Quaker Houghton - 10-Q quarterly report FY2014 Q1

Washington, D. C. 20549

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OR

 

Commission file number 001-12019

 

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QUAKER CHEMICAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 610-832-4000

Not Applicable

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   x     No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).Yes   x     No   ¨

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

 

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.                                Financial Statements (Unaudited).

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

(Dollars in thousands, except par value and share amounts)

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(Dollars in thousands)

Note 1 – Condensed Financial Information

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States for interim financial reporting and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission regulations. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, except as discussed below) which are necessary for a fair statement of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company revised its Consolidated Balance Sheet for December 31, 2013 with a $335 reduction to retained earnings and a corresponding increase to its long-term deferred tax liability, relating to an adjustment that would have occurred when the Company adopted the equity method of accounting for its interest in a captive insurance equity affiliate.  Certain other reclassifications of prior year data have been made to improve comparability.  The results for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

Venezuela’s economy is considered to be hyper inflationary under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.  Accordingly, all gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement of the Company’s Venezuelan equity affiliate (Kelko Quaker Chemical, S.A.) are required to be recorded directly to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income.  In February 2013, the Venezuelan Government announced a devaluation of the Bolivar Fuerte.  Accordingly, the Company recorded a charge of $357, or $0.03 per diluted share, during the first quarter of 2013.

 

As part of the Company’s chemical management services, certain third-party product sales to customers are managed by the Company. Where the Company acts as the principal, revenue is recognized on a gross reporting basis at the selling price negotiated with customers. Where the Company acts as an agent, such revenue is recorded using net reporting as service revenues, at the amount of the administrative fee earned by the Company for ordering the goods. Third-party products transferred under arrangements resulting in net reporting totaled $10,573 and $8,778 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively.

 

Note 2 – Out of Period Adjustment

 

During 2012, the Company reassessed its ability to significantly influence the operating and financial policies of its captive insurance equity affiliate, Primex.  Based on its ownership percentage and other factors, the Company determined that, during 2012, the Company obtained the ability to significantly influence Primex and, as a result, changed its method of accounting from the cost to equity method.   During the first quarter of 2013, the Company identified errors in Primex’s estimated 2012 financial statements, which primarily related to a reinsurance contract held by Primex.  The identified errors resulted in a cumulative $1,038 understatement of the Company’s equity in net income from associated companies for the year ended December 31, 2012.  The Company corrected the errors related to Primex in the first quarter of 2013, which had the net effect of increasing equity in net income from associated companies by $1,038 for the three months ended March 31, 2013.  The Company did not believe this adjustment was material to its consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2012 or December 31, 2013 and, therefore, did not restate any prior period amounts.

 

Note 3 – Business Segments

 

The Company’s reportable operating segments are organized by geography as follows: (i) North America, (ii) Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), (iii) Asia/Pacific and (iv) South America.  Operating earnings, excluding indirect operating expenses, for the Company’s reportable operating segments are comprised of revenues less costs of goods sold and SG&A directly related to the respective regions’ product sales.  The indirect operating expenses consist of SG&A related expenses that are not directly attributable to the product sales of each respective reportable operating segment.  Other items not specifically identified with the Company’s reportable operating segments include interest expense, interest income, license fees from non-consolidated affiliates and other income (expense).

 

The following table presents information about the performance of the Company’s reportable operating segments for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013:

 

 

Inter-segment revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013 were $1,950 and $2,106 for North America, $5,326 and $5,005 for EMEA, $107 and $58 for Asia/Pacific and zero for South America, respectively.  However, all inter-segment transactions have been eliminated from each reportable operating segment’s net sales and earnings for all periods presented.

 

Note 4 – Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company recognized the following share-based compensation expense in selling, general and administrative expenses in its Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and the three months ended March 31, 2013:

 

 

As of March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, the Company recorded $239 and $369, respectively, of excess tax benefits in capital in excess of par value on its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, related to stock option exercises. The Company’s estimated taxes payable were sufficient to fully recognize these benefits as cash inflows from financing activities in its Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, which represented the Company’s estimate of cash savings through March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively.

 

Stock option activity under all plans is as follows:

 

As of March 31, 2014, the total intrinsic value of options outstanding was approximately $2,572, and the total intrinsic value of exercisable options was $1,531.  Intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the current market price of the underlying security and the strike price of a related option.

 

A summary of the Company’s outstanding stock options at March 31, 2014 is as follows: 

 

 

As of March 31, 2014, unrecognized compensation expense related to options granted during 2012 was $190, for options granted during 2013 was $411 and for options granted in 2014 was $795.

 

During the first quarter of 2014, the Company granted stock options under its LTIP plan that are subject only to time vesting over a three-year period.  For the purposes of determining the fair value of stock option awards, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the assumptions set forth in the table below:

 

 

Approximately $23 of expense was recorded on these options during the first three months of 2014.  The fair value of these awards is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the awards.

 

Activity of nonvested shares granted under the Company’s LTIP plan is shown below:

 

 

 

 

The fair value of the nonvested stock is based on the trading price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The Company adjusts the grant date fair value for expected forfeitures based on historical experience for similar awards.  As of March 31, 2014, unrecognized compensation expense related to these awards was $3,711 to be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of 2.45 years.

