Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008

Commission file number 1-32737

LOGO

KOPPERS HOLDINGS INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Pennsylvania   20-1878963
(State of incorporation)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

436 Seventh Avenue

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219

(Address of principal executive offices)
(412) 227-2001
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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

Large accelerated filer ¨  Accelerated filer x  Non-accelerated filer ¨  Smaller reporting company ¨

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

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding at April 30, 2008 amounted to 20,832,519 shares.

 


PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

KOPPERS HOLDINGS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,
      2008    2007
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)    (Unaudited)

Net sales

   $ 347.5    $ 308.6

Cost of sales (excluding items below)

     291.5      258.2

Depreciation and amortization

     7.6      8.1

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     16.8      14.9
               

Operating profit

     31.6      27.4

Other income

          0.1
               

Income before interest expense, income taxes and minority interest

     31.6      27.5

Interest expense

     10.8      11.5
               

Income before income taxes and minority interest

     20.8      16.0

Income taxes

     7.0      4.8

Minority interest

     0.6      0.8
               

Income from continuing operations

     13.2      10.4

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax expense of $0.2

          0.1
               

Net income

   $ 13.2    $ 10.5
               

Earnings per common share — continuing and discontinued operations:

     

Basic

   $ 0.63    $ 0.51

Diluted

     0.63      0.50

Weighted average shares outstanding (in thousands):

     

Basic

     20,828      20,730

Diluted

     20,901      20,845

Dividends declared per common share

   $ 0.22    $ 0.17

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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KOPPERS HOLDINGS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

     

March 31,

2008

   

December 31,

2007

 
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)    (Unaudited)        

Assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 11.0     $ 17.5  

Short-term investments

     2.1       2.1  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $0.2 and $0.2

     176.9       148.0  

Inventories, net

     190.9       179.7  

Deferred tax benefit

     18.5       18.5  

Other current assets

     20.4       22.4  
                  

Total current assets

     419.8       388.2  

Equity in non-consolidated investments

     4.1       4.2  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     155.1       155.7  

Goodwill

     63.7       62.5  

Deferred tax benefit

     33.5       33.4  

Other assets

     23.8       25.3  
                  

Total assets

   $ 700.0     $ 669.3  
                  

Liabilities

    

Accounts payable

   $ 112.0     $ 109.3  

Dividends payable

     4.6       3.5  

Accrued liabilities

     73.6       64.8  

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt

     12.3       21.3  
                  

Total current liabilities

     202.5       198.9  

Long-term debt

     432.7       418.9  

Other long-term liabilities

     62.4       65.4  
                  

Total liabilities

     697.6       683.2  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 17)

    

Minority interest

     10.0       9.4  

Stockholders’ Deficit

    

Senior Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued

            

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 20,978,627 and 20,971,456 shares issued

     0.2       0.2  

Additional paid-in capital

     124.7       124.4  

Receivable from Director for purchase of Common Stock

     (0.6 )     (0.6 )

Retained deficit

     (149.0 )     (157.6 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     19.5       12.6  

Treasury stock, at cost, 146,108 and 144,905 shares

     (2.4 )     (2.3 )
                  

Total stockholders’ deficit

     (7.6 )     (23.3 )
                  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

   $ 700.0     $ 669.3  
                  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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KOPPERS HOLDINGS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
      2008        2007  
(Dollars in millions)    (Unaudited)  

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities

       

Net income

   $ 13.2        $ 10.5  

Adjustments to reconcile net cash provided by operating activities:

       

Depreciation and amortization

     8.0          8.7  

(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets

     (0.3 )        (0.2 )

Deferred income taxes

     0.5          (0.4 )

Equity income of affiliated companies, net of dividends received

     0.2          0.5  

Change in reserves

     (0.1 )        (1.5 )

Minority interest

     0.6          0.8  

Non-cash interest expense

     4.1          3.8  

Other

     0.2           

(Increase) decrease in working capital:

       

Accounts receivable

     (26.2 )        (15.3 )

Inventories

     (7.4 )        (15.7 )

Accounts payable

     1.3          3.7  

Accrued liabilities and other working capital

     8.3          9.1  
                     

Net cash provided by operating activities

     2.4          4.0  

Cash provided by (used in) investing activities:

       

Capital expenditures

     (4.4 )        (4.8 )

Net cash proceeds from divestitures and asset sales

     0.3          0.2  
                     

Net cash used in investing activities

     (4.1 )        (4.6 )

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities:

       

Borrowings of revolving credit

     94.0          81.0  

Repayments of revolving credit

     (92.2 )        (79.8 )

Repayments of long-term debt

     (3.0 )        (3.3 )

Purchases of Common Stock

     (0.1 )         

Dividends paid

     (3.5 )        (3.5 )
                     

Net cash used in financing activities

     (4.8 )        (5.6 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

              (0.5 )
                     

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (6.5 )        (6.7 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     17.5          24.4  
                     

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 11.0        $ 17.7  
                     

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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KOPPERS HOLDINGS INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States applicable to interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of Koppers Holdings Inc.’s and its subsidiaries’ (“Koppers”, “Koppers Holdings” or the “Company”) financial position and interim results as of and for the periods presented have been included. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature unless disclosed otherwise. Because the Company’s business is seasonal, results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those that may be expected for a full year. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet for December 31, 2007 has been summarized from the audited balance sheet contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

The financial information included herein should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

2. New Accounting Guidance

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 changes the classification of noncontrolling, or minority, interests on the balance sheet and the accounting for and reporting of transactions between the reporting entity and holders of such noncontrolling interests. Under the new standard, noncontrolling interests are considered equity and are to be reported as an element of stockholders’ deficit rather than within the mezzanine or liability sections of the balance sheet. In addition, the current practice of reporting minority interest expense or benefit also will change. Under the new standard, net income will encompass the total income before minority interest expense or benefit. The income statement will include separate disclosure of the attribution of income between controlling and noncontrolling interests. Increases and decreases in the noncontrolling ownership interest amount are to be accounted for as equity transactions. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and earlier application is prohibited. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 160 on our financial statements.

3. Accounting Changes

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 for financial assets and liabilities, and for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for other non-recurring non-financial assets and liabilities. The Company adopted SFAS 157 as of January 1, 2008, with the exception of the application of the statement to non-recurring nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities. Non-recurring nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities for which we have not applied the provisions of SFAS 157 include those measured at fair value in goodwill impairment testing, indefinite lived intangible assets measured at fair value for impairment testing, asset retirement obligations initially measured at fair value, and those initially measured at fair value in a business combination.

SFAS 157 establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

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At March 31, 2008, the Company had an interest rate swap valued at $1.2 million and cash surrender values on insurance policies totaling $1.3 million. Both assets are classified as Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy and are measured from quotes and values received from financial institutions.

4. Dividends

On May 7, 2008, the Company’s board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of 22 cents per common share, payable on July 1, 2008 to shareholders of record as of May 19, 2008.

5. Business Disposition

On July 5, 2007, the Company sold its 51 percent interest in Koppers Arch Investments Pty Limited and its subsidiaries (“Koppers Arch”) to Arch Chemicals Inc. Effective as of this date, Koppers Arch was classified as a discontinued operation in the Company’s statement of operations and earnings per share and the Company’s financial statements have been accordingly restated. During a transition period not to exceed 12 months after the closing date, the Company will provide transition services to the buyer, including payroll and certain information technology services. For the three months ended March 31, 2007, Koppers Arch had net sales of $12.5 million and operating profit of $0.7 million.

6. Comprehensive Income

Total comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 is summarized in the table below:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
              2008             2007  
(Dollars in millions)       

Net income

   $ 13.2     $ 10.5  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

    

Change in currency translation adjustment

     7.3       2.2  

Change in unrecognized pension transition asset, net of tax of $—

           (0.1 )

Change in unrecognized pension net loss, net of tax of $0.4 and $(0.2)

     (0.4 )     0.3  
                  

Total comprehensive income

   $ 20.1     $ 12.9  
                  

7. Earnings per Common Share

The computation of basic earnings per common share for the periods presented is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods. The computation of diluted earnings per common share includes the effect of nonvested restricted and performance stock units assuming such stock units were outstanding common shares at the beginning of the period. The effect of antidilutive securities is excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share. For this reason, the nonqualified stock options and restricted stock units totaling 87,129 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,
     2008    2007
      Basic    Diluted    Basic    Diluted
(Dollars in millions, except share amounts, in thousands and per share amounts)     

Income from continuing operations

   $ 13.2    $ 13.2    $ 10.4    $     10.4
                             

Shares of common stock outstanding:

           

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     20,828      20,828      20,730      20,730

Effect of dilutive securities

          73           115
                             

Average common shares

     20,828      20,901      20,730      20,845
                             

Earnings per common share

   $ 0.63    $ 0.63    $ 0.51    $ 0.50
                             

 

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8. Stock-based Compensation

In December 2005, the Company’s board of directors and shareholders adopted the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”). The LTIP provides for the grant to eligible persons of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance awards, dividend equivalents and other stock-based awards, which we refer to collectively as the awards.

On February 6, 2008, the board of directors awarded 23,534 restricted stock units and 47,495 performance stock units to certain employee participants (collectively, the “stock units”) with a grant date of February 25, 2008. The restricted stock units will vest ratably in February 2011, assuming continued employment by the participant. The performance stock units will vest upon the attainment of the applicable performance objective at the end of a three-year measurement period ending on December 31, 2010. The applicable performance objective is based upon a three-year cumulative value creation calculation commencing January 1, 2008. The number of performance stock units granted represents the target award and participants have the ability to earn between zero and 150 percent of the target award based upon actual performance. If minimum performance criteria are not achieved, no performance stock units will vest.

