements present fairly our financial position as of
March 31, 2001, and the results of our operations for the three months ended
March 31, 2001, and our cash flows for the three months then ended.
72.
On July 25, 2001,
Halliburton issued a press release headlined “Halliburton Second Quarter [2001]
Revenues and Earnings Continue to Soar,” reporting that “2001 second quarter
net income was $382 million ($0.89 per diluted share). Net income from continuing operations was $143 million ($0.33 per
diluted share), an increase of 175 percent compared to the prior year quarter”
(the “7/25/2001 Press Release”).
73.
On August 9, 2001,
Halliburton filed its Form 10-Q with the SEC for the second quarter of 2001
ended June 30, 2001, confirming the previously announced financial results (the
“8/9/2001 10-Q”). The 8/9/2001 10-Q represented
that the financial statements therein were prepared consistently with GAAP
requirements for interim financial reports and that the filing presented
Halliburton’s finances fairly, stating the following in note 1 to the quarterly
financial statement, under the title of “Management Representations”:
The accompanying unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements were prepared using generally accepted
accounting principles for interim financial information and the instructions to
form 10-Q and applicable rules of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all
information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles
for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our
2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Prior
year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.
In our opinion, the condensed
consolidated financial statements present fairly our financial position as of
June 30, 2001, and the results of our operations for the three and six months
ended June 30, 2001, and our cash flows for the six months then ended.
74.
On October 23, 2001,
Halliburton issued a press release headlined “Halliburton reports Record
Profits,” announcing financial results for the third quarter of 2001 ended
September 30, 2001 (the “10/23/2001 Press Release”). According to the 10/23/2001 Press Release, the third quarter 2001
net income from continuing operations was $181 million ($0.42 per diluted
share), which was a 39% increase over the prior year quarter.
75.
On November 8, 2001, the
Company filed a Form 10-Q with the SEC for the third quarter of 2001 ended
September 30, 2001, confirming the previously announced financial results (the
“11/8/2001 10-Q”). The 11/8/2001 10-Q
represented that the financial statements therein were prepared consistently
with GAAP requirements for interim financial reports and that the filing
presented Halliburton’s finances fairly, stating the following in note 1 to the
quarterly financial statement, under the title of “Management Representations”:
The accompanying unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements were prepared using generally accepted
accounting principles for interim financial information and the instructions to
form 10-Q and applicable rules of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all
information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles
for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our
2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Prior
year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year
presentation.
In our opinion, the condensed
consolidated financial statements present fairly our financial position as of
September 30, 2001, and the results of our operations for the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2001, and our cash flows for the nine months then
ended.
///
76.
On or about November 15,
2002, Stephens purchased 500 shares of Halliburton common stock at a price of
$21.11 per share, for a total cost, with commissions, of $10,685.00. On information and belief, unbeknownst to
Stephens, the purchase price was grossly inflated because of the Defendants’
misrepresentations and concealment of material information.
77.
On January 23, 2002,
Halliburton issued a press release headlined “Halliburton Fourth Quarter [2002]
33 Cents EPS Caps Outstanding Year,” reporting “2001 fourth quarter net income
from continuing operations of $141 million ($0.33 per diluted share) and $551
million ($1.28 per diluted share) for
the full year” (the “1/23/2002 Press Release”).
78.
The Accountant
Defendants audited Halliburton’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2001 (the “2001 Financials”), and issued an unqualified audit
report dated January 23 and February 21, 2002, attesting to the accuracy and
reliability of the 2001 Financials in conformity with GAAP (“1/23/2002 Audit
Report”). Furthermore, in the 1/23/2002
Audit Report, the Accountant Defendants affirmed the accuracy and reliability
of Halliburton’s financial statements for the prior three years in
conformity with GAAP:
In our opinion, the financial
statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of Halliburton Company and subsidiary companies as of
December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001, in
conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in
the United States of America.
79.
On or about January 24,
2002, the Lionbargers purchased 100 shares of Halliburton common stock at a
price of $12.22 per share, for a total cost of $1,222.00. On information and belief, unbeknownst to
the Lionbargers, the purchase price was grossly inflated because of the
Defendants’ misrepresentations and concealment of material information.
///
80.
Halliburton’s Form 10-K
(Annual Report) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, was filed with the
SEC on March 12, 2002 (the “2001 10-K”).
