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ALBEMARLE CORP - Quarter Report: 2012 March (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2012

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 1-12658

 

 

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

VIRGINIA   54-1692118

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

451 FLORIDA STREET

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

  70801
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code - (225) 388-8011

 

 

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 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. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Number of shares of common stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as of April 13, 2012: 89,187,407

 

 

 


Table of Contents

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION

INDEX – FORM 10-Q

 

          Page
Number(s)

PART I.

   FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  
  

Consolidated Statements of Income – Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

   3
  

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

   4
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011

   5
  

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity – Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

   6
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

   7
  

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   8-16

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   17-28

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   28

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   29

PART II.

  

OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

   29

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

   29

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   29

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

   29

SIGNATURES

   31

EXHIBITS

     

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited).

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Net sales

   $ 711,704      $ 696,530   

Cost of goods sold

     463,817        463,514   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     247,887        233,016   

Selling, general and administrative expenses (Note 13)

     80,692        73,039   

Research and development expenses

     19,049        17,615   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit

     148,146        142,362   

Interest and financing expenses

     (8,734     (9,592

Other (expenses) income, net

     (118     338   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments

     139,294        133,108   

Income tax expense

     35,466        32,172   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before equity in net income of unconsolidated investments

     103,828        100,936   

Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax)

     8,586        12,831   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     112,414        113,767   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (4,371     (7,187
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation

   $ 108,043      $ 106,580   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

   $ 1.21      $ 1.16   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 1.20      $ 1.15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic

     88,997        91,633   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted

     89,947        92,517   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash dividends declared per share of common stock

   $ 0.20      $ 0.165   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     March 31,  
     2012     2011  

Net income

   $ 112,414      $ 113,767   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

    

Foreign currency translation, net of tax of $92 – 2012; $2,631 – 2011

     29,012        73,977   

Pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax of $(3,456) – 2012; $(2,453) – 2011

     6,039        4,245   

Other, net of tax of $(20) – 2012; $(21) – 2011

     35        34   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income

     35,086        78,256   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

     147,500        192,023   

Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests

     (4,516     (6,887
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Albemarle Corporation

     142,984        185,136   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     March 31,
2012
    December 31,
2011
 

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 519,359      $ 469,416   

Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2012 – $2,715; 2011 – $2,709)

     386,788        355,372   

Other accounts receivable

     39,063        36,199   

Inventories

     460,810        431,495   

Other current assets

     63,536        63,138   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     1,469,556        1,355,620   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

     2,681,153        2,619,428   

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     1,513,931        1,489,948   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net property, plant and equipment

     1,167,222        1,129,480   

Investments

     209,406        198,427   

Other assets

     110,329        116,871   

Goodwill

     278,915        273,145   

Other intangibles, net of amortization

     128,071        130,281   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 3,363,499      $ 3,203,824   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities And Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 224,267      $ 184,472   

Accrued expenses

     168,275        175,257   

Current portion of long-term debt

     14,462        14,416   

Dividends payable

     17,483        15,237   

Income taxes payable

     8,875        11,796   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     433,362        401,178   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term debt

     742,199        749,257   

Postretirement benefits

     57,293        57,588   

Pension benefits

     126,895        127,964   

Other noncurrent liabilities

     114,821        111,107   

Deferred income taxes

     81,555        77,903   

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

    

Equity:

    

Albemarle Corporation shareholders’ equity:

    

Common stock, $.01 par value, issued and outstanding – 89,169 in 2012 and 88,841 in 2011

     892        888   

Additional paid-in capital

     21,690        15,194   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (187,981     (222,922

Retained earnings

     1,888,336        1,798,117   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Albemarle Corporation shareholders’ equity

     1,722,937        1,591,277   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interests

     84,437        87,550   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     1,807,374        1,678,827   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 3,363,499      $ 3,203,824   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)

 

 

Common Stock

    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
    Retained
Earnings
    Total
Albemarle
Shareholders’
Equity
    Non-controlling
Interests
    Total
Equity
 
  Shares     Amounts              

Balance at January 1, 2012

    88,841,240      $ 888      $ 15,194      $ (222,922   $ 1,798,117      $ 1,591,277      $ 87,550      $ 1,678,827   

Net income

            108,043        108,043        4,371        112,414   

Other comprehensive income

          34,941          34,941        145        35,086   

Cash dividends declared

            (17,824     (17,824     (7,629     (25,453

Stock-based compensation and other

        6,114            6,114          6,114   

Exercise of stock options

    149,101        2        2,567            2,569          2,569   

Tax benefit related to stock plans

        4,544            4,544          4,544   

Issuance of common stock, net

    280,117        3        (3         —            —     

Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances

    (101,957     (1     (6,726         (6,727       (6,727
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2012

    89,168,501      $ 892      $ 21,690      $ (187,981   $ 1,888,336      $ 1,722,937      $ 84,437      $ 1,807,374   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2011

    91,593,984      $ 916      $ 18,835      $ (164,196   $ 1,560,519      $ 1,416,074      $ 59,672      $ 1,475,746   

Net income

            106,580        106,580        7,187        113,767   

Other comprehensive income

          78,556          78,556        (300     78,256   

Cash dividends declared

            (15,123     (15,123       (15,123

Stock-based compensation and other

        6,501            6,501          6,501   

Exercise of stock options

    17,500        —          205            205          205   

Tax benefit related to stock plans

        3,867            3,867          3,867   

Issuance of common stock, net

    65,667        1        (1         —            —     

Shares withheld for withholding taxes associated with common stock issuances

    (9,646     —          (551         (551       (551
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2011

    91,667,505      $ 917      $ 28,856      $ (85,640   $ 1,651,976      $ 1,596,109      $ 66,559      $ 1,662,668   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   $ 469,416      $ 529,650   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

     112,414        113,767   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     24,235        23,004   

Stock-based compensation

     6,926        6,789   

Excess tax benefits realized from stock-based compensation arrangements

     (4,544     (3,867

Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax)

     (8,586     (12,831

Dividends received from unconsolidated investments and nonmarketable securities

     4,183        2,221   

Pension and postretirement expense

     10,024        6,463   

Pension and postretirement contributions

     (2,527     (51,949

Unrealized gain on investments in marketable securities

     (1,262     (1,483

Deferred income taxes

     7,238        21,209   

Working capital changes

     (32,728     (52,116

Other, net

     8,171        (4,651
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     123,544        46,556   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (54,784     (31,894

Cash payments related to acquisitions and other

     (134     (633

(Investments in) sales of marketable securities, net

     (1,113     1,872   

Investments in equity and other corporate investments

     —          (10,666
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (56,031     (41,321
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Repayments of long-term debt

     (7,149     (100,622

Proceeds from borrowings

     —          6,694   

Dividends paid to shareholders

     (15,578     (12,856

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     2,569        205   

Excess tax benefits realized from stock-based compensation arrangements

     4,544        3,867   

Withholding taxes paid on stock-based compensation award distributions

     (6,516     (551
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (22,130     (103,263
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents

     4,560        9,391   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     49,943        (88,637
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 519,359      $ 441,013   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1—Basis of Presentation:

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Albemarle Corporation and our wholly-owned, majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries (collectively, “Albemarle,” “we,” “us,” “our” or “the Company”) contain all adjustments necessary for a fair statement, in all material respects, of our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, our consolidated statements of income, consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated statements of changes in equity for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. All adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, on February 22, 2012. The December 31, 2011 consolidated balance sheet data herein was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, in the United States, or the U.S. The results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Certain reclassifications have been made to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto to conform to the current presentation.

NOTE 2—Foreign Exchange:

Our consolidated statements of income include net foreign exchange transaction losses for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 in the amount of $1.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

NOTE 3—Income Taxes:

The effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2012 was 25.5% compared with 24.2% for the first quarter of 2011. The Company’s effective income tax rate fluctuates based on, among other factors, our level and location of income. The difference between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and our effective income tax rate for the 2012 and 2011 periods is mainly due to the impact of earnings from outside the U.S.

