UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012
or
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 1-7677
LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware | 73-1015226 | |
(State of Incorporation) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
16 South Pennsylvania Avenue Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
73107 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (405) 235-4546
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class |
Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered | |
Common Stock, Par Value $.10 Preferred Share Purchase Rights |
New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. x Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. ¨ Yes x No
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for the shorter period that the Registrant has had to file the reports), and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for the past 90 days. x Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). x Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer | x | Accelerated filer | ¨ | |||
Non-accelerated filer | ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company | ¨ |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). ¨ Yes x No
The aggregate market value of the Registrants voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the price at which the voting common stock was last sold as of June 30, 2012, was approximately $580 million. As a result, the Registrant is a large accelerated filer as of December 31, 2012. For purposes of this computation, shares of the Registrants common stock beneficially owned by each executive officer and director of the Registrant were deemed to be owned by affiliates of the Registrant as of June 30, 2012. Such determination should not be deemed an admission that such executive officers and directors of our common stock are, in fact, affiliates of the Registrant or affiliates as of the date of this Form 10-K.
As of February 15, 2013, the Registrant had 22,423,273 shares of common stock outstanding (excluding 4,320,462 shares of common stock held as treasury stock).
FORM 10-K OF LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
Page | ||||||
Item 1. | 3 | |||||
Item 1A. | 14 | |||||
Item 1B. | 19 | |||||
Item 2. | 19 | |||||
Item 3. | 21 | |||||
Item 4. | 21 | |||||
22 | ||||||
Item 5. | 24 | |||||
Item 6. | 26 | |||||
Item 7. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
27 | ||||
Item 7A. | 53 | |||||
Item 8. | 56 | |||||
Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
56 | ||||
Item 9A. | 56 | |||||
Item 9B. | 58 | |||||
Item 10. | 60 | |||||
Item 11. | 64 | |||||
Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
78 | ||||
Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
81 | ||||
Item 14. | 82 | |||||
Item 15. | 84 |
2
General
LSB Industries, Inc. (LSB or Registrant) was formed in 1968 as an Oklahoma corporation and became a Delaware corporation in 1977. LSB is a diversified holding company involved in manufacturing and marketing operations through its subsidiaries. LSB and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the Company, We, Us, or Our) own the following core businesses:
| Chemical Business manufactures and sells nitrogen-based chemical products produced from four facilities located in El Dorado, Arkansas (the El Dorado Facility); Cherokee, Alabama (the Cherokee Facility); Pryor, Oklahoma (the Pryor Facility); and Baytown, Texas (the Baytown Facility) for the agricultural, industrial, and mining markets. Our products include high purity and commercial grade anhydrous ammonia for industrial and agricultural applications, industrial and fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate (AN), urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), sulfuric acids, nitric acids in various concentrations, nitrogen solutions, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) and various other products. Also see discussion below under Chemical Business concerning an acquisition of working interests in certain natural gas properties. |
| Climate Control Business manufactures and sells a broad range of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) products in the niche markets we serve consisting of geothermal and water source heat pumps, hydronic fan coils, large custom air handlers, modular geothermal and other chillers and other related products used to control the environment in commercial/institutional and residential new building construction, renovation of existing buildings and replacement of existing systems. Our Climate Control Business manufactures and distributes its products from seven facilities located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. |
Our Chemical Business is a supplier to some of the worlds leading chemical and industrial companies. By focusing on specific geographic areas, we have developed freight and distribution advantages over many of our competitors, and we believe our Chemical Business has established leading regional market positions.
We sell most of our industrial and mining products to customers pursuant to contracts containing minimum volumes and/or cost plus a profit provision. These contractual sales stabilize the effect of commodity cost changes and fluctuations in demand for these products due to the cyclicality of the end markets. Periodically we enter into forward sales commitments for agricultural products but we sell most of our agricultural products at the current spot market price in effect at time of shipment.
We believe our Climate Control Business has developed leadership positions in certain niche markets by offering extensive product lines, customized products and improved technologies. Under this focused strategy, we have developed what we believe to be the most extensive line of geothermal and water source heat pumps and hydronic fan coils in the United States (U.S.). Further, we believe that we were a pioneer in the use of geothermal technology in the climate control industry and we have used it to create what we believe to be the most energy efficient climate control systems commercially available today. We employ highly flexible production capabilities that allow us to custom design units for new construction as well as the retrofit and replacement markets. This flexibility positions us well for an eventual recovery in commercial/institutional and residential construction markets.
In recent years, we have put heavy emphasis on our geothermal heating and air conditioning products, which are considered green technology and a form of renewable energy. We believe our geothermal systems are among the most energy efficient systems available in the market for heating and cooling applications in commercial/institutional and single family new construction as well as replacement and renovation markets. Based upon industry information available to us, we believe we have the leading market share.
Certain statements contained in this Part I may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. See Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.
Current State of the Economy
Since our two core business segments serve several diverse markets, we consider fundamentals for each market individually as we evaluate economic conditions. From a macro standpoint, we believe the U.S. economy is poised for modest growth, based upon certain economic reports, including the Conference Board Composite Index of Leading Indicators.
3
Chemical Business - Our Chemical Business primary markets are agricultural, industrial and mining. During 2012, approximately 46% of sales were into agricultural markets to customers that purchase at spot market and/or futures market prices. During 2012, our sales volumes to agricultural customers decreased 17% while sales dollars decreased 6% compared to 2011. This decrease in sales is primarily the result of the planned and unplanned downtime at certain of our chemical facilities as discussed below partially offset by higher sales prices. In normal circumstances, our agricultural sales volumes and prices depend upon the supply of and the demand for fertilizer, which in turn depends on the market fundamentals for crops including corn, wheat, cotton and forage. The current outlook for 2013 according to most market indicators, including reports in Green Markets, Fertilizer Week and the USDAs World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates, points to positive supply and demand fundamentals for the types of nitrogen fertilizer products we produce and sell. However, it is possible that the fertilizer outlook could change if there are unanticipated changes in commodity prices, fertilizer imports, acres planted of crops requiring fertilizer, or unfavorable weather conditions. We use natural gas to produce anhydrous ammonia, which ammonia is also used to produce UAN. Agricultural customer demand for ammonia and UAN was strong during 2012. Selling prices for ammonia were generally higher while selling prices for UAN were slightly less compared to 2011 and the cost for natural gas used to produce these products was generally lower. As a result, gross margins per ton increased for these two products. We produce agricultural grade AN from purchased ammonia, which cost is significantly higher compared to previous years and significantly higher than producing it from natural gas, resulting in a cost disadvantage compared to nitrogen fertilizers that can be produced from natural gas.
Approximately 54% of our Chemical Business sales were into industrial and mining markets of which approximately 60% of these sales are to customers that have contractual obligations to purchase a minimum quantity and allow us to recover our cost plus a profit, irrespective of the volume of product sold. During 2012, our sales volumes to industrial customers decreased 5% and sales volumes to mining customers decreased 24%, as compared to 2011. Sales dollars during 2012 increased slightly to industrial customers and sales dollars to mining customers decreased 19% as compared to 2011. The slight increase in industrial sales was due to our ability to pass through higher cost ammonia with our contractual pricing. Mining sales were lower due, in part, to the unplanned downtime at our El Dorado and Cherokee Facilities as discussed below under Downtime at Certain Chemical Facilities and Certain Capital Expenditures and due to lower customer demand, which we believe is due to higher coal inventories and natural gas being a more attractive alternative feedstock than coal for utility companies.
Climate Control Business - Sales for 2012 were 5% lower than the same period in 2011, including an 11% decrease in geothermal and water source heat pump sales partially offset by a 3% increase in hydronic fan coil and a 10% increase in other HVAC sales. From a market sector perspective, the sales decline is due to a 21% decrease in residential product sales and a slight decrease in sales of commercial/institutional products although sales of our custom air handlers increased. The decline in product sales generally reflects the continued softness in the markets we serve, customers placing orders later in the project construction process, and delays between the date of order intake and the date of delivery. For 2012, order levels of our products decreased slightly primarily due to lower order levels of our residential products (down 21%), partially offset by an increase in order levels of our commercial/institutional products (up 6%). The latest information available from the Construction Market Forecasting Service provided by McGraw-Hill (CMFS) indicates that construction activity for the markets we serve in the commercial/institutional sector are expected to increase in aggregate during 2013 and return to the activity levels experienced in 2011. CMFS has also indicated construction growth in the single-family residential sector for 2013.
See further discussion relating to the economy under various risk factors under Item 1A of this Part 1 and Overview-Economic Conditions of the Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) contained in this report.
Downtime at Certain Chemical Facilities and Certain Capital Expenditures
During 2012, our Chemical Business encountered a number of significant issues including an explosion in one of our nitric acid plants at the El Dorado Facility in May, a pipe rupture at the Cherokee Facility in November that damaged the ammonia plant and mechanical issues at the Pryor Facility all resulting in lost production and significant adverse effect on 2012 sales, operating income and cash flow.
For 2012, we estimate the cumulative negative effect on operating income from these incidents and issues to be approximately $83 million, including lost absorption and gross profit margins.
Until the facilities are returned to normal production, operating income at these facilities will continue to be lower in 2013 than otherwise would be expected. We estimate that the monthly negative effect on operating income will approximate $1 million to $2 million at the El Dorado Facility until the new 65% strength nitric acid plant and the 98% concentrated nitric acid plant are constructed and begin production during the first half of 2015. The estimated combined cost for these new nitric acid plants is up to approximately $120 million. See discussion under Liquidity and Capital Resources in our MD&A contained herein as to funding of these new plants. In addition, we estimate that the monthly negative effect on operating income will approximate $8 million to $9 million at the Cherokee Facility until the repairs of the ammonia plant are completed and production resumes, which production is currently scheduled to begin in May 2013. Also we estimate the monthly adverse effect on the Pryor Facilitys operating income in 2013 prior to the restart of the ammonia plant in March 2013 was approximately $8 million.
4
Although the events are unrelated to each other, the severity and frequency of the events at our Pryor, Cherokee, and El Dorado Facilities caused us to undergo a thorough reexamination of our process safety management (PSM), reliability and mechanical integrity programs. As a result, we have recently undertaken a concerted program to attempt to improve the reliability and mechanical integrity of our chemical plant facilities. A key component of the improvement program is the implementation of enhanced PSM programs to supplement existing PSM programs. The improvement program includes engaging outside experts and consultants who specialize in risk management, reliability, mechanical integrity and PSM. We are also recruiting and hiring additional corporate and plant engineering and operational personnel, and accelerating acquisition of additional spare parts to supplement our existing spare parts program. The program also includes the installation of additional automation and additional plant equipment protections.
As a result of certain of the events discussed above, we have filed insurance claims to recover a portion of the costs incurred and lost profits. See further discussion relating to the downtime of certain chemical facilities (and various risk factors associated with our chemical facilities) and our property and business interruption insurance claims and recovery under Item 1A of this Part I and Overview of our MD&A contained in this report.
We are also planning to construct an ammonia plant at the El Dorado Facility at an estimated cost ranging from $250 million to $300 million. If constructed, the ammonia plant will produce all of this facilitys ammonia feedstock requirements replacing the ammonia currently being purchased at a cost disadvantage compared to ammonia produced from natural gas. The final decision to construct the ammonia plant is subject to approval of our Board of Directors, and a number of business considerations, including, but not limited to, obtaining the required permits and adequate third-party financing. An independent engineering firm has been engaged to assist in the preliminary engineering and cost evaluation leading to our final decision. See further discussion relating to capital expenditures and related financing under Liquidity and Capital Resources of our MD&A contained in this report.
Website Access to Companys Reports
Our internet website address is www.lsbindustries.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available free of charge through our website within a reasonable amount of time after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Segment Information and Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales
Schedules of the amounts of net sales, gross profit, operating income and identifiable assets attributable to each of our lines of business and of the amount of our export sales in the aggregate and by major geographic area for each of the last three years appear in Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.
Chemical Business
General
Our Chemical Business manufactures products for three principal markets:
| anhydrous ammonia, fertilizer grade AN, UAN, and ammonium nitrate ammonia solution for agricultural applications, |
| high purity and commercial grade anhydrous ammonia, high purity AN, sulfuric acids, concentrated, blended and regular nitric acid, mixed nitrating acids, and DEF for industrial applications, and |
| industrial grade AN and solutions for the mining industry. |
In October 2012, a subsidiary within our Chemical Business acquired working interests in certain natural gas properties. Since our Chemical Business purchases a significant amount of natural gas as a feedstock for the production of anhydrous ammonia, management considers this acquisition as an economic hedge against a potential rise in natural gas prices in the future for a portion of our future natural gas production requirements although we are not the operator of the wells included in this acquisition and have no, or very limited, ability to direct the operations of these wells. We report the working interests as part of the Chemical Business reportable segment. See additional discussion concerning our natural gas working interests under Liquidity and Capital Resources of our MD&A contained in this report.
5
The following table summarizes net sales information relating to our products of the Chemical Business:
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||
Percentage of net sales of the Chemical Business: |
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Agricultural products |
46 | % | 45 | % | 39 | % | ||||||
Industrial acids and other chemical products |
34 | % | 32 | % | 36 | % | ||||||
Mining products |
20 | % | 23 | % | 25 | % | ||||||
Natural gas (1) |
| % | | % | | % | ||||||
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100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||||
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Percentage of LSBs consolidated net sales: |
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Agricultural products |
29 | % | 29 | % | 22 | % | ||||||
Industrial acids and other chemical products |
21 | % | 20 | % | 21 | % | ||||||
Mining products |
13 | % | 15 | % | 15 | % | ||||||
Natural gas (1) |
| % | | % | | % | ||||||
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63 | % | 64 | % | 58 | % | |||||||
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(1) | Less than 1% in 2012 |
Market ConditionsChemical Business
As discussed above and in more detail below under Overview-Economic Conditions of the MD&A contained in this report, agricultural volumes are driven by fertilizer demand, which depends upon acres planted of crops requiring fertilizer to enhance yield. We believe the current outlook indicates a strong demand for grains that should in turn result in strong demand for the types of nitrogen fertilizer we produce. The fertilizer outlook could be affected by significant changes in commodity prices, acres planted or weather conditions. The industrial and mining volumes are driven by general economic conditions, energy prices, and contractual arrangements with certain large customers.
Agricultural Products
Our Chemical Business produces UAN, agricultural grade AN, and anhydrous ammonia, all of which are nitrogen-based fertilizers. Farmers and ranchers decide which type of nitrogen-based fertilizer to apply based on the crop planted, soil and weather conditions, regional farming practices and relative nitrogen fertilizer prices. Our agricultural markets include a high concentration of pastureland and row crops, which favor our products. We sell these agricultural products to farmers, ranchers, fertilizer dealers and distributors primarily in the ranch land and grain production markets in the U.S. We develop our market position in these areas by emphasizing high quality products, customer service and technical advice. During the past few years, we have been successful in expanding outside our traditional markets by barging to distributors on the Tennessee and Ohio rivers, and by railing into certain Western States. Our historical sales of agricultural products are shown in the following table. The sales shown do not reflect amounts used internally, such as ammonia, in the manufacture of other products, or intercompany sales.
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Tons | Net Sales | Tons | Net Sales | Tons | Net Sales | |||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Agricultural products: |
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UAN |
262 | $ | 78,526 | 421 | $ | 129,507 | 191 | $ | 36,794 | |||||||||||||||
AN |
158 | 65,150 | 157 | 57,703 | 201 | 56,758 | ||||||||||||||||||
Ammonia |
87 | 48,489 | 51 | 26,392 | 49 | 22,430 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other* |
25,164 | 17,997 | 19,616 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Total |
$ | 217,329 | $ | 231,599 | $ | 135,598 | ||||||||||||||||||
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* | Includes phosphate and potassium products purchased and sold through our retail and wholesale distribution centers. |
6
Our Chemical Business establishes long-term relationships with wholesale agricultural distributors and retailers and also sells directly to agricultural end-users through its network of wholesale and retail distribution centers. In addition, our Chemical Business sells at market prices substantially all of the UAN produced at the Pryor Facility pursuant to an agreement with a third-party purchaser. The term of the agreement is through June 2014, but may be terminated earlier by either party pursuant to the terms of the agreement. However, during the downtime at the Pryor Facility, the force majeure provision of this agreement was in effect.
Industrial Acids and Other Chemical Products
Our Chemical Business manufactures and sells industrial acids and other chemical products primarily to the polyurethane, paper, fibers, fuel additives, emission control, and electronics industries. In addition, our Chemical Business produces and sells blended and regular nitric acid. Our Chemical Business is also a niche market supplier of industrial and high purity ammonia for many specialty applications, including the reduction of air emissions from power plants.
We believe the Baytown Facility is one of the largest nitric acid manufacturing units in the U.S., with demonstrated capacity exceeding 1,350 short tons per day. The majority of the Baytown Facilitys production is sold to a customer pursuant to a long-term contract (the Bayer Agreement) that provides for a pass-through of certain costs, including the anhydrous ammonia costs, plus a profit. The term of the Bayer Agreement is through June 2014, with certain renewal options.
Our Chemical Business competes based upon service, price, location of production and distribution sites, product quality and performance and provides inventory management as part of the value-added services offered to certain customers.
Mining Products
Our Chemical Business manufactures industrial grade AN and 83% AN solution for the mining industry. Pursuant to a long-term cost-plus supply agreement (the Orica Agreement), our Chemical Business sells to Orica International Pte Ltd. a significant annual volume of industrial grade AN produced at the El Dorado Facility. The term of the agreement is through December 2014.
Major CustomerChemical Business
The following summarizes net sales to our major customer relating to our products of the Chemical Business:
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||
Net sales to Orica as a percentage of: |
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Net sales of the Chemical Business |
14 | % | 17 | % | 18 | % | ||||||
LSBs consolidated net sales |
9 | % | 11 | % | 11 | % |
Raw MaterialsChemical Business
The products our Chemical Business manufactures are primarily derived from the following raw material feedstocks: anhydrous ammonia and natural gas. These raw material feedstocks are commodities, subject to price fluctuations.
The El Dorado Facility normally purchases approximately 200,000 tons of anhydrous ammonia annually and produces and sells approximately 470,000 tons of nitrogen-based products per year. Although anhydrous ammonia is produced from natural gas, the price does not necessarily follow the spot price of natural gas in the United States. Anhydrous ammonia is an internationally traded commodity and the relative price is set in the world market while natural gas is primarily a nationally traded commodity. The ammonia supply to the El Dorado Facility is transported from the Gulf of Mexico by pipeline. Under an agreement with its principal supplier of anhydrous ammonia, our subsidiary, El Dorado Chemical Company (EDC), will purchase a majority of its anhydrous ammonia requirements through December 2015 from this supplier. We believe that we can obtain anhydrous ammonia from other sources in the event of an interruption of service under the above-referenced contract.
The Cherokee Facility normally purchases 5 million to 6 million MMBtu of natural gas to produce and sell approximately 300,000 to 370,000 tons of nitrogen-based products per year. Natural gas is a primary raw material for producing anhydrous ammonia, UAN and other products. Periodically, the Cherokee Facility purchases approximately 175,000 tons of anhydrous ammonia to supplement its annual production capacity. Anhydrous ammonia can be delivered to the Cherokee Facility by truck, rail or barge.
The Pryor Facility normally purchases 5 million to 6 million MMBtu of natural gas to produce and sell approximately 300,000-335,000 tons of nitrogen-based products per year.
7
The Cherokee and Pryor Facilities natural gas feedstock requirements are generally purchased at spot market price. Periodically, we will enter into firm purchase commitments and/or futures/forward contracts to economically hedge the cost of certain of the natural gas requirements. Also see our discussion above concerning an acquisition of working interests in certain natural gas properties as part of our hedging strategy.
The Baytown Facility consumes more than 120,000 tons of purchased anhydrous ammonia per year; however, the majority of the Baytown Facilitys production is sold to a customer pursuant to the Bayer Agreement that provides for a pass-through of certain costs, including the anhydrous ammonia costs, plus a profit.
Spot anhydrous ammonia and natural gas costs have fluctuated dramatically in recent years. The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the high and low published prices for:
| ammonia based upon the low Tampa price per metric ton as published by Fertecon and FMB Ammonia reports and |
| natural gas based upon the daily spot price at the Henry Hub pipeline pricing point. |
Ammonia Prices Per Metric Ton |
Natural Gas Prices Per MMBtu |
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High | Low | High | Low | |||||||||||||
2012 |
$ | 720 | $ | 360 | $ | 3.77 | $ | 1.83 | ||||||||
2011 |
$ | 705 | $ | 475 | $ | 4.92 | $ | 2.80 | ||||||||
2010 |
$ | 470 | $ | 300 | $ | 7.51 | $ | 3.18 |
As of February 15, 2013, the published price, as described above, for ammonia was $655 per metric ton and natural gas was $3.30 per MMBtu.
Sales StrategyChemical Business
Our Chemical Business has pursued a strategy of developing industrial and mining customers that purchase substantial quantities of products, including contractual obligations to purchase minimum quantities and pricing arrangements that provide for the pass through of raw material and other manufacturing costs. These arrangements help mitigate the volatility risk inherent in the raw material feedstocks and/or the changes in demand for our products. For 2012, approximately 54% of the Chemical Business sales were into industrial and mining markets of which approximately 60% of these sales were pursuant to these types of arrangements. Approximately 46% of our 2012 sales were into agricultural markets primarily at the price in effect at time of shipment. Periodically, we enter into firm purchase commitments and/or futures/forward contracts to economically hedge the cost of natural gas for the purpose of securing the profit margin on a certain portion of our firm sales price commitments in our Chemical Business. Also see our discussion above concerning an acquisition of working interests in certain natural gas properties.
The spot sales prices of our agricultural products may not have a correlation to the anhydrous ammonia and natural gas feedstock costs but rather reflect market conditions for like and competing nitrogen sources. This lack of correlation can compromise our ability to recover our full cost to produce the product in this market. Additionally, the lack of sufficient non-seasonal sales volume to operate our manufacturing facilities at optimum levels can preclude the Chemical Business from reaching full performance potential. Looking forward, we are pursuing profitable growth of our Chemical Business including the potential to increase the output of our existing production facilities. See further discussion under Capital Expenditures of our MD&A contained in this report. Our strategy also calls for increased emphasis on the agricultural sector, while remaining committed to further developing industrial customers who assume the volatility risk associated with the cost of natural gas and ammonia.
SeasonalityChemical Business
We believe that the only significant seasonal products that we market are fertilizer and related chemical products sold by our Chemical Business to the agricultural industry. The selling seasons for those products are primarily during the spring and fall planting seasons, which typically extend from March through June and from September through November in the geographical markets in which the majority of our agricultural products are distributed. As a result, our Chemical Business typically increases its inventory of AN and UAN prior to the beginning of each planting season. In addition, the amount and timing of sales to the agricultural markets depend upon weather conditions and other circumstances beyond our control.
8
Regulatory MattersChemical Business
Our Chemical Business is subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws, rules and regulations as discussed under Environmental Matters of this Item 1 and various risk factors under Item 1A.
CompetitionChemical Business
Our Chemical Business competes with several chemical companies in our markets, such as Agrium, CF Industries, Coffeyville Resources, Dyno Nobel, Koch, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, and Yara International, many of whom have greater financial and other resources than we do. We believe that competition within the markets served by our Chemical Business is primarily based upon service, price, location of production and distribution sites, and product quality and performance.
Climate Control Business
General
Our Climate Control Business manufactures and sells a broad range of standard and custom designed geothermal and water source heat pumps and hydronic fan coils as well as large custom air handlers and modular chiller systems, including modular geothermal chillers and simultaneous heating and cooling modules. These products are for use in commercial/institutional and residential HVAC systems. Our products are installed in some of the most recognizable commercial/institutional developments in the U.S., including the Prudential Tower, Rockefeller Plaza, Trump Tower, Time Warner Center and many others. In addition, we have a significant presence in the lodging sector with installations in numerous Hyatt, Marriott, Four Seasons, Starwood, Ritz Carlton and Hilton hotels, among others.
The following table summarizes net sales information relating to our products of the Climate Control Business:
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||
Percentage of net sales of the Climate Control Business: |
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Geothermal and water source heat pumps |
61 | % | 65 | % | 69 | % | ||||||
Hydronic fan coils |
21 | % | 19 | % | 15 | % | ||||||
Other HVAC products |
18 | % | 16 | % | 16 | % | ||||||
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100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||||
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Percentage of LSBs consolidated net sales: |
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Geothermal and water source heat pumps |
22 | % | 23 | % | 28 | % | ||||||
Hydronic fan coils |
7 | % | 7 | % | 6 | % | ||||||
Other HVAC products |
6 | % | 5 | % | 7 | % | ||||||
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35 | % | 35 | % | 41 | % | |||||||
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Market ConditionsClimate Control Business
As discussed above, CMFS has indicated that construction activity for the markets we serve in the commercial/institutional sector are expected to increase in aggregate during 2013 and return to the activity levels experienced in 2011. CMFS has also indicated construction growth in the single-family residential sector for 2013.
In addition, we believe that tax credits and incentives contained in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009, have and could continue to stimulate sales of our geothermal heat pump products, as well as other green products.
Geothermal and Water Source Heat Pumps
We believe our Climate Control Business is a leading provider of geothermal and water source heat pumps to the commercial/institutional construction and renovation markets in the U.S. Water source heat pumps are highly efficient heating and cooling products, which enable individual room climate control through the transfer of heat using a water pipe system connected to a centralized cooling tower or heat injector. Water source heat pumps enjoy a broad range of commercial/institutional applications, particularly in medium to large sized buildings with many small, individually controlled spaces. We believe the market share for commercial/institutional water source heat pumps relative to other types of heating and air conditioning systems should continue to grow due to the relative efficiency and longevity of such systems, as well as the replacement market for those systems.
9
We also provide geothermal heat pumps in residential and commercial/institutional applications. Geothermal systems, which circulate water or a combination of water and antifreeze through an underground heat exchanger, are considered to be the most energy efficient systems currently available in the market. We believe the energy efficiency and longer life of geothermal systems, as compared with other systems, as well as tax incentives that are available to homeowners and businesses when installing geothermal systems, will increase demand for our geothermal products. Our products are sold to the commercial/institutional markets, as well as single and multi-family residential new construction, renovation and replacements.
Hydronic Fan Coils
We believe that our Climate Control Business is a leading provider of hydronic fan coils targeting commercial and institutional markets. Hydronic fan coils use heated or chilled water provided by a centralized chiller and/or boiler, through a water pipe system, to condition the air and allow individual room control. Hydronic fan coil systems are quieter, have longer lives and lower maintenance costs than other comparable systems used where individual room control is required. Important components of our strategy for competing in the commercial/institutional renovation and replacement markets include the breadth of our product line coupled with customization capability provided by a flexible manufacturing process. Hydronic fan coils enjoy a broad range of commercial/institutional applications, particularly in medium to large sized buildings with many small, individually controlled spaces.
Production and BacklogClimate Control Business
We manufacture our products in many sizes and configurations, as required by the purchaser, to fit the space and capacity requirements of hotels, motels, schools, hospitals, apartment buildings, office buildings and other commercial/institutional or residential structures. Most customers place their product orders well in advance of required delivery dates.
The backlog of confirmed customer product orders (purchase orders from customers that have been accepted and received credit approval) for our Climate Control Business was approximately $55.5 million and $44.5 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The backlog of product orders generally does not include amounts relating to shipping and handling charges, service orders or service contract orders. The backlog also excludes contracts for our construction business due to the relative size of individual projects and, in some cases, extended timeframe for completion beyond a twelve-month period.
Historically, we have not experienced significant cancellations relating to our backlog of confirmed customer product orders. We expect to ship substantially all of these orders within the next twelve months; however, it is possible that some of our customers could cancel a portion of our backlog or extend the shipment terms.
