form_10q.htm
LSB Industries, Inc.

Form 10-Q (3-31-2010)

 
UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q
 
[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
 
For the quarterly period ended             March 31, 2010       
   
 
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 or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization
I.R.S. Employer Identification No.
 
       16 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma                     73107      
                 Address of principal executive offices                  (Zip Code)
 
               (405) 235-4546                 
  Registrant's telephone number, including area code
 
          __             None            _        ___          
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if  changed since last report.
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  [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).  [  ] Yes [  ] No
 
1

(Facing Sheet Continued)

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 [  ] Accelerated filer [X]

Non-accelerated filer [  ] Smaller reporting company [  ]

(Do not check if a 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 number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's voting common stock, as of April 30, 2010 was 21,231,058 shares, excluding 4,143,362 shares held as treasury stock.
 
 

 
FORM 10-Q OF LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


 
   
     
 
PART I – Financial Information
Page
     
Item 1.
4
     
Item 2.
 35
     
Item 3.
 56
     
Item 4.
 57
     
58
     
 
PART II – Other Information
 
     
Item 1.
60
     
Item 1A.
60
     
Item 2.
60
     
Item 3.
60
     
Item 4.
60
     
Item 5.
60
     
Item 6.
61
 

PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Information at March 31, 2010 is unaudited)
 
 

 
March 31,
2010
 
December 31,
2009
 
(In Thousands)
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 45,067     $ 61,739  
Restricted cash
    582       30  
Short-term investments
    10,000       10,051  
Accounts receivable, net
    67,906       57,762  
Inventories:
               
Finished goods
    36,319       25,753  
Work in process
    2,104       2,466  
Raw materials
    22,690       22,794  
Total inventories
    61,113       51,013  
Supplies, prepaid items and other:
               
Prepaid insurance
    3,206       4,136  
Prepaid income taxes
    1,181       1,642  
Precious metals
    12,194       13,083  
Supplies
    5,415       4,886  
Other
    2,682       1,626  
Total supplies, prepaid items and other
    24,678       25,373  
Deferred income taxes
    5,459       5,527  
Total current assets
    214,805       211,495  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
    122,877       117,962  
                 
Other assets:
               
Debt issuance costs, net
    1,547       1,652  
Investment in affiliate
    3,959       3,838  
Goodwill
    1,724       1,724  
Other, net
    2,168       1,962  
Total other assets
    9,398       9,176  
    $ 347,080     $ 338,633  
 
(Continued on following page)


LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(Information at March 31, 2010 is unaudited)
 

 
March 31,
2010
 
December 31,
2009
 
(In Thousands)
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
           
Current liabilities:
           
Accounts payable
  $ 39,297     $ 37,553  
Short-term financing
    1,905       3,017  
Accrued and other liabilities
    25,367       23,054  
Current portion of long-term debt
    3,438       3,205  
Total current liabilities
    70,007       66,829  
                 
Long-term debt
    101,775       98,596  
                 
Noncurrent accrued and other liabilities
    10,776       10,626  
                 
Deferred income taxes
    12,094       11,975  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
               
                 
Stockholders' equity:
               
Series B 12% cumulative, convertible preferred stock, $100 par value; 20,000 shares issued and outstanding
    2,000       2,000  
Series D 6% cumulative, convertible Class C preferred stock, no par value; 1,000,000 shares issued
    1,000       1,000  
Common stock, $.10 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized, 25,371,925 shares issued (25,369,095 at December 31, 2009)
    2,537       2,537  
Capital in excess of par value
    130,349       129,941  
Retained earnings
    42,495       41,082  
      178,381       176,560  
Less treasury stock at cost:
               
Common stock, 4,143,362 shares
    25,953       25,953  
Total stockholders' equity
    152,428       150,607  
    $ 347,080     $ 338,633  
 
See accompanying notes.


LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009
 
 
2010
 
2009
 
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Net sales
$
130,410
   
$
150,197
 
Cost of sales
 
102,144
     
109,469
 
Gross profit
 
28,266
     
40,728
 
               
Selling, general and administrative expense
 
24,589
     
21,375
 
Provisions for losses on accounts receivable
 
9
     
52
 
Other expense
 
58
     
43
 
Other income
 
(806
)
   
(162
)
Operating income
 
4,416
     
19,420
 
               
Interest expense
 
2,080
     
1,911
 
Gain on extinguishment of debt
 
-
     
(1,322
)
Non-operating other income, net
 
(38
)
   
(23
)
Income from continuing operations before provisions for income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliate
 
2,374
     
18,854
 
Provisions for income taxes
 
912
     
7,349
 
Equity in earnings of affiliate
 
(261
)
   
(240
)
Income from continuing operations
 
1,723
     
11,745
 
               
Net loss from discontinued operations
 
5
     
2
 
Net income
 
1,718
     
11,743
 
               
Dividends on preferred stocks
 
305
     
306
 
Net income applicable to common stock
$
1,413
   
$
11,437
 
               
Weighted-average common shares:
             
Basic
 
21,226
     
21,110
 
               
Diluted
 
21,364
     
23,671
 
               
Income per common share:
             
Basic
$
.07
   
$
.54
 
               
Diluted
$
.07
   
$
.51
 
               
 
See accompanying notes.
 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010

 
 
 
Common
Stock
Shares
 
Non-
Redeemable
Preferred
Stock
 
 
Common
Stock Par
Value
 
 
Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
 
 
 
Retained
Earnings
 
 
Treasury
Stock-
Common
 
 
 
 
Total
 
(In Thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2009
  25,369     $ 3,000     $ 2,537     $ 129,941     $ 41,082     $ (25,953 )   $ 150,607  
Net income
                                  1,718               1,718  
Dividends paid on preferred stocks
                                  (305 )             (305 )
Stock-based compensation
                          247                       247  
Exercise of stock options
  2                       22                       22  
Excess income tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation
                          138                       138  
Conversion of 13 shares of redeemable preferred stock to common stock
  1                       1                       1  
Balance at March 31, 2010
  25,372     $ 3,000     $ 2,537     $ 130,349     $ 42,495     $ (25,953 )   $ 152,428  

See accompanying notes.
 
Note: For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, total comprehensive income was $1,718,000 and $11,815,000, respectively.

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009


 
2010
 
2009
 
(In Thousands)
Cash flows from continuing operating activities:
             
Net income
$
1,718
   
$
11,743
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by continuing operating activities:
             
Net loss from discontinued operations
 
5
     
2
 
Deferred income taxes
 
189
     
1,950
 
Gain on extinguishment of debt
 
-
     
(1,322
)
Losses on sales and disposals of property and equipment
 
3
     
13
 
Gain on property insurance recoveries associated with property, plant and equipment
 
(495
)
   
-
 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
 
4,060
     
3,796
 
Amortization
 
153
     
245
 
Stock-based compensation
 
247
     
261
 
Provisions for losses on accounts receivable
 
9
     
52
 
Provision for (realization of) losses on inventory
 
118
     
(3,032
)
Realization of losses on firm sales commitments
 
(351
)
   
-
 
Equity in earnings of affiliate
 
(261
)
   
(240
)
Distributions received from affiliate
 
140
     
175
 
Changes in fair value of commodities contracts
 
310
     
1,498
 
Changes in fair value of interest rate contracts
 
220
     
70
 
Other
 
(10
)
   
-
 
Cash provided (used) by changes in assets and liabilities:
             
Accounts receivable
 
(11,323
)
   
4,055
 
Inventories
 
(10,218
)
   
8,842
 
Prepaid and accrued income taxes
 
461
     
1,157
 
Other supplies and prepaid items
 
351
     
(538
)
Accounts payable
 
3,291
     
(7,748
)
Accrued payroll and benefits
 
1,885
     
2,009
 
Commodities contracts
 
124
     
(3,127
)
Other current and noncurrent liabilities
 
1,137
     
(1,027
)
Net cash provided (used) by continuing operating activities
 
(8,237
)
   
18,834
 
               
Cash flows from continuing investing activities:
             
Capital expenditures
 
(6,524
)
   
(7,195
)
Proceeds from property insurance recoveries associated with property, plant and equipment
 
1,670
     
-
 
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
 
2
     
1
 
Proceeds from short-term investments
 
10,051
     
-
 
Purchase of short-term investments
 
(10,000
)
   
-
 
Proceeds from (deposits of) restricted cash
 
(552
)
   
148
 
Other assets
 
(209
)
   
(108
)
Net cash used by continuing investing activities
 
(5,562
)
   
(7,154
)

(Continued on following page)

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009

 
2010
 
2009
 
(In Thousands)
Cash flows from continuing financing activities:
             
Proceeds from revolving debt facilities
$
113,111
   
$
143,503
 
Payments on revolving debt facilities
 
(113,111
)
   
(143,503
)
Acquisition of 5.5% convertible debentures
 
-
     
(4,174
)
Proceeds from other long-term debt, net of fees
 
47
     
-
 
Payments on other long-term debt
 
(1,588
)
   
(267
)
Payments on short-term financing
 
(1,112
)
   
(888
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 
22
     
-
 
Excess income tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation
 
136
     
79
 
Dividends paid on preferred stocks
 
(305
)
   
(306
)
Net cash used by continuing financing activities
 
(2,800
)
   
(5,556
)
               
Cash flows of discontinued operations:
             
Operating cash flows
 
(73
)
   
(20
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
(16,672
)
   
6,104
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
61,739
     
46,204
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
45,067
   
$
52,308
 
               
Supplemental cash flow information:
             
               
Cash payments for income taxes, net of refunds
$
150
   
$
4,159
 
               
Noncash investing and financing activities:
             
               
Receivable associated with a property insurance claim
$
-
   
$
1,135
 
Current other assets, accounts payable and long-term debt associated with property, plant and equipment
$
6,074
   
$
2,444
 
Debt issuance costs associated with the acquisition of the 5.5% convertible debentures
$
-
   
$
204
 
               

See accompanying notes.

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Note 1: Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of LSB Industries, Inc. (the “Company”, “We”, “Us”, or “Our”) and its subsidiaries. Through our subsidiaries, we are a manufacturing, marketing and engineering company. Our subsidiaries are primarily engaged in the manufacture and sale of geothermal and water source heat pumps and air handling products (the "Climate Control Business") and the manufacture and sale of chemical products (the “Chemical Business”). The Company is a holding company with no significant operations or assets other than cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and our investments in our subsidiaries. Entities that are 20% to 50% owned and for which we have significant influence are accounted for on the equity method. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company as of March 31, 2010 and for the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 include all adjustments and accruals, consisting of normal, recurring accrual adjustments which are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods. These interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year due, in part, to the seasonality of our sales of agricultural products and the timing of performing our major plant maintenance activities. Our selling seasons for agricultural products are primarily during the spring and fall planting seasons, which typically extend from March through June and from September through November.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted in this Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in connection with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (“2009 Form 10-K”).

