Core Laboratories N.V. Third Quarter 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

     

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

X

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

 

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008

 

OR

 
 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

 

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from ________________ to ______________

 

Commission File Number: 001-14273

 

CORE LABORATORIES N.V.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

The Netherlands

Not Applicable

(State of other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

incorporation or organization)

 
   

Herengracht 424

 

1017 BZ Amsterdam

 

The Netherlands

Not Applicable

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

   

(31-20) 420-3191

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

None

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

 

    Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [ X ] No [ ]

 

    Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer [ X ] 9;       Accelerated filer [ ]        Non-accelerated filer [ ] 9;           Smaller reporting company [ ]

      (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 Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [ X ]

    The number of common shares of the Registrant, par value EUR 0.04 per share, outstanding at October 23, 2008 was 23,044,573.

 

 

CORE LABORATORIES N.V.

FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

 

INDEX

 
 

Page

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 
     
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2008 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2007

1

     
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended

 

      September 30, 2008 and 2007

2

     

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended

 
 

      September 30, 2008 and 2007

3

     
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended

 
 

     September 30, 2008 and 2007

4

     
 

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

5

     

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and

 
 

       Results of Operations

19

     

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures of Market Risk

27

     

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

27

     
     

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

     

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

28

     

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

28

     

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

28

     

Item 6.

Exhibits

29

     
 

Signature

30

     

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

CORE LABORATORIES N.V.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

     

September 30,

 

December 31,

     

2008

 

2007

   

ASSETS

(Unaudited)

   

CURRENT ASSETS:

     
 

Cash and cash equivalents

$       58,275 

 

$       25,617 

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,838 and

     
 

  $4,199 at 2008 and 2007, respectively

150,260 

 

137,231 

 

Inventories, net

32,259 

 

29,363 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

22,637 

 

28,488 

   

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

263,431 

 

220,699 

           

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net

99,798 

 

93,038 

INTANGIBLES, net

7,096 

 

7,040 

GOODWILL

148,600 

 

138,800 

DEFERRED TAX ASSET

32,913 

26,024 

OTHER ASSETS

13,892 

19,189 

   

TOTAL ASSETS

$     565,730 

 

$     504,790 

           
   

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

     

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

     
 

Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations

$            223 

 

$         3,027 

 

Accounts payable

39,113 

 

39,861 

 

Accrued payroll and related costs

27,972 

 

25,689 

 

Taxes other than payroll and income

7,246 

 

8,820 

 

Unearned revenues

8,325 

 

9,130 

Other accrued expenses

11,496 

11,513 

   

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

94,375 

 

98,040 

       

LONG-TERM DEBT

300,000 

 

300,000 

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

14,205 

 

14,080 

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

29,821 

 

29,041 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

     

MINORITY INTEREST

2,122 

 

1,486 

       

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:

     
 

Preference shares, EUR 0.04 par value;

     
   

3,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding

 

 

Common shares, EUR 0.04 par value;

     
   

100,000,000 shares authorized, 25,519,956 issued and 23,044,573 outstanding at 2008

     
   

and 23,080,949 issued and 23,065,949 outstanding at 2007

1,430 

 

1,300 

 

Additional paid-in capital

461 

 

 

Retained earnings

367,471 

 

62,496 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

285 

 

226 

 

Treasury shares (at cost), 2,475,383 at 2008 and 15,000 at 2007

(244,440)

 

(1,879)

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

125,207 

62,143 

   

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

$     565,730 

 

$     504,790 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Return to Index

 

CORE LABORATORIES N.V.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

2008

 

2007

   

(Unaudited)

REVENUES:

     
 

Services

$     154,297 

 

$     131,060 

 

Product sales

48,226 

 

39,005 

   

202,523 

 

170,065 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

     
 

Cost of services

100,264 

 

84,863 

 

Cost of sales

33,941 

 

27,684 

 

General and administrative expenses

6,857 

 

7,039 

 

Depreciation

5,355 

 

4,806 

 

Amortization

207 

 

229 

 

Other expense (income), net

829 

 

(514)

OPERATING INCOME

55,070 

 

45,958 

Interest expense

303 

 

614 

Income before income tax expense

54,767 

 

45,344 

Income tax expense

15,252 

 

13,830 

NET INCOME

$      39,515 

 

$      31,514 

       

EARNINGS PER SHARE INFORMATION:

     

Basic earnings per share

$           1.72 

$         1.34 

       

Diluted earnings per share

$           1.64 

 

$         1.29 

       

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:

     

Basic

23,034 

 

23,556 

       

Diluted

24,082 

 

24,377 

       
       

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Return to Index

 

CORE LABORATORIES N.V.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

2008

 

2007

   

(Unaudited)

REVENUES:

     
 

Services

$     446,700 

 

$     374,212 

 

Product sales

132,948 

 

119,969 

   

579,648 

 

494,181 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

     
 

Cost of services

291,315 

 

249,140 

 

Cost of sales

93,273 

 

84,005 

 

General and administrative expenses

22,305 

 

24,798 

 

Depreciation

15,569 

 

14,094 

 

Amortization

508 

 

416 

 

Other expense (income), net

2,321 

 

(2,850)

OPERATING INCOME

154,357 

 

124,578 

Interest expense

6,023 

 

1,881 

Income before income tax expense

148,334 

 

122,697 

Income tax expense

45,775 

 

37,118 

NET INCOME

$      102,559 

 

$      85,579 

       

EARNINGS PER SHARE INFORMATION:

     

Basic earnings per share

$            4.46 

$          3.62 

       

Diluted earnings per share

$            4.24 

 

$          3.51 

       

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:

     

Basic

23,004 

 

23,642 

       

Diluted

24,164 

 

24,371 

       
       

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Return to Index

 

CORE LABORATORIES N.V.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

     

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

   

2008

 

2007

 

(Unaudited)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

     

Net income

$     102,559 

 

$     85,579 

Adjustments to reconcile income to net cash provided by operating activities:

     
 

Net (recoveries) provision for doubtful accounts

(158)

 

15 

 

Inventory obsolescence

252 

 

121 

 

Equity in loss (income) of affiliates

(297)

 

222 

 

Minority interest

283 

 

153 

 

Stock-based compensation

3,886 

 

3,499 

 

Depreciation and amortization

16,077 

 

14,510 

 

Debt issuance costs amortization

5,225 

 

1,352 

Gain on sale of assets

(1,719)

(249)

Realization of pension obligation

59 

54 

 

Decrease (increase) in value of life insurance policies

2,027 

 

(852)

 

Deferred income taxes

(8,020)

 

(7,106)

 

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect of dispositions:

     

Accounts receivable

(11,068)

(26,316)

   

Inventories

(3,148)

 

246 

   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

7,472 

 

(5,378)

   

Other assets

(473)

 

96 

   

Accounts payable

(1,021)

 

7,910 

   

Accrued expenses

(1,713)

 

6,982 

   

Other long-term liabilities

(86)

 

6,977 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

110,137 

 

87,815 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

     
   

Capital expenditures

(21,603)

 

(15,285)

   

Patents and other intangibles

(255)

 

(252)

   

Acquisition, net of cash acquired

(11,536)

 

(5,012)

   

Minority interest - contribution

370 

 

   

Deposit on sale of asset

 

13,475 

   

Proceeds from sale of assets

3,314 

 

488 

   

Premiums on life insurance

(1,175)

 

(1,199)

 

Net cash used in investing activities

(30,885)

 

(7,785)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

     
   

Repayment of debt

(8,024)

 

(2,754)

   

Proceeds from debt borrowings

5,000 

 

   

Capital lease obligations

(130)

 

(4)

   

Stock options exercised

690 

 

18,184 

   

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

11,037 

 

20,328 

   

Debt issuance costs

 

(162)

   

Dividends paid

(25,342)

 

   

Repurchase of common shares

(29,825)

 

(127,677)

 

Net cash used in financing activities

(46,594)

 

(92,085)

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

32,658 

 

(12,055)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

25,617 

 

54,223 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period

$       58,275 

 

$    42,168 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Return to Index

 

CORE LABORATORIES N.V.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Core Laboratories N.V. and its subsidiaries for which we have a controlling voting interest and/or a controlling financial interest. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States ("U.S.") generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information using the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all of the information and footnote disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements.

Core Laboratories N.V. uses the equity method of accounting for all investments in which it has less than a majority interest and over which it does not exercise control. Minority interest has been recorded to reflect outside ownership attributable to consolidated subsidiaries that are less than 100% owned. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation for the periods presented have been included in these financial statements. Furthermore, the operating results presented for the three and nine months periods ended September 30, 2008 may not necessarily be indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2008.

Core Laboratories N.V.'s balance sheet information for the year ended December 31, 2007 was derived from the 2007 audited consolidated financial statements but does not include all disclosures in accordance with GAAP.

References to "Core Lab", "we", "our", and similar phrases are used throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and relate collectively to Core Laboratories N.V. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the summary of significant accounting policies and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

2. INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

   

September 30,

 

December 31,

   

2008

 

2007

   

(Unaudited)

   

Finished goods

 

$   22,384

 

$     21,795

Parts and materials

 

8,520

 

6,433

Work in progress

 

1,355

 

1,135

  Total inventories, net

 

$   32,259

 

$     29,363

We include freight costs incurred for shipping inventory to customers in the Cost of Sales line of the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

3. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES

We account for intangible assets with indefinite lives, including goodwill, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", which requires us to evaluate these assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if an indication of impairment has occurred. Based upon our most recent evaluation, management determined that goodwill was not impaired. We amortize intangible assets with a defined term on a straight-line basis over their respective useful lives.

In July 2008, we acquired all of the shares of Catoni Persa for $15.0 million, a Turkey based petroleum testing laboratory specializing in the characterization of crude oil and its derivative products. The acquisition resulted in goodwill of $9.8 million which was recorded in the Reservoir Description business segment and includes a $2.0 million holdback provision. There were no other significant changes relating to our intangible assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The remaining composition of goodwill by business segment at September 30, 2008 is consistent with the amounts disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as of December 31, 2007.


 

4. DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Debt is summarized in the following table (in thousands):

   

September 30,

 

December 31,

   

2008

 

2007

   

(Unaudited)

   

Senior exchangeable notes

 

$     300,000

 

$   300,000

Capital lease obligations

 

223

 

3

Other indebtedness

 

-

 

3,024

  Total debt and capital leases obligations

 

300,223

 

303,027

Less - short-term debt included in other indebtedness

 

-

 

3,024

Less - current maturities of capital lease obligations

 

223

 

3

    Long-term debt

 

$     300,000

 

$    300,000

In 2006, Core Laboratories LP, a wholly owned subsidiary of Core Laboratories N.V., issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Exchangeable Notes due 2011 (the "Notes"). The Notes bear interest at a rate of 0.25% per year paid on a bi-annual basis and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Core Laboratories N.V. The Notes are exchangeable into shares of Core Laboratories N.V. under certain circumstances at a conversion rate of 10.6398 per $1,000 principal amount of notes. Upon exchange, holders will receive cash up to the principal amount, and any excess exchange value will be delivered in Core Laboratories N.V. common shares.

The Notes include an early conversion option that is tested quarterly to determine if the Notes can be early converted during the subsequent quarter. During the second quarter of 2008, the early conversion option for the holders of the Notes was enabled. As a result, the Notes could have been converted during the third quarter and were reclassified from a long-term liability to a short-term liability, however, no Note holder exercised their early conversion option before the conversion period ended on September 30, 2008. The related debt acquisition costs of $4.8 million were recorded to interest expense in the three month period ended June 30, 2008. The criteria for the early conversion option was not met during the third quarter and thus the Notes cannot be converted during the fourth quarter, and accordingly, the Notes are classified as a long-term liability.

We maintain a revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") that allows for an aggregate borrowing capacity of $100.0 million. As amended, this facility provides an option to increase the commitment under the Credit Facility to $150.0 million, if certain conditions are met. The Credit Facility bears interest at variable rates from LIBOR plus 0.5% to a maximum of LIBOR plus 1.125%. Any outstanding balance under the Credit Facility is due in December 2010 when the Credit Facility matures. Interest payment terms are variable depending upon the specific type of borrowing under this facility. Our available capacity is reduced by outstanding unsecured letters of credit and performance guarantees and bonds totaling $8.9 million at September 30, 2008 relating to certain projects in progress. Our available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility at September 30, 2008 was $91.1 million.

 

5. PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

We provide a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of our Dutch employees, payouts under which are determined based on years of service and final pay or career average pay, depending on when the employee began participating. Employees are immediately vested in the benefits earned. We fund the future obligations of this plan by purchasing investment contracts from a large insurance company. We make annual premium payments, based on each employee's age and current salary, to the insurance company.

The following table summarizes the components of net periodic pension cost under this plan for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

Service cost

$     296 

 

$     306 

 

$     884 

 

$     895 

Interest cost

347 

 

281 

 

1,042 

 

821 

Expected return on plan assets

(317)

 

(256)

 

(945)

 

(749)

Unrecognized pension obligation (asset), net

(28)

 

(23)

 

(79)

 

(67)

Prior service cost

48 

41 

138 

121 

   Net periodic pension cost

$     346 

 

$     349 

 

$  1,040 

 

$  1,021 

During the nine month period ended September 30, 2008, we contributed approximately $1.1 million, as determined by the insurance company, to fund the estimated 2008 premiums on investment contracts held by the plan.

On January 1, 2008, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 ("SFAS 157") Fair Value Measurements for financial assets and liabilities. We have not adopted SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities for those measured on a nonrecurring basis as the adoption date has been deferred until January 1, 2009 pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position No. 157-2. The application of SFAS 157 to the Company's nonfinancial assets and liabilities will primarily be limited to asset impairments, including Goodwill, and this application is not expected to have a material impact to the Company. This new standard addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes. On a recurring basis, we use the market approach to value certain liabilities at fair value at quoted prices in an active market (Level 1) and certain assets and liabilities using significant other observable inputs (Level 2). We do not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Gains and losses related to the fair value changes in the deferred compensation assets and liabilities are recorded in General and Administrative Expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The following table summarizes the fair value balances (in thousands):

     

Fair Value Measurement at September 30, 2008

 

Total

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

Assets:

             

Equity and other investment fund assets

$     4,346

 

$          -

 

$     4,346

 

$          -

               

Liabilities:

             

Deferred compensation plan

$     7,096

 

$     697

 

$     6,399

 

$          -

               

We have adopted a non-qualified deferred compensation plan that allows certain highly compensated employees to defer a portion of their salary, commission and bonus, as well as the amount of any reductions in their deferrals under the deferred compensation plan for employees in the United States (the "Deferred Compensation Plan"), due to certain limitations imposed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Deferred Compensation Plan also provides for employer contributions to be made on behalf of participants equal in amount to certain forfeitures of, and/or reductions in, employer contributions that participants could have received under the 401(k) Plan in the absence of certain limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. Employer contributions to the deferred compensation plan vest ratably over a period of five years. Contributions to the plan are invested in equity and other investment fund assets, and carried on the balance sheet at fair value. The benefits under these contracts are fully vested and payment of benefits generally commences as soon as practicable after the last day of the calendar quarter during which the participant terminated employment.

 

6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. We believe that the resolution of all litigation currently pending or threatened against us or any of our subsidiaries should not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity; however, because of the inherent uncertainty of litigation, we cannot provide assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding to which we or any of our subsidiaries is a party will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated results of operations or liquidity for the period in which that resolution occurs.

During the first quarter of 2008, we revised our estimate of a contingent liability associated with non-income related taxes, and as a result a charge to income of $5.0 million was recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations to Other Expense (Income), net. This adjustment requires judgment, assumptions and estimations to quantify the uncertainties related to this contingent liability. Management has concluded the adjustment relates to prior periods, however as the amounts are not material, no prior periods have been restated. The contingent liability is included in Other Long-term Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Management will continue to assess on a quarterly basis the probable outcome of the settlement of these taxes. The ultimate settlement amount and timing of this contingent liability is uncertain, and could possibly expose the Company to expenses of approximately $20.0 million in excess of our current estimate. As of September 30, 2008, there has not been a change in the status of this liability.

 

7. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we repurchased 260,915 of our common shares for $29.8 million, at an average price of $114.31 per share. Included in this total were rights to 52,048 shares valued at $6.0 million, or $115.30 per share, that were surrendered to the Company pursuant to the terms of a stock-based compensation plan, in consideration of the participants tax burdens that may result from the issuance of common shares under this plan. Such common shares, unless cancelled, may be reissued for a variety of purposes such as to use for future acquisitions, for settlement of employee stock awards as they vest, or possible conversion of the Notes.

For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, we issued 39,579 and 84,989, respectively, of our common shares associated with exercised stock options for which we received proceeds of approximately $0.5 million and $1.1 million.

During the nine month period ended September 30, 2008, we recognized tax benefits of $11.0 million, relating to tax deductions in excess of book expense for stock-based compensation awards.  These tax benefits are recorded to additional paid-in capital to the extent deductions reduce current taxable income.

In July 2008, we declared a quarterly $0.10 per share of common stock dividend that was paid on August 25, 2008. In addition to the quarterly cash dividend, a special non-recurring cash dividend of $1.00 per share of common stock was also paid on August 25, 2008. The total dividends paid August 25, 2008 were $25.3 million.

During the nine month period ended September 30, 2008, we recorded an immaterial correcting adjustment relating to previously reported treasury share cancellations in 2007. This adjustment was the result of the Company conforming to Dutch administrative procedures for determining outstanding share count. By making this adjustment, the share count for our US GAAP presented financial statements will be identical to that used in our Dutch statutory filings. Although this adjustment resulted in balances being reclassified within equity, our total equity balance was unchanged. We do not believe this adjustment is material to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 or for the period ended September 30, 2008, and as such, we have not restated our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007. The following table summarizes the correcting adjustment.

                 

Accumulated

         
 

Common Shares

 

Additional

     

Other

 

Treasury Stock

 

Total

 

Number of

 

Par

 

Paid-In

 

Retained

 

Comprehensive

 

Number of

   

Shareholders'

 

Shares

 

Value

 

Capital

 

Earnings

 

Income (Loss)

 

Shares

Amount

 

Equity

Reported balance at December 31, 2007

23,080,949 

$   1,300 

$            - 

$      62,496 

$           226 

15,000 

$        (1,879)

$        62,143 

Adjustment in second quarter of 2008 to previously reported treasury shares

3,919,047 

224 

58,116 

279,377 

3,919,047 

(337,717)

2008 activity in equity

(1,480,040)

(94)

(57,655)

25,598 

59 

(1,458,664)

95,156 

63,064 

Balance at September 30, 2008

25,519,956 

$   1,430 

$        461

$     367,471 

$          285 

2,475,383 

$    (244,440)

$      125,207 

During April 2008, 1,350,000 treasury shares were canceled at historical cost, totaling $96.9 million, or $71.80 per share, and during August 2008, 305,000 treasury shares were canceled at historical cost, totaling $23.3 million, or $76.40 per share. Both of these cancellations resulted in a decrease in treasury shares and a corresponding decrease in Additional Paid-in-Capital, Retained Earnings and Common Shares.

Comprehensive Income

The components of other comprehensive income consisted of the following (in thousands):

   

Three months ended

 

Nine months ended

   

September 30, 2008

 

September 30, 2007

 

September 30, 2008

 

September 30, 2007

   

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

Net income

 

$     39,515

 

$     31,514

 

$     102,559

 

$      85,579

Realization of pension obligation

 

20

 

18

 

59

 

54

  Total comprehensive income

 

$     39,535

 

$     31,532

 

$     102,618

 

$      85,633


 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Unaudited)

   

Prior service cost

$     (1,070)

 

$   (1,208)

Transition asset

440 

 

519 

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

915 

 

915 

     Total accumulated other comprehensive income

$         285 

 

$       226 

 

8. EARNINGS PER SHARE

We compute basic earnings per common share by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common and potential common shares include additional shares in the weighted average share calculations associated with the incremental effect of dilutive employee stock options, restricted stock awards and contingently issuable shares, as determined using the treasury stock method. The following table summarizes the calculation of weighted average common shares outstanding used in the computation of diluted earnings per share (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

Weighted average basic common shares outstanding

23,034

 

23,556

 

23,004

 

23,642

Effect of dilutive securities:

             

Stock options

112

207

139

381

Contingent shares

13

 

88

 

29

 

98

Restricted stock and other

190

 

108

 

173

 

109

Senior exchangeable notes and warrants

733

 

418

 

819

 

141

Weighted average diluted common and potential common shares outstanding

24,082

 

24,377

 

24,164

 

24,371

In 2006, we sold warrants that give the holder the right to acquire approximately 3.2 million of our common shares at an exercise price of $126.52 per share.  Included in the Senior Exchangeable Notes line in the table above, these warrants had no dilutive impact on our earnings per share for the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2008, as the average share price did not exceed the strike price of the warrants for the nine month period. On October 3, 2008, the dealer of the warrants filed for bankruptcy protection. See Note 14 Subsequent Event for additional information.

 

 

9. OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME), NET

The components of other expense (income), net, were as follows (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

Minority interest

$        102 

 

$        122 

 

$        283 

 

$        153 

Gain on sale of assets

(125)

 

(30)

 

(1,719)

 

(249)

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

2,364 

(352)

1,885 

(827)

Interest income

(392)

 

(136)

 

(685)

 

(1,047)

Non-income tax accrual

 

 

5,030 

 

Other, net

(1,120)

 

(118)

 

(2,473)

 

(880)

  Total other expense (income), net

$        829 

 

$      (514)

 

$     2,321 

 

$    (2,850)

During the first quarter of 2008, we revised our estimate of a contingent liability associated with non-income related taxes, and as a result, a charge to income of $5.0 million was recorded. Additionally, we recorded a gain of $1.1 million in connection with the sale of a small office building.

Foreign exchange losses (gains) by currency are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

Australian Dollar

$        384 

 

$        (26)

 

$       353 

 

$       (56)

British Pound

308 

 

(8)

 

320 

 

(9)

Canadian Dollar

498 

 

(199)

 

774 

 

(443)

Euro

241 

 

(198)

 

(153)

 

(282)

Russian Ruble

283 

 

(152)

 

22 

 

(223)

Other currencies, net

650 

231 

569 

186 

  Total loss (gain)

$     2,364 

 

$      (352)

 

$    1,885 

 

$     (827)

 

10. INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rates for the third quarter of 2008 and 2007 were 27.8% and 30.5%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2008 yields a projected annual tax rate of 31.2%. The reduction in the effective tax rate relates to favorable adjustments to amounts previously recognized as a result of completion of tax returns filed in various tax jurisdictions for prior periods and favorable adjustments related to assessments from ongoing tax audits for years 1998 thru 2004.

During the third quarter of 2008, anticipated payments were made to certain tax jurisdictions, resulting in a reduction to the unrecognized tax benefits. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

 

2008

 

(Unaudited)

Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1,

$      17,864 

Tax positions, prior period

486 

Settlements with taxing authorities

(12,453)

  Unrecognized tax benefits at September 30,

$       5,897 

Changes in our estimate of unrecognized tax benefits would affect our effective tax rate. The amounts included in the table above for settlements with tax authorities primarily represent cash payments.

 

11. SEGMENT REPORTING

Our business units have been aggregated into three complementary segments, which provide products and services for improving reservoir performance and increasing oil and gas recovery from new and existing fields.

*

Reservoir Description: Encompasses the characterization of petroleum reservoir rock, fluid and gas samples. We provide analytical and field services to characterize properties of crude oil and petroleum products to the oil and gas industry.

   

*

Production Enhancement: Includes products and services relating to reservoir well completions, perforations, stimulations and production. We provide integrated services to evaluate the effectiveness of well completions and to develop solutions aimed at increasing the effectiveness of enhanced oil recovery projects.

   

*

Reservoir Management: Combines and integrates information from reservoir description and production enhancement services to increase production and improve recovery of oil and gas from our clients' reservoirs.

Segment Analysis

We manage each of our business segments separately to reflect the different services and technologies provided and required by each segment. We use the same accounting policies to account for our business segments as those used to prepare our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations. We evaluate the performance of our business segments on the basis of operating income.

Summarized financial information relating to our business segments is shown in the following tables (in thousands):

(Unaudited)

 

Reservoir Description

 

Production Enhancement

 

Reservoir Management

 

Corporate & Other 1

 

Consolidated

Three Months Ended September 30, 2008

                 

Revenues from unaffiliated customers

 

$    112,037

 

$      78,848

 

$      11,638 

 

$             - 

 

$    202,523

Inter-segment revenues

 

173

 

275

 

430 

 

(878)

 

-

Segment operating income (loss)

 

25,455

 

26,622

 

3,089 

 

(96)

 

55,070

Total assets

 

267,369

 

177,279

 

17,068 

 

104,014

 

565,730

Capital expenditures

 

5,524

 

2,029

 

181 

 

212 

 

7,946

Depreciation and amortization

 

3,302

 

1,349

 

156 

 

755 

 

5,562

                     

Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

                 

Revenues from unaffiliated customers

 

$    97,476

 

$      61,998

 

$      10,591 

 

$             - 

 

$     170,065

Inter-segment revenues

 

233

 

252

 

318 

 

(803)

 

-

Segment operating income

 

26,108

 

17,426

 

2,357 

 

67 

 

45,958

Total assets

 

251,170

 

161,972

 

19,446 

 

101,758 

 

534,346

Capital expenditures

 

4,252

 

1,809

 

181 

 

491 

 

6,733

Depreciation and amortization

 

2,645

 

1,288

 

121 

 

981 

 

5,035

                     

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008

                 

Revenues from unaffiliated customers

 

$  326,695

 

$    217,578

 

$      35,375

 

$             - 

 

$     579,648

Inter-segment revenues

 

702

 

831

 

1,096

 

(2,629)

 

-

Segment operating income (loss)

 

77,441

 

71,745

 

10,278

 

(5,107)

 

154,357

Total assets

 

267,369

 

177,279

 

17,068 

 

104,014

 

565,730

Capital expenditures

 

13,131

 

6,283

 

370

 

1,819 

 

21,603

Depreciation and amortization

 

9,272

 

4,107

 

455

 

2,243 

 

16,077

                     

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

                 

Revenues from unaffiliated customers

 

$  274,437

 

$    181,566

 

$      38,178

 

$             - 

 

$     494,181

Inter-segment revenues

 

635

 

619

 

953

 

(2,207)

 

-

Segment operating income

 

64,307

 

49,678

 

10,171

 

422 

 

124,578

Total assets

 

251,170

 

161,972

 

19,446

 

101,758 

 

534,346

Capital expenditures

 

10,202

 

3,689

 

433

 

961 

 

15,285

Depreciation and amortization

 

7,648

 

3,874

 

369

 

2,619 

 

14,510

                     

(1) "Corporate & Other" represents those items that are not directly related to a particular segment and eliminations.

 

12. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Core Laboratories N.V. has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all of the Notes issued by Core Laboratories LP in 2006. Core Laboratories LP is a 100% indirectly owned affiliate of Core Laboratories N.V.

The following condensed consolidating financial information is included so that separate financial statements of Core Laboratories LP are not required to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The condensed consolidating financial statements present investments in both consolidated and unconsolidated affiliates using the equity method of accounting.

The following condensed consolidating financial information presents: condensed consolidating balance sheets as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, statements of income and the consolidating statements of cash flows for each of the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 of (a) Core Laboratories N.V., parent/guarantor, (b) Core Laboratories LP, issuer of public debt securities guaranteed by Core Laboratories N.V. and (c) the non-guarantor subsidiaries, (d) consolidating adjustments necessary to consolidate Core Laboratories N.V. and its subsidiaries and (e) Core Laboratories N.V. on a consolidated basis.

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

                 
                       
   

(In thousands)

September 30, 2008

     

Core Laboratories N.V. (Parent/ Guarantor)

 

Core Laboratories LP (Issuer)

 

Other Subsidiaries (Non- Guarantors)

 

Consolidating Adjustments

 

Consolidated Total

   

ASSETS

                 

CURRENT ASSETS:

                 
 

Cash and cash equivalents

$        9,545 

 

$       34,763 

 

$      13,967 

 

$                - 

 

$      58,275

 

Accounts receivable, net

210 

 

37,408 

 

112,642 

 

 

150,260

 

Inventories, net

 

3,260 

 

28,999 

 

 

32,259

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

1,839 

 

10,240 

 

10,558 

 

 

22,637

     

11,594 

 

85,671 

 

166,166 

 

 

263,431

                       

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net

 

23,500 

 

76,298 

 

 

99,798

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES, net

46,986 

 

8,399 

 

100,311 

 

 

155,696

INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLES

65,801 

 

317,954 

 

400,328 

 

(784,083)

 

-

INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATES

377,285 

 

 

1,233,368 

 

(1,610,122)

 

531

DEFERRED TAX ASSET

2,691 

 

17,805 

 

15,951 

 

(3,534)

 

32,913

OTHER ASSETS

2,898 

 

5,481 

 

4,982 

 

 

13,361

   

TOTAL ASSETS

$      507,255 

 

$      458,810 

 

$  1,997,404 

 

$   (2,397,739)

 

$      565,730

                       
   

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

               

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

                 
 

Current maturities of long-term debt

and capital lease obligations

$                 - 

 

$                 - 

 

$            223 

 

$                - 

 

$             223

 

Accounts payable

711 

 

5,753 

 

32,649 

 

 

39,113

 

Other accrued expenses

3,139 

 

19,907 

 

31,993 

 

 

55,039

     

3,850 

 

25,660 

 

64,865 

 

 

94,375

                       

LONG-TERM DEBT

 

300,000 

 

 

 

300,000

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

6,262 

 

7,426 

 

517 

 

 

14,205

DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY

 

 

3,534 

 

(3,534)

 

-

INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES

355,732 

 

41,324 

 

387,027 

 

(784,083)

 

-

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

16,204 

 

8,928 

 

4,689 

 

 

29,821

                       

MINORITY INTEREST

 

 

2,122 

 

 

2,122

                       

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

125,207 

 

75,472 

 

1,534,650 

 

(1,610,122)

 

125,207

   

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND

   SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

$      507,255 

 

$      458,810 

 

$  1,997,404 

 

$   (2,397,739)

 

$      565,730

 

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

                 
                       
   

(In thousands)

December 31, 2007

     

Core Laboratories N.V. (Parent/ Guarantor)

 

Core Laboratories LP (Issuer)

 

Other Subsidiaries (Non- Guarantors)

 

Consolidating Adjustments

 

Consolidated Total

   

ASSETS

                 

CURRENT ASSETS:

                 
 

Cash and cash equivalents

$          6,712

 

$       7,818 

 

$       11,087 

 

$                - 

 

$      25,617

 

Accounts receivable, net

114

 

28,782 

 

108,335 

 

 

137,231

 

Inventories, net

 

2,681 

 

26,682 

 

 

29,363

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

887

 

9,901 

 

17,700 

 

 

28,488

     

7,713

 

49,182 

 

163,804 

 

 

220,699

                       

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net

 

21,288 

 

71,750 

 

 

93,038

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES, net

46,986

 

8,652 

 

90,202 

 

 

145,840

INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLES

25,828

 

334,793 

 

327,791 

 

(688,412)

 

-

INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATES

267,943

 

 

914,018 

 

(1,181,727)

 

234

DEFERRED TAX ASSET

2,507

 

25,925 

 

1,726 

 

(4,134)

 

26,024

OTHER ASSETS

3,634

 

11,456 

 

3,865 

 

 

18,955

   

TOTAL ASSETS

$      354,611

 

$      451,296 

 

$  1,573,156 

 

$   (1,874,273)

 

$ 504,790

                       
   

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

               

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

                 
 

Current maturities of long-term debt and

   capital lease obligations

$          3,024

 

$             - 

 

$                3 

 

$                - 

 

$         3,027

 

Accounts payable

2,417

 

4,581 

 

32,863 

 

 

39,861

 

Other accrued expenses

1,325

 

21,057 

 

32,770 

 

 

55,152

     

6,766

 

25,638 

 

65,636 

 

 

98,040

                       

LONG-TERM DEBT

 

300,000 

 

 

 

300,000

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

5,688

 

7,980 

 

412 

 

 

14,080

DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY

4,134

 

 

 

(4,134)

 

-

INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES

264,976

 

66,550 

 

356,886 

 

(688,412)

 

-

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

10,904

 

8,716 

 

9,421 

 

 

29,041

                       

MINORITY INTEREST

 

 

1,486 

 

 

1,486

                       

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

62,143

 

42,412 

 

1,139,315 

 

(1,181,727)

 

62,143

   

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND

   SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

$      354,611

 

$      451,296 

 

$  1,573,156 

 

$   (1,874,273)

 

$      504,790

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations

               
                       
   

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2008

     

Core Laboratories N.V. (Parent/ Guarantor)

 

Core Laboratories LP (Issuer)

 

Other Subsidiaries (Non- Guarantors)

 

Consolidating Adjustments

 

Consolidated Total

REVENUES

                 
 

Operating revenues

$                   - 

 

$      48,168 

 

$    154,355 

 

$                - 

 

$    202,523 

 

Intercompany revenues

410 

 

4,553 

 

39,361 

 

(44,324)

 

 

Earnings from consolidated affiliates

42,187 

 

 

99,432 

 

(141,619)

 

   

Total revenues

42,597 

 

52,721 

 

293,148 

 

(185,943)

 

202,523 

                       

OPERATING EXPENSES

                 
 

Operating costs

371 

 

26,894 

 

106,940 

 

 

134,205 

 

General and administrative expenses

2,476 

 

4,378 

 

 

 

6,857 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,330 

 

4,232 

 

 

5,562 

 

Other expense (income), net

(1,526)

 

2,483 

 

30,447 

 

(30,575)

 

829 

                     

Operating income

41,276 

 

17,636 

 

151,526 

 

(155,368)

 

55,070 

Interest expense

 

268 

 

35 

 

 

303 

                   

Income before income tax expense

41,276 

 

17,368 

 

151,491 

 

(155,368)

 

54,767 

Income tax expense (benefit)

1,761 

 

3,652 

 

9,839 

 

 

15,252 

                   

NET INCOME

$         39,515 

 

$        13,716 

 

$     141,652 

 

$      (155,368)

 

$       39,515 

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations

               
                       
   

(In thousands)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008

     

Core Laboratories N.V. (Parent/ Guarantor)

 

Core Laboratories LP (Issuer)

 

Other Subsidiaries (Non- Guarantors)

 

Consolidating Adjustments

 

Consolidated Total

REVENUES

                 
 

Operating revenues

$                   - 

 

$      132,753 

 

$     446,895 

 

$                - 

 

$     579,648 

 

Intercompany revenues

1,021 

 

13,462 

 

106,798 

 

(121,281)

 

 

Earnings from consolidated affiliates

116,277 

 

 

258,661 

 

(374,938)

 

   

Total revenues

117,298 

 

146,215 

 

812,354 

 

(496,219)

 

579,648 

                       

OPERATING EXPENSES

                 
 

Operating costs

1,002 

 

73,567 

 

310,019 

 

 

384,588 

 

General and administrative expenses

8,970 

 

13,284 

 

51 

 

 

22,305 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4,030 

 

12,047 

 

 

16,077 

 

Other expense (income), net

1,708 

 

5,459 

 

79,822 

 

(84,668)

 

2,321 

                     

Operating income

105,618 

 

49,875 

 

410,415 

 

(411,551)

 

154,357 

Interest expense

57 

 

5,931 

 

35 

 

 

6,023 

                   

Income before income tax expense

105,561 

 

43,944 

 

410,380 

 

(411,551)

 

148,334 

Income tax expense (benefit)

3,002 

 

10,883 

 

31,890 

 

 

45,775 

                   

NET INCOME

$       102,559 

 

$        33,061 

 

$     378,490 

 

$      (411,551)

 

$     102,559 

 

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

               
                       
   

(In thousands)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008

     

Core Laboratories N.V. (Parent/ Guarantor)

 

Core Laboratories LP (Issuer)

 

Other Subsidiaries (Non- Guarantors)

 

Consolidating Adjustments

 

Consolidated Total

                   

Net cash provided by operating activities

$ 49,297 

 

$ 34,286 

 

$ 26,554 

 

$                - 

 

$     110,137 

                 

   

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

               
 

Capital expenditures

 

(8,446)

 

(13,157)

 

 

(21,603)

 

Patents and other intangibles

 

(37)

 

(218)

 

 

(255)

 

Acquisition, net of cash acquired

 

 

(11,536)

 

 

(11,536)

 

Minority interest - contribution

 

 

370 

 

 

370 

 

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

2,317 

 

997 

 

 

3,314 

 

Premiums on life insurance

 

(1,175)

 

 

 

(1,175)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(7,341)

 

(23,544)

 

 

(30,885)

                   

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

               
 

Repayment of debt

(3,024)

 

(5,000)

 

 

 

(8,024)

 

Proceeds from debt borrowings

 

5,000 

 

 

 

5,000 

 

Capital lease obligations

 

 

(130)

 

 

(130)

 

Stock options exercised

690 

 

 

 

 

690 

 

Excess tax benefit from stock-based payments

11,037 

 

 

 

 

11,037 

 

Dividends paid

(25,342)

 

 

 

 

(25,342)

 

Repurchase of common shares

(29,825)

 

 

 

 

(29,825)

Net cash used in financing activities

(46,464)

 

 

(130)

 

 

(46,594)

                   

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH

   EQUIVALENTS

2,833 

 

26,945 

 

2,880 

 

 

32,658 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,

   beginning of period

6,712 

 

7,818 

 

11,087 

 

 

25,617 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,

   end of period

$ 9,545 

 

$ 34,763 

 

$ 13,967 

 

$                - 

 

$       58,275 

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations

                       
   

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

     

Core Laboratories N.V. (Parent/ Guarantor)

 

Core Laboratories LP (Issuer)

 

Other Subsidiaries (Non- Guarantors)

 

Consolidating Adjustments

 

Consolidated Total

REVENUES

                 
 

Operating revenues

$                   - 

 

$      34,806 

 

$    135,259 

 

$                  - 

 

$     170,065 

 

Intercompany revenues

302 

 

4,366 

 

29,884 

 

(34,552)

 

 

Earnings from consolidated affiliates

35,324 

 

 

73,253 

 

(108,577)

 

   

Total revenues

35,626 

 

39,172 

 

238,396 

 

(143,129)

 

170,065 

                       

OPERATING EXPENSES

                 
 

Operating costs

257 

 

20,717 

 

91,573 

 

 

112,547 

 

General and administrative expenses

1,758 

 

5,247 

 

34 

 

 

7,039 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,300 

 

3,735 

 

 

5,035 

 

Other expense (income), net

(950)

 

2,191 

 

22,223 

 

(23,978)

 

(514)

                     

Operating income

34,561 

 

9,717 

 

120,831 

 

(119,151)

 

45,9588 

Interest expense

 

577 

 

32 

 

 

614 

                   

Income before income tax expense

34,556 

 

9,140 

 

120,799 

 

(119,151)

 

45,344 

Income tax expense (benefit)

3,042 

 

3,554 

 

7,234 

 

-  

 

13,830 

                   

NET INCOME

$         31,514 

 

$        5,586 

 

$     113,565 

 

$      (119,151)

 

$       31,514 

 

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations

                       
   

(In thousands)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

     

Core Laboratories N.V. (Parent/ Guarantor)

 

Core Laboratories LP (Issuer)

 

Other Subsidiaries (Non- Guarantors)

 

Consolidating Adjustments

 

Consolidated Total

REVENUES

                 
 

Operating revenues

$                   - 

 

$      99,662 

 

$    394,519 

 

$                  - 

 

$     494,181 

 

Intercompany revenues

908 

 

13,174 

 

91,455 

 

(105,537)

 

 

Earnings from consolidated affiliates

94,917 

 

 

150,550 

 

(245,467)

 

   

Total revenues

95,825 

 

112,836 

 

636,524 

 

(351,004)

 

494,181 

                       

OPERATING EXPENSES

                 
 

Operating costs

809 

 

59,503 

 

272,833 

 

 

333,145 

 

General and administrative expenses

6,033 

 

18,731 

 

34 

 

 

24,798 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

3,927 

 

10,583 

 

 

14,510 

 

Other expense (income), net

(2,244)

 

6,389 

 

64,439 

 

(71,434)

 

(2,850)

                     

Operating income

91,227 

 

24,286 

 

288,635 

 

(279,570)

 

124,578 

Interest expense

63 

 

1,782 

 

36 

 

 

1,881 

                   

Income before income tax expense

91,164 

 

22,504 

 

288,599 

 

(279,570)

 

122,697 

Income tax expense (benefit)

5,585 

 

8,704 

 

22,829 

 

-  

 

37,118 

                   

NET INCOME

$         85,579 

 

$        13,800 

 

$     265,770 

 

$      (279,570)

 

$       85,579 

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

                       
   

(In thousands)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

     

Core Laboratories N.V. (Parent/ Guarantor)

 

Core Laboratories LP (Issuer)

 

Other Subsidiaries (Non- Guarantors)

 

Consolidating Adjustments

 

Consolidated Total

                   

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

$ 106,407 

 

$ (16,573)

 

$ (2,019)

 

$                - 

 

$     87,815 

                 

 

   

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

               
 

Capital expenditures

 

(3,685)

 

(11,600)

 

 

(15,285)

 

Patents and other intangibles

 

(57)

 

(195)

 

 

(252)

 

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(5,012)

 

 

 

(5,012)

 

Deposit on sale of asset

 

 

13,475 

 

 

13,475 

 

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

30 

 

458 

 

 

488 

 

Premiums on life insurance

 

(1,199)

 

 

 

(1,199)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(9,923)

 

2,138 

 

 

(7,785)

                   

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

               
 

Repayment of debt

(2,654)

 

(100)

 

 

 

(2,754)

 

Capital lease obligations

 

 

(4)

 

 

(4)

 

Stock options exercised

18,184 

 

 

 

 

18,184 

 

Tax benefits from stock-based compensation

20,328 

 

 

 

 

20,328 

 

Debt issuance costs

 

(162)

 

 

 

(162)

 

Repurchase of common shares

(127,677)

 

 

 

 

(127,677)

Net cash used in financing activities

(91,819)

 

(262)

 

(4)

 

 

(92,085)

                   

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH

   EQUIVALENTS

14,588

 

(26,758)

 

115 

 

 

(12,055)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,

   beginning of period

1,572 

 

35,385 

 

17,266 

 

 

54,223 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,

   end of period

$ 16,160 

 

$ 8,627 

 

$ 17,381 

 

$                - 

 

$       42,168 

 

 

13. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations ("SFAS 141R") which replaces SFAS No.141, Business Combination. SFAS 141R retains the fundamental requirements of SFAS 141 that the acquisition method of accounting be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination. In addition, SFAS 141R's scope is broader in that it applies to all transactions and other events in which one entity obtains control over one or more other businesses. SFAS 141R is effective on a prospective basis for all business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual period subsequent to December 15, 2008 and early adoption is not allowed. We are currently evaluating the effects that SFAS 141R may have on any future business combinations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No. 51 ("SFAS 160"). SFAS 160 requires companies with noncontrolling interests to disclose such interests clearly as a portion of equity separate from the parent's equity and the amount of consolidated net income attributable to these noncontrolling interests must also be clearly presented on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In addition, when a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary will be initially measured at fair value and recorded as a gain or loss. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the effects that SFAS 160 may have on our financial position and results of operations.

In May 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") No. APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement) ("APB 14-1"). APB 14-1 specifies that issuers of such instruments should separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner that will reflect the entity's nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. This FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, interim periods within those fiscal years, and is applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Based on our preliminary assessment of this pronouncement, on January 1, 2009 we expect to record a discount on our Notes of $55.4 million with an offsetting increase recorded to Shareholders' Equity. The discount will be amortized into interest expense over the remaining expected life of the Notes, and increase interest expense by approximately $18.3 million in 2009, $19.6 million in 2010, and $17.5 million in 2011.

 

 

14. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

As part of the issuance of the Notes, we entered into an exchangeable senior note hedge transaction in October 2006 (the "Call Option") through one of our subsidiaries with Lehman Brothers OTC Derivatives Inc. ("Lehman OTC") whereby Lehman OTC is obligated to deliver to us an amount of shares required to cover the shares issuable upon conversion of the Notes. On October 3, 2008, Lehman OTC filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Although we may not retain the benefit of the Call Option, if Lehman OTC fails to perform under the contract, we believe the impact will not be material and would not affect our income statement presentation. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, our reported fully diluted earnings per share include the issuance of shares upon the conversion of the Notes without giving effect to the shares that may be received from Lehman OTC under the Call Option, which is considered anti-dilutive. In addition, we do not expect Lehman OTC's default to result in a direct impact on our balance sheet as the Call Option was initially recorded as an equity transaction. We are currently unable to ascertain whether any value would be established for our unsecured position or how this will ultimately be resolved through the bankruptcy proceedings.

Separate from the Call Option, we also sold Lehman OTC a warrant, for which we received consideration, to purchase up to 3.2 million common shares at an exercise price of $126.52. The warrant becomes exercisable beginning in late December 2011 and expires in January 2012. We are continuing to assess our options under the warrant agreement as a result of Lehman OTC's bankruptcy filing, but we do not believe it will have a direct material impact to our financial results.

The derivative transactions described above do not affect the terms of the outstanding Notes.

Return to Index

 

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

The following discussion summarizes the financial position of Core Laboratories N.V. and its subsidiaries as of September 30, 2008 and should be read in conjunction with (i) the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and (ii) the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

General

Core Laboratories N.V. is a Netherlands limited liability company. It was established in 1936 and is one of the world's leading providers of proprietary and patented reservoir description, production enhancement and reservoir management products and services to the oil and gas industry. These products and services can enable our clients to improve reservoir performance and increase oil and gas recovery from their producing fields. Core Laboratories N.V. has over 70 offices in more than 50 countries and employs approximately 5,000 people worldwide.

References to "Core Lab", "we", "our", and similar phrases are used throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and relate collectively to Core Laboratories N.V. and its consolidated affiliates.

Our business units have been aggregated into three complementary segments, which provide products and services for improving reservoir performance and increasing oil and gas recovery from new and existing fields.

*

Reservoir Description: Encompasses the characterization of petroleum reservoir rock, fluid and gas samples. We provide analytical and field services to characterize properties of crude oil and petroleum products to the oil and gas industry.

   

*

Production Enhancement: Includes products and services relating to reservoir well completions, perforations, stimulations and production. We provide integrated services to evaluate the effectiveness of well completions and to develop solutions aimed at increasing the effectiveness of enhanced oil recovery projects.

   

*

Reservoir Management: Combines and integrates information from reservoir description and production enhancement services to increase production and improve recovery of oil and gas from our clients' reservoirs.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This quarterly report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Certain of the statements contained in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section, including those under the headings "Outlook" and "Liquidity and Capital Resources", and in other parts of this Form 10-Q, are forward looking. In addition, from time to time, we may publish forward-looking statements relating to such matters as anticipated financial performance, business prospects, technological developments, new products, research and development activities and similar matters. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "continue", or other similar words, including statements as to the intent, belief, or current expectations of our directors, officers, and management with respect to our future operations, performance, or positions or which contain other forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are predictions. No assurances can be given that the future results indicated, whether expressed or implied, will be achieved. Our actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. While we believe that these statements are and will be accurate, a variety of factors could cause our actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in our statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties summarized below:

-

general and economic business conditions;

   

-

prices of oil and natural gas and industry expectations about future prices;

   

-

foreign exchange controls and currency fluctuations;

   

-

political stability in the countries in which we operate;

   

-

the business opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to and pursued by us;

   

-

changes in laws or regulations;

   

-

the validity of the assumptions used in the design of our disclosure controls and procedures; and

   

-

the financial condition of our client base and their ability to fund capital expenditures.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For a more detailed discussion of some of the foregoing risks and uncertainties, see "Item 1A - Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, as well as the other reports filed by us with the SEC.

Outlook

We continue our efforts to expand our market presence by opening facilities in strategic areas and realizing synergies within our business lines. We believe our market presence provides us a unique opportunity to service customers who have global operations in addition to the national oil companies.

We have established internal earnings targets for 2008 that are based primarily on market conditions existing at the time our targets are established. Based on discussions in the Spring of 2008 with our clients and our view of the industry, we anticipated that in 2008 spending by our international clients would increase approximately 20% while we expected North American spending to increase approximately 10%. Attaining our internal targets is dependent on, among other things, commodity prices and oilfield activity sustained at those levels. However, given the recent sharp declines in commodity prices and announced reductions in capital expenditure programs by certain of our clients, oilfield activity levels may not grow at the same rate as earlier expected, and could perhaps decrease on a year-over-year basis. It is too early to determine the impact of these recently announced changes in capital programs by certain of our clients.

Results of Operations

Unaudited results of operations as a percentage of applicable revenue were as follows (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

% Change

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008/2007

REVENUES:

     

Service

$   154,297 

 

76% 

 

$   131,060 

 

77% 

 

18% 

Product sale

48,226 

 

24% 

 

39,005 

 

23% 

 

24% 

  Total revenue

202,523 

 

100% 

 

170,065 

 

100% 

 

19% 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

                 

Cost of services*

100,264 

 

65% 

 

84,863 

 

65% 

 

18% 

Cost of sales*

33,941 

 

70% 

 

27,684 

 

71% 

 

23% 

  Total cost of services and sales

134,205 

 

66% 

 

112,547 

 

66% 

 

19% 

General and administrative expenses

6,857 

 

4% 

 

7,039 

 

4% 

 

(3%)

Depreciation and amortization

5,562 

 

3% 

 

5,035 

 

3% 

 

10% 

Other expense (income), net

829 

 

 

(514)

 

-  

 

(261%)

Operating income

55,070 

 

27% 

 

45,958 

 

27% 

 

20% 

Interest expense

303 

 

 

614 

 

-  

 

(51%)

Income before income tax expense

54,767 

 

27% 

 

45,344 

 

27% 

 

21% 

Income tax expense

15,252 

 

7% 

 

13,830 

 

8% 

 

10% 

  NET INCOME

$     39,515 

 

20% 

 

$     31,514 

 

19% 

 

25% 

                   

*Percentage based on applicable revenue rather than total revenue

       



 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

% Change

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008/2007

REVENUES:

     

Service

$    446,700 

 

77% 

 

$    374,212 

 

76% 

 

19% 

Product sale

132,948 

 

23% 

 

119,969 

 

24% 

 

11% 

  Total revenue

579,648 

 

100% 

 

494,181 

 

100% 

 

17% 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

                 

Cost of services*

291,315 

 

65% 

 

249,140 

 

67% 

 

17% 

Cost of sales*

93,273 

 

70% 

 

84,005 

 

70% 

 

11% 

  Total cost of services and sales

384,588 

 

66% 

 

333,145 

 

67% 

 

15% 

General and administrative expenses

22,305 

 

4% 

 

24,798 

 

5% 

 

(10%)

Depreciation and amortization

16,077 

 

3% 

 

14,510 

 

3% 

 

11% 

Other expense (income), net

2,321 

 

 

(2,850)

 

(1%)

 

(181%)

Operating income

154,357 

 

27% 

 

124,578 

 

25% 

 

24% 

Interest expense

6,023 

 

1% 

 

1,881 

 

-  

 

220% 

Income before income tax expense

148,334 

 

26% 

 

122,697 

 

25% 

 

21% 

Income tax expense

45,775 

 

8% 

 

37,118 

 

8% 

 

23% 

  NET INCOME

$    102,559 

 

18% 

 

$      85,579 

 

17% 

 

20% 

                   

*Percentage based on applicable revenue rather than total revenue

       

 

Operating Results for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 (unaudited)

Service Revenues

Service revenues increased to $154.3 million for the third quarter of 2008, up 18% when compared to $131.1 million for the third quarter of 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, service revenues increased 19% to $446.7 million compared to $374.2 million for the respective period in 2007. This increase in revenue was largely attributable to an increase in worldwide oilfield activities, acceptance of recently introduced services to our customers and continued demand for our reservoir optimizing technologies in several North American projects related to oil sands, tight-gas sands, and shale reservoirs. The revenue growth was also driven, in part, by our continued expansion in West Africa, the Middle East and Asia along with our worldwide deepwater evaluation projects.

Product Sale Revenues

Revenues associated with product sales increased to $48.2 million for the third quarter of 2008, up 24% from $39.0 million for the third quarter of 2007, exceeding the 13% increase in the North American rig count. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, product sale revenues increased 11% to $132.9 million compared to $120.0 million for the same period in 2007. These increases were primarily the result of continued market penetration and acceptance of new reservoir optimizing technologies introduced in 2007 and 2008 coupled with the continued increase in drilling activity on a global basis, but more specifically for natural gas in the North American markets.

Cost of Services

Cost of services expressed as a percentage of service revenue was 65% for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, which was comparable to the corresponding quarter in 2007. For the nine-month period ending September 30, 2008, cost of services expressed as a percentage of service revenue was 65% as compared to 67% for the same period for 2007. The decline in the cost of services relative to service revenue was primarily as a result of higher incremental margins earned on increased revenues over our relatively fixed cost structure. Incremental margins are calculated as the change in operating income divided by the change in revenues.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales as a percentage of product sale revenues was 70% for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, which improved slightly from the 71% for the same period in 2007. For the nine month period ending September 30, 2008, cost of product sales expressed as a percentage of sales revenue was 70% which was comparable with the same period in 2007. The continuation of improved margins is due to an increased demand for recently introduced higher margin products and from a continued improvement in our manufacturing efficiencies and improved inventory management of our well completion and perforating systems.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses totaled $6.9 million for the third quarter of 2008, a slight improvement when compared to $7.0 million for the third quarter of 2007. For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, general and administrative expenses were $2.5 million lower, at $22.3 million from $24.8 million, the result of lower compensation benefits for certain members of management in 2008 compared to 2007.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense of $5.6 million for the third quarter of 2008, an increase of $0.6 million from $5.0 million for the third quarter of 2007. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, depreciation and amortization expense was $16.1 million, an increase of $1.6 million from the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007. This increase in depreciation and amortization expense was due to the expansion of our capital expenditure program to fund operational growth.

Other Expense (Income), Net

Other expense (income), net consisted of the following at September 30, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

Minority interest

$       102 

 

$        122 

 

$        283 

 

$        153 

Gain on sale of assets

(125)

 

(30)

 

(1,719)

 

(249)

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

2,364 

(352)

1,885 

(827)

Interest income

(392)

 

(136)

 

(685)

 

(1,047)

Non-income tax accrual

 

 

5,030 

 

Other, net

(1,120)

 

(118)

 

(2,473)

 

(880)

  Total other expense (income), net

$       829 

 

$      (514)

 

$    2,321 

 

$   (2,850)

During the first quarter of 2008, we revised our estimate of a contingent liability associated with non-income related taxes, and as a result, a charge to income of $5.0 million was recorded. Additionally, we recorded a gain of $1.1 million in connection with the sale of a small office building.

Foreign exchange losses (gains) by currency are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

Australian Dollar

$        384 

 

$        (26)

 

$        353 

 

$       (56)

British Pound

308 

 

(8)

 

320 

 

(9)

Canadian Dollar

498 

 

(199)

 

774 

 

(443)

Euro

241 

 

(198)

 

(153)

 

(282)

Russian Ruble

283 

 

(152)

 

22 

 

(223)

Other currencies, net

650 

231 

569 

186 

  Total loss (gain)

$     2,364 

 

$      (352)

 

$     1,885 

 

$     (827)

Income Tax Expense

The effective tax rates for the third quarter of 2008 and 2007 were 27.8% and 30.5%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2008 yields a projected annual tax rate of 31.2% and relates to assessments from ongoing tax audits for years 1998 thru 2004 that were less than the amount that had been previously reserved in addition to adjustments to prior reserves upon the completion of 2007 tax returns filed in various tax jurisdictions. 

 

Segment Analysis

Our operations are managed primarily in three complementary segments - Reservoir Description, Production Enhancement and Reservoir Management. The following table summarizes our results by operating segment for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

Revenues:

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

Reservoir Description

$  112,037

 

$    97,476

 

$  326,695

 

$  274,437

Production Enhancement

78,848

 

61,998

 

217,578

 

181,566

Reservoir Management

11,638

 

10,591

 

35,375

 

38,178

   Consolidated

$  202,523

 

$  170,065

 

$  579,648

 

$  494,181

Operating income:

Reservoir Description

$   25,455 

 

$   26,108 

 

$   77,441 

 

$   64,307 

Production Enhancement

26,622 

 

17,426 

 

71,745 

 

49,678 

Reservoir Management

3,089 

 

2,357 

 

10,278 

 

10,171 

Corporate and Other1

(96)

 

67 

 

(5,107)

 

422 

   Consolidated

$   55,070 

 

$   45,958 

 

$ 154,357 

 

$ 124,578 

               

1) "Corporate and Other" represents those items that are not directly related to a particular segment

Reservoir Description

Revenues from the Reservoir Description segment increased $14.5 million to $112.0 million in the third quarter of 2008, compared to $97.5 million in the third quarter of 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 revenues increased $52.3 million to $326.7 million from $274.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The revenue increase resulted from continued expansion of and several new reservoir rock and reservoir fluids characterization projects in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. The revenue growth was also driven, in part, by the continued expansion of worldwide deepwater projects in West Africa.

Operating income in the third quarter of 2008 decreased by 3%, or $0.6 million, to $25.5 million compared to $26.1 million for the third quarter of 2007. Operating income for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 increased by 20%, or $13.1 million, to $77.4 million. The decrease in operating income for the quarter was primarily due to high foreign exchange expense and power outages along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast region following Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, causing several facilities to be offline for more than a week as well as affecting our clients' operations. The increase in operating income for the year was primarily due to higher incremental margins earned from increased sales over our relatively fixed cost structure offset by high foreign exchange expense in the third quarter of 2008. Operating margins for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008 were 23% and 24%, respectively, compared to 27% and 23% for the same periods in 2007, respectively.

 

Production Enhancement

Revenues from the Production Enhancement segment increased $16.8 million to $78.8 million in the third quarter of 2008 as compared to $62.0 million in the third quarter in 2007, and revenues increased $36.0 million to $217.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to $181.6 million for the same period in 2007. The primary reason for the increase in our revenues in this segment continues to be the market penetration and client acceptance of our well perforating and completion products and our fracture diagnostic services.

Operating income in the third quarter of 2008 increased by 53%, or $9.2 million, to $26.6 million from $17.4 million for the third quarter of 2007. Operating margins increased to 34% in the third quarter of 2008 compared to 28% for the same period in 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, operating income increased to $71.7 million, an increase of 44% over the same period in 2007. These margin improvements were primarily due to increased market penetration of higher-margin services and products including our proprietary and patented fracture diagnostic technologies, such as our SpectraScan™ and SpectraChem™ tracer service and our new SuperHERO Plus+™ perforating charges and gun systems.

 

Reservoir Management

Revenues from the Reservoir Management segment increased $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2008 as compared to the third quarter of 2007. Revenues for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 were $35.4 million, a decrease of 7% from $38.2 million from the same period in 2007. The increase in revenue for the quarter was due to continued interest in several of our existing multi-client reservoir studies. During the quarter a new study was initiated in response to recent discoveries of crude oil and natural gas offshore of Vietnam. The decrease in revenue for the year was a result of the culmination of several large Venezuela based projects for reservoir monitoring systems in the second quarter of 2007 which offset the continued expansion of the multi-client reservoir study sales in the U.S. and new studies being performed.

Operating income in the third quarter of 2008 increased 31% to $3.1 million from $2.4 million for the third quarter of 2007. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, operating income was $10.3 million, as compared to operating income of $10.2 million from the same period in 2007. The increase in operating income was primarily related to new licenses of several of our existing multi-client studies. The increase in operating income for the year was primarily due to the continued expansion of the multi-client reservoir study sales and new studies being performed. This increase in operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was partially offset by the culmination of several large products in the second quarter of 2007.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

We have historically financed our activities through cash on hand, cash flows from operations, bank credit facilities, or the issuance of debt and equity financing.

We utilize the non-GAAP financial measure of free cash flow to evaluate our cash flows and results of operations. Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities (which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure) less capital expenditures. Management believes that free cash flow provides useful information to investors as it represents the cash that was available in the period which was in excess of our needs to fund our capital expenditures and operate the business. Free cash flow is not a measure of operating performance under GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation nor construed as an alternative to operating profit, net income (loss) or cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities, each as determined in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, since free cash flow is not a measure determined in accordance with GAAP and thus is susceptible to varying interpretations and calculations, free cash flow as presented, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. The following table reconciles this non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP for the nine month period ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

   

2008

 

2007

Free cash flow calculation:

 

(unaudited)

Net cash provided by operating activities

$  110,137

$   87,815

Less: capital expenditures

 

21,603

 

15,285

    Free cash flow

 

$    88,534

 

$   72,530

The increase in free cash flow in 2008 compared to 2007 was due to a higher net income, which was partially offset by an increase in capital expenditures. Additionally, working capital, excluding cash, increased at a reduced rate in the third quarter of 2008 as compared to third quarter of 2007, and therefore had less of an impact on cash flow in the current year. At September 30, 2008, we had working capital of $169.1 million. At December 31, 2007 we had working capital of $122.7 million.

 

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

   

2008

 

2007

Cash provided by/(used in):

 

(unaudited)

    Operating activities

$  110,137 

$     87,815 

    Investing activities

 

(30,885)

 

(7,785)

    Financing activities

 

(46,594)

 

(92,085)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

$    32,658 

 

$   (12,055)

The increase in cash flows provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to an increase in net income along with a decrease in the growth of accounts receivable offset by a reduction in liabilities.

The increase in cash flows used in investing activities was due to an increase in capital expenditures for the period of $6.3 million, a larger acquisition in 2008 and less cash received from asset sales.

The decrease in cash flows used in financing activities related primarily to a decrease in the number of shares repurchased under our common share repurchase program. In the first nine months of 2008, we repurchased 260,915 shares for an aggregate price of $29.8 million compared to 1.4 million shares for an aggregate price of $127.7 million during the same period in 2007. In addition, fewer stock options were exercised and less excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation were recognized in 2008 offset by dividends of $25.3 million paid in 2008.

We maintain a revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") that allows for an aggregate borrowing capacity of $100.0 million. As amended, this facility provides an option to increase the commitment under the Credit Facility to $150.0 million, if certain conditions are met. The Credit Facility bears interest at variable rates from LIBOR plus 0.5% to a maximum of LIBOR plus 1.125%. Any outstanding balance under the Credit Facility is due in December 2010 when the Credit Facility matures. Interest payment terms are variable depending upon the specific type of borrowing under this facility. Our available capacity is reduced by outstanding unsecured letters of credit and performance guarantees and bonds totaling $8.9 million at September 30, 2008 relating to certain projects in progress. Our available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility at September 30, 2008 was $91.1 million.

The terms of the Credit Facility require us to meet certain financial and operational covenants. We believe that we are in compliance with all such covenants at September 30, 2008. All of our material, wholly owned subsidiaries are guarantors or co-borrowers under the Credit Facility.

Our ability to maintain and grow our operating income and cash flow depends, to a large extent, on continued investing activities. We are a Netherlands holding company and substantially all of our operations are conducted through subsidiaries. Consequently, our cash flow depends upon the ability of our subsidiaries to pay cash dividends or otherwise distribute or advance funds to us. We believe our future cash flows from operations, supplemented by our borrowing capacity and issuances of additional equity should be sufficient to fund our debt requirements, capital expenditures, working capital, dividend payments and future acquisitions.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations ("SFAS 141R") which replaces SFAS No.141, Business Combination. SFAS 141R retains the fundamental requirements of SFAS 141 that the acquisition method of accounting be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination. In addition, SFAS 141R's scope is broader in that it applies to all transactions and other events in which one entity obtains control over one or more other businesses. SFAS 141R is effective on a prospective basis for all business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual period subsequent to December 15, 2008 and early adoption is not allowed. We are currently evaluating the effects that SFAS 141R may have on any future business combinations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No. 51 ("SFAS 160"). SFAS 160 requires companies with noncontrolling interests to disclose such interests clearly as a portion of equity separate from the parent's equity and the amount of consolidated net income attributable to these noncontrolling interests must also be clearly presented on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In addition, when a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary will be initially measured at fair value and recorded as a gain or loss. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the effects that SFAS 160 may have on our financial position and results of operations.

In May 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") No. APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement) ("APB 14-1"). APB 14-1 specifies that issuers of such instruments should separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner that will reflect the entity's nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. This FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, interim periods within those fiscal years, and is applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Based on our preliminary assessment of this pronouncement, on January 1, 2009 we expect to record a discount on our Notes for $55.4 million with and offset recorded against Additional Paid-In Capital. The discount will be amortized into interest expense over the remaining expected life of the Notes, and increase interest expense by approximately $18.3 million in 2009, $19.6 million in 2010, and $17.5 million in 2011.

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures of Market Risk

There have been no material changes in market risk from the information provided in Item 7A. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as of December 31, 2007.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

A complete discussion of our controls and procedures is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, under the supervision of and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of Core Laboratories N.V.'s disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2008 at the reasonable assurance level. Our management does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. Further, the design of disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, during our fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See Note 6 of Consolidated Interim Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results. An additional risk factor to those listed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K is listed below.

Recent decreases in the market price of oil and natural gas and disruptions in the global financial markets may decrease demand for our oilfield products and services and cause downward pressure on the prices we charge.

During the third quarter of 2008, the market price of oil and natural gas decreased significantly.  In addition, recent disruptions and instability in the global financial markets have resulted in a significant reduction in the availability of funds from equity and debt capital markets and other credit markets. As a result of these developments, many of our customers may be unable to implement their development plans and may be forced to significantly reduce their capital expenditures. This may result in diminished demand for our oilfield products and services and cause downward pressure on the prices we charge or the level of work that we do for our clients. A significant or prolonged reduction in demand for oilfield services could adversely affect our operating results.

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

The following table provides information about purchases of equity securities that are registered by us pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the quarter ended September 30, 2008:

Period

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased

 

Average Price Paid Per Share

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Program

 

Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet be Purchased Under the Program

July 1-31, 2008

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

August 1-31, 2008 (1)

 

374

 

$ 119.88

 

-

 

37,034

September 1-30, 2008

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

37,034

Total

 

374

 

$ 119.88

 

-

   

(1) Shares valued at $44,835, or $119.88 per share, surrendered to us by participants in a stock-based compensation plan to settle any required withholding of personal tax that may result from the award in August 2008.

Under recently amended Dutch law, and subject to certain Dutch statutory provisions, and with shareholder approval we will be permitted to repurchase up to 50% of our issued share capital in open market purchases. In connection with our initial public offering in September 1995 and Dutch law in effect at the time, our shareholders authorized our Management Board to repurchase up to 10% of our issued share capital for a period of 18 months. At each annual shareholders' meeting subsequent to 1995, our shareholders have renewed that authorization.

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Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit No.

Exhibit Title

Incorporated by reference from the following documents

3.1

-

Articles of Association of Core Laboratories N.V., as amended (including English translation)

Form F-1, September 20, 1995 (File No. 000-26710)

3.2

-

Amendments to the Articles of Association of Core Laboratories N.V.

Proxy Statement dated May 17, 2006 for Annual Meeting of Shareholders

31.1

-

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


Filed herewith

31.2

-

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


Filed herewith

32.1

-

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


Furnished herewith

32.2

-

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


Furnished herewith

       

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SIGNATURE

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

 

 

CORE LABORATORIES N.V.

 

By:

Core Laboratories International B.V., its

   

Managing Director

     

Date:

October 24, 2008

By:

/s/ Richard L. Bergmark

   

Richard L. Bergmark

   

Chief Financial Officer

   

Duly Authorized Officer and

   

Principal Financial Officer

 

 

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