form10q3q.htm




UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

Form 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010

Commission File Number 001-34420

Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
20-2055624
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

One Penn Plaza
250 West 34th Street, Suite 4125
New York, NY 10119
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(212) 798-8122
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common stock, $0.0001 par value
The NASDAQ Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None

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 R     No £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes £     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 £
Non-accelerated filer R
Smaller reporting company  £
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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

As of May 14, 2010, the registrant had 74,323,268 shares of common stock outstanding.


 


 

 
 
 
 
Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
 
 
 
PART I
 
Page
  No.   
  Item 1.
Financial Statements                                                                                                                                     
 3
  Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 17
  Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk                                                                                                                                     
 27
  Item 4.
Controls and Procedures                                                                                                                                     
 27
     
PART II
 
   
  Item 1.
Legal Proceedings                                                                                                                                     
 28 
  Item 1A.
Risk Factors                                                                                                                                     
 28
  Item 6.
Exhibits                                                                                                                                     
 28
SIGNATURES                                                                                                                                                    
 29
    EX-31.1
 
    EX-31.2
 
    EX-32.1
 


 
2

 
PART I
 
Item 1.   Financial Statements

 
   
GLOBE SPECIALTY METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009
 
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
(Unaudited)
 
             
   
March 31,
2010
   
June 30,
2009
 
ASSETS
 
Current assets:
           
   Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 219,787       61,876  
   Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,327 and $1,390 at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, respectively
    45,325       24,094  
   Inventories
    62,983       67,394  
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    21,826       24,675  
    Total current assets
    349,921       178,039  
Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
    189,404       217,507  
Goodwill
    51,837       51,828  
Other intangible assets
    477       1,231  
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
    8,288       7,928  
Deferred tax assets
    49       1,598  
Other assets
    2,290       15,149  
    Total assets
  $ 602,266       473,280  
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Current liabilities:
               
   Accounts payable
  $ 36,592       21,341  
   Current portion of long-term debt
    8,571       16,561  
   Short-term debt
    35,859       6,688  
   Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    29,806       46,725  
    Total current liabilities
    110,828       91,315  
Long-term liabilities:
               
   Long-term debt
    10,609       36,364  
   Deferred tax liabilities
    15,032       18,890  
   Other long-term liabilities
    14,658       15,359  
    Total liabilities
    151,127       161,928  
Commitments and contingencies (note 13)
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
   Common stock, $0.0001 par value. Authorized, 150,000,000 shares; issued, 74,323,268 and 66,944,254 shares at
               
    March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, respectively
    7        7  
   Additional paid-in capital
    389,019       303,364  
   Retained earnings
    32,152       4,660  
   Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (3,671 )     (3,644 )
   Treasury stock at cost, 1,000 shares at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009
    (4 )     (4 )
    Total Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. stockholders’ equity
    417,503       304,383  
   Noncontrolling interest
    33,636       6,969  
    Total stockholders’ equity
    451,139       311,352  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 602,266       473,280  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 

3


 
GLOBE SPECIALTY METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
Three and nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
(Unaudited)
 
                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net sales
  $ 112,486       76,146     $ 326,222       344,610  
Cost of goods sold
    99,135       62,894       267,087       261,989  
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
    10,008       10,500       35,873       44,200  
Research and development
    36       246       151       1,122  
Restructuring charges
    -       1,387       (81 )     1,387  
Gain on sale of business
    -       -       (22,907 )     -  
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment
    -       144       -       69,704  
    Operating income (loss)
    3,307       975       46,099       (33,792 )
Other income (expense):
                               
    Interest income
    4       77       205       630  
    Interest expense, net of capitalized interest
    (997 )     (1,427 )     (3,416 )     (5,596 )
  Foreign exchange (loss) gain
    (64 )     465       3,222       (2,961 )
  Other income
    546       862       738       2,368  
    Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
    2,796       952       46,848       (39,351 )
Provision for income taxes
    1,751       916       19,702       7,290  
    Net income (loss)
    1,045       36       27,146       (46,641 )
(Income) losses attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax
    (529 )     901       346       3,022  
    Net income (loss) attributable to Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
  $ 516       937     $ 27,492       (43,619 )
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
    Basic
    74,320       63,930       73,239       63,820  
    Diluted
    75,570       66,896       74,411       63,820  
Earnings (loss) per common share:
                               
    Basic
  $ 0.01       0.01     $ 0.38       (0.68 )
    Diluted
    0.01       0.01       0.37       (0.68 )
 
 See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 


 
4

 
 
GLOBE SPECIALTY METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
                                                       
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
 
Nine months ended March 31, 2010
 
(In thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
                                                       
   
Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity
                   
                           
Accumulated
                         
               
Additional
         
Other
   
Treasury
               
Total
 
   
Common Stock
   
Paid-In
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
Stock
   
Noncontrolling
   
Comprehensive
   
Stockholders’
 
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
(Loss) Income
   
at Cost
   
Interest
   
(Loss) Income
   
Equity
 
Balance at June 30, 2009
    66,944      $ 7       303,364        4,660        (3,644 )       (4 )       6,969              311,352   
Warrants exercised
    257              1,287                                      1,287   
UPOs exercised
    1,519              210                                      210   
Share-based compensation
                4,491                                      4,491   
Stock issuance
    5,600              34,768                                      34,768   
Sale of noncontrolling interest
                44,899                          27,012              71,911   
Realized gain on available-for-sale securities
                            (10 )                         (10 )  
Comprehensive (loss) income:
                                                                     
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                            (19 )                   (18 )       (18 )  
    Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities
                                                                 
(net of provision for income taxes of $1)
                                                     
Net income
                      27,492                    (346 )       27,146        27,146   
Total comprehensive income
                                                            27,130        27,130   
Balance at March 31, 2010
    74,323      $ 7       389,019        32,152        (3,671 )       (4 )       33,636        27,130        451,139   
                                                                         
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

GLOBE SPECIALTY METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
Nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009
 
(In thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
             
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
   Net income (loss)
  $ 27,146       (46,641 )
   Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
               
    Depreciation and amortization
    14,868       14,740  
    Share-based compensation
    4,491       4,704  
    Gain on sale of business
    (22,907 )     -  
    Goodwill and intangible asset impairment
    -       69,704  
    Deferred taxes
    (74 )     (4,077 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
       Accounts receivable, net
    (25,788 )     22,666  
       Inventories
    (5,542 )     (15,428 )
       Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (9 )     (1,761 )
       Accounts payable
    22,569       (21,158 )
       Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    (14,009 )     16,914  
       Other
    (28,401 )     (8,024 )
       Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    (27,656 )     31,639  
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
   Capital expenditures
    (16,432 )     (46,507 )
   Sale of business, net of cash disposed of $16,555
    58,445       -  
   Held-to-maturity treasury securities
    -       2,987  
   Other investing activities
    (733 )     265  
       Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    41,280       (43,255 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
   Sale of noncontrolling interest
    98,329       -  
   Proceeds from warrants exercised
    1,287       833  
   Proceeds from UPOs exercised
    210       -  
   Net payments of long-term debt
    (19,750 )     (10,856 )
   Net borrowings (payments) of short-term debt
    29,170       (6,900 )
   Sale of common stock
    36,456       -  
   Solsil, Inc. common share issuance
    -       1,570  
   Other financing activities
    (1,387 )     (2,045 )
       Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    144,315       (17,398 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (28 )     42  
       Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    157,911       (28,972 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    61,876       73,994  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 219,787       45,022  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
   Cash paid for interest
  $ 2,198       5,737   
   Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds totaling $2,729 and $0, respectively
        50,412       9,242   
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
6

 

GLOBE SPECIALTY METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
   
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
March 31, 2010 and 2009
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
(Unaudited)

(1)  Organization and Business Operations

Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. and subsidiary companies (the Company, we, or our) is among the world’s largest producers of silicon metal and silicon-based alloys, important ingredients in a variety of industrial and consumer products. The Company’s customers include major silicone chemical, aluminum and steel manufacturers, auto companies and their suppliers, ductile iron foundries, manufacturers of photovoltaic solar cells and computer chips, and concrete producers.

(2)  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

a. Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) of the results for the interim periods presented and such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. There have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies during the nine months ended March 31, 2010, except as discussed below under Recently Implemented Accounting Pronouncements.

b. Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to current year presentation, including the reclassification of $1,019 and $4,275 from selling, general, and administrative expenses to cost of goods sold for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2009, respectively, as, during the first quarter of fiscal year 2010, the Company reevaluated certain expenses and deemed these to be production costs. In addition, the Company reclassified $461 in transaction costs associated with the Dow Corning transactions (see note 3) incurred during the first quarter of fiscal year 2010 from selling, general, and administrative expenses to gain on sale of business.

The Company’s condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended December 31, 2009 reflected the proceeds from the Company’s sale of a 49% membership interest in WVA Manufacturing, LLC (WVA LLC) (see note 3) as a cash flow from investing activities. To conform the cash flow presentation to the balance sheet presentation, the Company revised its presentation to reflect the $100,000 proceeds from the sale of this noncontrolling interest, net of transaction costs of $1,538, as a cash flow from financing activities.

c. Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes. Significant estimates and assumptions in these condensed consolidated financial statements include the valuation of inventories; the carrying amount of property, plant, and equipment; goodwill and long-lived asset impairment tests; estimates of fair value of investments; provision for income taxes and deferred tax valuation allowances; valuation of derivative instruments; the determination of the discount rate and the rate of return on plan assets for pension expense; and the determination of the fair value of share-based compensation involving assumptions about forfeiture rates, stock volatility, discount rates, and expected time to exercise. During interim periods, provision for income taxes is recognized using an estimated annual effective tax rate. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results could differ from these estimates.

d. Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized in accordance with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 (SAB 104) when a firm sales agreement is in place, delivery has occurred and title and risks of ownership have passed to the customer, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Shipping and other transportation costs charged to buyers are recorded in both net sales and cost of goods sold. Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and, therefore, are excluded from net sales. When the Company provides a combination of products and services to customers, the arrangement is evaluated under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) ASC Subtopic 605-25, Revenue Recognition — Multiple Element Arrangements (ASC 605.25). ASC 605.25 addresses certain aspects of accounting by a vendor for arrangements under which the vendor will perform multiple revenue-generating activities. If the Company cannot objectively determine the fair value of any undelivered elements under an arrangement, the Company defers revenue until all elements are delivered and services have been performed, or until fair value can objectively be determined for any remaining undelivered elements.

e. Recently Implemented Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codificationtm and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. This statement identifies the sources of accounting principles used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP (the GAAP hierarchy). This statement establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codificationtm (the Codification/ASC) as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, except for SEC rules and interpretive releases, which are also authoritative U.S. GAAP for SEC registrants. The Codification standard (FASB ASC Subtopic 105-10 on generally accepted accounting principles) was adopted on July 1, 2009. This change had no effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC Subtopic 805-10, Business Combinations. This statement establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer (i) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity, (ii) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase, and (iii) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This accounting standard was adopted on July 1, 2009. This statement will be applied prospectively to the Company’s business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after July 1, 2009.

In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC Subtopic 810-10, Consolidation — Consolidation of Entities Controlled by Contract (ASC 810.10) and ASC Subtopic 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (ASC 815.40). The Company adopted ASC 810.10 and ASC 815.40 on July 1, 2009. The objective of these statements is to improve the relevance, comparability, and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in its financial statements by establishing accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. In accordance with ASC 810.10 and ASC 815.40, the Company has provided the enhanced disclosures required by ASC 810.10 and ASC 815.40 in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and condensed consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity for all periods presented. See note 14 (Stockholders’ Equity) for additional information.

In September 2006, the FASB issued ASC Subtopic 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820). The Company partially adopted ASC 820 on July 1, 2008. This adoption did not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition. The Company fully adopted ASC 820 on July 1, 2009. ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for the measurement of fair value, and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. The statement does not require any new fair value measures. The Company carries its derivative agreements at fair value, determined using observable market based inputs. See note 17 (Fair Value Measures) for additional information.

In September 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC Subtopic 740-10, Income Taxes (ASC 740). The Company adopted this amendment on September 30, 2009. This amendment to ASC 740 adds implementation guidance for all entities about applying the accounting requirements for uncertain tax matters. The implementation guidance is presented in examples and is not intended to change practice for those already applying the requirements. The implementation of this additional guidance had no effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

f. Accounting Pronouncements to be Implemented

In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC Subtopic 860-10, Transfers and Servicing (ASC 860). The objective of this amendment is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial statements about a transfer of financial assets; the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; and a transferor’s continuing involvement, if any, in transferred financial assets. This amendment improves financial reporting by eliminating (1) the exceptions for qualifying special-purpose entities from the consolidation guidance and (2) the exception that permitted sale accounting for certain mortgage securitizations when a transferor has not surrendered control over the transferred financial assets. This amendment is effective for the Company on July 1, 2010. The Company is currently assessing the potential effect of the amendment of ASC 860 on its financial position and results of operations.

7

In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC Subtopic 810-10, Consolidation — Variable Interest Entities (ASC 810). The objective of this amendment is to improve financial reporting by enterprises involved with variable interest entities by eliminating the quantitative-based risks and rewards calculation and requiring an enterprise to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling interest in a variable interest entity. In addition, the amendment requires an ongoing reassessment of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. This amendment is effective for the Company on July 1, 2010. The Company is not currently involved with variable interest entities and, therefore, does not currently expect any impact from the amendment to ASC 810 on its financial position and results of operations.

