UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

OR

For the transition period from                  to                 

Commission file number 1-7677

 

LSB Industries, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

(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.

☒  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

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”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

☐  Yes    ☒  No

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's common stock was 28,405,103 shares as of October 27, 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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FORM 10-Q OF LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

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PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Information at September 30, 2017 is unaudited)

 

 

(Continued on following page)

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)

(Information at September 30, 2017 is unaudited)

 

 

See accompanying notes.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

See accompanying notes.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY

(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

 

 

See accompanying notes.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited) 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

For a complete discussion of our significant accounting policies, refer to the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (“2016 Form 10-K”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 27, 2017.

Basis of Consolidation - LSB Industries, Inc. (“LSB”) and its subsidiaries (the “Company”, “We”, “Us”, or “Our”) are consolidated in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.  LSB is a holding company with no significant operations or assets other than cash, cash equivalents, and investments in its subsidiaries.  All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

During May 2017, Zena Energy L.L.C. (“Zena”), which was an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of LSB, entered into a purchase and sale agreement with BKV Chelsea, LLC, (“BKV”).  Under the terms of the purchase and sale agreement, Zena agreed to sell to BKV substantially all of its assets, including Zena’s right, title, and interest in all of its oil and natural gas properties (the “Properties”) located in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania for a purchase price of approximately $16.3 million, subject to customary post-closing adjustments, which sale was completed on June 26, 2017.   As a result, we recognized a loss on the sale of approximately $4.0 million which is included in operating other expense. The carrying value of the assets sold was approximately $20.0 million and was included in plant, property and equipment (“PP&E”) at December 31, 2016.  Concurrently with the closing of the purchase and sale agreement, a portion of the net proceeds (approximately $3.5 million) was used to repay the remaining outstanding balance of a promissory note, which was secured by the Properties.

Zena’s prior ownership of working interests in natural gas properties was accounted for as an undivided interest, whereby we reflected our proportionate share of the underlying assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. The working interest represented our share of the costs and expenses incurred primarily to develop the underlying leaseholds and to produce natural gas while the net revenue interest represented our share of the revenues from the sale of natural gas.  The net revenue interest was less than the working interest as the result of royalty interest due to others. We were not the operator of these natural gas properties.

Nature of Business - We are engaged in the manufacture and sale of chemical products.  The chemical products we primarily manufacture, market and sell are ammonia, fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate (“HDAN”), urea ammonium nitrate (“UAN”), and ammonium nitrate (“AN”) solution for agricultural applications, high purity and commercial grade ammonia, high purity AN, sulfuric acids, concentrated, blended and regular nitric acid, mixed nitrating acids, carbon dioxide, and diesel exhaust fluid for industrial applications, and industrial grade AN (“LDAN”) and solutions for the mining industry.  We manufacture and distribute our products in four facilities; three of which we own and are located in El Dorado, Arkansas (the “El Dorado Facility”); Cherokee, Alabama (the “Cherokee Facility”); and Pryor, Oklahoma (the “Pryor Facility”); and one of which we operate on behalf of a global chemical company in Baytown, Texas (the “Baytown Facility”).  

Sales to customers include farmers, ranchers, fertilizer dealers and distributors primarily in the ranch land and grain production markets in the United States (U.S.); industrial users of acids throughout the U.S. and parts of Canada; and explosive manufacturers in the U.S.

In our opinion, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company as of September 30, 2017 and for the three and nine months periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted in this Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in connection with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2016 Form 10-K.

Use of Estimates - The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Concentration of Credit Risks for Cash and Cash Equivalents – Financial instruments relating to cash and cash equivalents potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk.  These financial instruments were held by financial institutions within the U.S. except for approximately $2.6 million. None of the financial instruments held within U.S. were in excess of the federally insured limits.

Inventories - Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis) or net realizable value, which is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, transportation or disposal.  Finished goods include material, labor, and manufacturing overhead costs. On January 1, 2017, we adopted ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory as discussed below in “Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements”.

Precious Metals - Precious metals are used as a catalyst in our 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 or capital projects, we may be able to perform procedures to recover precious metals (previously expensed) which have accumulated over time within the manufacturing equipment.  Recoveries of precious metals are recognized at historical FIFO costs.  When we accumulate precious metals in excess of our production requirements, we may sell a portion of the excess metals.

During the second quarter of 2017, we recognized a recovery of precious metals of approximately $2.9 million, which recovery is classified as a reduction to cost of sales.

Recognition of Incentive Tax Credits (Other Than Credits Associated with Income Taxes) - If an incentive tax credit relates to a recovery of taxes (other than income taxes) incurred, we recognize the incentive tax credit when it is probable and reasonably estimable.  If an incentive tax credit relates to an amount in excess of taxes incurred, the incentive tax credit is a contingent gain, which we recognize the incentive tax credit when it is realized or realizable and earned.  Amounts recoverable from the taxing authorities, if any, are included in accounts receivable.  The same financial statement classification is used for an incentive tax credit as the associated tax incurred.

During the third quarter of 2017, we received notification from the State of Arkansas that incentive tax credits had been approved associated with certain capital expenditures associated with the El Dorado Facility’s expansion projects completed primarily in the fourth quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2016.  As a result, we recognized a current and noncurrent receivable totaling approximately $8.1 million associated with these incentive tax credits with the offset reducing PP&E (covered by the tax credit) by approximately $7.4 million and the remaining balance of $0.7 million as a reduction to cost of sales (recovery of previously incurred depreciation expense related to the PP&E).

Redeemable Preferred Stocks - Our redeemable preferred stocks that are redeemable outside of our control are classified as temporary/mezzanine equity. The redeemable preferred stocks were recorded at fair value upon issuance, net of issuance costs or discounts.  In addition, certain embedded features included in the Series E Redeemable Preferred required bifurcation and are classified as derivative liabilities.  The carrying values of the redeemable preferred stocks are being increased by periodic accretions (including the amount for dividends earned but not yet declared or paid) using the interest method so that the carrying amount will equal the redemption value as of August 2, 2019, the earliest possible redemption date by the holder. The amount of accretion was recorded to retained earnings. However, it is reasonably possible this accretion could accelerate if the expected redemption date is earlier than August 2, 2019.

Income (Loss) per Common Share - Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders is computed by adjusting net income (loss) by the amount of dividends and dividend requirements on preferred stocks and the accretion of redeemable preferred stocks, if applicable. Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding contingently returnable common shares (unvested restricted stock), if applicable.  For periods we earn net income, a proportional share of net income is allocated to participating securities, if applicable, determined by dividing total weighted average participating securities by the sum of the total weighted average common shares and participating securities (the “two-class method”). Certain securities (Series E Redeemable Preferred and restricted stock units) participate in dividends declared on our common stock and are therefore considered to be participating securities. Participating securities have the effect of diluting both basic and diluted income per common share during periods of net income. For periods we incur a net loss, no loss is allocated to participating securities because they have no contractual obligation to share in our losses.  Diluted loss per common share is computed after giving consideration to the dilutive effect of our potential common stock instruments that are outstanding during the period, except where such non-participating securities would be anti-dilutive.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements - In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP.  This ASU’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  In July 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of the effective date of this ASU with the option to early adopt but not before the original effective date.  In addition, the FASB has issued various ASUs further amending revenue recognition guidance, which includes ASU 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-11, 2016-12 and 2016-20.  We plan to adopt this ASU on the effective date of January 1, 2018 using the “modified retrospective” adoption method, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements and apply only to existing contracts as of the effective date.  

We have performed a review of a majority of our contracts with customers with significant sales in 2016.  Most of these contracts are short-term (have been completed or will be completed before the effective date); however, we do have certain long-term sales contracts that may be affected by the new requirements.  In addition, although most of our revenue stream relates to the sale of chemical products, we have identified additional smaller revenue streams, such as performing various services, and rental income.  A contract review process has been implemented to obtain and review our new or amended contracts for analysis for adopting this ASU.  We are currently implementing changes to our processes, systems and controls to improve the ability to access, analyze, classify and account for our contracts.  In addition, we are implementing a process to identify, store and access data needed for the new disclosure requirements.  

We have developed an accounting policy and the methodology of identifying performance obligations, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation for the contacts that will be affected.  We plan to elect an accounting policy to account for shipping and handling activities performed after a customer obtains control of the good as activities to fulfil the promise to transfer the good to the customer. We also plan to elect an accounting policy to exclude from the measurement of the transaction price all taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on, and concurrent with, a specific revenue-producing transaction and collected by us from a customer.