Dividends declared on the Company’s common stock during the restriction period of the stock units are credited at equivalent value as additional stock units and become payable as additional common shares upon vesting. In the event of termination of employment, other than retirement, death or disability, any nonvested stock units are forfeited, including additional stock units credited from dividends. In the event of termination of employment due to retirement, death or disability, pro-rata vesting of the stock units over the service period will result. There are special vesting provisions for the stock units related to a change in control.

In accordance with accounting standards, compensation expense for nonvested stock units is recorded over the vesting period based on the fair value at the date of grant. The fair value of stock units is the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

The following table shows a summary of the performance stock units as of March 31, 2008:

 

Performance Period    Minimum
Shares
   Target
Shares
   Maximum
Shares

2007 – 2009

      67,550    101,325

2008 – 2010

      47,495    71,243
                

The following table shows a summary of the status and activity of nonvested stock awards for the three months ended March 31, 2008:

 

     

Restricted

Stock Units

   

Performance

Stock Units

   

Total

Stock Units

    Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Unit

Nonvested at January 1, 2008

   136,443     68,450     204,893     $ 14.28

Granted

   23,534     47,495     71,029     $ 39.99

Credited from dividends

   493     1,030     1,523     $ 33.47

Vested

   (5,886 )       (5,886 )   $ 25.59

Forfeited

   (597 )   (900 )   (1,497 )   $ 25.49
                      

Nonvested March 31, 2008

   153,987     116,075     270,062     $ 20.84
                      

Also on February 6, 2008, the board of directors awarded 47,712 stock options to certain executive officers which vest and become exercisable upon the completion of a three-year service period commencing on the third anniversary of the grant date of February 25, 2008. The stock options have a term of 10 years. In the event of termination of employment, all unvested stock options shall terminate and cease to be outstanding, except to the extent specifically authorized by the plan administrator. There are special vesting provisions for the stock options related to a change in control.

 

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In accordance with accounting standards, compensation expense for unvested stock options is recorded over the vesting period based on the fair value at the date of grant. The fair value of stock options on the date of grant is calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton model and the assumptions listed below:

 

      February 2008 Grant     May 2007 Grant  

Grant date price per share of option award

   $ 39.99     $ 29.97  

Expected dividend yield per share

     2.00 %     2.50 %

Expected life in years

     6.5       6.5  

Expected volatility

     40.67 %     40.39 %

Risk-free interest rate

     3.28 %     4.45 %

Grant date fair value per share of option awards

   $ 14.79     $ 11.01  
                  

The dividend yield is based on the Company’s current and prospective dividend rate which calculates a continuous dividend yield based upon the market price of the underlying common stock. The expected life in years is based on the simplified method permitted under Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 which calculates the average of the weighted vesting term and the contractual term of the option. This method was selected due to the lack of historical exercise data with respect to the Company. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock and the historical volatility of certain other similar public companies. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury bill rates for the expected life of the option.

The following table shows a summary of the status and activity of stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2008:

 

      Options   

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

per Option

  

Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Term

(in years)

   Aggregate Intrinsic
Value (in millions)

Outstanding at January 1, 2008

   60,200    $ 29.97      

Granted

   47,712    $ 39.99      
               

Outstanding at March 31, 2008

   107,912    $ 34.40    9.34    $ 1.1
               

Exercisable at March 31, 2008

      $       $
               

Total stock-based compensation expense recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,
              2008            2007
(Dollars in millions)     

Stock-based compensation expense recognized:

     

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   $ 0.6    $ 0.1

Less related income tax benefit

     0.2     
               
   $ 0.4    $ 0.1
               

Stock-based compensation for 2008 includes 1,500 shares issued under the LTIP to a member of the board of directors in relation to annual director compensation. As of March 31, 2008, total future compensation expense related to non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements totaled $6.3 million and the weighted-average period over which this cost is expected to be recognized is approximately 29 months.

9. Segment Information

The Company has two reportable operating segments: Carbon Materials & Chemicals and Railroad & Utility Products. The Company’s reportable segments are business units that offer different products. The reportable segments are each managed separately because they manufacture and distribute distinct products with different production processes. The business units have been aggregated into two reportable segments since management believes the long-term financial performance of these business units is affected by similar economic conditions.

 

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The Company’s Carbon Materials & Chemicals segment is primarily a supplier of carbon pitch, phthalic anhydride, creosote, carbon black, carbon black feedstock and furnace coke. Carbon pitch is used primarily by the aluminum industry as a binder in the manufacture of anodes. Phthalic anhydride is used in the manufacture of plasticizers, unsaturated polyester resins, alkyd resins and dye making. Creosote is used in the protection of timber products against insects, fungal decay and weathering. Carbon black and carbon black feedstock is used in the production of rubber tires. Furnace coke is used in the production of steel.

The Company’s Railroad & Utility Products segment provides various products and services to railroads, including crossties (both wood and concrete), track panels and switch pre-assemblies and disposal services. The segment also supplies treated wood poles to electric and telephone utilities and provides products to, and performs various wood treating services for construction and other commercial applications.

The Company evaluates performance and determines resource allocations based on a number of factors, the primary measure being operating profit or loss from operations. Operating profit does not include equity in earnings of affiliates, other income, interest expense or income taxes. Operating profit also excludes the operating costs of Koppers Holdings Inc., the parent company of Koppers Inc. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Intersegment transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

The following table sets forth certain sales and operating data, net of all intersegment transactions, for the Company’s segments for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
                  2008                 2007  
(Dollars in millions)       

Revenues from external customers:

    

Carbon Materials & Chemicals

   $ 238.8     $ 187.2  

Railroad & Utility Products

     108.7       121.4  
                  

Total

   $ 347.5     $ 308.6  
                  

Intersegment revenues:

    

Carbon Materials & Chemicals

   $ 16.0     $ 15.9  

Railroad & Utility Products

            
                  

Total

   $ 16.0     $ 15.9  
                  

Depreciation and amortization expense:

    

Carbon Materials & Chemicals

   $ 5.9     $ 6.2  

Railroad & Utility Products

     1.7       1.8  

Corporate

           0.1  
                  

Total

   $ 7.6     $ 8.1  
                  

Operating profit:

    

Carbon Materials & Chemicals

   $ 24.8     $ 15.0  

Railroad & Utility Products

     7.2       12.7  

Corporate

     (0.4 )     (0.3 )
                  

Total

   $ 31.6     $ 27.4  
                  

 

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The following table sets forth certain tangible and intangible assets allocated to each of the Company’s segments as of the dates indicated:

 

     

March 31,

2008

  

December 31,

2007

(Dollars in millions)     

Segment assets:

     

Carbon Materials & Chemicals

   $ 489.7    $ 466.5

Railroad & Utility Products

     150.9      144.2

All other

     59.4      58.6
               

Total

   $ 700.0    $ 669.3
               

Goodwill:

     

Carbon Materials & Chemicals

   $ 61.4      60.3

Railroad & Utility Products

     2.3      2.2
               

Total

   $ 63.7    $ 62.5
               

10. Income Taxes

Effective Tax Rate

Income taxes as a percentage of pretax income was 33.6 percent and 30.3 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, There were no discrete items included in the estimated effective tax rate for either period. The effective tax rate for the first three months of 2008 differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0 percent due to the recognition of non-conventional fuel tax credits (-4.9 percent) partially offset by taxes on foreign earnings (+3.1 percent). With respect to the first three months of 2007, the effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to the recognition of non-conventional fuel tax credits (-6.3 percent) partially offset taxes on foreign earnings (+1.8 percent).

The income tax provision for interim periods is based on an estimated annual effective tax rate, which requires management to make its best estimate of annual pretax income by domestic and foreign jurisdictions and other items that impact taxable income. During the year, management regularly updates estimates based on changes in various factors such as product prices, shipments, product mix, operating and administrative costs, earnings mix by taxable jurisdiction, repatriation of foreign earnings, uncertain tax positions and the ability to claim tax credits such as the non-conventional fuel tax credit. To the extent that actual results vary from the estimates at the end of the first quarter, the actual tax provision recognized for 2008 could be materially different from the forecasted annual tax provision as of the end of the first quarter.

Uncertain Tax Positions

The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in U.S. federal jurisdiction, individual U.S. state jurisdictions and non-U.S. jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2003.

As of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate, was approximately $2.3 million. Unrecognized tax benefits totaled $2.7 million as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007. The Company recognizes interest expense and any related penalties from uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had accrued approximately $0.4 million for interest and penalties.

 

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11. Inventories

Net inventories as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are summarized in the table below:

 

     

March 31,

2008

  

December 31,

2007

(Dollars in millions)     

Raw materials

   $ 114.0    $ 100.5

Work in process

     8.4      8.3

Finished goods

     98.0      97.8
               
     220.4      206.6

Less revaluation to LIFO

     29.5      26.9
               

Net

   $ 190.9    $ 179.7
               

12. Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are summarized in the table below:

 

     

March 31,

2008

  

December 31,

2007

(Dollars in millions)     

Land

   $ 6.9    $ 6.8

Buildings

     23.6      22.7

Machinery and equipment

     550.7      541.8
               
     581.2      571.3

Less accumulated depreciation

     426.1      415.6
               

Net

   $ 155.1    $ 155.7
               

13. Pensions and Postretirement Benefit Plans

The Company and its subsidiaries maintain a number of defined benefit and defined contribution plans to provide retirement benefits for employees in the U.S., as well as employees outside the U.S. These plans are maintained and contributions are made in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), local statutory law or as determined by the board of directors. The defined benefit pension plans generally provide benefits based upon years of service and compensation. Pension plans are funded except for two domestic non-qualified defined benefit pension plans for certain key executives. The defined contribution plans generally provide retirement assets to employee participants based upon employer and employee contributions to the participant’s individual investment account. The Company also provides retiree medical insurance coverage to certain U.S. employees and a life insurance benefit to most U.S. employees.

