LSB INDUSTRIES, INC. - Quarter Report: 2019 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019

OR

For the transition period from                  to                 

Commission file number 1-7677

LSB Industries, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

(405)  235-4546

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

None

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

☒  Yes    ☐  No

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

☒  Yes    ☐  No

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

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

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

☐  Yes    ☒  No

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's common stock was 28,769,635 shares as of April 18, 2019.

FORM 10-Q OF LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Information at March 31, 2019 is unaudited)

(Continued on following page)

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)

(Information at March 31, 2019 is unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

4

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

5

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

6

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited) 

See accompanying notes.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

For a complete discussion of our significant accounting policies, refer to the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (“2018 Form 10-K”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 26, 2019.

Basis of Consolidation – LSB Industries, Inc. (“LSB”) and its subsidiaries (the “Company”, “We”, “Us”, or “Our”) are consolidated in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.  LSB is a holding company with no significant operations or assets other than cash, cash equivalents, and investments in its subsidiaries.  All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.  Certain prior period amounts reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

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

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

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

In our opinion, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company as of March 31, 2019 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 include all adjustments and accruals, consisting of normal, recurring accrual adjustments, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods.  These interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year due, in part, to the seasonality of our sales of agricultural products and the timing of performing our major plant maintenance activities.  Our selling seasons for agricultural products are primarily during the spring and fall planting seasons, which typically extend from March through June and from September through November.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted in this Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in connection with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2018 Form 10-K.

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

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

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

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

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

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

Redeemable Preferred Stocks – Our redeemable preferred stocks that are redeemable outside of our control are classified as temporary/mezzanine equity.  The redeemable preferred stocks were recorded at fair value upon issuance, net of issuance costs or discounts.  In addition, certain embedded features included in the Series E Redeemable Preferred required bifurcation and are classified as derivative liabilities.  The carrying values of the redeemable preferred stocks are being increased by periodic accretions (including the amount for dividends earned but not yet declared or paid) using the interest method so that the carrying amount will equal the redemption value as of October 25, 2023, the earliest possible redemption date by the holder.  The accretion was recorded to retained earnings. However, this accretion will change if the expected redemption date changes.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2016-02 and related ASUs – In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes the lease requirements in Topic 840, Leases. In addition, the FASB issued various other ASUs further amending lease accounting guidance (together “ASC 842”). On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 842 as discussed in Note 2.

2.  Adoption of ASC 842

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

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

Currently, most of our leases are classified as operating leases under which we are the lessee and primarily relate to railcars, other equipment and office space.  In addition, our leases that are classified as finance leases (previously classified as capital leases) and other leases under which we are the lessor are not material. Most of our leases do not include options to extend or terminate the lease prior to the end of the term.  As of March 31, 2019, we did not have any material operating leases with lease terms greater than one year that have not yet commenced.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

2.  Adoption of ASC 842 (continued)

Maturities of operating lease liabilities are as follows:

Under Topic 840, expenses associated with our operating lease agreements, including month-to-month leases, for the first quarter of 2018 was approximately $2.2 million.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

3. Loss Per Common Share

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

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

4. Current and Noncurrent Accrued and Other Liabilities

5. Long-Term Debt

Our long-term debt consists of the following: 

(A) As amended in February 2019, our revolving credit facility (the “Working Capital Revolver Loan”) provides for advances up to $75 million, based on specific percentages of eligible accounts receivable and inventories and up to $10 million of letters of credit, the outstanding amount of which reduces the available for borrowing under the Working Capital Revolver Loan.  At March 31, 2019, our available borrowings under our Working Capital Revolver Loan were approximately $40.1 million, based on our eligible collateral, less outstanding letters of credit. The maturity date of the Working Capital Revolver Loan is February 26, 2024.   The Working Capital Revolver Loan also provides for a springing financial covenant (the “Financial Covenant”), which requires that, if the borrowing availability is less than 10.0% of the total revolver commitments, then the borrowers must maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.00 to 1.00.  The Financial Covenant, if triggered, is tested monthly.  