Although we anticipate that upon adoption of this new ASU, the timing of revenue recognition and the financial statement presentation for certain of our revenue streams might change, we have not determined the effect on our financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. The guidance requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation, rather than the lower of cost or market in the previous guidance. This amendment applies to inventory that is measured using FIFO. We prospectively adopted this ASU on January 1, 2017.  The adoption of this ASU did not impact our financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes the lease requirements in Topic 840, Leases. The objective of this ASU is to establish the principles that lessees and lessors shall apply to report useful information to users of financial statements about the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from a lease.  Extensive quantitative and qualitative disclosures, including significant judgments made by management, will be required to provide greater insight into the extent of revenue and expense recognized and expected to be recognized from existing contracts.  This ASU must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition, and provides for certain practical expedients. We plan to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2019.  Transition will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented.  Although we currently have a relatively small number of leases, we are evaluating the effect of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which amends ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. This guidance includes provisions intended to simplify various aspects related to how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the financial statements. We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2017.  Among other requirements, the new guidance requires all tax effects related to share-based payments at settlement (or expiration) to be recorded through the income statement. Previously, tax benefits in excess of compensation cost ("windfalls") were recorded in equity, and tax deficiencies ("shortfalls") were recorded in equity to the extent of previous windfalls, and then to the income statement. As required, this change was applied prospectively to all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies resulting from settlements.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Under the new guidance, the windfall tax benefit is to be recorded when it arises, subject to normal valuation allowance considerations. Excess tax benefits that were not previously recognized because the related tax deduction had not reduced current taxes payable were recorded through a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of the adoption. As required, this change was applied on a modified retrospective basis, with a cumulative effect adjustment of change in accounting principle of approximately $1.1 million as a deferred tax asset with the offset in retained earnings.  We made an accounting policy election to account for the amount related to excess tax benefits and deficiencies utilizing the direct effect approach.

Under the new guidance, all tax related cash flows resulting from share-based payments are to be reported as operating activities on the statement of cash flows, a change from the previous requirement to present windfall tax benefits as an inflow from financing activities and an outflow from operating activities. In addition, cash paid by an employer to taxing authorities when the employer directly withholds shares for tax withholding purposes is to be reported as financing activities. These changes were applied on a retrospective basis, but did not impact the statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Under the new guidance, we made an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur, a change from the previous requirement to estimate forfeitures each period. As required, this change was applied on a modified retrospective basis; however, as of December 31, 2016, we had estimated no forfeitures relating to the outstanding equity awards. As a result, no adjustment was required.

Going forward, the adoption of this ASU could cause volatility in the effective tax rate.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This ASU makes eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for us on January 1, 2018 and adoption will be applied on retrospective basis. We anticipate that upon adoption of this new ASU, there will be minimal, if any, effect on the presentation and classification for certain cash flow activities.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force.  The amendments in this ASU revise the guidance in Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, to require cash and cash equivalents to include restricted cash (and restricted cash equivalents) on the statement of cash flows.  This ASU is effective for us on January 1, 2018 and adoption will be applied on retrospective basis for all periods presented.  We plan to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2018. Upon adoption of this new ASU, we anticipate the removal of the presentation of cash flow activities relating to current and noncurrent restricted cash and cash equivalents from our statement of cash flows for 2016.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 2: Discontinued Operations

On July 1, 2016, LSB completed the sale of all the stock of Climate Control Group Inc. (an indirect subsidiary that conducted LSB’s Climate Control Business) pursuant to the terms of the stock purchase agreement. Additionally, pursuant to the stock purchase agreement, we agreed to have a certain portion of the purchase price proceeds deposited in an indemnity escrow account. In conjunction with the Climate Control Business sale, we entered into a transition services agreement (“TSA”), pursuant to which, among other things, we agreed to provide certain information technology, payroll, legal, tax and other general services, which services have been completed.  At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, our accounts receivable includes approximately $2.7 million representing an indemnity escrow balance. Additionally, at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, our current and noncurrent accrued and other liabilities include approximately $3.2 million and $5.5 million, respectively, relating primarily to estimated contingent liabilities, costs associated with the TSA and severance agreements associated with the sale of the Climate Control Business.

Summarized results of discontinued operations are as follows for:

 

 

 

Summarized condensed cash flow information of discontinued operations is as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

 

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 3: Income (Loss) Per Common Share

 

 

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 3: Income (Loss) Per Common Share (continued)

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

 

 

 

Note 4: Inventories

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, because costs exceeded the net realizable value, inventory adjustments were $635,000 and $2,977,000, respectively.

 

 

Note 5: Current and Noncurrent Accrued and Other Liabilities

 

 

 

Note 6: Asset Retirement Obligations

Currently, we have various legal requirements related to operations of our chemical facilities, including the disposal of waste water generated at certain of these facilities.  Additionally, we have certain chemical facilities that contain asbestos insulation around certain piping and heated surfaces, which we plan to maintain or replace, as needed, with non-asbestos insulation through our standard repair and maintenance activities to prevent deterioration.  Currently, there is insufficient information to estimate the fair value for most of our asset retirement obligations (“ARO”).  In addition, we currently have no plans to discontinue the use of these facilities, and these facilities have an indefinite expected life.  As a result, a liability for only a minimal amount relating to AROs associated with certain facilities has been established.  However, we will continue to review these obligations and record a liability when a reasonable estimate of the fair value can be made.  As the result of the sale of Zena’s working interests in certain natural gas properties during the second quarter of 2017, our previously recognized AROs of approximately $193,000 associated with the obligation to plug and abandon wells were extinguished and derecognized with the offset included in the net loss on the sale of a business classified as operating other expense.  At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, our accrued liability for AROs was $116,000 and $546,000, respectively.

 

 

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 7: Long-Term Debt

Our long-term debt consists of the following:

 

 

(A) Our revolving credit facility (the “Working Capital Revolver Loan”), as amended in January 2017, provides advances up to $50 million (but provides an ability to expand the commitment an additional $25 million), based on specific percentages of eligible accounts receivable and inventories and up to $10 million of letters of credit, the outstanding amount of which reduces the available for borrowing under the Working Capital Revolver Loan. At September 30, 2017, our available borrowings under our Working Capital Revolver Loan were approximately $38.6 million, based on our eligible collateral, less outstanding letters of credit. The maturity date of the Working Capital Revolver Loan is January 17, 2022, with a springing earlier maturity date (the “Springing Maturity Date”) that is 90 days prior to the maturity date of our Senior Secured Notes, to the extent the Senior Secured Notes are not refinanced or repaid prior to the Springing Maturity Date.  The Working Capital Revolver Loan also provides for a springing financial covenant (the “Financial Covenant”), which requires that, if the borrowing availability is less than or equal to the greater of 10.0% of the total revolver commitments and $5 million, then the borrowers must maintain (a) with respect to relevant periods ending on or prior to September 30, 2017, a minimum EBITDA in the amount set forth in the Working Capital Revolver Loan Amendment and (b) with respect to relevant periods ending after September 30, 2017, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.00 to 1.00.  The Financial Covenant, if triggered, is tested monthly.

(B) The Senior Secured Notes mature on August 1, 2019.  Interest is to be paid semiannually on February 1st and August 1st.  In September 2016, we entered into the First Supplemental Indenture to the original Indenture (the “Original 7.75 Indenture”) that, among other things, increased the annual interest rate to 8.5% from 7.75%, effective August 1, 2016.

(C) During the second quarter of 2017, concurrently with the closing of the purchase and sale agreement relating to Zena discussed in Note 1, a portion of the net proceeds (approximately $3.5 million) from the sale was used to repay the remaining outstanding balance of this promissory note.

(D) El Dorado Chemical Company (“EDC”), one of our subsidiaries, is party to a secured promissory note due June 29, 2019. Principal and interest are payable in equal monthly installments with a final balloon payment of approximately $6.7 million.

(E) El Dorado Chemical Company (“EDC”), one of our subsidiaries, is party to a secured promissory note due March 26, 2021. Principal and interest are payable in monthly installments.

(F) El Dorado Ammonia L.L.C. (“EDA”), one of our subsidiaries, is party to a secured promissory note due in May 2023. Principal and interest are payable in equal monthly installments with a final balloon payment of approximately $6.1 million. This promissory note bears interest at a rate that is based on the monthly LIBOR rate plus a base rate.

 

 

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 8: Commitments and Contingencies

Natural Gas Purchase Commitments – At September 30, 2017, our natural gas contracts, which are exempt from mark-to-market accounting, included volume purchase commitments with fixed prices of approximately 2.4 million MMBtus of natural gas.  These contracts extend through December 2017 at a weighted-average cost of $2.78 per MMBtu ($6.5 million) and a weighted-average market value of $2.75 per MMBtu ($6.5 million).

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

A. Environmental Matters

Our facilities and operations are subject to numerous federal, state and local environmental laws and to other laws regarding health and safety matters (collectively, the “Environmental and Health Laws”). In particular, the manufacture, production and distribution of products activities that entail environmental and public health risks and impose obligations under the Environmental and Health Laws, many of which provide for certain performance obligations, substantial fines and criminal sanctions for violations. Certain Environmental and Health Laws impose strict liability as well as joint and several liability for costs required to remediate and restore sites where hazardous substances, hydrocarbons or solid wastes have been stored or released. We may be required to remediate contaminated properties currently or formerly owned or operated by us or facilities of third parties that received waste generated by our operations regardless of whether such contamination resulted from the conduct of others or from consequences of our own actions that were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time those actions were taken. In connection with certain acquisitions, we could acquire, or be required to provide indemnification against, environmental liabilities that could expose us to material losses. In certain instances, citizen groups also have the ability to bring legal proceedings against us if we are not in compliance with environmental laws, or to challenge our ability to receive environmental permits that we need to operate. In addition, claims for damages to persons or property, including natural resources, may result from the environmental, health and safety effects of our operations.