NOTE 4—Earnings Per Share:

Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are calculated as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012      2011  
     (In thousands, except per
share amounts)
 

Basic earnings per share

     

Numerator:

     

Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation

   $ 108,043       $ 106,580   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Denominator:

     

Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share

     88,997         91,633   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

   $ 1.21       $ 1.16   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

     

Numerator:

     

Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation

   $ 108,043       $ 106,580   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Denominator:

     

Weighted-average common shares for basic earnings per share

     88,997         91,633   

Incremental shares under stock compensation plans

     950         884   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total shares

     89,947         92,517   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 1.20       $ 1.15   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

On February 15, 2012, the Company increased the regular quarterly dividend by 14% to $0.20 per share and declared a cash dividend of said amount for the first quarter of 2012, which was payable on April 1, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business as of March 15, 2012.

NOTE 5—Inventories:

The following table provides a breakdown of inventories at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

     March 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 
     (In thousands)  

Finished goods

   $ 332,085       $ 311,869   

Raw materials

     82,301         74,809   

Stores, supplies and other

     46,424         44,817   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total inventories

   $ 460,810       $ 431,495   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 6—Investments:

The carrying value of our unconsolidated investment in Stannica LLC, a variable interest entity for which we are not the primary beneficiary, was $6.6 million and $7.3 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Our maximum exposure to loss in connection with our continuing involvement with Stannica LLC is limited to our investment carrying value.

In the first quarter of 2011, we made approximately $10.7 million in capital contributions to our 50% owned joint venture Saudi Organometallic Chemicals Company (SOCC).

NOTE 7—Long-Term Debt:

Long-term debt at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 consisted of the following:

 

     March 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 
     (In thousands)  

Variable-rate domestic bank loans

   $ —         $ —     

5.10% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount of $95 at March 31, 2012 and $103 at December 31, 2011

     324,905         324,897   

4.50% Senior notes, net of unamortized discount of $2,735 at March 31, 2012 and $2,814 at December 31, 2011

     347,265         347,186   

Fixed rate foreign borrowings

     24,805         24,778   

Capital lease obligation

     2,027         2,006   

Variable-rate foreign bank loans

     57,259         64,326   

Miscellaneous

     400         480   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

     756,661         763,673   

Less amounts due within one year

     14,462         14,416   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less current portion

   $ 742,199       $ 749,257   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 8—Commitments and Contingencies:

We had the following activity in our recorded environmental liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as follows (in thousands):

 

Beginning balance at December 31, 2011

   $ 12,359   

Expenditures

     (306

Changes in estimates recorded to earnings and other

     50   

Foreign currency translation

     279   
  

 

 

 

Ending balance at March 31, 2012

     12,382   

Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses

     1,277   
  

 

 

 

Amounts reported in Other noncurrent liabilities

   $ 11,105   
  

 

 

 

The amounts recorded represent our future remediation and other anticipated environmental liabilities. Approximately 70% of our recorded liability is related to the closure and post-closure activities at a former landfill associated with our Bergheim, Germany site, which was recorded at the time of our acquisition of this site in 2001. This closure project has been approved under the authority of the governmental permit for this site and is scheduled for completion in 2017, with post-closure monitoring to occur for 30 years thereafter. The remainder of our recorded liability is associated with sites that are being evaluated under governmental authority but for which final remediation plans have not yet been approved. These liabilities typically arise during the normal course of our operational and environmental management activities or at the time of acquisition of the site, and are based on internal analysis as well as input from outside consultants. As evaluations proceed at each relevant site, changes in risk assessment practices, remediation techniques and regulatory requirements can occur, therefore such liability estimates may be adjusted accordingly. The timing and duration of remediation activities at these sites will be determined when evaluations are completed. Although it is difficult to quantify the potential financial impact of these remediation liabilities, management estimates (based on the latest available information) that there is a reasonable possibility that future environmental remediation costs associated with our past operations, in excess of amounts already recorded, could be up to approximately $16.7 million before income taxes.

In connection with the remediation activities at our Bergheim, Germany site as required by the German environmental authorities, we have pledged certain of our land and housing facilities at this site with a recorded value of $5.9 million.

We believe that any sum we may be required to pay in connection with environmental remediation matters in excess of the amounts recorded should occur over a period of time and should not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows on a consolidated annual basis, although any such sum could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows in a particular quarterly reporting period.

On July 3, 2006, we received a Notice of Violation (the 2006 NOV) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4, or EPA, regarding the implementation of the Pharmaceutical Maximum Achievable Control Technology standards at our plant in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The alleged violations include (i) the applicability of the specific regulations to certain intermediates manufactured at the plant, (ii) failure to comply with certain reporting requirements, (iii) improper evaluation and testing to properly implement the regulations and (iv) the sufficiency of the leak detection and repair program at the plant. In the second quarter of 2011, the Company was served with a complaint by the EPA in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, based on the alleged violations set out in the 2006 NOV seeking civil penalties and injunctive relief. The complaint was subsequently amended to add the State of South Carolina as a plaintiff. We intend to vigorously defend this action. Any settlement or finding adverse to us could result in the payment by us of fines, penalties, capital expenditures, or some combination thereof. At this time, it is not possible to predict with any certainty the outcome of this litigation or the financial impact which may result therefrom. However, we do not expect any financial impact to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

In addition, we are involved from time to time in legal proceedings of types regarded as common in our business, including administrative or judicial proceedings seeking remediation under environmental laws, such as the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, commonly known as CERCLA or Superfund, products liability, breach of contract liability and premises liability litigation. Where appropriate, we may establish financial reserves as estimated by our general counsel for such proceedings. We also maintain insurance to mitigate certain of such risks. Costs for legal services are generally expensed as incurred.

We have contracts with certain of our customers, which serve as guarantees on product delivery and performance according to customer specifications that can cover both shipments on an individual basis as well as blanket coverage of multiple shipments under customer supply contracts that are executed through certain financial institutions. The financial coverage provided by these guarantees is typically based on a percentage of net sales value.

 

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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 9—Operating Segments:

Segment income represents operating profit (adjusted for significant non-recurring items) and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments and is reduced by net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Segment data includes intersegment transfers of raw materials at cost and allocations for certain corporate costs.

Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments is shown in the following table. Corporate & other includes corporate-related items not allocated to the reportable segments.

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  
     (In thousands)  

Net sales:

    

Polymer Solutions

   $ 228,131      $ 258,223   

Catalysts

     293,522        260,957   

Fine Chemistry

     190,051        177,350   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net sales

   $ 711,704      $ 696,530   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment operating profit:

    

Polymer Solutions

   $ 52,712      $ 69,831   

Catalysts

     75,415        62,131   

Fine Chemistry

     41,924        33,959   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total segment operating profit

     170,051        165,921   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments:

    

Polymer Solutions

     1,845        2,489   

Catalysts

     6,741        10,461   

Fine Chemistry

     —          —     

Corporate & Other

     —          (119
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity in net income of unconsolidated investments

     8,586        12,831   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests:

    

Polymer Solutions

     (1,002     (2,846

Catalysts

     —          —     

Fine Chemistry

     (3,372     (4,425

Corporate & Other

     3        84   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (4,371     (7,187
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment income:

    

Polymer Solutions

     53,555        69,474   

Catalysts

     82,156        72,592   

Fine Chemistry

     38,552        29,534   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total segment income

     174,263        171,600   

Corporate & other

     (21,902     (23,594

Interest and financing expenses

     (8,734     (9,592

Other (expenses) income, net

     (118     338   

Income tax expense

     (35,466     (32,172
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation

   $ 108,043      $ 106,580   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 10—Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits:

The following information is provided for domestic and foreign pension and postretirement defined benefit plans:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  
     (In thousands)  

Net Periodic Pension Benefit Cost (Credit):

    

Service cost

   $ 3,173      $ 2,932   

Interest cost

     8,213        8,076   

Expected return on assets

     (11,630     (12,119

Amortization of prior service benefit

     (261     (245

Amortization of net loss

     9,104        6,493   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net periodic pension benefit cost

   $ 8,599      $ 5,137   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (Credit):

    

Service cost

   $ 50      $ 125   

Interest cost

     850        845   

Expected return on assets

     (125     (111

Amortization of prior service benefit

     (25     (99

Amortization of net loss

     675        566   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net periodic postretirement benefit cost

   $ 1,425      $ 1,326   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost

   $ 10,024      $ 6,463   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

We have made contributions of $1.4 million and $50.8 million to our qualified and nonqualified pension plans during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

We paid $1.1 million in premiums to the U.S. postretirement benefit plan during each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

NOTE 11—Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

In assessing the fair value of financial instruments, we use methods and assumptions that are based on market conditions and other risk factors existing at the time of assessment. Fair value information for our financial instruments is as follows:

Long-Term Debt—The carrying value of long-term debt reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, with the exception of the 4.50% and 5.10% senior notes and the foreign currency denominated debt at Jordan Bromine Company Limited, approximates fair value as substantially all of the long-term debt bears interest based on prevailing variable market rates currently available in the countries in which we have borrowings. The fair values of the 4.50% and 5.10% senior notes are estimated using Level 1 inputs and account for the majority of the difference between the recorded amount and fair value of our long-term debt.