The 2001 10-K is a public record and included the 2001 Financials and
the 1/23/2002 Audit Report. The 2000
10-K was signed by Lesar, Hunt, Crandall, Dibona, Eagleburger, Howell, Martin,
Precourt, Silas, Foshee, and Muchmore.
81.
The 2001 10-K
represented that Halliburton employed accounting principles in accordance with
GAAP and had prepared its financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Halliburton’s revenue recognition policy was
set forth as follows:
Revenues
and income recognition. We recognize
revenues as services are rendered or products are shipped. The distinction between services and product
sales is based on the overall activity of the particular business
operation. Revenues from engineering
and construction contracts are reported on the percentage of completion method
of accounting using measurements of progress towards completion appropriate for
the work performed. Progress is
generally based upon physical progress, man-hours or costs incurred based upon
the appropriate method for the type of job.
All known or anticipated losses on contracts are provided for
currently. Claims and change orders
which are in the process of being negotiated with customers, for extra work or
changes in the scope of work are, included in revenue when collection is deemed
probable.
82.
The “Receivables”
section of the 2001 Form 10-K stated that claims and change orders included in
unbilled receivables were $234 million at December 31, 2001, and $113 million
at December 31, 2000.
83.
The 4/26/2001 Press
Release, the 5/11/2001 10-Q, the 7/25/2001 Press Release, the 8/9/2001 10-Q,
the 10/23/2001 Press Release, the 11/8/2001 10-Q, the 1/23/2002 Press Release, the
2001 Financials, the 1/23/2002 Audit
Report, and the 2001 10-K were materially false and misleading when made for
the reasons set forth above. In
violation of GAAP, Halliburton recognized $234 million of revenues in 2001
which was not probable and could not be reliably estimated. In further violation of GAAP, the 2001
Financials did not reveal the Change in Accounting Principle, nor did
Halliburton attempt to justify the change or why it was preferable or disclose
the effect of the change on net income.
The Change in Accounting Principle resulted in a material effect of $234
million for 2001.
84.
On information and
belief, the 4/26/2001 Press Release, the 5/11/2001 10-Q, the 7/25/2001 Press Release,
the 8/9/2001 10-Q, the 10/23/2001 Press Release, the 11/8/2001 10-Q, the
1/23/2002 Press Release, the 2001 Financials,
the 1/23/2002 Audit Report, and the 2001 10-K were all provided not only
to the SEC, but also, with the knowledge, approval, and consent of all
defendants, to Halliburton shareholders, potential investors, securities
analysts, the news media, and others who affect the securities market.
85.
On information and
belief, the Director and Officer Defendants and Accountant Defendants collaborated
and worked together closely in preparing, finalizing, and filing the 4/26/2001
Press Release, the 5/11/2001 10-Q, the 7/25/2001 Press Release, the 8/9/2001
10-Q, the 10/23/2001 Press Release, the 11/8/2001 10-Q, the 1/23/2002 Press
Release, the 2001 Financials, the
1/23/2002 Audit Report, and the 2001 10-K, and knew the contents of those
documents.
86.
On information and
belief, the Director and Officer Defendants and Accountant Defendants knew at
all relevant times, or recklessly failed to learn, that the 4/26/2001 Press
Release, the 5/11/2001 10-Q, the 7/25/2001 Press Release, the 8/9/2001 10-Q,
the 10/23/2001 Press Release, the 11/8/2001 10-Q, the 1/23/2002 Press Release,
the 2001 Financials, the 1/23/2002 Audit
Report, and the 2001 10-K were not in conformity with GAAP and/or were
materially false and misleading for the reasons set forth above.
///
87.
On information and
belief, despite knowledge or reckless failure to learn that the 4/26/2001 Press
Release, the 5/11/2001 10-Q, the 7/25/2001 Press Release, the 8/9/2001 10-Q,
the 10/23/2001 Press Release, the 11/8/2001 10-Q, the 1/23/2002 Press Release,
the 2001 Financials, the 1/23/2002
Audit Report, and the 2001 10-K were not in conformity with GAAP and/or were
materially false and misleading, the Director and Officer Defendants and
Accountant Defendants intentionally, wilfully, or recklessly continued to work
for Halliburton and allow their good names, services, and work product to be
used in furtherance of fraud, without resigning, blowing the whistle, or
raising a red flag.