There can be no assurance that we will not incur material costs or liabilities in complying with such laws or in paying fines or penalties for violation of such laws. Our insurance may not cover all environmental risks and costs or may not provide sufficient coverage if an environmental claim is made against us. The Environmental and Health Laws and related enforcement policies have in the past resulted, and could in the future result, in significant compliance expenses, cleanup costs (for our sites or third-party sites where our wastes were disposed of), penalties or other liabilities relating to the handling, manufacture, use, emission, discharge or disposal of hazardous or toxic materials at or from our facilities or the use or disposal of certain of its chemical products.  Further, a number of our facilities are dependent on environmental permits to operate, the loss or modification of which could have a material adverse effect on their operations and our financial condition.

Historically, significant capital expenditures have been incurred by our subsidiaries in order to comply with the Environmental and Health Laws, and significant capital expenditures are expected to be incurred in the future. We will also be obligated to manage certain discharge water outlets and monitor groundwater contaminants at our facilities should we discontinue the operations of a facility. We did not operate the natural gas wells where we previously owned a working interest and compliance with Environmental and Health Laws was controlled by others.  We were responsible for our working interest proportionate share of the costs involved.   As of September 30, 2017, our accrued liabilities for environmental matters totaled $126,000 relating primarily to the matters discussed below. It is reasonably possible that a change in the estimate of our liability could occur in the near term.  Also, see discussion in Note 6 – Asset Retirement Obligations.

1. Discharge Water Matters

Each of our manufacturing facilities generates process wastewater, which may include cooling tower and boiler water quality control streams, 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 various permits generally issued by the respective state environmental agencies as authorized and overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”). These permits limit the type and amount of effluents that can be discharged and control the method of such discharge.

Our facility located in Pryor, Oklahoma (the “Pryor Facility”) is authorized by permit to inject wastewater into an on-site underground injection well through 2018.  The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (“ODEQ”) has indicated that the permit may not be renewed following its expiration, and Pryor Chemical Company (“PCC”) may have to find an alternative means of waste water disposal after the permit expires.  PCC has engaged in ongoing discussions both internally and with the ODEQ regarding future disposal of this wastewater stream.

Our El Dorado Facility is subject to a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) permit issued by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (“ADEQ”) in 2004.  In 2010, the ADEQ issued a draft NPDES permit renewal for the El Dorado Facility, which contains more restrictive discharge limits than the previous 2004 permit.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 8: Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

These more restrictive limits could impose additional costs on the El Dorado Facility, and may require the facility to make operational changes in order to meet these more restrictive limits.  From time to time, the El Dorado Facility has had difficulty meeting the more restrictive dissolved minerals NPDES permit levels, primarily related to storm-water runoff and EDC is currently working with ADEQ to resolve this issue through a new permit, which is currently in progress.

EDC believes that the El Dorado Facility has generally demonstrated its ability to comply with applicable ammonia and nitrate permit levels, but has, from time to time, had difficulty meeting the more restrictive dissolved minerals permit levels, primarily related to storm-water runoff.  We do not believe this matter regarding meeting the permit requirements as to the dissolved minerals is a continuing issue for the process wastewater as the result of the El Dorado Facility disposing its wastewater (beginning in September 2013) via a pipeline constructed by the City of El Dorado, Arkansas.  On August 30, 2017, ADEQ issued a final NPDES permit, which included new dissolved mineral limits as anticipated.  However, EDC has objections to the form of the permit and filed an appeal on September 27, 2017.  The appeal places an automatic stay on the objectionable conditions and EDC is working with the ADEQ to obtain modifications to the renewed permit terms. We believe that the issue with the storm-water runoff should be resolved, if and when the appeal is resolved.  We expect that the appeal will take a minimum of six months to resolve.

During 2012, EDC paid a penalty of $100,000 to settle an administrative complaint issued by the EPA, and thereafter handled by the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”), relating to certain alleged violations of EDC’s 2004 NPDES permit from 2004 through 2010. At the time of settlement, the DOJ advised that an additional action may be brought for alleged permit violations occurring after 2010. As of the date of this report, no action has been filed by the DOJ against EDC.  As a result, the cost (or range of costs) cannot currently be reasonably estimated regarding this matter.  Therefore, no liability has been established for potential future penalties as of September 30, 2017.

In addition, the El Dorado Facility is currently operating under a consent administrative order (the “CAO”) that recognizes the presence of nitrate contamination in the shallow groundwater. The 2006 CAO required EDC to continue semiannual groundwater monitoring, to continue operation of a groundwater recovery system and to submit a human health and ecological risk assessment to the ADEQ relating to the El Dorado Facility.  The risk assessment was submitted in August 2007.  In February 2015, the ADEQ stated that El Dorado Chemical was meeting the requirements of the CAO and should continue semi-annual monitoring.  The final remedy for shallow groundwater contamination, should any remediation be required, will be selected pursuant to a new consent administrative order and based upon the risk assessment. The cost of any additional remediation that may be required will be determined based on the results of the investigation and risk assessment, of which cost (or range of costs) cannot currently be reasonably estimated.  Therefore, no liability has been established at September 30, 2017, in connection with this matter.

2. Air Matters

PCC has been advised by the ODEQ that the agency is conducting an investigation into whether the Pryor Facility is in compliance with certain ODEQ air quality rules and regulations and whether PCC’s reports of certain air emissions, primarily in 2011, were intentionally misreported to the ODEQ.  PCC is cooperating with the ODEQ in connection with this ongoing investigation. As of September 30, 2017, we are not aware of any recommendations made or to be made by the ODEQ with respect to legal action to be taken or recommended as a result of this ongoing investigation.

3. Other Environmental Matters

In 2002, certain of our subsidiaries sold substantially all of their operating assets relating to a Kansas chemical facility (the “Hallowell Facility”) but retained ownership of the real property where the facility is located.  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 develop 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.

As the successor to a prior owner of the Hallowell Facility, Chevron Environmental Management Company (“Chevron”) has agreed in writing, within certain limitations, to pay and has been paying one-half of the costs of the investigation and interim measures relating to this matter as approved by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (the “KDHE”), subject to reallocation.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 8: Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Our subsidiary and Chevron have retained an environmental consultant to prepare and perform a corrective action study work plan as to the appropriate method to remediate the Hallowell Facility. The proposed strategy includes long-term surface and groundwater monitoring to track the natural decline in contamination.  The KDHE is currently evaluating the corrective action strategy, and, thus, it is unknown what additional work the KDHE may require, if any, at this time.  We are advised by our consultant that until the study is completed there is not sufficient information to develop a meaningful and reliable estimate (or range of estimate) as to the cost of the remediation.  We accrued our allocable portion of costs primarily for the additional testing, monitoring and risk assessments that could be reasonably estimated, which is included in our accrued liabilities for environmental matters discussed above. The estimated amount is not discounted to its present value.  As more information becomes available, our estimated accrual will be refined.

B. Other Pending, Threatened or Settled Litigation

In April 2013, an explosion and fire occurred at the West Fertilizer Co. (“West Fertilizer”) located in West, Texas, causing death, bodily injury and substantial property damage.  West Fertilizer is not owned or controlled by us, but West Fertilizer was a customer of EDC, and purchased AN from EDC from time to time. LSB and EDC received letters from counsel purporting to represent subrogated insurance carriers, personal injury claimants and persons who suffered property damages informing LSB and EDC that their clients are conducting investigations into the cause of the explosion and fire to determine, among other things, whether AN manufactured by EDC and supplied to West Fertilizer was stored at West Fertilizer at the time of the explosion and, if so, whether such AN may have been one of the contributing factors of the explosion.  Initial lawsuits filed named West Fertilizer and another supplier of AN as defendants.  In 2014, EDC and LSB were named as defendants, together with other AN manufacturers and brokers that arranged the transport and delivery of AN to West Fertilizer, in the case styled City of West, Texas vs. CF Industries, Inc., et al., in the District Court of McLennan County, Texas. The plaintiffs allege, among other things, that LSB and EDC were negligent in the production and marketing of fertilizer products sold to West Fertilizer, resulting in death, personal injury and property damage.  EDC retained a firm specializing in cause and origin investigations with particular experience with fertilizer facilities, to assist EDC in its own investigation.  LSB and EDC placed its liability insurance carrier on notice, and the carrier is handling the defense for LSB and EDC concerning this matter.  Our product liability insurance policies have aggregate limits of general liability totaling $100 million, with a self-insured retention of $250,000.  In August 2015, the trial court dismissed plaintiff’s negligence claims against us and EDC based on a duty to inspect, but allowed the plaintiffs to proceed on claims for design defect and failure to warn.

Subsequently, we and EDC have entered into confidential settlement agreements (with approval of our insurance carriers) with several plaintiffs that had claimed wrongful death and bodily injury and insurance companies asserting subrogation claims for damages from the explosion.  A portion of these settlements have been paid by the insurer as of September 30, 2017.  While these settlements resolve the claims of a number of the claimants in this matter for us, we continue to be party to litigation related to this explosion by other plaintiffs, in addition to indemnification or defense obligations we may have to other defendants.  We intend to continue to defend these lawsuits vigorously and we are unable to estimate a possible range of loss at this time if there is an adverse outcome in this matter as to EDC.  As of September 30, 2017, no liability reserve has been established in connection with this matter, except for the unpaid portion of the settlement agreements discussed above, but we have incurred professional fees up to our self-insured retention amount.

