WWW.EXFILE.COM, INC. -- 888-775-4789 -- HARSCO CORP. -- FORM 10-K


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

FORM 10-K

x  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009

OR

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

Commission File Number   1-3970   

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

Delaware
 
23-1483991
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. employer identification number)
     
350 Poplar Church Road, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
 
17011
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
     
Registrants telephone number, including area code        717-763-7064

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 $1.25 per share
New York Stock Exchange
Preferred stock purchase rights
 

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.YES  x NO  o

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  o 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  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  YES  o     NO  o

Indicate by check mark 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 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. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
 
Large accelerated filer  x
Non-accelerated filer  o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Accelerated filer  o
Smaller reporting company  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).YES  oNO  x

The aggregate market value of the Company’s voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Company as of June 30, 2009 was $2,272,391,000.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
 
Class
 
Outstanding at January 31, 2010
Common stock, par value $1.25 per share
 
80,505,994

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Selected portions of the 2009 Proxy Statement are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.

The Exhibit Index (Item No. 15) located on pages 110 to 115 incorporates several documents by reference as indicated therein.
 



HARSCO CORPORATION
FORM 10-K
INDEX


   
Page
PART I
     
Item 1.
Business.
 
3 - 8
Item 1A.
Risk Factors.
 
8 - 17
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments.
 
17
Item 2.
Properties.
 
17 - 18
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings.
 
18
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
 
18
Supplementary Item.
Executive Officers of the Registrant (Pursuant to Instruction 3 to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K).
 
19 - 20
       
PART II
     
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities.
 
21
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data.
 
22
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
23 - 50
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
 
50
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
 
51 - 105
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
 
105
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures.
 
105
Item 9B.
Other Information.
 
105
       
PART III
     
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
 
106
Item 11.
Executive Compensation.
 
106
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
 
106
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
 
107
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
 
107
       
PART IV
     
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
 
108 - 115
       
SIGNATURES
 
116
 
 
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PART I
Item 1. 
Business.

(a)  General Development of Business.

Harsco Corporation (the Company) is a diversified, multinational provider of industrial services and engineered products serving global industries that are fundamental to worldwide economic growth.  The Company’s operations fall into three reportable segments: Harsco Infrastructure, Harsco Metals and Harsco Rail (formerly included as a part of the “All Other” Category), plus an “All Other” Category labeled Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial.  The Company has locations in 51 countries, including the United States.  The Company was incorporated in 1956.

The Company’s executive offices are located at 350 Poplar Church Road, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011.  The Company’s main telephone number is (717) 763-7064.  The Company’s Internet website address is www.harsco.com. Through this Internet website (in the “Investor Relations” link) the Company makes available, free of charge, its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practical after those reports are electronically filed or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Information contained on the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and should not be considered as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Company’s principal lines of business and related principal business drivers are as follows:

Principal Lines of Business
Principal Business Drivers
       
· 
Engineered scaffolding, concrete forming and shoring, and other access-related services, rentals and sales
 
·
·
Infrastructure and non-residential construction
Industrial plant maintenance requirements
· 
Outsourced, on-site services to steel mills and other metals producers
·
·
Global metals production and capacity utilization
Outsourcing of services by metals producers
 
· 
Railway track maintenance services and equipment
·
·
Global railway track maintenance-of-way capital spending
Outsourcing of track maintenance and new track construction by railroads
 
· 
Minerals and recycling technologies
·
Demand for high-value specialty steel and ferro alloys
 
· 
Industrial grating products
·
·
Industrial plant and warehouse construction and expansion
Off-shore drilling and new rig construction
 
· 
Air-cooled heat exchangers
·
Natural gas compression, transmission and demand
 
· 
Industrial abrasives and roofing granules
·
·
Industrial and infrastructure surface preparation and restoration
Residential roof replacement
 
· 
Heat transfer products
·
Commercial and institutional boiler and water heater requirements

The Company reports segment information using the “management approach,” based on the way management organizes and reports the segments within the enterprise for making operating decisions and assessing performance.  The Company’s reportable segments are identified based upon differences in products, services and markets served.  These segments and the types of products and services offered are more fully described in section (c) below.

In 2009, 2008 and 2007, the United States contributed sales of $1.0 billion, $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion, equal to 34%, 32% and 31% of total sales, respectively.  In 2009, 2008 and 2007, the United Kingdom contributed sales of $0.4 billion, $0.7 billion and $0.7 billion, equal to 15%, 17% and 20% of total sales, respectively.  One customer, ArcelorMittal, represented approximately 10% of the Company’s sales during 2009, 2008 and 2007.  There were no significant inter-segment sales.

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(b)  Financial Information about Segments

Financial information concerning industry segments is included in Note 14, Information by Segment and Geographic Area, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

(c)  Narrative Description of Business

(1)      A narrative description of the businesses by reportable segment is as follows:

Harsco Infrastructure Segment – 39% of consolidated sales for 2009

The Harsco Infrastructure Segment is one of the world’s most complete global organizations for engineered rental scaffolding, shoring, concrete forming and other access-related solutions.  The Segment operates from a network of branches throughout the world, including North America, Europe, the Gulf Region of the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.  Major services include the rental of concrete shoring and forming systems; scaffolding for non-residential and infrastructure construction projects and industrial maintenance requirements; as well as a variety of other infrastructure services including project engineering and equipment erection and dismantling and, to a lesser extent, equipment sales.

The Company’s infrastructure services are provided through branch locations in approximately 40 countries plus export sales worldwide.  In 2009, this Segment’s revenues were generated in the following regions:

 
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
   
2009 Percentage
 
Region
of Revenues
     
 
Western Europe
58%
 
North America
20%
 
Middle East and Africa
12%
 
Eastern Europe
  6%
 
Latin America (a) (b)
  2%
 
Asia-Pacific (b)
  2%
(a)  
Including Mexico.
(b)  
Revenues in these regions are expected to increase in
 
2010 as a result of recent acquisitions.

For 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Harsco Infrastructure Segment’s percentage of the Company’s consolidated sales was 39% for each year.

Harsco Metals Segment – 36% of consolidated sales for 2009

The Harsco Metals Segment is the world’s largest provider of on-site, outsourced services to the global metals industries.  Harsco Metals provides its services and solutions on a long-term contract basis, supporting each stage of the metal-making process from initial raw material handling to post-production by-product processing and on-site recycling, including providing environmental services for the processing of residual by-products.  Working as a specialized, value-added services provider, Harsco Metals rarely takes ownership of its customers’ raw materials or finished products.  This Segment’s multi-year contracts had estimated future revenues of $3.6 billion at December 31, 2009.  This provides the Company with a substantial base of long-term revenues.  Approximately 61% of these revenues are expected to be recognized by December 31, 2012.  The remaining revenues are expected to be recognized principally between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2018.

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Harsco Metals operates in over 30 countries.  In 2009, this Segment’s revenues were generated in the following regions:

 
Harsco Metals Segment
   
2009 Percentage
 
Region
of Revenues
     
 
Western Europe
49%
 
North America
16%
 
Latin America (a)
14%
 
Middle East and Africa
  9%
 
Asia-Pacific
  8%
 
Eastern Europe
  4%
(a) Including Mexico.

For 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Harsco Metals Segment’s percentage of the Company’s consolidated sales was 36%, 40% and 41%, respectively.

Harsco Rail Segment – 10% of consolidated sales for 2009

The Harsco Rail Segment is a global provider of equipment and services to maintain, repair and construct railway track.  The Company’s railway track maintenance services, solutions and specialized track maintenance equipment support private and government-owned railroads and urban transit system worldwide.

The Company’s rail products are produced in three countries and products and services are provided worldwide.  In 2009, 2008 and 2007, export sales from the U.S. for the Harsco Rail Segment were $119.7 million, $68.1 million and $21.8 million, respectively.  These represent 39%, 25% and 9% of this Segment’s revenues for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  In 2009, this Segment’s revenues were generated from operations in the following regions:

 
Harsco Rail Segment
   
2009 Percentage
 
Region
of Revenues
     
 
North America (a)
83%
 
Western Europe
12%
 
Asia-Pacific
  4%
 
Middle East and Africa
  1%
 
(a)
North America revenues include export sales throughout
the world that originate from North America.
 
For 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Harsco Rail Segment’s percentage of the Company’s consolidated sales was 10%, 7% and 6%, respectively.

All Other Category - Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial – 15% of consolidated sales for 2009

The All Other Category includes the Harsco Minerals, Harsco Industrial IKG, Harsco Industrial Air-X-Changers and Harsco Industrial Patterson-Kelley business units.  Approximately 86% of this category’s revenues originate in the United States.

Harsco Minerals is a multinational company that extracts high-value metallic content for production re-use on behalf of leading steelmakers and also specializes in the development of minerals technologies for commercial applications, including agriculture fertilizers.  It also produces industrial abrasives and roofing granules from power-plant utility coal slag at a number of locations throughout the United States.  The Company’s BLACK BEAUTY® abrasives are used for industrial surface preparation, such as rust removal and cleaning of bridges, ship hulls and various structures.  Roofing granules are sold to residential roofing shingle manufacturers, primarily for the replacement roofing market.  This business unit is the United States’ largest producer of slag abrasives and third-largest producer of residential roofing granules.

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Harsco Industrial IKG manufactures a varied line of industrial grating products at several plants in North America.  These products include a full range of bar grating configurations, which are used mainly in industrial flooring, as well as safety and security applications in the power, paper, chemical, refining and processing industries.

Harsco Industrial Air-X-Changers is a leading supplier of custom-designed and manufactured air-cooled heat exchangers for the natural gas industry.  The Company’s heat exchangers are the primary apparatus used to condition natural gas during recovery, compression and transportation from underground reserves through the major pipeline distribution channels.

Harsco Industrial Patterson-Kelley is a leading manufacturer of heat transfer products such as boilers and water heaters for commercial and institutional applications.

For 2009, 2008 and 2007, the All Other Category’s percentage of the Company’s consolidated sales was 15%, 14% and 14%, respectively.

 
(1)
(i)
The products and services of the Company are generated through a number of product groups.  These product groups are more fully discussed in Note 14, Information by Segment and Geographic Area, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”  The product groups that contributed 10% or more as a percentage of consolidated sales in any of the last three fiscal years are set forth in the following table:

   
Percentage of Consolidated Sales
 
Product Group
2009
2008
2007
 
Services and equipment for infrastructure construction and industrial maintenance
39%
39%
39%
 
On-site services to metal producers
36%
40%
41%
 
Railway track maintenance services and equipment
10%
7%
6%

 
(1)
(ii)
New products and services are added from time to time; however, in 2009 none required the investment of a material amount of the Company’s assets.

 
(1)
(iii)
The manufacturing requirements of the Company’s operations are such that no unusual sources of supply for raw materials are required.  The raw materials used by the Company for its limited product manufacturing include principally steel and, to a lesser extent, aluminum, which are usually readily available.  The profitability of the Company’s manufactured products is affected by changing purchase prices of steel and other materials and commodities.  If steel or other material costs associated with the Company’s manufactured products increase and the costs cannot be passed on to the Company’s customers, operating income would be adversely impacted.  Additionally, decreased availability of steel or other materials could affect the Company’s ability to produce manufactured products in a timely manner.  The Harsco Minerals business unit uses raw materials sourced from boiler slag, which is a coal combustion by-product.  If the Company cannot obtain the necessary raw materials for its manufactured products, then revenues, operating income and cash flows will be adversely affected.  Certain services performed by the Harsco Minerals business result in the recovery, processing and sale of specialty steel scrap concentrate and ferro alloys to its customers.  The selling price of the by-product material is principally market-based and varies based upon the current market value of its components.  Therefore, the revenue amounts recorded from the sale of such by-product material varies based upon the market value of the commodity components being sold.

 
(1)
(iv)
While the Company has a number of trademarks, patents and patent applications, it does not consider that any material part of its business is dependent upon them.

 
(1)
(v)
The Company furnishes products and materials and certain industrial services within the Harsco Infrastructure and the All Other Category that are seasonal in nature.  As a result, the Company’s sales and net income for the first quarter ending March 31 are normally lower than the second, third and fourth quarters.  Additionally, the Company has historically generated the majority of its cash flows in the second half of the year.  This is a result of normally higher income during the latter part of the year.  The Company’s historical revenue patterns and cash provided by operating activities were as follows:

- 6 -

Historical Pattern of Revenue from Continuing Operations
(In millions)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
                               
First Quarter Ended March 31
  $ 696.9     $ 987.8     $ 840.0     $ 682.1     $ 558.0  
                                         
Second Quarter Ended June 30
    777.0       1,099.6       946.1       766.0       606.0  
                                         
Third Quarter Ended September 30
    744.2       1,044.9       927.4       773.3       599.5  
                                         
Fourth Quarter Ended December 31
    772.5       835.5       974.6       804.2       632.5  
Totals
  $ 2,990.6     $ 3,967.8     $ 3,688.2 (a)   $ 3,025.6     $ 2,396.0  

Historical Pattern of Cash Provided by Operations
(In millions)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
                               
First Quarter Ended March 31
  $ 39.6     $ 32.0     $ 41.7     $ 69.8     $ 48.1  
                                         
Second Quarter Ended June 30
    116.7       178.5       154.9       114.5       86.3  
                                         
Third Quarter Ended September 30
    120.4       171.6       175.7       94.6       98.1  
                                         
Fourth Quarter Ended December 31
    157.8       192.2       99.4       130.3       82.7  
Totals
  $ 434.5     $ 574.3     $ 471.7     $ 409.2     $ 315.3 (a)
(a)
Does not total due to rounding.

 
(1)
(vi)
The practices of the Company relating to working capital are similar to those practices of other industrial service providers or manufacturers servicing both domestic and international industrial customers and commercial markets.  These practices include the following:
·  
Standard accounts receivable payment terms of 30 days to 60 days, with progress or advance payments required for certain long-lead-time or large orders.  Payment terms are slightly longer in certain international markets.
·  
Standard accounts payable payment terms of 30 days to 90 days.
·  
Inventories are maintained in sufficient quantities to meet forecasted demand.  Due to the time required to manufacture certain railway track maintenance equipment to customer specifications, inventory levels of this business tend to increase for an extended time during the production phase and then decline when the equipment is sold.

 
(1)
(vii)
One customer, ArcelorMittal, represented approximately 10% of the Company’s sales in 2009, 2008 and 2007.  The Harsco Metals Segment is dependent largely on the global steel industry, and in 2009, 2008 and 2007 there were two customers that each provided in excess of 10% of this Segment’s revenues under multiple long-term contracts at numerous mill sites.  ArcelorMittal was one of those customers in 2009, 2008 and 2007.  The loss of any one of the contracts would not have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s financial position or cash flows; however, it could have a significant effect on quarterly or annual results of operations.  Additionally, these customers have significant accounts receivable balances.  Further consolidation in the global steel industry is possible.  Should transactions occur involving some of the Company’s larger steel industry customers, it would result in an increase in concentration of revenues and credit risk for the Company.  If a large customer were to experience financial difficulty, or file for bankruptcy protection, it could adversely impact the Company’s income, cash flows and asset valuations.  As part of its credit risk management practices, the Company closely monitors the credit standing and accounts receivable position of its customer base.

 
(1)
(viii)
At December 31, 2009, the Company’s metals services contracts had estimated future revenues of $3.6 billion, compared with $4.1 billion as of December 31, 2008.  The decline is primarily attributable to the revenues recognized during 2009 offset by projected volume from new and renewed contracts.  At December 31, 2009, the Company’s railway track maintenance services and equipment business had estimated future revenues of $442.3 million, compared with $518.1 million as of December 31, 2008.  This is primarily due to shipment of orders during 2009, partially offset by new orders.  The railway track maintenance services and equipment business backlog includes a significant portion that will not be

- 7 -

 
 
 
realized until late 2010 and 2011 due to the long lead-time necessary to build certain equipment, and the long-term nature of certain service contracts.  In addition, as of December 31, 2009, the Company had an order backlog of $48.6 million in its All Other Category (Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial).  This compares with $121.6 million as of December 31, 2008.  The decrease from December 31, 2008 is due principally to lower demand and completion of orders during 2009.  Order backlog for scaffolding, shoring and forming services; for roofing granules and slag abrasives; and for the reclamation and recycling services of high-value content from steelmaking slag is excluded from the above amounts.  These amounts are generally not quantifiable due to the short order lead times for certain services, the nature and timing of the products and services provided and equipment rentals with the ultimate length of the rental period unknown.
 
As of December 31, 2009, approximately $252.9 million or 52% of the Company’s order backlog is not expected to be filled in 2010.  The majority of this backlog is expected to be filled in 2011.  This is exclusive of long-term metals industry services contracts, infrastructure-related services, roofing granules and industrial abrasives products, and minerals and metal recovery technologies services.
 
 
(1)
(ix)
At December 31, 2009, the Company had no material contracts that were subject to renegotiation of profits or termination at the election of the U.S. government.

 
(1)
(x)
The Company encounters active competition in all of its activities from both larger and smaller companies that produce the same or similar products or services, or that produce different products appropriate for the same uses.

 
(1)
(xi)
The expense for product development activities was $3.2 million, $5.3 million and $3.2 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  For additional information regarding product development activities, see the Research and Development section included in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 
(1)
(xii)
The Company has become subject to, as have others, stringent air and water quality control legislation.  In general, the Company has not experienced substantial difficulty complying with these environmental regulations, and does not anticipate making any material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities.  While the Company expects that environmental regulations may expand, and that its expenditures for air and water quality control will continue, it cannot predict the effect on its business of such expanded regulations.  For additional information regarding environmental matters see Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

 
(1)
(xiii)
As of December 31, 2009, the Company had approximately 19,600 employees.

(d)  Financial Information about Geographic Areas

Financial information concerning foreign and domestic operations is included in Note 14, Information by Segment and Geographic Area, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”  Export sales from the United States totaled $149.0 million, $105.7 million and $61.7 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

(e)  Available Information

Information is provided in Part I, Item 1 (a), “General Development of Business.”


Item 1A. 
Risk Factors.

 
Set forth below and elsewhere in this report and in other documents the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission are risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual results to materially differ from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this report and in other documents the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

- 8 -

Market risk.

In the normal course of business, the Company is routinely subjected to a variety of risks.  In addition to the market risk associated with interest rate and currency movements on outstanding debt and non-U.S. dollar-denominated assets and liabilities, other examples of risk include customer concentration in the Harsco Metals and Harsco Rail Segments and certain businesses of the “All Other” Category; collectibility of receivables; volatility of the financial markets and their effect on pension plans; and global economic and political conditions.

The global financial markets experienced extreme disruption in the last half of 2008 and into 2009, including, among other things, severely diminished liquidity and credit availability for many business entities; declines in consumer confidence; negative economic growth; declines in real estate values; increases in unemployment rates; significant volatility in equities; rating agency downgrades and uncertainty about economic stability.  Governments across the globe have taken aggressive actions, including economic stimulus programs, intended to address these difficult market conditions.  These economic uncertainties affect the Company’s businesses in a number of ways, making it difficult to accurately forecast and plan future business activities.

The continuing disruption in the credit markets has severely restricted access to capital for many companies.  If credit markets continue to deteriorate, the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness to fund operations or refinance maturing obligations as they become due may be significantly constrained.  The Company is unable to predict the likely duration and severity of the current disruptions in the credit and financial markets and adverse global economic conditions.  While these conditions have not impaired the Company’s ability to access credit markets and finance operations at this time, if the current uncertain economic conditions continue or further deteriorate, the Company’s business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Negative economic conditions may adversely impact the demand for the Company’s services, the ability of the Company’s customers to meet their obligations to the Company on a timely basis and the valuation of the Company’s assets.

The continuing tightening of credit in financial markets may lead businesses to postpone spending, which may impact the Company’s customers, causing them to cancel, decrease or delay their existing and future orders with the Company.  Continuing decline in the economy may further impact the ability of the Company’s customers to meet their obligations to the Company on a timely basis and could result in bankruptcy filings by them.  If customers are unable to meet their obligations on a timely basis, it could adversely impact the realizability of receivables, the valuation of inventories and the valuation of long-lived assets across the Company’s businesses.  The risk remains that certain significant Harsco Metals customers may file for bankruptcy protection, be acquired or consolidate in the future.  Additionally, the Company may be negatively affected by contractual disputes with customers and attempts by customers to unilaterally change the terms and pricing of certain contracts to their sole advantage without adequate consideration to the Company, which could have an adverse impact on the Company’s income and cash flows.

The current tightening of credit in financial markets could also negatively affect the forecasts used in performing the Company’s goodwill impairment testing under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (“GAAP”).  In accordance with these principles, the Company is required to test acquired goodwill for impairment on an annual basis based upon a fair value approach.  If the fair market value of the Company’s reporting units is less than their book value, the Company could be required to record an impairment charge.  The valuation of reporting units requires judgment in estimating future cash flows, discount rates and other factors.  The basis of this discount rate calculation is derived from several internal and external factors.  These factors include, but are not limited to, the average market price of the Company’s stock, the number of shares of stock outstanding, the fair value of the Company’s debt, a long-term risk-free interest rate, and both market and size-specific risk premiums.  Additionally, assessments of future cash flows would consider, but not be limited to, the following: infrastructure plant maintenance requirements; global metals production and capacity utilization; global railway track maintenance-of-way capital spending; and other drivers of the Company’s businesses.  Changes in the overall interest rate environment may also impact the fair market value of the Company’s reporting units as this would directly influence the rate utilized for discounting operating cash flows, and ultimately determining a reporting unit’s fair value.  The Company’s overall market capitalization is also a factor in evaluating the fair market values of the Company’s reporting units.  During 2008 the Company’s stock price had decreased approximately 57%, but its market capitalization exceeded its book value as of December 31, 2008.  During 2009 the Company’s stock price increased approximately 16%, and its market capitalization continued to exceed its book value as of December 31, 2009.  As a result of this and other factors, the Company concluded that any interim impairment test was not required during 2009 and performed its regular annual test as of October 1, 2009.  Any significant declines in the overall market capitalization of the Company could lead to the determination that the book value of one or more of the Company’s reporting units exceeds their fair value.

- 9 -

If management determines that goodwill or other assets are impaired or that inventories or receivables cannot be realized at recorded amounts, the Company will be required to record a write-down in the period of determination, which will reduce net income for that period.  Although any potential impairment would be a non-cash charge, the amount could be significant and could have a significant adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations for the period in which the charge is recorded.

The Company’s global presence subjects it to a variety of risks arising from doing business internationally.