DistributionClimate Control Business
Our Climate Control Business sells its products primarily to mechanical contractors, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors. Our sales to mechanical contractors primarily occur through independent manufacturers representatives, who also represent complementary product lines not manufactured by us. OEMs generally consist of other air conditioning and heating equipment manufacturers who resell under their own brand name the products purchased from our Climate Control Business. The following table summarizes net sales to OEMs relating to our products of the Climate Control Business:
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||
Net sales to OEMs as a percentage of: |
||||||||||||
Net sales of the Climate Control Business |
22 | % | 21 | % | 24 | % | ||||||
LSBs consolidated net sales |
8 | % | 7 | % | 10 | % |
MarketClimate Control Business
Our Climate Control Business market includes commercial/institutional and residential new building construction, renovation of existing buildings and replacement of existing systems. This includes, but is not limited to, custom designed geothermal and water source heat pumps, hydronic fan coils, large custom air handlers, modular chiller systems including geothermal chillers and simultaneous heating and cooling modules in markets such as education, single-family residential, multi-family residential, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and industrial.
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Raw Materials and ComponentsClimate Control Business
Numerous domestic and foreign sources exist for the materials and components used by our Climate Control Business, which include compressors, copper, steel, electric motors, valves and aluminum. Periodically, our Climate Control Business enters into futures contracts for copper. We do not anticipate any difficulties in obtaining necessary materials and components for our Climate Control Business. Although we believe we will be able to pass to our customers the majority of any cost increases in the form of higher prices, the timing of these price increases could lag the increases in the cost of materials and components. While we believe we will have sufficient sources for materials and components, a shortage could impact production of our Climate Control products.
CompetitionClimate Control Business
Our Climate Control Business competes with several companies, primarily Carrier, Trane, Nortek, McQuay, and Bosch, some of whom are also our customers. Some of our competitors serve other markets and have greater financial and other resources than we do. We believe our Climate Control Business manufactures a broader line of geothermal and water source heat pump and fan coil products than any other manufacturer in the United States and that we are competitive as to price, service, warranty and product performance.
Continue to Introduce New ProductsClimate Control Business
Based on business plans and key objectives submitted by subsidiaries within our Climate Control Business, we expect to continue to launch new products and product upgrades in an effort to maintain and increase our current market position and to establish a presence in new markets served by the Climate Control Business.
Employees
As of December 31, 2012, we employed 1,881 persons. As of that date, our Chemical Business employed 508 persons, with 149 represented by unions under agreements that expire in July through November of 2013, and our Climate Control Business employed 1,296 persons, none of whom were represented by a union.
Environmental Matters
Our operations are subject to numerous environmental laws (Environmental Laws) and to other federal, state and local laws regarding health and safety matters (Health Laws). In particular, the manufacture, production and distribution of products by our Chemical Business are activities which entail environmental risks and impose obligations under the Environmental Laws and the Health Laws, many of which provide for certain performance obligations, substantial fines and criminal sanctions for violations. There can be no assurance that we will not incur material costs or liabilities in complying with such laws or in paying fines or penalties for violation of such laws. The Environmental Laws and Health Laws and enforcement policies thereunder relating to our Chemical Business have in the past resulted, and could in the future result, in compliance expenses, cleanup costs, penalties or other liabilities relating to the handling, manufacture, use, emission, discharge or disposal of effluents at or from our facilities or the use or disposal of certain of its chemical products. Historically, significant expenditures have been incurred by subsidiaries within our Chemical Business in order to comply with the Environmental Laws and Health Laws and are reasonably expected to be incurred in the future. We will also be obligated to manage certain discharge water outlets and monitor groundwater contaminants at our Chemical Business facilities should we discontinue the operations of a facility. We do not operate any natural gas wells where we own an interest and compliance with environmental laws is controlled by others, with our Chemical Business being responsible for its proportionate share of the costs involved.
In addition, we generally record the estimated fair value of an asset retirement obligation (ARO) incurred associated with tangible long-lived assets in the period when there is sufficient information available to estimate the fair value. An ARO associated with long-lived assets is an obligation for which there is a legal obligation to settle under existing or enacted law, statute, written or oral contract or legal construction. AROs, which are initially recorded based on estimated discounted cash flows, are accreted to full value over time.
We are obligated to manage certain discharge water outlets and monitor groundwater contaminants at our Chemical Business facilities should we discontinue the operations of a facility. We are also contractually obligated through at least December 2053 to pay a portion of the operating costs of a municipally owned wastewater pipeline currently being constructed, which will serve the El Dorado Facility. Additionally, we have certain facilities in our Chemical Business that contain asbestos insulation around certain piping and heated surfaces, which we plan to maintain or replace, as needed, with non-asbestos insulation through our standard repair and maintenance activities to prevent deterioration. Currently, there is insufficient information to estimate the fair value for most of our AROs. In addition, we currently have no plans to discontinue the use of these facilities and the remaining life of the facilities is indeterminable. As a result, a liability for only a minimal amount relating AROs associated with these facilities has been established. However, we will continue to review these obligations and record a liability when a reasonable estimate of the fair value can be made.
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As discussed under Liquidity and Capital Resources of our MD&A, our Chemical Business acquired working interests in certain natural gas properties. As a result of this acquisition, we recognized AROs associated with the obligation to plug and abandon wells when the natural gas reserves in the wells are depleted. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, our accrued liability for AROs was $154,000 and $75,000, respectively.
1. Discharge Water Matters
Each of our chemical manufacturing facilities generate process wastewater, which may include cooling tower and boiler water quality control streams, contact storm water (rain water inside the facility area which picks up contaminants) and miscellaneous spills and leaks from process equipment. The process water discharge, storm-water runoff and miscellaneous spills and leaks are governed by various permits generally issued by the respective state environmental agencies as authorized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), subject to oversight by the EPA. These permits limit the type and amount of effluents that can be discharged and controls the method of such discharge. We believe that all of our chemical facilities are in compliance with the respective permits, except as discussed below.
The El Dorado Facility is subject to a state National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) discharge water permit issued by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The El Dorado Facility is currently operating under a NPDES discharge water permit, which became effective in 2004 (2004 NPDES permit). In November 2010, a preliminary draft of a discharge water permit renewal for the El Dorado Facility, which contains more restrictive limits, was issued by the ADEQ.
EDC believes that the El Dorado Facility has generally demonstrated its ability to comply with applicable ammonia and nitrate permit limits, but has, from time to time, had difficulty demonstrating consistent compliance with the more restrictive dissolved minerals permit levels. As part of the El Dorado Facilitys long-term compliance plan, EDC has pursued a rulemaking and permit modification with the ADEQ as to the discharge requirements relating to its dissolved minerals. The ADEQ approved a rule change, but on August 31, 2011, the EPA formally disapproved the rule change. On October 7, 2011, EDC filed a lawsuit against the EPA in the United States District Court, Western District of Arkansas, case number CV-01059-SOH, El Dorado, Arkansas, appealing the EPAs decision disapproving the rule change. We do not believe this matter regarding the dissolved minerals will be an issue once the pipeline discussed below is operational.
During 2012, EDC settled an Administrative Complaint issued by the EPA, and thereafter handled by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), relating to certain alleged violations of EDCs 2004 NPDES permit. Initially the Administrative Complaint sought a penalty of $124,000 for alleged violations through December 31, 2010, but was settled by EDC for $100,000 and the EPA/DOJ indicated that any alleged violations from and after January 1, 2011, would be addressed at a later date. Thereafter, the DOJ advised that some action would be taken for alleged violations occurring after December 31, 2010. As of the date of this report, nothing has been filed by the DOJ and we have not received further communication from the DOJ regarding this matter. Costs (or range of costs) cannot currently be reasonably estimated regarding this matter. Therefore, no liability has been established at December 31, 2012.
The City of El Dorado, Arkansas (the City) is constructing a pipeline for disposal of wastewater generated by the City and by certain companies in the El Dorado area. EDC and other companies in the El Dorado area have entered into a funding agreement and operating agreement with the City, pursuant to which each party has agreed to contribute to the cost of construction and the annual operating costs of the pipeline for the right to use the pipeline to dispose its wastewater. EDC is participating in the construction of the pipeline that will be owned by the City in order to ensure that EDC will be able to comply with future permit limits. EDC anticipates its capital cost in connection with the construction of the pipeline will be approximately $3.7 million, of which $3.3 million has been capitalized as of December 31, 2012. The City plans to complete the construction of the pipeline by mid-2013. Once the pipeline is completed, EDCs estimated share of the annual operating costs is to be $100,000 to $150,000. The initial term of the operating agreement is through December 2053. Although construction of the pipeline is nearly complete, a group opposing the Citys construction of the pipeline has sued the Corps of Engineers for issuing the permit to the City to construct and operate the pipeline.
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In addition, the El Dorado Facility is currently operating under a consent administrative order (2006 CAO) that recognizes the presence of nitrate contamination in the shallow groundwater. The 2006 CAO required EDC to continue semi-annual groundwater monitoring, to continue operation of a groundwater recovery system and to submit a human health and ecological risk assessment to the ADEQ relating to the El Dorado Facility. The final remedy for shallow groundwater contamination, should any remediation be required, will be selected pursuant to a new consent administrative order and based upon the risk assessment. The cost of any additional remediation that may be required will be determined based on the results of the investigation and risk assessment, which costs (or range of costs) cannot currently be reasonably estimated. Therefore, no liability has been established at December 31, 2012, in connection with this matter.
2. Air Matters
The EPA has sent information requests to most, if not all, of the operators of nitric acid plants in the United States, including our El Dorado and Cherokee Facilities and the Baytown Facility operated by our subsidiary, El Dorado Nitric Company (EDN), under Section 114 of the Clean Air Act as to construction and modification activities at each of these facilities over a period of years. These information requests were to enable the EPA to determine whether these facilities are in compliance with certain provisions of the Clean Air Act.
After a review by our Chemical Business of these facilities in obtaining information for the EPA pursuant to the EPAs request, our Chemical Business management believes that certain facilities within our Chemical Business will be required to make capital improvements to emission equipment in order to comply with the requirements of the Clean Air Act. During 2012, our Chemical Business has been in negotiations with the EPA to reach a global settlement in connection with this matter, which settlement offer would require implementation of additional pollution controls to be installed over a period of time in each of our eight affected nitric acid plants to achieve certain proposed emission rates, two of which are already complete. The proposals also offered to include a modest civil penalty but did not provide an amount of any proposed civil penalty. The estimated capital cost to achieve the proposed emission rates is $2 million to $3 million per plant for the remaining six plants and these capital investments are proposed to be made over a period of several years.
The DOJ, on behalf of the EPA, has responded in writing to our proposed global settlement offer and advised in its response which of our proposals are acceptable and not acceptable and certain other provisions that the United States would require in a global settlement. The DOJs response also provided that they will require, among other things, that we pay an appropriate civil penalty to the United States and participating state parties, with the amount to be determined after the parties have reached agreement on the core components of a consent decree, and that any settlement is contingent upon the incorporation of the settlement terms into a definitive consent decree acceptable to the parties. Therefore a liability of $100,000 for potential civil penalties has been established at December 31, 2012, in connection with this matter. We are currently corresponding with the DOJ in an effort to resolve this matter. If the EPA were successful in establishing that any of our chemical facilities were in violation of the Clean Air Act, the EPA could assess civil penalties of up to $27,500 per day and require the facility to retrofit with the best available control technology.
One of our subsidiaries, Pryor Chemical Company (PCC), within our Chemical Business, has been advised that the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) is conducting an investigation into whether the Pryor Facility was in compliance with certain rules and regulations of the ODEQ and whether the Pryor Facilitys reports of certain air emissions relating primarily to 2011 were intentionally reported incorrectly to the ODEQ. Pursuant to the request of the ODEQ, PCC has submitted information and a report to the ODEQ as to the reports filed by the Pryor Facility relating to the air emissions in question and has and continues to cooperate with the ODEQ in connection with this investigation. However, on February 20, 2013, investigators with the ODEQ obtained documents from the Pryor Facility in connection with this investigation pursuant to a search warrant and interviewed several employees at the facility. Each of the Company and PCC has received a subpoena, upon the application of the Attorney General of the State of Oklahoma, for documents relating to this matter. As of the date of this report, we are not aware of any recommendations made or to be made by the ODEQ with respect to formal legal action to be taken or recommended as a result of the pending investigation. Therefore, no liability has been established at December 31, 2012 in connection with this matter.
3. Other Environmental Matters
In 2002, two subsidiaries within our Chemical Business, sold substantially all of their operating assets relating to a Kansas chemical facility (Hallowell Facility) but retained ownership of the real property. At December 31, 2002, even though we continued to own the real property, we did not assess our continuing involvement with our former Hallowell Facility to be significant and therefore accounted for the sale as discontinued operations. In connection with this sale, our subsidiary leased the real property to the buyer under a triple net long-term lease agreement. However, our subsidiary retained the obligation to be responsible for, and perform the activities under, a previously executed consent order to investigate the surface and subsurface contamination at the real property and a corrective action strategy based on the investigation. In addition, certain of our subsidiaries agreed to indemnify the buyer of such assets for these environmental matters. Based on the assessment discussed above, we account for transactions associated with the Hallowell Facility as discontinued operations.
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The successor (Chevron) of a prior owner of the Hallowell Facility has agreed in writing, on a nonbinding basis and within certain other limitations, to pay and has been paying one-half of the costs of the interim measures relating to this matter as approved by the Kansas Department of Environmental Quality, subject to reallocation.
Our subsidiary and Chevron are pursuing with the state of Kansas a course of long-term surface and groundwater monitoring to track the natural decline in contamination. Currently, our subsidiary and Chevron are in the process of performing additional surface and groundwater testing. We have accrued for our allocable portion of costs for the additional testing, monitoring and risk assessments that could be reasonably estimated.
In addition, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) notified our subsidiary and Chevron that the Hallowell Facility has been referred to the KDHEs Natural Resources Trustee, who is to consider and recommend restoration, replacement and/or whether to seek compensation. KDHE will consider the recommendations in their evaluation. Currently, it is unknown what damages the KDHE would claim, if any. The ultimate required remediation, if any, is unknown. The nature and extent of a portion of the requirements are not currently defined and the associated costs (or range of costs) are not reasonably estimable.
At December 31, 2012, our allocable portion of the total estimated liability related to the Hallowell Facility of $173,000 has been established in connection with this matter. The estimated amount is not discounted to its present value. It is reasonably possible that a change in the estimate of our liability could occur in the near term.
Risks Related to Us and Our Business
Our Chemical and Climate Control Businesses and their customers are sensitive to adverse economic cycles.
Our Chemical Business can be affected by cyclical factors such as inflation, global energy policy and costs, global market conditions and economic downturns in specific industries. Certain sales of our Chemical Business are sensitive to the level of activity in the agricultural, mining, automotive and housing industries. A substantial decline in the activity of our Chemical Business has in the past, and could in the future, have a material adverse effect on the results of our Chemical Business and on our liquidity and capital resources. Further, material economic changes that adversely affect our natural gas working interests or lower natural gas prices may require us to write down the carrying value of our natural gas working interests. Therefore, these changes in our Chemical Business could adversely impact our operating results, liquidity and financial condition.
Our Climate Control Business also can be affected by cyclical factors, such as interest rates, inflation and economic downturns. Our Climate Control Business depends on sales to customers in the construction and renovation industries, which are particularly sensitive to these factors. A decline in the economic activity in the U.S. has in the past, and could in the future, have a material adverse effect on us and our customers in the construction and renovation industries in which our Climate Control Business sells a substantial amount of its products. Such a decline could result in a decrease in revenues and profits, and an increase in bad debts that could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, financial condition and liquidity.
Weather conditions adversely affect our Chemical Business.
The agricultural products produced and sold by our Chemical Business have been in the past, and could be in the future, materially affected by adverse weather conditions (such as excessive rain or drought) in the primary markets for our fertilizer and related agricultural products. If any of these unusual weather events occur during the primary seasons for sales of our agricultural products (March-June and September-November), this could have a material adverse effect on the agricultural sales of our Chemical Business and our financial condition and results of operations.
Terrorist attacks and other acts of violence or war, and natural disasters (such as hurricanes, pandemic health crisis, etc.), have and could negatively impact U.S. and foreign companies, the financial markets, the industries where we operate, our operations and profitability.
Terrorist attacks and natural disasters (such as hurricanes) have in the past, and can in the future, negatively affect our operations. We cannot predict further terrorist attacks and natural disasters in the U.S. and elsewhere. These attacks or natural disasters have contributed to economic instability in the U.S. and elsewhere, and further acts of terrorism, violence, war or natural disasters could further affect the industries where we operate, our ability to purchase raw materials, our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, terrorist attacks and natural disasters may directly impact our physical facilities, especially our chemical facilities, or those of our suppliers or customers and could impact our sales, our production capability and our ability to deliver products to our customers. In the past, hurricanes affecting the Gulf Coast of the U.S. have negatively impacted our operations and those of our customers. The consequences of any terrorist attacks or hostilities or natural disasters are unpredictable, and we may not be able to foresee events that could have an adverse effect on our operations.
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Despite continuing investment to upgrade and replace equipment on an ongoing basis, the age of facilities of our Chemical Business increases the risk for unplanned downtime which may be significant.
Our Chemical Business is comprised of operating units of various ages and levels of automated control. While we have continued to make significant annual capital improvements, potential age or control related issues have occurred in the past and may occur in the future, which could cause damage to the equipment and ancillary facilities. The equipment required for the manufacture of our chemical products is specialized, and the time for replacement of such equipment can be lengthy, resulting in extended downtime in the affected unit. Although we utilize various reliability and inspection programs and maintain a significant inventory of spare equipment, which are intended to mitigate the extent of production losses, unplanned outages may still occur. As a result, these unplanned downtime events at our chemical facilities have in the past and could in the future adversely impact our operating results, liquidity and financial condition.
An explosion and equipment failures at certain of our chemical facilities will result in substantial expenditures for repair and/or replacement of damaged equipment.
During 2012, certain of our chemical facilities sustained substantial damage due to an explosion and equipment failures, which we anticipate will require substantial expenditures by us to repair and/or replace. Although we believe we will be able to recover under our property insurance policy a portion of the cost and expense to repair and/or replace the damaged equipment as a result of those occurrences, the total amount that we will recover under our property insurance is currently unknown. The inability to recover under our property insurance policies a material amount of the cost to repair and/or replace the damaged equipment may have an adverse effect on our liquidity and operating results.
Future legislative or regulatory changes impacting our Chemical Business may result in increased costs and decreased revenues, cash flows and liquidity.
Our businesses are subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations, primarily relating to our Chemical Business. The manufacture and distribution of chemical products are activities, which entail environmental risks and impose obligations under environmental laws and regulations, many of which provide for substantial fines and potential criminal sanctions for violations. Although we believe we have established processes to monitor, review and manage our businesses to comply with the numerous environmental laws and regulations, our Chemical Business has in the past, and may in the future, be subject to fines, penalties and sanctions for violations and substantial expenditures for cleanup costs and other liabilities relating to the handling, manufacture, use, emission, discharge or disposal of effluents at or from the Chemical Business facilities. Further, a number of our Chemical Business facilities are dependent on environmental permits to operate, the loss or modification of which could have a material adverse effect on their operations and our financial condition.
Changes to the production equipment at our chemical facilities as may be required in order to comply with environmental regulations may require substantial capital expenditures.
In summary, new or changed laws and regulations could have an adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity and financial condition.
We may be required to expand our security procedures and install additional security equipment for our Chemical Business in order to comply with current and possible future government regulations, including applicable security regulations.
The chemical industry in general, and producers and distributors of anhydrous ammonia and AN specifically, are scrutinized by the government, industry and public on security issues. Under current and proposed regulations, we may be required to incur substantial additional costs relating to security at our chemical facilities and distribution centers, as well as in the transportation of our products. These costs could have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. The cost of such regulatory changes, if significant enough, could lead some of our customers to choose alternate products to anhydrous ammonia and AN, which would have a significant impact on our Chemical Business.
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In order to comply with the Secure Handling of Ammonium Nitrate Act of 2007 as enacted by the United States Congress, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published in the August 3, 2011 Federal Register a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. This regulation proposes to require sellers, buyers, their agents and transporters of solid AN and certain solid mixtures containing AN to possess a valid registration issued by DHS, keep certain records, report the theft or unexplained loss of regulated materials and certain other new requirements. We and other parties affected by this proposal have submitted appropriate comments to DHS regarding the proposed regulation. Depending on the provisions of the final regulation to be promulgated by DHS and on our ability to pass these costs to our customers, these requirements may have a negative effect on the profitability of our AN business and may result in fewer distributors who are willing to handle the product.
Proposed governmental laws and regulations relating to greenhouse gas emissions may subject certain of our Chemical Business facilities to significant new costs and restrictions on their operations.
The manufacturing facilities within our Chemical Business use significant amounts of electricity, natural gas and other raw materials necessary for the production of their chemical products that result, or could result, in certain greenhouse gas emissions into the environment. Federal and state courts and administrative agencies, including the EPA, are considering the scope and scale of greenhouse gas emission regulation. Legislation is being considered that would regulate greenhouse gas emissions at some point in the future. The EPA has instituted a mandatory greenhouse gas reporting requirement that began in 2010, which impacts all of our chemical manufacturing sites. Greenhouse gas regulation could increase the price of the electricity and other energy sources purchased by our chemical facilities; increase costs for natural gas and other raw materials (such as anhydrous ammonia); potentially restrict access to or the use of certain raw materials necessary to produce our chemical products; and require us to incur substantial expenditures to retrofit our chemical facilities to comply with the proposed new laws and regulations regulating greenhouse gas emissions, if adopted. Federal, state and local governments may also pass laws mandating the use of alternative energy sources, such as wind power and solar energy, which may increase the cost of energy use in certain of our chemical and other manufacturing operations. As it relates to our Chemical Business working interest in natural gas properties, legislative and regulatory proposals for restricting greenhouse gas emissions or otherwise addressing climate change could require our Chemical Business to incur additional operating costs and could adversely affect demand for the natural gas that the operator of these wells intends to sell. While future emission regulations or new laws appear possible, it is too early to predict how these regulations, if and when adopted, will affect our businesses, operations, liquidity or financial results.
There is intense competition in the Climate Control and Chemical industries.
Substantially all of the markets in which we participate are highly competitive with respect to product quality, price, design innovations, distribution, service, warranties, reliability and efficiency. We compete with a number of companies, domestic and foreign, that have greater financial, marketing and other resources. Competitive factors could require us to reduce prices or increase spending on product development, marketing and sales that would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operation and financial condition.
A substantial portion of our sales is dependent upon a limited number of customers.
For 2012, six customers of our Chemical Business accounted for approximately 53% of its net sales and 33% of our consolidated sales, and our Climate Control Business had one customer (including affiliates and their distributors) that accounted for approximately 18% of its net sales and 6% of our consolidated sales. The loss of, or a material reduction in purchase levels by, one or more of these customers could have a material adverse effect on our business and our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity if we are unable to replace a customer on substantially similar terms.
Cost and the lack of availability of raw materials could materially affect our profitability and liquidity.
Our sales and profits are heavily affected by the costs and availability of primary raw materials. These primary raw materials are subject to considerable price volatility. Historically, when there have been rapid increases in the cost of these primary raw materials, we have sometimes been unable to timely increase our sales prices to cover all of the higher costs incurred. While we periodically enter into futures/forward contracts to economically hedge against price increases in certain of these raw materials, there can be no assurance that we will effectively manage against price fluctuations in those raw materials.
Anhydrous ammonia and natural gas represent the primary raw material feedstocks in the production of most of the products of the Chemical Business. Although our Chemical Business enters into contracts with certain customers that provide for the pass-through of raw material costs, we have a substantial amount of sales that do not provide for the pass-through of raw material costs. In addition, the Climate Control Business depends on raw materials such as copper and steel, which have shown considerable price volatility. As a result, in the future, we may not be able to pass along to all of our customers the full amount of any increases in raw material costs. There can be no assurance that future price fluctuations in our raw materials will not have an adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
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As stated above, natural gas represents one of the primary raw materials in the production of our Chemical Business products, and, as a result, we acquired natural gas working interests as an economic hedge against rising prices for natural gas. It is possible that we may not be able to use our natural gas working interests as an economic hedge under certain limited conditions.
We do not operate our natural gas working interest properties and have no, or very limited, ability to exercise influence over operations of these properties or their associated cost.
Since we source certain of our raw materials and components on a global basis, we may experience long lead times in procuring those raw materials and components purchased overseas, as well as being subject to tariff controls and other international trade barriers, which may increase the uncertainty of raw material and component availability and pricing volatility.
Additionally, we depend on certain vendors to deliver the primary raw materials and other key components that are required in the production of our products. Any disruption in the supply of the primary raw materials and other key components could result in lost production or delayed shipments. We have suspended in the past, and could suspend in the future, production at our chemical facilities due to, among other things, the high cost or lack of availability of such primary raw materials, which could adversely impact our competitiveness in the markets we serve. Accordingly, our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations could be materially affected in the future by the lack of availability of primary raw materials and other key components and increase costs relating to the purchase of raw materials or the production of our natural gas working interests.
Potential increase of imported ammonium nitrate.
Prior to March 2011, U.S. imports of fertilizer grade AN from Russia were controlled by the terms of an antidumping Suspension Agreement under which maximum volumes and minimum prices were set for Russian AN imports. In March 2011, the Russian Federation notified the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce Department) that it had decided to withdraw from the Suspension Agreement. Accordingly, the Agreement terminated effective May 2, 2011. As of that date, Russian AN imports have been subject to an antidumping duty order (Russian Order). The Russian Order, unlike the Suspension Agreement, does not place any volume restrictions on Russian AN imports and does not ensure that Russian prices are tied to the prevailing U.S. market price. Instead, the Russian Order requires that Russian AN be priced fairly, as defined by comparisons with Russian home market or third country AN prices or based on Russian production costs. Because Russian producers continue to benefit from natural gas supplied to them at state-set prices that are below market value, and because natural gas is by far the largest material input into the production of AN, depending upon the analysis and methodologies used by the Commerce Department, the price of Russian AN exported to the U.S. may be below prevailing U.S. market prices and below our cost to produce fertilizer grade AN.
Under the Russian Order, every shipment of Russian fertilizer grade AN imported into the U.S. is subject to an antidumping duty cash deposit of approximately 254% of the value of the imports unless and until a review process is completed at the Commerce Department through which a Russian producer or exporter may demonstrate that it is not dumping to that extent and is entitled to a different rate. The Commerce Department is currently considering whether another Russian AN product is covered by the Russian Order. If the product is not covered, we would likely see competition from this product in the AN market of the U.S.
In 2011 the Commerce Department and the U.S. International Trade Commission also completed a sunset review of the Russian Order against AN from Russia to determine whether the Russian Order should remain in effect. These agencies decided that the Russian Order is still needed to address unfair trade in Russian AN, and, as a result, the Russian Order will remain in place for at least an additional five years, until 2016.
There is also an outstanding antidumping duty order against AN from the Ukraine (Ukrainian Order), which is currently being reviewed by the same two agencies. This sunset review is scheduled to be completed in mid-2013 and will decide whether the Ukrainian Order will remain in place for another five years beyond 2013. If, as a result of the sunset review, the Ukrainian Order were to be revoked, we would likely face large volumes of unfairly priced Ukrainian AN in the U.S. market, with loss of revenue and market share for our AN business.
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For 2012, net sales of fertilizer grade AN accounted for 14% and 9% of our Chemical Business net sales and consolidated net sales, respectively. If the antidumping orders are changed, as discussed above, these changes could result in a substantial increase in the amount of imported AN sold in the U.S. at prices less than the U.S. producers are required to charge in order to cover their cost plus a profit, and could have an adverse effect on our revenues and operating results.
