UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One)

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

or

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number: 1-7677

 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (405) 235-4546

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  ☐    Yes  ☒    No

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  ☐    Yes  ☒    No

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

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ☐

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 definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

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

The aggregate market value of the Registrant’s voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the price at which the voting common stock was last sold as of June 30, 2017, was approximately $259 million.  As a result, the Registrant is an accelerated filer as of December 31, 2017.  For purposes of this computation, shares of the Registrant’s common stock beneficially owned by each executive officer and director of the Registrant were deemed to be owned by affiliates of the Registrant as of June 30, 2017.  Such determination should not be deemed an admission that such executive officers and directors of our common stock are, in fact, affiliates of the Registrant or affiliates as of the date of this Form 10-K.

As of February 16, 2018, the Registrant had 28,602,954 shares of common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of its 2017 fiscal year, are incorporated by reference in Part III.

 

 

 

 

 

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PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

Overview

All references to "LSB Industries,” “LSB,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to LSB Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries, except where the context makes clear that the reference is only to LSB Industries, Inc. itself and not its subsidiaries.  Notes referenced throughout this document refer to consolidated financial statement footnote disclosures that are found in Item 8.

The Company was formed in 1968 as an Oklahoma corporation and became a Delaware corporation in 1977. We manufacture and market chemical products for the agricultural, industrial and mining markets.  We own and operate facilities in El Dorado, Arkansas (the “El Dorado Facility”), Cherokee, Alabama (the “Cherokee Facility”), and Pryor, Oklahoma (the “Pryor Facility”), and we operate a facility for Covestro AG (“Covestro”) in Baytown, Texas (the “Baytown Facility”).  Our products are sold through distributors and directly to end customers throughout the United States.

Our Business

Our business manufactures products for three principal markets:

The products we manufacture are primarily derived from two raw material feedstocks: natural gas and ammonia.  Our facilities and production processes have been designed to produce products that are marketable at nearly each stage of production.  This has allowed us to develop and deploy a business model that optimizes the mix of products to capture the value opportunities in the end markets we serve with a focus on balancing our production.

The chart below highlights representative products and applications in each of our end markets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The following table summarizes net sales information relating to our products:

 

Prior to July 1, 2016, we manufactured and sold a range of heating, ventilation and air conditioning products and related services (the “Climate Control Business”).  These products were primarily used in commercial, institutional and residential new building construction and renovations.  On July 1, 2016, we sold the Climate Control Business.

For information regarding our net sales, operating income or losses and total assets for the past three fiscal years, see the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

Our Strategy

We pursue a strategy of balancing the sale of product as fertilizer into the agriculture markets at spot prices or short duration pre-sales and developing industrial and mining customers that purchase substantial quantities of products, primarily under contractual obligations and/or pricing arrangements that provide for the pass through of raw material and other manufacturing costs.  We believe that this product and market diversification strategy allows us to have more consistent levels of production then some of our competitors and helps reduce the volatility risk inherent in the prices of our raw material feedstocks and/or the changes in demand for our products.

The strategy of developing industrial and mining customers is to moderate the risk inherent in the agricultural markets where spot sales prices of our agricultural products may not have a correlation to the natural gas feedstock costs but rather reflect market conditions for like and competing nitrogen sources.  This volatility of sales pricing in our agricultural products may, from time to time, compromise our ability to recover our full cost to produce the product.  Additionally, the lack of sufficient non-seasonal agricultural sales volume to operate our manufacturing facilities at optimum levels can preclude us from balancing production and storage capabilities. Looking forward, we continually pursue profitable growth and margin enhancement.  Our strategy calls for continued emphasis on the agricultural sector, while remaining committed to further developing industrial customers who assume the volatility risk associated with the raw material costs and mitigate the effects of seasonality in the agricultural sector.

Our strategy also includes evaluating investment in expansion projects, along with reliability and efficiency improvement projects.

Key Initiatives for 2018

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

Additionally, specific to our Pryor Facility, we engaged several outside engineering firms to assist us in an overall plant reliability study which will be used to enhance our reliability improvement plan for that facility.  We expect the study to be completed during the second quarter of 2018.

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In addition, through increased marketing efforts, we increased our sales volumes of Nitric Acid by approximately 18,000 tons from 82,000 tons in 2016 to 100,000 tons in 2017.  We will continue to focus on increasing our marketing efforts in order to expand our market for our nitric acid products in North America.

Over the last 18 months, we have reduced our SG&A and plant expenses over $12 million annually and believe, in addition to the procurement initiative discussed above, there is still an opportunity to further reduce those expenses.  

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

Our Competitive Strengths

Strategically Located Chemical Assets and Long-Standing Customer Relationships

Our business benefits from highly advantaged locations with logistical and distribution benefits.  We have access to the ammonia pipeline from the U.S. Gulf at our El Dorado Facility, which provides low cost transportation to distribution points.  The El Dorado Facility also has rail access that is in close proximity to our HDAN customers.  Our Cherokee Facility is located east of the Mississippi River, allowing it to reach customers that are not freight logical for others.  Our Cherokee Facility sits adjacent to the Tennessee River, providing barge access, in addition to truck and rail access.  Our Pryor Facility is located in the heart of the Southern Plains with close proximity to the Port of Catoosa along with strategic rail and truck access.

Advantaged and Improving Raw Material Cost Position

We believe we are able to effectively manage input costs for our primary raw materials, natural gas and ammonia, which allows us to partially offset the impact of volatility in feedstock costs in our business.  We currently produce ammonia at our El Dorado Facility, our Cherokee Facility and our Pryor Facility, which allows us to take advantage of the spread between producing and purchasing ammonia at those facilities.  Additionally, our Pryor Facility has a natural gas cost advantage as its cost of gas is materially lower than our El Dorado and Cherokee Facilities.  The Baytown Facility does not produce ammonia and therefore purchases between 135,000 to 145,000 tons of ammonia per year.  However, under our long-term contract with Covestro, we pass through the full cost of the ammonia, leaving us with no exposure to ammonia price fluctuations.

Diversified Sources of Revenue

Our business serves a broad range of end markets, which we believe diminishes the cyclicality of our financial performance.  Our business serves the agricultural, industrial and mining markets.  The flexible nature of our production process allows us the ability to shift our product mix based on end market demand.

Operation of Multiple Facilities and High Production Capacity

We operate our business through several facilities.  Operating multiple facilities diversifies the risk and impact of operational issues that may occur at a single plant, which gives us a strategic advantage over competitors that operate their company through a single facility.  Additionally, our competitive production capacity of our combined plants allows us to decrease manufacturing costs, helping us to achieve enhanced margins.

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Market Conditions

As discussed in more detail under “Key Industry Factors” of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (“MD&A”) contained in Item 7 of this report, agricultural fertilizer demand is a significant driver of our sales volumes.  This demand is influenced by the number of acres planted of crops, principally corn, that require fertilizer to grow and to enhance yield.  Corn prices affect the number of acres of corn planted in a given year, and the number of acres planted will influence nitrogen fertilizer consumption, likely affecting ammonia, UAN and urea prices.  Weather also has an effect on fertilizer application and consumption.  

The World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates Report (“WASDE”) released February 8, 2018 reports U.S. corn production for 2016/2017 (“2017 Crop”) was 15.2 billion bushels, up 11.4% from 2015/2016 (“2016 Crop”), reflecting increases in planted and harvested acres.  In addition, they estimate yields per acre of 174.6 bushels per acre for the 2017 Crop compared to 168.4 bushels per acre for the 2016 Crop.  This report also estimates world corn ending stocks for 2017/2018 (“2018 Crop”) at 203.1 million tons, a decrease over the 2017 Crop ending stocks of approximately 11.6% while U.S. corn ending stocks of 59.8 million tons, an increase of approximately 3% over the prior year.  This has led the WASDE to estimate that U.S. growers will plant 90.2 million acres of corn in the 2018 Crop, a decrease of 3.8 million acres over the previous year, with expected yields of 176.6 bushels per acre, a 1% increase in yield from the previous year.

In our industrial markets, our sales volumes are typically driven by changes in general economic conditions, energy prices, and our contractual arrangements with certain large customers.  Our mining products are generally sold into the coal, metals and mineral mining and aggregates markets with the majority of those sales being sold into the coal markets.  As such, U.S. annual coal production will drive sale volumes of our mining products and over the past several years, U.S. coal production has been negatively impacted by low natural gas prices among other things.  The U.S. Energy Information Administration (“EIA”) reported, that annual coal production in the U.S. for the full year 2017 was up 6% from 2016 due to increased export demand.  EIA is forecasting a 2% decrease in U.S. coal production in 2018 and another 2% decrease in 2019.  U.S. coal consumption is also expected to decline over the next two years due to low natural gas prices reducing demand for coal for coal-fired electricity generation.  EIA also expects U.S. coal export demand to decline in 2018 and 2019.  We believe that coal production in the U.S. continues to face significant challenges from competition from natural gas and renewable sources of energy.  While we believe our plants are well-located to support the more stable coal-producing regions in the upcoming years, our current mining sales volumes are being affected by overall lower customer demand for LDAN.  We do not expect a significant increase in our mining business in the near term.  In addition, the metals and mineral mining markets have been and, in certain segments such as iron ore, continue to be negatively impacted by commodity price decreases which have curtailed their activity and negatively impacted our sales into that market.

Natural gas is the basic feedstock for the production of ammonia and therefore natural gas prices have a significant impact on the production cost of our ammonia.  Given the current relatively low price of natural gas in North America and the expectation that pricing of natural gas will remain relatively low for the foreseeable future, North American ammonia producers are currently low-cost producers of ammonia that is consumed in North America and the expectation is that will continue.

That low cost of production stimulated investment in brownfield and greenfield nitrogen expansion projects in the U.S.  Many of those projects were cancelled or placed on hold.  However, a number of the announced expansion projects have been completed and began production during 2017. These expansion projects are expected to increase ammonia production in the U.S. by approximately 5 million tons annually in addition to expansion of other upgraded nitrogen products.  This additional domestic ammonia and other upgraded product production is expected to replace product that is currently being imported into North America.  However, the amount and timing of new nitrogen production could have a negative effect on selling prices of nitrogen-based products in 2018 caused by an imbalance of supply and demand.

Agricultural Products

We produce and sell UAN, HDAN and ammonia, all of which are nitrogen-based fertilizers.  We sell these agricultural products to farmers, ranchers, fertilizer dealers and distributors primarily in the ranch land and grain production markets in the U.S.  Our nitrogen-based fertilizers are used to grow food crops, biofuel feedstock crops, pasture land for grazing livestock and forage production.  We maintain long-term relationships with wholesale agricultural distributors and retailers and also sell directly to agricultural end-users through our network of wholesale and retail distribution centers.

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

We develop our market position in these areas by emphasizing high quality products, customer service and technical advice.  During the past few years, we have been successful in expanding outside our traditional markets by delivering to distributors on the Tennessee

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and Ohio rivers by barge, and by delivering to certain Western States by rail.  See our discussion above concerning broadening the distribution of our AN products under “Key Initiatives for 2018”.

In addition, we have an agreement with a third-party purchaser (Coffeyville Resources Nitrogen Fertilizers, LLC, “CVR”) to market and sell a portion of our UAN.  Demand for sales under this agreement is based on the expected needs of the purchaser’s customers.  The agreement provides the exclusive right (but not the obligation) to purchase, at market prices, substantially all of the UAN produced at our Pryor Facility.  The term of the agreement runs through June 2019 with annual renewal options. 

We sell most of our agricultural products at the current spot market price in effect at the time of shipment, although during certain times of the year, we enter into forward sales commitments for some of these products.  Sales of our industrial and mining products are generally made to customers pursuant to sales contracts or pricing arrangements on terms that include the cost of raw material feedstock as a pass-through component in the sales price.  These contractual sales stabilize the effect of commodity cost changes and fluctuations in demand for these products due to the cyclicality of the end markets.

Industrial Acids and Other Chemical Products

We manufacture and sell industrial acids and other chemical products primarily to the polyurethane, paper, fibers, emission control, and electronics industries.  In addition, we produce and sell blended and regular nitric acid and industrial and high purity ammonia for many specialty applications, including the reduction of air emissions from power plants. In addition, one of our subsidiaries, El Dorado Chemical Company (“EDC”) and Koch Fertilizer are parties to an ammonia purchase and sale agreement under which Koch Fertilizer agreed to purchase, with minimum purchase requirements, the ammonia that is in excess of EDC’s internal needs.  We began selling ammonia under this agreement during June 2016.  The term of the agreement runs until June 2019, with annual renewal options.

We operate the Baytown Facility on behalf of Covestro and we believe it is one of the largest and most technologically advanced nitric acid manufacturing units in the U.S.  The majority of the Baytown Facility’s production is sold to Covestro pursuant to a long-term contract (the “Covestro Agreement”).  This agreement: (a) allows us to pass-through almost all of the costs of producing the nitric acid that Covestro purchases, including the cost of ammonia; (b) to receive management fees for managing the operations and for marketing nitric acid not used by Covestro to third party customers and; (c) to receive a portion of any carbon credits that are sold.  The term of this agreement runs until June 2021 with options for renewal.

Our industrial products sales volumes are dependent upon general economic conditions primarily in the housing, automotive, and paper industries.  Our sale prices generally vary with the market price of our feedstock (ammonia or natural gas, as applicable) in our pricing arrangements with customers.

Our industrial business competes based upon service, price and location of production and distribution sites, product quality and performance and provides inventory management as part of the value-added services offered to certain customers.  See our discussion above concerning broadening the distribution of our Nitric Acid products under “Key Initiatives for 2018”.

Mining Products

We produce and sell LDAN and AN solution to the mining industry, which are primarily used as AN fuel oil and specialty emulsions for surface mining of coal, mining of precious metals and for usage in quarries and providing aggregates to the construction industry.  We have signed long-term contracts with customers that provide for the annual sale of LDAN under various natural-gas-cost-plus-a-fixed-dollar-amount pricing arrangements.

Dependence on Limited Number of Customers

As discussed in various risk factors under Item 1A, historically, we have relied on a limited number of customers. Information relating to our significant customers for each of the last three years appears in Note 1 to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

Raw Materials

The products we manufacture are primarily derived from natural gas and ammonia.  These raw material feedstocks are commodities and subject to price fluctuations.

Natural gas is the primary raw material for producing ammonia, UAN and other products at our El Dorado, Cherokee and Pryor Facilities.  When operating at optimum on-stream rates, the El Dorado Facility would purchase approximately 15.6 million MMBtus of natural gas annually to produce approximately 450,000 tons of ammonia; the Cherokee Facility would purchase approximately 5.8 million MMBtus of natural gas per year in order to produce approximately 180,000 tons of ammonia; and the Pryor Facility would purchase approximately 6.8 million MMBtus of natural gas annually to produce approximately 235,000 tons of ammonia.

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The chemical facilities’ natural gas feedstock requirements are generally purchased at spot market price.  Periodically, we enter into volume purchase commitments and/or futures/forward contracts to lock in the cost of certain of the expected natural gas requirements primarily to match quantities needed to produce product that has been sold forward.  As of December 31, 2017, we had volume purchase commitments with a fixed cost for natural gas of approximately 1.3 million MMBtus at an average cost of $2.42 per MMBtu.  These commitments are for firm purchases during the first quarter of 2018 and represent approximately 17% of our total exposed natural gas usage required for that period.

The Baytown Facility purchases 135,000 to 145,000 tons of ammonia per year.  However, under our long-term contracts for that business, we pass through the full cost of the ammonia leaving us with no exposure to ammonia price fluctuations.

See further discussion relating to the outlook for our business under “Key Industry Factors” in our MD&A contained in this report.

Seasonality

We believe fertilizer products sold to the agricultural industry are seasonal while sales into the industrial and mining sectors generally are less susceptible.  The selling seasons for agricultural products are primarily during the spring and fall planting seasons, which typically extend from March through June and from September through November in the geographical markets we distribute the majority of our agricultural products.  As a result, we typically increase our inventory of fertilizer products prior to the beginning of each planting season in order to meet the demand for our products.  In addition, the amount and timing of sales to the agricultural markets depend upon weather conditions and other circumstances beyond our control.

Regulatory Matters

We are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws, rules and regulations as discussed under “Environmental, Health and Safety Matters" of this Item 1 and various risk factors under Item 1A.

Competition

We operate in a highly competitive market with many other larger chemical companies, such as Austin Powder Company, CF Industries Holdings, Inc., Chemtrade Logistics Inc., Cytec Industries, OCI Partners LP, Dyno Nobel, a subsidiary of Incitec Pivot Limited, The Gavilon Group, Helm AG, Koch Industries, Norfalco, Nutrien (formerly known as Agrium and Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan), Orica Limited, Praxair, Inc., Quad Chemical Corporation, Trammo Inc. and Yara International (some of whom are our customers), many of whom have greater financial and other resources than we do.  We believe that competition within the markets we serve is primarily based upon service, price, location of production and distribution sites, and product quality and performance.

Additional Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales

For each of the last three years, all of our net sales and long-lived assets relate to domestic operations.  In addition, net sales to non-U.S. customers were minimal.

Employees

As of December 31, 2017, we employed 569 persons, 166 of whom are represented by unions under agreements that expire in July of 2018 through November of 2019.

Environmental, Health and Safety Matters

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

There can be no assurance that we will not incur material costs or liabilities in complying with such laws or in paying fines or penalties for violation of such laws.  Our insurance may not cover all environmental risks and costs or may not provide sufficient coverage if an environmental claim is made against us.  The Environmental and Health Laws and enforcement policies thereunder

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have in the past resulted, and could in the future result, in significant compliance expenses, cleanup costs (for our sites or third-party sites where our wastes were disposed of), penalties or other liabilities relating to the handling, manufacture, use, emission, discharge or disposal of hazardous or toxic materials at or from our facilities or the use or disposal of certain of its chemical products.  Historically, our subsidiaries have incurred significant expenditures in order to comply with the Environmental and Health Laws and are reasonably expected to do so in the future.  We will also be obligated to manage certain discharge water outlets and monitor groundwater contaminants at our chemical facilities should we discontinue the operations of a facility.  

Available Information

We file or furnish annual, quarterly and current reports and other documents with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended, the “Exchange Act”).  The public may read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E, Washington, D.C. 20549.  The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0030.  Also, the SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including us, that file electronically with the SEC. The public can obtain any documents we file with the SEC at www.sec.gov.  

We also make available free of charge through our Internet website (www.lsbindustries.com) our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and, if applicable, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.  In addition to the reports filed or furnished with the SEC, we publicly disclose material information from time to time in press releases, at annual meetings of stockholders, in publicly accessible conferences and investor presentations, and through our website.  The information included in our website does not constitute part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service our debt and may be required to take other actions to satisfy the obligations under our debt agreements or to redeem our preferred stock, which may not be successful.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on our debt obligations and on our redemption obligations for the Series E cumulative redeemable Class C preferred stock (“Series E Redeemable Preferred”) depends on our financial condition and operating performance, prevailing economic and competitive conditions, and certain financial, business and other factors, some of which may be beyond our control.  We may not be able to maintain a level of cash flows sufficient to pay the principal and interest on our debt, including the $375 million principal amount of our Senior Secured Notes (the “Senior Secured Notes”), or if and when applicable, the outstanding amount of the Working Capital Revolver Loan or to pay the cumulative dividends and redemption payment on the Series E Redeemable Preferred should the holder choose to redeem it.

If cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt, dividend or preferred stock redemption obligations, we could face substantial liquidity problems and will need to seek additional capital through the issuance of debt, the issuance of equity, asset sales or a combination of the foregoing.  If we are unsuccessful, we will need to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to dispose of other assets or operations, seek additional capital, or restructure or refinance debt or redeemable equity.  These alternative measures may not be successful, may not be completed on economically attractive terms, or may not be adequate for us to meet our debt or preferred stock redemption obligations when due.  Additionally, our debt agreements and the operating agreements associated with our Series E Redeemable Preferred limit the use of the proceeds from many dispositions of assets or operations.  As a result, we may not be permitted to use the proceeds from these dispositions to satisfy our debt or preferred stock redemption obligations.

Further, if we suffer or appear to suffer from a lack of available liquidity, the evaluation of our creditworthiness by counterparties and rating agencies and the willingness of third parties to do business with us could be materially and adversely affected.  In particular, our credit ratings could be lowered, suspended or withdrawn entirely at any time by the rating agencies.  Downgrades in our long-term debt ratings generally cause borrowing costs to increase and the potential pool of investors and funding sources to decrease and could trigger liquidity demands pursuant to the terms of contracts, leases or other agreements.  Any future transactions by us, including the issuance of additional debt, the sale of any operating assets, or any other transaction to manage our liquidity, could result in temporary or permanent downgrades of our credit ratings.

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Our substantial level of indebtedness, including dividend requirements relating to our preferred stock, could limit our financial and operating activities, and adversely affect our ability to incur additional debt to fund future needs.

We currently have a substantial amount of indebtedness and dividend requirements relating to our preferred stock.  As a result, this level could, among other things:

Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our operating results, financial condition, and liquidity.

Our debt agreements and our preferred stock contain covenants and restrictions that limit flexibility in operating our businesses.  A breach of these covenants or restrictions could result in an event of default under one or more of our debt agreements or contracts at different entities within our capital structure, including as a result of cross acceleration or default provisions.

Our debt agreements and our preferred stock contain various covenants and other restrictions that, among other things, limit flexibility in operating our businesses.  A breach of any of these covenants or restrictions could result in a significant portion of our debt becoming due and payable or could result in significant contractual liability.  Our ability to comply with certain of our covenants and restrictions can be affected by events beyond our control.  These covenants and other restrictions limit our ability to, among other things:

We may pursue various transactions and initiatives to address our highly leveraged balance sheet and significant cash flow requirements.

If our existing financing sources are insufficient for our financing needs, or if we are unable to refinance debt and redemption obligations as they become due, we may be required to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, dispose of assets or operations, seek additional capital, restructure or refinance debt, or undertake a combination of some or all of these.  Any transactions and initiatives that we may pursue may have significant adverse effects on our business, capital structure, ownership, liquidity, credit ratings and results of operations.  These measures may not be successful, may not produce the desired outcome if completed, may not be completed on economically attractive terms, and may not be adequate for us to meet our debt or redemption obligations when due.  This could ultimately adversely affect us, our debtholders, and our shareholders in a material manner.

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There are a number of important limitations and exceptions to the covenants and restrictions contained in our debt agreements and our preferred stock.