In May 2015, our subsidiary, EDC, was sued in the matter styled BAE Systems Ordinance Systems, Inc. (“BAE”), et al. vs. El Dorado Chemical Company, in the United States District Court, Western District of Arkansas, for an alleged breach of a supply agreement to provide BAE certain products.  It is EDC’s position, among other things, that its inability to deliver to BAE was due to a force majeure event caused by a fire and explosion at EDC’s nitric acid plant, and that a force majeure clause in the supply agreement therefore excuses EDC’s performance under the supply agreement.  BAE’s pre-litigation demand indicated a claim of approximately $18 million.  EDC intends to vigorously defend this matter.  The cost (or range of costs), if any, EDC would incur relating to this matter cannot currently be reasonably estimated.  Therefore, no liability has been established at September 30, 2017.

In September 2015, a case styled Dennis Wilson vs. LSB Industries, Inc., et al., was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  The plaintiff purports to represent a class of our shareholders and asserts that we violated federal securities laws by allegedly making material misstatements and omissions about delays and cost overruns at our El Dorado Chemical Company manufacturing facility and about our financial well-being and prospects.  The lawsuit, which also names certain current and former officers, seeks an unspecified amount of damages.  Given the uncertainty of litigation, the preliminary stage of the case, and the legal standards that must be met for, among other things, class certification and success on the merits, we cannot estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss that may result from this action.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 8: Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

In September 2015, we and El Dorado Ammonia L.L.C. (“EDA”) received formal written notice from Global Industrial, Inc. (“Global”) of Global’s intention to assert mechanic liens for labor, service, or materials furnished under certain subcontract agreements for the improvement of the new ammonia plant at our El Dorado Facility.  Global is a subcontractor of Leidos Constructors, LLC (“Leidos”), the general contractor for EDA for the construction for the ammonia plant.  Leidos terminated the services of Global with respect to their work performed at our El Dorado Facility in July 2015 and Global claims it is entitled to payment for certain work prior to its termination in the sum of approximately $18 million.  Leidos reports that it made an estimated $6 million payment to Global on or about September 11, 2015, and EDA paid Leidos approximately $3.5 million relating to work performed by subcontractors of Global.  Leidos has not approved certain payments to Global pending the result of on-going audits and investigation undertaken to quantify the financial impact of Global’s work.  EDA intends to monitor the Leidos audit, and conduct its own investigation, in an effort to determine whether any additional payment should be released to Global for any work not in dispute.  LSB and EDA intend to pursue recovery of any damage or loss caused by Global’s work performed at our El Dorado Facility. In January 2016, El Dorado, Leidos and Global reached an agreement whereby the approximately $3.6 million claims of Leidos’ remaining unpaid subcontracts, vendors and suppliers will be paid (and these suppliers and subcontractors will in turn issue releases of their respective claims and liens).  In addition, Global will reduce the value of its claim as against Leidos, and its lien amount as against the project by a like amount. After all such lower tier supplier and subcontractors are satisfied, the Global claim and lien amount will be reduced to approximately $5 million.  In March 2016, EDC and we were served a summons in a case styled Global Industrial, Inc. d/b/a Global Turnaround vs. Leidos Constructors, LLC et al., where in Global seeks damages under breach of contract and other claims.  We have requested indemnifications from Leidos under the terms of our contracts and we intend to vigorously defend against the allegation made by Global.  No liability has been established in connection with the remaining $5 million claim.  In addition, LSB and EDA intend to pursue recovery of any damage or loss caused by Global’s work performed at our El Dorado Facility.

We are also involved in various other claims and legal actions.  It is possible that the actual future development of claims could be different from our estimates but, after consultation with legal counsel, we believe that changes in our estimates will not have a material effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

 

Note 9: Derivatives, Hedges, Financial Instruments and Carbon Credits

For the periods presented, the following significant instruments are accounted for on a fair value basis:

Carbon Credits and Associated Contractual Obligation

Periodically, we are issued climate reserve tonnes (“carbon credits”) by the Climate Action Reserve in relation to a greenhouse gas reduction project (“Project”) performed at the Baytown Facility. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement with Covestro, a certain portion of the carbon credits are to be sold and the proceeds given to Covestro to recover the costs of the Project, and any balance thereafter to be allocated between Covestro and EDN.  We have no obligation to reimburse Covestro for their costs associated with the Project, except through the transfer or sale of the carbon credits when such credits are issued to us.  The assets for carbon credits are accounted for on a fair value basis and the contractual obligations associated with these carbon credits are also accounted for on a fair value basis (unless we enter into a sales commitment to sell the carbon credits).  At September 30, 2017 we had approximately 495,000 carbon credits (none at December 31, 2016), all of which were subject to contractual obligations.  The cash flows associated with the carbon credits and the associated contractual obligations are included in cash flows from continuing investing activities.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 9: Derivatives, Hedges, Financial Instruments and Carbon Credits (continued)

Embedded Derivative

Certain embedded features (“embedded derivative”) relating to the redemption of the Series E Redeemable Preferred, which includes certain contingent redemption features and the participation rights value have been bifurcated from the Series E Redeemable Preferred and recorded as a liability.  As the result of the Indenture Amendments in connection with the previously reported redemption of a portion of our Senior Secured Notes and the redemption of the portion of Series E Redeemable Preferred, we estimate that the contingent redemption feature has no fair value at September 30, 2017 based on low probability that the remaining shares of Series E Redeemable Preferred would be redeemed prior to August 2, 2019.  At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the fair value of the participation rights was based on the equivalent of 303,646 shares of our common stock at $7.94 and $8.42 per share, respectively.

The following is a summary of the classifications of valuations of fair value:

Level 1 - The valuations of contracts classified as Level 1 are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical contracts.  At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we did not have any contracts classified as Level 1.

Level 2 - 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 September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we did not have any significant contracts classified as Level 2.

Level 3 - The valuations of assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.  At September 30, 2017, the valuation ($2.35 per carbon credit) of the carbon credits and the contractual obligations associated with these carbon credits is classified as Level 3 and is based on the most recent sales transaction and reevaluated for market changes, if any, and on the range of ask/bid prices obtained from a broker adjusted for minimal market volume activity.  At December 31, 2016, we did not have any carbon credits or related contractual obligations associated with carbon credits.  The valuation is using undiscounted cash flows based on management’s assumption that the carbon credits would be sold and the associated contractual obligations would be extinguished in the near term.  At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the valuations of the embedded derivative are classified as Level 3.  This derivative is valued using market information, management’s redemption assumptions, the underlying number of shares as defined in the terms of the Series E Redeemable Preferred, and the market price of our common stock. In addition, no valuation input adjustments were considered necessary relating to nonperformance risk for the embedded derivative.

The following details our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

 

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 9: Derivatives, Hedges, Financial Instruments and Carbon Credits (continued)

 

None of our liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis transferred between Level 1 and Level 2 classifications for the periods presented below.  As the result of entering into the stock purchase agreement relating to the sale of the Climate Control Business in 2016 as discussed in Note 2, the valuation of the embedded derivative transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 since the probability increased relating to contingent redemption features requiring the use of significant unobservable inputs. The classification transfer of this derivative was deemed to occur at the beginning of the second quarter of 2016.  In addition, the following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

 

 

Net gains (losses) included in continuing operating results and the statement of operations classifications are as follows:

 

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 9: Derivatives, Hedges, Financial Instruments and Carbon Credits (continued)

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we did not have any financial instruments with fair values significantly different from their carrying amounts (which excludes issuance costs, if applicable), except for the Senior Secured Notes as shown below.

 

 

The Senior Secured Notes valuations are classified as Level 2.  The valuations of our other long-term debt agreements are classified as Level 3 and are based on valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.  The fair value measurements of our other long-term debt agreements are valued using a discounted cash flow model that calculates the present value of future cash flows pursuant to the terms of the debt agreements and applies estimated current market interest rates.  The estimated current market interest rates are based primarily on interest rates currently being offered on borrowings of similar amounts and terms.  In addition, no valuation input adjustments were considered necessary relating to nonperformance risk for our debt agreements.  The fair value of financial instruments is not indicative of the overall fair value of our assets and liabilities since financial instruments do not include all assets, including intangibles, and all liabilities.

Also see discussions concerning certain assets and liabilities initially accounted for on a fair value basis under Note 6 - Asset Retirement Obligations.

 

 

Note 10: Income Taxes

Benefit for income taxes from continuing operations is as follows:

 

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the current provision (benefit) for state income taxes shown above includes regular state income tax and provisions for uncertain state income tax positions.

Our annual estimated effective rate for 2017 includes the impact of permanent tax differences, such as a loss on embedded derivatives, valuation allowances, and other permanent items.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 10: Income Taxes (continued)

We reduce our deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that we will not realize some portion or all of the deferred tax assets.  We consider relevant evidence, both positive and negative, to determine the need for a valuation allowance.  Information evaluated includes our financial position and results of operations for the current and preceding years, the availability of deferred tax liabilities and tax carrybacks, as well as an evaluation of currently available information about future years.  We determined it was more-likely-than-not that a portion of the state NOL carryforwards would not be able to be utilized before expiration and we estimate the valuation allowance associated with these state NOL carryforwards to be recorded during 2017 will be approximately $7.6 million.