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

5. Long-Term Debt (continued)

(B) On April 25, 2018, LSB completed the issuance and sale of $400 million aggregate principal amount of its 9.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 (the “Senior Secured Notes”).  The Senior Secured Notes were issued at a price equal to 99.509% of their face value.  The Senior Secured Notes mature on May 1, 2023.  Interest is to be paid semiannually in arrears on May 1^st and November 1^st.

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

(D) EDC is party to a secured promissory note due in March 2021. Principal and interest are payable in monthly installments.

(E) El Dorado Ammonia L.L.C. (“EDA”), one of our subsidiaries, is party to a secured promissory note due in May 2023. Principal and interest are payable in equal monthly installments with a final balloon payment of approximately $6.1 million.

(F) Includes $0.8 million relating to a secured loan agreement EDC entered during March 2019. Under the terms of the agreement, EDC has up to $7.5 million of available borrowings (the “Interim Loan”) during the construction of certain equipment (the “Interim Loan Period), subject to certain conditions.  During the Interim Loan Period, interest only is payable in monthly installments. The Interim Loan will be replaced by a term loan upon completion of the construction, which is expected to be during 2019.  Principal and interest will be payable in 60 equal monthly installments under the term loan.

6. Commitments and Contingencies

Natural Gas Purchase Commitments – At March 31, 2019, our natural gas contracts, which qualify as normal purchases under GAAP and thus are not mark-to-market, included minimal volume purchase commitments with fixed prices through April 2019.

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

A. Environmental Matters

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

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

Historically, significant capital expenditures have been incurred by our subsidiaries in order to comply with the Environmental and Health Laws, and significant capital expenditures are expected to be incurred in the future.  We will also be obligated to manage certain discharge water outlets and monitor groundwater contaminants at our facilities should we discontinue the operations of a facility.  We did not operate the natural gas wells where we previously owned a working interest and compliance with Environmental and Health Laws was controlled by others.  We were responsible for our working interest proportionate share of the costs involved.  

As of March 31, 2019, our accrued liabilities for environmental matters totaled $183,000 relating primarily to the matters discussed below.  

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

6.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

1. Discharge Water Matters

Each of our manufacturing facilities generates process wastewater, which may include cooling tower and boiler water quality control streams, contact storm water and miscellaneous spills and leaks from process equipment.  The process water discharge, storm-water runoff and miscellaneous spills and leaks are governed by various permits generally issued by the respective state environmental agencies as authorized and overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  These permits limit the type and amount of effluents that can be discharged and control the method of such discharge.

In October 2017, PCC filed a Permit Renewal Application for its Non-Hazardous Injection Well Permit at the Pryor Facility.  Although the Injection Well Permit expired in 2018, PCC continues to operate the injection well pending the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (“ODEQ”) action on the Permit Renewal Application.  PCC and ODEQ are engaged in ongoing discussions related to the renewal of the injection well to address the wastewater stream.

Our El Dorado Facility is subject to a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) permit issued by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (“ADEQ”) in 2004.  In 2010, the ADEQ issued a draft NPDES permit renewal for the El Dorado Facility, which contains more restrictive discharge limits than the previous 2004 permit. In August 2017, ADEQ issued a final NPDES permit with new dissolved mineral limits.  EDC filed an appeal in September 2017 and a Permit Appeal Resolution (“PAR”) was signed in July 2018.  EDC is in compliance with the revised permit limits agreed upon in the PAR.

In November 2006, the El Dorado Facility entered into a Consent Administrative Order (“CAO”) that recognizes the presence of nitrate contamination in the shallow groundwater.  The CAO requires EDC to perform semi-annual groundwater monitoring, continue operation of a groundwater recovery system, submit a human health and ecological risk assessment, and submit a remedial action plan.  The risk assessment was submitted in August 2007.  In February 2015, the ADEQ stated that El Dorado Chemical was meeting the requirements of the CAO and should continue semi-annual monitoring.  Subsequent to the PAR mentioned previously, a new CAO was signed in October 2018 which required an Evaluation Report of the data and effectiveness of the groundwater remedy for nitrate contamination.  That report was submitted to the ADEQ on February 11, 2019.

The cost of any additional remediation that may be required would be determined based on the results of the investigation and risk assessment, of which cost (or range of costs, if any,) cannot currently be reasonably estimated.  Therefore, no liability has been established at March 31, 2019, in connection with this matter.