The Company operates in 51 countries, including the United States.  The Company’s global footprint exposes it to a variety of risks that may adversely affect results of operations, cash flows or financial position.  These include, but may not be limited to, the following:

·  
periodic economic downturns in the countries in which the Company does business;

·  
fluctuations in currency exchange rates;

·  
imposition of or increases in currency exchange controls and hard currency shortages;

·  
customs matters and changes in trade policy or tariff regulations;

·  
changes in regulatory requirements in the countries in which the Company does business;

·  
changes in tax regulations, higher tax rates in certain jurisdictions and potentially adverse tax consequences including restrictions on repatriating earnings, adverse tax withholding requirements and “double taxation”;

·  
longer payment cycles and difficulty in collecting accounts receivable;

·  
complexities in complying with a variety of U.S. and international laws and regulations;

·  
political, economic and social instability, civil unrest, terrorist actions and armed hostilities in the regions or countries in which the Company does business;

·  
inflation rates in the countries in which the Company does business;

·  
laws in various international jurisdictions that limit the right and ability of subsidiaries to pay dividends and remit earnings to affiliated companies unless specified conditions are met;

·  
sovereign risk related to foreign governments and the potential risks that include, but may not be limited to, that those governments stop paying interest or repudiate their debt, that they nationalize their private businesses or that they alter their foreign-exchange regulations; and‚

·  
uncertainties arising from local business practices, cultural considerations and international political and trade tensions.  The Company operates in many parts of the world that have experienced governmental corruption to some degree.  Accordingly, in certain circumstances, strict compliance with local laws and anti-bribery laws may conflict with local customs and practices.

If the Company is unable to successfully manage the risks associated with its global business, the Company’s financial condition, cash flows and results of operations may be negatively impacted.

The Company has operations in several countries in the Middle East, including Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as India, which are geographically close to countries with a continued high risk of armed hostilities.  During 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company’s Middle East operations contributed approximately $71.8 million, $66.7 million and $44.6 million, respectively, to the Company’s operating income.  Additionally, the Company has operations in and sales to countries that have encountered outbreaks of communicable diseases (e.g., Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (“AIDS”) and others).  In countries in which such outbreaks occur, worsen or spread to other countries, the Company may be negatively impacted through reduced sales to and within those countries and other countries impacted by such diseases.

- 10 -

Exchange rate fluctuations may adversely impact the Company’s business.

Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the over 40 other currencies in which the Company conducts business may adversely impact the Company’s operating income and income from continuing operations in any given fiscal period.  Approximately 66% and 68% of the Company’s sales and approximately 52% and 61% of the Company’s operating income from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were derived from operations outside the United States.  More specifically, approximately 15% and 17% of the Company’s revenues were derived from operations in the United Kingdom during 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Additionally, approximately 27% and 26% of the Company’s revenues were derived from operations with the euro as their functional currency during 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Given the structure of the Company’s revenues and expenses, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the foreign currencies in which the Company earns its revenues generally has a negative impact on operating income, whereas a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar tends to have the opposite effect.  The Company’s principal foreign currency exposures are to the British pound sterling and the euro.

Compared with the corresponding period in 2008, the average values of major currencies changed as follows in relation to the U.S. dollar during 2009, impacting the Company’s sales and income:

       
 
British pound sterling
Weakened by 17%
 
euro
Weakened by 6%
 
South African rand
Relatively constant
 
Brazilian real
Weakened by 9%
 
Canadian dollar
Weakened by 7%
 
Australian dollar
Weakened by 7%
 
Polish zloty
Weakened by 30%

Compared with exchange rates at December 31, 2008, the values of major currencies changed as follows as of December 31, 2009:
 
       
 
British pound sterling
Strengthened by 10%
 
euro
Strengthened by 2%
 
South African rand
Strengthened by 21%
 
Brazilian real
Strengthened by 25%
 
Canadian dollar
Strengthened by 14%
 
Australian dollar
Strengthened by 21%
 
Polish zloty
Strengthened by 3%

The Company’s foreign currency exposures increase the risk of income statement, balance sheet and cash flow volatility.  If the above currencies change materially in relation to the U.S. dollar, the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows may be materially affected.

To illustrate the effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes in certain key markets of the Company, in 2009, revenues would have been approximately 9% or $254.7 million less and operating income would have been approximately 14% or $30.6 million less if the average exchange rates for 2008 were utilized.  A similar comparison for 2008 would have decreased revenues approximately 1% or $30.8 million, while operating income would have been approximately 1% or $3.3 million less if the average exchange rates for 2008 would have remained the same as 2007.  If the U.S. dollar weakens in relation to the euro and British pound sterling, the Company would generally expect to see a positive effect on future sales and income from continuing operations as a result of foreign currency translation.  Currency changes also result in assets and liabilities denominated in local currencies being translated into U.S. dollars at different amounts than at the prior period end.  If the U.S. dollar weakens in relation to currencies in countries in which the Company does business, the translated amounts of the related assets and liabilities, and therefore stockholders’ equity, would increase.  Conversely, if the U.S. dollar strengthens in relation to currencies in countries in which the Company does business, the translated amounts of the related assets, liabilities, and therefore stockholders’ equity, would decrease.

Although the Company engages in foreign currency forward exchange contracts and other hedging strategies to mitigate foreign exchange risk, hedging strategies may not be successful or may fail to completely offset the risk.  The Company has a Foreign Currency Risk Management Committee that develops and implements strategies to mitigate these risks.

- 11 -

In addition, competitive conditions in the Company’s manufacturing businesses may limit the Company’s ability to increase product prices in the face of adverse currency movements.  Sales of products manufactured in the United States for the domestic and export markets may be affected by the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies.  Any long-term strengthening of the U.S. dollar could depress demand for these products and reduce sales and may cause translation gains or losses due to the revaluation of accounts payable, accounts receivable and other asset and liability accounts.  Conversely, any long-term weakening of the U.S. dollar could improve demand for these products and increase sales and may cause translation gains or losses due to the revaluation of accounts payable, accounts receivable and other asset and liability accounts.

Cyclical industry and economic conditions may adversely affect the Company’s businesses.

The Company’s businesses are subject to general economic slowdowns and cyclical conditions in the industries served.  In particular:

·  
The Company’s Harsco Infrastructure Segment may be adversely impacted by slowdowns in non-residential, multi-dwelling residential or infrastructure construction and annual industrial and building maintenance cycles;

·  
The Company’s Harsco Metals Segment may be adversely impacted by slowdowns in steel mill production, excess capacity, consolidation or bankruptcy of steel producers or a reversal or slowing of current outsourcing trends in the steel industry;

·  
The Company’s Harsco Rail Segment may be adversely impacted by developments in the railroad industry that lead to lower capital spending or reduced maintenance spending;

·  
The reclamation recycling services business may be adversely impacted by slowdowns in customer production or a reduction in the selling price of its materials, which is market-based and varies based upon the current fair value of the components being sold.  Therefore, the revenue amounts generated from the sale of such recycled materials vary based upon the fair value of the commodity components being sold;

·  
The roofing granules and abrasives business may be adversely impacted by reduced home resales or economic conditions that slow the rate of residential roof replacement, or by slowdowns in the industrial and infrastructure refurbishment industries;

·  
The industrial grating products business may be adversely impacted by slowdowns in non-residential construction and industrial production;

·  
The air-cooled heat exchangers business is affected by cyclical conditions present in the natural gas industry.  Therefore, a slowdown in natural gas production could adversely affect this business;

·  
The Company’s access to capital and the associated costs of borrowing may be adversely impacted by the tightening of credit markets.  Capital constraints and increased borrowing costs may also adversely impact the financial position and operations of the Company’s customers across all business segments.  Such customer capital constraints may result in cancelled or postponed construction projects negatively affecting the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.

The seasonality of the Company’s business may cause its quarterly results to fluctuate.

The Company has historically generated the majority of its cash flows provided by operations in the second half of the year.  This is a result of normally higher income during the second half of the year, as the Company’s business tends to follow seasonal patterns.  If the Company is unable to successfully manage the cash flow and other effects of seasonality on the business, its results of operations may suffer.  The Company’s historical revenue patterns and net cash provided by operating activities are included in Part I, Item 1, “Business.”

The Company may lose customers or be required to reduce prices as a result of competition.

The industries in which the Company operates are highly competitive. 

·  
The Harsco Infrastructure Segment rents and sells equipment and provides erection and dismantling services to principally the non-residential and infrastructure construction and industrial plant maintenance markets.  Contracts are awarded based upon the Company’s engineering capabilities, product availability and efficiency, safety record,

- 12 -

 
and the ability to competitively price its rentals and services.  If the Company is unable to consistently provide high-quality products and services at competitive prices, it may lose customers or operating margins may decline due to reduced selling prices. 
 
·  
The Harsco Metals Segment is sustained mainly through contract renewals.  Historically, the Company has a high contract renewal rate.  If the Company is unable to renew its contracts at the historical rates or renewals are at reduced prices, revenue and operating profits may decline.  Additionally, the Company has been exiting certain underperforming contracts in an effort to improve overall profitability.  The Company will continue to exit underperforming contracts as considered necessary to achieving its strategic initiatives.

·  
The Harsco Rail Segment and the Company’s manufacturing businesses compete with companies that manufacture similar products both internationally and domestically.  Certain international competitors export their products into the United States and sell them at lower prices due to lower labor costs and government subsidies for exports.  Such practices may limit the prices the Company can charge for its products and services.  Additionally, unfavorable foreign exchange rates can adversely impact the Company’s ability to match the prices charged by international competitors.  If the Company is unable to match the prices charged by international competitors, it may lose customers. 

The Company’s strategy to overcome this competition includes enterprise business optimization programs, international customer expansion, particularity in emerging economies, and the diversification, streamlining and consolidation of operations.

Increased customer concentration and credit risk in the Harsco Metals Segment may adversely impact the Company’s future earnings and cash flows.

·  
The Harsco Metals Segment and, to a lesser extent, the Harsco Rail Segment and the All Other Category have several large customers throughout the world with significant accounts receivable balances.  Consolidation in the global steel industry has occurred in recent years and additional consolidation is possible.  Should additional transactions occur involving some of the steel industry’s larger companies which are customers of the Company, it would result in an increase in concentration of credit risk for the Company.  If a large customer were to experience financial difficulty, or file for bankruptcy protection, it could adversely impact the Company’s income, cash flows and asset valuations.  As part of its credit risk management practices, the Company has developed strategies to mitigate, although not eliminate, this increased concentration of credit risk.

·  
In the Harsco Infrastructure Segment, concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are generally limited due to the Company’s large number of customers and their dispersion across different geographies.  However, continued economic declines in particular regions of the world could result in higher customer defaults and could adversely impact the Company’s income, cash flows and asset valuations.  The Company has developed strategies to mitigate, but not eliminate, this risk.

·  
The Company’s businesses may be negatively affected by contractual disputes with customers and attempts by major customers to unilaterally change the terms and pricing of certain contracts to their sole advantage without adequate consideration to the Company.

The Company is subject to changes in legislative, regulatory and legal developments involving income taxes.

The Company is subject to U.S. federal, state and international income, payroll, property, sales and use, fuel, and other types of taxes.  Changes in tax rates, enactment of new tax laws, revisions of tax regulations, and claims or litigation with taxing authorities could result in substantially higher taxes and, therefore, could have a significant adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.  Currently, a majority of the Company’s revenue is generated from customers located outside the United States, and a substantial portion of the Company’s assets and employees are located outside the United States.  U.S. income tax and foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings for certain non-U.S. subsidiaries, because such earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested in the operations of those subsidiaries. 

Several U.S. legislation proposals have been announced that would substantially reduce (or have the effect of substantially reducing) the Company’s ability to defer U.S. taxes on profit permanently reinvested outside the United States.  Proposals to date could have a negative impact on the Company’s financial position and operating results.  Additionally, they could have a negative impact on the Company’s ability to compete in the global marketplace.  The probability of any of these proposals being enacted cannot be predicted with any certainty.  Indications are that reform
 
- 13 -

in 2010 is still likely, but such reform may be structured with more of the business community’s concerns in mind.  Nonetheless, the Company is working with legislators with the goal of achieving a balanced and fair approach to tax reform.  The Company continues to monitor legislation to be in position to structure operations in a manner that will reduce the impact of enacted changes.

The Company’s defined benefit net periodic pension cost is directly affected by the equity and bond markets, and a downward trend in those markets could adversely impact the Company’s future earnings.

In addition to the economic issues that directly affect the Company’s businesses, changes in the performance of equity and bond markets, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States, impact actuarial assumptions used in determining annual net periodic pension cost, pension liabilities and the valuation of the assets in the Company’s defined benefit pension plans.  Further financial market deterioration would most likely have a negative impact on the Company’s net periodic pension cost and the accounting for pension assets and liabilities.  This could result in a decrease to Stockholders’ Equity and an increase in the Company’s statutory funding requirements.

The Company’s earnings may be positively or negatively impacted by the amount of income or expense the Company records for defined benefit pension plans.  The Company calculates income or expense for the plans using actuarial valuations that reflect assumptions relating to financial market and other economic conditions.  The most significant assumptions used to estimate defined benefit pension income or expense for the upcoming year are the discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets.  If there are significant changes in key economic indicators, these assumptions may materially affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  These key economic indicators would also likely affect the amount of cash the Company would contribute to the defined benefit pension plans.  For a discussion regarding how the Company’s financial statements can be affected by defined benefit pension plan accounting policies, see the Pension Benefits section of the Application of Critical Accounting Policies in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
 
In response to adverse market conditions during 2002 and 2003, the Company conducted a comprehensive global review of its defined benefit pension plans in order to formulate a strategy to make its long-term pension costs more predictable and affordable.  In 2008 and 2009, as a response to worsening economic conditions, the Company implemented design changes for additional defined benefit plans, of which the principal change involved converting future pension benefits for many of the Company’s non-union employees in the United Kingdom from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan.

The Company’s pension committee continues to evaluate alternative strategies to further reduce overall net periodic pension cost including: conversion of certain remaining defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans; the ongoing evaluation of investment fund managers’ performance; the balancing of plan assets and liabilities; the risk assessment of all multi-employer pension plans; the possible merger of certain plans; the consideration of incremental voluntary cash contributions to certain plans; and other changes that are likely to reduce future net periodic pension cost volatility and minimize risk.

In addition to the Company’s defined benefit pension plans, the Company also participates in numerous multi-employer pension plans throughout the world.  Within the United States, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 may require additional funding for multi-employer plans that could cause the Company to be subject to higher cash contributions in the future.  Additionally, market conditions may affect the funded status of multi-employer plans and consequently any Company withdrawal liability, if applicable.  The Company continues to monitor and assess any full and partial withdrawal liability implications associated with these plans.

Further tightening of credit, as well as downgrades in Harsco’s credit ratings, could increase Harsco’s cost of borrowing and could adversely affect Harsco’s future earnings and ability to access the capital markets.

Continued tightening of the credit markets may adversely impact the Company’s access to capital and the associated costs of borrowing; however, this is somewhat mitigated by the Company’s strong financial position.  The Company’s cost of borrowing and ability to access the capital markets are affected not only by market conditions but also by the short- and long-term debt ratings assigned to Harsco’s debt by the major credit rating agencies.  These ratings are based, in part, on the Company’s financial position and liquidity as measured by credit metrics such as interest coverage and leverage ratios.  See Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further discussion on credit ratings and outlook.  An inability to access the capital markets could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

- 14 -

Restrictions imposed by the Company’s credit facilities and outstanding notes may limit the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing or to pursue business opportunities.

The Company’s credit facilities and certain notes payable agreements contain a covenant stipulating a maximum debt to capital ratio of 60%.  Certain notes payable agreements also contain a covenant requiring a minimum net worth of $475 million.  In addition, one credit facility limits the proportion of subsidiary consolidated indebtedness to a maximum of 10% of consolidated tangible assets.  These covenants limit the amount of debt the Company may incur, which could limit its ability to obtain additional financing or pursue business opportunities.  In addition, the Company’s ability to comply with these ratios may be affected by events beyond its control.  A breach of any of these covenants or the inability to comply with the required financial ratios could result in a default under these credit facilities.  In the event of any default under these credit facilities, the lenders under those facilities could elect to declare all borrowings outstanding, together with accrued and unpaid interest and other fees, to be due and payable, which would cause an event of default under the notes.  This could, in turn, trigger an event of default under the cross-default provisions of the Company’s other outstanding indebtedness.  At December 31, 2009, the Company was in compliance with these covenants with a debt to capital ratio of 39.5%, a net worth of $1.5 billion and less than 1% of consolidated subsidiary indebtedness to consolidated tangible assets.  The Company had $322.7 million in outstanding indebtedness containing these covenants at December 31, 2009.

Failure of financial institutions to fulfill their commitments under committed credit facilities and derivative financial instruments may adversely affect the Company’s future earnings and cash flows.

The Company has committed revolving credit facilities with financial institutions available for its use, for which the Company pays commitment fees.  One facility is provided by a syndicate of several financial institutions, with each institution agreeing severally (and not jointly) to make revolving credit loans to the Company in accordance with the terms of the related credit agreement.  If one or more of the financial institutions providing these committed credit facilities were to default on its obligation to fund its commitment, the portion of the committed facility provided by such defaulting financial institution would not be available to the Company.  The Company periodically evaluates the creditworthiness of financial institution counterparties and does not expect default by them.  However, given the current global financial environment, such default remains possible.

The Company has foreign currency forward exchange contracts outstanding as part of a worldwide program to minimize foreign currency exchange operating income and balance sheet exposure.  Foreign currency forward exchange contracts are used to hedge commitments, such as foreign currency debt, firm purchase commitments and foreign currency cash flows for certain export sales transactions.  The Company may also enter into derivative contracts to hedge commodity exposures.  The unsecured contracts outstanding at December 31, 2009 mature at various times within three months and are with major financial institutions.  The Company may be exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other parties to the contracts.  The Company evaluates the creditworthiness of the counterparties and does not expect default by them.  However, given the current global financial environment, such default remains possible.

The inability of a counterparty to fulfill its obligation under committed credit facilities or derivative financial instruments may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

See Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources” of this report for more information.

The Company’s cash flows and earnings are subject to changes in interest rates.

The Company’s total debt as of December 31, 2009 was $1.0 billion.  Of this amount, approximately 6.4% had variable rates of interest and 93.6% had fixed rates of interest.  The weighted average interest rate of total debt was approximately 5.8%.  At current debt levels, a one percentage point increase/decrease in variable interest rates would increase/decrease interest expense by approximately $0.6 million per year.  If the Company is unable to successfully manage its exposure to variable interest rates, its results of operations may be negatively impacted.

A negative outcome on personal injury claims against the Company may adversely impact results of operations and financial condition.

The Company has been named as one of many defendants (approximately 90 or more in most cases) in legal actions alleging personal injury from exposure to airborne asbestos over the past several decades.  In their suits, the plaintiffs have named as defendants, among others, many manufacturers, distributors and installers of numerous types of equipment or products that allegedly contained asbestos.  The majority of the asbestos complaints pending against the
 
- 15 -

Company have been filed in New York.  Almost all of the New York complaints contain a standard claim for damages of $20 million or $25 million against the approximately 90 defendants, regardless of the individual plaintiff’s alleged medical condition, and without specifically identifying any Company product as the source of plaintiff’s asbestos exposure.  If the Company is found to be liable in any of these actions and the liability exceeds the Company’s insurance coverage, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected.  For more information concerning this litigation, see Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Higher than expected claims under insurance policies, under which the Company retains a portion of the risk, could adversely impact results of operations and cash flows.

The Company retains a significant portion of the risk for property, workers’ compensation, U.K. employers’ liability, automobile, general and product liability losses.  Reserves have been recorded that reflect the undiscounted estimated liabilities for ultimate losses including claims incurred but not reported.  Inherent in these estimates are assumptions that are based on the Company’s history of claims and losses, a detailed analysis of existing claims with respect to potential value, and current legal and legislative trends.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had recorded liabilities of $87.2 million and $97.2 million, respectively, related to both asserted and unasserted insurance claims.  Included in the balance at December 31, 2009 and 2008 were $6.9 million and $17.8 million, respectively, of recognized liabilities covered by insurance carriers.  If actual claims are higher than those projected by management, an increase to the Company’s insurance reserves may be required and would be recorded as a charge to income in the period the need for the change was determined.  Conversely, if actual claims are lower than those projected by management, a decrease to the Company’s insurance reserves may be required and would be recorded as a reduction to expense in the period the need for the change was determined.  The Company periodically evaluates the creditworthiness of the insurance providers and does not expect default by them.  However, given the current global financial environment, such default remains possible.

The Company is subject to various environmental laws, and the success of existing or future environmental claims against it could adversely impact the Company’s results of operations and cash flows.

The Company’s operations are subject to various federal, state, local and international laws, regulations and ordinances relating to the protection of health, safety and the environment, including those governing discharges to air and water, handling and disposal practices for solid and hazardous wastes, the remediation of contaminated sites and the maintenance of a safe workplace.  These laws impose penalties, fines and other sanctions for non-compliance and liability for response costs, property damages and personal injury resulting from past and current spills, disposals or other releases of, or exposure to, hazardous materials.  The Company could incur substantial costs as a result of non-compliance with or liability for remediation or other costs or damages under these laws.  The Company may be subject to more stringent environmental laws in the future, and compliance with more stringent environmental requirements may require the Company to make material expenditures or subject it to liabilities that the Company currently does not anticipate.

The Company is currently involved in a number of environmental remediation investigations and cleanups and, along with other companies, has been identified as a “potentially responsible party” for certain waste disposal sites under the federal “Superfund” law.  At several sites, the Company is currently conducting environmental remediation, and it is probable that the Company will agree to make payments toward funding certain other of these remediation activities.  It also is possible that some of these matters will be decided unfavorably to the Company and that other sites requiring remediation will be identified.  Each of these matters is subject to various uncertainties, and financial exposure is dependent upon such factors as the continuing evolution of environmental laws and regulatory requirements; the availability and application of technology; the allocation of cost among potentially responsible parties; the years of remedial activity required; and the remediation methods selected.  The Company has evaluated its potential liability and the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2009 and 2008 include an accrual of $3.1 million and $3.2 million, respectively, for future expenditures related to environmental matters.  The amounts charged against pre-tax earnings related to environmental matters totaled $1.5 million, $1.5 million and $2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The liability for future remediation costs is evaluated on a quarterly basis.  Actual costs to be incurred at identified sites in future periods may be greater than the estimates, given inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental exposures.

Increases in energy prices could increase the Company’s operating costs and reduce its profitability.

Worldwide political and economic conditions, an imbalance in the supply and demand for oil, extreme weather conditions and armed hostilities in oil-producing regions, among other factors, may result in an increase in the volatility of energy costs, both on a macro basis and for the Company specifically.  To the extent that increased energy costs
 
- 16 -

cannot be passed on to customers in the future, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company may be adversely affected.  To the extent that reduced energy costs are not passed on to customers in the future, this may have a favorable impact on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company.  The Company has established a Risk Management Committee to manage the risk of increased energy prices that affect the Company’s operations.

