UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2019

OR

For the transition period from                  to                 

Commission file number 1-7677

 

LSB Industries, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code) (405)  235-4546

Not applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit such files).

☒  Yes    ☐  No

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  

 

 

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 28,782,431 shares as of October 25, 2019.

 

 

 

 

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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, 2019 is unaudited)

 

 

(Continued on following page)

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)

(Information at September 30, 2019 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 STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

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)

 

 

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, 2018 (“2018 Form 10-K”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 26, 2019.

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.  Certain prior period amounts reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

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 2016, LSB completed the sale of all of the stock of the Climate Control Group, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary that conducted LSB’s Climate Control Business) pursuant to the terms of a stock purchase agreement.  During the first quarter of 2018, we received the remaining proceeds held in a related indemnity escrow account of $2.7 million.

In our opinion, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company as of September 30, 2019 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 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 2018 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.

Income Taxes – Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the statement of operations in the period that includes the enactment date.  We establish valuation allowances if we believe it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Significant judgment is applied in evaluating the need for and the magnitude of appropriate valuation allowances against deferred tax assets.

In addition, we do not recognize a tax benefit unless we conclude that it is more likely than not that the benefit will be sustained on audit by the relevant taxing authorities based solely on the technical merits of the associated tax position.  If the recognition threshold is met, we recognize a tax benefit measured at the largest amount of the tax benefit that, in our judgment, is greater than 50% likely to be realized.  We record interest related to unrecognized tax positions in interest expense and penalties in operating other expense.

 

 

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Income tax benefits associated with amounts that are deductible for income tax purposes are recorded through the statement of operations.  These benefits are principally generated from exercises of non-qualified stock options and restricted stock.  We reduce income tax expense for investment tax credits in the period the credit arises and is earned.

Contingencies – Certain conditions may exist which may result in a loss, but which will only be resolved when future events occur.  We and our legal counsel assess such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment.  If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a loss has been incurred, we would accrue for such contingent losses when such losses can be reasonably estimated.  If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable but reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss if determinable and material, would be disclosed.  Estimates of potential legal fees and other directly related costs associated with contingencies are not accrued but rather are expensed as incurred.  Loss contingency liabilities are included in current and noncurrent accrued and other liabilities and are based on current estimates that may be revised in the near term.  In addition, we recognize contingent gains when such gains are realized or when the contingencies have been resolved (generally at the time a settlement has been reached).   

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 October 25, 2023, the earliest possible redemption date by the holder.  The accretion was recorded to retained earnings. However, this accretion will change if the expected redemption date changes.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2016-02 and related ASUs – In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes the lease requirements in Topic 840, Leases. In addition, the FASB issued various other ASUs further amending lease accounting guidance (together “ASC 842”). On January 1, 2019, we adopted ASC 842 as discussed in Note 2.

2.  Adoption of ASC 842

On January 1, 2019, we adopted ASC 842 using the additional transition method option provided by ASU 2018-11. Under this transition method, we applied the new accounting guidance on the date of adoption. Upon adoption, a cumulative effect adjustment was not required; however, the effect of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements impacted our balance sheet presentation by increasing the amount of our noncurrent assets for the inclusion of right-of-use assets of $15.9 million and increasing the amount of our liabilities for the inclusion of the associated lease obligations of $15.9 million, most of which were classified as noncurrent.  

Under the transition option we elected, ASC 842 is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements and our reporting for the comparative periods presented in the financial statements continue to be in accordance with Topic 840, including disclosures.  Upon adoption, we elected the following accounting policies or practical expedients related to ASC 842:

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception.  Since our leases generally do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the lease term and other information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.  Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  Currently, most of our leases are classified as operating leases under which we are the lessee and primarily relate to railcars, other equipment and office space.  In addition, our leases that are classified as finance leases (previously classified as capital leases) and other leases under which we are the lessor are not material. Most of our leases do not include options to extend or terminate the lease prior to the end of the term.  As of September 30, 2019, we did not have any material operating leases with lease terms greater than one year that have not yet commenced.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

2.  Adoption of ASC 842 (continued)

 

 

 

Maturities of operating lease liabilities as of September 30, 2019 are as follows:

 

 

As previously disclosed in our 2018 Form 10-K and under Topic 840, future minimum lease payments on operating leases having initial or remaining terms one year or more at December 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

 

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

2.  Adoption of ASC 842 (continued)

Additionally, under Topic 840, expenses associated with our operating lease agreements, including month-to-month leases, for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2018 were approximately $2.6 million and $7.5 million, respectively.

 

3. Loss Per Common Share

 

 

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

 

 

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

4. Current and Noncurrent Accrued and Other Liabilities

 

 

 

5. Long-Term Debt

Our long-term debt consists of the following: 

 

 

(A) As amended in February 2019, our revolving credit facility (the “Working Capital Revolver Loan”) provides for advances up to $75 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, 2019, our available borrowings under our Working Capital Revolver Loan were approximately $33.8 million, based on our eligible collateral, less outstanding letters of credit. The maturity date of the Working Capital Revolver Loan is February 26, 2024.   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 10.0% of the total revolver commitments, then the borrowers must maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.00 to 1.00.  The Financial Covenant, if triggered, is tested monthly.  

(B) On April 25, 2018, LSB completed the issuance and sale of $400 million aggregate principal amount of its 9.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 (the “Notes”), pursuant to an indenture (the “Indenture”), dated as of April 25, 2018.  The Notes were issued at a price equal to 99.509% of their face value.  

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

5. Long-Term Debt (continued)

On June 21, 2019, LSB completed the issuance and sale of $35 million aggregate principal amount of its 9.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 (the “New Notes”). The New Notes were issued pursuant to the Indenture (the Notes together with the New Notes, the “Senior Secured Notes”). The New Notes were issued at a price equal to 102.125% of their face value, plus accrued interest from May 1, 2019 to June 21, 2019, in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) sold to eligible purchasers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.  Interest on the New Notes accrues from May 1, 2019.  