2. Other Environmental Matters

In 2002, certain of our subsidiaries sold substantially all of their operating assets relating to a Kansas chemical facility (the “Hallowell Facility”) but retained ownership of the real property where the facility is located.  Our subsidiary retained the obligation to be responsible for, and perform the activities under, a previously executed consent order to investigate the surface and subsurface contamination at the real property and develop a corrective action strategy based on the investigation.  In addition, certain of our subsidiaries agreed to indemnify the buyer of such assets for these environmental matters.

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

Our subsidiary and Chevron have retained an environmental consultant to prepare and perform a corrective action study work plan as to the appropriate method to remediate the Hallowell Facility.  The proposed strategy includes long-term surface and groundwater monitoring to track the natural decline in contamination.  The KDHE is currently evaluating the corrective action strategy, and, thus, it is unknown what additional work the KDHE may require, if any, at this time.  

We accrued our allocable portion of costs primarily for the additional testing, monitoring and risk assessments that could be reasonably estimated, which is included in our accrued liabilities for environmental matters discussed above.  The estimated amount is not discounted to its present value.  As more information becomes available, our estimated accrual will be refined.

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

6.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

B. Other Pending, Threatened or Settled Litigation

In 2013, an explosion and fire occurred at the West Fertilizer Co. (“West Fertilizer”) located in West, Texas, causing death, bodily injury and substantial property damage.  West Fertilizer is not owned or controlled by us, but West Fertilizer was a customer of EDC, and purchased AN from EDC from time to time.  LSB and EDC received letters from counsel purporting to represent subrogated insurance carriers, personal injury claimants and persons who suffered property damages informing LSB and EDC that their clients are conducting investigations into the cause of the explosion and fire to determine, among other things, whether AN manufactured by EDC and supplied to West Fertilizer was stored at West Fertilizer at the time of the explosion and, if so, whether such AN may have been one of the contributing factors of the explosion.  Initial lawsuits filed named West Fertilizer and another supplier of AN as defendants.

In 2014, EDC and LSB were named as defendants, together with other AN manufacturers and brokers that arranged the transport and delivery of AN to West Fertilizer, in the case styled City of West, Texas vs. CF Industries, Inc., et al., in the District Court of McLennan County, Texas.  The plaintiffs allege, among other things, that LSB and EDC were negligent in the production and marketing of fertilizer products sold to West Fertilizer, resulting in death, personal injury and property damage.  EDC retained a firm specializing in cause and origin investigations with particular experience with fertilizer facilities, to assist EDC in its own investigation.  LSB and EDC placed its liability insurance carrier on notice, and the carrier is handling the defense for LSB and EDC concerning this matter.  

Our product liability insurance policies have aggregate limits of general liability totaling $100 million, with a self-insured retention of $250,000, which retention limit has been met relating to this matter.  In August 2015, the trial court dismissed plaintiff’s negligence claims against us and EDC based on a duty to inspect but allowed the plaintiffs to proceed on claims for design defect and failure to warn.

Subsequently, we and EDC have entered into confidential settlement agreements (with approval of our insurance carriers) with several plaintiffs that had claimed wrongful death and bodily injury and insurance companies asserting subrogation claims for damages from the explosion.  A portion of these settlements have been paid by the insurer as of March 31, 2019.  While these settlements resolve the claims of a number of the claimants in this matter for us, we continue to be party to litigation related to this explosion by other plaintiffs, in addition to indemnification or defense obligations we may have to other defendants.  We continue to defend these lawsuits vigorously and we are unable to estimate a possible range of loss at this time if there is an adverse outcome in this matter as to EDC.  As of March 31, 2019, no liability reserve has been established in connection with this matter, except for the unpaid portion of the settlement agreements discussed above.

In 2015, a case styled Dennis Wilson vs. LSB Industries, Inc., et al., was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  The plaintiff purports to represent a class of our shareholders and asserts that we violated federal securities laws by allegedly making material misstatements and omissions about delays and cost overruns at our El Dorado Chemical Company manufacturing facility and about our financial well-being and prospects.  The lawsuit, which also names certain current and former officers, sought an unspecified amount of damages.