In December 2008, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC Subtopic 715-10, Compensation — Retirement Benefits (ASC 715). This amendment provides guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. The amendment requires employers of public entities to disclose more information about how investment allocation decisions are made, more information about major categories of plan assets, including concentrations of risk and fair-value measurements, and the fair-value techniques and inputs used to measure plan assets. The disclosure requirements of the amendment to ASC 715 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. This amendment to ASC 715 has no impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

In October 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC Subtopic 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820). This amendment requires reporting entities to make new disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair value measurements including significant transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements. The amendment also clarifies existing fair value measurement disclosure guidance about the level of disaggregation, inputs, and valuation techniques. The disclosure requirements of the amendment to ASC 820, except for the detailed Level 3 roll forward disclosures, is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009. The new disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward activity for Level 3 fair value measurements are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010. This amendment to ASC 820 has no impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

(3)  Dow Corning Transactions

On November 5, 2009, the Company sold 100% of its interest in Globe Metais Indústria e Comércio S.A. (Globe Metais) pursuant to a purchase agreement entered into on that same date by and among the Company and Dow Corning Corporation (Dow Corning). The cash received by the Company in connection with the disposition was approximately $65,600, which represents a purchase price of $75,000 less withholding taxes and certain expenses. Dow Corning assumed Globe Metais’ cash balances totaling $16,555 and $14,000 of export prepayment financing. The final purchase price is subject to adjustment for changes in working capital as provided for in the purchase agreement.

The sale of the Company’s equity interest in Globe Metais was executed in connection with the sale of a 49% membership interest in WVA LLC, a newly formed entity by the Company, to Dow Corning, the execution of a long-term supply agreement, and an amendment to an existing supply agreement between Dow Corning and the Company to reduce the amount required to be sold in calendar year 2010 to 20,000 metric tons of silicon metal.

For accounting purposes, the Company allocated $75,000 of the total purchase price received from Dow Corning to the sale of the equity of Globe Metais and $100,000 to the sale of membership interests in WVA LLC. The allocation of total purchase price to the separate transactions was based on the relative fair values of Globe Metais and the membership interests in WVA LLC.

ASC 815.40 requires an entity to consolidate all subsidiaries over which it has a controlling financial interest and considers changes in the ownership interest while the entity retains its controlling financial interest in the subsidiary as equity transactions, resulting in no gain or loss recognition in the statement of operations. As the Company retained a controlling financial interest in WVA LLC, no gain has been recognized in net income on the sale of the 49% membership interest. Rather, noncontrolling interest has been adjusted to reflect the change in our ownership interest in WVA LLC. The difference between the fair value of the consideration received, net of transaction and related costs of $2,146 and provision for income taxes of $25,943, and the amount by which noncontrolling interest increased has been recognized as an increase in additional paid-in capital.

(4)  Restructuring Charges

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2009, the Company implemented formal restructuring programs, including the temporary shutdown of certain furnace operations and furloughing or terminating employees. Cash payments associated with these restructuring programs were completed as of March 31, 2010. The restructuring programs included employee severance and benefits, as well as costs associated with lease termination obligations.

Activity during the nine months ended March 31, 2010 related to the restructuring liability is as follows:


   
Liability at
               
Liability at
 
   
June 30,
         
Cash
   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
Adjustments (2)
   
Payments
   
2010
 
Severance and benefit-related costs (1)
  $ 227       (81 )     (146 )     -  
                                 
(1) Includes severance payments made to employees, payroll taxes, and other benefit-related costs in connection with the terminations of employees. 
       
(2) Adjustments are for employees who were rehired by the Company in conjunction with the restarting of certain furnace operations during the nine months ended March 31, 2010.
         
 
Total restructuring expenses of $1,711 were incurred during fiscal year 2009. There is no remaining unpaid liability as of March 31, 2010, and no additional costs are expected to be incurred associated with these restructuring actions.

(5)  Treasury Securities

During March 2008, the Company purchased U.S. government treasury securities with a term to maturity of 125 days. The securities were redeemed for $2,987 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2009.

(6)  Inventories

Inventories comprise the following:
 
   
March 31,
2010
   
 
June 30,
2009
 
Finished goods
  $ 15,419        23,867   
Work in process
    2,645        3,462   
Raw materials
    37,756        31,323   
Parts and supplies
    7,163        8,742   
Total
  $ 62,983       67,394   

At March 31, 2010, $56,415 in inventory is valued using the first-in, first-out method and $6,568 using the average cost method. At June 30, 2009, $46,712 in inventory is valued using the first-in, first-out method and $20,682 using the average cost method.

During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2009, the Company recorded inventory write-downs totaling $1,600 and $5,061, respectively, due to expected lower net realizable values for certain Solsil, Inc. (Solsil) and Ningxia Yonvey Coal Industrial Co., Ltd (Yonvey) inventories. These write-downs have been recorded in cost of goods sold. There were no significant inventory write-downs during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010.

8

(7)  Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, comprise the following:




   
March 31,
   
June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Land, land improvements, and land use rights
  $ 5,097          13,835   
Building and improvements
    32,084        24,176   
Machinery and equipment
    71,506        56,912   
Furnaces
    107,338        99,429   
Other
    3,050        15,728   
Construction in progress
    19,446        47,257   
Property, plant, and equipment, gross
    238,521        257,337   
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (49,117  )       (39,830  )  
Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
  $ 189,404       217,507   


Depreciation expense for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010 was $5,055 and $14,558, of which $4,959 and $14,242 is recorded in cost of goods sold and $96 and $316 is recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses, respectively. Depreciation expense for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2009 was $4,467 and $13,061, of which $4,355 and $12,740 is recorded in cost of goods sold and $112 and $321 is recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses, respectively.

Capitalized interest for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010 was $70 and $368, respectively. Capitalized interest for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2009 was $223 and $737, respectively.

(8)  Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and other intangibles presented below have been allocated to the Company’s operating segments.

a.  Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the nine months ended March 31, 2010 are as follows:


Balance at June 30, 2009
  $ 51,828  
Foreign exchange rate changes
    9  
Balance at March 31, 2010
  $ 51,837  


There was no goodwill associated with Globe Metais, which was sold on November 5, 2009 as discussed in note 3.

b.  Other Intangible Assets

Changes in the carrying amounts of definite lived intangible assets during the nine months ended March 31, 2010 are as follows:


   
Electricity
       
   
Contracts
   
Other
 
Cost:
           
Balance at June 30, 2009
  $ 7,905       323   
Sale of Globe Metais (see note 3)
    (5,073 )       (78  )  
Balance at March 31, 2010
  $ 2,832       245   
                 
Accumulated amortization:
               
Balance at June 30, 2009
  $ 7,151       323   
Sale of Globe Metais (see note 3)
    (4,629 )       (78  )  
Amortization expense
         310        
Balance at March 31, 2010
    2,832       245   
Net balance at March 31, 2010
  $        


There were no changes in the value of the Company’s indefinite lived intangible assets during the nine months ended March 31, 2010. The trade name balance at both March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009 is $477.

Amortization expense of purchased intangible assets for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010 was $0 and $310, respectively, which is recorded in cost of goods sold. Amortization expense of purchased intangible assets for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2009 was $340 and $1,679, respectively, which is recorded in cost of goods sold.

c.  Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment

During the second quarter of fiscal year 2009, the Company experienced a decrease in profitability, and a significant decline in demand for high purity solar-grade silicon. Consistent with the guidance in ASC Subtopic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other, the Company performed an interim impairment test of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets at the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. In performing this test, the Company made a substantial downward revision in the forecasted cash flows from its Solsil reporting unit as a result of a decrease in the market price for solar-grade silicon and weakness in demand for solar products. The Company recorded a preliminary estimate of impairment charges totaling $65,196, comprised of $57,512 of goodwill and $12,048 of unpatented technology offset by related deferred taxes totaling $4,364. These impairment charges were entirely associated with the Company’s Solsil business unit. The impairment charges were finalized in the third quarter of fiscal year 2009, in conjunction with the Company’s annual impairment assessment, resulting in an additional $144 goodwill impairment charge.

9

(9)  Debt

a.  Short-Term Debt

Short-term debt comprises the following:

 
         
Weighted
       
   
Outstanding
   
Average
   
Unused
 
   
Balance
   
Interest Rate
   
Credit Line
 
March 31, 2010:
                 
Type debt:
                 
    Revolving credit
  $ 22,000       2.50 %   $ 2,902  
    Export financing
                3,000  
    Other
    13,859        4.56       504  
       Total
  $ 35,859             $ 6,406  
June 30, 2009:
                       
Type debt:
                       
    Revolving credit
  $       %   $ 34,560  
    Export financing
                7,400  
    Other
    6,688        6.69        
       Total
  $ 6,688             $ 41,960  


    Revolving Credit Agreements — A summary of the Company’s revolving credit agreements at March 31, 2010 is as follows:


   
Outstanding
Balance
   
Unused
Commitment
   
Total
Commitment
 
Senior credit facility
  $ 22,000       2,902        28,000   

    As part of the Dow Corning transactions discussed in note 3, the Company agreed to modify the terms of its senior credit facility, which included a reduction of revolving credit from $35,000 to $28,000 in exchange for the release of the assets of West Virginia Alloys as a security for the senior credit facility. This revolving credit agreement expires in September 2013. Interest on advances under the revolving credit facility accrues at LIBOR plus an applicable margin percentage or, at the Company’s option, prime plus an applicable margin percentage. The amount available under the revolving credit facility is subject to a borrowing base calculation. The total commitment on the revolving credit facility includes $10,000 for letters of credit associated with foreign supplier contracts. At March 31, 2010, there was a $22,000 balance outstanding on this revolver. The total commitment on this credit facility includes $1,288 outstanding letters of credit associated with foreign supplier contracts and a $1,810 outstanding letter of credit associated with a power supply contract. The revolving credit facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of Globe Metallurgical, Inc. (GMI), and is subject to certain restrictive and financial covenants, which include limits on additional debt, restrictions on capital expenditures, restrictions on dividend and other equity distributions, a maximum ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, and minimum net worth and interest coverage requirements. The commitment under the revolving credit facility may be withdrawn if the Company defaults under the terms of these covenants or fails to remit payments when due. The Company was in compliance with the loan covenants at March 31, 2010.

Export Financing Agreements — The Company’s Argentine subsidiary maintains various short-term export financing agreements. Generally, these arrangements are for periods ranging between seven and eleven months, and require the Company to pledge as collateral certain export accounts receivable. There is no export financing debt outstanding at March 31, 2010.

Other — The Company’s subsidiary, Yonvey, has $7,324 in outstanding promissory notes, which mature through August 2010. The notes accrue interest at rates ranging from 5.3% to 8.5%. The promissory notes are secured by certain Yonvey assets. In addition, the balance includes $5,880 in short-term notes payable to Dow Corning related to working capital loans given to WVA LLC, which accrue interest at 3.0%.

b.  Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt comprises the following:


   
March 31,
   
June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Senior term loan
  $ 19,021       33,684   
Export prepayment financing
          17,000   
Other
    159        2,241   
    Total     19,180        52,925   
Less current portion of long-term debt
    (8,571  )       (16,561  )  
Long-term debt, net of current portion
  $ 10,609       36,364   


Senior Term Loan  — The Company’s subsidiary, GMI, entered into a five-year senior term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $40,000 during September 2008. Interest on the senior term loan accrues at LIBOR plus an applicable margin percentage or, at the Company’s option, prime plus an applicable margin percentage. Principal payments are due in quarterly installments of $2,105, commencing on December 31, 2008, and the unpaid principal balance is due in full in September 2013, subject to certain mandatory prepayments. A mandatory prepayment of $2,347 was made during the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 based on excess cash flow, as defined in the loan agreement, generated during fiscal year 2009. As part of the Dow Corning transactions discussed in note 3, the Company made a $6,000 prepayment of the senior term loan, applied to the scheduled installments of principal in inverse order of maturity, in exchange for the release of the assets of West Virginia Alloys as security for the senior term loan. The interest rate on this loan was 2.50%, equal to LIBOR plus 2.25%, at March 31, 2010. The senior term loan is secured by substantially all of the assets of GMI and is subject to certain restrictive and financial covenants, which include limits on additional debt, restrictions on capital expenditures, restrictions on dividend and other equity distributions, a maximum ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, and minimum net worth and interest coverage requirements. The Company was in compliance with these loan covenants at March 31, 2010.

Export Prepayment Financing – The export prepayment financing was related to Globe Metais, which was sold in November 2009 as discussed in note 3.

See note 10 (Derivative Instruments) for discussion of derivative financial instruments entered into to reduce the Company’s exposure to interest rate fluctuations on outstanding long-term debt.

c.  Fair Value of Debt

The recorded carrying values of our debt balances approximate fair value given our debt is at variable rates tied to market indicators or is short-term in nature.