Certain reclassifications have been made in our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2009 to conform to our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows presentation for the three months ended March 31, 2010, which reclassifications expanded our continuing operating activity line items. These reclassifications did not impact the total amount of net cash provided by continuing operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2009.

Note 2: Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standards update requiring additional disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities for the purpose of improving the transparency of financial reporting. A portion of the new disclosure requirements became effective for the Company on January 1, 2010 and were applied prospectively. The remaining new disclosure requirements will become effective for the Company on January 1, 2011. See Note 12 - Derivatives, Hedges and Financial Instruments.

Note 3: Short-Term Investments  Investments, which consist of certificates of deposit with an original maturity of 13 weeks, are considered short-term investments. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. 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.
10 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 4: Accounts Receivable, net  Our accounts receivables, net consists of the following:

   
March 31,
2010
 
December 31,
2009
 
(In Thousands)
Trade receivables
$
67,085
   
$
55,318
 
Insurance claims
 
364
     
1,517
 
Other
 
1,138
     
1,603
 
   
68,587
     
58,438
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
(681
)
   
(676
)
 
$
67,906
   
$
57,762
 

Note 5: Inventories Inventories are priced at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis. Finished goods and work-in-process inventories include material, labor, and manufacturing overhead costs. At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, inventory reserves for certain slow-moving inventory items (Climate Control products) were $1,255,000 and $1,198,000, respectively. In addition, inventory reserves for certain nitrogen-based inventories provided by our Chemical Business were $489,000 and $478,000, at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, because cost exceeded the net realizable value.

Changes in our inventory reserves are as follows:

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2010
 
2009
 
(In Thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
$
1,676
   
$
4,141
 
Provision for (realization of) losses
 
118
     
(3,032
)
Write-offs/disposals
 
(50
)
   
-
 
Balance at end of period
$
1,744
   
$
1,109
 

The provision for (realization of) losses is included in cost of sales in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income.

Note 6: 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. 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 and/or capital projects, we may be able to perform procedures to recover precious metals (previously expensed) which have accumulated over time within our manufacturing equipment. When we accumulate precious metals in excess of our production requirements, we may sell a portion of the excess metals.
11

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)

Note 6: Precious Metals (continued)

Precious metals expense, net, consists of the following:

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
(In Thousands)
Precious metals expense
$
1,379
   
$
1,727
 
Recoveries of precious metals
 
-
     
(2,213
)
Gains on sales of precious metals
 
(112
)
   
-
 
Precious metals expense (recoveries), net
$
1,267
   
$
(486
)

Precious metals expense (recoveries), net, is included in cost of sales in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income.

Note 7: Investment in Affiliate  Cepolk Holdings, Inc. (“CHI”), a subsidiary of the Company, is a limited partner and has a 50% equity interest in Cepolk Limited Partnership (“Partnership”) which is accounted for on the equity method. The Partnership owns an energy savings project located at the Ft. Polk Army base in Louisiana (“Project”). As of March 31, 2010, the Partnership and general partner to the Partnership are indebted to a term lender (“Term Lender”) of the Project for approximately $1,687,000 with a term extending to December 2010. CHI has pledged its limited partnership interest in the Partnership to the Term Lender as part of the Term Lender’s collateral securing all obligations under the loan. This guarantee and pledge is limited to CHI’s limited partnership interest and does not expose CHI or the Company to liability in excess of CHI’s limited partnership interest. In accordance with GAAP, no liability is required to be established for this pledge since it was entered into prior to January 1, 2003. CHI has no recourse provisions or available collateral that would enable CHI to recover its partnership interest should the Term Lender be required to perform under this pledge.
12

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)

Note 8: Current and Noncurrent Accrued and Other Liabilities  Our current and noncurrent accrued and other liabilities consist of the following:

 
March 31,
2010
 
December 31,
2009
 
(In Thousands)
Accrued payroll and benefits
  $ 7,785     $ 5,900  
Deferred revenue on extended warranty contracts
    4,967       4,884  
Accrued insurance
    4,224       3,667  
Accrued death benefits
    3,528       3,356  
Accrued warranty costs
    2,991       3,138  
Fair value of derivatives
    2,705       1,929  
Accrued contractual manufacturing obligations
    1,606       732  
Accrued executive benefits
    1,084       1,102  
Accrued interest
    1,014       1,593  
Accrued commissions
    958       1,035  
Other
    5,281       6,344  
      36,143       33,680  
Less noncurrent portion
    10,776       10,626  
Current portion of accrued and other liabilities
  $ 25,367     $ 23,054  

Note 9: Accrued Warranty Costs Our Climate Control Business sells equipment that has an expected life, under normal circumstances and use, that extends over several years. As such, we provide warranties after equipment shipment/start up covering defects in materials and workmanship.

Generally, 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. 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.

Our accounting policy and methodology for warranty arrangements is to measure and recognize the expense and liability for such warranty obligations using a percentage of net sales, based upon our historical 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 possible that future warranty costs could exceed our estimates.
13

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 9: Accrued Warranty Costs (continued)

Changes in our product warranty obligation (accrued warranty costs) are as follows:

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2010
 
2009
 
(In Thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
3,138
   
$
2,820
 
Add: Charged to costs and expenses
 
998
     
1,858
 
Deduct: Costs and expenses incurred
 
(1,145
)
   
(1,814
)
Balance at end of period
$
2,991
   
$
2,864
 

Note 10: Long-Term Debt  Our long-term debt consists of the following:

 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2010
 
2009
 
(In Thousands)
Working Capital Revolver Loan due 2012 (A)
  $ -     $ -  
5.5% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012 (B)
    29,400       29,400  
Secured Term Loan due 2012 (C)
    49,151       50,000  
Other, with a current weighted-average interest rate of 6.42%, most of which is secured by machinery, equipment and real estate
    26,662       22,401  
      105,213       101,801  
Less current portion of long-term debt
    3,438       3,205  
Long-term debt due after one year
  $ 101,775     $ 98,596  

(A)  Our wholly-owned subsidiary, ThermaClime, Inc. (“ThermaClime”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Borrowers”) are parties to a $50 million revolving credit facility (the “Working Capital Revolver Loan”) that provides for advances based on specified percentages of eligible accounts receivable and inventories for ThermaClime, and its subsidiaries. The Working Capital Revolver Loan, as amended, accrues interest at a base rate (generally equivalent to the prime rate) plus .50% or LIBOR plus 1.75% and matures on April 13, 2012. The interest rate at March 31, 2010 was 3.75%. Interest is paid monthly, if applicable.

The facility provides for up to $8.5 million of letters of credit. All letters of credit outstanding reduce availability under the facility. As of March 31, 2010, amounts available for borrowing under the Working Capital Revolver Loan were approximately $49.2 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 .375% per annum for the excess amount available under the facility not drawn and various other audit, appraisal and valuation charges.

The lender may, 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
14

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 10: Long-Term Debt (continued)

Revolver Loan is secured by the assets of all the ThermaClime entities other than El Dorado Nitric Company and its subsidiaries (“EDN”) but excluding the assets securing the Secured Term Loan discussed in (C) below, certain production equipment and facilities utilized by the Climate Control Business, and certain distribution-related assets of El Dorado Chemical Company (“EDC”). In addition, EDN is neither a borrower nor guarantor of the Working Capital Revolver Loan. The carrying value of the pledged assets is approximately $185 million at March 31, 2010.

The Working Capital Revolver Loan, as amended, requires ThermaClime to meet certain financial covenants, including an EBITDA requirement of greater than $25 million, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.10 to 1, and a maximum senior leverage coverage ratio of not greater than 4.50 to 1. These requirements are measured quarterly on a trailing twelve-month basis and as defined in the agreement. ThermaClime was in compliance with those covenants for the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2010. The Working Capital Revolver Loan also contains covenants that, among other things, limit the Borrowers’ (which does not include the Company) 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.

The Working Capital Revolver Loan also requires all collections on accounts receivable be made through a bank account in the name of the lender or their agent.

(B)  In June 2007, we entered into a purchase agreement with each of twenty two qualified institutional buyers (“QIBs”), pursuant to which we sold $60 million aggregate principal amount of debentures (the “2007 Debentures”) in a private placement to the QIBs pursuant to the exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), afforded by Section 4(2) of the Act and Regulation D promulgated under the Act. We received net proceeds of approximately $57 million, after discounts and commissions. In connection with the closing, we entered into an indenture (the “Indenture”) with UMB Bank, as trustee, governing the 2007 Debentures. UMB Bank receives customary compensation from us for such services.

The 2007 Debentures bear interest at the rate of 5.5% per year and mature on July 1, 2012. Interest is payable in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year.

The 2007 Debentures are unsecured obligations and are subordinated in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness, including indebtedness under our revolving debt facilities. The 2007 Debentures are effectively subordinated to all present and future liabilities, including trade payables, of our subsidiaries.

During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we acquired $5.7 million aggregate principal amount of the 2007 Debentures for $4.2 million, with each purchase being negotiated. As a
15

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 10: Long-Term Debt (continued)

result, we recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt of $1.3 million, after writing off the unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the 2007 Debentures acquired.

As the result of acquisitions made in previous years, only $29.4 million of the 2007 Debentures remain outstanding at March 31, 2010. In addition, see discussion concerning $5.0 million of the 2007 Debentures being held by Jack E. Golsen, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), members of his immediate family (spouse and children), entities owned by them and trusts for which they possess voting or dispositive power as trustee (collectively, the “Golsen Group”) in Note 18 - Related Party Transactions.

The 2007 Debentures are convertible by the holders in whole or in part into shares of our common stock prior to their maturity. The conversion rate of the 2007 Debentures for the holders electing to convert all or any portion of a debenture is 36.4 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of debentures (representing a conversion price of $27.47 per share of common stock), subject to adjustment under certain conditions as set forth in the Indenture.

We may redeem some or all of the 2007 Debentures at any time on or after July 2, 2010, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2007 Debentures, plus accrued and unpaid interest, all as set forth in the Indenture. The redemption price will be payable at our option in cash or, subject to certain conditions, shares of our common stock (valued at 95% of the weighted average of the closing sale prices of the common stock for the 20 consecutive trading days ending on the fifth trading day prior to the redemption date), subject to certain conditions being met on the date we mail the notice of redemption.

If a designated event (as defined in the Indenture) occurs prior to maturity, holders of the 2007 Debentures may require us to repurchase all or a portion of their 2007 Debentures for cash at a repurchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 2007 Debentures plus any accrued and unpaid interest, as set forth in the Indenture. If a fundamental change (as defined in the Indenture) occurs on or prior to June 30, 2010, under certain circumstances, we will pay, in addition to the repurchase price, a make-whole premium on the 2007 Debentures converted in connection with, or tendered for repurchase upon, the fundamental change. The make-whole premium will be payable in our common stock or the same form of consideration into which our common stock has been exchanged or converted in the fundamental change. The amount of the make-whole premium, if any, will be based on our stock price on the effective date of the fundamental change. No make-whole premium will be paid if our stock price in connection with the fundamental change is less than or equal to $23.00 per share.

