UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
FORM 8-K

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

April 27, 2010
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
 
QUAKER CHEMICAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Commission File Number 001-12019
 
PENNSYLVANIA
 
No. 23-0993790
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
One Quaker Park
901 E. Hector Street
Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(610) 832-4000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 

 
INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN THE REPORT
 
Item 2.02.    Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On April 27, 2010, Quaker Chemical Corporation announced its results of operations for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010 in a press release, the text of which is included as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.  Supplemental information related to the same period is also included as Exhibit 99.2 hereto.
 
Item 9.01.    Financial Statements and Exhibits.

The following exhibits are included as part of this report:

Exhibit No.
 
   
99.1
Press Release of Quaker Chemical Corporation dated April 27, 2010.
   
99.2 Supplemental Information related to first quarter ended March 31, 2010.
 

 
SIGNATURE
 
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 hereunto duly authorized.
 
   
QUAKER CHEMICAL CORPORATION
Registrant
       
Date:  April 27, 2010
 
By:
/s/ Mark A. Featherstone
     
Mark A. Featherstone
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
 
Unassociated Document
 
 
 NEWS
 
For Release:
  Immediate
Contact:
Mark A. Featherstone
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
610-832-4160
     

QUAKER CHEMICAL CORPORATION ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER 2010 RESULTS

 
·
Q1 2010 diluted EPS of $0.84 vs. breakeven Q1 2009
 
·
Product volumes up 35% from Q1 2009
 
·
Net debt-to-total capital ratio improved to 24% vs. 31% at March 31, 2009

April 27, 2010

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA – Quaker Chemical Corporation (NYSE: KWR) today announced first quarter 2010 net sales of $128.3 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.84, compared to net sales of $98.5 million and breakeven results for the first quarter of 2009.  The first quarter 2010 results include a tax benefit of approximately $0.11 per diluted share reflecting the expiration of applicable statutes of limitations for several uncertain tax positions.
 
Michael F. Barry, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, commented, “Our strong first quarter results were driven by high steel industry demand in China, Brazil, India and Russia while industrial demand in North America and Europe continues to gradually recover from depressed levels.  In addition, the aggressive actions we have taken over the past year and an unusually low tax rate also contributed to these results.”
 
Mr. Barry added, “While we continue to pick up new business and will benefit from continued improvement in key steel and automotive markets, we do anticipate somewhat lower product volume in the second half of the year compared with the first half.  This is primarily due to credit-tightening actions in China, seasonal factors relating to the timing of shipments to certain customers, the ending of inventory restocking in our end-use markets and the conclusion of tax incentives for automotive purchases in several countries.  The combination of somewhat lower expected demand in the second half, the lag effects as we recover our margins due to the higher raw material costs and our continued investment in key growth initiatives will likely dampen earnings over the remaining quarters for 2010.  However, we expect to deliver strong earnings over the rest of 2010 as the remaining quarters are still expected to equal or exceed the earnings we achieved in 2008 before the global crisis began.  In summary, I am confident in our future given that we are well positioned in the fastest growing economies as well as the above normal growth we expect in the more mature markets as they recover over the next few years."
 
First Quarter 2010 Summary
 
Net sales for the first quarter were $128.3 million, up 30% from $98.5 million for the first quarter of 2009.  The increase in net sales was a result of higher volumes across the globe as the Company continues to recover from the economic downturn.  Product volumes increased 35%, partially offset by a 5% decline in selling price and mix.  Foreign exchange rates increased revenues by approximately 7%, which was offset by lower automotive chemical management services (“CMS”) revenue as a result of lower revenue reported on a gross basis.  On a sequential quarterly basis, product volumes increased by approximately 3%.
 