We may have inadequate insurance.
While we maintain liability, property and business interruption insurance, including certain coverage for environmental contamination, it is subject to coverage limits and policies may exclude coverage for some types of damages (which may include warranty claims). Although there may currently be sources from which such coverage may be obtained, it may not continue to be available to us on commercially reasonable terms or the possible types of liabilities that may be incurred by us may not be covered by our insurance. In addition, our insurance carriers may not be able to meet their obligations under the policies or the dollar amount of the liabilities may exceed our policy limits. Even a partially uninsured claim, if successful and of significant magnitude, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
LSB is a holding company and depends, in large part, on receiving funds from its subsidiaries to fund our indebtedness.
Because LSB is a holding company and operations are conducted through its subsidiaries, including PCC and ThermaClime, LLC (ThermaClime) and its subsidiaries, LSBs ability to meet its obligations depends, in large part, on the operating performance and cash flows of its subsidiaries and the ability of its subsidiaries to make distributions and pay dividends to LSB. Under its loan agreements, ThermaClime and its subsidiaries may only make distributions and pay dividends to LSB under limited circumstances and in limited amounts.
Loss of key personnel could negatively affect our business.
We believe that our performance has been and will continue to be dependent upon the efforts of our principal executive officers. We cannot promise that our principal executive officers will continue to be available. Jack E. Golsen has an employment agreement with us. No other principal executive has an employment agreement with us. The loss of some of our principal executive officers could have a material adverse effect on us. We believe that our future success will depend in large part on our continued ability to attract and retain highly skilled and qualified personnel.
We are effectively controlled by the Golsen Group.
Jack E. Golsen, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), members of his immediate family, including Barry H. Golsen, our Vice Chairman and President, entities owned by them and trusts for which they possess voting or dispositive power as trustee (collectively, the Golsen Group) owned as of February 15, 2013, an aggregate of 3,085,864 shares of our common stock and 1,020,000 shares of our voting preferred stock (1,000,000 of which shares have .875 votes per share, or 875,000 votes), which together votes as a class and represents approximately 17% of the voting power of our issued and outstanding voting securities as of that date. Thus, the Golsen Group may be considered to effectively control us. As a result, the ability of other stockholders to influence our management and policies could be limited.
We have not paid dividends on our outstanding common stock in many years.
Although we have paid dividends on our outstanding series of preferred stock (two of the three outstanding series of preferred stock are owned by the Golsen Group), we have not paid cash dividends on our outstanding common stock in many years, and we do not currently anticipate paying cash dividends on our outstanding common stock in the near future. However, our Board of Directors has not made a decision whether or not to pay such dividends on our common stock in 2013. In addition, there are certain limitations contained in our loan agreements, which limit our subsidiaries from up streaming funds to LSB that may limit our ability to pay dividends on our outstanding common stock.
Future issuance or potential issuance of our common stock could adversely affect the price of our common stock, our ability to raise funds in new stock offerings and could dilute the percentage ownership of our common stockholders.
Future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock or equity-related securities in the public market, or the issuance of a substantial amount of our common stock as the result of conversion of our outstanding convertible preferred stocks, or the perception that such sales or conversions could occur, could adversely affect prevailing trading prices of our common stock and could dilute the value of common stock held by our existing stockholders. No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of, or conversions of our outstanding preferred stocks into, shares of common stock or the availability of shares of common stock for future sale will have on the trading price of our common stock. Such future sales or conversions could also significantly reduce the percentage ownership of our common stockholders.
18
We are subject to a variety of factors that could discourage other parties from attempting to acquire us.
Our certificate of incorporation provides for a staggered Board of Directors and, except in limited circumstances, a two-thirds vote of outstanding voting shares to approve a merger, consolidation or sale of all, or substantially all, of our assets. In addition, we have entered into severance agreements with our executive officers and some of the executive officers of certain subsidiaries that provide, among other things, that if, within a specified period of time after the occurrence of a change in control of LSB, these officers are terminated, other than for cause, or the officer terminates his employment for good reason, we must pay such officer an amount equal to 2.9 times the officers average annual gross salary for the last five years preceding the change in control.
We have authorized and unissued (including shares held in treasury) 52,589,102 shares of common stock and 4,230,000 shares of preferred stock as of December 31, 2012. These unissued shares could be used by our management to make it more difficult, and thereby discourage an attempt to acquire control of us.
We have adopted a preferred share purchase plan, which is designed to protect us against certain creeping acquisitions, open market purchases and certain mergers and other combinations with acquiring companies.
The foregoing provisions and agreements are designed to discourage a third party tender offer, proxy contest, or other attempts to acquire control of us and could have the effect of making it more difficult to remove incumbent management.
Delaware has adopted an anti-takeover law which, among other things, will delay for three years business combinations with acquirers of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of publicly-held companies (such as us), unless;
| prior to such time the Board of Directors of the corporation approved the business combination that results in the stockholder becoming an invested stockholder; |
| the acquirer owned at least 85% of the outstanding voting stock of such company prior to commencement of the transaction; |
| two-thirds of the stockholders, other than the acquirer, vote to approve the business combination after approval thereof by the Board of Directors; or |
| the stockholders of the corporation amend its articles of incorporation or by-laws electing not to be governed by this provision. |
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
Chemical Business
Our Chemical Business primarily conducts manufacturing operations in facilities located:
| on 150 acres of a 1,400 acre tract of land in El Dorado, Arkansas, |
| on 160 acres of a 1,300 acre tract of land in Cherokee, Alabama, |
| on 47 acres of a 160 acre tract of land within an industrial park in Pryor, Oklahoma and |
| on property within Bayers manufacturing complex in Baytown, Texas. |
We own all of these manufacturing facilities except the Baytown Facility. Except for certain assets that are owned by EDN for use in the production process within the Baytown Facility, the Baytown Facility is owned by Bayer. EDN operates and maintains the Baytown Facility pursuant to the Bayer Agreement. Certain real property and equipment located at the El Dorado and Cherokee Facilities are being used to secure a $68.4 million term loan.
EDC also distributes its agricultural products through 17 wholesale and retail distribution centers, with 15 of the centers located in Texas (12 of which we own and 3 of which we lease); 1 center located in Tennessee (owned); and 1 center located in Missouri (owned).
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All of the properties utilized by our Chemical Business are suitable and adequate to meet the current needs of that business.
For 2012, the following was our percentage of utilization based on continuous operation, which is adjusted for downtime for planned major maintenance activities (Turnarounds).
Percentage of Capacity |
||||
El Dorado Facility (1) |
71 | % | ||
Cherokee Facility (2) |
84 | % | ||
Pryor Facility (3) |
54 | % | ||
Baytown Facility |
84 | % |
(1) | The percentage of capacity for the El Dorado Facility relates to its nitric acid capacity, which total capacity was reduced during 2012 as the result of the explosion of a nitric acid plant. The El Dorado Facility has capacity to produce other nitrogen products in excess of its nitric acid capacity. |
(2) | The percentage of capacity for the Cherokee Facility relates to its ammonia production capacity. The Cherokee Facility is able to purchase anhydrous ammonia by truck, rail or barge to supplement its ammonia production capacity. The lower percentage of utilization compared to 2011 is the direct result of unplanned downtime during 2012. |
(3) | The percentage of capacity for the Pryor Facility relates to current operating ammonia production capacity. The Pryor Facility has additional operational capacity for nitric acid and AN solution in excess of its current ammonia capacity. The lower percentage of utilization compared to 2011 is the direct result of unplanned downtime during 2012. |
Climate Control Business
Our Climate Control Business conducts its operations in seven facilities, all located in the greater Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area, totaling approximately 1 million square feet including the following:
Our Climate Control Business manufactures most of its geothermal and water source heat pump products in facilities totaling approximately 440,000 square feet. We own these facilities, with a portion being subject to a mortgage. For 2012, we utilized approximately 57% of the production capacity of this manufacturing facility, based primarily on two ten-hour shifts per day and a four-day workweek. We also utilize approximately 126,000 square feet of an owned facility for a distribution center.
Our Climate Control Business conducts its fan coil manufacturing operation in facilities totaling approximately 230,000 square feet. We own a majority of these facilities, subject to a mortgage. For 2012, our fan coil manufacturing operation utilized approximately 50% of the production capacity, based primarily on one ten-hour shift per day and a four-day workweek.
Our Climate Control Business conducts its large air handler manufacturing operation in an owned facility consisting of approximately 120,000 square feet. For 2012, we utilized approximately 89% of the production capacity of this manufacturing facility, based primarily on one eight-hour shift on a five-day workweek and a partial second shift in selected areas.
Our Climate Control Business conducts its modular chiller manufacturing operation in an area consisting of approximately 70,000 square feet within an owned facility. For 2012, we utilized approximately 25% of the production capacity of this manufacturing facility, based primarily on one ten-hour shift on a four-day workweek.
All of the properties utilized by our Climate Control Business are suitable to meet the current needs of that business.
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1. | Environmental See Business-Environmental Matters for a discussion as to: |
| certain environmental matters relating to water and air issues in our Chemical Business, including, without limitation, the following: |
| On October 7, 2011, EDC filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Arkansas, against the EPA in connection with the EPAs disapproval of a rule change previously approved by the ADEQ to reduce the more restrictive dissolved mineral level requirements placed in EDCs NPDES permit. |
| The penalty assessed against EDC for certain alleged violations of the El Dorado Facilitys water discharge permit for alleged violations through December 31, 2010 was settled for $100,000, with any alleged violation for periods after December 31, 2010 to be addressed at a later date. As of the date of this report, we are not aware of any legal action taken by the government in connection with alleged violations after December 31, 2010. |
| The EPA has sent information requests to most, if not all, of the operators of nitric acid plants in the United States, including our El Dorado and Cherokee Facilities and the Baytown Facility to determine compliance with the construction and maintenance of these plants over the years under the Clean Air Act. If it is determined that the equipment in any of our nitric acid plants are not meeting the requirements of the Clean Air Act, our Chemical Business could be subject to penalties in an amount not to exceed $27,500 per day as to each plant not in compliance and be required to retrofit each facility with the best available control technology. Our Chemical Business and the EPA have provided to each other a proposed settlement offer in connection with this matter, and we are negotiating with the EPA to attempt to settle this matter. The settlement offer would require implementation of additional pollution controls to be installed over a period of time in each of our eight affected nitric acid plants to achieve certain proposed emission rates, two of which are already complete. The estimated capital cost to achieve the proposed emission rates is $2 million to $3 million per plant for the remaining six plants and these capital investments are proposed to be made over a period of several years. The EPAs settlement offer did not provide an amount of any proposed civil penalty, but did acknowledge that the EPA will require a civil penalty. |
| One of our subsidiaries, PCC, within our Chemical Business, has been advised that the ODEQ is conducting an investigation into whether the Pryor Facility was in compliance with certain rules and regulations of the ODEQ and whether the Pryor Facilitys reports of certain air emissions relating primarily to 2011 were intentionally reported incorrectly to the ODEQ. Pursuant to the request of the ODEQ, PCC has submitted information and a report to the ODEQ as to the reports filed by the Pryor Facility relating to the air emissions in question and has and continues to cooperate with the ODEQ in connection with this investigation. However, on February 20, 2013, investigators with the ODEQ obtained documents from the Pryor Facility in connection with this investigation pursuant to a search warrant and interviewed several employees at the facility. Each of the Company and PCC has received a subpoena, upon the application of the Attorney General of the State of Oklahoma, for documents relating to this matter. As of the date of this report, we are not aware of any recommendations made or to be made by the ODEQ with respect to formal legal action to be taken or recommended as a result of the pending investigation. |
| certain environmental remediation matters at our former Hallowell Facility. |
2. | Other |
Pryor Chemical Company
PCC has filed lawsuits against certain vendors of PCC related to work performed at the Pryor Facility. The claims allege certain damages resulting from improperly performed work by the vendors and for lost profits and other costs as the result of downtime at the Pryor Facility. During 2012, one of the vendors reached a settlement with PCC. As a result, we recognized a gain of $2,303,000 from this settlement, which amount is included in other income. The remaining amount of lawsuit claims for damages and lost profits is not substantial and the probability, amount and timing of the ultimate recovery are uncertain. As a result, any recovery from litigation or settlement of these claims is a gain contingency and will be recognized if, and when, realized or realizable and earned.
Other Claims and Legal Actions
We are also involved in various other claims and legal actions including claims for damages resulting from water leaks related to our Climate Control products and other product liability occurrences. Most of the product liability claims are covered by our general liability insurance, which generally includes a deductible of $250,000 per claim. For any claims or legal actions that we have assessed the likelihood of our liability as probable, we have recognized our estimated liability up to the applicable deductible. At December 31, 2012, our accrued general liability insurance claims were $628,000 and are included in accrued and other liabilities. It is possible that the actual development of claims could be different from our estimates but, after consultation with legal counsel, if those general liability insurance claims for which we have not recognized a liability were determined adversely to us, it would not have a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable
21
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Our officers serve one-year terms, renewable on an annual basis by the Board of Directors. Information regarding LSBs executive officers is as follows:
Jack E. Golsen (1)Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Golsen, age 84, first became a director in 1969. His term will expire in 2013. Mr. Golsen, founder of LSB, is our Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer and has served in those capacities since our inception in 1969. Mr. Golsen served as our President from 1969 until 2004. During 1996, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Commerce and Industry Hall of Honor as one of Oklahomas leading industrialists. Mr. Golsen has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Mexico. Mr. Golsen is a Trustee of Oklahoma City University and has served on its Finance Committee for many years. During his career, he acquired or started the companies which formed the Company. He has served on the boards of insurance companies, several banks and was Board Chairman of Equity Bank for Savings N.A. which was formerly owned by the Company. In 1972, he was recognized nationally as the person who prevented a widespread collapse of the Wall Street investment banking industry. Refer to The Second Crash by Charles Ellis, and six additional books about the Wall Street crisis.
Barry H. Golsen, J.D. (1)Vice Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Operating Officer, and President of the Climate Control Business. Mr. Golsen, age 62, first became a director in 1981. His term will expire in 2015. Mr. Golsen was elected President of LSB in 2004. Mr. Golsen has served as our Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors since August 1994. Mr. Golsen has served in several capacities with various LSB subsidiary companies and has been the President of our Climate Control Business for more than ten years. Mr. Golsen served as a director of the Oklahoma branch of the Federal Reserve Bank. Mr. Golsen has both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Oklahoma.
David R. GossExecutive Vice President of Operations and Director. Mr. Goss, age 72, first became a director in 1971. His term will expire in 2015. Mr. Goss, a certified public accountant, is our Executive Vice President of Operations and has served in substantially the same capacity for more than ten years. He has served as a member of the executive management team since our inception in 1969. Mr. Goss is a graduate of Rutgers University.
Tony M. ShelbyExecutive Vice President of Finance and Director. Mr. Shelby, age 71, first became a director in 1971. His term will expire in 2014. Mr. Shelby, a certified public accountant, is our Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, a position he has held for more than ten years. Mr. Shelby has served as a member of the LSB executive management team since our inception in 1969. Prior to becoming our Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, he served as Chief Financial Officer of a subsidiary of LSB and was with the accounting firm of Arthur Young & Co., a predecessor to Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Shelby is a graduate of Oklahoma City University.
Steven J. Golsen (1)Chief Operating Officer of the Climate Control Business and Director. Mr. Golsen, age 60, first became a director in 2011. His term will expire in 2014. Mr. Golsen is our Chief Operating Officer of our Climate Control Business. Mr. Golsen has served as the Chief Operating Officer of our Machine Tool Business and Climate Control Business for more than ten years. Mr. Golsen has been employed by the Company since 1976. Mr. Golsen attended the University of New Mexico and University of Oklahoma.
Jim D. JonesSenior Vice President and Treasurer. Mr. Jones, age 70, has been Senior Vice President and Treasurer since July 2003, and has served as an officer of LSB since April 1977. Mr. Jones is a certified public accountant and was with the accounting firm of Arthur Young & Co., a predecessor to Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Jones is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma.
David M. Shear (1)Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Mr. Shear, age 53, has been Senior Vice President and General Counsel since July 2004 and General Counsel and Secretary since 1990. Mr. Shear attended Brandeis University, graduating cum laude in 1981. At Brandeis University, Mr. Shear was the founding Editor-In-Chief of Chronos, the first journal of undergraduate scholarly articles. Mr. Shear attended the Boston University School of Law, where he was a contributing Editor of the Annual Review of Banking Law. Mr. Shear acted as a staff attorney at the Bureau of Competition with the Federal Trade Commission from 1985 to 1986. From 1986 through 1989, Mr. Shear was an associate in the Boston law firm of Weiss, Angoff, Coltin, Koski and Wolf.
Michael D. TepperSenior Vice President of International Operations. Mr. Tepper, age 74, has served in substantially the same capacity for more than ten years. Mr. Tepper is a graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Michael G. AdamsVice President and Corporate Controller. Mr. Adams, age 63, has been Vice President and Corporate Controller since 2008 and has served as an officer of LSB since March 1990. Mr. Adams is a certified public accountant and was with the accounting firm of Arthur Young & Co., a predecessor to Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Adams is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma.
22
Harold L. Rieker Jr.Vice President and Principal Accounting Officer. Mr. Rieker, age 52, has been Vice President and Principal Accounting Officer since 2008 and has served as an officer of LSB since March 2006. Mr. Rieker is a certified public accountant and was with the accounting firm of Grant Thornton LLP. Mr. Rieker is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma.
(1) | Barry H. Golsen and Steven J. Golsen are the sons of Jack E. Golsen and David M. Shear is married to the niece of Jack E. Golsen. The niece of Mr. Golsen serves as Vice President and Managing Counsel of our Company. |
23
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Our common stock is trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LXU. The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||||||
Quarter |
High | Low | High | Low | ||||||||||||
First |
$ | 42.28 | $ | 28.79 | $ | 40.31 | $ | 23.65 | ||||||||
Second |
$ | 39.95 | $ | 24.85 | $ | 49.21 | $ | 35.35 | ||||||||
Third |
$ | 44.29 | $ | 29.89 | $ | 46.88 | $ | 28.41 | ||||||||
Fourth |
$ | 45.00 | $ | 30.48 | $ | 40.61 | $ | 24.85 |
Stockholders
As of February 15, 2013, we had 517 record holders of our common stock. This number does not include investors whose ownership is recorded in the name of their brokerage company.
Dividends
We have not paid cash dividends in our outstanding shares of common stock during the two most recent fiscal years but have paid cash dividends on our outstanding series of convertible preferred stock during this period. See discussion concerning dividends and restrictions in payment of dividends below under Liquidity and Capital ResourcesDividends of the MD&A contained in this report.
Equity Compensation Plans
See discussions relating to our equity compensation plans under Item 12 of Part III contained in this report.
Sale of Unregistered Securities
There were no unregistered sales of equity securities in 2012 that have not been previously reported in a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Current Report on Form 8-K.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
During the three months ended December 2012, there were no purchases of equity securities by the Company and affiliated purchasers.
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Preferred Share Rights Plan
We have adopted a preferred share rights plan to protect us against certain creeping acquisitions, open market purchases and certain mergers and other combinations with acquiring companies. The rights plan will impact a potential acquirer unless the acquirer negotiates with our Board of Directors and the Board of Directors approves the transaction. Pursuant to the rights plan, one preferred share purchase right (a Right) is attached to each currently outstanding or subsequently issued share of our common stock. Prior to becoming exercisable, the Rights trade together with our common stock. In general, if a person or group acquires or announces a tender or exchange offer for 15% or more of our common stock (except for the Golsen Group and certain other limited excluded persons), then the Rights become exercisable. Each Right entitles the holder (other than the person or group that triggers the Rights being exercisable) to purchase from us one one-hundredth of a share of Series 4 Junior Participating Preferred Stock, no par value (the Preferred Stock), at an exercise price of $47.75 per one one-hundredth of a share, subject to adjustment. If a person or group acquires 15% or more of our common stock, each Right will entitle the holder (other than the person or group that triggered the Rights being exercisable) to purchase shares of our common stock (or, in certain circumstances, cash or other securities) having a market value of twice the exercise price of a Right at such time. Under certain circumstances, each Right will entitle the holder (other than the person or group that triggered the Rights being exercisable) to purchase the common stock of the acquirer having a market value of twice the exercise price of a Right at such time. In addition, under certain circumstances, our Board of Directors may exchange each Right (other than those held by the acquirer) for one share of our common stock, subject to adjustment. Our Board of Directors may redeem the Rights at a price of $0.01 per Right generally at any time before 10 days after the Rights become exercisable. Our Board of Directors may exchange all or part of the Rights (except to the person or group that triggered the Rights being exercisable) for our common stock at an exchange ratio of one common share per Right until the person triggering the Right becomes the beneficial owner of 50% or more of our common stock.
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (1)
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Selected Statement of Income Data: |
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Net sales |
$ | 759,031 | $ | 805,256 | $ | 609,905 | $ | 531,838 | $ | 748,967 | ||||||||||
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Interest expense |
$ | 4,237 | $ | 6,658 | $ | 7,427 | $ | 6,746 | $ | 11,381 | ||||||||||
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Provisions for income taxes |
$ | 33,594 | $ | 46,208 | $ | 19,787 | $ | 15,024 | $ | 18,776 | ||||||||||
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Income from continuing operations |
$ | 58,786 | $ | 83,984 | $ | 29,715 | $ | 21,849 | $ | 36,560 | ||||||||||
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Net income |
$ | 58,604 | $ | 83,842 | $ | 29,574 | $ | 21,584 | $ | 36,547 | ||||||||||
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Net income applicable to common stock |
$ | 58,304 | $ | 83,537 | $ | 29,269 | $ | 21,278 | $ | 36,241 | ||||||||||
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Income (loss) per common share applicable to common stock: |
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Basic: |
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Income from continuing operations |
$ | 2.62 | $ | 3.81 | $ | 1.39 | $ | 1.01 | $ | 1.71 | ||||||||||
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Net loss from discontinued operations |
$ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | | ||||||
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Net income |
$ | 2.61 | $ | 3.80 | $ | 1.38 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.71 | ||||||||||
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Diluted: |
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Income from continuing operations |
$ | 2.50 | $ | 3.59 | $ | 1.33 | $ | 0.97 | $ | 1.58 | ||||||||||
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Net loss from discontinued operations |
$ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | | ||||||
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Net income |
$ | 2.49 | $ | 3.58 | $ | 1.32 | $ | 0.96 | $ | 1.58 | ||||||||||
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Selected Balance Sheet Data: |
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Total assets |
$ | 576,612 | $ | 502,009 | $ | 387,981 | $ | 338,633 | $ | 335,767 | ||||||||||
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Redeemable preferred stock |
$ | | $ | 44 | $ | 45 | $ | 48 | $ | 52 | ||||||||||
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Long-term debt, including current portion |
$ | 72,441 | $ | 79,460 | $ | 95,392 | $ | 101,801 | $ | 105,160 | ||||||||||
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Stockholders equity |
$ | 354,497 | $ | 293,270 | $ | 179,370 | $ | 150,607 | $ | 130,044 | ||||||||||
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Selected other data: |
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Cash dividends declared per common share |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
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(1) | See discussions included in Item 7 of Part II of this report. |
26
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with a review of the other Items included in this Form 10-K and our December 31, 2012 Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report. Certain statements contained in this MD&A may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. See Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.
Overview
General
LSB is a manufacturing and marketing company operating through our subsidiaries. LSB and its wholly-owned subsidiaries own the following core businesses:
| Chemical Business manufactures and sells nitrogen-based chemical products produced from four facilities located in El Dorado, Arkansas; Cherokee, Alabama; Pryor, Oklahoma; and Baytown, Texas for the agricultural, industrial and mining markets. Our products include high purity and commercial grade anhydrous ammonia for industrial and agricultural applications, industrial and fertilizer grade AN, UAN, sulfuric acids, nitric acids in various concentrations, nitrogen solutions, DEF and various other products. Also see discussion below under Liquidity and Capital ResourcesCapital Expenditures concerning an acquisition of working interests in certain natural gas properties. For 2012, approximately 63% of our consolidated net sales relates to the Chemical Business. |
| Climate Control Business manufactures and sells a broad range of HVAC products in the niche markets we serve consisting of geothermal and water source heat pumps, hydronic fan coils, large custom air handlers, modular geothermal and other chillers and other related products used to control the environment in commercial/institutional and residential new building construction, renovation of existing buildings and replacement of existing systems. For 2012, approximately 35% of our consolidated net sales relates to the Climate Control Business. |
Downtime at Certain Chemical Facilities and Certain Capital Expenditures
During 2012, our Chemical Business encountered a number of significant issues including an explosion in one of our nitric acid plants at the El Dorado Facility in May, a pipe rupture at the Cherokee Facility in November that damaged the ammonia plant and mechanical issues at the Pryor Facility all resulting in lost production and significant adverse effect on 2012 sales, operating income and cash flow.
For 2012, we estimate the cumulative negative effect on operating income from these incidents and issues to be approximately $83 million, including lost absorption and gross profit margins.
Until the facilities are returned to normal production, operating income at these facilities will continue to be lower in 2013 than otherwise would be expected. We estimate that the monthly negative effect on operating income will approximate $1 million to $2 million at the El Dorado Facility until the new 65% strength nitric acid plant and the 98% concentrated nitric acid plant are constructed and begin production during the first half of 2015. The estimated combined cost for these new nitric acid plants is up to approximately $120 million. In addition, we estimate that the monthly negative effect on operating income will approximate $8 million to $9 million at the Cherokee Facility until the repairs of the ammonia plant are completed and production resumes, which production is currently scheduled to begin in May 2013. Also we estimate the monthly adverse effect on the Pryor Facilitys operating income in 2013 prior to the restart of the ammonia plant in March 2013 was approximately $8 million.
Although the events are unrelated to each other, the severity and frequency of the events at our Pryor, Cherokee, and El Dorado Facilities caused us to undergo a thorough reexamination of our process safety management (PSM), reliability and mechanical integrity programs. As a result, we have recently undertaken a concerted program to attempt to improve the reliability and mechanical integrity of our chemical plant facilities. A key component of the improvement program is the implementation of enhanced PSM programs to supplement existing PSM programs. The improvement program includes engaging outside experts and consultants who specialize in risk management, reliability, mechanical integrity and PSM. We are also recruiting and hiring additional corporate and plant engineering and operational personnel, and accelerating acquisition of additional spare parts to supplement our existing spare parts program. We estimate to incur expenses of approximately $1.0 million associated with these programs. The program also includes the installation of additional automation and additional plant equipment protections. Also see discussion concerning planned capital expenditures associated with these programs under Liquidity and Capital Resources Capital Expenditures.
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As a result of certain of the events discussed above, we filed insurance claims to recover a portion of the costs incurred and lost profits. See further discussion relating to the downtime of certain chemical facilities and our property and business interruption insurance claims and recovery below under Downtime at Certain Chemical Facilities-2012.
We are also planning to construct an ammonia plant at the El Dorado Facility at an estimated cost ranging from $250 million to $300 million. If constructed, the ammonia plant will produce all of this facilitys ammonia feedstock requirements replacing the ammonia currently being purchased at a cost disadvantage compared to ammonia produced from natural gas. The final decision to construct the ammonia plant is subject to approval of our Board of Directors, and a number of business considerations, including, but not limited to, obtaining the required permits and adequate third-party financing. An independent engineering firm has been engaged to assist in the preliminary engineering and cost evaluation leading to our final decision. See further discussion relating to capital expenditures and related financing under Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Economic Conditions
Since our two core business segments serve several diverse markets, we consider fundamentals for each market individually as we evaluate economic conditions. From a macro standpoint, we believe the U.S. economy is poised for modest growth, based upon certain economic reports, including the Conference Board Composite Index of Leading Indicators.