Increases or decreases in purchase prices (or selling prices) or availability of steel or other materials and commodities may affect the Company’s profitability.

The profitability of the Company’s manufactured products is affected by changing purchase prices of steel and other materials and commodities.  If raw material costs associated with the Company’s manufactured products increase and the costs cannot be transferred to the Company’s customers, operating income would be adversely affected.  Additionally, decreased availability of steel or other materials could affect the Company’s ability to produce manufactured products in a timely manner.  If the Company cannot obtain the necessary raw materials for its manufactured products, then revenues, operating income and cash flows will be adversely affected.

Certain services performed by the Harsco Minerals business result in the recovery, processing and sale of specialty steel and other high-value metal by-products to its customers.  The selling price of the by-products material is market-based and varies based upon the current fair value of its components.  Therefore, the revenue amounts generated from the sale of such by-products material vary based upon the fair value of the commodity components being sold.

The Company may not be able to manage and integrate acquisitions successfully.

In the past, the Company has acquired businesses and continues to evaluate strategic acquisition opportunities that have the potential to support and strengthen the business.  The Company can give no assurances, however, that any acquisition opportunities will arise or, if they do, that they will be consummated, or that additional financing or capital, if needed, will be available on satisfactory terms.  In addition, acquisitions involve inherent risks that the businesses acquired will not perform in accordance with the Company’s expectations.  The Company may not be able to achieve the synergies and other benefits that are expected from the integration of acquisitions as successfully or rapidly as projected, if at all.  The Company’s failure to effectively integrate newly acquired operations could prevent the Company from recognizing expected rates of return on an acquired business and could have a material and adverse effect on the results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

The future financial impact on the Company associated with the above risks cannot be estimated.

Item 1B. 
Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.
 
Item 2. 
Properties.

Information as to the principal properties owned and operated by the Company is summarized in the following table:

 
Location
Principal Products
     
 
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
 
 
Dosthill, United Kingdom
Infrastructure Services, Rentals and Sales
 
Trevoux, France
Infrastructure Services, Rentals and Sales
 
Arkel, The Netherlands
Infrastructure Services, Rentals and Sales
 
Lubna, Poland
Infrastructure Services, Rentals and Sales
     
 
Harsco Rail Segment
 
 
Brendale, Australia
Rail Maintenance Equipment
 
Fairmont, Minnesota
Rail Maintenance Equipment
 
Ludington, Michigan
Rail Maintenance Equipment
 
West Columbia, South Carolina
Rail Maintenance Equipment
 
- 17 -

Location
Principal Products
 
 
All Other Category – Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial
 
 
Drakesboro, Kentucky
Roofing Granules/Abrasives
 
Gary, Indiana
Roofing Granules/Abrasives
 
Channelview, Texas
Industrial Grating Products
 
Leeds, Alabama
Industrial Grating Products
 
Queretaro, Mexico
Industrial Grating Products
 
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Heat Transfer Products
 
Catoosa, Oklahoma
Heat Exchangers
 
Sarver, Pennsylvania
Minerals and Recycling Technologies

The Company also operates at the following principal properties that are leased:

 
Location
Principal Products
     
 
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
 
 
Ratingen, Germany
Infrastructure Services, Rentals and Sales
 
Berlin, Germany
Infrastructure Services, Rentals and Sales
 
Darmstadt, Germany
Infrastructure Services, Rentals and Sales
 
Mitry-Mory, France
Infrastructure Services, Rentals and Sales
 
Manchester, United Kingdom
Infrastructure Services, Rentals and Sales
 
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Infrastructure Services, Rentals and Sales
 
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Infrastructure Services, Rentals and Sales
 
Al Khor, Qatar
Infrastructure Services, Rentals and Sales
 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Infrastructure Services, Rentals and Sales
 
     
 
All Other Category – Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial
 
 
Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania
Roofing Granules/Abrasives
 
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Industrial Grating Products
 
Garrett, Indiana
Industrial Grating Products
 
Catoosa, Oklahoma
Heat Exchangers
 
Sapulpa, Oklahoma
Heat Exchangers
 
Sorel – Tracy, Canada
Minerals and Recycling Technologies
 
 
Timoteo, Brazil
Minerals and Recycling Technologies

The Harsco Metals Segment principally operates on customer-owned sites and has administrative offices in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, and Leatherhead, United Kingdom.

The above listing includes the principal properties owned or leased by the Company.  The Company also operates from a number of other smaller plants, branches, depots, warehouses and offices in addition to the above.  The Company considers all of its properties at which operations are currently performed to be in satisfactory condition and suitable for their intended use.

Item 3. 
Legal Proceedings.

Information regarding legal proceedings is included in Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Item 4. 
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

There were no matters that were submitted to a vote of security holders, through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth quarter of the year covered by this report.
 
- 18 -

Supplementary Item.  Executive Officers of the Registrant (Pursuant to Instruction 3 to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K).

Set forth below, as of February 23, 2010, are the executive officers (this excludes five corporate officers who are not deemed “executive officers” within the meaning of applicable Securities and Exchange Commission regulations) of the Company and certain information with respect to each of them.  S. D. Fazzolari, G. D. H. Butler, M. E. Kimmel, S. J. Schnoor, R. C. Neuffer and R. M. Wagner were elected to their respective positions effective April 28, 2009.  G. J. Claro was elected to his position effective June 1, 2009.  All terms expire on April 27, 2010.  There are no family relationships between any of the executive officers.

Name
Age
Principal Occupation or Employment
     
Executive Officers:
   
     
S. D. Fazzolari
57
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since April 22, 2008.  Chief Executive Officer of the Company since January 1, 2008.  Served as President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company from October 10, 2007 to December 31, 2007.  Served as President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company from January 24, 2006 to October 9, 2007 and as a Director since January 2002.  Served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from August 1999 to January 2006 and as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from January 1998 to August 1999.  Served as Vice President and Controller from January 1994 to December 1997 and as Controller from January 1993 to January 1994.
     
G. D. H. Butler
63
President of the Company and CEO of the Harsco Infrastructure business group since January 1, 2008.  Also served as CEO of the Harsco Metals business group between January 1, 2008 and June 1, 2009.  Served as Senior Vice President-Operations of the Company from September 26, 2000 to December 31, 2007 and as a Director since January 2002.  Concurrently served as President of the MultiServ and SGB Group Divisions.  From September 2000 through December 2003, he was President of the Heckett MultiServ International and SGB Group Divisions.  Was President of the Heckett MultiServ-East Division from July 1, 1994 to September 26, 2000.  Served as Managing Director-Eastern Region of the Heckett MultiServ Division in 1994.  Served in various officer positions within MultiServ International, N. V. prior to 1994 and prior to the Company’s acquisition of that company in 1993.
     
M. E. Kimmel
50
Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since January 1, 2008.  Served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2007.  Served as Corporate Secretary and Assistant General Counsel from May 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003.  Held various legal positions within the Company since he joined Harsco in August 2001.  Prior to joining the Company, he was Vice President, Administration and General Counsel, New World Pasta Company from January 1999 to July 2001.  Before joining New World Pasta, Mr. Kimmel spent approximately 12 years in various legal positions with Hershey Foods Corporation.
     
S. J. Schnoor
56
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since January 1, 2008.  Served as Vice President and Controller of the Company from May 15, 1998 to December 31, 2007.  Served as Vice President and Controller of the Patent Construction Systems Division from February 1996 to May 1998 and as Controller of the Patent Construction Systems Division from January 1993 to February 1996.  Previously served in various auditing positions for the Company from 1988 to 1993.  Prior to joining Harsco, he served in various auditing positions for Coopers & Lybrand from September 1985 to April 1988.  Mr. Schnoor is a Certified Public Accountant.
 
- 19 -

Name
Age
Principal Occupation or Employment
     
G. J. Claro
50
CEO of the Company’s Harsco Metals and Harsco Minerals business groups since September 1, 2009.  Served as CEO of the Company’s Metals Group since June 1, 2009.  Prior to joining the Company, he was CEO-Aleris Americas for Aleris International, a global leader in the production of aluminum rolled and extruded products, recycled aluminum and special alloys, from 2008 to 2009.  Before joining Aleris International, Mr. Claro served as President and CEO of the Heico Metals Processing Group, a diversified conglomerate with operations in the U.S., Canada and Europe, between 2007 and 2008.  Between 2005 and 2006, Mr. Claro served as Global Packaging Vice President of Operations for Alcoa, Inc., overseeing manufacturing facilities and Products & Brands Innovation Centers in the U.S., Latin America and Europe.
     
R. C. Neuffer
67
Harsco Senior Vice President since January 1, 2008 and CEO for the Company’s Harsco Rail Segment and Harsco Industrial Group since January 1, 2009.  Served as CEO of the Company’s Minerals Group between January 1, 2009 and September 1, 2009.  Served as President of the Minerals & Rail Group since his appointment on January 24, 2006.  Previously, he led the Patterson-Kelley, IKG Industries and Air-X-Changers units as Vice President and General Manager since 2004.  In 2003, he was Vice President and General Manager of IKG Industries and Patterson-Kelley.  Between 1997 and 2002, he was Vice President and General Manager of Patterson-Kelley.  Mr. Neuffer joined the Company in 1991.
     
R. M. Wagner
42
Vice President and Controller since January 1, 2008.  Mr. Wagner joined the Company in 2007 as Assistant Controller.  Prior to joining the Company, he held management responsibilities for financial reporting at Bayer Corporation.  He previously held a number of financial management positions both in the United States and internationally with Kennametal Inc., and also served as an audit manager with Deloitte & Touche.  Mr. Wagner is a Certified Public Accountant.




 
 
 
 
 
 

 
- 20 -

PART II

Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Harsco Corporation common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.  At the end of 2009, there were 80,353,059 shares outstanding.  In 2009, the Company’s common stock traded in a range of $16.90 to $37.65 and closed at $32.23 at year-end.  At December 31, 2009, there were approximately 19,500 stockholders.  There are no significant limitations on the payment of dividends included in the Company’s loan agreements.  For additional information regarding Harsco common stock market price and dividends declared, see Dividend Action under Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the Common Stock Price and Dividend Information under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”  For additional information on the Company’s equity compensation plans see Part III, Item 11, “Executive Compensation.”

(c)      Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
         
October 1, 2009 – October 31, 2009
 -
 -
 -
 2,000,000
November 1, 2009 – November 30, 2009
 -
 -
 -
 2,000,000
December 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009
 -
 -
 -
 2,000,000
Total
 -
 -
 -
 

The Company’s share repurchase program was extended by the Board of Directors in September 2009.  At that time, the Board authorized an increase of 463,353 shares to the 1,536,647 remaining from the Board’s previous stock repurchase authorization.  The repurchase program expires January 31, 2011.  As of December 31, 2009, there are 2,000,000 authorized shares remaining in the program.  When and if appropriate, repurchases are made in open market transactions, depending on market conditions.  Repurchases may not be made and may be discontinued at any time.


- 21 -

Item 6. 
Selected Financial Data.

Five-Year Statistical Summary

(In thousands, except per share, employee information and percentages)
 
2009 (a)
   
2008
   
2007 (b)
   
2006
   
2005 (c)
 
Income Statement Information attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders (d)
 
Revenues from continuing operations
  $ 2,990,577     $ 3,967,822     $ 3,688,160     $ 3,025,613     $ 2,396,009  
Income from continuing operations
    133,838       245,623       255,115       186,402       144,488  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    (15,061 )     (4,678 )     44,377       9,996       12,169  
Net income attributable to Harsco Corporation
    118,777       240,945       299,492       196,398       156,657  
Financial Position and Cash Flow Information
                                       
Working capital
  $ 418,237     $ 317,062     $ 471,367     $ 320,847     $ 352,620  
Total assets
    3,639,240       3,562,970       3,905,430       3,326,423       2,975,804  
Long-term debt
    901,734       891,817       1,012,087       864,817       905,859  
Total debt
    984,927       1,012,883       1,080,794       1,063,021       1,009,888  
Depreciation and amortization (including discontinued operations)
    311,531       337,949       306,413       252,982       198,065  
Capital expenditures
    165,320       457,617       443,583       340,173       290,239  
Cash provided by operating activities
    434,458       574,276       471,740       409,239       315,279  
Cash used by investing activities
    (269,360 )     (443,418 )     (386,125 )     (359,455 )     (645,185 )
Cash provided (used) by financing activities
    (164,083 )     (155,539 )     (77,687 )     (84,196 )     369,325  
Ratios
                                       
Return on sales (e)
    4.5 %     6.2 %     6.9 %     6.2 %     6.0 %
Return on average equity (f) (g)
    9.1 %     14.6 %     18.9 %     16.4 %     14.9 %
Current ratio
 
1.6:1
   
1.4:1
   
1.5:1
   
1.4:1
   
1.5:1
 
Total debt to total capital (g) (h)
    39.5 %     41.1 %     40.3 %     47.4 %     49.6 %
Per Share Information attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders (i)
 
Basic- Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.67     $ 2.94     $ 3.03     $ 2.22     $ 1.73  
- Income from discontinued operations
    (0.19 )     (0.06 )     0.53       0.12       0.15  
- Net income
  $ 1.48     $ 2.88     $ 3.56     $ 2.34     $ 1.88  
Diluted- Income from continuing operations
  $ 1.66     $ 2.92     $ 3.01     $ 2.21     $ 1.72  
- Income from discontinued operations
    (0.19 )     (0.06 )     0.52       0.12       0.14  
- Net income
  $ 1.47     $ 2.87 (j)   $ 3.53     $ 2.33     $ 1.86  
Book value (g)
  $ 18.79     $ 18.09     $ 18.99     $ 14.01     $ 12.30  
Cash dividends declared per share
  $ 0.805     $ 0.78     $ 0.7275     $ 0.665     $ 0.6125  
Other Information
                                       
Diluted average number of shares outstanding (i)
    80,586       84,029       84,724       84,430       84,161  
Number of employees
    19,600       21,500       21,500       21,500       21,000  
Backlog from continuing operations (k)
  $ 490,863     $ 639,693     $ 448,054     $ 236,460     $ 230,584  

(a)
Includes ESCO Interamerica, Ltd. acquired November 10, 2009 (Harsco Infrastructure).
(b)
Includes Excell Minerals acquired February 1, 2007 (All Other Category-HarscoMinerals & Harsco Industrial).
(c)
Includes the Northern Hemisphere mill services operations of Brambles Industrial Services (BISNH) acquired December 29, 2005 (Harsco Metals) and Hünnebeck Group GmbH acquired November 21, 2005 (Harsco Infrastructure).
(d)
2006 and 2005 income statement information is reclassified to reflect the Gas Technologies Segment as Discontinued Operations.  This Segment was disposed on December 7, 2007.
(e)
“Return on sales” is calculated by dividing income from continuing operations by revenues from continuing operations.
(f)
“Return on average equity” is calculated by dividing income from continuing operations by average equity throughout the year.
(g)
2005 through 2008 have been restated in order to include noncontrolling interests, previously referred to as minority interests, as a component of equity in accordance with the changes to consolidation accounting and reporting issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board January 1, 2009.
(h)
“Total debt to total capital” is calculated by dividing the sum of debt (short-term borrowings and long-term debt including current maturities) by the sum of equity and debt.
(i)
2006 and 2005 per share information is restated to reflect the 2-for-1 stock split effective in the first quarter of 2007.
(j)
Does not total due to rounding.
(k)
Excludes the estimated amount of long-term mill service contracts, which had estimated future revenues of $3.6 billion at December 31, 2009 and $4.1 billion at December 31, 2008.  Also excludes backlog of the Harsco Infrastructure Segment and the roofing granules and industrial abrasives business.  These amounts are generally not quantifiable due to the nature and timing of the products and services provided.


- 22 -

Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements provided under Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Certain statements contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, as discussed more fully herein.

Forward-Looking Statements
The nature of the Company’s business and the many countries in which it operates subject it to changing economic, competitive, regulatory and technological conditions, risks and uncertainties.  In accordance with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company provides the following cautionary remarks regarding important factors that, among others, could cause future results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, expectations and assumptions expressed or implied herein.  Forward-looking statements contained herein could include, among other things, statements about our management confidence and strategies for performance; expectations for new and existing products, technologies and opportunities; and expectations regarding growth, sales, cash flows, earnings and Economic Value Added (“EVA®”).  These statements can be identified by the use of such terms as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe” or other comparable terms.

Factors that could cause results to differ include, but are not limited to:  (1) changes in the worldwide business environment in which the Company operates, including general economic conditions; (2) changes in currency exchange rates, interest rates, commodity and fuel costs and capital costs; (3) changes in the performance of stock and bond markets that could affect, among other things, the valuation of the assets in the Company’s pension plans and the accounting for pension assets, liabilities and expenses; (4) changes in governmental laws and regulations, including environmental, tax and import tariff standards; (5) market and competitive changes, including pricing pressures, market demand and acceptance for new products, services and technologies; (6) unforeseen business disruptions in one or more of the many countries in which the Company operates due to political instability, civil disobedience, armed hostilities, public health issues or other calamities; (7) the seasonal nature of the business; (8) our ability to successfully enter into new contracts and complete new acquisitions or joint ventures in the timeframe contemplated or at all; (9) the integration of the Company’s strategic acquisitions; (10) the amount and timing of repurchases of the Company’s common stock, if any; (11) the ongoing global financial and credit crisis, which could result in our customers curtailing development projects, construction, production and capital expenditures, which, in turn, could reduce the demand for our products and services and, accordingly, our sales, margins and profitability; (12) the financial condition of our customers, including the ability of customers (especially those that may be highly leveraged and those with inadequate liquidity) to maintain their credit availability; (13) our ability to successfully implement cost-reduction initiatives; and (14) other risk factors listed from time to time in the Company’s SEC reports.  A further discussion of these, along with other potential factors, can be found in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of this Form 10-K.  The Company cautions that these factors may not be exhaustive and that many of these factors are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict.  Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results.  The Company undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.


Executive Overview
The following major challenges, emanating from the global recession that began in 2008, impacted the Company in 2009:
·  
Unprecedented low steel production throughout the world;
·  
A lack of available credit to certain customers that caused commercial and multi-family construction contracts to be cancelled or postponed;
·  
An overall stronger U.S. dollar during 2009 compared with 2008; and
·  
Pricing pressure across all businesses as customers sought to control costs during the recession and increased competition for the remaining projects.

In response to further deterioration of global markets during 2009, the Company supplemented its 2008 restructuring initiatives with additional countermeasures targeting expense reduction, revenue enhancement and asset optimization.  The combination of the 2008 and 2009 countermeasures have enabled the Company to make substantial progress in reducing its cost structure.  The savings realized from these initiatives will continue to benefit 2010 and beyond.  The Company’s actions to minimize its cost base and increase efficient asset utilization have included the following:
·  
Redeployment of its mobile asset base in the Harsco Infrastructure and Harsco Metals Segments to focus on market segments that remain strong and provide growth opportunities, such as the relocation of infrastructure
 
- 23 -

 
rental assets from the United Kingdom and Ireland to the Gulf Region of the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, and to markets served by recent acquisitions in Latin America; this helped enable a substantial reduction in capital spending;
·  
Reduction in the global workforce of approximately 20% since September 2008 and substantial reductions in discretionary spending;
·  
Continued expansion of the Company’s Continuous Improvement initiatives;
·  
Substantial reductions in capital spending resulting in record discretionary cash flows;
·  
Strengthening certain key positions in the global leadership team with new personnel;
·  
Implementation of supply chain optimization initiatives; and
·  
Implementation of countermeasures to improve efficiency and remove unnecessary costs.
 
The Company’s 2009 revenues from continuing operations totaled $3.0 billion, a decrease of $1.0 billion or 25% from 2008.  The Company experienced lower volume levels resulting from a deterioration of global steel markets and weaker demand for infrastructure services resulting, in part, from the lack of credit to finance projects, particularly in the United Kingdom, North America and several other key European countries.  Foreign currency translation decreased sales by $254.7 million and accounted for approximately 26% of the decline in sales.

Operating income from continuing operations was $218.7 million compared with $412.0 million in 2008, a decrease of 47%.  Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $1.66, a 43% decrease from 2008.  Results in 2008 included a charge of $0.28 per share in the fourth quarter for a significant restructuring initiative.  In the third quarter of 2009, the Company recorded a net non-cash charge of $0.11 per basic and diluted share for adjustments related principally to the improper recording of revenue by one business unit in one country, over a period of approximately three years.  Previously issued financial statements were not revised based on the Company’s determination that the cumulative effect was not material to the full-year 2009 results or previously issued annual or quarterly financial statements.

Revenues from the Company’s targeted growth markets were approximately 23% and 20% of total revenues for 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Revenues by region were as follows:

     
Revenues by Region
 
     
Total Revenues
Twelve Months Ended December 31
   
Percentage Growth From
2008 to 2009
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2009
   
Percent
   
2008
   
Percent
   
Volume
   
Currency
   
Total
 
 
Western Europe
  $ 1,268.5       42 %   $ 1,770.8       45 %     (18.4 %)     (10.0 %)     (28.4 %)
 
North America
    1,062.6       35       1,370.0       35       (21.8 )     (0.6 )     (22.4 )
 
Middle East and Africa
    228.7       8       257.5       6       (10.8 )     (0.4 )     (11.2 )
 
Latin America (a)
    197.0       7       253.7       6       (12.5 )     (9.9 )     (22.4 )
 
Eastern Europe
    120.0       4       189.0       5       (19.1 )     (17.4 )     (36.5 )
 
Asia-Pacific
    113.8       4       126.8       3       (2.3 )     (7.9 )     (10.2 )
 
Total
  $ 2,990.6       100 %   $ 3,967.8       100 %     (18.2 %)     (6.4 %)     (24.6 %)
(a)  
Includes Mexico

During 2009, the Company generated net cash from operating activities of $434.5 million compared with $574.3 million achieved in 2008.  For 2009, capital expenditures were reduced to $165.3 million compared with $457.6 million in 2008 as existing capital assets were used more efficiently.  The Company continues to have significant available liquidity and remains well-positioned from a financial flexibility perspective.  Net cash from operating activities for 2009 is less than in 2008 due primarily to lower income as a result of the global recession, but was offset by lower capital expenditures compared with prior years, as the mobility of the capital asset base provided the ability to reallocate resources globally.  This reallocation was performed without substantial new investments or harm to the productivity of the equipment in the short-term, and confirmed the flexibility of the Company’s capital allocation model.  The reduction in capital spending has thus allowed the Company to further enhance its balance sheet, maintain its dividend, reduce debt to the extent possible under borrowing agreements and pursue prudent, bolt-on acquisitions that are consistent with the Company’s growth strategies.  The Company’s cash flows are further discussed in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

Segment Summary
The Harsco Infrastructure Segment generated lower revenue and operating income in 2009 compared with 2008.  The reductions in 2009 were due principally to reduced end-market demand, particularly in the United Kingdom, North America and several other key European countries, and negative foreign currency translation effects.  Lower demand
 
- 24 -

was driven by the lack of available credit to certain customers that has resulted in cancelled and delayed non-residential construction projects, as well as a significant decline in export sales of infrastructure-related equipment.  This Segment’s revenues in 2009 were $1.2 billion compared with $1.5 billion in 2008, a 25% decrease.  Operating income decreased by 63% to $68.4 million, from $185.4 million in 2008.  Operating margins for the Segment declined to 5.9% from 12.0% in 2008.  Foreign currency translation decreased revenues and operating income for 2009 by $113.1 million and $14.2 million, respectively, in comparison with 2008.  Harsco Infrastructure accounted for 39% and 31% of the Company’s revenues and operating income, respectively, in 2009; compared with 39% and 45% of the revenues and operating income, respectively, for 2008.