 

     March 31, 2012      December 31, 2011  
     Recorded
Amount
     Fair Value      Recorded
Amount
     Fair Value  
     (In thousands)  

Long-term debt

   $ 756,661       $ 818,102       $ 763,673       $ 819,854   

 

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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts—We enter into foreign currency forward contracts in connection with our risk management strategies in an attempt to minimize the financial impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These derivative financial instruments are used to manage risk and are not used for trading or other speculative purposes. The fair values of our foreign currency forward contracts are estimated based on current settlement values. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had outstanding foreign currency forward contracts with notional values totaling $194.6 million and $148.7 million, respectively. At March 31, 2012, $0.2 million was included in Other accounts receivable and $0.2 million was included in Accrued expenses associated with the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts. At December 31, 2011, $0.9 million was included in Accrued expenses associated with the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts.

Gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts are recognized currently in Other (expenses) income, net; however, fluctuations in the value of these contracts are generally offset by the changes in the value of the underlying exposures being hedged. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, we recognized gains of $1.3 million and $5.8 million, respectively, in Other (expenses) income, net in our consolidated statements of income related to the change in the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts. These amounts are substantially offset by changes in the value of the underlying exposures being hedged which are also reported in Other (expenses) income, net. Also, for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, we recorded $(1.3) million and $(5.8) million, respectively, related to the change in the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts, and cash settlements of $0.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively, in Other, net in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

NOTE 12—Fair Value Measurement:

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The inputs used to measure fair value are classified into the following hierarchy:

 

Level 1    Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2    Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability
Level 3    Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability

We endeavor to utilize the best available information in measuring fair value. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The following tables set forth our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

 

$00,000 $00,000 $00,000
     March 31,
2012
     Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
for
Identical
Items

(Level 1)
     Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
for
Similar
Items

(Level 2)
 

Assets:

        

Investments under executive deferred compensation plan (a)

   $ 19,147       $ 19,147       $ —     

Equity securities (b)

   $ 31       $ 31       $ —     

Foreign currency forward contracts (c)

   $ 226       $ —         $ 226   

Liabilities:

        

Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan (a)

   $ 19,147       $ 19,147       $ —     

Foreign currency forward contracts (c)

   $ 191       $ —         $ 191   

 

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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

$00,000 $00,000 $00,000
     December 31,
2011
     Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
for
Identical
Items

(Level 1)
     Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
for
Similar
Items

(Level 2)
 

Assets:

        

Investments under executive deferred compensation plan (a)

   $ 16,786       $ 16,786       $ —     

Equity securities (b)

   $ 17       $ 17       $ —     

Liabilities:

        

Obligations under executive deferred compensation plan (a)

   $ 16,786       $ 16,786       $ —     

Foreign currency forward contracts (c)

   $ 869       $ —         $ 869   

 

(a)

We maintain an Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, or the Plan, that was adopted in 2001 and subsequently amended. The purpose of the Plan is to provide current tax planning opportunities as well as supplemental funds upon the retirement or death of certain of our employees. The Plan is intended to aid in attracting and retaining employees of exceptional ability by providing them with these benefits. We also maintain a Benefit Protection Trust, or the Trust, that was created to provide a source of funds to assist in meeting the obligations of the Plan, subject to the claims of our creditors in the event of our insolvency. Assets of the Trust are consolidated in accordance with authoritative guidance. The assets of the Trust consist primarily of mutual fund investments (which are accounted for as trading securities and are marked-to-market on a monthly basis through the consolidated statements of income) and cash and cash equivalents. As such, these assets and obligations are classified within Level 1.

(b)

Our investments in equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported in Investments in the consolidated balance sheets. The changes in fair value are reported in Other within Comprehensive income (loss) in our statements of changes in equity. These securities are classified within Level 1.

(c) 

As a result of our global operating and financing activities, we are exposed to market risks from changes in interest and foreign currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect our operating results and financial position. When deemed appropriate, we minimize our risks from interest and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations through the use of derivative financial instruments. The foreign currency forward contracts are valued using broker quotations or market transactions in either the listed or over-the-counter markets. As such, these derivative instruments are classified within Level 2.

NOTE 13—Restructuring and Other

We had the following activity in our recorded workforce reduction liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 (in thousands):

 

Beginning balance at December 31, 2011

   $ 4,780   

Workforce reduction charges

     —     

Payments

     (453

Amount reversed to income

     (19

Foreign currency translation

     100   
  

 

 

 

Ending balance at March 31, 2012

     4,408   

Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses

     2,415   
  

 

 

 

Amounts reported in Other noncurrent liabilities

   $ 1,993   
  

 

 

 

Also, the quarter ended March 31, 2012 includes a gain of $8.1 million ($5.1 million after income taxes) resulting from proceeds received in connection with the settlement of certain commercial litigation (net of estimated reimbursement of related legal fees of approximately $0.9 million). The litigation involved claims and cross-claims relating to alleged breaches of a purchase and sale agreement. The settlement resolves all outstanding issues and claims between the parties and they agreed to dismiss all outstanding litigation between them and release all existing and potential claims against each other that were or could have been asserted in the litigation. The quarter ended March 31, 2012 also includes an $8 million ($5.1 million after income taxes) charitable contribution to the Albemarle Foundation, a non-profit organization which sponsors grants, health and social projects, educational initiatives, disaster relief, matching gift programs, scholarships and other charitable initiatives in locations where our employees live and operate. These items are included in our consolidated Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 14—Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:

In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued new accounting guidance relating to separating consideration in multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements. Under this guidance, multiple-deliverable arrangements will be accounted for separately (rather than on a combined basis) by selecting the best evidence of selling price among vendor-specific objective evidence, third-party evidence or estimated selling price. This new guidance, effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010, did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2010, new accounting guidance was issued by the FASB that requires additional disclosures about amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and the reasons therefor. Additionally, entities are now required to present information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements separately in the reconciliation of fair value measurements using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs. The amendments also clarified that entities should provide fair value measurement disclosures for each class, or subset, of assets or liabilities within a line item in the statement of financial position, and entities should disclose information about inputs and valuation techniques for Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements, whether recurring or nonrecurring. These amendments were effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the reconciliation of fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs, which were effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The provisions of this guidance did not have a have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2010, the FASB amended its accounting guidance related to the disclosure of pro forma information for business combinations. Under the amended guidance, a public entity that presents comparative financial statements must disclose the revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the prior annual reporting period. The amendments also require public entities to provide a description of the nature and amount of any material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to business combination(s) that are included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. These amendments became effective for us on January 1, 2011 and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued additional authoritative guidance relating to fair value measurement and disclosure requirements. For fair value measurements categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the new guidance requires (1) disclosure of quantitative information about unobservable inputs; (2) a description of the valuation processes used by the entity; and (3) a qualitative discussion about the sensitivity of the fair value measurement to changes in unobservable inputs and the interrelationships between those unobservable inputs, if any. Entities must report the level in the fair value hierarchy of assets and liabilities that are not recorded at fair value in the statement of financial position but for which fair value is disclosed. The new requirements clarify that the concepts of highest and best use and valuation premise only apply to measuring the fair value of nonfinancial assets. The new requirements also specify that in the absence of a Level 1 input, a reporting entity should incorporate a premium or a discount in a fair value measurement if a market participant would take into account such an input in pricing an asset or liability. Additionally, the new guidance introduces an option to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities with offsetting positions on a net basis if certain criteria are met. These amendments became effective for us on January 1, 2012 and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which eliminates the current option to present other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. However, under the new guidance, comprehensive income and its components must still be presented under one of two new alternatives. Under the first alternative, the components of other comprehensive income and the components of net income may be presented in one continuous statement referred to as the statement of comprehensive income. Under the second alternative, a statement of other comprehensive income would immediately follow the statement of net income and must be shown with equal prominence as the other primary financial statements. Under either alternative, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. The Company adopted these new financial statement presentation requirements effective January 1, 2012 with retrospective application to all prior periods presented.