In October 2018, LSB entered into a preliminary, binding term sheet to settle Dennis Wilson vs. LSB Industries, Inc., et al., which was subject to approval by the court. On January 17, 2019, the parties entered into a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement (The “Wilson Settlement Agreement”), pursuant to which the settlement amount of approximately $18.5 million was paid in March by our insurers on behalf of LSB and certain current and former officers in exchange for, among other things, a release of all claims.  The Wilson Settlement Agreement received preliminary approval from the Court on February 25, 2019 and will be further reviewed by the Court at a settlement hearing schedule for June 28, 2019.  As of March 31, 2019, no liability reserve has been established in connection with this matter.

In 2015, we and EDA received formal written notice from Global Industrial, Inc. (“Global”) of Global’s intention to assert mechanic liens for labor, service, or materials furnished under certain subcontract agreements for the improvement of the new ammonia plant at our El Dorado Facility.  Global is a subcontractor of Leidos Constructors, LLC (“Leidos”), the general contractor for EDA for the construction for the ammonia plant.  Leidos terminated the services of Global with respect to their work performed at our El Dorado Facility.  

LSB and EDA intend to pursue recovery of any damage or loss caused by Global’s work performed at our El Dorado Facility.  In March 2016, EDC and we were served a summons in a case styled Global Industrial, Inc. d/b/a Global Turnaround vs. Leidos Constructors, LLC et al., where in Global seeks damages under breach of contract and other claims.  We have requested indemnifications from Leidos under the terms of our contracts which they have denied, and we intend to vigorously defend against the allegation made by Global and seek reimbursement of legal expenses from Leidos under our contracts.  

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

6.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

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

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

7. Income Taxes

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

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

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

Provision (benefit) for income taxes is as follows:

For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the current provision for state income taxes shown above includes regular state income tax and provisions for uncertain state income tax positions, and other similar adjustments.

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

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

7.  Income Taxes (continued)

We considered both positive and negative evidence in our determination of the need for valuation allowances for deferred tax assets.  Information evaluated includes our financial position and results of operations for the current and preceding years, the availability of deferred tax liabilities and tax carrybacks, as well as an evaluation of currently available information about future years.  In the second quarter of 2018, we established a valuation allowance on a portion of our federal deferred tax assets.  Valuation allowances are reflective of our quarterly analysis of the four sources of taxable income, including the calculation of the reversal of existing tax assets and liabilities, the impact of the recent financing activities and our quarterly results.  Based on our analysis, we currently believe that it is more-likely-than-not that a portion of our federal deferred tax assets will not be able to be utilized and we estimate the valuation allowance to be recorded during 2019 to be approximately $8.3 million.  We have also determined it was more-likely-than-not that a portion of the state NOL carryforwards would not be able to be utilized before expiration and we estimate the valuation allowance associated with these state deferred tax assets to be recorded during 2019 will be approximately $3.8 million.

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

The tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $0.4 million (4% provision on pre-tax loss) and the tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $0.9 million (14% benefit on pre-tax loss).  For the three months of 2019, the effective tax rate is less than the statutory tax rate primarily due to the impact of the valuation allowances.

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

8. Redeemable Preferred Stocks

Series E and Series F Redeemable Preferred

As of March 31, 2019, the Series E Redeemable Preferred has a 14% annual dividend rate and a participating right in dividends and liquidating distributions equal to 303,646 shares of common stock (participation rights value).  Dividends accrue semi-annually in arrears and are compounded.  The Series E Redeemable Preferred contains redemption features and a participation rights value that are being accounted for as derivative instruments and have been bifurcated from the Series E Redeemable Preferred as discussed below under Embedded Derivative.

As of March 31, 2019, the Series F Redeemable Preferred has voting rights (the “Series F Voting Rights”) to vote as a single class on all matters which the common stock have the right to vote and is entitled to a number of votes equal to 456,225 shares of our common stock.

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

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

8. Redeemable Preferred Stocks (continued)

Embedded Derivative

Certain embedded features (“embedded derivative”) relating to the redemption of the Series E Redeemable Preferred, which includes certain contingent redemption features and the participation rights value have been bifurcated from the Series E Redeemable Preferred and recorded as a liability.  As March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we estimate that the contingent redemption features have fair value since we estimate that it is probable that a portion of the shares of this preferred stock would be redeemed prior to October 25, 2023.  For certain other embedded features, we estimated no fair value based on our assessment that there is a remote probability that these features will be exercised.