The Company has frozen its U.S. qualified and corresponding non-qualified defined benefit pension plans for salaried employees effective December 31, 2006. In addition, the Company has recently negotiated “soft” freezes with respect to a number of hourly defined benefit pension plans. Such negotiated agreements preclude new employees from entering the defined benefit pension plans.

In lieu of the reduction in benefits under the qualified defined benefit plan for U.S. salaried employees, the Company provides, based on age and years of service, a uniform employer contribution of at least three percent and up to a maximum of nine percent of compensation to the salaried employee’s defined contribution plan. The Company also matches contributions by salaried employees at an amount equal to 50 percent of the first six percent of compensation contributed by the salaried employee.

With respect to U.S. hourly employees who are not eligible to participate in an hourly defined benefit pension plan, the Company provides a uniform employer contribution of three percent of compensation to the hourly employee’s defined

contribution plan. The Company also matches contributions by hourly employees at an amount equal to 100 percent of the first one percent and 50 percent on the next two percent of compensation contributed by the hourly employee.

 

11


Expense related to the Company’s defined contribution plans, including the uniform employer contribution described above, totaled $1.5 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for the pension plans for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007:

 

     

Three Months

Ended

March 31,

 
      2008     2007  
(Dollars in millions)       

Service cost

   $ 0.8     $ 0.9  

Interest cost

     3.0       2.8  

Expected return on plan assets

     (3.4 )     (3.2 )

Settlements

     (0.1 )     —    

Amortization of prior service cost

     0.1       0.1  

Amortization of net loss

     0.1       0.4  

Amortization of transition asset

     (0.1 )     (0.1 )
                  

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 0.4     $ 0.9  
                  

The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for the other postretirement benefits for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007:

 

     

Three Months

Ended

March 31,

 
      2008     2007  
(Dollars in millions)       

Service cost

   $ 0.1     $ 0.1  

Interest cost

     0.2       0.2  

Amortization of prior service cost

     (0.1 )     (0.1 )
                  

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 0.2     $ 0.2  
                  

14. Debt

Debt at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was as follows:

 

     

Weighted
Average
Interest

Rate

    Maturity   

March 31,

2008

  

December 31,

2007

(Dollars in millions)                

Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility

   4.27 %   2009    $ 23.0    $ 12.0

Other revolving credit facilities

   6.25 %   2008      0.3      9.3

Senior Secured Term Loans

   4.58 %   2009      28.6      31.6

Senior Secured Notes

   9 7/8 %   2013      219.5      217.8

Senior Discount Notes

   9 7/8 %   2014      173.6      169.5
                          

Total

          445.0      440.2

Less short term debt and current maturities of long-term debt

          12.3      21.3
                          

Long-term debt

        $ 432.7    $ 418.9
                          

 

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Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility & Term Loans

The Koppers Inc. senior secured credit facility agreement, as amended, provides for a revolving credit facility of up to $125.0 million and term loans of $28.6 million at variable rates. The loans are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of Koppers Inc.’s assets, including the assets of certain significant subsidiaries. Revolving credit availability is calculated based on receivables and inventory as well as the attainment of certain financial ratios. The credit facility contains certain covenants that limit capital expenditures by Koppers Inc. and restrict its ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens on its assets, enter into leases, pay dividends and make investments or acquisitions. In addition, such covenants give rise to events of default upon the failure by Koppers Inc. to meet certain financial ratios.

As of March 31, 2008, the Company had $82.9 million of unused revolving credit availability for working capital purposes after restrictions by various debt covenants and certain letter of credit commitments. As of March 31, 2008, $19.1 million of commitments were utilized by outstanding letters of credit. In addition, as of March 31, 2008, the Company had outstanding term loans of $28.6 million under the credit facility.

Senior Secured Notes

The 9 7/8% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 (the “Senior Secured Notes”) are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis by some of the Company’s current and future subsidiaries. Interest is payable semiannually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The Senior Secured Notes and subsidiary guarantees are senior obligations of Koppers Inc. and its subsidiary guarantors, respectively, and are secured by a second priority lien on and security interest in substantially all of the assets owned by Koppers Inc. and its subsidiary guarantors that secure Koppers Inc.’s obligations under its senior secured credit facilities. On or after October 15, 2008, the Company is entitled to redeem all or a portion of the Senior Secured Notes at a redemption price of 104.938 percent of principal value, declining annually in ratable amounts until the redemption price is equivalent to the principal value.

The Company has a notional $50.0 million interest rate swap to convert a portion of the Senior Secured Notes from fixed-interest rate debt to floating-interest rate debt. Accordingly, the interest rate swap is reflected at fair value in other long-term liabilities and the Senior Secured Notes subject to the notional amount of the interest rate swap is reflected at fair value at each balance sheet date. At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the impact of the interest rate swap increased (decreased) the carrying value of the Senior Secured Notes by $1.2 million and $(0.5) million, respectively.

The indentures governing the Senior Secured Notes include customary covenants that restrict, among other things, the ability of Koppers Inc. and its subsidiaries to incur additional debt, pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, incur liens, merge or sell all or substantially all of the assets of Koppers Inc. or its subsidiaries or enter into various transactions with affiliates.

Senior Discount Notes

Koppers Holdings’ 9 7/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2014 (the “Senior Discount Notes”) have a principal amount at maturity of $203.0 million. No cash interest is required to be paid prior to November 15, 2009. The accreted value of each Senior Discount Note increases from the date of issuance until November 15, 2009, at a rate of 9 7/8% per annum compounded semiannually such that on November 19, 2009 the accreted value will equal $203.0 million, the principal amount due at maturity. Subsequent to November 19, 2009, cash interest on the Senior Discount Notes will accrue and be payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on May 15, 2010.

The Senior Discount Notes are effectively subordinated to the Company’s existing and future secured indebtedness, and are structurally subordinated to all of the existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities and preferred equity of the Company’s subsidiaries. On or after November 15, 2009, the Company is entitled to redeem all or a portion of the Senior Discount Notes at a redemption price of 104.938 percent of principal value, declining annually in ratable amounts until the redemption price is equivalent to the principal value.

 

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15. Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company recognizes asset retirement obligations for the removal and disposal of residues; dismantling of certain tanks required by governmental authorities; cleaning and dismantling costs for owned rail cars; and cleaning costs for leased rail cars and barges. The following table reflects changes in the carrying values of asset retirement obligations:

 

      March 31,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
(Dollars in millions)       

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 18.1     $ 20.0  

Accretion expense

     0.4       1.6  

Revision in estimated cash flows, net

     0.9       3.6  

Expenses incurred

     (2.3 )     (7.3 )

Currency translation

           0.2  
                  

Balance at end of period

   $ 17.1     $ 18.1  
                  

For the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded charges of $1.2 million with respect to revised plant closure and dismantlement costs.

16. Deferred Revenue from Extended Product Warranty Liabilities

The Company defers revenues associated with extended product warranty liabilities based on historical loss experience and sales of extended warranties on certain products. The following table reflects changes in the carrying values of deferred revenue:

 

      March 31,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
(Dollars in millions)       

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 8.2     $ 8.4  

Deferred revenue for sales of extended warranties

     0.1       0.9  

Revenue earned

     (0.3 )     (1.1 )
                  

Balance at end of period

   $ 8.0     $ 8.2  
                  

17. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in litigation and various proceedings relating to environmental laws and regulations and antitrust, toxic tort, product liability and other matters. Certain of these matters are discussed below. The ultimate resolution of these contingencies could, individually or in the aggregate, be material to the consolidated financial statements.

Legal Proceedings

Product Liability Cases. Koppers Inc., along with other defendants, is currently a defendant in lawsuits filed in a variety of states in which the plaintiffs claim they suffered a variety of illnesses (including cancer) as a result of exposure to coal tar pitch sold by the defendants. There are 93 plaintiffs in 50 cases pending as of March 31, 2008 which is unchanged from December 31, 2007. As of March 31, 2008, there are a total of 43 cases filed in state court in Pennsylvania, one case each filed in state courts in California, Tennessee, Oregon and Texas, two cases each filed in an Indiana state court and one case filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.

The plaintiffs in all 50 pending cases seek to recover compensatory damages, while plaintiffs in 40 cases also seek to recover punitive damages. The plaintiffs in the 43 cases filed in Pennsylvania state court seek unspecified damages in excess of

the court’s minimum arbitration jurisdictional limit. The plaintiffs in the two cases filed in Indiana state court and the one

case filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee also seek unspecified damages. The plaintiffs

in the California state court case seek damages in excess of $2.0 million, while the plaintiff in the Oregon state court case seeks damages in excess of $1.8 million. The plaintiffs in the Tennessee state court case each seek damages of $15.0 million. The plaintiffs in one Texas state court case seek damages that are not in excess of $10.0 million. The plaintiffs in the

 

14


remaining Texas state court case have agreed to dismiss their claims against Koppers Inc. pending execution of final settlement and release documents.

