form10q1q2012.htm


 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

Form 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011

Commission File Number 001-34420

Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
20-2055624
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

One Penn Plaza
250 West 34th Street, Suite 4125
New York, NY 10119
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(212) 798-8122
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Title of Each Class
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common stock, $0.0001 par value
The NASDAQ Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None

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 þ     No o

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

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 þ
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company  o
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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

As of November 7, 2011, the registrant had 75,035,177 shares of common stock outstanding.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
 
     
   
Page
No.
 
PART I
 
Item 1.
  1
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  15
Item 3.
  20
Item 4.
  20
     
 
PART II
 
     
Item 1.
  21
Item 1A.
  21
Item 6.
  21
  22
   
   
   
EX-101
   

 
 

 
 
PART I

Item 1.  Financial Statements

 
 
1

 

 
GLOBE SPECIALTY METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
September 30, 2011 and June 30, 2011
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                 
           
September 30,
2011
 
June 30,
2011
ASSETS
Current assets:
         
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
 152,320
 
 166,208
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $957
       
   
and $715 at September 30, 2011 and June 30, 2011, respectively
 
 68,158
 
 60,871
 
Inventories
   
 123,612
 
 109,292
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
 22,706
 
 27,876
     
Total current assets
   
 366,796
 
 364,247
Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
 321,427
 
 229,977
Goodwill
     
 53,642
 
 53,503
Other intangible assets
   
 477
 
 477
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
 
 8,806
 
 8,640
Deferred tax assets
   
 217
 
 217
Other assets
   
 25,943
 
 21,208
     
Total assets
 
$
 777,308
 
 678,269
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
         
 
Accounts payable
 
$
 41,302
 
 39,947
 
Current portion of long-term debt
 
 11,111
 
 -
 
Short-term debt
   
 1,105
 
 1,094
 
Revolving credit agreements
 
 15,000
 
 12,000
 
Dividend payable
   
 15,007
 
 -
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
 41,351
 
 34,475
     
Total current liabilities
 
 124,876
 
 87,516
Long-term liabilities:
         
 
Revolving credit agreements
 
 39,989
 
 34,989
 
Long-term debt
   
 38,889
 
 -
 
Deferred tax liabilities
   
 22,794
 
 23,264
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
 28,362
 
 17,224
     
Total liabilities
   
 254,910
 
 162,993
Commitments and contingencies (note 11)
       
Stockholders’ equity:
         
 
Common stock, $0.0001 par value. Authorized, 150,000,000 shares; issued, 75,317,614 and 75,289,614 shares at
       
   
September 30, 2011 and June 30, 2011, respectively
 
 8
 
 8
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
 400,683
 
 399,900
 
Retained earnings
   
 85,986
 
 80,300
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
 (2,736)
 
 (2,995)
 
Treasury stock at cost, 282,437 and 282,437 shares at September 30, 2011 and June 30, 2011
 
 (4)
 
 (4)
     
Total Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. stockholders’ equity
 
 483,937
 
 477,209
 
Noncontrolling interest
   
 38,461
 
 38,067
     
Total stockholders’ equity
 
 522,398
 
 515,276
     
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
 777,308
 
 678,269
                 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
2

 


GLOBE SPECIALTY METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements
Three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                   
             
Three Months Ended
             
September 30,
             
2011
 
2010
Net sales     
$
 174,862
 
 137,352
Cost of goods sold
 
 127,650
 
 116,881
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
 
 14,801
 
 12,211
Research and development
 
 -
 
 32
Gain on sale of business
 
 (54)
 
 -
   
Operating income
 
 32,465
 
 8,228
Other income (expense):
       
 
Interest income
 
 12
 
 35
 
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest
 
 (1,388)
 
 (983)
 
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
 
 1,324
 
 (296)
 
Other income
 
 162
 
 228
   
Income before provision for income taxes
 
 32,575
 
 7,212
Provision for income taxes
 
 11,488
 
 4,354
   
Net income
 
 21,087
 
 2,858
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax
 
 (394)
 
 (696)
   
Net income attributable to Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
$
 20,693
 
 2,162
Weighted average shares outstanding:
       
  Basic       
 75,019
 
 74,580
 
Diluted
     
 76,789
 
 76,121
Earnings per common share:
       
  Basic     
$
 0.28
 
 0.03
 
Diluted
     
 0.27
 
 0.03
Cash dividends declared per common share
 
 0.20
 
0.15

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


 
3

 



GLOBE SPECIALTY METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
                                                 
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Three months ended September 30, 2011
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                                 
             
Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity
           
                               
Accumulated
               
                       
Additional
     
Other
 
Treasury
         
Total
             
Common Stock
 
Paid-In
 
Retained
 
Comprehensive
 
Stock
 
Noncontrolling
 
Comprehensive
 
Stockholders’
             
Shares
   
Amount
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
(Loss) Income
 
at Cost
 
Interest
 
Income
 
Equity
Balance at June 30, 2011 
75,290   
 
$
8   
 
399,900   
 
80,300   
 
(2,995)  
 
(4)  
 
38,067   
     
515,276   
Share-based compensation
—    
   
—    
 
461   
 
—    
 
—    
 
—    
 
—    
     
461   
Stock option exercises 
28   
   
—    
 
112   
 
—    
 
—    
 
—    
 
—    
     
112   
Sale of noncontrolling interest
—    
   
—    
 
210   
 
—    
 
—    
 
—    
 
—    
     
210   
Cash dividend declared 
—    
   
—    
 
—    
 
(15,007)  
 
—    
 
—    
 
—    
     
(15,007)  
Comprehensive income:                                     
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
—    
   
—    
 
—    
 
—    
 
278   
 
—    
 
—    
 
278   
 
278   
 
Unrealized loss on available for
                                   
   
 sale securities, net of tax
—    
   
—    
 
—    
 
—    
 
(19)  
 
—    
 
—    
 
(19)  
 
(19)  
  Net income   
—    
   
—    
 
—    
 
20,693   
 
—    
 
—    
 
394   
 
21,087   
 
21,087   
   
Total comprehensive income
                             
21,346   
 
21,346   
Balance at September 30, 2011
75,318   
 
$
8   
 
400,683   
 
85,986   
 
(2,736)  
 
(4)  
 
38,461   
 
21,346   
 
522,398   
                                                 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


 
4

 


 
 
GLOBE SPECIALTY METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                     
               
Three Months Ended
               
September 30,
               
2011
 
2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
       
 
Net income
   
$
 21,087
 
 2,858
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
       
     
Depreciation and amortization
 
 7,300
 
 5,774
     
Share-based compensation
 
 461
 
 1,275
     
Gain on sale of business
 
 (54)
 
 -
     
Deferred taxes
 
 (516)
 
 -
     
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
       
       
Accounts receivable, net
 
 (6,809)
 
 5,214
       
Inventories
 
 (13,719)
 
 (7,777)
       
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
 1,204
 
 1,527
       
Accounts payable
 
 (3,251)
 
 1,368
       
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
 8,757
 
 4,117
       
Other
   
 (2,095)
 
 853
         
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
 12,365
 
 15,209
Cash flows from investing activities:
       
 
Capital expenditures
   
 (9,711)
 
 (10,124)
 
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired of $5 and $0, respectively
 
 (73,194)
 
 -
 
Working capital adjustments from acquisition of businesses, net
 
 -
 
 (2,038)
         
Net cash used in investing activities
 
 (82,905)
 
 (12,162)
Cash flows from financing activities:
       
 
Net borrowings (payments) of long-term debt
 
 50,000
 
 (2,153)
 
Net borrowings (payments) of short-term debt
 
 11
 
 (1,851)
 
Net borrowings on revolving credit agreements
 
 8,000
 
 -
 
Proceeds from stock option exercises
 
 112
 
 3,683
 
Other financing activities
 
 (1,241)
 
 -
         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
 56,882
 
 (321)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
 (230)
 
 (206)
         
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
 (13,888)
 
 2,520
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
 166,208
 
 157,029
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
 152,320
 
 159,549
                     
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
       
 
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest
$
701
 
615
 
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds totaling $1,230 and $0, respectively
 
4,145
 
1,159

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



 
5

 
GLOBE SPECIALTY METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)



(1)  Organization and Business Operations

Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. and subsidiary companies (the Company, we, or our) is among the world’s largest producers of silicon metal and silicon-based alloys, important ingredients in a variety of industrial and consumer products. The Company’s customers include major silicone chemical, aluminum and steel manufacturers, auto companies and their suppliers, ductile iron foundries, manufacturers of photovoltaic solar cells and computer chips, and concrete producers.

(2)  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

a. Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) of the results for the interim periods presented and such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. There have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies during the three months ended September 30, 2011.

b. Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes. Significant estimates and assumptions in these condensed consolidated financial statements include the valuation of inventories; the carrying amount of property, plant, and equipment; estimates of fair value associated with accounting for business combinations; goodwill and long-lived asset impairment tests; estimates of fair value of investments; income taxes and deferred tax valuation allowances; valuation of derivative instruments; the determination of the discount rate and the rate of return on plan assets for pension expense; and the determination of the fair value of share-based compensation involving assumptions about forfeiture rates, stock volatility, discount rates, and expected time to exercise. During interim periods, provision for income taxes is recognized using an estimated annual effective tax rate. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results could differ from these estimates.

c. Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, when a firm sales agreement is in place, delivery has occurred and title and risks of ownership have passed to the customer, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Shipping and other transportation costs charged to buyers are recorded in both net sales and cost of goods sold. Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and, therefore, are excluded from net sales. When the Company provides a combination of products and services to customers, the arrangement is evaluated under ASC Subtopic 605-25, Revenue Recognition — Multiple Element Arrangements (ASC 605.25). ASC 605.25 addresses certain aspects of accounting by a vendor for arrangements under which the vendor will perform multiple revenue-generating activities. If the Company cannot objectively determine the fair value of any undelivered elements under an arrangement, the Company defers revenue until all elements are delivered and services have been performed, or until fair value can objectively be determined for any remaining undelivered elements.
 
    d. Property, Plant, and Equipment
 
Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of assets. The estimated useful lives of property, plant, and equipment are as follows:
         
   
Range of
 
   
Useful Lives
 
   
Asset type:
       
Land improvements and land use rights
   
20 to 36 years
 
Buildings
   
35 to 40 years
 
Manufacturing equipment
   
5 to 25 years
 
Furnaces
   
10 to 20 years
 
Other
   
2 to 5 years
 

Costs that do not extend the life of an asset, materially add to its value, or adapt the asset to a new or different use are considered repair and maintenance costs and expensed as incurred.

Costs for mineral properties and mine development incurred to expand capacity of operating mines or to develop new mines are capitalized and charged to operations over the estimated tonnage of minerals to be removed. Mine development costs include costs incurred for site preparation and development of the mines during the development stage.
 
e. Accounting Pronouncements to be Implemented

  In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (ASU 2011-05). The objective of this amendment is to increase the prominence of other comprehensive income in the financial statements. The amendments require entities to report components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Additionally, the amendments in ASU 2011-05 require an entity to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. This amendment is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We expect the adoption of this ASU will affect financial statement presentation only.

In September 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment (ASU 2011-08), which amends the guidance in ASC 350-20. The amendments in ASU 2011-08 provide entities with the option of performing a qualitative assessment before performing the first step of the two-step impairment test. If entities determine, on the basis of qualitative factors, it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test would be unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. ASU 2011-08 also provides entities with the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to the first step of the two-step impairment test. ASU 2011-08 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 but early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect material financial statement implications relating to the adoption of this ASU.


 
6

 
(3)  Business Combinations and Divestitures
 
Nigerian Mining Licenses:

In March 2011, the Company made irrevocable advances totaling approximately $17,000 to acquire through transfer exploration mining licenses in Nigeria to mine for manganese ore, a raw material used in the production of certain silicon and manganese based alloys. The transfer process was subject to regulatory approvals, which approvals have been received. The transfer of the licenses is complete and the Company may now begin to execute its operational plans.

Alden Resources LLC:
 
   On July 28, 2011, the Company, pursuant to three Membership Interest Purchase Agreements dated as of May 27, 2011 (the Purchase Agreements), purchased from NGPC Asset Holdings II, LP, NGP Capital Resources Company, and all other parties named in the Purchase Agreements 100% of the membership interest of Alden Resources, LLC (Alden) and Gatliff Services, LLC (Gatliff), as well as certain royalty interests held by NCP Capital Resources Company, for $73,200 plus an additional $6,800 that could be payable to NGP Capital Resources Company pursuant to an earn-out payment upon the achievement of certain financial results and operational metrics.  The Company financed the acquisition with $55,000 of bank debt and $18,200 of cash. In connection with the bank debt, the Company entered into an interest rate swap effective from August 12, 2011 on a $37,500 notional amount. The purchase price is subject to customary post-closing adjustments for changes in working capital and related matters.  Alden is North America’s leading miner, processor and supplier of specialty metallurgical coal to the silicon and silicon-based alloy industries and also supplies thermal coal to the power industry.  The acquisition was made to in order to secure a stable, long-term and low-cost supply of specialty metallurgical coal, a key ingredient in the production of silicon metal and silicon-based alloys. The results of the businesses acquired are included in the GMI operating segment.

(4)  Inventories

Inventories comprise the following:


       
September 30,
 
June 30,
       
2011
 
2011
Finished goods
$
40,478   
 
29,570   
Work in process
 
3,051   
 
2,078   
Raw materials
 
69,158   
 
67,213   
Parts and supplies
 
10,925   
 
10,431   
 
Total
 $
123,612   
 
109,292   


At September 30, 2011, $116,504 in inventory is valued using the first-in, first-out method and $7,108 using the average cost method. At June 30, 2011, $102,478 in inventory is valued using the first-in, first-out method and $6,814 using the average cost method.

(5)  Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, comprise the following:



               
September 30
 
June 30,
               
2011
 
2011
Land, land improvements, and land use rights
$
6,913   
 
6,907   
Building and improvements
 
56,590   
 
43,076   
Machinery and equipment
 
114,462   
 
93,891   
Furnaces
       
137,275   
 
136,177   
Mineral reserves
   
60,545   
 
—    
Other         
4,283   
 
3,993   
Construction in progress
 
29,433   
 
23,743   
 
Property, plant, and equipment, gross
 
409,501   
 
307,787   
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(88,074)  
 
(77,810)  
 
Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
 $
321,427   
 
229,977   


Depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2011 was $7,300, of which $7,106 is recorded in cost of goods sold and $194 is recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses, respectively. Depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was $5,774, of which $5,599 is recorded in cost of goods sold and $175 is recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses, respectively.

Capitalized interest for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $12 and $6, respectively.

(6)  Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and other intangibles presented below have been allocated to the Company’s operating segments.

a.  Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by reportable segment, during the three months ended September 30, 2011 are as follows:


                 
Globe
     
               
GMI
Metales
Solsil
Other
Total
                         
Goodwill     
$
31,529    
14,313    
57,656    
7,661    
111,159    
Accumulated impairment loss
 
—    
—    
(57,656)   
—    
(57,656)   
 
Balance at June 30, 2011
 
31,529    
14,313    
—    
7,661    
53,503    
                         
Foreign exchange rate changes
 
—    
—    
—    
139    
139    
                         
Goodwill       
31,529    
14,313    
57,656    
7,800    
111,298    
Accumulated impairment loss
 
—    
—    
(57,656)   
—    
(57,656)   
 
Balance at September 30, 2011
 $
31,529    
14,313    
—    
7,800    
53,642    

b.  Other Intangible Assets

There were no changes in the value of the Company’s indefinite lived intangible assets during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

 
7

 
(7)  Debt

a.  Short-Term Debt

Short-term debt comprises the following:


                   
Weighted
   
               
Outstanding
 
Average
 
Unused
               
Balance
 
Interest Rate
 
Credit Line
September 30, 2011:
           
Type debt:
               
 
Export financing
  $
736   
 
2.75%
  $
7,856   
  Other       
369   
 
8.00%
 
—    
   
Total
$
1,105   
   
$
7,856   
                         
June 30, 2011:
             
Type debt:
               
 
Export financing
  $
731   
 
2.75%
  $
8,310   
  Other       
363   
 
8.00%
 
—    
   
Total
$
1,094   
   
$
8,310   


Export Financing Agreements – The Company’s Argentine subsidiary maintains various short-term export financing agreements. Generally, these arrangements are for periods ranging between seven and eleven months, and require the Company to pledge as collateral certain export receivable.

b. Revolving Credit Agreements

A summary of the Company’s revolving credit agreements at September 30, 2011 is as follows:


                   
Weighted
       
               
Outstanding
 
Average
 
Unused
 
Total
               
Balance
 
Interest Rate
 
Commitment
 
Commitment
Senior credit facility
$
39,989   
 
2.50%
$
48,208   
 
90,000   
Revolving credit facility
 
15,000   
 
2.47%
 
—    
 
15,000   
 
On March 30, 2011, certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries (the Borrowers) entered into an agreement to amend and restate the Company’s existing senior credit facility and senior term loan. The amended and restated senior credit agreement provides for a $90,000 revolving credit facility, subject to a defined borrowing base, and matures on March 30, 2014. This facility includes a provision for the issuance of standby letters of credit and a $10,000 sublimit for swingline loans. The facility may be increased from time to time by an amount up to $10,000 in the aggregate at the Company’s election, subject to approval by the existing or additional lenders. Interest on borrowings under the credit agreement is payable, at the Company’s election, at either a base rate (the higher of the U.S. federal funds rate plus 0.50% per annum and the issuing bank’s “prime rate”) plus a margin of 1.50% per annum, or LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% per annum. Certain commitment fees are also payable under the credit agreement. The facility is guaranteed by certain of the Borrowers’ subsidiaries, and borrowings under the credit agreement are collateralized by the Borrowers’ cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and inventories, and the stock of their subsidiaries. The agreement contains certain restrictive and financial covenants, which include a maximum total debt to capitalization ratio and a minimum combined tangible net worth, as well as a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a maximum annual capital expenditure level, both of which are only applicable if availability under the senior credit facility is below minimum levels specified in the credit agreement. The Company was in compliance with the loan covenants at September 30, 2011.

At September 30, 2011, there was a $39,989 balance outstanding on the senior credit facility. The total commitment outstanding on this credit facility includes $440 outstanding letters of credit associated with supplier contracts and a $1,363 outstanding letter of credit associated with a power supply contract. The outstanding balances under the previous senior credit agreement and senior term loan were transferred into the new facility.

The Company classifies borrowings under the senior credit facility as long-term liabilities given our ability to renew and extend borrowings under this agreement beyond one year from the balance sheet date.

On October 1, 2010, the Company entered into a $15,000 revolving credit facility, and utilized proceeds from borrowings under the revolving credit facility to repay the Company’s $5,880 short-term notes payable to Dow Corning. Total borrowings under this credit facility were $15,000 at September 30, 2011. Interest on advances under the revolving credit facility accrues at LIBOR plus an applicable margin percentage or, at the Company’s option, prime plus an applicable margin percentage. The credit facility is subject to certain restrictive and financial covenants, which include limits on additional debt, a maximum ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and minimum net worth. The Company was in compliance with the loan covenants at September 30, 2011.

The Company classifies borrowings under this revolving credit facility as current liabilities as the arrangement is payable in full upon the earlier of 10 business days following written demand by the lender or the agreement’s expiration on March 31, 2012.

See note 8 (Derivative Instruments) for a discussion of derivative financial instruments entered into to reduce the Company’s exposure to interest rate fluctuations on outstanding debt.

c.  Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt comprises the following:


               
September 30,
 
June 30,
               
2011
 
2011
Term loan     
$
50,000   
 
—    
Less current portion of long-term debt
 
(11,111)  
 
—    
Long-term debt, net of current portion
$
38,889   
 
—    
 
Term Loan  — The Company’s subsidiary, GBG Holdings, LLC, entered into a three-year term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $50,000 during July 2011. Interest on the term loan accrues at LIBOR plus an applicable margin percentage. Principal payments are due in quarterly installments of approximately $5,556, commencing on June 30, 2012, and the unpaid principal balance is due in full in June 2014, subject to certain mandatory prepayments. The interest rate on this loan is 2.86% at September 30, 2011, which is equal to LIBOR plus an applicable margin. The term loan is secured by substantially all of the assets of GBG Holdings, LLC and is subject to certain restrictive and financial covenants, which include a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, maximum leverage ratio, minimum current ratio, minimum tangible net worth, minimum cash balance and maximum gearing ratio limits. The Company was in compliance with the loan covenants at September 30, 2011.
 
See note 8 (Derivative Instruments) for discussion of derivative financial instruments entered into to reduce the Company’s exposure to interest rate fluctuations on outstanding long-term debt.

d.  Fair Value of Debt

The recorded carrying values of our debt balances approximate fair value given our debt is at variable rates tied to market indicators or is short-term in nature.

 
8

 
(8)  Derivative Instruments

The Company enters into derivative instruments to hedge certain interest rate, currency, and commodity price risks. The Company does not engage in interest rate, currency, or commodity speculation, and no derivatives are held for trading purposes. All derivatives are accounted for using mark-to-market accounting. The Company believes it is not practical to designate its derivative instruments as hedging instruments as defined under ASC Subtopic 815-10, Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815). Accordingly, the Company adjusts its derivative financial instruments to current market value through the condensed consolidated income statement based on the fair value of the agreement as of period-end. Although not designated as hedged items as defined under ASC 815, these derivative instruments serve to significantly offset the Company’s interest rate, currency, and commodity risks. Gains or losses from these transactions offset gains or losses on the assets, liabilities, or transactions being hedged. No credit loss is anticipated as the counterparties to these agreements are major financial institutions that are highly rated.

Interest Rate Risk:

The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on certain of its long-term debt obligations.

In connection with the Company's revolving credit facility and senior term loan (note 7), the Company entered into an interest rate cap arrangement and three interest rate swap agreements to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations.

In October 2008, the Company entered into an interest rate cap arrangement to cap LIBOR on a $20,000 notional amount of debt, with the notional amount decreasing by $1,053 per quarter through the interest rate cap’s expiration on June 30, 2013. Under the interest rate cap, the Company capped LIBOR at a maximum of 4.5% over the life of the agreement.

In November 2008, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement involving the exchange of interest obligations relating to a $13,333 notional amount of debt, with the notional amount decreasing by $702 per quarter. Under the interest rate swap, the Company receives LIBOR in exchange for a fixed interest rate of 2.85% over the life of the agreement. The agreement expires in June 2013.

In January 2009, the Company entered into a second interest rate swap agreement involving the exchange of interest obligations relating to a $12,632 notional amount of debt, with the notional amount decreasing by $702 per quarter. Under the interest rate swap, the Company receives LIBOR in exchange for a fixed interest rate of 1.66% over the life of the agreement. The agreement expires in June 2013.

In April 2009, the Company entered into a third interest rate swap agreement involving the exchange of interest obligations relating to an $11,228 notional amount of debt, with the notional amount decreasing by $702 per quarter. Under the interest rate swap, the Company receives LIBOR in exchange for a fixed interest rate of 2.05% over the life of the agreement. The agreement expires in June 2013.

In connection with GBG Holdings, LLC’s term loan (note 7), the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations.

In August 2011, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement involving the exchange of interest obligations relating to a $37,500 notional amount of debt, with the notional amount decreasing by approximately $4,167 per quarter, beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. Under the interest rate swap, the Company receives LIBOR in exchange for a fixed interest rate of 0.42% over the life of the agreement. The agreement expires in June 2014.

Foreign Currency Risk:

The Company is exposed to market risk arising from changes in currency exchange rates as a result of its operations outside the United States, principally in Argentina and China. A portion of the Company’s net sales generated from its non-U.S. operations is denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Most of the Company’s operating costs for its non-U.S. operations are denominated in local currencies, principally the Argentine peso and the Chinese renminbi. Consequently, the translated U.S. dollar value of the Company’s non-U.S. dollar net sales, and related accounts receivable balances, and our operating costs are subject to currency exchange rate fluctuations. Derivative instruments are not used extensively to manage this risk. The Company may utilize derivative financial instruments, including foreign exchange forward contracts, to manage a portion of its net foreign currency exposure. No foreign currency derivative financial instruments are outstanding at September 30, 2011.

Commodity Price Risk:

The Company is exposed to price risk for certain raw materials and energy used in its production process. The raw materials and energy that the Company uses are largely commodities subject to price volatility caused by changes in global supply and demand and governmental controls. Derivative financial instruments are not used extensively to manage the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in the cost of commodity products used in its operations. The Company attempts to reduce the impact of increases in its raw material and energy costs by negotiating long-term contracts and through the acquisition of companies or assets for the purpose of increasing its access to raw materials with favorable pricing terms.

In June 2010, the Company entered into a power hedge agreement on a 175,440 MWh notional amount of electricity, representing approximately 20% of the power required by our Niagara Falls, New York plant not supplied by the facility’s long-term power contract over the term of the hedge agreement. The notional amount decreases equally per month through the agreement’s expiration on June 30, 2012. Under the power hedge agreement, the Company fixed the power rate at $39.60 per MWh over the life of the contract. In October 2010, the Company entered into a power hedge agreement on an 87,600 MWh notional amount of electricity, also for power required at our Niagara Falls, New York plant. The notional amount decreases equally per month from agreement’s July 1, 2012 effective data through its expiration on June 30, 2013. Under this power agreement, the Company fixed the power rate at $39.95 per MWh over the life of the contract.

The effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated income statement is summarized in the following table:

               
Gain (Loss) Recognized
   
               
During the Three Months
   
               
Ended September 30,
 
Location
               
2011
 
2010
 
of Gain (Loss)
Interest rate derivatives
$
12    
 
(187)   
 
Interest expense
Foreign exchange forward contracts
 
—    
 
(190)   
 
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
Power hedge     
45    
 
(413)   
 
Cost of goods sold


The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments at September 30, 2011 are summarized in note 15 (Fair Value Measures). The liabilities associated with the Company’s interest rate derivatives and power hedge of $214 and $90, respectively, are included in other long-term liabilities.

(9)  Pension Plans

The Company’s subsidiary, Globe Metallurgical Inc. (GMI), sponsors three noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain domestic employees. These plans were frozen in 2003. The Company’s subsidiary, Core Metals, sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering certain domestic employees. This plan was closed to new participants in April 2009. The components of net periodic pension expense for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans are as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
September 30,
   
2011
 
2010
Interest cost
$
386    
 
361   
Service cost
 
26    
 
28   
Expected return on plan assets
 
(456)   
 
(379)  
Amortization of net loss
 
151    
 
155    
Net periodic pension expense
$
107    
 
165    
 
The Company expects to make discretionary contributions of approximately $2,266 to the plans for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, of which $808 has been contributed through September 30, 2011.

 
9

 
(10)  Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is based on the current estimate of the annual effective tax rate, adjusted as necessary for quarterly events. In accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes — Accounting for Income Taxes in Interim Periods, the Company’s quarterly effective tax rate does not reflect a benefit associated with losses related to certain foreign subsidiaries. The effective tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 were based on our forecasted annualized effective tax rates, adjusted for discrete items that occurred within the respective periods.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2011 was 35.3% compared to 60.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2010. The annual effective rate excluding discrete items is 34.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2011.The decrease in the effective tax rate is due primarily to discrete items associated with stock option exercises in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011.

The Company maintains valuation allowances where it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, the Company evaluates factors such as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carry back and carry forward periods, and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of the realization of a deferred tax asset. During the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company’s net valuation allowances increased primarily due to the establishment of additional valuation allowances against net operating losses (NOLs) in China that may not be utilized.

The Company files a consolidated U.S. income tax return and tax returns in various state and local jurisdictions. Our subsidiaries also file tax returns in various foreign jurisdictions. The Company’s principal jurisdictions include the U.S., Argentina, Poland, and China. A number of years may elapse before a tax return is audited and finally resolved. The open tax years subject to examination varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. The Company’s major taxing jurisdictions and the related open tax years subject to examination are as follows: the U.S. from 2008 to present, Argentina from 2006 to present, Poland from 2006 to present, and China from 2008 to present.

The Company regularly evaluates its tax positions for additional unrecognized tax benefits and associated interest and penalties, if applicable. There are many factors that are considered when evaluating these tax positions including: interpretation of tax laws, recent tax litigation on a position, past audit or examination history, and subjective estimates and assumptions that have been deemed reasonable by management. However, if management’s estimates are not representative of actual outcomes, the Company’s results could be materially impacted. There were no material changes in the Company’s uncertain tax positions during the three months ended September 30, 2011.

(11)  Commitments and Contingencies

a.  Legal Contingencies

The Company is subject to various lawsuits, investigations, claims, and proceedings that arise in the normal course of business, including, but not limited to, employment, commercial, environmental, safety, and health matters, as well as claims associated with our historical acquisitions and divestitures. Although it is not presently possible to determine the outcome of these matters, in the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

b.  Environmental Contingencies

It is the Company’s policy to accrue for costs associated with environmental assessments, remedial efforts, or other environmental liabilities when it becomes probable that a liability has been incurred and the costs can be reasonably estimated. When a liability for environmental remediation is recorded, such amounts will be recorded without giving effect to any possible future recoveries. At September 30, 2011, there are no significant liabilities recorded for environmental contingencies. With respect to the cost for ongoing environmental compliance, including maintenance and monitoring, such costs are expensed as incurred unless there is a long-term monitoring agreement with a governmental agency, in which case a liability is established at the inception of the agreement.

c.  Employee Contracts

As of September 30, 2011, there are 232 employees that are covered by union agreements expiring within one year.

d.  Power Commitments

On February 24, 2011, the Company entered into a hydropower contract extension agreement with the New York Power Authority. Under the terms of this commodity purchase agreement, the Company will be supplied up to a maximum of 40,000 kW of hydropower from the Niagara Power Project to operate its Niagara Falls, New York facility. The hydropower will be supplied at preferential power rates plus market-based delivery charges through September 30, 2021. Under the terms of the contract, the Company has committed to specified employment, power utilization, and capital investment levels, which, if not met, could reduce the Company’s power allocation from the Niagara Power Project.

(12)  Stockholders’ Equity

Dividend

On September 21, 2011, the Company’s board of directors approved a dividend of $0.20 per common share. The dividend, totaling $15,007, was paid on October 28, 2011, to stockholders of record as of October 14, 2011.

(13)  Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share are calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Diluted earnings per common share assumes the exercise of stock options, as well as the conversion of previously outstanding warrants and unit purchase options, provided in each case the effect is dilutive.

The reconciliation of the amounts used to compute basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:


               
Three Months Ended
               
September 30,
               
2011
 
2010
Basic earnings per share computation
       
Numerator:
             
Net income attributable to Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
$
20,693
 
2,162
Denominator:
           
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
 
75,019,481
 
74,579,684
Basic earnings per common share
$
0.28
 
0.03
Diluted earnings per share computation
       
Numerator:
             
Net income attributable to Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
$
20,693
 
2,162
Denominator:
           
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
 
75,019,481
 
74,579,684
Effect of dilutive securities
 
1,769,502
 
1,541,788
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
 
76,788,983
 
76,121,472
Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.27
 
0.03
 
Potential common shares associated with outstanding stock options totaling 1,052,122 and 150,000 were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share because their effect would be anti-dilutive for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 
10

 
(14)  Share-Based Compensation

The Company’s share-based compensation program consists of the Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. 2006 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Plan (the Stock Plan). The Stock Plan was initially approved by the Company’s stockholders on November 10, 2006, and was amended and approved by the Company’s stockholders on December 6, 2010 to increase by 1,000,000 the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the Stock Plan. The Stock Plan, as amended, provides for the issuance of a maximum of 6,000,000 shares of common stock for the granting of incentive stock options, nonqualified options, stock grants, and share-based awards. Any remaining shares available for grant, but not yet granted, will be carried over and used in the following fiscal years. During the three months ended September 30, 2011, share-based compensation awards were limited to the issuance of 952,122 nonqualified stock options and 2,676 restricted stock grants.

At September 30, 2011, there were 558,781 shares available for grant. 3,527,250 incentive stock option grants, of which 471,250 were exercised through September 30, 2011, vest and become exercisable in equal one-quarter increments every six months from the date of grant or date of modification. 810,000 option grants, of which 533,333 were exercised through September 30, 2011, vest and become exercisable in equal one-third increments on the first, second, and third anniversaries of the date of grant. 918,750 option grants vest and become exercisable in equal one-sixteenth increments every three months from the date of grant. 27,588 option grants vest and become exercisable in equal one-eighth increments every three months from the date of grant. 7,960 option grants and 3,696 restricted stock grants vested and became exercisable on June 30, 2011. 5,784 option grants and 2,676 restricted stock grants vest and become exercisable on June 30, 2012. 108,578 restricted stock grants vest and become exercisable on November 13, 2020. 21,500 option grants and 4,356 common stock grants were issued as immediately vested at the date of grant. All option grants have maximum contractual terms ranging from 5 to 10 years.

A summary of the changes in options outstanding under the Stock Plan during the three months ended September 30, 2011 is presented below:


                         
Weighted-
     
                         
Average
     
                     
Weighted-
 
Remaining
   
Aggregate
               
Number of
   
Average
 
Contractual
   
Intrinsic
               
Options
   
Exercise Price
 
Term in Years
   
Value
Outstanding as of June 30, 2011
 
3,390,127  
 
$
4.93  
 
3.18  
 
$
59,643  
Granted
       
952,122  
   
18.83  
         
Exercised
       
(28,000)
   
4.00  
         
Forfeited and expired
 
—  
   
—  
         
Outstanding as of September 30, 2011
 
4,314,249  
 
$
8.00  
 
3.36  
 
$
33,289  
                                 
Exercisable as of September 30, 2011
 
3,318,334  
 
$
4.66  
 
2.89  
 
$
33,251  


The Company estimates the fair value of grants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of stock option awards granted during the three months ended September 30, 2011:


               
2012
Risk-free interest rate
 
0.30%
Expected dividend yield
 
—    
Expected volatility
 
70.00
Expected forfeiture rate
 
—    
Expected term (years)
 
3.55


The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of zero coupon U.S. Treasury bonds with terms similar to the expected term of options. The expected dividend yield for grants is zero given the Company’s limited history of dividend issuances and the uncertainty of any future dividend amounts, if any. Since there is limited trading data related to the Company’s common stock, the expected volatility over the term of the options is estimated using the historical volatilities of similar companies. Given that the options granted are under a new plan and there is relatively no historical data, the expected forfeiture rate is zero, and the expected term is the average of the vesting period and contractual term.

During the three months ended September 30, 2011, 10,458 options vested, resulting in total vested options of 3,318,334. There are 995,915 nonvested options outstanding with a grant date fair value of $8.89. The weighted average per share fair value of stock option grants outstanding at September 30, 2011 is $4.10.

For the three months ended September 30, 2011, share-based compensation expense was $458 ($247 after tax). For the three months ended September 30, 2010, share-based compensation expense was $1,275 ($688 after tax). The expense is reported within selling, general, and administrative expenses.

As of September 30, 2011, the Company has unearned compensation expense of $8,344, before income taxes, related to nonvested stock option awards. The unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized over the following periods ending on June 30:


               
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
Share-based compensation (pretax)
$
1,733   
 
2,203   
 
2,094   
 
2,081   
 
233   


It is the Company’s policy to issue new shares to satisfy the requirements of its share-based compensation plan. The Company does not expect to repurchase shares in the future to support its share-based compensation plan.

In addition to share-based awards issued under the Stock Plan, the Company issued 35,225 restricted stock units on January 1, 2011 under the Company’s executive bonus plan. The restricted stock units proportionally vest over three years, but are not delivered until the end of the third year. The Company will settle these awards by cash transfer, based on the Company’s stock price of the date of such transfer. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, share-based compensation expense for these restricted stock units was ($3). The $127 liability associated with these restricted stock units is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities at September 30, 2011.

 
11

 
(15)  Fair Value Measures

ASC 820, Fair Value Measures and Disclosures, establishes a fair value hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The fair value framework requires the categorization of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to value the assets or liabilities. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, whereas Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1. For example, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets.

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability. For example, cash flow modeling using inputs based on management’s assumptions.

The Company does not have any assets that are required to be remeasured at fair value at September 30, 2011. The following table summarizes liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2011:
 

               
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Interest rate derivatives
$
214  
 
—  
 
214  
 
—  
Power hedge   
90  
 
—  
 
90  
 
—  
Restricted stock units
 
127  
 
127  
    —       —  
 
Total
     
$
431  
 
127  
 
304  
 
—  


The Company does not have any assets that are required to be remeasured at fair value at June 30, 2011. The following table summarizes liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2011:
 

               
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Interest rate derivatives
$
320  
 
—  
 
320  
 
—  
Power hedge   
110  
 
—  
 
110  
 
—  
Restricted stock units
 
130  
 
130  
      —         —  
 
Total
     
$
560  
 
130  
 
430  
 
—  


Derivative liabilities related to the interest rate cap and interest rate swap agreements and power hedge agreement are summarized in note 8 (Derivative Instruments). Fair values are determined by independent brokers using quantitative models based on readily observable market data.

The fair value of restricted stock units is based on quoted market prices of the Company stock at the end of each reporting period.

See note 7 (Debt) for information regarding the fair value of our outstanding debt.

(16)  Related Party Transactions

From time to time, the Company enters into transactions in the normal course of business with related parties. Management believes that such transactions are at arm’s length and for terms that would have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties.

A current and a former member of the board of directors are affiliated with Marco International. During the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company:

 
Entered into agreements with Marco International to purchase carbon electrodes. Marco International billed $1,603 and $4,969, respectively, under these agreements. At September 30, 2011 and June 30, 2011, payables to Marco International under these agreements totaled $669 and $2,952, respectively.

 
Entered into an agreement to sell ferrosilicon to Marco International. Net sales were $192 and $216, respectively, under this agreement.

 
Entered into an agreement to sell calcium silicon powder to Marco International. Net sales were $2,115 and $399, respectively, under this agreement. At September 30, 2011 and June 30, 2011, receivables from Marco International under this agreement totaled $705 and $0, respectively.

The Company is affiliated with Norchem, Inc. (Norchem) through its 50.0% equity interest. During the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, the Company sold Norchem product valued at $1,500 and $1,430, respectively. At September 30, 2011 and June 30, 2011, receivables from Norchem totaled $605 and $576, respectively.

Prior to our purchase of a majority interest in Ningxia Yonvey Coal Industrial Co., Ltd (Yonvey), Yonvey’s predecessor had entered into a lending agreement with the remaining minority stockholder. At September 30, 2011 and June 30, 2011, $1,107 and $1,086, respectively, remained payable to Yonvey from this related party.

 
12

 
(17)  Operating Segments

Operating segments are based upon the Company’s management reporting structure and include the following six reportable segments:

 
GMI — a manufacturer of silicon metal and silicon-based alloys and a provider of specialty metallurgical coal for the silicon metal and silicon-based alloys industries located in the United States.

 
Globe Metais — a distributor of silicon metal manufactured in Brazil. This segment includes the historical Brazilian manufacturing operations, comprised of a manufacturing plant in Breu Branco, mining operations, and forest reserves, which were sold on November 5, 2009.

 
Globe Metales — a manufacturer of silicon-based alloys located in Argentina.

 
Solsil — a manufacturer of upgraded metallurgical grade silicon metal located in the United States.

 
Corporate — general corporate expenses, investments, and related investment income.

 
Other — operations that do not fit into the above reportable segments and are immaterial for purposes of separate disclosure. The operating segments include Yonvey’s electrode production operations and certain other distribution operations for the sale of silicon metal and silicon-based alloys.

Each of our reportable segments distributes its products in both its country of domicile, as well as to other international customers. The following presents the Company’s consolidated net sales by product line:


   
Three Months Ended
   
September 30,
   
2011
 
2010
Silicon metal and silicon-based alloys
$
 157,102
 
 126,326
Other, primarily by-products
 
 17,760
 
 11,026
Total
$
 174,862
 
 137,352


a.  Segment Data

Summarized financial information for our reportable segments as of, and for, the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, is shown in the following tables:


   
Three Months Ended
   
September 30,
   
2011
   
Net Sales
Operating Income (Loss)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
Total Assets
GMI
$
 154,928
 35,134
 34,336
 508,330
Globe Metais
 
 -
 (1)
 (1)
 481
Globe Metales
 
 17,097
 3,517
 3,147
 85,240
Solsil
 
 -
 (219)
 (219)
 29,328
Corporate
 
 -
 (6,417)
 (5,272)
 392,435
Other
 
 7,264
 (407)
 (274)
 42,911
Eliminations
 
 (4,427)
 858
 858
 (281,417)
 
$
 174,862
 32,465
 32,575
 777,308



   
Three Months Ended
   
September 30,
   
2010
   
Net Sales
Operating Income (Loss)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
GMI
$
 116,720
 12,098
 11,408
Globe Metais
 
 6,774
 (43)
 (42)
Globe Metales
 
 14,294
 2,478
 2,199
Solsil
 
 -
 (109)
 (109)
Corporate
 
 -
 (5,003)
 (5,283)
Other
 
 4,617
 (141)
 91
Eliminations
 
 (5,053)
 (1,052)
 (1,052)
 
$
 137,352
 8,228
 7,212


The accounting policies of our operating segments are the same as those disclosed in note 2 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) to our June 30, 2011 financial statements. We evaluate segment performance principally based on operating income (loss). Intersegment net sales are not material.

 
13

 
b.  Geographic Data

Net sales are attributed to geographic regions based upon the location of the selling unit. Net sales by geographic region for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 consist of the following:


       
Three Months Ended
       
September 30,
       
2011
 
2010
United States
$
154,784  
 
123,494  
Argentina
 
15,222  
 
12,201  
China
 
477  
 
19  
Poland
 
4,379  
 
1,638  
 
Total
$
174,862  
 
137,352  


Long-lived assets by geographical region at September 30, 2011 and June 30, 2011 consist of the following:


       
September 30,
 
June 30,
       
2011
 
2011
United States
$
 315,844
 
 224,556
Argentina
 
 31,200
 
 31,054
China
 
 27,572
 
 27,524
Poland
 
 930
 
 823
 
Total
$
375,546
 
283,957


Long-lived assets consist of property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, and goodwill and other intangible assets.

c.  Major Customer Data

The following is a summary of the Company’s major customers and their respective percentages of consolidated net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:


 
Three Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2011
 
2010
Momentive Performance Materials 12%   8%
Dow Corning
11
 
17
All other customers
77
 
75
 
100%
 
100%
 
The majority of sales to Dow Corning for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 are associated with Dow Corning’s 49% ownership interest in WVA LLC. In addition, the Company maintained a four year arrangement in which Dow Corning was to purchase 30,000 metric tons of silicon metal per calendar year through December 31, 2010. This contract was amended in November 2008 to provide for the sale of an additional 17,000 metric tons of silicon metal to be purchased in calendar year 2009. The contract was further amended to reduce the amount required to be sold in calendar year 2010 to 20,000 metric tons of silicon metal. In December 2010, the Company agreed to pay $4,276 to Dow Corning to settle certain remaining sales obligations under this contract. The settlement cost was recorded in cost of goods sold in December 2010.
 
Sales to Dow Corning and Momentive Performance Materials are included in the GMI segment.

(18)  Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date these financial statements were issued.


 
14

 

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

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain statements made in this quarterly report involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s best judgment based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about us and our industry, and although we base these statements on circumstances that we believe to be reasonable when made, there can be no assurance that future events will not affect the accuracy of such forward-looking information. As such, the forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may vary materially from the results and expectations discussed in this report. Factors that might cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements are more fully described in the “Risk Factors” sections contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011 and in this Quarterly Report. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report, as well as the more detailed information in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011.

Introduction

Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (collectively, “we” or “our”) is one of the leading manufacturers of silicon metal and silicon-based alloys. As of September 30, 2011, we owned and operated six principal manufacturing facilities and coal mines, in two primary operating segments: GMI, our U.S. operations and, Globe Metales, our Argentine operations.

Business Segments

We operate in six reportable segments:

 
GMI — a manufacturer of silicon metal and silicon-based alloys located in the United States with plants in Beverly, Ohio, Alloy, West Virginia, Niagara Falls, New York, Selma, Alabama and Bridgeport, Alabama and a provider of specialty metallurgical coal for the silicon metal and silicon-based alloys industries located in Corbin, Kentucky

 
Globe Metais — a distributor of silicon metal manufactured in Brazil. This segment includes the historical Brazilian manufacturing operations, previously comprised of a manufacturing plant in Breu Branco and mining operations and forest reserves, which were all sold on November 5, 2009;

 
Globe Metales — a manufacturer of silicon-based alloys located in Argentina with a silicon-based alloys plant in Mendoza and a cored-wire fabrication facility in San Luis;

 
Solsil — a developer and manufacturer of upgraded metallurgical grade silicon metal located in the United States with operations in Beverly, Ohio;

 
Corporate — a corporate office including general expenses, investments, and related investment income; and

 
Other — includes an electrode production operation in China and a cored-wire production facility located in Poland. These operations do not fit into the above reportable segments, and are immaterial for purposes of separate disclosure.

Overview and Recent Developments

We are presently running all our furnaces at full capacity, subject to planned maintenance outages, with all production made to fulfill specific customer orders.  We intentionally increased our finished goods inventory during the first quarter ended September 30, 2011 in order to have sufficient material to meet customer contracts in the second quarter and we expect inventory levels to decline to previous levels by the end of the second quarter.    During the first quarter we completed planned repairs and upgrades to one furnace in our Alloy, West Virginia plant and began repairs to a second furnace in that plant.  During the quarter we completed the acquisition of Alden Resources, a leading global provider of specialty metallurgical coal for the silicon metal and silicon-based alloy industries.  Specialty metallurgical coal is a key ingredient in the production of silicon metal.  By acquiring Alden, Globe secures a stable, long-term and low-cost supply of this key raw material to support our continued growth while maintaining Alden’s position as a leading supplier to other silicon and silicon-based alloy producers.

Net sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 were relatively flat with the preceding quarter ended June 30, 2011, as a result of a 4% decline in tons shipped, offset by a small increase in average selling prices and modest third-party coal sales.

Income before provision for income taxes totaled $32,575,000 in the first quarter ended September 30, 2011, and includes pre-tax transaction and due diligence costs of $1,680,000 and a pre-tax $473,000 foreign exchange gain related to the settlement of a liability for our former Brazilian manufacturing operations. This compares to income before provision for income taxes in the preceding quarter ended June 30, 2011 of $29,238,000, which included a pre-tax loss of $4,249,000 from the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations and pre-tax transaction and due diligence costs of $2,745,000.

Outlook

Demand continues to remain solid for the second quarter ending December 31, 2011 and, despite some economic forecasts, we remain cautiously optimistic about next year.  We are in the midst of calendar 2012 contract negotiations for silicon metal and have already secured commitments for more than half of our expected calendar 2012 silicon metal production capacity and negotiations continue for the remainder.  As in the past, we have contracts at fixed prices and contracts that are tied to indexes.  The fixed price contracts are, on aggregate, priced within the current published index range.  As in calendar 2011, we expect in calendar 2012 to have a portion of our production capacity open for spot business.  The amount open for spot sales will depend on the outcome of the current ongoing negotiations.

In our silicon-based alloys business the end markets serviced by our specialty steel and foundry customers are solid despite reported softness in overall steel demand.  As usual, these contracts are negotiated quarterly and discussions are progressing well for the upcoming quarter.

In the second quarter ending December 31, 2011 we are taking several planned maintenance outages, including both furnaces at Selma, Alabama, one furnace in Niagara Falls, New York and two furnaces in Beverly, Ohio.  We intentionally scheduled the maintenance to be completed in calendar 2011 in order to prepare for a strong production year in calendar 2012 and to take advantage of favorable bonus depreciation available for federal taxes for assets placed in service by December 31, 2011.  As a result, we have only one planned maintenance outage in the first half of calendar 2012.

Alden is performing as expected.  The acquisition have given us much more control over our coal supply which is resulting in higher overall coal quality and higher furnace efficiencies.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management bases our estimates and judgments on historical experience and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from the estimates used under different assumptions or conditions. We have provided a description of significant accounting policies in the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. Our critical accounting policies have not significantly changed from those discussed in “Part II — Item 7. — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, except as follows:

Income Taxes

In determining our quarterly provision for income taxes, we use an estimated annual effective tax rate, which is based on our expected annual income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Subsequent recognition, derecognition and measurement of a tax position taken in a previous period are separately recognized in the quarter in which they occur.

 
15

 
Results of Operations

GSM Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 vs. 2010

Consolidated Operations:


   
Three Months Ended
       
   
September 30,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
   
2011
 
2010
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of Operations
               
Net sales
  $
174,862
 
 137,352
 
 37,510
 
27.3%
Cost of goods sold
 
 127,650
 
 116,881
 
 10,769
 
9.2%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 14,801
 
 12,211
 
 2,590
 
21.2%
Research and development
 
 -
 
 32
 
 (32)
 
(100.0%)
Gain on sale of business
 
 (54)
 
 -
 
 (54)
 
NA
Operating income
 
 32,465
 
 8,228
 
 24,237
 
294.6%
Interest expense, net
 
 (1,376)
 
 (948)
 
 (428)
 
45.1%
Other income (loss)
 
 1,486
 
 (68)
 
 1,554
 
(2,285.3%)
Income before provision for income taxes
 
 32,575
 
 7,212
 
 25,363
 
351.7%
Provision for income taxes
 
 11,488
 
 4,354
 
 7,134
 
163.8%
      Net income
 
 21,087
 
 2,858
 
 18,229
 
637.8%
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax
 
 (394)
 
 (696)
 
 302
 
(43.4%)
Net income attributable to Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
  $
20,693
 
 2,162
 
 18,531
 
857.1%
 

Net Sales:


                               
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
   
Net Sales
   
Net Sales
   
$ (in 000s)
 
MT
   
$/MT
   
$ (in 000s)
 
MT
   
$/MT
Silicon metal and silicon-based alloys
157,102
 
 54,285
    $
2,894
    $
126,326
 
 58,448
    $
2,161
Silica fume and other
 
17,760
             
 11,026
         
Total net sales
174,862
              $
137,352
         


Net sales increased $37,510,000, or 27%, from the prior year to $174,862,000 primarily as a result of a 34% increase in our average selling price, offset by a 7% decline in metric tons sold. The increase in average selling price resulted in increased net sales of approximately $39,645,000 and was primarily due to higher pricing of the annual calendar 2011 contracts and higher spot pricing in the first quarter of fiscal year 2012. The decrease in metric tons sold resulted in a decrease in net sales of $8,869,000 and was primarily due to the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009. Subsequent to this divestiture, remaining Globe Metais sales related only to the fulfillment of certain retained customer contracts with product purchased from our former Brazilian manufacturing operations at a purchase price equal to our sales price. These customer contracts were fulfilled at the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2011, and no further sales will be made under this arrangement. Additionally, metric tons sold decreased due to the timing of shipments and a mix shift to specialty grade silicon-based alloys at Core Metals. Other revenue increased by $6,734,000 as a result of third party coal sales from the acquisition of Alden as well as the sale of manganese ore from GMI in the first quarter of fiscal year 2012.

Cost of Goods Sold:

The $10,769,000, or 9%, increase in cost of goods sold was a result of a 18% increase in our cost per ton sold offset by a 7% decrease in metric tons sold. This increase in cost per ton sold reflects the impact of higher raw material and power costs at GMI year over year. These cost increases were partially offset by the impact of reduced start-up costs of approximately $3,200,000 at our Niagara Falls plant in the year over year period and the completion of our Brazilian sales contract.

Gross margin represented approximately 27% of net sales in the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 and increased from 15% of net sales in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, primarily as a result of higher silicon metal and silicon-based alloy selling prices, partially offset by the impact of higher raw material and power costs at GMI.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:

The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $2,590,000, or 21%, was primarily due to an increase in bonus expense of approximately $1,721,000, due to profitability improvement year over year, and higher due diligence and transaction-related costs of $1,680,000 at Corporate, as well as the impact of the acquisition of Alden, which increased expense by $398,000. These increases were offset by a decrease at Corporate of $817,000 in stock based compensation expense due to the completion of vesting of options granted during 2009.

Gain on Sale of Business:

Gain on sale of business for the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 was the result of a subsequent settlement associated with the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009.

Net Interest Expense:

Net interest expense increased by $428,000 primarily due to debt acquired associated with the acquisition of Alden during the first quarter of fiscal year 2012, which resulted in an increase in net interest expense of $354,000.

Other Income (Loss):

Other income (loss) increased by $1,554,000 due primarily to foreign exchange gains resulting from the revaluation of long-term reais denominated tax liabilities.

Provision for Income Taxes:

Provision for income taxes as a percentage of pre-tax income was approximately 35.3%, or $11,488,000, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 and was approximately 60%, or $4,354,000, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011. The decrease in the effective tax rate is due primarily to discrete items associated with stock option exercises in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011 of $1,368,000.

 
16

 
Segment Operations

GMI


   
Three Months Ended
       
   
September 30,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
   
2011
 
2010
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of Operations
               
Net sales
  $
154,928
 
 116,720
 
 38,208
 
32.7%
Cost of goods sold
 
 113,145
 
 98,935
 
 14,210
 
14.4%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 6,649
 
 5,687
 
 962
 
16.9%
Operating income
  $
35,134
 
 12,098
 
 23,036
 
190.4%
 
Net sales increased $38,208,000, or 33%, from the prior year to $154,928,000. The increase was primarily attributable to a 31% increase in our average selling price, offset by a 1% decline in metric tons sold. The increase in average selling price was primarily due to higher pricing of the annual calendar 2011 contracts and improved spot pricing in the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 due to improved market demand. The decrease in metric tons sold was due to the timing of shipments and a mix shift to specialty grade silicon-based alloys at Core Metals. Additionally, the acquisition of Alden during the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 contributed third party coal sales and the sale of manganese ore from GMI contributed to other sales in the first quarter of fiscal year 2012.

Operating income increased by $23,036,000 from the prior year quarter to $35,134,000. This increase was primarily due to higher average selling prices for silicon metal and silicon-based alloys. Cost of goods sold increased by 14%, while volumes decreased by 1%. This caused an increase in the cost per ton sold, which reflects the impact of higher raw material and power costs at GMI year over year. These cost increases were partially offset by the impact of reduced start-up costs of approximately $3,200,000 at our Niagara Falls plant in the year over year period. The addition of Alden contributed $398,000 to selling, general and administrative expenses in the first quarter of fiscal year 2012.

Globe Metais


   
Three Months Ended
       
   
September 30,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
   
2011
 
2010
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of Operations
               
Net sales
  $
 -
 
 6,774
 
 (6,774)
 
(100.0%)
Cost of goods sold
 
 -
 
 6,774
 
 (6,774)
 
(100.0%)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 1
 
 43
 
 (42)
 
(97.7%)
Operating loss
  $
(1)
 
 (43)
 
 42
 
(97.7%)


Net sales decreased $6,774,000 from the prior year to $0. The decrease was due to the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009. Subsequent to this divestiture, remaining Globe Metais sales related only to the fulfillment of certain retained customer contracts with product purchased from our former Brazilian manufacturing operations at a purchase price equal to our sales price. These customer contracts were fulfilled at the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2011, and no further sales will be made under this arrangement.

Operating loss decreased by $42,000 from the prior year to $1,000. The decrease was due to the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $42,000 primarily due to the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009.

Globe Metales

   
Three Months Ended
       
   
September 30,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
   
2011
 
2010
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of Operations
               
Net sales
  $
17,097
 
 14,294
 
 2,803
 
19.6%
Cost of goods sold
 
 12,592
 
 10,995
 
 1,597
 
14.5%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 988
 
 821
 
 167
 
20.3%
Operating income
  $
3,517
 
 2,478
 
 1,039
 
41.9%
 
Net sales increased $2,803,000, or 20%, from the prior year to $17,097,000. This increase was primarily attributable to a 33% increase in average selling prices, offset by an 11% decrease in metric tons sold. Pricing increased on calcium silicon and magnesium ferrosilicon due to improving demand, especially in the steel and automotive end markets. Volumes decreased due to a production mix shift from magnesium ferrosilicon to higher margin calcium silicon.

Operating income increased by $1,039,000 from the prior year to $3,517,000. The increase was primarily due to higher average selling prices offset by higher production costs. Cost of goods sold increased by 15%, primarily due to higher raw material costs including charcoal and rare earth, while volumes decreased by 11%.

Solsil


   
Three Months Ended
       
   
September 30,
   Increase   Percentage
   
2011
 
2010
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of Operations
               
Net sales
  $
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
NA
Cost of goods sold
 
 148
 
 45
 
 103
 
228.9%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 71
 
 32
 
 39
 
121.9%
Research and development
 
 -
 
 32
 
 (32)
 
(100.0%)
Operating loss
  $
(219)
 
 (109)
 
 (110)
 
100.9%


Net sales remained constant from the prior year at $0. This was primarily attributable to Solsil suspending commercial production during fiscal year 2010 as a result of a significant decline in the price of polysilicon and the decline in demand for upgraded metallurgical grade silicon. As a result, we are concentrating our efforts on research and development activities focused on reducing our cost of production.

Operating loss increased by $110,000 from the prior year to $219,000. The primary driver of this change was an increase in cost of goods sold of $103,000 from the prior year to $148,000 as a result of Solsil’s suspension of commercial production and enhanced focus on refining its production processes to enhance yield and reduce the cost of production.

 
17

 
Corporate


   
Three Months Ended
       
   
September 30,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
   
2011
 
2010
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of Operations
               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
  $
6,471
 
 5,003
 
 1,468
 
29.3%
Gain on sale of business
 
 (54)
 
 -
 
 (54)
 
NA
Operating loss
  $
(6,417)
 
 (5,003)
 
 (1,414)
 
28.3%


Operating loss increased by $1,414,000 from the prior year to $6,417,000. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1,468,000 year over year primarily due to an increase in bonus expense of approximately $1,721,000, due to profitability improvement year over year, as well as higher due diligence and transaction-related costs of $1,680,000. These increases were offset by a decrease of $817,000 in stock based compensation expense due to the completion of vesting of options granted during 2009. Gain on sale of business for the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 was the result of a subsequent settlement associated with the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources of Liquidity

Our principal sources of liquidity are our cash and cash equivalents balance, cash flows from operations, and unused commitments under our existing credit facilities. At September 30, 2011, our cash and cash equivalents balance was approximately $152,320,000, and we had $48,000,000 available for borrowing under our existing financing arrangements. We generated cash flows from operations totaling $12,365,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2011.

