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EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - GSE Holding, Inc.exh_312.htm
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EX-23.1 - EXHIBIT 23.1 - GSE Holding, Inc.exh_231.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - GSE Holding, Inc.exh_311.htm


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

FORM 10-K/A
Amendment No. 1

 
[ x ]
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012

OR

[  ]
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 001-35382
 
GSE Holding, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 
     
Delaware
 
77-0619069
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
 19103 Gundle Road, Houston, Texas            77073
 (Address of Principal Executive Offices)     (Zip Code)
 
(281) 443-8564
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
  
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
  
New York Stock Exchange
 


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

 
Indicate by a check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.     Yes   [  ]    No   [X]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes   [  ]    No   [X]
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   [  ]    No   [  ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.     [X]    
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.
 
Large accelerated filer   [  ]
 
Accelerated filer   [  ]
 
Non-accelerated filer  [X]
 
Smaller reporting company   [  ]
 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  [  ]     No   [X]
As of June 30, 2012, the aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing sales price for the registrant’s common stock on that date, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange was $85,661,574.
As of March 25, 2013, 20,107,566 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after December 31, 2012 are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof. 
 
 

 
GSE Holding, Inc.
FORM 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
Page
PART I
   
     
PART II
   
     
PART III
   
     
PART IV
   
     
     
 
 
i

 
EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2013 (the ‘‘Original Filing’’), is being filed for the sole purpose of providing updated and corrected certifications that conform to the format provided in Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2.
 
This Form 10-K/A sets forth the Original Filing in its entirety and, no attempt has been made in this Form 10-K/A to modify or update the disclosures in the Original Filing except as described above. There have been no changes in previously reported amounts.  This Form 10-K/A continues to describe conditions as of the date of the Original Filing, and the disclosures contained herein have not been updated to reflect events, results or developments that occurred after the Original Filing, or to modify or update those disclosures affected by subsequent events. Among other things, forward-looking statements made in the Original Filing have not been revised to reflect events, results or developments that occurred or facts that became known to us after the date of the Original Filing, and such forward-looking statements should be read in conjunction with our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission subsequent to the filing of the Original Filing.
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “can have,” “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. The statements we make regarding the following subjects are forward-looking by their nature. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:
 
·  
our beliefs concerning our capital expenditure requirements and liquidity needs;
 
·  
our beliefs regarding the impact of future regulations;
 
·  
our ability to secure project bids;
 
·  
our expectations with respect to our executive officers’ and directors’ future compensation;
 
·  
our beliefs regarding the anti-takeover effects of certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation, our bylaws and Delaware law;
 
·  
our plans to strategically pursue emerging growth opportunities in diverse regions and end markets;
 
·  
our expectations regarding future demand for our products;
 
·  
our expectation that sales and total gross profits derived from outside North America will increase;
 
·  
our expectation that our core product strategy of matching product specifications with the application will have a positive impact on our profitability;
 
·  
our ability to manufacture our higher-margin proprietary products globally;
 
·  
our belief in the sufficiency of our cash flows to meet our needs; and
 
·  
our expectations about future dividends and our plans to retain any future earnings.
 
 
ii

 
The preceding list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all of our forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of future performance, taking into account the information currently available to us. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations, or cautionary statements, are disclosed under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements as well as other cautionary statements that are made from time to time in our other filings with the Securities Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and public communications. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K in the context of these risks and uncertainties.
 
We cannot assure you that we will realize the results or developments we expect or anticipate or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the consequences or affect us or our operations in the way we expect. The forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
iii

 
PART I
 
 
BUSINESS
 
Unless we state otherwise or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “GSE,” “GSE Holding,” “our business” and “our company” refer to GSE Holding, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries as a combined entity.
 
Our Business
 
We are the leading global provider by sales of highly engineered geosynthetic containment solutions for environmental protection and confinement applications. Our products are used in a wide range of infrastructure end markets such as mining, waste management, liquid containment (including water infrastructure, agriculture and aquaculture), coal ash containment and oil and gas. We are one of a few providers with the full suite of products required to deliver customized solutions for complex projects on a worldwide basis, including geomembranes, drainage products, geosynthetic clay liners (“GCLs”), nonwoven geotextiles and specialty products. We sell our products in approximately 100 countries and a global infrastructure that includes seven manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Germany, Chile, Egypt and Thailand, 27 regional sales and / or marketing offices located in 19 countries and engineers and technical salespeople located on six continents. We generate the majority of our sales outside of North America, including 42% from sales into high-growth emerging and frontier markets in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Our comprehensive product offering and global infrastructure, along with our extensive relationships with customers and end-users, provide us with access to high-growth markets worldwide, visibility into upcoming projects and the flexibility to serve customers regardless of geographic location.
 
Geosynthetic lining solutions are mission-critical, and often mandated by regulatory authorities, for the safe containment of materials and groundwater protection across a wide range of applications. Our technologically advanced products are manufactured primarily from polyethylene resins and proprietary additives, and are engineered to high performance specifications such as relative impermeability, structural integrity and resistance to weathering, ultraviolet degradation and extended chemical exposure. Our products are low in cost relative to the total development expenditure of a typical project, as well as to the remediation cost and adverse environmental impact that would result from not using a geosynthetic lining solution. We believe that we derive a pricing premium and margin advantage from our technologically advanced products and our brand name that is well-recognized in the industry for quality, reliability and innovation, each of which are critical factors when purchasing a product that is often required to last in perpetuity.
 
We are one of a few providers that possess the manufacturing capabilities and product breadth to develop solutions that meet the specific performance and regulatory standards required to supply large, complex projects on a global basis. Our manufacturing facilities have one of the broadest geographic presences in the industry and are strategically located to allow us to serve the fastest growing end markets and geographies, to effectively manage our cost structure and to maintain proximity to our customers and suppliers. In addition, we have a global network of engineers and salespeople that work with customers to provide customized solutions. Our engineers also collaborate with international standards organizations to develop regional specifications and standards for existing and new applications; consequently, we help public and private industry engineers to establish the framework of specifications for our industry’s products. We believe that our global infrastructure provides us with a competitive advantage, particularly in emerging and frontier markets, as we are well positioned to capture new opportunities from the implementation and enforcement of more stringent environmental regulations driven by increasing environmental awareness globally.
 
Our Industry
 
Our industry is highly fragmented due to its relevance to a wide variety of products, applications, end markets and geographies. For the most part, other market participants are small, privately held companies that compete on a local or regional basis and offer only one or a few products. Globally, demand for geosynthetics is influenced by environmental regulations, particularly those involving heap leach mining, landfills and waste ponds for industrial and energy process by-products. For these markets, some type of geosynthetic is typically required to comply with environmental standards for groundwater protection. In the United States, one example of applicable legislation is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended (“RCRA”), which provides legal guidelines for the storage, treatment and disposal of hazardous and nonhazardous solid waste.
 
We focus primarily on the global mining, waste management and liquid containment end markets, and are developing new end markets such as coal ash containment and oil and gas. Although the businesses of many of our customers are, to varying degrees, cyclical and experience periodic upturns and downturns, we believe that there are highly attractive near- to medium-term global macroeconomic trends in each of these sectors.
  
 
1

 
Mining. In the heap leach extraction process used in the mining industry, geosynthetic systems prevent the leakage of the valuable leachate into which the metal is dissolved, protect the ground and soil from contamination and provide drainage solutions. In all other processes, geosynthetics are used as containment solutions for the tailing ponds in which water borne tailings are stored in order to allow the separation of solid particles from water. The size of the geosynthetic opportunity in mining end markets is directly related to the amount of global mining activity, which is driven by demand for metals and minerals and the need for new mining infrastructure to satisfy this demand. Our products are especially relevant to mining applications focused on copper, gold, silver, uranium, lithium and phosphate.
 
Waste Management.  Geosynthetics are used in the management of municipal solid waste (“MSW”) as liners to prevent landfill runoff from entering the surrounding environment and as caps to prevent the escape of greenhouse gases, control odors and limit rainwater infiltration. While growth in North American and European waste management markets has historically trended with GDP growth, we believe the construction and expansion of landfills for the containment of this waste will drive global geosynthetic demand in emerging markets. We believe that increased wealth, the positive correlation between MSW generation and per capita GDP and heightened environmental regulation will move disposal practices in Asia and other emerging markets away from current open dumping and open burning practices towards landfilling and other more environmentally friendly methods of disposal. China has addressed the need for increased sound waste disposal resources in its twelfth five-year plan, the most recent in a series of economic development initiatives, which mandates the investment of 180 billion Yuan, or approximately $28 billion, in the urban waste disposal sector between 2011 and 2015.
 
Liquid Containment. Geosynthetic products are used in a wide variety of liquid containment applications in civil engineering and infrastructure end markets such as water infrastructure, agriculture and aquaculture.
 
·  
Water Infrastructure.  Our products are used to prevent water leakage in water transportation and storage applications, such as reservoirs and canals. In emerging economies in South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, we believe that population expansion and urbanization coupled with water scarcity and pollution will cause investment in water infrastructure to outpace global rates.
 
·  
Agriculture and Aquaculture.  Irrigation waterways for agriculture end markets and fish farming ponds for aquaculture end markets employ geosynthetic products to prevent the leakage of water.
 
Coal Ash Containment.  Coal-burning power plants produce coal ash, a pollutant that can contaminate soil and groundwater, as a byproduct of the combustion process. In December 2008, a coal ash containment failure at The Tennessee Valley Authority’s fossil fuel plant in Kingston, Tennessee resulted in the release of approximately 5.4 million cubic yards of coal ash into the Emory River. The clean-up costs and timeline associated with the failure are estimated to be in excess of $1.2 billion and four years, respectively. Following this incident, between May and November 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) announced plans to regulate the disposal of coal ash generated by coal-fired electric utilities under RCRA, published proposed rules for the regulation and held a public comment period. The EPA’s proposed rules are currently being evaluated internally.  The United States House of Representatives passed legislation in October 2011 that proposed a national standard which the states, and not the EPA, would enforce. A companion bill was introduced in the United States Senate, but was not acted upon.  Similar (proposed) legislation is expected to be submitted in early 2013. Utilities have already begun capping existing non-compliant disposal facilities and constructing new disposal facilities that meet the requirements of the regulation in advance of it coming into effect.
 
Oil and Gas.  Geosynthetic solutions are used in a number of applications in the drilling and production of oil and gas, including to effectively line storage and disposal ponds for both the freshwater required for hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and for flowback water, a by-product containing high levels of the salt, down-well chemicals and metals used in the fracking process. We believe that the majority of producing shale wells will ultimately require appropriately lined ponds for the containment of freshwater, fracking chemicals and flowback water.
 
Our History
 
We were founded in 1981 by Clifford Gundle under the name Gundle Corporation, and we believe we were the first company to develop lining systems from high-density polyethylene. We grew significantly, and in 1986, a third party acquired a majority ownership interest in us and we completed an initial public offering and our shares were listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Between 1995 and 2002, we completed a series of acquisitions that broadened our global reach, added manufacturing capabilities, expanded our distribution network and enhanced our product offering. These acquisitions included the transformational acquisitions of SLT Environmental, Inc. and Serrot International, Inc., each of which significantly improved our global scale and the latter of which established us as the global leader in geosynthetic containment solutions.
 
In May 2004, our principal stockholder, CHS Capital LLC (“CHS”) acquired a majority ownership interest in us and our shares ceased to be publicly traded. In the seven years following our acquisition by CHS (the “Acquisition”), we strategically diversified our end market and geographic exposure, and in December 2005 we completed the acquisition of the operating assets of SL Limitada, which improved our penetration of the South American and mining markets. In 2009 and 2010, we undertook a restructuring initiative that streamlined our business and implemented successful performance improvements.
 
 
2

 
On February 15, 2012, we completed the initial public offering of 8,050,000 shares of our common stock (including 1,050,000 shares which were an overallotment option exercised by the underwriters) at an offering price of $9.00 per share.  Our shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GSE.” We refer to the initial public offering as “our IPO.”  As a result of our IPO, we received net proceeds of approximately $63.6 million, after deducting approximately $5.1 million in underwriting discounts and commissions and approximately $3.8 million in IPO-related expenses.
 
Segments
 
We have defined our operating segments based on geographic regions.  See Item 8, note 17, “Segment Information,” to our consolidated financial statements for geographic financial information related to our business.
 
Products
 
We develop, manufacture and market a broad array of geosynthetic products used in the environmental containment and management of solids, liquids and gases for organizations engaged in mining, waste management, liquid containment, coal ash containment, oil and gas and other industrial and civil applications. Our product breadth enables us to fully meet the needs of our customers by providing all products required in geosynthetic lining systems. We categorize our products into geomembranes, drainage products, GCLs, nonwoven geotextiles and specialty products, each of which can be used on a stand-alone basis or packaged into solutions to serve a range of applications.
 
Geomembranes
 
Geomembranes are synthetic polymeric lining materials used as barriers in geotechnical engineering applications in end markets that include mining, solid waste containment and liquid containment. Geomembranes are manufactured from polyethylene and polypropylene resins with additives designed to resist weathering, ultraviolet degradation and chemical exposure for extended time periods. Our geomembrane liners are available in thicknesses of 20 mil to 200 mil, where 1 mil is equivalent to 1/1000th of an inch, and seamless widths of up to 34.5 feet. We provide an extensive product offering with a range of geomembrane liners to meet the needs of specific applications. Some of our most popular types of geomembranes include:
 
·  
GSE HDPE.  High-density polyethylene (“HDPE”) liners are the most widely used material for lining applications in the geosynthetic products industry. GSE HDPE liners provide chemical resistance, relative impermeability, resistance to ultraviolet light and durability under high levels of tension. Common applications for GSE HDPE liners include mining heap leach pads, landfill cells, coal ash impoundments and hazardous waste containment systems.
 
·  
GSE LLDPE.  Linear low density polyethylene (“LLDPE”) liners offer greater flexibility than HDPE liners, allowing increased conformity to an uneven ground. High elongation properties allow these liners to conform to irregularities in the subgrade, which is the leveled-off surface of earth or rock underlying a foundation, that may cause punctures and tears in other liners. Common applications for LLDPE liners include landfill caps and mining heap leach pads.
 
·  
GSE Textured.  Textured liners create increased frictional resistance between the soil layers and the liner system, which allows the liner system to maintain its integrity on steep slopes and under harsh conditions. These liners maximize the volume of material that can be contained within the geomembrane. Common applications for GSE Textured liners include landfill liners and mining heap leach pads located on steeper slopes.
 
·  
GSE White.  This co-extruded, HDPE or LLDPE geomembrane liner reduces heat build-up through its light-reflective properties. By reflecting light and heat, the liner expands and contracts less during installation, reducing the likelihood of wrinkles and associated stress. In addition, the lower temperatures on the surface of the liner enable installers to work more effectively. The liner’s reflective nature also protects subgrade soils from drying out and cracking, and the white surface greatly improves detection of installation damage by revealing scoring and abrasions as black marks exposed against the white surface. GSE White liners are commonly used in conjunction with nuclear power plants, mining and landfill projects.
 
·  
GSE Leak Location Liner.  This premium grade, HDPE geomembrane liner allows for easy and efficient spark testing of the installed material to detect post-installation damage and locate potential leaks. This product is used in applications that have a high risk of containment failure.
 
 
3

 
Drainage Products
 
Drainage products, such as geonets and geocomposites, typically are installed along with geomembranes in a liner system to keep liquids from accumulating on the liners. These drainage products provide the transmission avenues for liquid and gas collection and leak detection systems. Our primary drainage products are GSE HyperNet and GSE FabriNet.
 
·  
GSE HyperNet.  Our geonet product consists of two sets of HDPE strands intertwined to form a channel along which fluid is conveyed for drainage. This drainage capability has traditionally been provided by thick layers of aggregates, such as sand or gravel. GSE HyperNet has better performance characteristics and is easier to install than traditional aggregates. GSE HyperNet liners are commonly used as part of a landfill liner system.
 
·  
GSE FabriNet.  Our geocomposite product is produced by heat bonding nonwoven geotextiles to one or both surfaces of the GSE HyperNet. This permeable textile serves as a separator and a filter, keeping soils out of the GSE HyperNet drainage layer, which allows the product to perform its intended function of transmitting liquids and gases. GSE FabriNet liners are commonly used as part of a landfill liner system.
 
Geosynthetic Clay Liners
 
GCLs are synthetic clay liners that typically are installed as the bottom layer of a liner system. They are constructed of sodium bentonite clay, which is a highly impermeable substance and often replaces the thick layers of compacted natural clay that are sometimes used as a subgrade layer. We offer two varieties of GCLs:
 
·  
GSE GundSeal.  This GCL combines HDPE liners with highly expansive sodium bentonite clay. The sodium bentonite clay is adhered directly to the liner and serves as a support layer to the liner, sealing any small punctures in the overlaying liner by expanding or swelling upon contact with liquids. Common applications of GSE GundSeal include landfill liners and water containment pond liners.
 
·  
GSE Bentoliner.  This GCL combines durable geotextile outer layers with an inner layer of low permeability sodium bentonite clay. The geotextile’s thermally bonded fibers reinforce and protect the bentonite layer, providing high internal strength and resistance to destructive chemical components, such as those found in coal ash. GSE Bentoliner includes patent-pending coal ash-resistant GCL. GSE Bentoliner offers an array of application usages for low to high loads and flat to steep slopes in landfill liners, mining heap leach pads and water containment pond liners.
 
Nonwoven Geotextiles
 
Nonwoven geotextiles are synthetic, staple fiber, nonwoven needle-punched fabrics used in environmental and other industrial applications that include filtration, soil stabilization, separation, drainage and gas transmission, cushion and liner protection applications. Our nonwoven geotextile products are available in many weights and thicknesses to meet specific product requirements. They are used primarily internally to manufacture our geocomposite and Bentoliner products.
 
Specialty Products
 
We offer other specialty polysynthetic products that were developed for unique solutions and do not fall under the above categories. Examples include:
 
·  
Pre-Fabricated Products.  These products include tanks, pipe boots, corners, sumps, or other ancillary parts that are fit to the liner in order to reduce installation time and simplify the process.
 
·  
GSE StudLiner.  GSE StudLiner is a studded geomembrane that protects against corrosion and deterioration of concrete structures, including tanks, pipes, drainage channels and tunnels. Common applications for GSE StudLiner include industrial, municipal and civil applications, such as concrete storage tank protection.
 
·  
GSE CurtainWall and GSE GundWall.  These specialty products are vertical barrier systems that block the lateral migration of subsurface fluids. GSE CurtainWall is best suited for trench-style installations, while GSE GundWall is more commonly installed with trenchless, vibratory and installation techniques.
 
End Markets and Applications
 
Our broad selection of geosynthetic products are used in a variety of end markets and applications. End markets for our products include mining, solid waste containment, liquid containment, coal ash containment, oil and gas and other industrial and civil applications.
 
Mining
 
Our products are used in heap leach mining processes and other mining processes. Heap leach mining enables the low-cost extraction of metals from low-grade ores. Heap leaching entails placing mined ore on a large geosynthetic leach pad and pouring an acid leachate over the ore to dissolve the ore, separating targeted minerals or metals in the process. The use of geosynthetic materials prevents the contamination of the soil and groundwater by these chemical solutions and contains the valuable dissolved ore in the leachate, ensuring its recovery. Geomembranes, drainage products and geosynthetic clay liners are used to line the soil, drain the leachate and recapture and recycle the solutions along with the extracted precious metals.
 
 
4

 
In other mining processes, geosynthetics are used as containment solutions for the tailing ponds in which water-borne tailings, or the materials left over from separating the valuable fraction from the uneconomic fraction of an ore, are stored in order to allow the separation of solid particles from water. As a result of the potentially environmentally hazardous composition of tailing, modern-day mining procedures make tailing areas environmentally safe after closure, as the storage and disposal facilities for tailings, typically a dam or pond, is often the most important environmental liability for a mining project. Geosynthetic solutions are used to appropriately line tailing ponds for the confinement of tailings and groundwater protection purposes.
 
Environmental Containment
 
One of the primary applications for our products is the construction of landfill liner systems for solid waste containment. Geomembranes function as drainage products and liners to prevent landfill runoff from entering the surrounding environment and as caps to prevent the escape of greenhouse gases, to control odors and to limit rainwater infiltration. Our suite of products and wide industry expertise allows a customer to employ us as its single-source provider for the numerous landfill liner products needed to construct a landfill liner system. The primary purpose of a liner in a landfill is to protect the soil and groundwater from contamination. Liners can also be used upon the closing of a landfill, when a landfill cap is installed on top of the waste to prevent the degrading waste gas from escaping into the atmosphere.
 
Water Containment
 
Our geosynthetic products are also used globally in a wide variety of water containment applications. Water treatment facilities, canals, irrigation waterways, reservoirs and dams require geosynthetic products for water containment. Geomembranes are used in agriculture, aquaculture and other water management applications to contain water, a scarce resource in certain climates, protect against the leakage of environmentally contaminated substances, retain the structural integrity of canals and ponds and protect against soil erosion and weed growth.
 
Coal Ash Containment
 
Our products are used in ponds, landfills and surface impoundments which are used to contain the ash that is produced as a byproduct of the coal combustion process. Because coal ash is a contaminant which contains the same metals and other components as the coal which is burned, geosynthetic solutions are used in groundwater protection applications by electric utilities and other non-utility, industrial coal burning sites.
 
Oil and Gas
 
Our geosynthetic solutions are used in a number of applications in the drilling and production of oil and gas, including to effectively line storage and disposal ponds for both the freshwater required for fracking and for flowback water, a by-product containing high levels of the salt, down-well chemicals and metals used in the fracking process, brine ponds and mud pits.
 
Supply Chain Management
 
Resin-based material, derived from crude petroleum and natural gas, accounted for approximately 80% of our cost of products in each of 2012, 2011 and 2010. Our ability to both manage the cost of our resin purchases as well as pass fluctuations in the cost of our raw materials through to our customers is critical to our profitability. In early 2010 we implemented successful performance initiatives that focused on reducing the risk of volatility in resin costs on our profitability. We have developed the policies, processes, tools and organizational training procedures listed below to enable better resin cost management and facilitate the efficient pass through of increases in our resin costs to our customers. We hired a highly experienced polyethylene expert to lead our global procurement effort, implement best practices in global resin purchasing and better forecast our resin costs.
 
·  
We have increased the number of our raw material suppliers. In addition, we now conduct our purchasing on a global basis to facilitate a consistent supply of competitively-priced raw material at each of our manufacturing facilities. In addition to providing us with better leverage with suppliers, this practice has enabled us to better manage our working capital on a global basis.
 
·  
We have implemented pricing tools and training guidelines for our sales force and finance team that facilitate effective margin evaluation. The new tools and training guidelines provide all personnel involved in selling our products and approving bid submissions with access to the information required to effectively manage our profitability and the training to appropriately use this information. The pricing tool uses a continuously updated cost model that takes into account our internally forecasted resin pricing, developed by the polyethylene expert mentioned above. As a result, all of our quotes include product pricing that reflects delivered cost (including forecasted resin prices) and calculates our anticipated project profitability.
 
 
5

 
·  
We have institutionalized a stringent internal bid approval and escalation process using the pricing tool described above. As a result, bids often reach our Chief Financial Officer for approval, depending on the order size and anticipated profitability. This policy has allowed us to track and manage the success of our sales force in using the pricing tool and to be more nimble in our pricing and cost management decision making. We also review all sales managers’ salaries and incent them with a commission program that is based on gross profit.
 
·  
We have created a plant sourcing decision model that we run for certain large projects in order to determine the manufacturing facility with the lowest delivered cost for each project. This decision model considers the impact of regional resin cost fluctuations, plant capacity, manufacturing costs and transportation costs. This model allows us to better manage our profitability across regions.
 
·  
We have also implemented globally a large project tracking process that provides better visibility into our sales pipeline and increases our ability to manage working capital, plant capacity and profitability. For some larger, longer-run projects, we may purchase the resin required for the project in advance, using either our balance sheet or liquidity provided by the customer, in order to better manage the risk volatile resin prices present to our profitability. Even for these large and complex orders, however, delivery of our products usually occurs over a relatively short timeframe, which protects us from extended exposure to fluctuating resin prices when we have not purchased resin in advance.
 
While the significant majority of our products are sold under contracts that provide for 30-day re-pricing provisions at our option, and while we have taken advantage of this option in the past, the policies, processes, tools and organizational training procedures described above allow us to limit the need to re-price projects already under contract. This in turn helps us better manage our relationships with our customers. We believe that managing the risks associated with volatility in resin costs is now among our critical and core competencies.
 
 
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Manufacturing Operations, Quality Control and Safety
 
We manufacture standard products as well as to specific project specifications through a variety of processes, resulting in a broad array of liner systems. The following table summarizes the processes we use:
 
 
Manufacturing Process
 
 
Products
 
 
Description
         
Round Die Extrusion
 
Geomembranes
 
Polyethylene is extruded vertically from a round die through two concentric die lips, then cut, flattened and rolled onto the take-up core.
         
Flat Die Extrusion
 
Geomembranes
 
Polyethylene is extruded horizontally between two flat die lips and rolled onto the take-up core.
         
Spray-on Texturing
 
Geomembranes
 
Molten polymer is sprayed onto previously extruded sheet creating a rough, friction surface.
         
Net Die Extrusion & Geotextile Lamination
 
Drainage Products
 
Polyethylene is extruded downward to form a net, which is cut and formed into rolls. The geocomposite is produced by fusing nonwoven geotextile to the geonet.
         
GundSeal Bentonite Clay Adhesion
 
GCLs
 
Bentonite clay and adhesive are distributed onto a geomembrane substrate to create a combination product of geomembrane and clay liner.
         
Needle-punched Bentonite Clay Distribution
 
GCLs
 
Bentonite clay is sealed between two layers of geotextiles through a needling process.
         
Needle-punch
 
Nonwoven Geotextile
 
Synthetic fibers are carded into a web, which is interlocked by repeatedly passing barbed felting needles in and out of the web.
 
Our capabilities in round die and flat cast extrusion provide us with significant competitive advantages by enhancing the depth and variety of our geomembrane product line. Round die manufacturing allows us to produce liners with multiple layers. The multi-layer process supports in-line texturing as well as many of our specialty products such as GSE White and Leak Location Liners.  The flat cast manufacturing process allows us to precisely control the thickness of geomembranes. The flat cast extrusion process supports production of thicker geomembranes with high machine productivity.
 
The scale and sophistication of our manufacturing lines create a competitive advantage in the markets in which we operate. In addition, the sophistication of the manufacturing process requires an operational expertise that we have developed over 30 years. The production line must be closely monitored and tightly controlled to ensure that the speed of the line and the rate of extrusion produce a finished good that meets requirements for integrity and thickness. Our experienced operations and production engineers are a valuable asset to us because of their ability to efficiently and effectively manage the manufacturing processes.
 
Our global manufacturing quality assurance program, which is coordinated from our Houston headquarters, establishes rigorous quality control standards for the manufacture of geosynthetic products. Quality assurance laboratories at each manufacturing facility oversee all quality control initiatives. All raw materials, including polyethylene resin, are subject to tests that must comply with our specifications before entering the manufacturing process. Finished products are also tested; the quality assurance laboratories test finished product to ensure that it complies with product specifications. The laboratories catalog retained samples in the event the integrity of a product in the field is ever questioned. In addition, thickness readings are taken continuously over the length and width of the roll to ensure product consistency.
 
Our operations are also centrally managed and coordinated. Our central organizational structure was implemented in 2010 and has resulted in the ability to improve performance through a common set of metrics and the sharing of best practices across our global infrastructure. Centralized engineering direction and product specifications create a network that can manufacture our products to our specifications on a global basis. Additionally, global customer inquiries are evaluated using a sourcing model that develops delivered cost from various manufacturing locations to allow us to serve global demand optimally.
 
 
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Safety is also coordinated on a global basis by a Global Safety Director based in Houston. This effort is developing a strong safety culture across our company. Safety awareness is driven through global training initiatives supported by employee involvement in building our safety culture. Employee safety committees lead our safety efforts in every manufacturing location.
 
Sales and Marketing
 
Our sales and marketing efforts are conducted through a global network of sales professionals in more than 30 countries who facilitate sales to end markets in approximately 100 countries. Our engineering and technical sales personnel have, on average, ten years of experience in our industry. Our sales efforts are targeted primarily at national or regional waste management companies, independent installers of geosynthetic liners and mining, power and industrial companies. Our product sales consist primarily of sales to general contractors, independent installers of geosynthetic liners and facility owners who are responsible for product specifications and the design and awarding of orders.
 
Our customer relationships enable us to capture greater market share. By leveraging customer relationships to work with end-users in the planning phase of projects, our products are often specified prior to the issuance of a request for proposal. Our products are typically sold through responsiveness to customers’ proposals that establish the design and performance criteria for the desired products. We are able to favorably leverage our product breadth, engineering capabilities and customer and end-user relationships in order to generate orders.
 
We provide customers with limited material warranties on products, typically from one to five years. These warranties are generally limited to repair or replacement of defective products or workmanship, often on a prorated basis, up to the dollar amount of the original order.
 
Environmental Legislation
 
The enactment of numerous environmental laws and corresponding regulations has enhanced the market for our geosynthetic products.
 
In the United States, RCRA provides the legal framework for the storage, treatment and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste. Of particular importance to us has been the impact of Subtitle D of RCRA, which regulates the disposal of MSW at roughly 2,300 U.S. landfills. State regulations adopted under this title impose stringent compliance standards with regard to groundwater protections, which is what our products are designed to provide. Subtitle D regulations specify the use of a composite liner system consisting of highly impermeable clay and a geomembrane liner. The liner must be at least 30 mils thick. In addition, amendments to RCRA require all new hazardous waste landfills to use liner systems composed of two or more liners, with leachate collection and drainage systems above and between the liners. These same amendments require double liners for surface impoundments or ponds used in the containment of certain hazardous liquids.
 
Also of importance to our business, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“Superfund”), enacted in 1980, governs cleanup of abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. Our products are used in cleanup work at these sites. For example, the EPA has published a presumptive remedy requiring the use of a “liner cap” in closed municipal solid waste landfills. This liner cap is designed to prevent groundwater contamination and assist in the containment of subterranean liquid waste plumes. Our products have been installed in landfills throughout the United States.
 
In 1993, the State of Florida published regulations requiring gypsum waste generated as a by-product of phosphate mining to be stored on composite liners with a synthetic component. Our liners meet the specifications set forth in the Florida regulations.
 
In May 2010, the EPA proposed regulating coal ash as a form of waste under RCRA, which is expected to result in coal ash containment being regulated similar to other wastes (although the specific waste classification of coal ash is yet to be determined). The EPA has announced that it is developing federal standards for the disposal of coal ash that will require the use of synthetic liner systems similar to those required by solid waste landfill regulations. We will continue to evaluate the EPA’s proposed standards.  The United States House of Representatives passed legislation in October 2011, which supersede the EPA standards, that proposed a national standard which the states, and not the EPA, would enforce. A companion bill was introduced in but was not acted upon by the United States Senate.  Similar proposed legislation is expected to be submitted to the United States Senate in early 2013. The enactment of either federal or state standards represents a significant growth opportunity for us, and we are already experiencing increased sales in our coal ash containment end market as customers anticipate and preemptively prepare for the potential new regulations.
 
Environmental laws and regulations in the United States, and in other countries, particularly in the European Community and Japan, have increased the demand for our geosynthetic products. In particular, activities that have an impact on groundwater quality have been the subject of increasing scrutiny by regulators, and may be the subject of future changes to existing laws and regulations. These activities include agricultural irrigation, animal feedlots and compounds, aquaculture facilities, industrial storm water runoff containment areas, canals, mining leach pads and tunnels.
 
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Customers
 
We have developed strong customer relationships through our history of providing high-quality products. We serve approximately 1,200 customers worldwide that include primarily municipal and private companies engaged in mining, solid waste management, liquid containment, coal ash containment, oil and gas and other industrial and civil applications, as well as the independent installers, distributors and engineering and civil works construction companies serving these end-users. We have solidified relationships with this customer group through our product breadth, high levels of product performance and geographic reach. Our strong and diverse customer base spans a number of end markets in six continents; thus we are not overly dependent on any one customer or group of customers. In 2012, our top ten customers represented approximately 19% of our total sales, with no customer representing more than 10% of our total sales.
 
The majority of our customer base in 2012 represented repeat customers including independent installers of our products. We have developed longstanding relationships with our repeat customers, and our top ten customers have an average relationship tenure with us of 14 years. Independent installers have consistently been among our top ten customers, but they vary year-to-year based on their respective success in winning orders. We also serve smaller customers that may only have a one-time need for a geosynthetic product. Our diverse customer base across a range of end markets and geographies helps support stable demand for our products.
 
Suppliers
 
Our principal products are manufactured primarily from specially formulated high grade polyethylene resins with chemical additives that enable the end product to resist weathering, ultraviolet degradation and chemical exposure. We maintain close, longstanding relationships with our suppliers to ensure supply and quality of resins. We maintain at least two primary suppliers for each manufacturing location in order to protect against potential supply shortages and to avoid reliance on a single supplier. We believe that because of our scale and manufacturing locations, we are able to negotiate resin prices less than or equal to any of our competitors. With seven manufacturing facilities on five continents and a global network of distributors, we are also able to optimize freight costs by reducing shipping distances and negotiating attractive rates with local distributors.
 
Competition
 
The geosynthetics industry is relatively fragmented due to the wide variety of products, functions, markets and geographies. We are one of the few companies that offer multiple types of geosynthetic products. We estimate that over 150 companies produce geosynthetics and that there are approximately 30 companies that compete in the production of geomembranes, which is our largest product type. The majority of competitors in the geomembrane market are small and medium-sized, privately held companies that offer only one or a few product types or lack a global market reach. We maintain a significant competitive advantage as the only industry participant with both (i) the ability to supply our customers with a complete geosynthetic lining solution, including composite liners and drainage products and (ii) the geographic reach to effectively serve a global market and respond to demand internationally. We have also leveraged our global presence by centralizing purchasing to ensure raw materials are purchased at the most economical prices, thereby taking advantage of economies of scale to which smaller competitors do not have access. Other competitive factors include the performance of our lining systems, quality and pricing.
 
Our primary competitor in North America and Europe is Agru Kunststofftechnik GmbH (“Agru”), a family-owned company based in Austria, which focuses primarily on piping systems. This company’s American affiliate, Agru America, produces geomembranes and other geosynthetics primarily for lining applications to protect against leaching wastes and fluids from reservoirs. Agru has facilities in Austria, Germany and the United States.
 
In less developed regions of the world, the competitive landscape is more fragmented than in the United States and European markets. Many competitors in these developing regions are low-cost geosynthetic manufacturers that lack the product quality and consistency to compete in more mature markets. As international regulations become increasingly stringent, greater importance will be placed on manufacturers such as us that have the technical expertise and industry certifications required to supply geosynthetic products that comply with these regulations.
 
Intellectual Property
 
Our intellectual property portfolio is one of the means by which we attempt to protect our competitive position. We rely primarily on a combination of know-how, trade secrets, trademarks and contractual restrictions to protect our products. We also own over 35 patents worldwide addressing certain aspects of our products. We are constantly seeking ways to protect our intellectual property through registrations in relevant jurisdictions. We have actively monitored and challenged violations of our intellectual property rights in the past, and we intend to continue to actively protect our intellectual property rights in the future to the fullest extent possible.
 
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We have received patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”). Some of these patents have been issued in select foreign countries and certain patent applications are being prosecuted in such jurisdictions. We have registered our trademark and logo with the USPTO, and have registered our trademark in select foreign countries. Although in the aggregate our patents are important in the operation of our business, we do not believe the loss, by expiration or otherwise, of any one patent or group of patents would materially affect our business.
 
Employees
 
As of December 31, 2012, we employed 655 employees worldwide, of whom 303 were located in the United States. Given the seasonal nature of our business, we shift our total labor force throughout the year to accommodate for peak manufacturing periods and to lower costs through off-season periods. The shifts in our labor force are not material. Except for approximately 46 of our employees at our facility in Chile, none of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement. Our workforces in certain foreign countries, such as Germany, have worker representative committees or work councils with which we maintain strong relationships.  We believe our employee relations are good.
 
Regulation
 
We are required to comply with a variety of federal, state, local and foreign laws governing the protection of the environment, the exposure of persons and property to wastes and occupational health and safety. These laws regulate, among other things, the generation, storage, handling, use and transportation of waste materials; the disposal and release of wastes and other substances into soil, air or water; and our obligations relating to the health and safety of our workers and the public. We are also required to obtain and comply with environmental permits and licenses for certain operations. If we violate or fail to comply with these requirements, we could be subject to private party or governmental claims, the issuance of administrative, civil and criminal fines or penalties, the denial, modification or revocation of permits, licenses or other authorizations, the imposition of injunctive obligations or other limitations on our operations, including the cessation of operations, and requirements to perform site investigatory, remedial or other corrective action. In some instances, such actions could be material and could result in adverse impacts on our operations and financial condition. Certain environmental requirements, and the interpretation of those requirements by regulators and courts, change frequently and might also become more stringent over time. We may incur material costs or liabilities related to our future compliance with those requirements. We have made and will continue to make capital and other expenditures to comply with environmental requirements. Because of the nature of our business, changes in environmental laws and the costs associated with complying with such requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
We are also subject to laws governing the cleanup of contaminated property. Under these laws, we could be held liable for costs and damages relating to contamination of our past or present facilities (including liability to buyers of properties or businesses that we have sold) and at third-party sites to which our facilities sent wastes. The amount of such liability could be material.
 
 
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RISK FACTORS
 
The following risk factors address the material risks concerning our business.  If any of the risks discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K were to occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects could be materially and adversely affected and the market price per share of our common stock could decline significantly.  Certain statements in the following risk factors constitute forward-looking statements.  See “Forward-Looking Statements.”
 
Risks Related to Our Business
 
Our business depends on the levels of capital investment expenditures by our customers, which are affected by factors such as the state of domestic and global economies, the cyclical nature of our customers’ markets, our customers’ liquidity and the condition of global credit and capital markets.
 
Our products are generally integrated into complex, large-scale projects undertaken by our customers. As such, demand for most of our products depends on the levels of new capital investment expenditures by our customers. The levels of capital expenditures by our customers, in turn, depend on general economic conditions, availability of credit, economic conditions within their respective industries and geographies and expectations of future market behavior. The ability of our customers to finance capital investment may also be affected by factors independent of the conditions in their industry, such as the condition of global credit and capital markets.
 
The businesses of many of our customers, particularly mining, waste management and liquid containment companies, are, to varying degrees, cyclical and have experienced periodic downturns that may adversely impact our sales in the future as they have in the past. The demand for our products by these customers depends, in part, on overall levels of industrial production and construction, general economic conditions and business confidence levels. During economic downturns, our customers in these industries have historically tended to delay large capital projects, as they did during the global recession in 2007 through 2009, which had a negative effect on our results of operations. Additionally, fluctuating industrial demand forecasts and lingering uncertainty concerning commodity pricing can cause our customers to be more conservative in their capital planning, which may also reduce demand for our products. For example, reductions in copper, gold and silver prices generally depress the level of mining activity and can result in a corresponding decline in the demand for our products among mining customers. Reduced demand for our products could result in the delay or cancellation of existing orders or lead to excess manufacturing capacity, which unfavorably impacts our absorption of fixed manufacturing costs. Any of these outcomes could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
While growth in North American and European markets has historically trended with GDP growth, emerging markets present significant growth opportunities. If we are not successful in shifting sales to the growing emerging and frontier markets, the growth in our sales could moderate. Additionally, some of our customers may delay capital investment even during favorable conditions in their markets. Lingering effects of global financial markets and banking systems disruptions experienced in 2007 through 2009 continue to make credit and capital markets difficult for some companies to access. Difficulties in accessing these markets and the associated costs can have a negative effect on investment in large capital projects, even during favorable market conditions. In addition, the liquidity and financial position of our customers could impact their ability to pay in full or on a timely basis. Any of these factors, whether individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our customers and, in turn, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Our future sales depend, in part, on our ability to bid and win new orders. Our failure to effectively obtain future orders could adversely affect our profitability.
 
A large portion of our sales and overall results of operations require us to successfully bid on new orders that are frequently subject to competitive bidding processes. Our sales from major projects depend, in part, on the level of capital expenditures in our principal end markets, including the mining, waste management, liquid containment, coal ash containment and oil and gas industries. The number of such projects we win in any particular year fluctuates, and is dependent on the number of projects available and our ability to bid successfully for such projects. Proposals and negotiations are complex and frequently involve a lengthy bidding and selection process, which is affected by a number of factors, such as competitive position, market conditions, financing arrangements and required governmental approvals. If negative market conditions arise, or if we fail to secure adequate financial arrangements or required governmental approvals, we may not be able to pursue particular projects, which could adversely affect our profitability.
 
Increases in prices or disruptions in supply of our raw materials could adversely impact our financial condition.
 
Pricing for our products is driven to a large extent by the costs of polyethylene resin and other raw materials, which significantly impact our operating results. In 2012, raw materials cost represented 83% of our cost of products. Our principal raw material, polyethylene resin, is occasionally in short supply and subject to price fluctuation in response to availability of manufacturing capacity, market demand and the price of feedstocks, including crude oil and natural gas. Our performance depends, in part, on our ability to reflect changes in resin costs in the selling prices for our products. In the past we have generally been successful in managing increased raw material costs and have increased selling prices only when necessary, but we may not be able to do so in the future.
 
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In general, we do not enter into long-term purchase orders for the delivery of raw materials. Our orders with suppliers are flexible and do not contain minimum purchase volumes or fixed prices. Accordingly, our suppliers may change their prices and other purchase terms on a monthly basis. We believe we have improved our raw material purchasing practices over recent years with the implementation of advanced pricing and forecasting tools, more centralized procurement and additional sourcing relationships, which has decreased our raw material costs. However, competitive market conditions in our industry and contractual arrangements with certain of our customers may limit our ability to pass the full cost of higher resin or other raw material pricing through to our customers promptly or completely. Even in cases in which our contractual arrangements with our customers permit us to pass on the cost of higher resin, enforcing such provisions may have a negative effect on our relationships with our customers. Raw material shortages or significant increases in the price of raw materials increase our costs and may reduce our operating income if we are not able to pass through all of the increases to our customers.
 
Additionally, if any of our key polyethylene resin suppliers were unable to deliver resin to us for an extended period of time, or if we were no longer able to purchase resin at competitively advantageous prices, we may not be able to satisfy our resin requirements through other suppliers on competitive terms, or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Increases in resin prices or a significant interruption in resin supply could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. We do not currently enter into derivative instruments to offset the impact of resin price fluctuations and do not intend to do so for the foreseeable future.
 
Our future growth depends, in part, on developing new applications and end markets for our products.
 
Changes in legislative, regulatory or industry requirements or competitive technologies may render certain of our products obsolete. We place a high priority on developing new products, as well as enhancing our existing products, and our success depends on our ability to anticipate changes in regulatory and technology standards and to cultivate new applications for our products as the geosynthetics industry evolves. If we are unable to develop and introduce new applications and new addressable markets for our products in response to changes in environmental regulations, changing market conditions or customer requirements or demands, our competitiveness could be materially and adversely affected.  If we are unable to introduce these products to other markets, our margin growth may be moderated. Furthermore, we cannot be certain that any new or enhanced product will generate sufficient sales to justify the expenses and resources devoted to such product diversification effort.
 
Unexpected equipment failures or significant damage to one or more of our manufacturing facilities would increase our costs and reduce our sales due to production curtailments or shutdowns.
 
We currently operate seven manufacturing facilities on five continents. Our operations have been centrally managed and coordinated from our facility in Houston, Texas since 2010. An interruption or suspension of production capabilities at these facilities, or significant damage to one or more of our facilities, as a result of equipment failure, fire, explosions, long-term mechanical breakdowns, violent weather conditions or other natural disasters, work stoppages, power outages, war, terrorist activities, political conflict or other hostilities or any other cause, could result in our inability to manufacture our products, which would reduce our sales and earnings for the affected period, affect our relationships with our most significant customers and distributors and cause us to lose future sales. A natural disaster in the future could have a material adverse effect on our global operations. Our business interruption insurance may not be sufficient to cover all of our losses from a natural disaster, in which case our reimbursed losses could be substantial.
 
We operate in a highly competitive industry.
 
We sell our products in a very competitive marketplace that is characterized by a small number of large, global producers, and a large number of small, local or regional producers. The principal resin types that we use in our products are high-density polyethylene and linear low-density polyethylene. We compete both with companies that use the same raw materials that we do and with companies that use different raw materials. Additionally, companies that manufacture geosynthetic products that are not currently competing with us may decide to do so in the future. Competition is primarily based on product performance, quality and pricing. Pricing remains very competitive on a regional basis, with excess capacity in the industry impacting margins. Moreover, our current and potential competitors may have substantially greater financial resources, name recognition, research and development, marketing and human resources than we have. In addition, our competitors may succeed in developing new or enhanced products that are better than our products. These companies may also prove to be more successful than we are in marketing and selling these products. We may not be able to compete successfully with any of these companies. Increased competition as to any of our products could result in price reductions, reduced margins and loss of market share, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects.
 
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We may not be able to manage our expansion of operations effectively.
 
We anticipate continued expansion of our business to address growth in demand for our products, as well as to capture new market opportunities. To manage the potential growth of our operations, we will be required to improve our operational and financial systems, procedures and controls, increase manufacturing capacity and output and expand, train and manage our internal personnel. Furthermore, we will need to maintain and expand our relationships with our customers, suppliers and other third parties. We cannot assure you that our current and planned operations, personnel, systems or internal procedures and controls will be adequate to support our future growth. If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, we may not be able to take advantage of market opportunities, execute our business strategies or respond to competitive pressures.
 
Our inability to deliver our products on time could affect our future sales and profitability and our relationships with our customers.
 
Our ability to meet customer delivery schedules for our products is dependent on a number of factors including, but not limited to, access to the raw materials required for production, an adequately trained and capable workforce, project engineering expertise for certain large projects, sufficient manufacturing plant capacity and appropriate planning and scheduling of manufacturing resources. Our failure to deliver in accordance with customer expectations may result in damage to existing customer relationships and result in the loss of future business. Any such loss of future business could negatively impact our financial performance and cause adverse changes in the market price of our common stock.
 
We are subject to certain risks associated with our international operations that could harm our revenues and profitability.
 
We have significant international operations, and we are in the process of increasing our international manufacturing and distribution capacity. Certain risks are inherent in international operations, including:
 
·  
difficulties in enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through certain foreign legal systems;
 
·  
foreign customers with longer payment cycles than customers in the United States;
 
·  
tax rates in certain foreign countries that exceed those in the United States and foreign earnings subject to withholding requirements;
 
·  
imposition of tariffs, quotas, exchange controls or other trade barriers;
 
·  
general economic conditions, political unrest and terrorist attacks;
 
·  
exposure to possible expropriation or other governmental actions;
 
·  
increased complexity and costs of staffing and managing widespread operations;
 
·  
import and export licensing requirements;
 
·  
restrictions on repatriating foreign profits back to the United States;
 
·  
increased risk of corruption, self-dealing or other unethical practices among business partners in less developed regions of the world that may be difficult to deter or remedy;
 
·  
difficulties protecting our intellectual property; and
 
·  
difficulties associated with complying with a variety of foreign laws and regulations, some of which may conflict with U.S. laws.
 
In addition, foreign operations involve uncertainties arising from local business practices, cultural considerations and international political and trade tensions. For example, our operations in Egypt were briefly suspended in early 2011 due to political unrest in that country. More recently civil and political unrest in Egypt has continued, which unrest could potentially impact future revenues and our ability to manufacture at times in our Egypt plant. As we continue to expand our business globally, our success will be dependent, in part, on our ability to anticipate and effectively manage these and other risks. We cannot assure you that we will be able to manage effectively these risks or that these and other factors will not have a material adverse effect on our international operations or our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
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Our international operations are subject to political and economic risks for conducting business in corrupt environments.
 
Although a portion of our international business is currently in regions where the risk level and established legal systems are similar to those in the United States, we also conduct business in developing countries. We are focusing on increasing our sales in regions such as South America, Southeast Asia, India, China and the Middle East, which are less developed, have less stable legal systems and financial markets and are generally recognized as potentially more corrupt business environments than the United States and thus present greater political, economic and operational risks. We emphasize compliance with the law and have various internal policies and procedures in place and conduct ongoing training of employees with regard to business ethics and key legal requirements such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) and similar anti-corruption laws and regulations in other jurisdictions. These laws and regulations generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to non-U.S. government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or securing an improper business advantage. Despite such policies and procedures and the FCPA training we provide to our employees, we cannot guarantee that our employees will adhere to our code of business conduct, other company policies or the anti-corruption laws of a particular nation. If we are found to be liable for FCPA or similar anti-corruption law or regulatory violations, whether due to our or others’ actions or inadvertence, we could be subject to civil and criminal penalties or other sanctions and could incur significant costs for investigation, litigation, fees, settlements and judgments, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
Currency exchange rate fluctuations could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.
 
We generate a significant portion of our sales, and incur a significant portion of our expenses, in currencies other than U.S. dollars. In 2012 and 2011, 32% and 31% of our sales, respectively, were denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar, and as of December 31, 2012, 23% of our assets and 17% of our liabilities were denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar. To the extent that we are unable to match sales received in foreign currencies with costs paid in the same currency, exchange rate fluctuations in any such currency could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows. During times of a strengthening U.S. dollar, our reported sales from our international operations will be reduced because the applicable local currency will be translated into fewer U.S. dollars. We do not currently enter into derivative instruments to offset the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations and do not intend to do so for the foreseeable future.
 
Our operating results may be subject to quarterly fluctuations due to the possible delayed recognition of large orders in our financial statements.
 
Our sales efforts for many of our products involve discussions with the end-users during the planning phase of projects. The planning, designing and manufacturing process can be lengthy. The typical planning and design phase for our projects ranges from six months to four years. As a result, there is often a delay between the investment of resources in developing and supplying a product and the recognition in our financial statements of the sales of the product. Our long sales cycle and the unpredictable period of time between the placement of an order and our ability to recognize the sales associated with the order make sales predictions difficult, particularly on a quarterly basis, and can cause our operating results to fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter.
 
The costs and difficulties of acquiring and integrating complementary businesses and technologies could impede our future growth and adversely affect our competitiveness.
 
As part of our growth strategy, we will consider acquiring complementary businesses.  Acquisitions involve a number of risks including integration of the acquired company with our operations and unanticipated liabilities or contingencies related to the acquired company.  We cannot ensure that the expected benefits of any future acquisitions will be realized. Costs could be incurred on pursuits or proposed acquisitions that have not yet or may not close which could significantly impact our operating results, financial condition, or cash flows. Additionally, after the acquisition, unforeseen issues could arise which adversely affect the anticipated returns or which are otherwise not recoverable as an adjustment to the purchase price.  Furthermore, future acquisitions could result in the incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Risks we could face with respect to acquisitions include:
 
·  
greater than expected costs and management time and effort involved in identifying, completing and integrating acquisitions;
 
·  
risks associated with unanticipated events or liabilities;
 
·  
potential disruption of our ongoing business and difficulty in maintaining our standards, controls, information systems and procedures;
 
·  
entering into markets and acquiring technologies in areas in which we have little experience;
 
·  
the inability to successfully integrate the products, services and personnel of any acquisition into our operations;
 
 
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·  
a need to incur debt, which may reduce our cash available for operations and other uses; and
 
·  
the realization of little, if any, return on our investment.
 
If we are unable to retain key executives and other personnel, our growth may be hindered.
 
Our ability to successfully operate and grow our global business and implement our strategies is largely dependent on the efforts, abilities and services of our senior management and other key employees. If we lose the services of our senior management or other key employees and are unable to find qualified replacements with comparable experience in the industry, our business could be negatively affected. Our future operations could also be harmed if we are unable to attract, hire, train and retain qualified managerial, sales, operations, engineering and other technical personnel.
 
Although we have employment and non-competition agreements with certain of our key employees, those agreements may not assure the retention of our employees, and we may not be able to enforce all of the provisions in any employment or non-competition agreement. In addition, we do not have key person insurance on any of our senior executives or other key personnel. The loss of any member of our senior management team or other key employee could damage critical customer relationships, result in the loss of vital knowledge, experience and expertise, lead to unanticipated recruitment and training costs and make it more difficult to successfully operate our business and execute our business strategy.
 
We may be adversely affected by environmental and health and safety regulations to which we are subject.
 
We are required to comply with a variety of federal, state, local and foreign laws governing the protection of the environment, the exposure of persons and property to hazardous substances and occupational health and safety. These laws regulate, among other things, the generation, storage, handling, use and transportation of hazardous materials; the disposal and release of wastes and other substances into soil, air or water; and our obligations relating to the health and safety of our workers and the public. We are also required to obtain and comply with environmental permits and licenses for certain operations. We cannot assure you that we are at all times in full compliance with all environmental laws, permits or licenses. If we violate or fail to comply with these requirements, we could be subject to private party or governmental claims, the issuance of administrative, civil and criminal fines or penalties, the denial, modification or revocation of permits, licenses or other authorizations, the imposition of injunctive obligations or other limitations on our operations, including the cessation of operations, and requirements to perform site investigatory, remedial or other corrective action. In some instances, such actions could be material and could result in adverse impacts on our operations and financial condition. Certain environmental requirements, and the interpretation of those requirements by regulators and courts, change frequently and might also become more stringent over time. We therefore cannot assure you that we will not incur material costs or liabilities related to our future compliance with these requirements. We have made and will continue to make capital and other expenditures to comply with environmental requirements. Because of the nature of our business, changes in environmental laws and the costs associated with complying with such requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
We are also subject to laws governing the cleanup of contaminated property. Under these laws, we could be held liable for costs and damages relating to contamination of our past or present facilities and at third-party sites to which our facilities sent wastes or hazardous substances. The amount of such liability could be material. We cannot assure you that we will not have liability for any such contamination, nor can we assure you that we will not experience an accident or become liable for any other contamination that may have occurred in the past (including such liability to buyers of properties or businesses that we have sold).
 
Product liability and indemnification claims could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Our ability to maintain insurance may be limited, and our coverage may not be sufficient for all claims.
 
Our products are used in, among other things, containment systems for the prevention of groundwater contamination. Our products are also used in significant public works projects. Accordingly, we face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability claims (including claims for strict liability and negligence) and claims for breach of contract in the event that the failure of our products or their installation results, or is alleged to result, in property damage, damage to the environment or personal injury. We agree in most cases to indemnify the site owner, general contractor and others for certain damages resulting from our negligence and that of our employees. We cannot assure you that we will not incur significant costs to defend product liability and breach of contract claims or that we will not experience any material product liability losses or indemnification obligations in the future. Such costs, losses and obligations may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
Although we maintain insurance within ranges of coverage consistent with industry practice, this insurance may not be available at economically feasible premiums and may not be sufficient to cover all such losses. In addition, our insurance policies are subject to large deductibles. An unsuccessful outcome in legal actions and claims against us may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Even if we are successful in defending against a claim relating to our products, claims of this nature could cause our customers to lose confidence in our products and our company.
 
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We may experience significant warranty claims that increase our costs.
 
We provide our customers of geosynthetic products with limited material product warranties. Our limited product warranties are typically five years but occasionally extend up to 20 years. These warranties are generally limited to repair or replacement of defective products or workmanship, often on a prorated basis, up to the dollar amount of the original order. In some foreign orders, we may be required to provide the customer with specified contractual limited warranties as to material quality. Our product warranty liability in many foreign countries is dictated by local laws in addition to the warranty specified in the orders. Failure of our products to operate properly or to meet specifications may increase our costs by requiring additional engineering resources, product replacement or monetary reimbursement to a customer. We have received warranty claims in the past, and we expect to continue to receive them in the future. Warranty claims are not covered by insurance, and substantial warranty claims in any period could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows as well as on our reputation.
 
A significant portion of our business is conducted through foreign subsidiaries and our failure to generate sufficient cash flow from these subsidiaries, or otherwise repatriate or receive cash from these subsidiaries, could result in our inability to repay our indebtedness.
 
In 2012 and 2011, 61% and 56% respectively of our sales were generated outside of North America. As of December 31, 2012, 93%, or $16.8 million, of our cash was held outside of the United States, including $4.1 million in Europe.
 
In general, when an entity in a foreign jurisdiction repatriates cash to the United States, the amount of such cash is treated as a dividend taxable at current U.S. tax rates. Accordingly, upon the distribution of cash to us from our non-U.S. subsidiaries, we will be subject to U.S. income taxes. Although foreign tax credits may be available to reduce the amount of the additional tax liability, these credits may be limited based on our tax attributes.
 
While we have been able to meet the regular interest payment obligations on our indebtedness to date from cash generated through our U.S. operations, we may not be able to do so in the future or may seek to repatriate cash for other uses, and our ability to withdraw cash from foreign subsidiaries will depend upon the results of operations of these subsidiaries and may be subject to legal, contractual or other restrictions and other business considerations. Our foreign subsidiaries may enter into financing arrangements that limit their ability to make loans or other payments to fund payments of our debt. In particular, to the extent our foreign subsidiaries incur additional indebtedness, the ability of our foreign subsidiaries to provide us with cash may be limited. In addition, dividend and interest payments to us from our foreign subsidiaries may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, which could reduce the amount of funds we receive from our foreign subsidiaries. Dividends and other distributions from our foreign subsidiaries may also be subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates and legal and other restrictions on repatriation, which could further reduce the amount of funds we receive from our foreign subsidiaries.
 
Any delay in the completion of our efforts to expand capacity at existing and new facilities could adversely impact our financial condition.
 
We are currently constructing a new manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China.  We are also completing expansions at our facilities in Egypt and Thailand with the addition of new manufacturing lines.  These efforts have required significant capital expenditures in 2012 and will require significant capital expenditures in 2013.  We expect production to commence at the China facility in the fourth quarter of 2013.  We expect production on our expanded lines in Egypt and Thailand by the third quarter of 2013.  Any delay in completing the new facility and expansions could have a material effect on our financial condition.
 
Our substantial level of indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
 
We have a substantial amount of indebtedness. As of December 31, 2012, we had $171.4 million of total indebtedness. Our high level of indebtedness could have important consequences to you, including the following:
 
·  
our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or general corporate purposes may be impaired;
 
·  
we must use a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to pay interest and principal on our indebtedness, which will reduce the funds available to us for other purposes such as capital expenditures;
 
·  
we may be limited in our ability to borrow additional funds;
 
 
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·  
we may have a higher level of indebtedness than some of our competitors, which may put us at a competitive disadvantage and reduce our flexibility in planning for, or responding to, changing conditions in our industry, including increased competition; and
 
·  
we may be more vulnerable to economic downturns and adverse developments in our business.
 
In addition, we may incur more debt. Our term loan facilities and Revolving Credit Facility (our “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”), do not completely prohibit us from incurring additional debt. This could increase the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness described above.
 
We expect to utilize borrowings under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities and other financing arrangements and cash flow from operations, if any, to pay our expenses. Our ability to pay our expenses thus depends, in part, on our future performance, which will be affected by financial, business, economic and other factors. We will not be able to control many of these factors, such as economic conditions in the markets where we operate and pressure from competitors. We cannot be certain that our borrowing capacity or future cash flows will be sufficient to allow us to pay principal and interest on our indebtedness and meet our other obligations.  If we fail to generate cash flow in the future and do not have enough liquidity to pay our obligations, we may be required to refinance all or part of our existing debt, sell assets or borrow more money. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so on terms acceptable to us, or at all. In addition, the terms of our existing or future debt agreements, including the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, may restrict us from pursuing any of these alternatives.
 
Our Senior Secured Credit Facilities impose significant operating and financial restrictions, which may prevent us from capitalizing on business opportunities and taking certain corporate actions.
 
Our Senior Secured Credit Facilities impose, and any future financing agreements that we may enter into will likely impose, significant operating and financial restrictions on us, including certain limitations on capital expenditures. These restrictions may limit our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage in, expand or pursue our business activities, including our ability to:
 
·  
incur additional indebtedness;
 
·  
create liens or other encumbrances;
 
·  
pay dividends or make certain other payments, investments, loans and guarantees; and
 
·  
sell or otherwise dispose of assets and merge or consolidate with another entity.
 
In addition, our Senior Secured Credit Facilities require us to meet certain financial ratios and financial condition tests. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Description of Long-Term Indebtedness.” Events beyond our control could affect our ability to meet these financial ratios and financial condition tests. Our failure to comply with these obligations could cause an event of default under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities. If an event of default occurs, our lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities, including accrued and unpaid interest, to be immediately due and payable; the lenders could foreclose upon the assets securing our Senior Secured Credit Facilities; and the lenders under our Revolving Credit Facility could terminate their commitments to lend us money, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects.
 
Our product deliveries have traditionally fluctuated seasonally and such fluctuations could affect our stock price.
 
Due to the significant amount of our projects in the northern hemisphere (North America, Europe and portions of Asia), our operating results are impacted by seasonal weather patterns in those markets. In the northern hemisphere, the greatest volume of geosynthetic product deliveries typically occurs during the summer and fall of each year due to milder weather, which results in seasonal fluctuations of sales. As a result, our sales in the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year have historically been lower than sales in the second and third quarters. We may not be able to use our manufacturing capacity at our various locations to mitigate the impact of seasonal fluctuations on our manufacturing and delivery schedules. Changes in our quarterly operating results due to seasonal fluctuations could negatively affect our stock price.
 
We rely primarily on trade secrets and contractual restrictions, and not patents, to protect our proprietary rights. Failure to protect our intellectual property rights may undermine our competitive position, and protecting our rights or defending against third-party allegations of infringement may be costly.
 
Our commercial success depends on our proprietary information and technologies. We rely primarily on a combination of know-how, trade secrets, trademarks and contractual restrictions to protect our intellectual property rights. We own several patents addressing limited aspects of our products. The measures we take to protect our intellectual property rights may be insufficient. Failure to protect, monitor and control the use of our existing intellectual property rights could cause us to lose our competitive advantage and incur significant expenses. Although we enter into confidentiality and
 
 
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nondisclosure agreements with our employees, consultants, advisors and partners to protect our intellectual property rights, these agreements could be breached and may not provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets. It is possible that our competitors or others could independently develop the same or similar technologies or otherwise obtain access to our unpatented technologies. In such cases, our trade secrets would not prevent third parties from competing with us. As a result, our results of operations may be adversely affected. Furthermore, third parties or employees may infringe or misappropriate our proprietary technologies or other intellectual property rights, which could also harm our business and results of operations. From time to time, we may discover such violations of our intellectual property rights. For example, we are aware of third-party use of our trademarks and designs, and there may be other third parties using trademarks or names similar to ours of whom we are unaware. Monitoring unauthorized use of intellectual property rights can be difficult and expensive, and adequate remedies may not be available. Moreover, the laws of certain foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States.
 
In addition, third parties may claim that our products infringe or otherwise violate their patents or other proprietary rights and seek corresponding damages or injunctive relief. Defending ourselves against such claims, with or without merit, could be time-consuming and result in costly litigation. An adverse outcome in any such litigation could subject us to significant liability to third parties (potentially including treble damages) or temporary or permanent injunctions prohibiting the manufacture or sale of our products, the use of our technologies or the conduct of our business. Any adverse outcome could also require us to seek licenses from third parties (which may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all) or make substantial one-time or ongoing royalty payments. Protracted litigation could also result in our customers or potential customers deferring or limiting their purchase or use of our products until such litigation is resolved. In addition, we may not have insurance coverage in connection with such litigation and may have to bear all costs arising from any such litigation to the extent we are unable to recover them from other parties. Any of these outcomes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
 
Although we make efforts to develop and protect our intellectual property, the validity, enforceability and commercial value of our intellectual property rights may be reduced or eliminated by the discovery of prior inventions by third parties, the discovery of similar marks previously used by third parties, non-use or non-enforcement by us, the successful independent development by third parties of the same or similar confidential or proprietary innovations or changes in the supply or distribution chains that render our rights obsolete. We have in the past and may in the future be subject to opposition proceedings with respect to applications for registrations of our intellectual property, including but not limited to our trade names and trademarks. As we rely in part on brand names and trademark protection to enforce our intellectual property rights, barriers to our registration of our brand names and trademarks in various countries may restrict our ability to promote and maintain a cohesive brand through our key markets.
 
We are dependent on information systems and information technology, and a major interruption could adversely impact our operations and financial results.
 
We use critical information systems to operate, monitor and manage business on a day-to-day basis. Any disruption to these information systems could adversely impact operations and result in increased costs and an inability to maintain financial controls or issue financial reports. Information systems could be interrupted, delayed or damaged by any number of factors, including natural disasters, telecommunications failures, power loss, acts of war or terrorism, computer viruses or physical or electronic security breaches. These or other events could cause loss of critical data, or prevent us from meeting our operating and financial commitments. Although we have business continuity plans in place to reduce the negative impact of information technology system failures on our operations, these plans may not be completely effective.
 
Our tax returns and positions are subject to review and audit by federal, state and local taxing authorities and adverse outcomes resulting from examination of our income or other tax returns could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
 
We are not currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service.  However, an unfavorable outcome from any tax audit could result in higher tax costs, penalties and interest, thereby negatively and adversely impacting our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
We are an “emerging growth company” and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors.

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We may take advantage of these reporting exemptions until we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
 
 
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In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. An “emerging growth company” can therefore delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. However, we are choosing to “opt out” of such extended transition period, and as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that our decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.
 
We will remain an emerging growth company for up to five full fiscal years, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our total annual gross revenues exceed $1 billion, (ii) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter or (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three-year period.
 
Risks related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
 
Our stock price may be volatile or may decline regardless of our operating performance, and you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the price you paid.
 
The stock market has experienced and continues to experience extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the underlying businesses. Given that we are a fairly new public company, these fluctuations may be even more pronounced in the trading market for our common stock. In addition, many industries have experienced a period of significant disruption characterized by the bankruptcy, failure, collapse or sale of various companies, which led to increased volatility in securities prices and a significant level of intervention from the U.S. and other governments in securities markets. These broad market and industry factors may seriously harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance.
 
In addition, the market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors, most of which we cannot control, including:
 
·  
quarterly variations in our operating results compared to market expectations;
 
·  
size of the public float;
 
·  
stock price performance of our competitors;
 
·  
fluctuations in stock market prices and volumes;
 
·  
actions by competitors;
 
·  
changes in senior management or key personnel;
 
·  
changes in financial estimates by securities analysts;
 
·  
negative earnings or other announcements by us or other industrial companies;
 
·  
downgrades in our credit ratings or the credit ratings of our competitors;
 
·  
issuances of capital stock; and
 
·  
global economic, legal and regulatory factors unrelated to our performance.
 
Numerous factors affect our business and cause variations in our operating results and affect our sales, including overall economic trends; our ability to identify and respond effectively to changing legislative, regulatory or industry requirements; actions by competitors; pricing; our ability to source and distribute products effectively; changes in environmental and safety laws and regulations; and weather conditions.
 
 
 
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In addition, stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many industrial companies. In the past, stockholders have instituted securities class action litigation following periods of market volatility. If we were involved in securities litigation, we could incur substantial costs and our resources and the attention of management could be diverted from our business.
 
Our private equity sponsor exerts significant influence over us, and their interests may not coincide with yours.
 
CHS and its affiliates beneficially own, in the aggregate, 53.4% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, CHS and its affiliates could control substantially all matters requiring stockholder approval for the foreseeable future, including approval of significant corporate transactions. In addition, pursuant to the terms of our Stockholders Agreement (as described in Item 13, “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence – Stockholders Agreement”), CHS has the ability to designate one member of our Board of Directors and to require all other parties to the Stockholders Agreement to sell their respective shares of our common stock, on substantially the same terms and conditions as CHS is selling its shares, in the event that CHS approves a sale of us. In addition, CHS has the ability to designate a non-voting observer reasonably acceptable to us to attend any meetings of our Board of Directors. The parties to the Stockholders Agreement, other than CHS, own in the aggregate 2.7% of our outstanding common stock. The interests of CHS may not always coincide with our interests as a company or the interests of other stockholders. In addition, this concentration of ownership may delay or prevent a change in control of our company, even if that change in control would benefit our stockholders. This significant concentration of stock ownership and voting power may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock due to investors’ perception that conflicts of interest may exist or arise. See Item 12, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” and Item 13, “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence” for further information about the equity interests held by CHS and its affiliates.
 
Moreover, our certificate of incorporation contains a provision renouncing our interest or expectancy in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, any business opportunity that may from time to time be presented to CHS or its affiliates (other than us), subsidiaries, officers, directors, agents, stockholders, members, partners and employees and that may be a business opportunity for any such person, even if the opportunity is one that we might reasonably have pursued or had the ability or desire to pursue if granted the opportunity to do so. Neither CHS nor any of its affiliates (other than us) has any duty to refrain from engaging directly or indirectly in the same or similar business activities or lines of business as us.
 
Future sales of our common stock, or the perception in the public markets that these sales may occur, may depress our stock price.
 
Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales may occur, could adversely affect the price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional shares. As of March 25, 2013, we had 20,107,566 shares of common stock outstanding, 9,363,931 shares of which are freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) (except for any shares of our common stock that may be held or acquired by our directors, executive officers and other affiliates, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, which are subject to the resale restrictions imposed by Rule 144 under the Securities Act), and 11,288,454 shares of which are now available for resale in the public market (subject to extension under certain circumstances and to certain restrictions, including limitations under Rule 144).  CHS has the right, subject to certain exceptions and conditions, to require us to register their 10,743,635 shares of our common stock under the Securities Act, and holders of an additional 471,940 shares of our common stock will have the right to participate in future registrations of securities by us. Registration of any of these outstanding shares of common stock would result in such shares becoming freely tradable without compliance with Rule 144 upon effectiveness of the registration statement.
 
We have filed a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act registering all shares of our common stock subject to outstanding options as well as all shares of our common stock that may be covered by additional options and other awards granted under our existing equity incentive plans.  See Item 11, “Executive Compensation - Compensation Discussion & Analysis – Long-Term Equity Incentives” and “Executive Compensation – Summary of Incentive Plans.”  These shares can be sold in the public market upon issuance, subject to certain restrictions, including restrictions under the securities laws applicable to resales by affiliates.
 
Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and Delaware law might discourage or delay acquisition attempts for us that you might consider favorable.
 
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may make the acquisition of our company more difficult without the approval of our Board of Directors. These provisions, which in some cases do not apply to CHS unless it holds less than 10% of our outstanding common stock, among other things:
 
·  
authorize our Board of Directors, without further action by the stockholders, to issue blank check preferred stock;
 
 
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·  
limit the ability of our stockholders to call and bring business before special meetings and to take action by written consent in lieu of a meeting;
 
·  
require advance notice of stockholder proposals for business to be conducted at meetings of our stockholders and for nominations of candidates for election to our Board of Directors;
 
·  
authorize our Board of Directors, without stockholder approval, to amend our amended and restated bylaws;
 
·  
limit the determination of the number of directors on our Board of Directors and the filling of vacancies or newly created seats on our Board of Directors to our Board of Directors then in office; and
 
·  
subject to certain exceptions, limit our ability to engage in certain business combinations with an “interested stockholder” for a three-year period following the time that the stockholder became an interested stockholder.
 
These provisions, alone or together, could delay hostile takeovers and changes in control of our company or changes in our management.
 
As a Delaware corporation, we are also subject to provisions of Delaware law, which may impair a takeover attempt that our stockholders may find beneficial. Any provision of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our common stock, and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our common stock.
 
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
 
The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price and trading volume to decline. Moreover, if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our stock or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline.
 
We do not expect to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future.
 
We do not anticipate that we will pay any cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon results of operations, capital requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable law and other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant. Additionally, our operating subsidiaries are currently restricted from paying cash dividends by the agreements governing their indebtedness, and we expect these restrictions to continue in the future. Accordingly, if you purchase shares of our common stock, realization of a gain on your investment will depend on the appreciation of the price of our common stock, which may never occur. Investors seeking cash dividends in the foreseeable future should not purchase our common stock.
 
We incur increased costs as a result of being a public company.
 
As a public company, we incur significant legal, accounting, insurance and other expenses, including costs associated with public company reporting requirements. We also have incurred and will incur costs associated with complying with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related rules implemented by the SEC and the NYSE. The expenses incurred by public companies generally for reporting and corporate governance purposes have been increasing. We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time-consuming and costly, although we are currently unable to estimate these costs with any degree of certainty. These laws and regulations could also make it more difficult or costly for us to obtain certain types of insurance, including director and officer liability insurance, and we may be forced to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. These laws and regulations could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our Board of Directors, our board committees or as our executive officers. Furthermore, if we are unable to satisfy our obligations as a public company, we could be subject to delisting of our common stock, fines, sanctions and other regulatory action and potentially civil litigation.
 
We have determined that our internal controls relating to income taxes are currently ineffective.
 
 As discussed in Item 9A, Controls and Procedures, our management team, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our internal controls. They concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were ineffective as of December 31, 2012.  As of December 31, 2012, we identified a material weakness relating to inadequate review procedures of our income tax provision. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  Any material weakness in our internal controls over the accounting for income taxes could impair our ability to report our financial position and results of operations accurately and in a timely manner.
 
 
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Although we do not plan to take advantage of the NYSE’s “controlled company” exemption from certain NYSE corporate governance requirements even though we are eligible to do so, if we elect to do so in the future, our stockholders will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such requirements.
 
Under the NYSE rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by another person or group of persons acting together is a “controlled company” and may elect not to comply with certain NYSE corporate governance requirements. In light of the collective voting power of CHS and its affiliates, we are eligible to take advantage of the “controlled company” exemption. We currently do not intend to rely on this exemption, but may elect to do so in the future. If we were to elect to be treated as a “controlled company” in the future, we would be exempt from certain NYSE corporate governance requirements, including the requirements that our Board of Directors consist of a majority of independent directors and that we have compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees comprised entirely of independent directors, and our stockholders would not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements.
 
 
 
 
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UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
None.

 
PROPERTIES
 
Our corporate headquarters and principal executive offices are located at 19103 Gundle Road, Houston, Texas.  We own seven manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Germany, Egypt, Thailand and Chile.  Our global manufacturing infrastructure enables us to shift our manufacturing capacity among our worldwide locations to best meet changing global geosynthetic demand and to optimize our supply chain based on regional resin price fluctuations and transportation costs.  We believe that our facilities are suitable for their purpose and adequate to meet our business operations requirements.  The following table provides selected information regarding our principal physical properties as of December 31, 2012:
 
Location
 
Approximate Size
 
Function
 
Owned/Leased
Houston, Texas (Headquarters)
 
149,400 sq. feet
 
Manufacturing
 
Owned
Kingstree, South Carolina
 
89,800 sq. feet
 
Manufacturing
 
Owned
Spearfish, South Dakota
 
52,300 sq. feet
 
Manufacturing
 
Owned
Rechlin, Germany
 
61,700 sq. feet
 
Manufacturing
 
Owned
6th of October City, Egypt
 
39,200 sq. feet
 
Manufacturing
 
Owned
Rayong, Thailand
 
56,000 sq. feet
 
Manufacturing
 
Owned
Antofagasta, Chile
 
26,100 sq. feet
 
Manufacturing
 
Owned
 
In addition, we maintain 27 regional sales offices located in 19 countries.

 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
In the ordinary course of our business, we have been involved in various disputes and litigation. Although the outcome of any such disputes and litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not believe that there are any pending or threatened actions, suits or proceedings against or affecting us which, if determined adversely to us, would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.

 
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PART II
 

 
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
Market Information
 
Our common stock began trading on the NYSE on February 10, 2012 under the symbol “GSE.”  Prior to that date, there was no public trading market for our common stock.  The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low sale prices of our common stock, as reported by the NYSE, for the last fiscal year.
 
Fiscal Year 2012 Quarter Ended
 
High
   
Low
 
March 31, 2012
  $ 13.52     $ 11.50  
June 30, 2012
  $ 13.40     $ 9.45  
September 30, 2012
  $ 11.20     $ 7.81  
December 31, 2012
  $ 8.71     $ 6.11  
 
Holders of Record
 
As of March 25, 2013, there were approximately 19 holders of record of our common stock. Because many of our shares of common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of stockholders represented by these record holders.
 
Dividend Policy
 
Since the consummation of the Acquisition on May 18, 2004, we have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock.  We do not intend to pay any cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future.  Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon results of operations, capital requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable law and other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant.  In particular, our operating subsidiaries are currently restricted from paying cash dividends by the agreements governing their indebtedness, and we expect these restrictions to continue for the foreseeable future.
 
Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
The following table provides certain information with respect to our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2012.  Specifically, the table provides information with respect to the 2004 Stock Option Plan and the 2011 Plan.
 
Plan category
 
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options, warrants
 and rights
(a)
   
Weighted-average exercise
price of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
   
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders:
                 
2004 Stock Option Plan
    1,284,639     $ 2.54       553,433  
2011 Plan
    743,735     $ 11.57       1,256,265  
Total
    2,028,374               1,809,698  
 
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
 
None.
 
 
24

 
Stock Performance Graph
 
The following performance graph compares the total cumulative stockholder returns on our common stock since the date of our initial public offering in February 2012 with the total cumulative returns for the Russell 3000 Index and a peer group index we selected. The graph assumes an investment of $100 in our common stock on February 10, 2012, and the reinvestment of all dividends for the index and peer group.  This chart has been calculated in compliance with SEC requirements and prepared by Zacks Investment Research, Inc.
 

 
This graph and the accompanying text is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed filed with the SEC, and is not to be incorporated by reference in any filing by us under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing.
 
Company Name / Index
 
2/10/2012
   
3/31/2012
   
6/30/2012
   
9/30/2012
   
12/31/2012
 
GSE Holding, Inc.
  $ 100.00       114.17       91.91       68.26       53.91  
Russell 3000 Index
  $ 100.00       104.81       101.51       107.83       108.10  
Peer Group(a)
  $ 100.00       102.31       101.37       112.42       116.58  
 
(a)
 
Peer Group Companies:  Amcol International, Inc., Spartech Corporation, PolyOne Corporation, Roper Industries, Inc. and Tredegar Corporation.
 
THE STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE INCLUDED IN THIS GRAPH IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE.
 
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
 
None of our issued common stock has been reacquired since its initial issuance on February 10, 2012. There are currently no share repurchase programs authorized by our Board of Directors.
 
 
25

 
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
The selected historical consolidated financial and operating data set forth below should be read together with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
 
   
(in thousands, except per share and volume data)
 
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
                             
Net sales
  $ 408,995     $ 291,199     $ 342,783     $ 464,451     $ 476,644  
Cost of products
    357,010       258,037       298,900       393,944       398,955  
Gross profit
    51,985       33,162       43,883       70,507       77,689  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    27,407       31,776       40,078       44,474       49,326  
Public offering related costs
                            9,655  
Amortization of intangibles
    3,044       2,619       2,284       1,379       1,182  
Operating income (loss)
    21,534       (1,233 )     1,521       24,654       17,526  
Other expenses (income):
                                       
Interest expense, net
    20,819       19,188       19,454       20,081       16,797  
Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss
    (413 )     375       (1,386 )     (568 )     (459 )
Change in fair value of derivatives
    (2,682 )     210       59       71        
Loss on extinguishment of debt
                      2,016       1,555  
Other income, net
    (690 )     (3,031 )     (2,193 )     (1,253 )     (2,269 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
    4,500       (17,975 )     (14,413 )     4,307       1,902  
Income tax (benefit) provision
    6,414       (4,537 )     (2,069 )     3,490       356  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (1,914 )     (13,438 )     (12,344 )     817       1,546  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (746 )     (2,846 )     (4,428 )     136       (462 )
Net income (loss)
    (2,660 )     (16,284 )     (16,772 )     953       1,084  
Non-controlling interest in consolidated subsidiary
    14       (51 )     25       -       -  
Net income (loss) attributable to GSE Holding, Inc.
  $ (2,646 )   $ (16,335 )   $ (16,747 )   $ 953     $ 1,084  
Income (loss) from continuing operations per share:
                                       
Basic
  $ (0.18 )   $ (1.24 )   $ (1.14 )   $ 0.08     $ 0.08  
Diluted
  $ (0.18 )   $ (1.24 )   $ (1.14 )   $ 0.07     $ 0.08  
Net income (loss) per share:
                                       
Basic
  $ (0.25 )   $ (1.51 )   $ (1.55 )   $ 0.09     $ 0.06  
Diluted
  $ (0.25 )   $ (1.51 )   $ (1.55 )   $ 0.08     $ 0.06  
Weighted average number of shares of common stock used in computing net income (loss) per share:
                                       
Basic
    10,810       10,810       10,810       10,810       18,407  
Diluted
    10,810       10,810       10,810       11,841       19,336  
Other Financial Data:
                                       
Adjusted gross margin(1)
    15.0 %     14.5 %     15.5 %     17.2 %     18.4 %
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (5,571 )     49,303       (29,760 )     887       (1,672 )
Net cash (used in) investing activities
    (5,965 )     (2,622 )     (1,053 )     (11,662 )     (26,104 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    4,284       (32,691 )     25,691       4,052       36,698  
Adjusted EBITDA(2)
  $ 38,399     $ 19,151     $ 28,064     $ 44,536     $ 45,672  
Capital expenditures
    5,836       2,842       3,337       11,694       26,137  
Operating Data (unaudited):
                                       
Volume shipped (thousands of pounds)(3)
    339,251       298,620       337,811       377,082       387,096  
 
 
26

 
   
As of December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 6,740     $ 20,814     $ 15,184     $ 9,076     $ 18,068  
Accounts receivable, net
    68,397       48,822       69,661       80,705       96,987  
Inventories, net
    67,023       35,625       53,876       58,109       64,398  
Total assets
    319,042       254,358       276,307       292,426       336,098  
Total debt, including current portion
    189,959       155,849       182,329       198,458       171,414  
Total stockholders’ equity
    69,024       54,607       32,766       31,669       102,718  
 

 (1)
Adjusted gross margin represents the difference between net sales and cost of products, excluding depreciation expense included in cost of products, divided by sales and, accordingly, does not take into account the non-cash impact of depreciation expense included in the cost of products of $9.4 million, $9.1 million, $9.1 million, $9.5 million and $10.1 million in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Disclosure in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of adjusted gross margin, which is a “non-GAAP financial measure,” as defined under the rules of the SEC, is intended as a supplemental measure of our performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP. We believe this measure is helpful in understanding our past performance as a supplement to gross margin and other performance measures calculated in conformity with GAAP.
 
 
We believe this measure is meaningful to our investors because it provides a measure of operating performance that is unaffected by non-cash accounting measures. Adjusted gross margin has limitations as an analytical tool because it excludes the impact of depreciation expense included in cost of products, and it should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP such as gross margin. Our calculation of adjusted gross margin may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The following table reconciles gross margin to adjusted gross margin for the periods presented in this table and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
 
Gross margin
    12.7 %     11.4 %     12.8 %     15.2 %     16.3 %
Depreciation expense (as a percentage of net sales)
    2.3       3.1       2.7       2.0 %     2.1 %
Adjusted gross margin
    15.0 %     14.5 %     15.5 %     17.2 %     18.4 %
 
(2)
Adjusted EBITDA represents net income or loss before interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization of intangibles, change in the fair value of derivatives, loss (gain) on foreign currency transactions, restructuring expenses, certain professional fees, stock-based compensation expense, management fees paid to CHS, loss on extinguishment of debt, and public offering related costs. Disclosure in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Adjusted EBITDA, which is a “non-GAAP financial measure,” as defined under the rules of the SEC, is intended as a supplemental measure of our performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income, income from continuing operations or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed to imply that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.
 
  We believe this measure is meaningful to our investors to enhance their understanding of our financial performance. Although Adjusted EBITDA is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs, we understand that it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties as a measure of financial performance and to compare our performance with the performance of other companies that report Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net income, income from continuing operations and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP. Our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The following table reconciles net (income) loss attributable to GSE Holding, Inc. to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented in this table and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 
 
27

 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Net income (loss) attributable to GSE Holding, Inc.
  $ (2,646 )   $ (16,335 )   $ (16,747 )   $ 953     $ 1,084  
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
    746       2,846       4,428       (136 )     462  
Interest expense, net of interest rate swap
    20,398       18,005       18,935       20,088       16,797  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    6,414       (4,537 )     (2,069 )     3,490       356  
Depreciation and amortization expense
    13,219       12,703       12,700       12,798       14,296  
Change in the fair value of derivatives
    (2,682 )     210       59       71        
Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss
    (413 )     375       (1,386 )     (568 )     (459 )
Restructuring expense(a)
          1,444       1,096       950       93  
Professional fees(b)
    262       1,436       8,904       2,712       1,056  
Stock-based compensation expense
    450       28       67       75       360  
Management fees(c)
    2,004       2,004       2,019       2,074       229  
Loss on extinguishment of debt(d)
                      2,016       1,555  
Public offering related costs (e)
                            9,655  
Other(f)
    647       972       58       13       188  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 38,399     $ 19,151     $ 28,064     $ 44,536     $ 45,672  
 

 
 (a)
For 2009 and 2010, represents severance costs primarily related to the restructuring and productivity improvement programs we adopted during the fourth quarter of 2009.  For 2011, primarily represents severance payments made to two key employees.
 
 
(b)
Represents recruiting a new chief executive officer in 2008 and 2009 and the restructuring and productivity improvement programs adopted by us during the fourth quarter of 2009, which primarily consists of fees related to the engagement of an independent consulting firm that specializes in performance improvements for portfolio companies of private equity firms in 2010 and 2011.  For 2012, primarily represents acquisition related fees.
 
 
 (c)
Represents management fees that terminated in connection with our IPO.
 
 
(d)
For 2011, represents the loss recognized in connection with the refinancing of our Senior Notes.  For 2012, represents the write-off of unamortized debt issuance cost and discount recognized in connection repayment of the Second Lien Term Loan.  For a description of these transactions, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Description of Long Term Indebtedness.”
 
 
(e)
Represents compensation costs of $6.6 million related to IPO bonuses that were paid in cash ($2.3 million) and fully vested common stock ($4.3 million) to certain key executives and directors, and $3.0 million related a termination fee for our CHS management agreement.
 
 
(f)
2008 and 2009 include $0.6 million of disaster recovery expense associated with Hurricane Ike and $1.0 million of death benefits paid to the estate of our former President and Chief Executive Officer, respectively. Otherwise, relates to gains and losses on asset sales.
 
 (3)
Includes 12,984, 12,118 and 9,935 volume shipped (in thousands of pounds) related to our discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.  There was no volume shipped related to our discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012.
 
 
28

 
ITEM 7. 
 
 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
This discussion and analysis should be read together with Item 6, “Selected Financial Data” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion and analysis contain forward-looking statements that are based on the beliefs of our management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, our management. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed in or implied by forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly in “Forward-Looking Statements” and Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”
 
Overview
 
We are the leading global provider by sales of highly engineered geosynthetic containment solutions for environmental protection and confinement applications. Our products are used in a wide range of infrastructure end markets such as mining, waste management, liquid containment (including water infrastructure, agriculture and aquaculture), coal ash containment and oil and gas. We are one of the few providers with the full suite of products required to deliver customized solutions for complex projects on a global basis, including geomembranes, drainage products, GCLs, nonwoven geotextiles and specialty products. We have a global infrastructure that includes seven manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Germany, Chile, Egypt and Thailand, 27 regional sales and/or marketing offices located in 19 countries and engineers and technical salespeople located on four continents. We generate the majority of our sales outside of North America, including high-growth emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Our comprehensive product offering and global infrastructure, along with our extensive relationships with customers and end-users, provide us with access to high-growth markets worldwide and the flexibility to serve customers regardless of geographic location.
 
Net Sales
 
We derive our net sales from selling innovative and reliable geosynthetic solutions that have been customized from our broad product offering, including geomembranes, drainage products, GCLs, nonwoven geotextiles and specialty products. We focus primarily on the global mining, waste management and liquid containment end markets, and are developing new end markets such as coal ash containment and oil and gas. Our products are used in a variety of material containment and environmental protection applications by end-users in these industries, including some of the largest mining, waste management, power and other civil and industrial infrastructure companies in the world. In 2012, we served approximately 1,200 customers and no single customer generated more than 10% of our total net sales.
 
Depending on the size and complexity of the application, we may identify opportunities for new projects years before we ultimately deliver our products. During this time, the project owners typically conduct feasibility analyses and arrange funding for the project while our engineering and sales personnel work with the project’s design engineers to advise on the technical details of the geosynthetic solution required for the project. Before construction commences, our customers may issue requests for proposals (“RFPs”), which establish certain specifications for the desired geosynthetic products, including design and performance criteria based on our advice. We respond to these RFPs by proposing product specifications for our geosynthetic solutions, providing details regarding production and anticipated delivery schedules and stipulating contractual terms such as product pricing. By leveraging our customer relationships, reputation for quality and innovation, full product breadth and engineering capabilities to work with end-users during the planning phase of these large and complex projects, our products are often specified for a project prior to the issuance of a RFP. This means that our customers often indicate in their RFPs that only GSE products may be used for a particular application, whether by identifying characteristics of our products that our competitors cannot manufacture or by expressly specifying our brand name. Similarly, in many instances our customers choose to work exclusively with us on a particular application, by-passing the RFP process altogether.
 
Our net sales from major projects depend, in part, on the level of capital expenditures in our principal end markets. The number of such projects we win in any particular year fluctuates, and is dependent on the number of projects available and our ability to bid successfully for such projects. Negotiations with our customers are complex and frequently involve a lengthy bidding and selection process, which is affected by a number of factors, such as competitive position (including the timing of our introduction to a project and our relationships to those involved in the project), market conditions, financing arrangements and required governmental approvals. We do not typically enter into long-term contracts with our customers; rather, we receive orders from our customers that contractually govern our participation in a project.
 
Pricing for our products is driven to a large extent by the costs of polyethylene resin and other raw materials. Changes in our raw material costs can affect the sales prices we charge our customers.  We may increase our selling prices charged to our customers, when contractually able, if there are increases in our raw material costs.  Conversely, if our raw material costs decline our selling prices we charge to our customers may be reduced.
 
29

 
Cost of Products
 
Cost of products is our primary operating expense, accounting for 83.7%, 84.8% and 87.2% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Cost of products includes primarily the direct cost of raw materials and labor used in the manufacture of our products as well as indirect costs such as labor, depreciation, insurance, supplies, tools, repairs and shipping and handling. Cost of products also includes all but a de minimis amount of procurement expenses incurred to purchase, receive, store and maintain our inventories. Our principal products are manufactured primarily from specially formulated high-grade polyethylene resins with chemical additives that enable the end product to better resist weathering, ultraviolet degradation and chemical exposure. HDPE is our primary raw material. We also use LLDPE, polypropylene and blow molding resin. Raw material costs represented 83.1%, 81.1% and 80.2% of our total cost of products for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, illustrating the importance of effectively managing material costs to maintaining stable levels of profitability.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses represent overhead costs associated with support functions such as finance, human resources, legal, information technology and sales and marketing costs. Primary drivers of SG&A expenses include personnel costs, severance costs and sales force commissions. SG&A expenses were 10.3%, 9.6% and 11.7% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and each year was impacted by professional fees and restructuring costs.
 
Discontinued Operations
 
The discussion below of our results of operations excludes the impact discontinued operations for all periods presented.  Discontinued operations were immaterial in 2012 and 2011.
 
Segment Data
 
We have organized our operations into five reporting segments: North America, Europe Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East. We generate a greater proportion of our gross profit, as compared to our net sales, in our North America segment, which consists of the United States, Canada and Mexico, because our product mix in this segment is focused on higher-margin products. We expect the percentage of total gross profit derived from outside North America to continue to increase in future periods as we continue to focus on selling these higher-value products in our other segments. We also expect the percentage of net sales derived from outside North America to increase in future periods as we continue to expand globally.
 
The following table presents our net sales, by segment for the periods presented, as well as gross profit and gross profit as a percentage of net sales from each segment:
 
   
North
America
   
Europe
Africa
   
Asia
Pacific
   
Latin
America
   
Middle
East
 
   
(in thousands, except percentages)
 
Year ended December 31, 2012
                             
Net sales
  $ 185,893     $ 139,329     $ 97,233     $ 46,112     $ 8,077  
Gross profit
    45,351       10,076       16,771       4,799       692  
Gross margin
    24.4 %     7.2 %     17.2 %     10.4 %     8.6 %
Year ended December 31, 2011
                                       
Net sales
  $ 205,015     $ 131,258     $ 74,287     $ 44,402     $ 9,489  
Gross profit
    44,848       10,123       10,261       4,647       628  
Gross margin
    21.9 %     7.7 %     13.8 %     10.5 %     6.6 %
Year ended December 31, 2010
                                       
Net sales
  $ 142,956     $ 104,506     $ 49,370     $ 36,120     $ 9,831  
Gross profit
    24,005       10,506       4,301       3,855       1,216  
Gross margin
    16.8 %     10.1 %     8.7 %     10.7 %     12.4 %
 
 
30

 
The following table presents our net sales from each segment, as a percentage of total net sales:
 
   
Year Ended
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
North America
    39.0 %     44.1 %     41.7 %
Europe Africa
    29.2       28.3       30.5  
Asia Pacific
    20.4       16.0       14.4  
Latin America
    9.7       9.6       10.5  
Middle East
    1.7       2.0       2.9  
Total
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
 
North America
 
North America net sales decreased $19.1 million, or 9.3%, during 2012 to $185.9 million from $205.0 million in 2011. Lower third party volume shipped due to increased production related to intersegment sales contributed $17.3 million and reduced selling prices contributed $10.9 million. These decreases were partially offset by changes in product mix of $9.1 million. North America intersegment sales increased $22.3 million during 2012 as a result of utilizing our plant sourcing decision model to manufacture our products at the most cost efficient locations. The increase in intersegment sales reduced the manufacturing capacity available for third party customers, which had a negative effect on 2012 net sales in North America. North America gross profit increased $0.6 million, or 1.1%, to $45.4 million during 2012 from $44.8 million in 2011 primarily due to changes in product mix which was partially offset by an increase in manufacturing costs and the decrease in volume shipped.
 
North America net sales increased $62.0 million, or 43.4%, during 2011 to $205.0 million from $143.0 million in 2010. Increases in sales prices contributed $36.4 million in additional sales and increased volume shipped contributed $25.6 million to the increase in net sales. North America net sales increased due to improved market share in high end products, higher volume requirements from existing large customers and increases in solid waste, mining and liquid containment markets. North America sales were also positively affected by increased sales of specialty products. North America gross profit increased $20.8 million, or 86.8%, during 2011 to $44.8 million from $24.0 million in 2010. North America gross profit increased $11.8 million due to increased sales prices, changes in product mix and the pursuit of higher-margin projects, and $9.0 million due to an increase in volumes shipped.  During 2010, margins were lower due to the increase in resin prices and the lag in corresponding sales price increases which led to the implementation of the margin management tool in 2010.
 
Europe Africa
 
Europe Africa net sales increased $8.0 million, or 6.1%, during 2012 to $139.3 million from $131.3 million in 2011. Net sales increased $12.4 million due to higher volume shipped, $5.4 million due to increases in selling prices, and $3.8 million due to changes in product mix. Europe Africa net sales were negatively affected by approximately $13.6 million from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Europe Africa gross profit was $10.1 million in each of 2012 and 2011. Gross profit increased $0.9 million due to the higher volume shipped and $1.1 million due to the favorable shift in product mix.  Gross profit increases were offset by increased manufacturing costs of $0.9 million and unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates of $1.1 million.
 
Europe Africa net sales increased $26.8 million, or 25.6%, during 2011 to $131.3 million from $104.5 million in 2010. Sales increased $13.6 million due to increases in sales prices and $3.9 million due to increases in volume shipped. These increases were primarily due to higher volume sold into Europe, primarily within the solid waste market. Europe Africa sales were also positively affected by approximately $9.3 million from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Europe Africa gross profit decreased $0.4 million to $10.1 million in 2011 compared to $10.5 million in 2010 due to increased manufacturing costs, which were partially offset by increased sales prices and favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
 
Asia Pacific
 
Asia Pacific net sales increased $22.9 million, or 30.9%, during 2012 to $97.2 million from $74.3 million in 2011. Higher volume shipped due to increased international demand contributed $17.3 million to additional net sales and changes in product mix contributed $6.5 million. These increases were partially offset by a decline in selling prices of $0.9 million. Asia Pacific net sales increased due to higher volumes sold into Australia, Thailand, Malaysia and China. Asia Pacific gross profit increased $6.5 million, or 63.4%, during 2012 to $16.8 million from $10.3 million in 2011. Gross profit increased $8.9 million due to changes in product mix and higher volume shipped, which were partially offset by increased manufacturing expenses of $2.4 million.
 
 
31

 
Asia Pacific net sales increased $24.9 million, or 50.5%, during 2011 to $74.3 million from $49.4 million in 2010. Increases in volumes shipped contributed $16.8 million to additional sales and increases in sales prices contributed $8.1 million. Asia Pacific sales increased due to higher volumes sold into China, Australia and India. Asia Pacific gross profit increased $6.0 million, or 138.6%, during 2011 to $10.3 million from $4.3 million in 2010. Gross profit increased $4.8 million due to an increase in volumes shipped and $1.2 million due to increased sales prices.
 
Latin America
 
Latin America net sales increased $1.7 million, or 3.9%, during 2012 to $46.1 million from $44.4 million in 2011. Increases in selling prices and changes in product mix contributed $2.7 million, which were partially offset by $1.0 million resulting from lower volume shipped. Latin America gross profit increased $0.2 million, or 3.3%, during 2012 to $4.8 million from $4.6 million in 2011. Gross profit increased primarily due to changes in product mix.
 
Latin America net sales increased $8.3 million, or 22.9%, during 2011 to $44.4 million from $36.1 million in 2010. Increases in volumes shipped contributed $4.7 million in additional net sales and increased sales prices increased net sales by $3.6 million. Latin America gross profit increased $0.7 million, or 20.5%, during 2011 to $4.6 million from $3.9 million in 2010. Gross profit increased $1.6 million, or 10.2%, due to increased sales prices and $1.3 million due to an increase in volumes shipped, which were partially offset by an increase in manufacturing costs.
 
Middle East
 
Middle East net sales decreased $1.4 million, or 14.9%, to $8.1 million during 2012 from $9.5 million in 2011. A decline in volume shipped and decreases in selling prices reduced net sales by $1.9 million. These decreases were partially offset by favorable changes in product mix of $0.7 million. Middle East gross profit increased $0.1 million to $0.7 million in 2012 from $0.6 million in 2011. Gross profit increased $0.7 million due to the changes in product mix, which was partially offset by an increase of $0.5 million in manufacturing costs and $0.1 million due to lower volume shipped.
 
Middle East sales decreased $0.3 million, or 3.4%, to $9.5 million during 2011 from $9.8 million in 2010.  Decreases in volumes shipped and changes in foreign currency negatively affected sales by $1.4 million, which were partially offset by an increase in sales prices. Middle East gross profit decreased $0.6 million to $0.6 million in 2011 from $1.2 million in 2010. This decrease was due to a decline in volumes shipped and increased selling prices.
 
Recent Developments
 
On January 9, 2013, we held a groundbreaking ceremony for our new manufacturing facility in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. The manufacturing facility is expected to add 44 million pounds of new capacity and be completed in late 2013, at a cost of approximately $15 million, the majority is expected to be spent in 2013. Once completed, the facility will have the ability to manufacture our entire line of geomembrane products and service the growing demand for landfill expansions, industrial waste containment, coal ash containment and oil and gas fracking in the region.
 
On February 4, 2013, we acquired all of the equity interests of SynTec, LLC, based in Baltimore, Maryland, for cash of approximately $10 million.  SynTec is manufacturer of geosynthetic drainage and soil reinforcement products and provides us access to new technology for environmental and civil applications.

 
32

 
Key Drivers
 
The following are the key drivers of our business:
 
Timing of Projects.  Our financial results are influenced by the timing of projects that are developed and constructed by the end-users of our products in our primary end markets, including mining, waste management and liquid containment.
 
Mining projects and associated capital expenditures are driven by global commodity supply and demand factors. Our products are used primarily in metal mining, including copper, silver, uranium and gold. Metal mining projects are typically characterized by long lead times and large capital investment by the owners of the projects. In addition, these projects are often located in remote geographies with limited infrastructure, such as power and roads, creating complex logistics management requirements and long supplier lead times.
 
In our waste management end market, landfill construction and expansion projects are driven by waste volume generation and the need for additional municipal solid waste disposal resources. In developed markets, landfill construction and expansion projects are influenced by economic factors, particularly retail sales and consumer spending, housing starts and commercial and infrastructure construction. In emerging markets, waste management projects are also driven primarily by increased per capita GDP, which is positively correlated with waste generation, as well as by increasing environmental awareness and regulation, as discussed further below.
 
Finally, projects in our liquid containment end markets, including water management infrastructure, agriculture and aquaculture and industrial wastewater treatment applications, are driven by investment in civil and industrial infrastructure globally. This global spending is influenced by increased urbanization, increased wealth and protein-rich diets in developing economies necessitating higher levels of food production, population growth and other secular and economic factors, in both developed and emerging markets.
 
Environmental Regulations.  Our business is influenced by international levels of environmental regulation and mandated geosynthetics specifications, which vary across jurisdictions and by end market. Environmental regulations often require the use of geosynthetic products to contain materials and protect groundwater in various types of projects. In emerging markets, waste management and water infrastructure projects are driven by an ongoing increase in environmental awareness and regulation that has developed through the continued urbanization and increased affluence of these economies.
 
Although environmental regulations may not be as stringent or may not be enforced in emerging markets, we believe these regulations will continue to develop and to be enforced more diligently. In developed markets, existing regulations, which often specify our products, tend to be highly specific and stringently enforced. As a result, regulatory changes in developed markets tend to impact new end markets, such as coal ash containment in the United States.
 
Seasonality.  Due to the significant amount of our projects in the northern hemisphere (North America and Europe), our operating results are impacted by seasonal weather patterns in these markets. Our sales in the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year have historically been lower than sales in the second and third quarters. This is primarily due to lower activity levels in our primary end markets during the winter months in the northern hemisphere. The impact of this seasonality is partially mitigated by our mining and liquid containment end markets, which are located predominantly in the southern hemisphere. As our mining end market becomes a greater source of our sales, we expect seasonality to be further mitigated.
 
Resin Cost Volatility.  Resin-based material, derived from crude petroleum and natural gas, accounted for 83.1%, 81.1% and 80.2% of our cost of products for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Our ability to both manage the cost of our resin purchases as well as pass fluctuations in the cost of resin through to our customers is critical to our profitability. Fluctuations in the price of crude oil impact the cost of resin. In addition, planned and unplanned outages in facilities that produce polyethylene and its feedstock materials have historically impacted the cost of resin. In 2010, we implemented successful performance initiatives that focused on reducing the risk of volatility in resin costs on our profitability. We have developed policies, procedures, tools and organizational training procedures to enable better resin cost management and facilitate the efficient pass through of increases in our resin costs to our customers. These initiatives included diversifying our resin sources, hiring a polyethylene expert to lead procurement, implementing pricing tools that account for projected resin pricing, institutionalizing a bid approval process, creating a plant sourcing decision model, and running a large project tracking process. As a result of these policies, we were able to effectively manage the volatility in resin prices during 2012 and 2011, which minimized the effect of resin price volatility on our results of operations. While the significant majority of our products are sold under orders that include 30-day re-pricing provisions at our option, and while we have taken advantage of this option in the past, the policies, processes, tools and organizational training procedures described above allow us to limit the need to re-price projects already under contract. This, in turn, helps us better manage our relationships with our customers. We believe that managing the risks associated with volatility in resin costs is now among our critical and core competencies.
 