The fair value of the embedded derivative was valued using discounted cash flow models and primarily based on the difference in the present value of estimated future cash flows with no redemptions prior to October 25, 2023 compared to certain redemptions deemed probable during the same period and applying the effective dividend rate of the Series E Redeemable Preferred.  In addition, at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the fair value of the embedded derivative included the valuation of the participation rights, which was based on the equivalent of 303,646 shares of our common stock at $6.24 and $5.52 per share, respectively.

The valuations of the embedded derivative are classified as Level 3. This derivative is valued using market information, management’s redemption assumptions, the underlying number of shares as defined in the terms of the Series E Redeemable Preferred, and the market price of our common stock.  In addition, no valuation input adjustments were considered necessary relating to nonperformance risk for the embedded derivative. A Level 3 valuation is based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.  

At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the fair value of the embedded derivative was $1.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively, and are included in our noncurrent accrued and other liabilities.  For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we recognized unrealized loss of approximately $0.2 million and an unrealized gain of $0.8 million, respectively, due to the change in fair value of the embedded derivative, which unrealized loss/gain are included in our non-operating expense (income).

9.  Net Sales

Disaggregated Net Sales

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

Transaction Price Constraints and Variable Consideration

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

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

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LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Unaudited)

9.  Net Sales (continued)

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

Future revenues to be earned from the satisfaction of performance obligations will be recognized when control transfers as goods are loaded and weighed or services are performed over the remaining duration of our contracts.  Although most of our contracts have an original expected duration of one year or less, for our contracts with a duration greater than one year, the average remaining expected duration was approximately 14 months at March 31, 2019.

Contract Assets, Liabilities and Other Information

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

Our contract liabilities primarily relate to deferred revenue and customer deposits associated with cash payments received in advance from customers for volume shortfall charges and product shipments.  We had approximately $8.1 million and $7.0 million of contract liabilities as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, revenues of $1.4 million and $1.9 million, respectively, were recognized and included in the balance at the beginning of the respective period.

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

10. Related Party Transactions

During the first quarter of 2019, we entered into a secured loan agreement with an affiliate of LSB Funding L.L.C. (“LSB Funding”) as discussed in footnote (F) of Note 5.  Also, an affiliate of LSB Funding holds $50 million of our Senior Secured Notes discussed in footnote (B) of Note 6. In addition, LSB Funding holds all outstanding shares of the Series E and Series F Redeemable Preferred discussed in Note 8.

The Golsen Holders hold all outstanding shares of the Series B Preferred and Series D Preferred, which accumulated dividends on such shares totaled approximately $1.1 million at March 31, 2019.

11. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following provides additional information relating to cash flow activities:

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

The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with a review of the other Items included in this Form 10-Q and our March 31, 2019 condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.  A reference to a “Note” relates to a note in the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements. This MD&A reflects our operating results, unless otherwise noted.  Certain statements contained in this MD&A may be deemed to be forward-looking statements.  See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Overview

General

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

Key Operating Initiatives for 2019

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

In addition, through increased marketing efforts, we increased our sales volumes of nitric acid over the past 24 months by approximately 31%.  We continue to focus our efforts to expand our market for our nitric acid products in North America and to fully utilize available nitric acid production capacity of our facilities.

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

Recent Developments

Expectations on increased planted corn acreage in the U.S. for the 2019/2020 season have supported nitrogen fertilizer demand outlooks through the first quarter of 2019.  However, continued adverse weather in the Midwest, flooding throughout the Mississippi river region during March and saturated fields in Iowa and Nebraska have delayed fertilizer application and planting activities in the first quarter of 2019.  Challenging weather patterns have continued into the second quarter of 2019.  While pricing for our key agricultural products have improved compared to a year ago, we expect current high product inventory levels across the supply chain to challenge pricing in the near term.