The Senior Secured Notes mature on May 1, 2023.  Interest is to be paid semiannually in arrears on May 1^st and November 1^st.

As it relates to the issuance of the Notes in April 2018, a portion of the net proceeds from the Notes were used to purchase/redeem the previously outstanding $375 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes scheduled to mature in 2019.  The remaining net proceeds were primarily used to pay related transaction fees and expenses, redemption premiums, and accrued interest on the senior secured notes purchased/redeemed. A portion of this transaction was accounted for as an extinguishment of debt and a portion was accounted for as a non-substantial debt modification.  As a result, approximately $15.2 million of the fees/redemption premiums/discount was deferred and included in discount and debt issuance costs and approximately $0.9 million of fees were expensed as incurred and were included in interest expense in 2018. In addition, we recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $6.0 million in 2018, primarily consisting of a portion of the redemption premiums paid and the expensing of a portion of debt issuance costs associated with the senior secured notes purchased/redeemed.

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

(D) 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.

(E) On May 28, 2019, EDC entered into a $15 million secured financing arrangement with an affiliate of LSB Funding L.L.C. (“LSB Funding”) with an interest rate of 8.32%. Beginning in June 2019, principal and interest are payable in 48 equal monthly installments with a final balloon payment of approximately $3 million due on June 1, 2023. This financing arrangement is secured by the cogeneration facility equipment and is guaranteed by LSB. A portion of the proceeds from this secured financing arrangement was used to pay off the Secured Promissory Note that was scheduled to mature in June 2019.

(F) Includes $1.8 million relating to a secured loan agreement EDC entered during the first quarter of 2019 with an affiliate of LSB Funding. Under the terms of the agreement, EDC has up to $7.5 million of available borrowings (the “Interim Loan”) during the construction of certain equipment (the “Interim Loan Period), subject to certain conditions.  During the Interim Loan Period, interest only is payable in monthly installments. The Interim Loan will be replaced by a term loan upon completion of the construction, which is expected to be during the fourth quarter of 2019.  Principal and interest will be payable in 60 equal monthly installments under the term loan.

 

6. Commitments and Contingencies

Natural Gas Purchase Commitments – At September 30, 2019, our natural gas contracts, which qualify as normal purchases under GAAP and thus are not mark-to-market, included volume purchase commitments with fixed costs of approximately 4.6 million MMBtus of natural gas.  These contracts extend through December 2019 at a weighted-average cost of $2.50 per MMBtu ($11.5 million) and a weighted-average market value of $2.12 per MMBtu ($9.7 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”), 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.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

6.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

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, 2019, our accrued liabilities for environmental matters totaled $183,000 relating primarily to the matters discussed below.  

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.  These permits limit the type and amount of effluents that can be discharged and control the method of such discharge.

In October 2017, PCC filed a Permit Renewal Application for its Non-Hazardous Injection Well Permit at the Pryor Facility.  Although the Injection Well Permit expired in 2018, PCC continues to operate the injection well pending the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (“ODEQ”) action on the Permit Renewal Application.  PCC and ODEQ are engaged in ongoing discussions related to the renewal of the injection well to address the 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. In August 2017, ADEQ issued a final NPDES permit with new dissolved mineral limits.  EDC filed an appeal in September 2017 and a Permit Appeal Resolution (“PAR”) was signed in July 2018.  EDC is in compliance with the revised permit limits agreed upon in the PAR.

In November 2006, the El Dorado Facility entered into a Consent Administrative Order (“CAO”) that recognizes the presence of nitrate contamination in the shallow groundwater.  The CAO requires EDC to perform semi-annual groundwater monitoring, continue operation of a groundwater recovery system, submit a human health and ecological risk assessment, and submit a remedial action plan.  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.  Subsequent to the PAR mentioned previously, a new CAO was signed in October 2018, which required an Evaluation Report of the data and effectiveness of the groundwater remedy for nitrate contamination.  In February 2019, the Evaluation Report was submitted to the ADEQ, which the ADEQ approved the report in August 2019.

No liability has been established at September 30, 2019, in connection with this ADEQ matter.

2. 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.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

6.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

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.

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 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 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, which retention limit has been met relating to this matter.  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.  These settlements have been paid by the insurer as of September 30, 2019.  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 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, 2019, no liability reserve has been established in connection with this matter.

In 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, sought an unspecified amount of damages.

In October 2018, LSB entered into a preliminary, binding term sheet to settle Dennis Wilson vs. LSB Industries, Inc., et al., which was subject to approval by the court. On January 17, 2019, the parties entered into a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement (the “Wilson Settlement Agreement”), pursuant to which the settlement amount of approximately $18.5 million was paid in March by our insurers on behalf of LSB and certain current and former officers in exchange for, among other things, a release of all claims.  On May 23, 2019, one request for exclusion from the settlement class was made. On June 28, 2019, the court held a settlement hearing and entered a Judgement Approving Class Action Settlement, which includes a provision whereby the party requesting exclusion may withdraw its exclusion from the settlement and file by July 23, 2019 to rejoin the class. On July 23, 2019, LSB reached a preliminary settlement and the requesting party withdrew its request for exclusion from the class.  Subsequently, during the third quarter of 2019, this additional settlement was executed, and the settlement amount was paid to the requesting party by our insurers on behalf of LSB and certain current and former officers in exchange for, among other things, an appropriate release of claims. As a result, no liability in relation to this matter remains outstanding as of September 30, 2019.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

6.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

In 2015, we and 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.  

LSB and EDA intend to pursue recovery of any damage or loss caused by Global’s work performed at our El Dorado Facility.  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., in the Circuit court of Union County, Arkansas, wherein Global seeks damages under breach of contract and other claims.  We have requested indemnifications from Leidos under the terms of our contracts which they have denied, and we intend to vigorously defend against the allegation made by Global and seek reimbursement of legal expenses from Leidos under our contracts.  We are also seeking damages from Leidos for their wrongdoing during the expansion, including breach of contract, fraud, gross negligence, professional negligence and gross negligence.  

Except for the invoices totaling approximately $3.5 million that were not approved by Leidos for payment that are included in our accounts payable, no liability has been established in connection with the claims asserted by Global.  On September 25, 2018, the Court bifurcated the case into: (1) Global’s claims against Leidos and LSB, and (2) the cross-claims between Leidos and LSB.  Part (1) of the case was tried to the Court during the fall of 2018.  The Court took the matter under advisement, will consider the evidence and render judgment.  LSB intends to vigorously prosecute its claims against Leidos in Part (2) of the matter.  Trial is scheduled for Part (2) of the matter in February of 2020.

We are also involved in various other claims and legal actions (including matters involving gain contingencies).  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.

7. Income Taxes

In December 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Act”), making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code.  Changes include, but are not limited to, a federal corporate tax rate of 21%, additional limitations on executive compensation, and limitations on the deductibility of interest.

The FASB issued ASU 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 to address the application of GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act.  

For the first nine months of 2018, we recorded provisional amounts for certain enactment-date effects of the Act by applying the guidance in SAB 118 because we had not yet completed our enactment-date accounting for these effects.  In 2018, we recorded tax expense related to these effects including the decrease in the federal corporate tax rate, additional limitations on executive compensation, and limitations on the deductibility of interest.  During the fourth quarter of 2018, we completed the accounting for tax reform and there was no adjustment to provisional amounts recorded.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes is as follows:

 

 

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

7.  Income Taxes (continued)

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the current provision (benefit) for state income taxes shown above includes regular state income tax and provisions for uncertain state income tax positions, the impact of state tax law changes and other similar adjustments.

Our estimated annual effective rate for 2019 includes the impact of permanent tax differences, limits on deductible compensation, state tax law changes, valuation allowances and other permanent items.

We considered both positive and negative evidence in our determination of the need for valuation allowances for deferred tax assets.  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.  In the second quarter of 2018, we established a valuation allowance on a portion of our federal deferred tax assets.  Valuation allowances are reflective of our quarterly analysis of the four sources of taxable income, including the calculation of the reversal of existing tax assets and liabilities, the impact of the recent financing activities and our quarterly results.  Based on our analysis, we currently believe that it is more-likely-than-not that a portion of our federal deferred tax assets will not be able to be utilized and we estimate the valuation allowance to be recorded during 2019 to be approximately $8.9 million.  We have also determined it was more-likely-than-not that a portion of our state deferred tax assets would not be able to be utilized and we estimate the valuation allowance associated with these state deferred tax assets to be recorded during 2019 will be approximately $3.8 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 and additional guidance for various provisions of the Act, 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 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $5.8 million (14% benefit on pre-tax loss) and the tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $1.0 million (2% provision on pre-tax loss).  For the first nine months of 2019, the effective tax rate is less than the statutory tax rate primarily due to the impact of the valuation allowances and impact of state tax law changes. During the second quarter of 2019, changes in tax laws were enacted by certain states resulting in an income tax benefit.  The increase in the benefit is primarily due to the adjustments on the deferred tax assets and liabilities from the newly enacted state tax law changes.

LSB and certain of its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions.  With few exceptions, the 2015-2018 years remain open for all purposes of examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and other major tax jurisdictions.

8. Redeemable Preferred Stocks

Series E and Series F Redeemable Preferred

As of September 30, 2019, 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 (participation rights value).  Dividends accrue semi-annually in arrears and are compounded. Pursuant to the terms of the Series E Redeemable Preferred, the annual dividend rate will increase (a) by 0.50% in April 2021 (b) by an additional 0.50% in April 2022 and (c) by an additional 1.0% in April 2023. The Series E Redeemable Preferred contains redemption features and a participation rights value that are being accounted for as derivative instruments and have been bifurcated from the Series E Redeemable Preferred as discussed below under Embedded Derivative.

As of September 30, 2019, 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.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

8. Redeemable Preferred Stocks (continued)

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

 

 

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 September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we estimate that the contingent redemption features have fair value since we estimate that it is probable that a portion of the shares of this preferred stock would be redeemed prior to October 25, 2023.  For certain other embedded features, we estimated no fair value based on our assessment that there is a remote probability that these features will be exercised.

The fair value of the embedded derivative was valued using discounted cash flow models and primarily based on the difference in the present value of estimated future cash flows with no redemptions prior to October 25, 2023 compared to certain redemptions deemed probable during the same period and applying the effective dividend rate of the Series E Redeemable Preferred.  In addition, at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the fair value of the embedded derivative included the valuation of the participation rights, which was based on the equivalent of 303,646 shares of our common stock at $5.18 and $5.52 per share, respectively.

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. A Level 3 valuation is based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.  

 

At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the fair value of the embedded derivative was $1.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively, and are included in our noncurrent accrued and other liabilities.  For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, we recognized an unrealized loss of approximately $0.4 million and approximately $1.1 million, respectively, due to the change in fair value of the embedded derivative.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the unrealized gain and loss were minimal.  These unrealized gains and losses are included in non-operating income and expense.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

9.  Net Sales

Disaggregated Net Sales

As discussed in Note 1, we primarily derive our revenues from the sales of various chemical products.  The following table presents our net sales disaggregated by our principal markets, which disaggregation is consistent with other financial information utilized or provided outside of our consolidated financial statements:

 

 

Transaction Price Constraints and Variable Consideration

For most of our contracts within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASC 606”), the transaction price from the inception of a contract is constrained to a short period of time (generally one month) as these contracts contain terms with variable consideration related to both price and quantity.  These contract prices are often based on commodity indexes (such as NYMEX natural gas index) published monthly and the contract quantities are typically based on estimated ranges.  The quantities become fixed and determinable over a period of time as each sale order is received from the customer.  

The nature of our contracts also gives rise to other types of variable consideration, including volume discounts and rebates, make-whole provisions, other pricing concessions, and short-fall charges.  We estimate these amounts based on the expected amount to be provided to customers, which result in a transaction price adjustment reducing revenue (net sales) with the offset increasing contract or refund liabilities. These estimates are based on historical experience, anticipated performance and our best judgment at the time.  We reassess these estimates on a quarterly basis.

The aforementioned constraints over transaction prices in conjunction with the variable consideration included in our material contracts prevent a practical assignment of a specific dollar amount to performance obligations at the beginning and end of the period.  Therefore, we have applied the variable consideration allocation exception.

Future revenues to be earned from the satisfaction of performance obligations will be recognized when control transfers as goods are loaded and weighed or services are performed over the remaining duration of our contracts.  Although most of our contracts have an original expected duration of one year or less, for our contracts with a duration greater than one year, the average remaining expected duration was approximately 14 months at September 30, 2019.

Contract Assets, Liabilities and Other Information

Our contract assets consist of receivables from contracts with customers. Our accounts receivable primarily relate to these contract assets and are presented in our consolidated balance sheets. Customer payments are generally due thirty to sixty days after the invoice date.

Our contract liabilities primarily relate to deferred revenue and customer deposits associated with cash payments received in advance from customers for volume shortfall charges and product shipments.  We had approximately $3.8 million and $7.0 million of contract liabilities as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, revenues of $1.2 million and $3.2 million, respectively, were recognized and included in the balance at the beginning of the respective period.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, revenues of $0.8 million and $4.1 million were recognized and included in the balance at the beginning of each period.

Revenue recognized in the current period from performance obligations related to prior periods (for example, due to changes in transaction price) was not material.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

10. Related Party Transactions

During the first nine months of 2019, we entered into two separate financing arrangements with an affiliate of LSB Funding as discussed in footnotes (E) and (F) of Note 5, which transactions included debt issuance costs totaling approximately $0.1 million paid to this affiliate.  In June 2019, we incurred a consent fee of approximately $0.3 million from LSB Funding associated with the issuance of the New Notes discussed in footnote (B) of Note 5.  Also, an affiliate of LSB Funding holds $50 million of our Senior Secured Notes discussed in footnote (B) of Note 5. In addition, LSB Funding holds all outstanding shares of the Series E and Series F Redeemable Preferred discussed in Note 8.

The Golsen Holders hold all outstanding shares of the Series B Preferred and Series D Preferred, which accumulated dividends on such shares totaled approximately $1.2 million at September 30, 2019.

 

11. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following provides additional information relating to cash flow activities:

 

 

 

 

 

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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, 2019 condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.  A reference to a “Note” relates to a note in the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements. This MD&A reflects our operating results, 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 Operating Initiatives for 2019

We believe our future results of operations and financial condition will depend significantly on our ability to successfully implement the following key initiatives:

Additionally, we continue to focus our efforts to expand our market for our nitric acid products in North America and to fully utilize available nitric acid production capacity of our facilities.

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We may not successfully implement any or all of these initiatives.  Even if we successfully implement the initiatives, they may not achieve the results that we expect or desire.

Recent Developments

Successful Completion of the Turnaround at our El Dorado Facility and Start Up of our Pryor Facility

During August 2019, we completed an 18-day Turnaround on our ammonia plant at our El Dorado Facility.  During October 2019, we completed the repair and maintenance work phase of the Turnaround at our Pryor Facility (24 days occurred in September 2019) and are currently in the start-up process.  The next Turnarounds for these facilities are scheduled in 2021 for the Pryor Facility and 2022 for the El Dorado Facility.  See additional discussion below under “Items Affecting Comparability of Results of the Third Quarter.”

Amended Ammonia Agreement

During October 2019, the ammonia purchase and sale agreement between El Dorado Chemical Company (“EDC”) and Koch Fertilizer LLC (“Koch Fertilizer”) was amended, under which Koch Fertilizer agrees to purchase, with minimum purchase requirements, the ammonia that (a) will be produced at the El Dorado Facility and (b) that is in excess of EDC’s needs as defined. As amended, the term of the agreement expires in June 2022 but automatically continues for one or more additional one-year terms unless terminated by either party by delivering a notice of termination at least nine months prior to the end of term in effect.

Key Industry Factors

Supply and Demand

Agricultural

Sales of our agricultural products were approximately 47% of our total net sales for the third quarter of 2019. 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.

From a farmers’ perspective, 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.

Additionally, changes in corn prices and those of soybean, cotton and wheat 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 effecting prices.  The USDA estimates the 2020 corn crop to be approximately 89.9 million acres.  As reported in the October USDA Crop Progress report, corn production is forecast at 13.8 billion bushels, down 4% from last year.  Based on conditions as of October 1, yields are expected to average 168.4 bushels per harvested acre, down 5% from last year.  Area harvested is forecast at 81.8 million acres, up slightly from last year. The following October estimates are associated with the corn market:

 

 

On the supply side, 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 believed that low natural gas prices would continue.  That belief, combined with favorable fertilizer pricing, stimulated investment in numerous expansions of existing nitrogen chemical facilities and the construction of new nitrogen chemical facilities.  

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Since those announcements, global nitrogen fertilizer supply has outpaced global nitrogen fertilizer demand causing oversupply in the global and North American markets.  The increased fertilizer supply led to lower nitrogen fertilizer sale prices during most of 2017.  Also, additional domestic supply of ammonia and other fertilizer products changed the physical flow of ammonia in North America placing pressure on ammonia and other fertilizer prices until the distribution system accepted the new supply.  Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2017 and into the second quarter of 2019, we had seen increases in fertilizer prices. However, ammonia prices have experienced pricing pressure during the third quarter of 2019 resulting from elevated inventory levels in the domestic distribution channel caused by inordinately inclement weather throughout the Midwest over the past year, limiting fertilizer applications.

 

Looking ahead to the fourth quarter of 2019 and into 2020, we expect increased ammonia demand and rising prices.  After a challenging 2019 for U.S. corn farmers, we believe that harvested acres and yields for the current harvest will be particularly weak.  These factors have already impacted the price of corn, which has risen to its highest level since 2014.  A likely decline in the stock-to-use ratio for corn should lead to an increase in planted acres in the spring 2020 planting season.  This, coupled with the depletion of nutrients from the soil after months of heavy rains in the Midwest, suggests a heavy pre-planting ammonia application in the coming weeks.  Increased demand for ammonia should decrease the current inventory buildup and allow the Tampa ammonia benchmark to rise, which we have begun to see in recent weeks, also benefitting our industrial business. We believe there will be a favorable fall ammonia application season despite a delayed harvest and continued wet weather conditions in parts of the U.S.

Industrial

Sales of our industrial products were approximately 40% of our total net sales for the third quarter of 2019.  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 indicate some easing of growth with a decline in exports and rising trade tensions for these sectors.  Our sales prices generally vary with the market price of ammonia or natural gas, as applicable, in our pricing arrangements with customers.

Mining

Sales of our mining products were approximately 13% of our total net sales for the third quarter of 2019.  Our mining products are LDAN and AN solution, which are primary used as AN fuel oil and specialty emulsions for usage in the quarry and the construction industries, for metals mining, and to a lesser extent, for coal.  While we believe our plants are well located to support the more stable quarry and construction industries and the metals mining, our current mining sales volumes are being affected by overall lower customer demand for LDAN.  

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 is more expensive than transportation for other forms of nitrogen fertilizers.  In recent years, a significant amount of the ammonia consumed annually in the U.S. was imported.  Therefore, nitrogen fertilizers 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. However, we continue to evaluate the recent rising costs of rail and truck freight domestically.  Higher transportation costs may impact our margins if we are not able to pass through these costs.  As a result, we continue to evaluate supply chain efficiencies to reduce or counter the impact of higher logistics costs.

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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, is 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.  

Our Pryor Facility has completed the repair and maintenance work phase of the Turnaround and is currently in the start-up process and as a result, we believe that we will see increased reliability in its operations and improved operating rates. The Pryor Facility will continue on a two-year Turnaround cycle with the next Turnaround planned for the third quarter of 2021.  At that time, we will seek to move to a three-year Turnaround cycle.

Our El Dorado Facility completed a partial Turnaround during the second and third quarters of 2018.  The remaining portion of the Turnaround was completed during the third quarter of 2019.  The El Dorado Facility has moved to a three-year Turnaround cycle with the next Turnaround planned in the third quarter of 2022.  

Our Cherokee Facility is currently on a three-year Turnaround cycle with the next Turnaround to be performed in the third quarter of 2021.

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 with dates typically occurring within 12 months.  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 2019

Our consolidated net sales for the third quarter of 2019 were $75.5 million compared to $79.8 million for the same period in 2018. Our consolidated operating loss was $19.2 million compared to $16.6 million for the same period in 2018.  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

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.  In particular, we closely monitor the on-stream rates of our ammonia plants as ammonia is the basic product used to produce all upgraded products.  The on-stream rates noted below exclude Turnaround days, when applicable.  

At our Cherokee Facility, the ammonia plant’s on-stream rate for third quarter of 2019 was 90% compared to 97% for the same period of 2018. During the third quarter of 2019, the Cherokee Facility’s on-stream rate was impacted by certain power outages experienced by our utility provider and a local flooding event requiring our ammonia plant to be temporarily shut down.  Our target on-stream rate for this ammonia plant for 2019 is 95%.

At our El Dorado Facility, the ammonia plant’s on-stream rate for third quarter of 2019 was 96% compared to 89% for the same period of 2018. We are targeting an ammonia plant on-stream rate for 2019 of 95%.

At our Pryor Facility, the ammonia plant’s on-stream rate for third quarter of 2019 was 91% compared to 98% for the same period of 2018.  Our target on-stream rate for this ammonia plant for 2019 is 90%.

We believe that our focus on improving on-stream rates as discussed in key operating initiatives will continue to improve our overall on-stream rate for the remainder of 2019.

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Turnaround Expense

During the third quarter of 2019, we incurred Turnaround costs totaling approximately $7.2 million relating to a Turnaround at our Pryor Facility of which 24 days occurred during the third quarter of 2019, and an 18-day Turnaround performed at our El Dorado Facility. Turnaround costs are included in cost of sales.  

During the third quarter of 2018, we incurred Turnaround costs totaling approximately $7.9 million associated with a 35-day Turnaround performed on our plants at our Cherokee Facility and a 5-day Turnaround performed on our ammonia plant at our El Dorado Facility.

These Turnaround costs discussed above do not include the impact on operating results relating to lost absorption of fixed costs or the reduced margins due to the lost production and subsequent sales of product from our plants being shut down during the Turnaround.

Selling Prices

During the third quarter of 2019, average agricultural selling prices for our HDAN and UAN increased 9% and 4%, respectively. Our ammonia average selling prices decreased by 12% compared to 2018 average selling prices for the same period, which reflect decreases in the Southern Plains benchmark for this product resulting from elevated ammonia inventory levels from the inordinately inclement weather throughout the Midwest over the past year.  

Our third quarter 2019 average industrial selling prices for our ammonia also decreased compared to the same period of 2018 as a result of the aforementioned elevated ammonia inventory levels.  The third quarter 2019 Tampa Ammonia pricing declined approximately 29% as compared to the same period in 2018, which led to a decrease in industrial selling prices as many of our industrial contracts are indexed to the Tampa Ammonia benchmark price.  

Legal Fees

For the third quarters of 2019 and 2018, legal fees were approximately $3.6 million and $2.1 million, respectively.  The change primarily relates to fees incurred as we pursue our claims against Leidos to recover damages and losses associated with the construction of the ammonia plant at the El Dorado Facility as discussed in footnote B of Note 6.  We expect to continue to incur legal fees associated with this matter through February 2020, the scheduled date of the trial.

Results of Operations

The following Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 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 condensed 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.

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Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

The following table contains certain financial information:

 

 

The following table provides certain financial information by market (dollars in thousands):

 

 

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The following tables provide key operating metrics for the Agricultural Products:

 

 

 

With respect to sales of Industrial Products, the following tables indicate key operating metrics of our major products:

 

 

With respect to sales of Mining Products, the following table indicates the volumes sold of our major products:

 

 

Net Sales

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Gross Profit (Loss)

As noted in the tables above, we recognized a gross loss of $9.7 million in both the third quarters of 2019 and 2018.  Due to seasonality the third quarter is our weakest quarter and because it is our slowest period it is typically when our Turnaround work is scheduled.  Planned Turnaround work will result in lost fixed cost absorption and increased repairs and maintenance cost which in turn lowers gross profit.  Overall, our gross loss percentage declined slightly compared to the same period in 2018.

Our agricultural products adjusted gross profit percentage increased to 9% for the third quarter of 2019 from 5% for the third quarter of 2018 due primarily to increased selling prices for UAN and HDAN along with improved sales volumes for UAN and ammonia, partially offset by lower HDAN sales volumes and ammonia selling prices as discussed above.

Industrial and mining products adjusted gross profit percentage was down slightly in the third quarter of 2019 as compared to the same period in 2018 driven primarily by lower Tampa ammonia benchmark pricing.

Offsetting the net effect on our overall gross loss from the sales activity discussed above was approximately $1.9 million from lower natural gas costs per MMBtu.

Selling, General and Administrative

Our SG&A expenses for the third quarters of 2019 and 2018 were $9.1 million but include increases in professional fees (including legal fees associated with the legal matter discussed above under “Items Affecting Comparability of Results of the Third Quarter”) offset by reductions in compensation-related costs.

Other Expense (Income), net

Other income for the third quarter of 2018 was $2.3 million (minimal for the same period of 2019) that includes a net gain from the sales of certain non-core assets (primarily consisting of real estate).

Benefit for Income Taxes

The benefit for income taxes for the third quarter of 2019 was $0.5 million compared to $2.4 million for the same period in 2018. The resulting effective tax rate for the third quarters of 2019 and 2018 was 2% and 9% (benefit on pre-tax loss), respectively.   For the third quarter of 2019 and 2018, the effective tax rate was impacted by adjustments made to our valuation allowances. 

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

The following table contains certain financial information:

 

 

The following table provides certain financial information by market (dollars in thousands):

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

With respect to sales of Industrial Products, the following tables indicate key operating metrics of our major products:

 

 

With respect to sales of Mining Products, the following table indicates the volumes sold of our major products:

 

 

Net Sales

Gross Profit

As noted in the tables above, we recognized a gross profit $17.3 million for the first nine months of 2019 compared to $3.4 million for the same period of 2018, or an increase of approximately $13.9 million.  Overall, our gross profit percentage increased to 5.9% for the first nine months of 2019 compared to 1.2% for the same period in 2018.  

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Our agricultural products adjusted gross profit percentage increased to 19% during the first nine months of 2019 from 9% during the same period of 2018 due primarily to increased selling prices for all of our agricultural products along with improved production and sales volumes for ammonia, partially offset by lower HDAN and UAN sales volumes as discussed above.

Industrial and mining products adjusted gross profit percentage declined in the first nine months of 2019 to 35% from 39% in first nine months of 2018 primarily driven by lower overall Tampa ammonia pricing, which averaged approximately $245 per metric ton during 2019 compared to approximately $302 per metric ton for the same period in 2018 driven by a poor 2018 fall and 2019 spring application season in U.S. agricultural markets, combined with weather impacting the movement of ammonia from the Gulf region, which caused a build-up of ammonia inventory across the distribution channel, resulting in downward pressure on Tampa ammonia benchmark pricing and Gulf ammonia in general.

In addition to the net positive effect on gross profit from sales activity discussed above, the increase in gross profit includes approximately $2.3 million from lower natural gas costs per MMBtu, approximately $1.9 million decline in depreciation expense, $1.8 million reduction in turnaround costs, and improved cost absorption from higher overall plant on-stream rates compared to the same period of 2018 partially offset by approximately $1.0 million of higher freight costs incurred to move product for storage as a result of the delay in the spring application season.

Selling, General and Administrative

Our SG&A expenses were $24.7 million for the first nine months of 2019, a decrease of $1.1 million compared to the same period in 2018. The decrease was primarily driven by a $3.2 million reduction in compensation-related costs and $0.8 million reduction in insurance and other miscellaneous items partially offset by a $2.9 million increase in professional fees, including legal fees associated with the legal matter discussed above under “Items Affecting Comparability of Results of the Third Quarter”.

Other Expense (Income), net

Other income for the first nine months of 2018 was $1.8 million (minimal for the same period of 2019) primarily relating to the sales of certain non-core assets.

Interest Expense, net

Interest expense for the first nine months of 2019 was $34.3 million compared to $32.0 million for the same period in 2018.  The net increase relates primarily to interest expense associated with the Notes issued in April 2018 and the New Notes issued in June 2019 partially offset by $0.9 million of debt modification fees incurred in 2018.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

For the first nine months of 2018, we incurred a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $6.0 million relating to the repurchase of the senior secured notes that were scheduled to mature in 2019.

Provision (benefit) for Income Taxes

The benefit for income taxes for the first nine months of 2019 was $5.8 million compared to a provision of $1.0 million for the same period in 2018.  The resulting effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2019 and 2018 was 14% (benefit on pre-tax loss) and 2% (provision on pre-tax loss), respectively.  For the first nine months of 2019 and 2018, the effective tax rate was impacted by adjustments made to our valuation allowances and enacted state tax rate changes.  Also see discussion in Note 7.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The following table summarizes our cash flow activities for the nine months ended September 30:

 

 

Net Cash Flow from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $41.0 million for the first nine months of 2019 compared to $38.8 million for the same period of 2018, a change of approximately $2.2 million.  

For the first nine months of 2019, the net cash provided is the result of a net loss of $35.7 million plus adjustments of $51.6 million for depreciation and amortization of PP&E and other adjustments of $5.7 million less an adjustment of $5.8 million for deferred taxes and net cash provided of approximately $25.2 million primarily from our working capital.  

For the first nine months of 2018, the net cash provided is the result of a net loss of $59.2 million plus adjustments of $53.5 million for depreciation and amortization of PP&E, $6.0 million for a loss on extinguishment of debt, $1.0 million for deferred taxes and other adjustments of $6.9 million and net cash provided of approximately $30.6 million primarily from our working capital.  

Net Cash Flow from Investing Activities

Net cash used by investing activities was $20.4 million for the first nine months of 2019 compared to $16.2 million for the same period of 2018, a change of approximately $4.2 million.  

For the first nine months of 2019, the net cash used relates primarily to expenditures for PP&E.

For the first nine months of 2018, the net cash used is the result of $27.2 million for expenditures for PP&E partially offset by $6.7 million from net proceeds from the sale of PP&E, $2.7 million representing the remaining proceeds from an indemnity escrow account associated with the sale of the Climate Control business in 2016 and approximately $1.6 million relating to a recovery from a property insurance claim and other investing activities.

Net Cash Flow from Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $20.1 million for the first nine months of 2019 compared to $13.5 million for the same period of 2018, a change of $33.6 million.

For the first nine months of 2019, the net cash provided primarily consists of net proceeds of $35.1 million from the New Notes, proceeds of $16.8 million from other long-term debt partially offset by payments on other long-term debt and short-term financing of $20.0 million, net payments of $10 million on the Working Capital Revolver Loan, and payments of $1.8 million for other financing activities.

For the first nine months of 2018, the net cash used consists of $375 million repayment of the senior secured notes due 2019, payments of $15.2 million on other long-term debt and short-term financing, payments of $10.8 million for debt related costs, payments of $2.7 million of fees associated with the modification of terms of our Series E Redeemable Preferred and approximately $0.3 million of other financing activities partially offset by net proceeds of $390.5 million from the Senior Secured Notes.

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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 $75 million.  As of September 30, 2019, our Working Capital Revolver Loan was undrawn and had approximately $33.8 million of availability.

For reliability and maintenance capital projects, we have planned capital expenditures of approximately $17 million for the fourth quarter 2019 for a total in 2019 of approximately $37 million.  Included in the full year amount, we plan to install a new sulfuric acid converter at our El Dorado Facility during the fourth quarter of 2019, which will cost approximately $7.5 million.  We finalized the equipment financing for this capital project during the first quarter of 2019.

For margin enhancement capital projects, we have planned capital expenditures of approximately $20 million over the next 12 to 18 months as discussed above under “Overview-Key Operating Initiatives for 2019”.

We believe that the combination of our cash on hand, the availability on our revolving credit facility, and our cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund our anticipated liquidity needs for the next twelve months.

Compliance with Long - Term Debt Covenants

As discussed below in Notes 6, 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, 2019, no trigger event had occurred.

Loan Agreements and Redeemable Preferred Stock

Senior Secured Notes due 2023 – LSB has $435 million aggregate principal amount of the 9.625% Senior Secured Notes currently outstanding, including the $35 million associated with the New Notes as discussed in footnote (B) of Note 5.  Interest is to be paid semiannually on May 1^st and November 1^st, maturing May 1, 2023. As a result of the financing transactions, our interest expense has increased and is expected to increase compared to 2018.

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 May 10, 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 6.35%.  This promissory note is secured by the ammonia storage tank and related systems and is guaranteed by LSB.

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Secured Financing due 2023 –  On May 28, 2019, EDC entered into a $15 million secured financing arrangement with an affiliate of LSB Funding with an interest rate of 8.32%. Beginning in June 2019, principal and interest are payable in 48 equal monthly installments with a final balloon payment of approximately $3 million due on June 1, 2023. This financing arrangement is secured by the cogeneration facility equipment and is guaranteed by LSB. A portion of the proceeds from this secured financing arrangement was used to pay off the Secured Promissory Note that was scheduled to mature in June 2019.

Working Capital Revolver Loan – At September 30, 2019, the Working Capital Revolver Loan was undrawn and the net credit available for borrowings under our Working Capital Revolver Loan was approximately $33.8 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.

Redemption of Series E Redeemable Preferred – At September 30, 2019, there were 139,768 outstanding shares of Series E Redeemable Preferred and the aggregate liquidation preference (par value plus accrued dividends) was $235 million.

At any time on or after October 25, 2023, 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 October 25, 2023, the earliest possible redemption date by the holder, this accretion has and will continue to affect income (loss) per common share.  However, this accretion will change if the expected redemption date changes.

Capital Expenditures – First Nine Months of 2019

For the first nine months of 2019, capital expenditures relating to PP&E were $20.5 million.  The capital expenditures were funded primarily from cash and working capital. 

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

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 $3.5 million during the first nine months of 2019 in connection with environmental projects.  For the fourth quarter of 2019, we expect to incur expenses ranging from $0.5 million to $0.8 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 current annual rate of 14% of the liquidation value of $1,000 per share, but such annual rate will increase beginning on April 25, 2021 as discussed in Note 8. 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 current annual rate of 14%, but such annual rate will increase beginning on April 25, 2021. The current semi-annual compounded dividend is approximately $111.10 per share for the current aggregate semi-annual dividend of $15.5 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, 2019, the amount of accumulated dividends on the Series E Redeemable Preferred was approximately $94.9 million.

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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, 2019, the amount of accumulated dividends on the Series D Preferred and Series B Preferred totaled approximately $1.2 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.

Seasonality

We believe fertilizer products sold to the agricultural industry are seasonal while sales into the industrial and mining sectors generally are less susceptible.  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 we distribute the majority of our agricultural products.  As a result, we typically increase our inventory of fertilizer products prior to the beginning of each planting season in order to meet the 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, 2019, we have agreed to indemnify the sureties for payments, up to $9.7 million, made by them in respect of such bonds.  These insurance bonds are expected to expire or be renewed in 2019.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Notes 1 and 2 for recently adopted accounting standards.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates,” Item 7 of our 2018 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 2 – Other Environmental Matters of Note 6 and the lawsuits styled City of West, Texas vs. CF Industries, Inc., et al., discussed under “Other Pending, Threatened or Settled Litigation” of Note 6.

We are considering selling certain non-core assets. Due to the nature of some of these assets, there may be a limited market. As a result, and depending on appraisals obtained or offers received, if any, from potential buyers, it is reasonably possible we could incur impairment charges or losses on sales or disposals of assets in the near term.

The carrying values of the redeemable preferred stocks discussed in Note 8 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 October 25, 2023, the earliest possible redemption date by the holder.  

It is also reasonably possible that the estimates and assumptions utilized as of September 30, 2019 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 2018 Form 10-K, we had certain contractual obligations as of December 31, 2018, with various maturity dates, showing payments due for the next five years and thereafter related to the following:

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Also see discussions associated with our operating leases in Note 2, our long-term debt in Note 5 and expected capital expenditures under “Capitalization”.

 

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 forward firm sales commitments for products to be delivered in future periods.  As a result, we could be September 30, 2019 exposed to embedded losses should our product costs exceed the firm sales prices.  At September 30, 2019, we had no embedded losses associated with sales commitments with firm sales prices.

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, 2019, 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, 2019, we had no 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 $15.0 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, 2019.  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, 2019, 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,” “plan,” “may,” “could” and similar expressions identify Forward-Looking Statements.  Forward-Looking Statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, the following: our ability to invest in projects that will generate best returns for our stockholders;

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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.

 

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 6—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 2018 Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2019 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 42.

 

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Index to Exhibits Item

 

 

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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 29^th day of October 2019.

 

 

 

43

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

Certain identified information has been excluded from the exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to the company, if publicly disclosed.  [***] indicates material that was omitted.

 

SECOND AMENDMENT TO AMMONIA PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

Between KOCH FERTILIZER, LLC  and EL DORADO CHEMICAL COMPANY

 

 

THIS SECOND AMENDMENT TO AMMONIA PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (“Second Amendment”) between KOCH FERTILIZER, LLC (“Buyer”) and EL DORADO CHEMICAL COMPANY (“Seller”), is entered into this 30th day of September, 2019 (“Effective Date”).

 

WHEREAS, Buyer and Seller are parties to that certain Ammonia Purchase and Sale Agreement dated November 2, 2015 (as amended by that certain First Amendment to Ammonia Purchase and Sales Agreement with an effective date of September 30 ,2018, the “Agreement”) with the first Contract Year commencing on July 1, 2016, pursuant to which Seller supplies Ammonia to Buyer;

 

WHEREAS, Buyer and Seller mutually desire to amend the Agreement as hereinafter provided.  

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the Parties agree as follows:       

 

 

 

“The initial term of the Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall terminate after six (6) Contract Years on June 30, 2022; provided, this Agreement shall automatically continue for one or more additional terms of one (1) Contract year each unless terminated by either party by delivering written notice of termination at least nine (9) months prior to the end of the initial or any additional term, as applicable (collectively, the Term”).”

 

 

“Commencing on the Completion Date through June 30, 2019, Buyer agrees to purchase from Seller, and Seller agrees to sell to Buyer up to a maximum of [***] of Ammonia per month (through September 30, 2019, the “Expected Quantity”).  Commencing on July 1, 2019 and through September 30, 2019, Buyer agrees to purchase from Seller and Seller agrees to sell to Buyer, no less than [***] and up

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31412770.2

to a maximum of [***] of Ammonia per month. Commencing on October 1, 2019 and through the remaining Term, Buyer agrees to purchase from Seller and Seller agrees to sell to Buyer, no less than [***] and up to a maximum of [***] of Ammonia per month (from and after October 1, 2019, the “Expected Quantity”), except as may be otherwise agreed between the Parties.  Buyer shall not be required to purchase more than [***] of Ammonia in any month, except as may be agreed under the following paragraph of this Section 9.”

 

 

“Buyer shall have the exclusive right to purchase all Ammonia in excess of Seller’s or Seller’s Affiliate’s requirements for its Downstream Facilities; provided and except, that Seller may sell Ammonia (i) to the agricultural market, but only if delivered by truck; (ii) to Albemarle Corporation, (iii) to any other third parties up to a maximum of [***] per Contract Year in the aggregate for all such sales, and (iv) that constitutes the Unpurchased Quantity.  Seller acknowledges and agrees that, in addition to all other remedies available (at law or otherwise) to Buyer, Buyer shall be entitled to equitable relief (including injunction and specific performance) as a remedy for any breach or threatened breach of any provision of this Section 19, and Buyer shall not be required to obtain, furnish or post any bond or similar instrument in connection with or as a condition to obtaining any remedy referred to in this Section 19, and Seller waives any right it may have to require that Buyer obtain, furnish or post any such bond or similar instrument.”

 

 

“Discount ” means (a) [***] through June 30, 2019, (b) [***] from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, and (c) [***] from July 1, 2020 through the remaining Contract Years.  

 

 

 

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31412770.2

 

IN WITNESS HEREOF, the Parties have caused this Second amendment to be duly executed by their authorized representatives as of the Effective Date.  

 

 

 

3

 

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Mark T. Behrman, certify that:

Date: October 29, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Cheryl A. Maguire, certify that:

Date: October 29, 2019

 

 

 

 

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, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”).  I, Mark T. Behrman, 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 29, 2019

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, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Cheryl A. Maguire, Senior Vice President 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 29, 2019

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.