Chemical BusinessOur Chemical Business primary markets are agricultural, industrial and mining. During 2012, approximately 46% of sales were into agricultural markets to customers that purchase at spot market and/or futures market prices. During 2012, our sales volumes to agricultural customers decreased 17% while sales dollars decreased 6% compared to 2011. This decrease in sales is primarily the result of the planned and unplanned downtime at certain of our chemical facilities as discussed above partially offset by higher sales prices. In normal circumstances, our agricultural sales volumes and prices depend upon the supply of and the demand for fertilizer, which in turn depends on the market fundamentals for crops including corn, wheat, cotton and forage. The current outlook for 2013 according to most market indicators, including reports in Green Markets, Fertilizer Week and the USDAs World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates, points to positive supply and demand fundamentals for the types of nitrogen fertilizer products we produce and sell. However, it is possible that the fertilizer outlook could change if there are unanticipated changes in commodity prices, fertilizer imports, domestic fertilizer production capacity, acres planted of crops requiring fertilizer, or unfavorable weather conditions. We use natural gas to produce anhydrous ammonia, which ammonia is also used to produce UAN. Agricultural customer demand for ammonia and UAN was strong during 2012. Selling prices for ammonia were generally higher while selling prices for UAN were slightly less compared to 2011 and the cost for natural gas used to produce these products was generally lower. As a result, gross margins per ton increased for these two products. We produce agricultural grade AN from purchased ammonia, which cost is significantly higher compared to previous years and significantly higher than producing it from natural gas, resulting in a cost disadvantage compared to nitrogen fertilizers that can be produced from natural gas.
Approximately 54% of our Chemical Business sales were into industrial and mining markets of which approximately 60% of these sales are to customers that have contractual obligations to purchase a minimum quantity and allow us to recover our cost plus a profit, irrespective of the volume of product sold. During 2012, our sales volumes to industrial customers decreased 5% and sales volumes to mining customers decreased 24%, as compared to 2011. Sales dollars during 2012 increased slightly to industrial customers and sales dollars to mining customers decreased 19% as compared to 2011. The slight increase in industrial sales was due to our ability to pass through higher cost ammonia with our contractual pricing. Mining sales were lower due, in part, to the unplanned downtime at our El Dorado and Cherokee Facilities as discussed below under Downtime at Certain Chemical Facilities2012 and due to lower customer demand, which we believe is due to higher coal inventories and natural gas being a more attractive alternative feedstock than coal for utility companies.
Climate Control BusinessSales for 2012 were 5% lower than the same period in 2011, including an 11% decrease in geothermal and water source heat pump sales partially offset by a 3% increase in hydronic fan coil and a 10% increase in other HVAC sales. From a market sector perspective, the sales decline is due to a 21% decrease in residential product sales and a slight decrease in sales of commercial/institutional products although sales of our custom air handlers increased. The decline in product sales generally reflects the continued softness in the markets we serve, customers placing orders later in the project construction process, and delays between the date of order intake and the date of delivery. For 2012, order levels of our products decreased slightly primarily due to lower order levels of our residential products (down 21%), partially offset by an increase in order levels of our commercial/institutional products (up 6%). The latest information available from Construction Forecasting Service provided by McGraw-Hill (CMFS) indicates that construction activity for the markets we serve in the commercial/institutional sector are expected to increase in aggregate during 2013 and return to the activity levels experienced in 2011. CMFS has also indicated construction growth in the single-family residential sector for 2013.
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2012 Results
Our consolidated net sales for 2012 were $759.0 million, a decrease of $46.2 million compared to 2011. The sales decrease included a decrease of $34.0 million in our Chemical Business and a decrease of $15.4 million in our Climate Control Business.
Our consolidated operating income was $95.7 million for 2012, a decrease of $40.8 million compared to 2011. The decrease in operating income included a decrease of $34.4 million in our Chemical Business and a decrease of $6.9 million in our Climate Control Business. In addition, our general corporate expense and other business operations net expenses decreased $0.5 million.
Our resulting effective income tax rate for 2012 and 2011 was approximately 36% for both periods.
Chemical Business
Our Chemical Business operates four chemical facilities. The Cherokee and Pryor Facilities produce anhydrous ammonia and nitrogen products from natural gas delivered by pipeline but can also receive supplemental anhydrous ammonia by other modes of delivery. The El Dorado and Baytown Facilities produce nitrogen products from anhydrous ammonia delivered by pipeline.
Our Chemical Business sales for 2012 were $477.8 million, a decrease of $34.0 million compared to 2011, which includes a $14.3 million decrease in agricultural products sales, a $0.7 million increase in industrial acids and other products sales, and a $21.9 million decrease in mining products sales. In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2012, our Chemical Business recognized a minimal amount of net sales of natural gas as the result of the acquisition of working interests in certain natural gas properties as discussed below under Liquidity and Capital Resources Capital Expenditures.
The percentage change in sales (volume and dollars) for 2012 compared to 2011 is as follows (excluding natural gas):
Percentage Change of | ||||||||
Tons | Dollars | |||||||
Chemical products: |
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Agricultural |
(17 | )% | (6 | )% | ||||
Industrial acids and other |
(5 | )% | | % | ||||
Mining |
(24 | )% | (19 | )% | ||||
Total weighted-average change |
(13 | )% | (7 | )% |
Our agricultural sales dollars decreased primarily due to decreased sales volumes for UAN, which despite strong customer demand were lower due to reduced production as a result of downtime at our Cherokee and Pryor Facilities. This decrease was partially offset by increased ammonia sales as the Pryor Facility was able produce and sell ammonia during a portion of the downtime. Due to strong market demand for crop nutrients and strong grain commodity prices, our agricultural grade AN and other products sold at our El Dorado Facility and distribution centers increased, which also helped to offset the loss of UAN sales.
The decrease in industrial acids and other sales in tons was primarily due to the unplanned downtime at the El Dorado Facility.
The decrease in mining sales dollars was primarily due to the unplanned downtime at our El Dorado and Cherokee Facilities and to the reduction in customer demand due to the low cost of natural gas providing an alternative feedstock to coal for utility companies.
The Chemical Business operating income for 2012 was $82.1 million or $34.4 million lower than 2011. The decrease in operating income is due, in part, to costs associated with the downtime and ongoing issues at certain of its facilities as discussed below under Downtime at Certain Chemical Facilities2012.
Our primary raw material feedstocks (anhydrous ammonia and natural gas) are commodities subject to significant price fluctuations. Generally, we purchase at prices in effect at the time of delivery; however, periodically, we enter into contracts to purchase natural gas for anticipated production needs, which contract prices will vary from the spot market prices. Also see our discussion below under Liquidity and Capital Resources Capital Expenditures concerning an acquisition of working interests in certain natural gas properties. During 2012, the average prices for those commodities compared to 2011 were as follows:
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2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Natural gas average price per MMBtu based upon Henry Hub pipeline pricing point |
$ | 2.75 | $ | 3.99 | ||||
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Ammonia average price based upon low Tampa price per metric ton |
$ | 600 | $ | 574 | ||||
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Most of our Chemical Business sales in the industrial and mining markets were pursuant to sales contracts and/or pricing arrangements on terms that include the cost of raw material feedstock as a pass through component in the sales price. Our Chemical Business sales in the agricultural markets primarily were at the spot market price in effect at the time of sale or at a negotiated future price.
We believe the El Dorado Facilitys nitric acid production capacity will be lower than prior periods, by approximately 20%, until the first half of 2015 while awaiting the construction of the new 65% strength nitric acid plant. The lower production will result in lower sales volumes at the El Dorado Facility. See discussion as to recovery and claims under our insurance policies below under Downtime at Certain Chemical Facilities 2012.
As previously reported, in May 2012, we received permits to operate the two smaller ammonia plants at the Pryor Facility. These plants have begun limited operation. In addition during August 2012, El Dorado Chemical Company (EDC) entered into an amendment to EDCs anhydrous ammonia purchase agreement with Koch Nitrogen International Sàrl (Koch). Under the amendment, Koch agrees to supply certain of EDCs requirements of anhydrous ammonia at the El Dorado Facility through December 31, 2015. We have also filed for permits with the ADEQ for the new 65% strength nitric acid plant, the new 98% concentrated nitric acid plant, and to construct the possible new ammonia plant.
Climate Control Business
Our Climate Control sales for 2012 were $266.2 million, or approximately $15.4 million lower than 2011, and included a $21.1 million decrease in geothermal and water source heat pump sales, partially offset by a $1.4 million increase in hydronic fan coil sales and a $4.3 million increase in other HVAC sales. From a market sector perspective, the net decline included a $12.6 million decrease in residential product sales and a $2.8 million decrease in commercial/institutional product sales. We believe the decline in residential product sales is due to low consumer confidence, which coupled with low natural gas prices and the slowdown in the single-family residential sectors we serve (high end housing), caused a contraction in new construction as well as retrofits. The slight decline in the commercial/institutional sector of our business was related to timing of shipments considering the order levels for our commercial/institutional products increased 6% compared to 2011 resulting in a growth in our backlog.
We continue to follow economic indicators and have attempted to assess the impact on the commercial/institutional and residential construction sectors that we serve, including, but not limited to, new construction and/or renovation of facilities in the following sectors:
| Education |
| Single-Family Residential |
| Multi-Family Residential |
| Healthcare |
| Hospitality |
| Retail |
| Industrial |
During 2012, approximately 82% of our Climate Control Business sales were to the commercial/institutional and multi-family construction markets, and the remaining 18% were sales of geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) to the single-family residential market.
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The following table shows information relating to our product order intake level, net sales and backlog of confirmed customer product orders of our Climate Control Business:
New Orders (1) | Net Sales | Ending Backlog (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 2011 | 2012 | 2011 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 62.9 | $ | 71.6 | $ | 62.8 | $ | 63.6 | $ | 47.4 | $ | 58.3 | ||||||||||||
Second Quarter |
66.8 | 64.3 | 67.5 | 77.2 | $ | 50.2 | $ | 49.9 | ||||||||||||||||
Third Quarter |
65.6 | 65.7 | 68.0 | 71.8 | $ | 51.3 | $ | 48.4 | ||||||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter |
66.9 | 60.8 | 67.9 | 69.0 | $ | 55.5 | $ | 44.5 | ||||||||||||||||
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Fiscal Year |
$ | 262.2 | $ | 262.4 | $ | 266.2 | $ | 281.6 | ||||||||||||||||
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(1) | Our product order level consists of confirmed purchase orders from customers that have been accepted and received credit approval. Our backlog consists of confirmed customer orders for product to be shipped at a future date. Historically, we have not experienced significant cancellations relating to our backlog of confirmed customer product orders, and we expect to ship substantially all of these orders within the next twelve months; however, it is possible that some of our customers could cancel a portion of our backlog or extend the shipment terms. Product orders and backlog, as reported, generally do not include amounts relating to shipping and handling charges, service orders or service contract orders. In addition, product orders and backlog, as reported, exclude contracts related to our construction business due to the relative size of individual projects and, in some cases, extended timeframe for completion beyond a twelve-month period. |
For January 2013, our new orders received were approximately $25 million and our backlog was approximately $61 million at January 31, 2013.
Our GHPs use a form of renewable energy and, under certain conditions, we believe can reduce energy costs up to 80% compared to some conventional HVAC systems. Tax legislation continues to provide incentives for customers purchasing products using forms of renewable energy. Homeowners who install GHPs are eligible for a 30% tax credit. Businesses that install GHPs are eligible for a 10% tax credit and five-year accelerated depreciation on the balance of the system cost. Under currently enacted legislation, these tax credits for homeowners and tax credits and accelerated depreciation for business owners are effective through December 31, 2016. During 2013, businesses also have the option of electing 50% bonus depreciation on qualifying equipment, such as GHPs, that are placed in service during the year.
We expect the Climate Control Business to experience moderate sales growth in the short-term compared to 2012. Although a significant part of the Climate Control Business sales are products that are used for renovation and replacement application, sales increases in the medium-term and long-term are expected to be primarily driven by growth in new construction, as well as the introduction of new products. We continue to increase our sales and marketing efforts for all of our Climate Control products in an effort to increase our share of the existing market for our products as well as expand the market for and application of our products, including GHPs.
Downtime at Certain Chemical Facilities 2012
Pryor Facility Beginning in early January 2012 through early February 2012, a planned project was performed at the Pryor Facility, during which time the facility was not producing ammonia or UAN. From late February 2012 through early July 2012, the Pryor Facility did not produce UAN due to a damaged stainless steel liner within the urea reactor. The replacement of the liner was completed in early July and production of UAN resumed. In addition, during the third quarter and continuing into the fourth quarter of 2012, the Pryor Facility experienced problems with its primary ammonia plant significantly reducing production. In November, production was stopped at the primary ammonia plant to perform unplanned maintenance on a compressor. During this downtime, we also replaced the ammonia converter and restarted the ammonia plant in March 2013. As a result, the Pryor Facility had limited production of ammonia and no production of UAN from late November 2012 until March 2013. We estimate the adverse effect on operating income of the downtime associated with the compressor and replacing the ammonia convertor was approximately $2.0 million per week.
For 2012, we believe the cumulative adverse impact to operating income due to the planned and unplanned downtime and reduced production at the Pryor Facility was an estimated $50 million including lost absorption and gross profit.
As a result of the damaged stainless steel liner, a notice of insurance claims for property damage and business interruption has been filed with the insurance carrier. Our insurance policy provided, for the policy period covering this claim, for repair or replacement cost coverage relating to property damage with a $1.0 million deductible and provided for business interruption coverage for certain lost profits and extra expense with a 30-day waiting period. After an initial investigation was performed by an insurance adjuster, we received a reservation of rights letter stating that some insurance policy exclusions could apply resulting in a full or partial denial as to our claims for property damage and/or business interruption. A recovery, if any, from our insurance coverage has not been recognized since, for financial reporting purposes, it is not probable and reasonably estimable and/or it is considered a gain contingency, which will be recognized if, and when, realized or realizable and earned.
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El Dorado FacilityOn May 15, 2012, the El Dorado Facility suffered significant damage when a reactor in its 98% strength nitric acid plant (DSN plant) exploded. As a result, the DSN plant was severely damaged and several other plants and infrastructure within the El Dorado Facility sustained various degrees of damage. We have decided that the DSN plant, which supplied approximately 20% of the nitric acid produced at this facility, is not being repaired but is being replaced with a new 65% strength nitric acid plant and a 98% concentrated nitric acid plant. The engineering and design process is in progress for both new nitric acid plants and certain equipment has been ordered. The project to construct these new plants is currently expected to be completed during the first half of 2015 (also see discussion under Capital Expenditures and Aggregate Contractual Obligations of this Item 7). Of the three other remaining nitric acid plants, which account for approximately 80% of the nitric acid production capacity at the facility in various concentrations from 56% to 61%, one was restarted in June, another nitric acid plant was restarted in July and the remaining nitric acid plant was restarted in August. The sulfuric acid plant also sustained significant damage and was restarted in November. The high and low density AN prill plants are fully operational but production was restricted due in part, to the limited nitric acid feedstock available as a result of this event.
For 2012, we believe the cumulative adverse impact to operating income for the unplanned downtime at the El Dorado Facility was approximately $20 million including lost absorption and gross profit margins.
As a result of this event, a notice of insurance claims for property damage and business interruption was filed with the insurance carriers but the total amounts have not been determined. Our insurance policy provides, for the policy period covering this claim, for repair or replacement cost coverage relating to property damage with a $1.0 million deductible and provides for business interruption coverage for certain lost profits and extra expense with a 30-day waiting period. The engineering firm representing our insurance carriers has determined that the DSN plant was not destroyed by the explosion and was repairable. However we have concluded that due to the extensive damage, the DSN plant should not be repaired but should be replaced with a new 65% strength nitric acid plant and a separate nitric acid concentrator plant. The total amount of insurance recoveries relating to this event will be dependent on an estimate of the costs and the length of time to repair the damaged DSN plant as if it would have been repaired, which amount has not yet been determined. Based upon our assessment that it was probable that the amount of coverage for property damages would exceed our property loss deductible, the net book value of the damaged property and other recoverable costs incurred through December 31, 2012, we did not recognize a loss relating to property damage from this explosion but we recorded an insurance claim receivable relating to this event primarily consisting of the disposal of the net book value of damaged property and certain repairs and clean-up costs incurred (recoverable costs).
During 2012, our insurance carriers approved unallocated payments totaling $40 million (of which $20 million was paid in 2012 and $20 million was paid in January 2013). Of the $20 million received in 2012, approximately $11.4 million was classified as cash flows from investing activities and the remaining $8.6 million was classified as cash flows from operating activities. We received correspondence associated with the $20 million received in January 2013, which stated that our insurance carriers are still investigating the circumstances surrounding this event (including the cause of this event, scope of our losses and support for our claim) under a reservation of rights. For financial reporting purposes, we allocated $28.6 million to our property insurance claim and $11.4 million to our business interruption claim primarily based on the claims information provided to our insurance carriers in relation to our requests for insurance proceeds.
The $28.6 million allocated to the property insurance claim was applied against the recoverable costs totaling $21.7 million. The insurance recovery in excess of the recoverable costs of $6.9 million was not recognized since it is considered a gain contingency, which will be recognized if, and when, realized or realizable and earned.
The insurance recovery of $11.4 million allocated to the business interruption claim was applied against recoverable costs (primarily relating to purchased product sold to our customers while certain of our nitric and sulfuric acid plants were being repaired) totaling $7.3 million as a reduction to cost of sales. The insurance recovery in excess of recoverable costs of $4.1 million was not recognized since a portion of this amount relates to recoverable costs, which we were unable to conclude that it was at least probable (for financial reporting purposes) that these costs would be approved and a portion of this amount relates to lost profits, which is considered a gain contingency. The unrecognized portion of this recovery, and any additional recoveries, will be recognized if, and when, realized or realizable and earned.
As of December 31, 2012, the balance of the insurance claim receivable relating to this event was $9.0 million, which consists of the approved payments due from our insurance carriers and allocated to our insurance claim as discussed above.
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Cherokee FacilityOn November 13, 2012, a pipe ruptured within the Cherokee Facility causing damage primarily to the heat exchanger portion of its ammonia plant. No serious injuries or environmental impact resulted from the pipe rupture. As a result of the damage, the Cherokee Facility can only produce, on a limited basis, nitric acid and AN solution from purchased ammonia until the repairs are completed. Currently, we expect the Cherokee Facility to be in full production during May 2013.
For 2012, we believe the cumulative adverse impact to operating income for the unplanned downtime at the Cherokee Facility was approximately $13 million including lost absorption and gross profit margins.
A notice of insurance claims for property damage and business interruption was filed with the insurance carriers but the total amounts have not been determined but are expected to be substantial. Our insurance policy provides, for the policy period covering this claim, for repair or replacement cost coverage relating to property damage with a $2.5 million deductible and provides for business interruption coverage for certain lost profits and extra expense with a 30-day waiting period.
Because our assessment that it was probable that the amount of coverage for property damages would exceed our property loss deductible, the net book value of the damaged property and other recoverable costs incurred through December 31, 2012, we did not recognize a loss relating to property damage from this pipe rupture but we recorded an insurance claim receivable relating to this event consisting of the recoverable costs.
In addition, a recovery for certain lost profits from our business interruption coverage has not been recognized since it is considered a gain contingency, which will be recognized if, and when, realized or realizable and earned.
As of December 31, 2012, the balance of the insurance claim receivable relating to this event was $1.1 million consisting of recoverable costs.
It is possible that the actual development of the insurance claims discussed above could be different from our current allocations and estimates. Due to the increase in the total value of property, plant and equipment (PP&E) and the insurance claims discussed above relating to our Chemical Business, our insurance premiums have increased and could increase in 2013.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following is our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, total interest bearing debt and stockholders equity:
December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2012 | 2011 | |||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 98.0 | $ | 124.9 | ||||
Short-term investments (1) |
| 10.0 | ||||||
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$ | 98.0 | $ | 134.9 | |||||
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Long-term debt: |
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Secured Term Loan |
$ | 68.4 | $ | 72.2 | ||||
Other |
4.0 | 7.3 | ||||||
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Total long-term debt, including current portion |
$ | 72.4 | $ | 79.5 | ||||
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Total stockholders equity |
$ | 354.5 | $ | 293.3 | ||||
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(1) | These investments consisted of certificates of deposit with an original maturity of 13 weeks. All of these investments were held by financial institutions within the United States and none of these investments were in excess of the federally insured limits. |
At December 31, 2012, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $98.0 million and our $50 million revolving credit facility (the Working Capital Revolver Loan) was undrawn and available to fund operations, if needed, subject to the amount of our eligible collateral and outstanding letters of credit.
For 2013, we expect our primary cash needs will be to fund our operations, capital expenditures, and general obligations. We expect to fund these cash needs from our working capital, internally generated cash flows, third-party financing and insurance proceeds. See additional discussions below under Capital Expenditures and Loan Agreements-Terms and Conditions. Our internally generated cash flows and liquidity could be affected by possible declines in sales volumes resulting from the uncertainty relative to the current economic conditions and changes in the production efficiency of our facilities. In addition, our cash flows and liquidity has been and will continue to be affected by the timing of these insurance proceeds.
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Also as discussed below under Loan Agreements-Terms and Conditions, the term loan facility (the Secured Term Loan) requires quarterly principal payments of approximately $0.9 million, plus interest and a final balloon payment of $56.3 million due on March 29, 2016. At December 31, 2012, the weighted-average interest rate was approximately 3.92%. The Secured Term Loan is secured by the real property and equipment located at our El Dorado and Cherokee Facilities.
Certain subsidiaries are subject to numerous covenants under the Secured Term Loan including, but not limited to, limitation on the incurrence of certain additional indebtedness and liens, limitations on mergers, acquisitions, dissolution and sale of assets, and limitations on declaration of dividends and distributions to us, all with certain exceptions.
As discussed below under Loan Agreements-Terms and Conditions, since the Working Capital Revolver Loan was scheduled to mature on April 13, 2012, our wholly-owned subsidiary, ThermaClime, LLC (ThermaClime) and its subsidiaries and the lender entered into an amendment to the Working Capital Revolver Loan, dated April 4, 2012, that continues to provide for advances based on specified percentages of eligible accounts receivable and inventories for ThermaClime, and its subsidiaries. As amended, the Working Capital Revolver Loan matures on March 29, 2016, but could be extended to April 13, 2017 under certain conditions. As of December 31, 2012, amounts available for borrowing under the Working Capital Revolver Loan were approximately $48.4 million based on eligible collateral less outstanding letters of credit.
The financial covenants of the Working Capital Revolver Loan and the Secured Term Loan are discussed below under Loan AgreementsTerms and Conditions. The Borrowers ability to maintain borrowing availability under the Working Capital Revolver Loan depends on their ability to comply with the terms and conditions of the loan agreements and their ability to generate cash flow from operations. The Borrowers are restricted under their credit agreements as to the funds they may transfer to LSB and its subsidiaries that are not parties to the loan agreement. This limitation does not prohibit payment to LSB of amounts due under a Services Agreement, Management Agreement and a Tax Sharing Agreement with ThermaClime. Based upon our current projections, we believe our working capital is adequate to fund operations for the near term.
In November 2012, we filed a universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The shelf registration statement provides that we could offer and sell up to $200 million of our securities consisting of equity (common and preferred), debt (senior and subordinated), warrants and units, or a combination thereof. The shelf registration statement expires in November 2015 unless we decide to file a post effective amendment. This disclosure shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.
Income Taxes
We recognize and pay federal income taxes at regular corporate tax rates. With few exceptions, the 2009-2011 years remain open for all purposes of examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other major tax jurisdictions. We are under examination by the IRS for the tax years 2008-2010. As of December 31, 2012, the IRS has proposed certain adjustments, which we are protesting. We anticipate that the adjustments, if any, will not result in a material change to our financial position. We had approximately $2.3 million accrued for various uncertain tax liabilities at December 31, 2012.
In connection with the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 that was signed into law in January 2013, we expect to record a one-time benefit of approximately $0.5 million related to the retroactive tax relief for certain tax provisions that expired in 2012. Because the legislation was signed into law after December 31, 2012, the retroactive effects of the law will be reflected in the first quarter of 2013.
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Capital Expenditures
Capital Expenditures-2012
Cash used for capital expenditures during 2012 was $92.6 million, including $84.4 million for the benefit of our Chemical Business and $5.1 million for the benefit of our Climate Control Business. The Chemical Business capital expenditures relate primarily to expenditures to replace or rebuild damaged PP&E discussed above under Downtime at Certain Chemical Facilities 2012 and certain capital projects discussed below under Committed and Planned Capital Expenditures but also includes approximately $6.0 million associated with maintaining compliance with environmental laws, regulations and guidelines. The capital expenditures were funded primarily from working capital and insurance proceeds. Also see discussion concerning cash used for the acquisition of working interest in natural gas properties below. Due to the increase in the amount of capital expenditures incurred and committed, our depreciation, depletion and amortization expense has increased and is expected to continue to increase in 2013.
Acquisition of Working Interest in Certain Natural Gas Properties
On October 31, 2012, Zena Energy LLC (Zena), a subsidiary within our Chemical Business, acquired working interests (Working Interests) in certain natural gas properties located in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, within the Marcellus Shale. Our Chemical Business acquired from Clearwater Enterprises, LLC an average working interest of 9.7% (7.7% net revenue interest) in 14 proved, developed producing natural gas wells, 7 proved, developed non-producing natural gas wells and 36 proved undeveloped future drilling locations identified on the leasehold. Currently, our Chemical Business annually purchases 10 million to 12 million MMBtu of natural gas as a feedstock for the production of anhydrous ammonia. Management considers this acquisition as an economic hedge against a potential rise in natural gas prices in the future for a portion of our future natural gas production requirements. This acquisition was accounted for in accordance with ASC 805 Business Combinations. The purchase price was approximately $50 million. Subsequently, we financed $35 million in February 2013 associated with this acquisition, and used our working capital to fund the remaining balance. We report the Working Interests as part of the Chemical Business reportable segment. See discussion below under Committed and Planned Capital Expenditures for additional planned capital expenditures relating to our natural gas properties.
Committed and Planned Capital Expenditures
Committed | ||||||||||||||||
2013 | 2014 and thereafter |
Additional Planned |
Total | |||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Chemical |
$ | 130 - $140 | $ | 40 - $50 | $ | 390 - $410 | $ | 560 - $600 | ||||||||
Climate Control |
2 - 4 | - | 5 - 7 | 7 - 11 | ||||||||||||
Other |
- 1 | 2 - 3 | 10 - 13 | 12 - 17 | ||||||||||||
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|||||||||
$ | 132 - $145 | $ | 42 - $53 | $ | 405 - $430 | $ | 579 - $628 | |||||||||
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Our committed capital expenditures are the capital projects that have been approved by management as of December 31, 2012 and include projects which are already in progress, projects supported by cost benefit analysis, or projects necessary to replace damaged assets. The additional planned capital expenditures are subject to economic conditions and continued review by management and may increase or decrease as new information is obtained or circumstances change. Total capital expenditures include all committed capital expenditures as well as expenditures that have been brought to the attention of management for approval through our budget and forecasting process.
At December 31, 2012, we had committed capital expenditures as indicated in the table above. The committed expenditures include $110 million$120 million for a new 65% strength nitric acid plant and concentrator at the El Dorado Facility to replace the lost production from the DSN plant explosion, $25 million$30 million relating to the proposed ammonia production plant at the El Dorado Facility discussed below under Possible Ammonia Plant, and $10 million$15 million for other expansion opportunities and increased capacities in our facilities. We plan to fund the committed capital expenditures from working capital, internal cash flows, third-party financing and insurance proceeds.
