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, 2011

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  þ      No  o

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  o      No  o

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  o
Accelerated filer  o
Non-accelerated filer  þ
Smaller reporting company  o
 
(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  o      No  þ

As of May 11, 2011, the registrant had 75,209,207 shares of common stock outstanding.
 
 
 
 




 
 
 
 

 
 

Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.

 
 
Page
No.        
PART I
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements                                                                                                                                      
 1
Item 2.
 17
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk                                                                                                                                      
 26
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures                                                                                                                                      
 26
     
PART II
 
   
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings                                                                                                                                      
 27
Item 1A.
Risk Factors                                                                                                                                      
 27
Item 6.
Exhibits                                                                                                                                      
 27
SIGNATURES                                                                                                                                                     
 28
 
 
 
 
 


 
 

 

PART I

Item 1.   Financial Statements

 
1

 

 
GLOBE SPECIALTY METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2010
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                 
           
March 31,
2011
 
June 30,
2010
ASSETS
Current assets:
         
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
 155,313
 
 157,029
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $738
       
   
and $997 at March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2010, respectively
 
 61,761
 
 55,907
 
Inventories
   
 101,077
 
 87,163
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
 25,032
 
 23,809
     
Total current assets
   
 343,183
 
 323,908
Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
 227,819
 
 219,267
Goodwill
     
 53,406
 
 52,025
Other intangible assets
   
 477
 
 477
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
 
 8,538
 
 8,185
Deferred tax assets
   
 71
 
 71
Other assets
   
 21,033
 
 3,212
     
Total assets
 
$
 654,527
 
 607,145
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
         
 
Accounts payable
 
$
 44,136
 
 47,298
 
Current portion of long-term debt
 
 10
 
 10,092
 
Short-term debt
   
 532
 
 8,067
 
Revolving credit agreements
 
 12,000
 
 -
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
 33,504
 
 35,832
     
Total current liabilities
 
 90,182
 
 101,289
Long-term liabilities:
         
 
Revolving credit agreements
 
 34,989
 
 16,000
 
Long-term debt
   
 -
 
 6,920
 
Deferred tax liabilities
   
 14,311
 
 6,645
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
 18,032
 
 17,462
     
Total liabilities
   
 157,514
 
 148,316
Commitments and contingencies (note 11)
       
Stockholders’ equity:
         
 
Common stock, $0.0001 par value. Authorized, 150,000,000 shares;
       
   
issued,75,183,207 and 74,421,826 shares at
       
   
March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2010, respectively
 
 8
 
 7
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
 399,217
 
 390,354
 
Retained earnings
   
 64,755
 
 38,761
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
 (3,846)
 
 (4,438)
 
Treasury stock at cost, 282,437 and 1,000 shares at
 
 (4)
 
 (4)
   
March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2010, respectively
       
     
Total Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. stockholders’ equity
 
 460,130
 
 424,680
 
Noncontrolling interest
   
 36,883
 
 34,149
     
Total stockholders’ equity
 
 497,013
 
 458,829
     
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
 654,527
 
 607,145
                 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
2

 


GLOBE SPECIALTY METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements
Three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                             
             
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
             
March 31,
   
March 31,
             
2011
 
2010
   
2011
 
2010
Net sales
     
$
 172,802
 
 112,486
 
$
 465,929
 
 326,222
Cost of goods sold
 
 121,621
 
 99,135
   
 361,722
 
 267,087
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
 
 14,396
 
 10,008
   
 38,920
 
 35,873
Research and development
 
 32
 
 36
   
 77
 
 151
Restructuring charges
 
 -
 
 -
   
 -
 
 (81)
Gain on sale of business
 
 -
 
 -
   
 -
 
 (22,907)
   
Operating income
 
 36,753
 
 3,307
   
 65,210
 
 46,099
Other income (expense):
                 
 
Interest income
 
 24
 
 4
   
 83
 
 205
 
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest
 
 (521)
 
 (997)
   
 (2,210)
 
 (3,416)
 
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
 
 125
 
 (64)
   
 (251)
 
 3,222
 
Other income
 
 94
 
 546
   
 644
 
 738
   
Income before provision for income taxes
 
 36,475
 
 2,796
   
 63,476
 
 46,848
Provision for income taxes
 
 12,982
 
 1,751
   
 23,479
 
 19,702
   
Net income
 
 23,493
 
 1,045
   
 39,997
 
 27,146
(Income) losses attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax
 
 (100)
 
 (529)
   
 (2,734)
 
 346
   
Net income attributable to Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
$
 23,393
 
 516
 
$
 37,263
 
 27,492
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                 
 
Basic
       
 75,078
 
 74,320
   
 74,922
 
 73,239
 
Diluted
     
 76,868
 
 75,570
   
 76,574
 
 74,411
Earnings per common share:
                 
 
Basic
     
$
 0.31
 
 0.01
 
$
 0.50
 
 0.38
 
Diluted
     
 0.30
 
 0.01
   
 0.49
 
 0.37
Cash dividends declared per common share
 
 -
 
 -
   
 0.15
 
 -
                             
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 


GLOBE SPECIALTY METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
                                                 
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Nine months ended March 31, 2011
(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
 
Income
 
Equity
Balance at June 30, 2010  
74,422   
 
 $
7   
 
390,354   
 
38,761   
 
(4,438)  
 
(4)  
 
34,149   
     
458,829   
Share-based compensation  
4   
   
—    
 
3,875   
 
—    
 
—    
 
—    
 
—    
     
3,875   
Stock option exercises  
757   
   
1   
 
4,988   
 
—    
 
—    
 
—    
 
—    
     
4,989   
Cash dividend declared  
—    
   
—    
 
—    
 
(11,269)  
 
—    
 
—    
 
—    
     
(11,269)  
Comprehensive income:                                      
  Foreign currency translation adjustment  
—    
   
—    
 
—    
 
—    
 
578   
 
—    
 
—    
 
578   
 
578   
 
Pension liability adjustment (net
                                 
  of income tax expense of $8)  
—    
   
—    
 
—    
 
—    
 
14   
 
—    
 
—    
 
14   
 
14   
  Net income    
—    
   
—    
 
—    
 
37,263   
 
—    
 
—    
 
2,734   
 
39,997   
 
39,997   
    Total comprehensive income                                
40,589   
 
40,589   
Balance at March 31, 2011  
75,183   
 
 $
8   
 
399,217   
 
64,755   
 
(3,846)  
 
(4)  
 
36,883   
 
40,589   
 
497,013   
                                                 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 


GLOBE SPECIALTY METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                     
               
Nine Months Ended
               
March 31,
               
2011
 
2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
       
 
Net income
   
$
 39,997
 
 27,146
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
       
     
Depreciation and amortization
 
 18,350
 
 14,868
     
Share-based compensation
 
 3,875
 
 4,491
     
Gain on sale of business
 
 -
 
 (22,907)
     
Deferred taxes
 
 8,580
 
 (74)
     
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
       
       
Accounts receivable, net
 
 (5,583)
 
 (25,788)
       
Inventories
 
 (14,752)
 
 (5,542)
       
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
 (2,426)
 
 (9)
       
Accounts payable
 
 (3,246)
 
 22,569
       
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
 (2,323)
 
 (14,009)
       
Other
   
 201
 
 (28,401)
         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
 42,673
 
 (27,656)
Cash flows from investing activities:
       
  Capital expenditures    
 (26,776)
 
 (16,432)
 
Sale of businesses, net of cash disposed of $0 and $16,555, respectively
 
 2,500
 
 58,445
 
Working capital adjustments from acquisition of businesses, net
 
 (2,038)
 
 -
 
Other investing activities
 
 (16,935)
 
 (733)
         
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
 
 (43,249)
 
 41,280
Cash flows from financing activities:
       
 
Net payments of long-term debt
 
 (17,002)
 
 (19,750)
 
Net (payments) borrowings of short-term debt
 
 (7,535)
 
 7,170
 
Net borrowings on revolving credit agreements
 
 30,989
 
 22,000
  Dividend payment    
 (11,269)
 
 -
 
Proceeds from stock option exercises
 
 4,989
 
 -
 
Proceeds from warrants exercised
 
 -
 
 1,287
 
Proceeds from UPOs exercised
 
 -
 
 210
 
Sale of noncontrolling interest
 
 -
 
 98,329
 
Sale of common stock
 
 -
 
 36,456
 
Other financing activities
 
 (869)
 
 (1,387)
         
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
 
 (697)
 
 144,315
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
 (443)
 
 (28)
         
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
 (1,716)
 
 157,911
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
 157,029
 
 61,876
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
 155,313
 
 219,787
                     
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
       
 
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest
$
1,685
 
2,198
 
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds totaling $534 and $2,729, respectively
 
4,442
 
50,412
                     
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
5

 


GLOBE SPECIALTY METALS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
(Dollars in thousands, expect per share amounts)
(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, 2010. There have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies during the nine months ended March 31, 2011.

b. 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; estimates of fair value associated with accounting for business combinations; goodwill and long-lived asset impairment tests; estimates of fair value of investments; 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.

c. Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition , 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 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.

d. Recently Implemented Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC Subtopic 860-10, Transfers and Servicing . 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 was adopted on July 1, 2010. This change had no effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC Subtopic 810-10, Consolidation — Variable Interest Entities . 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 was adopted on July 1, 2010. The Company is not currently involved with variable interest entities and, therefore, this change had no effect 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. Adoption of this amendment to ASC 820 had no impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

 
6

 
(3)  Business Combinations, Investments, and Divestitures

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 sale of the Company’s equity interest in Globe Metais was executed in connection with the sale of a 49% membership interest in WVA Manufacturing, LLC (WVA LLC) 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.

Core Metals Group Holdings LLC:

On April 1, 2010, the Company purchased all of the ownership interests in Core Metals Group Holdings LLC (Core Metals). The Company engaged a third-party appraisal firm to assist in the process of determining the estimated fair value of certain assets acquired. The Company finalized the purchase price allocation for the Core Metals acquisition during the quarter ended March 31, 2011. Goodwill totaling $1,274 has been recorded and assigned to the GMI operating segment.

In December 2010, the Company completed the divestiture of its 49% ownership interest in Fluorita de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (FDM) for $2,500. The Company acquired its ownership interest in FDM in connection with the acquisition of Core Metals. FDM operates a fluorite ore mine and fluorspar processing plant located in Mexico, an ancillary business we do not consider critical to our fundamental business strategy. There was no gain or loss associated with the sale of the 49% ownership interest in FDM as the sales price was equal to the recorded book value of this investment.

Nigerian Mining Licenses:

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company made advances totaling approximately $17,000 to acquire exploration mining licenses in Nigeria to mine for manganese ore, a raw material used in the production of certain silicon and manganese based alloys. This investment is recorded in other assets and reflected in other investing activities in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.

(4)  Inventories

Inventories comprise the following:


       
March 31,
 
June 30,
       
2011
 
2010
Finished goods
$
25,433   
 
19,655   
Work in process
 
5,860   
 
2,860   
Raw materials
 
59,230   
 
54,988   
Parts and supplies
 
10,554   
 
9,660   
 
Total
 $
101,077   
 
87,163   


At March 31, 2011, $94,411 in inventory is valued using the first-in, first-out method and $6,666 using the average cost method. At June 30, 2010, $80,435 in inventory is valued using the first-in, first-out method and $6,728 using the average cost method.

(5)  Property, Plant, and Equipment

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


               
March 31
 
June 30,
               
2011
 
2010
Land, land improvements, and land use rights
$
6,671   
 
6,080   
Building and improvements
 
42,325   
 
41,262   
Machinery and equipment
 
90,298   
 
78,370   
Furnaces
       
132,261   
 
124,898   
Other
         
3,978   
 
3,640   
Construction in progress
 
23,509   
 
17,824   
 
Property, plant, and equipment, gross
 
299,042   
 
272,074   
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(71,223)  
 
(52,807)  
 
Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
 $
227,819   
 
219,267   


Depreciation expense for the three months and nine months ended March 31, 2011 was $6,366 and $18,350, of which $6,187 and $17,812 is recorded in cost of goods sold and $179 and $538 is recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses, respectively. Depreciation expense for the three months 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.

Capitalized interest for the three months and nine months ended March 31, 2011 was $0 and $15, respectively. Capitalized interest for the three months and nine months ended March 31, 2010 was $70 and $368, respectively.

 
7

 
(6)  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

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

a. Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by reportable segment, during the nine months ended March 31, 2011 are as follows:


                 
Globe
     
               
GMI
Metales
Solsil
Other
Total
                         
Goodwill
     
$
30,405    
14,313    
57,656    
7,307    
109,681    
Accumulated impairment loss
 
—    
—    
(57,656)   
—    
(57,656)   
 
Balance at June 30, 2010
 
30,405    
14,313    
—    
7,307    
52,025    
                         
Core Metals purchase price allocation adjustments
1,124    
—    
—    
—    
1,124    
Foreign exchange rate changes
 
—    
—    
—    
257    
257    
                         
Goodwill
       
31,529    
14,313    
57,656    
7,564    
111,062    
Accumulated impairment loss
 
—    
—    
(57,656)   
—    
(57,656)   
 
Balance at March 31, 2011
 $
31,529    
14,313    
—    
7,564    
53,406    


b. Other Intangible Assets

There were no changes in the value of the Company’s definite lived intangible assets, which are fully amortized, or indefinite lived intangible assets during the nine months ended March 31, 2011. Amortization expense of purchased intangible assets for the three months and nine months ended March 31, 2010 was $0 and $310, respectively, which is recorded in cost of goods sold.
 
   c. Annual Impairment Tests
 
The Company performed its annual goodwill and indefinite lived intangible asset impairment tests during the third quarter of fiscal year 2011. No adjustments to the carrying amount of these assets were required.

(7)  Debt

a. Short-Term Debt

Short-term debt comprises the following:


                   
Weighted
   
               
Outstanding
 
Average
 
Unused
               
Balance
 
Interest Rate
 
Credit Line
March 31, 2011:
           
Type debt:
               
 
Export financing
$
—    
 
—    
$
9,041   
 
Other
       
532   
 
5.65%
 
—    
      Total    
 
$
532   
   
$
9,041   
                         
June 30, 2010:
             
Type debt:
               
 
Export financing
$
—    
 
—    
$
7,041   
 
Other
       
8,067   
 
3.42%
 
446   
      Total    
 
$
8,067   
   
$
7,487   


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 receivable. There is no export financing debt outstanding at March 31, 2011 or June 30, 2010.

Other – The balance at June 30, 2010 relates primarily to $5,880 in short-term notes payable to Dow Corning for working capital loans given to WVA LLC. The notes accrued interest at 3.0% and were settled during October 2010.