In September 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance intended to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. The new guidance gives entities the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity believes, as a result of its

 

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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test under existing accounting guidance is required to be performed. Otherwise, no further testing is required. These new provisions are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that will require entities to disclose information about instruments (including derivatives) and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position or subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. These new provisions are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods, and should be applied retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. We are assessing the impact of these new requirements on our financial statements.

 

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

The following is a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations since December 31, 2011. A discussion of consolidated financial condition and sources of additional capital is included under a separate heading “Financial Condition and Liquidity” on page 25.

Forward-looking Statements

Some of the information presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the documents incorporated by reference, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, which are in turn based on assumptions that we believe are reasonable based on our current knowledge of our business and operations. We have used words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will” and variations of such words and similar expressions to identify such forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Therefore, there can be no assurance that our actual results will not differ materially from the results and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation:

 

   

changes in economic and business conditions;

 

   

changes in financial and operating performance of our major customers, industries and markets served by us;

 

   

the timing of orders received from customers;

 

   

the gain or loss of significant customers;

 

   

competition from other manufacturers;

 

   

changes in the demand for our products;

 

   

limitations or prohibitions on the manufacture and sale of our products;

 

   

availability of raw materials;

 

   

changes in the cost of raw materials and energy, and our inability to pass through such increases;

 

   

acquisitions and divestitures, and changes in performance of acquired companies;

 

   

changes in our markets in general;

 

   

fluctuations in foreign currencies;

 

   

changes in laws and government regulation of our operations or our products;

 

   

the occurrence of claims or litigation;

 

   

the occurrence of natural disasters;

 

   

the inability to maintain current levels of product or premises liability insurance or the denial of such coverage;

 

   

political unrest affecting the global economy, including adverse effects from terrorism or hostilities;

 

   

political instability affecting our manufacturing operations or joint ventures;

 

   

changes in accounting standards;

 

   

the inability to achieve results from our global manufacturing cost reduction initiatives as well as our ongoing continuous improvement and rationalization programs;

 

   

changes in jurisdictional mix of our earnings and changes in tax laws and rates;

 

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changes in monetary policies, inflation or interest rates that may impact our ability to raise capital or increase our cost of funds, impact the performance of our pension fund investments and increase our pension expense and funding obligations;

 

   

volatility and substantial uncertainties in the debt and equity markets;

 

   

technology or intellectual property infringement; and

 

   

the other factors detailed from time to time in the reports we file with the SEC.

We assume no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws. The following discussion should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Overview

We are a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of highly-engineered specialty chemicals that meet customer needs across an exceptionally diverse range of end markets including the petroleum refining, consumer electronics, plastics/packaging, construction, automotive, lubricants, pharmaceuticals, crop protection, food-safety and custom chemistry services markets. We are committed to global sustainability and are advancing responsible eco-practices and solutions in our three business segments. We believe that our commercial and geographic diversity, technical expertise, innovative capability, flexible, low-cost global manufacturing base, experienced management team, and strategic focus on our core base technologies will enable us to maintain leading market positions in those areas of the specialty chemicals industry in which we operate.

Our diverse product portfolio, broad geographic presence and customer-focused solutions will continue to be key drivers to our future earnings growth. We continue to build upon our existing green solutions portfolio and our ongoing mission to provide innovative, yet commercially viable, clean energy products and services to the marketplace. We believe our disciplined cost reduction efforts, on-going productivity improvements and strong balance sheet position us well to take advantage of strengthening economic conditions while softening the negative impact of any temporary disruption in the economy.

First Quarter 2012

During the first quarter of 2012:

 

   

We achieved quarterly earnings of $1.20 per share (on a diluted basis), up 4 percent over first quarter 2011 results.

 

   

Our net sales for the quarter were $711.7 million, up 2% from net sales of $696.5 million in the first quarter of 2011.

 

   

On January 18, 2012, we announced the formation of our Electronic Materials business unit. This new business unit, which is a subgroup of Albemarle’s newly renamed Performance Catalyst Solutions (PCS) division, provides electronic-grade metal organics to the rapidly expanding Light Emitting Diode (LED), compound semiconductor, and solar panel markets.

 

   

On January 25, 2012, we announced the successful completion of finished polyolefin catalysts production expansion activities at our Process Development Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in response to the growing demand for finished single site catalysts used in the polyolefin industry, including Albemarle’s ActivCat® technology.

 

   

Our quarterly dividend increased to $0.20 per share of common stock ($0.80 annually).

Outlook

During the first quarter of 2012, we have seen overall improvement in our net sales and operating results compared to first quarter 2011 based on the favorable impacts of our pricing programs as well as our continuing focus on operating cost discipline. We have seen year over year performance growth trends overall in our businesses for the quarter, although we continue to see the year over year effects of volume softness resulting from customer order patterns (mainly in Polymer Solutions) which began in the second half of 2011 and which we attribute to end-market response to continuing global economic challenges. However, although uncertainty persists regarding the strength and duration of a global economic recovery, the full year outlook for our Catalysts and Fine Chemistry businesses remains favorable based on positive industry trends and new business opportunities. Further, end-market patterns appear to suggest a continuation of the recent gradual demand build through the second half of 2012 in Polymer Solutions. We continue to closely monitor customer order patterns and other performance trends in our businesses overall and the markets which they serve in light of these current

 

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uncertainties, while working to manage potential headwinds such as increased raw material and energy costs, pension and other personnel costs. Overall, our businesses remain fundamentally healthy and strategically well-positioned, and we believe that if the end markets we serve begin to stabilize and accelerate over the course of 2012, we should continue to make progress towards our long-term growth objectives.

Polymer Solutions: We have seen year over year volume softness affect our net sales and profitability during first quarter 2012 despite partially offsetting impacts from favorable pricing. We believe these volume trends are attributable to end-market response to continuing global economic challenges, and we are closely monitoring customer order patterns in our business. We are encouraged by overall sequential improvement in our segment operating results from fourth quarter 2011 stemming from the gradual improvement in demand throughout the first quarter of 2012, and we believe that these recent trends may signal the early stages of recovering business conditions. We continue to believe our business fundamentals in this sector remain strong, and combined with our competitive position, product innovations, pricing initiatives to offset raw material inflation and overall operating discipline, we believe Polymer Solutions continues to be well positioned to manage through any slow growth trends in the markets served by this business.

On a long-term basis, we continue to believe improving global standards of living, coupled with the potential for increasingly stringent fire safety regulations and global climate initiatives, should drive continued demand for fire safety products. Further, we continue to focus on globalization in this segment, with our antioxidants facilities in China positioning us well for growth in the Asia region. Additionally, we have commenced an expansion of our flame retardant production capacity at our JBC joint venture in Safi, Jordan which is expected to come on-line in 2013.

GreenarmorTM, the first EarthwiseTM product from our Polymer Solutions segment, has reached the commercialization stage and we are currently negotiating potential supply contracts with key customers for this product. The EarthwiseTM portfolio, comprised of products that serve the polymers industry and which are significantly enhanced in both environmental responsibility and end market performance, is expected to grow to include products from other business units and segments of Albemarle.