Key Industry Factors

Supply and Demand

Agricultural

Sales of our agricultural products were approximately 50% of our total net sales for the first quarter of 2019. The price at which our agricultural products are ultimately sold depends on numerous factors, including the supply and demand for nitrogen fertilizers which, in turn, depends upon world grain demand and production levels, the cost and availability of transportation and storage, weather conditions, competitive pricing and the availability of imports.  Additionally, expansions or upgrades of competitors’ facilities and international and domestic political and economic developments continue to play an important role in the global nitrogen fertilizer industry economics.  These factors can affect, in addition to selling prices, the level of inventories in the market which can cause price volatility and effect product margins.

Additionally, changes in corn prices and those of soybean, cotton and wheat prices, can affect the number of acres of corn planted in a given year, and the number of acres planted will drive the level of nitrogen fertilizer consumption, likely effecting prices.  Industry reports indicated China’s recent tariffs placed on U.S. soybeans could result in a shift of 2 to 4 million acres that will be rotated from soybeans to corn in the next planting season. The USDA also estimates an increase in 2019 corn acres that is in line with other industry reports of approximately 92 million to 93 million.  Soybean pricing concerns may drive crop planting selection when final crop choices are made at the farm level. The following April estimates are associated with the corn market:

On the supply side, given the low price of natural gas in North America over the last several years, North American fertilizer producers have become the global low-cost producers for delivered fertilizer products to the Midwest U.S.  Several years ago, the market believed that low natural gas prices would continue.  That belief, combined with favorable fertilizer pricing, stimulated investment in numerous expansions of existing nitrogen chemical facilities and the construction of new nitrogen chemical facilities.  Since those announcements, global nitrogen fertilizer supply has outpaced global nitrogen fertilizer demand causing oversupply in the global and North American markets.  The increased fertilizer supply led to lower nitrogen fertilizer sale prices during most of 2017.  Also, additional domestic supply of ammonia and other fertilizer products changed the physical flow of ammonia in North America placing pressure on ammonia and other fertilizer prices until the distribution system accepted the new supply.  Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2017 and through the first quarter of 2019, we have seen an increase in fertilizer prices as imports of fertilizers have decreased significantly and the distribution of the new domestic supply of fertilizer has been established.  We expect this trend to continue through the remainder of 2019.

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Industrial

Sales of our industrial products were approximately 40% of our total net sales for the first quarter of 2019.  Our industrial products sales volumes are dependent upon general economic conditions primarily in the housing, automotive, and paper industries.  According to the American Chemistry Council, the U.S. economic indicators generally continue to be positive for these sectors domestically.  Our sales prices generally vary with the market price of ammonia or natural gas, as applicable, in our pricing arrangements with customers.

Mining

Sales of our mining products were approximately 10% of our total net sales for the first quarter of 2019.  Our mining products are LDAN and AN solutions, which are primary used as AN fuel oil and specialty emulsions for surface mining of coal and for usage in quarries and the construction industry.  As reported by the EIA, annual coal production in the U.S. for the full year of 2018 was down 2% from 2017 due to this market’s weak competitive position in the electrical generation sector compared with natural gas and to a lesser degree lower export demand.  EIA is forecasting another 9% decrease in U.S. coal production in 2019 followed by a continued decline of 6% in 2020.  This estimated decline is based on the continual shift in utility-scale electricity generation from coal to natural gas.  We believe that coal production in the U.S. continues to face significant challenges from competition from natural gas and renewable sources of energy.  While we believe, our plants are well located to support the more stable coal-producing regions in the upcoming years, our current mining sales volumes are being affected by overall lower customer demand for LDAN.  As part of our continued effort to expand sales of our mining products, we entered into an agreement with a current customer, by which the customer has located an emulsion plant for the mining business at our El Dorado Facility.

Farmer Economics

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

Natural Gas Prices

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

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

Transportation Costs

Costs for transporting nitrogen-based products can be significant relative to their selling price.  For example, ammonia is a hazardous gas at ambient temperatures and must be transported in specialized equipment, which is more expensive than other forms of nitrogen fertilizers.  In recent years, a significant amount of the ammonia consumed annually in the U.S. was imported.  Therefore, nitrogen fertilizers prices in the U.S. are influenced by the cost to transport product from exporting countries, giving domestic producers who transport shorter distances an advantage. However, we continue to evaluate the recent rising costs of rail and truck freight domestically.  Higher transportation costs may impact our margins if we are not able to pass through these costs.  As a result, we continue to evaluate supply chain efficiencies to reduce or counter the impact of higher logistics costs.