Results for the Harsco Metals Segment for 2009 reflected unprecedented customer steel production cuts resulting from lower end-market demand due to the global recession.  Revenues for 2009 for the Harsco Metals Segment were $1.1 billion compared with $1.6 billion in 2008, a 31% decrease.  Volume decreases attributable to steel production cuts drove 72% of the reduction in year-over-year sales and negative foreign currency translation contributed 26% of the decline.  This Segment generated operating income of $15.9 million during 2009 compared with operating income of $85.3 million in 2008.  Foreign currency translation decreased revenues and operating income for 2009 by $126.5 million and $16.4 million, respectively, in comparison with 2008.  Harsco Metals accounted for 36% and 7% of the Company’s revenues and operating income, respectively, in 2009; compared with 40% and 21% of the revenues and operating income, respectively, for 2008.

The Harsco Rail Segment’s revenues in 2009 were $306.0 million compared with $277.6 million in 2008, a 10% increase.  Operating income increased by 55% to $56.5 million from $36.4 million in 2008.  Operating margins for this Segment increased by 540 basis points to 18.5% from 13.1% in 2008.  The Harsco Rail business generated higher revenues in 2009 compared with 2008 due principally to shipments of equipment to China under contracts with the China Ministry of Railways.  Harsco Rail accounted for 10% and 26% of the Company’s revenues and operating income, respectively, in 2009, compared with 7% and 9% of the revenues and operating income, respectively, for 2008.

In the All Other Category (“Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial”), revenues in 2009 were $440.3 million compared with $572.0 million in 2008, a decrease of 23%.  Operating income decreased by 28% to $82.5 million from $114.5 million in 2008, due principally to volume and commodity price declines in the minerals business and an overall market decline in the industrial grating products business.  Operating margins for the All Other Category decreased by 130 basis points to a still respectable 18.7% from 20.0% in 2008.  The minerals business continued to be adversely impacted by the downturn in metals production and fluctuating commodity prices and the industrial products business experienced an overall market decline as customers reduced stock levels from high 2008 inventory levels.  The All Other Category accounted for 15% and 38% of the Company’s revenues and operating income, respectively, in 2009 compared with 14% and 28% of the revenues and operating income, respectively, for 2008.

2009 Highlights
The following significant items affected the Company overall during 2009 in comparison with 2008:

Company-Wide:
·  
Revenues and operating income were impacted by the global recession as:
o  
The average value of the U.S. dollar increased significantly from 2008 to 2009, accounting for 26% of the sales decline and 16% of the decline in operating income;
o  
Global steel production, which began to decline in the latter part of 2008, remained at unprecedented low levels in 2009; and
o  
Restrictive lending and credit practices continued to adversely affect non-residential construction projects worldwide; this was coupled with pricing pressure as customers sought price breaks and competitors pursued the limited number of available projects.
·  
During 2009, the Company’s operating income benefited from the restructuring actions implemented in the fourth quarter of 2008.  Operational improvements were also recognized as a result of additional countermeasures implemented throughout 2009 targeting expense reduction, revenue enhancement and asset optimization.  Cost savings from the combination of the 2008 and 2009 countermeasures should manifest themselves throughout 2010 and beyond with significant annualized benefits.
·  
Due to strong operating cash flows and controlled capital spending, the Company repaid debt of $84.3 million in 2009.  Balance sheet debt declined by a lower $28.0 million in the same period due to foreign currency translation.
·  
Cash flow from operations for 2009 was $434.5 million.  This was more than sufficient to fund the cash requirements for investing activities of $269.4 million while also providing excess funds to reduce debt.

- 25 -

Harsco Infrastructure Segment:

 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2009
   
2008
 
 
Revenues
  $ 1,159.2     $ 1,540.3  
 
Operating income
    68.4       185.4  
 
Operating margin percent
    5.9 %     12.0 %

 
Harsco Infrastructure Segment – Significant Effects on Revenues:
 
(In millions)
 
 
Revenues – 2008
  $ 1,540.3  
 
Net decreased volume
    (277.9 )
 
Impact of foreign currency translation
    (113.1 )
 
Acquisitions
    9.9  
 
Revenues – 2009
  $ 1,159.2  

Harsco Infrastructure Segment – Significant Effects on Operating Income:
·  
In 2009, the Segment’s operating results decreased due to reduced non-residential, commercial and infrastructure construction spending, particularly in the United Kingdom, North America and several other key European countries.  This was partially offset by continued strength in emerging economies in the Gulf Region of the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions, as well as the global industrial maintenance sector.  The Company has benefited from its capital investments made in these markets in prior years and its ability to redeploy equipment throughout the world.
·  
In response to further deterioration of global infrastructure markets during 2009, this Segment implemented additional countermeasures targeting expense reduction, asset optimization and facility rationalization.
·  
Foreign currency translation in 2009 decreased operating income for this Segment by $14.2 million compared with 2008.

Harsco Metals Segment:

 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2009
   
2008
 
 
Revenues
  $ 1,084.8     $ 1,577.7  
 
Operating income
    15.9       85.3  
 
Operating margin percent
    1.5 %     5.4 %

 
Harsco Metals Segment – Significant Effects on Revenues:
 
(In millions)
 
 
Revenues – 2008
  $ 1,577.7  
 
Net decreased volume
    (356.1 )
 
Impact of foreign currency translation
    (126.5 )
 
Adjustments and other charges
    (10.3 )
 
Revenues – 2009
  $ 1,084.8  

Harsco Metals Segment – Significant Effects on Operating Income:
·  
Revenues, operating income and margins for 2009 were negatively impacted by unprecedented declines in global steel production and the stronger U.S. dollar in 2009 compared with 2008.  Liquid steel tons produced by customers were reduced by approximately 30% compared with 2008.
·  
During 2009, this Segment’s operating income benefited from the restructuring actions implemented in the fourth quarter of 2008.  Operating results also benefited from additional countermeasures implemented during 2009 targeting expense reduction, revenue enhancement and asset optimization.
 
- 26 -

·  
A reversal of revenue improperly recognized over the prior three years resulted in an operating income decrease that was recorded in the third quarter of 2009.  The improperly recorded revenue related to the failure to receive advance customer agreement and to invoice on a timely basis for additional work performed for two customers.  This matter was isolated to a business unit in one country and is considered a one-time event.
·  
Foreign currency translation in 2009 decreased operating income for this Segment by $16.4 million compared with 2008.

Harsco Rail Segment:

 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2009
   
2008
 
 
Revenues
  $ 306.0     $ 277.6  
 
Operating income
    56.5       36.4  
 
Operating margin percent
    18.5 %     13.1 %

 
Harsco Rail Segment – Significant Effects on Revenues:
 
(In millions)
 
 
Revenues – 2008
  $ 277.6  
 
Net increased volume
    35.6  
 
Impact of foreign currency translation
    (7.2 )
 
Revenues – 2009
  $ 306.0  

Harsco Rail Segment – Significant Effects on Operating Income:
·  
This Segment’s operating income increased for 2009 due in part to shipments of equipment to China under contracts with the China Ministry of Railways, partially offset by lower spare parts sales.
·  
During 2009, this Segment’s operating income and margins also benefited from ongoing Continuous Improvement initiatives.
·  
Foreign currency translation in 2009 reduced operating income for this Segment by $1.3 million compared with 2008.


All Other Category – Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial:

 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2009
   
2008
 
 
Revenues
  $ 440.3     $ 572.0  
 
Operating income
    82.5       114.5  
 
Operating margin percent
    18.7 %     20.0 %

 
All Other Category – Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial –
Significant Effects on Revenues:
 
(In millions)
 
 
Revenues – 2008
  $ 572.0  
 
Industrial grating products
    (51.7 )
 
Air-cooled heat exchangers
    (45.1 )
 
Reclamation and recycling services
    (19.8 )
 
Impact of foreign currency translation
    (7.9 )
 
Roofing granules and abrasives
    (5.9 )
 
Heat transfer equipment
    (1.3 )
 
Revenues – 2009
  $ 440.3  


- 27 -

All Other Category – Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial – Significant Effects on Operating Income:
·  
The economic downturn and customer decreases in inventory levels compared with 2008 contributed to a reduction in operating income for the industrial grating products business.
·  
The air-cooled heat exchangers business experienced a modest increase in operating income in 2009 as declines in operating income due to sales volume decreases were offset by lower commodity costs and benefits from Continuous Improvement actions.
·  
Operating income for the minerals business decreased in 2009 due to significantly lower metal prices and product mix.
·  
Countermeasures targeting expense reduction, revenue enhancement and asset optimization were implemented in these businesses and partially offset the declines in operating income.
·  
Foreign currency translation in 2009 decreased operating income for the All Other Category by $1.4 million compared with 2008.


Outlook, Trends and Strategies

Company-Wide:
Economic uncertainty remains throughout the world as a result of the global financial and economic crisis that started in 2008.  During the latter part of 2009, certain negative economic trends began to slowly abate, as overall steel production at mills served by the Company’s operations showed a modest sequential quarterly increase and the U.S. dollar weakened against certain major currencies.  While improving steel production and a weaker U.S. dollar generally contribute positively to the Company’s performance, expectations are that many of the challenges stemming from the global recession will continue in 2010, particularly in the first half, with the first quarter being the worst of the year.

The lack of activity in many of the non-residential, commercial construction markets served by the Company poses near-term challenges that include further pressure on pricing and equipment utilization.  These lower levels of activity have been exacerbated by extreme winter weather conditions across many parts of Europe and the United States, which are also expected to have a negative impact on operating results in the first quarter of 2010.

Although global economic conditions remain uncertain, the Company believes it is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities and execute appropriate countermeasures based on its strong balance sheet, available liquidity and ability to generate strong operating cash flows.  The Company has implemented and will continue to proactively and aggressively implement countermeasures to reinforce current and future performance.  The Company is confident that its on-going cost-reduction initiatives, its global supply chain initiative with IBM, along with its Continuous Improvement program, have significantly reduced, and will continue to reduce, the Company’s cost structure and further enhanced its financial strength.  The Company’s expansion of its global footprint in emerging markets; its diversity of services and products in industries that are fundamental to global growth; its long-term mill services and minerals supply contracts; the portability and mobility of its infrastructure services equipment; and its large infrastructure services customer base help mitigate its overall exposure to changes in any single economy.  However, continued or further deterioration of global economies could still have an adverse impact on the Company’s operating results.

The following significant items, risks, trends and strategies are expected to affect the Company in 2010 and beyond:

·  
The Company expects continued strong cash flows from operating activities.  The Company also expects to maintain discipline to limit capital expenditures through its ability to redeploy equipment to new projects, without jeopardizing the productivity of the equipment.  The Company believes that in the current economic environment, the mobile nature of its capital investment pool will facilitate strategic growth initiatives in the near term, lessening the need for growth capital expenditures for 2010.
·  
Management will continue to be very selective and disciplined in allocating capital, choosing projects with the highest Economic Value Added (“EVA®”) potential.
·  
The Company will continue to develop and implement countermeasures, as it has on an ongoing basis since the fourth quarter of 2008, to further compress underlying administration and operating costs to match the current economic environment and lower its break-even point without sacrificing quality of output.
·  
Continued implementation of the Company’s enterprise-wide Continuous Improvement program is expected to provide long-term benefits and enhance the overall performance of the Company through increased efficiency and a reduced cost structure.
 
- 28 -

·  
The Company announced in January 2010 that it has embarked upon a business transformation initiative designed to create significant operating and cost efficiencies by improving the Company’s internal supply chain planning, logistics, scheduling and integration throughout its worldwide operations.  This project is expected to contribute to the Company’s EVA growth but could result in near-term, cost increases and capital expenditures.
·  
The Company will continue to place a strong focus on corporate-wide expansion into emerging economies to grow and better balance its geographic footprint.  More specifically, the Company’s global growth strategies include steady, targeted expansion, particularly in the Gulf Region of the Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America to further complement the Company’s already-strong presence throughout Europe and North America.  Growth is expected to be achieved through the provision of additional services to existing customers, new contracts in both developed and emerging markets, and targeted, strategic, bolt-on acquisitions in strategic countries and market sectors.  Additionally, new higher-margin service and sales opportunities in the minerals and rail businesses will be pursued globally.  This strategy is expected to develop a significant increase to the Company’s presence in these markets to achieve approximately 30% of total Company revenues from emerging markets over the next several years and closer to 40% in the longer-term.  Over time, the improved geographic footprint will also benefit the Company through further diversification of its customer base.
·  
Fluctuations in the U.S. dollar can have significant impacts in the Harsco Infrastructure and Harsco Metals Segments, as approximately 80% to 85% of the revenues generated in these businesses are outside the United States.  If the U.S. dollar would strengthen, as it did overall from 2008 to 2009, sales and operating income would generally be reduced.  If the U.S. dollar were to weaken, sales and operating income would generally improve.
·  
Governments around the world have enacted stimulus packages to promote much-needed infrastructure projects.  Any substantial near-term benefit from stimulus packages is uncertain, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.  When stimulus package funding becomes available for infrastructure projects, which has been limited thus far, the Harsco Infrastructure and the Harsco Rail Segments are well positioned with their engineering expertise and the Company’s capital investment base to take advantage of any expected opportunities.  The Harsco Minerals business should also benefit from increased demand for its abrasive products as required by refurbishment stimulus projects.
·  
Steel production in 2010 is expected to increase over levels in 2009, benefitting the Harsco Metals Segment.
·  
Volatility in energy and commodity costs (e.g., crude oil, natural gas, steel, etc.) and worldwide demand for these commodities could impact the Company’s operations.  Cost increases could result in reduced operating income for certain products and services, to the extent that such costs cannot be passed to customers.  Cost decreases could result in increased operating income to the extent that such cost savings do not need to be passed on to customers.  However, volatility in energy and commodity costs may provide additional service opportunities for the Harsco Metals Segment and several businesses in the All Other Category as customers may outsource more services to reduce overall costs.  Volatility may also provide opportunities in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment for additional industrial plant maintenance and capital improvement projects.  In addition to embracing opportunities for revenue enhancement, the Company seeks to mitigate these costs as part of its ongoing enterprise-wide optimization initiatives.
·  
Total defined benefit net periodic pension expense for 2010 is expected to be approximately $21 million, slightly higher than 2009.  The increased expense is due to a lower discount rate at December 31, 2009, partially offset by higher than expected returns on plan assets in 2009.  These two factors are the primary drivers of the Company’s defined benefit net periodic pension expense as future service is no longer a factor in substantially all of the Company’s significant defined benefit plans.
·  
The Company has maintained a capital structure with a balance sheet debt to capital ratio approximating 40% for the last several years.  In October 2010, the Company’s 200 million British pound sterling-denominated notes (approximately $323 million at December 31, 2009) will mature.  The Company expects to refinance these notes during 2010 through public debt, commercial paper borrowings or its revolving credit facilities.
·  
As the Company has continued the strategic expansion of its global footprint, it has lowered its effective income tax rate.  The reduction reflects earnings in jurisdictions with lower tax rates coupled with the deferral of profits generated internationally.  The effective income tax rate for 2010, before discrete items, is currently expected to be approximately 24% to 26%.
·  
Currently, a majority of the Company’s revenue is generated from customers located outside the United States, and a substantial portion of the Company’s assets and employees are located outside the United States.  U.S. income tax and foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings for certain non-U.S. subsidiaries, because such earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested in the operations of those subsidiaries.  Several U.S. legislation proposals have been announced that would substantially reduce (or have the effect of substantially reducing) the Company’s ability to defer U.S. taxes on profit permanently reinvested outside the United States.  Proposals to date could have a negative impact on the Company’s financial position and operating results.  Additionally, they could have a negative impact on the Company’s ability to compete in the global marketplace.  The probability of any of these proposals being enacted cannot be predicted with any certainty.  Indications are that reform in 2010 is still likely, but such reform may be structured with more of the
 
 
 
- 29 -

 
business community’s concerns in mind.  Nonetheless, the Company is working with legislators with the goal of achieving a balanced and fair approach to tax reform.  The Company continues to monitor legislation to be in position to structure operations in a manner that will reduce the impact of enacted changes.
·  
The Company’s Harsco Minerals business generates value by capturing and processing boiler slag, which is a coal combustion by-product.  The EPA is considering increased regulation of the management of coal combustion by-products.  Such requirement could affect the Harsco Minerals business.  The Company is confident at this time, based upon EPA confirmation in the year 2000 and again in 2009, that there is no change in science that requires increased regulation of boiler slag.  Additionally, the Company believes no scientific data exists to support reclassification of boiler slag.

Harsco Infrastructure Segment:
·  
The near-term outlook for the Harsco Infrastructure Segment is impacted by continued uncertainty in global credit markets, which has caused construction projects to be deferred or cancelled, thus contributing to pricing pressure.  The current lack of activity in non-residential, commercial construction markets, particularly in the United Kingdom, Ireland, other parts of Europe and the United States, coupled with harsh winter weather conditions across many parts of Europe and the United States, are expected to present very challenging business conditions in the first half of 2010, particularly in the first quarter.  As a result, the Company expects an operating loss for the quarter ending March 31, 2010.
·  
The Company has initiated a transformational strategy in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment that includes the following:
o  
Effective in January 2010, all operations within this Segment have been rebranded as Harsco Infrastructure.  Previously, the Harsco Infrastructure Segment utilized three brand names (SGB Group, Hünnebeck Group and Patent Construction Systems).
o  
The costs and viability of the existing branch structure will continue to be scrutinized with a targeted goal of reducing the number of branches by 25% from the 2008 number, exclusive of recent acquisitions.
o  
A global supply chain optimization plan is being developed to identify initiatives that, when implemented should generate considerable operating and cost efficiencies.
o  
The productivity of branches will be improved through the continued use of the Company’s Continuous Improvement program and implementation of best practices across the network of branches.
o  
Additional countermeasures to adjust administration and operating costs to match the economic environment and to lower the Segment’s cost structure are being implemented.  To assist in accelerating these initiatives, the Company expects to incur approximately $8 million to $10 million in restructuring costs during the first quarter of 2010.
o  
The Company has initiated strategies to reposition the business, focusing increasingly on projects in the global industrial maintenance and infrastructure construction sectors.  In 2009, approximately 40% of the Segment’s business was in the commercial and multi-family sector, which has been impacted the most by tightened credit restrictions and the global economic downturn.  The remainder of current business was spread approximately 30% each to the industrial maintenance and the infrastructure sectors.  Over the next few years, the Company is targeting an allocation of approximately 40% each in the industrial maintenance and infrastructure sectors, with 20% in the commercial and multi-family sector.  Industrial maintenance contracts generally are long-term contracts with sustainable revenue streams serving the oil and gas, pharmaceutical, chemical, electric utility power plant and steel industries.  Infrastructure contracts also tend to be longer-term contracts with “blue-chip” contractors and include government-sponsored projects from stimulus programs.
·  
The Company will continue to emphasize prudent expansion of its geographic presence in this Segment through entering new markets and through further expansion in emerging economies, with a focus on China, India and Latin America.  The Harsco Infrastructure Segment’s value-added services and engineered forming, shoring and scaffolding systems, combined with its mobile capital investment base, will continue to be leveraged to grow the business as expansion opportunities occur.
·  
In 2010, the Company will fully integrate its recent acquisitions: ESCO, a regional leader in infrastructure services in seven countries in Central and South America, and Bell Scaffolding Group, with operations across the eastern seaboard of Australia.  ESCO is expected to provide an opportunity for the Company to scale its operations across the Latin American region, while Bell Scaffolding provides opportunities for further growth throughout Australia and other neighboring regions.
·  
Further declines in the economy and, more specifically, the construction industry may impact the ability of customers to meet their obligations to the Company on a timely basis and could adversely impact the realizability of receivables, particularly if customers file for bankruptcy protection or receivership.

- 30 -

Harsco Metals Segment:
·  
Steel industry expectations are that steel production will increase in 2010 compared with 2009, but not to the levels of the first half of 2008, prior to the beginning of the global recession.  Consistent with the industry overall, the Harsco Metals Segment’s customers increased their production in the last half of 2009, and those production levels are expected to increase modestly throughout 2010.
·  
The Company expects that customer production growth in 2010 can be accommodated with minimal headcount additions and limited capital spending by continued adherence to the Company’s Continuous Improvement program and prudent redeployment of labor and capital.
·  
Benefits from the Company’s 2008 restructuring program and additional countermeasures implemented in 2009 should continue to improve the operational efficiency and enhance profitability of the Harsco Metals Segment in 2010 and beyond.  Additional countermeasures will be undertaken in 2010 to continue to lower the cost base of this Segment.  Restructuring and countermeasure initiatives to date have included: improved terms or exit from underperforming contracts with customers and underperforming operations; defined benefit pension plan design changes; overall reduction in the global workforce; and a substantial reduction in discretionary spending.
·  
The Company anticipates that tightening environmental regulations will compel customers to address their production waste streams as an opportunity to maximize environmental compliance.  This should provide additional revenue opportunities for the Company.  The Harsco Metals Segment’s 2009 award of a $50 million, multi-year contract to clean up 3 million cubic yards of material left behind at an abandoned steelworks may be seen as a model for similar sites by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  The Company will continue to pursue growth opportunities in environmental services as awareness of environmental issues creates additional outsourced functions in slag management.
·  
As the steel manufacturing footprint moves towards developing countries, the Company will continue to execute a geographic expansion strategy in emerging markets in the Gulf Region of the Middle East and Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific.
·  
Further consolidation in the global steel industry is possible.  Should additional consolidations occur involving some of the steel industry’s larger companies that are customers of the Company, it could result in an increase in concentration of revenues and credit risk for the Company.  If a large customer were to experience financial difficulty, or file for bankruptcy protection, it could adversely impact the Company’s income, cash flows and asset valuations.  As part of its credit risk management practices, the Company closely monitors the credit standing and accounts receivable position of its customer base.  Further consolidation may also increase pricing pressure on the Company and the competitive risk of services contracts that are due for renewal.  Conversely, such consolidation may provide additional service opportunities for the Company as the Company believes it is well-positioned competitively.  As a result of this customer concentration, a key strategy of the Company is to diversify its customer base and expand to emerging market customers.

Harsco Rail Segment:
·  
The Harsco Rail Segment has a strong backlog for 2010 due principally to ongoing production of rail grinding machines for the China Ministry of Railways.  The contract will generate revenues through 2011.
·  
Further implementation of the Company’s Continuous Improvement initiatives are expected to improve margins on a long-term basis.
·  
U.S. and global customers are investing heavily in rebuilding their physical assets.  Although reduced freight revenues experienced by a customer may involve a cut in track maintenance budgets, improved margins can be realized due to extended work windows as increased track time is available for maintenance activity.  U.S. railway track maintenance service opportunities are expected to increase over the mid-term as many states have budget proposals for track services under the U.S. stimulus package.  New construction of high-speed rail systems is also expected to be financed with government funds over the near and long term.
·  
International demand for railway track maintenance services, solutions and equipment is expected to be strong in both the near term and the long term.  The Harsco Rail Segment expects to develop a larger presence in certain developing countries as track maintenance and construction needs grow.  Global bidding activity has been strong.
·  
This Segment will continue to pursue cost-reduction initiatives to reduce its overall cost base.  These initiatives could result in near-term capital expenditures and restructuring costs.

All Other Category – Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial:
·  
The Company will emphasize prudent global expansion of its minerals business for extracting high-value metallic content from slag and responsibly handling and recycling residual materials.  Environmental services provide growth opportunities in the minerals business as additional outsourced functions in slag management of stainless steel and other high-value metals arise.
·  
Improved customer production levels should have an overall positive effect on certain reclamation and recycling services in the near-term.  Metal prices remained relatively flat in the latter part of 2009; however, any increases would have a positive effect on operating results, while decreases would have a negative impact.
 
- 31 -

·  
Certain businesses in this Category are dependent on a small group of key customers.  The loss of one of these customers due to competition or due to financial difficulty, or the filing for bankruptcy protection, could adversely impact the Company’s income, cash flows and asset valuations.  As part of its credit risk management practices, the Company closely monitors the credit standing and accounts receivable position of its customer base.
·  
Worldwide supply and demand for steel and other commodities impact raw material costs for certain businesses in this Category.  The Company has implemented strategies to help mitigate the potential impact that changes in steel and other commodity prices could have on operating income.  If steel or other commodity costs associated with the Company’s manufactured products increase and the costs cannot be passed on to the Company’s customers, operating income would be adversely affected.  Conversely, reduced steel and other commodity costs would improve operating income to the extent such savings do not have to be transferred to customers. 
·  
The air-cooled heat exchangers business continues to explore international opportunities in addition to further growth in its customary North American markets.  Overall sales are expected to be negatively impacted by a lower level of industrial demand for natural gas as a result of lower natural gas prices and the global recession.  Low natural gas prices throughout 2009 curtailed the need for additional gas compression and coolers to support that compression.  Increased industrial use due to improving economic conditions, as well as weather patterns over the winter months, will influence the price and demand for natural gas and, consequently, the demand for heat exchanger equipment.  Colder weather tends to increase demand for heat exchanger equipment while warmer weather tends to result in reduced demand.

Results of Operations for 2009, 2008 and 2007

 
(Dollars are in millions, except per share information and percentages)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
 
Revenues from continuing operations
  $ 2,990.6     $ 3,967.8     $ 3,688.2  
 
Cost of services and products sold
    2,252.1       2,926.4       2,685.5  
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    509.1       602.2       538.2  
 
Other expenses
    7.6       22.0       3.4  
 
Operating income from continuing operations
    218.7       412.0       457.8  
 
Interest expense
    62.7       73.2       81.4  
 
Income tax expense from continuing operations
    18.5       91.8       117.6  
 
Income from continuing operations (a)
    140.8       251.5       264.8  
 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    (15.1 )     (4.7 )     44.4  
 
Net income attributable to Harsco Corporation
    118.8       240.9       299.5  
 
Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders
    1.66       2.92       3.01  
 
Effective income tax rate for continuing operations
    11.6 %     26.7 %     30.7 %
(a)  
On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board related to consolidation accounting and reporting.  These changes, among others, require that minority interests be renamed noncontrolling interests and that a company present a consolidated net income measure that includes the amount attributable to such noncontrolling interests for all periods presented.  Results for 2008 and 2007 have been reclassified accordingly.


- 32 -

Comparative Analysis of Consolidated Results

Revenues
2009 vs. 2008
Revenues for 2009 decreased $977.2 million or 25% from 2008.  This decrease was attributable to the following significant items:

 
(In millions)
Change in Revenues 2009 vs. 2008
 
$(356.1)
Net decreased volume due principally to the deterioration of the global steel markets in the Harsco Metals Segment.
 
  (277.9)
Net decreased revenues in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment due to lower sales and rentals, principally due to lower construction activity globally as a result of economic decline.
 
  (254.7)
Effect of foreign currency translation.
 
    (51.7)
Reduced demand for industrial grating products coupled with lower pricing levels.
 
    (45.1)
Decreased revenues of the air-cooled heat exchangers business due to a weaker natural gas market.
 
    (19.8)
Net decreased revenues in the reclamation and recycling services business due to lower commodity pricing, partially offset by net increased volume.
 
      (5.9)
Decreased volume in the roofing granules and abrasives business.
 
    (11.5)
Other (minor changes across the various units not already mentioned).
 
    35.6
Net increased revenues in the Harsco Rail Segment due principally to a higher level of rail equipment shipments to China in 2009 and increased contract services, partially offset by lower repair parts sales.
 
      9.9
Effect of business acquisitions in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.
 
$(977.2)
Total Change in Revenues 2009 vs. 2008


2008 vs. 2007
Revenues for 2008 increased $279.7 million or 8% from 2007.  This increase was attributable to the following significant items:

 
(In millions)
Change in Revenues 2008 vs. 2007
 
$  80.3
Net increased revenues in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment due principally to non-residential and infrastructure construction in international markets, particularly in the Middle East and Europe, and North American markets.
 
    58.5
Effect of business acquisitions.  Increased revenues of $30.0 million, $15.6 million, $2.0 and $10.9 million in the Harsco Metals Segment, Harsco Infrastructure Segment, Harsco Rail Segment and the All Other Category (Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial), respectively.
 
    46.8
Increased revenues in the Harsco Rail Segment due to a higher level of rail equipment shipments in 2008 and increased repair parts sales, partially offset by decreased contract services.
 
    30.8
Effect of foreign currency translation.
 
    22.0
Increased revenues of the air-cooled heat exchangers business due to a strong natural gas market.
 
    18.7
Increased revenues of the industrial grating products business due to increased prices.
 
    18.6
Net increased volume, new business and sales price changes in the Harsco Metals Segment (excluding acquisitions).
 
      5.9
Increased revenues in the roofing granules and abrasives business resulting from price increases and product mix.
 
      4.6
Other (minor changes across the various units not already mentioned).
 
      (6.5)
Net decreased revenues in the reclamation and recycling services business due to lower metal prices and reduced volume.
 
$279.7
Total Change in Revenues 2008 vs. 2007



- 33 -

Cost of Services and Products Sold

2009 vs. 2008
Cost of services and products sold for 2009 decreased $674.3 million or 23% from 2008.  This decrease was attributable to the following significant items:

 
(In millions)
Change in Cost of Services and Products Sold 2009 vs. 2008
 
$(500.9)
Decreased costs due to lower revenues (exclusive of the effect of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions, and including the impact of lower commodity and energy costs included in selling prices).
 
  (180.4)
Effect of foreign currency translation.
 
      (2.7)
Other (product/service mix and increased equipment maintenance costs, partially offset by enterprise business optimization initiatives and volume-related efficiencies).
 
      9.7
Business acquisitions.
 
$(674.3)
Total Change in Cost of Services and Products Sold 2009 vs. 2008


2008 vs. 2007
Cost of services and products sold for 2008 increased $240.9 million or 9% from 2007, slightly higher than the 8% increase in revenues.  This increase was attributable to the following significant items:

 
(In millions)
Change in Cost of Services and Products Sold 2008 vs. 2007
 
$129.5
Increased costs due to increased revenues (exclusive of the effect of foreign currency translation and business acquisitions, and including the impact of increased commodity and energy costs included in selling prices).
 
    45.7
Business acquisitions.
 
    40.8
Other (product/service mix and increased equipment maintenance costs, partially offset by enterprise business optimization initiatives and volume-related efficiencies).
 
    24.9
Effect of foreign currency translation.
 
$240.9
Total Change in Cost of Services and Products Sold 2008 vs. 2007




Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

2009 vs. 2008
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for 2009 decreased $93.1 million or 16% from 2008.  This decrease was attributable to the following significant items:

 
(In millions)
Change in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 2009 vs. 2008
 
$(43.7)
Effect of foreign currency translation.
 
  (22.3)
Decreased compensation expense due to lower employment levels.
 
  (12.8)
Other (due to spending reductions).
 
    (8.4)
Decreased travel expenses due to discretionary spending reductions.
 
    (8.2)
Lower professional fees due to discretionary spending reductions.
 
    (2.9)
Lower bad debt expense.
 
    2.6
Increased sales commissions, largely related to increased revenues in the Harsco Rail Segment.
 
    2.6
Effect of business acquisitions.
 
$(93.1)
Total Change in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 2009 vs. 2008


- 34 -

2008 vs. 2007
SG&A expenses for 2008 increased $63.9 million or 12% from 2007.  This increase was attributable to the following significant items:

 
(In millions)
Change in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 2008 vs. 2007
 
$  23.5
Increased compensation expense due to salary increases resulting from overall business growth, partially offset by lower employee incentive plan costs.
 
      9.5
Increased professional fees due to global optimization projects and global business expansion.
 
      6.8
Business acquisitions.
 
      6.8
Other expenses.
 
      4.7
Increased bad debt expense.
 
      3.6
Increased travel expenses to support business expansion and optimization projects.
 
      3.2
Increased sales commissions, largely related to increased revenues in the Harsco Rail Segment.
 
      3.2
Higher depreciation expense principally related to the implementation of enterprise-wide information technology systems and related hardware.
 
      2.6
Effect of foreign currency translation.
 
$  63.9
Total Change in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 2008 vs. 2007




Other Expenses

This income statement classification includes impaired asset write-downs, employee termination benefit costs and costs to exit activities, offset by net gains on the disposal of non-core assets.

2009 vs. 2008
Net Other Expenses of $7.6 million for 2009 decreased $14.4 million from $22.0 million in 2008.  This decrease in other expenses primarily relates to restructuring charges that the Company incurred during the fourth quarter of 2008 that were not repeated at the same level.


2008 vs. 2007
Net Other Expenses of $22.0 million for 2008 increased $18.5 million from $3.4 million for 2007.  This increase in other expenses primarily relates to restructuring charges that the Company incurred during the fourth quarter of 2008.

For additional information, see Note 15, Other (Income) and Expenses, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”


Interest Expense

2009 vs. 2008
Interest expense in 2009 was $62.7 million, a decline of $10.4 million or 14% compared with 2008.  This was principally due to lower overall debt levels in 2009 and, to a lesser extent, lower interest rates on variable interest rate borrowings.  The impact of foreign currency translation also reduced interest expense by approximately $4.4 million.

2008 vs. 2007
Interest expense in 2008 was $73.2 million, a decline of $8.2 million or 10% compared with 2007.  This was principally due to lower overall debt levels in 2008 and, to a lesser extent, lower interest rates on variable interest rate borrowings.  The impact of foreign currency translation also reduced interest expense by approximately $0.5 million.

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Income Tax Expense from Continuing Operations

2009 vs. 2008
Income tax expense from continuing operations decreased $73.3 million or 80% in 2009 compared with 2008.  This decline was due to lower earnings from continuing operations and a decrease in the effective income tax rate from continuing operations.  The effective income tax rate relating to continuing operations for 2009 was 11.6% versus 26.7% for 2008.  The decrease in the effective income tax rate for 2009 compared with 2008 reflected a decline in earnings in jurisdictions with higher tax rates, a change in the permanent reinvestment in current year earnings, and certain net discrete tax benefits recognized in 2009.  The net discrete benefits include a change in the permanent reinvestment of prior year undistributed earnings and the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits in certain foreign and state jurisdictions, offset by an increase in unrecognized tax benefits related to an ongoing dispute between the European Union and a specific European country.

2008 vs. 2007
The decrease in 2008 of $25.8 million or 22% in the provision for income taxes from continuing operations was primarily due to a lower effective income tax rate from continuing operations and lower pre-tax income.  The effective income tax rate relating to continuing operations for 2008 was 26.7% versus 30.7% for 2007.  The decrease in the effective income tax rate for the year 2008 was primarily due to increased earnings in jurisdictions with lower tax rates; increased designation of certain international earnings as permanently reinvested; and the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits in certain state and foreign jurisdictions.

For additional information, see Note 9, Income Taxes, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”




Income from Continuing Operations

2009 vs. 2008
Income from continuing operations in 2009 of $140.8 million was $110.7 million or 44% lower than 2008.  This decrease resulted from the global economic downturn that continued throughout 2009 and the slower than expected recovery.

2008 vs. 2007
Income from continuing operations in 2008 of $251.5 million was $13.3 million or 5% lower than 2007.  This decrease resulted from the overall economic downturn beginning in the fourth quarter and the restructuring charges taken by the Company as a result of the downturn.




Loss from Discontinued Operations

2009 vs. 2008
A loss from discontinued operations of $15.1 million was generated in 2009 due to the resolution of open claims and counterclaims that had been submitted to arbitration related to the disposition of the Gas Technologies Segment, coupled with the tax effect from the final purchase price allocation.  This compares with a loss of $4.7 million in 2008 due principally to working capital adjustments and other costs associated with the disposition of the Gas Technologies Segment.

2008 vs. 2007
A loss from discontinued operations of $4.7 million was generated in 2008 due to working capital adjustments and other costs associated with the disposition of the Gas Technologies Segment, coupled with the tax effect of the purchase price allocation.  This compares with income of $44.4 million in 2007 due principally to the sale of the Company’s Gas Technologies Segment in December 2007.



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Net Income Attributable to Harsco Corporation and Earnings Per Share

2009 vs. 2008
Net income attributable to Harsco Corporation of $118.8 million and diluted earnings per share of $1.47 in 2009 were lower than 2008 by $122.2 million or 51% and $1.40 or 49%, respectively, due to decreased income from continuing operations and increased losses from discontinued operations for the reasons described above.

2008 vs. 2007
Net income attributable to Harsco Corporation of $240.9 million and diluted earnings per share of $2.87 in 2008 were lower than 2007 by $58.5 million or 20% and $0.66 or 19%, respectively, due to decreased income from both continuing and discontinued operations for the reasons described above.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview
Global financial markets, which have been under stress since 2008 due to poor financial institution lending and investment practices and sharp declines in real estate values, have started to show signs of improvement for certain highly rated credit issuers.  However, during 2009, tightened credit conditions for funding of non-residential construction projects, particularly commercial construction, restrained growth in that sector and that continues today.  In response to these changes in global economic conditions, the Company has undertaken several initiatives to conserve capital and enhance liquidity, including: prudently reducing capital spending to only critical projects where the highest returns can be achieved while redeploying existing capital investments; optimizing worldwide cash positions; reducing or eliminating discretionary spending; and additional scrutiny and tightening of credit terms with customers.

Despite the global financial market environment, the Company continues to have sufficient available liquidity and has been able to issue commercial paper as needed.  The Company currently expects operational and business needs to be covered by cash from operations in 2010 and beyond.  Despite the global recession, the Company generated strong operating cash flows of $434.5 million in 2009.  This represents a 24% decrease from 2008 operating cash flow of $574.3 million.  This decrease was primarily due to lower net income in 2009 compared with 2008.

In 2009, the Company invested $165.3 million in capital expenditures (53% of which were for revenue-growth projects) and paid $63.8 million in stockholder dividends.  Capital expenditures in 2009 were significantly lower than the $457.6 million invested in capital expenditures during 2008.

The Company’s net cash borrowings decreased $84.3 million in 2009.  The decrease in borrowings was driven by the Company’s prudent spending on capital investments, which enabled the Company to pay down debt.  Balance sheet debt, which is affected by foreign currency translation, decreased $28.0 million from December 31, 2008.  The Company’s debt to total capital ratio decreased to 39.5% as of December 31, 2009, due principally to lower debt and increased equity at December 31, 2009.  This was the lowest debt to total capital ratio at year-end since December 31, 1998.  Debt to total capital was 41.1% at December 31, 2008.

Despite the current global economic conditions, the Company expects to generate strong operating cash flows for 2010.  The Company plans to sustain its balanced portfolio through its strategy of redeploying discretionary cash for disciplined growth and international diversification in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment; for growth in long-term, high-return and high-renewal-rate services contracts for the Harsco Metals Segment, principally in emerging economies or for customer diversification; for growth in the Harsco Rail Segment; for growth and international diversification in the All Other Category (Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial); and for targeted, bolt-on acquisitions in the industrial services and rail businesses.  The Company also foresees continuing its long and consistent history of paying dividends to stockholders.

The Company is also focused on improved working capital management.  Specifically, short-term and long-term enterprise business optimization programs are being used to continue to further improve the effective and efficient use of working capital, particularly accounts receivable and inventories in the Harsco Infrastructure, Harsco Metals and Harsco Rail Segments.

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Cash Requirements
The following summarizes the Company’s expected future payments related to contractual obligations and commercial commitments at December 31, 2009.

 
Contractual Obligations as of December 31, 2009 (a)
                   
           
Payments Due by Period
 
 
(In millions)
 
Total
   
Less than
1 year
   
1-3
years
   
4-5
years
   
After 5 years
 
 
Short-term Debt
  $ 57.4     $ 57.4     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                                           
 
Long-term Debt
(including current maturities and capital leases)
    927.5       325.8       5.0       149.6       447.1  
                                           
 
Projected interest payments on Long-term Debt (b)
    265.2       54.1       67.6       57.2       86.3  
                                           
 
Pension benefit payments (c)
    589.2       49.4       105.7       114.9       319.2  
                                           
 
Operating Leases
    162.3       45.5       54.8       34.5       27.5  
                                           
 
Purchase Obligations
    88.1       86.0       1.7       0.2       0.2  
                                           
 
Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts (d)
    122.1       122.1       -       -       -  
                                           
 
Total Contractual Obligations (e)
  $ 2,211.8     $ 740.3     $ 234.8     $ 356.4     $ 880.3  

 
(a)
See Note 6, Debt and Credit Agreements; Note 7, Leases; Note 8, Employee Benefit Plans; Note 9, Income Taxes; and Note 13, Financial Instruments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” for additional disclosures on short-term and long-term debt; operating leases; pensions; income taxes; and foreign currency forward exchange contracts, respectively.

 
(b)
The total projected interest payments on Long-term Debt are based upon borrowings, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates as of December 31, 2009.  The interest rates on variable-rate debt and the foreign currency exchange rates are subject to changes beyond the Company’s control and may result in actual interest expense and payments differing from the amounts projected above.

 
(c)
Amounts represent expected benefit payments by the defined benefit plans for the next 10 years.

(d) 
This amount represents the notional value of the foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding at December 31, 2009.  Due to the nature of these transactions, there will be offsetting cash flows to these contracts, with the difference recognized as a gain or loss in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

(e) 
As of December 31, 2009, in addition to the above contractual obligations, the Company had approximately $47.8 million of long-term tax liabilities, including interest and penalties, related to uncertain tax positions.  Because of the high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash outflows associated with these liabilities, the Company is unable to estimate the years in which settlement will occur with the respective taxing authorities.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements – The following table summarizes the Company’s contingent commercial commitments at December 31, 2009.  These amounts are not included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets since there are no current circumstances known to management indicating that the Company will be required to make payments on these contingent obligations.

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Commercial Commitments as of December 31, 2009
 
           
Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
 
 
 (In millions)
 
Total Amounts Committed
   
Less than
1 Year
   
1-3
Years
   
4-5
Years
   
Over 5
Years
   
Indefinite Expiration
 
                                       
 
Standby Letters of Credit
  $ 193.0     $ 137.6     $ 51.0     $ 1.0     $ -     $ 3.4  
                                                   
 
Guarantees
    75.4       11.9       1.0       -       5.6       56.9  
                                                   
 
Performance Bonds
    13.2       11.4       0.3       -       -       1.5  
                                                   
 
Other Commercial Commitments
    11.1       -       -       -       -       11.1  
                                                   
 
Total Commercial Commitments
  $ 292.7     $ 160.9     $ 52.3     $ 1.0     $ 5.6     $ 72.9  

Certain guarantees and performance bonds, that are of a continuous nature do not have an expiration date and are therefore considered to be indefinite in nature.

Sources and Uses of Cash
The Company’s principal sources of liquidity are cash from operations and borrowings under its various credit agreements, augmented periodically by cash proceeds from non-core asset sales.  The primary drivers of the Company’s cash flow from operations are the Company’s sales and income.  The Company’s long-term Harsco Metals contracts, in addition to the backlog of certain equipment and the long-term nature of certain service contracts within the Harsco Rail Segment, provide predictable cash flows for several years into the future.  (See “Certainty of Cash Flows” section for additional information on estimated future revenues of Harsco Metals and Harsco Rail contracts and order backlogs for the Company’s manufacturing businesses).  Cash returns on capital investments made in prior years, for which no cash is currently required, are a significant source of cash from operations.  Depreciation expense related to these investments is a non-cash charge.  The Company also continues to maintain working capital at a manageable level based upon the requirements and seasonality of the businesses.

Major uses of operating cash flows and borrowed funds include:  capital investments, principally in the industrial services business; payroll costs and related benefits; dividend payments; pension funding payments; inventory purchases for the manufacturing businesses; income tax payments; debt principal and interest payments; insurance premiums and payments of self-insured casualty losses; and machinery, equipment, automobile and facility rental payments.  Cash is also used for targeted, bolt-on acquisitions as the appropriate opportunities arise.

Resources available for cash requirements – The Company meets its ongoing cash requirements for operations and growth initiatives by accessing the public debt markets and by borrowing from banks.  Public markets in the United States and Europe are accessed through the Company’s commercial paper programs and through discrete-term note issuance to investors.  Various bank credit facilities are available throughout the world.  The Company’s 200 million British pound sterling-denominated notes mature in October 2010.  The Company expects to utilize both the public debt markets and bank facilities to meet its cash requirements in the future.

The following table illustrates the amounts outstanding under credit facilities and commercial paper programs and available credit as of December 31, 2009:

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Summary of Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Programs
 
As of December 31, 2009
 
 
(In millions)
 
Facility Limit
   
Outstanding
Balance
   
Available
Credit
 
                     
 
U.S. commercial paper program
  $ 550.0     $ 20.9     $ 529.1  
                           
 
Euro commercial paper program
    286.3       29.0       257.3  
                           
 
Multi-year revolving credit facility (a)
    570.0       -       570.0  
                           
 
Bilateral credit facility (b)
    30.0       -       30.0  
                           
 
Totals at December 31, 2009
  $ 1,436.3     $ 49.9     $ 1,386.4 (c)
 
(a)
U.S.-based program.
 