At December 31, 2012, we also had additional planned capital expenditures as indicated in the table above. The additional planned capital expenditures for the Chemical Business include $225 million$270 million for the proposed ammonia production plant at our El Dorado Facility, $40 million$50 million in additional capital expenditures to improve reliability, mechanical integrity, and safety at our Chemical facilities, and $25 million$30 million in additional capital expenditures to fully develop acquired natural gas leaseholds during the next three years as discussed below above Acquisition of Working Interest in Certain Natural Gas Properties. We anticipate funding a substantial portion of the additional planned capital expenditures through third-party financing with the balance funded from our internal cash flows. These expenditures are subject to obtaining third-party financing, with terms satisfactory to us.
35
The committed and planned capital expenditures include $13 million$20 million associated with environmental laws, regulations and guidelines.
We plan to fund the total capital expenditures from working capital, internal cash flows, third party financing, and insurance proceeds. Also see discussion above under Overview Downtime at Certain Chemical Facilities 2012.
Possible Ammonia Plant
Our El Dorado Facility produces nitric acids in various concentrations and agricultural and industrial grade AN from purchased ammonia, which is currently at a cost disadvantage compared to products directly produced from natural gas. We believe this cost disadvantage will continue to be significant for the medium and long-term. Therefore we are planning the addition of an anhydrous ammonia production plant at the El Dorado Facility, which if constructed is estimated to cost in the range of $250 million-$300 million and would require an estimated 24-36 months to complete. The final decision to construct the ammonia plant is subject to approval of our Board of Directors, and a number of business considerations including, but not limited to, obtaining the required permits and adequate financing. An independent engineering firm has been engaged to assist in the preliminary engineering and cost evaluation leading to our final decision.
Wastewater Pipeline
The El Dorado Facility generates process wastewater, which is subject to a wastewater discharge permit issued by the ADEQ, which permit is generally renewed every five years. The City of El Dorado, Arkansas (the City) is constructing a pipeline for disposal of wastewater generated by the City and by certain companies in the El Dorado area. EDC and other companies in the El Dorado area have entered into a funding agreement and operating agreement with the City, pursuant to which each party has agreed to contribute to the cost of construction and the annual operating costs of the pipeline for the right to use the pipeline to dispose its wastewater. EDC is participating in the construction of the pipeline that will be owned by the City in order to ensure that EDC will be able to comply with future permit limits. EDC anticipates its capital cost in connection with the construction of the pipeline will be approximately $3.7 million, of which $3.3 million has been capitalized as of December 31, 2012. The City plans to complete the construction of the pipeline by mid-2013. Once the pipeline is completed, EDCs estimated share of the annual operating costs is to be $100,000 to $150,000. The initial term of the operating agreement is through December 2053. Although construction of the pipeline is nearly complete, a group opposing the Citys construction of the pipeline has sued the Corps of Engineers for issuing the permit to the City.
Information Request from EPA
As discussed above under Environmental Matters of Part I of this report, the EPA has sent information requests to most, if not all, of the operators of nitric acid plants in the United States, including our El Dorado and Cherokee Facilities and the Baytown Facility operated by our subsidiary, El Dorado Nitric Company and its subsidiaries (EDN), under Section 114 of the Clean Air Act as to construction and modification activities at each of these facilities over a period of years. These information requests were to enable the EPA to determine whether these facilities are in compliance with certain provisions of the Clean Air Act. If it is determined that the equipment at any of our chemical facilities does not meet or, has not met, the requirements of the Clean Air Act, our Chemical Business could be subject to penalties in an amount not to exceed $27,500 per day as to each facility not in compliance and be required to retrofit each facility with the best available control technology.
After a review by our Chemical Business of these facilities in obtaining information for the EPA pursuant to the EPAs request, our Chemical Business management believes that certain facilities within our Chemical Business will be required to make capital improvements to emission equipment in order to comply with the requirements of the Clean Air Act. During 2012, our Chemical Business has been in negotiations with the EPA to reach a global settlement in connection with this matter, which settlement offer would require implementation of additional pollution controls to be installed over a period of time in each of our eight affected nitric acid plants to achieve certain proposed emission rates, two of which are already complete. The proposals also offered to include a modest civil penalty but did not provide an amount of any proposed civil penalty. The estimated capital cost to achieve the proposed emission rates is $2 million to $3 million per plant for the remaining six plants and these capital investments are proposed to be made over a period of several years.
36
Advanced Manufacturing Energy Credits
On January 8, 2010, two subsidiaries within the Climate Control Business were awarded Internal Revenue Code §48C tax credits (also referred to as Advanced Manufacturing Energy Credits) of approximately $9.6 million. The award was based on anticipated capital expenditures made from February 2009 through June 2014 for machinery that will be used to produce geothermal heat pumps and green modular chillers. As these subsidiaries invest in the qualifying machinery, we will be entitled to an income tax credit equal to 30% of the machinery cost, up to the total credit amount awarded. As of December 31, 2012, we utilized $1.0 million of §48C tax credits and we anticipate utilizing approximately $0.3 million of these tax credits to partially offset our federal income tax liability for 2012.
Estimated Plant Turnaround Costs 2013
Our Chemical Business expenses the maintenance, repairs and minor renewal costs relating to Turnarounds as they are incurred and are classified as cost of sales. Based on our current plan for Turnarounds during 2013, we estimate that we will incur approximately $4.2 million to $5.2 million of these Turnaround costs. These costs do not include the costs relating to lost absorption or reduced margins due to the associated plants being shut down. We plan to fund these expenditures from our available working capital. However, it is possible that the actual costs could be significantly different from our estimates.
Expenses Associated with Environmental Regulatory Compliance
Our Chemical Business is subject to specific federal and state environmental compliance laws, regulations and guidelines. As a result, our Chemical Business incurred expenses of $4.6 million in 2012 in connection with environmental regulatory issues. For 2013, we expect to incur expenses ranging from $4.5 million to $5.5 million in connection with environmental regulatory issues. However, it is possible that the actual costs could be significantly different than our estimates.
Authorization to Repurchase Stock
As previously reported, our Board of Directors enacted a stock repurchase authorization for an unstipulated number of shares for an indefinite period. The stock repurchase authorization will remain in effect until such time as our Board of Directors decides to end it. If we should repurchase stock, we currently intend to fund any repurchases from our available working capital; however, our plan could change in the near term.
Dividends
LSB is a holding company and, accordingly, its ability to pay cash dividends on its preferred stock and common stock depends in large part on its ability to obtain funds from its subsidiaries. The ability of ThermaClime (which owns a substantial portion of the companies comprising the Climate Control Business and Chemical Business) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries to pay dividends and to make distributions to LSB is restricted by certain covenants contained in the Working Capital Revolver Loan, as amended, and the Secured Term Loan agreements. Under the terms of these agreements, ThermaClime cannot transfer funds to LSB in the form of cash dividends or other distributions or advances, except for the following (so long as no default or event of default has occurred, is continuing or would result therefrom in certain cases):
| loans to LSB entered into subsequent to April 4, 2012, provided the aggregate amount of such loans do not exceed $5.0 million at any time outstanding; |
| amounts not to exceed $7.5 million annually under a certain management agreement between LSB and ThermaClime, provided certain conditions are met; |
| the repayment of costs and expenses incurred by LSB that are directly allocable to ThermaClime or its subsidiaries for LSBs provision of services under certain services agreement; |
| the amount of income taxes that ThermaClime would be required to pay if they were not consolidated with LSB; and |
| an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of ThermaClimes consolidated net income during each fiscal year determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles plus income taxes paid to LSB during such fiscal year within the previous bullet above, provided that certain other conditions are met. |
Holders of our common stock and preferred stocks are entitled to receive dividends only when and if declared by our Board of Directors. We have not paid cash dividends on our outstanding common stock in many years, and we do not currently anticipate paying cash dividends on our outstanding common stock in the near future. However, our Board of Directors has not made a decision whether or not to pay such dividends on our common stock in 2013.
37
During the first quarter of 2012, dividends totaling $300,000 were declared and paid on our outstanding preferred stock using funds from our working capital. Each share of preferred stock is entitled to receive an annual dividend, only when declared by our Board of Directors, payable as follows:
| $0.06 per share on our outstanding non-redeemable Series D Preferred for an aggregate dividend of $60,000 and |
| $12.00 per share on our outstanding non-redeemable Series B Preferred for an aggregate dividend of $240,000. |
On January 17, 2013, our Board of Directors declared the following dividends:
| $0.06 per share on our outstanding non-redeemable Series D Preferred for an aggregate dividend of $60,000, payable on March 29, 2013; and |
| $12.00 per share on our outstanding non-redeemable Series B Preferred for an aggregate dividend of $240,000, payable on March 29, 2013. |
All shares of the Series D Preferred and Series B Preferred are owned by the Golsen Group. There are no optional or mandatory redemption rights with respect to the Series B Preferred or Series D Preferred.
Compliance with LongTerm Debt Covenants
As discussed below under Loan AgreementsTerms and Conditions, the Secured Term Loan and Working Capital Revolver Loan, as amended, of ThermaClime and its subsidiaries require, among other things, that ThermaClime meet certain financial covenants. Currently, ThermaClimes forecast is that ThermaClime will be able to meet all financial covenant requirements for 2013.
Loan AgreementsTerms and Conditions
Amendment to Working Capital Revolver Loan Since the Working Capital Revolver Loan was scheduled to mature on April 13, 2012, ThermaClime and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Borrowers) and the lender entered into an amendment to the Working Capital Revolver Loan, dated April 4, 2012, that continues to provide for advances based on specified percentages of eligible accounts receivable and inventories for ThermaClime and its subsidiaries. As amended, the Working Capital Revolver Loan matures on March 29, 2016, but could be extended to April 13, 2017 under certain conditions. The Working Capital Revolver Loan, as amended, accrues interest at a base rate (generally equivalent to the prime rate) plus .50% if borrowing availability is greater than $25 million, otherwise plus .75% or, at our option, accrues interest at LIBOR plus 1.50% if borrowing availability is greater than $25 million, otherwise plus 1.75%. The interest rate at December 31, 2012 was 3.75% based on LIBOR. Interest continues to be paid monthly, if applicable.
As amended, the Working Capital Revolver Loan provides for up to $15 million of letters of credit. All letters of credit outstanding reduce availability under the Working Capital Revolver Loan. As of December 31, 2012, amounts available for borrowing under the Working Capital Revolver Loan were approximately $48.4 million. Under the Working Capital Revolver Loan, as amended, the lender also requires the Borrowers to pay a letter of credit fee equal to 1% per annum of the undrawn amount of all outstanding letters of credit, an unused line fee equal to .25% per annum for the excess amount available under the Working Capital Revolver Loan not drawn and various other audit, appraisal and valuation charges.
The lender has the ability to, upon an event of default, as defined, terminate the Working Capital Revolver Loan and make the balance outstanding, if any, due and payable in full. The Working Capital Revolver Loan is secured by the assets of all the ThermaClime entities other than EDN, but excluding the assets securing the Secured Term Loan, certain production equipment and facilities utilized by the Climate Control Business, and certain distribution-related assets of EDC. In addition, EDN is neither a borrower under, nor guarantor of, the Working Capital Revolver Loan. At December 31, 2012, the carrying value of the pledged assets was approximately $232 million.
The Working Capital Revolver Loan requires ThermaClime to meet a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.10 to 1. This requirement is to be measured on a fiscal year-end basis and as defined in the agreement. As of December 31, 2012 and as defined in the agreement, the fixed charge coverage ratio was 8.08 to 1. The Working Capital Revolver Loan contains covenants that, among other things, limit the Borrowers (which does not include LSB) ability, without consent of the lender and with certain exceptions, to:
| incur additional indebtedness, |
| incur liens, |
| make restricted payments or loans to affiliates who are not Borrowers, |
| engage in mergers, consolidations or other forms of recapitalization, or |
| dispose assets. |
38
Pursuant to certain agreements with the lender, all collections on accounts receivable are no longer made through a bank account in the name of the lender or their agent. As a result and compared to previous periods, this change has reduced the amount of cash flow activity associated with the Working Capital Revolver Loan, which is also reported as cash flows from continuing financing activities.
Secured Term Loan At December 31, 2012, the Secured Term Loans outstanding balance was $68.4 million. The Secured Term Loan requires quarterly principal payments of approximately $0.9 million, plus interest and a final balloon payment of $56.3 million due on March 29, 2016. At December 31, 2012, the stated interest rate on the Secured Term Loan includes a variable interest rate of 3.31% on the principal amount of $45.6 million (the variable interest rate is based on three-month LIBOR plus 300 basis points, which rate is adjusted quarterly) and a fixed interest rate of 5.15% on the principal amount of $22.8 million. At December 31, 2012, the resulting weighted-average interest rate was approximately 3.92%.
The Secured Term Loan is secured by the real property and equipment located at our El Dorado and Cherokee Facilities. The carrying value of the pledged assets is approximately $103 million at December 31, 2012.
The Secured Term Loan borrowers are subject to numerous covenants under the agreement including, but not limited to, limitation on the incurrence of certain additional indebtedness and liens; limitations on mergers, acquisitions, dissolution and sale of assets; and limitations on declaration of dividends and distributions to LSB, all with certain exceptions. At December 31, 2012, the carrying value of the restricted net assets (including pledged assets) of ThermaClime and its subsidiaries was approximately $122 million. As defined in the agreement, the Secured Term Loan borrowers are also subject to a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.10 to 1 and a maximum leverage ratio of not greater than 4.50 to 1. Both of these requirements are measured quarterly on a trailing twelve-month basis. As of December 31, 2012 and as defined in the agreement, Secured Term Loan borrowers fixed charge coverage ratio was 1.35 to 1 and the leverage ratio was 0.90 to 1.
The maturity date of the Secured Term Loan can be accelerated by the lender upon the occurrence of a continuing event of default, as defined.
A prepayment premium equal to 1.0% of the principal amount prepaid is due to the lenders should the borrowers elect to prepay on or prior to March 29, 2014, however, this premium is eliminated thereafter.
Loan AgreementOn February 1, 2013, Zena, a subsidiary within our Chemical Business, entered into a loan with a lender in the original principal amount of $35 million. This loan follows the acquisition by Zena of Working Interests as discussed above under Acquisition of Working Interests in Certain Natural Gas Properties. The proceeds of the loan effectively finance $35 million of the approximately $50 million purchase price of the Working Interests paid previously out of LSBs working capital. The proceeds of the loan will be used for general working capital purposes. The loan is for a term of three years. Interest is payable monthly based on a five-year amortization at a defined LIBOR rate plus 300 basis points (but not below 3.00% per annum), resulting in a borrowing rate of approximately 3.30% at February 1, 2013. The loan is secured by the Working Interests and related properties and proceeds.
Cross-Default Provisions - The Working Capital Revolver Loan agreement and the Secured Term Loan contain cross-default provisions. If ThermaClime fails to meet the financial covenants of either of these agreements, the lenders may declare an event of default.
Seasonality
We believe that our only significant seasonal products are fertilizer and related chemical products sold by our Chemical Business to the agricultural industry. The selling seasons for those products are primarily during the spring and fall planting seasons, which typically extend from March through June and from September through November in the geographical markets in which the majority of our agricultural products are distributed. As a result, our Chemical Business increases its inventory of agricultural products prior to the beginning of each planting season. In addition, the amount and timing of sales to the agricultural markets depend upon weather conditions and other circumstances beyond our control.
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Related Party Transactions
Golsen GroupSee discussion above under Liquidity and Capital Resources-Dividends and discussion under Related Party Transactions-Transactions with Landmark of Item 13 of Part III of this report.
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Results of Operations
The following Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 and accompanying notes and the discussions above under Overview and Liquidity and Capital Resources.
We present the following information about our results of operations for our two core business segments: the Chemical Business and the Climate Control Business. The business operation classified as Other primarily sells industrial machinery and related components to machine tool dealers and end users. Net sales by business segment include net sales to unaffiliated customers as reported in the consolidated financial statements. Intersegment net sales are not significant. Gross profit by business segment represents net sales less cost of sales. In addition, our chief operating decision makers use operating income by business segment for purposes of making decisions that include resource allocations and performance evaluations. Operating income by business segment represents gross profit by business segment less selling, general and administrative expense (SG&A) incurred by each business segment plus other income and other expense earned/incurred by each business segment before general corporate expenses and other business operations, net. General corporate expenses and other business operations, net consist of unallocated portions of gross profit, SG&A, other income and other expense.
The following table contains certain information about our continuing operations in different business segments for each of the three years ended December 31:
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||
Net sales: |
||||||||||||
Chemical |
$ | 477,813 | $ | 511,854 | $ | 351,086 | ||||||
Climate Control |
266,171 | 281,565 | 250,521 | |||||||||
Other |
15,047 | 11,837 | 8,298 | |||||||||
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$ | 759,031 | $ | 805,256 | $ | 609,905 | |||||||
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Gross profit: |
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Chemical |
$ | 97,692 | $ | 130,687 | $ | 49,295 | ||||||
Climate Control |
80,981 | 88,178 | 86,364 | |||||||||
Other |
5,063 | 4,153 | 2,966 | |||||||||
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$ | 183,736 | $ | 223,018 | $ | 138,625 | |||||||
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Operating income: |
||||||||||||
Chemical |
$ | 82,101 | $ | 116,503 | $ | 31,948 | ||||||
Climate Control |
25,834 | 32,759 | 35,338 | |||||||||
General corporate expense and other business operations, net |
(12,280 | ) | (12,819 | ) | (11,361 | ) | ||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
95,655 | 136,443 | 55,925 | ||||||||||
Interest expense |
4,237 | 6,658 | 7,427 | |||||||||
Losses on extinguishment of debt |
| 136 | 52 | |||||||||
Non-operating expense (income), net: |
||||||||||||
Chemical |
(1 | ) | (1 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||||
Climate Control |
(1 | ) | (2 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||||
Corporate and other business operations |
(279 | ) | 3 | (43 | ) | |||||||
Provisions for income taxes |
33,594 | 46,208 | 19,787 | |||||||||
Equity in earnings of affiliateClimate Control |
(681 | ) | (543 | ) | (1,003 | ) | ||||||
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Income from continuing operations |
$ | 58,786 | $ | 83,984 | $ | 29,715 | ||||||
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41
Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011
Chemical Business
The following table contains certain information about our net sales, gross profit and operating income in our Chemical segment for 2012 and 2011:
2012 | 2011 | Change | Percentage Change |
|||||||||||||
(Dollars In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Net sales: |
||||||||||||||||
Agricultural products |
$ | 217,329 | $ | 231,599 | $ | (14,270 | ) | (6.2 | )% | |||||||
Industrial acids and other chemical products |
162,498 | 161,776 | 722 | 0.4 | % | |||||||||||
Mining products |
96,538 | 118,479 | (21,941 | ) | (18.5 | )% | ||||||||||
Natural gas |
1,448 | | 1,448 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||
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Total Chemical |
$ | 477,813 | $ | 511,854 | $ | (34,041 | ) | (6.7 | )% | |||||||
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Gross profitChemical |
$ | 97,692 | $ | 130,687 | $ | (32,995 | ) | (25.2 | )% | |||||||
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|
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Gross profit percentageChemical (1) |
20.4 | % | 25.5 | % | (5.1 | )% | ||||||||||
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Operating incomeChemical |
$ | 82,101 | $ | 116,503 | $ | (34,402 | ) | (29.5 | )% | |||||||
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(1) | As a percentage of net sales |
Net SalesChemical
Our Chemical Business reported a sales decrease for 2012 as a result of the following:
| Agricultural products salesAgricultural products sales decreased $14.3 million, or 6%, primarily due to decreased sales volumes for UAN, which despite strong customer demand were lower due to reduced production as a result of downtime at our Cherokee and Pryor Facilities. This decrease was partially offset by increased ammonia sales as the Pryor Facility was able to produce and sell ammonia during a portion of the downtime. Due to strong market demand for crop nutrients and strong grain commodity prices, our agricultural grade AN and other products sold at our El Dorado Facility and distribution centers increased, which also helped to offset the loss of UAN sales. |
| Industrial acids and other chemical products salesIndustrial acids and other products sales increased slightly primarily as the result of increased raw material costs including ammonia passed through pursuant to the terms of our contractual pricing contracts with customers. |
| Mining products salesMining products sales decreased $21.9 million, or 19% primarily due to lower volumes as the result of the unplanned downtime at the El Dorado and Cherokee Facilities and the lower customer demand due to the current low cost of natural gas as an alternative fuel for utility companies and the current higher coal supply carried over from the warm winter in North America. |
| Also see our discussion above under Liquidity and Capital Resources Capital Expenditures concerning an acquisition of working interests in certain natural gas properties. |
Gross ProfitChemical
The decrease in gross profit of $33.0 million is primarily attributable to costs totaling $32.0 million due to the planned and unplanned downtime at our facilities during 2012, which includes unabsorbed fixed overhead costs, losses incurred on firm sales commitments, maintenance and repair costs, and other expenses.
Operating IncomeChemical
In spite of very strong agricultural supply and demand fundamentals, operating income declined $34.4 million primarily due to the decrease in gross profit as discussed above.
42
Climate Control Business
The following table contains certain information about our net sales, gross profit and operating income in our Climate Control segment for 2012 and 2011:
2012 | 2011 | Change | Percentage Change |
|||||||||||||
(Dollars In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Net sales: |
||||||||||||||||
Geothermal and water source heat pumps |
$ | 162,697 | $ | 183,789 | $ | (21,092 | ) | (11.5 | )% | |||||||
Hydronic fan coils |
55,812 | 54,379 | 1,433 | 2.6 | % | |||||||||||
Other HVAC products |
47,662 | 43,397 | 4,265 | 9.8 | % | |||||||||||
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|
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Total Climate Control |
$ | 266,171 | $ | 281,565 | $ | (15,394 | ) | (5.5 | )% | |||||||
|
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|
|
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Gross profitClimate Control |
$ | 80,981 | $ | 88,178 | $ | (7,197 | ) | (8.2 | )% | |||||||
|
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|
|
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Gross profit percentageClimate Control (1) |
30.4 | % | 31.3 | % | (0.9 | )% | ||||||||||
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|
|
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Operating incomeClimate Control |
$ | 25,834 | $ | 32,759 | $ | (6,925 | ) | (21.1 | )% | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | As a percentage of net sales |
Net Sales Climate Control
| Net sales of our geothermal and water source heat pump products decreased primarily as a result of a 21% decline in sales of our residential products, primarily due to the softness in the sector of the single-family residential construction market we serve. Sales of our commercial/institutional products also declined by 7% primarily due to the lower beginning backlog and lower order levels in the first part of the year, although order levels increased overall throughout the balance of 2012. During 2012, we continued to maintain a market share leadership position of approximately 40%, based on preliminary market data supplied by the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). |
| Net sales of our hydronic fan coils increased primarily due to increases in the number of units sold, the average unit selling price and in the sale of parts. During 2012, we continued to have a market share leadership position of approximately 30% based on preliminary market data supplied by the AHRI. |
| Net sales of our other HVAC products in 2012 were 10% above the 2011 results and related to increased sales of our large custom air handlers. |
Gross ProfitClimate Control
The decrease in gross profit in our Climate Control Business was primarily the result of the lower sales volume as discussed above. The gross profit percentage decline of 0.9% was primarily due to product mix, including a higher content of commercial products with lower gross margins than our residential products, and overhead absorption related to the lower sales volume.
Operating IncomeClimate Control
Operating income decreased primarily as the result of the decrease in gross profit discussed above.
43
Other
The business operation classified as Other primarily sells industrial machinery and related components to machine tool dealers and end users. General corporate expenses and other business operations, net consist of unallocated portions of gross profit, SG&A, other income and other expense. The following table contains certain information about our net sales and gross profit classified as Other and general corporate expenses and other business operations, net, for 2012 and 2011:
2012 | 2011 | Change | Percentage Change |
|||||||||||||
(Dollars In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Net salesOther |
$ | 15,047 | $ | 11,837 | $ | 3,210 | 27.1 | % | ||||||||
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Gross profitOther |
$ | 5,063 | $ | 4,153 | $ | 910 | 21.9 | % | ||||||||
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|
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Gross profit percentageOther (1) |
33.6 | % | 35.1 | % | (1.5 | )% | ||||||||||
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|
|
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General corporate expense and other business operations, net |
$ | (12,280 | ) | $ | (12,819 | ) | $ | 539 | (4.2 | )% | ||||||
|
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|
|
|
|
(1) | As a percentage of net sales |
Net SalesOther
The increase in net sales classified as Other relates primarily to the improvement in demand for industrial machinery.
Gross ProfitOther
The increase in gross profit classified as Other is due primarily to the increase in sales as discussed above.
General Corporate Expense and Other Business Operations, Net
The decrease in general corporate expense and other business operations, net, primarily relates to the increase in sales as discussed above and expenses incurred only in 2011 associated with the induced conversion of 5.5% convertible debentures and the modification of the Secured Term Loan partially offset by an increase in personnel costs.
Provision For Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes for 2012 was $33.6 million compared to $46.2 million for 2011. The resulting effective tax rate for 2012 and 2011 was 36% for both periods. See additional discussion relating to income taxes above under Liquidity and Capital Resources Income Taxes.
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Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010
Chemical Business
The following table contains certain information about our net sales, gross profit and operating income in our Chemical segment for 2011 and 2010:
2011 | 2010 | Change | Percentage Change |
|||||||||||||
(Dollars In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Net sales: |
||||||||||||||||
Agricultural products |
$ | 231,599 | $ | 135,598 | $ | 96,001 | 70.8 | % | ||||||||
Industrial acids and other chemical products |
161,776 | 126,846 | 34,930 | 27.5 | % | |||||||||||
Mining products |
118,479 | 88,642 | 29,837 | 33.7 | % | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total Chemical |
$ | 511,854 | $ | 351,086 | $ | 160,768 | 45.8 | % | ||||||||
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Gross profitChemical |
$ | 130,687 | $ | 49,295 | $ | 81,392 | 165.1 | % | ||||||||
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Gross profit percentageChemical (1) |
25.5 | % | 14.0 | % | 11.5 | % | ||||||||||
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Operating incomeChemical |
$ | 116,503 | $ | 31,948 | $ | 84,555 | 264.7 | % | ||||||||
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(1) | As a percentage of net sales |
Net SalesChemical
For 2011, overall sales prices for the Chemical Business increased 30% and the volume of tons sold increased 14%, compared with 2010, generally as a result of the following:
| Agricultural products salesAgricultural products sales increased $96.0 million, or 71%, primarily due to increased sales volumes and selling prices for UAN and ammonia, partially offset by lower sales of agricultural grade AN. As the result of the Pryor Facility beginning sustained production in the fourth quarter of 2010, tons of agricultural products sold from this facility increased, including 189,000 tons of UAN. In addition, the increase in UAN sales was driven by an increase in market demand for crop nutrients and strong grain commodity prices. |
| Industrial acids and other chemical products salesIndustrial acids and other products sales increased $34.9 million, or 28%, primarily due to improved economic conditions, new customers and increased selling prices resulting from the pass through of higher raw material costs pursuant to the terms of sales agreements with certain customers. |
| Mining products salesMining products sales increased $29.8 million, or 34% and volumes increased 11%. Sales prices were driven higher by a general increase in raw material and other costs, which we are able to pass through to certain customers pursuant to the terms of supply agreements. Our industrial grade AN is primarily sold to one customer pursuant to a multi-year supply contract in which the customer agrees to purchase, and we agree to reserve certain minimum volumes. The customer took less than the minimum quantity of product as defined in the contract. Pursuant to the terms of the contract, the customer was invoiced for both product taken and for the reserved plant production capacity that was not utilized. |
Gross ProfitChemical
The increase in gross profit of $81.4 million is a result of the increased sales volume in all three product lines, accompanied by higher margins on UAN and ammonia due to higher average selling prices relative to production costs. In addition, we recognized an $8.6 million business interruption recovery in 2011, which was recorded as a reduction to cost of sales.