Catalysts: Overall improved pricing and stable volumes have driven net sales and earnings growth in our Catalysts segment during the first quarter of 2012. We believe increased global demand for petroleum products, generally deteriorating quality of crude oil feedstock and implementation of more stringent fuel quality requirements are expected to drive growth in our refinery catalysts business. We expect growth in our PCS division to come from growing global demand for plastics, particularly in Asia and the Middle East. During most of 2011, our fluidized catalytic cracking, or FCC, refinery catalysts business saw significant price increases in rare earth materials due to tightening Chinese export quotas. However, pricing for these materials began to decline during the current quarter. Our steps to maintain sufficient security of supply as well our continued focus on operating discipline in this business should help to counter potential operating headwinds from these developments over the course of the current year.

New market penetrations and introduction of innovative cost-effective products for the refining and polyolefins industries contributed to the segment’s performance in 2011 and continued to provide momentum in the first quarter of 2012. We believe our focus on advanced product development in Catalysts is achieving commercial success, and we have introduced new value-added refining solutions and technologies that enable refiners to increase yields, a critical advantage for refiners. Our marketing and research groups are tightly aligned, enabling us to continue to bring innovative technologies to the market. Additionally, we expect to continue exploring new alternative fuel opportunities by partnering with leading renewable fuels technology developers who can benefit from Albemarle’s catalysis expertise.

We expect to leverage our existing positions in the Middle East, Asia and Brazil, along with our joint ventures, to capitalize on growth opportunities and further develop our leading position in those emerging markets. Our joint venture in Saudi Arabia with SABIC, expected to be operational in late 2012, positions us to lead in the fast-growing Middle East polyolefins market. Construction at our Yeosu, South Korea site is progressing well, where existing assets have allowed us to rapidly develop research and small-scale production facilities, adding immediate value to the metallocene polyolefin and high brightness LED regional markets. Intermediate commercial operations at the site began in 2011, with the commercial facility expected to be fully operational in the current year to meet regional growth in metallocene polyolefins and trimethyl gallium (TMG) markets for high brightness LED. Additionally, we are working on project scope and design elements for a future Brazilian hydroprocessing catalysts investment with Petrobras.

Fine Chemistry: In our Fine Chemistry segment, we saw positive year over year net sales and income growth during the first quarter of 2012. This segment continues to benefit from the rapid pace of innovation and the introduction of new products, coupled with the movement by companies to outsource certain research, product development and manufacturing functions. We believe we can sustain healthy margins with continued focus on the two strategic areas in our Fine Chemistry segment – maximizing our bromine franchise value in the performance chemicals sector and continued growth of our fine chemistry services business.

 

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In our performance chemicals sector, we saw net sales during the first quarter of 2012 slightly lower than first quarter of 2011, with improved pricing being offset by impacts from lower volumes. Our completion fluids business saw signs of slowing drilling activity in Asia in the first quarter of 2012, although drilling rates are expected to strengthen over the remainder of 2012 and ultimately align closely with 2011 rates. Additionally, we are encouraged by long-term drivers in the U.S. and China for our mercury control business. We are positioned to provide these markets with sensible, sustainable solutions to meet new regulatory demands, including emission prevention and control directives for coal-fueled power plants in the U.S. and China and waste reduction initiatives in the cement production industry in connection with the new Cement-MACT mercury emission standard.

We are focused on profitably growing our globally competitive bromine and derivatives production network to serve all major bromine consuming products and markets. We believe the global supply/demand gap will continue to tighten as demand for existing and new uses of bromine expand and global supply remains tight. We are positioned to expand capacity as needed at our low-cost production facilities. Further, we have commenced an expansion of our bromine production capacity at our JBC joint venture in Safi, Jordan which is expected to come on-line in the second half of 2012.

Our fine chemistry services product pipeline is strong and opportunities are expanding in the renewables, life sciences and electronic materials markets. Our pharmaceutical and crop protection businesses continue to deliver solid results. We expect product development opportunities to continue, such as partnering with ExxonMobil Corporation to make a specialty lubricant and with pharmaceutical developers like SIGA Technologies in their manufacture of the ST-246 smallpox drug. Further, our agreement with Novvi S.A., a joint venture between Amyris, Inc. and Cosan S.A. Indústria e Comércio, will be focused on the development, production, marketing and distribution of high-performance renewable base oils where we will provide customer scale up and production services for synthetic, renewable base oils for the lubricants market.

Our technical expertise, manufacturing capabilities and speed to market allow us to develop the preferred outsourcing positions serving leading chemical, renewable and life science innovators in diverse industries. We believe we will continue to generate growth in profitable niche products leveraged from this service business.

Corporate and Other: We continue to focus on cash generation, working capital management and process efficiencies. We expect our global effective tax rate for 2012 to be 25.5%, however our rate will vary based on the locales in which income is actually earned. Further, in 2012, we expect our noncash U.S. pension and postretirement expense could increase up to $20 million over 2011 expense amounts.

In the first quarter of 2012, we increased our quarterly dividend payout to $0.20 per share to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2012.

We remain committed to evaluating the merits of any opportunities that may arise for acquisitions or other business development activities that will complement our business footprint. Additional information regarding our products, markets and financial performance is provided at our web site, www.albemarle.com. Our web site is not a part of this document nor is it incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Results of Operations

The following data and discussion provides an analysis of certain significant factors affecting our results of operations during the periods included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

First Quarter 2012 Compared to First Quarter 2011

Selected Financial Data (Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Percentage
Change
     2012   2011   2012 vs. 2011
     (In thousands, except percentages and per share amounts)

NET SALES

     $ 711,704       $ 696,530         2%      

Cost of goods sold

       463,817         463,514         —  %      
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

GROSS PROFIT

       247,887         233,016         6%      

GROSS PROFIT MARGIN

       34.8 %       33.5 %    

Selling, general and administrative expenses

       80,692         73,039         10%      

Research and development expenses

       19,049         17,615         8%      
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

OPERATING PROFIT

       148,146         142,362         4%      

OPERATING PROFIT MARGIN

       20.8 %       20.4 %    

Interest and financing expenses

       (8,734 )       (9,592 )       (9)%     

Other (expenses) income, net

       (118 )       338         *         
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF UNCONSOLIDATED INVESTMENTS

       139,294         133,108         5%      

Income tax expense

       35,466         32,172         10%      

Effective tax rate

       25.5 %       24.2 %    
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

INCOME BEFORE EQUITY IN NET INCOME OF UNCONSOLIDATED INVESTMENTS

       103,828         100,936         3%      

Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments (net of tax)

       8,586         12,831         (33)%     
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

NET INCOME

       112,414         113,767         (1)%     

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

       (4,371 )       (7,187 )       (39)%     
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ALBEMARLE CORPORATION

     $ 108,043       $ 106,580         1%      
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

PERCENTAGE OF NET SALES

       15.2 %       15.3 %    
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

Basic earnings per share

     $ 1.21       $ 1.16         4%      
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

Diluted earnings per share

     $ 1.20       $ 1.15         4%      
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

* Percentage calculation is not meaningful.

Net Sales

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, we recorded net sales of $711.7 million, an increase of 2% compared to net sales of $696.5 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011. This increase was due primarily to favorable pricing in all segments while partly offset by impacts of lower volumes overall (mainly from our Polymer Solutions segment) over first quarter 2011. Price was favorable 8% while volume had an unfavorable impact on our net sales of 6%.

Polymer Solutions net sales decreased $30.1 million, or 12%, for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, due mainly to the impact of lower volumes of 17% while partly offset by improved pricing of 5%. Catalysts net sales increased $32.6 million, or 12%, for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, compared to the same period last year due mainly to improved pricing of 12% while maintaining overall stable volumes for the segment as a whole. Fine Chemistry net sales increased $12.7 million, or 7%, for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, as compared to the same period last year, primarily due to improved pricing contributing 5% of the increase as well as favorable volume impacts of 2%. For a detailed discussion of revenues and segment income for each segment, see “Segment Information Overview” below.

 

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Gross Profit

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, our gross profit increased $14.9 million, or 6%, from the corresponding 2011 period due mainly to favorable pricing across our segments, partly offset by higher variable input costs (mainly raw materials), the impact of lower volumes and higher manufacturing spending. Overall, these factors contributed to our improved gross profit margin for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 of 34.8%, up from 33.5% for the corresponding period in 2011.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, our selling, general and administrative, or SG&A, expenses increased $7.7 million, or 10%, from the three-month period ended March 31, 2011. This increase was primarily due to higher personnel-related costs as well as higher sales commissions. Also, SG&A for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 includes a gain of $8.1 million resulting from proceeds received in connection with the settlement of litigation (net of legal fees). The quarter ended March 31, 2012 also includes an $8 million charitable contribution to the Albemarle Foundation, a non-profit organization which sponsors grants, health and social projects, educational initiatives, disaster relief, matching gift programs, scholarships and other charitable initiatives in locations where our employees live and operate.

