<PAGE>1
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 Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 1997
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For Transition Period from_______________to____________________
Commission File Number 1-12658
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
-----------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
VIRGINIA 54-1692118
-------- -----------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
330 SOUTH FOURTH STREET
P. O. BOX 1335
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23210
- ------------------------ -----
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code - (804) 788-6000
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
---- ----
Number of shares of common stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as
of July 31, 1997: 55,275,914
<PAGE>2
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
I N D E X
Page
Number
------------
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 1997 and
December 31, 1996 3-4
Consolidated Statements of Income - Three and
Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 6
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 7-12
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results
of Operations and Financial Condition and Additional
Information 13-17
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings 18
ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 18
SIGNATURES 19
<PAGE>3
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
- -------------------------------
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
---------------------
<TABLE>
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
---------------------------
(Dollars In Thousands)
----------------------
<CAPTION>
June 30,
1997 December 31,
(Unaudited) 1996
----------- -------------
ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,858 $ 14,242
Accounts receivable, less allowance
for doubtful accounts (1997- $1,438;
1996 - $1,290) 148,585 141,293
Inventories:
Finished goods 63,263 58,271
Raw materials 10,833 10,148
Work-in-process 106 247
Stores, supplies and other 16,936 15,833
---------- ------------
Total inventories 91,138 84,499
Deferred income taxes and prepaid expenses 15,998 19,107
---------- ------------
Total current assets 259,579 259,141
---------- ------------
Property, plant and equipment, at cost 1,171,291 1,148,832
Less accumulated depreciation and
amortization (674,262) (653,108)
----------- ------------
Net property, plant and equipment 497,029 495,724
Other assets and deferred charges 73,873 68,304
Goodwill and other intangibles, net of
amortization 19,047 23,092
----------- ------------
Total assets $ 849,528 $ 846,261
----------- ------------
----------- ------------
<FN>
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>4
<TABLE>
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
----------------------------
(Dollars In Thousands)
----------------------
<CAPTION>
June 30,
1997 December 31,
(Unaudited) 1996
----------- -------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
<S> <C> <C>
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 54,910 $ 66,968
Long-term debt, current portion 389 7,457
Accrued expenses 50,387 55,783
Dividends payable 3,869 3,853
Income taxes payable 12,593 13,887
----------- -------------
Total current liabilities 122,148 147,948
Long-term debt 38,073 24,406
Other noncurrent liabilities 66,364 64,166
Deferred income taxes 95,371 104,543
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value,
issued - 55,275,914 in 1997
and 55,046,183 in 1996, respectively 553 550
Additional paid-in capital 253,925 250,890
Foreign currency translation adjustments 3,195 16,677
Retained earnings 269,899 237,081
----------- -------------
Total shareholders' equity 527,572 505,198
----------- -------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 849,528 $ 846,261
----------- -------------
----------- -------------
<FN>
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>5
<TABLE>
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
---------------------------------
(In Thousands Except Per-Share Amounts)
---------------------------------------
(Unaudited)
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
------------------ ------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $207,675 $196,039 $406,069 $466,210
Cost of goods sold 139,866 139,266 271,898 335,326
-------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit 67,809 56,773 134,171 130,884
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 27,669 29,679 54,268 63,224
Research and development
expenses 7,828 6,711 15,225 13,837
-------- -------- --------- ---------
Operating profit 32,312 20,383 64,678 53,823
Interest and financing expenses 210 203 407 2,044
Gain on sale of business -- -- -- (158,157)
Other income, net (459) (1,785) (521) (3,552)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before income taxes 32,561 21,965 64,792 213,488
Income taxes 12,198 7,330 24,252 83,229
--------- --------- --------- ---------
NET INCOME $ 20,363 $ 14,635 $ 40,540 $130,259
--------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- ---------
EARNINGS PER SHARE $ .37 $ .26 $ .73 $ 2.10
--------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Shares used to compute
earnings per share 55,599 57,282 55,567 61,973
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Cash dividends declared --------- --------- --------- ---------
per share of common stock $ .07 $ .055 $ .14 $ .11
--------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- ---------
<FN>