 

Activity of nonvested restricted stock units granted under the Company’s LTIP plan is shown below:

 

 

The fair value of the nonvested restricted stock units is based on the trading price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The Company adjusts the grant date fair value for expected forfeitures based on historical experience for similar awards. As of March 31, 2014, unrecognized compensation expense related to these awards was $240 to be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of 2.53 years.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

In 2000, the Board adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) whereby employees may purchase Company stock through a payroll deduction plan. Purchases are made from the plan and credited to each participant’s account at the end of each month, the “Investment Date.” The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the fair market value on the Investment Date. The plan is compensatory and the 15% discount is expensed on the Investment Date. All employees, including officers, are eligible to participate in this plan. A participant may withdraw all uninvested payment balances credited to a participant’s account at any time.  An employee whose stock ownership of the Company exceeds five percent of the outstanding common stock is not eligible to participate in this plan.

 

2013 Director Stock Ownership Plan

 

In March 2013, the Company adopted the 2013 Director Stock Ownership Plan (the “Plan”), subject to the approval by the Company’s shareholders at the annual meeting, to encourage the Directors to increase their investment in the Company.  The Plan was approved at the Company’s May 2013 shareholders’ meeting.  The Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 75,000 shares of Quaker common stock in accordance with the terms of the Plan in payment of all or a portion of the annual cash retainer payable to each of the Company’s non-employee directors in 2013 and subsequent years during the term of the Plan.  Under the Plan, each director who, on May 1st of the applicable calendar year, owns less than 400% of the annual cash retainer for the applicable calendar year, divided by the average of the closing price of a share of Quaker Common Stock as reported by the composite tape of the New York Stock Exchange for the previous calendar year (the “Threshold Amount”), is required to receive 75% of the annual cash retainer in Quaker common stock and 25% of the retainer in cash, unless the director elects to receive a greater percentage of Quaker common stock (up to 100%) of the annual cash retainer for the applicable year.  Each director who owns more than the Threshold Amount may elect to receive common stock in payment of a percentage (up to 100%) of the annual cash retainer.  The annual retainer is $50 and the retainer payment date is June 1.  The Plan was adopted in order to replace the 2003 Director Stock Ownership Plan, which expired in May 2013.

 

Note 5 – Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

 

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013 are as follows:

During 2013, it was discovered that the Company’s subsidiary in the United Kingdom did not appropriately amend a trust for a legacy change in its pension scheme, as it related to a past retirement age equalization law.  Given the lack of an official deed to the pension trust, the effective date of the change to the Subsidiary’s pension scheme differed from the Company’s historical beliefs, but the extent of the potential exposure was not estimable.  In the first quarter of 2014, the Company recorded costs of $902, related to prior service cost and interest cost, to appropriately reflect the past plan amendment related to the retirement age equalization law.

 

Employer Contributions:

 

The Company previously disclosed in its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, that it expected to make minimum cash contributions of $6,172 to its pension plans and $607 to its other postretirement benefit plan in 2014. As of March 31, 2014, $3,854 and $211 of contributions have been made to the Company’s pension plans and its postretirement benefit plans, respectively.

 

Note 6 – Other (expense) income

 

Other (expense) income includes:

 

 

Note 7 – Income Taxes and Uncertain Income Tax Positions

 

The Company’s first quarter of 2014 effective tax rate was 34.8%, as compared to an effective tax rate of 24.1% for the first quarter of 2013.  Both effective tax rates reflect decreases in reserves for uncertain tax positions due to the expiration of applicable statutes of limitations for certain tax years of approximately $0.02 and $0.10 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively.  Also, contributing to the difference in the effective tax rate from the prior year is the recognition of certain one-time items that increased the current quarter’s effective tax rate.

 

As of March 31, 2014, the Company’s cumulative liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits was $12,299.  At December 31, 2013, the Company’s cumulative liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits was $12,596.

 

The Company continues to recognize interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as a component of taxes on income before equity in net income of associated companies in its Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income. The Company recognized ($212) for interest and ($9) for penalties on its Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2014, and ($477) for interest and $93 for penalties on its Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income during the three months ended March 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2014, the Company had accrued $1,895 for cumulative interest and $2,088 for cumulative penalties, compared to $2,108 for cumulative interest and $2,100 for cumulative penalties accrued at December 31, 2013.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, the Company recognized decreases of approximately $1,075 and $1,687, respectively, in its cumulative liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits due to the expiration of the applicable statutes of limitations for certain tax years.

 

The Company estimates that during the year ending December 31, 2014 it will reduce its cumulative liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $1,800 to $1,900 due to the expiration of the statute of limitations for certain tax years. This estimated reduction in the cumulative liability for unrecognized tax benefits does not consider any increase in liability for unrecognized tax benefits with regard to existing tax positions or any increase in cumulative liability for unrecognized tax benefits with regard to new tax positions for the year ending December 31, 2014.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. Federal income tax, as well as the income tax of various state and foreign tax jurisdictions. Tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions include Brazil from 2000, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom from 2008, Spain from 2009, the United States, China and Italy from 2010, and various domestic state tax jurisdictions from 1993.