Operating IncomeChemical
In addition to the increase in gross profit of $81.4 million discussed above, our Chemical Business operating income includes operating and other expenses associated with the Pryor Facility of approximately $2.8 million for 2011 compared to $13.6 million for 2010. Due to limited and intermittent production at the Pryor Facility during 2010, costs identifiable with production were classified as cost of sales and the remaining operational expenses were primarily classified as SG&A. This increase in operating income was partially offset by gains totaling $7.3 million from property insurance recoveries received in 2010.
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Climate Control Business
The following table contains certain information about our net sales, gross profit and operating income in our Climate Control segment for 2011 and 2010:
2011 | 2010 | Change | Percentage Change |
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(Dollars In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Net sales: |
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Geothermal and water source heat pumps |
$ | 183,789 | $ | 171,561 | $ | 12,228 | 7.1 | % | ||||||||
Hydronic fan coils |
54,379 | 37,923 | 16,456 | 43.4 | % | |||||||||||
Other HVAC products |
43,397 | 41,037 | 2,360 | 5.8 | % | |||||||||||
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Total Climate Control |
$ | 281,565 | $ | 250,521 | $ | 31,044 | 12.4 | % | ||||||||
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Gross profitClimate Control |
$ | 88,178 | $ | 86,364 | $ | 1,814 | 2.1 | % | ||||||||
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Gross profit percentageClimate Control (1) |
31.3 | % | 34.5 | % | (3.2 | )% | ||||||||||
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Operating incomeClimate Control |
$ | 32,759 | $ | 35,338 | $ | (2,579 | ) | (7.3 | )% | |||||||
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(1) | As a percentage of net sales |
Net Sales Climate Control
| Net sales of our geothermal and water source heat pump products increased primarily as a result of a 15% improvement in sales of our commercial products generally related to increases in the education, hospitality, multi-family, and healthcare market sectors. Offsetting this increase was a 7% decline in sales of our residential products, primarily due to the softness in the single-family residential construction market. During 2011, we continued to maintain a market share leadership position of approximately 41%, based on preliminary market data supplied by the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI); |
| Net sales of our hydronic fan coils increased primarily due to an 18% increase in the number of units sold due to increased construction and renovation activities in the markets we serve and a 21% increase in the average unit sales price due to change in product mix. During 2011, we continued to have a market share leadership position of approximately 30% based on preliminary market data supplied by the AHRI; |
| Net sales of our other HVAC products increased primarily as the result of an increase in the sales of our modular chillers and construction services. |
Gross Profit Climate Control
The increase in gross profit in our Climate Control Business was primarily the result of higher sales volume as discussed above. The gross profit percentage decline of 3.2% was primarily due to higher raw material and component costs and product mix, including a higher content of commercial products with lower gross margins than our residential products.
Operating Income Climate Control
Although our gross profit increased, operating income decreased primarily as the result of an increase in expenses discussed below due, in part, to the increase in sales volume as well as changes in our customer/product mix. Specifically, warranty expenses increased by $2.1 million (which were also impacted by extending our warranty coverage period for certain products effective during 2010), employee health insurance costs increased by $0.9 million primarily due to higher actual spending and an increase in the number of employees, freight expenses increased by $0.9 million, and commissions of $0.8 million.
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Other
The business operation classified as Other primarily sells industrial machinery and related components to machine tool dealers and end users. General corporate expenses and other business operations, net consist of unallocated portions of gross profit, SG&A, other income and other expense. The following table contains certain information about our net sales and gross profit classified as Other and general corporate expenses and other business operations, net, for 2011 and 2010:
2011 | 2010 | Change | Percentage Change |
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(Dollars In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Net salesOther |
$ | 11,837 | $ | 8,298 | $ | 3,539 | 42.6 | % | ||||||||
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Gross profitOther |
$ | 4,153 | $ | 2,966 | $ | 1,187 | 40.0 | % | ||||||||
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Gross profit percentageOther (1) |
35.1 | % | 35.7 | % | (0.6 | )% | ||||||||||
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General corporate expense and other business operations, net |
$ | (12,819 | ) | $ | (11,361 | ) | $ | (1,458 | ) | 12.8 | % | |||||
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(1) | As a percentage of net sales |
Net SalesOther
The increase in net sales classified as Other relates primarily to the improvement in demand for industrial machinery.
Gross ProfitOther
The increase in gross profit classified as Other is due primarily to the increase in sales as discussed above.
General Corporate Expense and Other Business Operations, Net
The increase in general corporate expense and other business operations, net, primarily relates to expenses associated with the induced conversion of 5.5% convertible debentures and the modification of the Secured Term Loan during 2011.
Provision For Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes for 2011 was $46.2 million compared to $19.8 million for 2010. The resulting effective tax rate for 2011 was 36% compared to 40% for 2010. As previously reported, during 2010, we determined that certain nondeductible expenses had not been properly identified relating to the 2007-2009 provisions for income taxes. As a result, we recorded an additional income tax provision of approximately $800,000 for 2010.
Cash Flow From Continuing Operating Activities2012
Historically, our primary cash needs have been for operating expenses, working capital and capital expenditures. We have financed our cash requirements primarily through internally generated cash flow, secured asset financing and the sale of assets. See additional discussions concerning cash flow relating to our Chemical and Climate Control Businesses under Overview and Liquidity and Capital Resources of this MD&A.
For 2012, net cash provided by continuing operating activities was $99.5 million primarily as the result of net income of $58.6 million plus an adjustment of $21.0 million for depreciation, depletion and amortization in addition to a net change in prepaid and accrued income taxes of $11.0 million due, in part, to the recognition of income taxes for 2012 partially offset by payments made to taxing authorities and to a net decrease in accounts receivable of $7.9 million primarily relating to the Chemical Business due, in part, to the decrease in sales as the result of the downtime of certain facilities as discussed above under OverviewDowntime at Certain Chemical Facilities2012.
Cash Flow from Continuing Investing Activities2012
Net cash used by continuing investing activities for 2012 was $121.7 million that consisted primarily of $92.6 million for capital expenditures of which $84.4 million and $5.1 million are for the benefit of our Chemical and Climate Control Businesses, respectively, and approximately $50.2 million for the acquisition of working interests in natural gas properties as discussed above under Liquidity and Capital Resources Capital Expenditures partially offset by $11.4 million of proceeds received from property insurance recovery associated with PP&E and $10.0 million of net proceeds from short-term investments.
47
Cash Flow from Continuing Financing Activities2012
Net cash used by continuing financing activities was $4.5 million that primarily consisted of payments on long-term debt and loans (and related costs) of $9.0 million partially offset by $3.6 million of net proceeds from short-term financing.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosures of contingencies. For each of the last three years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, we did not experience a material change in accounting estimates. However, it is reasonably possible that the estimates and assumptions utilized as of December 31, 2012 could change in the near term. In addition, the more critical areas of financial reporting impacted by managements judgment, estimates and assumptions include the following:
Business Combinations We account for an acquired business using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at the date of acquisition at their respective fair values. If applicable, any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition-related costs are recognized separately from the business combination and are expensed as incurred.
Accounts Receivable and Credit Risk Our accounts receivable are stated at net realizable value. This value includes an appropriate allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect any loss anticipated on accounts receivable balances. Our estimate is based on historical experience and periodic assessment of outstanding accounts receivable, particularly those accounts that are past due (based upon the terms of the sale). Our periodic assessment of our accounts receivable is based on our best estimate of amounts that are not recoverable. In addition, our sales to contractors and independent sales representatives are generally subject to a mechanics lien or bond protection in the Climate Control Business. Sales to other customers are generally unsecured. Credit is extended to customers based on an evaluation of the customers financial condition and other factors. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are monitored and this risk is reduced due to the large number of customers comprising our customer bases and their dispersion across many different industries and geographic areas (primarily as it relates to the Climate Control Business) and payment terms of 15 days or less relating to most of our significant customers in the Chemical Business. Twelve customers (including their affiliates), primarily relating to the Chemical Business, account for approximately 36% of our total net receivables at December 31, 2012. We do not believe this concentration in these twelve customers represents a significant credit risk due to the financial stability of these customers. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, our allowance for doubtful accounts of $636,000 and $955,000, respectively, were netted against our accounts receivable. For 2012, 2011, and 2010, our provision for (recovery of) losses on accounts receivable was $(214,000), $347,000, and $145,000, respectively.
Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis) or market (net realizable value). Finished goods and work-in-process inventories include material, labor, and manufacturing overhead costs. Additionally, we review inventories and record inventory reserves for slow-moving inventory items. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the carrying value of certain nitrogen-based inventories produced by our Chemical Business was reduced to market because cost exceeded the net realizable value by $975,000 and $16,000, respectively. In addition, the carrying value of certain slow-moving inventory items (Climate Control products) was reduced to market because cost exceeded the net realizable value by $1,818,000 and $1,767,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. For 2012, 2011, and 2010, our provision for losses on inventory was $1,140,000, $590,000, and $184,000, respectively.
Precious Metals Precious metals are used as a catalyst in the Chemical Business manufacturing process. Precious metals are carried at cost, with cost being determined using the FIFO basis. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, precious metals were $13.5 million and $17.8 million, respectively, and are included in supplies, prepaid items and other in the consolidated balance sheets. Because some of the catalyst consumed in the production process cannot be readily recovered and the amount and timing of recoveries are not predictable, we follow the practice of expensing precious metals as they are consumed. Occasionally, during major maintenance or capital projects, we may be able to perform procedures to recover precious metals (previously expensed) which have accumulated over time within the manufacturing equipment. Recoveries of precious metals are recognized at historical FIFO costs. When we accumulate precious metals in excess of our production requirements, we may sell a portion of the excess metals. For 2012, 2011, and 2010, the amounts expensed for precious metals, net of recoveries and gains, were approximately $7.4 million, $1.9 million and $5.2 million, respectively. These precious metals expenses, net, are included in cost of sales.
48
Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Impairment of Long-Lived Assets For financial reporting purposes, depreciation of the costs of PP&E is primarily computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A) of the costs of producing natural gas properties are computed using the units of production method primarily on a field-by-field basis using proved or proved developed reserves, as applicable, as estimated by our independent consulting petroleum engineer. No provision for depreciation is made on construction in progress or capital spare parts until such time as the relevant assets are put into service. No provision for DD&A is made on nonproducing leasehold costs and exploratory wells in progress until such time as the relevant assets relate to proven reserves.
Our natural gas reserves are based on estimates and assumptions, which affect our DD&A calculations. Our independent consulting petroleum engineer, with our assistance, prepares estimates of natural gas reserves based on available relevant data and information. For DD&A purposes, and as required by the guidelines and definitions established by the SEC, the reserve estimates are based on average natural gas prices during the previous 12-month period, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month.
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset (asset group) and its eventual disposition. If assets to be held and used are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amounts of the assets exceed the fair values of the assets as measured by the present value of future net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets or their appraised value. As it relates to natural gas properties, proven natural gas properties are reviewed for impairment on a field-by-field basis and nonproducing leasehold costs are reviewed for impairment on a property-by-property basis.
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, our accumulated DD&A of PP&E was $143.3 million and $161.6 million, respectively. For 2012, 2011, and 2010, our DD&A of PP&E was $20.7 million, $18.8 million, and $17.3 million, respectively. No impairments of long-lived assets were incurred in 2012, 2011 or 2010.
Accrued Insurance LiabilitiesWe are self-insured up to certain limits for group health, workers compensation and general liability claims. Above these limits, we have commercial stop-loss insurance coverage for our contractual exposure on group health claims and statutory limits under workers compensation obligations. We also carry umbrella insurance of $100 million for most general liability and auto liability risks. We have a separate $50 million insurance policy covering pollution liability at our Chemical Business facilities. Additional pollution liability coverage for our other facilities is provided in our general liability and umbrella policies. As it relates to our natural gas properties within our Chemical Business that we do not operate but only own a working interest, insurance policies are maintained by the operator, which we are responsible for our proportionate share of the costs involved. Our accrued self-insurance liabilities are based on estimates of claims, which include the reported incurred claims amounts plus the reserves established by our insurance adjustors and/or estimates provided by attorneys handling the claims, if any, up to the amount of our self-insurance limits. In addition, our accrued insurance liabilities include estimates of incurred, but not reported, claims based on historical claims experience. The determination of such claims and the appropriateness of the related liability is periodically reviewed and revised, if needed. Changes in these estimated liabilities are charged to operations. Potential legal fees and other directly related costs associated with insurance claims are not accrued but rather are expensed as incurred. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, our accrued group health and workers compensation insurance claims were $2,175,000 and $2,535,000, respectively, and our accrued general liability insurance claims were $628,000 and $739,000 respectively. These accrued insurance claims are included in accrued and other liabilities. It is reasonably possible that the actual development of claims could be different than our estimates.
Accrued Warranty Costs Our Climate Control Business sells equipment that has an expected life, under normal circumstances and use, which extends over several years. As such, we provide warranties after equipment shipment/start up covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Our accounting policy and methodology for warranty arrangements is to measure and recognize the expense and liability for such warranty obligations at the time of sale using a percentage of sales and cost per unit of equipment, based upon our historical and estimated future warranty costs. We also recognize the additional warranty expense and liability to cover atypical costs associated with a specific product, or component thereof, or project installation, when such costs are probable and reasonably estimable. It is reasonably possible that our estimated accrued warranty costs could change in the near term.
49
Generally for commercial/institutional products, the base warranty coverage for most of the manufactured equipment in the Climate Control Business is limited to eighteen months from the date of shipment or twelve months from the date of start up, whichever is shorter, and to ninety days for spare parts. For residential products, the base warranty coverage for manufactured equipment in the Climate Control Business is limited to ten years from the date of shipment for material and to five years from the date of shipment for labor associated with the repair. The warranty provides that most equipment is required to be returned to the factory or an authorized representative and the warranty is limited to the repair and replacement of the defective product, with a maximum warranty of the refund of the purchase price. Furthermore, companies within the Climate Control Business generally disclaim and exclude warranties related to merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose and disclaim and exclude any liability for consequential or incidental damages. In some cases, the customer may purchase or a specific product may be sold with an extended warranty. The above discussion is generally applicable to such extended warranties, but variations do occur depending upon specific contractual obligations, certain system components, and local laws.
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, our accrued product warranty obligations were $6.2 million and $5.4 million, respectively and are included in current and noncurrent accrued and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. For 2012, 2011, and 2010, our warranty expense was $6.7 million, $6.5 million, and $4.5 million, respectively.
Executive Benefit Agreements We have entered into benefit agreements with certain key executives. Costs associated with these individual benefit agreements are accrued based on the estimated remaining service period when such benefits become probable they will be paid. Total costs accrued equal the present value of specified payments to be made after benefits become payable. In 1992, we entered into individual benefit agreements with certain key executives (1992 Agreements) that provide for annual benefit payments for life (in addition to salary). The liability for these benefits under the 1992 Agreements is $1.4 million and $1.3 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and is included in current and noncurrent accrued and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
In 1981, we entered into individual death benefit agreements with certain key executives. In addition, as part of the 1992 Agreements, should the executive die prior to attaining the age of 65, we will pay the beneficiary named in the agreement in 120 equal monthly installments aggregating to an amount specified in the agreement. In 2005, we entered into a death benefit agreement with our CEO. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the liability for death benefits is $4.2 million and $4.0 million, respectively, which is included in current and noncurrent accrued and noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
Income Taxes We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences attributable to net operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards, and differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities. We establish valuation allowances if we believe it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
In addition, we do not recognize a tax benefit unless we conclude that it is more-likely-than-not that the benefit will be sustained on audit by the taxing authority based solely on the technical merits of the associated tax position. If the recognition threshold is met, we recognize a tax benefit measured at the largest amount of the tax benefit that, in our judgment, is greater than 50% likely to be realized. We record interest related to unrecognized tax positions in interest expense and penalties in operating other expense.
We reduce income tax expense for investment tax credits in the year the credit arises and is earned.
Contingencies Certain conditions may exist which may result in a loss, but which will only be resolved when future events occur. We and our legal counsel assess such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a loss has been incurred, we would accrue for such contingent losses when such losses can be reasonably estimated. If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable but reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss if determinable and material, would be disclosed. Estimates of potential legal fees and other directly related costs associated with contingencies are not accrued but rather are expensed as incurred. Loss contingency liabilities are included in current and noncurrent accrued and other liabilities and are based on current estimates that may be revised in the near term. In addition, we recognize contingent gains when such gains are realized or realizable and earned. We are a party to various litigation and other contingencies, the ultimate outcome of which is not presently known. Should the ultimate outcome of these contingencies be adverse, such outcome could create an event of default under ThermaClimes Working Capital Revolver Loan and the Secured Term Loan and could adversely impact our liquidity, capital resources and results of operations.
50
Regulatory Compliance Our Chemical Business is subject to specific federal and state regulatory compliance laws and guidelines. We have developed policies and procedures related to regulatory compliance. We must continually monitor whether we have maintained compliance with such laws and regulations and the operating implications, if any, and amount of penalties, fines and assessments that may result from noncompliance. We will also be obligated to manage certain discharge water outlets and monitor groundwater contaminants at our Chemical Business facilities should we discontinue the operations of a facility. At December 31, 2012, liabilities totaling $273,000 have been accrued relating to an estimated civil penalty associated with the Clean Air Act involving certain nitric acid plants within our chemical facilities and to remediation and surface and groundwater monitoring costs associated with our former Kansas facility. This liability is included in current accrued and other liabilities and is based on current estimates that may be revised in the near term.
Assets Retirement Obligations In general, we record the estimated fair value of an asset retirement obligation (ARO) associated with tangible long-lived assets in the period it is incurred and when there is sufficient information available to estimate the fair value. An ARO associated with long-lived assets is an obligation for which there is a legal obligation to settle under existing or enacted law, statute, written or oral contract or legal construction. AROs, which are initially recorded based on estimated discounted cash flows, are accreted to full value over time through charges to cost of sales. In addition, we capitalize the corresponding asset retirement cost as PP&E, which cost is depreciated or depleted over the related assets respective useful life. We do not have any assets restricted for the purpose of settling our AROs.
Currently, we have an obligation to plug and abandon a waste water injection well at one of our Chemical Business facilities when the permit expires. We are also contractually obligated through at least December 2053 to pay a portion of the operating costs of a municipally owned wastewater pipeline currently being constructed, which will serve the El Dorado Facility. Additionally, we have certain facilities in our Chemical Business that contain asbestos insulation around certain piping and heated surfaces, which we plan to maintain or replace, as needed, with non-asbestos insulation through our standard repair and maintenance activities to prevent deterioration. Currently, there is insufficient information to estimate the fair value for most of our AROs. In addition, we currently have no plans to discontinue the use of these facilities and the remaining life of the facilities is indeterminable. As a result, a liability for only a minimal amount relating to AROs associated with these facilities has been established. However, we will continue to review these obligations and record a liability when a reasonable estimate of the fair value can be made.
As discussed above under Liquidity and Capital Resources Capital Expenditures, our Chemical Business acquired working interests in certain natural gas properties. As a result of this acquisition, we recognized AROs associated with the obligation to plug and abandon wells when the natural gas reserves in the wells are depleted. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, our accrued liability for AROs was $154,000 and $75,000, respectively.
Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue for substantially all of our operations at the time title to the goods transfers to the buyer and there remain no significant future performance obligations by us. Revenue relating to construction contracts is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method based primarily on contract costs incurred to date compared with total estimated contract costs. Changes to total estimated contract costs or losses, if any, are recognized in the period in which they are determined. Sales of warranty contracts are recognized as revenue ratably over the life of the contract. See discussion above under Accrued Warranty Costs for our accounting policy for recognizing warranty expense.
Recognition of Insurance Recoveries If an insurance claim relates to a recovery of our losses, we recognize the recovery when it is probable and reasonably estimable. If our insurance claim relates to a contingent gain, we recognize the recovery when it is realized or realizable and earned. At December 31, 2012, the balance of the insurance claim receivable was $10.1 million as discussed above under Overview Downtime at Certain Chemical Facilities 2012.
Managements judgment and estimates in the above areas are based on information available from internal and external resources at that time. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates and judgments, as additional information becomes known.
Performance and Payment Bonds
We are contingently liable to sureties in respect of insurance bonds issued by the sureties in connection with certain contracts entered into by subsidiaries in the normal course of business. These insurance bonds primarily represent guarantees of future performance of our subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2012, we have agreed to indemnify the sureties for payments, up to $12.7 million, made by them in respect of such bonds. All of these insurance bonds are expected to expire or be renewed in 2013.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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Aggregate Contractual Obligations
Our aggregate contractual obligations as of December 31, 2012 are summarized in the following table (1) (2):
Payments Due in the Year Ending December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Contractual Obligations |
Total | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Thereafter | |||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt: |
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Secured Term Loan |
$ | 68,438 | $ | 3,750 | $ | 3,750 | $ | 3,750 | $ | 57,188 | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||||||
Capital leases |
370 | 335 | 35 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
3,633 | 713 | 764 | 818 | 517 | 197 | 624 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Total long-term debt |
72,441 | 4,798 | 4,549 | 4,568 | 57,705 | 197 | 624 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest payments on long-term debt (3) |
8,882 | 2,946 | 2,695 | 2,491 | 637 | 50 | 63 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate contracts (4) |
1,874 | 657 | 594 | 512 | 111 | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures (5) |
77,668 | 70,668 | 5,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Nitric acid plants project (6) |
120,000 | 74,000 | 46,000 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wastewater pipeline project (7) |
5,332 | 457 | 125 | 125 | 125 | 125 | 4,375 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating leases |
13,067 | 4,846 | 3,606 | 1,698 | 857 | 643 | 1,417 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Firm purchase commitments and futures/forward contracts |
2,209 | 2,209 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Contractual obligationscarbon credits |
91 | 91 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Accrued contractual manufacturing, profit sharing and other obligations |
4,224 | 4,224 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other contractual obligations included in noncurrent accrued and other liabilities (8) |
5,404 | | 139 | 95 | 92 | 92 | 4,986 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Total |
$ | 311,192 | $ | 164,896 | $ | 62,708 | $ | 10,489 | $ | 60,527 | $ | 1,107 | $ | 11,465 | ||||||||||||||
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(1) | The table does not include amounts relating to future purchases of anhydrous ammonia by EDC pursuant to a supply agreement through December 2015. The terms of this supply agreement do not include minimum volumes or take-or-pay provisions. |
(2) | The table does not include our estimated accrued warranty costs of $6.2 million at December 31, 2012 as discussed above under Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates. |
(3) | The estimated interest payments relating to variable interest rate debt are based on interest rates at December 31, 2012. |
(4) | The estimated future cash flows are based on the estimated fair value of these contracts at December 31, 2012. |
(5) | Capital expenditures include only the estimated committed amounts (high end of range) at December 31, 2012 but exclude amounts relating to the nitric acid plants and wastewater pipeline projects. |
(6) | Capital expenditures are based on estimates (high end of range) at December 31, 2012. |
(7) | The future cash flows include capital expenditures and operating costs based on estimates at December 31, 2012. |
(8) | The future cash flows relating to executive and death benefits are based on estimates at December 31, 2012. |
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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
General
Our results of operations and operating cash flows are impacted by changes in market prices of copper, steel, anhydrous ammonia and natural gas, changes in market currency exchange rates, and changes in market interest rates.
Forward Sales Commitments Risk
Periodically, our Chemical and Climate Control Businesses enter into forward firm sales commitments for products to be delivered in future periods. As a result, we could be exposed to embedded losses should our product costs exceed the firm sales prices. At December 31, 2012, we had embedded losses totaling $0.2 million associated with sales commitments with firm sales prices relating to our Chemical Business.
Commodity Price Risk
Our Chemical Business buys substantial quantities of anhydrous ammonia and natural gas as feedstocks generally at market prices and our Climate Control Business buys substantial quantities of copper and steel for use in manufacturing processes. As part of our raw material price risk management, periodically, our Chemical Business enters into firm purchase commitments and/or futures/forward contracts for anhydrous ammonia and natural gas and our Climate Control Business enters into futures contracts for copper. Our Chemical Business has also acquired working interests in natural gas properties to serve as an economic hedge against potential higher natural gas prices for a portion of our future natural gas requirements.
At December 31, 2012, we had no outstanding contracts to purchase natural gas or futures/forward contracts for anhydrous ammonia and natural gas.
At December 31, 2012, our futures/forward copper contracts were for 625,000 pounds of copper through May 2013 at a weighted-average cost of $3.53 per pound ($2.2 million) and a weighted-average market value of $3.66 per pound ($2.3 million), which contracts are generally accounted for on a mark-to-market basis.
Interest Rate Risk
Our interest rate risk exposure results from our debt portfolio that is impacted by short-term rates, primarily variable-rate borrowings from commercial banks, and long-term rates, primarily fixed-rate notes, some of which prohibit prepayment or require a substantial premium payment with the prepayment.
As part of our interest rate risk management, we periodically purchase and/or enter into various interest rate contracts. At December 31, 2012, we have an interest rate swap, which sets a fixed three-month LIBOR of 3.23% on a declining balance (from $23.8 million to $18.8 million) for the period beginning April 2012 through March 2016. This contract is a free-standing derivative and is accounted for on a mark-to-market basis. At December 31, 2012, the fair value of these contracts (unrealized loss) was $1.9 million.
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The following table presents principal amounts and related weighted-average interest rates by maturity date for our interest rate sensitive debt agreements and the estimated future cash flows and related estimated weighted-average receive rate for our interest rate sensitive interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2012:
Years ending December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected maturities of long-term debt (1): |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Variable interest rate debt (2) |
$ | 3,750 | $ | 3,750 | $ | 3,750 | $ | 57,188 | $ | | $ | | $ | 68,438 | ||||||||||||||
Weighted-average interest rate |
3.92 | % | 3.92 | % | 3.92 | % | 3.92 | % | 3.92 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Fixed interest rate debt |
$ | 1,048 | $ | 799 | $ | 818 | $ | 517 | $ | 197 | $ | 624 | $ | 4,003 | ||||||||||||||
Weighted-average interest rate |
6.87 | % | 6.90 | % | 6.89 | % | 6.87 | % | 6.86 | % | 6.86 | % | 6.88 | % | ||||||||||||||
Estimated future cash flows of interest rate swaps (3): |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Variable to Fixed |
$ | 657 | $ | 594 | $ | 512 | $ | 111 | $ | | $ | | $ | 1,874 | ||||||||||||||
Weighted-average pay rate |
3.23 | % | 3.23 | % | 3.23 | % | 3.23 | % | 3.23 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Weighted-average receive rate |
0.32 | % | 0.43 | % | 0.65 | % | 0.89 | % | | 0.49 | % |
(1) | The variable and fixed interest rate debt balances and weighted-average interest rate are based on the aggregate amount of debt outstanding as of December 31, 2012. |
(2) | Includes the Secured Term Loan that includes a fixed interest rate of 5.15% on the principal amount of $22.8 million at December 31, 2012. |
(3) | The estimated future cash flows and related weighted-average receive rate are based on the estimated fair value of these contracts as of December 31, 2012. |
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The following table presents our purchase commitments under firm purchase commitments and futures/forward contracts and related weighted-average contract costs by contract terms as of December 31, 2012:
Years ending December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | Thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||
(Dollars In Thousands, Except For Per Pound) | ||||||||||||||||||
Firm purchase commitments and futures/forward contracts: |
||||||||||||||||||
Copper: |
||||||||||||||||||
Total cost of contract |
$ | 2,209 | $ | 2,209 | ||||||||||||||
Weighted-average cost per pound |
$ | 3.53 | $ | 3.53 |
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At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we did not have any financial instruments with fair values significantly different from their carrying amounts. These financial instruments include our long-term debt agreements, which valuations are classified as Level 3 and are based on valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. The fair value measurement of our long-term debt agreements are valued using a discounted cash flow model that calculates the present value of future cash flows pursuant to the terms of the debt agreements and applies estimated current market interest rates. The estimated current market interest rates are based primarily on interest rates currently being offered on borrowings of similar amounts and terms. In addition, no valuation input adjustments were considered necessary relating to nonperformance risk for the debt agreements. The fair value of financial instruments is not indicative of the overall fair value of our assets and liabilities since financial instruments do not include all assets, including intangibles, and all liabilities.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
We have included the financial statements and supplementary financial information required by this item immediately following Part IV of this report and hereby incorporate by reference the relevant portions of those statements and information into this Item 8.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon that evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework. Based on our assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2012, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting. This report appears on the following page.