10

(10)  Derivative Instruments

The Company enters into derivative instruments to hedge certain interest rate risks and previously entered into derivative instruments to hedge certain foreign currency risks. The Company does not engage in interest rate, currency, or commodity speculation, and no derivatives are held for trading purposes. All derivatives are accounted for using mark-to-market accounting. The Company believes it is not practical to designate its derivative instruments as hedging instruments as defined under ASC Subtopic 815-10, Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815). Accordingly, the Company adjusts its derivative financial instruments to current market value through the condensed consolidated statement of operations based on the fair value of the agreement as of period-end. Although not designated as hedged items as defined under ASC 815, these derivative instruments serve to significantly offset the Company’s interest rate risks and served to significantly offset foreign exchange risks associated with Globe Metais prior to its sale discussed in note 3. Gains or losses from these transactions offset gains or losses on the assets, liabilities, or transactions being hedged. No credit loss is anticipated as the counterparties to these agreements are major financial institutions that are highly rated.
 
Interest Rate Risk:

The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on certain of its long-term debt obligations.

In connection with GMI’s revolving credit facility and senior term loan (note 9), the Company entered into an interest rate cap arrangement and three interest rate swap agreements to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations.

In October 2008, the Company entered into an interest rate cap arrangement to cap LIBOR on a $20,000 notional amount of debt, with the notional amount decreasing by $1,053 per quarter through the interest rate cap’s expiration on June 30, 2013. Under the interest rate cap, the Company capped LIBOR at a maximum of 4.5% over the life of the agreement.

In November 2008, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement involving the exchange of interest obligations relating to a $13,333 notional amount of debt, with the notional amount decreasing by $702 per quarter. Under the interest rate swap, the Company receives LIBOR in exchange for a fixed interest rate of 2.85% over the life of the agreement. The agreement expires in June 2013.

In January 2009, the Company entered into a second interest rate swap agreement involving the exchange of interest obligations relating to a $12,632 notional amount of debt, with the notional amount decreasing by $702 per quarter. Under the interest rate swap, the Company receives LIBOR in exchange for a fixed interest rate of 1.66% over the life of the agreement. The agreement expires in June 2013.

In April 2009, the Company entered into a third interest rate swap agreement involving the exchange of interest obligations relating to an $11,228 notional amount of debt, with the notional amount decreasing by $702 per quarter. Under the interest rate swap, the Company receives LIBOR in exchange for a fixed interest rate of 2.05% over the life of the agreement. The agreement expires in June 2013.

The remaining notional amount of debt swapped under these three interest rate swaps totals $27,368 at March 31, 2010. Based on total prepayments of $8,347 made on GMI’s senior term loan in the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 (see note 9), the total remaining balance outstanding on GMI’s senior term loan is only $19,021 at March 31, 2010.

In connection with the Company’s export prepayment financing arrangement (note 9), the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement involving the exchange of interest obligations relating to a $14,000 notional amount of debt, with the notional amount decreasing by $3,000 on a semiannual basis through August 2011, and a final $2,000 notional amount swapped for the six-month period ended January 2012. Under the interest rate swap, the Company received LIBOR in exchange for a fixed interest rate of 2.66% over the life of the agreement. This agreement, as well as the related export prepayment financing arrangement, was transferred with the sale of Globe Metais discussed in note 3.

Foreign Currency Risk:

The Company is exposed to market risk arising from changes in currency exchange rates as a result of its operations outside the United States, principally in Argentina and China. A portion of the Company’s net sales generated from its non-U.S. operations is denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Most of the Company’s operating costs for its non-U.S. operations are denominated in local currencies, principally the Argentine peso and the Chinese renminbi. Consequently, the translated U.S. dollar value of the Company’s non-U.S. dollar net sales, and related accounts receivable balances, and our operating costs are subject to currency exchange rate fluctuations. Derivative instruments are not used extensively to manage this risk. The Company utilized derivative financial instruments to manage a portion of its net foreign currency exposure to the Brazilian real. All of these contracts were settled prior to the sale of Globe Metais discussed in note 3.

Commodity Price Risk:

The Company is exposed to price risk for certain raw materials and energy used in its production process. The raw materials and energy that the Company uses are largely commodities subject to price volatility caused by changes in global supply and demand and governmental controls. Derivative financial instruments are not used to manage the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in the cost of commodity products used in its operations. The Company attempts to reduce the impact of increases in its raw material and energy costs by negotiating long-term contracts and through the acquisition of companies or assets for the purpose of increasing its access to raw materials with favorable pricing terms.

The effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of operations is summarized in the following table:

   
(Loss) Gain Recognized
   
(Loss) Gain Recognized
   
   
During the Three Months
   
During the Nine Months
   
   
Ended March 31,
   
Ended March 31,
 
Location
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
of (Loss) Gain
Interest rate derivatives
  $ (282 )     (255 )        (1,027 )        (1,082 )   
Interest expense
Foreign exchange forward contracts
          1,173       849       1,012  
Foreign exchange (loss) gain

The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments at March 31, 2010 are summarized in note 17 (Fair Value Measures). The $406 liability associated with the Company’s interest rate derivatives is included in other long-term liabilities.

(11)  Pension Plans

The Company’s subsidiary, GMI, sponsors three noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain domestic employees. These plans were frozen in 2003. The components of net periodic pension expense for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans are as follows:


   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Interest cost
  $ 302       306       906       918  
Expected return on plan assets
    (247 )        (309 )       (740 )        (927 )  
Amortization of net loss
    143       58       429       172  
Net periodic pension expense
  $ 198       55       595       163  


The Company expects to contribute approximately $756 to the plans for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, of which $502 has been contributed through March 31, 2010.

11

(12)  Income Taxes

The following table summarizes our provision for income taxes and effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009:


   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
  $ 2,796       952       46,848       (39,351)    
Provision for income taxes
    1,751       916       19,702       7,290  
Effective tax rate
    62.6%       96.2%       42.1%       (18.5%)  


The provision for income taxes is based on the current estimate of the annual effective tax rate, adjusted as necessary for quarterly events. In accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, the Company’s quarterly effective tax rate does not reflect a benefit associated with losses related to certain foreign subsidiaries. The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 were based on our forecasted annualized effective tax rates, adjusted for discrete items that occurred within the respective periods.
 
The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was 62.6% compared to 96.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2009. The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended March 31, 2010 was 42.1% compared to (18.5)% for the nine months ended March 31, 2009. These rates differ from the Company’s statutory rate of 35% mainly as a result of increases to the effective tax rate from U.S. state tax expense, the exclusion of the impact of net losses from our Chinese operations, the tax benefit of which is not considered more likely than not to be realized due to a history of operating losses. In addition, the Company recognized and paid income taxes totaling $9,270 during the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 in connection with the gain on the sale of Globe Metais discussed in note 3. These increases are offset by the benefit from a tax holiday in Argentina, which is forecasted to be lower in fiscal year 2010 compared with fiscal year 2009, and the benefit from a tax holiday in Brazil for the period that we owned Globe Metais. Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended March 31, 2009 also differs from the Company’s statutory rate primarily as a result of the Solsil goodwill impairment charge of $57,656 recorded in fiscal year 2009, which was not deductible for tax purposes.

During fiscal year 2010, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $25,943 as reduction of additional paid-in capital in connection with the sale of the noncontrolling interest in WVA LLC discussed in note 3.

The Company currently operates under a tax holiday in Argentina and operated under a tax holiday in Brazil prior to the sale of Globe Metais. In Argentina, the Company’s manufacturing income is taxed at a preferential rate, which varies based on production levels from the Company’s Argentine facilities, compared to a statutory rate of 35%. The tax holiday in Argentina expires in 2012. In Brazil, the Company operated under a tax holiday, which resulted in a preferential tax rate of 15.25% of the Company’s manufacturing income as compared to a statutory rate of 34%. The anticipated effects of these tax holidays are incorporated into the Company’s annualized effective tax rate as noted above. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010, the foreign tax holidays in Argentina and Brazil provided a benefit of $194 and $651, respectively to net income. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2009, the foreign tax holidays in Argentina and Brazil provided a benefit of $60 and $1,231, respectively to net loss.

The Company maintains valuation allowances where it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, the Company evaluates factors such as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carry back and carry forward periods, and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of the realization of a deferred tax asset. During the nine months ended March 31, 2010, the Company’s net valuation allowances increased due to the establishment of additional valuation allowances against net operating losses (NOLs) in China that may not be utilized and changes related to foreign exchange fluctuations associated with our foreign NOLs, and decreased due to the sale of Globe Metais.

(13)  Commitments and Contingencies

a.  Legal Contingencies

The Company is subject to various lawsuits, claims, and proceedings that arise in the normal course of business, including employment, commercial, environmental, safety, and health matters, as well as claims associated with our historical acquisitions and divestitures. Although it is not presently possible to determine the outcome of these matters, in the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

b.  Environmental Contingencies

It is the Company’s policy to accrue for costs associated with environmental assessments, remedial efforts, or other environmental liabilities when it becomes probable that a liability has been incurred and the costs can be reasonably estimated. When a liability for environmental remediation is recorded, such amounts will be recorded without giving effect to any possible future recoveries. At March 31, 2010, there are no significant liabilities recorded for environmental contingencies. With respect to the cost for ongoing environmental compliance, including maintenance and monitoring, such costs are expensed as incurred unless there is a long-term monitoring agreement with a governmental agency, in which case a liability is established at the inception of the agreement.

c.  Employee Contracts

As of March 31, 2010, there are 65 employees that are covered by a union agreement in the United States expiring within one year.

d.  Power Commitments

On May 20, 2008, Empire State Development and New York Power Authority announced that hydropower from the Niagara Power Project would be supplied to the Company, which enabled it to reopen and expand its previously idle manufacturing facility in Niagara Falls, New York. On January 30, 2009, the Company entered into a commodity purchase agreement with New York Power Authority and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation where the Company is supplied up to a maximum of 40,000 kW of hydropower from the Niagara Power Project to operate its Niagara Falls facility. The hydropower is supplied at preferential power rates plus market-based delivery charges for a period of up to 5 years. Under the terms of the contract, the Company has committed to specified employment levels and a $60,000 capital expansion program, which, if not met, could reduce the Company’s power allocation from the Niagara Power Project. As of March 31, 2010, the Company has spent approximately $29,000 related to the capital expansion of our Niagara Falls facility.

e.  Joint Development Supply Agreement

On April 24, 2008, the Company’s subsidiaries, Solsil and GMI, entered into a technology license, joint development and supply agreement with BP Solar International Inc. (BP Solar) for the sale of solar grade silicon. As part of this agreement, BP Solar paid Solsil $10,000 as an advance for research and development services and facilities construction. This amount would be refundable to BP Solar if the Company cancels, terminates, or fails to perform under certain terms of the agreement, including lack of performance of research and development services or facilities construction. Revenue associated with facilities construction will be deferred until specified contract milestones have been achieved, less any penalties resulting from construction delays. Revenue associated with research and development services will be deferred until these services are successful in reducing manufacturing costs and then recognized ratably as product is delivered to BP Solar. If research and development services are performed, but are unsuccessful, revenue will be deferred until contract expiration and then recognized. No revenue associated with this agreement has been recognized in earnings as of March 31, 2010 in accordance with ASC 605.25.

f.  Deferred Revenue

In January 2009, the Company entered into a warehousing arrangement with a customer whereby we agreed to deliver and store uncrushed silicon metal based on the customer’s purchase instructions. The customer is required to pay for delivered material within 30 days from the date the material is placed in our warehouse. Further, the customer is required to pay a monthly storage fee based on the quantity stored. As the arrangement does not meet the revenue recognition criteria contained in SAB 104 given the Company has remaining, specific performance obligations such that the earnings process is not complete, no revenue will be recognized for silicon metal stored under this warehousing arrangement. Revenue is recognized when the remaining, specific performance obligations have been performed and delivery has occurred. As of March 31, 2010, all material previously stored under the warehousing arrangement was delivered to the customer and all remaining performance obligations were met. Accordingly, there are no deferred revenues under this agreement at March 31, 2010.

12

(14)  Stockholders’ Equity

a.  Common Stock

In August 2009, the Company closed on an initial public offering on the NASDAQ Global Select Market of 16,100,000 shares of its common stock at $7.00 per share. Of the shares offered, 5,600,000 new shares were offered by the Company and 10,500,000 existing shares were offered by selling stockholders (which included 2,100,000 shares sold by the selling stockholders pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option). Total proceeds of the offering were $112,700, of which the selling stockholders received $68,355, net of underwriting discounts and commissions totaling $5,145, and the Company received $36,456, net of underwriting discounts and commissions totaling $2,744. In addition, the Company also recognized offering costs of $1,688.

b.  Warrants

In connection with the Company’s initial public offering on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange on October 3, 2005, the Company sold 33,500,000 units, consisting of one share of the Company’s common stock and two redeemable common stock purchase warrants. Also in connection with this initial public offering, the Company issued an option to purchase 1,675,000 units (individually, UPO) at an exercise price of $7.50 per UPO. Each UPO consists of one share of the Company’s common stock and two redeemable common stock purchase warrants. All of the Company’s warrants had an exercise price of $5.00 per common share and were scheduled to expire on October 3, 2009.