 
33

 
Results of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
   
Year Ended
December 31,
   
Period over
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
Period Change
 
   
(in thousands)
       
Net sales
  $ 476,644     $ 464,451     $ 12,193       3 %
Cost of products
    398,955       393,944       5,011       1  
Gross profit
    77,689       70,507       7,182       10  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    49,326       44,474       4,852       11  
Public offering related costs
    9,655             9,655       100  
Amortization of intangibles
    1,182       1,379       (197 )     14  
Operating income
    17,526       24,654       (7,128 )     29  
Other expenses (income):
                               
Interest expense, net
    16,797       20,081       (3,284 )     16  
Foreign currency transaction gain
    (459 )     (568 )     109       19  
Change in fair value of derivatives
          71       (71 )     100  
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    1,555       2,016       (461 )     23  
Other income, net
    (2,269 )     (1,253 )     (1,016 )     81  
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    1,902       4,307       (2,405 )     56  
Income tax provision
    356       3,490       (3,134 )     90  
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1,546     $ 817     $ 729       89 %

 Net Sales
 
Consolidated net sales increased $12.2 million, or 2.6%, to $476.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $464.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Consolidated net sales increased $12.1 million due to changes in product mix, $9.7 million due to increased volume, and $4.2 million due to higher selling prices. Consolidated nets sales were negatively affected by approximately $13.8 million from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, principally the Euro.
 
Cost of Products
 
Cost of products increased $5.0 million, or 1.3%, to $398.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $393.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in raw material costs contributed approximately 83%, or $4.2 million to the increase in cost of products. The increase in volume shipped and increased manufacturing costs, net of changes in foreign currency, contributed approximately 17%, or $0.8 million, to the increase.
 
Gross Profit
 
Consolidated gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2012 increased $7.2 million, or 10.2%, to $77.7 million compared to $70.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Gross profit increased $9.4 million due to changes in product mix and $1.2 million due to increased volume, partially offset by an increase in manufacturing expenses of $2.2 million. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates, principally the Euro, also negatively affected gross profit by $1.2 million. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 16.3% for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to 15.2% for year ended December 31, 2011.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
SG&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $49.3 million compared to $44.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $4.8 million, or 10.9%.  SG&A expenses increased during the year ended December 31, 2012 when compared to 2011 due to $2.3 million of public company costs and $2.0 million related to the global expansion of our sales force as well as other miscellaneous costs.    SG&A as a percentage of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 was 10.3% compared to 9.6% for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
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Other Expenses (Income)
 
Interest expense was $16.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $20.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The $3.3 million decrease in interest expense in the year ended December 31, 2012 was due primarily to lower interest rates and $0.8 million of interest capitalized in association with plant, property and equipment. The weighted average debt balance outstanding was $180.7 million and $189.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively; weighted average effective interest rates were 7.78% and 8.94% for December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2012 relates to the refinancing of the Second Lien Term Loan as described in “Liquidity and Capital Resources – Description of Long-Term Indebtedness” and the $2.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2011 relates to the refinancing of our 11% Senior Notes due 2012 and old revolving credit facility.
 
Income Tax Expense
 
Income tax expense from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $0.4 million compared to $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.  Our effective tax rates were 18.7% and 81.0% for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The difference in the effective tax rate compared with the U.S. federal statutory rate is due to the mix of the international jurisdictional rates and the release of $2.3 million of beginning of year valuation allowance relating to U.S. net operating losses offset by $2.4 million of additional valuation allowance relating to foreign tax credits.
 
Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA (as discussed below) from continuing operations was $45.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $1.2 million, or 2.6%, from $44.5 million during 2011. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to the public offering related costs add back of $9.7 million, which was partially offset by a decrease in our operating income.  See note (2) to the table set forth in Item 6, “Selected Financial Data” for a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income or loss.
 
 
35

 
Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
   
Year Ended
December 31,
   
Period over
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
Period Change
 
   
(in thousands)
       
Net sales
  $ 464,451     $ 342,783     $ 121,668       36 %
Cost of products
    393,944       298,900       95,044       32  
Gross profit
    70,507       43,883       26,624       61  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    44,474       40,078       4,396       11  
Amortization of intangibles
    1,379       2,284       (905 )     40  
Operating income
    24,654       1,521       23,133       1,521  
Other expenses (income):
                               
Interest expense, net
    20,081       19,454       627       3  
Foreign currency transaction gain
    (568 )     (1,386 )     818       59  
Change in fair value of derivatives
    71       59       12       20  
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    2,016             2,016       100  
Other (income), net
    (1,253 )     (2,193 )     940       43  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
    4,307       (14,413 )     18,720       130  
Income tax provision (benefit)
    3,490       (2,069 )     5,559       269  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 817     $ (12,344 )   $ 13,161       107  
 
Net Sales
 
Consolidated net sales increased $121.7 million, or 35.5%, to $464.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $342.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Increases in sales prices, due primarily to higher raw material costs and a favorable change in product mix, contributed $56.0 million to the increase in sales. Volume shipped increased 15.0% year over year. Volume increases contributed approximately $56.9 million to the increase in sales. Sales were also positively affected by approximately $8.8 million from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, principally the Euro.
 
Cost of Products
 
Cost of products increased $95.0 million, or 31.8%, to $393.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $298.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in raw material costs contributed approximately 38%, or $36.4 million, to the increase; the increase in volume shipped, coupled with increased manufacturing costs, contributed approximately 62%, or $58.6 million, to the increase.
 
Gross Profit
 
Consolidated gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased $26.6 million, or 60.7%, to $70.5 million compared to $43.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 15.2% for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared with 12.8% for year ended December 31, 2010. Gross profit increased $9.6 million due to increased volume and $16.2 million due to increased sales prices, change in product mix and the pursuit of higher-margin projects. During 2010, we hired a highly experienced polyethylene expert to lead our global procurement effort, implement best practices in global resin purchasing and better forecast our resin costs. Also during 2010, we implemented a margin management tool which significantly improved the pricing of our products in relation to market conditions and raw material prices. These practices contributed in part to the increase in our gross profit and our gross profit as a percentage of sales. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates, principally the Euro, positively affected gross profit by $0.8 million.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
SG&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011 were $44.5 million compared to $40.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, an increase of $4.4 million, or 11.0%. Salaries, wages and benefits increased $4.5 million due to additional personnel, sales force commissions increased $2.2 million due to improved gross profit and increased volumes shipped, management and employee incentive program costs increased $1.6 million due to improved results, travel and
 
36

 
entertainment expenses increased $1.3 million due to the increase in personnel, depreciation expense increased $0.6 million due to the capitalization of the ERP project and changes in foreign currency increased SG&A by $0.3 million. All of these increases were partially offset by a decrease of $6.1 million in non-recurring professional fees.  During 2010, we incurred professional fees of approximately $8.3 million related to the engagement of an independent consulting firm, which specializes in performance improvement. SG&A as a percentage of sales was 9.6% and 11.7% for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Other Expenses (Income)
 
Interest expense was $20.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $19.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The $0.6 million increase in interest expense in the year ended December 31, 2011 was due primarily to the write off of $0.5 million of unamortized loss on the interest rate swap in connection with the refinancing of our Senior Notes and old revolving credit facility as described in “– Liquidity and Capital Resources – Description of Long-Term Indebtedness.” The weighted average debt balance outstanding was $189.4 million and $169.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively; weighted average effective interest rates were 8.94% and 10.40% for December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Foreign currency transaction gain was $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The $0.8 million decrease for the year ended December 31, 2011 was due to unfavorable currency exchange rates, primarily related to the Euro, compared to the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt of $2.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 relates to the refinancing of our Senior Notes and old revolving credit facility as described in “– Liquidity and Capital Resources – Description of Long-Term Indebtedness.”
 
Income Tax Expense
 
Income tax expense from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $3.5 million compared to an income tax benefit of $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.  Our effective tax rates were 81% and (14)% for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The difference in the effective tax rate compared with the U.S. federal statutory rate is due to the mix of the international jurisdictional rates and the changes in valuation allowance.   The difference in our effective tax rate in 2011 compared to 2010 was primarily because of changes in the mix of foreign and domestic income between the years.
 
Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $44.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $16.4 million, or 58.4%, from $28.1 million during 2010. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to the increase in operating income of $23.1 million which was partially offset by decreases in our professional services and severance add backs of $6.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.  See note (2) to the table set forth in Item 6, “Selected Financial Data” for a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income or loss.

 
37

 
Quarterly Financial Information
 
The following tables set forth certain historical unaudited consolidated quarterly statement of operations data for each of the eight quarters in the two years ended December 31, 2012. This unaudited information has been prepared on a basis consistent with our annual financial statements and includes all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair presentation of the unaudited quarterly data. This information should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results that we may achieve for any subsequent periods.
 
   
March 31,
2011
   
June 30,
2011
   
September 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2011
   
March 31,
2012
   
June 30,
2012
   
September 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
(in thousands, except percentage and per share data)
 
Selected Quarterly Financial Information
                                               
Net sales
  $ 88,462     $ 118,487     $ 146,842     $ 110,660     $ 94,916     $ 139,168     $ 121,200     $ 121,360  
Cost of products
    74,008       100,911       126,006       93,019       80,834       115,675       100,820       101,626  
Gross profit
    14,454       17,576       20,836       17,641       14,082       23,493       20,380       19,734  
Operating income (Loss)
    4,717       7,847       7,746       4,344       (6,798 )     11,382       8,140       4,802  
Net income (loss)  attributable to GSE Holding, Inc.
    (731 )     (1,183 )     3,804       (937 )     (12,766 )     3,796       5,240       4,814  
Adjusted EBITDA
    9,775       12,409       13,526       8,826       7,024       16,043       12,569       10,036  
Basic EPS
    (0.07 )     (0.11 )     0.35       (0.09 )     (0.82 )     0.20       0.27       0.24  
Diluted EPS
    (0.07 )     (0.11 )     0.32       (0.09 )     (0.82 )     0.19       0.26       0.24  
As a percentage of sales:
                                                               
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Gross profit
    16.3 %     14.8 %     14.2 %     15.9 %     14.8 %     16.9 %     16.8 %     16.3 %
Adjusted EBITDA
    11.0 %     10.5 %     9.2 %     8.0 %     7.4 %     11.5 %     10.4 %     8.3 %
 
Adjusted EBITDA represents net income or loss before interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization of intangibles, change in the fair value of derivatives, loss (gain) on foreign currency transactions, restructuring expenses, certain professional fees, stock-based compensation expense, management fees paid to CHS, loss on extinguishment of debt, and public offering related costs.   Disclosure in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Adjusted EBITDA,  which is a “non-GAAP financial measure,” as defined under the rules of the SEC, is intended as a supplemental measure of our performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternatives to net income (loss), income (loss) from continuing operations, earnings per share or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed to imply that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.

We believe this measure is meaningful to our investors to enhance their understanding of our financial performance. Although Adjusted EBITDA is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs, we understand that it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties as a measure of financial performance and to compare our performance with the performance of other companies that report Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net income (loss), income (loss) from continuing operations, earnings per share and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP. Our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The following table reconciles net income (loss) from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented in this table and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 
38

 
   
March 31,
2011
   
June 30,
2011
   
September 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2011
   
March 31,
2012
   
June 30,
2012
   
September 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Net (loss) income attributable to GSE Holding, Inc.
  $ (731 )   $ (1,183 )   $ 3,804     $ (937 )   $ (12,766 )   $ 3,796     $ 5,240     $ 4,814  
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax
    (386 )     379       (76 )     (53 )     321       (80 )     170       51  
Professional fees(a)
                                  559              
Management fees(b)
    500       504       516       554       215       14                
Loss on extinguishment of debt(c)
          2,016                         1,555              
Public offering related costs(d)
                            9,655                    
Public offering related interest expense(e)
                            1,470                    
Interest expense, net of interest rate swap
    4,841       5,480       4,662       5,105       4,277       3,890       3,199       3,961  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    127       1,074       1,200       1,089       649       2,078       756       (3,127 )
Depreciation and amortization expense
    3,045       3,127       3,168       3,458       3,545       3,522       3,618       3,611  
Foreign exchange (gain) loss(f)
    1,290       363       (1,617 )     (604 )     (572 )     631       (571 )     53  
Restructuring expense(g)
    355             26       569       60       33              
Professional fees(h)
    651       649       1,843       (431 )     37                   460  
Stock-based compensation expense(i)
    75                               35       112       213  
Other(j)
    8                   76       133       10       45        
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 9,775     $ 12,409     $ 13,526     $ 8,826     $ 7,024     $ 16,043     $ 12,569     $ 10,036  
 

(a)
Represents professional fees associated with an unsuccessful acquisition.
 
(b)
Represents CHS management fees that terminated in connection with our IPO.
 
(c)
Represents the loss recognized in connection with the refinancing of our Senior Notes in 2011.  For 2012, represents the loss recognized in connection with the repayment of the Second Lien Term Loan.  For a description of these transactions, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Description of Long Term Indebtedness.”
 
(d)
Represents stock based-compensation expense of compensation costs of $6.6 million related to IPO bonuses that were paid in cash ($2.3 million) and fully vested common stock ($4.3 million) to certain key executives and directors, and $3.0 million related to the termination of our management agreement with CHS.
 
(e)
Represents the write-off of unamortized debt issuance cost and discount as well as the prepayment penalty recognized in connection with the repayment of the Second Lien Term Loan.
 
(f)
Primarily related to gains and losses incurred on purchases, sales, intercompany loans and dividends denominated in non-functional currencies.
 
(g)
Represents severance costs primarily related to the exit of two members of executive management in 2011.
 
(h)
Represents consulting fees primarily in 2011 and acquisition related fees primarily in 2012.
 
(i)
Represents the compensation expense attributable to each respective period based on the calculated value of employee stock options.
 
(j)
Relates primarily to gains and losses on asset sales. For the fourth quarter of 2011, primarily represents the mark-to-market change in the value of three interest rate swaps.
 
 
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
General
 
Our cash flow from operations serves as a source of liquidity to the extent available. We generally have positive cash flow from operations in the summer months due to increased sales during this period. We also rely on borrowings under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities and other financing arrangements as our primary source of liquidity. See “Description of Long-Term Indebtedness” for a description of our long-term debt. Our primary liquidity needs are to finance working capital, capital expenditures and debt service. The most significant components of our working capital are cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventories, accounts payable and other current liabilities.
 
We believe that our cash on hand, together with the availability of borrowings under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities and other financing arrangements, will be sufficient to meet working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures and scheduled interest payments on our indebtedness for at least the next twelve months.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
As of December 31, 2012, we had $18.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, an increase of $9.0 million from December 31, 2011 cash and cash equivalents of $9.1 million. This increase was primarily related to net cash provided by financing activities of $36.7 million, partially offset by net cash used in investing activities of $26.1 million and operating activities of $1.7 million. We maintain cash and cash equivalents at various financial institutions located in the United States, Germany, Thailand, Egypt and Chile. $1.3 million, or 7.2%, was held in domestic accounts with various institutions and approximately $16.8 million, or 92.8%, was held in accounts outside of the United States with various financial institutions.
 
In general, when an entity in a foreign jurisdiction repatriates cash to the United States, the amount of such cash is treated as a dividend taxable at current U.S. tax rates. We have not historically repatriated the earnings of any of our foreign subsidiaries, and we currently believe our foreign earnings are permanently reinvested. If we were to repatriate earnings from our foreign subsidiaries in the future, we would be subject to U.S. income taxes upon the distribution of cash to us from our non-U.S. subsidiaries. However, our tax attributes may be available to reduce the amount of the additional tax liability. The U.S. tax effects of potential dividends and related foreign tax credits associated with earnings indefinitely reinvested have not been realized pursuant to ASC-740-10, “Income Taxes”. Upon distribution we will be subject to U.S. income taxes.
 
Description of Long-Term Indebtedness
 
First Lien Credit Facility –
 
On May 27, 2011, we entered into a five-year, $160.0 million first lien senior secured credit facility with General Electric Capital Corporation, Jefferies Finance LLC and the other financial institutions party thereto (as amended from time to time, the “First Lien Credit Facility”), consisting of $135.0 million of term loan commitments (as amended from time to time, the “First Lien Term Loan”) and $25.0 million of revolving loan commitments (as amended from time to time, the “Revolving Credit Facility”). On October 18, 2011, the Revolving Credit Facility was amended to increase the aggregate revolving loan commitments from $25.0 million to $35.0 million. On December 12, 2011, the First Lien Credit Facility was amended to, among other matters, modify the definition of “Change of Control” to reduce Code Hennessy & Simmons LLP (“CHS”) specified ownership percentage following the consummation of the IPO from 35% to 20%.  On April 18, 2012, the First Lien Credit Facility was further amended to increase the aggregate term loan commitments from $135.0 million to $157.0 million. We used the additional borrowing capacity under the term loan to repay in full all outstanding indebtedness under, and to terminate, the Second Lien Term Loan (as defined below) and to pay related fees and expenses. On September 19, 2012, we entered into a fourth amendment to the First Lien Credit Facility which increased the Capital Expenditure Limitation covenant as discussed below in “Restrictive Covenants.”  And, on January 25, 2013, we entered into a fifth amendment to the First Lien Credit Facility to provide more efficient capacity to move funds between foreign entities and clarify or correct certain other technical provisions in the agreement.
 
The First Lien Credit Facility matures in May 2016. Borrowings under the First Lien Credit Facility incur interest expense that is variable in relation to the London Interbank Offer Rates (“LIBOR”) (and/or Prime) rate. In addition to paying interest on outstanding borrowings under the First Lien Credit Facility, we pay a 0.75% per annum commitment fee to the lenders in respect of the unutilized commitments, and letter of credit fees equal to the LIBOR margin on the undrawn amount of all outstanding letters of credit.  As of December 31, 2012, there was $168.2 million outstanding under the First Lien Credit Facility, consisting of $154.6 million in term loans and $13.6 million in revolving loans, and the weighted average interest rate on such loans was 7.18%.  We had $18.9 million of capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility after taking into account outstanding letters of credit of approximately $2.5 million.
 
Guarantees; Security.  The obligations under the First Lien Credit Facility are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by us and each of our existing and future wholly owned domestic subsidiaries, other than GSE International, Inc. and any other excluded subsidiaries. The obligations are secured by a first priority perfected security interest in substantially all of the guarantors’ assets, subject to certain exceptions, permitted liens and permitted encumbrances under the First Lien Credit Facility.
 
 
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Restrictive Covenants.  The First Lien Credit Facility contains various restrictive covenants that include, among other things, restrictions or limitations on our ability to incur additional indebtedness or issue disqualified capital stock unless certain financial tests are satisfied; pay dividends, redeem subordinated debt or make other restricted payments; make certain loans, investments or acquisitions; issue stock of subsidiaries; grant or permit certain liens on assets; enter into certain transactions with affiliates; merge, consolidate or transfer substantially all of its assets; incur dividend or other payment restrictions affecting certain subsidiaries; transfer or sell assets including, but not limited to, capital stock of subsidiaries; and change the business we conduct. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, we were subject to a Total Leverage Ratio not to exceed 5.50:1.00 and 6.15:1.00, respectively, and an Interest Coverage Ratio of not less than 2.15:1.00 and 1.80:1.00, respectively.  For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, we were also subject to a maximum Capital Expenditure Limitation of $21.7 million (excluding $8.5 million allowed for acquisition-related expenditures) and $17.5 million, respectively.  These ratios become progressively more restrictive over the term of the loans.  For the year ended December 31, 2013, we will be subject to a Total Leverage Ratio not to exceed 5.00:1.00 and an Interest Coverage Ratio of not less than 2.45:1.00.  For all periods presented, we were in compliance with all financial debt covenants under the existing agreements.
 
Second Lien Term Loan –
 
On May 27, 2011, we also entered into a 5.5 year, $40.0 million second lien senior secured credit facility consisting of $40.0 million of term loan commitments (the “Second Lien Term Loan”). The Second Lien Term Loan was repaid in full on April 18, 2012, and the arrangement was terminated.  In connection with this refinancing, we recorded a $1.6 million loss from extinguishment of debt, primarily related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance cost and discount.
 
Capital Leases –
 
On August 17, 2012, we entered into an equipment financing arrangement with CapitalSource Bank.  The lease is a three-year lease for equipment cost up to $10.0 million.  As of December 31, 2012, there was $3.2 million outstanding under this lease arrangement, with monthly payments of $0.1 million and an implied interest rate of 7.09%.
 
During 2012, we entered into three other capitalized leases with commercial financial institutions. These leases are for a term of three to four years for equipment cost of $0.3 million with implied interest rates from 5.42% to 8.72%. As of December 31, 2012, there was approximately $0.2 million outstanding under these leases.
 
Non-Dollar Denominated Credit Facilities –
 
As of December 31, 2012, we had eight credit facilities at our international locations.
 
We had two credit facilities with German banks in the amount of EUR 6.0 million ($7.9 million). These revolving credit facilities are secured by a corporate guarantee and bear interest at various market rates. These credit facilities are used primarily to guarantee the performance of European installation contracts and temporary working capital requirements. As of December 31, 2012, we had EUR 3.9 million ($5.1 million) available under these credit facilities with EUR 2.1 million ($2.8 million) of bank guarantees outstanding, and with no amounts outstanding under the lines of credit.
 
We had three credit facilities with Egyptian banks in the amount of EGP 15.0 million ($2.4 million). These credit facilities bear interest at various market rates and are primarily for cash management purposes. We had EGP 4.3 million ($0.7 million) available under these credit facilities with EGP 6.6 million ($1.1 million) of bank guarantees outstanding, and with EGP 4.1 million ($0.6 million) outstanding under the lines of credit as of December 31, 2012.
 
We had a BAHT 45.0 million ($1.5 million) revolving credit facility with Export-Import Bank of Thailand (“EXIM”), which has a termination date at the discretion of EXIM or us. This revolving credit facility bears interest at EXIM prime rate less 0.75% for BAHT borrowings and at LIBOR plus 3.5% for U.S. dollar borrowings. Repayments of principal are required within 90 days from the date of each draw down borrowing and interest is payable once a month on the last day of the month. The credit facility is secured by a BAHT 15.0 million ($0.5 million) cash deposit with EXIM. We had BAHT 45.0 million ($1.5 million) available under these credit facilities with no letters of credit or amounts outstanding under the line of credit as of December 31, 2012.
 
We had a BAHT 350.0 million ($11.4 million) Trade on Demand Financing (accounts receivable) facility with Thai Military Bank Public Company Limited (“TMB”).  This facility bears interest at LIBOR +1.75%, is unsecured and may be
 
41

 
terminated at any time by either TMB or us. This facility permits us to borrow funds upon presentation of proper documentation of purchase orders or accounts receivable from our customers, in each case with a maximum term not to exceed 180 days. We maintain a bank account with TMB, assign rights to our accounts receivable used for borrowings under this facility, and instruct our customers to remit payments to our bank account with TMB.  TMB may, in its sole discretion, deduct or withhold funds from our bank account for settlement of any amounts owed by us under this facility. We had BAHT 350.0 million ($11.4 million) available under this facility with no amounts outstanding as of December 31, 2012.
 
    We had a RMB 2.1 million ($0.3 million) temporary credit facility with China Construction Bank (“CCB”), which has a termination date of January 23, 2013 and an interest rate of 5.6%. The sole purpose of this credit facility was to provide funds, which originated in China, to be deposited with the Chinese Land Bureau (“CLB”), to permit us to bid on the land use right for our new manufacturing facility in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. On January 23, 2013 CLB refunded the deposit to us upon the successful completion of the bid process on the land use right, and we repaid RMB 2.1 million ($0.3 million) to CCB.
 
Cash Flow Analysis
 
A summary of operating, investing and financing activities are shown in the following table:
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(in thousands)
 
                   
Net cash used in operating activities – continuing operations
  $ (1,530 )   $ (4,123 )   $ (26,541 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities – discontinued operations
    (142 )     5,010       (3,219 )
Net cash used in investing activities – continuing operations
    (26,104 )     (11,662 )     (3,337 )
Net cash provided by investing activities – discontinued operations
                2,284  
Net cash provided by financing activities – continuing operations
    36,698       4,702       25,691  
Net cash used in financing activities – discontinued operations
          (650 )      
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash – continuing operations
    27       611       (228 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash – discontinued operations
    43       4       (280 )
(Increase) decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    8,992       (6,108 )     (5,630 )
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 18,068     $ 9,076     $ 15,184  
 
Net Cash From Operating Activities
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities consists primarily of net income (loss) adjusted for non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization, and the effect of changes in working capital.
 
Net cash used in operating activities was $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $4.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2011. The $2.6 million decrease in cash used in operating activities was due partially to a slight increase in net income and higher non-cash expense items during the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared with the prior year.
 
Net cash used in operating activities was $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $26.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2010. The $22.4 million decrease in cash used in operating activities was primarily due to generating net income of $1.0 million, an increase of $17.7 million over 2010.
 
Net Cash From Investing Activities
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities consists primarily of:
 
·  
capital expenditures for growth, including real estate and buildings, in order to expand and upgrade manufacturing facilities or add in incremental capacity;
 
·  
capital expenditures for facility maintenance, including machinery and equipment improvements to extend the useful life of the assets; and
 
·  
capital expenditures for information technology software and equipment costs.
 
 
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Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2012 was $26.1 million compared to $11.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2011. Capital expenditures during the year ended December 31, 2012 consisted of $22.5 million of growth expenditures (which includes $8.5 million  related to a strategic acquisition of production equipment) and $3.6 million of maintenance expenditures.  Capital expenditures during the year ended December 31, 2011 consisted of $3.3 million of growth expenditures, $3.3 million of maintenance expenditures and $5.1 million related to improving the functionality of our ERP system.  Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2010 was  $3.3 million consisting of $0.8 million in growth capital expenditures, $2.0 million of maintenance expenditures and $0.5 million related to improving the functionality of our ERP system.
 
Net Cash From Financing Activities
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities consists primarily of borrowings and repayments related to our credit facilities, fees and expenses paid in connection with our credit facilities and, in 2012, proceeds from our IPO.
 
Net cash provided by financing activities was $36.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $4.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2011. This change was attributable primarily to the $65.9 million of net proceeds received from our IPO and $126.3 million in gross borrowings under lines of credit and long-term debt, partially offset by $154.8 million in debt repayments.
 
Net cash provided by financing activities was $4.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $25.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2010. This change was attributable primarily to the refinancing of our old revolving credit facility and Senior Notes with a portion of the net proceeds from our Senior Secured Credit Facilities.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
As of December 31, 2012, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements. In addition, we do not have any interest in entities referred to as variable interest entities, which includes special purpose entities and other structured finance entities.
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Contractual Obligations as of December 31, 2012
 
The following table represents a summary of our estimated future payments under contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2012.
 