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of LSB Industries, Inc.
We have audited LSB Industries, Inc.s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). LSB Industries, Inc.s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the companys internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, LSB Industries, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of LSB Industries, Inc. as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 of LSB Industries, Inc. and our report dated February 28, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
February 28, 2013
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None.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained within this report may be deemed Forward-Looking Statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements in this report other than statements of historical fact are Forward-Looking Statements that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results and performance of the Company to differ materially from such statements. The words believe, expect, anticipate, intend, and similar expressions identify Forward-Looking Statements. Forward-Looking Statements contained herein include, but not limited to, the following:
| market share; |
| modest growth of the U.S. economy; |
| the construction outlook for the commercial/institutional sector and single-family sector; |
| the outlook for the types of nitrogen fertilizer products we produce and sell; |
| demand for our geothermal products; |
| reduction in operating income within our chemical facilities due to damaged facilities; |
| shipment of backlog; |
| cost of new nitric acid plants and when these plants will become operational; |
| ability to pass to our customers the majority of any cost increases in the form of higher prices; |
| sufficient sources for materials and components; |
| customer demand for our industrial, mining and agricultural products for 2013; |
| fertilizer outlook; |
| committed and planned capital spending; |
| ability to obtain anhydrous ammonia from other sources; |
| compliance by the El Dorado Facility of the terms of its permits; |
| dissolved mineral issue should not be an issue once the pipeline is operational; |
| sales growth of the Climate Control Business; |
| sales in the medium-term and long-term will be primarily driven by growth in new construction, as well as the introduction of new products; |
| geothermal systems are considered to be the most energy efficient systems currently available; |
| our GHPs use a form of renewable energy and, under certain conditions, can reduce energy costs up to 80% compared to some conventional HVAC systems; |
| homeowners who install GHPs are eligible for a 30% tax credit, businesses that install GHPs are eligible for a 10% tax credit and five-year accelerated depreciation on the balance of the system cost, and during 2013, businesses also have the option of electing 50% bonus depreciation on qualifying equipment, such as GHPs, that are placed in service during the year; |
| cash needs for 2013; |
| we plan to rely upon working capital, internally generated cash flows, third-party financing and insurance proceeds; |
| fund committed capital expenditures; |
| in conjunction with our long-term compliance plan, EDC intends to participate in a wastewater pipeline project for disposal of wastewater that the city of El Dorado, Arkansas will construct and own; |
| the ability and timing for the El Dorado Facility to use the wastewater pipeline will ensure EDCs ability to comply with future permit limits; |
| cost relating to settlement with the EPA relating to issues involving the Clean Air Act; |
| when the Cherokee and Pryor Facilities will begin production; |
| costs of Turnarounds during 2013 for our chemical facilities; |
| ability to fund our cash needs; |
| the expenses in connection with environmental regulatory issues for 2013; |
| cash needs and how we expect to fund our cash requirements; |
| depreciation, depletion and amortization expected to increase in 2013; |
| while future emission regulations or new laws appear possible, it is too early to predict how these regulations, if and when adopted, will affect our businesses, operations, liquidity or financial results; |
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| if we should repurchase stock, we currently intend to fund any repurchases from our available working capital; |
| recovery under our property and business interruption insurance due to damages at various of our chemical facilities; |
| construction of a new ammonia plant at the El Dorado Facility; |
| meeting all required covenant tests for all quarters and the year ending in 2013; |
| costs relating to environmental and health laws and enforcement policies thereunder; and |
| material uncertain tax positions. |
While we believe the expectations reflected in such Forward-Looking Statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance such expectations will prove to have been correct. There are a variety of factors which could cause future outcomes to differ materially from those described in this report, including, but not limited to, the following:
| changes in general economic conditions, both domestic and foreign, |
| material reduction in revenues, |
| material changes in interest rates, |
| ability to collect in a timely manner a material amount of receivables, |
| increased competitive pressures, |
| changes in federal, state and local laws and regulations, especially environmental regulations or the American Reinvestment and Recovery act, or in interpretation of such, |
| releases of pollutants into the environment exceeding our permitted limits, |
| material increases in equipment, maintenance, operating or labor costs not presently anticipated by us, |
| the requirement to use internally generated funds for purposes not presently anticipated, |
| the inability to secure additional financing for planned capital expenditures or financing obligations coming due in the near future, |
| material changes in the cost of certain precious metals, anhydrous ammonia, natural gas, copper, steel and purchased components, |
| changes in competition, |
| the loss of any significant customer, |
| changes in operating strategy or development plans, |
| inability to fund the working capital and expansion of our businesses, |
| problems with product equipment, |
| changes in the production efficiency of our facilities, |
| adverse results in our contingencies including pending litigation, |
| changes in production rates at the Pryor Facility, |
| inability to obtain necessary raw materials and purchased components, |
| material changes in our accounting estimates, |
| significant problems within our production equipment, |
| fire or natural disasters, |
| inability to obtain or retain our insurance coverage, |
| inability to negotiate a satisfactory settlement with the EPA, |
| inability to satisfactorily resolve claims relating to damaged equipment and business interruption within our Chemical Business with our insurance carriers; |
| obtaining necessary permits; |
| third-party financing; |
| other factors described in the MD&A contained in this report, and |
| other factors described in Risk Factors. |
Given these uncertainties, all parties are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such Forward-Looking Statements. We disclaim any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the Forward-Looking Statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.
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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
General
Our Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws provide for the division of the Board of Directors into three classes, each class consisting as nearly as possible of one-third of the whole. The term of office of one class of directors expires each year; with each class of directors elected for a term of three years and until the shareholders elect their qualified successors.
Our By-laws provide that the Board of Directors, by resolution from time to time, may fix the number of directors that shall constitute the whole Board of Directors. The By-laws presently provide that the number of directors may consist of not less than 3 nor more than 14. The Board of Directors currently has 13 directors.
Pursuant to our Bylaws, nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected only (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors; or (ii) by any stockholder of LSB entitled to vote for the election of directors at the meeting who complies with the notice procedures set forth in our Bylaws. A director nomination made by a stockholder must be delivered or mailed to and received at our principal executive offices not less than 120 nor more than 150 days prior to the date of the annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered, or mailed and received not later than the 90th day prior to such annual meeting, or if later, the 10th day following the date on which the public disclosure of the date of such annual meeting was so made.
Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews the composition of the Board to assess the Board performance, composition, and effectiveness. The Nominating Committee values certain characteristics in all Board members, including personal and professional integrity, reputation, outstanding professional achievement, and sound business judgment. The Nominating Committee evaluates each individual director in the context of the Board as a whole with the goal of recommending an effective group with a diversity of experience and skills who will exercise sound business judgment in the interest of our business and our shareholders.
Directors
Robert C. Brown, M.D., age 81. Dr. Brown first became a director in 1969. His term will expire in 2015. Dr. Brown has practiced medicine for many years and was Vice President and Treasurer of Plaza Medical Group, P.C. until its acquisition by Integris Health on October 31, 2011. Dr. Brown received both his undergraduate and medical degrees from Tufts University after which he spent two years as a doctor in the United States Navy and over three years at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Brown is also a Clinical Professor at Oklahoma University Health Science Center. Dr. Brown has experience with and insight into all aspects of developing and growing a company and as President and Chief Executive Officer oversaw the launch, development and sale of two different medical claims clearinghouses specializing in the provision of medical clearinghouse services to university affiliated hospitals and other medical providers throughout the United States, each of which was sold favorably. Dr. Brown served as President of the Medical Staff of Baptist Medical Center of Oklahoma. He is a Board member of Integris Physicians Services, Inc. Dr. Browns leadership experience, entrepreneurial business experience and broad range of knowledge of our history and business through his service as a director, among other factors, led the Board to conclude that he should serve as a director.
Charles A. Burtch, age 77. Mr. Burtch first became a director in 1999. His term will expire in 2013. Mr. Burtch was formerly Executive Vice-President and West Division Manager of BankAmerica, where he managed BankAmericas asset-based lending division for the western third of the United States. He retired in 1998 and has since been engaged as a private investor. Mr. Burtch is a graduate of Arizona State University. Mr. Burtchs financial experience and his experience as executive vice president of a large commercial bank, among other factors, led the Board to conclude that he should serve as a director.
Robert A. Butkin, age 60. Mr. Butkin first became a director in August 2007. His term will expire in 2013. Mr. Butkin is currently a Professor of Law at the University of Tulsa College of Law. He was Dean of the Tulsa College of Law from 2005 to 2007. Mr. Butkin also serves as President and as a member of the board of BRJN Capital Corporation, a private investment company. Mr. Butkin served as Assistant Attorney General for the State of Oklahoma from 1987 to 1993, and served from 1995 to 2005 as the State Treasurer of Oklahoma. He has served in various community and professional organizations, including holding the presidency of the Southern State Treasurers Association. He chaired the Banking, Collateral and Cash Management Committee for the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST). In addition, from 1981 to 1995, he served on the Board of Citizens Bank of Velma, Oklahoma, and he served as Chairman of the Board of that bank from 1991 to 1994. Mr. Butkin serves on the board of several non-profits, including the Jasmine Moran Childrens Museum (1995-present); Leadership Oklahoma (Advisory Board, 1998-present); and the Oklahoma Academy (2003-present). He attended and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale College. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1978. Mr. Butkins leadership skills and financial experience obtained through serving as State Treasurer of Oklahoma, chairman of the banking committee of NAST, leading his private investment company, and service as the dean of a major law school in the State of Oklahoma, among other factors, led the Board to conclude that he should serve as a director.
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Barry H. Golsen, J.D., age 62. Mr. Golsen first became a director in 1981. His term will expire in 2015. Mr. Golsen was elected President of LSB in 2004 and has served as Chief Operating Officer for more than 10 years. Mr. Golsen has served as our Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors since August 1994. Mr. Golsen has served in several capacities with various LSB subsidiary companies and has been the President of our Climate Control Business for more than 10 years. Mr. Golsen served as a director of the Oklahoma branch of the Federal Reserve Bank. Mr. Golsen has both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Golsens extensive experience in the climate control industry, his depth of knowledge and understanding of the business in which we operate, and his demonstrated leadership skills within the Company, among other factors, led the Board to conclude that he should serve as a director.
Jack E. Golsen, age 84. Mr. Golsen first became a director in 1969. His term will expire in 2013. Mr. Golsen, founder of LSB, is our Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer and has served in those capacities since our inception in 1969. Mr. Golsen served as our President from 1969 until 2004. During 1996, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Commerce and Industry Hall of Honor as one of Oklahomas leading industrialists. Mr. Golsen is a Trustee of Oklahoma City University and has served on its Finance Committee for many years. During his career, he acquired or started the companies which formed the Company. He has served on the boards of insurance companies, several banks and was Board Chairman of Equity Bank for Savings N.A., which was formerly owned by the Company. In 1972, he was recognized nationally as the person who prevented a widespread collapse of the Wall Street investment banking industry. Refer to The Second Crash by Charles Ellis, and six additional books about the Wall Street crisis. Mr. Golsen has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Mexico. Mr. Golsens demonstrated leadership skills and extensive experience and understanding in all industries in which we operate, his financial experience and broad business knowledge, among other factors, led the Board to conclude that he should serve as a director.
Steven J. Golsen, age 60. Mr. Golsen first became a director in 2011. His term will expire in 2014. Mr. Golsen also serves as the Chief Operating Officer of our Climate Control Business. Mr. Golsen has been employed by the Company since 1976. Mr. Golsen has served as the Chief Operating Officer of our Machine Tool Business and our Climate Control Business for more than 10 years. Mr. Golsen attended the University of New Mexico and University of Oklahoma. Mr. Golsens extensive experience, his intimate knowledge and understanding of multiple aspects of our business (particularly our Climate Control Business) and his demonstrated management and leadership skills within the Company, among other factors, led the Board to conclude that he should serve as a director.
David R. Goss, age 72. Mr. Goss first became a director in 1971. His term will expire in 2015. Mr. Goss, a certified public accountant, is our Executive Vice President of Operations and has served in substantially the same capacity for more than 10 years. He has served as a member of the executive management team since our inception in 1969. Mr. Goss is a graduate of Rutgers University. Mr. Gosss accounting and financial experience and extensive knowledge of the industries in which we operate, among other factors, led the Board to conclude that he should serve as a director.
Bernard G. Ille, age 86. Mr. Ille first became a director in 1971. His term will expire in 2014. Mr. Ille served as President and Chief Executive Officer of United Founders Life from 1966 to 1988. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of First Life Assurance Company from 1988, until it was acquired by another company in 1994. During his tenure as President of these two companies, he served as Chairman of the Oklahoma Guaranty Association for 10 years and was President of the Oklahoma Association of Life Insurance Companies for two terms. He was a director of Landmark Land Company, Inc., which was the parent company of First Life for many years until his retirement in March 2011. He is also a director for Quail Creek Bank, N.A. Mr. Ille is currently President of BML Consultants, a consulting firm, and a private investor. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Illes leadership of a major insurance company in Oklahoma, his financial and insurance background, and his investment experience, among other factors, led the Board to conclude that he should serve as a director.
Gail P. Lapidus, age 61. Ms. Lapidus first became a director in February 2010. Her term will expire in 2015. Ms. Lapidus is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Family & Childrens Services (FCS), a premiere human services provider in the Tulsa, Oklahoma metro area. Ms. Lapidus has been with the 88-year-old agency for 39 years and has served as its Executive Director since 1986. During her tenure, FCS has become the largest outpatient community mental health center in the state of Oklahoma for children, families and individuals without sufficient economic resources or health insurance. FCS, which has an annual budget of more than $40 million and a staff of over 500, has attracted national recognition and research grants for the services it provides. Ms. Lapidus received her undergraduate degree and a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Oklahoma where she was later named an inaugural inductee into the Hall of Honor for outstanding leadership in professional practice. Ms. Lapiduss management and leadership experience as the executive director of FCS, among other factors, led the Board to conclude that she should serve as a director.
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Donald W. Munson, age 80. Mr. Munson first became a director in 1997. His term will expire in 2014. From 1988, until his retirement in 1992, Mr. Munson served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Lennox Industries. Prior to 1998, he served as Executive Vice President of Lennox Industries Division Operations, President of Lennox Canada and Managing Director of Lennox Industries European Operations. Prior to joining Lennox Industries, Mr. Munson served in various capacities with the Howden Group, a company located in Scotland, and The Trane Company, including serving as the managing director of various companies within the Howden Group and Vice President Europe for The Trane Company. He is currently a consultant. Mr. Munson is a resident of England. He has degrees in mechanical engineering and business administration from the University of Minnesota. Mr. Munsons extensive experience in the climate control industry, and his leadership skills obtained through his service as senior executive and a managing director of Lennox Industries, among other factors, led the Board to conclude that he should serve as a director.
Ronald V. Perry, age 63. Mr. Perry first became a director in August 2007. His term will expire in 2014. In 2011, after 32 years, Mr. Perry stepped down as President of Prime Time Travel, which he founded. He continues with Prime Time Travel as a member of the Executive Committee, Director and Treasurer. He is an elected member of the Board of Directors of Metro Technology Centers. Mr. Perry has served in various charitable and civic organizations. He has had leadership positions with Leadership OKC, Rotary Club of OKC and the American Heart Association. He is also past President of the Board of Directors for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. In 2007, the mayor of Oklahoma City appointed Mr. Perry to serve as a commissioner on the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau. Mr. Perry graduated from Oklahoma State University, with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and then served as a captain in the United States Army. His leadership skills, business experience and promotions experience, among other factors, led the Board to conclude that he should serve as a director.
Tony M. Shelby, age 71. Mr. Shelby first became a director in 1971. His term will expire in 2014. Mr. Shelby, a certified public accountant, is our Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, a position he has held for more than 10 years. Mr. Shelby has served as a member of the LSB executive management team since our inception in 1969. Prior to becoming our Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, he served as Chief Financial Officer of a subsidiary of LSB and was with the accounting firm of Arthur Young & Co., a predecessor to Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Shelby is a graduate of Oklahoma City University. Mr. Shelbys financial and accounting experience, his demonstrated leadership skills within the Company, and extensive understanding of the industries in which we operate, among other factors, led the Board to conclude that he should serve as a director.
John A. Shelley, age 62. Mr. Shelley first became a director in 2005. His term will expire in 2015. Mr. Shelley is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Bank of Union located in Oklahoma. He has held this position since 1997. Prior to 1997, Mr. Shelley held various senior level positions in financial institutions in Oklahoma, including the position of President of Equity Bank for Savings, N.A., a savings and loan that was owned by us prior to 1994, former member of the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Bankers Association and former Commissioner of the Oklahoma Securities Commission. He is a Trustee of the Advantage Health Plans Trust and a Trustee of the Oklahoma City Retailers Foundation Affiliated fund of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. Mr. Shelley is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Shelleys experience in the banking industry and his financial experience obtained through his service as Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Union, among other factors, led the Board to conclude that he should serve as a director.
Executive Officers
Certain information concerning our executive officers is contained in Part I of this annual report on Form 10-K under the caption Executive Officers of the Registrant and is incorporated by reference herein.
Family Relationships
Jack E. GolsenFather of Barry H. Golsen and Steven J. Golsen; Brother-in-law of Robert C. Brown.
Barry H. Golsen Son of Jack E. Golsen; Brother of Steven J. Golsen; Nephew of Robert C. Brown.
Steven J. GolsenSon of Jack E. Golsen; Brother of Barry H. Golsen; Nephew of Robert C. Brown.
Robert C. BrownFather of Heidi Brown Shear; Uncle of Barry H. Golsen and Steven J. Golsen.
David M. ShearNephew by marriage to Jack E. Golsen; Son-in-law of Robert C. Brown.
Heidi Brown Shear, Vice President and Managing Counsel of the CompanyDaughter of Robert C. Brown and spouse of David M. Shear.
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Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), requires our directors, officers, and beneficial owners of more than 10% of LSBs common stock to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission reports of holdings and changes in beneficial ownership of LSBs stock. Based solely on a review of copies of the Forms 3, 4 and 5 and amendments thereto furnished to us with respect to 2012, or written representations that no Form 5 was required to be filed, we believe that during 2012 all our directors and officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of LSBs common stock filed timely their required Forms 3, 4, or 5.
Code of Ethics
The Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the principal accounting officer, and the controller of LSB and each of its subsidiaries, or persons performing similar functions, are subject to our Code of Ethics. We have adopted a Statement of Policy Concerning Business Conduct applicable to our employees.
Our Code of Ethics and Statement of Policy Concerning Business Conduct are available on our website at www.lsbindustries.com. We will post any amendments to these documents, as well as any waivers that are required to be disclosed pursuant to the rules of either the Securities and Exchange Commission or the NYSE Euronext (NYSE), on our website.
Audit Committee
We have a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Bernard Ille (Chairman through February 24, 2012), Charles Burtch (Chairman effective February 24, 2012), Ronald Perry and John Shelley. Horace Rhodes was a member of the Audit Committee until his death on January 1, 2013. Mr. Perry was named to the Audit Committee on January 23, 2013. The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is independent, as defined in the listing standards of the NYSE as of our fiscal year end. The Board has adopted an Audit Committee Charter, which governs the responsibilities of the Audit Committee. During 2012, the Audit Committee held five meetings.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
While the Board of Directors endorses the effectiveness of our Audit Committee, its membership does not presently include a director that qualifies for designation as an audit committee financial expert. However, each of the current members of the Audit Committee is financially literate and able to read and understand fundamental financial statements and at least one of its members has financial management expertise. The Board of Directors believes that the background and experience of each member of the Audit Committee is sufficient to fulfill the duties of the Audit Committee. For these reasons, although members of our Audit Committee are not professionally engaged in the practice of accounting or auditing, our Board of Directors has concluded that the ability of our Audit Committee to perform its duties is not impaired by the absence of an audit committee financial expert.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
We have a separately-designated standing Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the Nominating Committee). The members of the Nominating Committee are Messrs. John Shelley (Chairman), Bernard Ille, and Donald Munson. Horace Rhodes was a member of the Nominating Committee until his death on January 1, 2013. Mr. Munson was named to the Nominating Committee on January 17, 2013. The Board has determined that each member of the Nominating Committee is independent, in accordance with listing standards of the NYSE. The Board has adopted a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter which governs the responsibilities of the Nominating Committee. The Board has also adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines. During 2012, the Nominating Committee held two meetings.
Compensation and Stock Option Committee
We have a separately-designated Compensation and Stock Option Committee (the Compensation Committee). The members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Charles Burtch (Chairman) and Bernard Ille, each of whom is a non-employee, independent director in accordance with the rules of the NYSE. The Board has adopted a Compensation and Stock Option Committee Charter, which governs the responsibilities of the Compensation Committee. During 2012, the Compensation Committee held three meetings. Horace Rhodes was a member and Chairman of the Compensation Committee until his death on January 1, 2013.
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The Compensation Committees responsibilities include, among other duties, the responsibility to:
| establish the base salary, incentive compensation and any other compensation for our executive officers; |
| administer our management incentive and stock-based compensation plans, non-qualified death benefits, salary continuation and welfare plans, and discharge the duties imposed on the Compensation Committee by the terms of those plans; and |
| perform other functions or duties deemed appropriate by the Board. |
Decisions regarding non-equity compensation of our non-executive officers and our executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table (the named executive officers) other than the Chief Executive Officer, the President, and Chief Operating Officer of the Climate Control Business, are made by our Chief Executive Officer and presented for approval or modification by the Committee. Historically, the Compensation Committee has generally adopted such recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer.
The agenda for meetings of the Compensation Committee is determined by its Chairman with the assistance of our Chief Executive Officer. Committee meetings are regularly attended by the Chief Executive Officer. At each Compensation Committee meeting, the Compensation Committee also meets in executive session without the Chief Executive Officer. The Committee may delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer in order to fulfill certain administrative duties regarding the compensation programs.
The Compensation Committee has authority under its charter to retain, approve fees for, and terminate advisors, consultants and agents as it deems necessary to assist in the fulfillment of its responsibilities. If a compensation consultant is engaged, the Compensation Committee reviews the total fees paid to such outside consultant by the Company to ensure that the consultant maintains its objectivity and independence when rendering advice to the Compensation Committee. For 2012, no compensation consultants were engaged by the Compensation Committee or by management of the Company.
Committee Charters
A current copy of the following charters and guidelines are available on our website at www.lsbindustries.com and are also available from the Company upon request to the Secretary:
| Audit Committee Charter |
| Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter |
| Corporate Governance Guidelines |
| Compensation and Stock Option Committee Charter |
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Compensation Committee has the authority to set the compensation of all of our officers. This Compensation Committee considers the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer when setting the compensation of our officers. The Chief Executive Officer does not make a recommendation regarding his own salary, and does not make any recommendation as to the Presidents salary. The members of the Compensation Committee are the following non-employee directors: Charles A. Burtch (Chairman), and Bernard G. Ille. Horace Rhodes was a member and Chairman of the Compensation Committee until his death on January 1, 2013. Neither Mr. Rhodes, Mr. Burtch nor Mr. Ille is, or ever has been, an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. None of our executive officers or members of the Compensation Committee had any relationship requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K during 2012.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Overview of Compensation Program
Our long-term success depends on our ability to efficiently operate our facilities, to continue to develop our product lines and technologies, and to focus on developing our product markets. To achieve these goals, it is important that we be able to attract, motivate, and retain highly talented individuals who are committed to our values and goals.
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The Compensation Committee has the responsibility to establish, in consultation with management, our compensation philosophy for our senior executive officers and to implement and oversee a compensation program consistent with the philosophy. This group of senior executive officers includes the named executive officers, as well as our other executives.
A primary objective of the Compensation Committee is to ensure that the compensation paid to the senior executive officers is fair, reasonable, competitive, and provides incentives for superior performance. The Compensation Committee is responsible for approval of all decisions for the direct compensation, including the base salary and bonuses, stock options and other benefit programs for our senior executive officers, including the named executive officers.
In general, the day-to-day administration of savings, health and welfare plans and policies are handled by a team of our legal and finance department employees. The Compensation Committee (or Board) remains responsible for key policy changes outside of the day-to-day requirements necessary to maintain these plans and policies.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
The Compensation Committee believes that the most effective executive compensation program rewards the executives achievements and contribution towards the Company achieving its long-term strategic goals. However, the Compensation Committee does not believe that executive compensation should be tied to specific numeric or formulaic financial goals or only to stock price performance. The Compensation Committee recognizes that, given the volatility of the markets in which we do business, general economic conditions, and numerous other factors, our financial performance for a particular period may or may not be an accurate measurement of our senior executive officers performance.
The Compensation Committee values both personal contribution and teamwork as factors to be rewarded. The Compensation Committee evaluates both performance and compensation to ensure that we maintain our ability to attract and retain highly talented employees in key positions, with the goal of ensuring that compensation to our senior executive officers remains competitive while considering the internal pay ratios among executives and other key employees. The Compensation Committee believes that executive compensation packages should include cash and bonus compensation, as well as other benefit programs to encourage senior executive officers to remain with the Company and have interests aligned with those of the Company. As a result, the Compensation Committee reviews the number of stock options exercised by senior executive officers during recent periods, if any, as well as stock options currently held by the senior executive officers. This analysis enables the Compensation Committee to determine whether the grant of additional stock-based compensation may be advisable to ensure that our senior executive officers long term interests are aligned with those of the Company. Based on the foregoing, the Compensation Committee focuses on the following criteria when developing our executive compensation program:
| Compensation should be based on the level of job responsibility, executive performance, and our performance; |
| Compensation should enable us to attract and retain key talent; |
| Compensation should be competitive with compensation offered by other companies that compete with us for talented individuals in our geographic area; |
| Compensation should reward performance; |
| Compensation should motivate executives to achieve our strategic and operational goals; and |
| Executive compensation should be reasonable when compared to the average compensation of our other employees. |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Setting Executive Compensation
The Compensation Committee sets annual cash and non-cash executive compensation to reward the named executive officers for achievement and to motivate the named executive officers to achieve long-term business objectives. The Compensation Committee is unable to use direct comparisons to a peer group in determining the compensation package because of the diverse nature of our lines of business. The Compensation Committee reviewed some generally available national and regional compensation information for companies of our size. This information was used to determine whether our compensation amounts are within the range of similarly sized companies. The Compensation Committee considered base salary and current bonus awards in determining overall compensation. The Compensation Committee does not have a policy allocating long term and currently paid compensation, but does consider stock options to be long-term compensation. The Compensation Committee also considered the allocation between cash and non-cash compensation amounts, but does not have a specific formula or required allocation between such compensation amounts. Instead, such amounts are taken into account as part of the overall compensation determination. The Compensation Committee compares the Chief Executive Officers total compensation to the total compensation of our other named executive officers. However, the Compensation Committee has not established a target ratio between total compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and the median total compensation level for the next lower tier of management. The Compensation Committee also considers internal pay equity among the named executive officers and in relation to next lower tier of management and average compensation of all employees in order to maintain compensation levels that are consistent with the individual contributions and responsibilities of those executive officers. The Compensation Committee does not consider amounts payable under severance agreements when setting the annual compensation of the named executive officers. Although the Compensation Committee has not engaged outside consultants to assist in conducting its annual review of the total compensation program, it may do so in the future.