Prior to the expiration date, the Company received exercise notifications from the holders of substantially all of the outstanding warrants and UPOs. The holders of the UPOs exercising their UPOs also immediately exercised the warrants issuable upon the exercise of their UPOs. As a result of all of these exercises, the Company issued 1,775,933 shares of common stock to the former holders of the warrants and UPOs, and no warrants or UPOs remain outstanding at March 31, 2010. The Company received $1,497 in cash with respect to these exercises, and the remainder of the shares were issued on a net, cashless basis. The sales and issuances of shares pursuant to the warrant and UPO exercises were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) pertaining to private offers and sales or Regulation S pertaining to foreign offers and sales.

  c.  Noncontrolling Interest

On November 28, 2008, the Company entered into a subscription agreement for capital increase associated with its ownership interest in Yonvey. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company agreed to contribute an additional $10,236 in specified installments in exchange for an additional 12% interest in Yonvey. The Company has remitted the entire balance of the capital increase. The subscription agreement provides a call option such that within a period of three years from the agreement’s effective date, the minority shareholder may repurchase up to a maximum 12% ownership interest in Yonvey at a price equal to the relevant percentage of the additional $10,236 registered capital plus a premium calculated using a specified interest rate. In connection with our adoption of ASC 810.10 and ASC 815.40, as Yonvey is a substantive entity, the subscription agreement does not have any contingent exercise provisions, and the settlement amount is tied to the fair value of the Yonvey equity, the call option is considered an equity instrument. As such, the Company reclassified the fair value of the call option liability at June 30, 2009 of $1,072 from other long-term liabilities to noncontrolling interest in stockholders’ equity.

As discussed in note 3, the Company recorded an increase in noncontrolling interest of $27,012 in association with the sale of a 49% membership interest in WVA LLC on November 5, 2009.

(15)  Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per common share are calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share assumes the exercise of stock options, the conversion of warrants, and the exercise of UPOs, provided in each case the effect is dilutive.

The reconciliation of the amounts used to compute basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:


   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share computation
                       
Numerator:
                       
Net income (loss) attributable to Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
  $ 516       937       27,492       (43,619 )
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
    74,320,358       63,930,084       73,238,833       63,819,677  
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
  $ 0.01       0.01       0.38       (0.68 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share computation
                               
Numerator:
                               
Net income (loss) attributable to Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
  $ 516       937       27,492       (43,619 )
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
    74,320,358       63,930,084       73,238,833       63,819,677  
Effect of dilutive securities
    1,249,635       2,966,216        1,172,638        
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
    75,569,993       66,896,300       74,411,471       63,819,677  
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
  $ 0.01       0.01       0.37       (0.68 )

The following potential common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per common share because their effect would be anti-dilutive:

 
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Stock options
    160,000       1,873,000       160,000       1,837,000  
Warrants
                      19,161,473  
UPOs
          1,325,414             1,325,414  
    Total     160.000       3,198,414       160,000       22,323,887  


13

(16)  Share-Based Compensation

The Company’s share-based compensation program consists of the Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. 2006 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Plan (the Stock Plan), which was approved by the Company’s stockholders on November 10, 2006. The Stock Plan provides for the issuance of a maximum of 5,000,000 shares of common stock for the granting of incentive stock options, nonqualified options, stock grants, and share-based awards. Any remaining shares available for grant, but not yet granted, will be carried over and used in the following fiscal years. During the nine months ended March 31, 2010, share-based compensation awards were limited to the issuance of nonqualified stock options and 3,081 common stock grants.

At March 31, 2010, there were 631,919 shares available for grant. 3,533,500 outstanding incentive stock options vest and become exercisable in equal one-quarter increments every six months from the date of grant or date of modification. 810,000 option grants vest and become exercisable in equal one-third increments on the first, second, and third anniversaries of the date of grant. 21,500 option grants and 3,081 common stock grants were issued as immediately vested at the date of grant. All option grants have maximum contractual terms ranging from 5 to 10 years.

A summary of the changes in options outstanding under the Stock Plan during the nine months ended March 31, 2010 is presented below:


               
Weighted-
       
               
Average
       
         
Weighted-
   
Remaining
   
Aggregate
 
   
Number of
   
Average
   
Contractual
   
Intrinsic
 
   
Options
   
Exercise Price
   
Term in Years
   
Value
 
Outstanding as of June 30, 2009
    4,315,000     $ 5.12       4.83     $ 5,095  
Granted
    60,000       11.40                  
Exercised
                           
Forfeited and expired
    (10,000 )     4.00                  
Outstanding as of March 31, 2010
    4,365,000     $ 5.21       4.09     $ 27,536  
Exercisable as of March 31, 2010
    1,631,083     $ 6.02       3.89     $ 8,741  


During the nine months ended March 31, 2010, 1,101,084 options vested, resulting in total vested options of 1,631,083. There are 2,733,917 nonvested options outstanding with a grant date fair value, as modified, of $1.67. The weighted average per share fair value of stock option grants at March 31, 2010 is $4.14.

For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010, share-based compensation expense was $1,260 ($680 after tax) and $4,491 ($2,423 after tax), respectively. For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2009, share-based compensation expense was $1,508 ($813 after tax) and $4,704 ($2,538 after tax), respectively. The expense is reported within selling, general, and administrative expenses.

As of March 31, 2010, the Company has unearned compensation expense of $5,432, before income taxes, related to nonvested stock option awards. The unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized over the following periods ending on June 30:
 
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
 
Share-based compensation (pretax)
  $ 1,215       4,102        113               


It is the Company’s policy to issue new shares to satisfy the requirements of its share-based compensation plan. The Company does not expect to repurchase shares in the future to support its share-based compensation plan.

(17)  Fair Value Measures

Effective July 1, 2009, the Company completed its adoption of ASC 820, which establishes a fair value hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The fair value framework requires the categorization of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to value the assets or liabilities. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, whereas Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1. For example, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets.

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability. For example, cash flow modeling using inputs based on management’s assumptions.

The Company does not have any assets that are required to be remeasured at fair value at March 31, 2010. The following table summarizes liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2010:


   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Interest rate derivatives
  $ 406             406        


Derivative liabilities relate to the interest rate cap and interest rate swap agreements summarized in note 10 (Derivative Instruments). Fair values are determined by independent brokers using quantitative models based on readily observable market data. See note 9 (Debt) for information regarding the fair value of our outstanding debt.

In connection with our adoption of ASC 810.10 and ASC 815.40, the Yonvey call option, previously included as a Level 3 liability, was reclassified to noncontrolling interest in stockholders’ equity. See note 14 (Stockholders’ Equity) for additional information.

(18)  Related Party Transactions

From time to time, the Company enters into transactions in the normal course of business with related parties. Management believes that such transactions are at arm’s length and for terms that would have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties.

A current and a former member of the board of directors are affiliated with Marco International and Marco Realty. During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company:

 
Paid Marco Realty $51 and $47 during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $149 and $144 during the nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, to rent office space for its corporate headquarters in New York City, New York.

 
14

 
Entered into agreements with Marco International to purchase carbon electrodes. Marco International billed $3,462 and $0 during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $6,485 and $0 during the nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, under these agreements.

 
Entered into an agreement to sell ferrosilicon to Marco International. Net sales were $107 and $74 during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $373 and $250 during the nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, under this agreement.

 
Entered into agreements to purchase sodium carbonate from Marco International. During the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, purchases totaled $0 and $40, respectively. During the nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, purchases totaled $0 and $126, respectively.
 
The Company is affiliated with Norchem, Inc. (Norchem) through its 50.0% equity interest. During the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company sold Norchem product valued at $1,219 and $1,103, respectively. During the nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company sold Norchem product valued at $2,485 and $3,218, respectively. At March 31, 2010, receivables from Norchem totaled $675.

Certain entities of the D.E. Shaw group are stockholders of the Company. The Company had outstanding financing arrangements totaling $17,000 with certain entities of the D.E. Shaw group at June 30, 2008. The notes were paid in full in September 2008. Interest expense on these financing arrangements totaled $0 and $389 during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2009, respectively.

Prior to our Yonvey business combination, Yonvey’s predecessor had entered into a lending agreement with the remaining minority stockholder. At March 31, 2010, $845 remained payable to Yonvey from this related party.

(19)  Operating Segments

Operating segments are based upon the Company’s management reporting structure and include the following six reportable segments:

 
GMI — a manufacturer of silicon metal and silicon-based alloys located in the United States.

 
Globe Metais — a distributor of silicon metal manufactured in Brazil. This segment includes the historical Brazilian manufacturing operations, comprised of a manufacturing plant in Breu Branco, mining operations, and forest reserves, which were sold on November 5, 2009.

 
Globe Metales — a manufacturer of silicon-based alloys located in Argentina.

 
Solsil — a manufacturer of upgraded metallurgical grade silicon metal located in the United States.

 
Corporate — general corporate expenses, investments, and related investment income.

 
Other — segments that do not fit into the above reportable segments and are immaterial for purposes of separate disclosure. The operating segments include Yonvey’s electrode production operations and certain other distribution operations for the sale of silicon metal and silicon-based alloys.

Each of our reportable segments distributes its products in both its country of domicile as well as to other international customers. The following presents the Company’s consolidated net sales by product line:


   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Silicon metal
  $ 73,006       47,578       216,592       205,454  
Silicon-based alloys
    34,192       24,054       94,098       116,651  
Other, primarily by-products
    5,288       4,514       15,532       22,505  
    Total   $ 112,486       76,146       326,222       344,610  


a.  Segment Data

The Company began to allocate certain general corporate expenses in fiscal year 2009. Segment results for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2009 have been updated to conform to this reporting convention. Summarized financial information for our reportable segments as of, and for, the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, is shown in the following tables:


   
Three Months Ended
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Net Sales
   
Operating Income (Loss)
   
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
   
Net Sales
   
Operating Income (Loss)
   
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
 
GMI
  $ 86,693       4,913       4,404       48,459       2,717       3,274  
Globe Metais
    12,623       210       204       18,598       2,121       2,280  
Globe Metales
    11,979       2,009       2,141       9,002       2,443       1,983  
Solsil
    -       (295 )     (295 )     112       (1,421 )     (1,424 )
Corporate
    -       (3,012 )     (2,777 )     -       (2,333 )     (2,457 )
Other
    3,309       (844 )     (1,207 )     3,275       (2,639 )     (2,791 )
Eliminations
    (2,118 )     326       326       (3,300 )     87       87  
    $ 112,486       3,307       2,796       76,146       975       952  


15


   
Nine Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Net Sales
   
Operating Income (Loss)
   
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
   
Total Assets
   
Net Sales
   
Operating Income (Loss)
   
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
 
GMI
  $ 234,068       26,840       25,501       273,069       223,354       41,839       41,120  
Globe Metais
    53,603       4,159       7,485       8,510       77,064       13,590       8,754  
Globe Metales
    35,502       8,243       7,645       68,561       41,640       13,664       12,809  
Solsil
    20       (1,186 )     (1,216 )     25,286       2,117       (79,150 )     (78,993 )
Corporate
    -       10,858       10,696       416,404       -       (16,683 )     (15,510 )
Other
    8,932       (3,495 )     (3,943 )     41,713       14,673       (5,741 )     (6,220 )
Eliminations
    (5,903 )     680       680       (231,277 )     (14,238 )     (1,311 )     (1,311 )
    $ 326,222       46,099       46,848       602,266       344,610       (33,792 )     (39,351 )

The accounting policies of our operating segments are the same as those disclosed in note 2 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) to our June 30, 2009 financial statements. We evaluate segment performance principally based on operating income (loss). Intersegment net sales are not material.

b.  Geographic Data

Net sales are attributed to geographic regions based upon the location of the selling unit. Net sales by geographic region for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 consist of the following:


   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
United States
  $ 99,318       61,874       274,721       265,912  
Argentina
    10,387       7,058       30,597       34,178  
Brazil
          5,210       12,820       35,877  
China
    48       162       472       3,171  
Poland
    2,733       1,842       7,612       5,472  
Total
  $ 112,486       76,146       326,222       344,610  


Long-lived assets by geographical region at March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009 consist of the following:


   
March 31,
   
June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
United States
  $ 180,888       180,392  
Argentina
    31,641       32,515  
Brazil
    -       29,760  
China
    28,382       27,060  
Poland
    807       839  
Total
  $ 241,718       270,566  


Long-lived assets consist of property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, and goodwill and other intangible assets.

c.  Major Customer Data

The following is a summary of the Company’s major customers and their respective percentages of consolidated net sales for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009:


   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Dow Corning
    10 %     21 %     14 %     16 %
Wacker Chemie AG
    12       16       13       10  
All other customers
    78       63       73       74  
      100 %     100 %     100 %     100 %


The Company currently has one contract with Dow Corning. The agreement is a four year arrangement in which Dow Corning was to purchase 30,000 metric tons of silicon metal per calendar year through December 31, 2010. This contract was amended in November 2008 to provide for the sale of an additional 17,000 metric tons of silicon metal to be purchased in calendar year 2009. The contract was further amended in connection with the Dow Corning transactions discussed in note 3 to reduce the amount required to be sold in calendar year 2010 to 20,000 metric tons of silicon metal. Under a prior arrangement, effective December 1, 2007 through January 31, 2009, the Company supplied Dow Corning 13,000 metrics tons of silicon metal.

(20)  Subsequent Events

On April 1, 2010, the Company, pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of March 26, 2010 (the Purchase Agreement), purchased from Ospraie Special Opportunities Master Alternative Holdings LLC, The Ospraie Fund L.P., Ospraie Holdings, Inc., and the individuals named in the Purchase Agreement all of the ownership interests in Core Metals Groups Holdings LLC (Core Metals), a Delaware limited liability company, for $52,000 in cash, including $15,329 borrowed under the Company’s senior revolving credit facility. The purchase price is subject to customary post-closing adjustments for changes in working capital and related matters. Core Metals is a leading producer, marketer, and distributor of ferroalloys and specialty materials for the North American steel and foundry industry. The acquisition was made to strengthen our growing ferrosilicon business and expand the line of products and services we offer to steel markets around the world.