(b)
International-based program.
 
(c)
Although the Company has significant available credit, for practical purposes, the Company limits aggregate commercial paper and credit facility borrowings at any one-time to a maximum of $600 million (the aggregate amount of the back-up facilities).

During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company entered into a new three-year revolving credit facility in the amount of $570 million, through a multi-national syndicate of 21 banks co-led by Citibank and Royal Bank of Scotland.  This new facility replaces the $220 million 364-day revolving credit facility that expired in November 2009, and the $450 million credit facility the Company terminated in the fourth quarter of 2009.  This facility serves as back-up to the Company’s commercial paper programs.  Interest rates on the facility are based upon either the announced Citibank Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus a margin or LIBOR plus a margin.  The Company pays a facility fee (0.275% per annum as of December 31, 2009) that varies based upon its credit ratings.  At December 31, 2009, there were no borrowings outstanding on this credit facility.

The Company’s bilateral credit facility was renewed in December 2009.  This $30 million facility serves as back-up to the Company’s commercial paper programs and also provides available financing for the Company’s European operations.  Borrowings under this facility, which expires in December 2010, are available in most major currencies with active markets at interest rates based upon LIBOR plus a margin.  Borrowings outstanding at expiration may be repaid over the succeeding 12 months.  As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, there were no borrowings outstanding on this facility.

See Note 6, Debt and Credit Agreements, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” for more information on the Company’s credit facilities.

Credit Ratings and Outlook – The following table summarizes the Company’s debt ratings as of December 31, 2009:

 
Long-term Notes
U.S.-Based Commercial Paper
Outlook
       
Standard & Poor’s (S&P)
A-
A-2
Stable
Moody’s
Baa1
P-2
Stable
Fitch
A-
F2
Stable

The Company’s euro-based commercial paper program has not been rated since the euro market does not require it.  In January 2010, Moody’s reaffirmed the Company’s ratings.  Standard & Poor’s and Fitch ratings were reaffirmed in April 2009 and August 2009, respectively.  A downgrade to the Company’s credit ratings may increase borrowing costs to the Company, while an improvement in the Company’s credit ratings may decrease borrowing costs to the Company.  Additionally, a downgrade in the Company’s credit ratings may result in reduced access to credit markets.

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Working Capital Position – Changes in the Company’s working capital are reflected in the following table:

 
(Dollars are in millions)
 
December 31
2009
   
December 31
2008
   
Increase
(Decrease)
 
 
Current Assets
                 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 94.2     $ 91.3     $ 2.9  
 
Trade accounts receivable, net
    598.3       648.9       (50.6 )
 
Other receivables, net
    30.9       46.0       (15.1 )
 
Inventories
    291.2       309.5       (18.3 )
 
Other current assets
    151.9       104.5       47.4  
 
Assets held-for-sale
    2.8       5.3       (2.5 )
 
Total current assets
    1,169.3       1,205.5       (36.2 )
 
Current Liabilities
                       
 
Notes payable and current maturities
    83.2       121.1       (37.9 )
 
Accounts payable
    215.5       262.8       (47.3 )
 
Accrued compensation
    67.7       85.2       (17.5 )
 
Income taxes payable
    5.9       13.4       (7.5 )
 
Other current liabilities
    378.8       405.9       (27.1 )
 
Total current liabilities
    751.1       888.4       (137.3 )
 
Working Capital
  $ 418.2     $ 317.1     $ 101.1  
 
Current Ratio
 
1.6:1
   
1.4:1
         

Working capital increased 32% in 2009 due principally to the following factors:

·  
Net trade accounts receivable decreased $50.6 million primarily due to lower revenues in 2009 partially offset by foreign currency translation effects.

·  
Other receivables decreased $15.1 million primarily due to collections of insurance proceeds related to insured claims settled during the first quarter of 2009 and an income tax refund received in the third quarter of 2009.

·  
Inventories decreased $18.3 million primarily due to the Company’s focus on reducing inventory levels based upon current market demand, partially offset by higher inventory levels in the Harsco Rail Segment to satisfy current international contracts and foreign currency translation effects.

·  
Other current assets increased $47.4 million primarily due to reclassification of noncurrent deferred taxes to current deferred taxes as a result of the expected utilization of these assets in 2010.

·  
Notes payable and current maturities decreased $37.9 million due to strong operating cash flows in 2009 that facilitated repayments of short-term commercial paper borrowings and other short-term borrowings, partially offset by the current portion of long-term debt.

·  
Accounts payable decreased $47.3 million primarily due to reduced spending levels partially offset by foreign currency translation effects.

·  
Accrued compensation decreased $17.5 million due principally to the payment of incentive compensation earned during 2008, coupled with lower incentive compensation accruals at the end of 2009.

·  
Other current liabilities decreased $27.1 million due principally to a decline in restructuring reserves from 2008 due to severance payments and a decline in accrued expenses and accrued non-income tax obligations primarily as a result of reduced business activity.

Certainty of Cash Flows – The certainty of the Company’s future cash flows is underpinned by the long-term nature of the Company’s metals services contracts, the order backlog for the Company’s railway track maintenance services and equipment and the strong discretionary cash flows (operating cash flows in excess of the amounts necessary for
 
- 41 -

capital expenditures to maintain current revenue levels) generated by the Company.  Historically, the Company has utilized these discretionary cash flows for growth-related capital expenditures and strategic acquisitions.  As the Company has demonstrated this year, it has the ability to substantially reduce its capital expenditures without negatively impacting the business.  The Company has continued to grow in countries with increased demand through prudent redeployment of its existing equipment.

At December 31, 2009, the Company’s metals services contracts had estimated future revenues of $3.6 billion, compared with $4.1 billion as of December 31, 2008.  The decline is primarily attributable to the revenues recognized during 2009 offset by projected volume from new and renewed contracts.  At December 31, 2009, the Company’s railway track maintenance services and equipment business had estimated future revenues of $442.3 million compared with $518.1 million as of December 31, 2008.  This is primarily due to shipment of orders during 2009, partially offset by new orders.  The railway track maintenance services and equipment business backlog includes a significant portion that will not be realized until late 2010 and later due to the long lead-time necessary to build certain equipment, and the long-term nature of certain service contracts.  In addition, as of December 31, 2009, the Company had an order backlog of $48.6 million in its All Other Category (principally for Harsco Industrial).  This compares with $121.6 million as of December 31, 2008.  The decrease from December 31, 2008 is due principally to lower demand and completion of orders during 2009.  Order backlog for scaffolding, shoring and forming services; for roofing granules and slag abrasives; and for the reclamation and recycling services of high-value content from steelmaking slag is excluded from the above amounts.  These amounts are generally not quantifiable due to the short order lead times for certain services, the nature and timing of the products and services provided and equipment rentals with the ultimate length of the rental period unknown.

The types of products and services that the Company provides are not subject to rapid technological change, which increases the stability of related cash flows.  Additionally, each of the Company’s businesses, in its balanced portfolio, is among the top three companies (relative to sales) in the industries the Company serves.  Due to these factors, the Company is confident in its future ability to generate positive cash flows from operations.

Cash Flow Summary
The Company’s cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, are summarized in the following table:
 
 
Summarized Cash Flow Information
(In millions)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in):
                 
 
Operating activities
  $ 434.5     $ 574.3     $ 471.7  
 
Investing activities
    (269.4 )     (443.4 )     (386.1 )
 
Financing activities
    (164.1 )     (155.6 )     (77.7 )
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    1.8       (5.8 )     12.7  
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 2.8     $ (30.5 )   $ 20.6  

Cash From Operating Activities – Net cash provided by operating activities in 2009 was $434.5 million, a decrease of $139.8 million from 2008.  The decrease was primarily due to the following:

·  
Lower net income in 2009 compared with 2008.
·  
Higher accounts payable payments due to timing.
·  
Reduction in advances on contracts due to shipments in 2009.

These decreases were partially offset by the following:

·  
Higher trade receivable collections due to timing.
·  
Initiatives to reduce inventory levels coupled with reduced spending on inventory throughout the Company based upon current market demand.

Cash Used in Investing Activities – In 2009, cash used in investing activities was $269.4 million consisting primarily of capital investments of $165.3 million and $103.2 million used for strategic acquisitions.  Capital investments declined $292.3 million compared with 2008, reflecting management’s initiatives to conserve capital and enhance liquidity through prudent reduction of capital investments.  Growth capital constituted 53% of investments made in 2009, with capital investments made predominantly in the industrial services businesses.  Throughout 2010, the Company plans to continue to manage its balanced portfolio and consider opportunities to invest in value creation
 
- 42 -

projects.  Additionally, the Company intends to increase growth investments in the Harsco Rail Segment and the All Other Category (Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial) in 2010 and beyond, as these businesses continue to expand globally.


Cash Used in Financing Activities – The following table summarizes the Company’s debt and capital positions as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.

 
(Dollars are in millions)
 
December 31
2009
   
December 31
2008 (a)
 
 
Notes Payable and Current Maturities
  $ 83.2     $ 121.1  
 
Long-term Debt
    901.7       891.8  
 
Total Debt
    984.9       1,012.9  
 
Total Equity
    1,509.8       1,450.0  
 
Total Capital
  $ 2,494.7     $ 2,462.9  
 
Total Debt to Total Capital
    39.5 %     41.1 %
 
(a)
December 2008 Equity has been retroactively adjusted to include Noncontrolling Interest as a component of Equity in accordance with changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board related to consolidation accounting and reporting.

The Company’s debt as a percent of total capital decreased in 2009.  The decrease results principally from increased equity and a decline in overall debt, primarily due to lower capital expenditures.

Debt Covenants
The Company’s credit facilities and certain notes payable agreements contain a covenant stipulating a maximum debt to capital ratio of 60%.  Certain notes payable agreements also contain a covenant requiring a minimum net worth of $475 million.  In addition, one credit facility limits the proportion of subsidiary consolidated indebtedness to 10% of consolidated tangible assets.  At December 31, 2009, the Company was in compliance with these covenants with a debt to capital ratio of 39.5% and total net worth of $1.5 billion.  Based on balances at December 31, 2009, the Company could increase borrowings by approximately $1.3 billion and still be within its debt covenants.  Alternatively, keeping all other factors constant, the Company’s equity could decrease by approximately $0.9 billion and the Company would still be within its debt covenants.  Additionally, the Company’s 7.25% British pound sterling-denominated notes and its 5.75% notes include covenants that permit the note holders to redeem their notes, at par and 101% of par, respectively, in the event of a change of control of the Company or disposition of a significant portion of the Company’s assets in combination with the Company’s credit rating downgraded to non-investment grade.  The Company expects to continue to be compliant with these debt covenants one year from now.

Cash and Value-Based Management
The Company plans to continue with its strategy of targeted, prudent investing for strategic purposes for the foreseeable future, although 2009 capital investments are significantly less than 2008 as existing investments are being used more efficiently.  The long-term goal of this strategy is to create shareholder value by improving the  Company’s EVA.  Under this program the Company evaluates strategic investments based upon the investment’s economic profit.  EVA equals after-tax operating profits less a charge for the use of the capital employed to create those profits (only the service cost portion of net periodic pension cost is included for EVA purposes).  Therefore, value is created when a project or initiative produces a return above the cost of capital.  In 2009, EVA was lower compared with 2008 due principally to lower operating profits.

The Company currently expects to continue paying dividends to stockholders.  The Company has increased the dividend rate for 16 consecutive years, and in February 2010, the Company paid its 239th consecutive quarterly cash dividend.

The Company’s financial position and debt capacity should enable it to meet current and future requirements.  As additional resources are needed, the Company should be able to obtain funds readily and at competitive costs.  The Company is well-positioned financially and intends to continue investing in high-return projects and prudent, strategic bolt-on acquisitions; to reduce debt and pay cash dividends as a means of enhancing stockholder value.
 
- 43 -

Application of Critical Accounting Policies
The Company’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent liabilities.  On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to pensions and benefits, bad debts, goodwill valuation, long-lived asset valuations, inventory valuations, insurance reserves, contingencies and income taxes.  The impact of changes in these estimates, as necessary, is reflected in the respective segment’s operating income in the period of the change.  The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different outcomes, assumptions or conditions.

The Company believes the following critical accounting policies are affected by its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.  Management has discussed the development and selection of the critical accounting estimates described below with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee has reviewed the Company’s disclosure relating to these estimates in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.  These items should be read in conjunction with Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Defined Benefit Pension Benefits
The Company has defined benefit pension plans in several countries.  The largest of these plans are in the United Kingdom and the United States.  The Company’s funding policy for these plans is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet the minimum funding pursuant to U.K. and U.S. statutory requirements, plus any additional amounts that the Company may determine to be appropriate.  The Company made cash contributions to its defined benefit pension plans of $28.7 million (including $8.1 million of voluntary payments) and $30.5 million during 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Additionally, the Company expects to make a minimum of $30.0 million in cash contributions to its defined benefit pension plans during 2010.

Total defined benefit net periodic pension cost for 2009 was substantially higher than the 2008 level due to the decline in pension asset values during the second half of 2008.  In an effort to mitigate a portion of this overall increased cost for future years, the Company implemented additional plan design changes for a certain international defined benefit pension plans so that accrued service is no longer granted for periods after December 31, 2008.  This action was a continuation of the Company’s overall strategy to reduce overall net periodic pension cost and volatility.

The Company continues to evaluate alternative strategies to further reduce overall net periodic pension cost including the consideration of converting the remaining defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans; the ongoing evaluation of investment fund managers’ performance; the balancing of plan assets and liabilities; the risk assessment of multi-employer pension plans; the possible merger of certain plans; the consideration of incremental cash contributions to certain plans; and other changes that could reduce future net periodic pension cost volatility and minimize risk.

Critical Estimate – Defined Benefit Pension Benefits

Accounting for defined benefit pensions requires the use of actuarial assumptions.  The principal assumptions used include the discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets.  Each assumption is reviewed annually and represents management’s best estimate at that time.  The assumptions are selected to represent the average expected experience over time and may differ in any one year from actual experience due to changes in capital markets and the overall economy.  These differences will impact the amount of unfunded benefit obligation and the expense recognized.

The discount rates used in calculating the Company’s projected benefit obligations as of the December 31, 2009 measurement date for the U.K. and U.S. defined benefit pension plans were 5.7% and 5.9%, respectively, and the global weighted-average discount rate was 5.8%.  The discount rates selected represent the average yield on high-quality corporate bonds as of the measurement dates.  Annual net periodic pension cost is determined using the discount rates as of the measurement date at the beginning of the year.  The discount rates for 2009 expense were 6.0% for the U.K. plan and 6.1% for both the U.S. plans and the global weighted-average of plans.  Net periodic pension cost and the projected benefit obligation generally increase as the selected discount rate decreases.

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The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is determined by evaluating the asset return expectations with the Company’s advisors as well as actual, long-term, historical results of asset returns for the pension plans.  Generally the net periodic pension cost increases as the expected long-term rate of return on assets decreases.  For 2009, the global weighted-average expected long-term rate of return on asset assumption was 7.4%.  For 2010, the expected global long-term rate of return on assets is 7.5%.  This rate was determined based on a model of expected asset returns for an actively managed portfolio.

Changes in defined benefit net periodic pension cost may occur in the future due to changes in actuarial assumptions and due to changes in returns on plan assets resulting from financial market conditions.  Holding all other assumptions constant, using December 31, 2009 plan data, a one-half percent increase or decrease in the discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets would increase or decrease annual 2010 pre-tax defined benefit net periodic pension cost as follows:

 
Approximate Changes in Pre-tax Defined Benefit
Net Periodic Pension Cost
 
 
U.S. Plans
U.K. Plan
 
Discount rate
     
       
One-half percent increase
Decrease of $0.4 million
Decrease of $2.1 million
 
One-half percent decrease
Increase of $0.3 million
Increase of $2.2 million
 
       
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
   
       
One-half percent increase
Decrease of $1.0 million
Decrease of $2.8 million
 
One-half percent decrease
Increase of $ 1.0 million
Increase of $2.8 million
 

Should circumstances change that affect these estimates, changes (either increases or decreases) to the net pension obligations may be required.  Additionally, certain events could result in the pension obligation changing at a time other than the annual measurement date.  This would occur when a benefit plan is amended or when plan curtailments occur.

See Note 8, Employee Benefit Plans, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” for additional disclosures related to these items.

Notes and Accounts Receivable
Notes and accounts receivable are stated at their net realizable value through the use of an allowance for doubtful accounts.  The allowance is maintained for estimated losses resulting from the inability or unwillingness of customers to make required payments.  The Company has policies and procedures in place requiring customers to be evaluated for creditworthiness prior to the execution of new service contracts or shipments of products.  These reviews are structured to minimize the Company’s risk related to realizability of its receivables.  Despite these policies and procedures, the Company may at times still experience collection problems and potential bad debts due to economic conditions within certain industries (e.g., construction and steel industries) and countries and regions in which the Company operates.  As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, trade accounts receivable of $598.3 million and $648.9 million, respectively, were net of reserves of $24.5 million and $27.9 million, respectively.

Critical Estimate – Notes and Accounts Receivable

A considerable amount of judgment is required to assess the realizability of receivables, including the current creditworthiness of each customer, related aging of the past due balances and the facts and circumstances surrounding any non-payment.  The Company’s provisions for bad debts during 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $9.3 million, $12.5 million and $7.8 million, respectively.

On a monthly basis, customer accounts are analyzed for collectibility.  Reserves are established based upon a specific-identification method as well as historical collection experience, as appropriate.  The Company also evaluates specific accounts when it becomes aware of a situation in which a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to a deterioration in its financial condition, credit ratings or bankruptcy.  The reserve requirements are based on the facts available to the Company and are reevaluated and adjusted as additional information is received.  Reserves are also determined by using percentages (based upon experience) applied to certain aged receivable categories.  Specific issues are discussed with Corporate Management, and any significant changes in reserve amounts or the write-off of balances must be approved by a specifically designated Corporate Officer.  All approved items are monitored to ensure they are recorded in the proper period.  Additionally, any significant changes in reserve
 
- 45 -

balances are reviewed to ensure the proper corporate approval has occurred.

If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.  Conversely, an improvement in a customer’s ability to make payments could result in a decrease of the allowance for doubtful accounts.  Changes in the allowance related to both of these situations would be recorded through income in the period the change was determined.

The Company has not materially changed its methodology for calculating allowances for doubtful accounts for the years presented.

See Note 3, Accounts Receivable and Inventories, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” for additional disclosures related to these items.

Goodwill
The Company’s goodwill balances were $699.0 million and $631.5 million, as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis, and between annual tests whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill may exceed its fair value.

Critical Estimate – Goodwill

A discounted cash flow model is used to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit.  This model requires the use of long-term planning estimates and assumptions regarding industry-specific economic conditions that are outside the control of the Company.  The annual test for impairment includes the selection of an appropriate discount rate to value cash flow information.  The basis of this discount rate calculation is derived from several internal and external factors.  These factors include, but are not limited to, the average market price of the Company’s stock, the number of shares of stock outstanding, the book value of the Company’s debt, a long-term risk-free interest rate, and both market and size-specific risk premiums.  Additionally, assessments of future cash flows would consider, but not be limited to, the following: infrastructure plant maintenance requirements; global metals production and capacity utilization; global railway track maintenance-of-way capital spending; and other drivers of the Company’s businesses.  Changes in the overall interest rate environment may also impact the fair market value of the Company’s reporting units as this would directly influence the discount rate utilized for discounting operating cash flows, and ultimately determining a reporting unit’s fair value.  The Company’s overall market capitalization is also a factor in evaluating the fair market values of the Company’s reporting units.  Significant declines in the overall market capitalization of the Company could lead to the determination that the book value of one or more of the Company’s reporting units exceeds its fair value.  The Company’s annual goodwill impairment testing, performed as of October 1, 2009 and 2008, indicated that the fair value of all reporting units tested exceeded their respective book values and therefore no goodwill impairment was required.

The Company’s customers may be impacted adversely by the current tightening of credit in financial markets, which may result in postponed spending and cancellation or delay of existing and future orders with the Company.  Continued economic decline could further impact the ability of the Company’s customers to meet their obligations to the Company and possibly result in bankruptcy filings by them.  This, in turn, could negatively impact the forecasts used in performing the Company’s goodwill impairment testing.  If management determines that goodwill is impaired, the Company will be required to record a write-down in the period of determination, which will reduce net income for that period.  Therefore, there can be no assurance that future goodwill impairment tests will not result in a charge to earnings.

The Company has not materially changed its methodology for goodwill impairment testing for the years presented.  For 2009, the goodwill impairment testing was conducted at the operating segment level for the Harsco Infrastructure, Harsco Metals and Harsco Rail Segments and the All Other Category.  For 2008, the goodwill impairment testing was conducted at the operating segment level for the Harsco Metals and Harsco Rail Segments and the All Other Category; and at the component level for the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.  Goodwill testing for the Harsco Infrastructure Segment was changed to the operating segment level in 2009 due to the integration of the historic business units (components) within this Segment as part of generating further operational efficiencies, global branding and facilitating global growth.

See Note 5, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” for additional information on goodwill and other intangible assets.

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Asset Impairment
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the book value of an asset may be impaired.  The amounts charged against pre-tax income from continuing operations related to impaired long-lived assets were $1.5 million, $12.6 million and $0.9 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Critical Estimate – Asset Impairment

The determination of a long-lived asset impairment loss involves significant judgments based upon short-term and long-term projections of future asset performance.  If the undiscounted cash flows associated with an asset do not exceed the book value, impairment loss estimates would be based upon the difference between the book value and the fair value of the asset.  The fair value is generally based upon the Company’s estimate of the amount that the assets could be bought or sold for in a current transaction between willing parties.  If quoted market prices for the asset or similar assets are unavailable, the fair value estimate is generally calculated using a discounted cash flow model.  Should circumstances change that affect these estimates, additional impairment charges may be required and would be recorded through income in the period the change was determined.

The Company has not materially changed its methodology for calculating asset impairments for the years presented.  Commencing January 1, 2009 GAAP requires consideration of all valuation techniques for which market participant inputs can be obtained without undue cost and effort.  The use of discounted cash flows continues to be an appropriate method for determining fair value; however, methodologies such as quoted market prices must also be evaluated.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.  Inventory balances are adjusted for estimated obsolete or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and its estimated market value.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, inventories of $291.2 million and $309.5 million, respectively, are net of lower of cost or market reserves and obsolescence reserves of $14.6 million and $15.7 million, respectively.