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Key Operational Factors

Facility Reliability

Consistent, reliable and safe operations at our chemical plants are critical to our financial performance and results of operations.  The financial effects of planned downtime at our plants, including Turnarounds is mitigated through a diligent planning process that considers the availability of resources to perform the needed maintenance, feedstock logistics and other factors.  Unplanned downtime of our plants typically results in lost contribution margin from lost sales of our products, lost fixed cost absorption from lower production of our products and increased costs related to repairs and maintenance.  All Turnarounds result in lost contribution margin from lost sales of our products, lost fixed cost absorption from lower production of our products, and increased costs related to repairs and maintenance, which repair, and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.  

Our El Dorado Facility performed a partial Turnaround during the second and third quarters of 2018.  The remaining portion of this Turnaround activity will be performed in the third quarter of 2019.  Following the completion of this work, we expect the El Dorado Facility to move to a three-year Turnaround cycle with the next Turnaround planned in the third quarter of 2022.  

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

Our Pryor Facility Turnaround is scheduled for the third quarter of 2019 and we expect to continue with a two-year Turnaround cycle at this facility with the next Turnaround planned for the third quarter of 2021.  At that time, we will seek to move to a three-year Turnaround cycle.

Prepay Contracts

We use forward sales of our fertilizer products to optimize our asset utilization, planning process and production scheduling.  These sales are made by offering customers the opportunity to purchase product on a forward basis at prices and delivery dates that are agreed upon which dates are usually within 12 months.  We use this program to varying degrees during the year depending on market conditions and our view of changing price environments.  Fixing the selling prices of our products months in advance of their ultimate delivery to customers typically causes our reported selling prices and margins to differ from spot market prices and margins available at the time of shipment.

Consolidated Results of the First Quarter of 2019

Our consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2019 were $94.2 million compared to $100.5 million for the same period in 2018. Our consolidated operating income was $0.1 million compared to $1.9 million for the same period in 2019.  The items impacting our operating results are discussed in more detail below and under “Results of Operations.”

Items Affecting Comparability of Results of the First Quarter

On-Stream Rates

The on-stream rates of our plants affect our production, the absorption of fixed costs of each plant and sales of our products.  It is a key operating metric that we use to manage our business.  In particular, we closely monitor the on-stream rates of our ammonia plants as ammonia is the basic product as used to produce all upgraded products.  The on-stream rates noted below exclude Turnaround days, when applicable.  

At our Cherokee Facility, the ammonia plant on-stream rate for first quarter of 2019 was 93% compared to 85% for the same period of 2018.  During the first quarter of 2018, the Cherokee Facility’s on-stream rate was impacted by maintenance completed on its primary reformer. Our target on-stream rate for this ammonia plant for 2019 is 95%.

At our El Dorado Facility, the ammonia plant’s on-stream rate for first quarter of 2019 was 96% compared to 100% for the same period of 2018. Our target on-stream rate for this ammonia plant for 2019 is 95%.

At our Pryor Facility, the ammonia plant’s on-stream rate for first quarter of 2019 was 88% compared to 91% for the same period of 2018.  While we anticipate brief periods of unscheduled downtime during the remainder of 2019 as we continue to take actions to improve long-term reliability, we are targeting an ammonia plant on-stream rate for 2019 of 90%.

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

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Selling Prices

During the first quarter of 2019, average agricultural selling prices for our UAN, ammonia and HDAN increased 49%, 14%, and 7% respectively, compared to 2018 average selling prices for the same period reflecting a more favorable alignment of demand with market capacity for these products.  

Our first quarter 2019 average industrial selling prices for our ammonia decreased compared to the same period of 2018. The first quarter 2019 Tampa Ammonia pricing declined approximately 15% as compared to the same period in 2018 which lead to a decrease in industrial selling prices as many of our industrial contracts are indexed to the Tampa Ammonia price.

Results of Operations

The following Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 and accompanying notes and the discussions under “Overview” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” included in this MD&A.

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

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

The following table contains certain financial information:

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

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