FORM 11-K FOR ANNUAL REPORTS OF EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASES, SAVINGS AND SIMILAR PLANS PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (Mark One) [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. For the transition period from ___________to_____________ Commission file number 0-10436. L. B. Foster Company Voluntary Investment Plan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Full title of the plan and the address of plan, if different from that of the issuer named below) L. B. FOSTER COMPANY 415 Holiday Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15222 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Name of issuer of the securities held pursuant to the plan and the address of its principal executive office) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION L. B. Foster Company Voluntary Investment Plan Years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 with Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm L. B. Foster Company Voluntary Investment Plan Financial Statements and Other Financial Information Years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 Contents Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm............ 1 Audited Financial Statements Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits.................... 2 Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits.......... 3 Notes to Financial Statements...................................... 4 Other Financial Information Schedule H, Line 4i--Schedule of Assets (Held at End of Year)...... 10 1 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Plan Administrator L. B. Foster Company Voluntary Investment Plan We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of L. B. Foster Company Voluntary Investment Plan as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related statement of changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit 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 net assets available for benefits of the Plan at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the changes in its net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our audits were performed for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements taken as a whole. The accompanying supplemental schedule of assets (held at end of year) as of December 31, 2003 is presented for purpose of additional analysis and is not a required part of the financial statements but is supplementary information required by the Department of Labor's Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. This supplemental schedule is the responsibility of the Plan's management. The supplemental schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audits of the financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole. /s/Ernst & Young LLP June 13, 2004 2 L. B. Foster Company Voluntary Investment Plan Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits December 31 2003 2002 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assets Investments at fair value $31,655,890 $27,467,746 Participant loans 541,339 530,648 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32,197,229 27,998,394 Receivables: Employee 85,404 77,854 Employer 251,932 34,746 Other 65 60 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 337,401 112,660 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net assets available for benefits $32,534,630 $28,111,054 =========================================================================== See accompanying notes. 3 L. B. Foster Company Voluntary Investment Plan Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits Year ended December 31, 2003 Additions Investment income: Interest and dividends $ 581,399 Net realized/unrealized appreciation in investment fair value 4,591,129 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total investment income 5,172,528 Contributions: Employee 1,108,294 Employer 666,235 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total contributions 1,774,529 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6,947,057 Deductions Benefit payments 2,523,481 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2,523,481 Increase in net assets available for benefits 4,423,576 Net assets available for benefits, beginning of year 28,111,054 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net assets available for benefits, end of year $32,534,630 ======================================================================== See accompanying notes. 4 L. B. Foster Company Voluntary Investment Plan Notes to Financial Statements Years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 1. Description of Plan The following brief description of the L. B. Foster Company Voluntary Investment Plan (the Plan) as amended effective January 1, 1999 is provided for general information purposes only. Participants should refer to the summary plan description for more complete information. General The Plan is a defined contribution plan extended to all eligible salaried employees of L. B. Foster Company (the Company) who have attained age 18. The L. B. Foster Company Employee Benefits Policy and Review Committee, appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company, collectively serves as the plan administrator. The Plan is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) as amended. Contributions Contributions under the Plan are made by both the participants and the Company. A participant may elect to make pretax contributions ranging from 2% to 10% of annual compensation subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations. A participant who elects to make pretax contributions of at least the maximum amount subject to Company matching can also elect to make additional voluntary contributions on an after-tax basis provided, however, that the sum of the pretax and voluntary employee contributions does not exceed 15% of the participant's annual compensation. Effective January 1, 2003, the limit on employee contributions was increased to 30% subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations, and the limitation on aggregate pretax and after-tax contributions was removed. Participant contributions and employer matching contributions are invested in accordance with participant elections. In the event that a participant does not make an investment election, contributions are invested in the Fidelity Freedom funds until such time as an election is made by the participant. The participant may transfer contributions defaulted to these funds into other investment options at the participant's discretion. Beginning the first of the month following 12 months of employment, the Company provides a 50% match of the participant's primary contribution on the first 4% to 6% of annual compensation, based on years of service, as defined by the Plan. Beginning the first of the month following 12 months of employment, the Company contributes a fixed amount equal to 1% of eligible employees' annual compensation regardless of whether the employee elects to contribute to the Plan. Company contributions may be reduced by forfeitures that accumulate. 