The gross margin percentage of 36.9% represents considerable improvement over the 29.1% reported in the first quarter of 2009.  This margin expansion was primarily the result of cost reduction actions taken, a more favorable raw material cost environment and the reduced automotive CMS revenues reported on a gross basis.  The increase in gross margin percentage from the fourth quarter of 2009 was due to reduced CMS revenues reported on a gross basis, partially offset by higher costs related to the start-up of the Middletown, Ohio plant expansion, as well as increasing raw material prices and mix.
 
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Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $7.0 million, or 26%, compared to the first quarter of 2009.  Higher incentive compensation in the first quarter of 2010, compared to reductions of incentive compensation accruals in the first quarter of 2009 and foreign exchange rate increases, were the primary drivers of the increase, representing 82% of the increase.  Higher commissions on improved sales and increased travel and other costs accounted for the remainder of the increase.
 
In the first quarter of 2009, the Company implemented a restructuring program totaling $2.3 million or approximately $0.14 per diluted share.  The Company completed the initiatives under this program during 2009.
 
The decrease in other income is primarily due to the first quarter 2009 gain related to the disposition of land in Europe of approximately $0.11 per diluted share.  Equity in net loss of associated companies includes a charge of approximately $0.03 per diluted share related to the first quarter 2010 devaluation of the Venezuelan Bolivar Fuerte.  The increase in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is due to stronger financial performances from those affiliates as they continue to recover from the global economic downturn.
 
The Company’s low first quarter 2010 effective tax rate of 24% reflects the expiration of applicable statutes of limitations for several uncertain tax positions of approximately $0.11 per diluted share.  The tax benefit recorded in the first quarter of 2009 reflects no tax provided for the land sale gain due to the utilization of net operating losses not previously benefited.  The Company has experienced and expects to experience further volatility in its quarterly effective tax rates due to the varying timing of tax audits and the expiration of applicable statutes of limitations as they relate to uncertain tax positions.  However, the Company expects a higher effective tax rate for the full year 2010 as compared to the first quarter 2010 rate.
 
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Items
 
The Company's net debt-to-total-capital ratio improved to 24% as of March 31, 2010, compared to 31% as of March 31, 2009.  Debt increased from December 31, 2009 due to higher working capital as a result of improved business activity, as well as the timing of payments related to incentive compensation.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such statements.  A major risk is that the Company’s demand is largely derived from the demand for its customers’ products, which subjects the Company to downturns in a customer’s business and unanticipated customer production shutdowns.  Other major risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, significant increases in raw material costs, customer financial stability, worldwide economic and political conditions, foreign currency fluctuations, and future terrorist attacks such as those that occurred on September 11, 2001.  Other factors could also adversely affect us. Therefore, we caution you not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements.  This discussion is provided as permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
 
Conference Call
 
As previously announced, Quaker Chemical's investor conference call to discuss first quarter results is scheduled for April 28, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. (ET).  A live webcast of the conference call, together with supplemental information, can be accessed through the Company's Investor Relations Web site at http://www.quakerchem.com.  You can also access the conference call by dialing 877-269-7756.
 
About Quaker
 
Quaker Chemical Corporation is a leading global provider of process chemicals, chemical specialties, services, and technical expertise to a wide range of industries – including steel, automotive, mining, aerospace, tube and pipe, coatings and construction materials.  Our products, technical solutions and chemical management services enhance our customers’ processes, improve their product quality and lower their costs.  Quaker’s headquarters is located near Philadelphia in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
 
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Quaker Chemical Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data and share amounts)
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
             
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Net sales
  $ 128,320     $ 98,507  
                 
Cost of goods sold
    80,980       69,793  
                 
Gross margin
    47,340       28,714  
%
    36.9 %     29.1 %
                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    33,669       26,697  
Restructuring and related charges
    -       2,289  
                 
Operating income (loss)
    13,671       (272 )
%
    10.7 %     -0.3 %
                 
Other income, net
    763       1,454  
Interest expense, net
    (1,127 )     (1,089 )
Income before taxes and equity in net loss of associated companies
    13,307       93  
                 
