UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012

or

 

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

For the transition period from                     to                     .

Commission File No. 001-15903

 

 

CARBO CERAMICS INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

DELAWARE		72-1100013
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

575 North Dairy Ashford

Suite 300

Houston, TX 77079

(Address of principal executive offices)

(281) 921-6400

(Registrant’s telephone number)

 

 

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

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

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

 

Large accelerated filer		x		Accelerated filer		¨
Non-accelerated filer		¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller reporting company		¨

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

As of October 29, 2012, 23,093,516 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, were outstanding.

 

 

 

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CARBO CERAMICS INC.

Index to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

 

		PAGE
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements			3
Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 30, 2012 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2011			3
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - Three and nine months ended September  30, 2012 and 2011			4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - Three and nine months ended September  30, 2012 and 2011			5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - Nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011			6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)			7-10
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			11-14
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk			14
Item 4. Controls and Procedures			14
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings			14-15
Item 1A. Risk Factors			15
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds			15
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities			15
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures			15
Item 5. Other Information			16
Item 6. Exhibits			16
Signatures			17
Exhibit Index			18

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CARBO CERAMICS INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

($ in thousands, except per share data)

 

		September 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
		(Unaudited)				(Note 1)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	52,021			$	41,270
Trade accounts and other receivables, net			117,570				112,014
Inventories:
Finished goods			103,718				105,233
Raw materials and supplies			26,992				26,783
Total inventories			130,710				132,016
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			6,801				4,023
Prepaid income taxes			—				3,279
Deferred income taxes			11,026				9,963
Total current assets			318,128				302,565
Property, plant and equipment:
Land and land improvements			14,747				14,512
Land-use and mineral rights			10,355				8,610
Buildings			71,563				67,120
Machinery and equipment			513,228				455,563
Construction in progress			45,246				48,778
Total			655,139				594,583
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			230,513				201,924
Net property, plant and equipment			424,626				392,659
Goodwill			12,164				12,164
Intangible and other assets, net			31,813				33,477
Total assets		$	786,731			$	740,865
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	12,440			$	38,192
Accrued income taxes			4,727				—
Dividends payable			6,231				—
Other accrued expenses			31,191				40,874
Total current liabilities			54,589				79,066
Deferred income taxes			40,755				31,641
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 5,000 shares authorized, none outstanding			—				—
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 80,000,000 and 40,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively; 23,078,445 and 23,106,358 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively			231				231
Additional paid-in capital			56,071				56,539
Retained earnings			637,871				577,253
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(2,786	)			(3,865	)
Total shareholders’ equity			691,387				630,158
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	786,731			$	740,865

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CARBO CERAMICS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

($ in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

		Three months ended September 30,								Nine months ended September 30,
		2012				2011				2012				2011
Revenues		$	151,134			$	167,083			$	491,914			$	467,582
Cost of sales			100,984				94,390				314,047				270,715
Gross profit			50,150				72,693				177,867				196,867
Selling, general and administrative expenses			15,093				16,622				48,801				46,754
Start-up costs			—				127				68				127
Loss (gain) on disposal or impairment of assets			42				(112	)			(12	)			1,537
Operating profit			35,015				56,056				129,010				148,449
Other income (expense):
Interest income (expense), net			17				60				(18	)			160
Foreign currency exchange (loss) gain, net			(175	)			86				(31	)			(228	)
Other, net			(2	)			11				(214	)			(119	)
			(160	)			157				(263	)			(187	)
Income before income taxes			34,855				56,213				128,747				148,262
Income taxes			10,957				19,302				42,641				51,243
Net income		$	23,898			$	36,911			$	86,106			$	97,019
Earnings per share:
Basic		$	1.04			$	1.59			$	3.73			$	4.19
Diluted		$	1.04			$	1.59			$	3.73			$	4.19
Other information:
Dividends declared per common share (See Note 4)		$	0.54			$	0.48			$	1.02			$	0.88

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CARBO CERAMICS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

