UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010
 
or

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

For the transition period from                                 to                                

Commission File Number: 1-2394

WHX CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE
13-3768097
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1133 Westchester Avenue, Suite N222
White Plains, New York
10604
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

914-461-1300
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes x     No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant 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 ¨
Accelerated filer ¨
   
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company x

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

The number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as of May 7, 2010 was 12,178,565.
 
 
1

 
 
Part I. Item 1: Financial Statements

 

WHX CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
 
     
Three Months ended March 31,
 
     
2010
   
2009
 
               
     
(in thousands except per share)
 
               
Net sales
    $ 145,187     $ 127,187  
Cost of goods sold
      107,763       97,850  
Gross profit
      37,424       29,337  
                   
Selling, general and administrative expenses
      30,625       30,735  
Pension expense
      1,113       3,458  
Restructuring charges
      -       533  
Other operating expenses (income)
      1       (5 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations
      5,685       (5,384 )
Other:
                 
             Interest expense
      6,631       5,070  
             Realized and unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives
      323       (281 )
             Other expense (income)
      266       (159 )
Loss from continuing operations before tax
      (1,535 )     (10,014 )
Tax provision (benefit)
      678       (245 )
Loss from continuing operations, net of tax
      (2,213 )     (9,769 )
                   
Discontinued Operations:
                 
   Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
      (531 )     (1,599 )
   Gain (loss) on disposal of assets, net of tax
      -       -  
Net loss from discontinued operations
      (531 )     (1,599 )
                   
Net loss
    $ (2,744 )   $ (11,368 )
                   
Basic and diluted per share of common stock
                 
                   
Loss from continuing operations, net of tax
    $ (0.19 )   $ (0.80 )
Discontinued operations, net of tax
      (0.04 )     (0.13 )
Net loss
    $ (0.23 )   $ (0.93 )
                   
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
 
    12,179       12,179  
 
 
SEE NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
2

 
 
WHX CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
(Dollars and shares in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
ASSETS
           
Current Assets:
           
   Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 8,586     $ 8,796  
   Trade and other receivables - net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,704 and $2,806, respectively
    85,277       71,796  
   Inventories
    63,976       60,122  
   Deferred income taxes
    1,278       1,261  
   Other current assets
    9,801       9,008  
   Current assets of discontinued operations
    280       1,681  
Total current assets
    169,198       152,664  
                 
Property, plant and equipment at cost, less  accumulated depreciation and amortization
    86,026       86,969  
Goodwill
    63,926       63,946  
Other intangibles, net
    33,280       34,035  
Other non-current assets
    10,451       11,801  
Non-current assets of discontinued operations
    4,211       4,426  
    $ 367,092     $ 353,841  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
               
Current Liabilities:
               
   Trade payables
  $ 42,266     $ 35,123  
   Accrued liabilities
    22,238       23,351  
   Accrued environmental liability
    6,485       6,692  
   Accrued interest - related party
    1,982       1,600  
   Short-term debt
    30,763       19,087  
   Current portion of long-term debt
    13,090       5,944  
   Deferred income taxes
    413       300  
   Current portion of pension liability
    10,100       9,700  
   Current liabilities of discontinued operations
    656       1,507  
Total current liabilities
    127,993       103,304  
                 
Long-term debt
    84,952       95,106  
Long-term debt - related party
    54,098       54,098  
Long-term interest accrual - related party
    14,719       11,797  
Accrued pension liability
    91,914       92,655  
Other employee benefit liabilities
    4,832       4,840  
Deferred income taxes
    4,338       4,429  
Other liabilities
    5,247       5,409  
      388,093       371,638  
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
Stockholders' Deficit:
               
Preferred stock- $.01 par value; authorized 5,000 shares; issued and outstanding -0- shares
    -       -  
Common stock -  $.01 par value; authorized 180,000 shares;  issued and outstanding 12,179 shares
    122       122  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (118,871 )     (118,402 )
Additional paid-in capital
    552,843       552,834  
Accumulated deficit
    (455,095 )     (452,351 )
Total stockholders' deficit
    (21,001 )     (17,797 )
    $ 367,092     $ 353,841  
 
 
SEE NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
3

 

WHX CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net loss
  $ (2,744 )   $ (11,368 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
               
     (used in) operating activities:
               
  Depreciation and amortization
    4,379       4,536  
  Non-cash stock based compensation
    12       116  
  Amortization of debt related costs
    288       391  
  Long-term interest on related party debt
    2,922       1,767  
  Deferred income taxes
    (8 )     (467 )
  (Gain) loss on asset dispositions
    1       (4 )
  Unrealized loss on derivatives
    67       388  
  Reclassification of net cash settlements on derivative instruments
    256       (669 )
  Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations
    81       2,932  
Decrease (increase) in operating assets and liabilities:
               
      Trade and other receivables
    (13,669 )     5,776  
       Inventories
    (4,074 )     (2,673 )
       Other current assets
    (158 )     78  
       Accrued interest expense-related party
    382       292  
       Other current liabilities
    6,774       (550 )
       Other items-net
    440       (595 )
Net cash used in operating activities
    (5,051 )     (50 )
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
  Plant additions and improvements
    (2,674 )     (2,102 )
  Net cash settlements on derivative instruments
    (256 )     669  
  Proceeds from sales of assets
    13       58  
  Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations
    -       (39 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (2,917 )     (1,414 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
  Net revolver borrowings
    11,681       6,827  
  Repayments of term loans - domestic
    (3,004 )     (5,641 )
  Deferred finance charges
    -       (880 )
  Net change in overdrafts
    (757 )     (364 )
  Net cash used to repay debt of discontinued operations
    -       (122 )
  Other
    (48 )     (92 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    7,872       (272 )
Net change for the period
    (96 )     (1,736 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on net cash
    (114 )     (29 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    8,796       8,656  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 8,586     $ 6,891  
 

SEE NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
4

 
 
WHX CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES
IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
(Unaudited)
 
(Dollars and shares in thousands)
                               
   
Common Stock
   
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
   
Accumulated
   
Capital in
E xcess of
   
Total
Stockholders'
 
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Loss
   
Deficit
   
Par Value
   
Deficit
 
                                     
 Balance, December 31, 2009
    12,179     $ 122     $ (118,402 )   $ (452,351 )   $ 552,834     $ (17,797 )
                                                 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    -       -       (469 )     -        -       (469 )
Net loss
    -       -       -       (2,744 )     -       (2,744 )
Total comprehensive loss
                                            (3,213 )
Amortization of stock options
    -       -       -       -       9       9  
                                                 
 Balance, March 31, 2010
    12,179     $ 122     $ (118,871 )   $ (455,095 )   $ 552,843     $ (21,001 )


SEE NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
5

 
 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note 1 - The Company and Nature of Operations

WHX Corporation (“WHX”), the parent company, manages a group of businesses on a decentralized basis.  WHX owns Handy & Harman (“H&H”), a diversified holding company whose strategic business units encompass three reportable segments: Precious Metal, Tubing, and Engineered Materials.  WHX also owns Bairnco Corporation (“Bairnco”), another diversified holding company that manages business units in three reportable segments: Arlon Electronic Materials, Arlon Coated Materials, and Kasco Replacement Products and Services.  See Note 15 “Reportable Segments” for a description of the business and products of each of the Company’s segments.  The business units of H&H and Bairnco principally operate in North America.  WHX, together with all of its subsidiaries, are referred to herein as the “Company.”

Note 2 – Liquidity and Management’s Plans

The Company’s first quarter 2010 net sales and profitability improved substantially as compared to the first quarter of 2009.  Loss from continuing operations, net of tax, for the first quarter of  2010 improved by $7.6 million from a loss of $9.8 million in 2009 to a loss of $2.2 million in 2010, primarily as a result of $18.0 million of higher sales.

The Company used $5.1 million of cash flow in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2010, as compared to using $50,000 in the same three month period of 2009, principally due to the increase in working capital needs from a higher level of sales and business activity.  As of March 31, 2010, the Company’s current assets totaled $169.2 million and its current liabilities totaled $128.0 million, resulting in working capital of $41.2 million, as compared to working capital of $49.4 million as of December 31, 2009.

For the full year 2009, the Company recorded a net loss of $21.2 million, but generated $39.5 million of positive cash flow from operating activities. The world-wide economic recession adversely impacted net sales and profitability throughout 2009, and significant end market declines were experienced by many of the Company’s served markets, driving sales down by over 21% during 2009 as compared to 2008, and most of the Company’s reportable segments experienced declines in operating income for 2009 compared to 2008.  Significant cost containment actions were initiated across all of the business segments and the corporate headquarters, and the Company engaged in various restructuring activities.  The Company believes that the 2009 restructuring activities will allow the Company to realize enhanced performance as the global economy and the markets the Company serves recover.  As done in the first quarter of 2010, the Company expects to continue its initiatives to improve its operating efficiencies, working capital management and capital allocation, as well as its cost containment measures.

Prior to 2008, the Company incurred significant losses and negative cash flows from operations, and as of March 31, 2010 had an accumulated deficit of $455.1 million. On March 7, 2005, WHX filed a voluntary petition to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.  WHX continued to operate its business and own and manage its assets as a debtor in possession until it emerged from protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on July 29, 2005.

WHX Corporation, the parent company

WHX, the parent company’s, sources of cash flow consist of its cash on-hand, distributions from its principal subsidiaries, H&H and Bairnco, and other discrete transactions.  H&H’s credit facilities effectively do not permit it to transfer any cash or other assets to WHX with the exception of (i) an unsecured loan for required payments to the WHX Pension Plan, and (ii) an unsecured loan for other uses in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $12.0 million, $9.5 million of which has been distributed.  H&H’s credit facilities are collateralized by a first priority lien on substantially all of the assets of H&H and its subsidiaries.  Similarly, Bairnco’s credit facilities and term loan do not permit it to make any distribution, pay any dividend or transfer any cash or other assets to WHX other than common stock of Bairnco and up to $0.6 million annually for services performed by WHX on behalf of Bairnco, under certain circumstances.  Bairnco’s credit facilities are collateralized by a first priority lien on all of the assets of Bairnco and of its U.S. subsidiaries.

WHX’s ongoing operating cash flow requirements consist of funding the minimum requirements of the WHX Pension Plan and paying WHX’s administrative costs.  The significant decline of stock prices starting in 2008 across a cross-section of financial markets contributed to an unfunded pension liability of the WHX Pension Plan which totaled $101.1 million as of December 31, 2009. The Company expects to have required minimum contributions for 2010 and 2011 of $9.6 million and $21.0 million, respectively, $1.4 million of which was paid in the first quarter of 2010.   Such required future contributions are determined based upon assumptions regarding such matters as discount rates on future obligations, assumed rates of return on plan assets and legislative changes.  Actual future pension costs and required funding obligations will be affected by changes in the factors and assumptions described in the previous sentence, as well as other changes such as a plan termination.
 
