TRANS RESOURCES INC
10-Q, 1998-08-14
INDUSTRIAL INORGANIC CHEMICALS
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<PAGE>   1
                                    FORM 10-Q

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549


             [Mark One]

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

                  For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 1998

                                       OR

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

              For The Transition Period From ________ To ________

                         Commission File Number 33-11634

                              TRANS-RESOURCES, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

           DELAWARE                                   36-2729497
(State or other jurisdiction                        (I.R.S. Employer 
of incorporation or organization)                  Identification No.)

 9 West 57th Street, New York, New York                   10019
(Address  of principal executive offices)              (Zip Code)

       Registrant's Telephone number, including area code: (212) 888-3044

Indicate by check mark whether 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 registrant was required
to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days.

                                 YES [X] NO [ ]

At August 14, 1998, there were outstanding 3,000 shares of common stock, par
value of $.01 per share, all of which were owned by TPR Investment Associates,
Inc., a privately-held Delaware corporation.


<PAGE>   2



                              TRANS-RESOURCES, INC.

                                 Form 10-Q Index

                                  June 30, 1998


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            Page
PART I                                                                                                    Number

Item 1. -         Financial Statements:
<S>                                                                                                            <C>
                  Consolidated Statements of Operations..........................................              3

                  Consolidated Balance Sheets....................................................              4

                  Consolidated Statement of Stockholder's Equity.................................              5

                  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows..........................................              6

                  Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements...........................              7

Item 2. -         Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
                  Results of Operations..........................................................              9

PART II

Item 1. -         Legal Proceedings..............................................................            20

Item 6. -         Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K...............................................            21

Signatures        ...............................................................................             22

</TABLE>

                                       2

<PAGE>   3



                          PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                     TRANS-RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                   (Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Three Month Period                 Six Month Period
                                                       Ended June 30,                    Ended June 30,
                                                       --------------                    --------------
                                                    1998            1997              1998             1997
                                                    ----            ----              ----             ----
                                                                           (000's)
<S>                                              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>      
REVENUES .................................       $ 121,081        $ 110,751        $ 226,043        $ 194,283

COSTS AND EXPENSES:
     Cost of goods sold ..................          91,874           88,590          176,850          156,722
     General and administrative ..........          13,776           10,832           25,526           20,298
                                                 ---------        ---------        ---------        ---------

OPERATING INCOME .........................          15,431           11,329           23,667           17,263

     Interest expense ....................          (9,821)          (7,217)         (18,041)         (14,421)
     Interest and other income - net .....           1,594            1,610           25,414            2,536
                                                 ---------        ---------        ---------        ---------

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES,
     EXTRAORDINARY ITEM AND
     CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE ......           7,204            5,722           31,040            5,378
                                                 ---------        ---------        ---------        ---------

INCOME TAXES:
     Current .............................             585              197            1,109              593
     Deferred ............................           1,350              908            1,462              893
                                                 ---------        ---------        ---------        ---------
                                                     1,935            1,105            2,571            1,486
                                                 ---------        ---------        ---------        ---------

INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY
     ITEM AND CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING
     PRINCIPLE ...........................           5,269            4,617           28,469            3,892

EXTRAORDINARY ITEM - Loss on repurchase of
     debt (no income tax benefit) ........            (192)            --            (11,132)            --   

CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN
     ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE, net of
     income tax benefit of $80,000 .......            --               --             (1,253)            --   
                                                 ---------        ---------        ---------        ---------

NET INCOME ...............................       $   5,077            4,617        $  16,084        $   3,892
                                                 =========        =========        =========        =========
</TABLE>


            See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

                                       3

<PAGE>   4

                     TRANS-RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      June 30,       December 31, 
                                                                       1998              1997
                                                                       ----              ----
                                                                    (Unaudited)
                                                                             (000's)

                                               ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:
<S>                                                                 <C>              <C>      
     Cash and cash equivalents ..............................       $  20,296        $  19,757
     Accounts receivable ....................................          99,877           82,551
     Inventories:
         Finished goods .....................................          47,696           46,764
         Raw materials ......................................          15,537           13,362
     Other current assets ...................................          88,297           33,578
     Prepaid expenses .......................................          18,839           16,122
                                                                    ---------        ---------
         Total Current Assets ...............................         290,542          212,134

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - NET .........................         221,290          207,487

OTHER ASSETS ................................................          58,512           42,395
                                                                    ---------        ---------
         Total ..............................................       $ 570,344        $ 462,016
                                                                    =========        =========

                             LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
     Current maturities of long-term debt ...................       $  16,191        $  13,080
     Short-term debt ........................................          40,028           36,580
     Accounts payable .......................................          67,148           58,662
     Accrued expenses and other current liabilities .........          28,624           30,215
                                                                    ---------        ---------
         Total Current Liabilities ..........................         151,991          138,537
                                                                    ---------        ---------

LONG-TERM DEBT - NET:
     Senior indebtedness, notes payable and other obligations         356,749          154,726
     Senior subordinated indebtedness - net .................           2,596          114,288
                                                                    ---------        ---------
         Long-Term Debt - net ...............................         359,345          269,014
                                                                    ---------        ---------

OTHER LIABILITIES ...........................................          33,558           30,858
                                                                    ---------        ---------

STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
     Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 100,000 shares
         authorized, issued and outstanding .................           7,960            7,960
     Common stock, $.01 par value, 3,000 shares authorized,
         issued and outstanding .............................            --               --   
     Additional paid-in capital .............................           8,682            8,682
     Retained earnings ......................................          10,205            6,203
     Cumulative translation adjustment ......................              18              (67)
     Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities .....          (1,415)             829
                                                                    ---------        ---------
         Total Stockholder's Equity .........................          25,450           23,607
                                                                    ---------        ---------

         Total ..............................................       $ 570,344        $ 462,016
                                                                    =========        =========
</TABLE>


            See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

                                       4

<PAGE>   5






                     TRANS-RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

                      Six Month Period Ended June 30, 1998
                                   (Unaudited)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Additional            Cumulative      Unrealized
                                 Preferred  Common    Paid-In   Retained  Translation   Gains (Losses)            Comprehensive
                                   Stock     Stock    Capital   Earnings  Adjustment    on Securities    Total        Income
                                   -----     -----    -------   --------  ----------    -------------    -----        ------
                                                                        (000's)
<S>                              <C>        <C>     <C>         <C>       <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>
   BALANCE,
        January 1, 1998........    $7,960   $  -      $8,682    $ 6,203       $(67)       $   829       $23,607
   Net income..................                                  16,084                                  16,084      $16,084
   Dividends paid:
        Common stock,
        including non-cash
        dividend of $750,000...                                 (11,657)                                (11,657)
        Preferred stock........                                    (425)                                   (425)
   Net change during
        period.................                                                 85         (2,244)       (2,159)      (2,159)
                                  ------    -------   ------    -------        ---        -------       -------      -------
   BALANCE,
        June 30, 1998..........   $7,960    $  -      $8,682    $10,205        $18        $(1,415)      $25,450      $13,925
                                  ======    =======   ======    =======        ===        =======       =======      =======
</TABLE>

            See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

                                       5

<PAGE>   6

                     TRANS-RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         Six Month Period
                                                                                           Ended June 30,
                                                                                           --------------
                                                                                      1998                1997
                                                                                      ----                ----
                                                                                              (000's)
<S>                                                                               <C>                  <C>         
OPERATING ACTIVITIES AND WORKING CAPITAL
     MANAGEMENT:
 Operations:
     Net income...............................................................    $  16,084            $   3,892   
     Items not requiring (providing) cash:                                                                         
         Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment                                            
              and other assets................................................       10,830                9,541   
         Amortization of deferred financing costs and accretion of                                                 
              interest expense................................................        3,126                  461   
         Gain on Laser/ESC share exchange.....................................      (22,946)                 -       
         Extraordinary item - loss on repurchase of debt......................       11,132                  -       
         Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle..................        1,253                  -       
         Deferred taxes and other - net.......................................       (1,425)                (696) 
                                                                                  ---------            ---------   
              Total...........................................................       18,054               13,198   
     Working capital management:                                                                                   
         Accounts receivable and other current assets.........................      (19,118)             (33,376)  
         Inventories..........................................................       (2,781)              11,075   
         Prepaid expenses.....................................................       (2,682)              (2,480)  
         Accounts payable.....................................................        7,919               20,240   
         Accrued expenses and other current liabilities.......................       (2,791)              (2,495)  
                                                                                  ---------            ---------   
              Cash provided (used) by operations and working                                                       
                  capital management..........................................       (1,399)                6,162  
                                                                                  ---------            ---------   
                                                                                                                   
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES:                                                                                             
     Additions to property, plant and equipment...............................      (22,654)              (7,415)  
     Purchases of marketable securities and other short-term investments......      (24,724)              (5,355)  
     Sales of marketable securities and other short-term investments..........        4,251                7,076   
     Other - net, including the purchase of an equity investment                                                   
         in Lego in 1998......................................................      (22,449)               (4,421) 
                                                                                  ---------            ---------   
              Cash provided (used) by investment activities...................      (65,576)             (10,115)  
                                                                                  ---------            ---------   
                                                                                                                   
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                                                                                              
     Increase in short-term debt..............................................        2,892                  928   
     Increase in long-term debt...............................................      216,605                6,500   
     Repurchases, payments and current maturities of long-term debt...........     (140,651)              (6,936)  
     Dividends to stockholder.................................................      (11,332)              (2,395)  
                                                                                  ---------            ---------   
              Cash provided (used) by financing activities....................       67,514               (1,903)  
                                                                                  ---------            ---------   
                                                                                                                   
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS..............................          539               (5,856)  
                                                                                                                   
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:                                                                                         
     Beginning of period......................................................       19,757               29,112   
                                                                                  ---------            ---------   
     End of period............................................................    $  20,296            $  23,256   
                                                                                  =========            =========   
</TABLE>


            See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

                                       6

<PAGE>   7

                     TRANS-RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

              NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND OTHER MATTERS

         The consolidated financial statements of Trans-Resources, Inc. ("TRI"),
include TRI and its direct and indirect independently managed and financed
subsidiaries, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. TRI's
principal subsidiaries are Cedar Chemical Corporation ("Cedar"), and Cedar's two
wholly-owned subsidiaries, NMPC, Inc. (name changed from New Mexico Potash
Corporation upon completion of the sale of its potash operations in August,
1996; "NMPC"), and Vicksburg Chemical Company ("Vicksburg"); EDP, Inc. (name
changed from Eddy Potash, Inc. upon completion of the sale of its potash
operations in August, 1996); Na-Churs Plant Food Company; and Haifa Chemicals
Ltd. ("HCL") and HCL's wholly-owned subsidiary, Haifa Chemicals South, Ltd. TRI
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TPR Investment Associates, Inc., a
privately-held Delaware corporation. As used herein, the term "the Company"
means TRI together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Certain prior
period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the manner of presentation
in the current period.