Taxes (tax benefit) on income before equity in net loss of associated companies
    3,181       (251 )
Income before equity in net loss of associated companies
    10,126       344  
                 
Equity in net loss of associated companies
    (89 )     (142 )
                 
Net income
    10,037       202  
                 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    618       200  
                 
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation
  $ 9,419     $ 2  
%
    7.3 %     0.0 %
                 
Per share data:
               
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - basic
  $ 0.85     $ -  
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - diluted
  $ 0.84     $ -  
 
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Quaker Chemical Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
(Dollars in thousands, except par value and share amounts)
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
             
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
ASSETS
           
             
Current assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 24,820     $ 25,051  
Construction fund (restricted cash)
    407       2,358  
Accounts receivable, net
    110,587       108,793  
Inventories, net
    54,458       50,040  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    12,929       12,656  
Total current assets
    203,201       198,898  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
    65,561       67,426  
Goodwill
    45,509       46,515  
Other intangible assets, net
    5,272       5,579  
Investments in associated companies
    8,836       8,824  
Deferred income taxes
    31,510       31,692  
Other assets
    46,941       39,537  
Total assets
  $ 406,830     $ 398,471  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
                 
Current liabilities
               
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt
  $ 2,485     $ 2,431  
Accounts and other payables
    56,949       60,939  
Accrued compensation
    10,443       16,656  
Accrued pension and postretirement benefits
    4,702       4,717  
Other current liabilities
    16,700       15,224  
Total current liabilities
    91,279       99,967  
Long-term debt
    71,099       63,685  
Deferred income taxes
    8,613       8,605  
Accrued pension and postretirement benefits
    26,865       27,602  
Other non-current liabilities
    45,859       42,317  
Total liabilities
    243,715       242,176  
                 
Equity
               
Common stock, $1 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued 11,151,787
    11,152       11,086  
Capital in excess of par value
    30,277       27,527  
Retained earnings
    129,994       123,140  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (14,058 )     (10,439 )
Total Quaker shareholders' equity
    157,365       151,314  
Noncontrolling interest
    5,750       4,981  
Total equity
    163,115       156,295  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 406,830     $ 398,471  
 
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Quaker Chemical Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash flows from operating activities
           
Net income
  $ 10,037     $ 202  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    2,593       2,458  
Amortization
    254       257  
Equity in net loss of associated companies, net of dividends
    89       142  
Deferred compensation and other, net
    289       (2,852 )
Stock-based compensation
    727       352  
Restructuring and related charges
    -       2,289  
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    (32 )     (1,193 )
Insurance settlement realized
    (345 )     (144 )
Pension and other postretirement benefits
    (2,265 )     (1,907 )
Increase (decrease) in cash from changes in current assets and current liabilities, net of acquisitions:
               
Accounts receivable
    (3,606 )     7,196  
Inventories
    (5,332 )     10,060  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (1,360 )     34  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (5,818 )     (6,045 )
Change in restructuring liabilities
    -       (2,652 )
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    (4,769 )     8,197  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Capital expenditures
    (2,042 )     (2,375 )
Payments related to acquisitions
    -       (1,000 )
Proceeds from disposition of assets
    41       1,605  
Insurance settlement received and interest earned
    5,038       5,056  
Change in restricted cash, net
    (2,742 )     (4,086 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    295       (800 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Net decrease in short-term borrowings
    -       (1,619 )
Proceeds from long-term debt
    7,583       1,584  
Repayments of long-term debt
    (122 )     (7,728 )
Dividends paid
    (2,550 )     (2,492 )
Stock options exercised, other
    135       69  
Excess tax benefit related to stock option exercises
    321       -  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    5,367       (10,186 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (1,124 )     (126 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (231 )     (2,915 )
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
    25,051       20,892  
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
  $ 24,820     $ 17,977  
 
v182358_ex99-2 -- Converted by SECPublisher 2.1.1.8, created by BCL Technologies Inc., for SEC Filing