We will continue to evaluate both the positive and negative evidence on a quarterly basis in determining the need for a valuation allowance with respect to our deferred tax assets.  Changes in positive and negative evidence, including differences between estimated and actual results, could result in changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets that could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  Changes in existing tax laws could also affect actual tax results and the realization of deferred tax assets over time.

The tax benefit from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $10.7 million (26% of pre-tax loss) and the tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $30.7 million (33% of pre-tax loss).  For the first nine months of 2017, the effective tax rate is less than the statutory tax rate primarily due to the impact of the valuation allowances associated with the state NOL carryforwards.

LSB and certain of its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions.  With few exceptions, the 2014-2016 years remain open for all purposes of examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and other major tax jurisdictions.

 

 

Note 11. Securities Financing Including Redeemable Preferred Stocks

Series E Redeemable Preferred

The Series E Redeemable Preferred has a 14% annual dividend rate and a participating right in dividends and liquidating distributions equal to 303,646 shares of common stock as of September 30, 2017.  Dividends accrue semi-annually in arrears and are compounded.

As discussed in Note 9, the embedded derivative, which includes certain contingent redemption features and the participation rights value, relating to the redemption of the Series E Redeemable Preferred has been bifurcated from the Series E Redeemable Preferred and recorded as a liability.

Series F Redeemable Preferred

As of September 30, 2017, the Series F Redeemable Preferred has voting rights (the “Series F Voting Rights”) to vote as a single class on all matters which the common stock have the right to vote and is entitled to a number of votes equal to 456,225 shares of our common stock.

Changes in our Series E and Series F Redeemable Preferred are as follows:

 

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 12: Related Party Transactions

In September 2017, we received $2,300,000 as an advance payment on the potential sale of our engineered products business (industrial machinery and related components) as discussed in Note 14 – Subsequent Events.

As the result of Jack E. Golsen, the Executive Chairman of our Board of Directors (the “Board”), informing the Board of his election to retire as Executive Chairman effective December 31, 2017, we determined not to extend the employment agreement with Mr. Golsen beyond its current term expiring on December 31, 2017 (the “Retirement Date”) and, in accordance with the terms of the Employment Agreement, delivered a notice of non-renewal to Mr. Golsen. Mr. Golsen will remain a member of the Board and, following the Retirement Date, will have the title of Chairman Emeritus.

During the second quarter of 2017, we entered into a transition agreement (the “Transition Agreement”) with Mr. Golsen that will commence on January 1, 2018 and end upon the earlier of his death or a change in control as defined in the Transition Agreement. During the term, Mr. Golsen will receive an annual cash retainer of $480,000 and an additional monthly amount of $4,400 to cover certain expenses. In accordance with the terms of the Transition Agreement, we will also reimburse Mr. Golsen for his cost of certain medical insurance coverage until his death. Effective as of the Retirement Date, our existing severance agreement with Mr. Golsen will terminate. In consideration for his services, including as Chairman Emeritus, we will pay Mr. Golsen a one-time payment equal to $2,320,000 upon the consummation of a change in control that occurs prior to his death.

During the first quarter of 2017, a death benefit agreement with Mr. Golsen was terminated pursuant to the terms of the agreement that allowed us to terminate at any time and for any reason prior to the death of the employee.  As a result, the liability of approximately $1,400,000 for the estimated death benefit associated with this agreement was extinguished and derecognized with the offset classified as other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

No dividends were declared during the first nine months of 2017 or 2016.  At September 30, 2017, accumulated dividends on the Series B and Series D Preferred totaled approximately $603,000. The Series B Preferred and Series D Preferred are non-redeemable preferred stocks issued in 1986 and 2001, respectively, of which all outstanding shares are owned by the Golsen Holders.

 

Note 13: Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following provides additional information relating to cash flow activities:

 

 

 

Note 14: Subsequent Events

In October 2017, we sold our engineered products business (industrial machinery and related components) to Industrial Acquisitions LLC and Industrial Products LLC (both of these entities are owned by immediate family members of Jack E. Golsen) for $3,500,000 (of which $2,300,000 was received as an advance payment in September 2017), which sale resulted in a loss of approximately $800,000.  Proceeds from this sale will be used for working capital purposes.

 

 

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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 a review of the other Items included in this Form 10-Q and our September 30, 2017 condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.  This MD&A reflects the results of continuing operations, unless otherwise noted.  Certain statements contained in this MD&A may be deemed to be forward-looking statements.  See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Overview

General

LSB is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells chemical products for the agricultural, mining, and industrial markets. We own and operate facilities in Cherokee, Alabama, El Dorado, Arkansas and Pryor, Oklahoma, and operate a facility for Covestro in Baytown, Texas. Our products are sold through distributors and directly to end customers throughout the U.S.

Key Initiatives for 2017

Future results of operations and financial condition will be positively affected by the following key initiatives, which have been substantially completed this year:

Even with the foregone initiatives, they may not achieve the beneficial results that we expect or desire.

Recent Developments

Sale of Other Non-Core Assets

From July 2017 through October 2017, we sold our engineered products business (industrial machinery and related components) and other various non-core assets for approximately $4.9 million of net proceeds.  Also see discussion in Note 14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Approval of Arkansas Incentive Tax Credit

During the third quarter of 2017, we received notification from the State of Arkansas that incentive tax credits had been approved associated with certain capital expenditures associated with the El Dorado Facility’s expansion projects completed primarily in the fourth quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2016.  As a result, we recognized a current and noncurrent receivable totaling approximately $8.1 million associated with these incentive tax credits with the offset reducing PP&E (covered by the tax credit) by approximately $7.4 million and the remaining balance of $0.7 million as a reduction to cost of sales (recovery of previously incurred depreciation expense related to the PP&E).

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Planned and Unplanned Downtime at our Pryor and El Dorado Facilities

As previously reported, in July, the Pryor Facility experienced an additional electrical outage shutting the facility down.  As the facility was already down and considering the low selling price environment for our agricultural products, and other maintenance needing to be completed, the election was made to move forward the Turnaround previously scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2017 in the third quarter of 2017.  Total downtime for the Turnaround was 17 days.

On September 23, 2017, the ammonia plant at the Pryor Facility experienced a minor fire and was taken out of service to repair damage to some of the plant’s electrical controls, wiring and piping.  As these repairs were being performed, we decided to replace the process gas preheat system that was originally scheduled to be included in the 2018 Turnaround.  We currently expect this work to be completed and ammonia production to resume in the third week of November of 2017.  We are meeting the firm sales commitments impacted by this downtime by either shipping product from our other facilities or by purchased product from third parties.  As a result, we incurred an embedded loss (classified as cost of sales) of approximately $0.6 million associated with these firm sales commitments at September 30, 2017.

On October 3, 2017, the ammonia plant at our El Dorado Facility was taken out of service to make mechanical repairs to the burner refractory system on the boiler, which were completed on October 8, 2017.  Following the work on the boiler, we determined that repairs on a process heat exchanger were necessary, which repairs to the heat exchanger were completed and ammonia production resumed on October 22, 2017.  Despite this downtime, we expect to meet our customer commitments for sales in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Key Industry Factors

Supply and Demand

Agricultural

Sales of our agricultural products were approximately 34% of our total net sales for the third quarter of 2017. The price at which our agricultural products are ultimately sold depends on numerous factors, including the supply and demand for nitrogen fertilizers which, in turn, depends upon world grain demand and production levels, the cost and availability of transportation and storage, weather conditions, competitive pricing and the availability of imports.  Additionally, expansions or upgrades of competitors’ facilities and international and domestic political and economic developments continue to play an important role in the global nitrogen fertilizer industry economics. These factors can affect, in addition to selling prices, the level of inventories in the market which can cause price volatility and affect product margins.

One of the key factors that affects demand of our agricultural products is corn prices. Changes in corn prices can affect the number of acres of corn planted in a given year, and the number of acres planted will drive the level of nitrogen fertilizer consumption, likely affecting prices. The World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates Report (“WASDE”), dated October 12, 2017, estimates that U.S. corn production for 2016/2017 was 15.1 billion bushels (unchanged from the July report), up 11% from 2015/2016 production, reflecting an increase in planted and harvested areas, in addition to higher yields per acre. The report estimates U.S. corn production for 2017/2018 will be 14.3 billion bushels (unchanged from the July report), down 6% from 2016/2017 production reflecting a decrease in planted and harvested acres. The yield per acre is also lower at 171.8 bushels per acre for 2017/2018 (an increase of 1.1 bushels per acre from the July report) compared to 174.6 bushels per acre for 2016/2017. The forecast for area harvested for corn is 83.1 million acres (a slight decrease from the July report of 0.4 million acres), down 4 percent from 2016.  Additionally, this report estimates world corn ending stocks for 2016/2017 at 227.0 million tons (a small decrease of 0.5 million tons from the July report).  Estimates of the world corn ending stocks for 2017/2018 are projected lower at 201.0 million tons (a slight increase of 0.2 million tons from the July report), a decrease over 2016/2017 ending stocks of approximately 11% and U.S. corn ending stocks of 59.4 million tons, an increase of 1.1 million tons or approximately 2% over the prior year.  If realized, the 2017/2018 crop will be the second highest yield and production on record for the U.S.  