 

During the second quarter of 2012, the Italian tax authorities initiated a transfer pricing audit of the Company’s Italian subsidiary.  On July 7, 2012, the Company received a preliminary tax report related to this transfer pricing audit, which proposed several adjustments to the taxable income of the subsidiary.  During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company’s Italian subsidiary received an assessment for the tax year 2007, which the Company appealed during the first quarter of 2013.  On June 24, 2013, a hearing was held before the Provincial Tax Court of Varese, Italy.  On September 16, 2013, the Provincial Tax Court of Varese delivered a decision confirming

 

the Italian tax authorities’ proposed adjustment to the taxable income of the subsidiary, but denying the proposed assessment of penalties.  On January 24, 2014, the Company’s Italian subsidiary appealed the decision of the Provincial Tax Court of Varese.  On March 7, 2014, the Italian tax authorities appealed the decision of the Provincial Tax Court denying the assessment of penalties.

 

On November 29, 2013, the Italian tax authorities issued a tax assessment for the tax year 2008, raising identical issues as the assessment for 2007, noted above.  On March 28, 2014, the Company filed an appeal with the Provincial Tax Court of Varese.  The Company intends to apply for competent authority relief between the Italian and Dutch tax authorities.

 

Related to each of the above events, the Company and outside counsel believe we should prevail on the merits of each case.  Therefore, the Company does not believe it has any exposures warranting an uncertain tax position reserve as of March 31, 2014.

 

Note 8 – Earnings Per Share

 

The following table summarizes earnings per share calculations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013:

The following aggregate numbers of stock options and restricted stock units are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation since the effect would have been anti-dilutive: 2,824 and 2,444 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively.

 

Note 9 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The changes in carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows and the Company has recorded no impairment charges in the past:

Gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization for definite-lived intangible assets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:

The Company recorded $813 and $879 of amortization expense in the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively. Estimated annual aggregate amortization expense for the current year and subsequent five years is as follows:

The Company has two indefinite-lived intangible assets totaling $1,100 for trademarks at March 31, 2014.

 

Note 10 – Debt

 

The Company’s primary credit line is a $300,000 syndicated multicurrency credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A. (administrative agent) and certain other major financial institutions, which matures in June 2018.  The maximum amount available under this facility can be increased to $400,000 at the Company’s option if the lenders agree and the Company satisfies certain conditions.  Access to this facility is dependent on meeting certain financial, acquisition and other covenants, but primarily depends on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio calculation, which cannot exceed 3.50 to 1.  At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the consolidated leverage ratio was below 1.0 to 1 and the Company was also in compliance with all of the facilities’ other covenants.  At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had no amounts outstanding under this facility.

 

Note 11 – Equity and Noncontrolling Interest

 

The following table presents the changes in equity and noncontrolling interest, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013:

 

 

The following tables show the reclassifications from and resulting balances of accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCI”) at March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013:

 

 

Approximately 30% and 70% of the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for defined benefit retirement plans during the first quarters of 2014 and 2013 were recorded in cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively. See Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.  All reclassifications related to unrealized gain (loss) in available-for-sale securities relate to the Company’s equity interest in a captive insurance company and are recorded in equity in net income of associated companies.  The amounts reported in other comprehensive income for non-controlling interest are related to currency translation adjustments.

 

Note 12 – Business Acquisitions

 

In May 2013, the Company acquired a business that primarily related to tin plating for its North American reportable operating segment for net consideration of approximately $1,831.  The Company allocated the purchase price to $830 of intangible assets, comprised of formulations, to be amortized over 10 years; a non-competition agreement, to be amortized over 4 years; and a customer list, to be amortized over 10 years.  In addition, the Company recorded $277 of goodwill, all of which will be tax deductible.  The remaining purchase price was allocated between the acquisition date fair value of inventory purchased of $454 and fixed assets purchased of $270.

 

In January 2013, the Company acquired a chemical milling maskants distribution network for net consideration of approximately $647, which was assigned to the North American reportable operating segment.  The Company also assumed an additional $100 hold-back of consideration for potential indemnity obligations, which was paid to the former shareholders during the first quarter of 2014. The acquired intangible was allocated to the Company’s customer lists and rights to sell intangible assets and will be amortized over 5 years.

 

Certain pro forma and other disclosures have not been provided for these acquisitions because the effects were not material.

 

Note 13 – Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company values its company-owned life insurance policies, various deferred compensation assets and liabilities, acquisition-related consideration and an obligation related to a non-competition agreement at fair value.  The Company’s assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurement are as follows:

 

 

The fair values of Company-owned life insurance (“COLI”) and COLI deferred compensation assets are based on quotes for like instruments with similar credit ratings and terms.  The fair values of other deferred compensation assets and liabilities are based on quoted prices in active markets.  The fair value of the Summit earnout has been based on unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3.  Significant inputs and assumptions were management’s estimate of the probability of the earnout ultimately being met/paid and the discount rate used to present value the liability.  The fair value of the obligation related to a non-competition agreement is also based on unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3.  The significant inputs and assumptions for the obligation related to the non-competition agreement is management’s estimate of the discount rate used to present value the liability.  A significant change in any Level 3 assumption in isolation would result in increases or decreases to the fair value measurements of the acquisition-related consideration.