Changes in our business needs, cancellation provisions, changing interest rates and other factors may result in actual payments differing from these estimates. We cannot provide certainty regarding the timing and amounts of payments.
 

   
Payments Due by Period
 
   
Total
   
Less than
1 Year
   
1-3 Years
   
3-5 Years
   
More than
5 Years
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Contractual Obligations:
                             
Long-Term Debt(1)
  $ 171,970     $ 3,147     $ 5,352     $ 163,471     $  
Interest Payments(2)
    43,914       12,105       24,194       7,615        
Operating Leases(3)
    2,513       544       820       173       976  
Total
  $ 218,397     $ 15,796     $ 30,366     $ 171,259     $ 976  
____________
 
(1)
Represents principal payments on our First Lien Credit Facility and other long-term debt as of December 31, 2012.
 
(2)
Represents interest payments on our First Lien Credit Facility at 7.18% and other long-term debt at their respective stated interest rates, which averaged 7.10%.
 
(3)
We enter into operating leases in the normal course of business. Our operating leases include the leases of certain of our manufacturing and warehouse facilities.
 
Contingencies
 
The Company is a party to various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of our business. These legal actions cover a broad variety of claims spanning the Company’s entire business. The Company believes it is not reasonably possible that resolution of these legal actions will, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on their financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
 
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In addition, we provide our customers limited material product warranties. Our limited product warranties are typically five years but occasionally extend up to 20 years. These warranties are generally limited to repair or replacement of defective products or workmanship, often on a prorated basis, up to the dollar amount of the original order. In some foreign orders, we may be required to provide the customer with specified contractual limited warranties as to material quality. Our product warranty liability in many foreign countries is dictated by local laws in addition to the warranty specified in the orders. Failure of our products to operate properly or to meet specifications may increase our costs by requiring additional engineering resources, product replacement or monetary reimbursement to a customer. We have received warranty claims in the past, and we expect to continue to receive them in the future. Warranty claims are not covered by insurance, and substantial warranty claims in any period could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows as well as on our reputation. See Item 8, note 15, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to our consolidated financial statements.
 
Furthermore, in certain direct sales and raw material acquisition situations, we are required to post performance bonds or bank guarantees as part of the contractual guarantee for performance. The performance bonds or bank guarantees can be in the full amount of the orders. To date we have not received any claims against any of the posted securities, most of which terminate at the final completion date of the orders. As of December 31, 2012, we had $9.3 million of bonds outstanding and $6.3 million of guarantees issued under bank lines.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures. We base our estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other information and data that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. The results of our analysis form the basis for making assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
 
We believe the following critical accounting policies involve areas that require significant judgments and estimates on the part of management in the course of preparing of our financial statements.
 
Income Taxes
 
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized and represent the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
 
We record a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some of our net deferred tax assets will not be realized. In determining the need for valuation allowances, we consider the existence of taxable income in prior carryback years, the reversal of existing temporary differences, projected future taxable income in the appropriate jurisdictions and the availability of tax planning strategies. If in the future we determine that we will be able to realize more of the related net deferred tax assets, we will make an adjustment to the allowance, which would increase our income in the period that such a determination is made.
 
We operate in various tax jurisdictions and are subject to audit by various tax authorities. We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained following an examination. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon effective settlement. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
 
We believe our foreign undistributed earnings are permanently reinvested; accordingly, no provision has been made for U.S. taxes or foreign withholding taxes. Any changes to our repatriation assumptions could require us to record additional deferred tax liabilities.
 
Accounts Receivable
 
Accounts receivable from our customers in connection with sales transactions are recorded at the invoiced amounts and do not bear interest. We record an allowance for doubtful accounts, which reflects our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing receivables. The allowance is reviewed and adjusted, if necessary, on at least a quarterly basis. In addition, we establish reserves for doubtful accounts on a case-by-case basis when we believe that the required payment of specific amounts owed to us is unlikely to occur.
 
 
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We have receivables from customers in various countries, and generally do not require collateral or other security to support customer receivables unless credit capacity is not evident. In the case where credit capacity does not exist or cannot be appropriately determined, unsecured exposure security instruments such as upfront cash payments, down payments, credit cards, letters of credit, standby letters of credit, bank guarantees or personal guarantees are required. In addition, in the U.S., in cases when a customer’s project is state or federally sponsored or owned, a payment or security bond is required by law in most jurisdictions. If the customers’ financial condition was to deteriorate or their access to freely convertible currency was restricted, resulting in impairment of their ability to make the required payments, additional allowances may be required. In the event of a default by a U.S. customer, we may also have the option to file liens against property owners to the extent permissible under applicable state laws.
 
Inventories
 
Our inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost, which includes materials, labor and overhead, is determined by the weighted average cost method, which approximates the first-in, first-out cost method.
 
We perform an analysis of our inventory levels and resulting valuation on at least a quarterly basis, or more frequently if circumstances dictate. As a result of this analysis we may record or adjust existing provisions, as appropriate, to write-down slow-moving, excess or obsolete inventory to estimated net realizable value. The process for evaluating inventory often requires us to make subjective judgments and estimates concerning anticipated customer demand and future sales levels, as well as the quantities and prices at which such inventories will be able to be sold in the normal course of business. If actual conditions are less favorable than those reflected in our estimates, additional inventory write-downs to market value may be required and future periods’ gross margin rates may be unfavorably or favorably affected.
 
Goodwill
 
We review goodwill to determine potential impairment annually, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The goodwill impairment analysis is comprised of two steps. The first step requires the comparison of the fair value of the applicable reporting unit to its respective carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not considered impaired and we would not be required to perform further testing. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then we must perform the second step of the impairment test in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then we would record an impairment loss equal to the difference.
 
Our reporting units are the same as our operating segments: Europe Africa, North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East. Goodwill allocated to Europe Africa, North America, Asia Pacific, and Latin America  is approximately $26.4 million, $22.8 million, $5.2 million, and $4.5 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2012. The fair value exceeds the carrying value of net assets by approximately 14%, 5%, 124% and 112% for Europe Africa, North America, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, respectively, as of October 1, 2012, the date of our last impairment analysis.
 
In performing the annual goodwill impairment test we considered three generally accepted approaches for valuing a business: the income, market and cost approaches. Based on the nature of our business, and the current and expected financial performance, we determined that the market and income approaches were the most appropriate methods for estimating the fair value of each reporting unit. For the income approach we used the discounted cash flow method, and considered such factors as sales, depreciation, amortization, capital expenditures, incremental working capital requirements, tax rate and discount rate. Consideration of these factors inherently involves a significant amount of judgment, and significant movements in sales or changes in the underlying assumptions may result in fluctuations of estimated fair value.
 
For the market approach we used both the guidelines public company and the comparable transaction methods. We considered such factors as appropriate guideline companies, appropriate comparable transactions and control premiums.
 
In determining the value of the reporting units, we determined that the income approach provided a better indication of value than the market approach. As such, we gave a 65% weighting to the income approach and a 35% weighting to the market approach in estimating the value of each of the reporting units.
 
Erosion in capital markets, material reductions in our expected cash flow forecasts, significant reductions in our market capitalization or a significant decline in economic conditions, in addition to changes to the underlying assumptions used in our valuation approach described above, could all lead to future impairment of goodwill.
 
 
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Stock-Based Compensation
 
All share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, are measured at their respective grant date calculated fair values, and expensed in our consolidated statements of operations over the requisite service period (generally the grant’s vesting period).
 
The value of each option award is estimated on its respective grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The application of the Black-Scholes option pricing model valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and sensitive, which affects compensation expense related to these awards, including the value of our common stock, the risk-free interest rate, expected option life, expected volatility and expected dividend yield. The expected option life is based on our best estimate of the anticipated exercise activity for the grants, taking into consideration historical exercise patterns for previous grants to the extent we believe that such information is predictive. Expected volatility is based on our trading history subsequent to becoming a public company.
 
We recognize compensation expense for all stock-based awards with graded vesting on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the entire award.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
GAAP guidance establishes the following four criteria that must be met in order for revenue to be recognized: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) product delivery has occurred, (3) the sales price to the customer is fixed or determinable and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. Specifically, for our direct sales of products to customers, we recognize revenues when products are shipped (as this is the point that title and risk of loss pass to the customer), we have no further obligation to the customer with respect to the delivered products, and collectability of the amount billed is reasonably assured.
 
We recognize revenue relating to contracts for the design and installation of geosynthetic containment solutions using the percentage of completion method. Revenue recognized under the percentage of completion method was $10.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
We qualify as an emerging growth company under Section 109 of the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. However, we have chosen to “opt out” of such extended transition period, and as a result, are compliant with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non- emerging growth companies. Section 108 of the JOBS Act provides that our decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other: Testing Goodwill for Impairment, to allow an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under these amendments, an entity would not be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The amendments include a number of events and circumstances for an entity to consider in conducting the qualitative assessment. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this ASU for its 2012 goodwill impairment testing, and it did not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
 
In May 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-05, Comprehensive Income: Presentation of Comprehensive Income, to allow an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The amendments do not change the guidance regarding the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. We adopted this ASU in 2012 and it resulted in a presentation change in the “Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)”.
 
 
46

 
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement: Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. This ASU represents the converged guidance of the FASB and the IASB (the “Boards”) on fair value measurement, and results in common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements, including a consistent meaning of the term “fair value.” These amendments change some of the terminology used to describe many of the existing requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendments should be applied prospectively, and they are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We adopted this ASU in 2012 and it resulted in a disclosure change in our “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”.
 
 
 
 
47

 
 
 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
We are subject to various market risks, primarily related to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and raw material supply prices. Our financial position, results of operations or cash flows may be negatively impacted in the event of adverse movements in the respective market rates or prices in each of these risk categories. Our exposure in each category is limited to those risks that arise in the normal course of business, as we do not engage in speculative, non-operating transactions, nor do we utilize financial instruments for trading purposes.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
In order to manage both interest rates and underlying borrowing costs, we use a combination of fixed-rate and floating-rate debt instruments. In certain circumstances, we may use derivatives, such as interest rate swaps, as a further means to manage the level of our exposure to variable interest rate risk. Generally, such derivatives are executed with major reputable financial or lending institutions with investment grade credit ratings, with the objective of reducing counterparty credit risk.
 
In May 2011, we refinanced $150.0 million in Senior Notes as well as $27.0 million in borrowings under our old revolving credit facility with a portion of the proceeds from the Senior Secured Credit Facilities.  Borrowings under each of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities bears interest at a floating rate based on LIBOR or Prime, at our option. At December 31, 2012, we had $168.2 million in outstanding borrowings under these new facilities consisting of $154.6 million in term loans and $13.6 million in revolving loans at a weighted average interest rate of 7.18%.
 
Our results of operations and cash flows would be affected by changes in the applicable underlying benchmark interest rates due to the impact such changes would have on the interest payable on variable-rate debt outstanding under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and, to the extent applicable, our interest rate-related derivative instruments. Holding other variables constant, including levels of indebtedness under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, a 50 basis point increase in interest rates would result in an increase of approximately $0.8 million in annual interest expense.
 
The hypothetical changes and assumptions may be different from actual changes and events in the future, and the computations do not take into account management’s possible actions if such changes actually occurred over time. Considering these limitations, actual effects on future earnings could differ from those calculated above.
 
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
 
We maintain operations in countries outside of the United States, including Germany, Chile, Thailand and Egypt, some of which use the respective local foreign currency as their functional currency. Each foreign operation may enter into contractual arrangements with customers or vendors that are denominated in currencies other than its respective functional currency. As a result, our results of operations may be affected by exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and economic conditions in the regions in which we purchase raw material inventory or sell and distribute our products. Exposure to variability in foreign currency exchange rates from these transactions is managed, to the extent possible, through the use of natural hedges which result from purchases and sales occurring in the same foreign currency within a similar period of time, thereby offsetting each other to varying degrees.
 
In addition, we also execute intercompany lending transactions, and a foreign subsidiary may pay dividends to its respective parent, or ultimately, the United States parent. These transactions are denominated in various foreign currencies which results in exposure to exchange rate risk that could impact our results of operations.
 
The total foreign currency transaction gains attributable to non-functional currency purchases and sales, and intercompany loans and dividends was $0.5 million, $0.6 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, representing less than 0.5% of net sales and cost of products. Given the relative size of these gains and losses, we do not believe that any reasonable near-term changes in applicable rates would have a material impact on our result of operations.
 
We did not enter into any foreign currency hedging transactions in the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, nor do we anticipate using derivative instruments to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk in the foreseeable future.
 
In addition to the transaction-related gains or losses that are reflected within the results of operations, we are subject to foreign currency translation risk, as the financial statements for our foreign subsidiaries are measured and recorded in the respective subsidiary’s functional currency and then translated into U.S. Dollars for consolidated financial reporting purposes. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity, on the consolidated balance sheet.
 
 
48

 
Raw Material Supply and Price Risk
 
Our primary raw materials used in the production of our products are polyethylene resins. As these resins are petroleum-based materials, changes in the price of feedstocks, such as crude oil or natural gas, as well as changes in market supply and demand may cause the cost of these resins to fluctuate significantly. During 2012 and 2011, raw material cost accounted for approximately 83% and 81% of our cost of products, respectively. Given the significance of these costs and the inherent volatility in supplier pricing, our ability to reflect changes in the cost of resins in our products’ selling prices in an efficient manner, passing the increase on to our customers, contributes to the management of our overall supply price risk and its potential impact on our results of operations.
 
We have not historically entered, nor do we intend to enter, into long-term purchase orders for the delivery of raw materials. Our orders with suppliers are flexible and do not contain minimum purchase volumes or fixed prices. Accordingly, our suppliers may change their selling prices or other relevant terms on a monthly basis, exposing us to pricing risk. Our recent implementation of advanced pricing and forecasting tools, more centralized procurement and additional sources of supply has increased our focus on product margins and resulted in overall lower supply costs.
 
Holding all other variables constant, a 1.0% increase in resin prices would have increased cost of products by approximately $3.4 million, based on our consolidated 2012 sales volume.
 
 
 
49

 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 

 
 
50

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 

 
Board of Directors and Stockholders
GSE Holding, Inc.
Houston, Texas
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of GSE Holding, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of GSE Holding, Inc. at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Houston, Texas
March 28, 2013
 
 
51

 
GSE Holding, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share amounts)
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
ASSETS
 
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 18,068     $ 9,076  
Accounts receivable:
               
Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $869 and $1,736
    96,987       80,705  
Other
    3,626       3,054  
Inventory, net
    64,398       58,109  
Deferred income taxes
    1,111       935  
Prepaid expenses and other
    6,681       5,741  
Income taxes receivable
    1,538       2,447  
Total current assets
    192,409       160,067  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    70,172       57,270  
Goodwill
    58,895       58,895  
Intangible assets, net
    1,549       2,727  
Deferred income taxes
    5,858       2,519  
Deferred debt issuance costs, net
    7,003       8,387  
Other assets
    212       2,561  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 336,098     $ 292,426  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 36,632     $ 34,848  
Accrued liabilities and other
    20,198       22,812  
Short-term debt
    985       2,864  
Current portion of long-term debt
    3,147       2,709  
Income taxes payable
    1,691       964  
Deferred income taxes
    1,156       1,135  
Total current liabilities
    63,809       65,332  
Other liabilities
    1,211       1,124  
Deferred income taxes
    1,078       1,416  
Long-term debt, net of current portion
    167,282       192,885  
Total liabilities
    233,380       260,757  
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 15)
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, $.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized, 19,846,684 and 10,809,987 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively
    198       108  
Additional paid-in capital
    130,617       61,407  
Accumulated deficit
    (28,372 )     (29,456 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    275       (390 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    102,718       31,669  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 336,098     $ 292,426  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
52

 
GSE Holding, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
                   
Net sales
  $ 476,644     $ 464,451     $ 342,783  
Cost of products
    398,955       393,944       298,900  
Gross profit
    77,689       70,507       43,883  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    49,326       44,474       40,078  
Public offering related costs
    9,655              
Amortization of intangibles
    1,182       1,379       2,284  
Operating income
    17,526       24,654       1,521  
Other expenses (income):
                       
Interest expense, net
    16,797       20,081       19,454  
Foreign currency transaction gains
    (459 )     (568 )     (1,386 )
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    1,555       2,016        
Other income, net
    (2,269 )     (1,182 )     (2,134 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
    1,902       4,307       (14,413 )
Income tax (benefit) provision
    356       3,490       (2,069 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    1,546       817       (12,344 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (462 )     136       (4,428 )
Net income (loss)
    1,084       953       (16,772 )
Non-controlling interest in consolidated subsidiary
                25  
Net income (loss) attributable to GSE Holding, Inc.
    1,084       953       (16,747 )
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                       
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    665       (2,125 )     (3,902 )
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 1,749     $ (1,172 )   $ (20,649 )
                         
Basic net income (loss) per common share:
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.08     $ 0.08     $ (1.14 )
Discontinued operations
    (0.02 )     0.01       (0.41 )
    $ 0.06     $ 0.09     $ (1.55 )
Diluted net income (loss) per common share:
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.08     $ 0.07     $ (1.14 )
Discontinued operations
    (0.02 )     0.01       (0.41 )
    $ 0.06     $ 0.08     $ (1.55 )
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding
    18,407       10,810       10,810  
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding
    19,336       11,841       10,810  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
53

 
GSE Holding, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
(In thousands, except share data)
 
   
Common Stock
   
Additional
Paid-In
   
Accumulated
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
   
Non-Controlling
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Deficit
   
Income (Loss)
   
Interest
   
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2009
    10,809,987     $ 108     $ 61,265     $ (13,662 )   $ 5,637     $ 1,259     $ 54,607  
Net loss.
                      (16,747 )                 (16,747 )
Non-controlling interest in consolidated subsidiaries
                                  52       52  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                            (3,902 )           (3,902 )
Disposition of non-controlling interest in consolidated subsidiaries
                                  (1,311 )     (1,311 )
Stock-based compensation
                67                         67  
Balance at December 31, 2010
    10,809,987       108       61,332       (30,409 )     1,735             32,766  
Net income
                      953                   953  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                            (2,125 )           (2,125 )
Stock-based compensation
                75                         75  
Balance at December 31, 2011
    10,809,987       108       61,407       (29,456 )     (390 )           31,669  
Net income
                      1,084                   1,084  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                            665             665  
Initial public offering
    8,050,000       81       63,535                         63,616  
Stock option exercises
    438,612       4       1,014                               1,018  
Stock-based compensation
   
548,085
      5       4,661                         4,666  
Balance at December 31, 2012
   
19,846,684
    $ 198     $ 130,617     $ (28,372 )   $ 275     $     $ 102,718  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
54

 
GSE Holding, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
                   
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,084     $ 953     $ (16,772 )
(Income) loss from discontinued operations
    462       (136 )     4,428  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    13,114       11,419       10,416  
Amortization of debt issuance costs
    2,418       2,025       1,844  
Amortization of intangible assets
    1,182       1,379       2,284  
Amortization of premium/discount on senior notes
    935       744       (40 )
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    1,555       2,016        
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision
    (3,862 )     683       (1,854 )
Stock-based compensation
    4,666       75       67  
Revaluation of non-dollar denominated debt
    340       (815 )     345  
Other
    176       75       116  
Change in cash from operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Accounts receivable
    (16,757 )     (16,498 )     (24,539 )
Inventory
    (6,288 )     (7,463 )     (19,561 )
Prepaid expenses and other
    (1,781 )     550       (6,837 )
Accounts payable
    1,878       395       12,827  
Accrued liabilities
    (1,398 )     741       8,164  
Income taxes (receivable) payable
    1,235       (1,243 )     2,615  
Other assets and liabilities
    (489 )     977       (44 )
Net cash used in operating activities – continuing operations
    (1,530 )     (4,123 )     (26,541 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities – discontinued operations
    (142 )     5,010       (3,219 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (1,672 )     887       (29,760 )
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
    (26,137 )     (11,694 )     (3,337 )
Proceeds from the sale of assets
    33       32        
Net cash used in investing activities – continuing operations
    (26,104 )     (11,662 )     (3,337 )
Net cash provided by investing activities – discontinued operations
                2,284  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (26,104 )     (11,662 )     (1,053 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Proceeds from lines of credit
    100,635       86,948       137,865  
Repayments of lines of credit
    (110,490 )     (90,667 )     (109,918 )
Proceeds from long-term debt
    25,674       173,083        
Repayments of long-term debt
    (44,318 )     (153,172 )     (2,256 )
Net proceeds from initial public offering
    65,927              
Payments for debt issuance costs
    (1,748 )     (9,179 )      
Payments for public offering costs
          (2,311 )      
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
    1,018              
Net cash provided by financing activities – continuing operations
    36,698       4,702       25,691  
Net cash used in financing activities – discontinued operations
          (650 )      
Net cash provided by financing activities
    36,698       4,052       25,691  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash – continuing operations
    27       611       (228 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash – discontinued operations
    43       4       (280 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    8,992       (6,108 )     (5,630 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    9,076       15,184       20,814  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 18,068     $ 9,076     $ 15,184  
Supplemental cash flow disclosure:
                       
Cash paid for interest
  $ 15,840     $ 15,626     $ 16,341  
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 1,375     $ 2,643     $ 22  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
55

 
GSE Holding, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
1. Nature of Business
 
Organization and Description of Business —
 
GSE Holding, Inc. (the “Company”) is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of highly engineered geosynthetic lining products for environmental protection and confinement applications. These lining products are used in a wide range of infrastructure end markets such as mining, environmental containment, liquid containment (including water infrastructure, agriculture and aquaculture and industrial wastewater treatment applications), coal ash containment and oil and gas. The Company offers a full range of products, including geomembranes, drainage products, geosynthetic clay liners, nonwoven geotextiles, and other specialty products. The Company generates the majority of its sales outside of the United States, including emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Its comprehensive product offering and global infrastructure, along with its extensive relationships with customers and end-users, provide it with access to high-growth markets worldwide, visibility into upcoming projects and the flexibility to serve customers regardless of geographic location. The Company believes that its market share, broad product offering, strong customer relationships, diverse end markets and global presence provide it with key competitive advantages in the environmental geosynthetic products industry. The Company manufactures its products at facilities located in the United States, Germany, Thailand, Chile and Egypt.
 
Effective February 10, 2012, the Company completed its initial public offering (“IPO”) of 7,000,000 shares of common stock.  The Company also granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,050,000 shares at the IPO price to cover over-allotments, which was exercised. The IPO price was $9.00 per share and the common stock is currently listed on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GSE”.  The Company received proceeds from the IPO, after deducting underwriter’s fees, of approximately $67.4 million.  The Company incurred direct and incremental costs associated with the IPO of approximately $3.8 million.  At December 31, 2011, $2.3 million of these costs had been deferred in other assets and were subsequently netted against the proceeds from the IPO and classified in additional paid-in capital.  The proceeds from the IPO were used to pay down debt ($51.5 million) and for general working capital purposes.  The Company also incurred and expensed compensation costs of $6.6 million related to IPO bonuses that were paid in cash ($2.3 million) and the issuance of fully vested common stock ($4.3 million) to certain key executives and directors, and $3.0 million related to a management agreement termination fee, which became payable upon the closing of the IPO.
 
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies —
 
Consolidation and Basis of Presentation —
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and its majority-owned subsidiaries for which the Company controls the operating activities. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Prior to the sale of its less than wholly-owned subsidiary, the Company reported the earnings attributable to non-controlling interests as an adjustment to net income (loss) to arrive at net income (loss) attributable to GSE Holding, Inc. in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
 
Certain reclassifications were made to the December 31, 2011 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2012 financial statement presentation.  These reclassifications did not have an impact on previously reported results.  The Company believes that the disclosures herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
 
Use of Estimates —
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 
56

 
Cash and Cash Equivalents —
 
The Company considers all highly liquid short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
 
Accounts Receivable —
 
Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amounts and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in its existing receivables. The allowance is reviewed monthly and the Company establishes reserves for doubtful accounts on a case-by-case basis when it is believed that the required payment of specific amounts owed to the Company is unlikely to occur.
 
The Company has receivables from customers in various countries. The Company generally does not require collateral or other security to support customer receivables unless credit capacity is not evident. In the case where credit capacity does not exist or cannot be appropriately determined, unsecured exposure security instruments such as upfront cash payments, down payments, credit cards, letters of credit, standby letters of credit, bank guarantees or personal guarantees will be required. In addition, in the U.S. where a customer’s project is state or federally sponsored or owned, a payment or security bond is required by law in most states. If the customers’ financial condition was to deteriorate or their access to freely convertible currency was restricted, resulting in impairment of their ability to make the required payments, additional allowances may be required.
 
The following provides changes in the Company’s accounts receivable allowances for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012:
 
(in thousands)
 
   
Balance at the
beginning of
the year
   
Charged to
expense
   
Write-offs
   
Balance at the
end of the year
 
December 31, 2010
  $ 3,655     $ (61 )   $ (1,662 )   $ 1,932  
December 31, 2011
  $ 1,932     $ 362     $ (558 )   $ 1,736  
December 31, 2012
  $ 1,736     $ 1,155     $ (2,022 )   $ 869  
 
Inventory —
 
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost, which includes material, labor and overhead, is determined by the weighted average cost method, which approximates the first-in, first-out cost method. The Company records provisions, as appropriate, to write-down slow-moving, excess or obsolete inventory to estimated net realizable value. The process for evaluating inventory often requires the Company to make subjective judgments and estimates concerning future sales levels, as well as the quantities and prices at which such inventories will be able to be sold in the normal course of business.
 
Property, Plant and Equipment —
 
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method, based on the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, which generally range from three to 30 years. Depreciation expense continues to be recognized when facilities or equipment are temporarily idled. Costs of additions and major improvements are capitalized, whereas maintenance and repairs which do not improve or extend the life of the asset are charged to expense as incurred. When items are retired or otherwise disposed of, income is charged or credited for the difference between net book value and net proceeds realized thereon. Interest costs incurred in connection with construction of qualifying assets are capitalized and depreciated over the useful life of the asset. The Company makes use of judgments and estimates in conjunction with accounting for property, plant and equipment, including amounts to be capitalized, depreciation methods and useful lives.
 
 Capitalized costs associated with software developed for internal use include external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use software and payroll for employees directly associated with, and who devote time to, the development of the internal-use software. Costs incurred in development and enhancement of software that do not meet the capitalization criteria, such as costs of activities performed during the preliminary and post-implementation stages, are expensed as incurred. Cost incurred in development and enhancements that do not meet the criteria to capitalize are activities performed during the application development stage such as designing, coding, installing and testing. The critical estimate related to this process is the determination of the amount of time devoted by employees to specific stage of internal-use software development projects. The Company reviews any impairment of the capitalized costs on a periodic basis. The Company amortizes such costs over the estimated useful life of the software, which is three years once the software has been placed in service. The Company capitalized software development costs of approximately $0.4 million, $5.4 million and $0 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Amortization expense related to capitalized software development costs was approximately $2.4 million, $1.4 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
 
57

 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets —
 
Carrying values of property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable. Such events or circumstances include, but are not limited to:
 
•  
Significant declines in an asset’s market price;
 
•  
Significant deterioration in an asset’s physical condition;
 
•  
Significant changes in the nature or extent of an asset’s use or operation;
 
•  
Significant adverse changes in the business climate that could impact an asset’s value, including adverse actions or assessments by regulators;
 
•  
Accumulation of costs significantly in excess of original expectations related to the acquisition or construction of an asset;
 
•  
Current-period operating or cash flow losses combined with a history of such losses or a forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with an asset’s use; and
 
•  
Expectations that it is more likely than not that an asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life.
 
If impairment indicators are present, the Company determines whether an impairment loss should be recognized by testing the applicable asset or asset group’s carrying value for recoverability. This test requires long-lived assets to be grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities, the determination of which requires judgment. The Company estimates the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated from the use and eventual disposal of the assets, and compares that estimate to the respective carrying values in order to determine if such carrying values are recoverable. This assessment requires the exercise of judgment in assessing the future use of and projected value to be derived from the eventual disposal of the assets to be held and used. Assessments also consider changes in asset utilization, including the temporary idling of capacity and the expected timing for placing this capacity back into production. If the carrying value of the assets is not recoverable, then a loss is recorded for the difference between the assets’ fair value and respective carrying value. The fair value of the assets is determined using an “income approach” based upon a forecast of all the expected discounted future net cash flows associated with the subject assets. Some of the more significant estimates and assumptions include: market size and growth, market share, projected selling prices, manufacturing cost and discount rate. The Company’s estimates are based upon its historical experience, its commercial relationships, market conditions and available external information about future trends. The Company believes its current assumptions and estimates are reasonable and appropriate; however, unanticipated events and changes in market conditions could affect such estimates, resulting in the need for an impairment charge in future periods.
 
Goodwill and Impairment Testing —
 
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price in a business combination over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair value based test. The Company reviews goodwill to determine potential impairment annually, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The goodwill impairment analysis is comprised of two steps. The first step requires the comparison of the fair value of the applicable reporting unit to its respective carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not considered impaired and the Company would not be required to perform further testing. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then the Company must perform the second step of the impairment test in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then the Company would record an impairment loss equal to the difference.
 
 
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The Company’s annual assessment date is as of October 1.  With respect to this testing, a reportable segment is a majority owned subsidiary of the Company for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by management. Future cash flows are typically based upon a five-year future period for the business and an estimated residual value. Management judgment is required in the estimation of future operating results and to determine the appropriate residual values. Future operating results and residual values could reasonably differ from the estimates and could require a provision for impairment in a future period. No impairment was necessary in 2012, 2011 or 2010.
 
Deferred Financing Costs —
 
Debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the period the related debt is anticipated to be outstanding.
 
Warranty Costs —
 
The Company’s geosynthetic products are sold and installed with specified limited warranties as to material quality and workmanship that typically extend 5 years, but may extend up to 20 years. The Company accrues a warranty reserve based on historical warranty claims. The reserve for these costs, along with other risk-based reserves, is included in the self-insurance reserves (see Notes 8 and 15).
 
Revenue Recognition —
 
The Company recognizes revenues for products sold directly to customers when products are shipped, title and risk of loss passes to the buyer, the Company has no further obligation to the buyer, and collectability is reasonably assured.
 
The Company recognizes revenue relating to contracts for the design and installation of geosynthetic containment solutions using the percentage of completion method. Revenue recognized under the percentage of completion method was $10.1 million, $9.9 million and $8.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Foreign Currency —
 
Results of operations for the Company’s Europe Africa and Middle East subsidiaries have functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated using average exchange rates during the year. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and the resulting translation adjustments are recognized as a separate component of comprehensive income (loss).
 
Each of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries may enter into contractual arrangements with customers or vendors that are denominated in currencies other than its respective functional currency. As a result, the Company’s results of operations may be affected by exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and economic conditions in the regions in which it purchases raw material inventory or sells and distributes its products. Gains and losses arising from foreign currency transactions are recognized as incurred.
 
In connection with contracts performed outside of the United States, the Company routinely bids fixed-price contracts denominated in currencies different than the functional currency of the applicable subsidiary performing the work. The Company recognizes that such bidding practices, in the context of international operations, are subject to the risk of foreign currency fluctuations not present in domestic operations. Gains and losses related to these contracts are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
 
Income Taxes —
 
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized and represent the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. They are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the related temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The deferred income tax provision represents the change during the reporting period in the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities, net of the effect of acquisitions and dispositions. Deferred tax assets include tax loss and credit carryforwards and are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Significant judgment is required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items.
 
 
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The Company evaluates the tax positions for all jurisdictions and for all years where the statute of limitations has not expired and the Company is required to meet a “more-likely-than-not” threshold (i.e. greater than a 50 percent likelihood of a tax position being sustained under examination) prior to recording a tax benefit. Additionally, for tax positions meeting this “more-likely-than-not” threshold, the amount of benefit is limited to the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent probability of being realized upon effective settlement.
 
Segment Reporting —
 
The Company’s operating and external reporting segments are based on the geographic regions in which it operates, which is consistent with the basis on which the Company internally reports and how its management evaluates such operations in order to make operating decisions. The Company’s reportable segments are:  North America, Europe Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East.
 
3.  Recent Accounting Pronouncements —
 
The Company qualifies as an emerging growth company under Section 109 of the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. However, the Company has chosen to “opt out” of such extended transition period, and as a result, is compliant with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non- emerging growth companies. Section 108 of the JOBS Act provides that this decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other: Testing Goodwill for Impairment, to allow an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under these amendments, an entity would not be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The amendments include a number of events and circumstances for an entity to consider in conducting the qualitative assessment. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this ASU for its 2012 goodwill impairment testing, and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
 
In May 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-05, Comprehensive Income: Presentation of Comprehensive Income, to allow an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The amendments do not change the guidance regarding the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. The Company adopted this ASU in 2012 and it resulted in a presentation change in the “Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)”.
 
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement: Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. This ASU represents the converged guidance of the FASB and the IASB (the “Boards”) on fair value measurement, and results in common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements, including a consistent meaning of the term “fair value.” These amendments change some of the terminology used to describe many of the existing requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendments should be applied prospectively, and they are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this ASU in 2012 and it resulted in a disclosure change in the Company’s “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”.
 
 
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4. Net Income (Loss) per Share
 
The Company computes basic net income (loss) per share by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, increased to include the number of shares of common stock that would have been outstanding had potential dilutive shares of common stock been issued. The dilutive effect of employee stock options is reflected in diluted net income (loss) per share by applying the treasury stock method.
 
The Company recorded a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2010. Potential common shares are anti-dilutive in periods which the Company records a net loss because they would reduce the respective period’s net loss per share. Anti-dilutive potential common shares are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. As a result, net diluted loss per share was equal to basic net loss per share in the year ended December 31, 2010. There were approximately 459,000 stock options outstanding at December 31, 2010 of which 333,600 had exercise prices lower than the average price of Company common shares. These in-the-money options would have been included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share had the Company not reported a net loss in that year. There were 200,650 and 0 stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, which were considered to be anti-dilutive due to the exercise prices were greater than the average price of Company common shares, and were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
 
The basic and diluted net income (loss) per share calculations are presented below (in thousands, except for per share amounts):
 
   
For the year ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Company common stockholders:
                 
From continuing operations
  $ 1,546     $ 817     $ (12,319 )
From discontinued operation
    (462 )     136       (4,428 )
    $ 1,084     $ 953     $ (16,747 )
Common share information:
                       
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic
    18,407       10,810       10,810  
Dilutive effect of employee stock options
    929       1,031        
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – dilutive
    19,336       11,841       10,810  
Basic net income (loss) per share:
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.08     $ 0.08     $ (1.14 )
Discontinued operations
    (0.02 )     0.01       (0.41 )
    $ 0.06     $ 0.09     $ (1.55 )
Diluted net income (loss) per share:
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 0.08     $ 0.07     $ (1.14 )
Discontinued operations
    (0.02 )     0.01       (0.41 )
    $ 0.06     $ 0.08     $ (1.55 )
 
5. Inventory 
 
Inventory consisted of the following at December 31:
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Raw materials
  $ 31,563     $ 24,479  
Finished goods
    30,849       31,732  
Supplies
    4,424       4,996  
Obsolescence and slow moving allowance
    (2,438 )     (3,098 )
    $ 64,398     $ 58,109  

 
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6. Property, Plant and Equipment
 
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
 
   
Useful
lives years
   
2012
   
2011
 
         
(in thousands)
 
Land
        $ 4,832     $ 4,820  
Buildings and improvements
    7-30       29,515       24,022  
Machinery and equipment
    3-10       117,852       97,524  
Software
    3       8,400       8,025  
Furniture and fixtures
    3-5       785       720  
              161,384       135,111  
Less – accumulated depreciation and amortization
            (91,212 )     (77,841 )
            $ 70,172     $ 57,270  
 
Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $13.1 million, $11.4 million and $10.4 million, respectively.
 
During 2012, $0.8 million of interest was capitalized in the consolidated financial statements.  There was no interest capitalized during 2011 or 2010.
 
7. Intangible Assets, net
 
Customer lists and other intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31:
 
   
Useful
lives years
   
2012
   
2011
 
         
(in thousands)
 
Customer lists
    5-10     $ 25,449     $ 25,307  
Non-compete agreements
    5-10       2,469       2,469  
Other
    1       363       363  
              28,281       28,139  
Less accumulated amortization
            (26,732 )     (25,412 )
Intangible assets, net
          $ 1,549     $ 2,727  
 
Amortization expense for intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $1.2 million, $1.4 million and $2.3 million, respectively.
 
Remaining amortization expense is expected to be recognized as $1.1 million and $0.4 million in the years ending December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
 
8. Accrued Liabilities and Other
 
Accrued liabilities and other consisted of the following at December 31:
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Customer prepayments
  $ 759     $ 167  
Accrued operating expenses
    5,951       2,591  
Self-insurance reserves
    1,758       3,167  
Compensation and benefits
    6,786       6,096  
Accrued interest
    2,522       4,026  
Taxes, other than income
    2,023       2,025  
Other accrued liabilities
    399       4,740  
    $ 20,198     $ 22,812  
 
 
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9. Long-Term Debt
 
Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31:
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(in thousands)
 
First Lien Credit Facility
  $ 168,177     $ 155,982  
Second Lien Term Loan, including payment in kind (“PIK”) interest
          40,488  
Capital Lease – CapitalSource Bank
    3,156        
Other Capital Leases
    230        
Term Loan – German bank
    407       702  
Term Loan – Thailand bank
          1,097  
      171,970       198,269  
Less – current maturities
    (3,147 )     (2,709 )
Unamortized discounts on first lien and second lien loans
    (1,541 )     (2,675 )
    $ 167,282     $ 192,885  
 
The following summarizes the maturities of the Company’s long-term debt outstanding as of December 31, 2012, excluding the unamortized premium on the senior notes which will not result in cash payments:
 
Year Ending December 31,
 
 
Amount
 
   
(in thousands)
 
2013
  $ 3,147  
2014
    3,000  
2015
    2,351  
2016
    163,472  
    $ 171,970  
 
First Lien Credit Facility —
 
On May 27, 2011, the Company entered into a five-year, $160.0 million first lien senior secured credit facility with General Electric Capital Corporation, Jefferies Finance LLC and the other financial institutions party thereto (as amended from time to time, the “First Lien Credit Facility”), consisting of $135.0 million of term loan commitments (as amended from time to time, the “First Lien Term Loan”) and $25.0 million of revolving loan commitments (as amended from time to time, the “Revolving Credit Facility””). On October 18, 2011, the Revolving Credit Facility was amended to increase the aggregate revolving loan commitments from $25.0 million to $35.0 million. On December 12, 2011, the First Lien Credit Facility was amended to, among other matters, modify the definition of “Change of Control” to reduce Code Hennessy & Simmons LLP (“CHS”) specified ownership percentage following the consummation of the IPO from 35% to 20%.  On April 18, 2012, the First Lien Credit Facility was further amended to increase the aggregate term loan commitments from $135.0 million to $157.0 million. The Company used the additional borrowing capacity under the term loan to repay in full all outstanding indebtedness under, and to terminate, the Second Lien Term Loan (as defined below) and to pay related fees and expenses. On September 19, 2012, the Company entered into a fourth amendment to the First Lien Credit Facility, which increased the Capital Expenditure Limitation covenant as discussed below in “Restrictive Covenants.”  On January 25, 2013, the Company entered into a fifth amendment to its First Lien Credit Agreement to provide more efficient capacity to move funds between foreign entities and clarify or correct certain other technical provisions in the agreement.  
 
The First Lien Credit Facility matures in May 2016. Borrowings under the First Lien Credit Facility incur interest expense that is variable in relation to the London Interbank Offer Rates (“LIBOR”) (and/or Prime) rate. In addition to paying interest on outstanding borrowings under the First Lien Credit Facility, the Company pays a 0.75% per annum commitment fee to the lenders in respect of the unutilized commitments, and letter of credit fees equal to the LIBOR margin on the undrawn amount of all outstanding letters of credit.  As of December 31, 2012, there was $168.2 million outstanding under the First Lien Credit Facility consisting of $154.6 million in term loans and $13.6 million in revolving loans, and the weighted average interest rate on such loans was 7.18%.  The Company had $18.9 million of capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility after taking into account outstanding loan advances and letters of credit.
 
 
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Guarantees; Security.  The obligations under the First Lien Credit Facility are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by the Company and each of its existing and future wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries, other than GSE International, Inc. and any other excluded subsidiaries. The obligations are secured by a first priority perfected security interest in substantially all of the guarantors’ assets, subject to certain exceptions, permitted liens and permitted encumbrances under the First Lien Credit Facility.
 
Restrictive Covenants.  The First Lien Credit Facility contains various restrictive covenants that include, among other things, restrictions or limitations on the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness or issue disqualified capital stock unless certain financial tests are satisfied; pay dividends, redeem subordinated debt or make other restricted payments; make certain loans, investments or acquisitions; issue stock of subsidiaries; grant or permit certain liens on assets; enter into certain transactions with affiliates; merge, consolidate or transfer substantially all of its assets; incur dividend or other payment restrictions affecting certain subsidiaries; transfer or sell assets including, but not limited to, capital stock of subsidiaries; and change the business the Company conducts. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company was subject to a Total Leverage Ratio not to exceed 5.50:1.00 and 6.15:1.00, respectively, and an Interest Coverage Ratio of not less than 2.15:1.00 and 1.80:1.00, respectively.  For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company was also subject to a maximum Capital Expenditure Limitation of $21.7 million (excluding $8.5 million allowed for acquisition-related expenditures) and $17.5 million, respectively.  These ratios become progressively more restrictive over the term of the loans.  For all periods presented, the Company was in compliance with all financial debt covenants under the existing agreements.
 
Second Lien Term Loan —
 
On May 27, 2011, the Company also entered into a 5.5 year, $40.0 million second lien senior secured credit facility consisting of $40.0 million of term loan commitments (the “Second Lien Term Loan”). The Second Lien Term Loan was paid in full on April 18, 2012, and the arrangement was terminated.  In connection with this refinancing, the Company recorded a $1.6 million loss from extinguishment of debt, primarily related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance cost and discount.
 
Senior Notes and Revolving Credit Facility —
On May 27, 2011, the Company refinanced its $150.0 million 11% senior notes, as well as $27.0 million in borrowings under the old revolving credit facility with a portion of the net proceeds from the First Lien Credit Facility and Second Lien Term Loan, together with cash on hand. In connection with this refinancing, the Company recorded a $2.0 million loss from extinguishment of debt, primarily related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
 
Capital Leases —
 
On August 17, 2012, the Company entered into an equipment financing arrangement with CapitalSource Bank.  The lease is a three-year lease for equipment cost up to $10.0 million.  As of December 31, 2012, there was $3.2 million outstanding under this lease arrangement, with monthly payments of $0.1 million and an implied interest rate of 7.09%.
 
During 2012, the Company entered into three other capitalized leases with commercial financial institutions. These leases are for a term of three to four years for equipment cost of $0.3 million with implied interest rates from 5.42% to 8.72%. As of December 31, 2012, there was approximately $0.2 million outstanding under these leases.
 
Non-Dollar Denominated Credit Facilities —
 
As of December 31, 2012, the Company had eight credit facilities at their international locations.
 
It had two credit facilities with German banks in the amount of EUR 6.0 million ($7.9 million). These revolving credit facilities are secured by a corporate guarantee and bear interest at various market rates. These credit facilities are used primarily to guarantee the performance of European installation contracts and temporary working capital requirements. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had EUR 3.9 million ($5.1 million) available under these credit facilities with EUR 2.1 million ($2.8 million) of bank guarantees outstanding, and with no amounts outstanding under the lines of credit. In addition there was a EUR 0.3 million ($0.4 million) term loan with a German bank outstanding as of December 31, 2012, with a maturity date in March 2014.
 
The Company had three unsecured credit facilities with Egyptian banks in the amount of EGP 15.0 million ($2.4 million). These credit facilities bear interest at various market rates and are primarily for cash management purposes. The Company had EGP 4.3 million ($0.7 million) available under these credit facilities with EGP 6.6 million ($1.1 million) of bank guarantees outstanding, and with EGP 4.1 million ($0.6 million) outstanding under the lines of credit as of December 31, 2012.
 
 
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The Company had a BAHT 45.0 million ($1.5 million) revolving credit facility with Export-Import Bank of Thailand (“EXIM”), which has a termination date at the discretion of EXIM or the Company. This revolving credit facility bears interest at EXIM prime rate less 0.75% for BAHT borrowings and at LIBOR plus 3.5% for U.S. dollar borrowings. Repayments of principal are required within 90 days from the date of each draw down borrowing and interest is payable once a month on the last day of the month. The credit facility is secured by a BAHT 15.0 million ($0.5 million) cash deposit with EXIM. The Company had BAHT 45.0 million ($1.5 million) available under these credit facilities with no letters of credit or amounts outstanding under the line of credit as of December 31, 2012.
 
The Company had a BAHT 350.0 million ($11.4 million) Trade on Demand Financing (accounts receivable) facility with Thai Military Bank Public Company Limited (“TMB”).  This facility bears interest at LIBOR +1.75%, is unsecured and may be terminated at any time by either TMB or the Company. This facility permits the Company to borrow funds upon presentation of proper documentation of purchase orders or accounts receivable from the Company’s customers, in each case with a maximum term not to exceed 180 days. The Company maintains a bank account with TMB, assigns rights to its accounts receivable used for borrowings under this facility, and instructs its customers to remit payments to the Company’s bank account with TMB.  TMB may, in its sole discretion, deduct or withhold funds from the Company’s bank account for settlement of any amounts owed by the Company under this facility. The Company had BAHT 350.0 million ($11.4 million) available under this facility with no amounts outstanding as of December 31, 2012.

The Company had a RMB 2.1 million ($0.3 million) temporary credit facility with China Construction Bank (“CCB”), which has a termination date of January 23, 2013 with an interest rate of 5.6%. The sole purpose of this credit facility was to provide funds, which originated in China, to be deposited with the Chinese Land Bureau (“CLB”), to permit the Company to bid on the land use right for its new manufacturing facility in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. On January 23, 2013 CLB refunded the deposit to the Company upon the successful completion of the bid process on the land use right, and the Company repaid RMB 2.1 million ($0.3 million) to CCB.
 
10. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, GAAP requires the use of valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
 
The three levels of inputs used are as follows:
 
Level 1 – Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
 
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
 
The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, trade payables and debt instruments. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and trade payables are considered to be representative of their respective fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying amount of the long-term debt of $172.0 million as of December 31, 2012 approximates fair value because the Company’s current borrowing rate does not materially differ from market rates for similar bank borrowings. The long-term debt is classified as a Level 2 item within the fair value hierarchy.

The Company has assets measured and recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis.  These non-financial assets, such as property, plant and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets are recorded at fair value only if an impairment charge is recognized.

 
65

 
11. Stock Options
 
In connection with the Company’s public offering, it adopted the GSE 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, (the “2011 Plan”). The 2011 Plan provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents and other stock-based awards. Directors, officers and other employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, as well as others performing consulting or advisory services for the Company and its subsidiaries, are eligible for grants under the 2011 Plan.

The GEO Holdings Corp. 2004 Stock Option Plan (the “2004 Stock Option Plan”) became effective upon the consummation of the 2004 merger of the Company by CHS.  Under the 2004 Stock Option Plan, which was amended and restated in December 2008, the Board of Directors may from time to time grant up to 2,276,703 options to purchase our common stock to executives or other key employees or directors of GSE Holding and its subsidiaries. Both “nonqualified” stock options and “incentive” stock options may be granted under the 2004 Stock Option Plan with terms to be determined by our Board of Directors (or a committee thereof). As of December 31, 2012, options to purchase 1,284,639 shares of common stock were outstanding under the 2004 Stock Option Plan and options to purchase 553,452 shares of common stock remained available for issuance.
 
Stock-based compensation of $4.7 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million was recognized in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, $4.3 million of the stock-based compensation was related to 478,467 shares of fully vested common stock that was issued to certain key executives and directors in connection with the IPO.  The value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants.
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Risk Free Interest Rate
    0.54 %     1.0 %     0.51 %
Expected Life
 
4 years
   
3 years
   
3 years
 
Expected Volatility
    45.9 %     22.25 %     24.56 %
Expected Dividend Yield
    0 %     0 %     0 %
Weighted-average estimated fair value per option
  $ 3.57     $ 0.65     $ 0.69  
 
The expected life of the options granted is based on the Company’s best estimates and expectations related to the exercising of the options issued. There was no impact from estimated forfeitures on the compensation expense attributed to the awarded options.
 
The following table summarizes stock option activity for the three years ended December 31, 2012:
 
   
Shares
   
Range of
Exercise Price
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2009
    1,854,024     $0.67   $6.35     $ 2.63  
Forfeited options
    (234,858 )   $5.90   $6.35     $ 6.15  
Forfeited options reissued
    43,452         $6.15     $ 6.15  
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2010
    1,662,618     $0.67   $6.35     $ 2.42  
Forfeited options
    (39,288 )   $5.90   $6.35     $ 6.19  
Forfeited options reissued
    108,630         $5.11     $ 5.11  
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2011
    1,731,960     $0.67   $6.35     $ 2.50  
Options granted
    200,650         $11.57     $ 11.57  
Options exercised
    (438,612 )   $0.67   $6.35     $ 2.32  
Forfeited or expired options
    (13,709 )   $6.15   $11.57     $ 8.13  
Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2012
    1,480,289     $0.67   $11.57     $ 3.73  
 
All outstanding stock options are held by employees and former employees of the Company and have an expiration date of 10 years from the date of grant. At December 31, 2012, the average remaining contractual life of options outstanding and exercisable was 2.6 years.  There was no unrecognized compensation expense as of December 31, 2012.
 
 
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The intrinsic value of options exercised during 2012 was $2.5 million. As of December 31, 2012, the intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable was $4.7 million. The intrinsic value of a stock option is the difference between the estimated fair value of the underlying common stock and the exercise price of the option.
 
12. Income Taxes
 
Domestic and foreign income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Domestic
  $ (4,720 )   $ (5,488 )   $ (19,440 )
Foreign
    6,622       9,795       5,027  
Total
  $ 1,902     $ 4,307     $ (14,413 )
 
The provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Current expense (benefit):
                 
U.S.
                 
Federal
  $     $     $ (2,346 )
State
    100       65       137  
Total U.S.
    100       65       (2,209 )
Foreign
    3,412       2,861       1,834  
Total current
    3,512       2,926       (375 )
Deferred expense (benefit):
                       
U.S.
                       
Federal
    (3,221 )           (1,240 )
State
                5  
Total U.S.
    (3,221 )           (1,235 )
Foreign
    65       564       (459 )
Total deferred
    (3,156 )     564       (1,694 )
Total (benefit) provision for income taxes
  $ 356     $ 3,490     $ (2,069 )
 
Reconciliation between the (benefit) provision for income taxes from continuing operations and income taxes computed by applying the statutory rate of 35% is as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Tax (benefit) provision at statutory rate
  $ 666     $ 1,507     $ (5,045 )
Add (deduct)
                       
Meals and entertainment
    88       36       34  
Dividends
          670       966  
Change in valuation allowance
    (72 )     1,779       2,124  
Taxable differential for foreign subsidiaries
    (392 )     (492 )     (528 )
State income tax, net of federal benefit
    65       42       (10 )
Other, net
    1       (52 )     390  
    $ 356     $ 3,490     $ (2,069 )
 
 
67

 
The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities were:
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Deferred tax assets:
 
(in thousands)
 
Accrued expenses
  $ 6,110     $ 5,099  
Foreign tax credit
    17,546       15,125  
Net operating loss carryforward
    5,679       7,366  
AMT carryforward
    591       629  
Valuation allowance
    (19,110 )     (19,183 )
      10,816       9,036  
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Excess book basis over tax basis for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
    (4,212 )     (6,291 )
Other
    (1,868 )     (1,842 )
      (6,080 )     (8,133 )
Total deferred tax asset
  $ 4,736     $ 903  
 
At December 31, 2012, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax purposes of $11.1 million which will begin to expire, if unused, in 2023 and $6.6 million of foreign net operating loss carryforwards, which do not expire. The Company also has foreign tax credit carryfowards for U.S. federal income tax purposes of $17.5 million which will begin to expire, if unused, in 2013. In addition, the Company has an alternative minimum tax credit carryforward of $0.6 million, which does not expire.
 
Deferred tax assets are recorded on net operating losses, tax credit carryforwards and temporary differences in the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities expected to produce tax deductions in future periods. The realization of these assets depends on the recognition of sufficient future taxable income in specific tax jurisdictions during periods in which those temporary differences or carryforwards are deductible. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets, the Company considered whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of them will not be realized. The valuation allowance recorded was based on management’s best estimate as to whether it is more likely than not that the net operating loss carryforwards, foreign tax credits carryforwards and foreign net operating loss carryforwards will be realized. During 2012, based on positive evidence including recent and projected taxable income in the United States, the Company reversed approximately $2.3 million of valuation allowance relating to federal net operating loss carryforwards. As of December 31, 2012, there are foreign net operating losses of $1.1 million and state net operating losses of $474 thousand that the Company does not believe are more likely than not to be realized. As such, these net operating losses have a valuation allowance recorded against them. In addition, due to uncertainty as to the ability to utilize foreign tax credits, the Company does not believe there is sufficient evidence to conclude it is more likely than not the foreign tax credits will be utilized. As such, the valuation allowance against foreign tax credits increased from $15.1 million at December 31, 2011 to $17.5 million at December 31, 2012. The total valuation allowance on foreign tax credits and state and foreign net operating losses totaled $19.1 million at December 31, 2012.
 
Undistributed retained earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries amounted to approximately $32.2 million at December 31, 2012. Provision for U.S. federal income taxes has not been provided for these earnings as the Company considers them to be indefinitely reinvested. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to both U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign countries. Determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax asset/liability, if any, for temporary differences related to investments in foreign subsidiaries that are essentially permanent in duration is not practicable.
 
During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company had $0.8 million of unrecognized tax benefits based on tax positions of prior years.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, these were settled with taxing authorities.  At December 31, 2012, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits.
 
The Company recognizes accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as income tax expense. During 2012, no interest or penalty amounts were recognized related to uncertain tax benefits; however for 2011, the Company recognized $0.2 million in interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits noted above. The Company had $0 and $0.2 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties for December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
 
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The Company is subject to income tax in U.S. federal, state and foreign jurisdictions. Based on applicable statutes of limitations, the Company is generally no longer subject to examinations by tax authorities in years prior to 2004.
 
13. Employee Benefit Plans
 
The Company has a defined contribution employee benefit plan under which substantially all U.S. employees are eligible to participate. The Company matches a portion of the employees’ contributions. The Company contributed approximately $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million to the plan during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
The Company has an unfunded pension plan in the Europe Africa region covering four former employees who are currently receiving pension benefits. The accrued pension benefit obligations as of December 31, 2012 were approximately $1.2 million and these obligations are included as a component of other long-term liabilities. This pension plan was terminated in 1995 and no other employees are or will be eligible to receive pension benefits.
 
The Company has obligations in respect of severance payments to its employees in the Asia Pacific region upon retirement under labor law. The Company treats these severance payment obligations as a defined benefit plan and, as of December 31, 2012, the accrued benefit was approximately $0.3 million and is included as a component of accrued liabilities.
 
14. Concentration of Credit and Other Risks
 
Accounts receivable could potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk. The Company continuously evaluates the creditworthiness of its customers and may require customers to provide letters of credit to guarantee payments. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, no single customer accounted for 10% or more of net sales.
 
The Company currently purchases its raw material, mainly polyethylene resins from at least two suppliers at each location. Polyethylene resins are occasionally in short supply and are subject to substantial price fluctuation in response to market demand. The Company has not encountered any significant prolonged difficulty to date in obtaining raw materials in sufficient quantities to support its operations at current or expected near-term future levels. However, any disruption in raw material supply or abrupt increases in raw material prices could have an adverse effect upon the Company’s operations.
 
15. Commitments and Contingencies
 
Product Warranties and Insurance Coverage —
 
The Company’s products are sold and installed with specified limited warranties as to material quality and workmanship. These limited warranties may last for up to 20 years, but are generally limited to repair or replacement by the Company of the defective liner or the dollar amount of the contract involved, on a prorated basis. The Company may also indemnify the site owner or general contractor for other damages resulting from negligence of the Company’s employees. The Company accrues a warranty reserve based on estimates for warranty claims. This estimate is based on historical claims history and current business activities and is accrued as a cost of sales in the period such business activity occurs.
 
The table below reflects a summary of activity of the Company’s operations for warranty obligations through December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
 
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 3,374  
Provision / changes in estimates
    196  
Payments
    (768 )
Balance at December 31, 2010
    2,802  
Provision / changes in estimates
    110  
Payments
    (687 )
Balance at December 31, 2011
    2,225  
Provision / changes in estimates
    (947 )
Payments
    (103 )
Balance at December 31, 2012
  $ 1,175  
 
 
69

 
Although the Company is not exposed to the type of potential liability that might arise from being in the business of handling, transporting or storing hazardous waste or materials, the Company could be susceptible to liability for environmental damage or personal injury resulting from defects in the Company’s products or negligence by Company employees in the installation of its lining systems. Such liability could be substantial because of the potential that hazardous or other waste materials might leak out of their containment system into the environment. The Company maintains liability insurance, which includes contractor’s pollution liability coverage in amounts which it believes to be prudent. However, there is no assurance that this coverage will remain available to the Company. While the Company’s claims experience to date may not be a meaningful measure of its potential exposure for product liability, the Company has experienced no material losses from defects in products and installations.
 
Bonding – Bank Guarantees —
 
The Company, in some direct sales and raw material acquisition situations, is required to post performance bonds or bank guarantees as part of the contractual guarantee for its performance. The performance bonds or bank guarantees can be in the full amount of the contracts. To date the Company has not received any claims against any of the posted securities, most of which terminate at the final completion date of the contracts. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had $9.3 million of bonds outstanding and $6.3 million of guarantees issued under its bank lines.
 
Litigation and Claims —
 
The Company is a party to various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of our business. These legal actions cover a broad variety of claims spanning the Company’s entire business. The Company believes it is not reasonably possible that resolution of these legal actions will, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on their financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
Operating Leases —
 
The Company leases certain equipment through operating lease arrangements of varying terms. The following is a schedule of future minimum lease payments for operating leases as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
 
Year ending December 31,
     
2013
  $ 544  
2014
    673  
2015
    148  
2016
    86  
2017
    86  
Thereafter
    976  
    $ 2,513  
 
Annual rent expense under the terms of non-cancelable operating leases was less than 1% of consolidated sales during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
 
16. Related Party Transactions
 
Management Agreement with CHS Management IV LP

In connection with the 2004 acquisition of the Company by CHS, the Company and GEO Holdings entered into a management agreement with CHS Management IV LP (“CHS Management”) a limited partnership (1) of which CHS is the general partner and (2) which is the general partner of CHS IV. Pursuant to the management agreement, CHS Management provided certain financial and management consulting services to GEO Holdings and to the Company. In consideration of those services, the Company paid fees to CHS Management in an aggregate annual amount of $2.0 million payable in equal monthly installments. Under the management agreement, the Company paid and expensed $0.2 million, $2.1 million and $2.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In connection with the Company’s IPO, the management agreement was terminated and a fee of $3.0 million was paid and expensed during the year ended December 31, 2012. The amounts paid to CHS are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). As of December 31, 2012, there were no amounts payable to CHS under the terminated agreement.
 
 
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17. Segment Information
 
The Company’s operating and external reporting segments are based on geographic regions, which is consistent with the basis of how management internally reports and evaluates financial information used to make operating decisions. The Company’s reportable segments are North America, Europe Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East.
 
Management evaluates performance and allocates resources based on sales and gross margin. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
 
The following tables present information about the results from continuing operations and assets of the Company’s reportable segments for the periods presented.
 
    Year ended December 31, 2012  
   
N. America
   
Europe Africa
   
Asia Pacific
   
Latin America
   
Middle East
   
Total
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Net sales to external customers
  $ 185,893     $ 139,329     $ 97,233     $ 46,112     $ 8,077     $ 476,644  
Intersegment sales
    42,051       35       12,554             4,590       59,230  
Total segment net sales
    227,944       139,364       109,787       46,112       12,667       535,874  
Gross profit
    45,351       10,076       16,771       4,799       692       77,689  
Gross margin
    19.9 %     7.2 %     15.3 %     10.4 %     5.5 %     14.5 %
Segment assets
    229,272       62,154       66,283       38,774       16,705       413,188  

   
Year ended December 31, 2011
 
   
N. America
   
Europe Africa
   
Asia Pacific
   
Latin America
   
Middle East
   
Total
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Net sales to external customers
  $ 205,015     $ 131,258     $ 74,287     $ 44,402     $ 9,489     $ 464,451  
Intersegment sales
    19,704       471       16,052       325       1,333       37,885  
Total segment net sales
    224,719       131,729       90,339       44,727       10,822       502,336  
Gross profit
    44,848       10,123       10,261       4,647       628       70,507  
Gross margin
    20.0 %     7.7 %     11.4 %     10.4 %     5.8 %     14.0 %
Segment assets
    193,937       58,334       41,659       30,280       11,017       335,227  

   
Year ended December 31, 2010
 
   
N. America
   
Europe Africa
   
Asia Pacific
   
Latin America
   
Middle East
   
Total
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Net sales to external customers
  $ 142,956     $ 104,506     $ 49,370     $ 36,120     $ 9,831     $ 342,783  
Intersegment sales
    18,896       1,514       8,869             1,594       30,873  
Total segment net sales
    161,852       106,020       58,239       36,120       11,425       373,656  
Gross profit
    24,005       10,506       4,301       3,855       1,216       43,883  
Gross margin
    14.8 %     9.9 %     7.4 %     10.7 %     10.6 %     11.7 %
Segment assets
    176,973       58,640       40,126       26,954       11,068       313,761  
 
The following tables reconcile the segment information presented above to the consolidated financial information.
 
Sales
 
   
Reconciliation to Consolidated Sales
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Total segment net sales
  $ 535,874     $ 502,336     $ 373,656  
Intersegment sales
    (59,230 )     (37,885 )     (30,873 )
Consolidated net sales
  $ 476,644     $ 464,451     $ 342,783  
 
 
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Assets
 
   
Reconciliation to Consolidated Assets
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Total segment assets
  $ 413,188     $ 335,227  
Intersegment balances
    (77,090 )     (42,801 )
Consolidated assets
  $ 336,098     $ 292,426  
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(in thousands)
 
United States
  $ 85,681     $ 72,653  
Germany
    22,296       21,238  
United Kingdom
    6,028       5,765  
Thailand
    27,365       22,958  
China
    1,564    
 
Chile
    7,934       7,679  
Egypt
    10,516       4,818  
Total
  $ 161,384     $ 135,111  
 
Geographic Sales Information
 
The following table presents further geographic detail for sales related to continuing operations. For purposes of this disclosure, sales are attributed to individual countries on the basis of the physical location and jurisdiction of the entity invoicing the customer for the sale.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(in thousands)
 
North America
  $ 185,893     $ 205,015     $ 142,956  
Europe Africa
    139,329       131,258       104,506  
Asia Pacific
    97,233       74,287       49,370  
Latin America
    46,112       44,402       36,120  
Middle East
    8,077       9,489       9,831  
Total sales
  $ 476,644     $ 464,451     $ 342,783  
United States
  $ 152,893     $ 164,409     $ 117,481  
Non-United States
    33,000       40,606       25,475  
North America
  $ 185,893     $ 205,015     $ 142,956  
 
Product Information
 
The Company sells four significant types of geosynthetic lining products, generally categorized as geomembranes, drainage products, geosynthetic clay liners and nonwoven geotextiles. Geomembranes are synthetic polymeric lining materials used as barriers in geotechnical engineering applications. Drainage products, such as geonets and geocomposites, are typically installed along with geomembranes in a liner system to keep liquids from accumulating on the liners. Geosynthetic clay liners are typically installed as the bottom layer of a liner system. Nonwoven geotextiles are synthetic, staple fiber, nonwoven needle-punched fabrics used in environmental and other industrial applications. All other polysynthetic products are captured in the specialty products category. Each product category is sold in each geographic segment.
 
 
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The following table presents the net sales of each product category for the years presented:
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Geomembranes
  $ 362,384     $ 352,224     $ 267,312  
Drainage
    49,818       44,247       31,167  
Geosynthetic clay liners
    29,678       33,541       18,639  
Nonwoven geotextiles
    12,443       16,067       10,399  
Specialty products
    4,684       8,513       7,208  
Other
    17,637       9,859       8,058  
Total sales
  $ 476,644     $ 464,451     $ 342,783  
 
18. Discontinued operations
 
The Company closed its manufacturing facility located in the United Kingdom, sold its interest in Bentoliner Canada, and exited the United States Installation business in 2010.  Additionally, the Company completed the exit from the synthetic turf business as of December 31, 2008.  For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2010, the Company recorded after tax losses of $0.5 million and $4.4 million, respectively, related to discontinued operations.   The loss in 2010 was primarily related to Bentoliner Canada.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded after tax income of $0.1 million related to discontinued operations.  At December 31, 2012 and 2011, there were approximately $0.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively, in assets and $0.8 million and $1.0 million in liabilities, respectively, at each period end related to discontinued operations.
 
19.  Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
 
The following tables set forth certain historical unaudited consolidated quarterly statement of operations data for each of the eight quarters in the two years ended December 31, 2012.
 
   
March 31,
2012
   
June 30,
2012
   
September 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2012
 
   
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
                         
Net sales
  $ 94,916     $ 139,168     $ 121,200     $ 121,360  
Cost of products
    80,834       115,675       100,820       101,626  
Gross profit
    14,082       23,493       20,380       19,734  
Operating income (loss)
    (6,798 )     11,382       8,140       4,802  
Net income (loss)  attributable to GSE Holding, Inc.
    (12,766 )     3,796       5,240       4,814  
Basic EPS (1)
    (0.82 )     0.20       0.27       0.24  
Diluted EPS (1)
    (0.82 )     0.19       0.26       0.24  
 
   
March 31,
2011
   
June 30,
2011
   
September 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2011
 
   
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
                         
Net sales
  $ 88,462     $ 118,487     $ 146,842     $ 110,660  
Cost of products
    74,008       100,911       126,006       93,019  
Gross profit
    14,454       17,576       20,836       17,641  
Operating income (loss)
    4,717       7,847       7,746       4,344  
Net income (loss)  attributable to GSE Holding, Inc.
    (731 )     (1,183 )     3,804       (937 )
Basic EPS (1)
    (0.07 )     (0.11 )     0.35       (0.09 )
Diluted EPS (1)
    (0.07 )     (0.11 )     0.32       (0.09 )
 
(1)
The sum of the quarterly income per share amounts may not equal the annual amount reported, as per share amounts are computed independently for each quarter and for the full year based on the respective weighted average common shares outstanding.
 
 
73

 
20. Subsequent Events
 
On February 4, 2013, the Company acquired all of the equity interests of SynTec, LLC, based in Baltimore, Maryland, for approximately $10 million cash.  SynTec is manufacturer of geosynthetic drainage and soil reinforcement products and provides the Company access to new technology for environmental and civil applications.
 
 
 
 
 
74

 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
None.
 
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2012. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2012, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective with respect to inadequate review procedures for our income tax provision, as discussed below.
 
Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
 
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
GSE Holding’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the GSE Holding; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of GSE Holding are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of GSE Holding; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of GSE Holding’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Management assessed the effectiveness of GSE Holding’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria set forth in the Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and concluded, as of such date, our internal control over financial reporting was not effective.
 
We did not maintain effective control over the calculation of our income tax provisions as we did not have adequate review procedures in place. The control deficiency could result in a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected in a timely manner. Accordingly, management has determined the control deficiency above constitutes a material weakness. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
 
Based on the performance of additional procedures by management designed to ensure the reliability of our financial reporting, we believe the consolidated financial statements included in this report as of and for the periods ended December 31, 2012 are fairly stated in all material respects.
 
 
75

 
Plans for Remediation of Material Weakness
 
We have engaged in and are continuing to engage in efforts to improve our internal control over financial reporting. Specifically, we are designing review controls that will prevent or detect an error in the calculation and reporting of our income tax provisions. We have hired a Tax Manager and an outside public accounting firm to ensure the proper accounting and disclosure. We have implemented a tax validation process to assist in the management of all tax data.
 
This annual report does not include an attestation report of GSE Holding’s registered public accounting firm due to a transition period established by rules of the SEC for newly public companies.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2012 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.
 
 
76

 
PART III
 
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
Information required by Item 10 has been omitted from this report and is incorporated by reference to the “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance” and “Executive Officers” sections of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
Information required by Item 11 has been omitted from this report and is incorporated by reference to the “Executive Compensation” section of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
Information required by Item 12 has been omitted from this report and is incorporated by reference to the “Common Stock Ownership” section of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
Information required by Item 13 has been omitted from this report and is incorporated by reference to the “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and Board of Directors and Corporate Governance”sections of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
 
Information required by Item 14 has been omitted from this report and is incorporated by reference to the “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” section of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
 
77

 
PART IV
 
 
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
The following documents are filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
 
1.  
Financial Statements: See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
2.  
Financial Statement Schedules: No schedules are provided because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or the related notes in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
3.  
Exhibits:  The information called for by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the Exhibit Index following the signature page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 
78

 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned.
 
Date:  December 10, 2013.
 
  GSE HOLDING, INC.
       
  By:    /s/ CHARLES A. SORRENTINO
    Name:
Charles A. Sorrentino
    Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer
       
       
  By: /s/ Daniel C. Storey
    Name:
Daniel C. Storey
    Title:
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial Officer) and Chief
Accounting Officer
 
 
 
 
79

 
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
3.1
 
Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of GSE Holding, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 15, 2012)
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of GSE Holding, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 15, 2012)
4.1
 
Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 4 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on December 6, 2011)
10.1
 
Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2012, by and among GSE Holding, Inc., Code Hennessy & Simmons IV LP, CHS Associates Fund IV, L.P. and the stockholders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 15, 2012)
10.2
 
Registration Agreement, dated May 18, 2004, as amended May 2, 2006, by and among GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.), Code Hennessy & Simmons IV LP, CHS Associates IV and the stockholders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on July 11, 2011)
10.3
 
Management Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2004, as amended May 27, 2011, by and among CHS Management IV LP, GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.) and Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on July 11, 2011)
10.4
 
First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of May 27, 2011, by and among Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc., General Electric Capital Corporation and the other credit parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on October 19, 2011)#
10.5
 
First Lien Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of May 27, 2011, by and among Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc., the other grantors party thereto and General Electric Capital Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on October 19, 2011)
10.6
 
Second Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of May 27, 2011, by and among Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc., Jefferies Finance LLC and the other credit parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on October 19, 2011)#
10.7
 
Second Lien Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of May 27, 2011, by and among Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc., the other grantors party thereto and Jefferies Finance LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on October 19, 2011)
10.8
 
Intercompany Subordination Agreement (First Lien), dated as of May 27, 2011, by and among GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.), Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc., the other parties thereto and General Electric Capital Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on July 11, 2011)
10.9
 
Intercompany Subordination Agreement (Second Lien), dated as of May 27, 2011, by and among GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.), Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc., the other parties thereto and Jefferies Finance LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on July 11, 2011)
10.10
 
Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of May 27, 2011, by and among Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc., the other grantors party thereto, General Electric Capital Corporation and Jefferies Finance LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on July 11, 2011)
10.11
 
GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.) Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.54 to Amendment No. 2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on November 10, 2011)+
10.12
 
Form of Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.) Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on July 11, 2011)+
 
 
80

 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
10.13
 
Grant of Nonqualified Stock Option, dated September 14, 2009, by and between Mark C. Arnold and GSE Holding, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on July 11, 2011)+
10.14
 
GSE Holding, Inc. 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Amendment No. 5 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on December 7, 2011)+
10.15
 
Form of Sale Bonus Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on July 11, 2011)+
10.16
 
GSE Holding, Inc. Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Amendment No. 4 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on December 6, 2011)+
10.17
 
Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated March 4, 2010, by and between Mark C. Arnold and Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on July 11, 2011)+
10.18
 
Change of Control & Retention Agreement by and between Jeffery D. Nigh and GSE Lining Technology, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on July 11, 2011)+
10.19
 
Change of Control & Retention Agreement, effective as of July 1, 2010, by and between Peter R. McCourt and GSE Lining Technology, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on July 11, 2011)+
10.20
 
Sale Bonus Letter Agreement, dated March 4, 2010, by and between Mark. C. Arnold and GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on October 19, 2011)+
10.21
 
IPO Bonus and Dividend Bonus Letter Agreement, dated September 16, 2010, by and between Mark C. Arnold and GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on October 19, 2011)+
10.22
 
Bonus Letter Agreement, dated September 15, 2010, by and between Peter R. McCourt and GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on October 19, 2011)+
10.23
 
Bonus Letter Agreement dated September 15, 2010, by and between Jeffery D. Nigh and GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on October 19, 2011)+
10.24
 
Bonus Letter Agreement, dated July 29, 2011, by and between Gregg Taylor and GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on October 19, 2011)+
10.25
 
Change in Control Agreement, effective as of July 28, 2011, by and between Gregg Taylor and GSE Lining Technology, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on October 19, 2011)+
10.26
 
Executive Securities Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2004, by and between GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.) and Samir T. Badawi (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed on March 9, 2006)
10.27
 
Executive Securities Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2004, by and between GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.) and James Steinke (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed on March 9, 2006)
10.28
 
Executive Securities Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2004, by and between GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.) and Gerald Hersh (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed on March 9, 2006)
 
 
81

 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
10.29
 
Executive Securities Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2004, by and between GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.) and Ernest C. English (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed on March 9, 2006)
10.30
 
Executive Securities Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2004, by and between GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.) and Paul Anthony Firrell (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed on March 9, 2006)
10.31
 
Executive Securities Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2004, by and between GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.) and Dr. Mohamed Abd El Aziz Siad Ayoub (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed on March 9, 2006)
10.32
 
Form of Amendment to Option Agreement pursuant to the GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.) Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on October 19, 2011)+
10.33
 
Bonus Letter Agreement, dated August 4, 2011, by and between William F. Lacey and GSE Holding, Inc. (f/k/a GEO Holdings Corp.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.51 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on October 19, 2011)+
10.34
 
Change in Control Agreement, dated August 4, 2011, by and between William F. Lacey and GSE Lining Technology, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.52 to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on October 19, 2011)+
10.35
 
First Amendment to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of October 18, 2011, by and among Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc., the other credit parties named therein, General Electric Capital Corporation, as agent and lender, and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.53 to Amendment No. 2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on November 10, 2011)
10.36
 
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the GSE Holding, Inc. 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to Amendment No. 5 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on December 7, 2011)+
10.37
 
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the GSE Holding, Inc. 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.56 to Amendment No. 5 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on December 7, 2011)+
10.38
 
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement pursuant to the GSE Holding, Inc. 2011 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.57 to Amendment No. 5 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on December 7, 2011)+
10.39
 
Amendment No. 1 to IPO Bonus and Dividend Bonus Letter Agreement, dated as of December 2, 2011, by and between Mark C. Arnold and GSE Lining Technology, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.60 to Amendment No. 4 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on December 6, 2011)+
10.40
 
Amendment No. 1 to Sale Bonus Letter Agreement, dated as of December 2, 2011, by and between Mark C. Arnold and GSE Lining Technology, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.61 to Amendment No. 4 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on December 6, 2011)+
10.41
 
Amendment No. 1 to Bonus Letter Agreement, dated as of December 2, 2011, by and between Peter R. McCourt and GSE Lining Technology, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.62 to Amendment No. 4 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on December 6, 2011)+
10.42
 
Amendment No. 1 to Bonus Letter Agreement, dated as of December 2, 2011, by and between Gregg Taylor and GSE Lining Technology, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.63 to Amendment No. 4 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on December 6, 2011)+
10.43
 
Amendment No. 1 to Bonus Letter Agreement, dated as of December 2, 2011, by and between Jeffery D. Nigh and GSE Lining Technology, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.64 to Amendment No. 4 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on December 6, 2011)+
 
 
82

 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
10.44
 
Amendment No. 1 to Bonus Letter Agreement, dated as of December 2, 2011, by and between William F. Lacey and GSE Lining Technology, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.65 to Amendment No. 4 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on December 6, 2011)+
10.45
 
Consent and Second Amendment to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of December 12, 2011, by and among Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc., the other credit parties named therein, General Electric Capital Corporation, as agent and lender, and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.66 to Amendment No. 6 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on January 30, 2012)
10.46
 
Consent and First Amendment to Second Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of February 8, 2012, by and among Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc., the other credit parties party thereto, Jefferies Finance LLC, as agent and lender, and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.67 to Amendment No. 9 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-175475) filed on February 9, 2012)
10.47
 
Termination Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2012, by and among GSE Holding, Inc., Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc. and CHS Management IV LP relating to Management Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2004, as amended May 27, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 15, 2012)
10.48
 
Third Amendment to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of April 18, 2012, by and among Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc., the other credit parties named therein, General Electric Capital Corporation, as agent and lender, and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2012).
10.49
 
Fourth Amendment to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of September 19, 2012 by and among GSE Environmental, Inc., (f/k/a Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc.) the other credit parties named therein, General Electric Capital Corporation, as agent and lender, and the other lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed on November 1, 2012).
10.50**
 
Fifth Amendment to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of January 25, 2013, by and among GSE Environmental, Inc. (f/k/a Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc.), the other credit parties named therein, General Electric Capital Corporation, as agent and lender, and the other lenders party thereto.
10.51
 
Consulting and Transition Agreement, dated as of September 27, 2012, by and between GSE Holding, Inc. and William F. Lacey (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 1, 2012).+
10.52**
 
Joinder to Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2013 by J. Michael Kirksey.
21.1**
 
List of subsidiaries
23.1*
 
Consent of BDO USA, LLP, independent registered public accounting firm
24.1**
 
Powers of Attorney (included on signature page)
31.1*
 
Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*
 
Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*
 
Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*
 
Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
________________
 
*
Filed herewith
 
**
Previously filed with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed on March 28, 2013.
 
+
Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
#
Portions of this exhibit have been omitted and furnished supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to an order granting confidential treatment.
 
 
83