As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses were 11.3% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, compared to 10.5% for the corresponding period in 2011.

Research and Development Expenses

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, our research and development, or R&D, expenses increased $1.4 million, or 8%, from the three-month period ended March 31, 2011. As a percentage of net sales, R&D expenses were 2.7% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, compared to 2.5% for the corresponding period in 2011.

Interest and Financing Expenses

Interest and financing expenses for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 decreased $0.9 million to $8.7 million from the corresponding 2011 period, due mainly to increases in interest capitalized on higher average construction work in progress balances year over year.

Other (Expenses) Income, Net

Other (expenses) income, net for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 was $(0.1) million versus $0.3 million for the corresponding 2011 period. This change was due primarily to unfavorable net foreign exchange losses, partly offset by favorable interest income and other miscellaneous items over the corresponding period in 2011.

Income Tax Expense

The effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2012 was 25.5% compared with 24.2% for the first quarter of 2011. The Company’s effective income tax rate fluctuates based on, among other factors, our level and location of income. The difference between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and our effective income tax rate for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is mainly due to the impact of earnings from outside the U.S. Based on our current level and location of income, we expect our effective tax rate to be 25.5% for the year 2012.

Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Investments

Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments was $8.6 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 compared to $12.8 million in the same period last year. This decrease was due primarily to lower equity income amounts reporting from our Catalysts segment joint venture Nippon Ketjen Company Limited, or Nippon Ketjen, due mainly to lower volumes year over year for the joint venture.

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $4.4 million compared to $7.2 million in the same period last year. This decrease of $2.8 million was due primarily to lower year over year profitability from our consolidated joint venture Jordan Bromine Company Limited, or JBC, based on lower demand for the products in our bromine portfolio.

 

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Net Income Attributable to Albemarle Corporation

Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation increased to $108.0 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, from $106.6 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2011, primarily due to favorable pricing, lower net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, and lower interest and financing expenses. These impacts were partly offset primarily by overall unfavorable sales volume impacts (driven in particular by the Polymer Solutions segment), higher variable input costs and manufacturing spending, higher SG&A and R&D costs, lower equity in net income of unconsolidated investments and higher income taxes.

Segment Information Overview. We have identified three reportable segments according to the nature and economic characteristics of our products as well as the manner in which the information is used internally by the Company’s key decision maker, our Chief Executive Officer, in accordance with current accounting guidance. Our Polymer Solutions segment is comprised of the flame retardants and stabilizers and curatives product areas. Our Catalysts segment is comprised of the refinery catalysts and PCS product areas. Our Fine Chemistry segment is comprised of the performance chemicals and fine chemistry services and intermediates product areas. Segment income represents operating profit (adjusted for significant non-recurring items) and equity in net income of unconsolidated investments and is reduced by net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Segment data includes intersegment transfers of raw materials at cost and allocations for certain corporate costs.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,   Percentage
Change
     2012   % of
net sales
  2011   % of
net sales
  2012 vs. 2011
     (In thousands, except percentages)

Net sales:

                    

Polymer Solutions

     $ 228,131         32.1 %     $ 258,223         37.1 %       (12)%     

Catalysts

       293,522         41.2 %       260,957         37.5 %       12%      

Fine Chemistry

       190,051         26.7 %       177,350         25.4 %       7%      
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

Total net sales

     $ 711,704         100.0 %     $ 696,530         100.0 %       2%      
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

Segment operating profit:

                    

Polymer Solutions

     $ 52,712         23.1 %     $ 69,831         27.0 %       (25)%     

Catalysts

       75,415         25.7 %       62,131         23.8 %       21%      

Fine Chemistry

       41,924         22.1 %       33,959         19.1 %       23%      
    

 

 

         

 

 

         

Total segment operating profit

       170,051             165,921             2%      
    

 

 

         

 

 

         

Equity in net income of unconsolidated investments:

                    

Polymer Solutions

       1,845             2,489             (26)%     

Catalysts

       6,741             10,461             (36)%     

Fine Chemistry

       —               —               —  %      

Corporate & other

       —               (119 )           (100)%     
    

 

 

         

 

 

         

Total equity in net income of unconsolidated investments

       8,586             12,831             (33)%     
    

 

 

         

 

 

         

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests:

                    

Polymer Solutions

       (1,002 )           (2,846 )           (65)%     

Catalysts

       —               —               —  %      

Fine Chemistry

       (3,372 )           (4,425 )           (24)%     

Corporate & other

       3             84             (96)%     
    

 

 

         

 

 

         

Total net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

       (4,371 )           (7,187 )           (39)%     
    

 

 

         

 

 

         

Segment income:

                    

Polymer Solutions

       53,555         23.5 %       69,474         26.9 %       (23)%     

Catalysts

       82,156         28.0 %       72,592         27.8 %       13%      

Fine Chemistry

       38,552         20.3 %       29,534         16.7 %       31%      
    

 

 

         

 

 

         

Total segment income

       174,263             171,600             2%      
    

 

 

         

 

 

         

Corporate & other

       (21,902 )           (23,594 )           (7)%     

Interest and financing expenses

       (8,734 )           (9,592 )           (9)%     

Other (expenses) income, net

       (118 )           338             *         

Income tax expense

       (35,466 )           (32,172 )           10%      
    

 

 

         

 

 

         

Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation

     $ 108,043           $ 106,580             1%      
    

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

* Percentage calculation is not meaningful.

 

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Our segment information includes measures we refer to as “Segment operating profit” and “Segment income” which are financial measures that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). The Company has reported Segment operating profit and Segment income because management believes that these financial measures provide transparency to investors and enable period-to-period comparability of financial performance. Segment operating profit and Segment income should not be considered as an alternative to Operating profit or Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation, respectively, as determined in accordance with GAAP.

See below for a reconciliation of Segment operating profit and Segment income, the non-GAAP financial measures, to Operating profit and Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation, respectively, the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and reported in accordance with GAAP.

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  
     (In thousands)  

Total segment operating profit

   $ 170,051      $ 165,921   

Add (less):

    

Corporate & other(a)

     (21,905     (23,559
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

GAAP Operating profit

   $ 148,146      $ 142,362   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total segment income

   $ 174,263      $ 171,600   

Add (less):

    

Corporate & other

     (21,902     (23,594

Interest and financing expenses

     (8,734     (9,592

Other (expenses) income, net

     (118     338   

Income tax expense

     (35,466     (32,172
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

GAAP Net income attributable to Albemarle Corporation

   $ 108,043      $ 106,580   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Excludes corporate equity income and noncontrolling interest adjustments of $3 and $(35) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Polymer Solutions

Polymer Solutions segment net sales for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 were $228.1 million, down $30.1 million, or 12%, compared to the same period in 2011, due mainly to the impact of lower volumes of 17%, mainly in our flame retardants businesses due to volume softness resulting from end market buying patterns we believe are in response to the continued uncertainties in the global economic environment. This volume decline was partly offset by improved pricing of 5%. Our stabilizers and curatives business also showed unfavorable volume impacts in the first quarter 2012 over first quarter 2011, partly offset by improved pricing. Segment income for Polymer Solutions was down 23%, or $15.9 million, to $53.6 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 versus the same period in 2011, due mainly to the volume declines noted above as well as increases in manufacturing spending, partly offset by favorable pricing. Further, Polymer Solutions segment results for the first quarter 2012 were unfavorably impacted by higher SG&A/R&D spending for the segment of $2.1 million as well as lower equity in net income from our unconsolidated investment in Magnifin of $0.6 million versus first quarter 2011. These unfavorable results were offset in part by $1.8 million in lower net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in our JBC joint venture.