In addition, certain failures to make payments on significant contract obligations when due constitute a cross-default of some of our debt instruments, including the indenture governing our Senior Secured Notes (the “Senior Secured Notes Indenture”).  A breach of any of these covenants or restrictions could result in an event of default under one or more of our debt agreements at different entities within our capital structure, including as a result of cross acceleration or default provisions.  Upon the occurrence of an event of default under one of these debt agreements, our lenders or noteholders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under that debt agreement to be immediately due and payable and/or terminate all commitments to extend further credit.  Such actions by those lenders or noteholders could cause cross defaults or accelerations under our other debt.  If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders or noteholders could proceed against any collateral granted to them to secure such debt.  In the case of a default under debt that is guaranteed, holders of such debt could also seek to enforce the guarantees.  If lenders or noteholders accelerate the repayment of all borrowings, we would likely not have sufficient assets and funds to repay those borrowings.  Such occurrence could result in our or our applicable subsidiary going into bankruptcy, liquidation or insolvency.

Despite continuing investment to upgrade and replace equipment on an ongoing basis, the age of our chemical manufacturing facilities increases the risk for unplanned downtime, which may be significant.

Our business is comprised of operating units of various ages and levels of automated control.  While we have continued to make significant annual capital improvements, potential age or control related issues have occurred in the past and may occur in the future, which could cause damage to the equipment and ancillary facilities.  As a result, we have experienced and may continue to experience additional downtime at our chemical facilities in the future.

The equipment required for the manufacture of our products is specialized, and the time for replacement of such equipment can be lengthy, resulting in extended downtime in the affected unit.  Although we use various reliability and inspection programs and maintain a significant inventory of spare equipment, which are intended to mitigate the extent of production losses, unplanned outages may still occur.  As a result, these planned and unplanned downtime events at our chemical facilities have in the past and could in the future adversely affect our operating results, liquidity and financial condition.

LSB is a holding company and depends, in large part, on receiving funds from its subsidiaries to fund our indebtedness.

Because LSB is a holding company and operations are conducted through its subsidiaries, LSB’s ability to meet its obligations depends, in large part, on the operating performance and cash flows of its subsidiaries and the ability of its subsidiaries to make distributions and pay dividends to LSB.

We have not paid dividends on our outstanding common stock in many years.

We have not paid cash dividends on our outstanding common stock in many years, and we do not currently anticipate paying cash dividends on our outstanding common stock in the near future.  Although our Board has not made a decision whether or not to pay dividends on our common stock in 2018, it is unlikely we will pay dividends on our common stock until we have repaid or refinanced our debt and our preferred stock.  In addition, there are certain limitations contained in our loan and securities purchase agreements that may limit our ability to pay dividends on our outstanding common stock.

Future issuances or potential issuances of our common stock or preferred equity could adversely affect the price of our common stock and our ability to raise funds in new stock offerings and could dilute the percentage ownership or voting power of our common stockholders.

Future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, preferred stock or equity-related securities in the public market, or the issuance of a substantial amount of our common stock as the result of the conversion of our outstanding convertible preferred stocks, or the perception that such sales or conversions could occur, could adversely affect prevailing trading prices of our common stock and could dilute the value of common stock held by our existing stockholders.  No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of common stock, preferred stock, or equity-related securities, conversions of our outstanding preferred stocks into shares of common stock, or the availability of shares of common stock for future sale will have on the trading price of our common stock.  Such future sales or conversions could also significantly reduce the percentage ownership and voting power of our existing common stockholders.

Deterioration of global market and economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

A slowdown of, or persistent weakness in, economic activity caused by a deterioration of global market and economic conditions could adversely affect our business in the following ways, among others: conditions in the credit markets could impact the ability of our customers and their customers to obtain sufficient credit to support their operations; the failure of our customers to fulfill their

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purchase obligations could result in increases in bad debts and affect our working capital; and the failure of certain key suppliers could increase our exposure to disruptions in supply or to financial losses. We also may experience declining demand and falling prices for some of our products due to our customers’ reluctance to replenish inventories.  The overall impact of a global economic downturn on us is difficult to predict, and our business could be materially adversely impacted.

In addition, conditions in the international market for nitrogen fertilizer significantly influence our operating results.  The international market for fertilizers is influenced by such factors as the relative value of the U.S. currency and its impact on the importation of fertilizers, foreign agricultural policies, the existence of, or changes in, import or foreign currency exchange barriers in certain foreign markets and other regulatory policies of foreign governments, as well as the U.S. laws and policies affecting foreign trade and investment.

Seasonality can adversely affect our business.

If seasonal demand is less than we expect, we may be left with excess inventory that will have to be stored (in which case our results of operations will be negatively affected by any related increased storage costs) or liquidated (in which case the selling price may be below our production, procurement and storage costs).  The risks associated with excess inventory and product shortages are exacerbated by the volatility of natural gas and nitrogen fertilizer prices and the relatively brief periods during which farmers can apply nitrogen fertilizers.  If prices for our products rapidly decrease, we may be subject to inventory write-downs, adversely affecting our operating results.  If seasonal demand is greater than we expect, we may experience product shortages, and customers of ours may turn to our competitors for products that they would otherwise have purchased from us.

Ammonia can be very volatile and extremely hazardous.  Any liability for accidents or intentional acts such as terrorism involving ammonia or other products we produce or transport that cause severe damage to property or injury to the environment and human health could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and ability to make cash distributions.  In addition, the costs of transporting ammonia could increase significantly in the future.

We manufacture, process, store, handle, distribute and transport ammonia, which can be very volatile and extremely hazardous.  Major accidents or releases involving ammonia could cause severe damage or injury to property, the environment and human health, as well as a possible disruption of supplies and markets.  Such an event could result in civil lawsuits, fines, penalties and regulatory enforcement proceedings, all of which could lead to significant liabilities.  Any damage to persons, equipment or property or other disruption of our ability to produce or distribute our products could result in a significant decrease in operating revenues and significant additional cost to replace or repair and insure our assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.  We periodically experience minor releases of ammonia related to leaks from our equipment.  Similar events may occur in the future.

A major factor underlying the current high level of demand for our nitrogen-based fertilizer products is the production of ethanol.  A decrease in ethanol production, an increase in ethanol imports or a shift away from corn as a principal raw material used to produce ethanol could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and ability to make cash distributions.

A major factor underlying the solid level of demand for our nitrogen-based fertilizer products is the production of ethanol in the United States and the use of corn in ethanol production.  Ethanol production in the United States is highly dependent upon a myriad of federal statutes and regulations and is made significantly more competitive by various federal and state incentives and mandated usage of renewable fuels pursuant to the federal renewable fuel standards (“RFS”).  To date, the RFS has been satisfied primarily with fuel ethanol blended into gasoline.  However, a number of factors, including the continuing “food versus fuel” debate and studies showing that expanded ethanol usage may increase the level of greenhouse gases in the environment as well as be unsuitable for small engine use, have resulted in calls to reduce subsidies for ethanol, allow increased ethanol imports and to repeal or waive (in whole or in part) the current RFS, any of which could have an adverse effect on corn-based ethanol production, planted corn acreage and fertilizer demand. Therefore, ethanol incentive programs may not be renewed, or if renewed, they may be renewed on terms significantly less favorable to ethanol producers than current incentive programs.

Furthermore, most ethanol is currently produced from corn and other raw grains, such as milo or sorghum, especially in the Midwest.  The current trend in ethanol production research is to develop an efficient method of producing ethanol from cellulose-based biomass, such as agricultural waste, forest residue, municipal solid waste and energy crops (plants grown for use to make biofuels or directly exploited for their energy content).  If an efficient method of producing ethanol from cellulose-based biomass is developed, the demand for corn may decrease significantly, which could reduce demand for nitrogen fertilizer products and have a material adverse effect on the prices we receive on sales of our ammonia products and our results of operations, financial condition and ability to make cash distributions.

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Our business and customers are sensitive to adverse economic cycles.

Our business can be affected by cyclical factors such as inflation, currency exchange rates, global energy policy and costs, global market conditions and economic downturns in specific industries.  Certain sales are sensitive to the level of activity in the agricultural, mining, automotive and housing industries.  Therefore, substantial changes could adversely affect our operating results, liquidity, financial condition and capital resources.

Weather conditions adversely affect our business.

The products (primarily agricultural) produced and sold by us have been in the past, and could be in the future, materially affected by adverse weather conditions (such as excessive rain or drought) in the primary markets for our fertilizer and related agricultural products.  In addition, weather can cause an interruption to the operations of our chemical facilities.  Many scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere may produce climate changes that have significant physical effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, droughts and floods and other climatic events.  These climate changes might also occur as the result of other phenomena that human activity is unable to influence, including changes in solar activity and volcanic activity.  Regardless of the cause, if any of these unusual weather events occur during the primary seasons for sales of our agricultural products (March-June and September-November), this could have a material adverse effect on our agricultural sales and our financial condition and results of operations.

There is intense competition in the markets we serve.

Substantially all of the markets in which we participate are highly competitive with respect to product quality, price, distribution, service, and reliability.  We compete with many companies, domestic and foreign, that have greater financial, marketing and other resources.  Specifically, the overall nitrogen market is being affected as a result of the number of announced, started and recently completed nitrogen expansion projects in the U.S.  Competitive factors could require us to reduce prices or increase spending on product development, marketing and sales, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operation and financial condition.

We compete with many U.S. producers and producers in other countries, including state-owned and government-subsidized entities.  Some competitors have greater total resources and are less dependent on earnings from chemical sales, which make them less vulnerable to industry downturns and better positioned to pursue new expansion and development opportunities.  Our competitive position could suffer to the extent we are not able to expand our own resources sufficiently either through investments in new or existing operations or through acquisitions, joint ventures or partnerships.  An inability to compete successfully could result in the loss of customers, which could adversely affect our sales and profitability.

A substantial portion of our sales is dependent upon a limited number of customers.

For 2017, seven customers accounted for approximately 46% of our consolidated net sales.  One of these customers is Covestro, which sales are pursuant to the Covestro Agreement under which one of our subsidiaries operates a nitric plant located within Covestro’s chemical manufacturing complex as discussed above under Industrial Acids and Other Chemical Products of Item 1 - Business.  This agreement: (a) allows us to pass-through most of the costs of producing the nitric acid that Covestro purchases, including the cost of ammonia; (b) to receive management fees for managing the operations and marketing nitric acid at the Baytown Facility and; (c) to receive a portion of any carbon credits that are sold.  The loss of, or a material reduction in purchase levels by, one or more of these customers could have a material adverse effect on our business and our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity if we are unable to replace a customer with other sales on substantially similar terms.

Cost and the lack of availability of raw materials could materially affect our profitability and liquidity.

Our sales and profits are heavily affected by the costs and availability of primary raw materials.  These primary raw materials are subject to considerable price volatility.  Historically, when there have been rapid increases in the cost of these primary raw materials, we have sometimes been unable to timely increase our sales prices to cover all of the higher costs incurred.  While we periodically enter into futures/forward contracts to economically hedge against price increases in certain of these raw materials, there can be no assurance that we will effectively manage against price fluctuations in those raw materials.

Natural gas represents the primary raw material feedstock in the production of most of our chemical products.  Although we enter into contracts with certain customers that provide for the pass-through of raw material costs, we have a substantial amount of sales that do not provide for the pass-through of raw material costs.  Also, the spot sales prices of our agricultural products may not correlate to the cost of natural gas but rather reflect market conditions for similar and competing nitrogen sources.  This lack of correlation can compromise our ability to recover our full cost to produce the products in this market.  As a result, in the future, we may not be able to pass along to all of our customers the full amount of any increases in raw material costs.  Future price fluctuations in our raw materials may have an adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.

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Additionally, we depend on certain vendors to deliver natural gas and other key components that are required in the production of our products.  Any disruption in the supply of natural gas and other key components could result in lost production or delayed shipments.

The price of natural gas in North America and worldwide has been volatile in recent years and has declined on average due in part to the development of significant natural gas reserves, including shale gas, and the rapid improvement in shale gas extraction techniques, such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling.  Future production of natural gas from shale formations could be reduced by regulatory changes that restrict drilling or hydraulic fracturing or increase its cost or by reduction in oil exploration and development prompted by lower oil prices and resulting in production of less associated natural gas.  Additionally, increased demand for natural gas, particularly in the Gulf Coast Region, due to increased industrial demand and increased natural gas exports could result in increased natural gas prices.

We have suspended in the past, and could suspend in the future, production at our chemical facilities due to, among other things, the high cost or lack of availability of natural gas and other key components, which could adversely affect our competitiveness in the markets we serve.  Accordingly, our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations could be materially affected in the future by the lack of availability of natural gas and other key components and increase costs relating to the purchase of natural gas and other key components.

We may have inadequate insurance.

While we maintain liability, property and business interruption insurance, including certain coverage for environmental contamination, it is subject to coverage limits and policies that may exclude coverage for some types of damages.  Although there may currently be sources from which such coverage may be obtained, the coverage may not continue to be available to us on commercially reasonable terms or the possible types of liabilities that may be incurred by us may not be covered by our insurance.  In addition, our insurance carriers may not be able to meet their obligations under the policies, or the dollar amount of the liabilities may exceed our policy limits.  Even a partially uninsured claim, if successful and of significant magnitude, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Furthermore, we are subject to litigation for which we could be obligated to bear legal, settlement and other costs, which may be in excess of any available insurance coverage.  If we are required to incur all or a portion of the costs arising out of any litigation or investigation as a result of inadequate insurance proceeds, if any, our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity could be materially adversely affected.  For further discussion of our litigation, please see “Other Pending, Threatened or Settled Litigation” in Note 11 to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

Loss of key personnel could negatively affect our business.

We believe that our performance has been and will continue to be dependent upon the efforts of our principal executive officers.  We cannot ensure that our principal executive officers will continue to be available.  Although we have employment agreements with certain of our principal executive officers, including Daniel D. Greenwell and Mark T. Behrman, we do not have employment agreements with all of our key personnel.  The loss of some of our principal executive officers could have a material adverse effect on us.  We believe that our future success will depend in large part on our continued ability to attract and retain highly skilled and qualified personnel.

Terrorist attacks and other acts of violence or war, and natural disasters (such as hurricanes, pandemic health crises, etc.), have negatively affected and could negatively affect U.S. and foreign companies, the financial markets, the industries where we operate, our operations and our profitability.

Terrorist attacks in the U.S and elsewhere and natural disasters (such as hurricanes or pandemic health crises) have in the past and can in the future negatively affect our operations.  We cannot predict further terrorist attacks and natural disasters in the U.S. and elsewhere.  These attacks or natural disasters have contributed to economic instability in the U.S. and elsewhere, and further acts of terrorism, violence, war or natural disasters could affect the industries where we operate, our ability to purchase raw materials, our business, results of operations and financial condition.  In addition, terrorist attacks and natural disasters may directly affect our physical facilities, especially our chemical facilities, or those of our suppliers or customers and could affect our sales, our production capability and our ability to deliver products to our customers.  In the past, hurricanes affecting the Gulf Coast of the U.S. have negatively affected our operations and those of our customers.  As previously noted, some scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere may produce climate changes that have significant physical effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, droughts and floods and other climatic events.  If any such effects, whether anthropogenic or otherwise, were to occur in areas where we or our clients operate, they could have an adverse effect on our assets and operations.  

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Cyber security risks could adversely affect our business operations.

As we continue to increase our dependence on information technologies to conduct our operations, the risks associated with cyber security also increase.  We rely on our enterprise resource planning software (“ERP”) and other information systems, among other things, to manage our manufacturing, supply chain, accounting and financial functions.  This risk not only applies to us, but also to third parties on whose systems we place significant reliance for the conduct of our business.  We are significantly dependent upon internet connectivity and a third-party cloud hosting vendor.  We have implemented security procedures and measures in order to protect our information from being vulnerable to theft, loss, damage or interruption from a number of potential sources or events.  Although we believe these measures and procedures are appropriate, we may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate, prevent, or recover from rapidly evolving types of cyber-attacks.  Compromises to our information systems could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.

Our transportation and distribution activities rely on third party providers, which subject us to risks and uncertainties beyond our control that may adversely affect our operations.

We rely on railroad, trucking, pipeline and other transportation service providers to transport raw materials to our manufacturing facilities, to coordinate and deliver finished products to our storage and distribution system and our retail centers and to ship finished products to our customers.  These transportation operations, equipment and services are subject to various hazards, including adverse operating conditions, extreme weather conditions, system failures, work stoppages, equipment and personnel shortages, delays, accidents such as spills and derailments and other accidents and operating hazards.

In the event of a disruption of existing transportation or terminaling facilities for our products or raw materials, alternative transportation and terminaling facilities may not have sufficient capacity to fully serve all of our customers or facilities.  An extended interruption in the delivery of our products to our customers or the supply of natural gas, ammonia or sulfur to our production facilities could adversely affect sales volumes and margins.

These transportation operations, equipment and services are also subject to environmental, safety, and regulatory oversight.  Due to concerns related to accidents, terrorism or increasing concerns regarding transportation of potentially hazardous substances, local, provincial, state and federal governments could implement new regulations affecting the transportation of raw materials or our finished products.  If transportation of our products is delayed or we are unable to obtain raw materials as a result of any third party’s failure to operate properly or the other hazards described above, or if new and more stringent regulatory requirements are implemented affecting transportation operations or equipment, or if there are significant increases in the cost of these services or equipment, our revenues and cost of operations could be adversely affected.  In addition, we may experience increases in our transportation costs, or changes in such costs relative to transportation costs incurred by our competitors.

Future technological innovation could affect our business.

Future technological innovation, such as the development of seeds that require less crop nutrients, or developments in the application of crop nutrients, if they occur, could have the potential to adversely affect the demand for our products and results of operations.

We are reliant on a limited number of key facilities.

Our nitrogen production is concentrated in four separate complexes.  The suspension of operations at any of these complexes could adversely affect our ability to produce our products and fulfill our commitments and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.  Moreover, our facilities may be subject to failure of equipment that may be difficult to replace and could result in operational disruptions.

Potential increase of imported agricultural products.

Russia and Ukraine both have substantial capacity to produce and export fertilizer grade AN. Producers in these countries also benefit from below-market prices for natural gas, due to government regulation and other factors.  Historically, the U.S. Department of Commerce (“DOC”) has restrained AN imports from Russia and Ukraine with anti-dumping tariffs.  However, these tariffs were resolved by the DOC in 2016 and 2017 respectfully. As a result, we may face more substantial competition from Russian producers of fertilizer grade AN.  

In addition, producers in China have substantial capacity to produce and export urea.  Depending on various factors, including prevailing prices from other exporters, the price of coal, and the price of China’s export tariff, higher volumes of urea from China could be imported into the U.S. at prices that could have an adverse effect on the selling prices of other nitrogen products, including the nitrogen products we manufacture and sell.  

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Current and future legislative or regulatory requirements affecting our business may result in increased costs and decreased revenues, cash flows and liquidity or could have other negative effects on our business.

Our business is subject to numerous health, safety, security and environmental laws and regulations.  The manufacture and distribution of chemical products are activities that entail health, safety and environmental risks and impose obligations under health, safety and environmental laws and regulations, many of which provide for substantial fines and potential criminal sanctions for violations.  Although we believe we have established processes to monitor, review and manage our businesses to comply with the numerous health, safety and environmental laws and regulations, we previously were, and in the future, may be, subject to fines, penalties and sanctions for violations and substantial expenditures for cleanup costs and other liabilities relating to the handling, manufacture, use, emission, discharge or disposal of effluents at or from our chemical facilities.  Further, a number of our chemical facilities are dependent on environmental permits to operate, the loss or modification of which could have a material adverse effect on their operations and our results of operation and financial condition.  These operating permits are subject to modification, renewal and revocation.  In addition, third parties may contest our ability to receive or renew certain permits that we need to operate, which can lengthen the application process or even prevent us from obtaining necessary permits.  We regularly monitor and review our operations, procedures and policies for compliance with permits, laws and regulations.  Despite these compliance efforts, risk of noncompliance or permit interpretation is inherent in the operation of our business.

There can be no assurance as to the amount or timing of future expenditures for environmental compliance or remediation, and actual future expenditures may be different from the amounts we currently anticipate.  We try to anticipate future regulatory requirements that might be imposed and plan accordingly to remain in compliance with changing environmental laws and regulations and to minimize the costs of compliance.

Changes to the production equipment at our chemical facilities that are required in order to comply with health, safety and environmental regulations may require substantial capital expenditures.

Explosions and/or losses at other chemical facilities that we do not own (such as the April 2013 explosion in West, Texas) could also result in new or additional legislation or regulatory changes, particularly relating to public health, safety or any of the products manufactured and/or sold by us or the inability on the part of our customers to obtain or maintain insurance as to certain products manufactured and/or sold by us, which could have a negative effect on our revenues, cash flow and liquidity.

In summary, new or changed laws and regulations or the inability of our customers to obtain or maintain insurance in connection with any of our chemical products could have an adverse effect on our operating results, liquidity and financial condition.

We may be required to modify or expand our operating, sales and reporting procedures and to install additional equipment in order to comply with current and possible future government regulations.

The chemical industry in general, and producers and distributors of ammonia and AN specifically, are scrutinized by the government, industry and public on security issues.  Under current and proposed regulations, we may be required to incur substantial additional costs relating to security at our chemical facilities and distribution centers, as well as in the transportation of our products.  These costs could have a material effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.  The cost of such regulatory changes, if significant, could lead some of our customers to choose other products over ammonia and AN, which may have a significant adverse effect on our business.

The “Secure Handling of Ammonium Nitrate Act of 2007” was enacted by the U.S. Congress, and subsequently the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) published a notice of proposed rulemaking in 2011.  This regulation proposes to require sellers, buyers, their agents and transporters of solid AN and certain solid mixtures containing AN to possess a valid registration issued by DHS, keep certain records, report the theft or unexplained loss of regulated materials, and comply with certain other new requirements.  We and others affected by this proposal have submitted appropriate comments to DHS regarding the proposed regulation.  It is possible that DHS could significantly revise the requirements currently being proposed.  Depending on the provisions of the final regulation to be promulgated by DHS and on our ability to pass these costs to our customers, these requirements may have a negative effect on the profitability of our AN business and may result in fewer distributors who are willing to handle the product.  DHS has not finalized this rule, and has indicated that its next action, and the timing of such an action, is undetermined.

On August 1, 2013, U.S. President Obama issued an executive order addressing the safety and security of chemical facilities in response to recent incidents involving chemicals such as the explosion at West, Texas.  The President directed federal agencies to enhance existing regulations and make recommendations to the U.S. Congress to develop new laws that may affect our business.  In January 2016, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (“CSB”) released its final report on the West, Texas incident.  The CSB report identifies several federal and state regulations and standards that could be strengthened to reduce the risk of a similar incident occurring in the future.  While the CSB does not have authority to directly regulate our business, the findings in this report, and other activities taken in response to the West, Texas incident by federal, state, and local regulators may result in additional regulation of our processes and products.

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In January 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) finalized revisions to its Risk Management Program.  The revisions include new requirements for certain facilities to perform hazard analyses, third-party auditing, incident investigations and root cause analyses, emergency response exercises, and to publicly share chemical and process information.  Compliance with many of the rule’s new requirements will be required beginning in 2021.  The EPA has temporarily delayed the rule’s effective date until February 19, 2019 and has indicated that it may further delay the rule’s implementation, however, this delay has been challenged in court and certain of those challenges remain pending. These requirements may have a negative effect on the profitability of our AN business.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) is likewise considering changes to its Process Safety Management standards.  In addition, DHS, the EPA, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives updated a joint chemical advisory on the safe storage, handling, and management of AN.  While these actions may result in additional regulatory requirements or changes to our operators, it is difficult to predict at this time how these and any other possible regulations, if and when adopted, will affect our business, operations, liquidity or financial results.

Proposed and existing governmental laws and regulations relating to greenhouse gas and other air emissions may subject certain of our operations and customers to significant new costs and restrictions on their operations and may reduce sales of our products.

Our chemical manufacturing facilities use significant amounts of electricity, natural gas and other raw materials necessary for the production of their chemical products that result, or could result, in certain greenhouse gas emissions into the environment.  Federal and state legislatures and administrative agencies, including the EPA, are considering the scope and scale of greenhouse gas or other air emission regulation.  Legislation and administrative actions have been considered that would regulate greenhouse gas emissions at some point in the future for our facilities, and existing and possible actions have already affected certain of our customers, leading to closure or rate reductions of certain facilities.  

In response to findings that emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases present an endangerment to public health and the environment, the EPA adopted regulations pursuant to the federal Clean Air Act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from various sources.  For example, the EPA requires certain large stationary sources to obtain preconstruction and operating permits for pollutants regulated under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Title V programs of the Clean Air Act.  Facilities required to obtain preconstruction permits for such pollutants are also required to meet “best available control technology” standards that are being established by the states.  These regulatory requirements could adversely affect our operations and restrict or delay our ability to obtain air permits for new or modified sources.  The EPA has also instituted a mandatory greenhouse gas reporting requirement that began in 2010, which affects all of our chemical manufacturing sites.

Although greenhouse gas regulation could: increase the price of the electricity and other energy sources purchased by our chemical facilities; increase costs for natural gas and other raw materials (such as ammonia); potentially restrict access to or the use of certain raw materials necessary to produce our chemical products; and require us to incur substantial expenditures to retrofit our chemical facilities to comply with the proposed new laws and regulations regulating greenhouse gas emissions.  Federal, state and local governments may also pass laws mandating the use of alternative energy sources, such as wind power and solar energy, which may increase the cost of energy use in certain of our chemical and other manufacturing operations.  For instance, the EPA published a rule, known as the Clean Power Plan, to limit greenhouse gases from electric power plants.  The EPA is currently reviewing the Clean Power Plan however, it could result in increased electricity costs due to increased requirements for use of alternative energy sources, and a decreased demand for coal-generated electricity.

Laws, regulations or other issues related to climate change could have a material adverse effect on us.

If we, or other companies with which we do business become subject to laws or regulations related to climate change, it could have a material adverse effect on us.  The United States may enact new laws, regulations and interpretations relating to climate change, including potential cap-and-trade systems, carbon taxes and other requirements relating to reduction of carbon footprints and/or greenhouse gas emissions.  Other countries have enacted climate change laws and regulations and the United States has been involved in discussions regarding international climate change treaties.  The federal government and some of the states and localities in which we operate have enacted certain climate change laws and regulations and/or have begun regulating carbon footprints and greenhouse gas emissions.  Although these laws and regulations have not had any known material adverse effect on us to date, they could result in substantial costs, including compliance costs, monitoring and reporting costs and capital.  Furthermore, our reputation could be damaged if we violate climate change laws or regulations.  We cannot predict how future laws and regulations, or future interpretations of current laws and regulations, related to climate change will affect our business, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.  Lastly, the potential physical impacts of climate change on our operations are highly uncertain and would be particular to the geographic circumstances in areas in which we operate.  These may include changes in rainfall and storm patterns and intensities, water shortages, changing sea levels and changing temperatures.  Any of these matters could have a material adverse effect on us.

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Certain of our stockholders control a significant amount of our voting stock, and their interests could conflict with interests of other stockholders.

LSB Funding LLC (“LSB Funding”), our largest voting shareholder and an unrelated third party, owns one share of Series F redeemable Class C preferred stock (the “Series F Redeemable Preferred”), which has voting rights with common stock equal to 15.8% of the total voting power of LSB’s common stock as of February 16, 2018.

Jack E. Golsen, Chairman Emeritus of our Board of Directors (the “Board”) and Barry H. Golsen, a member of our Board, entities owned by them, and trusts for which they possess voting or dispositive power as trustee (the “Golsen Holders”) owned as of February 16, 2018, an aggregate of 2,185,517 shares of our common stock and 1,020,000 shares of our voting preferred stock (1,000,000 of which shares have .875 votes per share, or 875,000 votes), which together vote as a class and represent approximately 10.4% of the voting power (prior to conversion of the shares of voting preferred) of our issued and outstanding voting securities as of that date. The series of preferred represented by the 20,000 shares of voting preferred is convertible into an aggregate of 666,666 shares of our common stock.

Pursuant to a Board Representation and Standstill Agreement entered into in connection with LSB Funding’s purchase of preferred stock in December 2015, LSB Funding has the right to designate two directors on our Board, and the Golsen Holders have the right to appoint two directors as amended in October 2017, subject to reduction in each case in certain circumstances.  This is in addition to their ability to vote generally in the election of directors.  As a result, each of LSB Funding and the Golsen Holders have significant influence over the election of directors to our Board.

The interests of LSB Funding and the Golsen Holders may conflict with interests of other stockholders (as well as with each other).  As a result of the voting power and board designation rights of LSB Funding and the Golsen Holders, the ability of other stockholders to influence our management and policies could be limited.

We are subject to a variety of factors that could discourage other parties from attempting to acquire us.

Our certificate of incorporation provides for a staggered Board and, except in limited circumstances, a two-thirds vote of outstanding voting shares to approve a merger, consolidation or sale of all, or substantially all, of our assets.  In addition, we have entered into severance agreements with our executive officers and some of the executive officers of certain subsidiaries that provide, among other things, that if, within a specified period of time after the occurrence of a change in control of LSB, these officers are terminated, other than for cause, or the officer terminates his employment for good reason, the officer would be entitled to certain severance benefits.  Certain of our preferred stock series and debt instruments also provide special rights in a change of control, including in some cases the ability to be repaid in full or redeemed.

We have authorized and unissued (including shares held in treasury) 46,381,342 shares of common stock and 4,090,231 shares of preferred stock as of December 31, 2017.  These unissued shares could be used by our management to make it more difficult, and thereby discourage an attempt to acquire control of us.

We have adopted a preferred share purchase plan, which is designed to protect us against certain creeping acquisitions, open market purchases and certain mergers and other combinations with acquiring companies.

The foregoing provisions and agreements are designed to discourage a third-party tender offer, proxy contest, or other attempts to acquire control of us and could have the effect of making it more difficult to remove incumbent management.  In addition, LSB Funding and the Golsen Holders have significant voting power and rights to designate board representatives, all of which may further discourage a third-party tender offer, proxy contest, or other attempts to acquire control of us.

Delaware has adopted an anti-takeover law which, among other things, will delay for three years business combinations with acquirers of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of publicly-held companies (such as us), unless:

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained within this report may be deemed “Forward-Looking Statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (as amended, the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act.  All statements in this report other than statements of historical fact are Forward-Looking Statements that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results and performance of the Company to differ materially from such statements.  The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” and similar expressions identify Forward-Looking Statements.  Forward-Looking Statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, the following:

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While we believe, the expectations reflected in such Forward-Looking Statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance such expectations will prove to have been correct.  There are a variety of factors which could cause future outcomes to differ materially from those described in this report, including, but not limited to, the following:  

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Given these uncertainties, all parties are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such Forward-Looking Statements.  We disclaim any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the Forward-Looking Statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

Defined Terms

The following is a list of terms used in this report.

 

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ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

 

 

 

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ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

The following table presents our significant properties for 2017:

 

Most of our real property and equipment located at our chemical facilities are being used to secure our long-term debt.  All of the properties utilized by our businesses are suitable and adequate to meet the current needs of that business and relate to domestic operations.

 

 

 

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ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Legal Matters under Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable

 

 

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

Our common stock is trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “LXU”.  The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the high and low intraday sales prices of our common stock.

 

 

Stockholders

As of February 16, 2018, we had approximately 432 record holders of our common stock.

Dividends

We have not paid cash dividends on our outstanding shares of common stock or convertible preferred stocks during the two most recent fiscal years.  In 2017, we did not pay cash dividends on our outstanding series of redeemable preferred stocks but did pay cash dividends during 2016.  See discussion concerning dividends and restrictions in payment of dividends below under “Liquidity and Capital Resources - Dividends” and “- Loan Agreements” of the MD&A contained in Item 7 of this report.

Equity Compensation Plans

Discussions relating to our equity compensation plans under Item 12 of Part III are incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement which we intend to file with the SEC on or before April 30, 2018.

Sale of Unregistered Securities

There were no unregistered sales of equity securities in 2017 that have not been previously reported in a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Current Report on Form 8-K.

Preferred Share Rights Plan

See discussions relating to our preferred share rights plan under Preferred Share Rights Plan of Note 14 to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report.

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (1)

 

 

 

 

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ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following MD&A should be read in conjunction with a review of the other Items included in this Form 10-K and our December 31, 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.  Certain statements contained in this MD&A may be deemed to be forward-looking statements.  See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Overview

General

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

Key Initiatives for 2018

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

Additionally, specific to our Pryor Facility, we engaged several outside engineering firms to assist us in an overall plant reliability study which will be used to enhance our reliability improvement plan for that facility.  We expect the study to be completed during the second quarter of 2018.

In addition, through increased marketing efforts, we increased our sales volumes of Nitric Acid by approximately 18,000 tons from 82,000 tons in 2016 to 100,000 tons in 2017.  We will continue to focus on increasing our marketing efforts in order to expand our market for our nitric acid products in North America.

Over the last 18 months, we have reduced our SG&A and plant expenses over $12 million annually and believe, in addition to the procurement initiative discussed above, there is still an opportunity to further reduce those expenses.

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

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Business Developments - 2017

Sale of Working Interests in Natural Gas Properties and Other Non-Core Assets

At the end of 2016, we identified certain assets that were no longer necessary in the operations of our business.  During 2017, we sold assets totaling approximately $23.8 million.  We sold all of Zena Energy L.L.C. (“Zena”) assets including Zena’s right, title, and interest in all of its oil and natural gas properties (the “Properties”) located in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania for a purchase price of approximately $16.3 million, which sale was completed on June 26, 2017.  Concurrently with the closing of the purchase and sale agreement, a portion of the net proceeds (approximately $3.5 million) was used to repay the remaining outstanding balance of a promissory note, which was secured by the Properties.  As a result of the sale, we no longer own any working interest in oil and natural gas properties.  During 2017, we also sold our engineered products business (industrial machinery and related components) and other various non-core assets for approximately $7.5 million of net proceeds. We continue to evaluate our assets in order to determine if there are additional non-core assets that we should monetize.

Approval of Arkansas Incentive Tax Credit

During 2017, we received notification from the State of Arkansas that incentive tax credits had been approved associated with certain capital expenditures associated with the El Dorado Facility’s expansion projects completed primarily in the fourth quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2016.  As a result, we recognized a current and noncurrent receivable totaling approximately $8.1 million associated with these incentive tax credits with the offset reducing plant, property and equipment (“PP&E”) (covered by the tax credit) by approximately $7.4 million and the remaining balance of $0.7 million as a reduction to cost of sales (recovery of previously incurred depreciation expense related to the PP&E).  As of December 31, 2017, our current and noncurrent incentive tax credits receivable totaled $7.4 million.

Planned and Unplanned Downtime at our Pryor and El Dorado Facilities

During 2017, we experienced an aggregate of 158 days of unplanned downtime that contributed to approximately $21 million in lost improvement to our operating results.  The following were the main unplanned downtime events:

In May 2017, the ammonia plant at our Pryor Facility experienced a lightning strike causing a loss of power to the facility and 16 days of unplanned downtime.

In June 2017, the ammonia plant at our El Dorado Facility was taken out of service to perform proactive adjustments and heat exchanger cleaning and repairs to enable the plant to operate closer to the higher end of its operating envelope on a sustained basis.  Total downtime relating to this event was 12 days.

In July 2017, the Pryor Facility experienced an electrical outage shutting the facility down.  As the facility was already down and considering the low selling price environment for our agricultural products, and other maintenance needing to be completed, the election was made to move forward the Turnaround previously scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2017 to the third quarter of 2017.  Total downtime for the Turnaround was 17 days.

On September 23, 2017, the ammonia plant at the Pryor Facility experienced a minor fire and was taken out of service to repair damage to some of the plant’s electrical controls, wiring and piping.  As these repairs were being performed, we decided to replace the process gas preheat system that was originally scheduled to be included in the 2018 Turnaround.  The plant resumed production on December 4, 2017.  Total downtime days during 2017 relating to this event was 72 days.

On October 3, 2017, the ammonia plant at our El Dorado Facility was taken out of service to make mechanical repairs to the burner refractory system on the boiler, which were completed on October 8, 2017.  Following the work on the boiler, we determined that repairs on a process heat exchanger were necessary, which repairs to the heat exchanger were completed and ammonia production resumed on October 22, 2017.  Total downtime of the ammonia plant related to these two events in October was 21 days.

Update on Strategic Alternatives Review

In July 2017, our Board of Directors terminated the formal sales process portion of its strategic review as they were not presented with a sale transaction that was in the best interest of our shareholders.  Our Management and Board of Directors continues to work with its outside advisors on evaluating other strategic, financial and operational options on an ongoing basis.

El Dorado Nitric Acid Plant

During 2016, the El Dorado Facility’s new nitric acid plant required several warranty repairs.  After attempts to repair leaks in the nitric acid plant’s nitrous oxide abatement vessel, it was determined that this abatement vessel would need to be replaced under warranty provisions.  In order to operate the nitric acid plant while a permanent solution was developed, we obtained a consent administrative order from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (“ADEQ”) to allow the facility to by-pass the failed nitrous oxide abatement system and continue to operate the new nitric acid plant until September 2018.  We are in process of extending the consent administrative order.  We made use of our secondary nitric acid plant at the El Dorado Facility and shipped product from our other facilities to ensure that customer demands were met while we designed and installed the by-pass system.  We

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anticipate that the design, fabrication, and installation of a new nitrous oxide abatement vessel will be complete by October 2018 and all costs will be covered under warranty provisions.

Key Industry Factors

Supply and Demand

Agricultural

Sales of our agricultural products were approximately 43% of our total net sales for 2017.  The price at which our agricultural products are ultimately sold depends on numerous factors, including the supply and demand for nitrogen fertilizers which, in turn, depends upon world grain demand and production levels, the cost and availability of transportation and storage, weather conditions, competitive pricing and the availability of imports.  Additionally, expansions or upgrades of competitors’ facilities and international and domestic political and economic developments continue to play an important role in the global nitrogen fertilizer industry economics.  These factors can affect, in addition to selling prices, the level of inventories in the market which can cause price volatility and effect product margins.

Additionally, changes in corn prices can affect the number of acres of corn planted in a given year, and the number of acres planted will drive the level of nitrogen fertilizer consumption, likely effecting prices.  The WASDE, dated February 8, 2018, estimates U.S. corn production for 2016/2017 (“2017 Crop”) was 15.2 billion bushels, up 11.4% from 2015/2016 (“2016 Crop”), reflecting increases in planted and harvested acres.  In addition, they estimate yields per acre of 174.6 bushels per acre for the 2017 Crop compared to 168.4 bushels per acre for the 2016 Crop.  This report also estimates world corn ending stocks for 2017/2018 (“2018 Crop”) at 203.1 million tons, a decrease over the 2017 Crop ending stocks of approximately 11.6% while U.S. corn ending stocks of 59.8 million tons, an increase of approximately 3% over the prior year.  This has led the WASDE to estimate that U.S. growers will plant 90.2 million acres of corn in the 2018 Crop, a decrease of 3.8 million acres over the previous year, with expected yields of 176.6 bushels per acre, a 1% increase in yield from the previous year.

On the supply side, given the low price of natural gas in North America over the last several years, North American fertilizer producers have become the global low-cost producers for delivered fertilizer products to the Midwest U.S.  Several years ago, the market believed that low natural gas prices would continue.  That belief, combined with favorable fertilizer pricing, stimulated investment in numerous expansions of existing nitrogen chemical facilities and the construction of new nitrogen chemical facilities.  Since those announcements, global nitrogen fertilizer supply has outpaced global nitrogen fertilizer demand causing oversupply in the global and North American markets.  The increased fertilizer supply led to lower nitrogen fertilizer selling prices during most of 2017.  Also, additional domestic supply of ammonia will change the physical flow of ammonia in North America placing pressure on ammonia and other fertilizer prices until the distribution system accepts the new supply.  Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2017, we have seen an increase in fertilizer prices as the imports of fertilizers has decreases significantly and the distribution of the new domestic supply has been established.  That has continued into the first quarter of 2018.

Industrial

Sales of our industrial products were approximately 46% of our total net sales for 2017.  Our industrial products sales volumes are dependent upon general economic conditions primarily in the housing, automotive, and paper industries.  According to the American Chemistry Council, the U.S. economic indicators continue to be positive for these sectors domestically.  Our sales prices generally vary with the market price of our feedstock (ammonia or natural gas, as applicable) in our pricing arrangements with customers.

Mining

Sales of our mining products were approximately 9% of our total net sales for 2017.  Our mining products are LDAN and AN-solutions, which are primary used as AN fuel oil and specialty emulsions for surface mining of coal and for usage in quarries and the construction industry.  As reported by the EIA, annual coal production in the U.S. for the full year of 2017 is up 6% from 2016 due to increased export demand.  EIA is forecasting a 2% decrease in U.S. coal production in 2018 and another 2% decrease in 2019.  U.S. coal consumption is also expected to decline over the next two years due to low natural gas prices reducing demand for coal for coal-fired electricity generation.  EIA also expects U.S. coal export demand to decline in 2018 and 2019.  We believe that coal production in the U.S. continues to face significant challenges from competition from natural gas and renewable sources of energy.  While we believe, our plants are well-located to support the more stable coal-producing regions in the upcoming years, our current mining sales volumes are being affected by overall lower customer demand for LDAN.  We do not expect a significant increase in our mining business in the near term.

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Farmer Economics

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

Natural Gas Prices

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

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

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, we had volume purchase commitments with a fixed cost for natural gas of approximately 1.3 million MMBtus at an average cost of $2.42 per MMBtu.  These commitments are for firm purchases during the first quarter of 2018 and represent approximately 17% of our total exposed natural gas usage required for that period.

Transportation Costs

Costs for transporting nitrogen-based products can be significant relative to their selling price.  For example, ammonia is a hazardous gas at ambient temperatures and must be transported in specialized equipment, which is more expensive than other forms of nitrogen fertilizers.  In recent years, a significant amount of the ammonia consumed annually in the U.S was imported.  Therefore, nitrogen fertilizers prices in the U.S. are influenced by the cost to transport product from exporting countries, giving domestic producers who transport shorter distances an advantage.

Key Operational Factors

Facility Reliability

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

During the unplanned outage in the fourth quarter of 2017 at our Pryor Facility, we replaced the process gas pre-heat system which was originally planned for the Turnaround in 2018.  Although this extended the downtime, combined with previous maintenance work done at the facility during 2017, it allowed us to avoid a Turnaround in 2018 that had been previously planned. Following the Turnaround scheduled in 2019, we expect to move to a two-year Turnaround cycle at this facility.

At our El Dorado Facility, historically, we performed Turnaround projects on individual plants without shutting down the entire facility as we have redundancy for most of our produced products.  The effect of lost production from those have not been significant.  With the completion of the new ammonia plant, the facility will begin to schedule traditional Turnarounds that will require the ammonia plant to be taken out of production and will cause a financial effect from lost production.  This facility will perform a two-year Turnaround currently scheduled in the third quarter of 2018 and following this initial Turnaround, the facility will move to a three-year Turnaround cycle.

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Our Cherokee Facility is currently on a two-year Turnaround cycle, with the last Turnaround being performed in the third quarter of 2016.  The next Turnaround to be performed is expected to occur in the third quarter of 2018 at which time we expect to move to a three-year Turnaround cycle.

Prepay Contracts

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

Consolidated Results for 2017

Our consolidated net sales for 2017 were $427.5 million compared to $374.6 million for 2016.  Our consolidated operating loss was $34.1 million compared to $90.2 million for 2016.  The items affecting our operating results are discussed below and under “Results of Operations.”

Items Affecting Comparability of Results

On-Stream Rates

The on-stream rates of our plants affect our production, the absorption of fixed costs of each plant and sales of our products.  It is a key operating metric that we use to manage our business.  In particular, we closely monitor the on-stream rates of our ammonia plants as that is the basic product as used to produce all upgraded products.  In 2017, we improved the operating rates at our Cherokee ammonia plant.  The on-stream rate (excluding the effect from its scheduled Turnaround in 2016) for 2017 for our ammonia plant increased to 99% from 96% in 2016.  We believe that the ammonia plant will have a minimum on-stream rate for 2018 of 95%, excluding the planned Turnaround days out of service.

The El Dorado Facility’s ammonia plant began production in mid-2016.  It is typical for newly operated plants that are in production to go through a period of optimization (shakedown) that may require the plant to be taken out of operation for a period of time.  Our reported 2016 on-stream rate for the ammonia plant at El Dorado was 64%.  For 2017, the on-stream rate for its ammonia plant was 86%.  We believe that the ammonia plant will operate at a minimum of 95% on-stream rate for 2018, excluding the planned Turnaround days out of service.  The plant is currently producing ammonia in excess of 1,300 tons per day, which is above its nameplate capacity of 1,150 tons per day.  

At our Pryor Facility, the on-stream rate (excluding the effect from its Turnaround) for 2017 for our ammonia plant decreased to 69% from 86% in 2016, due primarily to the unplanned downtime discussed under “Business Developments - 2017.” We believe that our focus on improving on-stream rates as discussed in key initiatives for 2018 and the capital investments made to the ammonia plant to date, will improve the on-stream rate for 2018.

Because of the improved ammonia production at the El Dorado Facility, during 2017, we sold approximately 200,000 tons of ammonia that were in excess of our internal needs at this facility compared to approximately 88,000 tons in excess of our internal needs in 2016.

Selling Prices

During 2017, selling prices for our agricultural products declined significantly over 2016 selling prices.  Average selling prices for our ammonia, UAN and HDAN decreased 17%, 12% and 6%, respectively compared to 2016 average selling prices.  The decrease in ammonia selling prices was impacted by several factors: (1) a wet spring that caused lower pre-plant ammonia application and resulted in ammonia inventory buildup at the end of the spring season; (2) recent facility expansion projects that started ammonia production but had not yet started planned upgraded production facilities and; (3) intended distribution systems for increased ammonia production not yet in place.  We expect this excess ammonia supply will begin to be absorbed in 2018 as these upgraded production facilities begin production and the distribution systems are in place.  The decrease in UAN and HDAN selling prices were caused by lower average commodity prices and the nitrogen production capacity being added globally, and in North America specifically, that, we believe, created uncertainty on the ability of producers to efficiently distribute the additional production.

Depreciation Expense

During 2017 and 2016, depreciation expense was $67.0 million and $59.4 million, respectively.  The increase is primarily due to our El Dorado expansion project being completed and placed into service during the second quarter of 2016.

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Debt and Interest Expense

During 2017 and 2016, interest expense was $37.3 million and $30.9 million, net of capitalized interest $15.0 million for 2016 (minimal in 2017).  Interest was capitalized based upon construction in progress of the El Dorado expansion project, which was completed during the second quarter of 2016.  Also, 2016 included interest expense of $5.5 million from the 12% Senior Secured Notes which were repaid in October 2016, $2.2 million as a result of the debt modification associated with the Consent Solicitation and interest expense from borrowings under our Working Capital Revolver Loan.

Certain Startup, One-Time, Warranty and Other Expenses (2016 only)

During 2016, the El Dorado Facility’s new ammonia plant became operational.  We estimate that our operating costs were $5.1 million higher during the first half of 2016, as a result of start-up and commissioning activities related to the new ammonia plant.

The El Dorado Facility’s new nitric acid plant incurred certain expenses after start-up for which we believe a portion will be covered under our warranty provisions.  The estimated impact on our operating results for 2016 was approximately $8 million to $9 million.

During 2016, EDC incurred a one-time fee of $12.1 million related to consulting services associated with the reduction of assessed property values for the El Dorado projects real and personal property for both the nitric acid plant, nitric acid concentrator plant and the ammonia plant.  We expect material property tax savings in future periods through a reduction of property taxes paid.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt (2016 only)

In October 2016, we called debt totaling $106.9 million (including accrued interest) to redeem all of the outstanding $50 million of the 12% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 at the original redemption price of 106% plus accrued interest and $50 million of the 7.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 at the original redemption price of 103.875% plus accrued interest.  As a result of this transaction, we recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $8.7 million.   

 

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Results of Operations

The following Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 and accompanying notes and the discussions under “Overview” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” included in this MD&A.

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

Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016

The following table contains certain financial information relating to our continuing operations:

 

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

 

 

With respect to sales of Industrial and Other Chemical Products, the following table indicates the volumes sold of our major products:

With respect to sales of Mining Products, the following table indicates the volumes sold of our major products:

Net Sales

Agricultural and industrial sales for 2017 were both significantly higher due to increased sales volumes that were partially offset by decreased average selling prices while mining sales for 2017 were lower due to lower average prices and a net decrease in sales volume compared to 2016.

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Gross Profit

As noted in the table above, we recognized a gross profit of $5.5 million in 2017 compared to a gross loss of $49.3 million in 2016, or an increase in gross profit of $54.8 million.  In addition to the net positive effect from the higher sales discussed above, our gross profit improved primarily through:

The increase in gross profit was partially offset by an increase in overall depreciation expense of approximately $7.6 million primarily as a result of our new ammonia plant at our El Dorado Facility not being put into service until mid-May 2016, lower absorption of fixed costs from lower on-stream rates at our Pryor Facility and higher average natural gas feedstock cost at our Cherokee and Pryor Facilities.  

In addition, during 2016, we incurred a one-time cost of $12.1 million relating to consulting services associated with the reduction of property taxes from fixing the assessed value for our El Dorado Facility.

Selling General and Administrative Expense

Our SG&A expenses were $35.0 million for 2017, a decrease of $5.2 million compared to 2016.  The decrease was driven by a $2.2 million reduction in compensation-related costs, $1.9 million reduction in insurance and other miscellaneous costs and $1.1 million reduction in professional fees.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill

During 2016, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $1.6 million to fully write-off the carrying value of goodwill.

Other Expense (Income), net

Our net other expense for 2017 was $4.6 million compared to net other income of $0.9 million for 2016.  The change primarily consists of a total net loss of $7.0 million relating to the sale of our working interest of certain natural gas properties, the sale of our engineered products business (industrial machinery and related components) and other non-core assets partially offset by the extinguishment and derecognition of a liability of approximately $1.4 million associated with a death benefit agreement as discussed in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and $0.1 million in miscellaneous items.

Interest Expense, net  

Interest expense for 2017 was $37.3 million compared to $30.9 million for 2016.  The increase is due primarily to a reduction in capitalized interest during 2017 of $14.7 million as a result of the El Dorado expansion project completion during 2016.    This increase was partially offset by a decrease of $5.5 million relating to the 12% Senior Secured Notes sold in 2015 and repaid in 2016 and $2.2 million as a result of the debt modification associated with a consent solicitation completed in 2016.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

As a result of the repayment of $50 million of the 7.75% Senior Secured Notes and all of our 12% Senior Secured Notes in 2016, we incurred a loss on extinguishment of debt of $8.7 million, consisting of prepayment premiums and writing off associated unamortized debt issuance costs.

Benefit for Income Taxes  

The benefit for income taxes for continuing operations in 2017 was $41 million compared to $42 million for the same period in 2016.  The effective tax rate, including the impact of tax reform adjustments, was 57% for 2017 compared to 32% for 2016.  The increase in the benefit rate is primarily due to the adjustments on the deferred tax assets and liabilities from the newly enacted tax rate as a result of tax reform in 2017.  The provisional adjustments related to tax reform resulted in recording a tax benefit of $23 million.  Recently enacted tax legislation is not expected to materially impact the near-term liquidity or financial condition of the company.  Further information on the impacts of tax reform in 2017 is included in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Historically, our effective tax rate has been driven by the federal statutory rate with notable impacts from investment tax credits and valuation allowances.  Also, the adoption of ASU 2016-09 in 2017 may cause some volatility in the effective tax rate.

Income from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes

The results of operations of our former Climate Control Business are presented as discontinued operations.  For 2017, income from discontinued operations was $1.1 million, consisting of a gain of $2.6 million relating primarily to estimate revisions to contingent obligations and net of a tax provision of $1.5 million.  For 2016, income from discontinued operations was $200.3 million, including a gain of $282 million and net of a tax provision of $91.7 million. 

Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2015

The following table contains certain financial information relating to our continuing operations:

 

 

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

 

With respect to sales of Industrial and Other Chemical Products, the following table indicates the volumes sold of our major products:

With respect to sales of Mining Products, the following table indicates the volumes sold of our major products:

Net Sales

In general, for 2016, our agricultural sales were lower, influenced by lower selling prices for ammonia, UAN and HDAN, partially offset by higher sales volume from improved on-stream rates at our facilities in 2016.  Industrial products sales and mining sales both decreased due primarily to lower selling prices partially offset by higher overall sales volumes. In addition, other products, which includes our natural gas working interest, decreased as natural gas sales prices and volumes declined in 2016 compared to 2015.

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Gross Profit

As noted in the table above, we incurred a gross loss of $49.3 million in 2016 compared to gross profit of $20.0 million in 2015, or a decrease in gross profit of approximately $69.3 million.  In addition to the negative effect from lower sales discussed above, 2016 includes a one-time cost of $12.1 million relating to consulting services associated with the reduction of property taxes from fixing the assessed value for our El Dorado Facility, costs incurred relating to the start-up and commissioning activities at our El Dorado expansion project, increased repair expenses associated with unplanned downtime experienced at our Cherokee, Pryor and El Dorado Facilities, an increase in overall depreciation expense partially offset by improved feedstock costs from lower average natural gas prices and our El Dorado Facility producing ammonia from natural gas compared to purchasing ammonia for a portion of the year.  

Selling General and Administrative Expense

Our SG&A expenses were $40.2 million for 2016, a decrease of $9.6 million compared to 2015.  The decrease includes a $4.5 million reduction in expenses related to shareholder activities, $3.8 million reduction in overall compensation related costs, and $1.5 million reduction in training expenses partially offset by an increase of $1.5 million in legal fees related primarily to our review of strategic initiatives and updates to our corporate governance practices and policies.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill

During 2016, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $1.6 million to fully write-off the carrying value of goodwill.

In 2015, we recognized non-cash impairment charges totaling $43.2 million, consisting of an impairment charge of $39.7 million to reduce the carrying value of our working interest in natural gas properties and a $3.5 million impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of certain plant assets related to unused ammonia production equipment at our Pryor Facility.

Interest Expense, net  

Interest expense for 2016 was $30.9 million compared to $7.4 million for 2015.  The increase is due primarily to a reduction in capitalized interest during 2016 of $15.6 million as a result of the El Dorado expansion project completion.    In addition, $4.5 million of the increase in interest expense relates to the 12% Senior Secured Notes sold in November 2015 and repaid in October 2016 and $2.2 million as a result of the debt modification of the Senior Secured Notes in 2016.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

As a result of the repayment of $50 million of the 7.75% Senior Secured Notes and all of our 12% Senior Secured Notes in 2016, we incurred a loss on extinguishment of debt of $8.7 million, consisting of prepayment premiums and writing off associated unamortized debt issuance costs.

Benefit for Income Taxes  

The benefit for income taxes for 2016 was $42 million compared to $32.5 million for the same period in 2015.  The effective tax rate was 32% for 2016 and 41% for 2015.  The decrease in the benefit rate is primarily related to the increased valuation allowance established on state net operating losses that we anticipate will not be able to be utilized prior to expiration.

Income from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes

As previously reported, the results of operations of the Climate Control Business have been presented as discontinued operations.  For 2016, income from discontinued operations was $200.3 million, including a gain of $282 million and net of a tax provision of $91.7 million. For 2015, income from discontinued operations was $11.4 million, net of a tax provision of $9 million.  

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The following table summarizes our continuing cash flow activities for 2017 and 2016:

Cash Flow from Continuing Operating Activities

Net cash provided by continuing operating activities was $2.3 million for 2017 compared to net cash used of $22.0 million for 2016, an improvement of approximately $24.3 million.  

For 2017, the net cash provided is the result of a net loss of $29.2 million plus a noncash adjustment of $67 million for depreciation, depletion and amortization of PP&E and other noncash adjustments totaling approximately $13.7 million less an adjustment of $40.4 million for deferred income taxes and approximately $8.8 million of net cash used primarily from our working capital including an increase in our trade accounts receivable.

For 2016, the net cash used is the result of net income of $112.2 million less adjustments of $200.3 million for net income from discontinued operations and $42 million for deferred income taxes, plus adjustments of $59.4 million for depreciation, depletion and amortization of PP&E, $8.7 million for a loss on extinguishment of debt, other noncash adjustments totaling approximately $12.4 million and $27.6 million of net cash provided primarily from our working capital including an increase in our trade accounts payable, and deferred income associated with an amended LDAN purchase and sales agreement.

Cash Flow from Continuing Investing Activities

Net cash used by continuing investing activities was $10.8 million for 2017 compared to net cash provided of $153.3 million, a change of $164.1 million.  For 2017, the net cash used relates to expenditures for PP&E of $35.4 million partially offset by net proceeds of $23.8 million from the sale of our working interests in certain natural gas properties, engineered products business (industrial machinery and related components) and other property and equipment as discussed above under “Recent Developments” and in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and $0.8 million associated with other activities.

For 2016, the net cash provided consists of $362 million of net proceeds from the sale of the Climate Control Business and other property and equipment and $3.8 million associated with other activities partially offset by $212.5 million of cash used for expenditures for PP&E.

Cash Flow from Continuing Financing Activities

Net cash used by continuing financing activities was $16.1 million for 2017 compared to $193.7 million for 2016, a change of approximately $177.6 million.

For 2017, the net cash used consists of payments on long-term debt and related costs of $14.2 million and $1.9 million of other activities.

For 2016, the net cash used relates to the payments on the 7.75% and 12% Senior Secured Notes totaling $100 million, the redemption of a portion of the Series E Redeemable Preferred including dividends of approximately $80 million, payments on long-term debt of $15.4 million and payments of debt and equity modification, extinguishment and issuance costs of $13.1 million partially offset by net proceeds from long-term debt financing of approximately $14.8 million.

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Capitalization

The following is our total current cash, long-term debt, redeemable preferred stock and stockholders’ equity:

 

 

We currently have a revolving credit facility, our Working Capital Revolver Loan, with a borrowing base of $50 million.  As of December 31, 2017, our Working Capital Revolver Loan was undrawn and had $41.2 million of availability.

As discussed below, we have planned capital improvements relating to maintaining and enhancing safety and reliability at our facilities of approximately $35 million for 2018.

We believe that the combination of our cash on hand, the availability on our revolving credit facility, and our cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund our anticipated liquidity needs for the next twelve months.  

Compliance with Long - Term Debt Covenants

As discussed below under “Loan Agreements,” the Working Capital Revolver Loan requires, among other things, that we meet certain financial covenants. The Working Capital Revolver Loan does not include financial covenant requirements unless a defined covenant trigger event has occurred and is continuing. As of December 31, 2017, no trigger event had occurred.

Loan Agreements and Redeemable Preferred Stock

Senior Secured Notes due 2019 – LSB has $375 million aggregate principal amount of the 8.5% Senior Secured Notes currently outstanding.  Interest is to be paid semiannually on February 1st and August 1st.

Secured Promissory Note due 2019 – EDC is party to a secured promissory note due June 29, 2019.  This promissory note bears interest at the annual rate of 5.73%.  Principal and interest are payable in equal monthly installments with a final balloon payment of approximately $6.7 million.  This promissory note is secured by the cogeneration facility equipment and is guaranteed by LSB.

Secured Promissory Note due 2021 – EDC is party to a secured promissory note due March 26, 2021.  This promissory note bears interest at the annual rate of 5.25%.  Principal and interest are payable in monthly installments.  This promissory note is secured by a natural gas pipeline at the El Dorado Facility and is guaranteed by LSB.

Secured Promissory Note due 2023 – EDA is party to a secured promissory note due in May 2023.  Principal and interest are payable in equal monthly installments with a final balloon payment of approximately $6.1 million.  This promissory note bears interest at a rate that is based on the monthly LIBOR rate plus a base rate for a total of 5.62%.  This promissory note is secured by the ammonia storage tank and related systems and is guaranteed by LSB.

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Working Capital Revolver Loan – At December 31, 2017, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Working Capital Revolver Loan and the net credit available for borrowings under our Working Capital Revolver Loan was approximately $41.2 million, based on our eligible collateral, less outstanding letters of credit as of that date.  The maturity date of the Working Capital Revolver Loan is January 17, 2022, with a springing earlier maturity date (the “Springing Maturity Date”) that is 90 days prior to the maturity date of the currently existing senior notes (the “Senior Notes”), to the extent the Senior Notes are not refinanced or repaid prior to the Springing Maturity Date.  The Working Capital Revolver Loan Amendment also provides for a springing financial covenant (the “Financial Covenant”), which requires that, if the borrowing availability is less than or equal to the greater of 10.0% of the total revolver commitments and $5 million, then the borrowers must maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.00:1.00.  The Financial Covenant, if triggered, is tested monthly.  Also see discussion above under “Compliance with Long-Term Debt Covenants.

Redemption of Series E Redeemable Preferred – At December 31, 2017, there were 139,768 outstanding shares of Series E Redeemable Preferred.

At any time on or after August 2, 2019, each Series E holder has the right to elect to have such holder’s shares redeemed by us at a redemption price per share equal to the liquidation preference per share of $1,000 plus accrued and unpaid dividends plus the participation rights value (the “Liquidation Preference”).  Additionally, at our option, we may redeem the Series E Redeemable Preferred at any time at a redemption price per share equal to the Liquidation Preference of such share as of the redemption date.  Lastly, with receipt of (i) prior consent of the electing Series E holder or a majority of shares of Series E Redeemable Preferred and (ii) all other required approvals, including under any principal U.S. securities exchange on which our common stock is then listed for trading, we can redeem the Series E Redeemable Preferred by the issuance of shares of common stock having an aggregate common stock price equal to the amount of the aggregate Liquidation Preference of such shares being redeemed in shares of common stock in lieu of cash at the redemption date.

In the event of liquidation, the Series E Redeemable Preferred is entitled to receive its Liquidation Preference before any such distribution of assets or proceeds is made to or set aside for the holders of our common stock and any other junior stock.  In the event of a change of control, we must make an offer to purchase all of the shares of Series E Redeemable Preferred outstanding at the Liquidation Preference.

Since carrying values of the redeemable preferred stocks are being increased by periodic accretions (including the amount for dividends earned but not yet declared or paid) using the interest method so that the carrying amount will equal the redemption value as of August 2, 2019, the earliest possible redemption date by the holder, this accretion has and will continue to affect income (loss) per common share.  In addition, this accretion could accelerate if the expected redemption date is earlier than August 2, 2019.

As of December 31, 2017, the aggregate liquidation preference (par value plus accrued dividends) was $185.2 million.

Also, see discussion in Notes 9 and 13 to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

Capital Improvements – 2017

For 2017, capital improvements relating to PP&E were $37.4 million, which improvements include approximately $3.1 million associated with maintaining compliance with environmental laws, regulations and guidelines.  The capital improvements were funded primarily from cash and working capital. 

See discussion above under “Capitalization” for our expected annual capital improvements for 2018.

Expenses Associated with Environmental Regulatory Compliance

We are subject to specific federal and state environmental compliance laws, regulations and guidelines.  As a result, we incurred expenses of $4.1 million in 2017 in connection with environmental projects.  For 2018, we expect to incur expenses ranging from $3.6 million to $4.6 million in connection with additional environmental projects.  However, it is possible that the actual costs could be significantly different than our estimates.

Dividends

We have not paid cash dividends on our outstanding common stock in many years, and we do not currently anticipate paying cash dividends on our outstanding common stock in the near future.  

Dividends on the Series E Redeemable Preferred are cumulative and payable semi-annually (May 1 and November 1) in arrears at the annual rate of 14% of the liquidation value of $1,000 per share.  Each share of Series E Redeemable Preferred is entitled to receive a semi-annual dividend, only when declared by our Board of Directors.  In addition, dividends in arrears at the dividend date, until paid, shall compound additional dividends at the annual rate of 14%.  The current semiannual compounded dividend is approximately $90.69 per share for the current aggregate semi-annual dividend of $12.7 million.  We also must declare a dividend on the Series E Redeemable Preferred on a pro rata basis with our common stock.  As long as the Purchaser holds at least 10% of the Series E Redeemable Preferred, we may not declare dividends on our common stock and other preferred stocks unless and until dividends have been declared and paid on the Series E Redeemable Preferred for the then current dividend period in cash.  As of December 31, 2017,

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the amount of accumulated dividends on the Series E Redeemable Preferred was approximately $45.5 million.  See discussion under “Redeemable Preferred Stocks” of Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

Dividends on the Series D 6% cumulative convertible Class C preferred stock (the “Series D Preferred”) and Series B 12% cumulative convertible Class C Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred”) are payable annually, only when declared by our Board of Directors, as follows:

As of December 31, 2017, no dividend has been declared and the amount of accumulated dividends on the Series D Preferred and Series B Preferred totaled approximately $0.7 million.  All shares of the Series D Preferred and Series B Preferred are owned by the Golsen Holders.  There are no optional or mandatory redemption rights with respect to the Series B Preferred or Series D Preferred.

Seasonality

See discussion above under “Part I-Item 1 Business” for seasonality trends.

Performance and Payment Bonds

We are contingently liable to sureties in respect of insurance bonds issued by the sureties in connection with certain contracts entered into by subsidiaries in the normal course of business.  These insurance bonds primarily represent guarantees of future performance of our subsidiaries.  As of December 31, 2017, we have agreed to indemnify the sureties for payments, up to $10 million, made by them in respect of such bonds.  All of these insurance bonds are expected to expire or be renewed in 2018.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

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Aggregate Contractual Obligations

As of December 31, 2017, our aggregate contractual obligations are summarized in the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

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New Accounting Pronouncements

For recently adopted and recently issued accounting standards, see discussions in Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosures of contingencies and fair values.  It is reasonably possible that the estimates and assumptions utilized as of December 31, 2017, could change in the near term.  The more critical areas of financial reporting affected by management's judgment, estimates and assumptions include the following:  

Strategic Review of Certain Assets – As discussed above under “Overview,” one of our key initiatives for 2018 is the continued review of our cost structure with the goal of reducing our annual overall costs.  In conjunction with this review, we continue to evaluate the return on investment and necessity of certain assets.  As a result, we currently own certain assets (net book value of approximately $7 million) that we are considering selling.  Due to the nature of some of these assets, there may be a limited market.  As a result, and depending on appraisals obtained and offers received, if any, from potential buyers, it is reasonably possible we could incur impairment charges or losses on sales of assets in the near term.

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

We are involved in various legal matters that require management to make estimates and assumptions, including costs relating to the lawsuit styled City of West, Texas v CF Industries, Inc., et al, and BAE Systems Ordinance Systems, Inc., et al. vs. El Dorado Chemical Company, discussed under “Other Pending, Threatened or Settled Litigation” of Note 11 to Consolidated Financial Statements include in this report.

It is reasonably possible that the actual costs could be significantly different than our estimates.    

Regulatory Compliance – As discussed under “Environmental, Health and Safety Matters” in Item 1 of this report, we are subject to specific federal and state regulatory compliance laws and guidelines.  We have developed policies and procedures related to regulatory compliance.  We must continually monitor whether we have maintained compliance with such laws and regulations and the operating implications, if any, and amount of penalties, fines and assessments that may result from noncompliance.  We will also be obligated to manage certain discharge water outlets and monitor groundwater contaminants at our chemical facilities should we discontinue the operations of a facility.  However, certain conditions exist which may result in a loss, but which will only be resolved when future events occur relating to these matters.  We are involved in various environmental matters that require management to make estimates and assumptions, including our current inability to develop a meaningful and reliable estimate (or range of estimate) as to the costs relating to a corrective action study work plan approved by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (“KDHE”) discussed under footnote 3 – Other Environmental Matters of Note 11.  At December 31, 2017 and 2016, liabilities totaling $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively have been accrued relating to these issues as discussed.  This liability is included in current accrued and other liabilities and is based on current estimates that may be revised in the near term.  At the time that cost estimates for any corrective action are received, we will adjust our accrual accordingly.  It is reasonably possible that the adjustment to the accrual and the actual costs could be significantly different than our current estimates.

Redeemable Preferred Stocks – On December 4, 2015, we issued the Series E and F Redeemable Preferred.  The redeemable preferred stocks are redeemable outside of our control and are classified as temporary/mezzanine equity on our consolidated balance sheet.  In addition, certain embedded features (the “embedded derivative”) included in the Series E Redeemable Preferred required bifurcation and are classified as derivative liabilities.

Currently, the carrying values of the redeemable preferred stocks are being increased by periodic accretions (recorded to retained earnings and included in determining income or loss per share) using the interest method so that the carrying amount will equal the redemption value as of August 2, 2019, the earliest possible redemption date by the holder.  However, a portion of this accretion was accelerated ($6.6 million) during 2016 as the result of the redemption discussed in Note 9 and the remaining accretion could accelerate if the expected redemption date is earlier than August 2, 2019.  Approximately $30 million of accretion (including the amount for

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earned dividends) was recorded to retained earnings in 2017.  At December 31, 2017, the carrying value of these redeemable preferred stocks was $175 million.

For the embedded derivative, changes in fair value are recorded in our statement of operations.  As the result of the effect of certain amendments to the Senior Secured Notes indenture (“Indenture Amendments”) in connection with the consent solicitation initiated in August 2016 (“Consent Solicitation”) as discussed in Note 9, including the redemption of the portion of Series E Redeemable Preferred discussed in Notes 9 and 13, we estimate that the contingent redemption feature has no fair value based on low probability that the remaining shares of Series E Redeemable Preferred would be redeemed prior to August 2, 2019.  At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the fair value of the participation rights was $2.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively, based on the equivalent of 303,646 shares of our common stock at $8.76 and $8.42 per share, respectively.  No valuation input adjustments were considered necessary relating to nonperformance risk for the embedded derivative based on our current forecast.  The valuation is classified as Level 3.

Management’s judgment and estimates in the above areas are based on information available from internal and external resources at that time. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates and judgments, as additional information becomes known.

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

General

Our results of operations and operating cash flows are affected by changes in market prices of natural gas, changes in market interest rates and changes in market currency exchange rates.

Forward Sales Commitments Risk

Periodically, we enter into forward firm sales commitments for products to be delivered in future periods.  As a result, we could be exposed to embedded losses should our product costs exceed the firm sales prices.  At December 31, 2017, we had no embedded losses associated with sales commitments with firm sales prices.

Commodity Price Risk

A substantial portion of our products and raw materials are commodities whose prices fluctuate as market supply and demand fundamentals change.  We are exposed to commodity price risk as we generally do not use derivative financial instruments to manage risks related to changes in prices of commodities. We periodically enter into contracts to purchase natural gas for anticipated production needs.  Generally, these contracts are considered normal purchases because they provide for the purchase of natural gas that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used over a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business, these contracts are exempt from the accounting and reporting requirements relating to derivatives.  At December 31, 2017, we did not have any natural gas derivatives not meeting the definition of a normal purchase and sale.

Interest Rate Risk

Generally, we are exposed to variable interest rate risk with respect to our revolving credit facility.  As of December 31, 2017, we have zero borrowings on this credit facility.  We are also exposed to interest rate risk on variable rate borrowings for certain commercial loans in the amount of approximately $16.7 million.  We currently do not hedge our interest rate risk associated with these variable interest loans.

The following table presents principal amounts and related weighted-average interest rates by maturity date for our interest rate sensitive debt agreements as of December 31, 2017:

 

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The following table presents our significant purchase commitments under firm purchase commitments with fixed prices and related weighted-average contract costs by contract terms as of December 31, 2017:

 

 

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we did not have any financial instruments with fair values significantly different from their carrying amounts (which excludes issuance costs, if applicable), except for the Senior Secured Notes as shown below.

 

The Senior Secured Notes valuation is classified as Level 2.  The valuations of our other long-term debt agreements are classified as Level 3 and are based on valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.  The fair value measurements of our other long-term debt agreements are valued using a discounted cash flow model that calculates the present value of future cash flows pursuant to the terms of the debt agreements and applies estimated current market interest rates.  The estimated current market interest rates are based primarily on interest rates currently being offered on borrowings of similar amounts and terms.  In addition, no valuation input adjustments were considered necessary relating to nonperformance risk for our debt agreements.  The fair value of financial instruments is not indicative of the overall fair value of our assets and liabilities since financial instruments do not include all assets, including intangibles, and all liabilities.

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

We have included the financial statements and supplementary financial information required by this item immediately following Part IV of this report and hereby incorporate by reference the relevant portions of those statements and information into this Item 8.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act). Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  These include controls and procedures designed to ensure that this information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Based upon that evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Our internal control system is a process, under the supervision of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013 Framework). Based on our assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2017, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting.  This report appears on the following page.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of LSB Industries, Inc.  

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited LSB Industries, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria).  In our opinion, LSB Industries, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 2017 consolidated financial statements of the Company and our report dated February 26, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.  We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.                                                      

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP  

 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

February 26, 2018

 

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ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

 

PART III

Item 10, Item 11, Item 12, Item 13 and Item 14 are incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement which we intend to file with the SEC on or before April 30, 2018.

 

 

PART IV

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) (1) Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements of the Company appear immediately following this Part IV:

 

 

(a) (2) Financial Statement Schedule

The Company has included the following schedule in this report:

 

 

We have omitted all other schedules because the conditions requiring their filing do not exist or because the required information appears in our Consolidated Financial Statements, including the notes to those statements.

 

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(a)(3) Exhibits

 

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(P)      Paper copy filed

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

 

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Consolidated Financial Statements

And Schedule for Inclusion in Form 10-K

For the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2017

Table of Contents

 

 

 

F-1

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of LSB Industries, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of LSB Industries, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 26, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits.  We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the US federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.  Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks.  Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1968.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

February 26, 2018

 

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

(Continued on following page)

 

F-3

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

F-6

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

(Continued on following page)

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

 

 

F-8

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation – LSB Industries, Inc. (“LSB”) and its subsidiaries (the “Company”, “We”, “Us”, or “Our”) are consolidated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  LSB is a holding company with no significant operations or assets other than cash, cash equivalents, and investments in its subsidiaries.  All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

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

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

Other products consisted of natural gas sales from our working interests in certain natural gas properties of our former subsidiary Zena Energy L.L.C. (“Zena”) and sales of industrial machinery and related components both of which have been sold as discussed below.  For 2017, 2016 and 2015, these sales totaled $8.6 million, $9.1 million and $12.9 million, respectively.

During May 2017, Zena, which was an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of LSB, entered into a purchase and sale agreement with BKV Chelsea, LLC, (“BKV”).  Under the terms of the purchase and sale agreement, Zena agreed to sell to BKV all of its assets, including Zena’s right, title, and interest in all of its oil and natural gas properties (the “Properties”) located in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania for a purchase price of approximately $16.3 million, which sale was completed on June 26, 2017.   As a result, we recognized a loss on the sale of approximately $4.0 million which is included in operating other expense.  The carrying value of the assets sold was approximately $20.0 million and was included in plant, property and equipment at December 31, 2016.  Concurrently with the closing of the purchase and sale agreement, a portion of the net proceeds (approximately $3.5 million) was used to repay the remaining outstanding balance of a promissory note, which was secured by the Properties.

Zena’s prior ownership of working interests in natural gas properties was accounted for as an undivided interest, whereby we reflected our proportionate share of the underlying assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.  The working interest represented our share of the costs and expenses incurred primarily to develop the underlying leaseholds and to produce natural gas while the net revenue interest represented our share of the revenues from the sale of natural gas.  The net revenue interest was less than the working interest as the result of royalty interest due to others.  We were not the operator of these natural gas properties.

In October 2017, we sold our engineered products business (industrial machinery and related components) as discussed in Note 17 - Related Party Transactions.

On May 11, 2016, LSB, Consolidated Industries L.L.C., a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of LSB (“Consolidated”), and Climate Control Group, Inc., a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Consolidated and an indirect subsidiary of LSB (the “Climate Control Group”), entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”) with NIBE Industrier AB (publ), and NIBE Energy Systems Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of NIBE Industrier AB (collectively “NIBE”) pursuant to which LSB, through Consolidated, agreed to sell to NIBE all of the outstanding shares of stock of the Climate Control Group for a total of approximately $364 million, subject to post-closing adjustments, which sale was completed on July 1, 2016. The Climate Control Group conducted LSB’s Climate Control Business (the “Climate Control Business”).  The operating activities of Climate Control Business have been reclassified and reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.  Our financial statements and footnotes reflect our results from continuing operations unless otherwise noted.  See Note 2 – Discontinued Operations.    

Use of Estimates – The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents – Investments, which consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, are considered cash equivalents.

F-9

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Accounts Receivable – Our accounts receivable are stated at net realizable value.  This value includes an appropriate allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect any loss anticipated on accounts receivable balances.  Our estimate is based on historical experience and periodic assessment of outstanding accounts receivable, particularly those accounts that are past due (based upon the terms of the sale).  Our periodic assessment of our accounts receivable is based on our best estimate of amounts that are not recoverable.

Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis) or net realizable value, which is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, transportation or disposal.  Finished goods include material, labor, and manufacturing overhead costs.

On January 1, 2017, we prospectively adopted ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.  The adoption of this ASU did not impact our financial statements.

Precious Metals – Precious metals are used as a catalyst in our manufacturing process.  Precious metals are carried at cost, with cost being determined using the FIFO basis.  Because some of the catalyst consumed in the production process cannot be readily recovered and the amount and timing of recoveries are not predictable, we follow the practice of expensing precious metals as they are consumed.  Occasionally, during major maintenance or capital projects, we may be able to perform procedures to recover precious metals (previously expensed) which have accumulated over time within the manufacturing equipment.  Recoveries of precious metals are recognized at historical FIFO costs.  When we accumulate precious metals in excess of our production requirements, we may sell a portion of the excess metals.

Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”).  Leases meeting capital lease criteria are capitalized in PP&E. Major renewals and improvements that increase the life, value, or productive capacity of assets are capitalized in PP&E while maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred.  In addition, maintenance, repairs and minor renewal costs relating to planned major maintenance activities (“Turnarounds”) are expensed as they are incurred.  All long-lived assets relate to domestic operations.

Fully depreciated assets are retained in PP&E and accumulated DD&A accounts until disposal.  When PP&E are retired, sold, or otherwise disposed, the asset’s carrying amount and related accumulated DD&A are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in other income or expense.

Fully depreciated assets are retained in PP&E and accumulated DD&A accounts until disposal.  When PP&E are retired, sold, or otherwise disposed, the asset’s carrying amount and related accumulated DD&A are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in other income or expense.

For financial reporting purposes, depreciation of the costs of PP&E is primarily computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  No provision for depreciation is made on construction in progress or capital spare parts until such time as the relevant assets are put into service.  

As it relates to our former natural gas properties, which were sold as discussed above, leasehold costs, intangible drilling and other costs of successful wells and development dry holes were capitalized in PP&E based on successful efforts accounting.  The costs of exploratory wells were initially capitalized in PP&E but expensed if and when the well was determined to be nonproductive.  DD&A of the costs of our former producing natural gas properties was computed using the units of production method primarily on a field-by-field basis using total proved or proved developed reserves, as applicable, which was estimated by our former independent consulting petroleum engineer.  No provision for DD&A was made on nonproducing leasehold costs and exploratory wells in progress until such time the relevant assets related to proven reserves.  Our former natural gas reserves were based on estimates and assumptions, which affected our DD&A calculations.  Our former independent consulting petroleum engineer, with our assistance, prepared estimates of natural gas reserves based on available relevant data and information.  For DD&A purposes, and as required by the guidelines and definitions established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the reserve estimates were based on average natural gas prices during the 12-month period, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month.

F-10

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill – Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) may not be recoverable.  An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset (asset group) and its eventual disposition. If assets to be held and used are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amounts of the assets exceed the fair values of the assets as measured by the present value of future net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets or their appraised value.  In general, and depending on the event or change in circumstances, our asset groups are reviewed for impairment on a facility-by-facility basis (such as the Cherokee, El Dorado or Pryor Facility).  As it relates to our former natural gas properties, which were sold as discussed above, proven natural gas properties were reviewed for impairment on a field-by-field basis and nonproducing leasehold costs were reviewed for impairment on a property-by-property basis.  

In addition, if the event or change in circumstance relates to the probable sale of an asset (or group of assets), the specific asset (or group of assets) is reviewed for impairment.

In addition, goodwill was reviewed for impairment at least annually.  An impairment loss generally would be recognized when the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s net assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit.  See discussion below under 2016.  

In general, assets held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amounts of the assets or fair values less costs to sell.  At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had no long-lived assets classified as held for sale.

The non-cash impairment charges discussed below were included in the consolidated statements of operations line item titled impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill.

2016

Generally, the evaluation of goodwill for impairment involves a two-step test.  Step 1 involves comparing the estimated fair value of each respective reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill.  Our step 1 test utilized both a market approach and income approach to estimate the fair values of our reporting units.  The market approach was based on enterprise value to estimated EBITDA multiples of our peer group (Level 3 inputs).  If the estimated fair value exceeds the carrying value, the reporting unit’s goodwill is not considered impaired.  If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value, step 2 must be performed to determine whether goodwill is impaired and, if so, the amount of the impairment.  Step 2 involves calculating an implied fair value of goodwill by performing a hypothetical allocation of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit determined in step 1 to the respective tangible and intangible net assets of the reporting unit (Level 3 inputs).  The remaining implied goodwill is then compared to the actual carrying amount of the goodwill for the reporting unit.  To the extent the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied goodwill, the difference is the amount of the goodwill impairment.

During 2016, pricing for our key product groups deteriorated well below expectations foreseen at December 31, 2015.  Additionally, we believed the lower price environment was expected to continue throughout 2017.  Thus, in accordance with ASC 350, we determined it was more likely than not that the fair value of goodwill related to our El Dorado Facility was less than its carrying amount (goodwill and other) implied under step 2, which resulted in an impairment charge of $1.6 million to fully write-down the carrying value of goodwill.

2015

During 2015, we recognized an impairment charge of $39.7 million to write-down the carrying value ($62.2 million) of our former working interest in natural gas properties in the Marcellus Shale region to their estimated fair value of $22.5 million.  The impairment charge represented the amount by which the carrying value of these former natural gas properties exceeded the estimated fair value and was therefore not recoverable.  The estimated fair value was determined based on estimated future discounted net cash flows, a Level 3 input, using estimated production and prices at which we reasonably expect natural gas will be sold, including the evaluation provided by our former independent consulting petroleum engineer in October 2015.  The event triggering the review for impairment related primarily from the results received from the evaluation.  The impairment was due to the decline in prices for natural gas futures, large natural gas price differentials in the Marcellus Shale region and the resulting changes in the drilling plans of these natural gas properties that caused certain of these properties to be reclassified from the “proved undeveloped reserves” category to the “probable undeveloped resources” category included in the Evaluation because those properties were no longer likely to be developed within five years.

F-11

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Our former independent consulting petroleum engineering firm calculated our former natural gas reserves using volumetric analysis of the reservoir and rate decline analysis for existing producers.  The process of estimating proved reserves and future net cash flows is complex involving decisions and assumptions in evaluating the available engineering and geologic data and natural gas prices and the cost to produce these reserves and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.  Those assumptions included estimates of future natural gas production, commodity prices based on commodity futures price strips, operating and development costs, and a risk-adjusted discount rate of 10%, which was based on an industry standard.   

In addition, during 2015, we recognized an impairment charge of $3.5 million to write down the carrying value ($8.5 million) of certain plant assets related to certain ammonia production equipment at our Pryor Facility to their estimated fair value of approximately $5.0 million.  The change of circumstances triggering the review for impairment related primarily to an offer received from a possible buyer on this non-core ammonia production equipment.  The estimated fair value was determined based on an offer received from a possible buyer less estimated costs that would be incurred if the equipment is sold (Level 3 inputs). In 2016, this ammonia production equipment was sold to a third party for a minimal gain.

Concentration of Credit Risks for Cash and Cash Equivalents and Sales – Financial instruments relating to cash and cash equivalents potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk.  These financial instruments were held by financial institutions within the U.S. except for approximately $1.9 million.  None of the financial instruments held within U.S. were in excess of the federally insured limits.  

Net sales to one customer, Koch Fertilizer LLC, represented approximately 10%, 11% and 12% of our total net sales for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Net sales to one customer, Covestro AG (“Covestro”), represented approximately 12%, 13% and 15% of our total net sales for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  The sales to Covestro are pursuant to an agreement under which one of our subsidiaries operates a nitric acid plant located within Covestro’s chemical manufacturing complex as discussed in Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies. This agreement: (a) allows us to pass-through most of the costs of producing the nitric acid that Covestro purchases, including the cost of ammonia; (b) to receive management fees for managing the operations and for marketing nitric acid not used by Covestro to third party customers and; (c) to receive a portion of any carbon credits that are sold.

Capitalized Software – Intangible and other noncurrent assets include capitalized software that primarily relates to our enterprise resource planning software (“ERP”) for internal use and is stated at cost, net of accumulated amortization.  The ERP project was completed during 2016.  For 2017 and 2016, our carrying value was $13.1 million and $12.9 million, and accumulated amortization of $5.6 million and $3.5 million, respectively.  Capitalized software costs include software purchase costs and internal and external costs for implementing software.  For financial reporting purposes, amortization of capitalized software costs is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the software, which is primarily eight years.  During 2016 and 2015, interest cost capitalized in capitalized software was $0.1 million, $0.3 million, respectively (none in 2017).  Interest costs capitalized ceased during 2016 with the completion of the ERP project.  No provision for amortization is made until such time as the relevant assets are placed into service.  Amortization expense related to capitalized software was $2.1 million, $1.7 million and $1.0 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Estimated amortization related to capitalized software is $2.4 million for 2018 and $1.2 million each of the subsequent three years, 2019 through 2021 and $1.0 million in 2022.  

Capitalized Interest – Interest cost on borrowings incurred during a significant construction or development project is capitalized.  Capitalized interest is added to the associated underlying asset and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  For 2017, 2016 and 2015, interest capitalized amounted to $0.3 million, $15.0 million, $30.6 million, respectively.

Accrued Insurance Liabilities – We are self-insured up to certain limits for group health, workers’ compensation and general liability claims.  Above these limits, we have commercial stop-loss insurance coverage for our contractual exposure on group health claims and statutory limits under workers’ compensation obligations.  We also carry umbrella insurance of $100 million for most general liability and auto liability risks.  We have a separate $50 million insurance policy covering pollution liability at our chemical facilities.  Additional pollution liability coverage for our other facilities is provided in our general liability and umbrella policies.  As it related to our natural gas properties that we did not operate but only owned a working interest, insurance policies were maintained by the operator, which we were responsible for our proportionate share of the costs involved.

F-12

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Our accrued self-insurance liabilities are based on estimates of claims, which include the reported incurred claims amounts plus the reserves established by our insurance adjustors and/or estimates provided by attorneys handling the claims, if any, up to the amount of our self-insurance limits.  In addition, our accrued insurance liabilities include estimates of incurred, but not reported, claims based on historical claims experience.  The determination of such claims and the appropriateness of the related liability is periodically reviewed and revised, if needed.  Changes in these estimated liabilities are charged to operations.  Potential legal fees and other directly related costs associated with insurance claims are not accrued but rather are expensed as incurred.  Accrued insurance claims are included in accrued and other liabilities.  It is reasonably possible that the actual development of claims could be different than our estimates.

Executive Benefit Agreements – We are party to certain benefit agreements with certain key current and former executives.  Costs associated with these individual benefit agreements are accrued based on the estimated remaining service period when such benefits become probable they will be paid.  Total costs accrued equal the present value of specified payments to be made after benefits become payable.

Income Taxes – We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences attributable to net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards, and differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities.  We establish valuation allowances if we believe it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

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

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

See Note 10 – Income Taxes discussing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118") issued by the SEC.

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

Asset Retirement Obligations – In general, we record the estimated fair value of an asset retirement obligation (“ARO”) associated with tangible long-lived assets in the period it is incurred and when there is sufficient information available to estimate the fair value.  An ARO associated with long-lived assets is a legal obligation under existing or enacted law, statute, written or oral contract or legal construction.  AROs, which are initially recorded based on estimated discounted cash flows, are accreted to full value over time through charges to cost of sales.  In addition, we capitalize the corresponding asset retirement cost as PP&E, which cost is depreciated or depleted over the related asset’s respective useful life.  We do not have any assets restricted for the purpose of settling our AROs.

Redeemable Preferred Stocks – Our redeemable preferred stocks that are redeemable outside of our control are classified as temporary/mezzanine equity.  The redeemable preferred stocks were recorded at fair value upon issuance, net of issuance costs or discounts.  In addition, certain embedded features included in the Series E Redeemable Preferred required bifurcation and are classified as derivative liabilities.  The carrying values of the redeemable preferred stocks are being increased by periodic accretions (including the amount for dividends earned but not yet declared or paid) using the interest method so that the carrying amount will equal the redemption value as of August 2, 2019, the earliest possible redemption date by the holder.  The amount of accretion was recorded to retained earnings.

F-13

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

However, it is reasonably possible this accretion could accelerate if the expected redemption date is earlier than August 2, 2019.  See discussion concerning the redemption in 2016 of a portion of the Series E Redeemable Preferred in Note 13 – Securities Financing including Redeemable Preferred Stocks.

Equity Awards – Equity award transactions with employees are measured based on the estimated fair value of the equity awards issued.  For equity awards with only service conditions that have a graded vesting period, we recognize compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.  Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.  In addition, historically we issue new shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options, but treasury shares may be used.

Revenue Recognition and Other Information – We recognize revenue for substantially all of our operations at the time title to the goods transfers to the buyer and there remain no significant future performance obligations by us.

All net sales and long-lived assets relate to domestic operations for the periods presented.  In addition, net sales to non-U.S. customers were minimal.  

Recognition of Incentive Tax Credits (Other Than Credits Associated with Income Taxes) – If an incentive tax credit relates to a recovery of taxes (other than income taxes) incurred, we recognize the incentive tax credit when it is probable and reasonably estimable.  If an incentive tax credit relates to an amount in excess of taxes incurred, the incentive tax credit is a contingent gain, which we recognize the incentive tax credit when it is realized or realizable and earned.  Amounts recoverable from the taxing authorities, if any, are included in accounts receivable.  The same financial statement classification is used for an incentive tax credit as the associated tax incurred.