 
8

 
b. Revolving Credit Agreements

A summary of the Company’s revolving credit agreements at March 31, 2011 is as follows:


                   
Weighted
       
               
Outstanding
 
Average
 
Unused
 
Total
               
Balance
 
Interest Rate
 
Commitment
 
Commitment
Senior credit facility
$
34,989   
 
4.75%
$
52,761   
 
90,000   
Revolving credit facility
 
12,000   
 
2.51%
 
3,000   
 
15,000   


In September 2008, the Company’s subsidiary, Globe Metallurgical, Inc. (GMI), entered into a borrowing arrangement, which included a $35,000 senior credit facility expiring in September 2013 and five-year senior term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $40,000. The senior term loan was subject to certain mandatory prepayments based on excess cash flow, as defined in the loan agreement. Further, as part of the Dow Corning transactions discussed in note 3, the Company agreed to modify certain terms of the borrowing facilities, which included a reduction of revolving credit from $35,000 to $28,000 and a $6,000 prepayment of the senior term loan, in exchange for the release of the assets of West Virginia Alloys, Inc. as a security for these borrowings.

On March 30, 2011, certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries (the Borrowers) entered into an agreement to amend and restate the Company’s existing senior credit facility and senior term loan. The amended and restated senior credit agreement provides for a $90,000 revolving credit facility, subject to a defined borrowing base, and matures on March 30, 2014. This facility includes a provision for the issuance of standby letters of credit and a $10,000 sublimit for swingline loans. The facility may be increased from time to time by an amount up to $10,000 in the aggregate at the Company’s election, subject to approval by the existing or additional lenders. Interest on borrowings under the credit agreement is payable, at the Company’s election, at either a base rate (the higher of the U.S. federal funds rate plus 0.50% per annum and the issuing bank’s “prime rate”) plus a margin of 1.50% per annum, or LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% per annum. Certain commitment fees are also payable under the credit agreement. The facility is guaranteed by certain of the Borrowers’ subsidiaries, and borrowings under the credit agreement are collateralized by the Borrowers’ cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and inventories, and the stock of their subsidiaries. The agreement contains certain restrictive and financial covenants, which include a maximum total debt to capitalization ratio and a minimum combined tangible net worth, as well as a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a maximum annual capital expenditure level, both of which are only applicable if availability under the senior credit facility is below minimum levels specified in the credit agreement. The Company was in compliance with the loan covenants at March 31, 2011.

At March 31, 2011, there was a $34,989 balance outstanding on the senior credit facility. The total commitment outstanding on this credit facility includes $440 outstanding letters of credit associated with supplier contracts and a $1,810 outstanding letter of credit associated with a power supply contract. The outstanding balances under the previous senior credit agreement and senior term loan were transferred into the new facility.

The Company classifies borrowings under the senior credit facility as long-term liabilities given our ability to renew and extend borrowings under this agreement beyond one year from the balance sheet date.

On October 1, 2010, the Company entered into a new $15,000 revolving credit facility, and utilized proceeds from borrowings under the revolving credit facility to repay the Company’s $5,880 short-term notes payable to Dow Corning. Total borrowings under this credit facility were $12,000 at March 31, 2011. 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 credit facility is subject to certain restrictive and financial covenants, which include limits on additional debt, a maximum ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and minimum net worth. The Company was in compliance with the loan covenants at March 31, 2011.

The Company classifies borrowings under this revolving credit facility as current liabilities as the arrangement is payable in full upon the earlier of 10 business days following written demand by the lender or the agreement’s expiration on March 31, 2012.

See note 8 (Derivative Instruments) for a discussion of derivative financial instruments entered into to reduce the Company’s exposure to interest rate fluctuations on outstanding debt.

c. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt comprises the following:


               
March 31,
 
June 30,
               
2011
 
2010
Senior term loan
 
$
—    
 
16,916   
Other
         
10   
 
96   
 
Total
       
10   
 
17,012   
Less current portion of long-term debt
 
(10)  
 
(10,092)  
Long-term debt, net of current portion
$
—    
 
6,920   


Senior Term Loan  — As discussed above, the outstanding balance on the senior term loan was transferred to the Company’s amended and restated senior credit facility in March 2011.

d. 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.

 
9

 
(8)  Derivative Instruments

The Company enters into derivative instruments to hedge certain interest rate, currency, and commodity price 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 income statement 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, currency, and commodity risks. 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 debt obligations. The Company has 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.

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, including foreign exchange forward contracts, to manage a portion of its net foreign currency exposure to the Brazilian real, prior to the sale of Globe Metais discussed in note 3, and the Euro. No foreign currency derivative financial instruments are outstanding at March 31, 2011.

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 extensively 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.

In June 2010, the Company entered into a power hedge agreement on a 175,440 MWh notional amount of electricity, representing approximately 20% of the power required by our Niagara Falls, New York plant not supplied by the facility’s long-term power contract over the term of the hedge agreement. The notional amount decreases equally per month through the agreement’s expiration on June 30, 2012. Under the power hedge agreement, the Company fixed the power rate at $39.60 per MWh over the life of the contract. In October 2010, the Company entered into a power hedge agreement on an 87,600 MWh notional amount of electricity, also for power required at our Niagara Falls, New York plant. The notional amount decreases equally per month from the agreement’s July 1, 2012 effective date through its expiration on June 30, 2013. Under this power hedge agreement, the Company fixed the power rate at $39.95 per MWh over the life of the contract.

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


               
Gain (Loss) Recognized
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized
   
               
During the Three Months
 
During the Nine Months
   
               
Ended March 31,
 
Ended March 31,
 
Location
               
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
of Gain (Loss)
Interest rate derivatives
$
(21)   
 
(282)   
 
(186)   
 
(1,027)   
 
Interest expense
Foreign exchange forward contracts
 
—    
 
—    
 
(190)   
 
849    
 
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
Power hedges
     
(71)   
 
—    
 
99    
 
—    
 
Cost of goods sold

The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments at March 31, 2011 are summarized in note 15 (Fair Value Measures). The liabilities associated with the Company’s interest rate derivatives and power hedges of $344 and $144, respectively, are included in other long-term liabilities.

 
10

 
(9)  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 Company’s subsidiary, Core Metals, sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering certain domestic employees. This plan was closed to new participants in April 2009. 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,
     
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Interest cost
 
359 
 
302 
 
1,079 
 
906 
Service cost
   
29 
 
—  
 
86 
 
— 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(371) 
 
(247) 
 
(1,114) 
 
(740) 
Amortization of net loss
   
170 
 
143 
 
508 
 
429 
     Net periodic pension expense
 
187 
 
198 
 
559 
 
595 


The Company expects to make discretionary contributions of approximately $1,080 to the plans for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, of which $801 has been contributed through March 31, 2011.

(10)  Income Taxes

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 — Accounting for Income Taxes in Interim Periods, 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 nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 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 nine months ended March 31, 2011 was 37.0% compared to 42.1% for the nine months ended March 31, 2010. The annual effective rate excluding discrete items is 33.6% for the nine months ended March 31, 2011. Discrete items for the exercise of stock options and for research and development credit carry forwards have been recorded in the period of $1,510 and ($954), respectively.
 
     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, 2011, the Company’s net valuation allowances decreased primarily due to the income forecasted for the current year in Poland.
 
The Company files a consolidated U.S. income tax return and tax returns in various state and local jurisdictions. Our subsidiaries also file tax returns in various foreign jurisdictions. The Company’s principal jurisdictions include the U.S., Argentina, Poland, and China. A number of years may elapse before a tax return is audited and finally resolved. The open tax years subject to examination varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. The Company’s major taxing jurisdictions and the related open tax years subject to examination are as follows: the U.S. from 2007 to present, Argentina from 2005 to present, Poland from 2005 to present, and China from 2007 to present. The Company is also subject to tax examinations in Brazil for the period from 2005 to November 5, 2009, the date of sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations.
 
The Company regularly evaluates its tax positions for additional unrecognized tax benefits and associated interest and penalties, if applicable. There are many factors that are considered when evaluating these tax positions including: interpretation of tax laws, recent tax litigation on a position, past audit or examination history, and subjective estimates and assumptions that have been deemed reasonable by management. However, if management’s estimates are not representative of actual outcomes, the Company’s results could be materially impacted. There were no significant changes in the Company’s uncertain income tax positions during the nine months ended March 31, 2011.

(11)  Commitments and Contingencies

a. Legal Contingencies

The Company is subject to various lawsuits, investigations, claims, and proceedings that arise in the normal course of business, including, but not limited to, 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.

During the nine months ended March 31, 2011, the Company made escrow deposits and received payments, which netted to $2,038, for working capital claims associated with our historical acquisitions. These amounts were accrued as of June 30, 2010.

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, 2011, 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, 2011, there are 435 employees that are covered by union agreements expiring within one year.

 
11

 
d. Power Commitments

On February 24, 2011, the Company entered into a hydropower contract extension agreement with the New York Power Authority. Under the terms of this commodity purchase agreement, the Company will be supplied up to a maximum of 40,000 kW of hydropower from the Niagara Power Project to operate its Niagara Falls, New York facility. The hydropower will be supplied at preferential power rates plus market-based delivery charges through September 30, 2021. Under the terms of the contract, the Company has committed to specified employment, power utilization, and capital investment levels, which, if not met, could reduce the Company’s power allocation from the Niagara Power Project.

e. Joint Development Supply Agreement

On April 24, 2008, the Company’s subsidiaries, Solsil, Inc. (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. In accordance with ASC 605.25, revenue associated with this agreement was deferred until specific contract milestone had been achieved, or research development services were successful in reducing manufacturing costs. Revenue would then would be recognized ratably as product was delivered to BP Solar, or, if research and development services were performed, but unsuccessful, deferred until contract expiration. In November 2010, the technology license, joint development and supply agreement was terminated, $9,400 in previously deferred revenue was recognized by the Company, and the Company made a $600 payment to BP Solar.

(12)  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 to the Company were $36,456, net of underwriting discounts and commissions totaling $2,744.

b. Treasury Stock

In connection with the Company’s acquisition of approximately 81% of Solsil in February 2008, 562,867 of the 5,628,657 shares issued to the former shareholders and optionholders of Solsil were placed into escrow pending the attainment of certain milestones. In April 2008, 281,430 of these escrow shares were released based on the satisfaction of certain conditions. Upon expiration of the escrow period in February 2011, the remaining 281,437 escrow shares were returned to the Company and are now included in treasury stock at cost, which is equal to their par value.

c. Dividend

On September 16, 2010, the Company’s board of directors approved a dividend of $0.15 per common share. The dividend, totaling $11,269, was paid on October 29, 2010, to stockholders of record as of October 15, 2010.

(13)  Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share are calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Diluted earnings per common share assumes the exercise of stock options, the vesting of restricted stock grants, as well as the conversion of previously outstanding warrants and unit purchase options, provided in each case the effect is dilutive.

The reconciliation of the amounts used to compute basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:


               
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
               
March 31,
 
March 31,
               
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Basic earnings per share computation
               
Numerator:
                     
Net income attributable to Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
$
23,393
 
516
 
37,263
 
27,492
Denominator:
                   
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
 
75,077,739
 
74,320,358
 
74,922,377
 
73,238,833
Basic earnings per common share
$
0.31
 
0.01
 
0.50
 
0.38
Diluted earnings per share computation
               
Numerator:
                     
Net income attributable to Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
$
23,393
 
516
 
37,263
 
27,492
Denominator:
                   
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
 
75,077,739
 
74,320,358
 
74,922,377
 
73,238,833
Effect of dilutive securities
 
1,789,845
 
1,249,635
 
1,651,128
 
1,172,638
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
 
76,867,584
 
75,569,993
 
76,573,505
 
74,411,471
Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.30
 
0.01
 
0.49
 
0.37


Potential common shares associated with outstanding stock options totaling 100,000 and 160,000 for both the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share because their effect would be anti-dilutive.

 
12

 
(14)  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). The Stock Plan was initially approved by the Company’s stockholders on November 10, 2006, and was amended and approved by the Company’s stockholders on December 6, 2010 to increase by 1,000,000 the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the Stock Plan. The Stock Plan, as amended, provides for the issuance of a maximum of 6,000,000 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, 2011, share-based compensation awards were limited to the issuance of 7,960 nonqualified stock options, 112,274 restricted stock grants, and 4,356 common stock grants.

At March 31, 2011, there were 1,513,579 shares available for grant. 3,527,250 outstanding incentive stock options, of which 332,250 were exercised through March 31, 2011, 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, of which 523,333 were exercised through March 31, 2011, vest and become exercisable in equal one-third increments on the first, second, and third anniversaries of the date of grant. 7,960 option grants and 3,696 restricted stock grants vest and become exercisable on June 30, 2011. 108,578 restricted stock grants vest and become exercisable on November 13, 2020. 21,500 option grants and 4,356 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, 2011 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, 2010
 
4,266,442  
 
 $
5.18  
 
3.89  
 
 $
23,509  
Granted
       
7,960  
   
16.23  
         
Exercised
       
(757,025)  
   
6.59  
         
Forfeited and expired
 
(6,250)  
   
4.00  
         
Outstanding as of March 31, 2011
 
3,511,127  
 
 $
4.91  
 
3.42  
 
 $
63,000  
                                 
Exercisable as of March 31, 2011
 
2,578,916  
 
 $
4.79  
 
3.48  
 
 $
46,422  
 
During the nine months ended March 31, 2011, 927,166 options vested, resulting in total vested options of 3,434,499. There are 932,211 nonvested options outstanding with a grant date fair value, as modified, of $1.78. The weighted average per share fair value of stock option grants outstanding at March 31, 2011 is $2.86.

For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011, share-based compensation expense was $1,326 ($716 after tax) and $3,875 ($2,090 after tax), respectively. 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. The expense is reported within selling, general, and administrative expenses.

As of March 31, 2011, the Company has unearned compensation expense of $574, 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:
 
               
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
Share-based compensation (pretax)
$
459   
 
113   
 
2   
 
—    
 
—    
 
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.

In addition to share-based awards issued under the Stock Plan, the Company issued 35,225 restricted stock units on January 1, 2011 under the terms of the Company’s executive bonus plans. The restricted stock units proportionally vest over three years, but are not delivered until the end of the third year. The Company will settle these awards by cash transfer, based on the Company’s stock price of the date of such transfer. For both the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011, share-based compensation expense for these restricted stock units was $65 ($35 after tax).

(15)  Fair Value Measures

ASC 820, Fair Value Measures and Disclosures , 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.

 
13

 
The Company does not have any assets that were required to be remeasured at fair value at March 31, 2011 or June 30, 2010. The following table summarizes the liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, all of which were measured on Level 2 inputs:


               
March 31,
2011
 
June 30,
2010
Interest rate derivatives
$
344  
 
476  
Foreign exchange forward contracts
 
—  
 
77  
Power hedges
   
144  
 
243  
 
Total
     
$
488  
 
796  


Derivative liabilities relate to the interest rate cap and interest rate swap agreements, the foreign exchange forward contracts, and power hedge agreements summarized in note 8 (Derivative Instruments). Fair values are determined by independent brokers using quantitative models based on readily observable market data. See note 7 (Debt) for information regarding the fair value of our outstanding debt.

(16)  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, 2011 and 2010, the Company:

 
Paid Marco Realty $0 and $51 during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $0 and $149 during the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, to rent office space for its corporate headquarters in New York City, New York.