At maturity, we may elect, subject to certain conditions as set forth in the Indenture, to pay up to 50% of the principal amount of the outstanding 2007 Debentures, plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the maturity date, in shares of our common stock (valued at 95% of the weighted average of the closing sale prices of the common stock for the 20 consecutive trading days ending on the fifth trading day prior to the maturity date), if the common stock is then listed on an eligible market, the shares used to pay the 2007 Debentures and any interest thereon are freely tradable, and certain required opinions of counsel are received.
16

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 10: Long-Term Debt (continued)

(C)  ThermaClime and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a $50 million loan agreement (the “Secured Term Loan”) with a certain lender. The Secured Term Loan matures on November 2, 2012 and accrues interest at a defined LIBOR rate plus 3%, which LIBOR rate is adjusted on a quarterly basis. The interest rate at March 31, 2010 was approximately 3.25%. The Secured Term Loan requires only quarterly interest payments with the final payment of interest and principal at maturity. During the first quarter of 2010, we received proceeds from our insurance carrier as a partial payment on an insurance claim, of which we used approximately $0.8 million to pay down the Secured Term Loan.  As a result, approximately $49.2 million remains outstanding at March 31, 2010.

The Secured Term Loan is secured by the real property and equipment located at our El Dorado, Arkansas chemical production facility (the “El Dorado Facility”) and at our Cherokee, Alabama chemical production facility (the “Cherokee Facility”). The carrying value of the pledged assets is approximately $62 million at March 31, 2010.

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 us, all with certain exceptions. At March 31, 2010, the carrying value of the restricted net assets of ThermaClime and its subsidiaries was approximately $65 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. The Secured Term Loan borrowers were in compliance with these financial covenants for the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2010.

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.

The Working Capital Revolver Loan agreement (discussed in (A) above) 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.

Note 11: Commitments and Contingencies

Purchase and Sales Commitments - We entered into the following significant purchase and sales commitments during the three months ended March 31, 2010:

During February 2010, EDC signed an extension of EDC’s anhydrous ammonia purchase agreement with Koch Nitrogen International Sarl (“Koch”). Under the extension, Koch agrees to supply certain of EDC’s requirements of anhydrous ammonia through December 31, 2012.

During February 2010, EDC entered into a cost-plus supply agreement with Orica International Pte Ltd. (“Orica International”) to supply Orica International with 250,000 tons per year of industrial grade ammonium nitrate through December 2014. This new agreement, which became effective January 1, 2010, replaced EDC’s previous agreement to supply 210,000 tons per year of industrial grade ammonium nitrate (“AN”) to Orica USA, Inc.
17 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 11: Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Contingencies - We accrue for contingent losses when such losses are probable and reasonably estimable. In addition, we recognize contingent gains when such gains are realizable or realizable and earned.

Legal Matters - Following is a summary of certain legal matters involving the Company.

A.
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 and distribution of chemical products 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 material costs or liabilities will not be incurred by us 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 recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. We are obligated to monitor certain discharge water outlets at our Chemical Business facilities should we discontinue the operations of a facility. We also 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. Since we currently have no plans to discontinue the use of these facilities and the remaining life of the facilities is indeterminable, an asset retirement liability has not been recognized. Currently, there is insufficient information to estimate the fair value of the asset retirement obligations. However, we will continue to review these obligations and record a liability when a reasonable estimate of the fair value can be made.

1.      Discharge Water Matters

The El Dorado Facility owned by EDC generates process wastewater, which includes cooling tower and boiler blowdowns, contact storm water and miscellaneous spills and leaks from process equipment. The process water discharge, storm-water runoff and miscellaneous spills and leaks are governed by a state National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) water discharge permit issued by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (“ADEQ”), which permit is to be renewed every five years. The ADEQ issued to EDC a NPDES water discharge permit in 2004, and the El Dorado Facility had until June 1, 2007 to meet the compliance deadline for the more restrictive limits under the 2004 NPDES permit. In order to
18 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 11: Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

meet the El Dorado Facility’s June 2007 limits, the El Dorado Facility has significantly reduced the contaminant levels of its wastewater.

The El Dorado Facility has generally demonstrated its ability to comply with the more restrictive permit limits, and believes that if it is required to meet the more restrictive dissolved minerals permit levels, it believes that it should be able to do so. The El Dorado Facility is currently having discussions with the ADEQ to modify and reduce the permit levels as to dissolved minerals, but, although the rule is a state rule, any revisions must also be approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) before it can become effective. Additional information has been provided to the EPA regarding the dissolved mineral issue. Once the rule change is complete, the permit limits can be modified to incorporate reasonably achievable dissolved minerals permit levels. The ADEQ and the El Dorado Facility also entered into a Consent Administrative Order (“CAO”) which authorized the El Dorado Facility to continue operating through December 31, 2009, without incurring permit violations pending the modification of the permit to implement the revised rule. The ADEQ did not extend the CAO due to the above mentioned dissolved minerals issue; however, in the interim, the El Dorado Facility is currently in compliance with the more restrictive permit limits under the 2004 NPDES permit.

In March 2009, the EPA notified the ADEQ that it disapproved the dissolved mineral rulemaking due to insufficient documentation. Representatives of EDC, ADEQ and the EPA have met to determine what additional information was required by the EPA. During January 2010, EDC received an Administrative Order from the EPA noting certain violations of the permit and requesting EDC to demonstrate compliance with the permit or provide a plan and schedule for returning to compliance. EDC has provided the EPA a response which states that the El Dorado Facility is now in compliance with the permit, that the El Dorado Facility expects to maintain compliance and that all but fifteen of the alleged violations were resolved through the CAO with the ADEQ. During the meeting with the EPA prior to the issuance of the Administrative Order, the EPA advised EDC that its primary objective was to bring the El Dorado Facility into compliance with the permit requirements, but reserved the right to assess penalties for past and continuing violations of the permit. As a result, it is unknown whether the EPA might elect to pursue civil penalties against EDC. Therefore, no liability has been established as a result of the Administrative Order at March 31, 2010.

In addition, EDC has entered into a CAO that recognizes the presence of nitrate contamination in the shallow groundwater at the El Dorado Facility. EDC is addressing the shallow groundwater contamination. The CAO requires the El Dorado Facility 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. The required risk assessment was submitted in August 2007. The final remedy for shallow groundwater contamination, should any remediation be required, will be selected pursuant to the new CAO 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 and cannot currently be reasonably estimated. Therefore, no liability has been established at March 31, 2010, in connection with this matter.
19 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 11: Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

2.      Air Matters

The EPA has sent information requests to most, if not all, of the nitric acid plants in the United States, including to us relating to our El Dorado and Cherokee Facilities and the Baytown, Texas facility (the “Baytown Facility”), requesting information under Section 114 of the Clean Air Act as to construction and modification activities at each of these facilities over a period of years to enable the EPA to determine whether these facilities are in compliance with certain provisions of the Clean Air Act. In connection with a review by our Chemical Business of these facilities in obtaining information for the EPA pursuant to the EPA’s request, our Chemical Business management believes, subject to further review, investigation and discussion with the EPA, that certain changes to its production equipment may be needed in order to comply with the requirements of the Clean Air Act. If changes to the production equipment at these facilities are required in order to bring this equipment into compliance with the Clean Air Act, the amount of capital expenditures necessary in order to bring the equipment into compliance is unknown at this time but could be substantial.

Further, if it is determined that the equipment at any of our El Dorado, Cherokee and/or Baytown Facilities have 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 require such facility to be retrofitted with the “best available control technology.” We believe this technology is already employed at the Baytown Facility. Currently, we believe that certain facilities within our Chemical Business may be required to pay certain penalties and may be required to make certain capital improvements to certain emission equipment as a result of the above described matter; however, we are currently unable to determine the amount of any penalties that may be assessed, or the cost of additional capital improvements that may be required, by the EPA. Therefore no liability has been established at March 31, 2010, in connection with this matter.

3.      Other Environmental Matters

In December 2002, two of our 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. The successor (“Chevron”) of a prior owner of the Hallowell Facility is a participating responsible party and has agreed, within certain limitations, to pay and has been paying one-half of the costs relating to this matter as approved by the Kansas Department of Environmental Quality, subject to reallocation.
20

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)

Note 11: Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Our subsidiary and Chevron are pursuing a course with the state of Kansas of long-term surface and groundwater monitoring to track the natural decline in contamination. Our subsidiary and Chevron submitted its final report on the groundwater monitoring and an addendum to the Mitigation Work Plan to the state of Kansas. The data from the monitoring program is being evaluated by the state of Kansas and the potential costs of the continued additional monitoring and risk assessments have been accrued. The ultimate required remediation, if any, is unknown.

At March 31, 2010, our estimated allocable portion of the total estimated liability (which is included in current and noncurrent accrued and other liabilities) in connection with the required additional monitoring and risk assessments related to this matter is $242,000. This amount is not discounted to its present value. It is reasonably possible that a change in the estimate of our liability will occur in the near term.

B. Other Pending, Threatened or Settled Litigation

The Jayhawk Group

In November 2006, we entered into an agreement with Jayhawk Capital Management, LLC, Jayhawk Investments, L.P., Jayhawk Institutional Partners, L.P. and Kent McCarthy, the manager and sole member of Jayhawk Capital, (collectively, the “Jayhawk Group”), in which the Jayhawk Group agreed, among other things, that if we undertook, in our sole discretion, within one year from the date of agreement a tender offer for our Series 2 $3.25 convertible exchangeable Class C preferred stock (“Series 2 Preferred”) or to issue our common stock for a portion of our Series 2 Preferred pursuant to a private exchange, that it would tender or exchange an aggregate of no more than 180,450 shares of the 340,900 shares of the Series 2 Preferred beneficially owned by the Jayhawk Group, subject to, among other things, the entities owned and controlled by Jack E. Golsen, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“Golsen”), and his immediate family, that beneficially own Series 2 Preferred only being able to exchange or tender approximately the same percentage of shares of Series 2 Preferred beneficially owned by them as the Jayhawk Group is able to tender or exchange under the terms of the agreement. In addition, under the agreement, the Jayhawk Group agreed to vote its shares of our common stock and Series 2 Preferred “for” an amendment to the Certificate of Designation covering the Series 2 Preferred to allow us:

·  
for a period of five years from the completion of an exchange or tender to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire shares of our common stock, without approval of the outstanding Series 2 Preferred irrespective that dividends are accrued and unpaid with respect to the Series 2 Preferred; or
·  
to provide that holders of Series 2 Preferred may not elect two directors to our board of directors when dividends are unpaid on the Series 2 Preferred if less than 140,000 shares of Series 2 Preferred remain outstanding.