The other defendants in these lawsuits vary from case to case and include companies such as Beazer East, Inc., United States Steel Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Vertellus Specialties Inc., Dow Chemical Company, Rust-Oleum Corporation, UCAR Carbon Company, Inc., Exxon Mobil Corporation, Chemtura Corporation, SGL Carbon Corporation, Alcoa, Inc., and PPG Industries, Inc. Discovery is proceeding in these cases. The Company has not provided a reserve for these lawsuits because, at this time, the Company cannot reasonably determine the probability of a loss, and the amount of loss, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated. Although Koppers Inc. is vigorously defending these cases, an unfavorable resolution of these matters may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

Koppers Inc. is currently a defendant in lawsuits in which the plaintiffs allege exposure to benzene, benzene containing products and other products, including oils and solvents sold by Koppers Inc. There are 72 plaintiffs in 10 cases pending as of March 31, 2008 which is unchanged from December 31, 2007. Most of these cases also involve numerous other defendants in addition to Koppers Inc. The plaintiffs in one of these cases seek compensatory damages in an unspecified amount in excess of the court’s minimum jurisdictional limit. The plaintiff in another case seeks to recover compensatory, punitive and exemplary damages in an unspecified amount in excess of the court’s minimum jurisdictional limit, while the plaintiff in a third case seeks special damages in excess of $50,000. The plaintiffs in the remaining seven of these cases seek to recover compensatory and punitive damages in an unspecified amount in excess of the court’s minimum jurisdictional limit. The Company has not provided a reserve for these lawsuits because, at this time, the Company cannot reasonably determine the probability of loss, and the amount of loss, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated.

Somerville Cases. Koppers Inc. is currently defending three sets of state court cases in Texas involving approximately 150 plaintiffs who allegedly have worked or resided in Somerville, Texas. These cases are pending in Burleson County, Texas and in Tarrant County, Texas. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (the “BNSF”) has also been named as a defendant in these cases. The complaints allege that plaintiffs have suffered personal injuries (including death, in some cases) and property damage resulting from toxic contamination from exposure to wood preservative chemicals used at the Somerville, Texas wood treatment plant. Koppers Inc. acquired the plant in 1995. The plant was operated at this site under different ownership from 1905 to 1995.

The complaints seek to recover various damages for each plaintiff, including compensatory and punitive damages within the jurisdictional limits of the court for, among other things, bodily injuries, pain and mental anguish, emotional distress, medical monitoring, medical expenses, diminished earning capacity, permanent disability, physical impairment and/or disfigurement, loss of companionship and society, loss of consortium, devaluation of property, loss of use and enjoyment of personal property, loss of use and enjoyment of real property, property damage, property remediation costs, funeral and burial expenses and lost wages. Koppers Inc. was served with two of the cases in September 2006 and October 2006. Koppers Inc. was joined in the third case (which already had been pending against the BNSF) in May 2007.

The plaintiffs in the case in which Koppers Inc. was served in September 2006, seek compensatory damages in an unspecified amount in excess of the court’s minimum jurisdictional limit. The plaintiffs in the case in which Koppers Inc. was served in October 2006, seek compensatory and punitive damages in an unspecified amount in excess of the court’s minimum jurisdictional limit. The plaintiffs in the case in which Koppers Inc. was joined in May 2007 seek compensatory and punitive damages in excess of $75,000.

The September 2006 case was most recently amended in May, 2007 and identified approximately 44 plaintiffs (five of whom have claims against only the BNSF under the Federal Employees Liability Act). In December 2007, these plaintiffs had their claims severed into 29 separate lawsuits, 24 of which remain pending against Koppers Inc. The October 2006 case was amended in April 2007 and identifies a total of 10 plaintiffs, four of whom have claims against only the BNSF. The third case, which is the only one of the three cases filed in Tarrant County, Texas, identifies a total of 93 plaintiffs, of whom 92 are intervenors. Discovery is proceeding in these cases.

Koppers Inc. was named as a defendant in a putative class action lawsuit which sought the establishment of a medical monitoring program and the costs of periodic health screening and diagnostic testing for a class of approximately 7,500 people who have lived or currently live in Somerville, but who have not experienced any diseases. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania in October 2007. Plaintiffs alleged that they had been exposed to harmful levels of various toxic chemicals from the Somerville wood treatment plant. Plaintiffs sought unspecified damages, equitable relief, attorneys’ fees and costs. In November 2007, the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the case.

 

15


Koppers Inc. has been named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by approximately 150 current and former residents of Somerville who claim that they have developed personal injuries, illnesses and wrongful deaths as a result of exposure to chemicals and contaminants which they allege have emanated from the Somerville plant. Plaintiffs assert claims for negligence, trespass and willful and wanton conduct against the BNSF and Koppers Inc., and claims for negligence and strict products liability against several manufacturers and suppliers of a wood preservative to the plant. Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages in excess of the court’s jurisdictional limit and unspecified punitive damages and costs. On December 6, 2007, Koppers Inc. filed a notice of removal removing this case from the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. On January 4, 2008, plaintiffs filed a motion to remand the case to state court. The motion was denied by the United States District Court on April 11, 2008. Plaintiffs have appealed this denial to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Koppers Inc. also has pending a motion to transfer venue to the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division.

Koppers Inc. also has been named as a defendant in six cases that were filed on December 27, 2007, in the 21st and 335th Judicial Districts in Burleson County, Texas. The plaintiffs in these six cases seek compensatory and punitive damages in excess of $75,000. These cases collectively name approximately 544 plaintiffs. The personal injury claims primarily are restatements of claims that had been previously asserted in a case filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division which was voluntarily dismissed in November 2006. On February 25, 2008, Koppers Inc. removed all six cases from the District Court of Burleson County, Texas, to the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division. On March 26, 2008, plaintiffs filed motions to remand all six cases back to state court. The parties are awaiting a ruling on these motions.

The Company has not provided a reserve for these matters because, at this time, it cannot reasonably determine the probability of a loss, and the amount of loss, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated. Although Koppers Inc. is vigorously defending these cases, an unfavorable resolution of these matters may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

Grenada – All Cases. Koppers Inc., together with various co-defendants (including Beazer East), has been named as a defendant in toxic tort lawsuits in state court in Mississippi (see “Grenada – State Court Cases” below) and in federal court in Mississippi (see “Grenada – Federal Court Cases” below) arising from the operation of the Grenada facility. The complaints allege that plaintiffs were exposed to harmful levels of various toxic chemicals, including creosote, pentachlorophenol, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dioxin, as a result of soil, surface water and groundwater contamination and air emissions from the Grenada facility and, in some cases, from an adjacent manufacturing facility operated by Heatcraft, Inc. Based on the experience of Koppers Inc. in defending previous toxic tort cases, the Company does not believe that the damages sought by the plaintiffs in the state and federal court cases are supported by the facts of the cases. Other than for cases in which a verdict has been rendered (see “Grenada – Federal Court Cases” below), the Company has not provided a reserve for these lawsuits because, at this time, it cannot reasonably determine the probability of a loss, and the amount of loss, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated. Although Koppers Inc. intends to vigorously defend these cases, there can be no assurance that an unfavorable resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. See “Environmental and Other Liabilities Retained or Assumed by Others” for additional information.

Grenada – Federal Court Cases.

Beck Case – The complaint in this case was originally filed by approximately 110 plaintiffs. Pursuant to an order granting defendants’ motion to sever, the court dismissed the claims of 98 plaintiffs in the Beck case without prejudice to their right to re-file their complaints. In December 2005, 94 of the 98 plaintiffs in the Beck case whose claims were dismissed re-filed their complaints. The plaintiffs in the 94 cases that were re-filed seek compensatory damages from the defendants of at least $5.0 million for each of eight counts and punitive damages of at least $10.0 million for each of three counts (in addition to damages in an unspecified amount for alleged trespass and nuisance). No discovery orders have been issued with respect to the 94 additional cases. The claims of the 12 plaintiffs whose claims were not dismissed are still pending. The 12 remaining plaintiffs seek compensatory damages from the defendants in an unspecified amount and punitive damages of $20.0 million for each of four counts. The court ordered that the claims of the 12 remaining Beck plaintiffs must be tried separately.

The first of these trials commenced on April 17, 2006, and the jury returned a verdict of 20 percent of $845,000 against Koppers Inc. for compensatory damages and no liability for punitive damages. Subsequent to the verdict, the court reduced the compensatory damages judgment by $60,000 to $785,000. The Company accrued Koppers Inc.’s portion of the verdict in the first quarter of 2006. Koppers Inc. has appealed the judgment entered against it to the United States Court of Appeals for the

 

16


Fifth Circuit. Oral arguments were held before the Court of Appeals on January 28, 2008. The Court of Appeals has not issued its decision on the appeal. The remaining 11 trials have been stayed pending the appeal by Koppers Inc. of the judgment entered in the first case.

Ellis Case – There are approximately 1,180 plaintiffs in this case. Each plaintiff seeks compensatory damages from the defendants of at least $5.0 million for each of seven counts and punitive damages of at least $10.0 million for each of three counts (in addition to damages for an unspecified amount for trespass and nuisance). The Ellis complaint also requests injunctive relief. These cases have been stayed pending the completion of the trials for the 12 plaintiffs in the Beck case.

Grenada – State Court Cases. The state court cases were brought on behalf of approximately 214 plaintiffs in five counties in Mississippi. Each plaintiff seeks compensatory damages from the defendants of at least $5.0 million for each of up to eight counts and punitive damages of at least $10.0 million for each of three counts. Certain plaintiffs also seek damages for alleged trespass and private nuisance in unspecified amounts together with injunctive relief. The Mississippi Supreme Court ordered that the plaintiffs in the pending state court cases filed in counties other than Grenada County (approximately 110 cases) be severed and transferred to Grenada County. Plaintiffs’ counsel attempted to transfer ten such cases to Grenada County but all ten cases were dismissed by the Court. Motions to dismiss the remaining plaintiffs in the four non-Grenada County cases are pending. Until the resolution of the motions to dismiss, discovery in the four non-Grenada County cases will remain stayed.

With respect to the state court case that was originally filed in Grenada County, the court granted the defendants’ motion to sever the claims of these plaintiffs for improper joinder. These plaintiffs then filed 104 individual complaints in Grenada County. Of these, 43 have been dismissed to date. Motions for summary judgment on behalf of defendants based on the Mississippi statute of limitations have been filed in 40 of the remaining cases. Motions to dismiss are pending in 4 additional cases for want of prosecution or failure to comply with court orders. Discovery is proceeding in the remaining 17 cases in the Grenada County litigation.

Litigation. In January 2007, Timtech Chemicals Limited (“Timtech”) filed a Statement of Claim in the High Court of New Zealand against a number of corporate and individual defendants, including Koppers Arch Wood Protection (NZ) Limited, Koppers Arch Investments Pty. Limited, Koppers Australia Pty Limited and a number of other corporate and individual defendants. The Company signed a settlement agreement with the plaintiff in the Timtech litigation in April 2008 to settle this matter for $0.3 million. Until July 5, 2007, Koppers Arch Wood Protection (NZ) Limited was a majority-owned subsidiary of Koppers Arch Investments Pty Limited, which was an Australian joint venture 51 percent of which was owned by World-Wide Ventures Corporation (an indirect subsidiary of the Company) and 49 percent of which was owned by Hickson Nederland BV, an affiliate of Arch Chemicals, Inc. Koppers Arch Wood Protection (NZ) Limited manufactured and marketed wood preservative products throughout New Zealand. The Company sold its 51 percent interest in Koppers Arch Investments Pty. Limited and its subsidiaries on July 5, 2007 (see Note 5) to Arch Chemicals, Inc. and has provided an indemnity to the buyer for its share of liabilities, if any, arising from certain litigation and claims including the Timtech litigation and claims arising from the New Zealand Commerce Commission and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission investigations.

It is possible that other civil claims could be filed against the Company arising from alleged breaches of New Zealand and Australian competition laws. Such other claims, if filed and resolved unfavorably, could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations of the Company.

Legal Reserves Rollforward. The following table reflects changes in the accrued liability for legal proceedings:

 

      March 31,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
(Dollars in millions)       

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 0.4     $ 1.2  

Expense

     —         0.9  

Reversal of reserves

     (0.1 )     (0.1 )

Cash expenditures

     —         (1.0 )

Business divestiture

     —         (0.5 )

Currency translation

     —         (0.1 )
                  

Balance at end at end of period

   $ 0.3     $ 0.4  
                  

Expense accruals and cash expenditures in 2007 primarily relate to the New Zealand Commerce Commission (“NZCC”) matter and the business divestiture relates to Koppers Arch (Note 5).

 

17


Environmental and Other Litigation Matters

The Company is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations and potential liabilities relating to the protection of the environment and human health and safety including, among other things, the cleanup of contaminated sites, the treatment, storage and disposal of wastes, the discharge of effluent into waterways, the emission of substances into the air and various health and safety matters. The Company’s subsidiaries expect to incur substantial costs for ongoing compliance with such laws and regulations. The Company’s subsidiaries may also face governmental or third-party claims, or otherwise incur costs, relating to cleanup of, or for injuries resulting from, contamination at sites associated with past and present operations. The Company accrues for environmental liabilities when a determination can be made that they are probable and reasonably estimable.

Environmental and Other Liabilities Retained or Assumed by Others. The Company has agreements with former owners of certain of its operating locations under which the former owners retained, assumed and/or agreed to indemnify the Company against certain environmental and other liabilities. The most significant of these agreements was entered into at Koppers Inc.’s formation on December 29, 1988 (the “Acquisition”). Under the related asset purchase agreement between the Company and Beazer East, subject to certain limitations, Beazer East retained the responsibility for and agreed to indemnify the Company against certain liabilities, damages, losses and costs, including, with certain limited exceptions, liabilities under and costs to comply with environmental laws to the extent attributable to acts or omissions occurring prior to the Acquisition and liabilities related to products sold by Beazer East prior to the Acquisition (the “Indemnity”). Beazer Limited unconditionally guaranteed Beazer East’s performance of the Indemnity pursuant to a guarantee (the “Guarantee”). Beazer Limited became a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Hanson PLC in 1991. In 1998, Hanson PLC purchased an insurance policy under which the funding and risk of certain environmental and other liabilities relating to the former Koppers Company, Inc. operations of Beazer East (which includes locations purchased from Beazer East by the Company) are underwritten by Centre Solutions (a member of the Zurich Group) and Swiss Re. In 2007, Hanson PLC was acquired by Heidelberg Cement AG.

The Indemnity provides different mechanisms, subject to certain limitations, by which Beazer East is obligated to indemnify Koppers Inc. with regard to certain environmental, product and other liabilities and imposes certain conditions on Koppers Inc. before receiving such indemnification, including, in some cases, certain limitations regarding the time period as to which claims for indemnification can be brought. In July 2004, Koppers Inc. and Beazer East agreed to amend the environmental indemnification provisions of the December 29, 1988 asset purchase agreement to extend the indemnification period for pre-closing environmental liabilities through July 2019. As consideration for the amendment, Koppers Inc. paid Beazer East a total of $7.0 million and agreed to share toxic tort litigation defense costs arising from any sites acquired from Beazer East. The July 2004 amendment did not change the provisions of the Indemnity with respect to indemnification for non-environmental claims, such as product liability claims, which claims may continue to be asserted after July 2019.

Qualified expenditures under the Indemnity are not subject to a monetary limit. Qualified expenditures under the Indemnity include (i) environmental cleanup liabilities required by third parties, such as investigation, remediation and closure costs, relating to pre-December 29, 1988, or Pre-Closing, acts or omissions of Beazer East or its predecessors; (ii) environmental claims by third parties for personal injuries, property damages and natural resources damages relating to Pre-Closing acts or omissions of Beazer East or its predecessors; (iii) punitive damages for the acts or omissions of Beazer East and its predecessors without regard to the date of the alleged conduct and (iv) product liability claims for products sold by Beazer East or its predecessors without regard to the date of the alleged conduct. If the third party claims described in sections (i) and (ii) above are not made by July 2019, Beazer East will not be required to pay the costs arising from such claims under the Indemnity. However, with respect to any such claims which are made by July 2019, Beazer East will continue to be responsible for such claims under the Indemnity beyond July 2019. The Indemnity provides for the resolution of issues between Koppers Inc. and Beazer East by an arbitrator on an expedited basis upon the request of either party. The arbitrator could be asked, among other things, to make a determination regarding the allocation of environmental responsibilities between Koppers Inc. and Beazer East. Arbitration decisions under the Indemnity are final and binding on the parties.

Contamination has been identified at most of the Company’s manufacturing and other sites. Three sites currently owned and operated by the Company in the United States are listed on the National Priorities List promulgated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (“CERCLA”). Currently, at the properties acquired from Beazer East (which include all of the National Priorities List sites and all but one of the sites permitted under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”)), a significant portion of all investigative, cleanup and closure activities are

 

18


being conducted and paid for by Beazer East pursuant to the terms of the Indemnity. In addition, other of the Company’s sites are or have been operated under RCRA and various other environmental permits, and remedial and closure activities are being conducted at some of these sites.

To date, the parties that retained, assumed and/or agreed to indemnify the Company against the liabilities referred to above, including Beazer East, have performed their obligations in all material respects. The Company believes that, for the last three years, amounts paid by Beazer East as a result of its environmental remediation obligations under the Indemnity have averaged in total approximately $13.4 million per year. Periodically, issues have arisen between Koppers Inc. and Beazer East and/or other indemnitors that have been resolved without arbitration. Koppers Inc. and Beazer East are currently in discussions that involve, among other things, the allocation of environmental costs related to certain operating and closed facilities.

If for any reason (including disputed coverage or financial incapability) one or more of such parties fail to perform their obligations and the Company is held liable for or otherwise required to pay all or part of such liabilities without reimbursement, the imposition of such liabilities on the Company could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. Furthermore, the Company could be required to record a contingent liability on its balance sheets with respect to such matters, which could result in its having significant additional negative net worth.

Domestic Environmental Matters. Koppers Inc. was named as a potentially responsible party (a “PRP”) at a CERCLA Superfund site in Amelia, Louisiana in May 2007. A PRP group has been formed; however, the Company’s cost sharing responsibility, if any, has not been determined. Koppers Inc. was named as a PRP at a CERCLA Superfund site in Calvert City, Kentucky in November 2006 and has subsequently joined the PRP group. The Company’s cost sharing responsibility as a member of the PRP group is currently calculated at less than two percent, but is subject to adjustment based on a final allocation agreement to be negotiated among the PRP’s. The Company has provided a reserve for these and other CERCLA sites totaling $0.2 million as of March 31, 2008.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (the “IEPA”) has requested that Koppers Inc. conduct a voluntary investigation of soil and groundwater at its Stickney, Illinois carbon materials and chemicals facility. The IEPA advised Koppers Inc. that it made such request as a result of a reported release of oil-like material from Koppers Inc.’s property into an adjacent river canal. Koppers Inc. conducted such investigation in cooperation with Beazer East. The results of the site investigation were received in the fourth quarter of 2006 and were reviewed with IEPA in July 2007. The Company and Beazer East have agreed to enter into the Illinois Voluntary Remediation Program in relation to the owned portion of this site. Remediation on a leased portion of this site is still under discussion. The Company and Beazer East have engaged consultants to assist the Company in preparing a remediation strategy and an estimate of potential costs. The Company has provided a reserve for this matter totaling $1.6 million as of March 31, 2008.