($ in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

		Three months ended September 30,								Nine months  ended September 30,
		2012				2011				2012				2011
Net income		$	23,898			$	36,911			$	86,106			$	97,019
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment			2,832				(6,231	)			1,661				(980	)
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit			(992	)			2,029				(582	)			1,219
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			1,840				(4,202	)			1,079				239
Comprehensive income		$	25,738			$	32,709			$	87,185			$	97,258

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CARBO CERAMICS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

($ in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

		Nine months ended September 30,
		2012				2011
Operating activities
Net income		$	86,106			$	97,019
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			33,333				25,661
Provision for doubtful accounts			12				240
Deferred income taxes			7,469				6,063
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation			(1,292	)			(1,270	)
(Gain) loss on disposal or impairment of assets			(12	)			1,537
Foreign currency transaction loss, net			31				228
Stock compensation expense			4,051				3,742
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts and other receivables			(5,499	)			(24,498	)
Inventories			2,016				(35,725	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			(2,679	)			(1,868	)
Long-term prepaid expenses			1,306				243
Accounts payable			(25,819	)			2,568
Accrued expenses			(9,811	)			6,898
Accrued income taxes, net			9,302				(3,656	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			98,514				77,182
Investing activities
Capital expenditures			(64,124	)			(63,148	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(64,124	)			(63,148	)
Financing activities
Proceeds from bank borrowings			10,000				—
Repayments on bank borrowings			(10,000	)			—
Net proceeds from stock based compensation			54				76
Dividends paid			(17,328	)			(14,823	)
Purchase of common stock			(7,655	)			(7,464	)
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation			1,292				1,270
Net cash used in financing activities			(23,637	)			(20,941	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash			(2	)			(72	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			10,751				(6,979	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			41,270				46,656
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	52,021			$	39,677
Supplemental cash flow information
Interest paid		$	76			$	1
Income taxes paid		$	25,870			$	48,836

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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CARBO CERAMICS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

($ in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of CARBO Ceramics Inc. have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of the interim periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or the full year. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2011 included in the annual report on Form 10-K of CARBO Ceramics Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CARBO Ceramics Inc. and its operating subsidiaries (the “Company”). All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash equivalents approximate fair value.

Disposal or Impairment of Assets

During the three month period ended March 31, 2011, the Company recorded an $890 impairment of goodwill related to the Company’s geotechnical monitoring business and a $760 write-down of a 6% interest in an investment accounted for under the cost method, as a result of the sale of the business by majority shareholders.

2. Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method:

 

		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2012				2011				2012				2011
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
Net income		$	23,898			$	36,911			$	86,106			$	97,019
Effect of reallocating undistributed earnings of participating securities			(122	)			(212	)			(458	)			(562	)
Net income available under the two-class method		$	23,776			$	36,699			$	85,648			$	96,457
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share—weighted-average shares			22,963,318				23,026,741				22,966,134				23,022,836
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options			—				1,351				833				1,333
Dilutive potential common shares			—				1,351				833				1,333
Denominator for diluted earnings per share—adjusted weighted-average shares			22,963,318				23,028,092				22,966,967				23,024,169
Basic earnings per share		$	1.04			$	1.59			$	3.73			$	4.19
Diluted earnings per share		$	1.04			$	1.59			$	3.73			$	4.19

 

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3. Common Stock Repurchase Program

On August 28, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to two million shares of the Company’s Common Stock. Shares are effectively retired at the time of purchase. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company repurchased and retired 60,000 shares at an aggregate price of $5,726. As of September 30, 2012, the Company has repurchased and retired 1,877,576 shares at an aggregate price of $78,301.

4. Dividends Paid

On July 17, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.27 per common share payable to shareholders of record on August 1, 2012. The dividend was paid on August 15, 2012. On September 18, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.27 per common share payable to shareholders of record on November 1, 2012. This dividend is payable on November 15, 2012 and is presented in Current Liabilities at September 30, 2012.