Catalysts

Catalysts segment net sales for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 were $293.5 million, an increase of $32.6 million, or 12%, versus the three-month period ended March 31, 2011. This increase was due mainly to improved year over year pricing of 12%. Overall volume impacts were stable year over year, with favorable volume impacts mainly in FCC refinery catalysts based on strong demand being offset by lower volumes in alternative fuels. Also, Catalysts pricing was up in refinery catalysts as well as in PCS due mainly to the pass through of higher raw material costs and other pricing programs. Catalysts segment income increased 13%, or $9.6 million, to $82.2 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 in comparison to the three-month period ended March 31, 2011. This increase was mainly in our refinery catalysts business due to the pricing gains noted above, partly offset mainly by higher variable input costs (mainly raw

 

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materials). Further, Catalysts segment income was unfavorably impacted by higher SG&A/R&D spending (including sales commissions) of $4.9 million compared to the corresponding period of 2011. Catalysts segment income for the first quarter of 2012 was also unfavorably impacted by year-over-year declines in equity in net income from unconsolidated investments of $3.7 million, resulting mainly from unfavorable year over year performance in its refinery catalysts joint venture Nippon Ketjen due to lower sales volumes as well as unfavorable results in its Stannica joint venture.

Fine Chemistry

Fine Chemistry segment net sales for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 were $190.1 million, an increase of $12.7 million, or 7%, versus the three-month period ended March 31, 2011. This increase was primarily attributable to improved pricing of 5% as well as higher volumes of 2% (mainly in our services and intermediates sector). Segment income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 was $38.6 million, up 31% from the corresponding period in 2011. These improved results were due mainly to improved pricing and volumes in the segment, particularly in our services and intermediates businesses, offset in part by higher variable input costs (mainly raw materials) and increases in manufacturing spending. Also, Fine Chemistry segment income results were unfavorably impacted by higher SG&A/R&D spending of $2.5 million but partly offset by lower net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $1.1 million associated with lower profit results from our JBC joint venture.

Corporate and other

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, our Corporate and other expense was $21.9 million versus $23.6 million for the corresponding period in 2011. This decrease was primarily due to lower employee-related costs including performance-based incentive compensation, reflected mainly in SG&A expenses.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

Overview

The principal uses of cash in our business generally have been capital investments, funding working capital and repayment of debt. We also make contributions to our U.S. defined benefit pension plans as appropriate, pay dividends as well as repurchase shares on an opportunistic basis. Historically, cash to fund the needs of our business has been principally provided by cash from operations, debt financing and equity issuances.

We are continually focused on improving working capital efficiency particularly in the areas of accounts receivable and inventory. We anticipate that cash on hand, cash provided by operating activities and long-term borrowings will be sufficient to pay our operating expenses, satisfy debt service obligations, fund capital expenditures and other investing activities, make pension contributions and make dividend payments for the foreseeable future.

Cash Flow

Our cash and cash equivalents increased by $50.0 million to $519.4 million at March 31, 2012, up from $469.4 million at December 31, 2011. For the three-month period ended March 31, 2012, our operations provided $123.5 million of cash flows as compared to $46.6 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011. This increase was primarily due to lower pension and postretirement contributions as well as impacts from favorable changes in working capital, partly offset mainly by lower benefits from deferred income taxes during the period. Combined with cash on hand, our cash from operations for the first three months of 2012 funded capital expenditures for plant, machinery and equipment of $54.8 million, repayments of long-term debt of $7.1 million, dividends to shareholders of $15.6 million and $6.5 million in withholding taxes paid on stock-based compensation amounts distributed during the period.

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, our cash and cash equivalents included $452.6 million and $420.4 million, respectively, held by our foreign subsidiaries. The majority of these foreign cash balances are associated with earnings that we have asserted are permanently reinvested and which we plan to use to support our continued growth plans outside the U.S. through funding of capital expenditures, acquisitions, research, operating expenses or other similar cash needs of our foreign operations. From time to time, we repatriate cash from our foreign subsidiaries to the U.S. for normal operating needs through intercompany dividends, but only from subsidiaries whose earnings we have not asserted to be permanently reinvested or whose earnings qualify as “previously taxed income” as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. For the three month period ended March 31, 2011, we repatriated approximately $19.3 million in cash as part of these foreign cash repatriation activities. No such repatriations occurred during the three-month period ended March 31, 2012.

 

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Net current assets increased to $1.04 billion at March 31, 2012 from $954.4 million at December 31, 2011. This increase was due primarily to increases in cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and inventories, partly offset by increases in accounts payable.

Capital expenditures for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 of $54.8 million were associated with property, plant and equipment additions. We expect our capital expenditures to approach $300 million in 2012 for capacity increases, cost reduction and continuity of operations projects.

While we continue to closely monitor our cash generation, working capital management and capital spending in light of continuing uncertainties in the global economy, we are optimistic that in 2012 we will have the financial flexibility and capability to opportunistically fund future growth initiatives. Additionally, we anticipate that future capital spending should be financed primarily with cash flow provided from operations with additional cash needed, if any, provided by borrowings, including borrowings under our September 2011 credit agreement. The amount and timing of any additional borrowings will depend on our specific cash requirements.

Long-Term Debt

We currently have outstanding $325.0 million of 5.10% senior notes due in 2015 and $350.0 million of 4.50% senior notes due in 2020, or the senior notes. The senior notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with all of our other senior unsecured indebtedness from time to time outstanding. The senior notes will be effectively subordinated to any of our future secured indebtedness and to the existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries. We may redeem the senior notes before their maturity, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the senior notes to be redeemed, or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption) discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis using the Treasury Rate (as defined in the indentures governing the senior notes) plus 15 basis points for the senior notes maturing in 2015 and 25 basis points for the senior notes maturing in 2020, plus, in each case, accrued interest thereon to the date of redemption. However, the 2020 senior notes are redeemable in whole or in part, at our option, at any time on or after three months prior to the maturity date, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the senior notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest on the senior notes to be redeemed to the date of redemption. Holders of the 2020 senior notes may require us to purchase such notes at 101% upon a Change of Control Triggering Event, as defined in the related indenture.

The principal amounts of the senior notes become immediately due and payable upon the occurrence of certain bankruptcy or insolvency events involving us or certain of our subsidiaries and may be declared immediately due and payable by the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% of the senior notes upon the occurrence of an event of default. Events of default include, among other things: failure to pay principal or interest at required times; failure to perform or remedy a breach of covenants within prescribed periods; an event of default on any of our other indebtedness or certain indebtedness of our subsidiaries of $40.0 million or more that is caused by a failure to make a payment when due or that results in the acceleration of that indebtedness before its maturity; and certain bankruptcy or insolvency events involving us or certain of our subsidiaries. We believe that as of March 31, 2012, we were, and currently are, in compliance with all of the covenants of the indentures governing the senior notes.

For additional funding and liquidity purposes, we currently maintain a $750.0 million five-year, revolving, unsecured credit facility, which we refer to as the September 2011 credit agreement. The September 2011 credit agreement matures on September 22, 2016, provides for an additional $250.0 million in credit, if needed, subject to the terms of the agreement and provides for the ability to extend the maturity date under certain conditions. Borrowings bear interest at variable rates based on the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) for deposits in the relevant currency plus an applicable margin which ranges from 0.900% to 1.400%, depending on the Company’s credit rating applicable from time to time. The applicable margin on the facility was 0.975% as of March 31, 2012. There were no borrowings outstanding under the September 2011 credit agreement during the three-month period ended March 31, 2012.

Borrowings under the September 2011 credit agreement are conditioned upon compliance with the following covenants: (i) consolidated funded debt, as defined in the agreement, must be less than or equal to 3.50 times consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the agreement, (which reflects adjustments for certain non-recurring or unusual items such as restructuring charges, facility divestiture charges and other significant non-recurring items), or herein “consolidated adjusted EBITDA,” as of the end of any fiscal quarter; (ii) with the exception of liens specified in our new credit facility, liens may not attach to assets when the aggregate amount of all indebtedness secured by such liens plus unsecured subsidiary indebtedness, other than indebtedness incurred by our subsidiaries under the new credit facility, would exceed 20% of consolidated net worth, as defined in the agreement; and (iii) with the exception of indebtedness specified in our new credit facility, subsidiary indebtedness may not exceed the difference between 20% of consolidated net worth, as defined in the agreement, and indebtedness secured by liens permitted under the agreement. We believe that as of March 31, 2012, we were, and currently are, in compliance with all of our debt covenants.