 
6

 

As of March 31, 2010, WHX and its subsidiaries that are not restricted by loan agreements or otherwise from transferring funds to WHX had cash of approximately $2.9 million and current liabilities of approximately $11.8 million. Such current liabilities include $10.1 million of estimated required contributions to the WHX Pension Plan, which WHX is permitted to borrow from H&H pursuant to H&H’s credit agreements.

Management expects that WHX will be able to fund its operations in the ordinary course of business over at least the next twelve months.

Handy & Harman and Bairnco

Widely-documented commercial credit market disruptions have resulted in a tightening of credit markets worldwide.  Liquidity in the global credit market has been severely contracted by these market disruptions, making it costly to obtain new lines of credit or to refinance existing debt, when debt financing is available at all.  The effects of these disruptions are widespread and difficult to quantify, and it is impossible to predict when the global credit market will materially improve or when the credit contraction will significantly ease.  H&H’s senior credit facilities mature in June 2011 and Bairnco’s senior credit facilities mature in July 2012. As a result of the ongoing credit market conditions, the Company may not be able to obtain additional debt or equity financing if necessary or desired.  Furthermore, one or more of the financial institutions that make available H&H and Bairnco’s revolving credit facilities may become unable to fulfill their funding obligations, which could materially and adversely affect liquidity.

The ability of both H&H and Bairnco to draw on their respective revolving lines of credit is limited by their respective borrowing base of accounts receivable and inventory.  As of March 31, 2010, H&H’s availability under its credit facilities was $25.3 million, and Bairnco’s availability under its U.S. credit facilities was $11.1 million.

There can be no assurances that H&H and Bairnco will continue to have access to all or any of their lines of credit if their respective operating and financial performance does not satisfy the relevant borrowing base criteria and financial covenants set forth in the applicable financing agreements.  If either H&H or Bairnco do not meet certain of their respective financial covenants or satisfy the relevant borrowing base criteria, and if they are unable to secure necessary waivers or other amendments from the respective lenders on terms acceptable to management, their ability to access available lines of credit could be limited, their debt obligations could be accelerated by their respective lenders, and their liquidity could be adversely affected.

Management is utilizing the following strategies to enhance liquidity: (1) continuing to implement improvements throughout all of the Company’s operations to increase operating efficiencies, (2) supporting profitable sales growth both internally and potentially through acquisitions, (3) evaluating strategic alternatives with respect to all lines of business and/or assets and (4) seeking financing alternatives that may lower its cost of capital and/or enhance current cash flow.  The Company also plans to continue, as appropriate, cost containment measures that it implemented during 2009.

Management believes that the Company has the ability to meet its capital requirements on a continuing basis for at least the next twelve months. However, the ability of the Company to meet its cash requirements for at least the next twelve months is dependent, in part, on the Company’s continuing ability to meet its business plans. The Company continues to examine all of its options and strategies, including acquisitions, divestitures, and other corporate transactions, to increase cash flow and stockholder value. If the Company’s planned cash flow projections are not met, management could consider the additional reduction of certain discretionary expenses and sale of certain assets.

If the Company’s cash needs are greater than anticipated or the Company does not materially meet its business plan, the Company may be required to seek additional or alternative financing sources.  There can be no assurance that such financing will be available or available on terms acceptable to the Company.  There can be no assurance that the funds available from operations and under the Company’s credit facilities will be sufficient to fund its debt service costs, working capital demands, pension plan contributions, and environmental remediation costs.  The Company’s inability to generate sufficient cash flows from its operations or through financing could impair its liquidity, and would likely have a material adverse effect on its businesses, financial condition and results of operations, and could raise substantial doubt that the Company will be able to continue to operate.
 
 
7

 

Note 3 - Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2009, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted in accordance with those rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading.  This quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements contained in Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.  Certain amounts for the prior year have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.   In particular, the assets, liabilities and losses of discontinued operations (see Note 5) have been reclassified into separate lines on the financial statements to segregate them from continuing operations.

In the opinion of management, the interim financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position and the results of operations and changes in cash flows for the interim periods.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.

Note 4 – Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“the Codification” or “ASC”).  The Codification was effective for the Company’s third-quarter 2009 financial statements.  The Codification is the official single source of authoritative GAAP and all existing accounting standards have been superseded. All other accounting guidance not included in the Codification are considered non-authoritative. The Codification also includes all relevant SEC guidance organized using the same topical structure in separate sections within the Codification. The Codification did not change GAAP and all references to authoritative accounting literature included herein have now been referenced in accordance with the Codification.

In January 2010, the FASB issued new disclosure requirements related to Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures—ASC 820-10, in order to provide a greater level of disaggregated information and more robust disclosures about valuation techniques and inputs to fair value measurements, as well as additional information about transfers between levels and activity during the reporting period. It also includes conforming amendments to the guidance on employers’ disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets (ASC 715-20), so as to refer to ASC 820-10 to determine the appropriate classes to present fair value disclosures about such plan assets.  Most of the new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures are effective for the Company’s interim and annual reporting periods of 2010, and the Company adopted them in the first quarter of 2010. Because the new requirements affect disclosures but do not change the accounting for any assets or liabilities, their adoption did not have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Note 5 – Discontinued Operations

Indiana Tube Denmark

During 2009, H&H’s Indiana Tube Denmark subsidiary (“ITD”) ceased operations and sold or disposed of its inventory and most of its equipment.  A gain on the sale of equipment of $1.7 million was recognized.  ITD’s only remaining asset is the ITD facility, which has been offered for sale. ITD repaid $4.6 million of its long-term debt during 2009.  In 2008, the Company decided to exit the welded specialty tubing market in Europe and close ITD, sell its assets, pay off its debt, and repatriate the remaining cash. The decision to exit this market was made after evaluating current economic conditions and ITD’s capabilities, served markets, and competitors.  ITD had been part of the Company’s Tubing segment.
 
 
8

 

Sumco, Inc.

In 2008, the Company also evaluated its Sumco subsidiary in light of ongoing operating losses and future prospects.  Sumco provided electroplating services primarily to the automotive market, and had been part of the Precious Metal segment.  Sumco had declining cash flows in 2008 and projected negative 2009 cash flows principally caused by the decline in U.S. economic activity and Sumco’s reliance on the automotive market for over 90% of its sales.  The Company decided to exit this business. In June 2009, Sumco entered into an agreement with the collective bargaining agent representing its unionized workers which specified the conditions of termination of employment for its unionized employees.  Sumco also entered into an agreement with a company owned by two former employees (the “Management Company”) whereby the Management Company agreed to fulfill various remaining customer contracts of Sumco until the contracts’ expiration on December 31, 2009.   In return, Sumco paid the Management Company a management service fee and leased space to the Management Company for a nominal rent.  On December 31, 2009, Sumco entered into a two-year lease of its manufacturing facility in Indianapolis, Indiana with the principals of the former Management Company (the “Tenant”).  As part of the lease, Sumco granted the Tenant an option to purchase Sumco’s manufacturing facility beginning on January 1, 2011, as well as granted the Tenant a right of first refusal to purchase the manufacturing facility by matching a bona fide offer of a third party.  In addition, Sumco sold various machinery, equipment, and inventory to the Tenant and licensed the “Sumco” name to the Tenant during the lease term.

The following assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations, ITD and Sumco, have been segregated in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.
 
(in thousands)
           
             
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
Current Assets:
           
Trade and other accounts receivable
  $ 125     $ 1,441  
Inventory
    19       118  
Other current assets
    136       122  
    $ 280     $ 1,681  
                 
Long-term Assets:
               
Property, plant & equipment, net
  $ 4,211     $ 4,426  
                 
                 
Current liabilities
  $ 656     $ 1,507  
 
The loss from Discontinued Operations consists of the following:
 
(in thousands)
           
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net sales
  $ -     $ 5,492  
                 
Operating loss
  $ (531 )   $ (1,447 )
                 
Interest/other expense
  $ -     $ (152 )
                 
Loss from discontinued operations, net
  $ (531 )   $ (1,599 )
 
Note 6 - Restructuring

Restructuring costs of $0.5 million were recorded in the three month period ended March 31, 2009 relating to the consolidation of the former Bairnco Corporate office into the WHX Corporate office.  As of December 31, 2009, approximately $0.1 million of such costs were unpaid and included on the consolidated balance sheet in accrued liabilities.  In addition, approximately $0.2 million of future lease costs for a New Hampshire facility of the Precious Metal segment was also accrued and included on the balance sheet.  This facility had been closed and its functions transferred to an operating facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during 2009.
 
 
9

 

The restructuring costs and activity in the restructuring reserve for the three month period ended March 31, 2010 consisted of:
 
(in thousands)
                       
   
Reserve Balance
               
Reserve Balance
 
   
December 31, 2009
   
Expense
   
Payments
   
March 31, 2010
 
                         
Termination benefits
  $ 92     $ -     $ (92 )   $ -  
Rent expense
    166       -       (6 )   $ 160  
Other facility closure costs
    -       -       -     $ -  
    $ 258     $ -     $ (98 )   $ 160  
 
Note 7 – Fair Value Measurements

The Company adopted ASC No. 820, “Fair Value Measurements” effective January 1, 2009.  Under this standard, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability ( i.e.,   the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

Fair value measurements are broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:
 
Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.  An active market for the asset or liability is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.  The valuation under this approach does not entail a significant degree of judgment.

Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  Level 2 inputs include: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, ( e.g., interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals or current market) and contractual prices for the underlying financial instrument, as well as other relevant economic measures.

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.  Unobservable inputs are used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

The fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, such as cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate carrying value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities.  Fair value of the Company’s long term debt approximates its carrying cost due to variable interest rates.

  The Company's non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include goodwill and intangible assets, any assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination, or its long-lived assets written down to fair value. To measure fair value for such assets, the Company uses techniques including an income approach, a market approach, and/or appraisals (Level 3 inputs). The income approach is based on a discounted cash flow analysis (“DCF”) and calculates the fair value by estimating the after-tax cash flows attributable to a reporting unit and then discounting the after-tax cash flows to a present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. Assumptions used in the DCF require the exercise of significant judgment, including judgment about appropriate discount rates and terminal values, growth rates, and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. The discount rates, which are intended to reflect the risks inherent in future cash flow projections, used in the DCF are based on estimates of the weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”) of a market participant.  Such estimates are derived from analysis of peer companies and consider the industry weighted average return on debt and equity from a market participant perspective.  

The derivative instruments that the Company purchases, specifically commodity futures and forwards contracts on precious metal, are valued at fair value.  The futures contracts are Level 1 measurements since they are traded on a commodity exchange.  The forward contracts are entered into with a counterparty, and are considered Level 2 measurements.
 
 
10

 

Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company uses judgment in assessing whether assets may have become impaired between annual impairment tests.  Circumstances that could trigger an interim impairment test include but are not limited to: the occurrence of a significant change in circumstances, such as continuing adverse business conditions or legal factors; an adverse action or assessment by a regulator; unanticipated competition; loss of key personnel; the likelihood that a reporting unit or significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed; or results of testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit.  The testing of goodwill for impairment is performed at a level referred to as a reporting unit. Goodwill is allocated to each reporting unit based on actual goodwill valued in connection with each business combination consummated within each reporting unit.

The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2010 were as follows:

 
Segment
 
Balance at
January 1, 2010
   
Acquisitions/Other
   
Impairment
   
Balance at
March 31, 2010
   
Accumulated Impairment Losses
 
(in thousands)
                             
Precious Metal
  $ 1,521     $ (20 )   $ -     $ 1,501     $ -  
Tubing
    1,895       -       -       1,895       -  
Engineered Materials
    51,232       -       -       51,232       -  
Arlon Electronic Materials
    9,298        -       -       9,298       (1,140 )
      Total
  $ 63,946     $ (20 )   $ -     $ 63,926     $ (1,140 )
 
Note 8 – Income (Loss) Per Share

The computation of basic income (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing the net income or loss by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding, as follows:
 
   
Three Months
 
 
Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
    (in thousands, except per share)  
             
Loss from continuing operations, net of tax
  $ (2,213 )   $ (9,769 )
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    12,179       12,179  
                 
Loss from continuing operations, net of tax, per common share
  $ (0.19 )   $ (0.80 )
                 
                 
Discontinued operations, net of tax
  $ (531 )   $ (1,599 )
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    12,179       12,179  
                 
Discontinued operations, net of tax, per common share
  $ (0.04 )   $ (0.13 )
                 
                 
Net loss
  $ (2,744 )   $ (11,368 )
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    12,179       12,179  
                 
Net loss per common share
  $ (0.23 )   $ (0.93 )
 
Diluted earnings per share gives effect to dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period.  The Company had potentially dilutive common share equivalents including stock options and other stock-based incentive compensation arrangements during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.  However, no common share equivalents were dilutive in either period because the Company reported a net loss and therefore, any outstanding stock options would have had an anti-dilutive effect.  As of March 31, 2010, stock options for an aggregate of 59,000 shares are excluded from the calculation of net loss per share.
 
 
11

 

Note 9 –   Stockholders’ Deficit/Equity

Comprehensive Loss

Comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 was comprised of:
 
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Net loss
  $ (2,744 )   $ (11,368 )
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
               
   Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (469 )     (531 )
                 
Comprehensive loss
  $ (3,213 )   $ (11,899 )
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss balances as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were comprised of:
 
(in thousands)
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
 
           
Net actuarial losses and prior service costs  and credits
  $ (122,465 )   $ (122,465 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    3,594       4,063  
    $ (118,871 )   $ (118,402 )
 
Note 10 – Inventories

Inventories at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were comprised of:

(in thousands)
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Finished products
  $ 25,845     $ 25,723  
In - process
    12,044       10,587  
Raw materials
    19,240       18,922  
Precious metal inventory in various stages of completion
    8,854       6,542  
      65,983       61,774  
LIFO reserve
    (2,007 )     (1,652 )
    $ 63,976     $ 60,122  
 
In order to produce certain of its products, H&H purchases, maintains and utilizes precious metal inventory.  H&H records its precious metal inventory at last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) cost, subject to lower of cost or market with any adjustments recorded through cost of goods sold.  The market value of the precious metal inventory exceeded LIFO cost by $2.0 million and $1.7 million as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.
 
 
12

 

Certain customers and suppliers of H&H choose to do business on a “toll” basis, and furnish precious metal to H&H for return in fabricated form (“customer metal”) or for purchase from or return to the supplier. When the customer metal is returned in fabricated form, the customer is charged a fabrication charge. The value of this customer metal is not included in the Company’s balance sheet.  To the extent H&H is able to utilize customer precious metal in its production processes, such customer metal replaces the need for H&H to purchase its own inventory. As of March 31, 2010, H&H’s customer metal consisted of 303,122 ounces of silver, 1,327 ounces of gold, and 1,393 ounces of palladium.

Supplemental inventory information:
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(in thousands, except per ounce)
 
             
Precious metals stated at LIFO cost
  $ 6,847     $ 4,890  
                 
Market value per ounce:
               
   Silver
  $ 17.88     $ 16.83  
   Gold
  $ 1,125.47     $ 1,095.78  
   Palladium
  $ 491.00     $ 402.00  
 
Note 11 – Derivative Instruments

H&H enters into commodity futures and forwards contracts on precious metal that are subject to market fluctuations in order to economically hedge its precious metal inventory against price fluctuations.  As of March 31, 2010, the Company had entered into forward and future contracts for gold with a total value of $1.6 million and for silver with a total value of $5.8 million.

The forward contracts, in the amount of $7.5 million, were made with a counter party rated A by Standard & Poors, and the future contracts are exchange traded contracts through a third party broker.  Accordingly, the Company has determined that there is minimal credit risk of default.  The Company estimates the fair value of its derivative contracts through use of market quotes or broker valuations when market information is not available.

During the three month period ended March 31, 2009, the Company also economically hedged its exposure on variable interest rate debt denominated in foreign currencies at one of its foreign subsidiaries. There is no credit risk on this derivative instrument as of March 31, 2010, as it was settled in the latter part of 2009.

As these derivatives are not designated as accounting hedges under GAAP, they are accounted for as derivatives with no hedge designation.  The derivatives are marked to market and both realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in current period earnings in the Company's consolidated statement of operations.  The Company’s hedging strategy is designed to protect it against normal volatility; therefore, abnormal price increases in these commodity or markets could negatively impact H&H’s costs.

As of March 31, 2010, the Company had the following outstanding forward or future contracts with settlement dates ranging from April 2010 to May 2010.

Commodity
 
Amount
       
Silver
 
  330,000
 ounces
Gold
 
      1,400
 ounces
 
GAAP requires companies to recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the balance sheet.
 
 
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Fair Value of Derivative Instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
       
                 
(in thousands)
         
       
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
Derivative
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
2010
   
2009
 
                 
Commodity contracts
 
Other current liabilities
  $ (121 )   $ (54 )
   Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
    (121 )     (54 )
                     
     Total derivatives
      $ (121 )   $ (54 )
 
Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
       
                 
(in thousands)
     
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
       
2010
   
2009
 
Derivative
 
Statement  of Operations Line
 
Gain (Loss)
 
                 
Commodity contracts
 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (loss) on Derivatives
  $ (323 )   $ 281  
Interest rate swap
 
Interest expense
    -       (92 )
     Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
  $ (323 )   $ 189  
                     
     Total derivatives
      $ (323 )   $ 189  
 
Note 12 – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits

The following table presents the components of net periodic pension cost for the Company’s pension plans for the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
             
Service cost
  $ 83     $ 80  
Interest cost
    6,050       6,418  
Expected return on plan assets
    (7,185 )     (6,265 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    15       15  
Amortization of actuarial loss
    2,150       3,210  
    $ 1,113     $ 3,458  
 
The actuarial loss occurred principally because investment returns on the assets of the WHX Pension Plan during 2008 were significantly less than the assumed return of 8.5%.  The amount of the actuarial loss was reduced in 2009 as the return on plan assets exceeded the assumed return; thus reducing the amount of the amortization of the actuarial loss for the period ended March 31, 2010.

In addition to its pension plans which are included in the table above, the Company also maintains several other postretirement benefit plans covering certain of its employees and retirees.  The approximate aggregate expense for these plans was $0.1 million in both of the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.
 
 
14

 
 
Note 13 – Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
(in thousands)
           
             
Long-term Debt to Non Related Party:
           
H&H Wachovia Facility term loans
  $ 41,182     $ 43,216  
Other H&H debt-domestic
    7,400       7,436  
Bairnco Wells Fargo Facility term loan
    2,690       3,624  
Bairnco Ableco Facility term loan
    42,000       42,000  
Bairnco foreign loan facilities
    4,770       4,774  
      Total debt to non related party
    98,042       101,050  
Less portion due within one year
    13,090       5,944  
       Long-term debt to non related party
    84,952       95,106  
                 
Long-term Debt to Related Party:
               
H&H Term B Loan
    44,098       44,098  
Bairnco Subordinated Debt Credit Agreement
    10,000       10,000  
       Long-term debt to related party
    54,098       54,098  
Total long-term debt
  $ 139,050     $ 149,204  
 
In addition to H&H’s Loan and Security Agreement (the “Term B Loan”) with Steel Partners II Liquidating Series Trust (Series E) (the “SP II Series E Trust”), interest due to SP II Series E Trust under the Term B Loan is not required to be paid in cash until H&H’s indebtedness under its Loan and Security Agreement with Wachovia Bank, National Association, as agent (the “Wachovia Facilities”) has been repaid.  Thus, such accrued interest of $14.7 million and $11.8 million has been classified as a long-term liability in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  The interest accrued to SP II Series E Trust is subject to the same collateral as the Term B Loan.

Note 14 - Income Taxes                                            

For the three month period ended March 31, 2010, a tax provision from continuing operations of $0.7 million was recorded, and for the three month period ended March 31, 2009, a tax benefit of $0.2 million was recorded. The Company’s tax provisions are principally for state and foreign income taxes because no federal income tax benefit has been recognized in either of these periods due to the uncertainty of realizing the benefit of the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) in the future.  The Company has recorded a deferred tax valuation allowance to the extent that it believes that it is more likely than not that the benefits of its deferred tax assets, including those relating to its NOLs, will not be realized in future periods. The three month period ended March 31, 2009 reflects a favorable impact of $0.5 million which resulted from a change in the effective tax rate at which the deferred state income taxes of certain subsidiaries are estimated to be realized.

Note 15 – Reportable Segments

The Company principally operates in North America, and has six reportable segments :

 
(1)
Precious Metal segment activities include the fabrication of precious metal and their alloys into brazing alloys. H&H’s brazing alloys are used to join similar and dissimilar metals as well as specialty metals and some ceramics with strong, hermetic joints.  H&H offers these metal joining products in a wide variety of alloys including gold, silver, palladium, copper, nickel, aluminum, and tin.  These brazing alloys are fabricated into a variety of engineered forms and are used in many industries including electrical, appliance, transportation, construction, and general industrial, where dissimilar material and metal-joining applications are required.  H&H’s operating income from precious metal products is principally derived from the “value added” of processing and fabricating and not from the purchase and resale of precious metal.  In accordance with general practice, prices to customers are principally a composite of two factors: (1) the value of the precious metal content of the product and (2) the “fabrication value,” which includes the cost of base metals, labor, overhead, financing and profit.
 
 
15

 
 

 
(2)
Tubing segment manufactures a wide variety of steel tubing products.  The Stainless Steel Tubing Group manufactures small-diameter precision-drawn seamless tubing both in straight lengths and coils.  The Stainless Steel Tubing Group’s capabilities in long continuous drawing of seamless stainless steel coils allow this Group to serve the petrochemical infrastructure and shipbuilding markets. The Stainless Steel Tubing Group also manufactures products for use in the medical, semiconductor fabrication, aerospace and instrumentation industries.  The Specialty Tubing Group manufactures welded carbon steel tubing in coiled and straight lengths with a primary focus on products for the refrigeration, automotive, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) industries.  In addition to producing bulk tubing, the Specialty Tubing Group also produces value added products and assemblies for these industries.
 
 
 (3)
Engineered Materials segment manufactures and supplies products to the construction and building industries. H&H manufactures fasteners and fastening systems for the U.S. commercial flat roofing industry.  Products are sold to building and roofing material wholesalers. The products are also private labeled to roofing system manufacturers. A line of specialty fasteners is produced for the building products industry for fastening applications in the construction and remodeling of homes, decking and landscaping.  H&H also manufactures plastic and steel fittings and connectors for natural gas and water distribution service lines along with exothermic welding products for electrical grounding, cathodic protection, and lightning protection.   In addition, H&H manufactures electro-galvanized and painted cold rolled sheet steel products primarily for the construction, entry door, container and appliance industries.
 
 
(4)
Arlon Electronic Materials (“Arlon EM”) segment designs, manufactures, markets and sells high performance laminate materials and silicone rubber products utilized in the military/aerospace, wireless communications, transportation, energy generation, oil drilling, general industrial, and semiconductor markets.  Among the products included in the Arlon EM segment are high technology laminates and bonding materials used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards and silicone rubber products such as electrically insulating tapes and thermally conductive materials.
 
 
 (5)
Arlon Coated Materials (“Arlon CM”) segment designs, manufactures, markets and sells laminated and coated products to the electronic, industrial and commercial markets under the Arlon and Calon brand names.  Among the products included in the Arlon CM segment are vinyl films for graphics art applications, foam tapes used in window glazing, and electrical and thermal insulation products.
 
 
(6)
Kasco Replacement Products and Services segment is a leading provider of meat-room products (principally replacement band saw blades) and on-site maintenance services principally to retail food stores, meat and deli operations, and meat, poultry and fish processing plants throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. In Canada and France, in addition to providing its replacement products, Kasco also sells equipment to the supermarket and food processing industries.
 

Management has determined that certain operating companies should be aggregated and presented within a single reportable segment on the basis that such operating segments have similar economic characteristics and share other qualitative characteristics.  Management reviews sales, gross profit and operating income to evaluate segment performance. Operating income for the reportable segments includes the costs of shared corporate headquarters functions such as finance, auditing, treasury, legal, benefits administration and certain executive functions, but excludes other unallocated general corporate expenses. Other income and expense, interest expense, and income taxes are not presented by segment since they are excluded from the measure of segment profitability reviewed by the Company’s management.
 
 
16

 

The following table presents information about reportable segments for the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

Statement of operations data:
 
Three Months Ended
 
(in thousands)
 
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Net Sales:
           
Precious Metal
  $ 29,010     $ 20,683  
Tubing
    22,354       19,325  
Engineered Materials
    43,603       42,096  
Arlon Electronic Materials
    17,835       17,031  
Arlon Coated Materials
    16,341       12,340  
Kasco
    16,044       15,712  
Total net sales
  $ 145,187     $ 127,187  
                 
Segment operating income (loss)
               
Precious Metal
    2,722       298  
Tubing
    2,344       837  
Engineered Materials
    1,354       793  
Arlon Electronic Materials
    2,063       1,749  
Arlon Coated Materials
    194       (1,068 )
Kasco
    1,159       920  
Total
  $ 9,836     $ 3,529  
                 
Unallocated corporate expenses & non operating units
    (3,055 )     (4,927 )
Unallocated pension expense
    (1,095 )     (3,458 )
Corporate restructuring costs
    -       (533 )
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets
    (1 )     5  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 5,685     $ (5,384 )
                 
Interest expense
    (6,631 )     (5,070 )
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
    (323 )     281  
Other expense (income)
    (266 )     159  
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ (1,535 )   $ (10,014 )
 
Note 16 - Contingencies

Legal Matters :

Paul E. Dixon & Dennis C. Kelly v. Handy & Harman
 
Paul Dixon and Dennis Kelly, two former officers of H&H (the “Claimants”) filed a Statement of Claim with the American Arbitration Association (the “Arbitration”) on or about January 3, 2006.  The Claimants were employees of H&H until September 2005 when their employment was terminated by H&H.  Their arbitration claims included seeking payments allegedly due under employment contracts and allegedly arising from their terminations, and seeking recovery of benefits under what they allege was the H&H Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“H&H SERP”).

In the Arbitration, Claimants sought an award in excess of $4.0 million each, plus interest, costs and attorneys’ fees.  The Claimants also sought indemnification for certain matters and an injunction against H&H with regard to life insurance policies.  On February 15, 2006, H&H brought a special proceeding in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Westchester (“Supreme Court, Westchester County”), for a judgment staying the arbitration of three of the four claims.  On March 10, 2006, all of the parties filed a stipulation with the court, discontinuing the court proceeding and agreeing therein, among other things, that all claims asserted by the Claimants in the Arbitration (which was also discontinued at that time) would be asserted in Supreme Court, Westchester County.

In April 2006, the Claimants served a request for benefits, severance and other amounts, similar to those described above, on H&H and various plan administrators and fiduciaries thereof.  The request was reviewed in accordance with the procedures of the benefit plans at issue and by letter dated September 27, 2006, claimants were notified that their request was largely denied.
 
 
17

 

In January 2008, Mr. Kelly filed a lawsuit against WHX, H&H and various benefit plans (the “Defendants”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  Mr. Dixon did not join in this lawsuit, and his counsel has not indicated whether Mr. Dixon intends to file his own lawsuit.  Mr. Kelly’s claims in this lawsuit are essentially the same claims that he asserted in the above-described arbitration and request for benefits.  Mr. Kelly’s complaint seeks approximately $4.0 million in money damages plus unspecified punitive damages.   On April 22, 2009, the Defendants filed a motion for summary judgment seeking dismissal of the case. In an Opinion filed February 11, 2010, the district court granted Defendants’ motion for summary judgment, dismissed with prejudice Mr. Kelly’s claims under the H&H SERP and dismissed without prejudice Mr. Kelly’s state law breach of contract claim.  The district court also denied Mr. Kelly’s cross motion for summary judgment.  On February 25, 2010, Mr. Kelly filed a notice of appeal with the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit to appeal the dismissal of his claims related to the H&H SERP.  The Defendants intend to vigorously litigate the appeal.   There can be no assurance that the Defendants will be successful in defending against Mr. Kelly’s appeal, or that the Defendants will not have any liability on account of Mr. Kelly’s claims.  Such liability, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, and accordingly, there can be no assurance that the resolution of this matter will not be material to the financial position, results of operations and cash flow of the Company.

Arista Development LLC V. Handy & Harman Electronic Materials Corporation (“HHEM”)
 
In 2004, HHEM, a subsidiary of H&H, entered into an agreement to sell a commercial/industrial property in Massachusetts (the “MA Property”).  Disputes between the parties resulted in the purchaser (plaintiff) initiating litigation in Bristol Superior Court in Massachusetts.  The plaintiff alleges that HHEM is liable for breach of contract relating to HHEM’s alleged breach of the agreement, unfair and deceptive acts and practices, and certain consequential and treble damages as a result of HHEM’s termination of the agreement in 2005, although HHEM subsequently revoked its notice of termination.  HHEM has denied liability and has been vigorously defending the case.  The court entered a preliminary injunction enjoining HHEM from conveying the property to anyone other than the plaintiff during the pendency of the case.  Discovery on liability and damages has been stayed while the parties are actively engaged in settlement discussions. Since discovery is not completed, it cannot be known at this time whether it is foreseeable or probable that plaintiff would prevail in the litigation or whether HHEM would have any liability to the plaintiff.
 
Electroplating Technologies, Ltd. v. Sumco, Inc.
 
Electroplating Technologies, Ltd. (“ETL”) filed a lawsuit against Sumco, a subsidiary of H&H, in Lehigh, Pennsylvania County Court of Common Pleas.  ETL contended that Sumco misappropriated trade secrets and breached contractual obligations with respect to certain allegedly proprietary and confidential ETL information.  ETL sought damages in excess of $4.55 million.  In its pretrial filings, ETL also asserted a claim for $9.0 million in punitive damages.  On May 8, 2009, after a ten day trial, the jury found that Sumco had not misappropriated ETL’s trade secrets.  However, the jury found that Sumco had breached a contractual obligation owed to ETL and as compensation for that breach of contract, awarded ETL the sum of $250,000.  Following the jury verdict, the court denied ETL’s equitable requests for an injunction and for an accounting.  On May 18, 2009, Sumco filed a motion with the court for judgment notwithstanding the verdict to set aside the damage award.  On May 28, 2009, ETL filed a motion with the court seeking (i) a new trial and (ii) a modified verdict in the amount of $2,250,000.  In an order docketed September 25, 2009, the court denied ETL’s motion for a new trial and to increase the jury’s verdict.  The court then granted Sumco’s motion for a judgment notwithstanding the verdict and overturned the jury’s May 2009 award of $250,000 against Sumco for breach of contract.  ETL filed a notice of appeal of the court’s decision on October 16, 2009.  Each of ETL and Sumco have filed briefs with the appellate court.  Oral argument for the appeal is set for June 9, 2010 and the Company expects the appellate court to render its decision by the end of 2010. There can be no assurance that the resolution of this matter will not be material to the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company.