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>6
<TABLE>
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
------------------------------------------------
(Dollars In Thousands)
----------------------
(Unaudited)
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
June 30,
-----------------------
1997 1996
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR $ 14,242 $ 33,130
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income 40,540 130,259
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 33,607 36,795
Gain on sale of business, net of income
taxes of $63,780 -- (94,377)
Working capital increases excluding
cash and cash equivalents:
Income tax payment on gain on sale
of business -- (37,153)
Other working capital increases net
of the effects of the sale of
business in 1996: (33,746) (31,761)
Other, net (1,040) (8,295)
----------- -----------
Net cash provided from (used in)
operating activities 39,361 (4,532)
---------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures and acquisition costs (52,301) (39,442)
Proceeds from sale of business, net of
$42,297 of trade accounts payable retained
by the Company -- 487,345
Other, net 809 1,588
---------- -----------
Net cash (used in) provided from
investing activities (51,492) 449,491
---------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from borrowings 15,955 6,507
Repayments of long-term debt (9,466) (208,190)
Dividends paid (7,706) (7,269)
Purchases of common stock -- (225,575)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 2,964 730
---------- -----------
Net cash provided from (used in)
financing activities 1,747 (433,797)
---------- -----------
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash
equivalents (10,384) 11,162
---------- -----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 3,858 $ 44,292
---------- -----------
---------- -----------
<FN>
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>7
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
----------------------------------------------
(In Thousands Except Per-Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
1. In the opinion of management,the accompanying consolidated
financial statements of Albemarle Corporation and Subsidiaries
("Albemarle" or "the Company") contain all adjustments necessary to
present fairly, in all material respects, the Company's consolidated
financial position as of June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, the
consolidated results of operations for the three- and six-month
periods ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, and condensed consolidated
cash flows for the six-month periods ended June 30, 1997 and 1996. All
adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. These consolidated
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the
Company's 1996 Annual Report which was incorporated by reference in
the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 26, 1997. The December 31, 1996
consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial
statements, but does not include all disclosures required by
generally accepted accounting principles. The results of operations for
the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 1997, are not
necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
Certain amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have
been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
2. On March 1, 1996, the Company sold its alpha olefins, poly
alpha olefins, and synthetic alcohol businesses ("Olefins
Business") to Amoco Chemical Company ("Amoco") for approximately
$510 million, including plant and equipment (primarily located in
Pasadena, Texas, Deer Park, Texas and Feluy, Belgium), other
assets, inventory and accounts receivable, net of trade accounts
payable retained and paid to date by the Company (approximately
$42.3 million at June 30, 1996) and certain business-related
liabilities transferred at the date of sale. The sale involved
approximately 550 people who supported these businesses. The
gain on the sale was $158.2 million ($94.4 million after
income taxes or $1.52 per share), net of $44.3 million of costs
incurred in connection with the sale for early retirements and
work-force reductions, abandonment costs of certain facilities and
certain other costs (including environmental costs) related to the sale
and/or businesses sold. The transaction included numerous operating and
service agreements primarily focusing on the sharing of common
facilities at the Pasadena plant site of Albemarle and the Feluy plant
site operated by Amoco.
<PAGE>8
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
------------------------------------------------
(In Thousands Except Per-Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
3. Long-term debt consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
June 30, December 31,
1997 1996
---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Variable-rate bank loans $ 30,600 $ 16,300
Foreign bank borrowings 6,714 14,392
Miscellaneous 1,148 1,171
---------- -------------
Total 38,462 31,863
Less amounts due within one year 389 7,457
---------- -------------
Long-term debt $ 38,073 $ 24,406
---------- -------------
---------- -------------
</TABLE>
4. The provision for income taxes on the earnings of the Company in the
accompanying consolidated statement of income for the six-month
period ended June 30, 1996 is higher than the statutory income tax
rates primarily due to a lower tax basis than book basis related to the
sale of the Olefins Business, offset in part, by the benefits
in 1996 of foreign tax credits.