On April 7, 2010, the Company sold Masterloy Products Company (Masterloy), an unlimited liability company located in Ontario, Canada, for $3,000 in cash. Masterloy was acquired in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Core Metals. Masterloy is a producer of ferrovanadium and ferromolybdenum, an ancillary business we do not consider critical to our fundamental business strategy.

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date these financial statements were issued.


 
16

 

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain statements made in this quarterly report involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s best judgment based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about us and our industry, and although we base these statements on circumstances that we believe to be reasonable when made, there can be no assurance that future events will not affect the accuracy of such forward-looking information. As such, the forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may vary materially from the results and expectations discussed in this report. Factors that might cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements are more fully described in the “Risk Factors” sections contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 and in this Quarterly Report. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report, as well as the more detailed information in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.

Introduction

Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “our,” “GSM” or the “Company”) is one of the leading manufacturers of silicon metal and silicon-based alloys. As of March 31, 2010, we owned and operated eight manufacturing facilities, principally in three primary operating segments: GMI, our U.S. operations; Globe Metais, our Brazilian operations, the manufacturing component of which was sold on November 5, 2009; and, Globe Metales, our Argentine operations.

Business Segments

We operate in six reportable segments:

 
GMI — a manufacturer of silicon metal and silicon-based alloys located in the United States with plants in Beverly, Ohio, Alloy, West Virginia, Niagara Falls, New York and Selma, Alabama and a quartzite mine in Billingsley, Alabama;

 
Globe Metais — a distributor of silicon metal manufactured in Brazil. This segment includes the historical Brazilian manufacturing operations, comprised of a manufacturing plant in Breu Branco, mining operations and forest reserves which were sold on November 5, 2009;

 
Globe Metales — a manufacturer of silicon-based alloys located in Argentina with a silicon-based alloys plant in Mendoza and a cored-wire fabrication facility in San Luis;

 
Solsil — a developer and manufacturer of upgraded metallurgical grade silicon metal located in the United States with operations in Beverly, Ohio;

 
Corporate — a corporate office including general expenses, investments, and related investment income; and

 
Other — includes an electrode production operation in China and a cored-wire production facility located in Poland. These segments do not fit into the above reportable segments, and are immaterial for purposes of separate disclosure.

Overview and Recent Developments

Our markets for silicon metal and silicon-based alloys continue to improve and expand with both pricing and volume increasing.  Our primary end markets, which include chemicals, steel, aluminum and solar are all continuing their quarter-over-quarter growth as they recover from the global recession. The chemical end market in particular, which represents producers of silicones, appears to have recovered to pre-recession levels. Major silicones producers have recently announced volume growth and increased capacity utilization amid strong customer demand. Steel industry capacity utilization continues to rise and, in the United States, reached 72% in March 2010, its highest level in eighteen months. Aluminum demand is also rising as domestic auto production continues to recover from the recession and demand from polysilicon producers continues to grow as new capacity comes on line. Overall, we continue to see increasing customer demand and rising prices for silicon metal and silicon-based alloys.

We increased our production volume during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 in response to increasing customer demand and, by March 31, 2010, all sixteen of our furnaces in our five silicon and silicon-based alloy plants were running. This includes restarting our Selma, Alabama plant in January 2010, which had been idled since April 2009 at the height of the global economic recession, and continuing the process of ramping up production at our Niagara Falls, New York plant, which had been idled for more than five years. The Selma plant has a capacity of 25,000 MT of silicon metal and, since the plant was idled for only eight months, we were able to ramp up production to full capacity by March 31, 2010. In the quarter, we incurred approximately $600,000 of pre-tax start-up expense related to the Selma plant.

The Niagara Falls plant has a capacity of 30,000 MT of silicon metal. As the facility was idled for an extended period of time, reaching full capacity has been difficult. For the quarter ended March 31, 2010, the Niagara Falls plant was running both of its furnaces, but produced only 75% of its expected output as we worked to stabilize the furnaces. The cost of production at Niagara Falls was also significantly higher than expected, reflected in reduced output and higher raw material and staffing costs. We incurred approximately $2,400,000 of pre-tax start-up costs in the quarter for Niagara Falls. Our Alloy, West Virginia plant, jointly owned with Dow Corning Corporation (Dow Corning), is operating at full capacity as expected.

Net sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 increased approximately $4,208,000, or 4%, from the previous quarter ended December 31, 2009, despite an approximate $6,800,000 decline in sales from Globe Metais as a result of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations to Dow Corning. Our average selling price of silicon metal declined by 8% versus the previous quarter primarily as a result of an increase in material shipped at cost to Dow Corning from the Alloy joint venture and a reduction in volume from calendar 2009 above market contracts, which had only modest carryover volume in the current quarter and were fully satisfied by the end of the quarter.

The average price of silicon-based alloys increased 4% in the quarter as ferrosilicon prices began to rise and we focused on specialty grade product. Tons shipped in the quarter increased 7% as customer demand continues to accelerate. Silicon metal tons shipped increased 7% and silicon-based alloy shipments increased 8%. Net sales increased $36,340,000, or 48%, over the same quarter in the prior year primarily due to increased customer demand, partially offset by a decline in sales of approximately $6,000,000 from Globe Metais.

Income before provision for income taxes totaled approximately $2,796,000 in the quarter and included start-up costs described above of approximately $3,000,000. This compares to income before provision for income taxes in the preceding quarter ended December 31, 2009 of approximately $30,500,000, which included a pre-tax gain of approximately $23,368,000 from the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations, and a $952,000 pre-tax profit in the same quarter in the prior year.

On April 1, 2010, we purchased all of the ownership interests in Core Metals Groups Holdings LLC (Core Metals), a Delaware limited liability company, for $52,000,000 in cash, including $15,329,000 borrowed under our senior revolving credit facility. The purchase price is subject to customary post-closing adjustments for changes in working capital and related matters. Core Metals is a leading producer, marketer, and distributor of ferroalloys and specialty materials for the North American steel and foundry industry. The acquisition was made to strengthen our growing ferrosilicon business and expand the line of products and services we offer to steel markets around the world. Core Metals will be included in our GMI reportable segment. For the fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 2010, we incurred $521,000 in selling, general and administrative expenses related to the Core Metals acquisition.

On April 7, 2010, the Company sold Masterloy Products Company (Masterloy), an unlimited liability company located in Ontario, Canada, for $3,000,000 in cash. Masterloy was acquired in connection with our acquisition of Core Metals. Masterloy is a producer of ferrovanadium and ferromolybdenum, an ancillary business we do not consider critical to our fundamental business strategy.

17

Outlook

Demand for our products continues to increase as customers experience continued end market growth. As demand continues to improve, the spot price for silicon metal and silicon-based alloys has risen, a trend which we anticipate to continue. However, we expect our average selling price of silicon metal to decline modestly in our fiscal fourth quarter ending June 30, 2010 as we ship a higher volume of material under a long-term, low-priced contract with Dow Corning, which expires on December 31, 2010.

We expect sales volumes to increase in the quarter ended June 30, 2010 from the Core Metals acquisition and as we operate all sixteen existing furnaces, including increasing output at Niagara Falls. We are making improvements at our Niagara Falls plant, including enhanced employee training and supervision and improved maintenance. Although the plant continues to operate at approximately 75% of its stated capacity, we anticipate these improvements will increase production at the plant by the end of our fourth fiscal quarter.

The acquisition of Core Metals Group, which closed on April 1, 2010, will provide us with approximately 42,000 MT of additional annual ferrosilicon (a silicon-based alloy) production capacity from its Bridgeport, Alabama plant. Ferrosilicon demand and pricing are rising as the domestic steel industry continues to recover from the global economic recession. Bridgeport has traditionally produced a mix of higher-margin 75% ferrosilicon and lower-margin standard grade 50% ferrosilicon. We anticipate shifting production towards the higher margin products to further improve gross margin. Overall, the Core Metals acquisition should lower our average selling price of silicon-based alloys, since ferrosilicon is sold on a silicon-contained basis, but it will add meaningfully to our gross margin. The gross margin produced from Core Metals will initially be modest in our fiscal fourth quarter since the acquired finished goods inventory will be valued at estimated selling price less the sum of costs of disposal and a profit allowance for our selling efforts.

We anticipate a modest increase in earnings in our fiscal fourth quarter ending June 30, 2010 from the quarter ended March 31, 2010 as a result of the expected increase in production from our existing plants and the acquisition of Core Metals Group, partially offset by an expected decline in the average selling price of silicon metal. At the beginning of calendar 2011, after the below-market 20,000 MT contract expires and our calendar 2010 annual contracts re-price, we expect a significant increase in our silicon metal average selling price, which would directly improve earnings.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management bases our estimates and judgments on historical experience and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from the estimates used under different assumptions or conditions. We have provided a description of significant accounting policies in the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. Our critical accounting policies have not significantly changed from those discussed in “Part II — Item 7. — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, except as follows:

Income Taxes

In determining our quarterly provision for income taxes, we use an estimated annual effective tax rate, which is based on our expected annual income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Subsequent recognition, derecognition and measurement of a tax position taken in a previous period are separately recognized in the quarter in which they occur.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

We annually review, in the third quarter of our fiscal year, goodwill and other intangibles with indefinite useful lives for impairment. After performing this review in the third quarter of fiscal year 2010, management concluded that no material goodwill or other intangibles exist that are at risk of failing step one of the impairment test, as defined in ASC 350, Intangibles–Goodwill and Other.

Results of Operations

GSM Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 vs. 2009

Consolidated Operations:

   
Three Months Ended
             
   
March 31,
   
Increase
   
Percentage
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
(Decrease)
   
Change
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Results of Operations
                       
Net sales
  $ 112,486       76,146       36,340       47.7 %
Cost of goods sold
    99,135       62,894       36,241       57.6 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    10,008       10,500       (492 )     (4.7 %)
Research and development
    36       246       (210 )     (85.4 %)
Restructuring charges
    -       1,387       (1,387 )  
NA
 
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment
    -       144       (144 )  
NA
 
Operating income
    3,307       975       2,332       239.2 %
Interest expense, net
    (993 )     (1,350 )     357       (26.4 %)
Other income
    482       1,327       (845 )     (63.7 %)
Income before provision for income taxes
    2,796       952       1,844       193.7 %
Provision for income taxes
    1,751       916       835       91.2 %
        Net income
    1,045       36       1,009       2,802.8 %
(Income) losses attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax
    (529 )     901       (1,430 )     (158.7 %)
Net income attributable to Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
  $ 516       937       (421 )     (44.9 %)

 
18

 


Net Sales:

 
                                     
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2009
 
   
Net Sales
   
Net Sales
 
   
$ (in 000s)
   
MT
   
$/MT
   
$ (in 000s)
   
MT
   
$/MT
 
Silicon metal
  $ 73,006       30,681     $ 2,380     $ 47,578       18,564     $ 2,563  
Silicon-based alloys
    34,192       17,003       2,011       24,054       9,729       2,472  
Silicon metal and silicon-based alloys
    107,198       47,684       2,248       71,632       28,293       2,532  
Silica fume and other
    5,288                       4,514                  
Total net sales
  $ 112,486                     $ 76,146                  


Net sales increased $36,340,000 from the prior year to $112,486,000 primarily as a result of a 69% increase in tons sold offset by an 11% decline in our average selling price. The increase in tons sold, which represents sales of $49,039,000, resulted from a 65% increase in silicon metal volume and a 75% increase in silicon-based alloy volume. The increase in tons sold of silicon metal was due to additional volume of approximately 5,800 tons produced by the Niagara Falls plant, which reopened in November 2009, driven by demand from our silicones and aluminum end markets. The increase in tons sold of silicon-based alloys was due to higher customer demand from increased steel production driven by higher automobile production and construction spending. Silica fume and other revenue increased by $774,000 as a result of an increase in production levels and sales of by-products.

The GMI segment includes the Alloy joint venture, which was entered into on November 5, 2009, and sells 49% of the output of the Alloy plant to Dow Corning at cost. We control the joint venture and consolidate its results in our financial statements.

Cost of Goods Sold:

The $36,241,000, or 58%, increase in cost of goods sold was a result of a 69% increase in tons sold, which contributed $43,105,000 to cost of goods sold, offset by a 7% decline in our cost per ton sold. This decrease was the result of several factors, including our overall cost reduction programs, the curtailment of Solsil production, which lowered cost of goods sold by $773,000 and tons sold by only 33, and a mix shift within silicon-based alloys, which lowered cost of goods sold by approximately $1,800,000. These cost decreases were partially offset by lower capacity utilization during the quarter and start-up costs of approximately $3,000,000, primarily at our Niagara Falls and Selma plants.

Gross margin represented approximately 17% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal year 2009 and decreased to approximately 12% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal year 2010, primarily as a result of lower silicon-based alloy selling prices and the start-up costs at Niagara Falls and Selma.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:

The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses of $492,000 was primarily due to the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations, which resulted in a $1,700,000 expense reduction, offset by an increase of $537,000 in wages, benefits and bonuses at GMI, and transaction costs of $521,000 associated with the acquisition of Core Metals.

Research and Development:

The decrease in research and development expenses of $210,000 was primarily due to the suspension of production activities at Solsil, which resulted in a decrease of $96,000.

Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment:

Goodwill and intangible asset impairment for the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 was approximately $69,560,000 and was associated with the Solsil business unit. The global economic slowdown, combined with a decrease in oil prices, caused a sharp decline in the product price and demand for upgraded metallurgical grade silicon. As a result, it was determined that the value of the Solsil business unit no longer supported its goodwill and intangible asset balances. The impairment charges were finalized in the third quarter of fiscal year 2009, in conjunction with our annual impairment assessment, resulting in an additional $144,000 goodwill impairment charge.

Net Interest Expense:

Net interest expense decreased by $357,000 due the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009, which resulted in a reduction in interest expense of $588,000, offset by higher interest expense of $292,000 at GMI due primarily to an increase in our interest rate swap liability in the third quarter of fiscal year 2010.

Other Income:

Other income decreased by $845,000 due primarily to a one-time gain from the settlement of litigation at GMI of $1,002,000 and an $851,000 gain at Globe Metais on our foreign exchange forward contracts, both of which occurred in the third fiscal quarter of 2009. We did not have any foreign exchange forward contracts in the third fiscal quarter of 2010. These two prior year gains were offset by year-over-year increases in income from GMI’s Norchem affiliate of $404,000, hydropower dividends at Globe Metales of $398,000 due to the timing of the annual dividend, and a year-over-year decrease in losses of $257,000 from the revaluation of real denominated assets and liabilities.

Provision for Income Taxes:

Provision for income taxes as a percentage of pre-tax income was approximately 63%, or $1,751,000, in the third quarter of fiscal year 2010 and was approximately 96%, or $916,000, in the third quarter of fiscal year 2009. The decrease in the effective tax rate is due primarily to a smaller unfavorable impact in the period of the Company not recording a tax benefit for net losses generated from our Chinese operations due to a history of operating losses, coupled with a change in the mix of operating income earned year-over-year from various taxing jurisdictions.

 
19

Segment Operations
   
    GMI
 
   
Three Months Ended
             
   
March 31,
   
Increase
   
Percentage
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
(Decrease)
   
Change
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Results of Operations
                       
Net sales
  $ 86,693       48,459       38,234       78.9 %
Cost of goods sold
    76,370       41,302       35,068       84.9 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    5,410       4,185       1,225       29.3 %
Restructuring charges
    -       255       (255 )  
NA
 
Operating income
  $ 4,913       2,717       2,196       80.8 %


Net sales increased $38,234,000, or 79%, from the prior year to $86,693,000. The increase was primarily attributable to a 77% increase in tons sold. Silicon metal volumes were up 96% due to increased customer demand and the timing of the fulfillment of long-term contracts, as well as the impact of the reopening of the Niagara Falls plant in November 2009 and the shutdown of Selma in April 2009, which combined provided approximately 7,800 incremental tons. Silicon-based alloy volume was up 44% due to an increase in demand for ferrosilicon due to higher steel production and magnesium ferrosilicon, primarily from the automotive industry. Pricing for silicon metal was up by 2% due to favorable annual contracts offset by the impact of the Alloy joint venture pricing. Pricing for silicon-based alloys was down 8% due to a shift in product mix towards ferrosilicon coupled with reduced ferrosilicon pricing, which was a result of reduced demand and aggressive imports.

The GMI segment includes the Alloy joint venture, which was entered into on November 5, 2009, and sells 49% of the output of the Alloy plant to Dow Corning at cost. We control the joint venture and consolidate its results in our financial statements. As a result of the joint venture, GMI’s total sales and gross margin have been reduced by virtue of the material sold to Dow Corning at cost. Silicon metal pricing was down 5% from the immediately preceding quarter, largely due to material supplied at cost under the joint venture agreement.

Operating income increased by $2,196,000 from the prior year to $4,913,000. This was primarily due to increased production volumes partially offset by increased production costs. Cost of goods sold increased by 85% while volumes increased only by 77%. This increase in cost per ton sold was due to start-up costs of approximately $2,400,000 and $600,000 at Niagara Falls and Selma, respectively, higher labor costs and higher electrode prices.

    Globe Metais
 
   
Three Months Ended
             
   
March 31,
   
Increase
   
Percentage
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
(Decrease)
   
Change
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Results of Operations
                       
Net sales
  $ 12,623       18,598       (5,975 )     (32.1 %)
Cost of goods sold
    12,319       13,970       (1,651 )     (11.8 %)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    94       2,113       (2,019 )     (95.6 %)
Research and development
    -       23       (23 )  
NA
 
Restructuring charges
    -       371       (371 )  
NA
 
Operating income
  $ 210       2,121       (1,911 )     (90.1 %)


Net sales decreased $5,975,000, or 32%, from the prior year to $12,623,000. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in tons sold of 25% and a decrease in average selling prices of 6%. After the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009, we continued to fulfill certain foreign customer contracts, which were less favorably priced starting in calendar 2010, and experienced a decrease in the sale of by-products of $867,000, as well as a sales decrease of $4,375,000 on lower volumes.

Operating income decreased by $1,911,000 from the prior year to $210,000. On November 5, 2009, we sold our Brazilian manufacturing operations to Dow Corning for net proceeds of approximately $65,600,000. We retained certain export customers from the Brazilian manufacturing operations, which should account for approximately $40,000,000 of annual sales. During calendar year 2010, we are obligated to purchase the material to fulfill these contracts from Dow Corning in Brazil, and we expect to earn only a modest gross margin; however, beginning in January 2011, we can source this material from our other plants at a lower cost. Now that this operating segment has transitioned to a distribution business, we expect to incur only modest selling, general and administrative expenses as virtually all costs will be included in cost of goods sold.

20

    Globe Metales
 
   
Three Months Ended
             
   
March 31,
   
Increase
   
Percentage
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
(Decrease)
   
Change
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Results of Operations
                       
Net sales
  $ 11,979       9,002       2,977       33.1 %
Cost of goods sold
    9,150       5,356       3,794       70.8 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    820       734       86       11.7 %
Restructuring charges
    -       469       (469 )  
NA
 
Operating income
  $ 2,009       2,443       (434 )     (17.8 %)

Net sales increased $2,977,000 from the prior year to $11,979,000. This increase was the result of two significant offsetting trends, a 104% increase in volume and a 30% decrease in average selling price. Volumes increased from higher shipments of magnesium ferrosilicon and calcium silicon as demand in the automotive and steel end markets continued to recover. Pricing decreased due to the completion of certain favorable long-term contracts.

Operating income decreased by $434,000 from the prior year to $2,009,000. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in average selling price offset by higher volumes and lower production costs. Average selling prices decreased by 30% while cost per ton decreased by 16%. This decrease in cost per ton sold was primarily due to aggressive cost reductions. Power costs increased beginning in November 2009 as our long-term power agreement expired. We are currently negotiating a new contract, which we expect will be at a higher rate than the expired contract, and are paying a month-to-month rate until a new contract is completed.
 
    Solsil
 
   
Three Months Ended
             
   
March 31,
   
Increase
   
Percentage
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
(Decrease)
   
Change
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Results of Operations
                       
Net sales
  $ 0       112       (112 )  
NA
 
Cost of goods sold
    166       939       (773 )     (82.3 %)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    93       131       (38 )     (29.0 %)
Research and development
    36       132       (96 )     (72.7 %)
Restructuring charges
    -       187       (187 )  
NA
 
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment
    -       144       (144 )  
NA
 
Operating loss
  $ (295 )     (1,421 )     1,126       (79.2 %)

Net sales decreased $112,000 from the prior year to $0. The decrease was primarily attributable to Solsil suspending commercial production as a result of a significant decline in the price of polysilicon and the decline in demand for upgraded metallurgical grade silicon. As a result, we are concentrating our efforts at Solsil on research and development activities.

Operating loss decreased by $1,126,000 from the prior year to $295,000. The primary driver of the reduction was a decrease in cost of goods sold of $773,000 from the prior year to $166,000 as a result of Solsil’s suspension of commercial production and enhanced focus on refining its production processes to enhance yield and reduce the cost of production. As a result of these changes, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $38,000 and research and development expenses decreased $96,000.

    Corporate
 
   
Three Months Ended
             
   
March 31,
   
Increase
   
Percentage
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
(Decrease)
   
Change
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Results of Operations
                       
Selling, general and administrative expenses
  $ 3,012       2,238       774       34.6 %
Restructuring charges
    -       95       (95 )  
NA
 
Operating loss
  $ (3,012 )     (2,333 )     (679 )     29.1 %

Operating loss increased by $679,000 from the prior year to $3,012,000. The increase in operating loss was primarily due to an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $774,000 from the prior year to $3,012,000. This was primarily due to transaction costs of $521,000 associated with the Core Metals business acquisition.

21

GSM Nine Months Ended March 31, 2010 vs. 2009

Consolidated Operations:


   
Nine Months Ended
             
   
March 31,
   
Increase
   
Percentage
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
(Decrease)
   
Change
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Results of Operations
                       
Net sales
  $ 326,222       344,610       (18,388 )     (5.3 %)
Cost of goods sold
    267,087       261,989       5,098       1.9 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    35,873       44,200       (8,327 )     (18.8 %)
Research and development
    151       1,122       (971 )     (86.5 %)
Restructuring charges
    (81 )     1,387       (1,468 )     (105.8 %)
Gain on sale of Globe Metais
    (22,907 )     -       (22,907 )  
NA
 
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment
    -       69,704       (69,704 )  
NA
 
Operating income (loss)
    46,099       (33,792 )     79,891       (236.4 %)
Interest expense, net
    (3,211 )     (4,966 )     1,755       (35.3 %)
Other income (loss)
    3,960       (593 )     4,553       (767.8 %)
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
    46,848       (39,351 )     86,199       (219.1 %)
Provision for income taxes
    19,702       7,290       12,412       170.3 %
      Net income (loss)
    27,146       (46,641 )     73,787       (158.2 %)
Losses attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax
    346       3,022       (2,676 )     (88.6 %)
Net income (loss) attributable to Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
  $ 27,492       (43,619 )     71,111       (163.0 %)

Net Sales:

 
   
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2010
   
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2009
 
   
Net Sales
   
Net Sales
 
   
$ (in 000s)
   
MT
   
$/MT
   
$ (in 000s)
   
MT
   
$/MT
 
Silicon metal
  $ 216,592       85,402     $ 2,536     $ 205,454       80,373     $ 2,556  
Silicon-based alloys
    94,098       46,862       2,008       116,651       47,460       2,458  
Silicon metal and silicon-based alloys
    310,690       132,264       2,349       322,105       127,833       2,520  
Silica fume and other
    15,532                       22,505                  
Total net sales
  $ 326,222                     $ 344,610                  

Net sales decreased $18,388,000, or 5%, from the prior year to $326,222,000 primarily as a result of a 7% decline in average selling price offset by a 4% increase in tons sold. The decline in average selling price resulted in decreased net sales of approximately $22,801,000 and was a result of an 18% decrease in the average selling price of silicon-based alloys and a 1% decrease in the average selling price of silicon metal. The decline in silicon-based alloy pricing was due to a significant reduction in steel production driven by lower automobile production and construction spending. This resulted in an overall reduction in customer demand, which caused us to reduce pricing to retain volume and also caused a mix shift towards the production of ferrosilicon, which is our lowest priced alloy. The decrease in silicon metal pricing was primarily due to the impact of shipping 49% of the Alloy joint venture output at cost to Dow Corning, offset by favorable annual contracts. The increase in tons sold resulted in an increase in net sales of $11,386,000 and was related to a 6% increase in silicon metal, offset by a 1% decrease in silicon-based alloy tons sold. Silicon metal volume sold was up due to the reopening of the Niagara Falls facility in November 2009, which provided approximately an additional 8,900 tons, offset by a decrease in production volumes in Selma of approximately 6,400 tons due to plant closure starting in April 2009. The lower silicon-based alloy volume came from fewer annual contracts and decreased spot sales caused by the global economic recession, which resulted in an across the board reduction in end market demand. This decrease occurred mostly in the first quarter of calendar year 2009. Silica fume and other revenue decreased by $6,973,000 as a result of a decline of $2,699,000 in our sales of electrodes to third parties, and lower production levels and sales of other by-products.

The GMI segment includes the Alloy joint venture, which was entered into on November 5, 2009, and sells 49% of the output of the Alloy plant to Dow Corning at cost. We control the joint venture and consolidate its results in our financial statements.

Cost of Goods Sold:

The $5,098,000, or 2%, increase in cost of goods sold was a result of a 4% increase in tons sold offset by a 2% decline in cost per ton sold. This decline in cost per ton sold was the result of several factors, including the curtailment of Solsil production, which lowered cost of goods sold by $8,878,000 and tons sold by only 213, a mix shift within silicon-based alloys to lower cost ferrosilicon, which reduced cost of goods sold by approximately $7,300,000 and our overall cost reduction programs. These cost decreases were partially offset by lower capacity utilization during the first three quarters of fiscal year 2010 and start-up costs totaling approximately $6,900,000, primarily at our Niagara Falls and Selma plants.

Gross margin represented approximately 24% of net sales in the fiscal year to date period ending March 2009 and decreased to approximately 18% of net sales in the fiscal year to date period ending March 2010, primarily as a result of the start-up costs for Niagara Falls and Selma, the impact of selling 49% of the Alloy joint venture output at cost, and the lower silicon-based alloy average selling price.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:

The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses of $8,327,000, or 19%, was largely due to the write-off of $2,527,000 of deferred offering costs in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009, caused by a more than 90 day delay in our initial public offering, a decrease of $1,179,000 and $632,000 in audit and audit related professional fees at Corporate and Yonvey, respectively, a decrease of $1,033,000 of wages, insurance and general expense at Yonvey through aggressive cost cutting measures, a decrease of $489,000 primarily in salaries and wages at Solsil due to the suspension of commercial production, and a decrease of approximately $4,262,000 at Metais, of which $3,550,000 was due to the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations, and the balance was due to aggressive cost reduction measures. These decreases were offset in part by an increase in bonus accruals, and salaries and benefits of $626,000 and $527,000, respectively at Corporate.

Research and Development:

The decrease in research and development expenses of $971,000 was primarily due to the suspension of production and related activities at Solsil, which resulted in a decrease of $763,000.

Gain on Sale of Globe Metais:

Gain on sale of Globe Metais recorded in the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 was approximately $22,907,000 and was net of transaction expense of $2,699,000. The gain was associated with the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009 for net cash proceeds of $65,600,000, which represented a purchase price of $75,000,000 less withholding taxes and certain expenses.

22

Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment:

Goodwill and intangible asset impairment for the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 was approximately $69,560,000 and was associated with the Solsil business unit. The global economic slowdown, combined with a decrease in oil prices, caused a sharp decline in the product price and demand for upgraded metallurgical grade silicon. As a result, it was determined that the value of the Solsil business unit no longer supported its goodwill and intangible asset balances. The impairment charges were finalized in the third quarter of fiscal year 2009, in conjunction with the annual impairment assessment, resulting in an additional $144,000 goodwill impairment charge.

  Net Interest Expense:

Net interest expense decreased by $1,755,000 due to the refinancing and repayment of credit facilities at GMI and Yonvey, which resulted in lower average debt balances and interest rates, and the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009.

Other Income (Loss):

Other income (loss) increased by $4,553,000 due to a year-over-year foreign exchange gain of $6,183,000 driven primarily by fluctuations of the Brazilian real against the U.S. dollar, and a year-over-year increase in income from GMI’s Norchem affiliate of $421,000, offset by a one-time gain at GMI of $934,000 due to the settlement of litigation in the first nine months of fiscal year 2009 and a year-over-year decrease of $465,000 of other income related to royalties associated with the lease of certain property at GMI. The foreign exchange gain consisted of a year-over-year increase of $7,407,000 at Globe Metais which was primarily associated with the revaluation of long-term real denominated tax assets, and a year-over-year loss at Corporate of $1,307,000 primarily related to the revaluation of real denominated liabilities.

Provision for Income Taxes:

Provision for income taxes as a percentage of pre-tax income was approximately 42%, or $19,702,000, in the fiscal year to date period ending March 2010 and (19%), or $7,290,000, in the fiscal year to date period ending March 2009. The change in our tax provision was primarily due to the fact that the goodwill impairment charge recorded in fiscal year 2009 arose from a non-taxable acquisition and no tax benefit was obtained from the impairment charge. The increase in the effective tax rate is also due to a provision for income taxes totaling $9,270,000 in connection with the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations, a smaller unfavorable impact in the period of the Company not recording a tax benefit for net losses generated from our Chinese operations due to a history of operating losses, as well as a reduction in the benefit from tax holidays in Argentina.
 
Segment Operations

    GMI
 
   
Nine Months Ended
             
   
March 31,
   
Increase
   
Percentage
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
(Decrease)
   
Change
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Results of Operations
                       
Net sales
  $ 234,068       223,354       10,714       4.8 %
Cost of goods sold
    192,291       167,596       24,695       14.7 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    15,018       13,664       1,354       9.9 %
Restructuring charges
    (81 )     255       (336 )     (131.8 %)
Operating income
  $ 26,840       41,839       (14,999 )     (35.8 %)

Net sales increased $10,714,000, or 5%, from the prior year to $234,068,000. The increase was primarily attributable to a 5% increase in tons sold. Silicon metal volume was up 20% primarily due to the impact of the reopening of the Niagara Falls facility in November 2009, which provided approximately an additional 8,900 tons, offset by a decrease in production volumes in Selma of approximately 6,400 tons due to plant closure starting in April 2009. Silicon-based alloy volume was down 17% due to a decline in demand for magnesium ferrosilicon, primarily from the automotive industry. Pricing for silicon metal was up 5% due to favorable annual contracts and improving market spot prices. Pricing for silicon-based alloys was down 14% due to a product mix shift towards ferrosilicon coupled with reduced ferrosilicon pricing, which was the result of reduced demand and aggressive foreign imports.

The GMI segment includes the Alloy joint venture, which was entered into on November 5, 2009, and sells 49% of the output of the Alloy plant to Dow Corning at cost. We control the joint venture and consolidate its results in our financial statements. As a result of the joint venture, GMI’s total sales and gross margin have been reduced by virtue of the material sold to Dow Corning at cost. Silicon metal pricing was down 5% from the immediately preceding quarter largely due to material supplied at cost under the joint venture agreement.

Operating income decreased by $14,999,000 from the prior year to $26,840,000. This was primarily due to increased production costs and lower average selling prices on silicon-based alloys. Cost of goods sold increased by 15% while volumes increased by only 5%. This caused an increase in the cost per ton sold, which was due to reduced capacity utilization, start-up costs of approximately $6,600,000 at Niagara Falls and Selma and higher electrode prices.
 
Globe Metais
   
Nine Months Ended
             
   
March 31,
   
Increase
   
Percentage
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
(Decrease)
   
Change
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Results of Operations
                       
Net sales
  $ 53,603       77,064       (23,461 )  
(30.4
%)
Cost of goods sold
    44,990       56,016       (11,026 )     (19.7 %)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    2,695       6,957       (4,262 )     (61.3 %)
Research and development
    11       130       (119 )     (91.5 %)
Restructuring charges
    -       371       (371 )  
NA
 
Gain on sale of Globe Metais
    1,748       -       1,748    
NA
 
Operating loss
  $ 4,159       13,590       (9,431     (69.4 %)

Net sales decreased $23,461,000, or 30%, from the prior year to $53,603,000. The decrease was primarily attributable to a 29% decrease in tons sold and a decrease in the sale of by-products of $3,380,000. The decrease in volume was due to the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009 and the global economic recession, which caused a pronounced decline in domestic Brazilian demand and European demand from producers of silicones and aluminum. After the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations, we no longer produce and sell by-products.

Operating income decreased by $9,431,000, or 69%, from the prior year to $4,159,000. The decrease was primarily due to the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations, which led to lower sales volumes and transaction costs associated with the sale of Globe Metais of $1,748,000, offset by lower selling, general and administrative expenses due to the timing of the sale and aggressive cost reduction measures. Cost of goods sold decreased 20% while volumes decreased 29%, which caused an increase in the cost per ton sold. This increase was due to lower capacity utilization and increased production costs associated with the appreciation of the real, which was offset by gains on our foreign exchange forward contract, which are recorded in other income (loss). Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $4,262,000 due to the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009, which resulted in a cost reduction of approximately $3,550,000, and the balance was due to aggressive cost reduction measures.

The current year to date gain on sale of Globe Metais reflects only transaction costs of $1,748,000 associated with the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations, as the gain on the sale of the manufacturing operations is reported in the Corporate operating segment.

 
23

 
    Globe Metales
 
   
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
   
Increase
   
Percentage
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
(Decrease)
   
Change
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Results of Operations
                       
Net sales
  $ 35,502       41,640       (6,138 )     (14.7 %)
Cost of goods sold
    24,911       24,883       28       0.1 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    2,348       2,624       (276 )     (10.5 %)
Restructuring charges
    -       469       (469 )  
NA
 
Operating income
  $ 8,243       13,664       (5,421 )     (39.7 %)

Net sales decreased $6,138,000, or 15%, from the prior year to $35,502,000. The decrease was primarily attributable to a 32% decrease in average selling price offset by a 30% increase in tons sold. Pricing decreased due to the completion of certain favorable long-term contracts, a change in product mix, which included the sale of lower priced ferrosilicon, the market price of which was affected by a reduction in global steel production. Volumes increased primarily due to the re-entry of Globe Metales into the lower priced ferrosilicon market.

Operating income decreased by $5,421,000 from the prior year to $8,243,000. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in average selling prices offset by higher volumes and lower production costs. Average selling prices decreased by 32% and cost per ton decreased by only 23%. The reduced gross margin and operating income resulted primarily from the change in product mix, which included the production of lower priced ferrosilicon, partially offset by our aggressive cost reduction initiatives.
 
     Solsil
 
   
Nine Months Ended
             
   
March 31,
   
Increase
   
Percentage
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
(Decrease)
   
Change
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Results of Operations
                       
Net sales
  $ 20       2,117       (2,097 )     (99.1 %)
Cost of goods sold
    690       9,568       (8,878 )     (92.8 %)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    378       907       (529 )     (58.3 %)
Research and development
    138       901       (763 )     (84.7 %)
Restructuring charges
    -       187       (187 )  
NA
 
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment
    -       69,704       (69,704 )  
NA
 
Operating loss
  $ (1,186 )     (79,150 )     77,964       (98.5 %)

Net sales decreased $2,097,000 from the prior year to $20,000. The decrease was primarily attributable to Solsil suspending commercial production as a result of a significant decline in the price of polysilicon and the decline in demand for upgraded metallurgical grade silicon. As a result, we are concentrating our efforts on research and development activities focused on reducing our cost of production.

Cost of goods sold decreased $8,878,000 from the prior year to $690,000. Cost of goods sold was $7,451,000 in excess of sales in 2009, reflecting Solsil’s additional investment to refine its production processes. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $529,000 and research and development expenses decreased $763,000 as a result of suspended production and the focus on enhancing production yields and lowering the cost of production. Solsil recorded a goodwill and intangible asset impairment in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 of $69,560,000. The global economic slowdown, combined with the decrease in oil prices, caused a sharp decline in the product price and demand for upgraded metallurgical grade silicon. As a result, it was determined that the value of the Solsil business no longer supported its goodwill and intangible asset balances. The impairment charges were finalized in the third quarter of fiscal year 2009, in conjunction with our annual impairment assessment, resulting in an additional $144,000 goodwill impairment charge.

    Corporate
 
   
Nine Months Ended
             
   
March 31,
   
Increase
   
Percentage
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
(Decrease)
   
Change
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Results of Operations
                       
Selling, general and administrative expenses
  $ 13,797       16,588       (2,791 )     (16.8 %)
Restructuring charges
    -       95       (95 )  
NA
 
Gain on sale of Globe Metais
    (24,655 )     -       (24,655 )  
NA
 
Operating income (loss)
  $ 10,858       (16,683 )     27,541       (165.1 %)

Operating income (loss) increased by $27,541,000 from the prior year to $10,858,000. The increase was primarily due to the $24,655,000 gain on the sale of Globe Metais recorded in the second quarter of fiscal year 2010, which was net of transaction expenses of $951,000 at Corporate. The gain was associated with the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009 for net cash proceeds of approximately $65,600,000, representing a purchase price of $75,000,000 less income taxes and transaction expenses.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $2,791,000 or 17%, from the prior year to $13,797,000. This was primarily due to the write-off of $2,527,000 of deferred offering costs in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009 because our initial public offering was postponed by more than 90 days, a decrease of $1,179,000 in audit and audit related professional fees, partially offset by an increase in bonus and bonus accruals of $626,000 and an increase in salaries and benefits of $527,000.

24

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources of Liquidity

Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and available borrowings under GMI’s revolving credit facility. At March 31, 2010, our cash and cash equivalents balance was approximately $219,787,000. At March 31, 2010, we had $2,902,000 available on a revolving credit facility; there was a $22,000,000 balance outstanding on the revolving credit facility at March 31, 2010, and there were outstanding letters of credit in the amount of $1,288,000 associated with foreign supplier contracts and $1,810,000 associated with a power supply contract. In connection with the sale of a 49% interest in WVA LLC to Dow Corning, we agreed to modify the terms of our senior credit facility. The modifications included a reduction of revolving credit from $35,000,000 to $28,000,000 in exchange for the release of the assets of West Virginia Alloys as security for the senior credit facility.

Our subsidiaries borrow funds in order to finance capital expansion programs. The terms of certain of those financing arrangements place restrictions on distributions of funds to us, however, we do not expect this to have an impact on our ability to meet our cash obligations. We believe we have access to adequate resources to meet our needs for normal operating costs, capital expenditure, mandatory debt redemptions, and working capital for our existing business. These resources include cash and cash equivalents, cash provided by operating activities, and unused lines of credit. Given the current uncertainty in the financial markets, our ability to access capital and the terms under which we can do so may change. Should we be required to raise capital in this environment, potential outcomes might include higher borrowing costs, less available capital, more stringent terms and tighter covenants, or in extreme conditions, an inability to raise capital. We estimate that our fiscal year 2010 capital expenditures will be approximately $24,000,000, which includes approximately $14,000,000 for maintenance capital expenditures and approximately $10,000,000 for scheduled enhancement projects. This amount could increase if we undertake additional projects. Our ability to satisfy debt service obligations, to fund planned capital expenditures and make acquisitions will depend upon our future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions in our industry as well as financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control.

See Long-Term Debt for a summary of our long-term debt agreements.