 
Entered into agreements with Marco International to purchase carbon electrodes. Marco International billed $6,344 and $3,462 during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $16,209 and $6,485 during the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, under these agreements. At March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2010, payables to Marco International under these agreements totaled $5,049 and $8,162, respectively.

 
Entered into an agreement to sell ferrosilicon to Marco International. Net sales were $187 and $107 during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $511 and $373 during the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, under this agreement.

 
Entered into agreements to sell calcium silicon powder to Marco International. Net sales were $859 and $0 during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $3,354 and $0 during the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, under this agreement.

The Company is affiliated with Norchem, Inc. (Norchem) through its 50.0% equity interest. During the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company sold Norchem product valued at $1,271 and $1,219, respectively. During the nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company sold Norchem product valued at $4,029 and $3,218, respectively. At March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2010, receivables from Norchem totaled $620 and $747, respectively.

Prior to our purchase of a majority interest in Ningxia Yonvey Coal Industrial Co., Ltd (Yonvey), Yonvey’s predecessor had entered into a lending agreement with the remaining minority stockholder. At March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2010, $897 and $849, respectively, remained payable to Yonvey from this related party.

(17)  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, mining operations, and forest reserves, which were sold on November 5, 2009. Subsequent to this divestiture, Globe Metais’ net sales relate only to the fulfillment of certain retained customer contracts, which were completed as of December 31, 2010.

 
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 — operations 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
 
Nine Months Ended
   
March 31,
 
March 31,
   
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Silicon metal
$
 99,084
 
 73,006
 
 248,149
 
 216,592
Silicon-based alloys
 
 61,149
 
 34,192
 
 174,120
 
 94,098
Other
 
 12,569
 
 5,288
 
 43,660
 
 15,532
Total
$
 172,802
 
 112,486
 
 465,929
 
 326,222
 
 
14

 
a. Segment Data

Summarized financial information for our reportable segments as of, and for, the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, is shown in the following tables:


   
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
   
March 31,
 
March 31,
   
2011
 
2010
   
Net Sales
Operating Income (Loss)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
 
Net Sales
Operating Income (Loss)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
GMI
$
 155,638
 40,625
 40,373
 
 86,693
 4,913
 4,404
Globe Metais
 
 -
 449
 449
 
 12,623
 210
 204
Globe Metales
 
 16,712
 4,279
 4,160
 
 11,979
 2,009
 2,141
Solsil
 
 20
 (201)
 (201)
 
 -
 (295)
 (295)
Corporate
 
 -
 (6,723)
 (6,768)
 
 -
 (3,012)
 (2,777)
Other
 
 7,570
 (1,790)
 (1,652)
 
 3,309
 (844)
 (1,207)
Eliminations
 
 (7,138)
 114
 114
 
 (2,118)
 326
 326
     Total
$
 172,802
 36,753
 36,475
 
 112,486
 3,307
 2,796



   
Nine Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
   
March 31,
 
March 31,
   
2011
 
2010
   
Net Sales
Operating Income (Loss)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
Total Assets
 
Net Sales
Operating Income (Loss)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
GMI
$
 392,007
 66,866
 65,881
 387,988
 
 234,068
 26,840
 25,501
Globe Metais
 
 15,421
 377
 378
 2,129
 
 53,603
 4,159
 7,485
Globe Metales
 
 46,455
 9,823
 9,099
 77,021
 
 35,502
 8,243
 7,645
Solsil
 
 9,420
 8,876
 8,876
 30,142
 
 20
 (1,186)
 (1,216)
Corporate
 
 -
 (17,763)
 (18,135)
 398,509
 
 -
 10,858
 10,696
Other
 
 24,222
 (1,225)
 (879)
 41,350
 
 8,932
 (3,495)
 (3,943)
Eliminations
 
 (21,596)
 (1,744)
 (1,744)
 (282,612)
 
 (5,903)
 680
 680
     Total
$
 465,929
 65,210
 63,476
 654,527
 
 326,222
 46,099
 46,848

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, 2010 financial statements. We evaluate segment performance principally based on operating income (loss).

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, 2011 and 2010 consist of the following:


       
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
       
March 31,
 
March 31,
       
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
United States
$
155,614  
 
99,318  
 
416,770  
 
274,721  
Argentina
 
13,758  
 
10,387  
 
40,540  
 
30,597  
Brazil
 
—  
 
—  
 
—  
 
12,820  
China
 
158  
 
48  
 
369  
 
472  
Poland
 
3,272  
 
2,733  
 
8,250  
 
7,612  
 
Total
$
172,802  
 
112,486  
 
465,929  
 
326,222  


Long-lived assets by geographical region at March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2010 consist of the following:


       
March 31,
 
June 30,
       
2011
 
2010
United States
$
 222,099
 
 211,876
Argentina
 
 31,317
 
 31,665
China
 
 27,438
 
 27,428
Poland
 
 848
 
 800
 
Total
$
281,702
 
271,769


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

 
15

 
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, 2011 and 2010:


 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Dow Corning
20%
 
10%
 
18%
 
14%
All other customers
80
 
90
 
82
 
86
     Total
100%
 
100%
 
100%
 
100%


The majority of sales to Dow Corning for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 are associated with Dow Corning’s 49% ownership interest in WVA LLC. In addition, the Company maintained 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. In December 2010, the Company agreed to pay $4,276 to Dow Corning to settle certain remaining sales obligations under this contract. The settlement cost was recorded in cost of goods sold in December 2010.

(18)  Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date these financial statements were issued, and determined there have been no events that have occurred that would require adjustments to our condensed consolidated financial statements.


 
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, 2010 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, 2010.

Introduction

Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (collectively, GSM, we, or our) is one of the leading manufacturers of silicon metal and silicon-based alloys. As of March 31, 2011, we owned and operated six principal manufacturing facilities, in two primary operating segments: GMI, our U.S. operations 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, Selma, Alabama, and Bridgeport, 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 and mining operations and forest reserves, which were all sold on November 5, 2009. Subsequent to this divestiture, Globe Metais’ net sales relate only to the fulfillment of certain retained customer contracts, which were completed as of December 31, 2010;

 
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 (Yonvey) and a cored-wire production facility located in Poland. These operations do not fit into the above reportable segments, and are immaterial for purposes of separate disclosure.

Overview and Recent Developments

Customer demand and pricing continue to remain strong as our end markets for silicon metal and silicon-based alloys, which include chemicals, steel, aluminum, and solar, continue to grow. In our chemicals end market, which represents producers of silicones, the single largest application for silicon metal, the large manufacturers continue to perform well and announce price increases. Polysilicon production and solar cell demand is also continuing its growth with new production capacity coming on line around the world, including two new plants being built in Tennessee. Steel capacity utilization and auto production, two significant end markets, are both expected to grow, and aluminum production is also expected to increase. We are presently running all of our furnaces in our six primary plants at full capacity, subject to maintenance outages.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2011, we converted one furnace in our Beverly, Ohio plant to produce silicon metal from silicon-based alloys, to capitalize on market prices. This conversion process required approximately twenty days, during which time the furnace produced lower than normal output. During the quarter, we also had a planned outage of an additional furnace in our Beverly, Ohio plant for approximately thirty-five days for the installation of a new furnace hood and pressure rings, and planned maintenance outages of less than ten days each for the two furnaces at our Niagara Falls, New York plant. We produced and shipped approximately the same amount of material in this quarter as we did in the immediately preceding quarter, which included a planned outage and an unplanned outage. In the next quarter, we expect to have only one planned outage.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2011, we announced our intention to build a 40,000 metric ton silicon metal plant in Iceland. We are building the plant with a minority partner, Tomahawk Development Company (Tomahawk), who secured substantially all the environmental and operating permits and the land, and who will own approximately 15% of the plant. We obtained an 18 year, competitively priced power contract for 66 megawatts. Prior to beginning construction, which is expected to take place in the second half of calendar 2011, we have a few remaining steps to complete, including obtaining final board of directors approval. The plant is expected to be operational in the second half of calendar 2013. The total project will cost approximately €115,000,000 and will be financed with €78,000,000 of limited recourse project financing provided by two commercial banks, approximately €34,000,000 of cash from GSM, and €2,000,000 from Tomahawk.

Net sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 increased $17,027,000, or 11%, from the preceding quarter ended December 31, 2010, as a result of an 18% increase in average selling price on roughly the same tons shipped. Revenue increased 18% in the quarter, excluding the recognition of $9,400,000 of deferred revenue from our Solsil business unit in the quarter ended December 31, 2010. The average selling price of silicon metal increased 20% in the quarter, as all of our long-term and annual 2010 contracts expired on December 31, 2010, and we entered into annual 2011 contracts with higher pricing, reflecting the spot pricing at the time we entered into those contracts in the fourth quarter of calendar 2010. The average selling price of silicon-based alloys increased 12%, as a result of higher pricing of all alloy products, which reset each quarter. The price of each of our four alloy products increased in the quarter, and, as a result of the furnace conversion in Beverly, Ohio, we had a mix shift towards the higher priced alloys.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2011, we incurred $1,350,000 of transaction-related expenses.

 
17

 
Income before provision for income taxes totaled $36,475,000 in the quarter ended March 31, 2011, and included $1,350,000 of transaction expenses. This compares to income before provision for income taxes in the preceding quarter ended December 31, 2010 of $19,789,000, which included the recognition of $9,400,000 of deferred revenue described above, $4,300,000 of expense related to the satisfaction of a long-term supply contract, and $1,000,000 of transaction expenses.

During the quarter, we advanced $17,000,000 to acquire exploration mining licenses in Nigeria to mine for manganese ore, a raw material used in the production of certain silicon and manganese based alloys. Manganese is an ore we have used in the past for production of certain alloys, and this investment gives us the ability to expand our current product line. We are currently developing an exploration and mining plan, and will conduct geological and geophysical studies to determine the total reserves and to refine our estimate of the capital requirements and operating costs associated with this venture.

Outlook

Demand for our products continues to remain strong as our end markets continue to grow. We are operating at full capacity, subject to maintenance outages. As demand has continued to improve, and all Western world suppliers appear to be running at full capacity, spot prices for our products have increased. We benefited from this increase in silicon metal pricing in the quarter, as all of our long-term and annual 2010 contracts for silicon metal expired on December 31, 2010, and we entered into annual 2011 contracts at higher pricing, reflecting the spot pricing at the time we entered into those contracts in the fourth quarter of calendar 2010. We expect our average selling price of silicon metal to remain relatively stable for the remainder of calendar 2011. Silicon-based alloy pricing resets each quarter, and pricing is a function of overall supply and demand. Demand is largely derived from steel capacity utilization and auto production.

We expect a modest increase in silicon metal tons sold in the quarter ending June 30, 2011, as we converted one furnace in our Beverly, Ohio plant from silicon-based alloys to silicon metal, and we expect fewer furnace outages for planned maintenance during this quarter. We expect a modest decline in silicon-based alloy tons sold in the quarter ending June 30, 2011, as our Bridgeport, Alabama plant was without power for five days in late April and early May as a result of tornados. The plant was not damaged, but the power company lost significant transmission capability from the storms. In addition, the Bridgeport plant is due for a 30 day planned maintenance outage in June, which will affect tons shipped in June and July.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 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 our 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, 2010. 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, 2010, 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.

Results of Operations

GSM Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 vs. 2010

Consolidated Operations:


   
Three Months Ended
       
   
March 31,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
   
2011
 
2010
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of Operations
               
Net sales
$
 172,802
 
 112,486
 
 60,316
 
53.6%
Cost of goods sold
 
 121,621
 
 99,135
 
 22,486
 
22.7%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 14,396
 
 10,008
 
 4,388
 
43.8%
Research and development
 
 32
 
 36
 
 (4)
 
(11.1%)
Operating income
 
 36,753
 
 3,307
 
 33,446
 
1,011.4%
Interest expense, net
 
 (497)
 
 (993)
 
 496
 
(49.9%)
Other income
 
 219
 
 482
 
 (263)
 
(54.6%)
Income before provision for income taxes
 
 36,475
 
 2,796
 
 33,679
 
1,204.5%
Provision for income taxes
 
 12,982
 
 1,751
 
 11,231
 
641.4%
      Net income
 
 23,493
 
 1,045
 
 22,448
 
2,148.1%
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax
 
 (100)
 
 (529)
 
 429
 
(81.1%)
Net income attributable to Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
$
 23,393
 
 516
 
 22,877
 
4,433.5%


 
18

 
Net Sales:


                               
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
   
Net Sales
   
Net Sales
   
$ (in 000s)
 
MT
   
$/MT
   
$ (in 000s)
 
MT
   
$/MT
Silicon metal
$
 99,084
 
 32,266
   $
3,071
 
$
 73,006
 
 30,681
   $
2,380
Silicon-based alloys
 
61,149
 
 27,010
   
2,264
   
34,192
 
 17,003
   
2,011
Silicon metal and silicon-based alloys
 
160,233
 
59,276
   
2,703
   
107,198
 
47,684
   
2,248
Silica fume and other
 
12,569
             
 5,288
         
Total net sales
$
172,802
           
$
112,486
         


Net sales increased $60,316,000, or 54%, from the prior year to $172,802,000 primarily as a result of a 24% increase in metric tons sold and an increase in average selling price of 20%. The increase in metric tons sold resulted in an increase in net sales of $23,895,000 and was related to a 5% increase in silicon metal and a 59% increase in silicon-based alloy metric tons sold. Silicon metal volume sold was higher due to increased demand, which led us to reopen our Selma, Alabama facility in January 2010, which contributed approximately 2,700 incremental metric tons sold during the third quarter of fiscal year 2011. This increase was offset by the decrease in volume due to the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009. Subsequent to this divestiture, remaining Globe Metais sales related only to the fulfillment of certain retained customer contracts with product purchased from our former Brazilian manufacturing operations at a purchase price equal to our sales price. These customer contracts were fulfilled at the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2011, and no further sales will be made under this arrangement. The increase in silicon-based alloy volume includes the impact of the Core Metals Group Holdings LLC (Core Metals) acquisition, which contributed approximately 8,700 metric tons of ferrosilicon in the third quarter of fiscal year 2011. Additionally, end market demand for ferrosilicon and magnesium ferrosilicon increased in the third quarter of fiscal year 2011 due to the economic recovery, particularly in steel and automotive production.

The average selling price of silicon metal increased by 29%, and the average selling price of silicon-based alloys increased by 13%. The increase in silicon metal pricing was primarily due to significantly higher pricing on annual calendar 2011 contracts, which replaced the long-term and annual 2010 contracts that expired on December 31, 2010. The increase in silicon-based alloy pricing was due to significant pricing increases in ferrosilicon and magnesium ferrosilicon resulting from the economic recovery. This impact was offset by the acquisition of Core Metals in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010, which resulted in a mix shift towards the production of ferrosilicon, which is our lowest priced alloy and also has the lowest cost of production. The mix shift was slightly offset by the conversion of our furnace in Beverly, Ohio from ferrosilicon to silicon metal in January 2011. Other revenue increased by $7,281,000, primarily as a result of $5,307,000 of other sales from Core Metals.

Cost of Goods Sold:

The $22,486,000, or 23%, increase in cost of goods sold was a result of a 24% increase in metric tons sold, offset by a 1% decrease in our cost per ton sold. This decrease in cost per ton sold was primarily the result of the mix shift to ferrosilicon, which has our lowest cost of production, and start-up costs of approximately $3,000,000 at our Niagara Falls and Selma plants in the third quarter of fiscal year 2010, offset by the impact of planned furnace maintenance outages and higher power rates at GMI.

Gross margin represented approximately 12% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal year 2010 and increased to approximately 30% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal year 2011, primarily as a result of higher silicon metal and silicon-based alloy selling prices, offset by higher power costs at GMI.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:

The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $4,388,000, or 44%, was primarily due to the impact of the acquisition of Core Metals, which increased expense by $681,000, and increases at Corporate in transaction-related costs of approximately $829,000 and in bonus expense of approximately $2,756,000 due to increased profitability year over year.

Net Interest Expense:

Net interest expense decreased by $496,000 primarily due to lower interest rate swap expense at GMI of approximately $263,000, as well as reduced interest expense resulting from a lower senior term loan balance during the third quarter of fiscal year 2011.

Other Income:

Other income decreased by $263,000 due primarily to a year over year decrease in income from GMI’s Norchem, Inc. affiliate of approximately $222,000, as well as lower hydropower dividends at Globe Metales of approximately $172,000, offset by foreign exchange gains due to currency fluctuations associated with the Euro and the Chinese renminbi.

Provision for Income Taxes:

Provision for income taxes as a percentage of pre-tax income was approximately 36%, or $12,982,000, in the third quarter of fiscal year 2011 and was approximately 63%, or $1,751,000, in the third quarter of fiscal year 2010. The decrease in the effective tax rate is due primarily to a change in our estimated annual effective tax rate in the third quarter of fiscal year 2010, which had a significant impact as a percentage of pre-tax income given pre-tax income of $2,796,000.


 
19

 
Segment Operations

GMI


   
Three Months Ended
       
   
March 31,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
   
2011
 
2010
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of Operations
               
Net sales
$
 155,638
 
 86,693
 
 68,945
 
79.5%
Cost of goods sold
 
 108,885
 
 76,370
 
 32,515
 
42.6%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 6,128
 
 5,410
 
 718
 
13.3%
Operating income
$
 40,625
 
 4,913
 
 35,712
 
726.9%


Net sales increased $68,945,000, or 80%, from the prior year to $155,638,000. The increase was primarily attributable to a 44% increase in metric tons sold and a 22% increase in average selling price. Silicon metal volume was higher by 25% primarily due to increased demand, which led us to reopen our Selma, Alabama facility in January 2010, which contributed approximately 2,700 incremental metric tons sold during the third quarter of fiscal year 2011. Silicon-based alloy volume was higher by 87% due to the acquisition of Core Metals and an increase in end market demand, primarily from the steel and automotive industries, for ferrosilicon and magnesium ferrosilicon in the third quarter of fiscal year 2011. The increase in silicon-based alloy volume includes the impact of the Core Metals acquisition, which contributed approximately 8,700 metric tons of ferrosilicon in the third quarter of fiscal year 2011. Pricing for silicon metal increased 32% due to significantly higher pricing of the annual calendar 2011 contracts. All of our long-term and annual 2010 contracts expired on December 31, 2010. Silicon-based alloy pricing increased by 12% due to significant price increases in ferrosilicon and magnesium ferrosilicon, resulting from the economic recovery, offset by the impact of the acquisition of Core Metals in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010. This acquisition caused a product mix shift towards ferrosilicon, which is our lowest priced alloy and also has the lowest cost of production. The mix shift was slightly offset by the conversion of one furnace at Beverly, Ohio from ferrosilicon to silicon metal in January 2011.

Operating income increased by $35,712,000 from the prior year quarter to $40,625,000. This increase was primarily due to higher volumes shipped of silicon metal and silicon-based alloys and higher average selling prices for silicon metal. Cost of goods sold increased by 43%, while volumes increased by 44%. This caused a decrease in the cost per ton sold, which reflects the impact of start-up costs of approximately $3,000,000 at our Niagara Falls and Selma plants in the third quarter of fiscal year 2010, offset by planned furnace maintenance outages and higher power rates during the third quarter of fiscal year 2011. The addition of Core Metals contributed $681,000 to selling, general and administrative expenses in the third quarter of fiscal year 2011.

Globe Metais


   
Three Months Ended
       
   
March 31,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
   
2011
 
2010
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of Operations
               
Net sales
$
 -
 
 12,623
 
 (12,623)
 
(100.0%)
Cost of goods sold
 
 (448)
 
 12,319
 
 (12,767)
 
(103.6%)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 (1)
 
 94
 
 (95)
 
(101.1%)
Operating income
$
 449
 
 210
 
 239
 
113.8%


Net sales decreased $12,623,000, or 100%, from the prior year to $0. The decrease in volume was due to the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009. Subsequent to this divestiture, remaining Globe Metais sales related only to the fulfillment of certain retained customer contracts with product purchased from our former Brazilian manufacturing operations at a purchase price equal to our sales price. These customer contracts were fulfilled at the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2011, and no further sales will be made under this arrangement.

Operating income increased by $239,000, or 114%, from the prior year to $449,000. The increase was primarily due to the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations and final material cost adjustments associated with the fulfillment of customer contracts.

Globe Metales


   
Three Months Ended
       
   
March 31,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
   
2011
 
2010
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of Operations
               
Net sales
$
 16,712
 
 11,979
 
 4,733
 
39.5%
Cost of goods sold
 
 11,473
 
 9,150
 
 2,323
 
25.4%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 960
 
 820
 
 140
 
17.1%
Operating income
$
 4,279
 
 2,009
 
 2,270
 
113.0%
 
 

 
20

 
Net sales increased $4,733,000, or 40%, from the prior year to $16,712,000. This increase was primarily attributable to a 27% increase in average selling prices and a 10% increase in metric tons sold. Pricing increased on calcium silicon and magnesium ferrosilicon due to improving demand, especially in the steel and automotive markets. Additionally, pricing increased due to a mix shift from ferrosilicon, the lowest priced alloy, to calcium silicon and magnesium ferrosilicon. The increase in metric tons sold was due to increased demand for calcium silicon as general market conditions improved year over year.

Operating income increased by $2,270,000 from the prior year to $4,279,000. The increase was primarily due to an increase in average selling prices, offset by the impact of higher production costs. Cost of goods sold increased by 25%, primarily due to higher power and other raw material costs, while volumes increased by only 10%.

Solsil


   
Three Months Ended
       
   
March 31,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
   
2011
 
2010
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of Operations
               
Net sales
$
 20
 
 -
 
 20
 
NA
Cost of goods sold
 
 161
 
 166
 
 (5)
 
(3.0%)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 28
 
 93
 
 (65)
 
(69.9%)
Research and development
 
 32
 
 36
 
 (4)
 
(11.1%)
Operating loss
$
 (201)
 
 (295)
 
 94
 
(31.9%)


Net sales increased $20,000 from the prior year to $20,000. This increase was due to the timing of spot shipments of product during the third quarter of fiscal year 2011.

Operating loss decreased by $94,000 from the prior year to $201,000. The primary driver of this decrease was lower selling, general and administrative expenses of $65,000 as a result of Solsil’s suspension of commercial production and enhanced focus on refining its production processes to improve yield and reduce the cost of production.

Corporate


   
Three Months Ended
       
   
March 31,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
   
2011
 
2010
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of Operations
               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$
 6,723
 
 3,012
 
 3,711
 
123.2%
Operating loss
$
 (6,723)
 
 (3,012)
 
 (3,711)
 
123.2%


Operating loss increased by $3,711,000 from the prior year to $6,723,000. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $3,711,000 primarily due to an increase in transaction-related costs of approximately $829,000 and an increase in bonus expense of approximately $2,756,000 due to increased profitability year over year.

GSM Nine Months Ended March 31, 2011 vs. 2010

Consolidated Operations:

   
Nine Months Ended
       
   
March 31,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
   
2011
 
2010
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of Operations
               
Net sales
$
 465,929
 
 326,222
 
 139,707
 
42.8%
Cost of goods sold
 
 361,722
 
 267,087
 
 94,635
 
35.4%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 38,920
 
 35,873
 
 3,047
 
8.5%
Research and development
 
 77
 
 151
 
 (74)
 
(49.0%)
Restructuring charges
 
 -
 
 (81)
 
 81
 
NA
Gain on sale of business
 
 -
 
 (22,907)
 
 22,907
 
NA
Operating income
 
 65,210
 
 46,099
 
 19,111
 
41.5%
Interest expense, net
 
 (2,127)
 
 (3,211)
 
 1,084
 
(33.8%)
Other income
 
 393
 
 3,960
 
 (3,567)
 
(90.1%)
Income before provision for income taxes
 
 63,476
 
 46,848
 
 16,628
 
35.5%
Provision for income taxes
 
 23,479
 
 19,702
 
 3,777
 
19.2%
      Net income
 
 39,997
 
 27,146
 
 12,851
 
47.3%
(Income) losses attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax
 
 (2,734)
 
 346
 
 (3,080)
 
(890.2%)
Net income attributable to Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
$
 37,263
 
 27,492
 
 9,771
 
35.5%


 
21

 
The following table presents consolidated operating results:

Net Sales:


                               
   
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2011
   
Nine Months Ended March 31, 2010
   
Net Sales
   
Net Sales
   
$ (in 000s)
 
MT
   
$/MT
   
$ (in 000s)
 
MT
   
$/MT
Silicon metal
$
 248,149
 
 91,511
   $
2,712
 
$
 216,592
 
 85,402
   $
2,536
Silicon-based alloys
 
174,120
 
 85,384
   
2,039
   
94,098
 
 46,862
   
2,008
Silicon metal and silicon-based alloys
 
422,269
 
176,895
   
2,387
   
310,690
 
132,264
   
2,349
Silica fume and other
 
43,660
             
 15,532
         
Total net sales
$
465,929
           
$
326,222
         


Net sales increased $139,707,000, or 43%, from the prior year to $465,929,000 primarily as a result of a 34% increase in metric tons sold and a 2% increase in our average selling price. The increase in metric tons sold resulted in an increase in net sales of $92,845,000 and was related to a 7% increase in silicon metal and an 82% increase in silicon-based alloy metric tons sold. Silicon metal volume sold was higher due to increased demand, which led us to reopen our Niagara Falls, New York facility in November 2009, which contributed approximately 7,200 incremental metric tons, and our Selma, Alabama facility in January 2010, which contributed approximately 11,200 incremental metric tons sold during the first nine months of fiscal year 2011. These increases were offset by the decrease in volume due to the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009. Subsequent to this divestiture, remaining Globe Metais sales relate only to the fulfillment of certain retained customer contracts with product purchased from our former Brazilian manufacturing operations at a purchase price equal to our sales price. The increase in silicon-based alloy volume includes the impact of the Core Metals acquisition, which contributed approximately 27,300 metric tons of ferrosilicon in the first nine months of fiscal year 2011. Additionally, end market demand for ferrosilicon and magnesium ferrosilicon increased in the first nine months of fiscal year 2011 due to the economic recovery, particularly in steel and automotive production.

The increase in average selling price resulted in increased net sales of approximately $18,734,000 and was a result of a 7% increase in the average selling price of silicon metal and a 2% increase in the average selling price of silicon-based alloys. The increase in silicon metal pricing was primarily due to higher pricing of the annual calendar 2011 contracts and higher spot pricing. The increase in silicon-based alloy pricing was due to improved demand from the economic recovery, offset by the impact of the acquisition of Core Metals in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010, which resulted in a mix shift towards the production of ferrosilicon. Ferrosilicon is our lowest priced alloy and also has the lowest cost of production. Other revenue increased by $28,128,000 as a result of $14,687,000 of other sales from Core Metals during the first nine months of fiscal year 2011 and the recognition of $9,400,000 in previously deferred revenue from Solsil as the technology license, joint development and supply agreement with BP Solar International Inc. (BP Solar) was terminated in the second quarter of fiscal year 2011.

Cost of Goods Sold:

The $94,635,000, or 35%, increase in cost of goods sold was a result of a 34% increase in metric tons sold, as well as a 1% increase in our cost per ton sold. This increase in cost per ton sold was primarily due to the impact of planned furnace maintenance outages at GMI, higher power rates at GMI, and $4,300,000 of expense related to satisfaction of the long-term supply contract in the first nine months of fiscal year 2011. These cost increases were partially offset by the impact of reduced start-up costs of approximately $3,400,000 at our Niagara Falls and Selma plants in the nine month year over year period, the mix shift to ferrosilicon, which has our lowest cost of production, and the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009.

Gross margin represented approximately 18% of net sales in the first nine months of fiscal year 2010 and increased to approximately 22% of net sales in the first nine months of fiscal year 2011, primarily as a result of higher silicon metal and silicon-based alloy selling prices, offset by higher power costs at Globe Metales and GMI, as well as the impact of reduced margins on the sale of product purchased from our former Brazilian manufacturing operations.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:

The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $3,047,000, or 9%, was primarily a result of the impact of the acquisition of Core Metals, which increased expense by $1,762,000, and an increase in transaction-related costs, wages and benefits, and audit and other professional fees, including Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance related expenditures, of approximately $1,764,000, $476,000, and $637,000, respectively, at Corporate. Additionally, bonus expense at Corporate increased approximately $698,000 due to profitability improvement year over year. These cost increases were partially offset by a decrease of approximately $2,624,000 at Globe Metais due to the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations.

Gain on Sale of Business:

Gain on sale of business for the first nine months of fiscal year 2010 was associated with the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009.

Net Interest Expense:

Net interest expense decreased by $1,084,000 primarily due to lower interest rate swap expense of approximately $617,000 at GMI, as well as the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009, which resulted in a reduction in net interest expense of $347,000.

Other Income:

Other income decreased by $3,567,000 due primarily to a foreign exchange gain of $3,790,000 at Globe Metais in the first nine months of fiscal year 2010. The foreign exchange gain at Globe Metais consisted of foreign exchange gains of $2,941,000, primarily associated with the revaluation of long-term reais denominated tax liabilities, and a gain of $849,000 on our foreign exchange forward contracts. These foreign exchange fluctuations no longer occur following the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009. Additionally, other income was reduced by approximately $172,000 due to lower year over year hydropower dividends at Globe Metales. The impact of these prior year gains was offset by current year foreign exchange gains due to currency fluctuations associated with the Euro and the Chinese renminbi.

 
22

 
Provision for Income Taxes:

Provision for income taxes as a percentage of pre-tax income was approximately 37%, or $23,479,000, in the first nine months of fiscal year 2011 and was approximately 42%, or $19,702,000, in the first nine months of fiscal year 2010.   The decrease in the effective tax rate is due primarily to the recognition of $9,395,000 in income tax expense associated with the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations in the first nine months of fiscal year 2010.

Segment Operations

GMI


   
Nine Months Ended
       
   
March 31,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
   
2011
 
2010
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of Operations
               
Net sales
$
 392,007
 
 234,068
 
 157,939
 
67.5%
Cost of goods sold
 
 308,743
 
 192,291
 
 116,452
 
60.6%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 16,398
 
 15,018
 
 1,380
 
9.2%
Restructuring charges
 
 -
 
 (81)
 
 81
 
NA
Operating income
$
 66,866
 
 26,840
 
 40,026
 
149.1%


Net sales increased $157,939,000, or 68%, from the prior year to $392,007,000. The increase was primarily attributable to a 56% increase in metric tons sold. Silicon metal volume was higher by 25% primarily due to increased demand, which led us to reopen our Niagara Falls, New York facility in November 2009, which contributed approximately 7,200 incremental metric tons, and our Selma, Alabama facility in January 2010, which contributed approximately 11,200 incremental metric tons sold during the first nine months of fiscal year 2011. Silicon-based alloy volume was higher by 124% due to the acquisition of Core Metals and an increase in end market demand, primarily from the steel and automotive industries for ferrosilicon and magnesium ferrosilicon in the first nine months of fiscal year 2011. The Core Metals acquisition contributed approximately 27,300 metric tons of ferrosilicon in the first nine months of fiscal year 2011. Pricing for silicon metal increased 12% due to higher pricing of the annual calendar 2011 contracts and improved spot pricing in the first nine months of fiscal year 2011, offset by the impact of the Alloy joint venture pricing. As a result of the acquisition of Core Metals in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010, there was a product mix shift towards ferrosilicon, which is our lowest priced alloy and also has the lowest cost of production. This impact was offset by higher pricing on ferrosilicon and magnesium ferrosilicon products due to increased market demand.

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 Corporation (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 gross margin has been negatively impacted by virtue of the material sold to Dow Corning at cost. The increase in pricing for silicon metal during the first nine months of fiscal year 2011 more than offset this impact and resulted in increased gross margin year over year.

Operating income increased by $40,026,000 from the prior year to $66,866,000. This increase was primarily due to higher volumes shipped of silicon-based alloys and silicon metal and higher average selling prices for silicon metal. Cost of goods sold increased by 61%, while volumes increased by only 56%. This was a result of an increase in the cost per ton sold due to the impact of planned furnace maintenance outages, higher power rates, and $4,300,000 of expense related to satisfaction of the long-term supply contract in the first nine months of fiscal year 2011, offset by the impact of reduced start-up costs of approximately $3,400,000 at our Niagara Falls and Selma plants in the nine month year over year period. The addition of Core Metals contributed $1,762,000 to selling, general and administrative expenses in the first nine months of fiscal year 2011.

Globe Metais


   
Nine Months Ended
       
   
March 31,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
   
2011
 
2010
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of Operations
               
Net sales
$
 15,421
 
 53,603
 
 (38,182)
 
(71.2%)
Cost of goods sold
 
 14,973
 
 44,990
 
 (30,017)
 
(66.7%)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 71
 
 2,695
 
 (2,624)
 
(97.4%)
Research and development
 
 -
 
 11
 
 (11)
 
NA
Loss on sale of business
 
 -
 
 1,748
 
 (1,748)
 
NA
Operating income
$
 377
 
 4,159
 
 (3,782)
 
(90.9%)


Net sales decreased $38,182,000, or 71%, from the prior year to $15,421,000. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in metric tons sold of 63% and a decrease in average selling prices of 20%. The decrease in volume was due to the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009. Subsequent to this divestiture, remaining Globe Metais sales related only to the fulfillment of certain retained customer contracts with product purchased from our former Brazilian manufacturing operations at a purchase price equal to our sales price. These customer contracts were fulfilled at the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2011, and no further sales will be made under this arrangement. The decrease in pricing was due to the year over year currency impact of Euro denominated contracts.

Operating income decreased by $3,782,000, or 91%, from the prior year to $377,000. The decrease was primarily due to the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations, which led to lower sales volumes, as well as the impact of reduced margins on the sale of product purchased from our former Brazilian manufacturing operations. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $2,624,000 primarily due to the timing of the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations on November 5, 2009. Results in the first nine months of fiscal year 2010 also included transaction costs of $1,748,000 associated with the sale of the Brazilian manufacturing operations.

 
23

 
Globe Metales


   
Nine Months Ended
       
   
March 31,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
   
2011
 
2010
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of Operations
               
Net sales
$
 46,455
 
 35,502
 
 10,953
 
30.9%
Cost of goods sold
 
 33,928
 
 24,911
 
 9,017
 
36.2%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 2,704
 
 2,348
 
 356
 
15.2%
Operating income
$
 9,823
 
 8,243
 
 1,580
 
19.2%


Net sales increased $10,953,000, or 31%, from the prior year to $46,455,000. This increase was primarily attributable to a 19% increase in average selling prices, as well as a 9% increase in metric tons sold. Pricing increased on magnesium ferrosilicon due to improving demand, especially in the automotive market. Additionally, pricing increased due to a mix shift from ferrosilicon, the lowest priced alloy, to calcium silicon and magnesium ferrosilicon. Volumes increased from higher shipments of magnesium ferrosilicon and calcium silicon as demand in the automotive and steel end markets continues to recover.

Operating income increased by $1,580,000 from the prior year to $9,823,000. The increase was primarily due to higher average selling prices offset by higher production costs. Cost of goods sold increased by 36%, primarily due to higher power and other raw material costs, while volumes increased by only 9%. Power costs increased beginning in November 2009 as our long-term power agreement expired. Additionally, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $356,000, primarily due to higher wage expense as a result of the terms of the union contract signed at the beginning of fiscal year 2011.

Solsil


   
Nine Months Ended
       
   
March 31,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
   
2011
 
2010
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of Operations
               
Net sales
$
 9,420
 
 20
 
 9,400
 
NA
Cost of goods sold
 
 331
 
 690
 
 (359)
 
(52.0%)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
 136
 
 378
 
 (242)
 
(64.0%)
Research and development
 
 77
 
 138
 
 (61)
 
(44.2%)
Operating income (loss)
$
 8,876
 
 (1,186)
 
 10,062
 
(848.4%)


Net sales increased $9,400,000 from the prior year to $9,420,000. This increase was primarily due to the recognition of $9,400,000 in previously deferred revenue as the BP Solar technology license, joint development and supply agreement was terminated during the second quarter of fiscal year 2011.

Operating income (loss) increased by $10,062,000 from the prior year to $8,876,000. The primary driver of this increase was the recognition of $9,400,000 in previously deferred revenue as the BP Solar technology license, joint development and supply agreement was terminated during the second quarter of fiscal year 2011. The decrease in cost of goods sold of $359,000 from the prior year to $331,000 was a result of Solsil’s suspension of commercial production and enhanced focus on refining its production processes to improve yield and reduce the cost of production. As a result of these changes, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $242,000 and research and development expenses decreased $61,000.

Corporate


   
Nine Months Ended
       
   
March 31,
 
Increase
 
Percentage
   
2011
 
2010
 
(Decrease)
 
Change
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of Operations
               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$
 17,763
 
 13,797
 
 3,966
 
28.7%
Gain on sale of business
 
 -
 
 (24,655)
 
 24,655
 
(100.0%)
Operating (loss) income
$
 (17,763)
 
 10,858
 
 (28,621)
 
(263.6%)


Operating (loss) income decreased $28,621,000 from the prior year to $(17,763,000). The second quarter of fiscal year 2010 included a $24,655,000 gain on the sale of the manufacturing operations of Globe Metais, which was net of transaction expenses of $951,000 at Corporate. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $3,966,000 primarily due to an increase in transaction-related costs, wages and benefits, and audit and other professional fees, including Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance related expenditures, of approximately $1,764,000, $476,000 and $637,000, respectively.

 
24

 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources of Liquidity

Our principal sources of liquidity are our cash and cash equivalents balance, cash flows from operations, and unused commitments under our existing credit facilities. At March 31, 2011, our cash and cash equivalents balance was approximately $155,313,000, and we had $64,802,000 available for borrowing under our existing financing arrangements. We generated cash flows from operations totaling $42,673,000 during the nine months ended March 31, 2011.

Our subsidiaries borrow funds in order to finance working capital requirements and capital expansion programs. The terms of certain of our 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, and working capital for our existing business. Our ability 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.

As discussed in the Outlook section, we intend to build a silicon metal plant in Iceland. The project is expected to cost approximately €115,000,000. We have a few remaining steps to complete, including final board of directors approval, prior to beginning construction, which is expected to take place in the second half of calendar 2011. We anticipate financing the plant with €78,000,000 of limited-recourse project financing from two commercial banks, approximately €34,000,000 of cash from GSM, and €2,000,000 from our minority partner. We intend to use our cash and cash equivalents balance to fund our portion of the project costs.
 
Cash Flows

The following table is a summary of consolidated cash flows:


       
Nine Months Ended 
March 31,
       
2011
 
2010
       
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
$
157,029   
 
61,876   
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
 
42,673   
 
(27,656)  
Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities
 
(43,249)  
 
41,280   
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities
 
(697)  
 
144,315   
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
(443)  
 
(28)  
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
155,313  
 
219,787  


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 provided by (used in) operating activities was $42,673,000 and $(27,656,000) during the first nine months of fiscal years 2011 and 2010, respectively. The $70,329,000 increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to improved operating results, excluding the impact of the gain on the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations, as well as a less significant increase in net working capital during the first nine months of fiscal year 2011, compared with the first nine months of fiscal year 2010. Inventories increased during the first nine months of fiscal year 2011 due primarily to higher electrode levels for use in future production. Additionally, accounts receivable increased due to timing of sales and higher average selling prices. In the first nine months of fiscal year 2010, accounts receivable increased significantly due to the start-up of our Niagara Falls, New York and Selma, Alabama plants. This was offset by an increase in accounts payable due to additional maintenance and furnace overhauls at the end of the period, and purchases associated with the restart of furnaces. In the first nine months of fiscal year 2010, a tax payment of $38,449,000 was made on the taxable gains on sale of our former Brazilian manufacturing operations and a noncontrolling interest in WVA Manufacturing LLC (WVA LLC).

Investing Activities:

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities was approximately $(43,249,000) and $41,280,000 during the first nine months of fiscal years 2011 and 2010, respectively. In the first nine months of fiscal year 2010, $58,445,000 of cash was provided by the sale of our Brazilian manufacturing operations, net of cash transferred of $16,555,000. Year over year capital expenditures increased from approximately $16,432,000 to $26,776,000 due to furnace overhauls at our GMI plants during the first nine months of fiscal year 2011. Additionally, we received $2,500,000 in proceeds associated with the divestiture of our 49% ownership interest in Fluorita de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., offset by net payments of $2,038,000, which were made for working capital claims associated with our historical acquisitions. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we made advances totaling approximately $17,000,000 to acquire exploration mining licenses in Nigeria to mine for manganese ore, a raw material used in the production of certain silicon and manganese based alloys.

Financing Activities:

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities was approximately $(697,000) and $144,315,000 during the first nine months of fiscal years 2011 and 2010, respectively. The proceeds from the close of our initial public offering and listing on the NASDAQ during the first nine months of fiscal year 2010 contributed $36,456,000, net of underwriting discounts and commissions of $2,744,000. Additionally, $98,329,000 of cash was provided by the sale of a 49% interest in WVA LLC, net of transaction costs, during the first nine months of fiscal year 2010. 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 Core Metals, occurred during the first nine months of fiscal year 2010, as compared to net borrowings of approximately $6,452,000 of long-term and short-term debt in the first nine months of fiscal year 2011. During the first nine months of fiscal year 2011, a dividend payment of $11,269,000 was paid to our common stockholders, which was partially offset by the contribution of $4,989,000 from the exercise of stock options.

Exchange Rate Changes on Cash:

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

 
25

 
Commitments and Contractual Obligations

Our 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, 2010, except related to commitments associated with our existing debt obligations and power commitments, as discussed in note 7 (Debt) and note 11 (Commitments and Contingencies) to our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.

Internal Controls and Procedures

We are required to comply with the internal control requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, management’s evaluation on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include Core Metals, which we acquired on April 1, 2010, as management concluded that it was not possible to conduct an assessment of Core Metals’ internal control over financial reporting in the period between the consummation date and the date of management’s evaluation. Management intends to complete its control assessment of Core Metals by the end of fiscal year 2011, 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, investigations, claims, and proceedings that arise in the normal course of business, including, but not limited to, 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 our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

At March 31, 2011, 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.

Recently Implemented Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an amendment to ASC Subtopic 860-10, Transfers and Servicing . 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 was adopted on July 1, 2010. This change had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.

In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to ASC Subtopic 810-10, Consolidation — Variable Interest Entities . 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 was adopted on July 1, 2010. We are not currently involved with variable interest entities and, therefore, this change had no effect on our 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. Adoption of this amendment to ASC 820 had no impact on our financial position and results of operations.

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our 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, 2010.

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, 2011. 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 our 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, our internal control over financial reporting.


 
26

 

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 and divestitures. 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, 2010. There have been no material changes in our risks from such description except as follows:

We have made advances to acquire exploration mining licenses in Nigeria

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we made advances totaling approximately $17,000,000 to acquire exploration mining licenses in Nigeria to mine for manganese ore, a raw material used in the production of certain silicon and manganese based alloys. We are in the process of having these licenses transferred from the existing owners, and intend to conduct geological and geophysical studies to ascertain the quality and quantity of manganese reserves on these sites. Until such evaluations are completed, the potential reserves associated with the mining licenses, as well as the capital and operating costs associated with the related extractive activities, are subject to considerable uncertainty.

We have no history of mining operations in Nigeria. Our future operations in Nigeria may be affected by changing economic, regulatory and political environments, which may impact our financial returns from projects in that country. The advancement of this project will require the operation of mines and the development of related infrastructure. In addition, if the price of manganese ore declines, if production costs increase, or recovery rates are lower than expected, or if applicable laws and regulations are adversely changed, we may never successfully establish mining operations, or any operations established may not achieve profitability.


Item 6.   Exhibits

Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Document                                                
10.1
Employment Agreement, dated January 27, 2011, between GSM and Alan Kestenbaum†
10.2
Framework for the 2011 Annual Executive Long Term Incentive Plan†
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.

 
27

 
 
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 11, 2011

 

 
28

 


 
EXECUTION COPY

Employment Agreement

This Employment Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is entered into this 27th day of January, 2011 (the “ Execution Date ”) by and between Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. (the “ Company ”) and Alan Kestenbaum (“ Executive ”).

WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue the employment of Executive on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, Executive has agreed to continue to perform services for the Company as set forth below.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. Position. Executive shall continue to serve as the Company’s Executive Chairman, reporting to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “ Board ”). Executive shall continue to perform such responsibilities that are normally associated with the Executive Chairman position, and as otherwise may be assigned to Executive from time to time by the Board.  The Company and Executive agree that Executive currently engages in other businesses, including businesses in the metals industry, and he shall not perform any of the services set forth in this Agreement on a full-time basis for the Company, but rather shall devote at least 70% of his full working time in service as the Company’s Executive Chairman. During the Term (as defined below), the Company shall seek election of Executive to the Board of Directors throughout the duration of the Term and shall take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate in support of such election. Executive shall serve as a member of the Board with no additional compensation other than as provided in this Agreement.  This Agreement shall be effective as of November 13, 2010 (the “ Commencement Date ”).

2. Term .

(a) Executive’s employment will be for a term of four (4) years from the Commencement Date (the “ Initial Term ”) with automatic one (1)-year renewal terms thereafter (the Initial Term, together with any such renewal term, the “ Term ”), unless Executive or the Company give written notice to the other at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Term of such party’s election not to further extend this Agreement or unless sooner terminated as provided herein. Any termination of Executive’s employment will be governed by the terms set forth in this Agreement.

(b) If the Company provides Executive with notice of nonrenewal of the Term pursuant to Section 2(a) without providing Executive with a timely written notice of termination for Cause (as defined in Section 4(h)(iii) of this Agreement) in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 4(e), the expiration of the Term will be considered a termination “for other than Cause” as provided in Section 4(f) (or, if during the Protection Period, Section 4(g)).  If Executive provides the Company with notice of nonrenewal of the Term pursuant to Section 2(a) without providing the Company with a timely written notice of termination for Good Reason (as defined in Section 4(h)(vi) of this Agreement) in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 4(c), the expiration of the Term will be considered a termination “without Good Reason” as provided in Section 4(d).

(c) If requested by the Company or Executive, the parties, at least 120 days prior to the expiration of the Term, shall commence good faith negotiations with respect to the renewal of this Agreement. If the Company thereafter elects to terminate such negotiations, Executive’s employment will be considered to have terminated “for other than Cause” as provided in Section 4(f) (or, if during the Protection Period, Section 4(g)).  If, on the other hand, Executive elects to terminate such negotiations, Executive’s employment will be considered to have been terminated by Executive without Good Reason as provided in Section 4(d).

3. Compensation and Benefits .

(a) Executive’s base pay shall be at an annual rate of no less than $995,000.00, which shall be payable twice monthly in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices, subject to applicable withholding (the “ Base Pay ”).  The Base Pay shall be subject to annual upward adjustments (but not decreases) at the discretion of the Board.

(b) On the Execution Date, the Company shall award Executive 108,578 shares of its common stock pursuant to its 2006 Employee, Director and Consultant Stock Plan (the “ Long Term Award ”). The Long Term Award shall vest on the tenth anniversary of the Commencement Date if Executive is then employed by the Company, subject to earlier vesting upon (i) Executive’s termination of employment by reason of death, (ii) Executive’s termination of employment by reason of Disability (as provided in Section 4(b)), (iii) Executive’s termination of employment for Good Reason (as provided in Section 4(c)), (iv) Executive’s termination of employment by the Company other than for Cause (as provided in Section 4(f)), (v) Executive’s termination of employment by the Company during the Protection Period, other than for Cause (as provided in Section 4(g)), or (vi) Executive’s termination of employment during the Protection Period for Good Reason (as provided in Section 4(g)).  After the Execution Date, Executive shall accrue dividends and distributions declared with respect to the shares comprising the Long Term Award subject to the same restrictions as are applicable to the Long Term Award, such that any such dividends and distributions shall be accumulated and paid to Executive or forfeited when the associated shares comprising the Long Term Award vest or are forfeited in accordance with this Agreement.  For purposes of clarity, Executive shall have voting rights with respect to the shares comprising the Long Term Award.

(c) Executive has received awards under the Company’s 2010 Annual Executive Bonus Plan (as in effect as of the date hereof, the “Bonus Plan”) and has received or shall be awarded other bonuses, stock options and/or other stock benefits (including under the Bonus Plan) at the discretion of the Board (collectively, “ Incentive Awards ”), provided that (i) Executive’s participation in the Bonus Plan and any other incentive plan or equity plan shall be in accordance with the terms of such plans, and (ii) if the Company shall award another senior executive of the Company an Incentive Award having terms materially more favorable than those applicable to Executive, Executive’s Incentive Awards shall be modified, or Executive shall receive additional Incentive Awards, such that Executive’s Incentive Awards shall be substantially as favorable as such other senior executive’s Incentive Awards.  Unless otherwise required by law or plan documents, the vesting of Executive’s unvested Incentive Awards shall accelerate and vest in full (along with any accrued but unvested benefits under any supplemental retirement plan, excess retirement plan and deferred compensation plan maintained or contributed to by the Company or any of its Affiliates) upon (i) Executive’s termination of employment by reason of death, (ii) Executive’s termination of employment by reason of Disability (as provided in Section 4(b)), (iii) Executive’s termination of employment for Good Reason (as provided in Section 4(c)), (iv) Executive’s termination of employment by the Company other than for Cause (as provided in Section 4(f)), (v) Executive’s termination of employment by the Company during the Protection Period, other than for Cause (as provided in Section 4(g)), or (vi) Executive’s termination of employment during the Protection Period for Good Reason (as provided in Section 4(g)).  Any award or benefit the vesting of which is accelerated under this Section 3(c) shall be paid in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan unless otherwise provided in this Agreement.
 
(d) Executive shall be offered the various benefits currently offered by the Company generally to its senior executives including, without limitation, life and health insurance (“ Benefits ”), provided that if the Company shall provide another senior executive of the Company Benefits having terms materially more favorable than those applicable to Executive, Executive’s Benefits shall be modified, or Executive shall receive additional Benefits, such that Executive’s Benefits shall be substantially as favorable as such other senior executive’s Benefits (excluding, however, for these purposes relocation benefits and similar or related benefits). Subject to the preceding sentence, any such Benefits may be modified or terminated from time to time at the sole discretion of the Company. Where a particular Benefit is subject to a formal plan (for example, medical insurance), eligibility to participate in and receive any particular Benefit is governed solely by the applicable formal plan document.

(e) Executive shall be fully reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary business expenses upon presentation of adequate documentation to the Company demonstrating same, including Executive’s reasonable legal fees and expenses in connection with negotiating and entering into this Agreement.  Reimbursement payments due to Executive hereunder shall be paid to Executive as soon as administratively practicable, and in any event within twenty (20) days after being properly submitted.  If Executive becomes entitled to taxable reimbursements or the provision of in-kind benefits, such reimbursements and benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and the amount of such reimbursements and benefits that Executive receives in one taxable year shall not affect the amount of such reimbursements and benefits that Executive receives in any other taxable year.

(f) Executive will be granted forty (40) paid time off days (“ PTO ” days) for Executive’s use for vacation, personal or sick leave. Executive’s accrued but unused PTO days shall not carry over from year to year and shall not be paid to Executive upon termination of employment. Executive shall also be entitled to observe as paid holidays, in addition to state or Federal holidays that the Company observes, as many days of religious observance as Executive reasonably and sincerely chooses.

4. Termination of Employment and Effect of Termination .

(a)   By Company for Death . Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate upon his death, in which event the Company shall have no further obligation to Executive or his estate other than (i) the payment of accrued but unpaid Base Pay, (ii) the payment of the Incentive Awards to the extent then vested (after taking into account the accelerated vesting provisions under Section 3(c)); for the avoidance of doubt, all Incentive Awards shall vest in full upon Executive’s death, (iii) a pro rata payment of the Incentive Awards (including under the Bonus Plan or any successor thereto) that would have been awarded had the employment termination not occurred for service in the then current plan year through the date of employment termination, and (iv) full vesting of the Long Term Award.  The amounts described in clauses (i) and (iv) shall be paid upon employment termination, the Incentive Awards described in clause (ii) shall be paid in accordance with the applicable plan terms (except that all such amounts shall be paid upon Executive’s death), and the amounts described in clause (iii) shall be awarded when such Incentive Awards would have been awarded had Executive’s employment continued and shall be paid at the time awarded.  The amounts described in such clauses (i) and (ii) and the associated payment terms are referred to herein as the “ Accrued Obligations ” and the amounts described in such clause (iii) and the associated payment terms are referred to herein as the “ Pro Rata Bonus .”

(b)   By Company for Disability . If Executive incurs a Disability and such Disability continues for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months, then the Company may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, terminate Executive’s employment upon written notice to Executive, in which event the Company shall have no further obligation to Executive other than payment of the Accrued Obligations, the Pro Rata Bonus and full vesting of the Long Term Award.

(c)   By Executive for Good Reason . Executive may terminate his employment for Good Reason, provided Executive has first given written notice to the Company of such alleged Good Reason and the Company has failed to cure such Good Reason within thirty (30) days of receipt of such notice. The date of such termination must be no more than 90 days from the date of the occurrence giving rise to the Good Reason. In the event that Executive elects to terminate this Agreement for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to:

(i) payment of the Accrued Obligations and the Pro Rata Bonus;

(ii) full vesting of the Long Term Award; and

(iii) a lump sum severance payment (which shall be paid upon effectiveness of the Release, as defined below) comprised of the following cash amounts:

(x) the product of two and the annual Base Pay,

(y) the value of the Incentive Awards granted or vested during the two calendar years that ended immediately before (or, if applicable, coincident with) the date of termination of employment, with the value of any shares subject to such Incentive Awards valued as of the date of employment termination (with the Incentive Awards granted within such two-year period valued without regard to time vesting conditions and treated as if any performance vesting conditions that remained open at the time of employment termination were attained at target level), and

(z) an amount that, after payment of taxes, is equal to the cost of two years’ COBRA coverage for Executive and his dependents under the Company’s health, dental and vision plans, at such rates as are in effect as of the date of employment termination.

Executive’s entitlement to the payments described in clauses (ii) and (iii) (collectively, the “ Severance Payments ”) is conditioned on his execution of the release in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Release ”) within 32 days after his employment termination (and, if the 40th day after his employment termination falls in the calendar year following the year that includes his employment termination date, the amounts described in clauses (ii) and (iii) shall be paid on such 40th day even if the Release is effective before such date).  In addition to the foregoing provisions, the provisions of Section 6(d) and Section 6(e) of this Agreement shall terminate upon the date of termination of employment pursuant to this Section 4(c).

(d)   By Executive without Good Reason . Executive may terminate his employment without Good Reason upon ninety (90) days’ prior written notice to the Company. In the event Executive terminates his employment without Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to payment of the Accrued Obligations, and shall forfeit the Long Term Award. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to this Section 4(d), the Company may in its discretion relieve Executive of his duties and provide him with Base Pay, Incentive Awards and Benefits through the date of termination specified by Executive in his notice of resignation.

(e)   By Company for Cause . The Board may terminate Executive’s employment for Cause upon written notice to Executive. Executive’s employment shall not be deemed to have been terminated for “Cause” unless the Company shall have given Executive (i) written notice setting forth the reasons for the Company’s intention to terminate Executive’s employment for Cause within 90 days after the Company has knowledge of the occurrence giving rise to such notice; (ii) a reasonable opportunity, at any time during the thirty-five (35) day period after Executive’s receipt of such notice, for Executive, together with his counsel, to appear and be heard before the Board; and (iii) a notice of termination stating that, in the good faith opinion of not less than a majority of the entire membership of the Board, Executive was guilty of conduct set forth in the definition of Cause, which conduct, if described in clause (B) of the definition of Cause, was not remediated within the 30-day period commencing on the date of notice setting forth the reasons for the Company's intention to terminate Executive's employment for Cause. In the event Executive is terminated for Cause, the Company’s only obligation to Executive will be the payment of the Accrued Obligations, and shall forfeit the Long Term Award.

(f)   By the Company for Other than Cause . The Board may terminate Executive’s employment for reasons other than Cause after giving at least sixty (60) days’ prior written notice of such termination to Executive. In the event the Company terminates Executive pursuant to this Section 4(f), Executive shall be entitled to  payment of the Accrued Obligations, the Pro Rata Bonus and the Severance Payments, pursuant to the Release provisions and payment terms provided in Section 4(c).  In addition to the foregoing provisions, the provisions of Section 6(d) and Section 6(e) of this Agreement shall terminate upon the date of termination of employment pursuant to this Section 4(f).

(g)   In Connection with a Change of Control . If Executive’s employment is terminated  during the Protection Period by the Company other than for Cause, Disability or as a result of Executive’s death, or if Executive terminates his employment during the Protection Period for Good Reason, the Company shall pay Executive the amounts provided in Section 4(c), except that “one dollar less than three times the Average Annual Compensation” shall replace clauses (iii)(x) and (y) of the definition of “Severance Payments” contained therein.  Such amounts shall be paid pursuant to the Release provisions and payment terms provided in Section 4(c).  If, after the date of Executive’s employment termination, his employment termination is determined to have occurred during the Protection Period, any amounts payable pursuant to this Section 4(g) as a result of such employment termination shall be without duplication of (and shall be offset by) amounts previously paid to Executive (if any) pursuant to Section 4(c) or 4(f), as applicable.

(h)  Definitions .  For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:

(i)  “ Affiliate ” means (a) any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company if, at the time of the determination, each of the corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain, or (b) any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if, at the time of the determination, each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.

 (ii)  “ Average Annual Compensation ” shall mean an amount equal to the annual average of the sums of (x) Executive’s annual Base Pay (and any other salary) from the Company and its Affiliates, plus (y) the value, as of the date of employment termination, of the Incentive Awards granted or vested, in each case during the five calendar years that ended immediately before (or, if applicable, coincident with) the date of termination of employment (with the Incentive Awards granted during such five-year period valued without regard to time vesting conditions and treated as if any performance vesting conditions that remained open at the time of employment termination were attained at target level).

(iii)  “ Cause ” shall mean termination for:

(A) Executive’s conviction or entry of nolo contendere to any felony (excluding a felony arising on account of vicarious liability or a moving violation) causing material harm to the Company or any crime involving material fraud or embezzlement, in either case with respect to the Company’s property; or

(B) Executive’s breach of any of the terms of this Agreement, including the confidentiality, non-competition or non-solicitation obligations set forth herein, that causes material harm to the Company (other than any such breach resulting from Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after written notice to Executive and thirty (30) days’ opportunity to cure.

(iv)  “ Change of Control ” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
 
 
(A) Any “ Person ” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) becomes the “ Beneficial Owner ” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under said Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person or any securities acquired directly from the Company or its Affiliates) representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities, excluding any Person who becomes such a Beneficial Owner in connection with a transaction described in clause (1) or (2) of paragraph (C) below; or
 
 
(B) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving: individuals who, on the Execution Date, constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the date hereof or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended; or
 
 
(C) a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company with any other corporation, other than (1) a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or any parent thereof) more than 50% of the combined voting power of the securities of the Company or such surviving entity or any parent thereof outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation or (2) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities Beneficially Owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company or its Affiliates) representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or
 
 
(D) approval by the stockholders of a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which is owned by shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale.

 (v) “ Disability ” shall have the meaning provided in Section 409A(a)(2)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”).

(vi) “ Good Reason ” shall mean Executive’s resignation following any of:

(A) a material reduction of Executive’s aggregate annual (1) compensation (comprised of Base Pay and Bonus Plan award) as in effect on the date hereof or as the same may be increased from time to time, or (2) Base Pay, Bonus Plan award, other bonuses (if any) and Benefits as in effect on the date hereof or as the same may be increased from time to time; provided, that for purposes of this clause (A), a Bonus Plan award, if smaller than the Bonus Plan award made in an earlier year, shall not be deemed to have been reduced if it is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Bonus Plan as applied to Executive and the Company’s chief executive officer then in office;

(B) Executive is assigned duties substantially inconsistent with his responsibilities as then in effect, or Executive’s authorities, duties, or responsibilities are diminished in any material respect (including as a result of his failing to be elected or appointed as a member of the Board);
 
 
(C) the Company, without Executive’s consent, relocates its principal executive offices or Executive’s place of employment to an area other than New York, New York;
 
 
(D) a requirement that Executive report to a person or entity other than the Board; or

(E) a material breach by the Company of any of the terms of this Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 3).

(vii) “ Protection Period ” means the period beginning six months before the date of a Change of Control and ending on the last day of the 24 th calendar month following the date of the Change of Control.

(i)  Section 280G .
 
(i) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event the Accounting Firm (as defined below) shall determine that receipt of all Payments (as defined below) would subject Executive to the excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code, the Accounting Firm shall determine whether to reduce any of the Payments paid or payable pursuant to this Agreement (the “ Agreement Payments ”) so that the Parachute Value (as defined below) of all Payments, in the aggregate, equals the Safe Harbor Amount (as defined below). The Agreement Payments shall be so reduced only if the Accounting Firm determines that Executive would have a greater Net After-Tax Receipt (as defined below) of aggregate Payments if the Agreement Payments were so reduced. If the Accounting Firm determines that Executive would not have a greater Net After-Tax Receipt of aggregate Payments if the Agreement Payments were so reduced, Executive shall receive all Agreement Payments to which Executive is entitled hereunder.
 
(ii) If the Accounting Firm determines that the aggregate Agreement Payments should be reduced so that the Parachute Value of all Payments, in the aggregate, equals the Safe Harbor Amount, the Company shall promptly give Executive notice to that effect and a copy of the detailed calculation thereof. All determinations made by the Accounting Firm under this Section 4( i ) shall be binding upon the Company and Executive and shall be made as soon as reasonably practicable and in no event later than thirty (30) days following the date of termination. For purposes of reducing the Agreement Payments so that the Parachute Value of all Payments, in the aggregate, equals the Safe Harbor Amount, only amounts payable under this Agreement (and no other Payments) shall be reduced.  If a reduction in the Payments is necessary so that the Parachute Value of all Payments equals the Safe Harbor Amount and none of the Payments constitutes a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of and subject to Section 409A (“ Nonqualified Deferred Compensation ”), then the reduction shall occur in the manner Executive elects in writing prior to the date of payment.  If any Payment constitutes Nonqualified Deferred Compensation, then the Payments to be reduced will be determined by the Accounting Firm in a manner that enables Executive to retain the greatest aggregate economic benefit as of the day following the Release effective date, and to the extent the economic benefit of Payments is determined to be equivalent, the Payments will be reduced in the reverse order of when they are scheduled to be paid (and, in the case of Payments of equity securities, transferable). All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company.
 
(iii) As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that amounts will have been paid or distributed by the Company to or for the benefit of Executive pursuant to this Agreement that should not have been so paid or distributed (“ Overpayment ”) or that additional amounts which will have not been paid or distributed by the Company to or for the benefit of Executive pursuant to this Agreement could have been so paid or distributed (“ Underpayment ”), in each case, consistent with the calculation of the Safe Harbor Amount hereunder. In the event that the Accounting Firm, based upon the actual assertion of a deficiency by the Internal Revenue Service against either the Company or Executive that the Accounting Firm believes has a high probability of success, determines that an Overpayment has been made, Executive shall promptly (and in no event later than sixty (60) days following the date on which the Overpayment is determined) pay any such Overpayment to the Company; provided, however, that no amount shall be payable by Executive to the Company if and to the extent such payment would not either reduce the amount on which Executive is subject to tax under Sections 1 and 4999 of the Code or generate a refund of such taxes. If the Accounting Firm, based upon controlling precedent or substantial authority, determines that an Underpayment has occurred, any such Underpayment shall be paid promptly (and in no event later than sixty (60) days following the date on which the Underpayment is determined) by the Company to or for the benefit of Executive.
 
(iv) To the extent requested by Executive, the Company shall cooperate with Executive in good faith in valuing, and the Accounting Firm shall take into account the value of, services provided or to be provided by Executive (including without limitation Executive’s agreeing to refrain from performing services pursuant to a covenant not to compete or similar covenant, including that set forth in Section 6 of this Agreement) before, on or after the date of a change in ownership or control of the Company (within the meaning of Q&A-2(b) of the final regulations under Section 280G of the Code), such that payments in respect of such services may be considered reasonable compensation within the meaning of Q&A-9 and Q&A-40 to Q&A-44 of the regulations under Section 280G of the Code and/or exempt from the definition of the term “parachute payment” within the meaning of Q&A-2(a) of the regulations under Section 280G of the Code in accordance with Q&A-5(a) of the regulations under Section 280G of the Code.
 
(v) Section 4(i) definitions. The following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Section 4(i):
 
Accounting Firm ” shall mean a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm that is selected by the Company for purposes of making the applicable determinations under Section 4(i) and is reasonably acceptable to Executive, which firm shall not, without Executive’s consent, be a firm serving as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the Change of Control.
 
Net After-Tax Receipt ” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with Sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of a Payment net of all taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto under Sections 1 and 4999 of the Code and under applicable state and local laws, determined by applying the highest marginal rate under Section 1 of the Code and under state and local laws which applied to Executive’s taxable income for the immediately preceding taxable year, or such other rate(s) as the Accounting Firm determined to be likely to apply to Executive in the relevant tax year(s).
 
Parachute Value ” of a Payment means the present value as of the date of the change of control for purposes of Section 280G of the Code of the portion of such Payment that constitutes a “parachute payment” under Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code, as determined by the Accounting Firm for purposes of determining whether and to what extent the excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code will apply to such Payment.
 
Payment ” means any payment or distribution in the nature of compensation (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) to or for the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise.
 
Safe Harbor Amount ” means (A) 3.0 times Executive’s “base amount,” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code, minus (B) $1.00.
 
(j) Additional Limitation .  Notwithstanding any other provision with respect to the timing of payments under this Section, if, at the time of Executive’s separation from service, within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code (without regard to the alternative definitions thereunder) (the “ Separation Date ”), Executive is deemed to be a “specified employee” of the Company within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, then only to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, any payments to which Executive may become entitled under Section 4 that are subject to Section 409A of the Code (and not otherwise exempt from its application) will be withheld until the first (1st) business day of the seventh (7th) month following Executive’s termination of employment, at which time Executive shall be paid an aggregate amount equal to the accumulated, but unpaid, payments otherwise due to Executive under the terms of Section 4.  For purposes of determining the timing of payments to Executive following termination of employment, all references to such termination shall mean the Separation Date.

(k)  Tax Treatment .  This Agreement is intended to comply with (or be exempt from) Section 409A of the Code. The Company does not guarantee the tax treatment or tax consequences associated with any payment or benefit set forth in this Agreement, including but not limited to consequences related to Code Section 280G or Code Section 409A. Executive and the Company agree to both negotiate in good faith and jointly execute an amendment to modify this Agreement to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A; provided that no such amendment shall be required that would increase the total financial obligation of the Company or the total after-tax cost to Executive under this Agreement.

5. Indemnity . The Company hereby covenants and agrees to indemnify Executive and hold Executive harmless from any and all claims arising from or relating to Executive’s performance of Executive’s duties hereunder to the fullest extent permitted by law and/or the Company’s Directors and Officers Liability Insurance or applicable certificate of incorporation or bylaws or other applicable document in respect to any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, losses, damages and reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including reasonable out-of-pocket attorney’s fees and expenses) resulting from Executive’s good faith performance of his duties and obligations with the Company or any of its affiliates or as the fiduciary of any benefit plan of the Company or its affiliates.  To the extent permitted by applicable laws, the Company, within 30 days of presentation of invoices, shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket legal fees and disbursements reasonably incurred by Executive in connection with any such indemnifiable matter.  In addition, the Company shall cover Executive under its directors and officers liability insurance policy both during the term of this Agreement and during the six-year period thereafter in the same amount and to the same extent as the Company covers its other officers and directors during any such period of time.

6. Confidentiality; Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation .

(a)  Duty Not to Disclose Confidential Information . Executive will be exposed to and have access to Confidential Information. Executive agree to hold all Confidential Information in strict confidence and trust for the sole benefit of the Company, and he will not disclose, use, copy, publish, summarize or remove any Confidential Information from the Company’s premises, except as specifically authorized in writing by the Company or in connection with the usual course of Executive’s employment, except that it will not be a violation of this Agreement if, in enforcement of Executive’s rights under this Agreement or another arrangement between Executive and the Company or any of its Affiliates, Executive makes use of information reasonably necessary to such enforcement.

(b) Definition . “ Confidential Information ” means all Company proprietary information, technical data, trade secrets, know-how and any idea in whatever form, tangible or intangible, including without limitation, research, product plans, customer and client lists, developments, inventions, processes, technology, designs, drawings, marketing and other plans, business strategies and financial data and information. “Confidential Information” shall also mean information received by the Company from customers or clients or other third parties subject to a duty to keep confidential but, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, shall exclude Executive’s personal rolodex and contacts list.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Confidential Information” shall not include (i) information that, at the time of disclosure, is in the public domain other than as a result of the breach by Executive of any obligation of confidentiality or non-disclosure owed to the Company or any of its affiliates, and (ii) information required to be disclosed by any judicial or administrative proceedings or applicable laws so long as, to the extent legal and practicable, reasonable prior notice is given of such disclosure and, to the extent legal and practicable, a reasonable opportunity is afforded to the Company, at its sole expense, to contest such disclosure.

(c)  Documents and Materials . Executive further agrees that Executive will return all Confidential Information, including all copies and versions of such Confidential Information (including but not limited to information maintained on paper, disk, CD-ROM, network server, or any other retention device whatsoever) and other property of the Company, to the Company immediately upon cessation of Executive’s employment with the Company. These terms are in addition to any statutory or common law obligations that Executive may have relating to the protection of the Company’s Confidential Information or its property. These restrictions shall survive the termination of employment.

(d) Non-Competition . Unless previously terminated pursuant to Section 4(c) or 4(f) of this Agreement, during the Term and for a period of two years thereafter (the “ Noncompete Period ”), Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, either alone or in association with others, own, manage, operate, sell, control or participate in the ownership, management, operation, sales or control of, be involved with the development efforts of, serve as a technical advisor to, license intellectual property to, provide services to or in any manner engage in any business that directly competes with any specific business (1) in which the Company and its Affiliates (taken as a whole) are materially engaged as of the date of Executive’s termination or resignation or (2) for which the Company or any of its Affiliates has, within one year prior to Executive’s termination or resignation, taken substantial, demonstrable steps to become materially engaged, in which the Company and its Affiliates (taken as a whole), within one year after Executive’s termination or resignation, would reasonably be expected to be materially engaged; provided, however, that Executive may own as a passive investor up to 5.0% of any class of an issuer’s publicly traded securities (as used in this sentence, “material” shall mean material to the aggregate results of the Company and its Affiliates taken as a whole). The Noncompete Period shall be extended by the length of any period during which Executive is found by a court or arbitrator to be in breach of the terms of this Section 6(d).  Executive acknowledges (i) that the business of the Company and its Affiliates is, and is expected to remain, international in scope and without geographical limitation; (ii) notwithstanding the state of incorporation or principal office of the Company or any of its Affiliates, or any of their respective executives or employees (including Executive), it is expected that the Company and its Affiliates will have business activities and have valuable business relationships within its industry throughout the world; and (iii) as part of his responsibilities, Executive will travel around the world in furtherance of the Company’s and its Affiliates’ businesses and their relationships. Accordingly, the restrictions set forth in this Section 6 shall be effective in all cities, counties and states of the United States and all countries in which the Company or any of its Affiliates has an office or has made commercial sales within 12 months prior to the date of Executive’s termination or resignation.

            (e)  Non-Solicitation; Non-Hire . During the Noncompete Period, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, (i) recruit, solicit or induce, or attempt to recruit, solicit or induce any employee or employees of the Company or any of its Affiliates to terminate their employment with, or otherwise cease their relationship with, the Company or (ii) hire any person who was an employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates within six (6) months prior to the time such employee is proposed to be hired by Executive; (iii) solicit, divert or take away, or attempt to solicit, divert or take away, the business or patronage of any of the clients, customers or accounts, or prospective clients, customers or accounts, of the Company or any of its Affiliates for similar products that the Company produces.

(f)  Saving Clause .  If any restriction set forth in this Section is found by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable because it extends for too long a period of time or over too great a range of activities or in too broad a geographic area, it shall be interpreted to extend only over the maximum period of time, range of activities or geographic area as to which it may be enforceable.

(g)  Acknowledgement .  The restrictions contained in this Section are necessary for the protection of the business and goodwill of the Company and are considered by Executive to be reasonable for such purpose. Executive agrees that any breach of this Section will cause the Company substantial and irrevocable damage and therefore, in the event of any such breach, in addition to such other remedies which may be available, the Company shall have the right to seek specific performance and injunctive relief.

(h)  Representations .  Executive represents that his performance of all the terms of this Agreement as an employee of the Company does not and will not breach any existing (i) agreement to keep in confidence proprietary information, knowledge or data acquired by him in confidence or in trust prior to his employment with the Company or (ii) agreement to refrain from competing, directly or indirectly, with the business of any previous employer or any other party.

(i) Exclusivity .  The restrictive covenants set forth in this Section 6 replace and supersede any similar restrictive covenants in any other agreements or plans to which Executive has or shall become subject in connection with Executive’s service to the Company and its Affiliates.  Other than these restrictive covenants and any obligations imposed by applicable law or regulation, absent Executive’s written consent there shall be no other restrictions imposed by the Company or any Affiliate on Executive’s activities following the Term, and no Incentive Award or other compensation or Benefit shall be conditioned on Executive’s assent to any restrictive covenant that imposes limitations greater than those set forth in this Section 6, and any such restrictive covenant shall be void to the extent it conflicts with a provision contained in this Agreement.

7. Notices . All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effective upon (a) the date of receipt, if sent by personal delivery (including delivery by reputable overnight courier), or (b) the date of receipt or refusal, if deposited in the United States Post Office, by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, (c) the next business day, if sent by reputable overnight courier for delivery on such business day, or (d) the date of receipt, if transmitted by facsimile, in each case at the address of record of Executive or the Company, as applicable, or at such other place as may from time to time be designated by either party in writing.

8. Assignment . This Agreement is not assignable by Executive but may be assigned by the Company to an Affiliate of the Company (provided such Affiliate has financial resources substantially comparable to those of the Company prior to such assignment or to any transactions made by the Company in connection with such assignment) without Executive’s prior consent.

9. Merger Clause/Governing Law/Arbitration.

(a)   Entire Agreement .  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement regarding the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment with the Company and its Affiliates.  This Agreement supersedes any prior agreements, or other promises or statements (whether oral or written) regarding the terms of employment with the Company and its Affiliates.  This Agreement may only be amended in a writing that is executed by both Executive and the Company.

(b)   Governing Law; Arbitration .  This Agreement shall be governed by the law of the State of New York without regard to conflicts of laws. If any dispute arises out of or relates to this Agreement, or the breach thereof (a “ Dispute ”), such Dispute shall be finally resolved by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Employment Dispute Rules, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.  The arbitration will be conducted in New York County, New York, before a sole arbitrator named in accordance with such rules, and shall be conducted in accordance with the United States Arbitration Act.  The parties agree that the existence of any Dispute subject to this provision, any proceedings to resolve such Dispute, and all submissions received by any party from any other party in connection with such Dispute or proceedings shall be treated as confidential.  At the discretion of the arbitrator, the non-prevailing party in such arbitration may be ordered to pay the reasonable out-of-pocket costs and legal fees and disbursements incurred by the prevailing party in such arbitration and in preparation therefor.  Nothing in this Section shall be construed to derogate the Company’s right to seek legal and equitable relief in a court of competent jurisdiction for breaches of Section 6 as contemplated by Section 6(g).

10. Validity . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not be deemed to affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. A court or arbitrator shall modify any invalid or unenforceable provision to make it valid and enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law.

11. Successors . This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company, its successors and assigns, including any corporation or other business entity which may acquire all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or business, or within which the Company may be consolidated or merged, or any surviving corporation in a merger involving the Company.

12. No Mitigation .  Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payments or benefits provided for under this Agreement by seeking other employment, nor shall any amounts to be received by Executive under this Agreement be reduced by any other compensation earned from a subsequent employer (including self-employment).

13. Headings . The headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect its construction.

14. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which and together will constitute one and the same instrument.

[signature page follows]

 
 

 


In witness whereof, the parties hereto have signed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.


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



/s/ Alan Kestenbaum
Alan Kestenbaum

 
 

 

EXHIBIT A

Agreement and Release

Agreement and Release (“ Agreement ”), by Alan Kestenbaum (“ Executive ” and referred to herein as “ you ”) and Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”).

1.           In exchange for your waiver of claims against the Released Persons (as defined below) and compliance with the other terms and conditions of this Agreement, following the effectiveness of this Agreement, the Company shall provide you with the payments and benefits provided in your employment agreement with the Company, effective as of November 13, 2010 (the “ Employment Agreement ”), in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Employment Agreement.

2.           (a)  In consideration for the payments and benefits to be provided to you pursuant to Section 1 above, which you acknowledge are more than to which you would otherwise be entitled, you hereby waive any claim you may have for employment by the Company and agree not to seek such employment or reemployment by the Company in the future.  You further agree to and do forever release and discharge the Company and its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates and related business entities, successors and assigns, and any of its or their respective directors and officers, shareholders, employees and agents (in their capacity as such) (collectively, the “ Released Persons ”) from any and all claims, suits, demands, causes of action, covenants, obligations, debts, costs, expenses  fees and liabilities of any kind whatsoever (including, without limitation, back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages, exemplary damages, attorneys’ fees and costs actually incurred), in law or equity, by statute or otherwise, whether known or unknown, vested or contingent, suspected or unsuspected and whether or not concealed or hidden (collectively, the “ Claims ”), arising out of or related to your employment with the Company or the termination thereof, which you have had, now have, or may have against any of the Released Persons by reason of any act, omission, transaction, practice, plan, policy, procedure, conduct, occurrence, or other matter arising up to and including the date on which you sign this Agreement, except as provided in subsection (c) below.

(b)           Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement is intended to and shall release the Released Persons from any and all such claims and causes of action arising out of or related to your employment with the Company or the termination thereof, including, but not limited to: (i) any and all rights or claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (excluding claims for accrued, vested benefits under any employee benefit or incentive plan of the Released Persons, subject to the terms and conditions of such plan and applicable law), the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; (ii) any and all other rights or claims whether based on federal, state, or local law (statutory or decisional), rule, regulation or ordinance, including, but not limited to, breach of contract (express or implied), wrongful discharge, tort, fraud, detrimental reliance, defamation, emotional distress or compensatory or punitive damages; and (iii) any claim for attorneys’ fees, costs, disbursements and/or the like.
(c)           Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall be a waiver of Claims: (i) that arise after the date on which you sign this Agreement, (ii) for the payments, benefits or rights required to be provided under the Employment Agreement or under any Incentive Award; (iii) related to any equity award, equity interest, or incentive program in which you may have received grants or allocations at or before the date of your employment termination; (iv) regarding rights of indemnification under the Employment Agreement or otherwise; or (v) relating to any accrued, vested benefits under any employee benefit plan or incentive plan of the Released Persons, subject to the terms and conditions of such plan and applicable law.

(d)           In signing this Agreement, you acknowledge that you intend that this Agreement shall be effective as a bar to each and every one of the Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied.  You expressly consent that this Agreement shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown, unsuspected or unanticipated Claims, if any, as well as those relating to any other Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied.

3.           (a)  This Agreement is not intended, and shall not be construed, as an admission that any of the Released Persons has violated any federal, state or local law (statutory or decisional), ordinance or regulation, breached any contract or committed any wrong whatsoever against you.

(b)           Should any provision of this Agreement require interpretation or construction, it is agreed by the parties that the entity interpreting or constructing this Agreement shall not apply a presumption against one party by reason of the rule of construction that a document is to be construed more strictly against the party who prepared the document.

(c)           You   represent and warrant that you have not assigned or transferred to any person or entity any of my rights which are or could be covered by this Agreement, including but not limited to the waivers and releases contained in this Agreement.

4.           This Agreement is binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

5.           This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made and to be performed entirely within such State.

6.           You acknowledge that you: (a) have carefully read this Agreement in its entirety and understand all of its terms, including the waiver and release of claims set forth in paragraph 2 above; (b) have had an opportunity to consider for at least twenty-one (21) days the terms of this Agreement; (c) are hereby advised by the Company in writing to consult with an attorney or other advisor of your choice in connection with this Agreement; (d) have had answered to your satisfaction by your independent legal counsel any questions you have asked with regard to the meaning and significance of any of the provisions of this Agreement; (e) are signing this Agreement voluntarily and of your own free will, and no promises or representations have been made to you by any person to induce you to enter into this Agreement other than the express terms set forth herein; and (f) agree to abide by all the terms and conditions contained herein.

7.           You understand that you will have at least twenty-one (21) days from the date of receipt of this Agreement to consider, sign and return this Agreement.  You may accept this Agreement by signing it and returning it to the Company’s General Counsel at the address specified pursuant to Section 7 of the Employment Agreement on or before _________.  After executing this Agreement, you shall have seven (7) days (the “ Revocation Period ”) to revoke this Agreement by indicating your desire to do so in writing delivered to the General Counsel at the address above by no later than the seventh (7th) day after the date you sign this Agreement.  The effective date of this Agreement shall be the eighth (8th) day after you sign the Agreement (irrespective of whether the Company has countersigned the Agreement) (the “ Agreement Effective Date ”), provided that you have not revoked the Agreement.  If the last day of the Revocation Period falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the last day of the Revocation Period will be deemed to be the next business day.  In the event you do not accept this Agreement as set forth above, or in the event you revoke this Agreement during the Revocation Period, this Agreement shall be deemed automatically null and void.

8.           Any dispute regarding this Agreement shall be subject to the dispute resolution provisions contained in the Employment Agreement.

EXECUTIVE

____________________________________
Alan Kestenbaum

GLOBE SPECIALTY METALS, INC.

 
____________________________________
[       Name            ]
[       Title            ]



 
 

 



Framework for the 2011 Annual Executive Long Term Incentive Plan

The 2011 annu al executive long term incentive plan has the following elements:

Participants:                      Malcolm Appelbaum and Stephen Lebowitz

Terms of incentive calculation:

1.  
(A)  The incentive amount for Malcolm Appelbaum is calculated as the sum of (a) 0.2631% of “modified EBITDA” and (b) 0.0658% of “modified free cash flow” (using the same definitions as used in the 2009 plan) after the sum of 80% of the modified EBITDA plus 20% of the modified free cash flow exceeds $48,000,000.
(B)  The incentive amount for Stephen Lebowitz is calculated as the sum of (a) 0.2229% of “modified EBITDA” and (b) 0.0557% of “modified free cash flow” after the sum of 80% of the modified EBITDA plus 20% of the modified free cash flow exceeds $38,500,000.  
A detailed description of modified EBITDA and modified free cash flow are set forth in Exhibit A.  (For avoidance of doubt, the percentages of modified EBITDA and of modified free cash flow are intended to be calculated based upon only 80 percent of the modified EBITDA plus 20 percent of the modified free cash flow recorded in excess of the specified threshold and will not include any amount based upon 80 percent of the modified EBITDA and 20 percent of the modified free cash flow recorded prior to the total reaching the specified threshold.)
2.  
All calculations under the Plan are to be based upon the results for the calendar year, starting with the calendar year ending December 31, 2011.
3.  
The results of acquisitions will be included in making the calculations of modified EBITDA and modified free cash flow.
4.  
“One time costs” will be excluded in making the calculations of modified EBITDA and modified free cash flow. The definition of one-time costs is set forth in Exhibit B.  The Compensation Committee may elect, in its judgment, not to exclude certain one-time costs that otherwise would be excluded as a result of the definition.
5.  
The incentive amount for Malcolm Appelbaum is capped at $500,000, and the incentive amount for Stephen Lebowitz is capped at $450,000

Payout terms:

 
1.
Payouts will be made in Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) that settle in cash and proportionally vest over three years but are not paid out until the end of the third year.

Other terms:

 
1.
The accrual of any incentive amount is subject to the Company meeting a threshold performance requirement that the fraction determined by dividing modified EBITDA (including the appropriate bonus accrual) for the calendar year by average Committed Capital exceed 0.2. A detailed description of “Committed Capital” is set forth in Exhibit A.  Average Committed Capital will be calculated as the 13 point monthly average of Committed Capital for the calendar year, starting with Committed Capital as of 12/31/2010. Committed Capital will exclude the impact of one-time costs defined in Exhibit B. The Compensation Committee may elect, in its judgment, not to exclude certain one-time costs that otherwise would be excluded as a result of the definition.

 
2.
The Committee may exercise negative judgment as noted below in Framework for relative performance measures attached as Exhibit C.

 
3.
The Plan includes a claw back provision which provides that if the Board determines that there was executive misconduct in a prior period in the preparation of the financial results for that period, the Compensation Committee will determine whether the restatement was material and was a result of executive misconduct in preparation of the financial information, and if so, to what extent “covered payments” should be returned to the company to the extent that such payments were overstated as a result of the change in financial condition. Covered payments include incentives paid to the executive found to have actively participated in the executive misconduct for performance during the fiscal year(s).

4.      The plan design is intended to comply with 162(m) requirements.

 
5.
The 2010 Annual Executive Bonus Plan for the chief financial officer and chief legal officer is concurrently being amended to provide that, effective for calendar year 2011 and thereafter, all awards under that plan, which previously were to be paid in cash and restricted stock units, will be paid solely in cash and will not be deferred.

 
 

 



Exhibit A


Definitions of modified EBITDA, modified free cash flow and committed capital


modified EBITDA for the year is calculated as follows:

Net income plus provision for income taxes, net interest expense and depreciation and amortization equals EBITDA.  EBITDA plus non-cash share based compensation, executive bonus accrual and other non-recurring adjustments equals modified EBITDA.


modified free cash flow for the year is calculated as follows:

modified EBITDA less capital expenditures, cash interest paid, change in working capital and scheduled principal payments on term debt plus interest income and other non-recurring adjustments not considered in modified EBITDA equals modified free cash flow.


Committed Capital for the year is calculated as follows:

short-term debt plus long term debt plus stockholder equity less cash and cash equivalents equals Committed Capital


(example calculations are attached to the original plan document)




 
 

 

Exhibit B

Definition of one-time costs


Items defined by GAAP:

·  
Restructuring charges
·  
Non-recurring items
·  
Impairment charges

Items specified below:

·  
Start-up or shut down expenses for plants or business lines
·  
Transaction expenses related to acquisitions or dispositions
·  
Inventory write-offs
·  
Penalties or charges related to prior periods (i.e. Argentine power penalty in 2009)
·  
Litigation awards, charges or professional fees related to litigation or threatened litigation
·  
Fixed asset write-offs

 
 

 

Exhibit C

Framework for relative performance measures


The following relative performance measures, among others will be used by the Compensation Committee to determine if and how much of a reduction should be applied to the 2011 annual long term incentive plan. It is expected the Committee will examine relative performance quarterly.

Relative performance will be measured against the following:
1.  
Peer Group
2.  
Reference Group
3.  
S&P Small Cap Index
4.  
S&P Metals Index
5.  
The Committee may add other “groups” or delete “groups” at any time, including after the plan period, but before a final decision on awards is made.

Relative performance measures may include and may not be limited to those below.
1.  
TSR
2.  
ROE
3.  
Net operating profit after tax (NOPAT)/Committed Capital (CC)
4.  
EBITDA growth
5.  
NOPAT growth
6.  
The Committee may add other performance measures or delete performance measures at any time, including after the plan period, but before a final decision on awards is made.
7.  
The Committee may adjust any measure in its judgment to insure a valid comparison.

Possible actions based on relative performance

First quartile – No haircut
Second quartile – In concept, a reduction of 25% to 50%; 25% if performance is close to the first quartile, 50% if close to the median.
Third quartile – In concept, a reduction of 50% if close to the median, 75% if close to the fourth quartile.
Fourth quartile – Significant reduction and possibly no award.

The Committee will work with the Company when performing it analysis. The Committee ultimately will use its judgment and may weight some measures more heavily than others. The Committee will communicate its conclusions to the Board and request that the Board support the Committee’s conclusions.
 
 


 
 

 


EXHIBIT 31.1

GLOBE SPECIALTY METALS, INC.
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Jeff Bradley, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “registrant”);

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


 
Date: May 11, 2011
By:
/s/ Jeff Bradley
 
   
Jeff Bradley
 
   
Chief Executive Officer
 
   
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
     
 

 
 






 

 
 

 


EXHIBIT 31.2

GLOBE SPECIALTY METALS, INC.
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Malcolm Appelbaum, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “registrant”);

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Date: May 11, 2011
By:
/s/ Malcolm Appelbaum
 
   
Malcolm Appelbaum
 
   
Chief Financial Officer
 
   
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 


Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION

Each of the undersigned hereby certifies, for the purposes of section 1350 of chapter 63 of title 18 of the United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in his capacity as an officer of Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. (“Globe”), that, to his knowledge, the Quarterly Report of Globe on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Globe. This written statement is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to such Form 10-Q. A signed original of this statement has been provided to Globe and will be retained by Globe and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.


 
     
Date: May 11, 2011
By:
/s/ Jeff Bradley
 
   
Jeff Bradley
 
   
Chief Executive Officer
 
   
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
     
Date: May 11, 2011
By:
/s/ Malcolm Appelbaum
 
   
Malcolm Appelbaum
 
   
Chief Financial Officer
 
   
(Principal Financial Officer)