During 2007, we made a tender offer for our outstanding Series 2 Preferred at the rate of 7.4 shares of our common stock for each share of Series 2 Preferred so tendered. In July 2007, we redeemed the balance of our outstanding shares of Series 2 Preferred. Pursuant to its terms, the
21 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 11: Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Series 2 Preferred was convertible into 4.329 shares of our common stock for each share of Series 2 Preferred. As a result of the redemption, the Jayhawk Group converted the balance of its Series 2 Preferred pursuant to the terms of the Series 2 Preferred in lieu of having its shares redeemed.

During November 2008, the Jayhawk Group filed suit against us and Golsen in a lawsuit styled Jayhawk Capital Management, LLC, et al. v. LSB Industries, Inc., et al., in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas at Kansas City. During March 2009, the Jayhawk Group amended its complaint alleging that the Jayhawk Group should have been able to tender all of its Series 2 Preferred pursuant to the tender offer, notwithstanding the above-described agreement, based on the following claims against us and Golsen:

·  
fraudulent inducement and fraud,
·  
violation of 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5,
·  
violation of 17-12A501 of the Kansas Uniform Securities Act, and
·  
breach of contract.
 
The Jayhawk Group seeks damages in an unspecified amount based on the additional number of common shares it allegedly would have received on conversion of all of its Series 2 Preferred through the February 2007 tender offer, plus punitive damages. In addition, the amended complaint seeks damages of approximately $4,000,000 for accrued and unpaid dividends it purports are owed as a result of Jayhawk’s July 2007 conversion of its remaining shares of Series 2 Preferred. In May 2008, the General Counsel for the Jayhawk Group offered to settle its claims against us and Golsen in return for a payment of $100,000, representing the approximate legal fees it had incurred investigating the claims at that time. Through counsel, we verbally agreed to the settlement offer and confirmed the agreement by e-mail. Afterward, the Jayhawk Group’s General Counsel purported to withdraw the settlement offer, and asserted that Jayhawk is not bound by any settlement agreement. We contend that the settlement agreement is binding on the Jayhawk Group. Both Golsen and we have filed motions to dismiss the plaintiff’s complaint in the federal court, and such motions to dismiss are pending. We intend to contest the lawsuit vigorously, and will assert that Jayhawk is bound by an agreement to settle the claims for $100,000. Our insurer, Chartis, a subsidiary of AIG, has agreed to defend this lawsuit on our behalf and on behalf of Golsen and to indemnify under a reservation of rights to deny liability under certain conditions. We have incurred expenses associated with this matter up to our insurance deductible of $250,000, and our insurer is paying defense cost in excess of our deductible in this matter. Although our insurer is defending this matter under a reservation of rights, we are not currently aware of any material issue in this case that would result in our insurer denying coverage. Therefore, no liability has been established at March 31, 2010 as a result of this matter.

Other Claims and Legal Actions

We are also involved in various other claims and legal actions including claims for damages resulting from water leaks and other product liability occurrences. Most of the product liability claims are covered by our general liability insurance which generally includes a deductible of
22 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 11: Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

$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.

In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, if those claims which we have not recognized were determined adversely to us, it would not have a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
Note 12: Derivatives, Hedges and Financial Instruments Derivatives are recognized in the balance sheet and are measured at fair value. Changes in fair value of derivatives are recorded in results of operations unless the normal purchase or sale exceptions apply or hedge accounting is elected.

We have three classes of contracts that are accounted for on a fair value basis, which are commodities futures/forward contracts (“commodities contracts”), foreign exchange contracts and interest rate contracts as discussed below. All of these contracts are used as economic hedges for risk management purposes but are not designated as hedging instruments. The valuation of these contracts was determined based on quoted market prices or, in instances where market quotes are not available, other valuation techniques or models used to estimate fair values.

The valuations of contracts classified as Level 1 are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical contracts. The valuations of contracts classified as Level 2 are based on quoted prices for similar contracts and valuation inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for these contracts. At March 31, 2010, the valuations of contracts classified as Level 2 related to the foreign exchange contracts and interest rate swap contracts discussed below. For the foreign exchange contracts, these contracts are valued using the foreign currency exchange rates pursuant to the terms of the contracts and using market information for foreign currency exchange rates. The valuation inputs included the total contractual weighted-average exchange rate of 1.44 and the total estimated market weighted-average exchange rate of 1.35 (U.S. Dollar/Euro). For the interest rate swap contracts, we utilize valuation software and market data from a third-party provider. These interest rate contracts are valued using a discounted cash flow model that calculates the present value of future cash flows pursuant to the terms of the contracts and using market information for forward interest-rate yield curves. The valuation inputs included the total contractual weighted-average pay rate of 3.42% and the total estimated market weighted-average receive rate of 1.61%. No valuation input adjustments were considered necessary relating to nonperformance risk for the contracts discussed above. There were no valuations of contracts classified as Level 3 at March 31, 2010. At December 31, 2008, the valuations of contracts classified as Level 3 were based on the average ask/bid prices obtained from a broker relating to a low volume market.

Commodities Contracts

Raw materials for use in our manufacturing processes include copper used by our Climate Control Business and anhydrous ammonia and natural gas used by our Chemical Business. As part of our raw material price risk management, we periodically enter into futures/forward contracts for these materials, which contracts are generally accounted for on a mark-to-market
23 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 12: Derivatives, Hedges and Financial Instruments (continued)

basis. At December 31, 2009, our futures/forward copper contracts were for 750,000 pounds of copper through May 2010 at a weighted-average cost of $3.19 per pound. At March 31, 2010, our futures/forward copper contracts were for 750,000 pounds of copper through December 2010 at a weighted-average cost of $3.22 per pound. At December 31, 2009, we also had contractual rights under natural gas call contracts for approximately 150,000 MMBtu of natural gas through February 2010 at a weighted-average price of $6.00 per MMBtu. At March 31, 2010, our futures/forward natural gas contracts were for 690,000 MMBtu of natural gas through September 2010 at a weighted-average cost of $4.79 per MMBtu. The cash flows relating to these contracts are included in cash flows from continuing operating activities.

Foreign Exchange Contracts

One of our business operations purchases industrial machinery and related components from vendors outside of the United States. As part of our foreign currency risk management, we periodically enter into foreign exchange contracts, which set the U.S. Dollar/Euro exchange rates. These contracts are free-standing derivatives and are accounted for on a mark-to-market basis. At December 31, 2009, our foreign exchange contracts were for the receipt of approximately 336,000 Euros through April 2010 at a weighted-average contract exchange rate of 1.44. At March 31, 2010, our foreign exchange contracts were for the receipt of approximately 64,000 Euros through April 2010 at a weighted-average contract exchange rate of 1.44. The cash flows relating to these contracts are included in cash flows from continuing operating activities.

Interest Rate Contracts

As part of our interest rate risk management, we periodically purchase and/or enter into various interest rate contracts. In March 2005, we purchased two interest rate cap contracts for a cost of $590,000, which matured in March 2009. In April 2008, we entered into an interest rate swap at no cost, which sets a fixed three-month LIBOR rate of 3.24% on $25 million and matures in April 2012. In September 2008, we acquired an interest rate swap at a cost basis of $354,000, which sets a fixed three-month LIBOR rate of 3.595% on $25 million and matures in April 2012.

These contracts are free-standing derivatives and are accounted for on a mark-to-market basis. Although no purchases occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, the cash flows relating to the purchase of interest rate contracts are included in cash flows from continuing investing activities. In addition, the cash flows associated with the interest rate swap payments are included in cash flows from continuing operating activities.
24 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 12: Derivatives, Hedges and Financial Instruments (continued)

The following details our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

 
Fair Value Measurements at
March 31, 2010 Using
 
 
 
 
Description
 
 
Total Fair
Value at
March 31,
2010
 
Quoted Prices
 in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
 
Total Fair
Value at
December 31,
2009
 
(In Thousands)
Assets - Supplies, prepaid items and other:
                                   
Commodities contracts
$
267
 
$
267
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
150
 
Total
$
267
 
$
267
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
150
 
                                     
Liabilities - Current and noncurrent accrued and other liabilities:
                                   
Commodities contracts
$
551
 
$
551
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Foreign exchange contracts
 
5
   
-
     
5
     
-
     
-
 
Interest rate contracts
 
2,149
   
-
     
2,149
     
-
     
1,929
 
Total
$
2,705
 
$
551
   
$
2,154
   
$
-
   
$
1,929
 

During the three months ended March 31, 2010, none of our assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis transferred between Level 1 and Level 2 classifications. In addition, the following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended March 31, 2009 (not applicable for the three months ended March 31, 2010):

 
Commodities Contracts
 
 
(In Thousands)
Beginning balance
  $ (1,388 )
Total realized and unrealized gain included in earnings
    493  
Purchases, issuances, and settlements
    895  
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
    -  
Ending balance
  $ -  
 
25 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)

Note 12: Derivatives, Hedges and Financial Instruments (continued)

Realized and unrealized net losses included in earnings and the income statement classifications are as follows:

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2010
 
2009
 
(In Thousands)
Total net losses included in earnings:
             
Cost of sales – Commodities contracts
$
(688
)
 
$
(1,156
)
Cost of sales – Foreign exchange contracts
 
(24
)
   
(30
)
Interest expense – Interest rate contracts
 
(614
)
   
(269
)
 
$
(1,326
)
 
$
(1,455
)

Change in unrealized gains and losses relating to contracts still held at period end:
             
Cost of sales – Commodities contracts
$
(310
)
 
$
(1,498
)
Cost of sales – Foreign exchange contracts
 
(5
)
   
(1
)
Interest expense – Interest rate contracts
 
(220
)
   
(70
)
 
$
(535
)
 
$
(1,569
)

The following discussion of fair values is not indicative of the overall fair value of our assets and liabilities since it does not include all assets, including intangibles.

Our long-term debt agreements are the only financial instruments with fair values significantly different from their carrying amounts. At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the fair value for variable debt, excluding the Secured Term Loan, was believed to approximate their carrying value. At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the estimated fair value of the Secured Term Loan is based on defined LIBOR rates plus 7% utilizing information obtained from the lender. The fair values of fixed rate borrowings, other than the 2007 Debentures, are estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis that applies interest rates currently being offered on borrowings of similar amounts and terms to those currently outstanding while also taking into consideration our current credit worthiness. At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the estimated fair value of the 2007 Debentures is based on quoted prices obtained from a broker for these debentures. The estimated fair value and carrying value of our long-term debt are as follows:
26 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 12: Derivatives, Hedges and Financial Instruments (continued)

 
March 31, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
 Value
 
(In Thousands)
Variable Rate:
                       
Secured Term Loan
  $ 26,090     $ 49,151     $ 27,640     $ 50,000  
Working Capital Revolver Loan
    -       -       -       -  
Other debt
    2,525       2,525       2,553       2,553  
                                 
Fixed Rate:
                               
5.5% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes
    29,400       29,400       29,106       29,400  
Other bank debt and equipment financing
    24,811       24,137       20,231       19,848  
    $ 82,826     $ 105,213     $ 79,530     $ 101,801  

Note 13: Income Per Common Share  Net income applicable to common stock is computed by adjusting net income by the amount of preferred stock dividends. Basic income per common share is based upon net income applicable to common stock and the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period.