88.
On information and
belief, Halliburton fired the Accountant Defendants in or about April 17, 2002,
after they had completed their services in furtherance of the fraud, and had
become an embarrassment because of their involvement in widely publicized
financial frauds and bankruptcies, including inter alia those of Enron
Corp. and Global Crossing Ltd.
89.
On information and
belief, no one other than Defendants had any reason to suspect financial fraud
at Halliburton before May 22, 2002, when The New York Times published an
article on the Change in Accounting Principle in 1998. According to this article, Halliburton was
incurring large losses on certain long-term construction contracts and was
under intense pressure at the time to boost revenues as its stock price fell
because of an oil-industry recession.
The New York Times article cited interviews with former
executives of Dresser, acquired by Halliburton in the third quarter of 1998,
who stated that the Change in Accounting Principle was made with the specific
intent of masking Halliburton’s worsening financial results:
Two
former executives of Dresser Industries, which merged with Halliburton in 1998,
said that they concluded after the merger that Halliburton had instituted
aggressive accounting practices to obscure its losses.
Much of
Halliburton’s business comes from big construction projects, like natural gas
processing plants, which sometimes ran over budget. With the policy change, Halliburton began to book revenue on the
assumption that its customers would pay at least part of the cost overruns,
although they remained in dispute.
Before 1998, the company had been more conservative, reporting revenue
from overruns only after settling with its customers.
...
Though
resolving such disputes can take months or years, the company decided it was
reasonable to recognize at least part of the revenue from the claims even while
they remained in dispute, [Halliburton CFO] Foshee said.
...
That explanation
was disputed by the former Dresser executives who joined Halliburton after the
merger. They said . . . that the
company made the accounting change to obscure large losses on several important
construction contracts.
90.
The New York Times reported that the Change in Accounting Principle was
specifically approved by Lesar, a former partner of AA, as President of
Halliburton. The New York Times
reported that the Change in Accounting Principle “came at an important moment
for Halliburton” which was “eager to win back investors’ confidence after its
takeover of Dresser”:
Exactly
how much of that revenue turned into profits for the company is not stated in
Halliburton’s financial reports. But
the impact would have been significant had the company taken the alternative
route of writing the cost overruns as losses, wiping out more than half of its
$175 million in pretax operating profits for the fourth quarter [of 1998], when
the accounting change took effect.
91.
On May 28, 2002, after
the close of trading, Halliburton issued a press release to announce that the
SEC had begun “a preliminary investigation of the Company’s accounting
treatment of cost overruns on construction jobs,” and that Halliburton expected
to receive a formal request for documents or a subpoena in the next few
days. Halliburton’s press release
stated, however, that it believed that it had accounted for construction claims
and change orders in conformity with GAAP.
In response to Halliburton’s announcement, the price of Halliburton common
stock decreased by 3.3% on May 29, 2002, on extraordinarily high trading
volume.
///
FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF
(Fraud in Stock Transactions and Civil
Conspiracy,
pursuant to Texas Business &
Commerce Code Section 27.01,
against All Defendants)
92.
Plaintiffs hereby fully
incorporate by reference all allegations set forth in preceding Paragraphs 1
through 117 as if fully set forth at this point.
93.
On information and
belief, Halliburton, the Director and Officer Defendants, and the Accountant Defendants,
acting in agreement, concert, and conspiracy with each other, jointly and
severally, as set forth fully above, made material misrepresentations to
Plaintiffs relating to Halliburton’s financial condition and the value of
Halliburton’s securities, in and in connection with inter alia the
following communications and SEC filings: the 1998 Financials, the 1/25/99
Audit Report, the 1998 10-K, the 7/22/99 Press Release, the 8/13/99 10-Q, the
10/21/99 Press Release, the 11/15/99 10-Q, the 1/27/2000 Press Release, the
1999 Financials, the 1/27/2000 Audit Report, the 1999 10-K, the 7/26/2000
Press Release, the 8/10/2000 10-Q, the 10/24/2000 Press Release, the 11/19/2000
10-Q, the 1/30/2001 Press Release, the 2000 Financials, the 1/30/2001 Audit
Report, the 2000 10-K, the 4/26/2001 Press Release, the 5/11/2001 10-Q, the
7/25/2001 Press Release, the 8/9/2001 10-Q, the 10/23/2001 Press Release, the
11/8/2001 10-Q, the 1/23/2002 Press Release, the 2001 Financials, the 1/23/2002 Audit Report, and 2001 10-K.