5 1. Description of Plan (continued) The Plan also requires an additional matching employer contribution of up to $.50 for each $1.00 of eligible pretax contributions based on a target ratio of the Company's annual pretax income to equity as defined in the Plan. No additional matching employer contributions were made in 2002. The Company, upon resolution of the Board of Directors, may make a discretionary additional contribution of an amount out of, but not in excess of, the Company's current or accumulated profits. A discretionary contribution of $213,000 was approved for 2003. No discretionary contribution was approved for 2002. The Company's contributions may be reduced by any forfeitures which accumulate from terminations of participants with nonvested employer contributions. Forfeitures totaling $27,900 and $79,100 were utilized to offset contributions in 2003 and 2002, respectively. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, forfeitures of $6,200 and $25,600, respectively, were available to reduce future company contributions. Vesting A participant's vested interest in the Plan on any date is equal to the sum of the values of (a) that portion of the participant's account attributable to the participant's contributions and (b) that portion of the participant's account attributable to the Company's contributions multiplied by the applicable vesting percentage plus or minus related earnings (losses). Participants that are active as of January 1, 2002 or later are 100% vested in the Company's contributions after three years of eligible service or after attaining age 65. Participants that are inactive as of or terminated prior to January 1, 2002 are 100% vested in the Company's contributions after five years of eligible service or after attaining age 65. Notwithstanding the above, a participant who terminates from the Plan by reason of retirement, disability, or death is fully vested in his participant account. Distributions Normal retirement age is 65. Early retirement age is 55, provided that the participant has at least five years of service. In addition, a participant may obtain an early retirement distribution prior to reaching age 55, provided that the participant will turn 55 in the year the distribution occurs and that the participant has at least five years of service. As provided by the Plan, the distribution to which a participant is entitled by reason of normal, early, late, or disability retirement, death, or termination of employment may be made in the form of direct rollover, annuity, cash, or partly in cash and partly as an annuity. The amount of such distribution is equal to the participant's vested account balance on the valuation date. 6 1. Description of Plan (continued) Withdrawals Under the Plan, a participant may elect to withdraw voluntary, after-tax contributions made to the Plan prior to January 1, 1987. Such withdrawals are subject to a $1,000 minimum. In the event of extreme hardship and subject to certain restrictions and limitations, a participant may withdraw his vested interest in the portion of his account attributable to matching, fixed and discretionary contributions, and related earnings. Participants' Accounts Each participant's account is credited with the participant's pretax and voluntary contributions, the participant's allocable share of company contributions, and related earnings of the funds. Participants' accounts may be invested in 10% increments into any of the mutual funds available under the Plan at the direction of the participant. Loans A participant may obtain a loan from the vested portion of their account, subject to spousal consent, if applicable. The loan proceeds (subject to a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $50,000) are deducted from the participant's account and are repaid by means of payroll deductions. Loans are required to be repaid within 60 months from the date on which the loan is originally granted and may be prepaid early without penalty. The repayment period for a loan that is obtained for purchasing a primary residence may be as long as 360 months. The loan carries an interest rate computed at the prime rate plus 0.5%. The interest rate is computed on the date the loan is requested and remains fixed for the full term of the loan. Plan Termination Although it has not expressed any intention to do so, the Company has the right under the Plan to discontinue its contributions at any time and to terminate the Plan subject to the provisions of ERISA. Should the Plan be terminated, participants will become fully vested in their accounts, and the assets of the Plan would be distributed to the participants based on their individual account balances as determined under the plan provisions. 7 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Valuation of Investments Mutual fund values are based on the underlying investments in securities. Mutual fund securities traded on security exchanges are valued at the latest quoted sales price. Securities traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price on the last business day of the plan year. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sale was reported on that fixed rate date are valued at the average of the last reported bid and ask quotations. Loans receivable from participants are valued at cost which approximates fair value. Realized gain or loss includes recognized gains and losses on the sale of investments. Unrealized appreciation or depreciation represents changes in value from original cost. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is accrued as earned. As described above, the assets of the Plan are concentrated in mutual funds consisting primarily of stocks and bonds. Realization of amounts disclosed as net assets available for benefits is dependent on the results of these markets. Basis of Accounting The financial statements of the Plan are maintained on the accrual basis. Contributions receivable are recorded among the available investment options based upon the participants' aggregate investment allocations in effect at the end of the plan year. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Expenses The Company, as provided by the Plan, pays expenses of the Plan. Expenses incurred to establish and maintain a loan are charged to the applicable participant. 8 3. Investments Profit sharing contributions occurring after the effective date will be directed into the L. B. Foster Company Stock Fund. Participants may subsequently transfer profit sharing contributions into other plan funds at their discretion. The L. B. Foster Company Stock Fund is a unitized stock fund comprised of a 95% to 99% investment in L. B. Foster Company common stock with the remaining 1% to 5% invested in a short-term investment fund. As a result, participant accounts receive units of participation in the fund rather than common shares. The conversion grants participants the added flexibility of executing daily transactions to increase or decrease participation in the fund that was not present under the prior fund structure. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the Plan's investments (including investments bought, sold, and held during the year) appreciated (depreciated) in value as follows: Net Realized/ Fair Unrealized Market Appreciation Value (Depreciation) -------------------------------------- Fidelity Investments: Magellan Fund $ 5,906,948 $1,150,176 Equity Income Fund 2,644,991 558,514 Growth and Income Fund 3,868,823 583,922 Government Income Fund 2,183,722 (61,479) Blue Chip Fund 56,073 2,469 Asset Manager Fund 995,550 121,219 Low Price Stock Fund 1,105,633 257,431 Small Cap Stock Fund 207,655 91,935 Freedom Income Fund 22,601 937 Freedom 2000 274,487 10,154 Freedom 2010 431,378 28,354 Freedom 2020 500,124 67,222 Freedom 2030 90,437 15,831 Freedom 2040 32,219 5,062 Managed Income Fund 2,439,606 - Retirement Government Money Market Fund 3,476,427 - Spartan U.S. Equity Index Fund 2,375,468 487,367 Janus Worldwide Fund 1,702,147 462,534 Credit Suisse Emerging Growth Fund 845,279 212,644 PIMCO Total Return Fund 368,920 1,098 MSI International Equity Fund 493,920 39,593 L. B. Foster Company Stock Fund 1,633,482 556,146 -------------------------------------- $ 31,655,890 $4,591,129 ====================================== 9 3. Investments (continued) The fair value of investments representing 5% or more of the Plan's assets at December 31, 2003 and 2002 is as follows: 2003 2002 ----------------- ------------------ Fidelity Investments: Magellan Fund $ 5,906,948 $ 5,153,645 Equity Income Fund 2,644,991 2,436,427 Growth and Income Fund 3,868,823 3,666,594 Government Income Fund 2,183,722 2,483,982 Retirement Government Money Market Fund 3,476,427 3,572,069 Managed Income Fund 2,439,606 1,659,982 Spartan U.S. Equity Index Fund 2,375,468 1,763,652 Janus Worldwide Fund 1,702,147 2,354,417 L. B. Foster Company Stock Fund 1,633,482 1,197,518 4. Income Tax Status The Plan has received a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) dated July 30, 2002, stating that the Plan is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) and, therefore, the related trust is exempt from taxation. Once qualified, the Plan is required to operate in conformity with the Code to maintain its qualification. The Plan was amended subsequent to the IRS determination letter. The plan administrator believes the Plan is being operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Code and, therefore, believes that the Plan is qualified and the related trust is tax-exempt. 5. Transactions with Parties-in-Interest Certain trustee, accounting, and administrative expenses relating to the maintenance of participant records and the Plan's administration are absorbed by the Company. Other Financial Information 10 L. B. Foster Company Voluntary Investment Plan EIN: 25-1324733 Plan Number: 201 Schedule H, Line 4i-Schedule of Assets (Held at End of Year) December 31, 2003 Identity of Issue, Borrower, Shares Fair Market Lessor, or Similar Party Description of Investment Held Value ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fidelity Investments*: Magellan Fund Equities 60,435 $ 5,906,948 Equity Income Fund Equities 53,166 2,644,991 Growth and Income Fund Equities 108,583 3,868,823 Government Income Fund Government obligations 213,671 2,183,722 Blue Chip Fund Equities 1,415 56,073 Asset Manager Fund Equities, money market, bonds 63,169 995,550 Low Price Stock Fund Equities 31,608 1,105,633 Small Cap Stock Fund Equities 12,144 207,655 Freedom Income Fund Equity funds, fixed income funds 2,038 22,601 Freedom 2000 Equity funds, fixed income funds 23,302 274,487 Freedom 2010 Equity funds, fixed income funds 33,132 431,378 Freedom 2020 Equity funds, fixed income funds 38,412 500,124 Freedom 2030 Equity funds, fixed income funds 6,984 90,437 Freedom 2040 Equity funds, fixed income funds 4,262 32,219 Managed Income Fund Guaranteed investment contracts 2,439,606 2,439,606 Retirement Government Money Market Fund Government obligations, money market securities 3,476,427 3,476,427 Spartan U.S. Equity Index Fund Equities 60,276 2,375,468 Janus Worldwide Fund Equities 43,049 1,702,147 Credit Suisse Emerging Growth Fund Equities 30,850 845,279 PIMCO Total Return Fund Fixed income securities 34,446 368,920 MSI International Equity Fund Equities 26,064 493,920 ----------------- Total mutual funds 30,022,408 L. B. Foster Company Stock Fund Interest-bearing cash 76,543 76,543 Common stock 239,529 1,556,939 ----------------- 1,633,482 Outstanding participant loans Participant loans, interest rates ranging from 4.75% to 10.5%, various maturities ranging from 2 to 30 years 541,339 ----------------- $ 32,197,229 =================*Party-in-interest SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the members of the Administrative Committee of the Plan have duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. L. B. Foster Company Voluntary Investment Plan ---------------------------------- (Name of Plan) Date: June 28, 2004 By: /s/David J. Russo ---------------------------------- David J. Russo Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer INDEX TO EXHIBITS EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION =============================================================================== 23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm