Olin (OLN) 10-Q2024 Q1 Quarterly report

Olin Corporation (Olin) is a Virginia corporation, incorporated in 1892, having its principal executive offices in Clayton, MO. We are a leading vertically integrated global manufacturer and distributor of chemical products and a leading U.S. manufacturer of ammunition. Our operations are concentrated in three business segments: Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls, Epoxy and Winchester. All of our business segments are capital-intensive manufacturing businesses. The Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment manufactures and sells chlorine and caustic soda, ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride monomer, methyl chloride, methylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, perchloroethylene, hydrochloric acid, hydrogen, bleach products and potassium hydroxide. The Epoxy segment produces and sells a full range of epoxy materials and precursors, including aromatics (acetone and phenol), allyl chloride, epichlorohydrin, liquid epoxy resins, solid epoxy resins and systems and growth products such as converted epoxy resins and additives. The Winchester segment produces and sells sporting ammunition, reloading components, small caliber military ammunition and components, industrial cartridges and clay targets.

On January 10, 2023, Blue Water Alliance (BWA), our joint venture with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui), began operations. BWA is an independent global trader of Electrochemical Unit (ECU)-based derivatives, focused on globally traded caustic soda and ethylene dichloride. Olin holds 51% interest and exercises control in BWA and the joint venture is consolidated in our consolidated financial statements in our Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment, with Mitsui’s 49% interest in BWA classified as noncontrolling interest. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

We have prepared the condensed financial statements included herein, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States (U.S.) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The preparation of the financial statements requires estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and related notes. In our opinion, these financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal accruals), which are necessary to present fairly the results for interim periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations; however, we believe that the disclosures are appropriate. We recommend that you read these condensed financial statements in conjunction with the financial statements, accounting policies and the notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

On October 1, 2023, Olin acquired the assets of White Flyer Targets, LLC (White Flyer) from Reagent Diversified Holdings, Inc. for $63.5 million. The acquisition was financed with cash on hand. White Flyer designs, manufactures and sells recreational trap, skeet, international and sporting clay targets and has been included in Olin’s Winchester segment. We recorded the aggregate excess purchase price over identifiable net tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which included a final allocation of $2.4 million of goodwill allocated to our Winchester segment and $4.5 million of intangible assets subject to amortization. The final total assets acquired, excluding goodwill and intangibles, and liabilities assumed amounted to $66.6 million and $10.0 million, respectively. The acquisition is not material, and therefore, supplemental pro forma financial information is not provided.

As a result of weak global resin demand and higher cost structures within the European region, we began a review of our global Epoxy asset footprint to optimize the most productive and cost-effective assets to support our strategic operating model. As part of this review, we announced operational cessations in the fourth quarter of 2022 and the first half of 2023 (collectively, Epoxy Optimization Plan).

On June 20, 2023, we announced we had made the decision to cease all remaining operations at our Gumi, South Korea facility, reduce epoxy resin capacity at our Freeport, TX facility, and reduce our sales and support staffing across Asia. These actions were substantially completed by December 31, 2023. On March 21, 2023, we announced we had made the decision to cease operations at our cumene facility in Terneuzen, Netherlands and solid epoxy resin production at our facilities in Gumi, South Korea and Guaruja, Brazil. The closures were completed in the first quarter 2023. During the fourth quarter of 2022, we committed to and completed a plan to close down one of our bisphenol production lines at our Stade, Germany site. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, we recorded pretax restructuring charges of $3.5 million and $57.8 million, respectively, for contract termination costs, the write-off of equipment and facility costs, and facility exit costs related to these actions. We expect to incur additional restructuring charges through 2025 of approximately $20 million related to these actions.

During 2021, we announced that we had made the decision to permanently close our diaphragm-grade chlor alkali capacity, representing 400,000 tons, at our McIntosh, AL facility (McIntosh Plan). The closure was completed during the third quarter of 2022. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, we recorded pretax restructuring charges of $1.9 million and $1.4 million, respectively, for facility exit costs related to this action. We expect to incur additional restructuring charges through 2027 of approximately $20 million related to these actions.

On January 18, 2021, we announced we had made the decision to permanently close our trichloroethylene and anhydrous hydrogen chloride liquefaction facilities in Freeport, TX (collectively, Freeport 2021 Plan), which were completed in the fourth quarter of 2021. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, we recorded pretax restructuring charges of $0.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively, for facility exit costs related to these actions. We expect to incur additional restructuring charges through 2025 of approximately $10 million related to these actions.

On December 11, 2019, we announced that we had made the decision to permanently close a chlor alkali plant with a capacity of 230,000 tons and our vinylidene chloride (VDC) production facility, both in Freeport, TX (collectively, Freeport 2019 Plan). The VDC facility and related chlor alkali plant were closed during the fourth quarter of 2020 and second quarter of 2021, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, we recorded pretax restructuring charges of $2.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively, for facility exit costs related to these actions. We expect to incur additional restructuring charges through 2026 of approximately $15 million related to these actions.

The following table summarizes the 2024 and 2023 activities by major component of these restructuring actions and the remaining balances of accrued restructuring costs as of March 31, 2024 and 2023:

The following table summarizes the cumulative restructuring charges of these restructuring actions by major component through March 31, 2024:

As of March 31, 2024, we have incurred cash expenditures of $104.1 million and non-cash charges of $79.9 million related to these restructuring actions. The remaining balance of $17.5 million is expected to be paid out through 2027.

Basic and diluted net income attributable to Olin Corporation per share are computed by dividing net income attributable to Olin Corporation by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income attributable to Olin Corporation per share reflects the dilutive effect of stock-based compensation.

The computation of dilutive shares does not include 2.0 million and 1.4 million shares for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

We maintain a $425.0 million Receivables Financing Agreement (Receivables Financing Agreement) that is scheduled to mature on October 14, 2025. Under the Receivables Financing Agreement, our eligible trade receivables are used for collateralized borrowings and continue to be serviced by us. In addition, the Receivables Financing Agreement incorporates the net leverage ratio covenant that is contained in the $1,550.0 million Senior Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2024, December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, we had $332.4 million, $328.5 million and $355.0 million, respectively, drawn under the agreement. As of March 31, 2024, $477.6 million of our trade receivables were pledged as collateral and we had no additional borrowing capacity under the Receivables Financing Agreement, which was limited by our borrowing base.

Olin also has trade accounts receivable factoring arrangements (AR Facilities) and pursuant to the terms of the AR Facilities, certain of our domestic subsidiaries may sell their accounts receivable up to a maximum of $175.5 million and certain of our foreign subsidiaries may sell their accounts receivable up to a maximum of €22.0 million. We will continue to service the outstanding accounts sold. These receivables qualify for sales treatment under ASC 860 “Transfers and Servicing” and, accordingly, the proceeds are included in net cash provided by operating activities in the condensed statements of cash flows. The following table summarizes the AR Facilities activity:

The factoring discount paid under the AR Facilities is recorded as interest expense on the condensed statements of operations. The factoring discount was $1.0 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The agreements are without recourse and therefore no recourse liability had been recorded as of March 31, 2024.

Our condensed balance sheets included an allowance for doubtful accounts receivables of $12.6 million, $13.1 million and $13.1 million and other receivables of $89.4 million, $85.3 million and $67.7 million at March 31, 2024, December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, respectively, which were included in receivables, net.

Inventories consisted of the following:

Inventories under the LIFO method are based on annual estimates of quantities and costs as of year-end; therefore, the condensed financial statements at March 31, 2024 reflect certain estimates relating to inventory quantities and costs at December 31, 2024. The replacement cost of our inventories would have been approximately $145.7 million, $133.7 million and $176.8 million higher than reported at March 31, 2024, December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, respectively.

Included in other assets were the following:

For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, payments of $28.5 million and $9.3 million were made under other long-term supply contracts for energy modernization projects in the U.S. Gulf Coast. Amortization expense of $18.3 million and $17.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, was recognized within cost of goods sold related to our long-term supply contracts and is reflected in depreciation and amortization on the condensed statements of cash flows.

Changes in the carrying value of goodwill were as follows:

Intangible assets consisted of the following:

We maintain a $1,550.0 million senior credit facility (Senior Credit Facility) which includes a senior term loan facility with aggregate commitments of $350.0 million (Term Loan Facility) and a senior revolving credit facility with aggregate commitments of $1,200.0 million (Senior Revolving Credit Facility). The Term Loan Facility was fully drawn on the closing date with the proceeds of the Term Loan Facility used to refinance the loans and commitments outstanding under the existing facility. The Term Loan Facility requires principal amortization payments which began on March 31, 2023, at a rate of 0.625% per quarter through the end of 2024, increasing to 1.250% per quarter thereafter until maturity. The maturity date for the Senior Credit Facility is October 11, 2027.

We were in compliance with all covenants and restrictions under all our outstanding credit agreements as of March 31, 2024, and no event of default had occurred that would permit the lenders under our outstanding credit agreements to accelerate the debt if not cured. In the future, our ability to generate sufficient operating cash flows, among other factors, will determine the amounts available to be borrowed under these facilities. As a result of our restrictive covenant related to the net leverage ratio, the maximum additional borrowings available to us could be limited in the future. The limitation, if an amendment or

We sponsor domestic and foreign defined benefit pension plans for eligible employees and retirees. Most of our domestic employees participate in defined contribution plans. However, a portion of our bargaining hourly employees continue to participate in our domestic qualified defined benefit pension plans under a flat-benefit formula. Our funding policy for the qualified defined benefit pension plans is consistent with the requirements of federal laws and regulations. Our foreign subsidiaries maintain pension and other benefit plans, which are consistent with local statutory practices.

Our domestic qualified defined benefit pension plan provides that if, within three years following a change of control of Olin, any corporate action is taken or filing made in contemplation of, among other things, a plan termination or merger or other transfer of assets or liabilities of the plan, and such termination, merger, or transfer thereafter takes place, plan benefits would automatically be increased for affected participants (and retired participants) to absorb any plan surplus (subject to applicable collective bargaining requirements).

We also provide certain postretirement healthcare (medical) and life insurance benefits for eligible active and retired domestic employees. The healthcare plans are contributory with participants’ contributions adjusted annually based on medical rates of inflation and plan experience.

We made cash contributions to our international qualified defined benefit pension plans of $0.3 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2024 included a net $2.6 million tax benefit, primarily associated with stock-based compensation and prior year tax positions, partially offset by an expense from a change in tax contingencies. Excluding these items, the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2024 of 25.0% was higher than the 21.0% U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to state income tax and foreign income inclusions, partially offset by favorable permanent salt depletion deductions. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2023 included a net $5.2 million tax benefit, primarily associated with stock-based compensation, a remeasurement of deferred taxes due to a decrease in our state effective tax rates, and prior year tax positions, partially offset by an expense from a net increase in the valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets in foreign jurisdictions and an expense from a change in tax contingencies. Excluding these items, the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2023 of 23.6% was higher than the 21.0% U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to state and foreign income taxes and an increase in the valuation allowance related to losses in foreign jurisdictions, partially offset by favorable permanent salt depletion deductions.

As of March 31, 2024, we had $49.9 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, which would have a net $49.7 million impact on the effective tax rate, if recognized. As of March 31, 2023, we had $54.8 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which $53.2 million would have impacted the effective tax rate, if recognized. The amounts of unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:

As of March 31, 2024, we believe it is reasonably possible that our total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $36.3 million over the next twelve months. The anticipated reduction primarily relates to expected settlements with tax authorities and the expiration of federal, state and foreign statutes of limitation.

We operate globally and file income tax returns in numerous jurisdictions. Our tax returns are subject to examination by various federal, state and local tax authorities. Additionally, examinations are ongoing in various states and foreign jurisdictions. We believe we have adequately provided for all tax positions; however, amounts asserted by taxing authorities could be greater than our accrued position.

For our primary tax jurisdictions, the tax years that remain subject to examination are as follows:

The Contributing Employee Ownership Plan (CEOP) is a defined contribution plan available to essentially all domestic employees. We provide a contribution to an individual retirement contribution account (Company Contributions) maintained with the CEOP equal to an amount between 5.0% and 7.5% of the employee’s eligible compensation. Employees generally vest in the value of the Company Contribution according to a schedule based on service. Participants vest 50% after 2 years of service and 100% after 3 years of service.

We also match a percentage of our employees CEOP contributions (Company Match), which are invested in the same investment allocation as the employee’s contributions. Employees immediately vest in company matching contributions.

Our contributions to the CEOP were as follows:

Stock-based compensation granted includes stock options, performance share awards, restricted stock awards and deferred directors’ compensation. Stock-based compensation expense was as follows:

The fair value of each stock option granted, which typically vests ratably over three years, but not less than one year, was estimated on the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

Dividend yield was based on our current dividend yield as of the option grant date. Risk-free interest rate was based on zero coupon U.S. Treasury securities rates for the expected life of the options. Expected volatility was based on our historical stock price movements, as we believe that historical experience is the best available indicator of the expected volatility. Expected life of the option grant was based on historical exercise and cancellation patterns, as we believe that historical experience is the best estimate for future exercise patterns.

Performance share awards are denominated in shares of our stock and are paid half in cash and half in stock. Payouts for performance share awards are based on two criteria: (1) 50% of the award is based on Olin’s total shareholder returns (TSR) over the applicable three-year performance cycle in relation to the TSR over the same period among a portfolio of public companies which are selected in concert with outside compensation consultants and (2) 50% of the award is based on Olin’s net income over the applicable three-year performance cycle in relation to the net income goal for such period as set by the Compensation Committee of Olin’s Board of Directors. The expense associated with performance shares is recorded based on our estimate of our performance relative to the respective target. If an employee leaves the company before the end of the performance cycle, the performance shares may be prorated based on the number of months of the performance cycle worked and are settled in cash instead of half in cash and half in stock when the three-year performance cycle is completed.

The fair value of each performance share award based on net income was estimated on the date of grant, using the current stock price. The fair value of each performance share award based on TSR was estimated on the date of grant, using a Monte Carlo simulation model with the following weighted average assumptions:

The risk-free interest rate was based on zero coupon U.S. Treasury securities rates for the expected life of the performance share awards. The expected volatility of Olin common stock and peer companies was based on historical stock price movements, as we believe that historical experience is the best available indicator of the expected volatility. The average correlation coefficient of peer companies was determined based on historical trends of Olin’s common stock price compared to the peer companies. Expected life of the performance share award grant was based on historical exercise and cancellation patterns, as we believe that historical experience is the best estimate of future exercise patterns.

On July 28, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for the purchase of shares of common stock at an aggregate price of up to $2.0 billion (the 2022 Repurchase Authorization). This program will terminate upon the purchase of $2.0 billion of common stock.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, 2.0 million and 3.6 million shares, respectively, of common stock were repurchased and retired at a total value of $105.4 million and $206.1 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2024, 21.2 million shares of common stock have been repurchased and retired at a total value of $1,108.0 million under the 2022 Repurchase Authorization program, and $892.0 million of common stock remained authorized to be repurchased under the program.

We issued 0.8 million and 0.4 million shares representing stock options exercised for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, with a total value of $19.8 million and $11.2 million, respectively.

The following table represents the activity included in accumulated other comprehensive loss:

Net income and cost of goods sold included reclassification adjustments for realized gains and losses on derivative contracts from accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Net income and non-operating pension income included the amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss.

We define segment results as income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, other operating income (expense), non-operating pension income, other income and income taxes. We have three operating segments: Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls, Epoxy and Winchester. The three operating segments reflect the organization used by our management for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance. Chlorine and caustic soda used in our Epoxy segment is transferred at cost from the Chlor Alkali Products and Vinyls segment. Sales are attributed to geographic areas based on customer location.

We are party to various government and private environmental actions associated with past manufacturing facilities and former waste disposal sites. The condensed balance sheets included reserves for future environmental expenditures to investigate and remediate known sites amounting to $154.8 million, $153.6 million and $146.7 million at March 31, 2024, December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, respectively, of which $122.8 million, $121.6 million and $121.7 million, respectively, were classified as other noncurrent liabilities.

Environmental provisions charged to income, which are included in costs of goods sold, were $5.8 million and $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Environmental exposures are difficult to assess for numerous reasons, including the identification of new sites, developments at sites resulting from investigatory studies, advances in technology, changes in environmental laws and regulations and their application, changes in regulatory authorities, the scarcity of reliable data pertaining to identified sites, the difficulty in assessing the involvement and financial capability of other Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs), our ability to obtain contributions from other parties and the lengthy time periods over which site remediation occurs. It is possible that some of these matters (the outcomes of which are subject to various uncertainties) may be resolved unfavorably to us, which could materially adversely affect our financial position or results of operations.

We, and our subsidiaries, are defendants in various legal actions (including proceedings based on alleged exposures to asbestos) incidental to our past and current business activities. As of March 31, 2024, December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, our condensed balance sheets included accrued liabilities for these other legal actions of $17.7 million, $14.2 million and $14.1 million, respectively. These liabilities do not include costs associated with legal representation. Based on our analysis, and considering the inherent uncertainties associated with litigation, we do not believe that it is reasonably possible that these legal actions will materially adversely affect our financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

During the ordinary course of our business, contingencies arise resulting from an existing condition, situation or set of circumstances involving an uncertainty as to the realization of a possible gain contingency. In certain instances, such as environmental projects, we are responsible for managing the cleanup and remediation of an environmental site. There exists the possibility of recovering a portion of these costs from other parties. We account for gain contingencies in accordance with the provisions of ASC 450 “Contingencies” and, therefore, do not record gain contingencies and recognize income until it is earned and realizable.

We are exposed to market risk in the normal course of our business operations due to our purchases of certain commodities, our ongoing investing and financing activities and our operations that use foreign currencies. The risk of loss can

Energy costs, including electricity and natural gas, and certain raw materials used in our production processes are subject to price volatility. Depending on market conditions, we may enter into futures contracts, forward contracts, commodity swaps and put and call option contracts in order to reduce the impact of commodity price fluctuations. The majority of our commodity derivatives expire within one year.

We actively manage currency exposures that are associated with net monetary asset positions, currency purchases and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities created in the normal course of business. We enter into forward sales and purchase contracts to manage currency risk to offset our net exposures, by currency, related to the foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities of our operations. All of the currency derivatives expire within one year and are for U.S. dollar (USD) equivalents. The counterparties to the forward contracts are large financial institutions; however, the risk of loss to us in the event of nonperformance by a counterparty could be significant to our financial position or results of operations. We had the following notional amounts of outstanding forward contracts to buy and sell foreign currency:

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the change in fair value of the derivative is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings.

We had the following notional amounts of outstanding commodity contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted purchases:

As of March 31, 2024, the counterparties to these commodity contracts were Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Citibank, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Toronto Dominion Bank and Bank of America Corporation, all of which are major financial institutions.

We use cash flow hedges for certain raw material and energy costs such as copper, zinc, lead, ethane, electricity and natural gas to provide a measure of stability in managing our exposure to price fluctuations associated with forecasted purchases of raw materials and energy used in our manufacturing process. At March 31, 2024, we had open derivative contract positions through 2028. If all open futures contracts had been settled on March 31, 2024, we would have recognized a pretax loss of $14.2 million.

If commodity prices were to remain at March 31, 2024 levels, approximately $14.0 million of deferred losses, net of tax, would be reclassified into earnings during the next twelve months. The actual effect on earnings will be dependent on actual commodity prices when the forecasted transactions occur.

We use interest rate swaps as a means of managing interest expense and floating interest rate exposure to optimal levels. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the

We present our derivative assets and liabilities in our condensed balance sheets on a net basis whenever we have a legally enforceable master netting agreement with the counterparty to our derivative contracts. We use these agreements to manage and substantially reduce our potential counterparty credit risk.

The following table summarizes the location and fair value of the derivative instruments on our condensed balance sheets: