UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 1-7677
LSB Industries, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
73-1015226
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
3503 NW 63rd Street, Suite 500, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
73116
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(405) 235-4546
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
None
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
☒ 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).
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. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
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 28,769,635 shares as of April 18, 2019.
FORM 10-Q OF LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I – Financial Information
Page
Item 1.
Financial Statements
3
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
20
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
30
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
31
PART II – Other Information
Legal Proceedings
35
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Mining Safety Disclosures
Item 5.
Other Information
Item 6.
Exhibits
2
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Information at March 31, 2019 is unaudited)
March 31,
December 31,
2019
2018
(In Thousands)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
21,705
26,048
Accounts receivable
46,524
67,043
Allowance for doubtful accounts
(475
)
(351
Accounts receivable, net
46,049
66,692
Inventories:
Finished goods
30,301
27,726
Raw materials
2,239
1,483
Total inventories
32,540
29,209
Supplies, prepaid items and other:
Prepaid insurance
7,933
10,924
Supplies
25,276
24,576
Other
8,002
8,964
Total supplies, prepaid items and other
41,211
44,464
Total current assets
141,505
166,413
Property, plant and equipment, net
962,538
974,248
Other assets:
Operating lease assets
15,317
—
Intangible and other assets, net
7,109
7,672
22,426
1,126,469
1,148,333
(Continued on following page)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
49,898
62,589
Short-term financing
5,863
8,577
Accrued and other liabilities
37,671
42,129
Current portion of long-term debt
12,275
12,518
Total current liabilities
105,707
125,813
Long-term debt, net
412,913
412,681
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
9,671
Other noncurrent accrued and other liabilities
8,373
8,861
Deferred income taxes
57,057
56,612
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
Redeemable preferred stocks:
Series E 14% cumulative, redeemable Class C preferred stock, no par value,
210,000 shares issued; 139,768 outstanding; aggregate liquidation preference
of $219,327,000 ($212,071,000 at December 31, 2018)
209,921
202,169
Series F redeemable Class C preferred stock, no par value, 1 share issued and
outstanding; aggregate liquidation preference of $100
Stockholders' equity:
Series B 12% cumulative, convertible preferred stock, $100 par value; 20,000
shares issued and outstanding; aggregate liquidation preference
of $2,845,000 ($2,785,000 at December 31, 2018)
2,000
Series D 6% cumulative, convertible Class C preferred stock, no par value;
1,000,000 shares issued and outstanding; aggregate liquidation preference
of $1,207,000 ($1,192,000 at December 31, 2018)
1,000
Common stock, $.10 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized,
31,283,210 shares issued
3,128
Capital in excess of par value
198,950
198,482
Retained earnings
134,481
153,773
339,559
358,383
Less treasury stock, at cost:
Common stock, 2,513,575 shares (2,438,305 shares at December 31, 2018)
16,732
16,186
Total stockholders' equity
322,827
342,197
See accompanying notes.
4
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Net sales
94,152
100,450
Cost of sales
86,834
90,357
Gross profit
7,318
10,093
Selling, general and administrative expense
7,224
8,303
Other expense (income), net
23
(94
Operating income
71
1,884
Interest expense, net
10,987
9,306
Non-operating other expense (income), net
224
(909
Loss before provision (benefit) for income taxes
(11,140
(6,513
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
400
(922
Net loss
(11,540
(5,591
Dividends on convertible preferred stocks
75
Dividends on Series E redeemable preferred stock
7,256
6,338
Accretion of Series E redeemable preferred stock
496
1,599
Net loss attributable to common stockholders
(19,367
(13,603
Basic and dilutive net loss per common share:
(0.69
(0.49
5
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
Common
Stock
Shares
Treasury
Stock-
Non-
Redeemable
Preferred
Par
Value
Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
Retained
Earnings
Total
Balance at December 31, 2018
31,283
(2,438
3,000
(16,186
Dividend accrued on redeemable
preferred stock
(7,256
Accretion of redeemable preferred stock
(496
Stock-based compensation
612
(76
(144
(546
(690
Balance at March 31, 2019
(2,514
(16,732
6
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Cash flows from operating activities
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
445
(910
Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment
16,826
17,736
Amortization of intangible and other assets
313
602
2,098
627
Cash provided (used) by changes in assets and liabilities:
2,543
(7,443
Inventories
(3,393
1,650
2,991
2,722
(10,480
(431
Accrued interest
9,659
(7,959
Other assets and other liabilities
(2,401
214
Net cash provided by operating activities
7,061
1,217
Cash flows from investing activities
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment
(7,115
(6,247
Proceeds from property insurance recovery associated with
property, plant and equipment
1,531
Net proceeds from sale of discontinued operations
2,730
Other investing activities
9
95
Net cash used by investing activities
(7,106
(1,891
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from other long-term debt
795
Payments on other long-term debt
(1,610
(1,647
Payments on short-term financing
(2,714
(2,447
Taxes paid on equity awards
(184
Other financing activities
(79
Net cash used by financing activities
(4,298
(4,278
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(4,343
(4,952
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
33,619
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
28,667
7
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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 March 31, 2019 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 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.
8
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
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, 2018, 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 are 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:
•
not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, not reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and not reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases;
apply accounting similar to Topic 840 operating leases accounting to leases that meet the definition of short-term leases; and
not evaluate land easements that exist or expired before January 1, 2019 and that were not previously accounted for as leases under Topic 840.
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 March 31, 2019, we did not have any material operating leases with lease terms greater than one year that have not yet commenced.
2. Adoption of ASC 842 (continued)
March 31, 2019
(Dollars In Thousands)
Components of lease expense:
Operating lease cost
1,848
Short-term lease cost
705
Other cost (1)
18
Total lease cost
2,571
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases:
Operating cash flows from operating leases
1,799
Operating cash flows from finance leases
Financing cash flows from finance leases
36
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
1,839
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
938
Other lease-related information:
Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years)
4.3
Weighted-average remaining lease term - finance leases (in years)
4.5
Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases
8.96
%
Weighted-average discount rate - finance leases
8.94
(1)
Includes variable and finance lease costs.
Maturities of operating lease liabilities are as follows:
Operating
Leases
(In thousands)
For the remainder of 2019
5,404
2020
3,997
2021
2,746
2022
2,099
2023
1,819
Thereafter
2,565
Total lease payments
18,630
Less imputed interest
(3,242
Present value of lease liabilities
15,388
Under Topic 840, expenses associated with our operating lease agreements, including month-to-month leases, for the first quarter of 2018 was approximately $2.2 million.
10
3. Loss Per Common Share
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Numerator:
Adjustments for basic net loss per common share:
Dividend requirements on Series E Redeemable Preferred
(6,338
Dividend requirements on Series B Preferred
(60
Dividend requirements on Series D Preferred
(15
Accretion of Series E Redeemable Preferred
(1,599
Numerator for basic and dilutive net loss per common share - net loss
attributable to common stockholders
Denominator:
Denominator for basic and dilutive net loss per common share – adjusted
weighted-average shares (1)
27,959,024
27,518,782
Excludes the weighted-average shares of unvested restricted stock that are contingently issuable.
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:
Restricted stock and stock units
930,386
1,195,315
Convertible preferred stocks
916,666
Series E Redeemable Preferred - embedded derivative
303,646
Stock options
124,000
196,121
2,274,698
2,611,748
11
4. Current and Noncurrent Accrued and Other Liabilities
16,164
6,505
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
5,717
Deferred revenue
4,859
5,216
Accrued payroll and benefits
3,866
7,259
Customer deposits
3,219
1,783
Accrued death and other executive benefits
2,581
2,777
1,843
1,642
Accrued health and worker compensation insurance claims
994
1,107
Accrued litigation settlement (see Note 6)
18,450
6,801
6,251
46,044
50,990
Less noncurrent portion
Current portion of accrued and other liabilities
5. Long-Term Debt
Our long-term debt consists of the following:
Working Capital Revolver Loan, with a current interest
rate of 6.0% (A)
10,000
Senior Secured Notes due 2023 (B)
400,000
Secured Promissory Note due 2019, with a current interest
rate of 5.73% (C)
6,906
7,165
Secured Promissory Note due 2021, with a current interest
rate of 5.25% (D)
7,269
8,090
Secured Promissory Note due 2023, with a current interest
rate of 6.74% (E)
14,190
14,685
Other (F)
981
221
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs
(14,158
(14,962
425,188
425,199
Less current portion of long-term debt, net
Long-term debt due after one year, net
(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 March 31, 2019, our available borrowings under our Working Capital Revolver Loan were approximately $40.1 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.
12
5. Long-Term Debt (continued)
(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 “Senior Secured Notes”). The Senior Secured Notes were issued at a price equal to 99.509% of their face value. The Senior Secured Notes mature on May 1, 2023. Interest is to be paid semiannually in arrears on May 1st and November 1st.
(C) El Dorado Chemical Company (“EDC”), one of our subsidiaries, is party to a secured promissory note due in June 2019. Principal and interest are payable in equal monthly installments with a final balloon payment of approximately $6.7 million.
(D) EDC is party to a secured promissory note due in March 2021. Principal and interest are payable in monthly installments.
(E) 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.
(F) Includes $0.8 million relating to a secured loan agreement EDC entered during March 2019. 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 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 March 31, 2019, our natural gas contracts, which qualify as normal purchases under GAAP and thus are not mark-to-market, included minimal volume purchase commitments with fixed prices through April 2019.
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.
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 March 31, 2019, our accrued liabilities for environmental matters totaled $183,000 relating primarily to the matters discussed below.
13
6. Commitments and Contingencies (continued)
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. That report was submitted to the ADEQ on February 11, 2019.
The cost of any additional remediation that may be required would be determined based on the results of the investigation and risk assessment, of which cost (or range of costs, if any,) cannot currently be reasonably estimated. Therefore, no liability has been established at March 31, 2019, in connection with this 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.
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.
14
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. A portion of these settlements have been paid by the insurer as of March 31, 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 March 31, 2019, no liability reserve has been established in connection with this matter, except for the unpaid portion of the settlement agreements discussed above.
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. The Wilson Settlement Agreement received preliminary approval from the Court on February 25, 2019 and will be further reviewed by the Court at a settlement hearing schedule for June 28, 2019. As of March 31, 2019, no liability reserve has been established in connection with this matter.
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., where in 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.
15
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:
Current:
Federal
State
(45
(12
Total Current
Deferred:
323
(785
122
(125
Total Deferred
For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the current provision for state income taxes shown above includes regular state income tax and provisions for uncertain state income tax positions, and other similar adjustments.
Our estimated annual effective rate for 2019 includes the impact of permanent tax differences, limits on deductible compensation, valuation allowances, and other permanent items.
16
7. Income Taxes (continued)
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 $8.3 million. We have also determined it was more-likely-than-not that a portion of the state NOL carryforwards would not be able to be utilized before expiration and we estimate the valuation allowance associated with these state 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 provision for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $0.4 million (4% provision on pre-tax loss) and the tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $0.9 million (14% benefit on pre-tax loss). For the three months of 2019, the effective tax rate is less than the statutory tax rate primarily due to the impact of the valuation allowances.
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 March 31, 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. 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 March 31, 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.
Changes in our Series E and Series F Redeemable Preferred are as follows:
Series E Redeemable Preferred
Amount
139,768
Accretion relating to liquidation preference on
265
Accretion for discount and issuance costs on
231
Accumulated dividends
17
8. Redeemable Preferred Stocks (continued)
Embedded Derivative
Certain embedded features (“embedded derivative”) relating to the redemption of the Series E Redeemable Preferred, which includes certain contingent redemption features and the participation rights value have been bifurcated from the Series E Redeemable Preferred and recorded as a liability. As March 31, 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 March 31, 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 $6.24 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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the fair value of the embedded derivative was $1.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively, and are included in our noncurrent accrued and other liabilities. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we recognized unrealized loss of approximately $0.2 million and an unrealized gain of $0.8 million, respectively, due to the change in fair value of the embedded derivative, which unrealized loss/gain are included in our non-operating expense (income).
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:
Net sales:
Agricultural products
46,820
52,269
Industrial acids and other chemical products
37,850
38,137
Mining products
9,482
10,044
Total net sales
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) 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.
9. Net Sales (continued)
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 March 31, 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 $8.1 million and $7.0 million of contract liabilities as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, revenues of $1.4 million and $1.9 million, respectively, were recognized and included in the balance at the beginning of the respective 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.
10. Related Party Transactions
During the first quarter of 2019, we entered into a secured loan agreement with an affiliate of LSB Funding L.L.C. (“LSB Funding”) as discussed in footnote (F) of Note 5. Also, an affiliate of LSB Funding holds $50 million of our Senior Secured Notes discussed in footnote (B) of Note 6. 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 $1.1 million at March 31, 2019.
11. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The following provides additional information relating to cash flow activities:
Cash refunds for:
Income taxes, net
(48
(851
Noncash continuing investing and financing activities:
Dividends accrued on Series E Redeemable Preferred
Supplies and accounts payable associated with
additions of property, plant and equipment
11,901
13,859
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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 March 31, 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:
Improving the On-Stream Rates of our Chemical Plants. Over the past 24 months, our focus has been on upgrading our existing maintenance management system through technology enhancements and work processes to improve our predictive and preventative maintenance programs at our facilities. We engaged outside maintenance experts to assist us in expediting implementation and overall use. We completed the initial implementation during 2018. Additionally, beginning in the third quarter of 2018, we engaged outside consultants to do a thorough review of our operating and maintenance procedures and our preventive maintenance programs at all of our facilities in an effort to determine where we may have gaps in procedures and programs and where we may need enhancements. Based on the “Gap Analysis” completed, we have several initiatives underway that we believe will improve the overall reliability of our plants and allow us to produce more products for sale while lowering our cost of production. Those initiatives are focused on operating behavior and procedure enhancements including operator training, leadership training, shift change enhancements and operating and maintenance procedures
Focus on the Continued Improvement of Our Safety Performance. We believe that high safety standards are critical and a precursor to improved plant performance. With that in mind, we implemented and are currently managing enhanced safety programs at our facilities that focus on reducing risks and improving our safety culture.
Continue Broadening of the Distribution of our Products. We have increased our overall sales volume of HDAN over the past several years by approximately 30% through various marketing initiatives including: (1) storing and distributing HDAN at our Pryor Facility which allows us to sell to new markets and customers out of that facility and; (2) educating growers on the agronomic benefits and the additional applications for HDAN. To further leverage our plants current production capacity, we are continuing to expand the distribution of our mining products by partnering with customers to take product further into the Western U.S. as well as markets outside the U.S. We also partnered with a current customer to position an emulsion explosives plant at our El Dorado Facility. We have been selling product to that facility since the fourth quarter of 2018. We will continue to explore further guest plant opportunities for various products at our facilities in 2019.
In addition, through increased marketing efforts, we increased our sales volumes of nitric acid over the past 24 months by approximately 31%. 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.
Improving the Margins on Sales of Our Products. Over the last several years, we have focused on increasing our sales volumes to produce at optimal on-stream rates and lower our manufacturing costs per ton of product. In 2019, we will undertake a review of all sales to customers to determine if there are opportunities to improve the margins on sales to those customers and to explore if there are further product upgrading opportunities.
Continued Focus on Procurement and Logistics. In 2018, we engaged outside experts to assist us in centralizing and expanding our company-wide procurement efforts. We completed our initial areas of focus during the second quarter of 2018, completed the implementation of those changes, and continue to see benefits since the third quarter of 2018. We believe that these efforts, along with several additional identified areas of focus, will result in an overall reduction in expenses and capital spend in the aggregate of between $3 million to $5 million on an annualized basis, which we expect to realize over the next 12 to 24 months. Additionally, we will continue to focus on improving the effectiveness and overall cost of our logistics strategy through a centrally managed team focused on building logistics partners that will help us further drive efficiencies in 2019.
Focus on Improving Our Capital Structure and Overall Cost of Capital. We are actively seeking ways to improve our capital structure and reduce our overall cost of capital. We believe that the improving end markets for our products combined with our improved operating performance will be a benefit in achieving those efforts. We continue to actively seek ways to improve our capital structure going forward.
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
Expectations on increased planted corn acreage in the U.S. for the 2019/2020 season have supported nitrogen fertilizer demand outlooks through the first quarter of 2019. However, continued adverse weather in the Midwest, flooding throughout the Mississippi river region during March and saturated fields in Iowa and Nebraska have delayed fertilizer application and planting activities in the first quarter of 2019. Challenging weather patterns have continued into the second quarter of 2019. While pricing for our key agricultural products have improved compared to a year ago, we expect current high product inventory levels across the supply chain to challenge pricing in the near term.
Key Industry Factors
Supply and Demand
Agricultural
Sales of our agricultural products were approximately 50% of our total net sales for the first 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 effect product margins.
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. Industry reports indicated China’s recent tariffs placed on U.S. soybeans could result in a shift of 2 to 4 million acres that will be rotated from soybeans to corn in the next planting season. The USDA also estimates an increase in 2019 corn acres that is in line with other industry reports of approximately 92 million to 93 million. Soybean pricing concerns may drive crop planting selection when final crop choices are made at the farm level. The following April estimates are associated with the corn market:
2019 Crop
2018 Crop
Percentage
2017 Crop
April Report (1)
Change (2)
Change (3)
U.S. Area Planted (Million acres)
89.1
90.2
(1.2
%)
94.0
(5.2
U.S. Yield per Acre (Bushels)
176.40
176.6
(0.1
174.6
1.0
U.S. Production (Million bushels)
14,420
14,609
(1.3
15,148
(4.8
U.S. Ending Stocks (Million metric tons)
51.7
54.4
(5.0
58.3
(11.3
World Ending Stocks (Million metric tons)
314.0
340.4
(7.8
350.8
(10.5
Information obtained from WASDE reports dated April 9, 2019 (April Report) for the 2018/2019 (“2019 Crop”), 2017/2018 (“2018 Crop”) and 2016/2017 (“2017 Crop”) corn marketing years.
(2)
Represents the percentage change between the 2019 Crop amounts compared to the 2018 Crop amounts.
(3)
Represents the percentage change between the 2019 Crop amounts compared to the 2017 Crop amounts.
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. 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 through the first quarter of 2019, we have seen an increase in fertilizer prices as imports of fertilizers have decreased significantly and the distribution of the new domestic supply of fertilizer has been established. We expect this trend to continue through the remainder of 2019.
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Industrial
Sales of our industrial products were approximately 40% of our total net sales for the first 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 generally continue to be positive for these sectors domestically. 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 10% of our total net sales for the first quarter of 2019. Our mining products are LDAN and AN solutions, which are primary used as AN fuel oil and specialty emulsions for surface mining of coal and for usage in quarries and the construction industry. As reported by the EIA, annual coal production in the U.S. for the full year of 2018 was down 2% from 2017 due to this market’s weak competitive position in the electrical generation sector compared with natural gas and to a lesser degree lower export demand. EIA is forecasting another 9% decrease in U.S. coal production in 2019 followed by a continued decline of 6% in 2020. This estimated decline is based on the continual shift in utility-scale electricity generation from coal to natural gas. We believe that coal production in the U.S. continues to face significant challenges from competition from natural gas and renewable sources of energy. While we believe, our plants are well located to support the more stable coal-producing regions in the upcoming years, our current mining sales volumes are being affected by overall lower customer demand for LDAN. As part of our continued effort to expand sales of our mining products, we entered into an agreement with a current customer, by which the customer has located an emulsion plant for the mining business at our El Dorado Facility.
Farmer Economics
The demand for fertilizer is affected by the aggregate crop planting decisions and fertilizer application rate decisions of individual farmers. Individual farmers make planting decisions based largely on prospective profitability of a harvest, while the specific varieties and amounts of fertilizer they apply depend on factors such as their financial resources, soil conditions, weather patterns and the types of crops planted.
Natural Gas Prices
Natural gas is the primary feedstock used to produce nitrogen fertilizers at our manufacturing facilities. In recent years, U.S. natural gas reserves have increased significantly due to, among other factors, advances in extracting shale gas, which has reduced and stabilized natural gas prices, providing North America with a cost advantage over certain imports. As a result, our competitive position and that of other North American nitrogen fertilizer producers has been positively affected.
We historically have purchased natural gas in the spot market, using forward purchase contracts, or through a combination of both and have used forward purchase contracts to lock in pricing for a portion of our natural gas requirements. These forward purchase contracts are generally either fixed-price or index-price, short-term in nature and for a fixed supply quantity. We are able to purchase natural gas at competitive prices due to our connections to large distribution systems and their proximity to interstate pipeline systems. The following table shows the volume of natural gas we purchased and the average cost per MMBtu:
Natural gas volumes (MMBtu in millions)
7.4
7.7
Natural gas average cost per MMBtu
2.91
2.79
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 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 El Dorado Facility performed a partial Turnaround during the second and third quarters of 2018. The remaining portion of this Turnaround activity will be performed in the third quarter of 2019. Following the completion of this work, we expect the El Dorado Facility to move 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 is expected to occur in the third quarter of 2021.
Our Pryor Facility Turnaround is scheduled for the third quarter of 2019 and we expect to continue with a two-year Turnaround cycle at this facility 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.
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 which dates are usually 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 First Quarter of 2019
Our consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2019 were $94.2 million compared to $100.5 million for the same period in 2018. Our consolidated operating income was $0.1 million compared to $1.9 million for the same period in 2019. The items impacting our operating results are discussed in more detail below and under “Results of Operations.”
Items Affecting Comparability of Results of the First 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 as used to produce all upgraded products. The on-stream rates noted below exclude Turnaround days, when applicable.
At our Cherokee Facility, the ammonia plant on-stream rate for first quarter of 2019 was 93% compared to 85% for the same period of 2018. During the first quarter of 2018, the Cherokee Facility’s on-stream rate was impacted by maintenance completed on its primary reformer. 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 first quarter of 2019 was 96% compared to 100% for the same period of 2018. Our target on-stream rate for this ammonia plant for 2019 is 95%.
At our Pryor Facility, the ammonia plant’s on-stream rate for first quarter of 2019 was 88% compared to 91% for the same period of 2018. While we anticipate brief periods of unscheduled downtime during the remainder of 2019 as we continue to take actions to improve long-term reliability, we are targeting an ammonia plant on-stream rate for 2019 of 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.
Selling Prices
During the first quarter of 2019, average agricultural selling prices for our UAN, ammonia and HDAN increased 49%, 14%, and 7% respectively, compared to 2018 average selling prices for the same period reflecting a more favorable alignment of demand with market capacity for these products.
Our first quarter 2019 average industrial selling prices for our ammonia decreased compared to the same period of 2018. The first quarter 2019 Tampa Ammonia pricing declined approximately 15% as compared to the same period in 2018 which lead to a decrease in industrial selling prices as many of our industrial contracts are indexed to the Tampa Ammonia price.
Results of Operations
The following Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 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 represents net sales less cost of sales. Net sales are reported on a gross basis with the cost of freight being recorded in cost of sales.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
The following table contains certain financial information:
Change
(5,449
(10
)%
Industrial and mining products
47,332
48,181
(849
(2
(6,298
(6
Gross profit:
Agricultural products (1)
6,453
4,702
1,751
37
Industrial and mining products (1)
17,676
23,398
(5,722
(24
Adjusted gross profit by market (1)
24,129
28,100
(3,971
(14
Depreciation and amortization (2)
(16,811
(17,705
894
(5
Turnaround expense
(302
302
(100
Total gross profit
(2,775
(27
(1,079
(13
117
(1,813
(96
1,681
1,133
1,322
(143
(5,949
106
Other information:
Gross profit percentage (3)
7.8
10.0
(2.2
Property, plant and equipment expenditures
7,115
6,247
868
Represents a non-GAAP measure since the amount excludes unallocated depreciation, amortization and Turnaround expenses.
Represents amount classified as cost of sales.
As a percentage of the total net sales.
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The following table provides certain financial information by market (dollars in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,
Products
and
Adjusted gross profit percentage
by market (2)
13.8
37.3
9.0
48.6
4.8
Represents a non-GAAP measure since the amount excludes unallocated depreciation, amortization and Turnaround expenses. See reconciliation included in the financial information table above.
As a percentage of the respective net sales.
The following tables provide key operating metrics for the Agricultural Products:
Product (tons sold)
UAN
94,577
102,202
(7,625
(7
HDAN
59,845
92,713
(32,868
(35
Ammonia
19,205
32,996
(13,791
(42
3,328
4,183
(855
(20
176,955
232,094
(55,139
Gross Average Selling Prices (price per ton)
150
74
49
264
247
372
326
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With respect to sales of Industrial Products, the following table indicates the volumes sold of our major products:
74,834
68,098
6,736
Nitric Acid
22,375
20,213
2,162
Other Industrial Products
8,274
8,612
(338
(4
105,483
96,923
8,560
With respect to sales of Mining Products, the following table indicates the volumes sold of our major products:
LDAN/HDAN/AN Solution
36,615
38,179
(1,564
Net Sales
Agricultural products sales decreased in the first quarter of 2019 primarily from lower sales volume for all of our agricultural products. Agricultural products volumes were negatively impacted by weather-driven planting delays and flooding experienced during the beginning of the 2019 spring application season. Partially offsetting the decrease in sales volumes were higher average selling prices for all our agricultural products.
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Industrial acids and other industrial chemical products sales decreased primarily from lower industrial ammonia selling prices due to lower Tampa ammonia index prices. Average Tampa ammonia pricing during the first quarter of 2019 was approximately $50 per ton lower compared to the same period of 2018. This decrease in sales prices was partially offset by an increase in sales volumes for most of our industrial products.
Mining products sales volumes are down due to timing of sales. We expect to make up this volume in the second quarter of 2019.
Gross Profit
As noted in the tables above, we recognized a gross profit $7.3 million in the first quarter of 2019 compared to $10.1 million in the first quarter of 2018, or a decrease of approximately $2.8 million. Overall, our gross profit percentage decreased 2% compared to the same period in 2018.
Our agricultural products adjusted gross profit percentage increased 5% to 14% in the first quarter of 2019 from 9% in the first quarter of 2018 as selling prices for our products improved partially offset by delayed or lost volume resulting from overall poor weather conditions and flooding across the U.S. and primarily in the areas, we typically see fertilizer sales during the first quarter.
Industrial and mining products adjusted gross profit percentage declined 11% in the first quarter of 2019 to 37% from 49% in the first quarter of 2018 primarily driven by lower overall Tampa ammonia pricing, which averaged approximately $280 per metric ton in the first quarter of 2019 compared to $330 per metric ton for the same period in 2018.
In addition to the net negative effect on gross profit from the lower sales discussed above, the decrease in gross profit includes 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 and approximately $0.9 million from higher natural gas costs.
Selling, General and Administrative
Our SG&A expenses were $7.2 million for the first quarter of 2019, a decrease of $1.1 million compared to the same period in 2018. The decrease was primarily driven by a reduction in compensation-related costs.
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense for the first quarter of 2019 was $11.0 million compared to $9.3 million for the same period in 2018. The increase relates primarily to the issuance of the Senior Secured Notes in 2018 as discussed in Note 5.
Non-operating Other Expense (Income), net
Non-operating other expense for the first quarter of 2019 was $0.2 million compared to non-operating income of $0.9 million for the same period in 2018 or a change of $1.1 million. This variance primarily relates to the change in fair value of the embedded derivative included in the Series E Preferred.
Provision (benefit) for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes for the first quarter of 2019 was $0.4 million compared to a benefit of $0.9 million for the same period in 2018. The resulting effective tax rate for the first quarters of 2019 and 2018 was 4% (provision on pre-tax loss) and 14% (benefit on pre-tax loss), respectively. For the first of 2019, the effective tax rate is less than the statutory rate primarily due to the impact of the valuation allowance. Also see discussion in Note 7.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The following table summarizes our cash flow activities for the three months ended March 31:
Net cash flows from operating activities
5,844
Net cash flows from investing activities
(5,215
Net cash flows from financing activities
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Net Cash Flow from Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $7.1 million for the first quarter 2019 compared to $1.2 million for the first quarter of 2018, a change of approximately $5.9 million.
For the first quarter of 2019, the net cash provided is the result of a net loss of $11.5 million plus adjustments of $16.8 million for depreciation and amortization of PP&E, $0.4 million for deferred taxes and other adjustments of $2.4 million and net cash used of approximately $1.0 million primarily from our working capital.
For the first quarter of 2018, the net cash provided is the result of a net loss of $5.6 million plus adjustments of $17.7 million for depreciation and amortization of PP&E and other adjustments of $0.3 million and net cash used of $11.2 million primarily from our working capital, including a decrease in accrued interest and an increase in our trade accounts receivable.
Net Cash Flow from Investing Activities
Net cash used by investing activities was $7.1 million for the first quarter of 2019 compared to net cash used of $1.9 million for the first quarter of 2018, a change of $5.2 million.
For the first quarter of 2019, the net cash used relates primarily to expenditures for PP&E.
For the first quarter of 2018, the net cash used is primarily the result of $6.2 million for expenditures for PP&E partially offset by $2.7 million representing the remaining proceeds from an indemnity escrow account associated with the sale of the Climate Control business in 2016 and $1.5 million relating to a recovery from a property insurance claim.
Net Cash Flow from Financing Activities
Net cash used by financing activities was $4.3 million for both the first quarter of 2019 and 2018.
For the first quarter of 2019, the net cash used primarily consists of payments on other long-term debt and short-term financing of $4.3 million and payments of $0.8 million for other financing activities partially offset by proceeds $0.8 million from other long-term debt.
For the first quarter of 2018, the net cash used consists primarily of payments on long-term debt and short-term financing of $4.1 million.
Capitalization
The following is our total current cash, long-term debt, redeemable preferred stock and stockholders’ equity:
(In Millions)
21.7
26.0
Long-term debt:
Working Capital Revolver Loan
Senior Secured Notes due 2023
400.0
Secured Promissory Note due 2019
6.9
7.2
Secured Promissory Note due 2021
7.3
8.1
Secured Promissory Note due 2023
14.2
14.7
Other (1)
0.2
(14.2
(15.0
Total long-term debt, including current portion, net
425.2
Series E and F redeemable preferred stock (2)
209.9
202.2
322.8
342.2
See discussion contained in Note 5.
Liquidation preference of $219 million as of March 31, 2019.
We currently have a revolving credit facility, our Working Capital Revolver Loan, with a borrowing base of $75 million. As of March 31, 2019, our Working Capital Revolver Loan had outstanding borrowings of $10 million and $40.1 million of availability.
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We have planned capital expenditures of approximately $23 million to $28 million for the remainder of 2019 for a total in 2019 of approximately $30 million to $35 million for reliability and maintenance capital. Included in our capital expenditures, 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 have finalized the equipment financing for this capital project.
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 March 31, 2019, no trigger event had occurred.
Loan Agreements and Redeemable Preferred Stock
Senior Secured Notes due 2023 – LSB has $400 million aggregate principal amount of the 9.625% Senior Secured Notes currently outstanding. Interest is to be paid semiannually on May 1st and November 1st, maturing May 1, 2023.
Secured Promissory Note due 2019 - EDC is party to a secured promissory note due June 29, 2019. This promissory note bears interest at the annual rate of 5.73%. Principal and interest are payable in equal monthly installments with a final balloon payment of approximately $6.7 million. This promissory note is secured by the cogeneration facility equipment and is guaranteed by LSB.
Secured Promissory Note due 2021 - EDC is party to a secured promissory note due March 26, 2021. This promissory note bears interest at the annual rate of 5.25%. Principal and interest are payable in monthly installments. This promissory note is secured by a natural gas pipeline at the El Dorado Facility and is guaranteed by LSB.
Secured Promissory Note due 2023 - EDA is party to a secured promissory note due 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 6.74%. This promissory note is secured by the ammonia storage tank and related systems and is guaranteed by LSB.
Working Capital Revolver Loan - At March 31, 2019, we had $10.0 million outstanding borrowings under the Working Capital Revolver Loan and the net credit available for borrowings under our Working Capital Revolver Loan was approximately $40.1 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 March 31, 2019, there were 139,768 outstanding shares of Series E Redeemable Preferred and the aggregate liquidation preference (par value plus accrued dividends) was $219 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 Quarter of 2019
For the first quarter of 2019, capital expenditures relating to PP&E were $7.1 million. The capital expenditures were funded primarily from cash and working capital.
See discussion above under “Capitalization” for our expected capital expenditures for the remainder of 2019.
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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 $1.2 million during the first quarter of 2019 in connection with environmental projects. For the remainder of 2019, we expect to incur expenses ranging from $3.4 million to $3.8 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 $103.83 per share for the current aggregate semi-annual dividend of $14.5 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 March 31, 2019, the amount of accumulated dividends on the Series E Redeemable Preferred was approximately $79.6 million.
Dividends on the Series D 6% cumulative convertible Class C preferred stock (the “Series D Preferred”) and Series B 12% cumulative convertible Class C Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred”) are payable annually, only when declared by our Board, as follows:
$0.06 per share on our outstanding non-redeemable Series D Preferred for an aggregate dividend of $60,000, and
$12.00 per share on our outstanding non-redeemable Series B Preferred for an aggregate dividend of $240,000.
As of March 31, 2019, the amount of accumulated dividends on the Series D Preferred and Series B Preferred totaled approximately $1.1 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 March 31, 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.
29
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 March 31, 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:
long-term debt and interest,
Series E Redeemable Preferred and dividends,
other capital expenditures,
operating leases,
natural gas pipeline commitment, and
other contractual obligations.
See discussion in Note 5.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
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 exposed to embedded losses should our product costs exceed the firm sales prices. At March 31, 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 March 31, 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 March 31, 2019, we have $10 million of 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 $15.2 million. We currently do not hedge our interest rate risk associated with these variable interest loans.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. These include controls and procedures designed to ensure that this information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 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 March 31, 2019, at the reasonable assurance level.
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;
our future liquidity outlook;
the outlook our chemical products and related markets;
the amount, timing and effect on the nitrogen market from the current nitrogen expansion projects;
the effect from the lack of non-seasonal volume;
our belief that competition is based upon service, price, location of production and distribution sites, and product quality and performance;
our outlook for the coal industry;
the availability of raw materials;
the result of our product and market diversification strategy
changes in domestic fertilizer production;
the increasing output and capacity of our existing production facilities;
on-stream rates at our production facilities;
our ability to moderate risk inherent in agricultural markets;
the sources to fund our cash needs and how this cash will be used;
the ability to enter into the additional borrowings;
the anticipated cost and timing of our capital projects;
certain costs covered under warranty provisions;
our ability to pass to our customers cost increases in the form of higher prices;
our belief as to whether we have sufficient sources for materials and components;
annual natural gas requirements;
compliance by our Facilities with the terms of our permits;
the costs of compliance with environmental laws, health laws, security regulations and transportation regulations;
our belief as to when Turnarounds will be performed and completed;
anticipated costs of Turnarounds during 2019;
expenses in connection with environmental projects;
the effect of litigation and other contingencies;
the increase in depreciation, depletion and amortization;
the benefits from the El Dorado expansion project;
our ability to comply with debt servicing and covenants;
our ability to meet debt maturities or redemption obligations when due; and
our beliefs as to whether we can meet all required covenant tests for the next twelve months.
While we believe the expectations reflected in such Forward-Looking Statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance such expectations will prove to have been correct. There are a variety of factors which could cause future outcomes to differ materially from those described in this report, including, but not limited to, the following:
changes in general economic conditions, both domestic and foreign;
material reductions in revenues;
material changes in interest rates;
our ability to collect in a timely manner a material amount of receivables;
increased competitive pressures;
adverse effects on increases in prices of raw materials;
changes in federal, state and local laws and regulations, especially environmental regulations or the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, or in the interpretation of such;
changes in laws, regulations or other issues related to climate change;
releases of pollutants into the environment exceeding our permitted limits;
material increases in equipment, maintenance, operating or labor costs not presently anticipated by us;
the requirement to use internally generated funds for purposes not presently anticipated;
the inability to secure additional financing for planned capital expenditures or financing obligations due in the near future;
our substantial existing indebtedness;
material changes in the cost of certain precious metals, natural gas, and ammonia;
limitations due to financial covenants;
changes in competition;
the loss of any significant customer;
increases in cost to maintain internal controls over financial reporting;
changes in operating strategy or development plans;
an inability to fund the working capital and expansion of our businesses;
changes in the production efficiency of our facilities;
adverse results in our contingencies including pending litigation;
unplanned downtime at one or more of our chemical facilities;
changes in production rates at any of our chemical plants;
an inability to obtain necessary raw materials and purchased components;
material increases in cost of raw materials;
material changes in our accounting estimates;
significant problems within our production equipment;
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fire or natural disasters;
an inability to obtain or retain our insurance coverage;
difficulty obtaining necessary permits;
difficulty obtaining third-party financing;
risks associated with proxy contests initiated by dissident stockholders;
changes in fertilizer production;
reduction in acres planted for crops requiring fertilizer;
decreases in duties for products we sell resulting in an increase in imported products into the U.S.;
volatility of natural gas prices;
weather conditions;
increases in imported agricultural products; and
other factors described in “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
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.
Act
-
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
ADEQ
The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality.
AN
Ammonium nitrate.
ASU
Accounting Standard Update.
Baytown Facility
The nitric acid production facility located in Baytown, Texas.
CAO
A consent administrative order.
Cherokee Facility
Our chemical production facility located in Cherokee, Alabama.
Chevron
Chevron Environmental Management Company.
Climate Control Business
Former business conducted through the Climate Control Group.
Covestro
The party with whom our subsidiary in Baytown has entered into an agreement for supply of nitric acid through at least June 2021, the Covestro Agreement.
EDA
El Dorado Ammonia L.L.C.
EDC
El Dorado Chemical Company.
EIA
The U.S. Energy Information Administration.
El Dorado Facility
Our chemical production facility located in El Dorado, Arkansas.
Environmental and Health Laws
Numerous federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws.
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board.
Financial Covenant
Certain springing financial covenants associated with the working capital revolver loan.
GAAP
U. S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Global
Global Industrial, Inc., a subcontractor asserting mechanics liens for work rendered to LSB and EDC.
Golsen Holders
Jack E. Golsen, our Executive Chairman of the Board, and Barry H. Golsen, a member of the Board, entities owned by them and trusts for which they possess voting or dispositive power as trustee.
Hallowell Facility
A chemical facility previously owned by two of our subsidiaries located in Kansas.
High density ammonium nitrate prills used in the agricultural industry.
KDHE
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
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Interim Loan
A loan agreement between EDC and a lender with up to $7.5 million of available borrowing for the construction of certain equipment.
Interim Loan Period
The time period covered by the Interim Loan for certain equipment construction between EDC and a lender.
LDAN
Low density ammonium nitrate prills used in the mining industry.
Leidos
Leidos Constructors L.L.C.
Liquidation Preference
The Series E Redeemable Preferred liquidation preference of $1,000 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends plus the participation rights value.
LSB
MD&A
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations found in Item 7 of this report.
NOL
Net Operating Loss
Note
A note in the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
NPDES
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
ODEQ
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.
PAR
Permit Appeal Resolution.
PCC
Pryor Chemical Company.
PP&E
Plant, property and equipment.
Pryor Facility
Our chemical production facility located in Pryor, Oklahoma.
Purchaser
LSB Funding L.L.C.
SEC
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
A secured promissory note between EDC and a lender which matures in June 2019.
A secured promissory note between EDC and a lender which matures in March 2021.
A secured promissory note between EDA and a lender which matures in May 2023.
Senior Secured Notes
The Senior Secured Notes with a current interest rate of 9.625% which mature in May 2023.
Series B Preferred
The Series B 12% cumulative convertible Class C Preferred stock.
Series D Preferred
The Series D 6% cumulative convertible Class C preferred stock.
The 14% Series E Redeemable Preferred stock with participating rights and liquidating distributions based on a certain number of shares of our common stock.
Series F Redeemable Preferred
The Series F Redeemable Preferred stock with one share to vote as a single class on all matters with our common stock equal to 456,225 shares of our common stock.
SG&A
Selling, general and administrative expense.
Turnaround
A planned major maintenance activity.
Urea ammonium nitrate.
U.S.
United States.
USDA
United States Department of Agriculture.
WASDE
World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates Report.
West Fertilizer
West Fertilizer Company.
Wilson Settlement Agreement
An agreement in the Dennis Wilson vs. LSB Industries, Inc., et al.
Working Capital
Revolver Loan
Our secured revolving credit facility.
Corn crop marketing year (September 1 - August 31), which began in 2016 and ending in 2017.
Corn crop marketing year (September 1 - August 31), which began in 2017 and ending in 2018.
Corn crop marketing year (September 1 - August 31), which began in 2018 and ending in 2019.
34
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
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits
See “Index to Exhibits” on page 36.
Index to Exhibits Item 6
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Title
Incorporated by Reference
to the Following
3(i).1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of LSB Industries, Inc., dated January 21, 1977, as amended August 27, 1987
Exhibit 3(i).1 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2013
3(ii).1
Amended and Restated Bylaws of LSB Industries, Inc. dated August 20, 2009, as amended February 18, 2010, January 17, 2014, February 4, 2014 and August 21, 2014
Exhibit 3(ii).1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed August 27, 2014
3(ii).2
Fifth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of LSB Industries, Inc., dated as of April 26, 2015
Exhibit 3(ii) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 30, 2015
3(ii).3
Sixth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of LSB Industries, Inc., dated as of December 2, 2015
Exhibit 3(ii) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed December 8, 2015
3(ii).4
Seventh Amendment to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of LSB Industries, Inc., dated as of December 22, 2015
Exhibit 3(ii) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed December 29, 2015
10.1
Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2019, by and among Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as the arranger and administrative agent, the lenders party thereto, LSB Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries identified on the signature pages thereto as borrowers and the Company’s subsidiaries identified on the signature pages thereto as guarantors.
Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed February 28, 2019
31.1(a)
Certification of Mark T. Behrman, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 302
31.2(a)
Certification of Cheryl A. Maguire, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 302
32.1(b)
Certification of Mark T. Behrman, Chief Executive Officer, furnished pursuant to Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 906
32.2(b)
Certification of Cheryl A. Maguire, Chief Financial Officer, furnished pursuant to Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 906
101.INS(a)
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH(a)
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL(a)
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF(a)
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB(a)
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE(a)
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
(a)
Filed herewith
(b)
Furnished herewith
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 30th day of April 2019.
/s/ Cheryl A. Maguire
Cheryl A. Maguire
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Harold L. Rieker, Jr.
Harold L. Rieker, Jr.
Vice President – Financial Reporting
(Principal Accounting Officer)