Our subsidiaries borrow funds in order to finance working capital requirements and capital expansion programs. The terms of certain of our financing arrangements place restrictions on distributions of funds to us, however, we do not expect this to have an impact on our ability to meet our cash obligations. We believe we have access to adequate resources to meet our needs for normal operating costs, capital expenditure, and working capital for our existing business. Our ability to fund planned capital expenditures and make acquisitions will depend upon our future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions in our industry as well as financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control.

As discussed in the Outlook section, in July 2011 we closed on the acquisition of Alden Resources, LLC, North America’s leading miner, processor and supplier of specialty metallurgical coal to the silicon and silicon-based alloys industries. We financed the acquisition with $55,000,000 of bank debt and with $18,200,000 of cash from GSM’s balance sheet. In addition, the seller is expected to receive a contingent payment of up to $6,800,000 based on future performance.

We are nearing the beginning of the construction of our new silicon metal plant in Iceland. The project is expected to cost approximately €115,000,000. We have a few remaining steps to complete, including final board of directors approval, prior to beginning construction. We anticipate financing the plant with €79,000,000 of construction financing from two commercial banks, approximately €34,000,000 of cash from GSM, and €2,000,000 from our minority partner. We intend to use our cash and cash equivalents balance to fund our portion of the project costs.

 
18

 

Cash Flows

The following table is a summary of consolidated cash flows:


         Three Months Ended
         September 30,
       
2011
 
2010
       
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
$
166,208   
 
157,029   
Cash flows provided by operating activities
 
12,365   
 
15,209   
Cash flows used in investing activities
 
(82,905)  
 
(12,162)  
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
 
56,882   
 
(321)  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
(230)  
 
(206)  
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
152,320   
 
159,549   
 
Operating Activities:

Our business is cyclical and cash flows from operating activities may fluctuate during the year and from year-to-year due to economic conditions.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $12,365,000 and $15,209,000 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 and 2011, respectively. The $2,844,000 decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was due to increased net working capital offset by improved operating results during the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 compared with the first quarter of fiscal year 2011. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2012, inventories increased due primarily to higher production levels at Core Metals and GMI in advance of expected shipments during the second quarter. Additionally, accounts receivable increased during the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 due to timing of shipments at Core Metals and GMI and increased sales on improved pricing, which also improved operating results during the year over year period. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, inventories increased due primarily to higher electrode levels for use in future production, however, this increase was partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable due to improved collections and furnace overhauls at our Niagara Falls and Selma plants.

Investing Activities:

Net cash used in investing activities was approximately $82,905,000 and $12,162,000 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 and 2011, respectively. The acquisition of Alden Resources, LLC in the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 resulted in the use of approximately $73,194,000 in cash. Year over year capital expenditures decreased modestly from approximately $10,124,000 to $9,711,000. Additionally, net payments of $2,038,000 were made for working capital claims associated with our historical acquisitions during the first quarter of fiscal year 2011.

Financing Activities:

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was approximately $56,882,000 and $(321,000) during the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 and 2011, respectively. Net borrowings of approximately $58,011,000 of long-term and short-term debt occurred during the first quarter of fiscal year 2012, as compared to net payments of $4,004,000 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011. The net borrowings during the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 included $55,000,000 for the acquisition of Alden Resources, LLC. The exercise of stock options contributed $112,000 and $3,683,000 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Exchange Rate Change on Cash:

The effect of exchange rate changes on cash was related to fluctuations in renminbi, the functional currency of our Chinese subsidiary.

Commitments and Contractual Obligations

Our commitments and contractual obligations have not changed significantly from those disclosed in “Part II — Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Commitments and Contractual Obligations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements or relationships with unconsolidated entities of financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities.

Litigation and Contingencies

We are subject to various lawsuits, investigations, claims and proceedings that arise in the normal course of business, including, but not limited to, employment, commercial, environmental, safety and health matters, as well as claims associated with our historical acquisitions and divestitures. Although it is not presently possible to determine the outcome of these matters, in the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

At September 30, 2011 and June 30, 2011, there are no significant liabilities recorded for environmental contingencies. With respect to the cost for ongoing environmental compliance, including maintenance and monitoring, such costs are expensed as incurred unless there is a long-term monitoring agreement with a governmental agency, in which case a liability is established at the inception of the agreement.

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt comprises the following:


               
September 30,
 
June 30,
               
2011
 
2011
               
(Dollars in thousands)
Term loan
     
$
50,000   
 
—    
Less current portion of long-term debt
 
(11,111)  
 
—    
Long-term debt, net of current portion
$
38,889   
 
—    
 
Term Loan  — We entered into a three-year term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $50,000,000 during July 2011. Interest on the term loan accrues at LIBOR plus an applicable margin percentage. Principal payments are due in quarterly installments of approximately $5,556,000 commencing on June 30, 2012, and the unpaid principal balance is due in full in June 2014, subject to certain mandatory prepayments. The interest rate on this loan is 2.86% at September 30, 2011, which is equal to LIBOR plus an applicable margin. The term loan is secured by substantially all of the assets of GBG Holdings, LLC and is subject to certain restrictive and financial covenants, which include a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, maximum leverage ratio, minimum current ratio, minimum tangible net worth, minimum cash balance and maximum gearing ratio limits. We were in compliance with the loan covenants at September 30, 2011.

 
19

 
Accounting Pronouncements to be Implemented

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (ASU 2011-05). The objective of this amendment is to increase the prominence of other comprehensive income in the financial statements. The amendments require entities to report components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Additionally, the amendments in ASU 2011-05 require an entity to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. This amendment is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We expect the adoption of this ASU will affect financial statement presentation only.
 
In September 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment (ASU 2011-08), which amends the guidance in ASC 350-20. The amendments in ASU 2011-08 provide entities with the option of performing a qualitative assessment before performing the first step of the two-step impairment test. If entities determine, on the basis of qualitative factors, it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test would be unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. ASU 2011-08 also provides entities with the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to the first step of the two-step impairment test. ASU 2011-08 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 but early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect material financial statement implications relating to the adoption of this ASU.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our market risks have not changed significantly from those disclosed in “Part II — Item 7A. — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, respectively), we have evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a -15(e)) as of September 30, 2011. Based upon that evaluation, our Principal Executive Officers and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


 
20

 

PART II

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, we are subject to periodic lawsuits, investigations, claims and proceedings, including, but not limited to, contractual disputes, employment, environmental, health and safety matters, as well as claims associated with our historical acquisitions and divestitures. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations, claims and proceedings asserted against us, we do not believe any currently pending legal proceeding to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, cash flows, results of operations or liquidity.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

A description of the risks associated with our business, financial condition, and results of operations is set forth in “Part I — Item 1A. — Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. There have been no material changes in our risks from such description except as follows:
 
Our coal mining operations are subject to risks that are beyond our control, which could result in materially increased expenses and decreased production levels.
 
        We mine coal at underground and surface mining operations. Certain factors beyond our control could disrupt our coal mining operations, adversely affect production and shipments and increase our operating costs, such as: a major incident at the mine site that causes all or part of the operations of the mine to cease for some period of time; mining, processing and plant equipment failures and unexpected maintenance problems; changes in reclamation costs; and, adverse weather and natural disasters, such as heavy rains or snow, flooding and other natural events affecting operations, transportation or customers. Inaccuracies in our estimates of our coal reserves could result in decreased profitability from lower than expected revenues or higher than expected costs. Federal or state regulatory agencies have the authority under certain circumstances following significant health and safety incidents, such as fatalities, to order a mine to be temporarily or permanently closed. If this occurred, we may be required to incur capital expenditures to re-open the mine. Environmental regulations could impose costs on our mining operations, and future regulations could increase those costs or add new costs or limit our ability to produce and sell coal. Our failure to obtain and renew permits necessary for our mining operations could negatively affect our business.
 
Item 6.  Exhibits

Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Document                                               
31.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002†
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002†
32.1
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002†
   101
The following materials from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) notes to these consolidated financial statements.
 
Filed herewith.
 
In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related documents in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Section 11 or Section 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and otherwise are not subject to liability under those Sections.


 
21

 


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.
 
Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
(Registrant)
 
By:   /s/ Jeff Bradley            
         Jeff Bradley
         Chief Executive Officer
 
By:   /s/ Malcolm Appelbaum
         Malcolm Appelbaum
         Chief Financial Officer

November 9, 2011
 
 
 
 
22