         Substantially all of the Company's revenues, operating profits and
identifiable assets are related to the chemical industry. The Company is a
global developer, producer and marketer of specialty plant nutrients and
specialty industrial and agricultural chemicals and distributes its products
internationally.

         See Item 2 below - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" ("MD&A") for certain information regarding
(i) a labor dispute at HCL (the "HCL Labor Dispute") and (ii) the Company's
investment in Laser Industries Limited. Also see "MD&A - Refinancing" for
information regarding the Company's March, 1998 refinancing of its 11 7/8%
Senior Subordinated Notes and Item 1 of Part II for information regarding
certain legal proceedings.

         Effective January 1, 1998, the Company changed its method of accounting
for start-up costs incurred relating to the start-up of newly constructed
manufacturing facilities to conform with AICPA Statement of Position No. 98-5
("SOP 98-5"), "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities", which requires
that such costs be currently charged to operations. SOP 98-5 encourages
companies that previously deferred such costs to write-off the unamortized
amounts thereof. As of January 1, 1998, the Company has reported the cumulative
effect of the change in the method of 

                                       7

<PAGE>   8

accounting for start-up costs in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The
effect of adopting SOP 98-5 in 1998 was the write-off of unamortized start-up
costs of $1,333,000 and a reduction in net income for the cumulative effect of
the change in accounting principle of $1,253,000 (net of income taxes).

         In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial
statements for the six month periods ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively,
include all adjustments, which comprise only normal recurring accruals,
necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods. The results
of operations for the six month period ended June 30, 1998 are not necessarily
indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or the
full fiscal year. It is suggested that these unaudited consolidated financial
statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes
thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997 (the "Form 10-K") which has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                                       8

<PAGE>   9



ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS

         The following table sets forth, as a percentage of revenues, certain
items appearing in the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the
Company.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Percentage of Revenues
                                                                    --------------------------------------
                                                                    Three Month                  Six Month
                                                                   Period Ended                Period Ended
                                                                     June 30,                   June 30,
                                                                     --------                   --------
                                                                1998          1997           1998         1997
                                                                ----          ----           ----         ----
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>     
Revenues:
     Specialty Plant Nutrients............................     62.2%          61.1%         60.9%         58.6%   
     Industrial Chemicals.................................     24.6           24.5          24.8          26.7    
     Organic Chemicals....................................     13.2           14.4          14.3          14.7    
                                                              -----          -----         -----         -----
     Total Revenues.......................................    100.0%         100.0%        100.0%        100.0%   
                                                                                                                  
Costs and expenses:                                                                                               
     Cost of goods sold...................................     75.9           80.0          78.2          80.7    
     General and administrative...........................     11.4            9.8          11.3          10.4    
                                                              -----          -----         -----         -----
                                                                                                               
Operating income..........................................     12.7           10.2          10.5           8.9    
                                                                                                                  
     Interest expense.....................................     (8.1)          (6.5)         (8.0)         (7.4)   
     Interest and other income - net......................      1.4            1.5          11.2           1.3    
                                                              -----          -----         -----         -----
                                                                                                                  
Income before income taxes, extraordinary                                                                         
     item and change in accounting principle..............      6.0            5.2          13.7           2.8    
                                                                                                                  
Income taxes..............................................      1.6            1.0           1.1           0.8    
                                                              -----          -----         -----         -----
                                                                                                                  
Income before extraordinary item and                                                                              
     change in accounting principle.......................      4.4            4.2          12.6           2.0    
                                                                                                                  
Extraordinary item........................................     (0.2)           -            (4.9)          -      
                                                                                                                  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting                                                                         
     principle - net......................................      -              -            (0.6)        -        
                                                              -----          -----         -----         -----
Net income................................................      4.2%           4.2%          7.1%          2.0%   
                                                              =====          =====         =====         =====
</TABLE>

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

         Certain statements herein (and in the Form 10-K) constitute
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of
historical facts included herein (and in the Form 10-K) are forward-looking
statements, including, but are not limited to, statements concerning future
revenues (e.g., impact of the HCL Labor Dispute and inflation in Israel);
expenses (e.g., labor savings resulting from HCL's new Specific Collective
Agreement ("SCA"), future environmental costs and capital expenditures); access
to lending sources and Israeli Government entitlements; and outcomes of legal
procedures. Such 