In October 1996, Koppers Inc. received a Clean Water Act (CWA) information request from the EPA. This information request asked for comprehensive information on discharge permits, applications for discharge permits, discharge monitoring reports and the analytical data in support of the reports and applications. The EPA alleged that Koppers Inc. violated various provisions of the CWA. Koppers Inc. subsequently entered into a Consent Decree and agreed, among other things, to a $2.9 million settlement payment. In 2005, Koppers Inc. filed to terminate the Consent Decree at which time the EPA informed Koppers Inc. that it will seek civil penalties for any CWA violations from 2001 to 2005 concurrent with the termination of the Consent Decree. Koppers Inc. and the EPA have agreed to a settlement of $0.5 million for such civil penalties and the Company has provided a reserve for the amount of the settlement.

In August 2005, Koppers Inc. received a CWA information request from Region 4 of the EPA. Region 4 encompasses six of Koppers Inc.’s facilities, of which four are currently operating. This information request asked for comprehensive information on discharge permits, applications for discharge permits, discharge monitoring reports and the analytical data in support of the reports and applications as well as engineering studies and a limited number of specific inspection records. Koppers Inc. subsequently provided the EPA with certain information to assist it in its review. In December 2006, Koppers Inc. received information from Region 4 regarding alleged violations by Koppers Inc. The Company will settle this matter in connection with the CWA information request discussed above.

In May 2007, Koppers Inc. received a separate information request from Region 4 of the EPA on all releases of hazardous materials from its facilities in Region 4 for a five-year period. Koppers Inc. has provided the requested information.

In August 2005, the Pennsylvania Department of Environment Protection (the “PADEP”) proposed a fine related to alleged water discharge exceedances from a storm water sewer pipe at the Company’s tar distillation facility in Clairton, Pennsylvania.

 

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In December 2006, the Company reached a preliminary settlement of the fine with the PADEP for $0.5 million, subject to the execution of a consent order that the Company is currently negotiating with the PADEP. Accordingly, the Company has reserved the amount of the settlement. The Company also proposed to undertake certain engineering and capital improvements to address this matter. In December 2007, the Company agreed to contribute the capital improvements, primarily a new sewer line, to the city of Clairton and accordingly, have provided a reserve of $1.6 million as of March 31, 2008. The consent order will likely provide for stipulated penalties for any additional exceedances that occur between the date of the execution of the consent order and the date of completion of such improvements.

In June 2007, Koppers Inc. and the EPA’s Office of Suspension and Disbarment reached an agreement to an 18-month extension to Koppers Inc.’s compliance agreement related to violations at Koppers Inc.’s Woodward Coke facility prior to its closure in January 1998. The extended compliance agreement is expected to expire in January 2009. A failure on the Company’s part to comply with the terms of the compliance agreement could lead to significant costs and sanctions, including the potential for suspension or debarment from government contracts. A suspension or debarment from government contracts would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

Australian Environmental Matters. Soil and groundwater contamination has been detected at certain of the Company’s Australian facilities. At the Company’s tar distillation facility in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, soil contamination from an abandoned underground coal tar pipeline and other groundwater contamination has been detected at a property adjacent to the facility. In December 2006 the Company and the owner of the adjacent property reached an agreement in principle pursuant to which the Company will contribute $1.9 million and the owner of the adjacent property will contribute $5.9 million toward remediation of the property. Subject to the approval of a remediation action plan by local environmental authorities, the Company will assume responsibility for the management of the remediation effort and will indemnify the current owner for any remediation costs in excess of its agreed contribution. At the completion of the remediation, the property will transfer to the Company. The Company has reserved its expected total remediation costs of $1.9 million at March 31, 2008.

Other Australian environmental matters include soil and groundwater remediation at two former wood products facilities in Australia which are being prepared for marketing and future sale. With respect to the first facility in Hume, Australia, the soil remediation is substantially complete. In the fourth quarter of 2006, a Phase II environmental assessment was completed that indicated estimated groundwater remediation costs of between $0.7 million and $2.2 million. The Company is currently working with local environmental authorities to determine the preferred method of remediation.

With respect to the second facility in Thornton, Australia, an environmental assessment was completed in the second quarter of 2007 which indicated areas of soil contamination which the Company may remediate in preparation for sale. The estimated soil remediation costs range between $1.7 million and $3.4 million. The Company has reserved approximately $2.8 million for remediation costs at these sites which represents its best estimate of groundwater and remaining soil remediation.

Soil and groundwater contamination has been detected at the Company’s facility in Kurnell, Australia. Contaminated soil has been delineated and options for treatment or disposal are being reviewed. Contamination in shallow groundwater has been delineated and will be addressed through enhanced natural attenuation. The Company has reserved $0.5 million for remediation at this site.

Environmental Reserves Rollforward. The following table reflects changes in the accrued liability for environmental matters:

 

      March 31,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
(Dollars in millions)       

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 12.5     $ 5.6  

Expense

     0.3       7.6  

Reversal of reserves

           (0.1 )

Cash expenditures

     (0.4 )     (1.0 )

Business divestiture

           (0.2 )

Currency translation

     0.4       0.6  
                  

Balance at end at end of period

   $ 12.8     $ 12.5  
                  

Expense for 2008 consisted primarily of accruals related to the Thornton site. Expense for 2007 consisted primarily of accruals for estimated remediation costs at the Stickney, Illinois and Clairton, Pennsylvania tar distillation plants, closed facilities

 

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remediation in the U.S. and Australia, estimated remediation costs at the Newcastle tar distillation facility and soil remediation at a site in Australia.

Contingent Liabilities

In 2008, the Company expects to retire from service an owned vessel used to transport carbon material products and raw materials. In connection with this retirement and under a contractual arrangement with the vessel’s operator, the Company may be liable to reimburse the vessel’s operator for severance benefits it pays to its employees. There are a number of uncertainties regarding the obligation to fund such benefits and the extent of the liability, if any, under the contractual arrangement. To the extent the Company determines that it is liable to fund the severance arrangement, the Company has been provided an estimate by the vessel’s operator that the obligation could be as high as $4.0 million. Any such liability, however, can not be definitively determined until such time as the vessel is decommissioned from active service.

The Company has provided a reserve for the estimated amount to settle this matter. An unfavorable resolution of this matter above this amount may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

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

Certain sections of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” include forward-looking statements concerning trends or events potentially affecting the businesses of Koppers. These statements typically contain words such as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “continue”, “plans”, “intends”, “likely”, or other similar words indicating that future outcomes are uncertain. In accordance with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, these statements are accompanied by cautionary language identifying important factors, although not necessarily all factors, which would cause future outcomes to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. For additional risk factors affecting our business, see Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the unaudited financial statements and related notes included in Item 1 of this Part I as well as the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Overview

Koppers is a leading integrated global provider of carbon compounds and commercial wood treatment products. The Company’s products are used in a variety of niche applications in a diverse range of end-markets, including the aluminum, railroad, specialty chemical, utility, rubber and steel industries. Koppers serves its customers through a comprehensive global manufacturing and distribution network, which includes manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Australia, China, the United Kingdom and Denmark.

The Company operates two principal businesses, Carbon Materials & Chemicals (“CM&C”) and Railroad & Utility Products (“R&UP”). Through the Company’s Carbon Materials & Chemicals business, Koppers believes it is the largest distiller of coal tar in North America, Australia, the United Kingdom and Scandinavia. The Company processes coal tar into a variety of products, including carbon pitch, creosote and phthalic anhydride, which are critical intermediate materials in the production of aluminum, the pressure treatment of wood and the production of plasticizers and specialty chemicals, respectively. Through its Railroad & Utility Products business, Koppers believes it is the largest North American supplier of railroad crossties. The Company’s other commercial wood treatment products include the provision of utility poles to the electric and telephone utility industries.

The CM&C business has entered into a number of strategic transactions during the last two years to expand and focus on its core business related to coal tar distillation and derived products. In November 2007, Tangshan Koppers Kailuan Carbon Chemical Company Limited (“TKK”) was established and is constructing and will operate a new tar distillation facility in the Hebei Province near the Jingtang Port with a distillation capacity of 300,000 metric tons. The Company holds a 30 percent

 

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investment in TKK which is expected to complete construction in late 2008 with production ramping up in 2009. In December 2007, the Company announced the approval of a project to expand the capacity of its existing 60-percent owned tar distillation plant in Tangshan, China from 150,000 metric tons to 200,000 metric tons. The expansion is expected to become operational in late 2008.

In July 2007, the Company sold its 51 percent interest in Koppers Arch Investments Pty Limited and its subsidiaries (“Koppers Arch”) to Arch Chemicals Inc. Effective as of this date, Koppers Arch was classified as a discontinued operation in our statement of operations and earnings per share and the financial statements have been accordingly restated. Koppers Arch was a manufacturer of timber presentation chemicals.

Outlook

Trend Overview

The Company’s businesses and results of operations are impacted by various competitive and other factors including (i) raw materials pricing and availability, in particular the amount and quality of coal tar available in global markets, which could be negatively impacted by the relative increase in the value of coal tar as a fuel source as a result of higher energy prices; (ii) competitive conditions in global carbon pitch markets; and (iii) low margins in the utility pole business.

Raw material prices have increased over the past several years, including primary feedstocks: coal tar, coal and lumber. Many of the Company’s sales contracts include provisions that allow for price increases based on increases in the price of raw materials, which has allowed the Company to generally maintain profit dollars in our core businesses. However, significant increases in raw material costs, such as those occurring during 2007 and 2006, have resulted in margin dilution because only the increased cost is passed on to the customer. The Company believes that the global restructuring of the CM&C business has stabilized with respect to the North American and European markets, and that future expansion of the aluminum (and carbon pitch) markets will be primarily in Asian and Middle Eastern countries. The Company expects to expand into these markets to the extent that the economics justify such expansion. Conditions in the U.S. economy may have an impact on the demand for certain products, particularly coal tar chemicals, which are used in various applications related to consumer products and the housing industry. Net sales over the past several years have been significantly impacted by favorable foreign exchange rates in Australia, Denmark, China and the United Kingdom. In the event this trend reverses, net sales could decline if volumes do not increase.