Diluted income per share is based on net income applicable to common stock plus preferred stock dividends on preferred stock assumed to be converted, if dilutive, and interest expense including amortization of debt issuance cost, net of income taxes, on convertible debt assumed to be converted, if dilutive, and the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding, and the assumed conversion of dilutive convertible securities outstanding.

The following is a summary of certain transactions which affected basic income per share or diluted income per share, if dilutive:

During the three months ended March 31, 2010,
·  
we paid cash dividends on our Series B 12% cumulative, convertible preferred stock (“Series B Preferred”), Series D 6% cumulative, convertible Class C preferred stock (“Series D Preferred”) and noncumulative redeemable preferred stock (“Noncumulative Preferred”) totaling approximately $240,000, $60,000 and $5,000, respectively.

During the three months ended March 31, 2009,
·  
we paid cash dividends on our Series B Preferred, Series D Preferred and Noncumulative Preferred totaling approximately $240,000, $60,000 and $6,000, respectively; and
·  
we acquired $5.7 million aggregate principal amount of our 2007 Debentures.

At March 31, 2010, there were no dividends in arrears.
27

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 13: Income Per Common Share (continued)

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share:

(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2010
 
2009
Numerator:
             
Net income
$
1,718
   
$
11,743
 
Dividends on Series B Preferred
 
(240
)
   
(240
)
Dividends on Series D Preferred
 
(60
)
   
(60
)
Dividends on Noncumulative Preferred
 
(5
)
   
(6
)
Total dividends on preferred stock
 
(305
)
   
(306
)
Numerator for basic net income per common share - net income applicable to common stock
 
1,413
     
11,437
 
Dividends on preferred stock assumed to be converted, if dilutive
 
-
     
306
 
Interest expense including amortization of debt issuance costs, net of income taxes, on convertible debt assumed to be converted, if dilutive
 
-
     
349
 
Numerator for diluted net income per common share
$
1,413
   
$
12,092
 
               
Denominator:
             
Denominator for basic net income per common share - weighted-average shares
 
21,226,411
     
21,109,812
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
             
Stock options
 
133,192
     
351,888
 
Convertible notes payable
 
4,000
     
1,270,720
 
Convertible preferred stock
 
-
     
938,546
 
Dilutive potential common shares
 
137,192
     
2,561,154
 
Denominator for diluted net income per common share - adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions
 
21,363,603
     
23,670,966
 
               
Basic net income per common share
$
.07
   
$
.54
 
               
Diluted net income per common share
$
.07
   
$
.51
 
 
28 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)

Note 13: Income Per Common Share (continued)

The following weighted-average shares of securities were not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share as their effect would have been antidilutive:

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2010
 
2009
Convertible notes payable
1,070,160
     
-
 
Convertible preferred stock
936,846
     
-
 
Stock options
375,000
     
842,000
 
 
2,382,006
     
842,000
 

Note 14:  Income Taxes Provisions for income taxes are as follows:

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2010
 
2009
 
(In Thousands)
Current:
           
Federal
$
516
 
$
4,808
 
State
 
207
   
590
 
Total current provisions
$
723
 
$
5,398
 
             
Deferred:
           
Federal
$
177
 
$
1,751
 
State
 
12
   
200
 
Total deferred provisions
 
189
   
1,951
 
Provisions for income taxes
$
912
 
$
7,349
 

For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, the current provision for federal income taxes shown above includes regular federal income tax after the consideration of permanent and temporary differences between income for GAAP and tax purposes. For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, the current provision for state income taxes shown above includes regular state income tax and provisions for uncertain state income tax positions. At December 31, 2009, we had state net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards totaling approximately $12,900,000, which begin expiring in 2010.

Our annual estimated effective tax rate for 2010 is reduced by permanent tax differences, including the domestic manufacturer’s deduction and other permanent items.

The tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $912,000 or 34.7% of pre-tax income and included the impact of the increased domestic manufacturer’s deduction available in 2010 and the advanced energy credits. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, the tax provision was $7,349,000 or 38.5% of pre-tax income and included the impact of the domestic manufacturer’s deduction and other permanent items.
29 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 14:  Income Taxes (continued)

Our accounting for income taxes includes utilizing the accounting principle that the realization of an uncertain income tax position must be “more likely than not” (i.e., greater than 50% likelihood) that the position will be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities before it can be recognized in the financial statements.

We believe that we do not have any material uncertain tax positions other than the failure to file state income tax returns in some jurisdictions where we or some of our subsidiaries may have a filing responsibility (i.e, nexus). We had approximately $608,000 accrued for uncertain tax liabilities at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, which are included in current and noncurrent accrued and other liabilities.

We and certain of our subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. The federal tax returns for 1997 through 2005 remain subject to examination for the purpose of determining the amount of remaining tax NOL and other carryforwards. With few exceptions, the 2006-2008 years remain open for all purposes of examination by the IRS and other major tax jurisdictions.

Note 15: Other Expense, Other Income and Non-Operating Other Income, net

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2010
 
2009
 
(In Thousands)
Other expense:
             
Total other expense (1)
$
58
   
$
43
 
               
Other income:
             
Property insurance recoveries in excess of losses incurred
$
739
   
$
-
 
Miscellaneous income (1)
 
67
     
162
 
Total other income
$
806
   
$
162
 
               
Non-operating other income, net:
             
Interest income
$
56
   
$
45
 
Miscellaneous expense (1)
 
(18
)
   
(22
)
Total non-operating other income, net
$
38
   
$
23
 

(1)  
Amounts represent numerous unrelated transactions, none of which are individually significant requiring separate disclosure.

Note 16: Business Interruption and Property Insurance Claims  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.
30 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 16: Business Interruption and Property Insurance Claims (continued)

Cherokee Facility - On February 5, 2009, a small nitric acid plant located at the Cherokee Facility suffered damage due to a fire. The fire was immediately extinguished and there were no injuries. The extent of the damage to the nitric acid plant has been determined; however, the final repair option has not yet been determined. The nitric acid plant that suffered the fire, with a current 182 ton per day capacity, is the smaller of the two nitric acid plants at the Cherokee Facility. The Cherokee Facility continues production with the larger of the nitric acid plants. Our insurance provides for replacement cost coverage relating to property damage with a $1,000,000 property loss deductible. Because our replacement cost coverage for property damages was estimated to exceed our property loss deductible and the net book value of the damaged property, we did not recognize a loss relating to property damage from this fire but we recorded a property insurance claim receivable relating to this event. During the first quarter of 2010, we received approximately $1,021,000, all of which relates to property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”), from our insurance carrier as a partial payment on our insurance claim, which amount was applied against our insurance claim receivable. At March 31, 2010, the balance of the insurance claim receivable relating to this event was $156,000.

Bryan Distribution Center - On July 30, 2009, one of our fifteen agricultural distribution centers operated by our Chemical Business was destroyed by fire, resulting in the cessation of operations at this center, which is located in Bryan, Texas (“Bryan Center”). The Bryan Center stored and sold agricultural chemical products, including fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate, potash and certain other fertilizer products. During the first quarter of 2010, the majority of the project to rebuild the Bryan Center was completed. Our insurance provides for general liability coverage with a $250,000 loss deductible and for business interruption coverage and for replacement cost coverage relating to property damage with a total $100,000 loss deductible. As of March 31, 2010, a recovery, if any, from our business interruption coverage has not been recognized. Because our replacement cost coverage for property damages is estimated to exceed our property loss deductible and the net book value of the damaged property, we did not recognize a loss relating to property damage from this fire but we recorded an insurance claim receivable relating to this event. During the fourth quarter of 2009, we received $545,000 from our insurance carrier as a partial payment on our insurance claim, which amount was applied against our insurance claim receivable. During the first quarter of 2010, our insurance claim receivable increased by a net $40,000. The activity during the quarter included payments of $148,000 relating to payables (approved by our insurance carrier) to unrelated third parties and payments of $121,000 to our insurance carrier associated with the general liability deductible. In addition, during the first quarter of 2010, we received additional partial payments totaling $968,000 ($649,000 relates to PP&E) from our insurance carrier, of which $300,000 was applied against our insurance claim receivable and the remaining balance of $668,000 ($495,000 relates to PP&E) was classified as other income. Prior to March 31, 2010, our insurance carrier also agreed to an additional advance of $71,000, which was recognized and classified as other income. As a result, the balance of the insurance claim receivable relating to this event was $75,000 at March 31, 2010.
31 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 17: Segment Information

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2010
 
2009
 
(In Thousands)
Net sales:
             
Climate Control
$
53,671
   
$
72,048
 
Chemical
 
74,872
     
74,478
 
Other
 
1,867
     
3,671
 
 
$
130,410
   
$
150,197
 
               
Gross profit: (1)
             
Climate Control
$
18,399
   
$
22,428
 
Chemical (2)
 
9,158
     
17,148
 
Other
 
709
     
1,152
 
 
$
28,266
   
$
40,728
 
               
Operating income: (3)
             
Climate Control
$
5,527
   
$
8,978
 
Chemical (2) (4)
 
1,885
     
12,638
 
General corporate expenses and other business operations, net (5)
 
(2,996
)
   
(2,196
)
   
4,416
     
19,420
 
Interest expense
 
(2,080
)
   
(1,911
)
Gain on extinguishment of debt
 
-
     
1,322
 
Non-operating other income, net:
             
Climate Control
 
1
     
-
 
Chemical
 
2
     
3
 
Corporate and other business operations
 
35
     
20
 
Provisions for income taxes
 
(912
)
   
(7,349
)
Equity in earnings of affiliate-Climate Control
 
261
     
240
 
Income from continuing operations
$
1,723
   
$
11,745
 

(1)  
Gross profit by industry segment represents net sales less cost of sales. Gross profit classified as “Other” relates to the sales of industrial machinery and related components.

(2)  
As the result of entering into sales commitments with higher firm sales prices during 2008, we recognized sales with a gross profit of $761,000 and $2,500,000 higher than our comparable product sales made at lower market prices available during the first quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively. In addition, during the first quarter of 2010 and 2009, we recognized gains on sales and recoveries of precious metals totaling $112,000 and $2,213,000, respectively. The impact of these transactions increased gross profit and operating income for each respective period. During the first quarter of 2010 and 2009, we incurred expenses of $1,432,000 and $120,000, respectively, relating to planned major maintenance activities. During the first quarter of 2010 and 2009, we recognized losses totaling $838,000 and $1,619,000, respectively, on our futures/forward contracts for natural
 
32

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
 Note 17: Segment Information (continued)

gas and ammonia. During the first quarter of 2010, we recognized net losses on firm sales commitments of $790,000, of which $770,000 relates to the Pryor Facility discussed below in footnote 4. The impact of these expenses and losses decreased gross profit and operating income for each respective period.