                                       9
<PAGE>   10

forward-looking statements involve unknown and uncertain risks, uncertainties
and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or
achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. Such factors ("Cautionary Factors") include, among others, the
following: political stability, inflation and currency rates in those foreign
countries (including, without limitation, Israel) in which the Company generates
a significant portion of its production, sales and earnings; current or future
environmental developments or regulations which would require the Company to
make substantial expenditures, and changes in, or the failure of the Company to
comply with, such government regulations; the potentially hazardous nature of
certain of the Company's products; the ability to achieve anticipated labor cost
reductions at HCL; the Company's ability to continue to service and refinance
its debt; new plant start-up costs; competition; changes in business strategy or
expansion plans; raw material costs and availability; the final outcome of the
legal proceedings (including the terms of any settlements thereof) to which the
Company is a party (see Item 3 - "Legal Proceedings" in the Form 10-K and Item 1
- - "Legal Proceedings" of Part II of this Form 10-Q); and other factors
referenced in this Form 10-Q (or in the Company's Form 10-K).

         Given these uncertainties, investors and prospective investors are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. All
subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the
Company or persons acting on behalf of the Company are expressly qualified in
their entirety by the Cautionary Factors. 

HCL LABOR DISPUTE

         During the fourth quarter of 1996 and during 1997, primarily in the
first half of such year, the Company's operations were adversely impacted by the
HCL Labor Dispute.

         Most HCL employees are members of the "Histadrut," the Israeli national
labor federation, and are represented by collective bargaining units. Terms of
employment of most HCL employees are currently governed predominantly by an SCA
negotiated by HCL with the Histadrut, the respective unions representing the
employees and representatives of the employees.

         In 1994, HCL signed an agreement with the unions and representatives of
the technicians and engineers for the three year period ended December 31, 1996.
In 1995, an SCA was signed with the unions and representatives of the other
employees for the two year period ended December 31, 1996. In September, 1996,
the Company announced the cancellation of such agreements effective upon their
expiration dates and its intention to negotiate a new SCA with 

                                       10

<PAGE>   11

basic changes aimed at reducing labor costs and enhancing operating flexibility
for the period following December 31, 1996.

         As a result of the announced cancellation of the labor agreements, HCL
suffered several work stoppages and other job actions which adversely affected
productivity during October and November 1996, including a period of temporary
plant shut-down. On December 3, 1996 the plant was shut-down until March 10,
1997 when a new SCA providing for certain wage freezes and reductions in
benefits was signed for the three year period ending December 31, 1999.
Subsequent to March 10, 1997, the HCL plant re-opened and gradually began
production. By the end of May, 1997 and subsequent thereto, the HCL plant was
generally operating at approximately full capacity; however, due to the need for
increased maintenance for certain equipment resulting from the lengthy period of
shut-down, there have been several periods of operations at less than full
capacity and production efficiencies were also adversely impacted.

         Management believes that the new SCA will result in cost savings for
the Company compared to the costs it would otherwise have incurred during the
next few years had HCL merely renewed the terms of the prior SCAs and continued
the pattern of increased costs included in recent SCAs. Further, management
believes that the aggregate amount of such cost savings over the years
subsequent to the settlement of the HCL Labor Dispute will substantially exceed
the incremental costs experienced during the HCL Labor Dispute.

         Following the settlement of the HCL Labor Dispute, HCL achieved the
following objectives: (i) a reduction in absenteeism; (ii) greater ability to
freely transfer employees between departments and production units; (iii)
increased flexibility regarding the ability to promote employees and incentivize
them based on performance measures and evaluations developed and implemented by
management; (iv) greater ability to dismiss employees on the basis of poor
performance; (v) on-going and more effective communication between management
and employees; and (vi) increased freedom to use sub-contractors. In addition,
following the settlement of the HCL Labor Dispute, HCL restructured its
workforce with the result being an approximate 18% reduction in the number of
its employees, and a reduction in the average cost per employee. Under the new
labor agreement, such reductions in headcount and in average cost per employee
resulted in estimated annual cost savings of $9,000,000 compared to the
estimated costs the Company would otherwise have incurred. See "Special Note
Regarding Forward Looking Statements" above. 

INVESTMENT IN LASER INDUSTRIES LIMITED

         On November 9, 1997, Laser Industries Limited ("Laser"), a publicly
traded manufacturer of lasers for medical use in which the Company had an
ownership interest accounted for by the equity method, and ESC Medical Systems
Ltd. ("ESC"), signed a definitive agreement (the "Agreement") to combine the two
companies through an 

                                       11

<PAGE>   12

exchange of shares. The transaction closed on February 23, 1998. The Company's
ability to sell the ESC shares it received pursuant to the combination is
governed by securities law volume restrictions. As of December 31, 1997, the
Company carried its investment in the Laser shares at approximately $9,100,000,
which amount is included in the caption "Other assets" in the accompanying
December 31, 1997 Consolidated Balance Sheet. Based on the quoted market value
of the ESC shares ($35.00 per share), as of February 20, 1998, the last day of
trading before the combination, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of
approximately $22,900,000 during the first quarter of 1998, which gain is
included in the caption "Interest and other income-net" in the accompanying
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the six month period ended June 30,
1998. Subsequent to the exchange of shares, the Company carries its investment
in the ESC shares in "Other current assets" in the accompanying June 30, 1998
Consolidated Balance Sheet. In addition to the ownership of the Laser shares
described above, the Company also owned a warrant (the "Laser Warrant") which
enabled the Company to purchase additional Laser shares. The Laser Warrant,
which had a carrying value of $750,000, was distributed as a dividend in
February 1998. 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

         Three month period ended June 30, 1998 compared with the three month
period ended June 30, 1997:

         Revenues increased by 9.3% to $121,081,000 in 1998 from $110,751,000 in
1997, an increase of $10,330,000. The increase resulted primarily from increased
sales of Specialty Plant Nutrients and Industrial Chemicals of approximately
$10,300,000 principally as a result of the HCL labor dispute in the 1997 period
and, to a lesser extent, more favorable exchange rates in the 1998 period. See
"HCL Labor Dispute" above.

         Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues decreased to 75.9% in
1998 compared with 80.0% in 1997. Gross profit was $29,207,000 in 1998, or 24.1%
of revenues, compared with $22,161,000 or 20.0% of revenues in 1997, an increase
of $7,046,000. The primary factors resulting in the increased gross profit in
1998 were (i) increased Specialty Plant Nutrient and Industrial Chemicals
quantities sold as compared to the 1997 period resulting from the adverse effect
of the HCL Labor Dispute, (ii) more favorable currency exchange rates and raw
material and energy costs in the 1998 period and (iii) improved margins of
Organic Chemicals. These increases were partially offset by certain increased
costs relating to production interruptions and inefficiencies at HCL in the 1998
period resulting from (i) certain unscheduled maintenance to equipment required
due to the lengthy period of shut-down during the HCL Labor Dispute and (ii) the
impact of power interruptions associated with the installation of a new
electrical co-generation facility at HCL's plant. General and administrative
expense increased to $13,776,000 in 1998 from $10,832,000 in 1997, an increase
of $2,944,000 (11.4% of revenues in 1998, compared with 9.8% of revenues in

                                       12

<PAGE>   13

1997). This increase was due to (i) increased sales volume in 1998, (ii) higher
legal expenses in 1998 and (iii) the general and administrative expenses
relating to an Organic Chemicals business in Hungary purchased by the Company in
May, 1998.

         As a result of the matters described above, the Company's operating
income increased by $4,102,000 to $15,431,000 in 1998 as compared with
$11,329,000 in 1997.

         Interest expense increased by $2,604,000 to $9,821,000 in 1998 compared
with $7,217,000 in 1997 primarily as a result of (i) the March, 1998 issuance by
the Company of the 10 3/4% Senior Notes and 12% Senior Discount Notes, partially
offset by the Company's repurchase of substantially all of its 11 7/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes (see "Refinancing" below) and (ii) certain increased
borrowings relating to the Company's investment and capital expenditure program,
including the Company's February, 1998 purchase of approximately 42% of the
equity of Lego Irrigation, Ltd. ("Lego"), an Israeli developer, manufacturer and
marketer of drip irrigation systems. Interest and other income - net did not
materially differ during the periods.

         As a result of the above factors, income before income taxes,
extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
increased by $1,482,000 in 1998. The Company's provisions for income taxes are
impacted by the mix between domestic and foreign earnings and vary from the U.S.
Federal statutory rate principally due to the impact of foreign operations and
certain items which are not taxable.

         In the 1998 period the Company acquired $2,300,000 principal amount of
its 11 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes, which resulted in a loss of $192,000 (see
"Refinancing" below). Such loss (which has no tax benefit) is classified as an
extraordinary item in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. No
such debt was acquired in the 1997 period.

          Six month period ended June 30, 1998 compared with the six month
period ended June 30, 1997:

         Revenues increased by 16.4% to $226,043,000 in 1998 from $194,283,000
in 1997, an increase of $31,760,000. The increase resulted from increased sales
of Specialty Plant Nutrients and Industrial Chemicals of approximately
$27,900,000 principally as a result of the HCL labor dispute in the 1997 period
and an increase in sales of Organic Chemicals of approximately $3,900,000. See
"HCL Labor Dispute" above.

         Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues decreased to 78.2% in
1998 compared with 80.7% in 1997. Gross profit was $49,193,000 in 1998, or 21.8%
of revenues, compared with $37,561,000 or 19.3% of revenues in 1997, an increase
of $11,632,000. The primary factors resulting in the increased gross profit in
1998 were (i) increased Specialty Plant Nutrient and Industrial Chemicals
quantities sold as compared to the 1997 period primarily resulting 

                                       13

<PAGE>   14

from the adverse effect of the HCL Labor Dispute (net of HCL's claim for
reimbursement from an Israeli industrial association for partial contribution
towards the costs suffered during the period of the labor disruption), (ii)
lower raw material and energy costs and certain selling price increases and
(iii) improved margins of Organic Chemicals. These increases were partially
offset by less favorable currency exchange rates in the 1998 period and by
certain increased costs relating to production interruptions and inefficiencies
at HCL in the 1998 period resulting from (i) certain unscheduled maintenance to
equipment required due to the lengthy period of shut-down during the HCL Labor
Dispute and (ii) the impact of power interruptions associated with the
installation of a new electrical co-generation facility at HCL's plant. General
and administrative expense increased to $25,526,000 in 1998 from $20,298,000 in
1997, an increase of $5,228,000 (11.3% of revenues in 1998 compared to 10.4% of
revenues in 1997). This increase was due to (i) increased sales volume in 1998,
(ii) higher legal expenses in 1998 and (iii) the general and administrative
expenses relating to an Organic Chemicals business in Hungary purchased by the
Company in May, 1998.