World Properties, Inc. et. al. v. Arlon, Inc.

In December 2008, World Properties, Inc. and Rogers Corporation (collectively, “Rogers”) filed a lawsuit against Arlon, Inc. (“Arlon”), a subsidiary of Bairnco, in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut.  The lawsuit alleged that Rogers is the exclusive licensee under U.S. Patent No. 5,552,210 and that Arlon’s TC600 circuit board infringed that patent.  In the complaint, Rogers demanded that Arlon cease the manufacture, sale and distribution of its TC600 circuit board and that the district court award unspecified damages to compensate Rogers for the alleged infringement.   On June 24, 2009, plaintiffs filed a motion to amend its complaint in order to assert that a second Arlon product (AD 1000) infringed a second Rogers patent, U.S. Patent No. 5,384,181.   On June 30, 2009, Arlon filed a motion for summary judgment seeking to dismiss all of plaintiffs’ patent infringement claims based upon the parties’ January 30, 1996 Asset Purchase Agreement (the “APA”).  In an order issued October 9, 2009, the district court granted Arlon’s motion for summary judgment and dismissed all of Rogers’ affirmative patent infringement claims.  In granting Arlon’s motion for summary judgment, the district court agreed with Arlon that Rogers’ claims of patent infringement were barred by a covenant not to sue contained in the APA.  Left to be resolved following the district court’s opinion were various counterclaims brought by Arlon against Rogers.  Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement and Release entered into between Arlon and Rogers on April 30, 2010, the parties agreed to resolve the remaining counterclaims, forego any appeal, and bring the lawsuit to final resolution, with no admission of liability by either party.  The financial terms and conditions of the settlement agreement, which are confidential, are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s business operations or financial condition.
 
 
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Environmental Matters
 
H&H has been working with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (“CTDEP”) with respect to its obligations under a 1989 consent order that applies to a property in Connecticut that H&H sold in 2003 (“Sold Parcel”) and an adjacent parcel (“Adjacent Parcel”) that together with the Sold Parcel comprises the site of a former H&H manufacturing facility.  Remediation of all soil conditions on the Sold Parcel was completed on April 6, 2007, although H&H performed limited additional work on that site, solely in furtherance of now concluded settlement discussions between H&H and the purchaser of the Sold Parcel.  Although no groundwater remediation is required, there will be monitoring of the Sold Parcel site for several years.  On September 11, 2008, the CTDEP advised H&H that it had approved H&H’s Soil Action Remediation Action Report, dated December 28, 2007 as amended by an addendum letter dated July 15, 2008, thereby concluding the active remediation of the Sold Parcel. Approximately $29.0 million was expended through December 31, 2009, and the remaining remediation and monitoring costs for the Sold Parcel are expected to approximate $0.3 million.  H&H previously received reimbursement of $2.0 million from an insurance company under a cost-cap insurance policy and in January 2010, net of attorney’s fees, H&H received $1.034 million as the final settlement of H&H’s claim for additional insurance coverage relating to the Sold Parcel.  H&H also has been conducting an environmental investigation of the Adjacent Parcel, and is continuing the process of evaluating various options for its remediation of the Adjacent Parcel. Since the total remediation costs for the Adjacent Parcel cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, accordingly, there can be no assurance that the resolution of this matter will not be material to the financial position, results of operations and cash flow of H&H.
 
HHEM entered into an administrative consent order (the “ACO”) in 1986 with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) with regard to certain property that it purchased in 1984 in New Jersey.  The ACO involves investigation and remediation activities to be performed with regard to soil and groundwater contamination.  HHEM and H&H settled a case brought by the local municipality in regard to this site in 1998 and also settled with certain of its insurance carriers.  HHEM is actively remediating the property and continuing to investigate effective methods for achieving compliance with the ACO.  A remedial investigation report was filed with the NJDEP in December 2007.  By letter dated December 12, 2008, NJDEP issued its approval with respect to additional investigation and remediation activities discussed in the December 2007 remedial investigation report.  HHEM anticipates entering into discussions with NJDEP to address that agency’s natural resource damage claims, the ultimate scope and cost of which cannot be estimated at this time.    Pursuant to a settlement agreement with the former owner/operator of the site, the responsibility for site investigation and remediation costs, as well as any other costs, as defined in the settlement agreement, related to or arising from environmental contamination on the property (collectively, “Costs”) are contractually allocated 75% to the former owner/operator (with separate guaranties by the two joint venture partners of the former owner/operator for 37.5% each) and 25% jointly to HHEM and H&H after the first $1.0 million.  The $1.0 million was paid solely by the former owner/operator.  As of March 31, 2010, over and above the $1.0 million, total investigation and remediation costs of approximately $1.4 million and $0.5 million have been expended by the former owner/operator and HHEM, respectively, in accordance with the settlement agreement.  Additionally, HHEM indirectly is currently being reimbursed through insurance coverage for a portion of the Costs for which HHEM is responsible.  HHEM believes that there is additional excess insurance coverage, which it intends to pursue as necessary. HHEM anticipates that there will be additional remediation expenses to be incurred once a remediation plan is agreed upon with NJDEP, and there is no assurance that the former owner/operator or guarantors will continue to timely reimburse HHEM for expenditures and/or will be financially capable of fulfilling their obligations under the settlement agreement and the guaranties.  The additional Costs cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, and accordingly, there can be no assurance that the resolution of this matter will not be material to the financial position, results of operations and cash flow of HHEM. 
 
H&H and Bairnco (and/or one or more of their respective subsidiaries) have also been identified as potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) or similar state statutes at several sites and are parties to administrative consent orders in connection with certain other properties.  H&H and Bairnco (and/or one or more of their respective subsidiaries) may be subject to joint and several liabilities imposed by CERCLA on PRPs.  Due to the technical and regulatory complexity of remedial activities and the difficulties attendant in identifying PRPs and allocating or determining liability among them, H&H and Bairnco are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate cost of compliance with such laws.
 
 
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H&H received a notice letter from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) in August 2006 formally naming H&H as a PRP at a superfund site in Massachusetts (the “Superfund site”).  H&H is part of a group of thirteen (13) other PRPs (the “PRP Group”) to work cooperatively regarding remediation of the Superfund site.  H&H executed a participation agreement, consent decree and settlement trust on June 13, 2008 and all of the other PRP’s have signed as well.  On December 9, 2008, the EPA lodged the consent decree with the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts and the consent decree was entered, after no comments were received during the thirty-day comment period on January 27, 2009.  With the entry and filing of the consent decree, H&H was required to make two payments in 2009: one payment of  $182,053 relating to the “true-up” of monies previously expended for remediation and a payment of $308,380 for H&H’s share of the early action items for the remediation project. In addition, on March 11, 2009, WHX executed a financial guaranty of H&H’s obligations in connection with the Superfund site. The PRP Group has both chemical and radiological PRPs.  H&H is a chemical PRP; not a radiological PRP.  The remediation of radiological contamination at the site, under the direction of the Department of Energy (“DOE”), has begun but is not expected to be completed until the Fall of 2011 at the earliest, and it may be delayed even further due to inadequate funding in the federal program financing the DOE work.  Additional financial contributions will be required by the PRP Group when it starts its work upon completion of the DOE’s radiological remediation work.   H&H has recorded a significant liability in connection with this matter.  There can be no assurance that the resolution of this matter will not be material to the financial position, results of operations and cash flow of H&H.

HHEM is continuing to comply with a 1987 consent order from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (“MADEP”) to investigate and remediate the soil and groundwater conditions at the MA Property that is the subject of the Arista Development litigation discussed above.  On January 20, 2009, HHEM filed with MADEP a partial Class A-3 Response Action Outcome Statement (“RAO-P”) and an Activity & Use Limitation (“AUL”) for the MA Property.  By letter dated March 24, 2009, MADEP advised HHEM that the RAO-P did not require a comprehensive audit.  By letter dated April 16, 2009, the MADEP advised HHEM that a MADEP AUL Audit Inspection conducted on March 18, 2009 did not identify any violations of the requirements applicable to the AUL.  Together, the March 24 and April 16 MADEP letters, combined with HHEM’s Licensed Site Professional’s partial RAO opinion constitute confirmation of the adequacy of HHEM’s investigation of the MA Property as well as its remediation and post closure monitoring plans.   The Massachusetts Attorney General, executed a covenant not to sue (CNTS) to cover the MA Property on March 31, 2010.  Following the execution of the CNTS, HHEM filed a Remedy Operation Status (ROS) on April 1, 2010.  HHEM is now working towards filing a Class A-3 RAO to close the site once groundwater monitoring demonstrates that the remediation has controlled the conditions at the site.  In addition, HHEM has concluded settlement discussions with abutters of the MA Property and entered into settlement agreements with each of them.  Therefore, HHEM does not expect that any claims from any additional abutters will be asserted, but there can be no such assurances.

As discussed above, H&H and Bairnco and/or their subsidiaries have existing and contingent liabilities relating to environmental matters, including capital expenditures, costs of remediation and potential fines and penalties relating to possible violations of national and state environmental laws.  H&H and Bairnco and/or their subsidiaries have substantial remediation expenses on an ongoing basis, although such costs are continually being readjusted based upon the emergence of new techniques and alternative methods.  In addition, the Company has insurance coverage available for several of these matters and believes that excess insurance coverage may be available as well. The Company had approximately $6.5 million accrued related to estimated environmental remediation costs as of March 31, 2010.   

Based upon information currently available, including prior capital expenditures, anticipated capital expenditures, and information available on pending judicial and administrative proceedings, H&H and Bairnco and/or their subsidiaries do not expect their respective environmental costs, including the incurrence of additional fines and penalties, if any, relating to the operation of their respective facilities to have a material adverse effect on them, but there can be no such assurances that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the financial positions, results of operations and cash flows of H&H and Bairnco and/or their subsidiaries.  The Company anticipates that H&H and Bairnco and/or their subsidiaries will pay such amounts out of their respective working capital, although there is no assurance that H&H and Bairnco and/or their subsidiaries will have sufficient funds to pay such amounts.  In the event that H&H and Bairnco and/or their subsidiaries are unable to fund their liabilities, claims could be made against their respective parent companies, including WHX, for payment of such liabilities.  
 
 
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On July 31, 2009, H&H reached a settlement agreement with an insurer for reimbursement of remediation and legal expense for five sites where H&H and/or its subsidiaries had incurred environmental remediation expenses.  The insurer agreed to pay H&H $3.0 million for past indemnity expense and $150,000 for past defense costs.  Such insurance proceeds were received on August 10, 2009.

Other Litigation

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries are defendants (“Subsidiary Defendants”) in numerous cases pending in a variety of jurisdictions relating to welding emissions.  Generally, the factual underpinning of the plaintiffs’ claims is that the use of welding products for their ordinary and intended purposes in the welding process causes emissions of fumes that contain manganese, which is toxic to the human central nervous system.  The plaintiffs assert that they were over-exposed to welding fumes emitted by welding products manufactured and supplied by the Subsidiary Defendants and other co-defendants.  The Subsidiary Defendants deny any liability and are defending these actions.  It is not possible to reasonably estimate the Subsidiary Defendants’ exposure or share, if any, of the liability at this time.

In addition to the foregoing cases, there are a number of other product liability, exposure, accident, casualty and other claims against WHX or certain of its subsidiaries in connection with a variety of products sold by such subsidiaries over several years, as well as litigation related to employment matters, contract matters, sales and purchase transactions and general liability claims, many of which arise in the ordinary course of business.  There is also one filed and served case in state court arising out of H&H’s sale of a used piece of equipment which allegedly caused a fire resulting in property damage and interruption of a third party’s business operations.  It is not possible to reasonably estimate the Company’s exposure or share, if any, of the liability at this time in any of these matters.

There is insurance coverage available for many of the foregoing actions, which are being litigated in a variety of jurisdictions.  To date, WHX and its subsidiaries have not incurred and do not believe they will incur any significant liability with respect to these claims, which they are contesting vigorously in most cases.  However, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of such litigation and claims could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows when they are resolved in future periods.

Pension Plan Contingency Arising from the WPC Group Bankruptcy

On July 24, 2003, the Company entered into an agreement among the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), certain of its former subsidiaries (the “WPC Group”), and the United Steelworkers of America, AFL-CIO-CLC, in settlement of matters relating to the Termination Litigation, in which the PBGC was seeking to terminate the WHX Pension Plan.  Under the settlement, WHX agreed, among other things, (i) to certain administrative facts and legal conclusions about the WHX Pension Plan, as well as certain ongoing agreements, as set forth in the settlement agreement, and (ii)  that WHX will not contest a future action by the PBGC to terminate the WHX Pension Plan in connection with a future WPC Group facility shutdown.  The WPC Group was a wholly-owned subsidiary of WHX until August 1, 2003.  In the event that such a plan termination occurs, the PBGC has agreed to release WHX from any claims relating to the shutdown.  However, there may be PBGC claims related to unfunded liabilities that may exist as a result of a termination of the WHX Pension Plan.

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

Results of Operations

Overview

WHX Corporation, the parent company, manages a group of businesses on a decentralized basis.  WHX owns H&H, a diversified holding company whose strategic business units encompass three reportable segments: Precious Metal, Tubing, and Engineered Materials.  WHX also owns Bairnco, another diversified holding company that manages business units in three reportable segments: Arlon Electronic Materials, Arlon Coated Materials, and Kasco Replacement Products and Services.  The business units of H&H and Bairnco principally operate in North America.

WHX Business System

The WHX Business System is at the heart of the operational improvement methodologies for all WHX operations and employees. Strategy Deployment forms the roof of the business system and serves to convert strategic plans into tangible actions ensuring alignment of goals throughout each of our businesses. The pillars of the System are the key performance indicators used to monitor and drive improvement.  The steps of the System are the specific tool areas that drive the key performance indicators and overall performance.  WHX utilizes Lean tools and philosophies to reduce and eliminate waste coupled with the Six Sigma tools targeted at variation reduction.  The System is a proven, holistic approach to increasing shareholder value and achieving long term, sustainable and profitable growth.
 
 
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H&H Segments

·  
H&H’s Precious Metal segment fabricates precious metal and their alloys into brazing alloys which are used to join similar and dissimilar metals, as well as specialty metals and some ceramics, with strong, hermetic joints.  H&H offers these metal joining products in a wide variety of alloys.  These brazing alloys are fabricated into a variety of engineered forms and are used in many industries including electrical, appliance, transportation, construction, and general industrial, where dissimilar material and metal-joining applications are required. 

·  
H&H’s Tubing segment manufactures a wide variety of steel tubing products. Small-diameter precision-drawn tubing fabricated from stainless steel, nickel alloy and carbon and alloy steel is produced in many sizes and shapes to critical specifications for use in the appliance, refrigeration, petrochemical, transportation, semiconductor, aircraft and instrumentation industries. Additionally, tubular products are manufactured for the medical industry for use in surgical devices and instrumentation.

·  
H&H’s Engineered Materials segment manufactures fasteners, fastening systems, plastic and steel connectors, exothermic welding materials, and electro galvanized and painted sheet steel products for the roofing, construction, appliance, do-it-yourself, electric, natural gas and water distribution industries.

Bairnco Segments

·  
Arlon EM segment designs, manufactures, markets and sells high performance laminate materials and silicone rubber products utilized in the military/aerospace, wireless communications, transportation, energy generation, oil drilling, general industrial, and semiconductor markets.  Among the products included in the Arlon EM segment are high technology laminates and bonding materials used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards and silicone rubber products such as electrically insulating tapes and thermally conductive materials.

·  
Arlon CM segment designs, manufactures, markets and sells laminated and coated products to the electronic, industrial and commercial markets under the Arlon and Calon brand names.  Among the products included in the Arlon CM segment are vinyl films for graphics art applications, foam tapes used in window glazing, and electrical and thermal insulation products.

·  
Kasco is a provider of meat-room products and maintenance services for the meat and deli departments of supermarkets; for restaurants; for meat and fish processing plants; and for distributors of electrical saws and cutting equipment throughout North America, Europe, Asia and South America.  These products and services include band saw blades for cutting meat and fish, band saw blades for cutting wood and metal, grinder plates and knives for grinding meat, repair and maintenance services for food equipment in retail grocery and restaurant operations, electrical saws and cutting machines, seasoning products, and other related butcher supply products.

Comparison of the First Quarter of 2010 with the First Quarter of 2009
 
Overview and Outlook

Demand for the Company’s products and services increased in the first quarter of 2010 as compared to the first quarter of 2009 resulting in 14.2% quarter-over-quarter sales growth.  The growth in sales is due in part to strengthening in the markets served by the Company that began in the fourth quarter of 2009. All of the Company’s reportable segments experienced improvements in profitability. Income from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2010 was $5.7 million compared to a loss of $5.4 million during the same period of 2009.  Improved operating income was primarily as a result of $18.0 million of higher sales from all reportable segments.  Gross margin percentage improved and selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) costs were relatively flat compared to the first quarter of last year.  The 2010 income from continuing operations included non-cash pension expense of $1.1 million, compared to non-cash pension expense of $3.5 million for the same period of the prior year.

Due to the improvement in economic conditions, in January 2010, the Company announced a restoration of the 5% salary reduction to annual salaries over $40,000 for all salaried employees, including all of the Company’s executive officers.  In addition, the Company also reinstated its matching contribution to the 401(k) savings plan for all employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement, which had been suspended in January 2009. The Company also fully reinstated in 2010 its bonus plan for senior management, subject to the terms and conditions of the bonus plan, which had been significantly curtailed in 2009.
 
 
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We expect that the continuing application of the WHX Business System and other cost improvement initiatives will continue to positively impact our productivity and profitability and result in a more efficient infrastructure that we can continue to leverage as demand growth returns. Additionally, we continue to seek opportunities to gain market share in markets we currently serve, expand into new markets and develop new product features in order to increase demand as well as broaden our sales base.  As economic conditions continue to improve, and providing no unforeseen significant deterioration in general economic conditions, the Company expects sales to continue to grow during the remainder of 2010, as compared to 2009.

The operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 are summarized in the following table.  In addition, please refer to the condensed consolidated financial statements of WHX as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.
 
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
 Net sales
  $ 145,187     $ 127,187  
 Gross profit
    37,424       29,337  
 Income (loss) from continuing operations
    5,685       (5,384 )
 Loss from continuing operations before tax
    (1,535 )     (10,014 )
 Loss from continuing operations, net of tax
    (2,213 )     (9,769 )
Discontinued operations:
               
   Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
    (531 )     (1,599 )
Net loss
  $ (2,744 )   $ (11,368 )
 
Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2010 increased by $18.0 million, or 14.2%, to $145.2 million, as compared to $127.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  The higher sales volume across all the operating business segments was primarily driven by higher demand resulting from the improvement in the world-wide economy.

Gross profit in the three months ended March 31, 2010 increased to $37.4 million as compared to $29.3 million for the same period of 2009. Gross profit margin for the three months of 2010 improved to 25.8% as compared to 23.1% during the same period of 2009, with improvement in all business segments.  Greater absorption of fixed manufacturing costs due to a higher volume of production, more profitable product mix, and greater manufacturing efficiency were the primary drivers that contributed to improved gross profit margin.

SG&A expenses were relatively flat in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009, and as a percentage of net sales, declined from 24.2% in the first quarter of 2009 to 21.1% of net sales in the first quarter of 2010.  In January 2010, the Company reinstated the 5% salary reduction and its matching contribution to the 401(k) savings plan; two cost-reduction actions that had been initiated in January 2009. These incremental payroll expenses were offset by lower headcount along with lower medical costs, legal and other professional fees compared to the same period of 2009.

A non-cash pension expense related to the Company’s pension plans of $1.1 million was recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $3.5 million of non-cash pension expense in the first quarter of 2009. The non-cash pension expense in both years primarily represents actuarial loss amortization.  Such actuarial loss occurred principally because investment return on the assets of the WHX Pension Plan during 2008 was significantly less than the assumed return of 8.5%. However, investment returns on the plan assets exceeded the assumed return in 2009, thereby reducing the amount of the actuarial loss and its amortization in 2010 as compared to 2009.

Restructuring costs of $0.5 million were recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2009 relating to the consolidation of the former Bairnco Corporate office into the WHX Corporate office.  The restructuring costs were primarily severance and lease payments.
 
 
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Income from continuing operations was $5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 as compared to a loss of $5.4 million for the same period of 2009. The higher income from continuing operations in the 2010 period was principally driven by increased sales and gross profit in all of the operating segments along with the lower non-cash pension expense of $2.4 million and $0.5 million of restructuring costs in 2009.

Interest expense was $6.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, representing a 30.8% increase in comparison to $5.1 million in the same period of 2009 due principally to interest compounding on long-term interest payable to a related party.  In addition, the Company’s interest rates on certain loans were higher in the first quarter of 2010 due to higher interest rates incurred from amendments to such loans effective on March 12, 2009.
 
Realized and unrealized losses on derivatives were $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, as compared to a gain of $0.3 million for the same period of 2009. The derivative financial instruments utilized by H&H are precious metal forward and future contracts which are used to economically hedge H&H’s precious metal inventory against price fluctuations.

For the three months ended March 31, 2010, a tax expense of $0.7 million was recorded, principally for state and foreign income taxes compared to a tax benefit of $0.2 million during the first quarter of 2009.  The Company has not recorded any federal income tax benefit in either period due to the uncertainty of realizing the benefit of the Company’s NOLs in the future. The Company has recorded a deferred tax valuation allowance to the extent that it believes that it is more likely than not that the benefits of its deferred tax assets, including those relating to its NOLs, will not be realized in future periods. The first quarter of 2009 reflects a favorable impact of $0.5 million which resulted from a change in the effective tax rate at which the deferred state income taxes of certain subsidiaries are estimated to be realized.

The discontinued operations segregated on the statement of operations are the Company’s ITD and Sumco subsidiaries.  During 2009, H&H’s ITD subsidiary ceased operations and sold or disposed of its inventory and equipment.  ITD’s only remaining asset is the ITD facility, which has been offered for sale. In 2008, the Company decided to exit the welded specialty tubing market in Europe and close ITD after evaluating future economic conditions and ITD’s capabilities, served markets, and competitors.  ITD had been part of the Company’s Tubing segment.  In 2008, the Company also evaluated its Sumco subsidiary in light of ongoing operating losses and future prospects.  Sumco provided electroplating services primarily to the automotive market, and had been part of the Precious Metal segment.  Sumco had declining cash flows in 2008 and projected negative 2009 cash flows principally caused by the decline in U.S. economic activity and Sumco’s reliance on the automotive market for over 90% of its sales.  The Company decided to exit this business. In June 2009, Sumco entered into an agreement with a company owned by two former employees (the “Management Company”) whereby the Management Company agreed to fulfill various remaining customer contracts of Sumco until the contracts’ expiration on December 31, 2009 in return for a management service fee and leased space at a nominal rent.  On December 31, 2009, Sumco entered into a two-year lease of its manufacturing facility in Indianapolis, Indiana with the principals of the former Management Company (the “Tenant”).  As part of the lease, Sumco granted the Tenant an option to purchase Sumco’s manufacturing facility beginning on January 1, 2011, as well as granted the Tenant a right of first refusal to purchase the manufacturing facility by matching a bona fide offer of a third party.  In addition, Sumco sold various machinery, equipment, and inventory to the Tenant and licensed the “Sumco” name to the Tenant during the lease term.  The two discontinued operations incurred aggregate costs of $0.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010, principally for severance costs and costs associated with ownership of the buildings that were the former manufacturing facilities of ITD and Sumco.  In the first quarter of 2009, the two discontinued operations had aggregate losses from their operations of $1.6 million.

Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $2.7 million, or $0.23 loss per share, compared to a net loss of $11.4 million, or $0.93 loss per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2009.
 
 
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Segment sales and operating income data for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 are shown in the following table (in thousands):

Statement of operations data:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
Inc(decr)
   
% chg
 
                         
Net Sales:
                       
Precious Metal
  $ 29,010     $ 20,683     $ 8,327       40.3 %
Tubing
    22,354       19,325       3,029       15.7 %
Engineered Materials
    43,603       42,096       1,507       3.6 %
Arlon Electronic Materials
    17,835       17,031       804       4.7 %
Arlon Coated Materials
    16,341       12,340       4,001       32.4 %
Kasco
    16,044       15,712       332       2.1 %
Total net sales
  $ 145,187     $ 127,187     $ 18,000       14.2 %
                                 
Segment operating income (loss):
                               
Precious Metal
  $ 2,722     $ 298     $ 2,424       813.4 %
Tubing
    2,344       837       1,507       180.0 %
Engineered Materials
    1,354       793       561       70.7 %
Arlon Electronic Materials
    2,063       1,749       314       18.0 %
Arlon Coated Materials
    194       (1,068 )     1,262       118.2 %
Kasco
    1,159       920       239       26.0 %
Total segment operating income
    9,836       3,529       6,307       178.7 %
Unallocated corporate expenses and non-operating units
    (3,055 )     (4,926 )                
Unallocated pension expense
    (1,095 )     (3,458 )                
Corporate restructuring costs
    -       (533 )                
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets
    (1 )     4                  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 5,685     $ (5,384 )                
 
The comments that follow compare revenues and operating income by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

Precious Metal
 
The Precious Metal segment net sales increased by $8.3 million, or 40.3%, to $29.0 million during the first quarter of 2010.  The increased sales were primarily driven by higher volume in all of its markets, particularly sales to the automotive industry, appliance markets, electrical, and commercial construction, in 2010 compared to 2009.  Higher sales were also driven by higher price and volume of precious metals compared to the same period of 2009.

Segment operating income increased by $2.4 million from $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2009 to $2.7 million during the first quarter of 2010.  The increase was primarily driven by higher sales volume, plus an improvement in gross margin percentage.

One of the discontinued operations, Sumco, was previously part of this Precious Metal segment but has now been excluded from the segment’s operating results.

Tubing

During the first quarter of 2010, the Tubing segment sales increased by $3.0 million, or 15.7%, resulting primarily from higher sales to refrigeration, automotive, and HVAC markets serviced by the Specialty Tubing Group, which was partially offset by weakness in sales to medical markets within the Stainless Steel Tubing Group.
 
 
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Segment operating income increased by $1.5 million on the higher sales, to $2.3 million during the first quarter of 2010 compared to $0.8 million for the same period of 2009, positively impacted by higher gross profit from the higher volume, plus an improvement in gross margin percentage.

One of the discontinued operations, ITD, was previously part of this Tubing segment but has now been excluded from the segment’s operating results.

Engineered Materials

The Engineered Materials segment sales during the first quarter of 2010 increased by $1.5 million, or 3.6%, as compared to the same period of 2009, with increased sales of branded roofing fasteners, and higher sales of electro-galvanized rolled sheet steel products.

Segment operating income was $1.4 million during the first quarter of 2010, compared to $0.8 million during the same period of 2009.  The increase in operating income was principally the result of the higher sales volume, along with cost saving efforts from manufacturing and selling, general and administrative functions.

Arlon EM

Arlon EM segment sales increased by $0.8 million, or 4.7%, during the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period of 2009. The sales increase was primarily due to increased sales of flex heater and coil insulation products for the general industrial market as a result of the economic rebound.

Segment operating income increased $0.3 million to $2.1 million for 2010, principally due to higher sales volume, along with manufacturing efficiencies.

Arlon CM

Arlon CM segment sales increased by $4.0 million, or 32.4%, during the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period of 2009, principally due to increased sales in the North American and European graphics markets, as well as higher sales to the Asian shipping container market.  Arlon CM’s sales of engineered coated products to the automotive, appliance and electronics markets increased as well, compared to the same period of 2009.

Operating income was $0.2 million during the first quarter of 2010 compared to a loss of $1.1 million during the same period of 2009.  The improvement of $1.3 million in segment operating income was driven by both higher sales volume and cost savings implemented in 2009, along with improved manufacturing efficiencies.
 
Kasco
 
Kasco segment sales increased by $0.3 million, or 2.1%, during the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period of 2009.  Sales to U.S. grocery stores and other route sales were comparable between the periods.  However, Canada route sales improved during the first three months of 2010, and European sales were slightly higher, compared to the same period of 2009.

Operating income from the Kasco segment was $1.2 million during the first quarter of 2010, which was $0.2 million higher than the same period of 2009.  Higher operating income was driven by lower headcount in Europe as a result of work force reduction during 2009.
 
 
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Discussion of Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
 
Operating Activities

For the three months ended March 31, 2010, $5.1 million was used by operating activities, $2.9 million was used by investing activities, and $7.9 million was provided from financing activities.  The following table provides supplemental information regarding the Company’s cash flows from operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009:
 
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net loss
  $ (2,744 )   $ (11,368 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Non-cash items:
               
  Depreciation and amortization
    4,379       4,536  
  Accrued interest not paid in cash
    3,304       2,059  
  Pension expense, net of payments
    (341 )     3,458  
  Other
    615       (246 )
Net income (loss) after non-cash items
    5,213       (1,561 )
Discontinued operations
    81       2,932  
Working capital:
               
      Trade and other receivables
    (13,669 )     5,776  
       Precious metal inventory
    (2,094 )     2  
       Inventory other than precious metal
    (1,980 )     (2,675 )
       Other current assets
    (158 )     78  
       Other current liabilities
    7,116       (4,007 )
  Total working capital effect
    (10,785 )     (826 )
  Other items-net
    440       (595 )
Net cash used in operating activities
  $ (5,051 )   $ (50 )
 
The Company reported a net loss of $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, which included $7.9 million of non-cash expense items such as depreciation and amortization of $4.4 million and long-term interest expense not paid in cash of $3.3 million.  This was offset by net cash used for working capital items of $10.8 million.  As a result, net cash used in operations was $5.1 million during the first quarter of 2010.

 For the first quarter of 2009, although the net loss was $11.4 million, net cash flow from operating activities was relatively breakeven.  Non cash expenses included depreciation and amortization expense of $4.5 million, interest expense not paid in cash of $2.1 million and non-cash pension expense of $3.5 million.  Cash provided by the discontinued operations was $2.9 million. Net cash used for working capital items in the first quarter of 2009 totaled $0.8 million.

The major reason for the decline in operating cash flow in the 2010 quarter compared to the 2009 quarter was the impact of working capital demand from the higher level of business activity in 2010. Working capital was needed primarily because of increased accounts receivable and inventory resulting from the growth in sales and orders, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable and accrued liability balances.  During the first quarter of 2009, due to a drop in business activity during that period, a reduction in accounts receivable resulted in cash inflows, but were more than offset by cash needed to reduce the level of payables and accrued liabilities.

Due principally to the sales increase in the 2010 quarter as compared to sales decline in the 2009 quarter, accounts receivable increased $13.7 million in the first quarter of 2010, compared to a decrease of $5.8 million during the first quarter of 2009.

Inventory used $4.1 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2010 as compared to $2.7 million in the same quarter of 2009.  Other current liabilities provided $7.1 million of cash during the first quarter of 2010, as compared to using $4.0 million in the same period of 2009.  Besides the increasing level of inventory to supply sales due to the incremental sales volume during the first quarter of 2010, the Company purchased and carried more inventories and had a much higher accounts payable and accrued liabilities balances related to the high level of production activity.  As a result, these liabilities provided $7.1 million of cash to working capital.  On the contrary, due to the decline in sales volume and activity during the first quarter of 2009, the current liability balance was much less compared to December 31, 2008.  As a result, the change of accounts payable and accrued liability balances during the first quarter of 2009 reduced working capital by $4.0 million.
 
 
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Investing Activities

Investing activities used $2.9 million and $1.4 million during the first quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Capital spending in the 2010 period was $2.7 million, as compared to $2.1 million spent in the 2009 period.  The Company paid $0.3 million related to its settlements of precious metal derivative contracts during the first quarter of 2010, as compared to net proceeds totaling $0.7 million in 2009.

Financing Activities

Financing activities provided a net amount of $7.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, principally from additional borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facilities.  The balance of the revolving credit facilities increased by a net amount of $11.7 million during the first quarter of 2010.  This increase in working capital funding was needed to support higher accounts receivable and inventory balances resulting from increased sales and orders. The Company paid down $3.0 million on its term loans during the period including a $1.0 million payment that was in addition to the scheduled maturities.
 
Financing activities used a net amount of $0.3 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2009.  The Company repaid $5.6 million of its term loans during the quarter, and this was offset by a $6.8 million increase in its revolving credit facilities, for a net increase in debt of continuing operations of $1.2 million.  The Company paid $0.9 million of financing fees during the 2009 quarter, principally related to amending its credit facilities.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
It is not the Company’s usual business practice to enter into off-balance sheet arrangements such as guarantees on loans and financial commitments, indemnification arrangements, and retained interests in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity for securitization purposes. Certain customers and suppliers of the Precious Metal segment choose to do business on a “pool” basis.  Such customers or suppliers furnish precious metal to subsidiaries of H&H for return in fabricated form or for purchase from or return to the supplier.  When the customer’s precious metal is returned in fabricated form, the customer is charged a fabrication charge. The value of consigned precious metal is not included in the Company’s balance sheet.  As of March 31, 2010, H&H’s customer metal consisted of 303,122 ounces of silver, 1,327 ounces of gold, and 1,393 ounces of palladium.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s first quarter 2010 net sales and profitability improved substantially as compared to the first quarter of 2009.  Loss from continuing operations, net of tax, for the first quarter of  2010 improved by $7.6 million from a loss of $9.8 million in 2009 to a loss of $2.2 million in 2010, primarily as a result of $18.0 million of higher sales.

The Company used $5.1 million of cash flow in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2010, as compared to using $50,000 in the same three month period of 2009, principally due to the increase in working capital needs from a higher level of sales and business activity.  As of March 31, 2010, the Company’s current assets totaled $169.2 million and its current liabilities totaled $128.0 million, resulting in working capital of $41.2 million, as compared to working capital of $49.4 million as of December 31, 2009.

For the full year 2009, the Company recorded a net loss of $21.2 million, but generated $39.5 million of positive cash flow from operating activities. The world-wide economic recession adversely impacted net sales and profitability throughout 2009, and significant end market declines were experienced by many of the Company’s served markets, driving sales down by over 21% during 2009 as compared to 2008, and most of the Company’s reportable segments experienced declines in operating income for 2009 compared to 2008.  Significant cost containment actions were initiated across all of the business segments and the corporate headquarters, and the Company engaged in various restructuring activities.  The Company believes that the 2009 restructuring activities will allow the Company to realize enhanced performance as the global economy and the markets the Company serves recover.  The Company expects to continue its initiatives to improve its operating efficiencies, working capital management and capital allocation, as well as its cost containment measures.

Prior to 2008, the Company incurred significant losses and negative cash flows from operations, and as of March 31, 2010 had an accumulated deficit of $455.1 million. On March 7, 2005, WHX filed a voluntary petition to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.  WHX continued to operate its business and own and manage its assets as a debtor in possession until it emerged from protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on July 29, 2005.
 
 
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WHX Corporation, the parent company

WHX, the parent company’s, sources of cash flow consist of its cash on-hand, distributions from its principal subsidiaries, H&H and Bairnco, and other discrete transactions.  H&H’s credit facilities effectively do not permit it to transfer any cash or other assets to WHX with the exception of (i) an unsecured loan for required payments to the WHX Pension Plan, and (ii) an unsecured loan for other uses in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $12.0 million, $9.5 million of which has been distributed.  H&H’s credit facilities are collateralized by a first priority lien on substantially all of the assets of H&H and its subsidiaries.  Similarly, Bairnco’s credit facilities and term loan do not permit it to make any distribution, pay any dividend or transfer any cash or other assets to WHX other than common stock of Bairnco and up to $0.6 million annually for services performed by WHX on behalf of Bairnco, under certain circumstances.  Bairnco’s credit facilities are collateralized by a first priority lien on all of the assets of Bairnco and of its U.S. subsidiaries.

WHX’s ongoing operating cash flow requirements consist of funding the minimum requirements of the WHX Pension Plan and paying WHX’s administrative costs.  The significant decline of stock prices starting in 2008 across a cross-section of financial markets contributed to an unfunded pension liability of the WHX Pension Plan which totaled $101.1 million as of December 31, 2009.  The Company expects to have required minimum contributions for 2010 and 2011 of $9.6 million and $21.0 million, respectively, $1.4 million of which was paid in the first quarter of 2010.   Such required future contributions are determined based upon assumptions regarding such matters as discount rates on future obligations, assumed rates of return on plan assets and legislative changes.  Actual future pension costs and required funding obligations will be affected by changes in the factors and assumptions described in the previous sentence, as well as other changes such as a plan termination.

As of March 31, 2010, WHX and its subsidiaries that are not restricted by loan agreements or otherwise from transferring funds to WHX had cash of approximately $2.9 million and current liabilities of approximately $11.8 million. Such current liabilities include $10.1 million of estimated required contributions to the WHX Pension Plan, which WHX is permitted to borrow from H&H pursuant to H&H’s credit agreements.

Management expects that WHX will be able to fund its operations in the ordinary course of business over at least the next twelve months.

Handy & Harman and Bairnco

Widely-documented commercial credit market disruptions have resulted in a tightening of credit markets worldwide.  Liquidity in the global credit market has been severely contracted by these market disruptions, making it costly to obtain new lines of credit or to refinance existing debt, when debt financing is available at all.  The effects of these disruptions are widespread and difficult to quantify, and it is impossible to predict when the global credit market will materially improve or when the credit contraction will significantly ease.  H&H’s senior credit facilities mature in June 2011 and Bairnco’s senior credit facilities mature in July 2012. As a result of the ongoing credit market conditions, the Company may not be able to obtain additional debt or equity financing if necessary or desired.  Furthermore, one or more of the financial institutions that make available H&H and Bairnco’s revolving credit facilities may become unable to fulfill their funding obligations, which could materially and adversely affect liquidity.

The ability of both H&H and Bairnco to draw on their respective revolving lines of credit is limited by their respective borrowing base of accounts receivable and inventory.  As of March 31, 2010, H&H’s availability under its credit facilities was $25.3 million, and Bairnco’s availability under its U.S. credit facilities was $11.1 million.

There can be no assurances that H&H and Bairnco will continue to have access to all or any of their lines of credit if their respective operating and financial performance does not satisfy the relevant borrowing base criteria and financial covenants set forth in the applicable financing agreements.  If either H&H or Bairnco do not meet certain of their respective financial covenants or satisfy the relevant borrowing base criteria, and if they are unable to secure necessary waivers or other amendments from the respective lenders on terms acceptable to management, their ability to access available lines of credit could be limited, their debt obligations could be accelerated by their respective lenders, and their liquidity could be adversely affected.
 
 
29

 

Management is utilizing the following strategies to enhance liquidity: (1) continuing to implement improvements throughout all of the Company’s operations to increase operating efficiencies, (2) supporting profitable sales growth both internally and potentially through acquisitions, (3) evaluating strategic alternatives with respect to all lines of business and/or assets and (4) seeking financing alternatives that may lower its cost of capital and/or enhance current cash flow.  The Company also plans to continue, as appropriate, cost containment measures that it implemented during 2009.

Management believes that the Company has the ability to meet its capital requirements on a continuing basis for at least the next twelve months. However, the ability of the Company to meet its cash requirements for at least the next twelve months is dependent, in part, on the Company’s continuing ability to meet its business plans. The Company continues to examine all of its options and strategies, including acquisitions, divestitures, and other corporate transactions, to increase cash flow and stockholder value. If the Company’s planned cash flow projections are not met, management could consider the additional reduction of certain discretionary expenses and sale of certain assets.

If the Company’s cash needs are greater than anticipated or the Company does not materially meet its business plan, the Company may be required to seek additional or alternative financing sources.  There can be no assurance that such financing will be available or available on terms acceptable to the Company.  There can be no assurance that the funds available from operations and under the Company’s credit facilities will be sufficient to fund its debt service costs, working capital demands, pension plan contributions, and environmental remediation costs.  The Company’s inability to generate sufficient cash flows from its operations or through financing could impair its liquidity, and would likely have a material adverse effect on its businesses, financial condition and results of operations, and could raise substantial doubt that the Company will be able to continue to operate.
*******

When used in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, the words “anticipate”, “estimate” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby.  Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty, including without limitation, general economic conditions, the ability of the Company to develop markets and sell its products, and the effects of competition and pricing.  Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included herein will prove to be accurate.

ITEM 4.      Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, the Company conducted an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of March 31, 2010, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that all information required to be disclosed in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to Company management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner that allows timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
30

 
 
PART II                  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.       Legal Proceedings

Information in this Item 1 is incorporated by reference to Part I, Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited), Note 16 “Contingencies-Legal Matters”, of this report.

ITEM 6.       Exhibits


*
Exhibit 31.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

*
Exhibit 31.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

*
Exhibit 32  Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of United States Code.

* Filed herewith
 
 
31

 
 
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.

 
 
WHX CORPORATION
 
     
     
 
/s/ James F. McCabe, Jr.
 
 
James F. McCabe, Jr.
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
May 10, 2010
 
 
32

 

Exhibits

*
Exhibit 31.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

*
Exhibit 31.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

*
Exhibit 32  Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of United States Code.

 * Filed herewith
 
 
33

 
 
Whx Corp. (MM) (NASDAQ:WXCO)
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