In addition to the normal seasonal impacts associated with crosstie procurement, the Company has seen a reduction in purchasing by the railroads in order to reduce their crosstie inventories. The reduction is due to accelerated buying by the railroads during 2007 which increased their inventories above normal levels, coupled with an uncertain economic climate thus far in 2008. The Company anticipates that the reduction in purchases by the railroads in the first quarter will continue into the second quarter of 2008. Current expectations are that crosstie purchases by the railroads will return to more normalized levels during the second half of the year; however uncertainty associated with the North American economic climate could impact the level of purchasing activity from the railroads during the remainder of 2008.

Seasonality and Effects of Weather on Operations

The Company’s quarterly operating results fluctuate due to a variety of factors that are outside its control, including inclement weather conditions, which in the past have affected operating results. Operations at several facilities have been halted for short periods of time during the winter months. Moreover, demand for some of the Company’s products declines during periods of inclement weather. As a result of the foregoing, the Company anticipates that it may experience material fluctuations in quarterly operating results. Historically, the Company’s operating results can be significantly lower in the first and fourth calendar quarters as compared to the second and third calendar quarters. The Company expects this seasonality trend to continue in future periods.

 

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Results of Operations

Consolidated Results

Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 are summarized by segment in the following table:

 

     Three Months
Ended March 31,
   Net
Change
 
      2008    2007   
(Dollars in millions)       

Carbon Materials & Chemicals

   $ 238.8    $ 187.2    +28 %

Railroad & Utility Products

     108.7      121.4    -10 %
                  
   $ 347.5    $ 308.6    +13 %
                  

CM&C net sales increased by $51.6 million or 28 percent due to the following changes in volume, pricing and foreign exchange:

 

      Price     Volume     Foreign
Exchange
    Net
Change
 

Carbon Materials(a)

   +4 %   +5 %   +2 %   +11 %

Distillates(b)

   +3 %   +1 %   +1 %   +5 %

Coal Tar Chemicals(c)

   +1 %   +2 %   +1 %   +4 %

Other(d)

   +1 %   +5 %   +2 %   +8 %
                          

Total CM&C

   +9 %   +13 %   +6 %   +28 %
                          

 

(a) Includes carbon pitch and refined tar.
(b) Includes creosote and carbon black feedstock.
(c) Includes naphthalene and phthalic anhydride.
(d) Includes carbon black, furnace coke, benzole, freight and other products.

Carbon materials’ prices increased in the U.S., Australia and China as customer prices were increased in response to substantially higher raw material costs. An increase in carbon materials sales volume was realized in Europe, China and the U.S. Increases in Europe primarily resulted from sales to a new anode facility in Scandinavia and increases in China were realized due to increased export activity.

Distillate pricing improved in the quarter ended March 31, 2008 due to price increases in carbon black feedstock prices in Europe totaling three percent and creosote prices in the U.S. totaling one percent. Increases in carbon black feedstock and creosote are consistent with higher worldwide oil prices. The increase in distillate sales volume is due primarily to increased creosote sales in the U.S. and Australia totaling two percent partially offset by lower carbon black feedstock volumes in Europe of one percent.

For coal tar chemicals, increases in phthalic anhydride prices and volumes resulted in a sales increase of one percent and two percent, respectively. With respect to other products, carbon black volumes and freight increased two percent each as compared to the prior year quarter.

R&UP net sales decreased by $12.7 million or 10 percent due to the following changes in volume and pricing:

 

      Price     Volume     Foreign
Exchange
    Net
Change
 

Railroad Crossties(a)

   %   -8 %   %   -8 %

TSO Crossties(b)

   +1 %   -2 %   %   -1 %

Distribution Poles

   %   %   +1 %   +1 %

Other(c)

   +2 %   -4 %   %   -2 %
                          

Total R&UP

   +3 %   -14 %   +1 %   -10 %
                          

 

(a) Includes treated and untreated railroad crossties.
(b) Includes sales from treatment services only (“TSO”).
(c) Includes transmission poles, pilings, freight and other treated and untreated lumber products.

 

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Sales volume decreases of untreated railroad crossties totaled six percent in the quarter ended March 31, 2008 due to capital purchasing reductions by the Class 1 railroads and reduced raw material availability due to weather and a weak timber market. Treated railroad crossties decreased by two percent in the quarter ended March 31, 2008 due to reduced demand by Class 1 railroads partially offset by increased export volumes. Decreases in other crosstie services totaled four percent in the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was 84 percent for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 and for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. Overall, cost of sales increased by $33.3 million when compared to the prior year period due primarily to higher raw material costs and volumes and foreign exchange.

Depreciation and amortization for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 was $0.5 million lower when compared to the prior year period partially due to reduced amortization of intangible assets.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 were $1.9 million higher when compared to the prior year period primarily due to increased costs associated with stock-based compensation programs, salary and management incentive expense and investment in sales and administrative functions in China. Partially offsetting these increases are insurance recoveries for previously incurred legal expenses and settlements related to product liability litigation.

Interest expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 was $0.7 million lower when compared to the prior year period primarily due to lower average borrowings and lower average interest rates on revolving credit facilities and term debt. Lower average borrowings resulted from debt reductions funded by cash flows from operations and the net proceeds from the sale of Koppers Arch in July 2007.

Income taxes for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 were $2.2 million higher when compared to the prior year period primarily due to the increase in pretax income of $4.8 million and an increase in the effective income tax rate. The Company’s effective income tax rate for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 was 33.6 percent as compared to the prior year period of 30.3 percent. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the recognition of non-conventional fuel credits having a proportionately less favorable effect on the current year period’s effective tax rate.

Segment Results

Segment operating profit for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 are summarized by segment in the following table:

 

     Three Months
Ended March 31,
    % Change  
      2008     2007    
(Dollars in millions)       

Operating profit:

      

Carbon Materials & Chemicals

   $ 24.8     $ 15.0     +65 %

Railroad & Utility Products

     7.2       12.7     -43 %

Corporate

     (0.4 )     (0.3 )   +33 %
                    
   $ 31.6     $ 27.4     +15 %
                    

Operating profit as a percentage of net sales:

      

Carbon Materials & Chemicals

     10.4 %     8.0 %   +2.4 %

Railroad & Utility Products

     6.6 %     10.5 %   -3.9 %
                    
     9.1 %     8.9 %   +0.2 %
                    

 

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Carbon Materials & Chemicals net sales and operating profit by geographic region for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 is summarized in the following table:

 

     Three months
ended March 31,
    % Change  
      2008     2007    
(Dollars in millions)       

Net sales:

      

North America

   $ 109.7     $ 96.2     +14 %

Europe

     67.9       50.6     +34 %

Australia

     43.7       30.2     +45 %

China

     17.7       12.8     +38 %

Intrasegment

     (0.2 )     (2.6 )   -92 %
                    
   $ 238.8     $ 187.2     +28 %
                    

Operating profit:

      

North America

   $ 13.3     $ 7.7     +73 %

Europe

     5.1       2.4     +113 %

Australia

     4.9       3.5     +40 %

China

     1.3       1.3     %

Intrasegment

     0.2       0.1     +100 %
                    
   $ 24.8     $ 15.0     +65 %
                    

North American CM&C sales increased by $13.5 million due primarily to higher prices for carbon pitch and phthalic anhydride totaling $7.3 million and higher volumes of carbon pitch, creosote and phthalic anhydride of $6.9 million. These increases were partially offset by lower volumes of furnace coke of $1.8 million. Operating profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 12 percent from eight percent between periods reflecting an increase in pricing for carbon pitch and phthalic anhydride due primarily to higher raw material costs and higher contract pricing.

European CM&C sales increased by $17.3 million due primarily to higher volumes of carbon pitch and benzole totaling $6.6 million and higher prices for carbon black feedstock and benzole totaling $5.8 million. In addition, currency exchange rate changes contributed $4.4 million to increased sales. Operating profit as a percentage of net sales increased to eight percent from five percent as a result of higher pricing for naphthalene, benzole and carbon black feedstock as a result of higher petroleum prices.

Australian CM&C sales increased by $13.5 million due primarily to higher prices for carbon pitch and higher volumes for carbon black which totaled $5.2 million. The increase in volume for carbon black is a result of the plant expansion project at the Company’s carbon black plant becoming fully operational. Currency exchange rate changes contributed $6.1 million to increased sales. Operating profit as a percentage of net sales was 11 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2008 as compared to 12 percent for the prior period.

Chinese CM&C sales increased by $4.9 million due primarily to higher volumes of carbon pitch totaling $2.9 million and higher volumes of other products, principally distillates, totaling $2.4 million. Currency exchange rate changes contributed $1.5 million to increased sales. Operating profit as a percentage of net sales was seven percent for the three months ended March 31, 2008 as compared to ten percent for the prior period. The decrease in operating margin is due primarily to mix of products and investment in sales and administrative functions in China.

Railroad & Utility Products operating profit for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 decreased by $5.5 million as compared to the prior period primarily as a result of lower sales of treated and untreated railroad crossties and lower operating profit margins. Operating profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to seven percent from 11 percent between periods due to lower production and procurement levels for railroad crossties, declining margins with respect to distribution poles from lower production volumes and higher fuel costs and the impact of increases in allocated selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

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Cash Flow

Net cash provided by operating activities was $2.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $4.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. The decrease of $1.6 million in net cash provided by operations is due primarily to increased working capital requirements due to higher raw material costs and increased sales.

