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Commitments and Contingencies | 9 Months Ended
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Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] |
Commitments and Contingencies | Commitments and Contingencies: Environmental We had the following activity in our recorded environmental liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as follows (in thousands):
Beginning balance at December 31, 2017 | $ | 39,808 |
Expenditures | (3,564 | )
Accretion of discount | 669 |
Additions and changes in estimates | 16,236 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | (346 | )
Ending balance at September 30, 2018 | 52,803 |
Less amounts reported in Accrued expenses | 5,012 |
Amounts reported in Other noncurrent liabilities | $ | 47,791 |
Environmental remediation liabilities included discounted liabilities of $42.8 million and $28.1 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, discounted at rates with a weighted-average of 3.7% and 3.6%, respectively, with the undiscounted amount totaling $85.0 million and $68.2 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. For certain locations where the Company is operating groundwater monitoring and/or remediation systems, prior owners or insurers have assumed all or most of the responsibility. The amounts recorded represent our future remediation and other anticipated environmental liabilities. These liabilities typically arise during the normal course of our operational and environmental management activities or at the time of acquisition of the site, and are based on internal analysis as well as input from outside consultants. As evaluations proceed at each relevant site, changes in risk assessment practices, remediation techniques and regulatory requirements can occur, therefore such liability estimates may be adjusted accordingly. The timing and duration of remediation activities at these sites will be determined when evaluations are completed. Although it is difficult to quantify the potential financial impact of these remediation liabilities, management estimates (based on the latest available information) that there is a reasonable possibility that future environmental remediation costs associated with our past operations, could be an additional $10 million to $25 million before income taxes, in excess of amounts already recorded. We believe that any sum we may be required to pay in connection with environmental remediation matters in excess of the amounts recorded would likely occur over a period of time and would likely not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows on a consolidated annual basis although any such sum could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows in a particular quarterly reporting period. Litigation We are involved from time to time in legal proceedings of types regarded as common in our business, including administrative or judicial proceedings seeking remediation under environmental laws, such as the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, commonly known as CERCLA or Superfund, products liability, breach of contract liability and premises liability litigation. Where appropriate, we may establish financial reserves for such proceedings. We also maintain insurance to mitigate certain of such risks. Costs for legal services are generally expensed as incurred. Following receipt of information regarding potential improper payments being made by third party sales representatives of our Refining Solutions business, within our Catalysts segment, we promptly retained outside counsel and forensic accountants to investigate potential violations of the Company’s Code of Conduct, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other potentially applicable laws. Based on this internal investigation, we have voluntarily self-reported potential issues relating to the use of third party sales representatives in our Refining Solutions business, within our Catalysts segment, to the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and SEC, and are cooperating with the DOJ and SEC in their review of these matters. In connection with our internal investigation, we have implemented, and are continuing to implement, appropriate remedial measures. At this time, we are unable to predict the duration, scope, result or related costs associated with any investigations by the DOJ or SEC. We also are unable to predict what, if any, action may be taken by the DOJ or SEC or what penalties or remedial actions they may seek. Any determination that our operations or activities are not in compliance with existing laws or regulations, however, could result in the imposition of fines, penalties, disgorgement, equitable relief or other losses. We do not believe, however, that any fines, penalties, disgorgement, equitable relief or other losses would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or liquidity. In the first quarter of 2018, a jury rendered a verdict against Albemarle in a legal matter related to certain business concluded under a 2014 sales agreement for products that Albemarle no longer manufactures. As a result, we have recorded a charge of $16.2 million in Other income (expenses), net during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. In addition, in 2018, we recorded a charge of $10.8 million in Other income (expenses), net resulting from a settlement of a legal matter related to guarantees from a previously disposed business. Both matters have been resolved and paid during the three months ended September 30, 2018. Indemnities We are indemnified by third parties in connection with certain matters related to acquired and divested businesses. Although we believe that the financial condition of those parties who may have indemnification obligations to the Company is generally sound, in the event the Company seeks indemnity under any of these agreements or through other means, there can be no assurance that any party who may have obligations to indemnify us will adhere to their obligations and we may have to resort to legal action to enforce our rights under the indemnities. The Company may be subject to indemnity claims relating to properties or businesses it divested, including properties or businesses of acquired businesses that were divested prior to the completion of the acquisition. In the opinion of management, and based upon information currently available, the ultimate resolution of any indemnification obligations owed to the Company or by the Company is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Company had approximately $27.0 million and $42.7 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, recorded in Other noncurrent liabilities related to the indemnification of certain income and non-income tax liabilities associated with the Chemetall Surface Treatment entities sold. Other We have contracts with certain of our customers, which serve as guarantees on product delivery and performance according to customer specifications that can cover both shipments on an individual basis as well as blanket coverage of multiple shipments under certain customer supply contracts. The financial coverage provided by these guarantees is typically based on a percentage of net sales value.

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