 
(3)
Our chief operating decision makers use operating income by industry segment for purposes of making decisions, which include resource allocations and performance evaluations. Operating income by industry segment represents gross profit by industry segment less selling, general and administration expense (“SG&A”) incurred by each industry segment plus other income and other expense earned/incurred by each industry 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.

(4)
During the first quarter of 2010, we began limited production of anhydrous ammonia and urea ammonium nitrate (“UAN”) at our previously idled chemical facility located in Pryor, Oklahoma (the “Pryor Facility”).  However the production was at rates lower than our targeted production rates. As a result, we incurred expenses of $6,037,000 (including the $770,000 net loss on firm sales commitments discussed above in footnote 2). During the first quarter of 2009, we incurred start up expenses of $1,996,000 relating to the Pryor Facility. Excluding the net loss on firm sales commitments, which are included in cost of sales, these expenses are primarily included in SG&A for each respective period.

(5)
The amounts included are not allocated to our Climate Control and Chemical Businesses since these items are not included in the operating results reviewed by our chief operating decision makers for purposes of making decisions as discussed above. A detail of these amounts are as follows:

 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2010
 
2009
 
(In Thousands)
Gross profit-Other
$
709
   
$
1,152
 
Selling, general and administrative:
             
Personnel costs
 
(1,747
)
   
(1,725
)
Professional fees
 
(1,170
)
   
(984
)
Office overhead
 
(163
)
   
(188
)
Property, franchise and other taxes
 
(86
)
   
(83
)
Advertising
 
(66
)
   
(70
)
All other
 
(503
)
   
(385
)
Total selling, general and administrative
 
(3,735
)
   
(3,435
)
               
Other income
 
40
     
110
 
Other expense
 
(10
)
   
(23
)
Total general corporate expenses and other business operations, net
$
(2,996
)
 
$
(2,196
)
 
33 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Unaudited)

Note 17: Segment Information (continued)

Information about our total assets by industry segment is as follows:

 
March 31,
2010
 
December 31,
2009
 
(In Thousands)
Climate Control
$
107,390
 
$
102,029
 
Chemical
 
165,000
   
143,800
 
Corporate assets and other
 
74,690
   
92,804
 
Total assets
$
347,080
 
$
338,633
 
 
Note 18: Related Party Transactions

Golsen Group

During November 2008, the Golsen Group acquired from an unrelated third party $5,000,000 of the 2007 Debentures. As a result in January 2009, we paid interest of $137,500 relating to the debentures held by the Golsen Group that was accrued at December 31, 2008. In March 2009, we paid dividends totaling $300,000 on our Series B Preferred and our Series D Preferred, all of the outstanding shares of which are owned by the Golsen Group. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we incurred interest expense of $68,750 relating to the debentures held by the Golsen Group.

In January 2010, we paid interest of $137,500 relating to the debentures held by the Golsen Group that was accrued at December 31, 2009. In March 2010, we paid dividends totaling $300,000 on our Series B Preferred and our Series D Preferred, all of the outstanding shares of which are owned by the Golsen Group. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, we incurred interest expense of $68,750 relating to the debentures held by the Golsen Group, which amount remains accrued at March 31, 2010.

Note 19: Subsequent Event

Realignment of Certain Subsidiaries - On April 1, 2010, we completed the realignment of certain of our direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries.  The realignment is intended to, among other things, align the ownership of our subsidiaries by business group; simplify our corporate structure; improve the effective management of our lines of business; facilitate the reporting responsibilities of the Company and its businesses; and optimize the corporate structure of the Company and its subsidiaries for tax purposes. The realignment also included the conversion of certain of our subsidiaries to limited liability corporations, including ThermaClime.

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

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with our March 31, 2010 condensed consolidated financial statements. Certain statements contained in this MD&A may be deemed forward-looking statements. See "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements".

Overview

General

We are a manufacturing, marketing and engineering company operating through our subsidiaries. Our wholly-owned subsidiaries own a substantial portion of our following core businesses:

·  
Climate Control Business manufactures and sells a broad range of air conditioning and heating products in the niche markets we serve consisting of geothermal and water source heat pumps, hydronic fan coils, large custom air handlers and other related products used to control the environment in commercial and residential new building construction, renovation of existing buildings and replacement of existing systems. For the first quarter of 2010, approximately 41% of our consolidated net sales relates to the Climate Control Business.
·  
Chemical Business manufactures and sells nitrogen based chemical products produced from three plants located in Arkansas, Alabama and Texas for the industrial, mining and agricultural markets. In addition, we are continuing the restart of our previously idled Pryor Facility located in Pryor, Oklahoma. Our products include industrial and fertilizer grade AN, UAN, anhydrous ammonia, sulfuric acids, nitric acids in various concentrations, nitrogen solutions and various other products. For the first quarter of 2010, approximately 57% of our consolidated net sales relates to the Chemical Business.

In connection with our Pryor Facility project, we began limited production of anhydrous ammonia, which is the initial feedstock for the production of UAN, in January 2010, but at production rates lower than our targeted rates.  In March 2010, we began production of UAN on a limited basis but have yet to sustain production at or near our targeted rates.

Economic Conditions

Our two main business segments serve several diverse markets. We consider market fundamentals for each market individually as we evaluate economic conditions.

Climate Control Business - The downturn in commercial and residential construction continued to have a significant adverse effect on our Climate Control Business’ product order level and sales in the first quarter of 2010.  Based upon published reports of leading indicators, including the Construction Market Forecasting Service published by McGraw-Hill, and the national architecture billings index published by American  Institute of Architects (“AIA”), the overall commercial construction sector is not expected to recover during 2010.  On the other hand, McGraw-Hill has projected an increase in both single-family residential and multi-family
 
construction during 2010.  Another factor that may affect product order rates going forward is the potential for growth in our highly energy-efficient geothermal water-source heat pumps, which could benefit significantly from government stimulus programs, including various tax incentives, although we cannot predict the impact these programs will have on our business.

The Chemical Business – During the first quarter of 2010, approximately 67% of our Chemical Business’ sales were into industrial and mining markets. Approximately 77% of these sales are to customers that have contractual obligations to purchase a minimum quantity or allow us to recover our cost plus a profit, irrespective of the volume of product sold. It is unclear to us how these markets will respond for the remainder of 2010 but it appears that market demand for these products could be flat to slightly up for the second quarter of 2010.

The remaining 33% of our Chemical Business’ sales in the first quarter of 2010 were made into the agricultural fertilizer markets to customers that do not purchase pursuant to contractual arrangements. Our agricultural sales volumes and margins depend upon the supply of and the demand for fertilizer, which in turn depends on the market fundamentals for crops including corn, wheat and forage. Our first quarter 2010 agricultural sales were down 25% in dollars and 14% in tons. The lower tonnage volume was due primarily to weather conditions and a late start to the spring season. During the first quarter of 2010, anhydrous ammonia increased in price while natural gas declined, resulting in a competitive cost disadvantage for agricultural grade AN produced from purchased ammonia at our El Dorado Facility compared to competitors that produce from natural gas. The current outlook according to most market indicators, including reports in Green Markets, Fertilizer Week and other industry publications, point 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 be adversely affected by lower grain production, unanticipated changes in commodity prices, or unfavorable weather conditions.

Results for First Quarter 2010

Our consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2010 were $130.4 million compared to $150.2 million for the same period in 2009. The sales decrease of $19.8 million relates primarily to a decrease of $18.4 million in our Climate Control Business. The Climate Control Business decrease is due primarily to lower customer product orders received due to the economic downturn. Our Chemical Business sales for the first quarter of 2010 increased slightly compared to the same period in 2009, but the increase in volume of tons sold of our industrial products was partially offset by the decline in volume relating to our agricultural and mining products.

As discussed below under “Results of Operations”, our consolidated operating income was $4.4 million for the first quarter of 2010 compared to $19.4 million for the same period in 2009. The decrease in operating income of approximately $15.0 million was primarily the result of a $10.8 million decrease in our Chemical Business operating income and a decline of $3.5 million in our Climate Control Business’ operating income primarily due to lower sales.  Our general corporate expense and other business operations net expenses increased approximately $0.8 million.

The $10.8 million decrease in our Chemical Business’ operating income includes start up expenses and losses associated with the Pryor Facility of approximately $6.0 million compared to $2.0 million for 2009 period, significantly lower sales volumes of agricultural AN that
 
negatively affected 2010 operating income by approximately $3.4 million, and other net variances of $3.4 million described below under “Results of Operations”.

As previously reported, we acquired through unsolicited transactions a portion of the 2007 Debentures during the first quarter 2009.  As a result, we recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt of $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2009 (no acquisitions were made during the first quarter of 2010).

Our resulting effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2010 was approximately 34.7% and included the impact of the increased domestic manufacturer’s deduction available in 2010 and the advanced energy credits. For the first quarter of 2009, our resulting effective income tax rate was approximately 38.5%, which included the impact of the domestic manufacturer’s deduction and other permanent items.

Climate Control Business

Our Climate Control sales for the first quarter of 2010 were $53.7 million or 26% below the first quarter of 2009. The decrease in net sales resulted from a 46% decline in sales of our fan coil products and a 27% decline in our geothermal and water source heat pump products partially offset by an 18% increase in other HVAC products.

We continue to closely follow the contraction and volatility in the credit markets and have attempted to assess the impact on the commercial and residential construction sectors that we serve, including but not limited to new construction and/or renovation of facilities in the following sectors:

·  
Multi-Family Residential (apartments and condominiums)
·  
Single-Family Residential
·  
Lodging
·  
Education
·  
Healthcare
·  
Offices
·  
Manufacturing

During the first quarter of 2010, approximately 76% of our Climate Control Business’ sales were to the commercial and multi-family construction markets, and the remaining 24% were sales of geothermal heat pumps (“GHPs”) to the single-family residential market.

For the first quarter of 2010, the product order level was $54.2 million as compared to $54.9 million for the same period in 2009 and compared to $48.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2009. Our product order level consists of confirmed purchase orders from customers, those that have been accepted and received credit approval. Although the product order level was slightly lower in the first quarter 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009 due primarily to an 8% decrease in product orders for commercial products, we saw a 30% increase in product orders for residential GHPs.

Our backlog was $56.8 million at March 31, 2009, $32.2 million at December 31, 2009 and $36.0 million at March 31, 2010. The backlog consists of confirmed customer orders for product
 
to be shipped at a future date. At March 31, 2010, included within our reported backlog are two confirmed orders totaling approximately $3.7 million that have been placed on hold by the customers pending refinancing arrangements. 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, due to the current economic conditions in the markets we serve, it is possible that some of our customers could cancel a portion of our backlog or extend the shipment terms beyond twelve months. For the remainder of 2010, the potential sales level remains uncertain. For April 2010, our new orders received were approximately $23.0 million and our backlog was approximately $42.4 million at April 30, 2010.

Our GHPs use a form of renewable energy and, under certain conditions, can reduce energy costs up to 80% compared to conventional all-electric HVAC systems. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“Act”) provides a 30% tax credit for homeowners who install GHPs. For businesses that install GHPs, the Act includes a 10% tax credit, 50% first year depreciation and five year accelerated depreciation for the balance of the system cost.