During 2017, we received notification from the State of Arkansas that incentive tax credits had been approved associated with certain capital expenditures associated with the El Dorado Facility’s expansion projects completed primarily in the fourth quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2016.  As a result, we recognized a current and noncurrent receivable totaling approximately $8.1 million associated with these incentive tax credits with the offset reducing PP&E (covered by the tax credit) by approximately $7.4 million and the remaining balance of $0.7 million as a reduction to cost of sales (recovery of previously incurred depreciation expense related to the PP&E).  As of December 31, 2017, our current and noncurrent incentive tax credits receivable totaled $7.4 million.

Recognition of Insurance Recoveries – If an insurance claim relates to a recovery of our losses, we recognize the recovery when it is probable and reasonably estimable.  If our insurance claim relates to a contingent gain, we recognize the recovery when it is realized or realizable and earned.  Amounts recoverable from our insurance carriers, if any, are included in accounts receivable.  An insurance recovery in excess of recoverable costs relating to a business interruption claim, if any, is a reduction to cost of sales.  An insurance recovery in excess of recoverable costs relating to a property insurance claim, if any, is included in property insurance recoveries in excess of losses incurred.

Cost of Sales – Cost of sales includes materials, labor and overhead costs to manufacture the products sold plus inbound freight, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, internal transfer costs, loading and handling costs, warehousing costs, railcar lease costs and outbound freight.  Maintenance, repairs and minor renewal costs relating to Turnarounds are included in cost of sales as they are incurred.  Precious metals used as a catalyst and consumed during the manufacturing process are included in cost of sales.  Recoveries and gains from precious metals and business interruption insurance claims are reductions to cost of sales.  Provisions for (realization of) losses associated with inventory reserves, gains and losses (realized and unrealized), if any, from our commodities and foreign currency futures/forward contracts, and provision for losses, if any, on firm sales/purchase commitments are included in cost of sales.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense – Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A”) includes costs associated with the sales, marketing and administrative functions.  Such costs include personnel costs, including benefits, professional fees, office and occupancy costs associated with the sales, marketing and administrative functions.  Also included in SG&A are any distribution fees paid to third parties to distribute our products.

Derivatives, Hedges, Financial Instruments and Carbon Credits – Derivatives are recognized in the balance sheet and are measured at fair value.  Changes in fair value of derivatives are recorded in results of operations unless the normal purchase or sale exceptions apply, or hedge accounting is elected.

F-14

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

The fair value amounts recognized for our derivative contracts executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement may be offset.  We have the choice to offset or not, but that choice must be applied consistently.  A master netting arrangement exists if the reporting entity has multiple contracts with a single counterparty that are subject to a contractual agreement that provides for the net settlement of all contracts through a single payment in a single currency in the event of default on or termination of any one contract.  Offsetting the fair values recognized for the derivative contracts outstanding with a single counterparty results in the net fair value of the transactions being reported as an asset or a liability in the balance sheet.  We have chosen to present the fair values of our derivative contracts under master netting agreements using a gross fair value presentation as there were no derivatives with fair values that were eligible to be offset as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

The assets for climate reserve tonnes (“carbon credits”) are recognized in the balance sheet and are measured at fair value.  Changes in fair value of carbon credits are recorded in results of operations.  The liabilities for contractual obligations associated with carbon credits are recognized in the balance sheet and are measured at fair value unless we enter into a firm sales commitment to sell the associated carbon credits.  When we enter into a firm sales commitment, the sales price, pursuant to the terms of the firm sales commitment, establishes the amount of the liability for the contractual obligation.  Changes in fair value of contractual obligations associated with carbon credits are recorded in results of operations.

Income (Loss) per Common Share – Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders is computed by adjusting net income (loss) by the amount of dividends and dividend requirements on preferred stocks and the accretion of redeemable preferred stocks, if applicable.  Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding contingently returnable common shares (unvested restricted stock), if applicable.  For periods we earn net income, a proportional share of net income is allocated to participating securities, if applicable, determined by dividing total weighted average participating securities by the sum of the total weighted average common shares and participating securities (the “two-class method”).  Certain securities (Series E Redeemable Preferred and restricted stock units) participate in dividends declared on our common stock and are therefore considered to be participating securities.

Participating securities have the effect of diluting both basic and diluted income per common share during periods of net income.  For periods we incur a net loss, no loss is allocated to participating securities because they have no contractual obligation to share in our losses.  Diluted loss per common share is computed after giving consideration to the dilutive effect of our potential common stock instruments that are outstanding during the period, except where such non-participating securities would be anti-dilutive.

Segment Information - With the sale of our Climate Control Business during July 2016, we operate in one principal business segment – our chemical business.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2014-09 – In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP.  This ASU’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  In July 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of the effective date of this ASU with the option to early adopt but not before the original effective date.  In addition, the FASB has issued various ASUs further amending revenue recognition guidance, which includes ASU 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-11, 2016-12 and 2016-20.  

We completed our assessment, solution development and implementation of Topic 606 in order to adopt this standard effective January 1, 2018 using the “modified retrospective” adoption method, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements and apply only to uncompleted contracts as of the effective date.  Upon adoption, we also elected the following accounting policies:

We have elected the practical expedient for all contract modifications, such that all modifications prior to our adoption date for uncompleted contracts would be evaluated in the aggregate for any potential impact to our financial statements.  It is impractical to determine a specific dollar amount in regard to the estimated effect of the application of this practical expedient.  In addition, we have elected the practical expedient to recognize revenue in the amount we have the right to invoice relating to certain services that are transferred to customers.  

F-15

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Upon adoption, we expect the cumulative effect, if any, not to be material.  In accordance with the adoption method utilized, prior periods will not be retrospectively adjusted.  Another impact of adopting the new standard relates to the expected future reduction primarily to net sales and cost of sales resulting from the elimination of certain sales revenue involving products we do not control, including products associated with marketing services we are performing as an agent (instead of a principal) for our customers.  The nature of these arrangements allows for other parties to maintain control of these products throughout the production process.  For example, relating to this specific impact, if we had applied the new standard to 2017, the reduction to net sales, cost of sales and SG&A would be approximately $65.4 million, $64.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively, with no impact on operating loss.

ASU 2016-02 – In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes the lease requirements in Topic 840, Leases.  The objective of this ASU is to establish the principles that lessees and lessors shall apply to report information to users of financial statements about the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from a lease.  Extensive quantitative and qualitative disclosures, including significant judgments made by management, will be required to provide greater insight into the extent of revenue and expense recognized and expected to be recognized from existing contracts.  This ASU must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition and provides for certain practical expedients.  We plan to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2019.  Transition will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented.  Although we currently have a relatively small number of leases, we have obtained and continue to obtain information relating to our leases and other right-to-use arrangements for the purpose of evaluating the effect of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

ASU 2016-09 – In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which amends ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation.  This guidance includes provisions intended to simplify various aspects related to how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the financial statements.  We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2017.  Among other requirements, the new guidance requires all tax effects related to share-based payments at settlement (or expiration) to be recorded through the income statement.  Previously, tax benefits in excess of compensation cost ("windfalls") were recorded in equity, and tax deficiencies ("shortfalls") were recorded in equity to the extent of previous windfalls, and then to the income statement.  As required, this change was applied prospectively to all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies resulting from settlements.

Under the new guidance, the windfall tax benefit is to be recorded when it arises, subject to normal valuation allowance considerations.  Excess tax benefits that were not previously recognized because the related tax deduction had not reduced current taxes payable were recorded through a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of the adoption.  As required, this change was applied on a modified retrospective basis, with a cumulative effect adjustment of change in accounting principle of approximately $1.1 million as a deferred tax asset with the offset in retained earnings.  We made an accounting policy election to account for the amount related to excess tax benefits and deficiencies utilizing the direct effect approach.

Under the new guidance, all tax related cash flows resulting from share-based payments are to be reported as operating activities on the statement of cash flows, a change from the previous requirement to present windfall tax benefits as an inflow from financing activities and an outflow from operating activities.  In addition, cash paid by an employer to taxing authorities when the employer directly withholds shares for tax withholding purposes is to be reported as financing activities.  These changes were applied on a retrospective basis to the statements of cash flows, and as a result, net cash used by continuing operating activities decreased $0.1 million and $0.3 million and net cash used by continuing financing activities increased $0.1 million and net cash provided by continuing financing activities decreased $0.3 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Also, in 2016, cash flows of discontinued operations associated with net cash used by operating activities decreased $0.3 million and net cash used by financing activities increased $0.3 million.

Under the new guidance, we made an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur, a change from the previous requirement to estimate forfeitures each period.  As required, this change was applied on a modified retrospective basis; however, as of December 31, 2016, we had estimated no forfeitures relating to the outstanding equity awards.  As a result, no adjustment was required.  Going forward, the adoption of this ASU could cause volatility in the effective tax rate.

ASU 2016-15 – In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.  This ASU makes eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows.  This ASU is effective for us on January 1, 2018 and adoption will be applied on retrospective basis.  We anticipate that upon adoption of this new ASU, the effect, if any, will not be material on the presentation and classification for certain cash flow activities.

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

ASU 2016-18 – In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force.  The amendments in this ASU revise the guidance in Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, to require cash and cash equivalents to include restricted cash (and restricted cash equivalents) on the statement of cash flows.  This ASU is effective for us on January 1, 2018 and adoption will be applied on retrospective basis for all periods presented.  Upon adoption of this new ASU, we anticipate the removal of the presentation of cash flow activities relating to current and noncurrent restricted cash and cash equivalents from our statement of cash flows for 2016.

 

2.  Discontinued Operations

On July 1, 2016, LSB completed the sale of all the stock of Climate Control Group Inc. (an indirect subsidiary that conducted LSB’s Climate Control Business) pursuant to the terms of the stock purchase agreement.  Additionally, pursuant to the stock purchase agreement, we agreed to have a certain portion of the purchase price proceeds deposited in an indemnity escrow account.  In conjunction with the Climate Control Business sale, we entered into a transition services agreement (“TSA”), pursuant to which, among other things, we agreed to provide certain information technology, payroll, legal, tax and other general services, which services have been completed.  At December 31, 2017 and 2016, our accounts receivable included approximately $2.7 million relating to the sale of our Climate Control Business representing an indemnity escrow balance.  Additionally, at December 31, 2017 and 2016, our current and noncurrent accrued and other liabilities include approximately $0.4 million and $5.5 million, respectively, relating primarily to estimated contingent liabilities, costs associated with the TSA and severance agreements associated with the sale of the Climate Control Business.

Summarized results of discontinued operations are as follows for:

 

 

 

Summarized condensed cash flow information of discontinued operations is as follows:

 

 

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

3.  Income (loss) per Common Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share:

 

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

3.  Income (loss) per Common Share (continued)

 

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

 

 

 

4.  Accounts Receivable

 

 

Sales to our customers are generally unsecured.  Credit is extended to customers based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and other factors.  Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are monitored and this risk is reduced due to short-term payment terms relating to most of our significant customers.  Six customers (including their affiliates) account for approximately 36% of our total net receivables at December 31, 2017.

 

 

5.  Inventories

 

 

Because cost exceeded the net realizable value, inventory reserves were $933,000 and $2,977,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

6.  Property, Plant and Equipment

 

 

Machinery, equipment and automotive primarily includes the categories of property and equipment and estimated useful lives as follows: processing plants and plant infrastructure (15-30 years); certain processing plant components (3-10 years); and trucks, automobiles, trailers, and other rolling stock (2-7 years).

 

 

7.  Current and Noncurrent Accrued and Other Liabilities

 

 

 

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

8.  Asset Retirement Obligations

Currently, we have various legal requirements related to operations at our chemical facilities, including the disposal of wastewater generated at certain of these facilities.  Currently, there is insufficient information to estimate the fair value for certain of our asset retirement obligations (“ARO”). As a result, a liability for only certain AROs has been established.  However, we will continue to review these obligations and record a liability when a reasonable estimate of the fair value can be made.  As the result of the sale of Zena’s working interests in certain natural gas properties during 2017, our previously recognized AROs of approximately $193,000 associated with the obligation to plug and abandon wells were extinguished and derecognized with the offset included in the net loss on the sale of a business classified as operating other expense.  At December 31, 2017 and 2016, our accrued liability for AROs was $100,000 and $546,000, respectively.

 

 

9.  Long-Term Debt

 

 

(A) On January 17, 2017, we and all of our existing subsidiaries (collectively, the “Borrowers”) entered into the Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (as so amended and restated, the “Working Capital Revolver Loan”), with certain lenders and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC (“Wells Fargo”), as the arranger and administrative agent.

The aggregate commitment under the Working Capital Revolver Loan is for $50 million.  Advances under the Working Capital Revolver Loan are subject to a customary borrowing base.  The Working Capital Revolver Loan provides for a subfacility for the issuances of letters of credit in an aggregate amount not to exceed to $10 million, with the outstanding amount of any such letters of credit reducing availability for borrowings under the Working Capital Revolver Loan.  At December 31, 2017, the amount available for borrowing under the Working Capital Revolver was $41.2 million.

Interest accrues on outstanding borrowings under the Working Capital Revolver Loan at a rate equal to, at our election, either (a) LIBOR for an interest period selected by us plus an applicable margin equal to 1.50% per annum or 1.75% per annum, depending on borrowing availability under the Working Capital Revolver Loan, or (b) Wells Fargo’s prime rate plus an applicable margin equal to 0.50% per annum or 0.75% per annum, depending on borrowing availability under the Working Capital Revolver Loan.  At December 31, 2017, the interest rate was 5.0%.  Interest is paid monthly, if applicable.

In addition, unused line fees in an amount equal to 0.25% per annum on the average daily balance of the unused revolver commitments under the Working Capital Revolver Loan are payable by us, as well as customary fees in respect of letters of credit.  

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

9.  Long-Term Debt (continued)

The maturity date of the Working Capital Revolver Loan is January 17, 2022, with a springing earlier maturity date (the “Springing Maturity Date”) that is 90 days prior to the maturity date of our Senior Secured Notes, to the extent the Senior Secured Notes are not refinanced or repaid prior to the Springing Maturity Date.  The Working Capital Revolver Loan does not include any amortization, and all borrowings under the Working Capital Revolver Loan are due on the relevant maturity date.  

As of December 31, 2017, the Working Capital Revolver Loan Amendment also provides for a springing financial covenant (the “Financial Covenant”), which requires that, if the borrowing availability is less than or equal to the greater of 10.0% of the total revolver commitments and $5 million, then the Borrowers must maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.00 to 1.00.  The Financial Covenant, if triggered, is tested monthly.  

The Working Capital Revolver Loan Amendment contains customary covenants including limitations on asset sales, liens, debt incurrence, restricted payments, investments, dividends and transactions with affiliates.

The Working Capital Revolver Loan Amendment includes customary events of default.  Upon the occurrence of any event of default, the obligations under the Working Capital Revolver Loan may be accelerated and the revolver commitments may be terminated.

Obligations under the Working Capital Revolver Loan are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the Borrowers’ current assets, including accounts receivable and inventory, subject to certain customary exceptions.

(B) In 2013, LSB sold $425 million aggregate principal amount of the 7.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (the “Senior Secured Notes”) in a private transaction to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and, outside of the United States, pursuant to Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933 (as amended, the “Securities Act”).  

On September 7, 2016, we entered into supplemental indenture (the “Supplemental Indenture”) to the original indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes.  Among other things, the Supplemental Indenture allowed us to redeem a portion of the Series E Redeemable Preferred as discussed in Note 13 and redeem all of the then outstanding $50 million in aggregate principal amount of our 12% Senior Secured Notes due 2019, and, in connection therewith, required us to redeem $50 million in aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes.  During October 2016, we made payments totaling $106.9 million related to the above redemptions resulting in the recognition of a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $8.7 million.

Pursuant to the Supplemental Indenture, the interest rate applicable to all Senior Secured Notes outstanding after the consummation of the 7.75% Notes Redemption, with retroactive effect to August 1, 2016, was automatically increased to 8.5% per annum.  As a result of the interest rate increase, we recognized an additional $1.2 million of interest expense during 2016.

For financial reporting purposes, the above transaction was a non-substantial debt modification.  As a result, the consent fee of approximately $5.4 million (equal to $13.25 per $1,000 principal amount of Senior Secured Notes for which a consent had been validly delivered) paid to the holders of the Senior Secured Notes in connection with the Supplemental Indenture was deferred and included in debt issuance costs and is being amortized over the remaining term of the Senior Secured Notes.  In addition, we incurred other fees of approximately $1.4 million for services performed by third parties, which fees were expensed and included in interest expense in 2016.

The Senior Secured Notes are general senior secured obligations of LSB.  The Senior Secured Notes are jointly and severally and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by all of LSB’s current wholly-owned subsidiaries.  Obligations in respect of the Senior Secured Notes are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of LSB’s and the guarantors’ fixed assets, subject to certain customary exceptions.  At December 31, 2017, the carrying value of the assets secured on a first-priority basis was approximately $1 billion and the carrying value of the assets secured on a second-priority basis was approximately $81 million.

LSB may redeem the Senior Secured Notes at its option at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount thereof), plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the twelve-month period commencing on August 1st of the year set forth below:

 

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

9.  Long-Term Debt (continued)

The Indenture contains standard high yield incurrence covenants including limitations on liens, debt incurrence, restricted payments, investments and transactions with affiliates, and contains standard high yield covenants requiring LSB to offer to purchase the Senior Secured Notes upon the occurrence of certain asset sales or a change of control.

(C) During 2017, concurrently with the closing of the purchase and sale agreement relating to Zena discussed in Note 1, a portion of the net proceeds (approximately $3.5 million) from the sale was used to repay the remaining outstanding balance of this promissory note.

(D) On February 5, 2016, El Dorado Chemical Company (“EDC”), one of our subsidiaries, entered into a secured promissory note (the “Secured Promissory Note due 2019”) for an original principal amount of $10 million that matures on June 29, 2019.  Principal and interest are payable in 40 equal monthly installments with a final balloon payment of approximately $6.7 million.  The Secured Promissory Note due 2019 is secured by the cogeneration facility equipment and is guaranteed by LSB.

(E) On April 9, 2015, EDC, one of our subsidiaries, entered into a secured promissory note due 2021 (the “Secured Promissory Note due 2021”) for an original principal amount of approximately $16.2 million that matures on March 26, 2021.  Interest only was payable monthly for the first 12 months of the term.  Principal and interest are payable monthly for the remaining term. This Secured Promissory Note due 2021 is secured by a natural gas pipeline constructed at the El Dorado Facility and is guaranteed by LSB.

(F) On September 16, 2015, El Dorado Ammonia L.L.C. (“EDA”), one of our subsidiaries, entered into a secured promissory note (the “Secured Promissory Note due 2023”) for the construction financing of an ammonia storage tank and related systems with an initial funding received of $15 million and a maximum principal note amount of $19.8 million.  On May 13, 2016 (the “Loan Conversion Date”), the remainder of the funding of $4.8 million was drawn and the outstanding principal balance of $19.8 million was converted to a seven-year secured term loan requiring 83 equal monthly principal and interest payments with a final balloon payment of approximately $6.1 million.  This note bears interest at a rate that is based on the monthly LIBOR rate plus a base rate for a total of 5.62% and matures in May 2023.  The Secured Promissory Note due 2023 is secured by the ammonia storage tank and related systems and is guaranteed by LSB.  

(G) Maturities of long-term debt for each of the five years after December 31, 2017 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

10.  Income Taxes

In December 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Act”), making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code.  Changes include, but are not limited to, a federal corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, additional limitations on executive compensation, and limitations on the deductibility of interest.  We have estimated our provision for income taxes in accordance with the Act and guidance available as of the date of this filing.  As a result, we have recorded $23 million as additional income tax benefit in the fourth quarter of 2017, the period in which the legislation was enacted, primarily related to the decrease in the federal corporate tax rate.  This reflects the provisional amount related to the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities, based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future.  The ultimate impact may differ from these provisional amounts, due to, among other things, additional analysis, changes in interpretations and assumptions we have made, and additional regulatory guidance that may be issued.

In December 2017, the SEC issued SAB 118 to address the application of GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act.  In accordance with SAB 118, we have determined that the $23 million of the deferred tax benefit recorded in connection with the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities is a provisional amount and a reasonable estimate at December 31, 2017.  

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

10.  Income Taxes (continued)

Benefit for income taxes from continuing operations are as follows:

 

 

The current provision (benefit) for federal income taxes shown above includes regular federal income tax after the consideration of permanent and temporary differences between income for GAAP and tax purposes.  The current provision (benefit) for state income taxes includes regular state income tax and provisions for uncertain income tax positions, and other similar adjustments.

The deferred tax provision (benefit) results from the recognition of changes in our prior year deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the utilization of state NOL carryforwards and other temporary differences.  We reduce income tax expense for tax credits in the year they arise and are earned.  At December 31, 2017, our gross amount of the investment tax credits available to offset state income taxes was not material.  These investment tax credits do not expire and carryforward indefinitely.  The gross amount of federal tax credits was $8.0 million.  These credits carryforward for 20 years and begin expiring in 2034.

We utilized approximately $0.4 million and $9.6 million of state NOL carryforwards to reduce tax liabilities in 2016 and 2015, respectively, (none in 2017).  At December 31, 2017, we have remaining federal and state tax NOL carryforwards of $541.9 million and $579.8 million, respectively.  The federal NOL carryforwards begin expiring in 2033 and the state NOL carryforwards begin expiring in 2017.

We considered both positive and negative evidence in our determination of the need for valuation allowances for the deferred tax assets associated with federal and state NOLs and federal credits and in conjunction with the IRC Section 382 limitation and determined that it was more-likely-than-not that the federal NOL and credits would be utilized before expiration.  For 2017, 2016 and 2015, we determined it was more-likely-than-not that approximately $536.0 million, $312.3 million and $34.5 million, respectively, of the state NOL carryforwards would not be able to be utilized before expiration and a valuation allowance was maintained for the deferred tax assets associated with these state NOL carryforwards, net of federal benefit of approximately $26.9 million and $13.1 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

When non-qualified stock options (“NSOs”) are exercised, the grantor of the options is permitted to deduct the spread between the fair market value of the stock issued and the exercise price of the NSOs as compensation expense in determining taxable income.  Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017 (as discussed under Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements of Note 1), income tax benefits related to stock-based compensation deductions in excess of the compensation expense recorded for financial reporting purposes were not recognized in earnings as a reduction of income tax expense for financial reporting purposes.  The excess stock-based compensation tax deduction for 2015 was $0.6 million (none for 2016), respectively, and was included in the net change in capital in excess of par value rather than an increase in the benefit for income taxes.  Upon adoption of this ASU, excess tax benefits that were not previously recognized, because the related tax deduction had not reduced current taxes payable, were recorded with a cumulative effect adjustment as discussed in Note1.  Under the new guidance, all tax effects related to share-based payments at settlement (or expiration) are recorded through the income statement when it arises, subject to normal valuation allowance considerations.  In 2017, we recognized an excess tax benefit of $0.2 million.  

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

10.  Income Taxes (continued)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities include temporary differences and carryforwards as follows:

 

All of our income (loss) before taxes relates to domestic operations.  Detailed below are the differences between the amount of the benefit for income taxes and the amount which would result from the application of the federal statutory rate to “Loss from continuing operations before benefit for income taxes”.

 

 

 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of uncertain tax positions is as follows:

 

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

10.  Income Taxes (continued)

We expect that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits may change as the result of ongoing operations, the outcomes of audits, and the expiration of statute of limitations.  This change is not expected to have a significant effect on our results of operations or financial condition.  For 2017, 2016, and 2015, if recognized, the effect on the effective tax rate from unrecognized tax benefits would be insignificant.

We record interest related to unrecognized tax positions in interest expense and penalties in operating other expense.  During 2017, we recognized $132,000 of interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits.  Minimal amounts were recognized in 2016 and 2015.  At December 31, 2017, $201,000 is accrued for interest and penalties (minimal at December 31, 2016).  

LSB and certain of its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions.  With few exceptions, the 2014-2017 years remain open for all purposes of examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and other major tax jurisdictions.  We are currently under examination by the IRS for the tax year 2015.

11.  Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Leases - We lease certain PP&E under non-cancelable operating leases.  Future minimum payments on operating leases associated with our continuing operations with initial or remaining terms of one year or more at December 31, 2017, are as follows:

 

 

Expenses associated with our operating lease agreements, including month-to-month leases, were $9,813,000 in 2017, $9,933,000 in 2016, and $9,845,000 in 2015.  Renewal options are available under certain of the lease agreements for various periods at approximately the existing annual rental amounts.

Purchase and Sales Commitments – We have the following significant purchase and sales commitments.

Covestro agreement – El Dorado Nitrogen LLC (“EDN”) and EDC, are party to an agreement (the “Covestro Agreement”) with Covestro.  EDN operates the Baytown Facility located within Covestro’s chemical manufacturing complex located in Baytown, Texas.  Under the terms of the Covestro Agreement, Covestro purchases from EDN all of Covestro’s requirements for nitric acid for use in Covestro’s chemical manufacturing complex that provides a pass-through of certain costs plus a profit.  In addition, EDN is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the Baytown Facility.  If there is a change in control of EDN, Covestro has the right to terminate the Covestro Agreement upon payment of certain fees to EDN.  The Covestro Agreement expires in June 2021, with options for renewal.

UAN supply agreement – The Pryor Chemical Company (“PCC”) is party to an agreement with Coffeyville Resources Nitrogen Fertilizers, LLC (“CVR”).  CVR has the exclusive right (but not the obligation) to purchase all the tons of UAN that are produced by PCC with certain limitations.   If CVR fails to take delivery of certain tons, PCC pursuant to the terms of the agreement may immediately sell such unpurchased product to a third-party without restriction.  The initial term of the agreement expires in May 2019, but includes automatic renewals for one or more additional one-year terms unless terminated by either party by delivering a notice of termination at least twelve months prior to the end of term in effect.  However, CVR may unilaterally terminate the agreement upon 180 days’ advance written notice of termination to PCC; provided, however, that each party’s rights and obligations pertaining to UAN that CVR committed to purchase before such advance notice will survive termination.  Additionally, PCC can terminate the CVR Purchase Agreement upon 90 days’ advance written notice of termination to CVR; provided, however, that each party’s rights and obligations pertaining to UAN that PCC committed to sell prior to such advance notice will survive termination.

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

11.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

Ammonia supply agreement – EDC is party to an agreement with Koch Fertilizer, LLC (“Koch Fertilizer”) under which Koch Fertilizer agrees to purchase, with minimum purchase requirements, the ammonia that (a) will be produced at the El Dorado Facility and (b) that is in excess of El Dorado’s needs.  The initial term of the agreement expires in May 2019 but automatically continues for one or more additional one-year terms unless terminated by either party by delivering a notice of termination at least nine months prior to the end of term in effect.

Other purchase and sales commitments - See Note 12 – Derivatives, Hedges, Financial Instruments and Carbon Credits for our commitments relating to derivative contracts and carbon credits at December 31, 2017.  During 2017, certain subsidiaries entered into contracts to purchase natural gas for anticipated production needs at certain of our facilities.  Since these contracts are considered normal purchases because they provide for the purchase of natural gas that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used over a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business and are documented as such, these contracts are exempt from the accounting and reporting requirements relating to derivatives.  At December 31, 2017, our natural gas contracts, which are exempt from mark-to-market accounting, included the volume purchase commitments with fixed costs of approximately 1.3 million MMBtus of natural gas.  These contracts extend through March 2018 at a weighted-average cost of $2.42 per MMBtu ($3.0 million) and a weighted-average market value of $2.58 per MMBtu ($3.2 million).  In addition, we had standby letters of credit outstanding of approximately $3.4 million at December 31, 2017.  We also had deposits from customers of $1.3 million for forward sales commitments at December 31, 2017.

Wastewater Pipeline Operating Agreement – EDC is party to an operating agreement for the right to use a pipeline to dispose its wastewater.  EDC is contractually obligated to pay a portion of the operating costs of the pipeline, which portion is estimated to be $100,000 to $150,000 annually.  The initial term of the operating agreement is through December 2053.

Performance and Payment Bonds – We are contingently liable to sureties in respect of certain insurance bonds issued by the sureties in connection with certain contracts entered into by certain subsidiaries in the normal course of business.  These insurance bonds primarily represent guarantees of future performance of our subsidiaries.  As of December 31, 2017, we have agreed to indemnify the sureties for payments, up to $10 million, made by them in respect of such bonds.  All of these insurance bonds are expected to expire or be renewed in 2018.

Employment and Severance Agreements - We have employment and severance agreements with several of our officers.  The agreements, as amended, provide for annual base salaries, bonuses and other benefits commonly found in such agreements.  In the event of termination of employment due to a change in control (as defined in the agreements), the agreements provide for payments aggregating $13.7 million at December 31, 2017.

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

A. Environmental Matters

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

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

11.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

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

Historically, significant capital expenditures have been incurred by our subsidiaries in order to comply with the Environmental and Health Laws, and significant capital expenditures are expected to be incurred in the future.  We will also be obligated to manage certain discharge water outlets and monitor groundwater contaminants at our facilities should we discontinue the operations of a facility.  We did not operate the natural gas wells where we previously owned a working interest and compliance with Environmental and Health Laws was controlled by others.  We were responsible for our working interest proportionate share of the costs involved.   As of December 31, 2017, our accrued liabilities for environmental matters totaled $183,000 relating primarily to the matters discussed below.  It is reasonably possible that a change in the estimate of our liability could occur in the near term.  Also, see discussion in Note 8 – Asset Retirement Obligations.

1. Discharge Water Matters

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

Our Pryor Facility is authorized by permit to inject wastewater into an on-site underground injection well through 2018.  The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (“ODEQ”) has indicated that the permit may not be renewed following its expiration, and PCC may have to find an alternative means of waste water disposal after the permit expires.  PCC has engaged in ongoing discussions with the ODEQ regarding future disposal of this wastewater stream.

Our El Dorado Facility is subject to a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) permit issued by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (“ADEQ”) in 2004.  In 2010, the ADEQ issued a draft NPDES permit renewal for the El Dorado Facility, which contains more restrictive discharge limits than the previous 2004 permit.

These more restrictive limits could impose additional costs on the El Dorado Facility and may require the facility to make operational changes in order to meet these more restrictive limits.  From time to time, the El Dorado Facility has had difficulty meeting the more restrictive dissolved minerals NPDES permit levels, primarily related to storm-water runoff and EDC is currently working with ADEQ to resolve this issue through a new permit, which is currently in progress.

EDC believes that the El Dorado Facility has generally demonstrated its ability to comply with applicable ammonia and nitrate permit levels, but has, from time to time, had difficulty meeting the more restrictive dissolved minerals permit levels, primarily related to storm-water runoff.  We do not believe this matter regarding meeting the permit requirements as to the dissolved minerals is a continuing issue for the process wastewater as the result of the El Dorado Facility disposing its wastewater (beginning in September 2013) via a pipeline constructed by the City of El Dorado, Arkansas.  On August 30, 2017, ADEQ issued a final NPDES permit, which included new dissolved mineral limits as anticipated.  However, EDC objected to the form of the permit and filed an appeal on September 27, 2017.  The appeal places an automatic stay on the objectionable conditions and EDC is working with the ADEQ to obtain modifications to the renewed permit terms.  We believe that the issue with the storm-water runoff should be resolved, if and when the appeal is resolved.

During 2012, EDC paid a penalty of $100,000 to settle an administrative complaint issued by the EPA, and thereafter handled by the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”), relating to certain alleged violations of EDC’s 2004 NPDES permit from 2004 through 2010.  At the time of settlement, the DOJ advised that an additional action may be brought for alleged permit violations occurring after 2010.  As of the date of this report, no action has been filed by the DOJ against EDC.  As a result, the cost (or range of costs) cannot currently be reasonably estimated regarding this matter.  Therefore, no liability has been established for potential future penalties as of December 31, 2017.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

11.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

In addition, the El Dorado Facility is currently operating under a Consent Administrative Order (the “CAO”) that recognizes the presence of nitrate contamination in the shallow groundwater.  The 2006 CAO required EDC to continue semiannual groundwater monitoring, to continue operation of a groundwater recovery system and to submit a human health and ecological risk assessment to the ADEQ relating to the El Dorado Facility.  The risk assessment was submitted in August 2007.  In February 2015, the ADEQ stated that El Dorado Chemical was meeting the requirements of the CAO and should continue semi-annual monitoring.  The final remedy for shallow groundwater contamination, should any remediation be required, will be selected pursuant to a new consent administrative order and based upon the risk assessment.  The cost of any additional remediation that may be required will be determined based on the results of the investigation and risk assessment, of which cost (or range of costs) cannot currently be reasonably estimated.  Therefore, no liability has been established at December 31, 2017, in connection with this matter.

2. Air Matters

PCC had been advised by the ODEQ that the agency was conducting an investigation into whether the Pryor Facility was in compliance with certain ODEQ air quality rules and regulations and whether PCC’s reports of certain air emissions, primarily in 2011, were intentionally misreported to the ODEQ.  We received notice from the ODEQ that the criminal investigation into PCC associated with this matter is closed.

3. Other Environmental Matters

In November 2006, EDC entered into a CAO with the ADEQ to address nitrates in shallow groundwater.  The CAO requires EDC to perform semi-annual groundwater monitoring, continue operation of a groundwater recovery system, submit a human health and ecological risk assessment, and submit a remedial action plan.  EDC’s risk assessment and the remedial action plan, initially submitted to the ADEQ in 2007, recommended monitored natural attenuation.  The ADEQ’s review of the EDC proposed remedy is ongoing.  Under the CAO, the ADEQ may require additional wells be added to the program or may allow EDC to remove wells from the program.  At this time, the duration and cost (or range of costs) of the ground water monitoring program or the necessity for any additional remediation cannot be reasonably estimated.

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

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

Our subsidiary and Chevron have retained an environmental consultant to prepare and perform a corrective action study work plan as to the appropriate method to remediate the Hallowell Facility.  The proposed strategy includes long-term surface and groundwater monitoring to track the natural decline in contamination.  The KDHE is currently evaluating the corrective action strategy, and, thus, it is unknown what additional work the KDHE may require, if any, at this time.  We are advised by our consultant that until the study is completed there is not sufficient information to develop a meaningful and reliable estimate (or range of estimate) as to the cost of the remediation.  We accrued our allocable portion of costs primarily for the additional testing, monitoring and risk assessments that could be reasonably estimated, which is included in our accrued liabilities for environmental matters discussed above.  The estimated amount is not discounted to its present value.  As more information becomes available, our estimated accrual will be refined.

B. Other Pending, Threatened or Settled Litigation

In April 2013, an explosion and fire occurred at the West Fertilizer Co. (“West Fertilizer”) located in West, Texas, causing death, bodily injury and substantial property damage.  West Fertilizer is not owned or controlled by us, but West Fertilizer was a customer of EDC, and purchased AN from EDC from time to time.  LSB and EDC received letters from counsel purporting to represent subrogated insurance carriers, personal injury claimants and persons who suffered property damages informing LSB and EDC that their clients are conducting investigations into the cause of the explosion and fire to determine, among other things, whether AN manufactured by EDC and supplied to West Fertilizer was stored at West Fertilizer at the time of the explosion and, if so, whether such AN may have been one of the contributing factors of the explosion.  Initial lawsuits filed named West Fertilizer and another supplier of AN as defendants.  In 2014, EDC and LSB were named as defendants, together with other AN manufacturers and brokers that arranged the transport and delivery of AN to West Fertilizer, in the case styled City of West, Texas vs. CF Industries, Inc., et al.,

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

11.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

in the District Court of McLennan County, Texas.  The plaintiffs allege, among other things, that LSB and EDC were negligent in the production and marketing of fertilizer products sold to West Fertilizer, resulting in death, personal injury and property damage.  EDC retained a firm specializing in cause and origin investigations with particular experience with fertilizer facilities, to assist EDC in its own investigation.  LSB and EDC placed its liability insurance carrier on notice, and the carrier is handling the defense for LSB and EDC concerning this matter.  Our product liability insurance policies have aggregate limits of general liability totaling $100 million, with a self-insured retention of $250,000.  In August 2015, the trial court dismissed plaintiff’s negligence claims against us and EDC based on a duty to inspect but allowed the plaintiffs to proceed on claims for design defect and failure to warn.

Subsequently, we and EDC have entered into confidential settlement agreements (with approval of our insurance carriers) with several plaintiffs that had claimed wrongful death and bodily injury and insurance companies asserting subrogation claims for damages from the explosion.  A portion of these settlements have been paid by the insurer as of December 31, 2017.  While these settlements resolve the claims of a number of the claimants in this matter for us, we continue to be party to litigation related to this explosion by other plaintiffs, in addition to indemnification or defense obligations we may have to other defendants.  We intend to continue to defend these lawsuits vigorously and we are unable to estimate a possible range of loss at this time if there is an adverse outcome in this matter as to EDC.  As of December 31, 2017, no liability reserve has been established in connection with this matter, except for the unpaid portion of the settlement agreements discussed above, but we have incurred professional fees up to our self-insured retention amount.

In May 2015, our subsidiary, EDC, was sued in the matter styled BAE Systems Ordinance Systems, Inc. (“BAE”), et al. vs. El Dorado Chemical Company, in the United States District Court, Western District of Arkansas, for an alleged breach of a supply agreement to provide BAE certain products.  It is EDC’s position, among other things, that its inability to deliver to BAE was due to a force majeure event caused by a fire and explosion at EDC’s nitric acid plant, and that a force majeure clause in the supply agreement therefore excuses EDC’s performance under the supply agreement.  BAE’s pre-litigation demand indicated a claim of approximately $18 million.  EDC intends to vigorously defend this matter.  The cost (or range of costs), if any, EDC would incur relating to this matter cannot currently be reasonably estimated.  Therefore, no liability has been established at December 31, 2017.

In September 2015, a case styled Dennis Wilson vs. LSB Industries, Inc., et al., was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  The plaintiff purports to represent a class of our shareholders and asserts that we violated federal securities laws by allegedly making material misstatements and omissions about delays and cost overruns at our El Dorado Chemical Company manufacturing facility and about our financial well-being and prospects.  The lawsuit, which also names certain current and former officers, seeks an unspecified amount of damages.  Given the uncertainty of litigation, the preliminary stage of the case, and the legal standards that must be met for, among other things, class certification and success on the merits, we cannot estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss that may result from this action.

In September 2015, we and EDA received formal written notice from Global Industrial, Inc. (“Global”) of Global’s intention to assert mechanic liens for labor, service, or materials furnished under certain subcontract agreements for the improvement of the new ammonia plant at our El Dorado Facility.  Global is a subcontractor of Leidos Constructors, LLC (“Leidos”), the general contractor for EDA for the construction for the ammonia plant.  Leidos terminated the services of Global with respect to their work performed at our El Dorado Facility in July 2015 and Global claims it is entitled to payment for certain work prior to its termination in the sum of approximately $18 million.  Leidos reports that it made an estimated $6 million payment to Global on or about September 11, 2015, and EDA paid Leidos approximately $3.5 million relating to work performed by subcontractors of Global.  Leidos has not approved certain payments to Global pending the result of on-going audits and investigation undertaken to quantify the financial impact of Global’s work.  EDA intends to monitor the Leidos audit, and conduct its own investigation, in an effort to determine whether any additional payment should be released to Global for any work not in dispute.  LSB and EDA intend to pursue recovery of any damage or loss caused by Global’s work performed at our El Dorado Facility.  In January 2016, El Dorado, Leidos and Global reached an agreement whereby the approximately $3.6 million claims of Leidos’ remaining unpaid subcontracts, vendors and suppliers will be paid (and these suppliers and subcontractors will in turn issue releases of their respective claims and liens).  In addition, Global will reduce the value of its claim as against Leidos, and its lien amount as against the project by a similar amount.  After all such lower tier supplier and subcontractors are satisfied, the Global claim and lien amount will be reduced to approximately $5 million.  In March 2016, EDC and we were served a summons in a case styled Global Industrial, Inc. d/b/a Global Turnaround vs. Leidos Constructors, LLC et al., where in Global seeks damages under breach of contract and other claims.  We have requested indemnifications from Leidos under the terms of our contracts and we intend to vigorously defend against the allegation made by Global.  No liability has been established in connection with the remaining $5 million claim.  In addition, LSB and EDA intend to pursue recovery of any damage or loss caused by Global’s work performed at our El Dorado Facility.

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

11.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

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

 

12.  Derivatives, Hedges, Financial Instruments and Carbon Credits

For the periods presented, the following significant instruments are accounted for on a fair value basis:

Carbon Credits and Associated Contractual Obligation

Periodically, we are issued carbon credits by the Climate Action Reserve in relation to a greenhouse gas reduction project performed at the Baytown Facility.  At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we did not have any carbon credits or related contractual obligations.  The cash flows associated with the carbon credits and the associated contractual obligations are included in cash flows from continuing investing activities.

Embedded Derivative

Certain embedded features (“embedded derivative”) relating to the redemption of the Series E Redeemable Preferred, which includes certain contingent redemption features and the participation rights value as discussed in Note 13, has been bifurcated from the Series E Redeemable Preferred and recorded as a liability.  As the result of the Indenture Amendments in connection with the previously reported redemption of a portion of our Senior Secured Notes as discussed in Note 9, including the redemption of the portion of Series E Redeemable Preferred discussed in Notes 9 and 13, we estimate that the contingent redemption feature has no fair value at December 31, 2017 based on low probability that the remaining shares of Series E Redeemable Preferred would be redeemed prior to August 2, 2019.  At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the fair value of the participation rights was based on the equivalent of 303,646 shares of our common stock at $8.76 and $8.42 per share, respectively.  

The following is a summary of the classifications of valuations of fair value:

Level 1 - The valuations of contracts classified as Level 1 are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical contracts.  At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we did not have any contracts classified as Level 1.

Level 2 - The valuations of contracts classified as Level 2 are based on quoted prices for similar contracts and valuation inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for these contracts.  At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we did not have any significant contracts classified as Level 2.

Level 3 – The valuations of assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.  At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we did not have any carbon credits or related contractual obligations associated with carbon credits.  At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the valuations of the embedded derivative are classified as Level 3.  This derivative is valued using market information, management’s redemption assumptions, the underlying number of shares as defined in the terms of the Series E Redeemable Preferred, and the market price of our common stock.  In addition, no valuation input adjustments were considered necessary relating to nonperformance risk for the embedded derivative.

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

12.  Derivatives, Hedges, Financial Instruments and Carbon Credits (continued)

The following details our liabilities associated with continuing operations that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

 

None of our assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis transferred between Level 1 and Level 2 classifications for the periods presented.  As discussed above under “Embedded Derivative”, as the result of entering into the Stock Purchase Agreement relating to the subsequent sale of the Climate Control Business, the valuation of the embedded derivative transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 as the result of the changes in probability relating to contingent redemption features requiring the use of significant unobservable inputs.  The classification transfer of this derivative was deemed to occur at the beginning of the second quarter of 2016.  

In addition, the following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

 

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

12.  Derivatives, Hedges, Financial Instruments and Carbon Credits (continued)

Net gains (losses) included in operating results and the statement of operations classifications are as follows:

 

 

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we did not have any financial instruments with fair values significantly different from their carrying amounts (which excludes issuance costs, if applicable), except for the Senior Secured Notes as shown below.

 

 

The Senior Secured Notes valuations are classified as Level 2.  The valuations of our other long-term debt agreements are classified as Level 3 and are based on valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.  The fair value measurements of our other long-term debt agreements are valued using a discounted cash flow model that calculates the present value of future cash flows pursuant to the terms of the debt agreements and applies estimated current market interest rates.  The estimated current market interest rates are based primarily on interest rates currently being offered on borrowings of similar amounts and terms.  In addition, no valuation input adjustments were considered necessary relating to nonperformance risk for our debt agreements.  The fair value of financial instruments is not indicative of the overall fair value of our assets and liabilities since financial instruments do not include all assets, including intangibles, and all liabilities.

Also, see discussions concerning the utilization of fair value in conjunction with the evaluation of goodwill for impairment in 2016 under Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and certain assets and liabilities initially accounted for on a fair value basis under Note 8 – Asset Retirement Obligations.

 

 

13.  Securities Financing Including Redeemable Preferred Stocks

Securities Purchase Agreement Including Redeemable Preferred Stocks

In December 2015 and pursuant to a securities purchase agreement between LSB and LSB Funding LLC (the “Purchaser”) and Security Benefit Corporation, a Kansas corporation, both of which are unrelated third parties, LSB sold to the Purchaser:

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

13.  Securities Financing Including Redeemable Preferred Stocks (continued)

In connection with the closing of the Private Placement (the “Closing”), we entered into

 

The Series E and Series F Redeemable Preferred and Warrants were recorded at fair value upon issuance, net of issuance costs or discounts.  The valuations were classified as (Level 3).  The Warrants were valued based on a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model and a Finnerty model to determine the estimated discount for lack of marketability.  The Series E Redeemable Preferred was valued with discounted cash flow models that calculated the present value of future cash flows using possible redemption scenarios and using published market yields for publicly traded unsecured fixed income securities with similar credit ratings.  No valuation input adjustments were considered necessary relating to the nonperformance risk for the Warrants or Series E Redeemable Preferred.  Based on the terms of the Series F Redeemable Preferred, we determined that this share had minimal economic value.

Series E Redeemable Preferred

The Series E COD authorizes 210,000 shares of Series E Redeemable Preferred.  On September 19, 2016, we redeemed 70,232 shares of the Series E Redeemable Preferred (the “Series E Redemption”) for approximately $80 million, which included $78.3 million for the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, plus accumulated dividends (the “Liquidation Preference”) and $1.7 million for the participation rights value associated with the Series E Redemption.  The Series E Redemption was funded from a portion of the proceeds from the sale of our Climate Control Business.  After the redemption, 139,768 shares of the Series E Redeemable Preferred remain outstanding as of December 31, 2017.

With respect to the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of LSB, whether voluntary or involuntary, the Series E Redeemable Preferred ranks (i) senior to the common stock, the Series B 12% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, the Series D 6% Cumulative Convertible Class C Preferred Stock, the Series 4 Junior Participating Class C Preferred Stock and any other class or series of stock of LSB (other than Series E Redeemable Preferred) that ranks junior to the Series E Redeemable Preferred either or both as to the payment of dividends and/or as to the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation (the “Junior Stock”); (ii) on a parity with the other shares of Series E Redeemable Preferred and any other class or series of stock of LSB (other than Series E Redeemable Preferred) created after the date of the Series E COD (that specifically ranks pari passu to the Series E Redeemable Preferred) and (iii) junior to any other class or series of stock of LSB created after the date of the Series E COD that specifically ranks senior to the Series E Redeemable Preferred.

The Series E Redeemable Preferred has a 14% annual dividend rate and a participating right in dividends and liquidating distributions equal to 303,646 as of December 31, 2017. Generally, the holders of the Series E Redeemable Preferred Shares (the “Series E Holders”) will not have any voting rights or powers, and consent of the Series E Holders will not be required for taking of any action by us. However, the Series E Holders’ consent is required for

Dividends accrue semi-annually in arrears and are compounded.  Dividends are payable only when and if declared by the Board of Directors (the “Board”).

Additionally, we must declare a dividend on the Series E Redeemable Preferred on a pro rata basis with the common stock.  As long as LSB Funding holds at least 10% of the Series E Redeemable Preferred, we may only declare dividends on Junior Stock unless and until dividends have been declared and paid on the Series E Redeemable Preferred for the then current dividend period in cash.  The Series E Redeemable Preferred has a liquidation preference per share of $1,000 plus accrued and unpaid dividends plus the participation rights value.  The participation rights value is the product of the pro rata number of Series E Redeemable Preferred shares being redeemed and the price of our common stock as of such date.

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

13.  Securities Financing Including Redeemable Preferred Stocks (continued)

At any time on or after August 2, 2019, each Series E Holder has the right to elect to have such holder’s shares redeemed by us at a redemption price per share equal to the Liquidation Preference of such share as of the redemption date.  Additionally, we, at our option, may redeem the Series E Redeemable Preferred at any time at a redemption price per share equal to the Liquidation Preference of such share as of the redemption date.  Lastly, with receipt of (i) prior consent of the electing Series E holder or a majority of shares of Series E Redeemable Preferred and (ii) all other required approvals, including under any principal U.S. securities exchange on which our common stock is then listed for trading, we can redeem the Series E Redeemable Preferred by the issuance of shares of common stock having an aggregate common stock price equal to the amount of the aggregate Liquidation Preference of such shares being redeemed in shares of common stock in lieu of cash at the redemption date.

In the event of liquidation, the Series E Redeemable Preferred is entitled to receive its Liquidation Preference before any such distribution of assets or proceeds is made to or set aside for the holders of our common stock and any other Junior Stock.  In the event of a change of control, we must make an offer to purchase all of the shares of Series E Redeemable Preferred outstanding.

The Series E Redeemable Preferred is redeemable outside of our control and is therefore classified as temporary/mezzanine equity.  As a result of an analysis performed on the embedded derivatives within the Series E Redeemable Preferred, certain contingent redemption features were determined to not be clearly and closely related to the debt-like host and also did not meet any other scope exceptions for derivative accounting.  Therefore, these redemption features and participation rights value are being accounted for as derivative instruments and the fair value of these derivative instruments were bifurcated from the Series E Redeemable Preferred and recorded as a liability.  See discussion in Note 12.

Series F Redeemable Preferred

The Series F COD authorizes one (1) shares of Series F Redeemable Preferred.  The Series F Redeemable Preferred has voting rights (the “Series F Voting Rights”) to vote as a single class on all matters which the common stock have the right to vote and was entitled to a number of votes equal to 4,559,971 shares of our common stock, but, the number of votes that may be cast by the Series F Redeemable Preferred was reduced automatically to 456,225 shares of common stock upon the exercise of the warrants discussed below.

With respect to the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of LSB, whether voluntary or involuntary, the Series F Redeemable Preferred ranks (i) senior to our common stock and (ii) ranks junior to LSB’s Series B 12% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, Series D 6% Cumulative Convertible Class C Preferred Stock, Series 4 Junior Participating Class C Preferred Stock, Series E Redeemable Preferred and any other class or series of stock of LSB after the date of the Series F COD that specifically ranks senior to the Series F Redeemable Preferred.

The Series F Redeemable Preferred will be automatically redeemed by LSB, in whole and not in part, for $0.01 immediately following the date upon which the Series F Voting Rights have been reduced to zero.

In the event of liquidation, the Series F Redeemable Preferred is entitled to receive its liquidation preference of $100 before any such distribution of assets or proceeds is made to or set aside for the holders of our common stock and any other stock junior to the Series F Redeemable Preferred.

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

 

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

13.  Securities Financing Including Redeemable Preferred Stocks (continued)

Warrants

In conjunction with the issuance of the Series E and Series F Redeemable Preferred in December 2015 to the Purchaser, we issued warrants to the Purchaser to purchase 4,103,746 shares of common stock.  Each warrant afforded the holder the opportunity to purchase one share of common stock at a warrant exercise price of $0.10.  In May 2016, all of the Warrants were exercised by the holder in a cashless exercise resulting in the issuance of 4,103,746 shares of our common stock, of which 34,422 shares of common stock were surrendered (shares classified as treasury stock) by the holder in payment of the exercise price.

Amendment to Renewed Rights Agreement

Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, on December 4, 2015, LSB and UMB Bank, as rights agent, entered into an amendment to the renewed rights agreement as discussed under “Preferred Share Rights Plan” in Note 14 – Stockholders Equity.

 

14.  Stockholders’ Equity

2016 Long Term Incentive Plan – During 2016, our board of directors adopted our 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”), which plan was approved by our shareholders at our annual meeting of shareholders held on June 2, 2016.  The effective date of the 2016 Plan is April 19, 2016 and no awards may be granted under the 2016 Plan on and after the tenth anniversary of its effective date.

In addition, no further awards will be granted under our 2008 Incentive Stock Plan (the “2008 Plan”) or our Outside Directors Stock Purchase Plan (the “Outside Director Plan”) on or after the effective date of the 2016 Plan.  Any awards that remain outstanding under the 2008 Plan or the Outside Director Plan will continue to be governed by the respective plan’s terms and the terms of the specific award agreement, as applicable.

The maximum aggregate number of shares reserved and available for issuance under the 2016 Plan shall not exceed 2,750,000 shares plus any shares that become available for reissuance under the share counting provisions of the 2008 Plan following the effective date of the 2016 Plan, subject to adjustment as permitted under the 2016 Plan.  Shares subject to any award that is canceled, forfeited, expires unexercised, settled in cash in lieu of common stock or otherwise terminated without a delivery of shares to a participant will again be available for awards under the 2016 Plan to the extent allowable by law.  Under the 2016 Plan, awards may be made to employees, directors and consultants (for services rendered) of LSB or our subsidiaries subject to limitations as defined by the 2016 Plan.

The 2016 Plan will be administered by the compensation committee (the “Committee”) of our board of directors.  Our board of directors or the Committee may amend the 2016 Plan, except that if any applicable statute, rule or regulation requires shareholder approval with respect to any amendment of the 2016 Plan, then to the extent so required, shareholder approval will be obtained.  Shareholder approval will also be obtained for any amendment that would increase the number of shares stated as available for issuance under the 2016 Plan.

The following may be granted by the Committee under the 2016 Plan:

Stock Options – The Committee may grant either incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options.  The Committee sets option exercise prices and terms, except that the exercise price of a stock option may be no less than 100% of the fair market value, as defined in the 2016 Plan, of the shares on the date of grant.  At the time of grant, the Committee will have sole discretion in determining when stock options are exercisable and when they expire, except that the term of a stock option cannot exceed 10 years subject to certain conditions.

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

14.  Stockholders’ Equity (continued)

Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”) – The Committee may grant SARs as a right in tandem with the number of shares underlying stock options granted under the 2016 Plan or on a stand-alone basis.  SARs are the right to receive payment per share of the SAR exercised in stock or in cash equal to the excess of the share’s fair market value, as defined in the 2016 Plan, on the date of exercise over its fair market value on the date the SAR was granted.  Exercise of a SAR issued in tandem with stock options will result in the reduction of the number of shares underlying the related stock option to the extent of the SAR exercise.

Stock Awards, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Other Awards – The Committee may grant awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other stock and cash-based awards, which may include the payment of stock in lieu of cash (including cash payable under other incentive or bonus programs) or the payment of cash (which may or may not be based on the price of our common stock).

Stock Incentive Plans - The following information relates to our long-term incentive plans:  

 

 

Amounts disclosed within this note include amounts attributable to our discontinued operations for prior periods, unless otherwise noted.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units – During 2017, the Committee approved various grants under the 2016 Plan of shares of restricted stock (“2017 Restricted Stock”) to certain executives.  Most of the 2017 Restricted Stock vest at the end of each one-year period at the rate of one-third per year for three years while a portion of these grants vest 100% at the end of three years. During 2016, the Committee approved various grants under the 2016 Plan of shares of restricted stock (“2016 Restricted Stock”) to certain executives and employees.  Most of the 2016 Restricted Stock vest at the end of each one-year period at the rate of one-third per year for three years while a portion of these grants vest 100% at the end of three years.  On December 31, 2015, the Committee approved the grants under the 2008 Plan of shares of restricted stock (“2015 Restricted Stock”) to certain executives, of which a portion of these awards immediately vested as of the grant date.  The non-vested 2017, 2016 and 2015 Restricted Stock carry dividend and voting rights.  Sales of these shares are restricted prior to the date of vesting.  Excluding the shares that immediately vested, the 2015 Restricted Stock vest at the end of each one-year period at the rate of one-third per year for three years.  Pursuant to the terms of the 2017, 2016 and 2015 Restricted Stock agreements, unvested restricted shares will immediately vest upon the occurrence of a change in control (as defined by agreement), termination without cause or death.

During 2016, four employees surrendered a total of 280,000 shares of stock options previously granted under the 2008 Plan.  These employees were also granted shares of restricted stock.  These transactions were accounted for as modifications of stock awards.  The total incremental fair value of these modified awards (additional compensation cost) was approximately $1.5 million and will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of three years, but the recognition of these costs could be accelerated if the unvested restricted shares immediately vest.

During 2017 and 2016, the Committee approved the grant of 37,992 and 27,654 shares respectively, of Restricted Stock Units (RSU) to our non-employee directors for payment of a portion of their director fees under the 2016 Plan.  Each RSU represents a right to receive one share of our common stock following the grant date and are non-forfeitable.  Vesting occurs upon the earliest to occur: (i) the director’s separation from service, (ii) the third anniversary of the grant date, or (iii) the occurrence of a change of control as defined by the agreement.  Based on terms of the RSU agreements, the grant date fair value of approximately $375,000 was recognized as stock-based compensation expense (SG&A) on the grant date in 2017 and 2016 (based on $9.87 per share for the 2017 grant and $13.56 per share for the 2016 grant). During 2017, RSUs totaling 21,882 shares vested due to separation from service of two non-employee director’s as our Board decreased from 11 members to 9 members.  At December 31, 2017, the number of outstanding shares of unvested RSUs was 43,764.

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

14.  Stockholders’ Equity (continued)

The following table summarizes information about these granted restricted stocks:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock Options – No stock options have been granted under the 2016 Plan during 2017 or 2016.  As it relates to stock options granted under the 2008 plan, the exercise price of the outstanding options granted were equal to the market value of our common stock at the date of grant.  During 2015, the Committee approved the grants under the 2008 Plan of 135,000 shares of stock options (the “2015 Options”) to certain employees, which grants included 5,000 shares of stock options related to discontinued operations.  The exercise price of the 2015 Options was equal to the market value of our common stock at the date of grant.  The 2015 Options vest at the end of each one-year period at the rate of 16.5% per year for the first five years and the remaining unvested options will vest at the end of the sixth year.  The 2015 Options expire in 2025.  The fair value for the 2015 Options was estimated, using an option pricing model, as of the date of the grant, which date was also the service inception date.  

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

14.  Stockholders’ Equity (continued)

 

The fair value for the 2015 Options were estimated using a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

The following table summarizes information about these granted stock options:

 

 

At December 31, 2017, the total stock-based compensation expense not yet recognized is $9,514,000, relating to non-vested restricted stock and stock options, which we will be amortizing (subject to adjustments for actual forfeitures) through the respective remaining vesting periods through December 2020.

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

14.  Stockholders’ Equity (continued)

The following information relates to our stock options:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

 14.  Stockholders’ Equity (continued)

Preferred Share Rights Plan – On January 5, 2009, a renewed shareholder rights plan (the “Renewed Rights Agreement”) became effective upon the expiration of our previous shareholder rights plan. Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement as discussed in Note 13 – Securities Financing, on December 4, 2015, LSB and UMB, as rights agent, entered into an amendment to the Renewed Rights Agreement (the “Renewed Rights Amendment”).  The Renewed Rights Amendment amends the definition of “Acquiring Person” to exclude the Purchaser and its Affiliates and Associates (as defined therein) in order to permit the issuance of the Securities discussed in Note 13, and additional securities issuable to the Purchaser as contemplated by the terms of the Securities, without triggering the issuance of Series 4 Junior Participating Class C Preferred Stock.  The Renewed Rights Agreement will affect a potential acquirer unless the acquirer negotiates with our Board and the Board approves the transaction.  Pursuant to the renewed plan, one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) is attached to each currently outstanding or subsequently issued share of our common stock.  Prior to becoming exercisable, the Rights trade together with our common stock.  In general, if a person or group acquires or announces a tender or exchange offer for 15% or more of our common stock (except for the Golsen Holders and certain other limited excluded persons, as amended), then the Rights become exercisable.  Each Right entitles the holder (other than the person or group that triggers the Rights being exercisable) to purchase from us one one-hundredth of a share of Series 4 Junior Participating Preferred Stock, no par value (the “Preferred Stock”), at an exercise price of $47.75 per one one-hundredth of a share, subject to adjustment.  If a person or group acquires 15% or more of our common stock, each Right will entitle the holder (other than the person or group that triggered the Rights being exercisable) to purchase shares of our common stock (or, in certain circumstances, cash or other securities) having a market value of twice the exercise price of a Right at such time.  Under certain circumstances, each Right will entitle the holder (other than the person or group that triggered the Rights being exercisable) to purchase the common stock of the acquirer having a market value of twice the exercise price of a Right at such time.  In addition, under certain circumstances, our Board may exchange each Right (other than those held by the acquirer) for one share of our common stock, subject to adjustment.  Our Board may redeem the Rights at a price of $0.01 per Right generally at any time before 10 days after the Rights become exercisable.  Our Board may exchange all or part of the Rights (except to the person or group that triggered the Rights being exercisable) for our common stock at an exchange ratio of one common share per Right until the person triggering the Right becomes the beneficial owner of 50% or more of our common stock.

Other – As of December 31, 2017, we have reserved 1.5 million shares of common stock issuable upon potential conversion of preferred stocks and equity awards pursuant to their respective terms.

 

15.  Non-Redeemable Preferred Stock

Series Non-Redeemable B Preferred – The 20,000 shares of Series B 12% cumulative, convertible preferred stock (“Series B Preferred”), $100 par value, are convertible, in whole or in part, into 666,666 shares of our common stock (33.3333 shares of common stock for each share of preferred stock) at any time at the option of the holder and entitle the holder to one vote per share.  The Series B Preferred provides for annual cumulative dividends of 12% ($12.00 per share) from date of issue, payable when and as declared.  All of the outstanding shares of the Series B Preferred are owned by the Golsen Holders.

Series Non-Redeemable D Preferred – The 1,000,000 shares of Series D 6% cumulative, convertible Class C preferred stock (“Series D Preferred”) have no par value and are convertible, in whole or in part, into 250,000 shares of our common stock (1 share of common stock for 4 shares of preferred stock) at any time at the option of the holder.  Dividends on the Series D Preferred are cumulative and payable annually in arrears at the rate of 6% per annum ($0.06 per share) of the liquidation preference of $1.00 per share.  Each holder of the Series D Preferred shall be entitled to .875 votes per share.  All of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred are owned by the Golsen Holders.

See discussions concerning dividends on the Series B and D Preferred in Note 17 – Related Party Transactions.

Other – At December 31, 2017, we are authorized to issue an additional 230,000 shares of $100 par value preferred stock and an additional 3,860,000 shares of no par value preferred stock.  Upon issuance, our Board will determine the specific terms and conditions of such preferred stock.

 

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

16.  Executive Benefit Agreements, Employee Savings Plans and Collective Bargaining Agreements

We are party to an individual benefit agreement (“1992 Agreement”) with a former executive and a death benefit agreement (“2005 Agreement”) with Jack E. Golsen, who retired as discussed in Note 17-Related Party Transactions.  The 1992 Agreement provides for annual benefit payments for life payable in monthly installments.    

The 2005 Agreement provides that, upon Mr. Golsen’s death, we will pay to the designated beneficiary, a lump-sum payment of $2,500,000 to be funded from the net proceeds received by us under certain life insurance policies on his life that are owned by us.  We are obligated to keep in existence life insurance policies with a total face amount of no less than $2,500,000 of the stated death benefit.  

 

The following table includes information about these agreements:

 

 

 

 

Accrued death and executive benefits under the above agreements are included in current and noncurrent accrued and other liabilities.  We accrue for such liabilities when they become probable and discount the liabilities to their present value.

To assist us in funding the benefit agreements discussed above and for other business reasons, we purchased life insurance policies on various individuals in which we are the beneficiary.  Some of these life insurance policies have cash surrender values that we have borrowed against.  The net cash surrender values of these policies are included in other assets.

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

16.  Executive Benefit Agreements, Employee Savings Plans and Collective Bargaining Agreements (continued)

The following table summarizes certain information about these life insurance policies.

 

 

 

 

Employee Savings Plans - We sponsor a savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code under which participation is available to substantially all full-time employees.  We do not presently contribute to this plan except for certain employees, which amounts were not material for each of the three years ended December 31, 2017.

Collective Bargaining Agreements - As of December 31, 2017, we employed 569 persons, 166 of whom are represented by unions under agreements, which will expire in July of 2018 through November of 2019.

17.  Related Party Transactions

As the result of Jack E. Golsen (“J. Golsen”) informing the Board of his election to retire as Executive Chairman effective December 31, 2017, we determined not to extend the employment agreement with J. Golsen beyond its current term expiring on December 31, 2017 (the “Retirement Date”) and, in accordance with the terms of the Employment Agreement, delivered a notice of non-renewal to J. Golsen.  J. Golsen will remain a member of the Board and, following the Retirement Date, will have the title of Chairman Emeritus.

During 2017, we entered into a transition agreement (the “Transition Agreement”) with J. Golsen that will commence on January 1, 2018 and end upon the earlier of his death or a change in control as defined in the Transition Agreement.  During the term, J. Golsen will receive an annual cash retainer of $480,000 and an additional monthly amount of $4,400 to cover certain expenses.  In accordance with the terms of the Transition Agreement, we will also reimburse J. Golsen for his cost of certain medical insurance coverage until his death.  Effective as of the Retirement Date, our existing severance agreement with J. Golsen will terminate.  In consideration for his services, including as Chairman Emeritus, we will pay J. Golsen a one-time payment equal to $2,320,000 upon the consummation of a change in control that occurs prior to his death.

During 2017, a death benefit agreement with Mr. Golsen was terminated pursuant to the terms of the agreement that allowed us to terminate at any time and for any reason prior to the death of the employee.  As a result, the liability of approximately $1,400,000 for the estimated death benefit associated with this agreement was extinguished and derecognized with the offset classified as operating other income in 2017.

During 2017, we sold our engineered products business (industrial machinery and related components) to Industrial Acquisitions LLC and Industrial Products LLC (both entities are owned by immediate family members of Jack E. Golsen the Executive Chairman of our Board of Directors (the “Board”)) for $3,500,000 which sale resulted in a loss of approximately $839,000, classified as operating other expense.

During 2016, we entered into a consulting agreement with Steven J. Golsen (“S. Golsen”), son of J. Golsen and former employee and President and Chief Operating Officer of the Climate Control Business.  Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, S. Golsen is to provide services relating to the sale of the Climate Control Business and subsequent services to improve the transition process from LSB to NIBE.  The total consulting fee is $425,000 and the term of the agreement is for 2 years through May 2018 but could be terminated earlier under certain circumstances.

During 2016, we executed agreements, sold and assigned our rights in certain life insurance policies owned by us as beneficiary.  The purchase price of these policies was the cash surrender value at the time of purchase.  These policies insured our two Board members,

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 

17.  Related Party Transactions (continued)

J. Golsen and Barry H. Golsen and a former employee, S. Golsen.  We received approximately $1.7 million from the sale of these life insurance policies.

During 2016, we incurred consulting fees of approximately $135,000 from one of our Board members, Mr. Richard Sanders.  These fees relate to services performed by Mr. Sanders as an Interim Executive Vice President, Chemical Manufacturing, which involved the oversight of our chemical plant operations during this time period.  On August 1, 2016, these consulting services ceased when we appointed Mr. John Diesch in this executive position.

In 2015, we paid annual dividends totaling $300,000 on our Series B Preferred and our Series D Preferred (none in 2017 and 2016).  At December 31, 2017, accumulated dividends on the Series B and Series D Preferred totaled approximately $678,000.  The Series B Preferred and Series D Preferred are non-redeemable preferred stocks issued in 1986 and 2001, respectively, of which all outstanding shares are owned by the Golsen Holders.

 

 

18. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following provides additional information relating to cash flow activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Supplementary Information

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

Summarized unaudited quarterly financial data for 2017 and 2016 are as follows.

 

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Supplementary Financial Data

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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LSB Industries, Inc.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015

(In Thousands)

 

 

Other valuation and qualifying accounts are detailed in our notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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