Cash Flows

The following table is a summary of consolidated cash flows:

 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
 
2010
   
2009
 
     
(Dollars in thousands)
    
 
  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
  $ 61,876       73,994  
 
  Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities
    (27,656 )     31,639  
 
  Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
    41,280       (43,255 )
 
  Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
    144,315       (17,398 )
 
  Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (28 )     42  
 
  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 219,787       45,022  

Operating Activities:

Our business is cyclical and cash flows from operating activities may fluctuate during the year and from year-to-year due to economic conditions.

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities was $(27,656,000) and $31,639,000 during the first nine months of fiscal year 2010 and 2009, respectively. Net cash provided by operating activities excludes changes in our operating assets and liabilities associated with the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations, but include the operating cash flows of these operations prior to the November 5, 2009 date of sale. Excluding the impact of the one-time goodwill and intangible asset charge and the gain on the sale of Globe Metais, the $59,295,000 decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was due to an increase in net working capital and lower operating results, as well as a tax payments of $38,449,000 made on the taxable gains on sale of Globe Metais and a noncontrolling interest in WVA Manufacturing LLC (WVA LLC). In the first nine months of fiscal year 2010, accounts receivable increased significantly due to the start-up of Niagara Falls and Selma and overall increased sales. Further, accounts payable increased due to additional maintenance and furnace overhaul and purchases associated with the restart of furnaces, as well as the impact of purchases of product from Brazil that were previously produced by the Globe Metais business. Finally, the Company reduced accrued liabilities due to the timing of recognition of deferred revenue based on product shipment.

Investing Activities:

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities was approximately $41,280,000 and $(43,255,000) during the first nine months of fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively. In the first nine months of fiscal year 2010, $58,445,000 of cash was provided by the sale of 100% of our interest in the manufacturing operations of Globe Metais, net of cash transferred with the sale of $16,555,000. Year-over-year capital expenditures decreased from approximately $46,507,000 to $16,432,000 as capital expenditures related to the reopening and expansion of the Niagara Falls facility, capital investments to increase the upgraded metallurgical grade silicon capacity of Solsil, and capital improvements at Yonvey have largely been completed. Capital expenditures in the first nine months of fiscal year 2010 primarily consisted of maintenance capital expenditure and the completion of the Niagara Falls facility expansion. Net cash provided by investing activities of approximately $2,987,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2009 was due to the redemption of U.S. government treasury securities.

25

Financing Activities:

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was approximately $144,315,000 and $(17,398,000) during the first nine months of fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively. The increase of approximately $161,713,000 in cash provided by (used in) financing activities was mainly due to $100,000,000 of cash provided by the sale of a 49% interest in WVA LLC, net of transaction costs. Proceeds from the close of our initial public offering and listing on the NASDAQ contributed $36,456,000, net of underwriting discounts and commissions of $2,744,000. Additionally, net borrowings of approximately $9,420,000 of long-term and short-term debt, including the borrowing of $22,000,000 used primarily for the acquisition of the Core Metals business, occurred during the first nine months of fiscal year 2010, compared to net repayments of $17,756,000 in the first nine months of fiscal year 2009. Cash provided by warrant and UPO exercises increased by approximately $664,000 year-over-year, as UPO and warrant holders exercised these financial instruments prior to their expiration in October 2009.

Exchange Rate Change on Cash:

The effect of exchange rate changes on cash was related to fluctuations in renminbi, the functional currency of our Chinese subsidiary, Yonvey.

Commitments and Contractual Obligations

In connection with the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations, $14,000,000 of export prepayment financing was transferred to Dow Corning, as well as the related interest rate swap. We also settled the foreign exchange forward contracts utilized to manage a portion of our net foreign currency exposure to the Brazilian real in November 2009, prior to the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations. In addition, in connection with the joint venture agreement with Dow Corning at our Alloy plant, we agreed to modify the terms of our senior term loan and senior credit facility. These modifications included a $6,000,000 prepayment of the senior term loan, applied to reduce the scheduled installments of principal in inverse order of maturity, and a reduction of revolving credit from $35,000,000 to $28,000,000 in exchange for the release of the assets of West Virginia Alloys as security for both the senior term loan and senior credit facility.

Our remaining commitments and contractual obligations have not changed significantly from those disclosed in “Part II — Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Commitments and Contractual Obligations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.

Internal Controls and Procedures

We are required to comply with the internal control requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010. At June 30, 2009, we identified certain deficiencies in our internal controls that we considered to be significant deficiencies. We continue to remediate these significant deficiencies, but the corrective actions we have taken have not been fully tested and may not adequately resolve the remaining significant deficiencies. Management intends to complete its control assessment and cure any significant deficiencies by the end of fiscal year 2010, when our management must provide an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls and procedures and our auditors must provide an attestation thereof.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements or relationships with unconsolidated entities of financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities.

Litigation and Contingencies

We are subject to various lawsuits, claims and proceedings that arise in the normal course of business, including employment, commercial, environmental, safety and health matters, as well as claims associated with our historical acquisitions. Although it is not presently possible to determine the outcome of these matters, in the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

At March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2009, there are no significant liabilities recorded for environmental contingencies. With respect to the cost for ongoing environmental compliance, including maintenance and monitoring, such costs are expensed as incurred unless there is a long-term monitoring agreement with a governmental agency, in which case a liability is established at the inception of the agreement.

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt comprises the following:


   
March 31,
   
June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Senior term loan
  $ 19,021       33,684   
Export prepayment financing
          17,000   
Other
    159        2,241   
    Total     19,180       52,925  
Less current portion of long-term debt
    (8,571 )       (16,561 )  
Long-term debt, net of current portion
  $ 10,609       36,364   


Senior Term Loan  — The Company entered into a five-year senior term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $40,000,000 during September 2008. Interest on the senior term loan accrues at LIBOR plus an applicable margin percentage or, at the Company’s option, prime plus an applicable margin percentage. Principal payments are due in quarterly installments of $2,105,000 commencing on December 31, 2008, and the unpaid principal balance is due in full in September 2013, subject to certain mandatory prepayments. A mandatory prepayment of $2,347,000 was made during the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 based on excess cash flow, as defined in the loan agreement, generated during fiscal year 2009. As part of the Dow Corning transactions, the Company made a $6,000,000 prepayment of the senior term loan, applied to the scheduled installments of principal in inverse order of maturity, in exchange for the release of the assets of West Virginia Alloys as security for the senior term loan. The interest rate on this loan was 2.50%, equal to LIBOR plus 2.25%, at March 31, 2010. The senior term loan is secured by substantially all of the assets of GMI and is subject to certain restrictive and financial covenants, which include limits on additional debt, restrictions on capital expenditures, restrictions on dividend and other equity distributions, a maximum ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, and minimum net worth and interest coverage requirements. The Company was in compliance with these loan covenants at March 31, 2010.

Export Prepayment Financing – The export prepayment financing debt was related to Globe Metais, which was sold in November 2009.

26

Recently Implemented Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codificationtm and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. This statement identifies the sources of accounting principles used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP (the GAAP hierarchy). This statement establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codificationtm (the Codification/ASC) as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, except for SEC rules and interpretive releases, which are also authoritative U.S. GAAP for SEC registrants. The Codification standard (FASB ASC Subtopic 105-10 on generally accepted accounting principles) was adopted on July 1, 2009. This change had no effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC Subtopic 805-10, Business Combinations. This statement establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer (i) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity, (ii) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase, and (iii) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This accounting standard was adopted on July 1, 2009. This statement will be applied prospectively to the Company’s business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after July 1, 2009.

In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC Subtopic 810-10, Consolidation — Consolidation of Entities Controlled by Contract (ASC 810.10) and ASC Subtopic 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (ASC 815.40). The Company adopted ASC 810.10 and ASC 815.40 on July 1, 2009. The objective of these statements is to improve the relevance, comparability, and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in its financial statements by establishing accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. In accordance with ASC 810.10 and ASC 815.40, the Company has provided the enhanced disclosures required by ASC 810.10 and ASC 815.40 in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and condensed consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity for all periods presented.

In September 2006, the FASB issued ASC Subtopic 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820). The Company partially adopted ASC 820 on July 1, 2008. This adoption did not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition. The Company fully adopted ASC 820 on July 1, 2009. ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for the measurement of fair value, and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. The statement does not require any new fair value measures. The Company carries its derivative agreements, as well as available-for-sale securities, at fair value, determined using observable market based inputs. See our March 31, 2010 and 2009 condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.

In September 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC Subtopic 740-10, Income Taxes (ASC 740). The Company adopted this amendment on December 31, 2009. This amendment to ASC 740 adds implementation guidance for all entities about applying the accounting requirements for uncertain tax matters. The implementation of this additional guidance had no effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. See our March 31, 2010 and 2009 condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Accounting Pronouncements to be Implemented

In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC Subtopic 860-10, Transfers and Servicing (ASC 860). The objective of this amendment is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial statements about a transfer of financial assets; the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; and a transferor’s continuing involvement, if any, in transferred financial assets. This amendment improves financial reporting by eliminating (1) the exceptions for qualifying special-purpose entities from the consolidation guidance and (2) the exception that permitted sale accounting for certain mortgage securitizations when a transferor has not surrendered control over the transferred financial assets. This amendment is effective for the Company on July 1, 2010. The Company is currently assessing the potential effect of the amendment of ASC 860 on its financial position or results of operations.

In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC Subtopic 810-10, Consolidation — Variable Interest Entities (ASC 810). The objective of this amendment is to improve financial reporting by enterprises involved with variable interest entities by eliminating the quantitative-based risks and rewards calculation and requiring an enterprise to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling interest in a variable interest entity. In addition, the amendment requires an ongoing reassessment of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. This amendment is effective for the Company on July 1, 2010. The Company is not currently involved with variable interest entities and, therefore, does not currently expect any impact from the amendment to ASC 810 on its financial position and results of operations.

In December 2008, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC Subtopic 715-10, Compensation — Retirement Benefits (ASC 715). This amendment provides guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. The amendment requires employers of public entities to disclose more information about how investment allocation decisions are made, more information about major categories of plan assets, including concentrations of risk and fair-value measurements, and the fair-value techniques and inputs used to measure plan assets. The disclosure requirements of the amendment to ASC 715 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. The amendment to ASC 715 has no impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In October 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC Subtopic 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820). This amendment requires reporting entities to make new disclosures about recurring or nonrecurring fair value measurements including significant transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis in the reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements. The amendment also clarifies existing fair value measurement disclosure guidance about the level of disaggregation, inputs, and valuation techniques. The disclosure requirements of the amendment to ASC 820, except for the detailed Level 3 roll forward disclosures, is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009. The new disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward activity for Level 3 fair value measurements are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010. This amendment to ASC 820 has no impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

In connection with the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations, we transferred our long-term lease mining rights and forest reserves in Brazil, as well as $14,000,000 of export prepayment financing and the related interest rate swap, to Dow Corning. Further, we settled the remaining foreign exchange forward contracts utilized to manage a portion of our net foreign currency exposure to the Brazilian real in November 2009, prior to the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations. With the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations, our exposure to commodity price fluctuations in Brazil, as well as foreign exchange rate fluctuations with the Brazilian real have been substantially reduced. We retained certain export customers from the Brazilian manufacturing operations, and for calendar year 2010 we will be buying material from Dow Corning for sale to these export customers and expect to earn only a modest gross margin on the sales.

Our remaining market risks have not changed significantly from those disclosed in “Part II — Item 7A. — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, respectively), we have evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a -15(e)) as of March 31, 2010. Based upon that evaluation, our Principal Executive Officers and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


 
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PART II

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, we are subject to periodic lawsuits, investigations, claims and proceedings, including, but not limited to, contractual disputes, employment, environmental, health and safety matters, as well as claims associated with our historical acquisitions. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations, claims and proceedings asserted against us, we do not believe any currently pending legal proceeding to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, cash flows, results of operations or liquidity.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

A description of the risks associated with our business, financial condition, and results of operations is set forth in “Part I — Item 1A. — Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. There have been no material changes in our risks from such description, except as follows:

Our business is particularly sensitive to increases in energy costs which could materially increase our cost of production.

As discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, due to the fact that energy constitutes a high percentage of our production costs, we are particularly vulnerable to cost fluctuations in the energy industry. The energy which we use is subject to price volatility caused by changes in global supply and demand and governmental controls, and we attempt to reduce the impact of increases in our energy costs by negotiating long-term contracts.

As of October 31, 2009, our power agreement related to our operations in Argentina expired, and we expect prices to increase under a new contract. Negotiations on a fixed-price long-term contract are ongoing, however, a new contract has not been formalized as of the date of issuance of this report. The non-renewal of this contract, or a material increase in the price of energy, could materially adversely affect our future earnings and our low cost competitive advantage. If we are not able to increase our sales prices to mitigate our exposure to rising energy prices, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and operating cash flows.

Item 6.  Exhibits

Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Document                                               
31.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002†
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002†
32.1
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002†
____________

Filed herewith.

 
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SIGNATURES

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

Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
(Registrant)

By:                      /s/  Jeff Bradley                                                     
             Jeff Bradley
             Chief Executive Officer

By:                  /s/  Malcolm Appelbaum                                                  
             Malcolm Appelbaum
             Chief Financial Officer

 
 
May 17, 2010
 
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