         As a result of the matters described above, the Company's operating
income increased by $6,404,000 to $23,667,000 in 1998 as compared with
$17,263,000 in 1997.

         Interest expense increased by $3,620,000 to $18,041,000 in 1998
compared with $14,421,000 in 1997 primarily as a result of (i) the March, 1998
issuance by the Company of the 10 3/4% Senior Notes and 12% Senior Discount
Notes, partially offset by the Company's repurchase of substantially all of its
11 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes (see "Refinancing" below) and (ii) certain
increased borrowings relating to the Company's investment and capital
expenditure program, including the Company's February, 1998 purchase of
approximately 42% of the equity of Lego. Interest and other income - net
increased in 1998 by $22,878,000, principally as the result of the gain related
to the Laser/ESC combination described above (see "Investment in Laser
Industries Limited" above).

         As a result of the above factors, income before income taxes,
extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
increased by $25,662,000 in 1998. The Company's provisions for income taxes are
impacted by the mix between domestic and foreign earnings and vary from the U.S.
Federal statutory rate principally due to the impact of foreign operations and
certain items which are not taxable.

         In the 1998 period the Company acquired $112,390,000 principal amount
of its 11 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes, which resulted in a loss of
$11,132,000 (see "Refinancing" below). Such loss (which has no tax benefit) is
classified as an extraordinary item in the accompanying Consolidated Statement
of Operations. No such debt was acquired in the 1997 period.

                                       14

<PAGE>   15
         In the 1998 period the Company changed its method of accounting for
start-up costs incurred relating to the start-up of newly constructed
manufacturing facilities to conform with SOP 98-5. This change in accounting
method resulted in a net charge of $1,253,000. 

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

         The Company's consolidated working capital at June 30, 1998 and
December 31, 1997 was approximately $138,600,000 and $73,600,000, respectively.

         Operations for the six month periods ended June 30, 1998 and 1997,
after adding back non-cash items, provided cash of approximately $18,100,000 and
$13,200,000, respectively. During such periods other changes in working capital
used cash of approximately $19,500,000 and $7,000,000, respectively, resulting
in cash being provided (used) by operating activities and working capital
management of approximately ($1,400,000) and $6,200,000, respectively.

         Investment activities during the six month periods ended June 30, 1998
and 1997 used cash of approximately $65,600,000 and $10,100,000, respectively.
These amounts include: (i) additions to property in 1998 and 1997 of
approximately $22,700,000 and $7,400,000, respectively; (ii) purchases of
marketable securities and other short-term investments of approximately
$24,700,000 and $5,400,000, respectively; (iii) sales of marketable securities
and other short-term investments of approximately $4,300,000 and $7,100,000,
respectively; and (iv) other items using cash of approximately $22,500,000
(including $10,500,000 relating to the purchase of the Company's interest in
Lego) and $4,400,000, respectively. The property additions in the 1998 period
relate primarily to the Company's expansion of its potassium nitrate and food
grade phosphates capacity in the United States and Israel and the construction
of a plant in the United States to produce monoammonium phosphate ("MAP") and
monopotassium phosphate ("MKP").

         Financing activities during the six month periods ended June 30, 1998
and 1997 provided (used) cash of approximately $67,500,000 and ($1,900,000),
respectively. The 1998 amount relates primarily to the Refinancing described
below and certain borrowings relating to the Company's investment and capital
expenditure program.

         As of June 30, 1998, the Company had outstanding long-term debt
(excluding current maturities) of approximately $359,300,000. The Company's
primary sources of liquidity are cash flows generated from operations and its
unused credit lines.

                                       15
<PAGE>   16

REFINANCING

         On March 11, 1998, the Company commenced a private placement of
$100,000,000 principal amount of 10 3/4% Senior Notes due 2008 (the "Senior
Notes") and $135,000,000 principal amount at maturity of 12% Senior Discount
Notes due 2008 to provide gross proceeds to the Company of approximately
$75,400,000 (the "Senior Discount Notes"). The sale of the Senior Notes and the
Senior Discount Notes closed on March 16, 1998. A substantial portion
(approximately $118,000,000) of the net proceeds from the sale was used in
March, 1998 to purchase (pursuant to a tender offer and consent solicitation)
approximately $110,000,000 principal amount of the Company's 11 7/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes (the "Refinancing"), and, combined with the write-off of
certain unamortized issuance costs associated with the 11 7/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes, resulted in an extraordinary charge for the early
extinguishment of debt of approximately $10,900,000 which is classified as an
extraordinary item in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations.

         The Senior Notes and the Senior Discount Notes are unsecured
obligations of the Company and are pari passu in right of payment with all
existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company and
senior in right to payment of all subordinated indebtedness of the Company.
Interest on the Senior Notes is payable semi-annually. Interest on the Senior
Discount Notes accretes and compounds semi-annually but is not payable until
2003, after which interest will be payable semi-annually.