 

Changes in the fair value of the Level 3 liabilities during the three months ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

 

Quantitative information about the Company’s Level 3 fair value measurements at March 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Subsequent to March 31, 2014, the Company paid the $4,709 Summit earnout liability to settle all obligations with the former Summit shareholders.  At March 31, 2014, the Summit earnout liability was formulated based on the actual payment amount.  Prior to March 31, 2014, the determination of the fair value of the Summit earnout was based on the weighted average probability of the outcome of different payout scenarios.  The probabilities applied to the payout scenarios ranged from 15% to 70%, depending on the Company’s estimate of the likelihood of each payout scenario.

 

Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies

 

In April of 1992, the Company identified certain soil and groundwater contamination at AC Products, Inc. (“ACP”), a wholly owned subsidiary. In voluntary coordination with the Santa Ana California Regional Water Quality Board (“SACRWQB”), ACP has been remediating the contamination, the principal contaminant of which is perchloroethylene (“PERC”). On or about December 18, 2004, the Orange County Water District (“OCWD”) filed a civil complaint in Superior Court in Orange County, California against ACP and other parties potentially responsible for groundwater contamination. OCWD was seeking to recover compensatory and other damages related to the investigation and remediation of the contamination in the groundwater. Effective October 17, 2007, ACP and OCWD settled all claims related to this litigation. Pursuant to the settlement agreement with OCWD, ACP agreed to pay $2,000.  In addition to the $2,000 payment, ACP agreed to operate the two existing groundwater treatment systems associated with its extraction wells P-2 and P-3 so as to hydraulically contain groundwater contamination emanating from ACP’s site until such time as the concentrations of PERC are below the current Federal maximum contaminant level for four consecutive quarterly sampling events. On September 11, 2012, ACP received a letter from the SACRWQB advising that no further action is required to remediate the soil contamination on site and on February 20, 2014, SACRWQB notified ACP that it could cease extraction and treatment of groundwater at well P-3.  As of March 31, 2014, the Company believes that the range of potential-known liabilities associated with the ACP water remediation program is approximately $380 to $710, for which the Company has sufficient reserves.

 

The low and high ends of the range are based on the length of operation of well P-2 as determined by groundwater modeling with planned higher maintenance costs in later years if a longer treatment period is required. Costs of operation include the operation and maintenance of the extraction well, groundwater monitoring and program management. The duration of the well operation was estimated based on historical trends in concentrations in the monitoring well within the proximity of the applicable extraction well. Also factored into the model was the impact of water injected into the underground aquifer from a planned water treatment system to be installed by OCWD adjacent to P-2. Based on the modeling, it is estimated that P-2 will operate for another nine months to one and three-quarter years.  Operation and maintenance costs were based on historical expenditures and estimated inflation. As mentioned above, a significantly higher maintenance expense was factored into the range if the system operates for the longer period.

 

The Company believes, although there can be no assurance regarding the outcome of other unrelated environmental matters, that it has made adequate accruals for costs associated with other environmental problems of which it is aware. Approximately $171 and $205 was accrued at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, to provide for such anticipated future environmental assessments and remediation costs.

 

An inactive subsidiary of the Company that was acquired in 1978 sold certain products containing asbestos, primarily on an installed basis, and is among the defendants in numerous lawsuits alleging injury due to exposure to asbestos. The subsidiary discontinued operations in 1991 and has no remaining assets other than the proceeds received from insurance settlements.  To date, the overwhelming majority of these claims have been disposed of without payment and there have been no adverse judgments against the subsidiary. Based on a continued analysis of the existing and anticipated future claims against this subsidiary, it is currently projected that the subsidiary’s total liability over the next 50 years for these claims is approximately $2,700 (excluding costs of defense). Although the Company has also been named as a defendant in certain of these cases, no claims have been actively pursued against the Company, and the Company has not contributed to the defense or settlement of any of these cases pursued against the subsidiary. These cases were handled by the subsidiary’s primary and excess insurers who had agreed in 1997 to pay all defense costs and be responsible for all damages assessed against the subsidiary arising out of existing and future asbestos claims up to the aggregate limits of the policies. A significant portion of this primary insurance coverage was provided by an insurer that is now insolvent, and the other primary insurers have asserted that the aggregate limits of their policies have been exhausted. The subsidiary challenged the applicability of these limits to the claims being brought against the subsidiary. In response, two of the three carriers entered into separate settlement and release agreements with the subsidiary in late 2005 and early 2007 for $15,000 and $20,000, respectively.  The proceeds of both settlements are restricted and can only be used to pay claims and costs of defense associated with the subsidiary’s asbestos litigation. During the third quarter of 2007, the subsidiary and the remaining primary insurance carrier entered into a Claim Handling and Funding Agreement, under which the carrier will pay 27% of defense and indemnity costs incurred by or on behalf of the subsidiary in connection with asbestos bodily injury claims for a minimum of five years beginning July 1, 2007. The agreement continues until terminated and can only be terminated by either party by providing the other party with a minimum of two years prior written notice.  As of March 31, 2014, no notice of termination has been given under this agreement.  At the end of the term of the agreement, the subsidiary may choose to again pursue its claim against this insurer regarding the application of the policy limits. The Company also believes that, if the coverage issues under the primary policies with the remaining carrier are resolved adversely to the

 

subsidiary and all settlement proceeds were used, the subsidiary may have limited additional coverage from a state guarantee fund established following the insolvency of one of the subsidiary’s primary insurers. Nevertheless, liabilities in respect of claims may exceed the assets and coverage available to the subsidiary.