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Consideration of Stockholder Say-On-Pay Advisory Vote.
At our annual meeting of stockholders held in May 2012, our stockholders voted, on a non-binding, advisory basis, on the compensation of our named executive officers for 2011. A substantial majority (more than 96%) of the total votes cast on our say-on-pay proposal at that meeting approved the compensation of our named officers for 2011 on a non-binding, advisory basis. The Compensation Committee and the Board believes that this affirms our stockholders support of our approach to executive compensation, and, accordingly, the Compensation Committee did not materially change its approach to executive compensation in 2012 in connection with the say-on-pay proposal. The Compensation Committee expects to consider the results of future stockholder say-on-pay advisory votes when making future compensation decisions for our named executive officers. We will hold an advisory vote on the compensation of named executive officers at our 2013 annual meeting of stockholders.
Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions
Our Chief Executive Officer annually reviews the performance of each of our named executive officers (other than the Chief Executive Officer, the President and the Chief Operating Officer of the Climate Control Business) and presents to the Compensation Committee recommendations with respect to salary, bonuses and other benefit items. The Compensation Committee considers such recommendations in light of the Compensation Committees philosophy and objectives and exercises its discretion in accepting or modifying the recommended compensation. Historically, the Compensation Committee has generally adopted the recommended compensation. In determining compensation for the Chief Executive Officer, the President and the Chief Operating Officer of the Climate Control Business, the Compensation Committee reviews the responsibilities and performance of each of them. Such review includes interviewing these officers and consideration of the Compensation Committees observations of these officers during the applicable year.
2012 Executive Compensation Components
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the principal components of compensation for the named executive officers were:
| base salary; |
| cash bonus; |
| death benefit and salary continuation plans; and |
| perquisites and other personal benefits. |
The Compensation Committee did not award equity-based compensation, such as stock options, to the named executive officers in 2012. As discussed below, the Compensation Committee awarded salary increases and bonuses to the named executive officers for 2012. Those awards were considered sufficient to provide competitively based incentives to our executives to advance company performance, without granting equity based compensation as well. The Committees assessment was that the named executive officers in 2012 continued to maintain a sufficient ownership interest in the Company to provide alignment with the Companys long-term interests. We do not benchmark the amount of total compensation or any material element of compensation.
Base Salary
We provide the named executive officers and other senior executive officers with base salary to compensate them for services rendered during the year. We do not have a defined benefit or qualified retirement plan for our executives. This factor is considered when setting the base compensation for senior executive officers since it is expected that senior executive officers will take responsibility for their individual retirement plan arrangements.
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Base salaries are determined for the named executive officers in the discretion of the Compensation Committee based upon the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officers assessment of the executives compensation, both individually and relative to the other senior executive officers, and based upon an assessment of the individual performance of the executive during the preceding year. In determining the base salary for the Chief Executive Officer, the President and the Chief Operating Officer of the Climate Control Business, the Compensation Committee exercises its judgment based on its observations of such senior executive officers and the Compensation Committees assessment of such officers contribution to the Companys performance and other leadership achievements. Although the Compensation Committee does not use specific performance targets to set base salaries or bonuses, the Compensation Committee awarded salary increases in 2012 based on the above criteria and with consideration of the overall improved financial performance of the Company during challenging economic conditions.
Cash Bonuses
The Compensation Committee may award cash bonuses to the named executive officers to reward outstanding performance. No bonus is guaranteed, and there is no defined range of bonus amounts that the Compensation Committee may award. Bonus awards are made at the Compensation Committees discretion based upon an assessment of an individuals overall contribution to the Company. Based on the assessments and recommendations described below, the Compensation Committee awarded bonuses to the managers and executive officers in 2012.
Bonus awards are based upon assessment of an individuals overall contribution to the Company. This assessment includes a subjective analysis of the achievement of an individuals goals for their areas of responsibility, the individuals contribution to the achievement of our priorities and strategic plans, and the individuals material accomplishments achieved during the year. In considering an individuals overall contribution to the Company, the Compensation Committee will account for the individuals level of experience relevant to the Companys businesses, the individuals tenure with the Company, and the individuals level of responsibility. The assessment is a subjective evaluation of accomplishment and contribution to the Company and is not based on the achievement of specific performance metrics. Our CEO, Jack E. Golsen, provides the Compensation Committee with his assessment of the contributions to the Company during the applicable year by our named executive officers other than for himself, Barry H. Golsen, our President, and Steven J. Golsen, our Chief Operating Officer for our Climate Control Business, for purposes of determining bonus compensation for such year. The Compensation Committee discusses our CEOs recommendations with the CEO, and in the past has generally accepted the CEOs recommendations as to bonuses for our named executive officers. With respect to bonus awards for Jack E. Golsen, Barry H. Golsen and Steven J. Golsen, the Compensation Committee assesses the overall contribution of each of them based on the interaction with each of them, review of the matters that are presented to the Board of Directors for consideration or discussion, and interviews with other senior executive officers.
In assessing the overall contribution of Jack E. Golsen to the Company for purposes of bonus compensation, the Compensation Committee considered Mr. Golsens management of the Company through challenging global economic conditions, the profitability of the Company, the retention and development of our executive team, his development of key business relationships for the Company, and his efforts in developing strategies for the Companys future revenue and market growth. Mr. Golsens level of responsibility and the effectiveness of his leadership were also considered in the assessment of his overall contribution to the Company during 2012. In addition, the Compensation Committee considered and complied with the terms of Mr. Golsens Employment Agreement with the Company.
The assessment of Tony M. Shelbys overall contribution to the Company for purposes of bonus compensation included an evaluation of the complexity of Mr. Shelbys responsibilities as our chief financial officer, his leadership in the management of the Companys financial resources, his efforts in developing strategies for the Companys future revenue growth, his accomplishments in negotiating important commercial contracts, his development of key business relationships for the Company, and his continued commitment to enhancing our internal audit function and improving its finance processes.
The assessment of Barry H. Golsens overall contribution to the Company for purposes of determining his bonus compensation included his leadership of the Company and our climate control and chemical businesses through challenging global economic conditions, profitability of the Company for 2012, his retention and development of our management, his accomplishments in developing improved investor and shareholder communication, and his efforts in developing the Companys future market growth.
The assessment of Steven J. Golsens overall contribution to the Company for purposes of determining his bonus compensation included his leadership of our climate control business and machine tool and specialized engineering business through challenging global economic conditions, profitability of the Company for 2012, his recruitment, retention and development of our management, and his involvement in developing plans for the Companys future growth.
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The assessment of David R. Goss overall contribution to the Company for purposes of bonus compensation included an evaluation of the complexity of Mr. Goss responsibilities as our executive vice president of operations, especially during challenging global economic conditions, his management and development of our chemical facility located in Pryor, Oklahoma, and his management of our resources with a view to their most productive and efficient uses.
The assessment of David M. Shears overall contribution to the Company for purposes of bonus compensation included an evaluation of the complexity of Mr. Shears responsibilities as our general counsel, the effectiveness of his oversight of our legal department, his management of litigation and corporate matters, his accomplishments in negotiating important commercial contracts, the utility of his communications with our Board of Directors and executive officers, his contributions to the oversight of the our corporate governance and compliance functions, and his leadership in the design and implementation of the Companys chemical property insurance program and chemical plant reliability enhancement and risk reduction program.
Death Benefit and Salary Continuation Plans
We sponsor non-qualified arrangements to provide a death benefit to the designated beneficiary of certain key employees (including certain of the named executive officers) in the event of such executives death (the Death Benefit Plans). We also have a non-qualified arrangement with certain of our key employees (including certain of the named executive officers) to provide compensation to such individuals in the event that they are employed by the Company at age 65 (the Salary Continuation Plans).
Attributed costs of the personal benefits described above for the named executive officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, are discussed in footnote (1) and included in column (i) of the Summary Compensation Table.
The Compensation Committee believes that the Death Benefit and Salary Continuation Plans are significant factors in:
| enabling the Company to retain its named executive officers; |
| encouraging our named executive officers to render outstanding service; and |
| maintaining competitive levels of total compensation. |
Severance Agreements
We have entered into change of control severance agreements with certain key employees, including the named executive officers. The severance agreements are designed to promote stability and continuity of senior management. The severance agreements provide generally that if an executive officer who is a party to a severance agreement is terminated, other than for cause, within 24 months after the occurrence of a change-in-control of the Company or the executive officer terminates his employment for good reason following a change in control, we must pay the executive officer an amount equal to 2.9 times the officers average annual gross salary for the last five years preceding the change in control. The Compensation Committee believes that the severance agreements are an important element in retaining our senior management. These severance agreements are described under Severance Agreements below. Information regarding applicable payments under such agreements for the named executive officers is provided under the heading Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-In-Control.
Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits
We and the Compensation Committee believe that perquisites are necessary and appropriate parts of total compensation that contribute to our ability to attract and retain superior executives. Accordingly, we and the Compensation Committee provided our named executive officers and certain other executive officers a limited number of perquisites that are reasonable and consistent with our overall compensation program.
We currently provide the named executive officers with the use of our automobiles, provide cell phones that are used primarily for business purposes, and pay the country club dues for certain of the executive officers. The executive officers are expected to use the country club in large part for business purposes.
The Compensation Committee periodically reviews the levels of perquisites provided to the named executive officers to determine whether such perquisites are consistent with our compensation policies.
Employment Agreement
We have no employment agreements with our named executive officers, except with Jack E. Golsen, our Chief Executive Officer. The terms of Mr. Golsens employment agreement are described below under Employment Agreement. We believe that Mr. Golsens employment agreement promotes stability in our senior management and encourages Mr. Golsen to provide superior service to us. The current term of the Employment Agreement expires March 21, 2014, but will automatically renew for up to two additional three-year periods, unless earlier terminated by either party with one years notice.
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Ownership Guidelines
We have not established any guidelines which require our executive officers to acquire and hold our common stock. However, our named executive officers have historically acquired and maintained a significant ownership position in our common stock.
Tax and Accounting Implications
Deductibility of Executive CompensationSection 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, provides that we may not deduct compensation of more than $1,000,000 of employee remuneration for named executive officers. However, the statute exempts qualifying performance-based compensation from the deduction limit when specified requirements are met. In the past, we have granted non-qualifying stock options to the named executive officers that do not meet the performance-based compensation criteria and are subject to the Section 162(m) limitation. Our compensation deduction was not limited by Section 162(m) in 2012, 2011 and 2010.
Accounting for Stock-Based CompensationWe account for stock-based payments, including our incentive and nonqualified stock options, in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.
Compensation and Stock Option Committee Report
Our Compensation and Stock Option Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation and Stock Option Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included herein.
Submitted by the Compensation and Stock Option Committee of the Companys Board of Directors.
Charles A. Burtch, Chairman
Bernard G. Ille
The following table summarizes the total compensation paid or earned by each of the named executive officers for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 2012.
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Summary Compensation Table
(a) |
(b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | (i) | (j) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and Principal Position |
Year | Salary ($) |
Bonus ($) |
Stock Awards ($) |
Option Awards ($) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) |
Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) |
All Other Compensation ($) (1) |
Total ($) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jack E Golsen, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 830,954 | 200,000 | | | | | 225,479 | 1,256,433 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 703,500 | 200,000 | | | | | 213,869 | 1,117,369 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 659,400 | 150,000 | | | | | 746,993 | 1,556,393 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tony M. Shelby, Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 300,000 | 200,000 | | | | | 17,310 | 517,310 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 287,115 | 100,000 | | | | | 16,932 | 404,047 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 275,000 | 100,000 | | | | | 15,385 | 390,385 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Barry H. Golsen, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and President of the Climate Control Business |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 627,523 | 200,000 | | | | | 39,092 | 866,615 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 574,831 | 200,000 | | | | | 34,311 | 809,142 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 550,600 | 150,000 | | | | | 32,803 | 733,403 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Steven J. Golsen, Chief Operating Officer of the Climate Control Business |
2012 | 408,846 | 150,000 | | | | | 36,624 | 595,470 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 369,385 | 150,000 | | | | | 30,211 | 549,596 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 350,000 | 150,000 | | | | | 29,028 | 529,028 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
David R. Goss, Executive Vice President of Operations |
2012 | 300,500 | 200,000 | | | | | 10,254 | 510,754 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 285,039 | 100,000 | | | | | 8,569 | 393,608 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 270,500 | 85,000 | | | | | 9,308 | 364,808 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
David M. Shear, Senior Vice President and General Counsel |
2012 | 300,000 | 125,000 | | | | | 26,357 | 451,357 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 287,116 | 100,000 | | | | | 20,837 | 407,953 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 275,000 | 85,000 | | | | | 20,126 | 380,126 |
(1) | We have a death benefit agreement with each named executive officer, as described below under 1981 Agreements and 2005 Agreement. Compensation reported for the death benefit under these agreements is the greater of: |
| the expense incurred for our accrued death benefit liability; or |
| the pro rata portion of life insurance premium expense to fund the undiscounted death benefit. |
Amounts accrued under these agreements are not paid until the death of the named executive officer.
We have separate death benefit and salary continuation agreements with each named executive officer. As discussed below under 1992 Agreements, these agreements provide a death benefit until the employee reaches age 65 and benefits for life commencing when the employee reaches age 65. Compensation reported for these benefits is the greater of:
| the expense incurred associated with our accrued benefit liability or |
| the pro rata portion of life insurance premium expense to fund the undiscounted death benefit. |
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The amounts set forth under All Other Compensation are comprised of the compensation expense relating to the 1981 Agreements, 1992 Agreements, and 2005 Agreement, as described above, and perquisites for 2012, as follows:
1981 Agreements |
1992 Agreements |
2005 Agreement |
Other (A) | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Jack E. Golsen |
$ | 90,663 | $ | | $ | 129,519 | $ | 5,297 | $ | 225,479 | ||||||||||
Tony M. Shelby |
$ | 2,662 | $ | 3,178 | $ | | $ | 11,470 | $ | 17,310 | ||||||||||
Barry H. Golsen |
$ | 1,686 | $ | 32,201 | $ | | $ | 5,205 | $ | 39,092 | ||||||||||
Steven J. Golsen |
$ | 581 | $ | 29,520 | $ | | $ | 6,523 | $ | 36,624 | ||||||||||
David R. Goss |
$ | 3,186 | $ | 2,771 | $ | | $ | 4,297 | $ | 10,254 | ||||||||||
David M. Shear |
$ | | $ | 22,985 | $ | | $ | 3,372 | $ | 26,357 |
(A) | Amount relates primarily to the personal use of automobiles, cell phones and country club dues. |
Employment Agreement
We have an employment agreement with Jack E. Golsen, which requires the Company to employ Mr. Golsen as an executive officer of the Company. The current term of the employment agreement expires March 21, 2014, but will be automatically renewed for up to two additional three-year periods, unless terminated by either party by written notice at least one year prior to the expiration of the then current term. Under the terms of the employment agreement, Mr. Golsen shall:
| be paid an annual base salary at his 1995 base rate, as adjusted from time to time by the Compensation Committee, but such shall never be adjusted to an amount less than Mr. Golsens 1995 base salary, |
| be paid an annual bonus in an amount as determined by the Compensation Committee, and |
| receive from the Company certain other fringe benefits (vacation; health and disability insurance). |
The employment agreement provides that Mr. Golsens employment may not be terminated, except:
| upon conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude after all appeals have been exhausted (Conviction), |
| Mr. Golsens serious, willful, gross misconduct or willful, gross negligence of duties resulting in material damage to the Company, taken as a whole, unless Mr. Golsen believed, in good faith, that such action or failure to act was in our best interest (Misconduct), and |
| Mr. Golsens death. |
However, no termination for a Conviction or Misconduct may occur unless and until the Company has delivered to Mr. Golsen a resolution duly adopted by an affirmative vote of three-fourths of the entire membership of the Board of Directors at a meeting called for such purpose after reasonable notice given to Mr. Golsen finding, in good faith, that Mr. Golsen violated such item.
The employment agreement provides that, if Mr. Golsens employment is terminated for reasons other than due to a Conviction or Misconduct, then we shall pay to Mr. Golsen:
| a cash payment on the date of termination, equal to the amount of Mr. Golsens annual base salary at the time of such termination and the amount of the last bonus paid to Mr. Golsen prior to such termination times the number of years remaining under the then current term of the employment agreement, and |
| provide to Mr. Golsen all of the fringe benefits that the Company was obligated to provide during his employment under the employment agreement for the remainder of the term of the employment agreement. |
If there is a change in control (as defined in the severance agreement between Mr. Golsen and the Company as discussed below under Severance Agreements) and within 24 months after such change in control Mr. Golsen is terminated, other than for Cause (as defined in the severance agreement), then in such event, the severance agreement between Mr. Golsen and the Company shall be controlling.
In the event Mr. Golsen becomes disabled and is not able to perform his duties under the employment agreement as a result if the disability for a period of 12 consecutive months within any two-year period, we will pay Mr. Golsen his full salary for the remainder of the term of the employment agreement and thereafter 60% of such salary until Mr. Golsens death.
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1981 Agreements
During 1981, we entered into individual death benefit agreements (the 1981 Agreements) with certain key employees (including certain of the named executive officers). The designated beneficiary of each named executive officer will receive a monthly benefit for a period of 10 years if the officer dies while in the employment of the Company. The 1981 Agreements, as amended, provide that we may terminate the agreement as to any officer at any time prior to the officers death. We have purchased life insurance on the life of each officer covered under the 1981 Agreements to provide a source of funds for our obligations under the 1981 Agreements. We are the owner and sole beneficiary of each of the insurance policies and the proceeds are payable to the Company upon the death of the officer. The following table sets forth the amounts of annual benefits payable to the designated beneficiary or beneficiaries of the named executive officers under the 1981 Agreements.
Amount of Annual | ||||
Name of Individual |
Payment | |||
Jack E. Golsen |
$ | 175,000 | ||
Tony M. Shelby |
$ | 35,000 | ||
Barry H. Golsen |
$ | 30,000 | ||
Steven J. Golsen |
$ | 19,000 | ||
David R. Goss |
$ | 35,000 | ||
David M. Shear |
N/A |
1992 Agreements
During 1992, we entered into individual benefit agreements with certain of our key employees (including certain of the named executive officers) to provide compensation to such individuals in the event that they are employed by the Company at age 65 (the 1992 Agreements). Each officer that has entered into a 1992 Agreement is eligible to receive a designated benefit (Benefit) as set forth in the 1992 Agreements, as amended. The officer will receive the Benefit beginning at the age 65 for the remainder of the officers life. If prior to attaining the age 65, the officer dies while in the employment of the Company, the designated beneficiary of the officer will receive a monthly benefit (Death Benefit) for a period of 10 years. The 1992 Agreements provide that we may terminate the agreement as to any officer at any time and for any reason prior to the death of the officer. We have purchased insurance on the life of each officer covered under the 1992 Agreements. We are the owner and sole beneficiary of each insurance policy, and the proceeds are payable to the Company to provide a source of funds for our obligations under the 1992 Agreements. Under the terms of the 1992 Agreements, if the officer becomes incapacitated prior to retirement or prior to reaching age 65, the officer may request us to cash-in any life insurance on the life of such officer purchased to fund our obligations under the 1992 Agreements. Jack E. Golsen does not participate in the 1992 Agreements.
The following table sets forth the amounts of annual benefits payable to the named executive officers under the 1992 Agreements at December 31, 2012.
Name of Individual |
Amount of Annual Benefit |
Amount of Annual Death Benefit |
||||||
Jack E. Golsen |
N/A | N/A | ||||||
Tony M. Shelby |
$ | 15,605 | N/A | |||||
Barry H. Golsen |
$ | 17,480 | $ | 11,596 | ||||
Steven J. Golsen |
$ | 17,545 | $ | 10,690 | ||||
David R. Goss |
$ | 17,403 | N/A | |||||
David M. Shear |
$ | 17,822 | $ | 7,957 |
2005 Agreement
During 2005, we entered into a death benefit agreement (2005 Agreement) with Jack E. Golsen. This agreement replaced existing benefits that were payable to Mr. Golsen. The 2005 Agreement provides that, upon Mr. Golsens death, we will pay to Mr. Golsens family or designated beneficiary $2.5 million to be funded from the net proceeds received by us under certain life insurance policies on Mr. Golsens life that were purchased and are owned by the Company. The 2005 Agreement requires that we are obligated to keep in existence no less than $2.5 million of the stated death benefit. The life insurance policies in force provide an aggregate stated death benefit of $7.0 million to the Company, as beneficiary.
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Life Insurance Policies
As discussed above under the 1981 Agreements, 1992 Agreements and 2005 Agreements, we maintain life insurance on the life of each named executive officer to provide a source of funds for our obligations under these agreements. The following table sets forth the total face value of life insurance policies in force for each named executive officer and the net cash surrender value of the life insurance policies at December 31, 2012.
Name of Individual |
Total Face Value of Life Insurance Policies |
Amount of Net Cash Surrender Value |
||||||
Jack E. Golsen |
$ | 7,000,000 | $ | 1,219,000 | ||||
Tony M. Shelby |
$ | 788,049 | $ | 33,000 | ||||
Barry H. Golsen |
$ | 4,115,016 | $ | 559,146 | ||||
Steven J. Golsen |
$ | 871,127 | $ | 34,130 | ||||
David R. Goss |
$ | 1,334,372 | $ | 340,615 | ||||
David M. Shear |
$ | 450,000 | $ | 8,609 |
401(k) Plan
We maintain The Savings Incentive Plan for LSB Industries, Inc. and Designated Subsidiaries (the 401(k) Plan) for qualifying employees (including the named executive officers) of the Company. As relating to the named executive officers, the 401(k) Plan is funded by the officers contributions. We make no contributions to the 401(k) Plan for any of the named executive officers. The amount that an officer may contribute to the 401(k) Plan equals a certain percentage of the employees compensation, with the percentage based on the officers income and certain other criteria as required under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. We deduct the amounts contributed to the 401(k) Plan from the officers compensation each pay period, in accordance with the officers instructions, and pay the amount into the 401(k) Plan pursuant to the officers election. The salary and bonus set forth in the Summary Compensation Table above include any amounts contributed by the named executive officers during the 2012, 2011 and 2010 fiscal years pursuant to the 401(k) Plan.
Outstanding Equity Awards At December 31, 2012
At December 31, 2012, none of the named executive officers had any vested or unvested outstanding equity awards. In addition, none of the named executive officers exercised stock option awards and no stock option awards vested in 2012.
Severance Agreements
We have entered into severance agreements, as amended, with each of the named executive officers. Each severance agreement provides that if, within 24 months after the occurrence of a change in control (as defined) of the Company, we terminate the officers employment other than for cause (as defined), or the officer terminates his employment for good reason (as defined), we must pay the officer an amount equal to 2.9 times the officers base amount (as defined). The term base amount means the average annual gross compensation paid by the Company to the officer and includable in the officers gross income during the most recent five-year period immediately preceding the change in control. If the officer has been employed by the Company for less than five years, the base amount is calculated with respect to the most recent number of taxable years ending before the change in control that the officer worked for the Company.
The severance agreements provide that a change in control means a change in control of the Company of a nature that would require the filing of a Form 8-K with the SEC and, in any event, would mean when:
| any individual, firm, corporation, entity, or group (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 30% or more of the combined voting power of LSBs outstanding voting securities having the right to vote for the election of directors, except acquisitions by: |
| any person, firm, corporation, entity, or group which, as of the date of the severance agreement, has that ownership, or |
| Jack E. Golsen, his children and the spouses of his children; his estate; executor or administrator of any estate, guardian or custodian for Jack E. Golsen, his children, or the spouses of his children, any corporation, trust, partnership, or other entity of which Jack E. Golsen, his children, or the spouses of his children own at least 80% of the outstanding beneficial voting or equity interests, directly or indirectly, either by any one or more of the above-described persons, entities, or estates; and certain affiliates and associates of any of the above-described persons, entities, or estates; |
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| individuals who, as of the date of the severance agreement, constitute our Board of Directors (the Incumbent Board) and who cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors except that any person becoming a director subsequent to the date of the severance agreement, whose election or nomination for election is approved by a majority of the Incumbent Board (with certain limited exceptions), will constitute a member of the Incumbent Board; or |
| the sale by the Company of all or substantially all of its assets. |
Except for the severance agreement with Jack E. Golsen, the termination of an officers employment with the Company for cause means termination because of:
| the mental or physical disability from performing the officers duties for a period of 120 consecutive days or one hundred eighty days (even though not consecutive) within a 360 day period; |
| the conviction of a felony; |
| the embezzlement by the officer of our assets resulting in substantial personal enrichment of the officer at the expense of the Company; or |
| the willful failure (when not mentally or physically disabled) to follow a direct written order from our Board of Directors within the reasonable scope of the officers duties performed during the 60 day period prior to the change in control. |
The definition of Cause contained in the severance agreement with Jack E. Golsen means termination because of:
| the conviction of Mr. Golsen of a felony involving moral turpitude after all appeals have been completed; or |
| if due to Mr. Golsens serious, willful, gross misconduct or willful, gross neglect of his duties has resulted in material damages to the Company, taken as a whole, provided that: |
| no action or failure to act by Mr. Golsen will constitute a reason for termination if he believed, in good faith, that such action or failure to act was in our best interest, and |
| failure of Mr. Golsen to perform his duties hereunder due to disability shall not be considered willful, gross misconduct or willful, gross negligence of his duties for any purpose. |
The termination of an officers employment with the Company for good reason means termination because of:
| the assignment to the officer of duties inconsistent with the officers position, authority, duties, or responsibilities during the 60 day period immediately preceding the change in control of the Company or any other action which results in the diminishment of those duties, position, authority, or responsibilities; |
| the relocation of the officer; |
| any purported termination by the Company of the officers employment with us otherwise than as permitted by the severance agreement; or |
| in the event of a change in control of the Company, the failure of the successor or parent company to agree, in form and substance satisfactory to the officer, to assume (as to a successor) or guarantee (as to a parent) the severance agreement as if no change in control had occurred. |
Except for the severance agreement with Jack E. Golsen, each severance agreement expires on the earlier of: (a) three years after the date of the severance agreement, or (b) the date of retirement from the Company; however, beginning on the first anniversary of the severance agreement and on each annual anniversary thereafter, the term of the severance agreement automatically extends for an additional one-year period, unless we give notice otherwise at least 60 days prior to the anniversary date. The severance agreement with Jack E. Golsen is effective for a period of three years from the date of the severance agreement; except that, commencing on the date one year after the date of such severance agreement and on each anniversary thereafter, the term of such severance agreement shall be automatically extended so as to terminate three years from such renewal date, unless we give notices otherwise at least one year prior to the renewal date.
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Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-In-Control
The following table reflects the total amount that we would have been required to pay to each of the named executive officers under the applicable agreement if the respective trigger event had occurred on December 31, 2012.
Severance Pay Trigger Event*
Name and Executive Benefit and Payments Upon |
Voluntary Termination ($) |
Involuntary Other Than For Cause Termination ($) |
Involuntary For Cause Termination ($) |
Involuntary Other Than For Cause Termination- Change of Control ($) |
Voluntary For Good Reason Termination- Change of Control ($) |
Disability/In capacitation ($) |
Death ($) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Jack E Golsen: (1)(2)(5) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Salary |
| 1,038,693 | | 2,541,500 | 2,541,500 | 3,456,789 | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Bonus |
| 250,000 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Death Benefits |
| | | | | | 4,250,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
| 72,091 | | | | | 72,091 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tony M. Shelby: (2)(3)(4) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Salary |
| | | 1,205,472 | 1,205,472 |