5. Stock Based Compensation

The CARBO Ceramics Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Incentive Plan”) provides for granting of cash-based awards, stock options (both non-qualified and incentive) and other equity-based awards (including stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, deferred share units or share-denominated performance units) to employees and non-employee directors. The amount paid under the Omnibus Incentive Plan to any single participant in any calendar year with respect to any cash-based award shall not exceed $2,000. Awards may be granted with respect to a number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock that in the aggregate does not exceed 750,000 shares prior to the fifth anniversary of its effective date, plus (i) the number of shares that are forfeited, cancelled or returned, and (ii) the number of shares that are withheld from the participants to satisfy an option exercise price or minimum statutory tax withholding obligations. No more than 50,000 shares may be granted to any single participant in any calendar year. Equity-based awards may be subject to performance-based and/or service-based conditions. With respect to stock options and stock appreciation rights granted, the exercise price shall not be less than the market value of the underlying Common Stock on the date of grant. The maximum term of an option is ten years. Restricted stock awards granted generally vest (i.e., transfer and forfeiture restrictions on these shares are lifted) in equal annual installments over a three-year period but subject to certain limitations, awards may specify other vesting periods. As of September 30, 2012, 578,100 shares were available for issuance under the Omnibus Incentive Plan.

As of September 30, 2012, all compensation cost related to stock options granted under the expired stock option plan has been recognized. There were 2,425 stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 with a total intrinsic value of $118. There are no outstanding options remaining under the Company’s previous stock option plans at September 30, 2012.

A summary of restricted stock activity and related information for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is presented below:

 

		Shares				Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2012			129,082			$	75.00
Granted			55,652			$	119.22
Vested			(58,461	)		$	66.15
Forfeited			(12,754	)		$	101.26
Nonvested at September 30, 2012			113,519			$	98.29

As of September 30, 2012, there was $6,202 of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to restricted shares granted under the Omnibus Incentive Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $3,867.

 

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The Company has made phantom stock awards to key international employees pursuant to the Omnibus Incentive Plan. The units subject to an award vest and cease to be forfeitable in equal annual installments over a three-year period. Participants awarded units of phantom shares are entitled to a lump sum cash payment equal to the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the vesting date. In no event will Common Stock of the Company be issued with regard to outstanding phantom shares. As of September 30, 2012, there were 10,105 units of phantom shares granted under the Omnibus Incentive Plan, of which 3,429 have vested and 1,277 have been forfeited, with a total value of $340, a portion of which is accrued as a liability within Other Accrued Expenses.

6. Bank Borrowings

The Company has an unsecured revolving credit agreement with a bank. On March 5, 2012, the Company entered into a first amendment to this credit agreement to (i) extend its maturity date from January 29, 2013 to July 29, 2013, (ii) increase the size from $10,000 to $25,000, and (iii) make other administrative changes to certain covenants and provisions. The Company has the option of choosing either the bank’s fluctuating Base Rate or LIBOR Fixed Rate, plus an Applicable Margin, all as defined in the credit agreement. The terms of the credit agreement provide for certain affirmative and negative covenants and require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios. Commitment fees are payable quarterly at the annual rate of 0.50% of the unused line of credit.

7. Foreign Currencies

As of September 30, 2012, the Company’s net investment that is subject to foreign currency fluctuations totaled $89,192 and the Company has recorded cumulative foreign currency translation loss of $2,786, net of deferred income tax benefit. This cumulative translation loss is included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.

8. New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on application of the goodwill impairment model when a reporting unit has a zero or negative carrying amount. When a reporting unit has a zero or negative carrying value, Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test should be performed if qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2012. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on disclosure of supplementary pro forma information for business combinations. The new guidance requires that pro forma financial information should be prepared as if the business combination occurred as of the beginning of the prior annual period. The guidance is effective for the Company for business combinations with acquisition dates occurring in and from the first quarter of fiscal 2012. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2012. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

9. Legal Proceedings

The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these matters is currently not determinable, management does not expect that the ultimate costs to resolve these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

On February 9, 2012, the Company and two of its officers, Gary A. Kolstad and Ernesto Bautista III, were named as defendants in a purported class-action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “February SDNY Lawsuit”), brought on behalf of shareholders who purchased the Company’s Common Stock between October 27, 2011 and January 26, 2012 (the “Relevant Time Period”). On April 10, 2012, a second purported class-action lawsuit was filed against the same defendants in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, brought on behalf of shareholders who purchased or sold CARBO Ceramics Inc. option contracts during the Relevant Time Period (the “April SDNY

 

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Lawsuit, and collectively with the February SDNY Lawsuit, the “Federal Securities Lawsuit”). In June 2012, the February SNDY Lawsuit and the April SDNY Lawsuit were consolidated, and will now proceed as one lawsuit. The suit alleges violations of the federal securities laws arising from statements concerning the Company’s business operations and business prospects that were made during the Relevant Time Period and requests unspecified damages and costs. In September 2012, the Company and Messrs. Kolstad and Bautista filed a motion to dismiss this lawsuit, which is expected to be considered by the court after response and reply briefs are filed by the parties during the fourth quarter of 2012.

On March 1, 2012, the Directors of the Company and Mr. Bautista were named as defendants in a purported derivative action lawsuit brought on behalf of the Company by a stockholder in District Court in Harris County, Texas (the “March Harris County Lawsuit”). The suit alleges various breaches of fiduciary duty and other duties by the defendants that generally are related to the February SDNY Lawsuit, and requests unspecified damages and costs. In September 2012, this lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice.

On June 13, 2012, the Directors of the Company and Mr. Bautista were named as defendants in a second purported derivative action lawsuit brought on behalf of the Company by a stockholder in District Court in Harris County, Texas (the “June Harris County Lawsuit”). This lawsuit alleges substantially similar claims as the March Harris County Lawsuit as well as a breach of duty against certain defendants in connection with stock sales. This lawsuit also requests unspecified damages and costs. The parties to this lawsuit have entered into an agreement to stay further proceedings pending the outcome of a motion to dismiss the Federal Securities Lawsuit.

While each of the Federal Securities Lawsuit and the June Harris County Lawsuit are in their preliminary stages, the Company does not believe they have merit, and plans to vigorously contest and defend against them.

The Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome or duration of these lawsuits.

10. Subsequent Events

On October 1, 2012, the Company awarded 18,808 shares of restricted stock to an employee. The fair value of the stock award on the date of grant totaled $1,200, which will be recognized as expense, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the vesting periods. Half of the shares will vest over a three-year period and half over a five-year period.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Business

The Company generates revenue primarily through the sale of products and services to the oil and natural gas industry. The Company’s principal business consists of manufacturing and selling ceramic proppant and resin-coated sand for use primarily in the hydraulic fracturing of oil and natural gas wells. The Company also provides the industry’s most popular hydraulic fracture simulation software FracPro^®, as well as hydraulic fracture design and consulting services. In addition, the Company provides a broad range of technologies for spill prevention, containment and countermeasures, along with geotechnical monitoring.

Critical Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, which require the Company to make estimates and assumptions (see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011). The Company believes that some of its accounting policies involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity than others. As of December 31, 2011, critical accounting policies for the Company included revenue recognition, estimating the recoverability of accounts receivable, inventory valuation, accounting for income taxes and accounting for long-lived assets. These critical accounting policies are discussed more fully in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. There have been no changes in the Company’s evaluation of its critical accounting policies since December 31, 2011.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

Revenues. Revenues of $151.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 decreased 10% compared to $167.1 million in revenues for the same period in 2011. The decrease is mainly attributed to a 5% decrease in proppant sales volume and a 9% decrease in the average proppant selling price partially offset by an increase in revenues of the Company’s other business units. Worldwide proppant sales volume totaled 412 million pounds for the third quarter of 2012 compared to 432 million pounds for the third quarter of 2011. North American (defined as Canada and the U.S.) sales volume decreased 11% driven by several factors including a shift in drilling activity from natural gas to oily, liquids-rich basins and increased competition from an over-supply of Chinese ceramic proppant. International (excluding Canada) sales volume increased 33% primarily due to increased sales volumes in Mexico and China. Other Proppants (resin-coated sand and ceramic proppant manufactured on an outsourced basis) represented 27 million pounds of the Company’s worldwide sales volumes in the third quarter of 2012, as compared to 34 million pounds in the third quarter of 2011. The average selling price per pound of all proppant was $0.327 during the third quarter of 2012 compared to $0.358 for the same period in 2011.