94.
On information and
belief, Halliburton, the Director and Officer Defendants, and the Accountant
Defendants, acting in agreement, concert, and conspiracy with each other,
jointly and severally, as set forth fully above, concealed material information
relating to Halliburton’s financial condition and the value of Halliburton’s
securities – e.g., the material
understatement of liabilities, and the material overstatement of income or
assets – in and in connection with inter alia the following communications
and SEC filings: the 1998 Financials, the 1/25/99 Audit Report, the 1998 10-K, the 7/22/99
Press Release, the 8/13/99 10-Q, the 10/21/99 Press Release, the 11/15/99 10-Q,
the 1/27/2000 Press Release, the 1999 Financials, the 1/27/2000 Audit Report,
the 1999 10-K, the 7/26/2000 Press Release, the 8/10/2000 10-Q, the
10/24/2000 Press Release, the 11/19/2000 10-Q, the 1/30/2001 Press Release, the
2000 Financials, the 1/30/2001 Audit Report, the 2000 10-K, the 4/26/2001 Press
Release, the 5/11/2001 10-Q, the 7/25/2001 Press Release, the 8/9/2001 10-Q,
the 10/23/2001 Press Release, the 11/8/2001 10-Q, the 1/23/2002 Press Release,
the 2001 Financials, the 1/23/2002
Audit Report, and the 2001 10-K. As a
result of the foregoing concealment of material information, the affirmative
representations that were made relating to Halliburton’s financial condition
and the value of Halliburton’s securities were at all relevant times materially
incomplete, misleading, and fraudulent misrepresentations.
95.
On information and
belief, Halliburton, the Director and Officer Defendants, and the Accountant
Defendants, acting in agreement, concert, and conspiracy with each other,
jointly and severally, as set forth fully above, made inter alia the foregoing
misrepresentations intentionally, wilfully, maliciously, with knowledge of, or
with recklessness as to the materially incomplete, misleading, and fraudulent
nature of the misrepresentations.
96.
On information and
belief, Halliburton, the Director and Officer Defendants, and the Accountant
Defendants, acting in agreement, concert, and conspiracy with each other, as
set forth fully above, intended and/or had reason to expect that their
foregoing misrepresentations would be relied upon by Plaintiffs, would
influence and manipulate the market for Halliburton securities, and would
artificially inflate the price paid and received in all purchases and sales
thereof, from a date currently unknown but no later than 1998, for as long as
possible into 2002.
97.
On information and
belief, the foregoing misrepresentations of Halliburton, the Director and
Officer Defendants, and the Accountant Defendants, acting in agreement,
concert, and conspiracy with each other, as set forth fully above, did in fact
induce reliance on the misrepresentations, manipulate and influence the market
for Halliburton securities, and artificially inflate the market price paid and
received in all purchases and sales thereof, from a date currently unknown but
no later than 1998, until May 22, 2002.
98.
Plaintiffs reasonably
and justifiably relied on the foregoing misrepresentations, on the integrity of
the securities market, and/or on the absence of a fraud on the securities
market in purchasing and selling securities, as set forth more fully above.
99.
As a direct and
proximate result of the Defendants’ fraud and conspiracy in the foregoing stock
transactions, as set forth fully above, Plaintiffs have suffered injury and
damages in that they were fraudulently induced to purchase securities at
artificially inflated prices and lost some or all of the actual or projected
amount and value of their investments, in amounts according to proof at trial.
100.
The securities fraud
perpetrated by the Defendants, jointly and severally, was aggravated by the
kind of fraud for which Texas law allows the imposition of punitive and
exemplary damages, in that the defendants (in concert and conspiracy with each
other) made material representations that were false, knowing that they were
false or with reckless disregard as to their truth and as positive assertions,
with the intent that Plaintiffs rely on the representations. In fact, Plaintiffs relied on the
representations and suffered injury and damages as a result of this
reliance. Hence, Plaintiffs seek
punitive and exemplary damages in the maximum amount authorized by Texas law.
///
SECOND
CLAIM FOR RELIEF
(Common
Law Fraud and Civil Conspiracy,
against
All Defendants)
101.