 

If the subsidiary’s assets and insurance coverage were to be exhausted, claimants of the subsidiary may actively pursue claims against the Company because of the parent-subsidiary relationship. Although asbestos litigation is particularly difficult to predict, especially with respect to claims that are currently not being actively pursued against the Company, the Company does not believe that such claims would have merit or that the Company would be held to have liability for any unsatisfied obligations of the subsidiary as a result of such claims. After evaluating the nature of the claims filed against the subsidiary and the small number of such claims that have resulted in any payment, the potential availability of additional insurance coverage at the subsidiary level, the additional availability of the Company’s own insurance and the Company’s strong defenses to claims that it should be held responsible for the subsidiary’s obligations because of the parent-subsidiary relationship, the Company believes it is not probable that the Company will incur any material losses. The Company has been successful to date having claims naming it dismissed during initial proceedings. Since the Company may be in this early stage of litigation for some time, it is not possible to estimate additional losses or range of loss, if any.

 

As initially disclosed in the Company’s second quarter 2010 Form 10-Q, one of the Company’s subsidiaries may have paid certain value-added-taxes (“VAT”) incorrectly and, in certain cases, may not have collected sufficient VAT from certain customers.  The VAT rules and regulations at issue are complex, vary among the jurisdictions and can be contradictory, in particular as to how they relate to the subsidiary’s products and to sales between jurisdictions.

 

Since its inception, the subsidiary had been consistent in its VAT collection and remittance practices and had never been contacted by any tax authority relative to VAT. The subsidiary later determined that for certain products, a portion of the VAT was incorrectly paid and that the total VAT due exceeds the amount originally collected and remitted by the subsidiary.  In response, the subsidiary modified its VAT invoicing and payment procedures to eliminate or mitigate future exposure.  In 2010, three jurisdictions contacted the subsidiary and, since then, the subsidiary has either participated in an amnesty program or entered into a settlement whereby it paid a reduced portion of the amounts owed in resolution of those jurisdictions’ claims.  In late 2013, an additional jurisdiction issued an assessment against the subsidiary for certain tax years.  The subsidiary has filed an appeal of the assessment alleging certain errors by such jurisdiction related to the assessment.

 

In analyzing the subsidiary’s exposure, it is difficult to estimate both the probability and the amount of any potential liabilities due to a number of factors, including: the decrease in exposure over time due to applicable statutes of limitations and actions taken by the subsidiary, the joint liability of customers and suppliers for a portion of the VAT, the availability of a VAT refund for VAT incorrectly paid through an administrative process, any amounts which may have been or will be paid by customers, as well as the timing and structure of any tax amnesties or settlements.  In addition, interest and penalties on any VAT due can be a multiple of the base tax. The subsidiary may contest any tax assessment administratively and/or judicially for an extended period of time, but may ultimately resolve its disputes through participation in tax amnesty programs, which are a common practice for settling tax disputes in the jurisdictions in question and which have historically occurred on a regular basis, resulting in significant reductions of interest and penalties. Also, the timing of payments and refunds of VAT may not be contemporaneous, and, if additional VAT is owed, it may not be fully recoverable from customers. As a result, this matter has the potential to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, liquidity and capital resources and the results of operations.

 

In 2010, the Company recorded a net charge of $4,132, which consisted of a net $3,901 charge related to two tax dispute settlements entered into by the subsidiary, as well as a net $231 charge representing management’s best estimate based on the information available to it, including the factors noted above, of the amount that ultimately may be paid related to the other jurisdiction that has made inquiries.  At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had no remaining accrual, related to the 2010 charges, for payments to be made under the tax dispute settlements entered into by the subsidiary, noted above.  In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company recorded a net charge of $796, representing the Company’s best estimate of the amount that ultimately may be paid related to the 2013 assessment referenced above.

 

The charges taken by the Company in 2010 and in the fourth quarter of 2013 assume a successful recovery of the VAT incorrectly paid, as well as reductions in interest and penalties from anticipated future amnesty programs or settlements.  On a similar basis, if all other potentially impacted jurisdictions were to initiate audits and issue assessments, the remaining exposure, net of refunds, could be from $0 to $7,900 with one jurisdiction representing approximately 79 percent of this additional exposure, assuming the continued availability of future amnesty programs or settlements to reduce the interest and penalties.  If there are future assessments but no such future amnesty programs or settlements, the potential exposure could be higher.

 

The Company is party to other litigation which management currently believes will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

 

 

 

Quaker Chemical Corporation is a leading global provider of process fluids, chemical specialties, and technical expertise to a wide range of industries, including steel, aluminum, automotive, mining, aerospace, tube and pipe, cans, and others.  For nearly 100 years, Quaker has helped customers around the world achieve production efficiency, improve product quality, and lower costs through a combination of innovative technology, process knowledge, and customized services. Headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania USA, Quaker serves businesses worldwide with a network of dedicated and experienced professionals whose mission is to make a difference.