Given the low price of natural gas in North America over the last several years, North American fertilizer producers have become the global low-cost producers for delivered fertilizer products to the Midwest U.S.  Several years ago, the market perceived that low natural gas prices would continue. That belief, combined with favorable fertilizer pricing, led to the announcement of numerous expansions of existing nitrogen chemical facilities and the construction of new nitrogen chemical facilities. Since those announcements, fertilizer prices have declined and many of the announced expansions and new nitrogen chemical facilities have been cancelled.  However, approximately 5 million tons of annual ammonia production capacity has either been added or are expected to be added by the end of 2017. Ammonia production in North America is expected to increase from approximately 15 million tons annually to approximately 20 million tons annually, replacing most of the ammonia that has been imported into North America to cover the total annual demand of approximately 21 million tons. Additional domestic supply of ammonia will likely also change the physical flow of ammonia in North America. However, since most of the added domestic ammonia production will likely come with additional production capacity for upgraded nitrogen products (Urea, UAN and DEF), North America will likely continue to import approximately 3 million tons of ammonia annually.  All of this has created uncertainty in the fertilizer markets and has put pressure on all fertilizer prices in North America during the first nine months of 2017, which we expect to continue through the remainder of 2017.

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Industrial

Sales of our industrial products were approximately 51% of our total net sales for the third quarter of 2017.  Our industrial products sales volumes are dependent upon general economic conditions primarily in the housing, automotive, and paper industries. According to the American Chemistry Council, the U.S. economic indicators continue to be mostly positive for these sectors domestically.  Our sales prices generally vary with the market price of our feedstock (ammonia or natural gas, as applicable) in our pricing arrangements with customers.

Mining

Sales of our mining products were approximately 12% of our total net sales for the third quarter of 2017.  Our mining products are LDAN and AN Solutions, which are primary used as AN fuel oil and specialty emulsions for surface mining of coal and for usage in quarries and the construction industry.  As reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (“EIA”) on October 11, 2017, annual coal production in the U.S. for the full year of 2016 was down approximately 19% from 2015 levels and at its lowest levels since 1978, continuing an eight-year decline. EIA is forecasting an 8% increase in U.S. coal production due to an increase in demand from coal-fired electricity generation in 2017 and by less than 1% increase in 2018 due to higher expected natural gas prices all of which are still well below 2015 coal production levels.

Our mining sales volumes (LDAN and AN Solution) have been affected by the above.  However, this year we have seen an increase in sales of those products from the increase in U.S. coal production. While we believe our plants are well-located to support the more stable coal-producing regions and we have production capacity to benefit from either a short-term or long-term increase in demand in the upcoming years, we believe that long-term coal production in the U.S. continues to face challenges from natural gas usage and renewable energy.

Farmer Economics

The demand for fertilizer is affected by the aggregate crop planting decisions and fertilizer application rate decisions of individual farmers. Individual farmers make planting decisions based largely on prospective profitability of a harvest, while the specific varieties and amounts of fertilizer they apply depend on factors such as their financial resources, soil conditions, weather patterns and the types of crops planted.

Natural Gas Prices

Natural gas is the primary feedstock used to produce nitrogen fertilizers at our manufacturing facilities.  In recent years, U.S. natural gas reserves have increased significantly due to, among other factors, advances in extracting shale gas, which has reduced and stabilized natural gas prices, providing North America with a cost advantage over certain imports. As a result, our competitive position and that of other North American nitrogen fertilizer producers has been positively affected.

We historically have purchased natural gas in the spot market, using forward purchase contracts, or through a combination of both and have used forward purchase contracts to lock in pricing for a portion of our natural gas requirements. These forward purchase contracts are generally either fixed-price or index-price, short-term in nature and for a fixed supply quantity. We are able to purchase natural gas at competitive prices due to our connections to large distribution systems and their proximity to interstate pipeline systems. The following table shows the volume of natural gas we purchased and the average cost per MMBtu:

 

 

Transportation Costs

Costs for transporting nitrogen based products can be significant relative to their selling price. For example, ammonia is a hazardous gas at ambient temperatures and must be transported in specialized equipment, which can be more expensive than other forms of nitrogen fertilizers. In recent years, a significant amount of the ammonia consumed annually in the U.S was imported. Therefore, nitrogen fertilizer prices in the U.S. are influenced by the cost to transport product from exporting countries, giving domestic producers who transport shorter distances an advantage.

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Key Operational Factors

Facility Reliability

Consistent, reliable and safe operations at our chemical plants are critical to our financial performance and results of operations. The financial effects of planned downtime at our plants, including Turnarounds, are mitigated through a diligent planning process that considers the availability of resources to perform the needed maintenance, feedstock logistics and other factors. Unplanned downtime of our plants typically results in lost contribution margin from lost sales of our products, lost fixed cost absorption from lower production of our products and increased costs related to repairs and maintenance. All Turnarounds result in lost contribution margin from lost sales of our products, lost fixed cost absorption from lower production of our products, and increased costs related to repairs and maintenance, which repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.  During the third quarter of 2017, a Turnaround was performed at the Pryor Facility as discussed above under “Recent Developments.”

Prepay Contracts

We use forward sales of our fertilizer products to optimize our asset utilization, planning process and production scheduling. These sales are made by offering customers the opportunity to purchase product on a forward basis at prices and delivery dates that are agreed upon. We use this program to varying degrees during the year depending on market conditions and our view of changing price environments.  Fixing the selling prices of our products months in advance of their ultimate delivery to customers typically causes our reported selling prices and margins to differ from spot market prices and margins available at the time of shipment.

Consolidated Results of the Third Quarter of 2017

Our consolidated net sales for the third quarter of 2017 were $92.4 million compared to $80.3 million for the same period in 2016. Our consolidated operating loss was $15.4 million compared to a consolidated operating loss of $45.9 million for the same period in 2016.  The items impacting our operating results are discussed in more detail below and under “Results of Operations.”

Items Affecting Comparability of Results of the Third Quarter

On-Stream Rates and Additional Ammonia Sales Volume

The on-stream rates of our plants affect our production, the absorption of fixed costs of each plant and sales of our products. It is a key operating metric that we use to manage our business. On-stream rates do not include the impact of Turnarounds.  In particular, we closely monitor the on-stream rates of our ammonia plants as that is the basic product used to produce all upgraded products.  At our Cherokee Facility, the on-stream rate was 99% for the third quarter of 2017 for our ammonia plant compared to 87% for the same period of 2016. During the third quarter of 2016, the ammonia plant produced at reduced rates for approximately one month after completing a Turnaround to repair certain major parts which failed during start-up.  We expect on-stream rates to average a minimum of 95% for the remainder of 2017.

At our Pryor Facility, the on-stream rate for the third quarter of 2017 for our ammonia plant was 85% compared to 70% for the same period of 2016.  Although the on-stream rate improved over the same period of 2016, we did experience an electrical outage shutting the facility down in early July 2017, during which we elected to perform the Turnaround previously scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2017. We also experienced a minor fire shutting down the ammonia plant beginning in late September 2017 as discussed above under “Recent Developments.” During the third quarter of 2016, additional unplanned work was performed while in Turnaround that impacted the on-stream rate.

The El Dorado Facility’s ammonia plant began production in mid-2016.  It is typical for newly operated plants that are in production to go through a period of optimization (Shakedown) that may require the plant to be taken out of operation for a period of time.  Our reported 2016 on-stream rate for the ammonia plant at El Dorado was 64%.  However, since going into operation, the on-stream rate has steadily improved on a quarterly basis with the on-stream rate for the fourth quarter of 2016 of 73%. The on-stream rate continued to improve in the first quarter of 2017 to 90%, slightly declined to 87% for the second quarter of 2017, and improved to 91% for the third quarter of 2017. The plant produces ammonia at a daily production rate of approximately 1,350 tons per day, above its nameplate capacity of 1,150 tons per day.

Because of the improving ammonia production at the El Dorado Facility, during the third quarter of 2017, we sold approximately 54,000 tons of ammonia that were in excess of our internal needs at this facility compared to approximately 45,000 tons in the third quarter of 2016.

Selling Prices

During the third quarter of 2017, average selling prices for our ammonia, UAN and HDAN decreased 28%, 9% and 3% respectively, compared to 2016 average selling prices for the same period. The decrease in ammonia selling prices was impacted by several factors: (1) a wet spring that caused lower pre-plant ammonia application and resulted in ammonia inventory buildup at the end of the spring season; (2) recent facility expansion projects that started their ammonia production but had not yet either started their planned upgraded production facilities and; (3) intended distribution systems for increased ammonia production not yet in place.  We expect

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this excess ammonia supply will be absorbed by early 2018 as these upgraded production facilities begin producing and the distribution systems are in place.  The decrease in UAN and HDAN selling prices were caused by lower average commodity prices and the nitrogen production capacity being added globally, and in North America specifically, that created uncertainty on the ability of producers to efficiently distribute the additional production.

Debt and Interest Expense

During the third quarter of 2017 and 2016, interest expense was $9.3 million and $13.3 million.   The third quarter of 2016 included interest expense of $1.8 million from the 12% Senior Secured Notes sold in November 2015 and repaid in October 2016 and $2.2 million as a result of the debt modification associated with the Consent Solicitation.

Results of Operations

The following Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 and accompanying notes and the discussions under “Overview” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” included in this MD&A.