Plaintiffs hereby fully
incorporate by reference all allegations set forth in preceding Paragraphs 1
through 117 as if fully set forth at this point.
102.
On information and
belief, Halliburton, the Director and Officer Defendants, and the Accountant Defendants,
acting in agreement, concert, and conspiracy with each other, jointly and
severally, as set forth fully above, made material misrepresentations to
Plaintiffs relating to Halliburton’s financial condition and the value of
Halliburton’s securities, in and in connection with inter alia the
following communications and SEC filings: the 1998 Financials, the 1/25/99
Audit Report, the 1998 10-K, the 7/22/99 Press Release, the 8/13/99 10-Q, the
10/21/99 Press Release, the 11/15/99 10-Q, the 1/27/2000 Press Release, the
1999 Financials, the 1/27/2000 Audit Report, the 1999 10-K, the 7/26/2000
Press Release, the 8/10/2000 10-Q, the 10/24/2000 Press Release, the 11/19/2000
10-Q, the 1/30/2001 Press Release, the 2000 Financials, the 1/30/2001 Audit
Report, the 2000 10-K, the 4/26/2001 Press Release, the 5/11/2001 10-Q, the
7/25/2001 Press Release, the 8/9/2001 10-Q, the 10/23/2001 Press Release, the
11/8/2001 10-Q, the 1/23/2002 Press Release, the 2001 Financials, the 1/23/2002 Audit Report, and 2001 10-K.
103.
On information and
belief, Halliburton, the Director and Officer Defendants, and the Accountant
Defendants, acting in agreement, concert, and conspiracy with each other,
jointly and severally, as set forth fully above, concealed material information
relating to Halliburton’s financial condition and the value of Halliburton’s
securities – e.g., the material understatement of liabilities, and the material
overstatement of income or assets – in and in connection with inter alia
the following communications and SEC filings: the 1998 Financials, the 1/25/99
Audit Report, the 1998 10-K, the 7/22/99 Press Release, the 8/13/99 10-Q, the
10/21/99 Press Release, the 11/15/99 10-Q, the 1/27/2000 Press Release, the
1999 Financials, the 1/27/2000 Audit Report, the 1999 10-K, the 7/26/2000
Press Release, the 8/10/2000 10-Q, the 10/24/2000 Press Release, the 11/19/2000
10-Q, the 1/30/2001 Press Release, the 2000 Financials, the 1/30/2001 Audit
Report, the 2000 10-K, the 4/26/2001 Press Release, the 5/11/2001 10-Q, the
7/25/2001 Press Release, the 8/9/2001 10-Q, the 10/23/2001 Press Release, the
11/8/2001 10-Q, the 1/23/2002 Press Release, the 2001 Financials, the 1/23/2002 Audit Report, and the 2001
10-K. As a result of the foregoing
concealment of material information, the affirmative representations that were
made relating to Halliburton’s financial condition and the value of
Halliburton’s securities were at all relevant times materially incomplete,
misleading, and fraudulent misrepresentations.
104.
On information and
belief, Halliburton, the Director and Officer Defendants, and the Accountant
Defendants, acting in agreement, concert, and conspiracy with each other,
jointly and severally, as set forth fully above, made inter alia the
foregoing misrepresentations intentionally, wilfully, maliciously, with
knowledge of, or with recklessness as to the materially incomplete, misleading,
and fraudulent nature of the misrepresentations.
105.
On information and
belief, Halliburton, the Director and Officer Defendants, and the Accountant
Defendants, acting in agreement, concert, and conspiracy with each other,
jointly and severally, as set forth fully above, intended and/or had reason to
expect that their foregoing misrepresentations would be relied upon by
Plaintiffs, would influence and manipulate the market for Halliburton securities, and would artificially inflate
the price paid and received in all purchases and sales thereof, from a date
currently unknown but no later than 1998, for as long as possible into 2002.
///
106.
On information and
belief, the foregoing misrepresentations of Halliburton, the Director and
Officer Defendants, and the Accountant Defendants, acting in agreement,
concert, and conspiracy with each other, jointly and severally, as set forth
fully above, did in fact induce reliance on the misrepresentations, manipulate
and influence the market for Halliburton securities, and artificially inflate
the market price paid and received in all purchases and sales thereof, from a
date currently unknown but no later than 1998, until May 22, 2002.
107.
Plaintiffs reasonably
and justifiably relied on the foregoing misrepresentations, on the integrity of
the securities market, and/or on the absence of a fraud on the securities
market in purchasing and selling securities, as set forth more fully above.
108.
As a direct and
proximate result of the Defendants’ pervasive fraud and conspiracy against
shareholders, potential investors, and the integrity of the securities market,
as set forth fully above, Plaintiffs have suffered injury and damages in that
they were fraudulently induced to purchase securities at artificially inflated
prices and lost some or all of the actual or projected amount and value of
their investments, in amounts according to proof at trial.
109.
The foregoing fraud and
conspiracy perpetrated by the Defendants, jointly and severally, was aggravated
by the kind of fraud for which Texas law allows the imposition of punitive and
exemplary damages, in that the Defendants (in concert and conspiracy with each
other) made material representations that were false, knowing that they were
false or with reckless disregard as to their truth and as positive assertions,
with the intent that Plaintiffs rely on the representations. In fact, Plaintiffs relied on the representations
and suffered injury and damages as a result of this reliance. Hence, Plaintiffs seek punitive and
exemplary damages in the maximum amount authorized by Texas law.
///
PRAYER
FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs pray for the following relief:
1.
For judgment in favor of
Plaintiffs against all Defendants, jointly and severally;
2.
For general damages,
according to proof at trial;
3.
For consequential
damages, according to proof at trial;
4.
For exemplary and punitive
damages, according to proof at trial;
5.
For all other damages
permitted by law, according to proof at trial;
6.
For attorneys’ fees;
7.
For expert witness fees;
8.
For costs for copies of
depositions;
9.
For costs of court;
10.
For all other costs and
expenses permitted by law; and
///
11.
For all other and
further relief that the Court deems just and proper.
Dated: July 11, 2002
|
Respectfully Submitted, JUDICIAL
WATCH, INC. By: _____________________________ James F. Marshall, Esq. Member of N.D. Texas Bar Attorney in Charge for Plaintiffs California Bar No. 126030 Washington
State Bar No. 22720 Dist. Columbia Bar No. 446366 2540 Huntington Drive, Suite 201 San Marino, CA
91108-2601 Telephone: (626)
287-4540 Fax: (626) 237-2003 Office in N.D. Texas: Judicial Watch, Inc. Southwestern Regional Headquarters 5735 Pineland Drive, Suite 275 Dallas, TX
75231 |
|
Of Counsel: JUDICIAL WATCH, INC Larry Klayman, Esq. N.D. Texas Admission Pending Dist. Columbia Bar No. 334581 Meredith Cavallo, Esq. N.D. Texas Admission Pending New Jersey Bar No. 04427-2000 501 School Street, S.W., Suite 725 Washington, D.C.
20024 Telephone: (202) 646-5172 Fax: (202) 646-5199 Office in N.D. Texas: Judicial Watch, Inc. Southwestern Regional Headquarters 5735 Pineland Drive, Suite 275 Dallas, TX
75231 |
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL ON
NEXT PAGE
///
DEMAND
FOR JURY TRIAL
Plaintiffs hereby demand trial by jury.
Dated: July 11, 2002
|
Respectfully Submitted, JUDICIAL WATCH, INC. By:_____________________________ James F. Marshall, Esq. Attorney in Charge for Plaintiffs Member of N.D. Texas Bar California Bar No. 126030 Washington
State Bar No. 22720 Dist. Columbia Bar No. 446366 2540 Huntington Drive, Suite 201 San Marino, CA
91108-2601 Telephone: (626)
287-4540 Fax: (626) 237-2003 Office in N.D. Texas: Judicial Watch, Inc. Southwestern Regional Headquarters 5735 Pineland Drive, Suite 275 Dallas, TX
75231 |
|
Of Counsel: JUDICIAL WATCH, INC Larry Klayman, Esq. N.D. Texas Admission Pending Dist. Columbia Bar No. 334581 Meredith Cavallo, Esq. N.D. Texas Admission Pending New Jersey Bar No. 04427-2000 501 School Street, S.W., Suite 725 Washington, D.C.
20024 Telephone: (202) 646-5172 Fax: (202) 646-5199 Office in N.D. Texas: Judicial Watch, Inc. Southwestern Regional Headquarters 5735 Pineland Drive, Suite 275 Dallas, TX
75231 |