 

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The non-current portion of our long-term debt amounted to $742.2 million at March 31, 2012, compared to $749.3 million at December 31, 2011. This decrease was mainly attributable to repayments of long-term debt of $7.1 million during the first quarter of 2012. In addition, at March 31, 2012, we had the ability to borrow $750.0 million under our September 2011 credit agreement and $236.4 million under other existing lines of credit, subject to various financial covenants under our September 2011 credit agreement. We have the ability to refinance our borrowings under our other existing credit lines with borrowings under the September 2011 credit agreement, as applicable. Therefore, the amounts outstanding under those credit lines are classified as long-term debt.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the normal course of business with customers, vendors and others, we have entered into off-balance sheet arrangements, including bank guarantees and letters of credit, which totaled approximately $55.4 million at March 31, 2012. None of these off-balance sheet arrangements has, or is likely to have, a material effect on our current or future financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources.

Other Obligations

Total expected 2012 contributions and benefit payments relating to our domestic and foreign qualified and nonqualified pension plans, including our SERP, should approximate $15 - $20 million. We may choose to make additional pension contributions in excess of this amount. We have made $1.4 million in total contributions to our domestic and foreign pension plans (both qualified and nonqualified) during the three-month period ended March 31, 2012.

The liability related to uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, recorded in Other noncurrent liabilities totaled $30.7 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Related assets for corresponding offsetting benefits recorded in Other assets totaled $21.8 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. We cannot estimate the amounts of any cash payments associated with these liabilities for the remainder of 2012 or the next twelve months, and we are unable to estimate the timing of any such cash payments in the future at this time.

We are subject to federal, state, local and foreign requirements regulating the handling, manufacture and use of materials (some of which may be classified as hazardous or toxic by one or more regulatory agencies), the discharge of materials into the environment and the protection of the environment. To our knowledge, we are currently complying and expect to continue to comply in all material respects with applicable environmental laws, regulations, statutes and ordinances. Compliance with existing federal, state, local and foreign environmental protection laws is not expected to have a material effect on capital expenditures, earnings or our competitive position, but the costs associated with increased legal or regulatory requirements could have an adverse effect on our results.

Among other environmental requirements, we are subject to the federal Superfund law, and similar state laws, under which we may be designated as a potentially responsible party, or PRP, and may be liable for a share of the costs associated with cleaning up various hazardous waste sites. Management believes that in cases in which we may have liability as a PRP, our liability for our share of cleanup is de minimis. Further, almost all such sites represent environmental issues that are quite mature and have been investigated, studied and in many cases settled. In de minimis situations, our policy generally is to negotiate a consent decree and to pay any apportioned settlement, enabling us to be effectively relieved of any further liability as a PRP, except for remote contingencies. In other than de minimis PRP matters, our records indicate that unresolved PRP exposures should be immaterial. We accrue and expense our proportionate share of PRP costs. Because management has been actively involved in evaluating environmental matters, we are able to conclude that the outstanding environmental liabilities for unresolved PRP sites should not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations or financial condition.

Liquidity Outlook

We anticipate that cash on hand, cash provided by operating activities and long-term borrowings will be sufficient to pay our operating expenses, satisfy debt service obligations, fund capital expenditures, make pension contributions and make dividend payments for the foreseeable future. In addition, as we have historically done, we will continue to evaluate the merits of any opportunities that may arise for acquisitions of businesses or assets, which may require additional liquidity.

While we maintain business relationships with a diverse group of financial institutions, an adverse change in their credit standing could lead them to not honor their contractual credit commitments, decline funding under existing but uncommitted lines of credit, renew their extensions of credit or provide new financing. While the corporate bond market remains strong,

 

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availability of bank debt is more limited than in prior years due to a variety of factors, including tighter bank regulations and more stringent bank capital requirements in the wake of the financial crisis, and most recently, increased concern regarding fallout from the European sovereign debt concerns. If bank debt remains relatively less prevalent, we may incur increased borrowing costs and reduced credit capacity as our various credit facilities mature. It is also possible that our ability to access the capital markets in future periods may be limited by market or counterparty factors at a time when we would need or desire to do so, which could have an impact on our ability to finance our businesses or react to changing economic and business conditions. In addition, our cash flows from operations may be negatively affected by adverse consequences to our customers and the markets in which we compete as a result of moderating global economic conditions and reduced capital availability.

At March 31, 2012, we had the ability to borrow in excess of $986 million under our September 2011 credit agreement and other existing lines of credit, subject to various financial covenants under our September 2011 credit agreement. With generally strong cash-generative businesses and no significant debt maturities before 2015, we believe we have and will maintain a solid liquidity position.

We had cash and cash equivalents totaling $519.4 million as of March 31, 2012, which represents an important source of our liquidity. Our cash is invested in short-term investments including time deposits and readily marketable securities with relatively short maturities.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For a description of recent accounting pronouncements, see Item 1 Financial Statements – Note 14.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

There have been no significant changes in our interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange rate exposure, marketable securities price risk, or raw material price risk from the information we provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

We had variable interest rate borrowings of $57.3 million outstanding at March 31, 2012, bearing a weighted average interest rate of 5.31% and representing approximately 8% of our total outstanding debt. A hypothetical 10% change (approximately 53 basis points) in the interest rate applicable to these borrowings would change our annualized interest expense by approximately $0.3 million as of March 31, 2012. We may enter into interest rate swaps, collars or similar instruments with the objective of reducing interest rate volatility relating to our borrowing costs.

Our financial instruments, which are subject to foreign currency exchange risk, consist of foreign currency forward contracts with an aggregate notional value of $194.6 million and with a fair value representing a minimal net asset position at March 31, 2012. Fluctuations in the value of these contracts are generally offset by the value of the underlying exposures being hedged. We conducted a sensitivity analysis on the fair value of our foreign currency hedge portfolio assuming an instantaneous 10% change in select foreign currency exchange rates from their levels as of March 31, 2012, with all other variables held constant. A 10% appreciation of the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies that we hedge would result in an increase of approximately $3.0 million in the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts. A 10% depreciation of the U.S. Dollar against these foreign currencies would result in a decrease of $5.9 million in the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts. The sensitivity of the fair value of our foreign currency hedge portfolio represents changes in fair values estimated based on market conditions as of March 31, 2012, without reflecting the effects of underlying anticipated transactions. When those anticipated transactions are realized, actual effects of changing foreign currency exchange rates could have a material impact on our earnings and cash flows in future periods.

In addition, certain of our operations use natural gas as a source of energy which can expose our business to market risk when the price of natural gas changes suddenly. In an attempt to mitigate the impact and volatility of price swings in the natural gas market, from time to time we enter into natural gas hedge contracts with one or more major financial institutions for a portion of our 12-month rolling forecast for North American natural gas requirements. Such derivatives are held to secure natural gas at fixed prices and are not entered into for trading purposes. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had no natural gas hedge contracts outstanding.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2012 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

We are involved from time to time in legal proceedings of types regarded as common in our business, including administrative or judicial proceedings seeking remediation under environmental laws, such as Superfund, products liability, breach of contract liability and premises liability litigation. Where appropriate, we may establish financial reserves as estimated by our general counsel for such proceedings. We also maintain insurance to mitigate certain of such risks. Additional information with respect to this Item 1 is contained in Note 8 to the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

While we attempt to identify, manage and mitigate risks and uncertainties associated with our business to the extent practical under the circumstances, some level of risk and uncertainty will always be present. Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 describes some of the risks and uncertainties associated with our business. These risks and uncertainties have the potential to materially affect our results of operations and our financial condition. We do not believe that there have been any material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

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

NONE

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

(a) Exhibits

 

  31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
  31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
  32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
  32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
101    Interactive Data File (Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012, furnished in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language)).

Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and (vi) the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 406T

 

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of Regulation S-T that this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
    (Registrant)
Date: April 19, 2012     By:  

/S/    SCOTT A. TOZIER        

     

Scott A. Tozier

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Officer

(principal financial officer)

 

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