We present the following information about our results of operations. Net sales to unaffiliated customers are reported in the consolidated financial statements and gross profit (loss) represents net sales less cost of sales.  Net sales are reported on a gross basis with the cost of freight being recorded in cost of sales.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

The following table contains certain financial information:

 

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The following tables provide key sales metrics for the agricultural products:

 

 

 

With respect to sales of industrial, mining and other chemical products, the following table indicates the volumes sold of our major products:

 

 

Net Sales

Our third quarter 2017 agricultural, industrial and mining sales were all higher due to increased sales volumes that were partially offset by decreased average selling prices.

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Gross Loss

As noted in the table above, our gross loss decreased $29.1 million compared to the third quarter of 2016.  In addition to the net positive effect from the higher sales discussed above, our gross loss improved primarily through:

Selling General and Administrative

Our SG&A expenses were $8.0 million for the third quarter of 2017, a decrease of $2.0 million compared to the same period in 2016.  The decrease was primarily driven by a $1.5 million reduction in compensation-related cost and $0.5 million reduction in insurance and other miscellaneous costs.

Interest Expense, net

Interest expense for the third quarter of 2017 was $9.3 million compared to $13.3 million for the same period in 2016. This reduction was the result of the repayment of the 12% Senior Secured Notes in October 2016 ($1.8 million) and the debt modification costs associated with a consent solicitation completed in the third quarter of 2016 ($2.2 million).

Non-operating Other Expense (Income), net

Non-operating other income for the third quarter of 2017 was $0.9 million compared to non-operating expense of $2.5 million for the same period in 2016, which primarily relates to the change in fair value of the embedded derivative included in the Series E Preferred.

Benefit for Income Taxes

The benefit for income taxes from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2017 was $6.7 million compared to $22.2 million for the same period in 2016.  The resulting effective tax rate for the third quarters of 2017 and 2016 was 28% and 36%, respectively.  For the third quarter of 2017, the effective tax rate is less than the statutory tax rate primarily due to the impact of the valuation allowances associated with state NOL carryforwards.

Income from Discontinued Operations, including taxes

The results of operations of our former Climate Control Business are presented as discontinued operations.  For the third quarter of 2016, income from discontinued operations was $173 million, including a gain of $281.6 million and net of a tax provision of $108.5 million.  

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Nine months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

The following table contains certain financial information:

 

 

The following tables provide key sales metrics for the agricultural products:

 

 

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With respect to sales of industrial, mining and other chemical products, the following table indicates the volumes sold of our major products:

 

 

Net Sales

Agricultural and industrial sales for the first nine months of 2017 were all higher due to increased sales volumes that were partially offset by decreased average selling prices while mining sales for that same period of time were lower due to lower average prices and a net decrease in sales volume compared to the same period of 2016.

Gross Profit (Loss)

As noted in the table above, we recognized a gross profit of $15.7 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to a gross loss of $40.4 million for the same period of 2016, or an increase in gross profit of $56.1 million.  In addition to the net positive effect from the higher sales discussed above, our gross profit improved primarily through:

In addition, during the first nine month of 2016, we incurred a one-time cost of $12.1 million relating to consulting services associated with the reduction of property taxes from fixing the assessed value for our El Dorado Facility. The increase in gross profit was partially offset by an increase in overall depreciation expense of approximately $8.9 million primarily as a result of our new ammonia

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plant at our El Dorado Facility not being put into service until mid-May 2016 and higher average natural gas feedstock cost at our Cherokee and Pryor Facilities.  

Selling General and Administrative

Our SG&A expenses were $26.8 million for the first nine months of 2017, a decrease of $5.0 million compared to the same period in 2016.  The decrease was driven by a $2.3 million reduction in compensation-related cost, $1.6 million reduction in insurance and other miscellaneous costs and $1.1 million reduction in professional fees.

Other Expense (Income), net

Our net other expense for the first nine months of 2017 was $2.3 million (minimal for the same period in 2016) primarily consisting of a total net loss of $4.4 million primarily relating to the sale of our working interest of certain natural gas properties and other non-core assets partially offset by the extinguishment and derecognition of a liability of approximately $1.4 million associated with a death benefit agreement as discussed in Note 12 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and $0.3 million in miscellaneous other income items.

Interest Expense, net

Interest expense for the first nine months of 2017 was $27.9 million compared to $21.1 million for the same period in 2016.  The increase is due primarily to a reduction in capitalized interest in the first nine months of 2017 of $14.7 million as a result of the El Dorado expansion project completion during 2016. This increase was partially offset by a decrease of $5.3 million relating to the 12% Senior Secured Notes sold in November 2015 and repaid in October 2016 and $2.2 million as a result of the debt modification associated with a consent solicitation completed in the third quarter of 2016.

Benefit for Income Taxes

The benefit for income taxes from continuing operations for the first nine months of 2017 was $10.7 million compared to $30.7 million for the same period in 2016.  The resulting effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2017 and 2016 was 26% and 33% respectively.  For the first half of 2017, the effective tax rate is less than the statutory tax rate primarily due to the impact of the valuation allowances associated with state NOL carryforwards.

Income from Discontinued Operations, including taxes

The results of operations of our former Climate Control Business are presented as discontinued operations.  For the first nine months of 2016, income from discontinued operations was $196.6 million including a gain of $281.6 million and net of a tax provision of $95 million.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The following summarizes our continuing cash flow activities for the first nine months ended September 30, 2017:

Cash Flow from Continuing Operating Activities

Net cash provided by continuing operating activities was $19.3 million as the result of a net loss of $30.1 million plus an adjustment of $50.3 million relating to depreciation, depletion and amortization of PP&E less other adjustments of $0.9 million.

Cash Flow from Continuing Investing Activities

Net cash used by continuing investing activities was $2.2 million primarily relating to expenditures for PP&E of $25.2 million partially offset by net proceeds of $22.6 million from the sale of our former working interests in certain natural gas properties and other property and equipment and including an advance payment on the sale of our engineered products business (industrial machinery and related components) discussed above under “Recent Developments” and in Note 14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Cash Flow from Continuing Financing Activities

Net cash used by continuing financing activities was $21.7 million primarily for payments on long-term debt and short-term financing.

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Capitalization

The following is our total current cash, long-term debt, redeemable preferred stock and stockholders’ equity:

 

 

We currently have a revolving credit facility, our Working Capital Revolver Loan, with a borrowing base of $50 million.  As of September 30, 2017, our Working Capital Revolver Loan was undrawn and had approximately $38.6 million of availability.

We have planned capital additions of approximately $10 million for the fourth quarter of 2017 which, if spent, would bring our full year 2017 total capital additions to approximately $35 million, which excludes the impact of the $8.1 million incentive tax credit recognized during the third quarter of 2017.

Compliance with Long - Term Debt Covenants

As discussed below under “Loan Agreements” and in Note 7-Long-Term Debt, the Working Capital Revolver Loan requires, among other things, that we meet certain financial covenants.  The Working Capital Revolver Loan does not include financial covenant requirements unless a defined covenant trigger event has occurred and is continuing.  As of September 30, 2017, no trigger event had occurred.

Loan Agreements and Redeemable Preferred Stock

Senior Secured Notes due 2019 - LSB has $375 million aggregate principal amount of the 8.5% Senior Secured Notes currently outstanding.  Interest is to be paid semiannually on February 1st and August 1st.

Secured Promissory Note due 2019 - EDC is party to a secured promissory note due June 29, 2019. This promissory note bears interest at the annual rate of 5.73%. Principal and interest are payable in equal monthly installments with a final balloon payment of approximately $6.7 million.  This promissory note is secured by the cogeneration facility equipment and is guaranteed by LSB.

Secured Promissory Note due 2021 - EDC is party to a secured promissory note due March 26, 2021. This promissory note bears interest at the annual rate of 5.25%.  Principal and interest are payable in monthly installments. This promissory note is secured by a natural gas pipeline at the El Dorado Facility and is guaranteed by LSB.

Secured Promissory Note due 2023 - EDA is party to a secured promissory note due in May 2023. Principal and interest are payable in equal monthly installments with a final balloon payment of approximately $6.1 million. This promissory note bears interest at a rate that is based on the monthly LIBOR rate plus a base rate for a total of 5.48%.  This promissory note is secured by the ammonia storage tank and related systems and is guaranteed by LSB.

Working Capital Revolver Loan - At September 30, 2017, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Working Capital Revolver Loan and the net credit available for borrowings under our Working Capital Revolver Loan was approximately $38.6 million, based on our eligible collateral, less outstanding letters of credit as of that date.  Also see discussion above under “Compliance with Long-Term Debt Covenants.

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Redemption of Series E Redeemable Preferred – At September 30, 2017, there were 139,768 outstanding shares of Series E Redeemable Preferred.

At any time on or after August 2, 2019, each Series E holder has the right to elect to have such holder’s shares redeemed by us at a redemption price per share equal to the liquidation preference per share of $1,000 plus accrued and unpaid dividends plus the participation rights value (the “Liquidation Preference”).  Additionally, at our option, we may redeem the Series E Redeemable Preferred at any time at a redemption price per share equal to the Liquidation Preference of such share as of the redemption date. Lastly, with receipt of (i) prior consent of the electing Series E holder or a majority of shares of Series E Redeemable Preferred and (ii) all other required approvals, including under any principal U.S. securities exchange on which our common stock is then listed for trading, we can redeem the Series E Redeemable Preferred by the issuance of shares of common stock having an aggregate common stock price equal to the amount of the aggregate Liquidation Preference of such shares being redeemed in shares of common stock in lieu of cash at the redemption date.