Net cash used by investing activities was $4.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 as compared to net cash used by investing activities of $4.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. Capital expenditures in 2008 are expected to total approximately $35.0 million, including expenditures for the Company’s 30 percent interest in the new coal tar distillation joint venture in China but excluding acquisitions.

Net cash used by financing activities was $4.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 as compared to net cash used by financing activities of $5.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. Net repayment of debt totaled $1.2 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

Dividends paid were $3.5 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2008 as compared to dividends paid of $3.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. Dividends paid in the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 reflect a dividend rate of 17 cents per common share.

On May 7, 2008, the Company’s board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of 22 cents per common share, payable on July 1, 2008 to shareholders of record as of May 19, 2008.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Restrictions on Dividends to Koppers Holdings

Koppers Holdings depends on the dividends from the earnings of Koppers Inc. and its subsidiaries to generate the funds necessary to meet its financial obligations, including payments of principal, interest and other amounts on the 9 7/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2014 (the “Senior Discount Notes”). The terms of Koppers Inc.’s senior secured credit facility as well as the terms of the indenture governing the 9 7/8% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 (the “Senior Secured Notes”) significantly restrict Koppers Inc. from paying dividends and otherwise transferring assets to Koppers Holdings. The amount of permitted dividends under both debt facilities is governed by a formula based on 50 percent of consolidated net income, among other things. Cash equity contributions from the sale of Koppers Holdings’ common stock increase the amount available for dividends. At the time of the payment of the dividend, no event of default shall have occurred or be continuing under the indenture or the senior secured credit facility.

Under the indenture relating to the Senior Secured Notes, Koppers Inc. must have an EBITDA (as defined in the indenture) to consolidated interest expense ratio of at least 2.0 to 1.0. Additionally the senior secured credit facility requires compliance with all financial covenants and availability of at least $15.0 million under the revolving credit facility after giving effect to any proposed dividend. Significant reductions in net income or increases to indebtedness affecting compliance with financial covenants or availability under the senior secured credit facility would restrict Koppers Inc.’s ability to pay dividends. As of March 31, 2008, dividends available to be declared based on covenant restrictions under the Senior Discount Notes amounted to $145.6 million. As of March 31, 2008, dividends available to be declared based on covenant restrictions under the Senior Secured Notes amounted to $137.6 million.

Liquidity

The Koppers Inc. senior secured credit facility agreement, as amended, provides for a revolving credit facility of up to $125.0 million and term loans of $28.6 million at variable rates. The senior secured credit facility expires in December 2009. Amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit agreement are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of Koppers Inc.’s assets, including the assets of certain significant subsidiaries. Revolving credit availability is calculated based on receivables and inventory as well as the attainment of certain financial ratios. The revolving credit facility contains certain covenants that limit capital expenditures by Koppers Inc. and restrict its ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens on its assets, enter into leases, pay dividends and make investments or acquisitions. In addition, such covenants give rise to events of default upon the failure by Koppers Inc. to meet certain financial ratios.

 

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As of March 31, 2008, the Company had $82.9 million of unused revolving credit availability for working capital purposes after restrictions by various debt covenants and certain letter of credit commitments. As of March 31, 2008, $19.1 million of commitments were utilized by outstanding letters of credit. In addition, as of March 31, 2008, the Company had outstanding term loans of $28.6 million under the credit facility.

The following table summarizes Koppers estimated liquidity as of March 31, 2008:

 

        
(Dollars in millions)   

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 11.0

Amount available under senior secured credit facility

     82.9

Amount available under other credit facilities

     14.2
        

Total estimated liquidity

   $ 108.1
        

The Company’s estimated liquidity was $116.3 million at December 31, 2007. The decrease in estimated liquidity from that date is primarily due to a reduction in cash and cash equivalents.

As of March 31, 2008, the Company has $200.0 million aggregate amount of common stock, debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares and warrants (or a combination of these securities) available to be issued under its $200.0 million universal shelf registration statement filed in 2006.

On February 6, 2008, the Company’s board of directors approved a common stock repurchase program. This program allows for the repurchase of up to $75.0 million of common stock from time to time in the open market. The program is scheduled to expire in February 2010. The timing of such purchases will be determined by management based on a number of factors including the market price of the Company’s common stock; the availability and pursuit of strategic initiatives including investment and acquisition opportunities; operating cash flow and internal capital requirements; and general economic conditions. As of March 31, 2008, no repurchases have been made under this program.

The Company’s need for cash in the next twelve months relates primarily to contractual obligations which include debt service, purchase commitments and operating leases, as well as for working capital, capital maintenance programs and mandatory defined benefit plan funding. The Company may also use cash to pursue potential strategic acquisitions. The Company believes that its cash flow from operations and available borrowings under the senior secured credit facility will be sufficient to fund its anticipated liquidity requirements for at least the next twelve months. In the event that the foregoing sources are not sufficient to fund the Company’s expenditures and service its indebtedness, the Company would be required to raise additional funds.

Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations

The cash flows related to Koppers Arch for the three months ended March 31, 2007 have not been restated in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. The net cash inflows of Koppers Arch totaled $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. In connection with the sale of our 51 percent interest in Koppers Arch, we have provided an indemnity to the buyer for our share of liabilities, if any, arising from certain litigation and claims existing at July 5, 2007. Our financial exposure pursuant to this indemnity is capped at a monetary limit and is subject to time limitations.

Debt Covenants

The covenants that affect availability of the revolving credit facility and which may restrict the ability of Koppers Inc. to pay dividends include the following financial ratios:

 

  ¡  

The fixed charge coverage ratio, calculated as of the end of each fiscal quarter for the four fiscal quarters then ended, shall not be less than 1.05 to 1.0. The fixed charge coverage ratio at March 31, 2008 was 2.85 to 1.0.

 

  ¡  

The total leverage ratio, calculated as of the end of each fiscal quarter for the four fiscal quarters then ended, shall not exceed the ratios set forth below for the periods as specified in the table below. The total leverage ratio at March 31, 2008 was 1.75 to 1.0:

 

Fiscal Quarters Ended    Ratio

August 15, 2005 through June 30, 2008

   5.0 to 1.0

June 30, 2008 and thereafter

   4.5 to 1.0
      

 

27


The Company is currently in compliance with all covenants in the credit agreement governing the senior secured revolving credit facility.

At March 31, 2008, Koppers Inc. had $218.3 million outstanding of Senior Secured Notes (excluding adjustment for related interest rate swap) and Koppers Holdings had $173.6 million outstanding of Senior Discount Notes. The Senior Secured Notes and Senior Discount Notes include customary covenants that restrict, among other things, the ability to incur additional debt, pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments, incur liens, merge or sell all or substantially all of the assets or enter into various transactions with affiliates. The Company is currently in compliance with all covenants in the indentures governing the Senior Secured Notes and the Senior Discount Notes.

Legal Matters

The information set forth in Note 17 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Koppers Holdings Inc. included in Item 1 of this Part I is incorporated herein by reference.

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

The information set forth in Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Koppers Holdings Inc. is hereby incorporated by reference.

Critical Accounting Policies

There have been no material changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies as disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Environmental and Other Matters

The information set forth in Note 17 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Koppers Holdings Inc. included in Item 1 of Part I is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There are no material changes to the disclosure on this matter made in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information set forth in Note 17 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Koppers Holdings Inc. included in Item 1 of Part I of this report is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the Risk Factors previously disclosed in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

28


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

The following table sets forth information regarding Koppers Holdings’ repurchases of shares of its common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2008:

 

Period    Total Number of
Common Shares
Purchased
    Average Price
paid per
Common
Share
   Total Number of
Common Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly announced
Plans or Programs
   Maximum
Number of
Common Shares
that May Yet be
Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs (2)

January 1 – January 31

       $      

February 1 – February 29

       $      

March 1 – March 31

   1,203 (1)   $ 43.97    1,203   
                        

 

  (1) Under the terms of the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan, restricted stock units granted in 2007 vest ratably each year through 2010 for most participants. Upon the vesting of a portion of these restricted stock units, each employee who holds these restricted stock units has the right to cause the Company to withhold shares of the Company’s common stock for tax obligations incurred in connection with the vesting of these units and the related issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock to such employee.
  (2) On February 6, 2008, the board of directors approved a common stock repurchase program. This program allows for the repurchase of up to $75.0 million of common stock from time to time in the open market. The program is scheduled to expire in February 2010. No repurchases have been made under this program.

See description of the limitations on the payment of dividends in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations: Liquidity and Capital Resources.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

29


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.

 

     

KOPPERS HOLDINGS INC.

(REGISTRANT)

Date: May 9, 2008

    By:   /S/    BRIAN H. MCCURRIE        
         
        Brian H. McCurrie,
        Chief Financial Officer
        (Principal Financial Officer,
        Principal Accounting Officer)

 

30

Section 302 CEO Certification

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Walter W. Turner, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Koppers Holdings Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-5(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 9, 2008

/S/ WALTER W. TURNER

Walter W. Turner

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Section 302 CFO Certification

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Brian H. McCurrie, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Koppers Holdings Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-5(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 9, 2008

/S/ BRIAN H. MCCURRIE

Brian H. McCurrie

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Section 906 CEO & CFO Certification

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Koppers Holdings Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), each of the undersigned hereby certifies in his capacity as an officer of the Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/S/ WALTER W. TURNER    /S/ BRIAN H. MCCURRIE
Walter W. Turner    Brian H. McCurrie
Chief Executive Officer    Chief Financial Officer
May 9, 2008    May 9, 2008