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the third quarter of 2012 was $50.2 million, or 33% of revenues, compared to $72.7 million, or 44% of revenues, for the third quarter of 2011. Operations in 2012 continued to be impacted by the shift in drilling activity away from natural gas basins due to the severe decline in natural gas prices in late 2011 and the resulting logistical challenges and competitive pressures created by this shift. The decrease in gross profit and in gross profit as a percentage of revenue was primarily the result of lower proppant sales volumes, a decrease in the average proppant selling price, higher fixed cost absorption and an increase in freight and logistics costs. Greater contribution from the Company’s other business units partially offset the decline in gross profit from proppant sales.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A). SG&A expenses totaled $15.1 million for the third quarter of 2012 compared to $16.6 million for the same period in 2011. As a percentage of revenues, SG&A expenses remained relatively flat at 10.0% for the third quarter of 2012 compared to 9.9% for the same period last year. The decrease in SG&A expenses primarily resulted from lower marketing, research and development, and administrative spending.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense was $11.0 million, or 31.4% of pretax income, for the third quarter of 2012 compared to $19.3 million, or 34.3% of pretax income, for the same period last year. The $8.3 million decrease is primarily due to lower pre-tax income and a lower effective tax rate primarily associated with the final preparation and filing of the Company’s prior year income tax returns and additional tax benefits relating to mining depletion deductions.

 

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

Revenues. Revenues of $491.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 5% compared to $467.6 million in revenues for the same period in 2011. Revenues increased primarily due to a 4% increase in proppant sales volume and an increase in revenues of the Company’s other business units. Worldwide proppant sales volume totaled 1.270 billion pounds in the first nine months of 2012 compared to 1.218 billion pounds for the same period in 2011. North American (defined as Canada and the U.S.) sales volume remained relatively flat for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011. International (excluding Canada) sales volume increased 25% primarily due to increased sales volumes in Mexico, Russia and China. Other Proppants (resin-coated sand and ceramic proppant manufactured on an outsourced basis) represented 119 million pounds of the Company’s worldwide sales volumes for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to 80 million pounds in the same period in 2011. The average selling price per pound of all proppant was $0.352 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $0.355 for the same period in 2011.

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $177.9 million, or 36% of revenues, compared to $196.9 million, or 42% of revenues, for the same period in 2011. Operations in 2012 were impacted by the shift in drilling activity away from natural gas basins due to the severe decline in natural gas prices in late 2011 and the resulting logistical challenges and competitive pressures created by this shift. Despite similar proppant sales volumes in both nine-month periods, gross profit and gross profit as a percentage of revenues decreased in 2012 primarily as a result of an increase in freight and logistics costs and a shift in the sales mix towards heavyweight and Other Proppant products. Greater contribution from the Company’s other business units partially offset the decrease in gross profit from proppant sales.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) and Other Operating Expenses. SG&A expenses totaled $48.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $46.8 million for the same period in 2011. As a percentage of revenues, SG&A expenses remained relatively flat at 9.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to 10.0% for the same period in 2011. The increase in SG&A expenses primarily resulted from higher marketing and administrative spending. Start-up costs of $0.1 million in 2012 related to the start-up of the second resin-coating line at the Company’s New Iberia, Louisiana facility. Start-up costs of $0.1 million in 2011 related to costs associated with the start-up of the fourth production line at the Company’s Toomsboro, Georgia facility. Loss on disposal or impairment of assets of $1.5 million in 2011 consists primarily of a $0.9 million impairment of goodwill related to the Company’s geotechnical monitoring business and a $0.8 million write-down of a 6% interest in an investment accounted for under the cost method as a result of the sale of the business by majority shareholders.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense was $42.6 million, or 33.1% of pretax income, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $51.2 million, or 34.6% of pretax income for the same period last year. The $8.6 million decrease is primarily due to lower pre-tax income and a lower effective tax rate primarily associated with the final preparation and filing of the Company’s prior year income tax returns and additional tax benefits relating to mining depletion deductions.

Outlook

The Company believes its operating results for the remainder of 2012 will continue to be influenced by the level of oil and natural gas drilling in North America. A severe decline in natural gas prices in the U.S. in late 2011 led businesses engaged in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas to reduce drilling activity and capital spending in natural gas basins, including shale plays, and to increase capital spending towards oily, liquids-rich basins. In addition, the fourth quarter may be adversely affected by normal seasonality issues, including weather and holidays.

The combination of a low natural gas price, volatility in oil and natural gas liquids markets, and the over-supply of imported Chinese ceramic proppant are causing disruptions within the industry, and the Company believes these disruptions will continue to place pressure on proppant pricing, volumes and margins for the remainder of the year. In addition, the increased amount of activity in infrastructure-limited, liquids-rich basins introduced supply chain challenges to the industry. These challenges resulted in higher supply chain costs during the first three quarters of 2012 for the Company. The Company expects these costs will continue at current levels for the balance of the year.

 

 

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The Company expects to support near-term demand with its current ceramic production capacity of 1.7 billion pounds per year, along with existing inventories of ceramic proppant manufactured on an outsourced basis. With respect to resin-coating capacity expansion, the second production line in New Iberia, Louisiana was completed during the first quarter of 2012 and increased the Company’s annual resin-coating capacity to 400 million pounds. Near the end of the second quarter of 2012, the Company began to utilize its own CARBO Northern White sand in its sand processing facility in Marshfield, Wisconsin. With respect to the resin-coating expansion in Marshfield, the Company has deferred further construction at this time. The Company will consider resuming construction when warranted by market conditions. Additionally, the Company has been issued an Air Quality Permit for its proposed ceramic proppant manufacturing plant in Millen, Georgia. The Company is moving forward with construction of the first 250 million pound line and anticipates the Millen plant could commence operation near the end of 2013.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At September 30, 2012, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $52.0 million compared to cash and cash equivalents of $41.3 million at December 31, 2011. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company generated $98.5 million of cash from operating activities and $1.3 million from excess tax benefits relating to stock based compensation. Uses of cash included $64.1 million of capital spending, $17.3 million of cash dividends and $7.7 million for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock.

Subject to the Company’s financial condition, the amount of funds generated from operations and the level of capital expenditures, the Company’s current intention is to continue to pay quarterly dividends to holders of its common stock. On September 18, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.27 per common share, or $6.2 million in the aggregate, to shareholders of record on November 1, 2012. That dividend is payable on November 15, 2012. The Company estimates its total capital expenditures for the remainder of 2012 will be between $15 million and $25 million. Capital expenditures for the remainder of 2012 are expected to include costs associated with expansion of the Company’s distribution infrastructure and the construction of the new manufacturing facility in the Millen, Georgia area.

The Company maintains a $25.0 million unsecured line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. As of September 30, 2012, there was no outstanding debt under the credit agreement. The Company anticipates that cash on hand, cash provided by operating activities and funds available under its line of credit will be sufficient to meet planned operating expenses, tax obligations, capital expenditures and other cash needs for the next 12 months. Based on these assumptions, the Company believes that its fixed costs could be met even with a moderate decrease in demand for the Company’s products.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company had no off-balance sheet arrangements as of September 30, 2012.

Forward-Looking Information

The statements in this Form 10-Q that are not historical statements, including statements regarding our future financial and operating performance and liquidity and capital resources, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and estimates, which involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Among these factors are:

 

•

changes in overall economic conditions,

 

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changes in the cost of raw materials and natural gas used in manufacturing our products,

 

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changes in demand and prices charged for our products,

 

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changes in the demand for, or price of, oil and natural gas,

 

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risks of increased competition,

 

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technological, manufacturing and product development risks,

 

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loss of key customers,

 

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changes in foreign and domestic government regulations, including environmental restrictions on operations and regulation of hydraulic fracturing,

 

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•

changes in foreign and domestic political and legislative risks,

 

•

the risks of war and international and domestic terrorism,

 

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risks associated with foreign operations and foreign currency exchange rates and controls, and

 

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weather-related risks and other risks and uncertainties.

Additional factors that could affect our future results or events are described from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). See in particular our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 under the caption “Risk Factors” and similar disclosures in subsequently filed reports with the SEC. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company’s major market risk exposure is to foreign currency fluctuations that could impact its investments in China and Russia. As of September 30, 2012, the Company’s net investment that is subject to foreign currency fluctuations totaled $89.2 million and the Company has recorded cumulative foreign currency translation loss of $2.8 million, net of deferred income tax benefit. This cumulative translation loss is included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. From time to time, the Company may enter into forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. There were no such foreign exchange contracts outstanding at September 30, 2012.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As of September 30, 2012, management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurances of achieving their control objectives. Based upon and as of the date of that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports 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, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act 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.

(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, those controls.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On February 9, 2012, the Company and two of its officers, Gary A. Kolstad and Ernesto Bautista III, were named as defendants in a purported class-action lawsuit filed in the United States District

 

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Court for the Southern District of New York (the “February SDNY Lawsuit”), brought on behalf of shareholders who purchased the Company’s Common Stock between October 27, 2011 and January 26, 2012 (the “Relevant Time Period”). On April 10, 2012, a second purported class-action lawsuit was filed against the same defendants in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, brought on behalf of shareholders who purchased or sold CARBO Ceramics Inc. option contracts during the Relevant Time Period (the “April SDNY Lawsuit, and collectively with the February SDNY Lawsuit, the “Federal Securities Lawsuit”). In June 2012, the February SNDY Lawsuit and the April SDNY Lawsuit were consolidated, and will now proceed as one lawsuit. The suit alleges violations of the federal securities laws arising from statements concerning the Company’s business operations and business prospects that were made during the Relevant Time Period and requests unspecified damages and costs. In September 2012, the Company and Messrs. Kolstad and Bautista filed a motion to dismiss this lawsuit, which is expected to be considered by the court after response and reply briefs are filed by the parties during the fourth quarter of 2012.

On March 1, 2012, the Directors of the Company and Mr. Bautista were named as defendants in a purported derivative action lawsuit brought on behalf of the Company by a stockholder in District Court in Harris County, Texas (the “March Harris County Lawsuit”). The suit alleges various breaches of fiduciary duty and other duties by the defendants that generally are related to the February SDNY Lawsuit, and requests unspecified damages and costs. In September 2012, this lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice.

On June 13, 2012, the Directors of the Company and Mr. Bautista were named as defendants in a second purported derivative action lawsuit brought on behalf of the Company by a stockholder in District Court in Harris County, Texas (the “June Harris County Lawsuit”). This lawsuit alleges substantially similar claims as the March Harris County Lawsuit as well as a breach of duty against certain defendants in connection with stock sales. This lawsuit also requests unspecified damages and costs. The parties to this lawsuit have entered into an agreement to stay further proceedings pending the outcome of a motion to dismiss the Federal Securities Lawsuit.

While each of the Federal Securities Lawsuit and the June Harris County Lawsuit are in their preliminary stages, the Company does not believe they have merit, and plans to vigorously contest and defend against them.

Additionally, from time to time, the Company is the subject of legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that any of these proceedings will have a material effect on its business or its results of operations.

The Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome or duration of any lawsuit described in this report.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors discussed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Our U.S. manufacturing facilities process mined minerals, and therefore are viewed as mine operations subject to regulation by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the recently proposed Item 106 of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.106) is included in Exhibit 95 to this quarterly report.

 

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ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable

IT EM 6. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

 

10.1		Separation Agreement, made as of August 9, 2012, by and between David G. Gallagher and CARBO Ceramics Inc.
10.2		Summary of Initial Compensation Terms for Don P. Conkle
31.1		Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Gary A. Kolstad.
31.2		Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Ernesto Bautista III.
32		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
95		Mine Safety Disclosures
101		The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

Date: October 30, 2012

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

EXHIBIT		DESCRIPTION
10.1		Separation Agreement, made as of August 9, 2012, by and between David G. Gallagher and CARBO Ceramics Inc.
10.2		Summary of initial compensation terms for Don P. Conkle
31.1		Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Gary A. Kolstad.
31.2		Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Ernesto Bautista III.
32		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
95		Mine Safety Disclosures
101		The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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