In the event of liquidation, the Series E Redeemable Preferred is entitled to receive its Liquidation Preference before any such distribution of assets or proceeds is made to or set aside for the holders of our common stock and any other junior stock. In the event of a change of control, we must make an offer to purchase all of the shares of Series E Redeemable Preferred outstanding at the Liquidation Preference.

Since carrying values of the redeemable preferred stocks are being increased by periodic accretions (including the amount for dividends earned but not yet declared or paid) using the interest method so that the carrying amount will equal the redemption value as of August 2, 2019, the earliest possible redemption date by the holder, this accretion has and will continue to affect income (loss) per common share.  In addition, this accretion could accelerate if the expected redemption date is earlier than August 2, 2019.

As of September 30, 2017, the aggregate liquidation preference (par value plus accrued dividends) was $179 million.

Capital Additions – First Nine Months of 2017

Capital additions during the first nine months of 2017 primarily related to PP&E of $25.0 million which additions includes approximately $1.6 million associated with maintaining compliance with environmental laws, regulations and guidelines.  Our net capital additions were $16.9 million reduced by $8.1 million relating to incentive tax credits discussed above under “Recent Developments”. The capital additions were funded from cash and working capital.

See discussion above under “Capitalization” for our expected annual capital additions.

Expenses Associated with Environmental Regulatory Compliance

We are subject to specific federal and state environmental compliance laws, regulations and guidelines.  As a result, we incurred expenses of $3.2 million during the first nine months of 2017 in connection with environmental projects.  For the remainder of 2017, we expect to incur expenses ranging from $0.9 million to $1.2 million in connection with additional environmental projects.  However, it is possible that the actual costs could be significantly different than our estimates.

Dividends

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.  

Dividends on the Series E Redeemable Preferred are cumulative and payable semi-annually (May 1 and November 1) in arrears at the annual rate of 14% of the liquidation value of $1,000 per share. Each share of Series E Redeemable Preferred is entitled to receive a semi-annual dividend, only when declared by our Board. In addition, dividends in arrears at the dividend date, until paid, shall compound additional dividends at the annual rate of 14%. The current semi-annual compounded dividend is approximately $90.69 per share for the current aggregate semi-annual dividend of $12.7 million.  We also must declare a dividend on the Series E Redeemable Preferred on a pro rata basis with our common stock. As long as the Purchaser holds at least 10% of the Series E Redeemable Preferred, we may not declare dividends on our common stock and other preferred stocks unless and until dividends have been declared and paid on the Series E Redeemable Preferred for the then current dividend period in cash.  As of September 30, 2017, the amount of accumulated dividends on the Series E Redeemable Preferred was approximately $39.3 million.

Dividends on the Series D 6% cumulative convertible Class C preferred stock (the “Series D Preferred”) and Series B 12% cumulative convertible Class C Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred”) are payable annually, only when declared by our Board, as follows:

As of September 30, 2017, the amount of accumulated dividends on the Series D Preferred and Series B Preferred totaled approximately $0.6 million. All shares of the Series D Preferred and Series B Preferred are owned by the Golsen Holders.  There are no optional or mandatory redemption rights with respect to the Series B Preferred or Series D Preferred.

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Seasonality

We believe fertilizer products sold to the agricultural industry are seasonal while sales into the industrial and mining sectors generally are not.  The 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 in the geographical markets in which the majority of our agricultural products are distributed.  As a result, we typically increase our inventory of fertilizer products prior to the beginning of each planting season in order to meet demand for our products.  In addition, the amount and timing of sales to the agricultural markets depend upon weather conditions and other circumstances beyond our control.

Performance and Payment Bonds

We are contingently liable to sureties in respect of insurance bonds issued by the sureties in connection with certain contracts entered into by subsidiaries in the normal course of business.  These insurance bonds primarily represent guarantees of future performance of our subsidiaries.  As of September 30, 2017, we have agreed to indemnify the sureties for payments, up to $10 million, made by them in respect of such bonds.  These insurance bonds are expected to expire or be renewed in 2017.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for recently adopted and recently issued accounting standards.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates,” Item 7 of our 2016 Form 10-K.  In addition, the preparation of financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosures of contingencies and fair values, including, but not limited to, various environmental and legal matters that require us to make estimates and assumptions, including costs relating to a corrective action study work plan approved by the KDHE discussed under footnote 3 – Other Environmental Matters of Note 8 included in this Form 10-Q and the lawsuits styled City of West, Texas vs. CF Industries, Inc., et al., and BAE Systems Ordinance Systems, Inc., et al. vs. El Dorado Chemical Company, discussed under “Other Pending, Threatened or Settled Litigation” of Note 8.  

Currently, the carrying values of the redeemable preferred stocks are being increased by periodic accretions (recorded to retained earnings and included in determining income or loss per share) using the interest method so that the carrying amount will equal the redemption value as of August 2, 2019, the earliest possible redemption date by the holder.  However, the remaining accretion could accelerate if the expected redemption date is earlier than August 2, 2019.  

 

It is also reasonably possible that the estimates and assumptions utilized as of September 30, 2017 could change in the near term.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act.

Aggregate Contractual Obligations

In the operation of our businesses, we enter into contracts, leases and borrowing arrangements.  As discussed in our 2016 Form 10-K, we had certain contractual obligations as of December 31, 2016, with various maturity dates, showing payments due for the next five years and thereafter related to the following:

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During the first nine months of 2017, we amended our working capital revolver loan agreement and paid off the secured promissory note due 2017 as discussed in Note 7 and under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” and in our 2016 Form 10-K.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

General

Our results of operations and operating cash flows are impacted by changes in market prices of ammonia and natural gas and changes in market interest rates.

Forward Sales Commitments Risk

Periodically, we enter into prepaid firm sales commitments for products to be delivered in future periods.  As a result, we could be exposed to embedded losses should our product costs exceed the firm sales prices.  At September 30, 2017, we had approximately $0.6 million in embedded losses associated with prepaid sales commitments and other sales commitments that we plan to fulfil with purchased product.

Commodity Price Risk

A substantial portion of our products and raw materials are commodities whose prices fluctuate as market supply and demand fundamentals change.  We are exposed to commodity price risk as we generally do not use derivative financial instruments to manage risks related to changes in prices of commodities.  We periodically enter into contracts to purchase natural gas for anticipated production needs.  Generally, these contracts are considered normal purchases because they provide for the purchase of natural gas that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used over a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business, these contracts are exempt from the accounting and reporting requirements relating to derivatives.  At September 30, 2017, we did not have any natural gas derivatives not meeting the definition of a normal purchase and sale.

Interest Rate Risk

Generally, we are exposed to variable interest rate risk with respect to our revolving credit facility.  As of September 30, 2017, we did not have any outstanding borrowings on this credit facility.  We are also exposed to interest rate risk on variable rate borrowings for certain commercial loans in the amount of approximately $17.2 million.  We currently do not hedge our interest rate risk associated with these variable interest loans.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. These include controls and procedures designed to ensure that this information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2017.  Based on this evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2017, at the reasonable assurance level.

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained within this report may be deemed “Forward-Looking Statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (as amended, the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act.  All statements in this report other than statements of historical fact are Forward-Looking Statements that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results and performance of the Company to differ materially from such statements.  The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” and similar expressions identify Forward-Looking Statements.  Forward-Looking Statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, the following:

While we believe the expectations reflected in such Forward-Looking Statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance such expectations will prove to have been correct.  There are a variety of factors which could cause future outcomes to differ materially from those described in this report, including, but not limited to, the following:  

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Given these uncertainties, all parties are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such Forward-Looking Statements.  We disclaim any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the Forward-Looking Statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

 

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Defined Terms

The following is a list of terms used in this report.

 

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PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Other Litigation

We are from time to time subject to various legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business, including, but not limited to, examinations by the Internal Revenue Service.  For further discussion of our legal matters, see “Note 8—Commitments and Contingencies—Legal Matters” in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q.

 

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Reference is made to Item 1A of our 2016 Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2017 for our discussion regarding risk factors.

 

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable

 

 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

Not applicable

 

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable

 

 

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

See “Index to Exhibits” on page 44.

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Index to Exhibits Item 6

 

 

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Company has caused the undersigned, duly authorized, to sign this report on its behalf on this 30^th day of October 2017.

 

 

 

 

45

 

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Daniel D. Greenwell, certify that:

Date: October 30, 2017

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Mark T. Behrman, certify that:

Date: October 30, 2017

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of LSB Industries, Inc. (“LSB”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2017 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”).  I, Daniel D. Greenwell, President and Chief Executive Officer of LSB, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

 

October 30, 2017

This certification is furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission solely for purpose of 18 U.S.C. §1350 subject to the knowledge standard contained therein, and not for any other purpose.

 

 

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of LSB Industries, Inc. (“LSB”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2017 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Mark T. Behrman, Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of LSB, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

 

October 30, 2017

This certification is furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission solely for purpose of 18 U.S.C. §1350 subject to the knowledge standard contained therein and not for any other purpose.