 

The Company’s operating performance remained strong during the first quarter of 2014, with net sales continuing to show growth compared to the first quarter of 2013 on improved product volumes generally across all regions.  These increased sales volumes drove the Company’s gross profit increase of 4% on stable gross margins of 35.8% and 35.5% in the first quarters of 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Overall, the Company’s first quarter of 2014 operating income reflects the higher gross profit on increased volume levels as compared to the first quarter of 2013, but was slightly impacted by $0.5 million of additional selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) due to higher labor related costs and, also, additional costs related to an amendment to the Company’s UK pension plan.   The Company’s increased operating income during the first quarter of 2014 was more than offset by certain non-operating expenses, primarily related to foreign currency exchange and income tax expense, which are further discussed in the Company’s operations sections below.

 

The net result was earnings per diluted share of $0.96 for the first quarter of 2014 compared to earnings per diluted share of $1.04 for the first quarter of 2013, with non-GAAP earnings per diluted share of $0.95 for the first quarter of 2014 being slightly lower than $0.96 for the first quarter of 2013.  However, the Company’s first quarter of 2014 adjusted EBITDA of $23.7 million increased $2.4 million, or 11%, from $21.4 million in the first quarter of 2013, consistent with the operating income trends discussed above.  See the Non-GAAP Measures section in this Item, below.

 

The Company had net operating cash outflows of approximately $1.8 million for the first quarter of 2014 compared to net operating cash inflows of $11.3 million in the first quarter of 2013.   The main driver of the change in cash flow was an increase in cash invested in the Company’s working capital during the current quarter, which was primarily the result of increased sales at the end of the first quarter of 2014, reestablishing inventory safety stock levels that were low at year-end 2013 and higher annual incentive compensation payouts related to an improvement in the Company’s prior year performance.

 

Overall, the Company is pleased with its performance in the first quarter of 2014, given the continued economic challenges across the world and the severe U.S. weather conditions.   Specifically, the Company’s adjusted EBITDA growth is an indication that its business model and competitive positioning continue to serve the Company well.  Furthermore, the Company’s liquidity remains its strength, as its cash position continued to exceed its debt at March 31, 2014, with no borrowings outstanding on its credit facility, and, also, the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio continued to be less than one times EBITDA.  Going forward, the Company expects to see modest growth in most of its major markets, although some countries such as India and Brazil could continue to be challenging.  Also, the Company is beginning to experience an increase in some raw material costs.  However, the Company believes its track record of increasing market share and leveraging recent acquisitions will continue and help offset the market issues that may occur.  Overall, the Company remains confident in its future and expects 2014 to be another good year for Quaker as it strives to increase revenue and earnings for the fifth consecutive year.

 

 

Quaker’s cash and cash equivalents decreased to $60.5 million at March 31, 2014 from $68.5 million at December 31, 2013.  The $8.0 million decrease was the result of $1.8 million of cash used in operating activities, $2.7 million of cash used in investing activities and $3.5 million of cash used in financing activities.

 

Net cash flows used in operating activities were $1.8 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $11.3 million provided by operating activities in the first quarter of 2013.  The Company’s $13.1 million lower operating cash flow was primarily due to higher working capital investment during the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013.  Specifically, the Company had higher cash outflows from accounts receivable due to increased sales at the end of the first quarter of 2014, higher cash outflows from inventory due to reestablishing safety stock levels that were low at year-end 2013 and higher cash outflows from accounts payable and accrued liabilities related to higher annual incentive compensation payouts on the Company’s improved performance in the prior year.   In addition, the Company received a dividend distribution in the prior year from its captive insurance equity affiliate of $2.0 million, which also affected the operating cash flow comparison.

 

Net cash flows used in investing activities decreased from $3.3 million in the first quarter of 2013 to $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2014.   The $0.6 million decrease of cash used in investing activities was primarily the result of lower payments for acquisitions and a change in the Company’s restricted cash, net of an increase in payments for property, plant and equipment.  Related to acquisitions, the Company acquired a chemical milling maskants distribution network for the Company’s North American segment

 

during the first quarter of 2013, with no corresponding payment in 2014.  Changes to the Company’s restricted cash depend upon the timing of claims and payments associated with the subsidiary’s asbestos litigation.  The Company’s property, plant and equipment expenditures increased during the first quarter of 2014 for information technology development and other related initiatives primarily in its EMEA segment, partially offset by higher payments during the first quarter of 2013 for the expansion of the Company’s Asia/Pacific facilities.

 

 Net cash flows used in financing activities were $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $4.7 million of cash used in financing activities in the first quarter of 2013.   Generally, the $1.2 million decrease in cash used for financing activities was caused by lower repayments on external debt, as the Company had no borrowings on its revolving credit line as of December 31, 2013 to repay during the first quarter of 2014.  In addition, changes in stock option exercises and other related activity and higher dividend payments affected the financing cash flow comparisons.

 

The Company’s primary credit line is a $300.0 million syndicated multicurrency credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A. (administrative agent) and certain other major financial institutions, which matures in June 2018. At the Company’s option, the principal amount available can be increased to $400.0 million if the lenders agree to increase their commitments and the Company satisfies certain conditions.  At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under this facility.  The Company’s access to this credit is largely dependent on its consolidated leverage ratio covenant, which cannot exceed 3.50 to 1. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the consolidated leverage ratio was below 1.0 to 1 and the Company was also in compliance with all of the facility’s other covenants.

 

At March 31, 2014, the Company’s gross liability for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, was $16.3 million. The Company cannot determine a reliable estimate of the timing of cash flows by period related to its uncertain tax position liability. However, should the entire liability be paid, the amount of the payment may be reduced by up to $10.5 million as a result of offsetting benefits in other tax jurisdictions.

 

Subsequent to the first quarter of 2014, the Company paid approximately $4.7 million to the former shareholders of Summit Lubricants, Inc. as settlement of an earnout liability assumed in the Company’s 2010 acquisition.

 

The Company believes it is capable of supporting its operating requirements, including pension plan contributions, payments of dividends to shareholders, possible acquisitions and business opportunities, capital expenditures and possible resolution of contingencies, through internally generated funds supplemented with debt or equity as needed.

 

 

Included in this Form 10-Q filing are non-GAAP financial measures of non-GAAP earnings per diluted share and adjusted EBITDA.  The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information as they enhance a reader’s understanding of the financial performance of the Company, are more indicative of future operating performance of the Company, and facilitate a better comparison among fiscal periods, as the non-GAAP measures exclude items that are not considered core to the Company’s operations.  These non-GAAP results are presented for supplemental informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for the financial information presented in accordance with GAAP.

 

The following is a reconciliation between the non-GAAP (unaudited) financial measure of non-GAAP earnings per diluted share to its most directly comparable GAAP (unaudited) measure:

 

The following is a reconciliation between the non-GAAP (unaudited) financial measure of adjusted EBITDA to its most directly comparable GAAP (unaudited) financial measure:

 

 

 

During 2012, the Company reassessed its ability to significantly influence the operating and financial policies of its captive insurance equity affiliate, Primex.  Based on its ownership percentage and other factors, the Company determined that, during 2012, the Company obtained the ability to significantly influence Primex and, as a result, changed its method of accounting from the cost to equity method.   During the first quarter of 2013, the Company identified errors in Primex’s estimated 2012 financial statements, which primarily related to a reinsurance contract held by Primex.  The identified errors resulted in a cumulative $1.0 million understatement of the Company’s equity in net income from associated companies for the year ended December 31, 2012.  The Company corrected the errors related to Primex in the first quarter of 2013, which had the net effect of increasing equity in net income from associated companies by $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.  The Company did not believe this adjustment was material to its consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2012 or December 31, 2013 and, therefore, did not restate any prior period amounts.  See Note 2 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

Net sales for the first quarter of 2014 of $181.7 million increased approximately 3% from net sales of $176.2 million in the first quarter of 2013.  Product volumes, including acquisitions, increased revenues by approximately 6%, which was partially offset by a decrease of $2.7 million, or 2%, related to foreign exchange rate translation and a 1% decrease due to price and product mix.

 

Gross profit increased approximately $2.5 million, or approximately 4%, from the first quarter of 2013.  The increase in gross profit was driven by the increased sales volumes, noted above, on stable gross margins in the first quarters of 2014 and 2013 of 35.8% and 35.5%, respectively.

 

SG&A increased approximately $0.5 million from the first quarter of 2013, primarily driven by higher labor related costs on improved Company performance and general year-over-year merit increases and, also, additional costs related to an amendment to the Company’s UK pension plan of approximately $0.9 million, or $0.05 per diluted share.  The additional pension related costs are non-recurring.  These increases to SG&A were net of lower impacts from foreign exchange rate translation.

 

The change from other income of $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2013 to other expense of $0.5 million in the first quarter of 2014 was primarily the result of approximately $0.8 million of net foreign exchange losses in the current quarter.

 

The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to lower average borrowings and lower interest rates experienced in the first quarter of 2014 as compared to the first quarter of 2013.  Interest income was higher in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013, primarily due to an increase in the level of the Company’s cash on hand.

 

The Company’s effective tax rates for the first quarters of 2014 and 2013 were 34.8% and 24.1%, respectively.  The primary contributors to the increase in the current quarter’s effective tax rate were lower changes in reserves related to uncertain tax positions and certain one-time items that increased the current quarter’s effective tax rate.  Although the tax rate is inflated in the first quarter of 2014, the Company continues to estimate the full year 2014 effective tax rate to approximate 30%.  The Company has experienced and expects to further experience volatility in its effective tax rates due to the varying timing of tax audits and the expiration of applicable statutes of limitations as they relate to uncertain tax positions, among other factors.

 

Equity in net income of associated companies (“equity income”) was generally consistent for the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013.  The primary component of equity income is the Company’s interest in a captive insurance company.  Earnings attributable to this equity interest were approximately $0.8 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2014 compared to $1.4 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2013, which includes a non-cash out-of-period adjustment of approximately $1.0 million.  See the Out-of-Period Adjustment section in this Item, above.  Partially offsetting the higher earnings attributable to the captive insurance company in the first quarter of 2013 was a charge due to the devaluation of the Venezuelan

 

Bolivar Fuerte of $0.4 million, or $0.03 per diluted share.  See Notes 1 and 2 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Changes in foreign exchange rates negatively impacted the first quarter of 2014 net income by approximately $0.6 million or $0.05 per diluted share.

 

 

The Company offers its industrial process fluids, chemical specialties and technical expertise to a wide range of industries in a global product portfolio throughout its four segments:  (i) North America, (ii) Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), (iii) Asia/Pacific and (iv) South America.

 

 

North America represented approximately 42% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in the first quarter of 2014, which increased approximately $2.0 million, or 3%, from the first quarter of 2013.  The increase in net sales was generally attributable to higher base product volumes of 6% and acquisitions of 1%, partially offset by a decrease in price and product mix of 4%.  This reportable segment’s operating earnings, excluding indirect expenses, increased approximately $0.7 million, or 4%, from the first quarter of 2013.  The first quarter of 2014 increase was mainly driven by higher gross profit on the increases to net sales, noted above, and a slight margin improvement on a change in product mix, partially offset by higher labor-related costs on improved segment performance and general year-over-year merit increases.

 

 

EMEA represented approximately 27% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in the first quarter of 2014, which increased approximately $2.5 million, or 5%, from the first quarter of 2013.  The increase in net sales was primarily due to higher product volumes of 6% and an increase from foreign currency exchange rate translation of 3%, partially offset by a decrease in price and product mix of 4%.  The foreign currency exchange rate translation impact was primarily due to an increase in the E.U. Euro to U.S. Dollar exchange rate, which averaged 1.37 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to an average of 1.32 in the first quarter of 2013.  This reportable segment’s operating earnings, excluding indirect expenses, increased approximately $1.1 million, or 16%, from the first quarter of 2013.  The first quarter of 2014 increase was mainly driven by higher gross profit on the increases to net sales, noted above, and a slight margin improvement on a change in product mix, partially offset by higher labor-related costs on improved segment performance and general year-over-year merit increases.

 

 

Asia/Pacific represented approximately 23% of the Company’s net sales in the first quarter of 2014, which increased approximately $3.9 million, or 10%, from the first quarter of 2013.  The increase in net sales was primarily due to higher product volumes of 9% and an increase due to price and product mix of 3%, partially offset by a decrease from foreign currency exchange rate translation of 2%.  The foreign currency exchange rate translation impact was primarily due to a decrease in the Indian Rupee to U.S. Dollar exchange rate, which averaged 0.0162 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to 0.0185 in the first quarter of 2013.  This reportable segment’s operating earnings, excluding indirect expenses, increased approximately $0.3 million, or 3%, from the first quarter of 2013.  The first quarter of 2014 increase was mainly driven by higher gross profit on the increases to net sales, noted above, partially offset by higher labor-related costs on improved segment performance and general year-over-year merit increases.

 

 

South America represented approximately 8% of the Company’s net sales in the first quarter of 2014, which decreased approximately $2.9 million, or 17%, from the first quarter of 2013.  The decrease in net sales was generally attributable to lower product volumes of 6% and a decrease from foreign currency exchange rate translation of 18%, partially offset by an increase in price and product mix of 7%.  The foreign currency exchange rate translation impact was primarily due to a decrease in the Brazilian Real and Argentinian Peso to U.S. Dollar exchange rates, which averaged 0.42 and 0.13 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to 0.50 and 0.20 in the first quarter of 2013, respectively.  This reportable segment’s operating earnings, excluding indirect expenses, decreased approximately $1.4 million, or 48%, from the first quarter of 2013. The first quarter of 2014 decrease was mainly driven by lower gross profit on the decreases to net sales, noted above, and a gross margin decline on a change in product mix, partially offset by the positive impacts from the cost streamlining initiatives taken in this segment during 2013.

 

 

(Cautionary Statements Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995)

 

Certain information included in this Report and other materials filed or to be filed by Quaker with the SEC (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by us) contain or may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. We have

based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations about future events. These forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, intentions, financial condition, results of operations, future performance and business, including:

 

Such statements include information relating to current and future business activities, operational matters, capital spending, and financing sources. From time to time, forward-looking statements are also included in Quaker’s other periodic reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, as well as in press releases and other materials released to, or statements made to, the public.

 

 Any or all of the forward-looking statements in this Report and in any other public statements we make may turn out to be wrong. This can occur as a result of inaccurate assumptions or as a consequence of known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors discussed in this Report will be important in determining our future performance. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from those that might be anticipated from our forward-looking statements.

 

We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. However, any further disclosures made on related subjects in Quaker’s subsequent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K should be consulted. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us and our operations that are subject to change based on various important factors, some of which are beyond our control. A major risk is that the Company’s demand is largely derived from the demand for its customers’ products, which subjects the Company to uncertainties related to downturns in a customer’s business and unanticipated customer production shutdowns. Other major risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, significant increases in raw material costs, worldwide economic and political conditions, foreign currency fluctuations, terrorist attacks and other acts of violence. Furthermore, the Company is subject to the same business cycles as those experienced by steel, automobile, aircraft, appliance, and durable goods manufacturers. These risks, uncertainties, and possible inaccurate assumptions relevant to our business could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results. Other factors beyond those discussed could also adversely affect us. Therefore, we caution you not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. This discussion is provided as permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

 

We have evaluated the information required under this item that was disclosed in Part II, Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, and we believe there has been no material change to that information.

 

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period cover by this report.  Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were effective.

 

Changes in internal control over financial reporting. As required by Rule 13a-15(d) under the Exchange Act, our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes to our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  Based on that evaluation, no such changes to our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Items 1A, 3, 4 and 5 of Part II are inapplicable and have been omitted.

 

 

Incorporated by reference is the information in Note 14 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Report.

 

 

The following table sets forth information concerning shares of the Company’s common stock acquired by the Company during the period covered by this report:

 

 

 

 

 

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