         The Company intends to use the balance of the proceeds from the sale of
the Senior Notes and Senior Discount Notes for working capital and general
corporate purposes, including the repayment of debt and possible future
acquisitions and capital expenditures. During March, 1998 the Company repaid
$13,900,000 of borrowings under a Loan Agreement with a bank and reduced the
amounts outstanding under certain short-term loans. In addition, in the three
month period ended June, 1998 the Company repurchased an additional $2,300,000
principal amount of its 11 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes, and, in July, 1998,
repurchased the remaining $2,610,000 outstanding principal amount of the 11 7/8%
Senior Subordinated Notes pursuant to the call provisions under such Notes. See
Note G of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's
Form 10-K. 

FORWARD-LOOKING LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         Interest payments on the Senior Notes and interest and principal
repayments under other indebtedness represent significant obligations of the
Company and its subsidiaries. For a description of the amortization required on
the Company's other indebtedness see Note G of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements included in the Company's Form 10-K. During the year ended 1997, the
Company spent approximately $10,800,000 relating to the 

                                       16

<PAGE>   17

Company's initial capital expenditures pursuant to its plan to increase capacity
for potassium nitrate, food grade phosphates and the construction of a plant to
manufacture MAP and MKP. In addition, the Company plans to complete such
projects by spending an aggregate of approximately $63,000,000 during 1998 and
1999. During the six month period ended June 30, 1998 the Company incurred
capital expenditures of approximately $22,700,000, including approximately
$14,500,000 relating to these projects. Ongoing maintenance capital expenditures
are expected to be approximately $13,000,000 per year.

         The Company's primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from
operations and borrowings under the credit facilities of the Company and its
subsidiaries. As of June 30, 1998, the Company and its subsidiaries had
approximately $69,000,000 of borrowing availability, consisting of $29,000,000
of borrowing availability of the Company and $40,000,000 of total availability
at the Company's subsidiaries. HCL has recently entered into a new $80,000,000
credit facility which will be used primarily to finance its planned capacity
expansion at its Mishor Rotem facility. Dividends and other distributions from
the Company's subsidiaries are, in part, a source of cash flow available to the
Company. The Company believes that, based on current and anticipated financial
performance, cash flow from operations, borrowings under the Company's credit
facilities and dividends and other distributions available from the Company's
subsidiaries will be adequate to meet anticipated requirements for capital
expenditures, working capital and scheduled interest payments. However, the
Company's capital requirements may change, particularly if the Company completes
any material acquisitions. In addition, as described below, the Company is
continuing settlement negotiations in connection with the Bogalusa litigation.
See Item 1 of Part II "Legal Proceedings" below. The ability of the Company to
satisfy its capital requirements and to repay or refinance its indebtedness will
be dependent upon the future financial performance of the Company, which in turn
will be subject to general economic conditions and to financial, business and
other factors, including factors beyond the Company's control. See "Special Note
Regarding Forward Looking Statements" above.

FOREIGN CURRENCIES

         The Company has no significant foreign currency denominated revenues
except at HCL. Approximately $135,000,000 of HCL's total sales for the year
ended December 31, 1998 are estimated to be made outside of Israel in currencies
other than the U.S. dollar (principally in Western European currencies).
Accordingly, to the extent the U.S. dollar weakens or strengthens versus the
applicable corresponding currency, HCL's results are favorably or unfavorably
affected. In order to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations against the
U.S. dollar, the Company has a policy of hedging a significant portion of its
foreign sales denominated in Western European currencies by 

                                       17

<PAGE>   18

entering into forward exchange contracts. A portion of these contracts qualify
as hedges pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 52 and,
accordingly, unrealized gains and losses arising therefrom are deferred and
accounted for in the subsequent year as part of sales. Unrealized gains and
losses for the remainder of the forward exchange contracts are recognized in
income currently. If the Company had not followed such a policy of entering into
forward exchange contracts in order to hedge its foreign sales, and instead
recognized income based on the then prevailing foreign currency rates, the
Company's income before income taxes for the six month periods ended June 30,
1998 and 1997, would have increased (decreased) by approximately $900,000 and
($3,900,000), respectively.

         The Company determines when to enter into hedging transactions based on
its ongoing review of the currency markets. The principal purpose of the
Company's hedging program (which is for other than trading purposes) is to
mitigate the impact of fluctuations against the U.S. dollar, as well as to
protect against significant adverse changes in exchange rates. Accordingly, the
gains and losses recognized relating to the hedging program in any particular
period and the impact on revenues had the Company not had such a program are not
necessarily indicative of its effectiveness.

INFLATION

         Inasmuch as only approximately $59,000,000 of HCL's annual operating
costs are denominated in New Israeli Shekels ("NIS"), HCL is exposed to
inflation in Israel to a limited extent. The combination of price increases
coupled with devaluation of the NIS have in the past generally enabled HCL to
avoid a material adverse impact from inflation in Israel. However, HCL's
earnings could increase or decrease to the extent that the rate of future NIS
devaluation differs from the rate of Israeli inflation. For the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996 the inflation rate of the NIS as compared to the U.S.
Dollar was greater (less) than the devaluation rate in Israel by (1.8%) and
6.9%, respectively.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

         See Item 1 - "Business - Environmental Matters" and Note O of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Form 10-K for
information regarding environmental matters relating to the Company's various
facilities.