5. The shares used to compute earnings per share for the three-
and six-month periods ended June 30, 1997, reflect the April 1,
1996 purchase by the Company of 9,484,465 shares of its common stock,
at a price of $23 per share plus expenses for a total aggregate cost
of $219.4 million, through a tender offer, which began on March 4, 1996
and concluded on April 1, 1996, following the sale of the Olefins
Business to Amoco. Additionally, the Company purchased 275,400 and
1,481,100 common shares in the second and third quarters of 1996,
respectively, at an aggregate cost of $6.1 million and $26.0 million,
respectively.
6. The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" in
February, 1997 which is effective for financial statements for
both interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 1997.
Earlier application is not permitted; however, restatement of
all prior-period earnings per share data presented is required. The
Company has not yet determined the effect SFAS No. 128 will have on its
financial statements, however, the adoption is not expected to
have a material impact on the financial position or results of
operations of the Company.
<PAGE>9
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
----------------------------------------------
(In Thousands Except Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
The FASB recently issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income" and SFAS No. 131 "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information" which are effective for
financial statements for annual periods beginning after
December 15, 1997. Earlier application of both Statements is
permitted. SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for reporting
comprehensive income in a full set of general-purpose financial
statements, either in the income statement or in a separate
statement, and also requires display of "accumulated other
comprehensive income" in a separate caption in the equity
section of the balance sheet. SFAS No. 131 establishes
standards for reporting information about operating segments,
including related disclosures about products and services,
geographic areas, and major customers. The Company has not yet
determined the effect SFAS Nos. 130 and 131 will have on its
financial statements, however, the adoption is not expected to
have a material impact on the financial position or results of
operations of the Company.
7. On March 31, 1997, the Company and Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals,
Inc. (Mitsui Toatsu) completed the formation of an alliance
whereby Albemarle acquired for cash 50 percent of the
outstanding stock of Nippon Aluminum Alkyls, Ltd. (NAA). Mitsui
Toatsu continues to hold the remaining 50 percent of NAA,
which produces organometallic catalysts at its facility in
Takaishi City, Osaka, and distributes products to the petrochemical
and synthetic rubber industries in Japan and the Asia Pacific
area. No historical pro forma financial information is required for
this acquisition.
8. The following unaudited supplemental pro forma condensed
consolidated statement of income for the six months ended
June 30, 1996, is presented assuming that the
disposition of the Olefins Business had occurred as of January
1, 1996. The related pro forma information is presented for
informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of
the Company's results of operations or what the consolidated
results of operations would have been had the Company operated
without the Olefins Business for the six months ended June 30, 1996.
Additionally, the accompanying pro forma information, consistent
with the data presented in the Company's Form 8-K filed on March 15, 1996,
does not reflect the impact of the purchase of 9,484,465 shares
of common stock acquired in the Company's tender offer as if it had
occurred on January 1, 1996.
<PAGE>10
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
-----------------------------------------------
(In Thousands Except Per-Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
8. Continued.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated
Statement of Income
Six Months Ended June 30, 1996
---------------------------------
Adjustments
Increase
Historical (Decrease) Pro Forma
---------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $ 466,210 $ (79,763)(a)
799 (b) $387,246
Cost of goods sold 335,326 (71,200)(a)
420 (b) 264,546
---------- ----------- -----------
Gross profit 130,884 (8,184) 122,700
Selling, R&D and general
expenses 77,061 (5,064)(a) 71,997
---------- ----------- -----------
Operating profit 53,823 (3,120) 50,703
Interest and financing
expenses 2,044 (1,563)(c) 481
Gain on sale of business (158,157) 158,157 (d) --
Other income, net (3,552) 18 (a)
(60)(e) (3,594)
---------- ----------- ------------
Income before income taxes 213,488 (159,672) 53,816
Income taxes 83,229 (63,780)(d)
(580)(f) 18,869
----------- ----------- ------------
Net income $ 130,259 $ (95,312) $ 34,947
----------- ----------- ------------
----------- ----------- ------------
Earnings per share $ 2.10 $ .56
----------- ------------
----------- ------------
Shares used to compute
earnings per share 61,973 61,973 (g)
----------- ------------
----------- ------------
<FN>
See accompanying notes to the pro forma condensed
consolidated statement of income.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>11
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
----------------------------------------------
(In Thousands Except Per-Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
8. Continued.
Notes to the pro forma condensed consolidated statement of income
are described below:
(a) To eliminate the results of operations of the Olefins
Business for the period January 1, 1996 thru February 29,
1996 as though the sale to Amoco occurred on January 1,
1996, and to reflect reductions in administrative and other
costs which occurred because of personnel, employee benefits
(including compensation) and other cost reductions assumed
implemented following the sale of the Olefins Business to
Amoco.
(b) To record service fee income and incremental sales revenue
generated from providing various services and products under
contracts to Amoco and to record costs and expenses for
services and products provided by Amoco. The service and
supply arrangements were entered into in connection with the
sale of the Olefins Business to Amoco.
(c) To reflect the pro forma interest cost savings resulting
from the repayment of certain domestic and Belgian debt,
using the proceeds received from the sale of the Olefins
Business.
(d) To eliminate the gain and related income taxes on the March
1, 1996, sale of the Olefins Business.
(e) To record the related amortization of certain advance rents
received from Amoco upon closing of the sale of the Olefins
Business associated with an arrangement in the nature of an
operating lease in Belgium.
(f) To record the income tax effects of the adjustments set
forth in Notes (a) through (c) and (e) above, calculated at
an assumed combined U.S. state and federal income tax rate
of 37.92%. The Company's income tax provision on the results
of operations of the remaining businesses was adjusted for
utilization of a portion of the Belgian net operating loss
carryforwards for which a valuation allowance had previously
been provided on the related deferred tax assets and for the
estimated additional income taxes which would have resulted
if undistributed foreign earnings had been remitted to the
Company.
<PAGE>12
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
----------------------------------------------
(In Thousands Except Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
8. Continued.
(g) The average number of shares used to compute earnings per
share does not include the effects of the Company's tender
offer concluded on April 1, 1996, as if it had occurred on
January 1, 1996. The average number of shares would have
been 57,231,000 had the offer been assumed to have been
completed on January 1, 1996.
<PAGE>13
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
------------------------------------
OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
------------------------------------------------
The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain
significant factors affecting Albemarle Corporation's ("Albemarle"
or "the Company") results of operations during the periods included
in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and changes
in the Company's financial condition since December 31, 1996.
Some of the information presented in the following discussion
constitutes forward-looking comments within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the
Company believes its expectations are based on reasonable
assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and
operations, there can be no assurance that actual results will not
differ materially from its expectations. Factors which could cause
actual results to differ from expectations include, without
limitation, the timing of orders received from customers, the gain
or loss of significant customers, competition from other
manufacturers, changes in the demand for the Company's products,
increases in the cost of the product, changes in the market in general,
fluctuations in foreign currencies and significant changes in new
product introduction resulting in an increase in capital project
requests and approvals leading to additional capital spending.
On March 1, 1996, the Company sold its alpha olefins, poly alpha
olefins and synthetic alcohol businesses ("Olefins Business") to
Amoco Chemical Company ("Amoco"). After the sale, Albemarle was
engaged in the Bromine Chemicals and Specialty Chemicals and
Surfactants and Biocides businesses. Effective July 24, 1997, the
businesses were realigned into Polymer Chemicals, Fine Chemicals
and Potassium and Chlorine Chemicals.
Results of Operations
- ----------------------
Second Quarter 1997 Compared with Second Quarter 1996
- -----------------------------------------------------
NET SALES
Net sales for the second quarter of 1997 amounted to $207.7
million, a six percent increase over 1996 net sales of $196.0
million. The higher net sales were primarily due to increased
shipments of flame retardants, zeolites, ibuprofen and bromine fine
chemicals, partly offset by decreased shipments of agricultural and
special intermediates and price reductions in certain flame
retardants due to competitive pressures.
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of goods sold for the second quarter of 1997 amounted to
$139.9 million, which was about the same as the 1996 second quarter
resulting in the gross profit margin increasing to 32.7% in 1997
from 29.0% for the corresponding period in 1996. The improvement
in the gross margin over 1996 primarily reflects improved plant
utilizations, the impact of the Company's cost reduction program,
along with lower costs associated with naproxen in the 1997 period.
<PAGE>14
Selling, general and administrative expenses, combined with
research and development expenses, decreased 3% in 1997 versus the
1996 quarter. The decrease in 1997 reflected the benefit of lower
employee-related expenses resulting from the Company's work-force
reduction program implemented when the Olefins Business was sold as
well as the reductions in expenses associated with the exercise of stock
appreciation rights versus the 1996 period. These reductions were
offset in part, by an increase in research and development expenses
primarily related to new products. As a percentage of net sales,
selling, general and administrative expenses, including research
and development expenses were 17.1% in 1997 versus 18.6% in the 1996 quarter.
OPERATING PROFIT
Operating profit in the second quarter of 1997 increased
approximately 59% from the corresponding period in 1996. The 1997
period benefited from increased shipments and improved costs in
ibuprofen, European potassium and chlorine chemicals, and
organometallics and increased shipments of zeolites, offset in
part, by flame retardants results which were slightly behind the
1996 period.
OTHER INCOME
Other income decreased $1.3 million primarily due to lower interest
income in the 1997 period.
INCOME TAXES
Income taxes for second quarter 1997 increased $4.9 million
compared to the second quarter of 1996 on a $10.6 million increase
in pretax income while the effective tax rate increased to 37.5% in
the 1997 quarter from 33.4% for the 1996 period. The higher tax
rate and related income tax expense in 1997 reflect an increase in
income from foreign subsidiaries, which are taxed higher than U. S.
statutory rates and for which no repatriated benefits are provided,
while the effective tax rate for the second quarter of 1996
included the benefit of available foreign tax credits.
Results of Operations
- ---------------------
Six Months 1997 Compared with Six Months 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
NET SALES
Net sales for the first six months of 1997 amounted to $406.1
million down from $466.2 for the corresponding period of 1996.
Excluding the first approximately two months 1996 net sales
(approximately $80 million) of the Olefins Business sold March 1,
1996, Albemarle's net sales for the first six months of 1997 would
have shown an increase of five percent or $20 million. The higher
net sales were primarily due to increased shipments of
organometallics, flame retardants, bromine fine chemicals and
ibuprofen, offset in part, by decreased shipments of agricultural
and special intermediates and price reductions in certain flame
retardants due to competitive pressures.
<PAGE>15
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of goods sold decreased 19% or $63.4 million in 1997 from 1996
primarily reflecting the impact of approximately two months cost of
goods sold of the Olefins Business included in the 1996 period.
The gross profit margin increased to 33.0% in 1997 from 31.7% in
1996 excluding the results of the Olefins Business from the 1996
period. The improvement in the gross margin reflects improved
plant utilizations and the impact of the Company's cost reduction
program.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, combined with
research and development expenses, decreased 10% in 1997 versus the
1996 period. The 1997 period reflects the elimination of expenses
associated with approximately two-months operations of the Olefins
Business and reduction in expenses associated with the exercise of
stock appreciation rights versus the 1996 period. Additionally,
the 1997 period benefited from lower employee-related expenses
resulting from the Company's work force reduction program implemented
when the Olefins Business was sold.
As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative
expenses, including research and development expenses were 17.1% in
1997 versus 16.5% in the 1996 period. Excluding the approximately first two
months 1996, selling, general and administrative expenses and
research and development expenses of the Olefins Business sold, the
percentage of net sales for 1996 would have been 18.6%.
OPERATING PROFIT
Operating profit in the first six months of 1997 increased
approximately 20% from the corresponding period in 1996. Excluding
the first approximately two months 1996 operating profit of the
Olefins Business sold, 1997 operating profit would have shown an
increase of approximately 29% over the 1996 period. The 1997
period benefited from increased shipments and improved costs in
European potassium and chlorine chemicals and ibuprofen and
increased shipments of organometallics. The 1997 period also
benefited from product mix in agricultural intermediates, offset in
part, by flame retardants results which were slightly behind the
1996 period.
INTEREST AND FINANCING EXPENSES AND OTHER INCOME
Interest and financing expenses in 1997 decreased to $0.4 million
from $2.0 million in 1996 due to lower average outstanding debt.
Other income decreased $3.0 million due to lower interest income in
the 1997 period.
GAIN ON SALE OF BUSINESS
The Company's 1996 first six months earnings included a gain of
$158.2 million ($94.4 million after income taxes) on the sale of
the Olefins Business.
INCOME TAXES
Income taxes in the first six months of 1997 decreased $59.0
million from the 1996 period, reflecting a $148.7 million decrease
in pretax income and a lower effective income tax rate (37.4%
versus 39.0% in 1996). Excluding the effect of the gain on the
sale of the Olefins Business, the effective income tax rate was
35.2% in 1996. The higher rate in 1997 reflects an increase in
income from foreign subsidiaries, which are taxed at higher than U.
S. statutory rates and for which no repatriated benefits are
provided, while the 1996 effective tax rate reflects the
utilization of available foreign tax credits.
<PAGE>16
Financial Condition and Liquidity
- ---------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 1997, were $3.8 million,
representing a decrease of $10.4 million from $14.2 million at
year-end 1996.
Cash flows from operating activities together with $10.4 million of
existing cash and borrowings of $16.0 million, were used to cover
operating activities including a working capital increase, capital
expenditures and acquisition costs, payment of dividends and
repayment of debt.
The Company anticipates that cash provided from operations in the
future will be sufficient to pay its operating expenses, satisfy
debt-service obligations and make dividend payments to common
shareholders.
The Company's foreign currency translation adjustments, net of
related deferred taxes, at June 30, 1997, decreased 81% from
December 31, 1996, primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S.
dollar.
The noncurrent portion of the Company's long-term debt amounted to
$38.1 million at June 30, 1997, compared to $24.4 million at the
end of 1996. The Company's long-term debt, including the current
portion, as a percentage of total capitalization amounted to 6.8%
at June 30, 1997.
The Company's capital expenditures combined with acquisition costs
in the first six months of 1997 were higher than in the same period
of 1996. For the year, capital expenditures are forecasted to be
slightly above the 1996 level. Capital spending will be financed
primarily with cash flow from operations with any additional cash
provided from additional debt. The amount and timing of any
additional borrowing will depend on the Company's specific cash
requirements.
The Company is subject to federal, state, local and foreign
requirements regulating the handling, manufacture and use of
materials (some of which may be classified as hazardous or toxic by
one or more regulatory agencies), the discharge of materials into
the environment and the protection of the environment. To the best
of the Company's knowledge, it currently is complying with and
expects to continue to comply in all material respects with
existing environmental laws, regulations, statutes and ordinances.
Such compliance with federal, state, local and foreign
environmental protection laws has not in the past had, and is not
expected to have in the future, a material effect on earnings or
the competitive position of Albemarle.
Among other environmental requirements, the Company is subject to
the federal Superfund law, and similar state laws, under which the
Company may be designated as a potentially responsible party and
may be liable for a share of the costs associated with cleaning up
various hazardous waste sites.
<PAGE>17
Additional Information
- ----------------------
For the remainder of 1997, the Company will continue to
focus on product introduction and cost reduction.
Start-up costs began to come down on naproxen production as the 1997
second quarter ended, but potential customers are still awaiting
U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to use Albemarle's product.
The Company will need approval from the FDA and European regulators to
achieve its goal for naproxen which approvals have been slower coming
than anticipated.
The use of metallocene-based polymers continues to grow. The Company
expects to share in this growth.
Sales of the Company's urease inhibitor, a new agricultural product, have
been developing slower than anticipated. The product is being marketed by
IMC Agrico as an aid to nitrogen nutrient absorption by plants in dry soil
conditions.
Two new flame retardant chemicals are being introduced in
1997. Orders are being received for one and sampling is underway for
another. Customer acceptance will determine the success of these
products.
Continuing to address costs in our Potassium and Chlorine
Chemicals (PCC) business is necessary for this business to
break even on a full book basis in 1997. Increased demand for products
used in television glass and other applications is critical to improved
performance in this business.
<PAGE>18
Part II - OTHER INFORMATION
- ---------------------------
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
-----------------
Three administrative proceedings with the federal Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) were commenced in 1996 and
reported previously in the Company's 1996 reports on Form 10-Q and
10-K. The Company filed a notice of contest and contested
vigorously each citation. The three citations were combined for
pre-hearing discovery and then settled in the 1997 second quarter
for a total amount of less than $100,000. These citations
arose from fires in the MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. ("MEMC")
Polysilicon plant in Pasadena, Texas, that was sold to MEMC but
was operated for MEMC by the Company under contract at the time.
The Company no longer operates the plant for MEMC.
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the
Department of Justice (DOJ), has threatened suit under the Clean
Air Act alleging that the Company failed to respond adequately to
certain requests for information under section 114 of the Act
regarding volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions at the
Company's Orangeburg, South Carolina Plant and the Plant's
compliance with Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) of
air quality requirements. The DOJ notice demanded a penalty
of $530,000 and the submission of certain information by a
date certain. The Company denies that it failed to respond in any
material respect or that there was a violation of PSD requirements.
The Company however has submitted additional information and has
entered into settlement negotiations with DOJ.
ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
--------------------------------
(a) Exhibits
27. Financial Data Schedule
(b) No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the
quarter for which this report is filed.
<PAGE>19
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.
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
----------------------
(Registrant)
Date: August 8, 1997 By: Dirk Betlem
-----------------
Dirk Betlem
President
(Chief Operating Officer)
Date: August 8, 1997 By: Thomas G. Avant
-----------------
Thomas G. Avant
Senior Vice President
(Principal Accounting
Officer)
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME FILED AS PART OF THE ANNUAL
REPORT ON FORM 10-Q AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH ANNUAL
REPORT ON FORM 10-Q.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1997
<CASH> $3,858
<SECURITIES> $0
<RECEIVABLES> $150,023
<ALLOWANCES> $1,438
<INVENTORY> $91,138
<CURRENT-ASSETS> $259,579
<PP&E> $1,171,291
<DEPRECIATION> $674,262
<TOTAL-ASSETS> $849,528
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> $122,148
<BONDS> $0
$0
$0
<COMMON> $553
<OTHER-SE> $527,019
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> $849,528
<SALES> $406,069
<TOTAL-REVENUES> $406,069
<CGS> $271,898
<TOTAL-COSTS> $341,391
<OTHER-EXPENSES> $0
<LOSS-PROVISION> $0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> $407
<INCOME-PRETAX> $64,792
<INCOME-TAX> $24,252
<INCOME-CONTINUING> $40,540
<DISCONTINUED> $0
<EXTRAORDINARY> $0
<CHANGES> $0
<NET-INCOME> $40,540
<EPS-PRIMARY> $0.73
<EPS-DILUTED> $0.73
</TABLE>