Although we expect to see continued slowness in our Climate Control Business’ results in the short-term, we have significantly increased our sales and marketing efforts for all of our Climate Control products, primarily to expand the market for our products, including GHPs. Over time, we believe that the recently enacted federal tax credits for GHPs should have a positive impact on sales of those highly energy efficient and green products.

Chemical Business

Our Chemical Business operates the El Dorado Facility, the Cherokee Facility and the Baytown Facility. The El Dorado and Baytown Facilities produce nitrogen products from anhydrous ammonia that is delivered by pipeline, and the El Dorado Facility also produces sulfuric acid from recovered elemental sulfur delivered by truck and rail. The Cherokee Facility produces anhydrous ammonia and nitrogen products primarily from natural gas that is delivered by pipeline but can also receive supplemental anhydrous ammonia by truck, rail and barge.

In connection with the Pryor Facility project, during January 2010, we began production of anhydrous ammonia, but at production rates lower than our targeted rates. As noted above under “General”, we have begun production of UAN on a limited basis. However, the start up of the UAN plant has encountered delays, including extended lead times to refurbish certain major equipment items, resulting in significant increases in our previous estimates of the start up costs. For the first quarter of 2010, we incurred approximately $6.0 million of expenses, primarily consisting of start up costs. We continue to fund the start up of the Pryor Facility from our available cash on hand and working capital. Although we have produced UAN on a limited basis through April 2010, we have continued to encounter mechanical issues that are delaying the production of UAN at a meaningful sustained rate.  We are continuing to produce and sell anhydrous ammonia, which is the initial feedstock for the production of UAN, while we are activating the UAN plant. During April 2010, we sold 10,000 tons of anhydrous ammonia at current market prices.
 
Our Chemical Business’ primary markets are industrial, mining and agricultural. The sales in all three sectors for the remainder of 2010 will continue to be affected by the overall economic conditions.

Our primary raw material feedstocks (anhydrous ammonia, natural gas and sulfur) are commodities subject to significant price fluctuations, and are generally purchased at prices in effect at the time of purchase. During first quarter of 2010, the average prices for those commodities compared to same period in 2009 were as follows:

 
2010
 
2009
Natural gas average price per MMBtu based upon Tennessee 500 pipeline pricing point
$
5.64
   
$
5.16
 
Ammonia average price based upon low Tampa metric price per ton
$
381
   
$
223
 
Sulfur price based upon Tampa average quarterly price per long ton
$
             90
     
See (1)
 

(1)  
 The average quarterly price was negligible for the first quarter of 2009.

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 sold at the market price in effect at the time of sale or at a negotiated future price.

The percentage change in sales (volume and dollars) for the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009 is as follows:

 
Percentage Change of
 
Tons
 
Dollars
 
Increase  (Decrease)
Chemical products:
 
Agricultural
 
(14
)%
   
(25
)%
Industrial acids and other
 
44
 %
   
23
 %
Mining
 
(14
)%
   
17
 %
Total weighted-average change
 
9
 %
   
1
 %

The disproportionate percentage change relating to tons sold compared to sales dollars for our agricultural and industrial products is due primarily to product mix and lower unit sales prices.  For mining, the increase in sales dollars, in spite of lower tons sold, was due to contractual arrangements with our largest mining customer that required payments of fixed costs plus a profit for those tons not taken.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following is our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, total interest bearing debt and stockholders’ equity:

 
March 31,
2010
 
December 31,
2009
 
(In Millions)
Cash and cash equivalents
$
45.1
 
$
61.7
 
Short-term investments (1)
 
10.0
   
10.1
 
 
$
55.1
 
$
71.8
 
             
Long-term debt:
           
2007 Debentures due 2012
$
29.4
 
$
29.4
 
Secured Term Loan due 2012
 
49.2
   
50.0
 
Other
 
26.6
   
22.4
 
Total long-term debt, including current portion
$
105.2
 
$
101.8
 
             
Total stockholders’ equity
$
152.4
 
$
150.6
 

(1) These investments consist 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 March 31, 2010, our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $55.1 million and our $50 million 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. At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the ratio between long-term debt, before the use of cash on hand and short-term investments to pay down debt, and stockholders’ equity was approximately 0.7 to 1.

For the remainder of 2010, we expect our primary cash needs will be for working capital and capital expenditures. We and our subsidiaries plan to rely upon internally generated cash flows, cash and short-term investments on hand, secured property and equipment financing, and the borrowing availability under the Working Capital Revolver Loan to fund operations and pay obligations. Also see discussion below concerning our universal shelf registration statement. Our internally generated cash flows and our liquidity could be affected by possible declines in sales volumes resulting from the uncertainty relative to the current economic conditions.

Our 2007 Debentures bear interest at the annual rate of 5.5% and mature on July 1, 2012. Interest is payable in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year.

The Secured Term Loan matures on November 2, 2012 and accrues interest at a defined LIBOR rate plus 3%, which LIBOR rate is adjusted on a quarterly basis. The interest rate at March 31, 2010 was approximately 3.25%. The Secured Term Loan requires only quarterly interest payments with the final payment of interest and principal at maturity. The Secured Term Loan is secured by the real property and equipment located at the El Dorado and Cherokee Facilities.

Since the 2007 Debentures and the Secured Term Loan both mature in 2012, we are currently reviewing various alternatives for the retirement of these obligations, as they become due.

Certain of our 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.

The Working Capital Revolver Loan, which certain of our subsidiaries are parties to, is available to fund these subsidiaries working capital requirements, if necessary, through April 13, 2012. Under the Working Capital Revolver Loan, these subsidiaries (the “Borrowers”) may borrow on a revolving basis up to $50.0 million based on specific percentages of eligible accounts receivable and inventories. At March 31, 2010, we had approximately $49.2 million of borrowing availability under the Working Capital Revolver Loan based on eligible collateral and outstanding letters of credit.

The Working Capital Revolver Loan and the Secured Term Loan have financial covenants that are discussed below under “Subordinated Debentures and Loan Agreements - Terms 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 the Company and our subsidiaries that are not parties to the loan agreement. This limitation does not prohibit payment to the Company of amounts due under a Services Agreement, Management Agreement and a Tax Sharing Agreement with ThermaClime. Based upon our current projections, we believe that cash, short-term investments and borrowing availability under our Working Capital Revolver Loan is adequate to fund operations during the remainder of 2010.

Although we do not have any current plans to offer or sell any securities, in September 2009, we filed a universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3, with the SEC, which was declared effective by the SEC on November 20, 2009. 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. 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 are recognizing and paying federal income taxes at regular corporate tax rates. The federal tax returns for 1997 through 2005 remain subject to examination for the purpose of determining the amount of tax NOL and other carryforwards. With few exceptions, the 2006-2008 years remain open for all purposes of examination by the IRS and other major tax jurisdictions.

Capital Expenditures

Capital Expenditures-First Quarter of 2010

Cash used for capital expenditures during the first quarter of 2010 was $6.5 million, including $0.4 million primarily for production equipment and other upgrades for additional capacity in our Climate Control Business and $6.1 million for our Chemical Business, primarily for process and reliability improvements of our operating facilities, including $1.8 million associated with the Pryor Facility and approximately $0.1 million to maintain compliance with environmental laws, regulations and guidelines. These capital expenditures were primarily funded from working capital. In addition, one of our subsidiaries exercised its option, pursuant to the terms of the underlying operating lease, to purchase its production facility for approximately $4.9 million, which was financed by a third party.
 
 
Committed and Planned Capital Expenditures-Remainder of 2010

At March 31, 2010, we had committed capital expenditures of approximately $4.4 million for the remainder of 2010. The committed expenditures included $4.3 million for process and reliability improvements in our Chemical Business, including $0.8 million relating to the Pryor Facility and approximately $0.2 million to maintain compliance with environmental laws, regulations and guidelines. In addition, our commitments included $0.1 million primarily for upgrades and production equipment in our Climate Control Business. We plan to fund these expenditures from working capital, which may include utilizing our Working Capital Revolver Loan, and financing arrangements.

In addition to committed capital expenditures at March 31, 2010, we had additional planned capital expenditures for the remainder of 2010 in our Chemical Business of approximately $7.0 million and in our Climate Control Business of approximately $4.2 million. These planned expenditures are subject to economic conditions and approval by senior management. If these capital expenditures are approved, most of the Chemical Business’ expenditures will likely be funded from internal cash flows and the Climate Control’s expenditures will likely be financed.

Advanced Manufacturing Energy Credits

On January 8, 2010, two of our 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 is based on anticipated capital expenditures made from February 2009 through February 2013 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.

Information Request from EPA

The EPA has sent information requests to most, if not all, of the nitric acid plants in the United States, including to us relating to our El Dorado, Cherokee and Baytown Facilities, requesting information under Section 114 of the Clean Air Act as to construction and modification activities at each of these facilities over a period of years to enable the EPA to determine whether these
 
facilities are in compliance with certain provisions of the Clean Air Act. In connection with a review by our Chemical Business of these facilities in obtaining information for the EPA pursuant to the EPA’s request, our Chemical Business management believes, subject to further review, investigation and discussion with the EPA, that certain changes to its production equipment may be needed in order to comply with the requirements of the Clean Air Act. If changes to the production equipment at these facilities are required in order to bring this equipment into compliance with the Clean Air Act, the amount of capital expenditures necessary in order to bring the equipment into compliance is unknown at this time but could be substantial.

Further, if it is determined that the equipment at any of our El Dorado, Cherokee and/or Baytown Facilities have 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 require such facility to be retrofitted with the “best available control technology.” We believe this technology is already employed at the Baytown Facility. Currently, we believe that certain facilities within our Chemical Business may be required to pay certain penalties and may be required to make certain capital improvements to certain emission equipment as a result of the above described matter; however, we are currently unable to determine the amount of any penalties that may be assessed, or the cost of additional capital improvements that may be required, by the EPA. Therefore no liability has been established at March 31, 2010, in connection with this matter.

Letter of Intent
 
During April 2010, we entered into a letter of intent in connection with the possible acquisition by us of an air conditioning and heating manufacturer (“Business to be Acquired”) located in China.  This transaction is subject to, among other things, completion of our due diligence, execution of definitive agreements, finalization of certain agreements between the Business to be Acquired and another company for the purchase of certain products on terms satisfactory to us and completion of an employment agreement with the current owner.  If the transaction is completed, the letter of intent provides that we would have approximately $11 million invested including purchase price and working capital plus a nominal amount of shares of our common stock, which stock would be subject to certain restrictions and limitations. We further reserve the right to modify the terms of the letter of intent if during our due diligence we discover that the conditions at the Business to be Acquired are different than represented.  If we complete this transaction, we intend to fund the cash portion of the purchase price and the working capital from our available working capital. It has been represented to us by the seller that the Business to be Acquired had revenues of approximately $15 million for 2009. 
 
Recognition of Insurance Recoveries

Cherokee Facility - As previously reported, in February 2009, a small nitric acid plant located at the Cherokee Facility suffered damage due to a fire. Our insurance policy provides for replacement cost coverage relating to property damage with a $1,000,000 property loss deductible. Because our replacement cost coverage for property damages is estimated to exceed our property loss deductible and the net book value of the damaged property, we did not recognize a loss relating to property damage from this fire but we recorded a property insurance claim receivable relating to this event. During the first quarter of 2010, we received approximately $1,021,000 (all of which relates to PP&E) from our insurance carrier as a partial
 
payment on our insurance claim, which amount was applied against our insurance claim receivable. In addition, we used approximately $849,000 of these proceeds to pay down the Secured Term Loan. At March 31, 2010, the balance of the insurance claim receivable relating to this event was $156,000.

Bryan Distribution Center - As previously reported, in July 2009, one of our fifteen agricultural distribution centers operated by our Chemical Business was destroyed by fire, which is located in Bryan, Texas (“Bryan Center”). Our insurance provides for general liability coverage with a $250,000 loss deductible and for business interruption coverage and for replacement cost coverage relating to property damage with a total $100,000 loss deductible. As of March 31, 2010, a recovery, if any, from our business interruption coverage has not been recognized. Because our replacement cost coverage for property damages is estimated to exceed our property loss deductible and the net book value of the damaged property, we did not recognize a loss relating to property damage from this fire but we recorded an insurance claim receivable relating to this event. During the fourth quarter of 2009, we received $545,000 from our insurance carrier as a partial payment on our insurance claim, which amount was applied against our insurance claim receivable. During the first quarter of 2010, our insurance claim receivable increased by a net $40,000. The activity during the quarter included payments of $148,000 relating to payables (approved by our insurance carrier) to unrelated third parties and payments of $121,000 to our insurance carrier associated with the general liability deductible.  In addition, during the first quarter of 2010, we received additional partial payments totaling $968,000 ($649,000 relates to PP&E) from our insurance carrier, of which $300,000 was applied against our insurance claim receivable and the remaining balance of $668,000 ($495,000 relates to PP&E) was classified as other income. Prior to March 31, 2010, our insurance carrier also agreed to an additional advance of $71,000, which was recognized and classified as other income. As a result, the balance of the insurance claim receivable relating to this event was $75,000 at March 31, 2010.

Estimated Plant Turnaround Costs- Remainder of 2010

Our Chemical Business expenses the costs of planned major maintenance activities (“Turnarounds”) as they are incurred. Based on our current plan for Turnarounds to be performed during the remainder of 2010, we currently estimate that we will incur approximately $4.0 million to $5.0 million of Turnaround costs, which we plan to fund from our available working capital. However, it is possible that the actual costs could be significantly different than 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 $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2010 to maintain such regulatory compliance. For the remainder of 2010, we expect to incur expenses ranging from $2.0 million to $3.0 million to maintain compliance.  However, it is possible that the actual costs could be significantly different than our estimates.

Proposed Legislation and Regulations Concerning Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Certain of 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 are considering the scope and scale of greenhouse gas emission regulation. There are bills pending in Congress that would regulate greenhouse gas emissions through a cap-and-trade system under which emitters would be required to either install abatement systems where feasible or buy allowances for offsets of emissions of greenhouse gas. In addition, the EPA has announced its determination that greenhouse gases threaten the public’s health and welfare and thus could make them subject to regulation under the Clean Air Act. However this determination is being contested. The EPA has instituted a mandatory greenhouse gas reporting requirement beginning in 2010, which will impact all of our chemical manufacturing sites. Greenhouse gas regulation could increase the price of the electricity purchased by these chemical facilities and increase costs for our use of natural gas, other raw materials (such as anhydrous ammonia), and other energy sources, potentially restrict access to or the use of natural gas and certain other raw materials necessary to produce certain of our chemical products and require us to incur substantial expenditures to retrofit these 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. While future emission regulations or new laws appear likely, it is too early to predict how these regulations, if and when adopted, will affect our businesses, operations, liquidity or financial results.

Potential Increase of Imported UAN

A large percentage of the domestic UAN market is supplied by imports. Significant additional UAN production is expected to begin in the Caribbean during 2010, and we believe this additional UAN production will be marketed in the United States. Generally, foreign production of UAN is produced at a lower cost of production than UAN produced in the United States. During 2009, revenues from the sale of UAN by our Chemical Business were approximately $28 million. Additionally, UAN is the primary product to be produced and sold by the Pryor Facility. This potential additional import of UAN beginning in 2010 could have an adverse impact on our revenues and profits from the sale of UAN and fertilizer products.

Authorization to Repurchase 2007 Debentures and Stock

Our board of directors has granted management the authority to repurchase our 2007 Debentures on terms that management deems favorable to us if an opportunity is presented. However, no acquisitions were made during the first quarter of 2010.  As a result, $29.4 million remains outstanding at March 31, 2010.

In addition, our board of directors enacted a stock repurchase authorization for an unstipulated number of shares for an indefinite period of time. The stock repurchase authorization will remain in effect until such time as of our board of directors decides to end it. However, no repurchases of our stock were made during the first quarter of 2010.
 
If we should repurchase a portion of our 2007 Debentures or stock, we intend to fund any repurchases from our available working capital.

Dividends

We are a holding company and, accordingly, our ability to pay cash dividends on our preferred stock and our common stock depends in large part on our ability to obtain funds from our subsidiaries. The ability of ThermaClime (which owns substantially all of the companies comprising the Climate Control Business and Chemical Business) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries to pay dividends and to make distributions to us is restricted by certain covenants contained in the $50 million Working Capital Revolver Loan and the $50 million Secured Term Loan. Under the terms of these agreements, ThermaClime cannot transfer funds to us in the form of cash dividends or other distributions or advances, except for:

·  
the amount of income taxes that ThermaClime would be required to pay if they were not consolidated with us;
·  
an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of ThermaClime's consolidated net income during each fiscal year determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles plus amounts paid to us within the first bullet above, provided that certain other conditions are met;
·  
the amount of direct and indirect costs and expenses incurred by us on behalf of ThermaClime pursuant to a certain services agreement;
·  
the amount under a certain management agreement between us and ThermaClime, provided certain conditions are met, and
·  
outstanding loans entered into subsequent to November 2, 2007 not to exceed $2.0 million at any time.

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 during the remainder of 2010.

During first quarter of 2010, dividends 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:

·  
Series D Preferred at the rate of $.06 a share payable on October 9, which dividend is cumulative;
·  
Series B Preferred at the rate of $12.00 a share payable January 1, which dividend is cumulative; and
·  
Noncumulative Preferred at the rate of $10.00 a share payable April 1, which is noncumulative.

All shares of the Series D Preferred and Series B Preferred are owned by the Golsen Group. See “Related Party Transactions” of this MD&A for a discussion as to the amount of dividends paid to the Golsen Group during the first quarter of 2010.

Compliance with Long - Term Debt Covenants

As discussed below under “Subordinated Debentures and Loan Agreements - Terms 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, ThermaClime's forecast is that ThermaClime will be able to meet all financial covenant requirements for 2010.

Subordinated Debentures and Loan Agreements - Terms and Conditions

5.5% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures - On June 28, 2007, we completed a private placement to twenty-two qualified institutional buyers, pursuant to which we sold $60.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2007 Debentures. Only $29.4 million remains outstanding at March 31 2010, including $5.0 million owned by the Golsen Group.

The 2007 Debentures bear interest at the rate of 5.5% per year and mature on July 1, 2012. Interest is payable in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year, which began on January 1, 2008. In addition, the 2007 Debentures are unsecured obligations and are subordinated in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness, including indebtedness under our revolving debt facilities. The 2007 Debentures are effectively subordinated to all present and future liabilities, including trade payables, of our subsidiaries.

The 2007 Debentures are convertible by the holders in whole or in part into shares of our common stock prior to their maturity. The conversion rate of the 2007 Debentures for the holders electing to convert all or any portion of a debenture is 36.4 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of debentures (representing a conversion price of $27.47 per share of common stock), subject to adjustment under certain conditions as set forth in the Indenture.

Working Capital Revolver Loan - ThermaClime’s Working Capital Revolver Loan is available to fund its working capital requirements, if necessary, through April 13, 2012. Under the Working Capital Revolver Loan, ThermaClime and its subsidiaries may borrow on a revolving basis up to $50.0 million based on specific percentages of eligible accounts receivable and inventories. At March 31, 2010, there were no outstanding borrowings.  In addition, the net credit available for borrowings under our Working Capital Revolver Loan was approximately $49.2 million at December 31, 2010, based on our eligible collateral and outstanding letters of credit as of that date. The Working Capital Revolver Loan requires that ThermaClime meet certain financial covenants, including an EBITDA requirement of greater than $25 million, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.10 to 1, and a maximum senior leverage coverage ratio of not greater than 4.50 to 1. These requirements are measured quarterly on a trailing twelve-month basis and as defined in the agreement. ThermaClime was in compliance with those covenants for the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2010.

Secured Term Loan - In November 2007, ThermaClime and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the $50.0 million Secured Term Loan with a certain lender. Proceeds from the Secured Term Loan were used to repay the previous senior secured loan. The Secured Term Loan matures on November 2, 2012. The Secured Term Loan accrues interest at a defined LIBOR rate plus 3%, which LIBOR rate is adjusted on a quarterly basis. The interest rate at March 31, 2010 was approximately 3.25%. The Secured Term Loan requires only quarterly
 
interest payments with the final payment of interest and principal at maturity. During the first quarter of 2010, we received proceeds from our insurance carrier as a partial payment on an insurance claim, of which we used approximately $0.8 million to pay down the Secured Term Loan.  As a result, approximately $49.2 million remain outstanding at March 31, 2010. The Secured Term Loan is secured by the real property and equipment located at the El Dorado and Cherokee Facilities. The carrying value of the pledged assets is approximately $62 million at March 31, 2010.

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 us, all with certain exceptions. At March 31, 2010, the carrying value of the restricted net assets of ThermaClime and its subsidiaries was approximately $65 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. The Secured Term Loan borrowers were in compliance with these financial covenants for the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2010. 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.

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.

Related Party Transactions

Golsen Group

The Golsen Group holds $5,000,000 of the 2007 Debentures.  As a result in January 2010, we paid interest of $137,500 relating to the debentures held by the Golsen Group that was accrued at December 31, 2009.

In March 2010, we paid dividends totaling $300,000 on our Series B Preferred and our Series D Preferred, all of the outstanding shares of which are owned by the Golsen Group.

During the three months ended March 31, 2010, we incurred interest expense of $68,750 relating to the debentures held by the Golsen Group, which amount remains accrued at March 31, 2010.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

See our discussion on critical accounting policies in Item 7 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.  In addition, 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.

Results of Operations

Three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to Three months ended March 31, 2009