OTHER MATTERS

         The Company is evaluating the potential impact of the situation
commonly referred to as the "Year 2000 problem". The Year 2000 problem, which is
common to most corporations, concerns the inability of information systems,
primarily computer software programs, to properly recognize and process date
sensitive information related to the year 2000. Preliminary assessment indicates
that solutions will involve a mix of purchasing new systems and 

                                       18

<PAGE>   19

modifying existing systems and confirming vendor compliance. The Company is
currently evaluating the expected costs to be incurred in connection with the
Year 2000 problem, but expects that such costs will not be significant.

         In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments
of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS 131"). SFAS 131 establishes
standards for reporting financial and descriptive information for reportable
segments on the same basis that is used internally for evaluating segment
performance and the allocation of resources to segments. The Company is
evaluating the effect, if any, of SFAS 131 on its reporting disclosures.
This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997.

         In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS
133"). SFAS 133 requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either
assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value. Depending on
the intended use of the derivative, changes in derivative fair values may be
charged to operations unless the derivative qualifies as a hedge under certain
requirements. SFAS 133 is effective for all quarters of fiscal years beginning
after June 15, 1999. The Company will be evaluating the impact, if any, of SFAS
133 on its consolidated financial statements over the coming months.

                                       19

<PAGE>   20

                           PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

         As previously disclosed in the Form 10-K, on October 24, 1995, several
suits were filed in both the State Court in Bogalusa, Louisiana and in the
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, each
purporting to be class actions arising out of an October 23, 1995 explosion of a
tank car at a plant of a Vicksburg customer located in Bogalusa, Louisiana. The
tank car contained nitrogen tetroxide which had been produced and sold by
Vicksburg. Subsequently, approximately 146 suits were filed in the State Court
for the 22nd Judicial District, Washington Parish, Louisiana. The cases have
been consolidated in this State Court and the consolidated suit certified as a
class action. The class is estimated to contain approximately 8,000 claimants.
Vicksburg, Cedar and the Company are included among the defendants in the class
action. In addition, two later suits, one on behalf of the City of Bogalusa,
have been filed in the same court naming, among the defendants, Vicksburg, Cedar
and the Company. Also, 10 separate suits naming an aggregate of more than 8,000
plaintiffs have been filed in the Circuit Court of Hinds County, Mississippi
naming, among the defendants, Vicksburg, Cedar and the Company. Among other
defendants included in the consolidated Louisiana class action and in the
Mississippi suits are Gaylord Chemical Company and its parent corporation,
Gaylord Container Corporation; Union Tank Car Company; Illinois Central
Railroad; and Kansas City Southern Railroad. The plaintiffs in all of these
suits seek unspecified damages arising out of the alleged exposure to toxic
fumes which were allegedly released as a result of the explosion and the City of
Bogalusa also seeks reimbursement of expenses allegedly resulting from the
explosion. The Company has filed motions and/or exceptions in the Mississippi
and Louisiana actions denying personal jurisdiction, which motions/exceptions
remain pending. The Mississippi court has established a trial date for an
initial group of plaintiffs to be determined for September 1998. The Louisiana
court has established a plan culminating in a trial in October 1998. The suits
have been tendered to the Company's liability insurance carriers for defense and
indemnification. Vicksburg and Cedar have commenced an action in the 22nd
Judicial District Court, Washington Parish, Louisiana against their principal
insurance carriers (whose insurance policies also included the Company as an
additional named insured) seeking a declaratory judgement that Cedar and
Vicksburg are entitled to defense costs and indemnification with respect to
these claims. The Company is continuing settlement discussions with
representatives of the Louisiana and Mississippi plaintiffs. There can be no

                                       20

<PAGE>   21

assurance that a settlement will be achieved, or, if a settlement is achieved,
that the amount of such settlement would not be material.


ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)      Exhibits.

         Exhibit 27 - Financial Data Schedule.

(b)      Reports on Form 8-K.

         No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter for which this
report is filed.

                                       21

<PAGE>   22


                                   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.

                                                      TRANS-RESOURCES, INC.
                                                      ---------------------
                                                          (Registrant)

Date:  August 14, 1998                                   Lester W. Youner
                                                      ---------------------
                                                   Vice President, Treasurer and
                                                      Chief Financial Officer

                                       22

<PAGE>   23


                              TRANS-RESOURCES, INC.
                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit          Description                                       Page No.
- -------          -----------                                       --------

27               Financial Data Schedule.                                24


                                       23



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
TRANS-RESOURCES, INC.
Financial Data Schedule
Article 5 of Regulation S-X
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1998
<CASH>                                          20,296
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   99,877
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     63,233
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               290,542
<PP&E>                                         350,946
<DEPRECIATION>                                 129,656
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 570,344
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          151,991
<BONDS>                                        359,345
                                0
                                      7,960
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                      17,490
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   570,344
<SALES>                                        226,043
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               226,043
<CGS>                                          176,850
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  176,850
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                25,526
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              18,041
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 31,040
<INCOME-TAX>                                     2,571
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             28,469
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                               (11,132)
<CHANGES>                                      (1,253)
<NET-INCOME>                                    16,084
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
        

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