Critical Estimate – Inventories

In assessing the ultimate realization of inventory balance amounts, the Company is required to make judgments as to future demand requirements and compare these with the current or committed inventory levels.  If actual market conditions are determined to be less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required and would be recorded through income in the period the determination is made.  Additionally, the Company records reserves to adjust a substantial portion of its U.S. inventory balances to the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method of inventory valuation.  In adjusting these reserves throughout the year, the Company estimates its year-end inventory costs and quantities.  At December 31 of each year, the reserves are adjusted to reflect actual year-end inventory costs and quantities.  During periods of inflation, the LIFO expense usually increases and during periods of deflation it decreases.  These year-end adjustments resulted in pre-tax income of $2.9 million, $1.1 million and $1.4 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The Company has not materially changed its methodology for calculating inventory reserves for the years presented.

See Note 3, Accounts Receivable and Inventories, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” for additional disclosures related to these items.

Insurance Reserves
The Company retains a significant portion of the risk for U.S. workers’ compensation, U.K. employers’ liability, automobile, general and product liability losses.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company has recorded liabilities of $87.2 million and $97.2 million, respectively, related to both asserted as well as unasserted insurance claims.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, $6.9 million and $17.8 million, respectively, was included in insurance liabilities related to claims covered by insurance carriers for which a corresponding receivable has been recorded.

Critical Estimate – Insurance Reserves

Reserves have been recorded based upon actuarial calculations that reflect the undiscounted estimated liabilities for ultimate losses including claims incurred but not reported.  Inherent in these estimates are assumptions that are based on the Company’s history of claims and losses, a detailed analysis of existing claims with respect to potential value, and current legal and legislative trends.  If actual claims differ from those projected by management, changes (either increases or decreases) to insurance reserves may be required and would be recorded through income in the period the change was determined.  During 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded a retrospective insurance reserve
 
- 47 -

adjustment that decreased pre-tax insurance expense from continuing operations for self-insured programs by $3.7 million, $1.8 million and $1.2 million, respectively.  The Company has programs in place to improve claims experience, such as disciplined claim and insured litigation management and a focused approach to workplace safety.

The Company has not materially changed its methodology for calculating insurance reserves for the years presented.  There are currently no known trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that are reasonably likely to occur that would materially affect the methodology or assumptions described above.

Legal and Other Contingencies
Reserves for contingent liabilities are recorded when it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the loss can be reasonably estimated.  Adjustments to estimated amounts are recorded as necessary based on new information or the occurrence of new events or the resolution of an uncertainty.  Such adjustments are recorded in the period that the required change is identified.

Critical Estimate – Legal and Other Contingencies

On a quarterly basis, recorded contingent liabilities are analyzed to determine if any adjustments are required.  Additionally, functional department heads within each business unit are consulted monthly to ensure all issues with a potential financial accounting impact, including possible reserves for contingent liabilities, have been properly identified, addressed or disposed of.  Specific issues are discussed with Corporate Management and any significant changes in reserve amounts or the adjustment or write-off of previously recorded balances must be approved by a specifically designated Corporate Officer.  If necessary, outside legal counsel, other third parties or internal experts are consulted to assess the likelihood and range of outcomes for a particular issue.  All approved changes in reserve amounts are monitored to ensure they are recorded in the proper period.  Additionally, any significant changes in reported business unit reserve balances are reviewed to ensure the proper Corporate approval has occurred.  On a quarterly basis, the Company’s business units submit a reserve listing to the Corporate headquarters which is reviewed with Corporate Management.  All significant reserve balances are discussed with a designated Corporate Officer to assess their validity, accuracy and completeness.  Anticipated changes in reserves are identified for further consideration prior to the end of a reporting period.  Any new issues that may require a reserve are also identified and discussed to ensure proper disposition.  Additionally, on a quarterly basis, all significant environmental reserve balances or issues are evaluated to assess their validity, accuracy and completeness.

The Company has not materially changed its methodology for calculating legal and other contingencies for the years presented.  There are currently no known trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that are reasonably likely to occur that would materially affect the methodology or assumptions described above.

See Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” for additional disclosure on contingencies.

Income Taxes
The Company is subject to various federal, state and local income taxes in the taxing jurisdictions where the Company operates.  At the end of each quarterly period, the Company makes its best estimate of the annual effective income tax rate and applies that rate to year-to-date income before income taxes to arrive at the year-to-date income tax provision.  As of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company’s net effective income tax rate on income from continuing operations was 11.6%, 26.7% and 30.7%, respectively.

Critical Estimate – Income Taxes

The annual effective income tax rates are developed giving recognition to tax rates, tax holidays, tax credits and capital losses, as well as certain exempt income and non-deductible expenses in all of the jurisdictions where the Company does business.  The income tax provision for a quarterly period incorporates any change in the year-to-date provision from the previous quarterly periods.  The Company has not materially changed its methodology for calculating income tax expense for the years presented or for quarterly periods.

The Company records deferred tax assets to the extent the Company believes these assets will more-likely-than-not be realized.  In making such determinations, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operating results.  In the event the Company were to determine that it would be able to realize deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be made that would reduce the provision for income taxes.  The valuation allowance was $22.7
 
- 48 -

million and $21.5 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The valuation allowance is principally for state and international tax net operating loss carryforwards.

A tax benefit from an uncertain position may be recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on technical merits.  The unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2009 are $39 million including interest and penalties.  The unrecognized tax benefit may decrease as a result of the lapse of statute of limitations or as a result of final settlement and resolution of outstanding tax matters in various state and foreign jurisdictions.

The Company has not provided U.S. income taxes on certain of its non-U.S. subsidiaries’ undistributed earnings as such amounts are permanently reinvested outside the United States.  The Company evaluates future financial projections for its most significant subsidiaries, the need to reinvest earnings locally and the overall cash requirements of the Company.  Based upon this evaluation, the Company determined that certain undistributed earnings from non-U.S. subsidiaries are permanently reinvested.  The Company believes that it can generate sufficient cash flows to avoid the one-time tax costs associated with repatriation of U.S. undistributed earnings from prior periods.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, such earnings were approximately $843 million and $741 million, respectively.  If these earnings were repatriated at December 31, 2009, the one-time tax cost associated with the repatriation would be approximately $163 million.

See Note 9, Income Taxes, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” for additional disclosures related to these items.

Research and Development
The Company invested $3.2 million, $5.3 million and $3.2 million in internal research and development programs in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Internal funding for research and development was as follows:

     
Research and Development Expense
 
 
(In millions)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
 
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
  $ 1.7     $ 2.0     $ 0.7  
 
Harsco Metals Segment
    0.8       1.6       1.3  
 
Harsco Rail Segment (a)
    0.2       0.8       0.8  
 
Segment Totals
    2.7       4.4       2.8  
 
All Other Category – Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial (a)
    0.5       0.9       0.4  
 
Consolidated Totals
  $ 3.2     $ 5.3     $ 3.2  
 
(a)
Segment information for prior periods has been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.  The Harsco Rail operating segment, which was previously a component of the All Other Category, is now reported separately.


 

 
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Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards
See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” for disclosures on recently adopted and recently issued accounting standards and their effect on the Company.

Dividend Action
The Company has paid dividends each year since 1939.  The Company paid one quarterly cash dividend of $0.195 per share and three quarterly cash dividends of $0.20 per share in 2009, for an annual rate of $0.795 per share.  This is an increase of 1.9% from 2008.  At the November 2009 meeting, the Board of Directors increased the dividend by 2.5% to an annual rate of $0.82 per share representing the Company’s 16th consecutive year of dividend increases.  The Board normally reviews the dividend rate periodically during the year and annually at its November meeting.  There are no significant restrictions on the payment of dividends.

The February 2010 dividend payment of $0.205 per share marked the 239th consecutive quarterly dividend.  In 2009, 50.7% of net earnings were paid out in dividends.  The Company is philosophically committed to maintaining or increasing the dividend at a sustainable level.


Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

See Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” for quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Item 8.                   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
      Page
  Consolidated Financial Statements of Harsco Corporation:    
         
   
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
52
         
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
53
         
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets
   
   
December 31, 2009 and 2008
 
54
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Income
   
   
for the years 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
55
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
   
   
for the years 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
56 - 57
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
   
   
for the years 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
58 - 59
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
   
   
for the years 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
60
         
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
61 - 103
         
 
Supplementary Data (Unaudited):
   
         
   
Two-Year Summary of Quarterly Results
104
         
   
Common Stock Price and Dividend Information
 
105

 
 
 

 
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Management’s Report on Internal Control Over
Financial Reporting

Management of Harsco Corporation, together with its consolidated subsidiaries (the Company), is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:

·  
Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets of the Company;

·  
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and

·  
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.

Management has assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 based on the framework established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2009.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009.


 
/S/ Salvatore D. Fazzolari    /S/ Stephen J. Schnoor  
Salvatore D. Fazzolari    Stephen J. Schnoor  
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  
February 23, 2010   February 23, 2010  
 

 
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm



To The Stockholders of Harsco Corporation

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Harsco Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.  Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated 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 and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included 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, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As discussed in Note ­­­1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for noncontrolling interests in 2009.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process 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.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 23, 2010


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HARSCO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
           
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
December 31
2009
   
December 31
2008 (a)
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 94,184     $ 91,336  
Trade accounts receivable, net
    598,318       648,880  
Other receivables
    30,865       46,032  
Inventories
    291,174       309,530  
Other current assets
    154,797       109,710  
Total current assets
    1,169,338       1,205,488  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    1,510,801       1,482,833  
Goodwill
    699,041       631,490  
Intangible assets, net
    150,746       141,493  
Other assets
    109,314       101,666  
Total assets
  $ 3,639,240     $ 3,562,970  
LIABILITIES
               
Current liabilities:
               
Short-term borrowings
  $ 57,380     $ 117,854  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    25,813       3,212  
Accounts payable
    215,504       262,783  
Accrued compensation
    67,652       85,237  
Income taxes payable
    5,931       13,395  
Dividends payable
    16,473       15,637  
Insurance liabilities
    25,533       36,553  
Advances on contracts
    149,413       144,237  
Other current liabilities
    187,403       209,518  
Total current liabilities
    751,102       888,426  
Long-term debt
    901,734       891,817  
Deferred income taxes
    90,993       35,442  
Insurance liabilities
    61,660       60,663  
Retirement plan liabilities
    250,075       190,153  
Other liabilities
    73,842       46,497  
Total liabilities
    2,129,406       2,112,998  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
               
HARSCO CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Preferred stock, Series A junior participating cumulative preferred stock
           
Common stock, par value $1.25, issued 111,387,185 and 111,139,988 shares as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively
    139,234       138,925  
Additional paid-in capital
    137,746       137,083  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (201,684 )     (208,299 )
Retained earnings
    2,133,297       2,079,170  
Treasury stock, at cost (31,034,126 and 30,965,452, respectively)
    (735,016 )     (733,203 )
Total Harsco Corporation stockholders’ equity
    1,473,577       1,413,676  
Noncontrolling interests
    36,257       36,296  
Total equity
    1,509,834       1,449,972  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 3,639,240     $ 3,562,970  
 
(a)  
On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board related to consolidation accounting and reporting.  These changes, among others, require that minority interests be renamed noncontrolling interests and that a company present such noncontrolling interests as equity for all periods presented.  Balances have been reclassified accordingly.
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
- 54 -

HARSCO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Years ended December 31
 
2009
   
2008 (a)
   
2007 (a)
 
 
Revenues from continuing operations:
                 
Service revenues
  $ 2,442,198     $ 3,340,456     $ 3,166,561  
Product revenues
    548,379       627,366       521,599  
Total revenues
    2,990,577       3,967,822       3,688,160  
                         
Costs and expenses from continuing operations:
                       
Cost of services sold
    1,897,408       2,484,975       2,316,904  
Cost of products sold
    354,730       441,445       368,600  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    509,071       602,169       538,233  
Research and development expenses
    3,151       5,295       3,175  
Other expenses
    7,561       21,950       3,443  
Total costs and expenses
    2,771,921       3,555,834       3,230,355  
                         
Operating income from continuing operations
    218,656       411,988       457,805  
                         
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net
    504       901       1,049  
Interest income
    2,928       3,608       4,968  
Interest expense
    (62,746 )     (73,160 )     (81,383 )
                         
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    159,342       343,337       382,439  
                         
Income tax expense
    (18,509 )     (91,820 )     (117,598 )
                         
Income from continuing operations
    140,833       251,517       264,841  
                         
Discontinued operations:
                       
Income from operations of discontinued business
                26,897  
Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued business
    (21,907 )     (1,747 )     41,414  
Income tax benefit (expense) related to discontinued business
    6,846       (2,931 )     (23,934 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    (15,061 )     (4,678 )     44,377  
Net Income
    125,772       246,839       309,218  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (6,995 )     (5,894 )     (9,726 )
Net Income attributable to Harsco Corporation
  $ 118,777     $ 240,945     $ 299,492  
                         
Amounts attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
                       
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
  $ 133,838     $ 245,623     $ 255,115  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    (15,061 )     (4,678 )     44,377  
Net income attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders
  $ 118,777     $ 240,945     $ 299,492  
                         
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding
    80,295       83,599       84,169  
Basic earnings per common share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 1.67     $ 2.94     $ 3.03  
Discontinued operations
    (0.19 )     (0.06 )     0.53  
Basic earnings per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders
  $ 1.48     $ 2.88     $ 3.56  
                         
Diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding
    80,586       84,029       84,724  
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
                       
Continuing operations
  $ 1.66     $ 2.92     $ 3.01  
Discontinued operations
    (0.19 )     (0.06 )     0.52  
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders
  $ 1.47     $ 2.87 (b)   $ 3.53  
 
(a)  
On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board related to consolidation accounting and reporting.  These changes, among others, require that minority interests be renamed noncontrolling interests and that a company present a consolidated net income measure that includes the amount attributable to such noncontrolling interests for all periods presented.  Results have been reclassified accordingly.
(b)  
Does not total due to rounding.
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
- 55 -

HARSCO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)
 
Years ended December 31
 
2009
   
2008 (a)
   
2007 (a)
 
                   
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Net income
  $ 125,772     $ 246,839     $ 309,218  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
                       
cash provided (used) by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation
    282,976       307,847       277,397  
Amortization
    28,555       30,102       29,016  
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net
    (504 )     (901 )     (1,049 )
Dividends or distributions from unconsolidated entities
    410       484       181  
(Gain) loss on disposal of discontinued business
    21,907       1,747       (41,414 )
Other, net
    (15,762 )     61,244       (10,388 )
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
                       
and dispositions of businesses:
                       
Accounts receivable
    111,207       34,198       (60,721 )
Inventories
    35,798       (24,238 )     (106,495 )
Accounts payable
    (54,701 )     (22,144 )     18,268  
Accrued interest payable
    (1,305 )     3,841       (1,291 )
Accrued compensation
    (23,402 )     (15,843 )     8,516  
Income taxes
    (36,692 )     (76,346 )     2,971  
Advances on contracts
    4,242       92,580       46,159  
Other assets and liabilities
    (44,043 )     (65,134 )     1,372  
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
    434,458       574,276       471,740  
                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (165,320 )     (457,617 )     (443,583 )
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired*
    (103,241 )     (15,539 )     (254,639 )
Proceeds from sales of assets
    2,115       24,516       317,189  
Other investing activities
    (2,914 )     5,222       (5,092 )
                         
Net cash used by investing activities
    (269,360 )     (443,418 )     (386,125 )
                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Short-term borrowings, net
    (79,670 )     65,239       (137,645 )
Current maturities and long-term debt:
                       
Additions
    482,493       975,393       1,023,282  
Reductions
    (487,171 )     (996,173 )     (908,295 )
Cash dividends paid on common stock
    (63,813 )     (65,632 )     (59,725 )
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests
    (3,487 )     (5,595 )     (5,668 )
Purchase of noncontrolling interests
    (13,057 )            
Contributions of equity from noncontrolling interest
    5,332              
Common stock issued-options
    995       1,831       11,765  
Common stock acquired for treasury
          (128,577 )      
Other financing activities
    (5,705 )     (2,025 )     (1,401 )
                         
Net cash used by financing activities
    (164,083 )     (155,539 )     (77,687 )
                         
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    1,833       (5,816 )     12,645  
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    2,848       (30,497 )     20,573  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    91,336       121,833       101,260  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 94,184     $ 91,336     $ 121,833  

(Continued on next page)

- 56 -

HARSCO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

(In thousands)

Years ended December 31
 
2009
   
2008 (a)
   
2007 (a)
 
                   
*Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired
                 
Working capital, other than cash
  $ (2,399 )   $ (263 )   $ (17,574 )
Property, plant and equipment
    (68,906 )     (11,961 )     (45,398 )
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities, net
    (31,936 )     (3,315 )     (191,667 )
                         
Net cash used to acquire businesses
  $ (103,241 )   $ (15,539 )   $ (254,639 )
 
 
(a)  
On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board related to consolidation accounting and reporting.  These changes, among others, require that minority interests be renamed noncontrolling interests for all periods presented.  Results have been reclassified accordingly.
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- 57 -

HARSCO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
 
   
Common Stock
                               
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
Issued
   
Treasury
   
Additional Paid-in
Capital
   
Retained Earnings
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Noncontrolling Interest (a)
   
Total
 
Balances, January 1, 2007
  $ 85,614     $ (603,171 )   $ 166,494     $ 1,666,262     $ (169,334 )   $ 31,130     $ 1,176,995  
Net income
                            299,492               9,726       309,218  
2-for-1 stock split, 42,029,232 shares
    52,536               (52,536 )                              
Cash dividends declared:
                                                    (61,252 )
Common @ $0.71 per share
                            (61,252 )                        
Noncontrolling interests
                                            (5,668 )     (5,668 )
Translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(4,380)
                                    110,451       2,835       113,286  
Cash flow hedging instrument adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(64)
                                    119               119  
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(24,520)
                                    56,257               56,257  
Marketable securities unrealized gains, net of deferred income taxes of $(3)
                                    6               6  
Stock options exercised, 411,864 shares
    515               11,224                               11,739  
Other, 90 shares, and 82,700 restricted stock units (net of forfeitures)
            2       26                               28  
Amortization of unearned compensation on restricted stock units
                    3,414                               3,414  
Balances, December 31, 2007
  $ 138,665     $ (603,169 )   $ 128,622     $ 1,904,502     $ (2,501 )   $ 38,023     $ 1,604,142  
Cumulative effect from adoption of pension accounting changes, net of deferred income taxes of $(413)
                            (1,453 )     2,372               919  
Beginning Balances, January 1, 2008
  $ 138,665     $ (603,169 )   $ 128,622     $ 1,903,049     $ (129 )   $ 38,023     $ 1,605,061  
Net income
                            240,945               5,894       246,839  
Cash dividends declared:
                                                       
Common @ $0.78 per share
                            (64,824 )                     (64,824 )
Noncontrolling interests
                                            (5,595 )     (5,595 )
Translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $85,526
                                    (154,572 )     (2,026 )     (156,598 )
Cash flow hedging instrument adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(7,655)
                                    20,812               20,812  
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $29,057
                                    (74,340 )             (74,340 )
Marketable securities unrealized gains, net of deferred income taxes of $38
                                    (70 )             (70 )
Stock options exercised, 121,176 shares
    152               3,336                               3,488  
Net issuance of stock – vesting of restricted stock units, 56,847 shares
    108       (1,457 )     (108 )                             (1,457 )
Treasury shares repurchased, 4,463,353 shares
            (128,577 )                                     (128,577 )
Amortization of unearned compensation on restricted stock units, net of forfeitures
                    5,233                               5,233  
Balances, December 31, 2008
  $ 138,925     $ (733,203 )   $ 137,083     $ 2,079,170     $ (208,299 )   $ 36,296     $ 1,449,972  

(Continued on next page)

- 58 -

HARSCO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Continued)
 

   
Common Stock
                               
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
Issued
   
Treasury
   
Additional Paid-in Capital
   
Retained Earnings
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Noncontrolling Interest (a)
   
Total
 
Balances, December 31, 2008
  $ 138,925     $ (733,203 )   $ 137,083     $ 2,079,170     $ (208,299 )   $ 36,296     $ 1,449,972  
Net income
                            118,777               6,995       125,772  
Cash dividends declared:
                                                       
Common @ $0.805 per share
                            (64,650 )                     (64,650 )
Noncontrolling interests
                                            (3,487 )     (3,487 )
Translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $(21,866)
                                    96,802       262       97,064  
Cash flow hedging instrument adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $10,849
                                    (30,041 )             (30,041 )
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests
                    (3,905 )                     (9,141 )     (13,046 )
Contributions of equity from noncontrolling interest
                                            5,332       5,332  
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $26,012
                                    (60,150 )             (60,150 )
Marketable securities unrealized loss, net of deferred income taxes of $(2)
                                    4               4  
Stock options exercised, 92,250 shares
    115       (423 )     1,366                               1,058  
Net issuance of stock – vesting of restricted stock units, 101,918 shares
    194       (1,390 )     (684 )                             (1,880 )
Amortization of unearned compensation on restricted stock units, net of forfeitures
                    3,886                               3,886  
Balances, December 31, 2009
  $ 139,234     $ (735,016 )   $ 137,746     $ 2,133,297     $ (201,684 )   $ 36,257     $ 1,509,834  
 
(a)  
On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board related to consolidation accounting and reporting.  These changes, among others, require that minority interests be renamed noncontrolling interests and that a company present such noncontrolling interests as equity for all periods presented.  Amounts have been reclassified accordingly.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- 59 -

HARSCO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)
Years ended December 31
 
2009
   
2008 (a)
   
2007 (a)
 
Net income
  $ 125,772     $ 246,839     $ 309,218  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                       
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred income taxes
    97,064       (156,598 )     113,286  
Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $10,490, $(7,681) and $2 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively
    (29,375 )     20,859       (3 )
Reclassification adjustment for (gain) loss on cash flow hedging instruments, net of deferred income taxes of $359, $26 and $(66) in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively
    (666 )     (47 )     122  
Pension liability adjustments, net of deferred income taxes of $26,012, $29,057 and $(24,520) in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively
    (60,150 )     (74,340 )     56,257  
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of deferred income taxes of $(2), $38 and $(3) in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively
    4       (70 )     6  
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
    6,877       (210,196 )     169,668  
Total comprehensive income
    132,649       36,643       478,886  
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (7,257 )     (3,868 )     (12,561 )
Comprehensive income attributable to Harsco Corporation
  $ 125,392     $ 32,775     $ 466,325  
 
(a)  
On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board related to consolidation accounting and reporting.  These changes, among others, require that minority interests be renamed noncontrolling interests and that a company present a consolidated net income measure that includes the amount attributable to such noncontrolling interests for all periods presented.  Results have been reclassified accordingly.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
- 60 -

HARSCO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.         Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Harsco Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiaries (the "Company").  Additionally, the Company consolidated five entities in 2009 and four entities in 2008 and 2007 in which it has an equity interest of 49% to 50% and exercises management control.  These entities had combined revenues of approximately $126.3 million, $172.3 million and $117.0 million, or 4.2%, 4.3% and 3.2% of the Company’s total revenues for the years ended 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Investments in unconsolidated entities (all of which are 40-50% owned) are accounted for under the equity method.  The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements with unconsolidated special-purpose entities.

Reclassifications and Out-of-Period Adjustments
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ amounts to conform with current year classifications.  These reclassifications relate principally to segment reporting.  The Harsco Rail operating segment, which was previously a component of the All Other Category, is now reported separately.  Also, the Gas Technologies Segment is classified as Discontinued Operations as discussed in Note 2, “Acquisitions and Dispositions.”  Additionally, all historical share and per share data have been adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split that was effective at the close of business on March 26, 2007.  As a result of these reclassifications, certain prior-period amounts presented for comparative purposes will not individually agree with previously filed Forms 10-K or 10-Q.

During 2009, the Company recorded non-cash out-of-period adjustments that had the net effect of reducing after-tax income by $4 million or $0.05 per diluted share.  The adjustments correct errors generated principally by the improper recognition of certain revenues and delaying the recognition of certain expenses ($9 million or $0.11 per diluted share) by one subsidiary, in one country, during the past three years.  Based upon the investigation, which is completed, these errors primarily related to the failure to receive advance customer agreement and to invoice on a timely basis for additional work performed for two customers.  The Company assessed the individual and aggregate impact of these adjustments on the current year and all prior periods and determined that the cumulative effect of the adjustments was not material to the full-year 2009 results and did not result in a material misstatement to any previously issued annual or quarterly financial statements.  Consequently, the Company recorded the $4 million net adjustment in the current year and has not revised any previously issued annual financial statements or interim financial data.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term investments that are highly liquid in nature and have an original maturity of three months or less.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.  Inventories in the United States are principally accounted for using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method.  Other inventories are accounted for using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost methods.

Depreciation
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets using principally the straight-line method.  When property is retired from service, the cost of the retirement is charged to the allowance for depreciation to the extent of the accumulated depreciation and the balance is charged to income.  Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale are not depreciated while they are held for sale.

Leases
The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable lease agreements.  All lease agreements are evaluated and classified as either an operating lease or capital lease.  A lease is classified as a capital lease if any of the following criteria are met:  transfer of ownership to the Company by the end of the lease term; the lease contains a bargain purchase option; the lease term is equal to or greater than 75% of the asset’s economic life; or the present value of future minimum lease payments is equal to or greater than 90% of the asset’s fair market value.  Operating lease expense is recognized ratably over the entire lease term, including rent abatement periods and rent holidays.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment at the reporting unit level.  A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (referred to as a component).  A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that component.  Accordingly, the Company performs the
 
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goodwill impairment test at the operating segment level.  The goodwill impairment tests are performed on an annual basis as of October 1 and between annual tests whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill may exceed its fair value.  A discounted cash flow model is used to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit.  This model requires the use of long-term planning forecasts and assumptions regarding industry-specific economic conditions that are outside the control of the Company.  Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives.  See Note 5, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” for additional information on intangible assets and goodwill impairment testing.
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Other than Goodwill)
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  The Company's policy is to record an impairment loss when it is determined that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows resulting from use of the asset, and its eventual disposition.  Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, normally as determined in either open market transactions or through the use of a discounted cash flow model.  Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

Revenue Recognition
Product revenues and service revenues are recognized when they are realized or realizable and when earned.  Revenue is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met:  persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the Company’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.  Service revenues include the Harsco Infrastructure and Harsco Metals Segments as well as service revenues of the Harsco Rail Segment and the All Other Category (Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial).  Product revenues include the Harsco Rail Segment and the manufacturing businesses of the All Other Category (Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial).

Harsco Infrastructure Segment – This Segment provides services under both fixed-fee and time-and-materials short-term contracts, rents equipment under month-to-month rental contracts and, to a lesser extent, sells products to customers.  Equipment rentals are recognized as earned over the contractual rental period.  Services provided on a fixed-fee basis are recognized over the contractual period based upon the completion of specific units of accounting (i.e., erection and dismantling of equipment).  Services provided on a time-and-materials basis are recognized when earned as services are performed.  Product sales revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Harsco Metals Segment – This Segment provides services predominantly on a long-term, volume-of-production contract basis.  Contracts may include both fixed monthly fees as well as variable fees based upon specific services provided to the customer.  The fixed-fee portion is recognized periodically as earned (normally monthly) over the contractual period.  The variable-fee portion is recognized as services are performed and differs from period-to-period based upon the actual provision of services.

Harsco Rail Segment – This Segment sells railway track maintenance equipment and provides railway track maintenance services.  Product sales revenue is recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met.  Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfers to the customer at the point of shipment.  For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract.  Revenue may be recognized subsequent to the transfer of title and risk of loss for certain product sales, if the specific sales contract includes a customer acceptance clause that provides for different timing.  In those situations revenue is recognized after transfer of title and risk of loss and after customer acceptance.  Services are predominantly on a long-term, time-and-materials contract basis.  Revenue is recognized when earned as services are performed within the long-term contracts.

All Other Category (Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial) – This category includes the Minerals and Recycling Technologies and the Industrial Abrasives and Roofing Granules operating segments, as well as the Harsco Industrial IKG, Harsco Industrial Patterson-Kelley and Harsco Industrial Air-X-Changers operating segments.  These operating segments principally sell products.  Product sales revenue are recognized generally when title and risk of loss transfer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met.  Title and risk of loss for domestic shipments generally transfers to the customer at the point of shipment.  For export sales, title and risk of loss transfer in accordance with the international commercial terms included in the specific customer contract.  The Minerals and Recycling Technologies operating segment sells products and provides services.  These services are predominantly on a long-term, volume-of-production contract basis.  Contracts may include both fixed monthly fees as well as variable fees based upon specific services provided to the customer.  The fixed-fee portion is recognized periodically as earned (normally monthly) over the contractual period.  The variable-fee portion is recognized as services are performed and differs from period-to-period based upon the actual provision of services.

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Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of the events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.  The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company records deferred tax assets to the extent the Company believes these assets will more-likely-than-not be realized.  In making such determinations, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations.  In the event the Company were to determine that it would be able to realize deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be made that would reduce the provision for income taxes.

The tax benefit from an uncertain position is recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on technical merits.  Each subsequent period the Company determines if existing or new uncertain positions meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold and adjust accordingly.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within Income tax expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.  Accrued interest and penalties are included in Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In general, it is the practice and intention of the Company to reinvest the undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries.  Should the Company repatriate future earnings, such amounts become subject to U.S. taxation giving recognition to current tax expense and foreign tax credits upon remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances.

Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves
The Company retains a significant portion of the risk for U.S. workers’ compensation, U.K. employers’ liability, automobile, general and product liability losses.  During 2009, 2008 and 2007 the Company recorded insurance expense from continuing operations related to these lines of coverage of approximately $40 million, $43 million and $37 million, respectively.  Reserves have been recorded that reflect the undiscounted estimated liabilities including claims incurred but not reported.  When a recognized liability is covered by third-party insurance, the Company records an insurance claim receivable to reflect the covered liability.  Changes in the estimates of the reserves are included in net income in the period determined.  During 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded retrospective insurance reserve adjustments that decreased pre-tax insurance expense from continuing operations for self-insured programs by $3.7 million, $1.8 million and $1.2 million, respectively.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company has recorded liabilities of $87.2 million and $97.2 million, respectively, related to both asserted as well as unasserted insurance claims.  Included in the balance at December 31, 2009 and 2008 were $6.9 million and $17.8 million, respectively, of recognized liabilities covered by insurance carriers.  Amounts estimated to be paid within one year have been classified as current Insurance liabilities, with the remainder included in non-current Insurance liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
 

 
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Warranties
The Company has recorded product warranty reserves of $4.1 million, $2.9 million and $2.9 million as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The Company provides for warranties of certain products as they are sold.  The following table summarizes the warranty activity for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:

 
Warranty Activity
                 
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                     
 
Balance at the beginning of the period
  $ 2,863     $ 2,907     $ 4,805  
                           
 
Accruals for warranties issued during the period
    4,623       3,683       3,112  
                           
 
Reductions related to pre-existing warranties
    (1,388 )     (1,524 )     (1,112 )
                           
 
Divestiture
                (980 )
                           
 
Warranties paid
    (2,059 )     (2,157 )     (2,810 )
                           
 
Other (principally foreign currency translation)
    39       (46 )     (108 )
                           
 
Balance at end of the period
  $ 4,078     $ 2,863     $ 2,907  

Foreign Currency Translation
The financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries outside the United States, except for those subsidiaries located in highly inflationary economies and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, are measured using the local currency as the functional currency.  Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rates as of the balance sheet date.  Resulting translation adjustments are recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account, a separate component of Other comprehensive income (loss).  Income and expense items are translated at average monthly exchange rates.  Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in net income.  For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, and those entities for which the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, gains and losses on foreign currency transactions and balance sheet translation adjustments are included in net income.

Financial Instruments and Hedging
The Company has operations throughout the world that are exposed to fluctuations in related foreign currencies in the normal course of business.  The Company seeks to reduce exposure to foreign currency fluctuations through the use of forward exchange contracts.  The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes, and it is the Company's policy to prohibit the use of derivatives for speculative purposes.  The Company has a Foreign Currency Risk Management Committee that meets periodically to monitor foreign currency risks.

The Company executes foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge transactions for firm purchase commitments, to hedge variable cash flows of forecasted transactions and for export sales denominated in foreign currencies.  These contracts are generally for 90 days or less; however, where appropriate, longer-term contracts may be utilized.  For those contracts that are designated as qualified cash flow hedges, gains or losses are recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss).

Amounts recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified into income in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects income.  The cash flows from these contracts are classified consistent with the cash flows from the transaction being hedged (i.e., the cash flows related to contracts to hedge the purchase of fixed assets are included in cash flows from investing activities, etc.).  The Company also enters into certain forward exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges.  Gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in income based on fair market value.  For fair value hedges of a firm commitment, the gain or loss on the derivative and the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged firm commitment are recognized currently in income.

Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share are calculated using the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, while diluted earnings per share reflect the dilutive effects of restricted stock units and the potential dilution that could occur if stock options were exercised.  See Note 11, “Capital Stock,” for additional information on earnings per share.

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Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards
The following accounting standards were adopted in 2009:

On September 30, 2009, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB to the authoritative hierarchy of GAAP.  These changes established the FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM (“Codification”) as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP.  Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants.  The FASB will no longer issue new standards in the form of Statements, FASB Staff Positions or Emerging Issues Task Force Abstracts; instead the FASB will issue Accounting Standards Updates.  Accounting Standards Updates will not be authoritative in their own right as they will only serve to update the Codification.  These changes and the Codification itself do not change GAAP.  The adoption of these changes had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, other than the manner in which new accounting standards are referenced.

On June 30, 2009, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB related to the accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued.  Specifically, these changes set forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. The adoption of these changes had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Company’s existing method of accounting for and disclosing subsequent events did not significantly change.

On June 30, 2009, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB that require a publicly traded company to disclose the fair value of its financial instruments whenever summarized financial information for interim reporting periods is issued.  Such disclosures include the fair value of all financial instruments, for which it is practicable to estimate that value, whether recognized or not recognized in the statement of financial position; the related carrying amount of these financial instruments; and the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value.  The adoption of these changes had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements other than the required disclosures included in the Company’s interim financial statements.

On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB related to disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities, including:
 
·  
how and why an entity uses derivative instruments,
·  
how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for, and
·  
how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows.
 
Other than the required disclosures included in Note 13, “Financial Instruments,” the adoption of these changes had no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB related to the consolidation accounting and reporting for a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  These changes define a noncontrolling interest, previously called a minority interest, as the portion of equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent.  These changes require, among other items, that a noncontrolling interest be included in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity separate from the parent’s equity; consolidated net income to be reported at amounts inclusive of both the parent’s and noncontrolling interest’s shares and, separately, the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interest all on the consolidated statement of income; and if a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary be measured at fair value and a gain or loss be recognized in net income based on such fair value. The presentation and disclosure requirements of these changes have been applied retrospectively.  Other than the change in presentation of noncontrolling interests, the adoption of these changes had no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB related to the fair value accounting and reporting of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are not recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on at least an annual basis.  These changes define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and expand disclosures about fair value measurements.  This standard applies to other GAAP that require or permit fair value measurements and is to be applied prospectively with limited exceptions.  The adoption of these changes as they relate to nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  These provisions will be applied at such time when a nonrecurring fair value measurement of a nonfinancial asset or nonfinancial liability is required, which may result in a fair value that could be materially different than would have been calculated prior to the adoption of these changes.

Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted changes issued by the FASB on April 1, 2009 related to the accounting for business combinations.  These changes apply to all assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from certain contingencies and requires (i) an acquirer to recognize at fair value, at the acquisition date, an asset acquired or liability assumed in a business combination that arises from a contingency if the acquisition-date fair value of that asset or liability can be determined during the measurement period; otherwise the asset or liability should be recognized at the acquisition date if certain defined criteria are met; (ii) contingent consideration arrangements of an acquiree assumed by the acquirer in a business combination be recognized initially at fair value; (iii) subsequent measurements of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies be based on a systematic and rational method depending on their nature and contingent consideration arrangements be measured subsequently; and (iv) disclosures of the amounts and measurement basis of such assets and liabilities and the nature of the contingencies.  These changes are effective for the Company for all business combinations after December 31, 2008.  The effect of its adoption had no material impact for business combinations occurring in 2009.
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued changes related to employers’ disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets. These changes require disclosure of how investment allocation decisions are made; major categories of plan assets; inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value of plan assets; the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets; and significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. These changes became effective for the Company’s year-end December 31, 2009 consolidated financial statements. As these changes only required enhanced disclosures, the adoption of these changes only impacted the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
The following accounting standards were issued in 2009 and become effective for the Company at various future dates:

In October 2009, the FASB issued changes related to the accounting for revenue recognition when multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements are present.  The changes eliminate the residual method of revenue allocation and require revenue to be allocated using the relative selling price method.  This method allows a vendor to use its best estimate of selling price if neither vendor-specific objective evidence nor third-party evidence of selling price exists when evaluating multiple deliverable arrangements.  These changes must be adopted no later than January 1, 2011 and may be adopted prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified after the date of adoption or retrospectively for all revenue arrangements for all periods presented.  The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of these changes and has not yet determined the impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued changes related to the accounting for variable interest entities.  These changes require an enterprise:
 
·  
to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity;
·  
to require ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity;
·  
to eliminate the quantitative approach previously required for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity;
·  
to add an additional reconsideration event for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity when any changes in facts and circumstances occur such that holders of the equity investment at risk, as a group, lose the power from voting rights or similar rights of those investments to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; and
·  
to provide enhanced disclosures that will provide users of financial statements with more transparent information about an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity.
 
These changes became effective for the Company on January 1, 2010.  The adoption of these changes had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements other than the required disclosures that will be included in the Company’s future financial statements.

 
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2.         Acquisitions and Dispositions
 
Acquisitions

In November 2009, the Company acquired ESCO Interamerica, Ltd. (“ESCO”), a Costa Rica-based provider of engineering and equipment services to the infrastructure sector in seven countries within Central and South America and the Caribbean.  ESCO generated revenues of approximately $50 million in 2008 and has been included in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.

In October 2009, the Company acquired Nicol UK Ltd. (“Nicol”), a United Kingdom-based multi-disciplined provider of industrial maintenance services, multi-craft site services and scaffolding to major petrochemical, energy and industrial clients.  This business generated revenues of approximately $25 million in 2008 and has been included in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.

In September 2009, the Company formed a partnership in Saudi Arabia that will provide highly-engineered scaffolding and formwork systems and expert installation services to the infrastructure and construction markets.  The Company contributed $5.3 million to form this partnership, which has been included in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.  In September 2009, the partnership acquired the net assets of Saudi Express Transport LLC, which generated revenues of approximately $22 million in 2008.

In August 2009, the Company acquired the noncontrolling interests of four of its Eastern Europe region consolidated subsidiaries in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment for $0.6 million.  The acquisition of these partnership interests was accounted for as an equity transaction since the Company retained its controlling interest in the subsidiaries.

In April 2009, the Company acquired the noncontrolling interests of three of its Asia-Pacific region consolidated subsidiaries in the Harsco Metals Segment for $12.9 million.  The acquisition of these partnership interests was accounted for as an equity transaction since the Company retained its controlling interest in the subsidiaries.

In April 2008, the Company acquired Sovereign Access Services Limited (“Sovereign”), a United Kingdom-based provider of mastclimber work platform rental equipment.  Sovereign recorded revenues of approximately $7 million in 2007 and has been included in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.

In March 2008, the Company acquired Romania-based Baviera S.R.L. (“Baviera”), a distributor of formwork and scaffolding products in Romania.  Baviera recorded revenues of approximately $3 million in 2007 and has been included in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.

In February 2008, the Company acquired Northern Ireland-based Buckley Scaffolding (“Buckley”), a provider of scaffolding and erection and dismantling services to customers in the construction, industrial and events businesses.  Buckley recorded revenues of approximately $3 million in 2007 and has been included in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.

Inclusion of the pro-forma financial information for the above transactions is not necessary due to the immaterial size of the acquisitions, individually and in the aggregate.

In January 2010, the Company acquired Bell Scaffolding Group (“Bell”), an Australia-based infrastructure solutions provider serving the industrial, infrastructure and commercial construction sectors.  Bell’s capabilities range from technical design and support through supply and erect contracts.  Bell generated revenues of approximately $40 million in 2008 and will be included in the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.



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Net Income Attributable to the Company and Transfers to Noncontrolling Interest
The purpose of the following schedule is to disclose the effects of changes in the Company’s ownership interest in its subsidiaries on the Company’s equity.

     
For the Years Ended December 31
 
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                     
 
Net income attributable to the Company
  $ 118,777     $ 240,945     $ 299,492  
                           
 
Decrease in the Company’s paid-in capital for purchase of partnership interests
    (3,905 )            
                           
 
Change from net income attributable to the Company and transfers to noncontrolling interest
  $ 114,872     $ 240,945     $ 299,492  

Dispositions
Consistent with the Company’s strategic focus to grow and allocate financial resources to its industrial services businesses, on December 7, 2007, the Company sold its Gas Technologies Segment to Taylor Wharton International.  The terms of the sale include a total purchase price of $340 million, including $300 million paid in cash at closing and $40 million payable in the form of an earnout contingent on the Gas Technologies group achieving certain performance targets in 2008 or 2009.  The thresholds for achieving the earnout for both 2008 and 2009 were not met.  The Company recorded a $26.4 million after-tax gain on the sale in the fourth quarter of 2007.  In 2008, the Company recorded a loss from discontinued operations of $4.7 million, comprised of $1.7 million of working capital adjustments and other costs associated with this disposition, coupled with the tax effect from the final purchase price allocation.  The Company recorded $15.1 million in after-tax charges in Discontinued Operations in 2009 related to the settlement of working capital adjustment claims and other costs associated with arbitration proceedings as described in Note 10, “Commitments and Contingencies.”  This business recorded revenues and operating income of $384.9 million and $26.9 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2007.  The Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended 2009, 2008 and 2007 reflect the Gas Technologies Segment’s results in discontinued operations.

 
3.         Accounts Receivable and Inventories
 
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, Trade accounts receivable of $598.3 million and $648.9 million, respectively, were net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $24.5 million and $27.9 million, respectively.  The decrease in accounts receivable from December 31, 2008 related principally to lower sales levels in the fourth quarter of 2009.  The provision for doubtful accounts was $9.3 million, $12.5 million and $7.8 million for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Other receivables of $30.9 million and $46.0 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, include insurance claim receivables, employee receivables, tax claim receivables and other miscellaneous receivables not included in Trade accounts receivable, net.

Inventories consist of the following:

     
Inventories
 
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
 
 
Finished goods
  $ 146,104     $ 156,490  
 
Work-in-process
    19,381       21,918  
 
Raw materials and purchased parts
    84,542       83,372  
 
Stores and supplies
    41,147       47,750  
 
Total inventories
  $ 291,174     $ 309,530  
 
Valued at lower of cost or market:
               
 
Last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) basis
  $ 111,641     $ 105,959  
 
First-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis
    13,877       15,140  
 
Average cost basis
    165,656       188,431  
 
Total inventories
  $ 291,174     $ 309,530  

Inventories valued on the LIFO basis at December 31, 2009 and 2008 were approximately $24.2 million and $32.8 million, respectively, less than the amounts of such inventories valued at current costs.

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As a result of reducing certain inventory quantities valued on the LIFO basis, net income increased from that which would have been recorded under the FIFO basis of valuation by $1.7 million in 2009, $0.3 million in 2008 and less than $0.1 million in 2007.

 
4.           Property, Plant and Equipment
 
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:

 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
 
 
Land and improvements
  $ 46,198     $ 41,913  
 
Buildings and improvements
    207,280       167,606  
 
Machinery and equipment
    3,146,358       2,905,398  
 
Uncompleted construction
    50,252       75,210  
 
Gross property, plant and equipment
    3,450,088       3,190,127  
 
Less accumulated depreciation
    (1,939,287 )     (1,707,294 )
 
Net property, plant and equipment
  $ 1,510,801     $ 1,482,833  

The estimated useful lives of different types of assets are generally:
 
 
Land improvements
5 to 20 years
     
 
Buildings and improvements
5 to 40 years
     
 
Machinery and equipment
3 to 20 years
     
 
Leasehold improvements
Estimated useful life of the improvement or, if shorter, the life of the lease

 
5.           Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis, and between annual tests whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill may exceed its fair value.  Reporting units are either the Company’s operating segments, or business units within these segments, which are referred to herein as components.  For 2009, the goodwill impairment testing was conducted at the operating segment level for the Harsco Infrastructure, Harsco Metals and Harsco Rail Segments and the All Other Category.  For 2008, the goodwill impairment testing was conducted at the operating segment level for the Harsco Metals and Harsco Rail Segments and the All Other Category; and at the component level for the Harsco Infrastructure Segment.  Goodwill testing for the Harsco Infrastructure Segment was changed to the operating segment level in 2009 due to the integration of the historic business units (components) within this Segment as part of generating further operational efficiencies, global branding and facilitating global growth.

Impairment testing is a two-step process.  Step one is a comparison of each reporting unit’s fair value to its book value.  If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the book value, step two of the test is not required.  Step two requires the allocation of fair values to assets and liabilities as if the reporting unit had just been purchased, resulting in the implied fair value of goodwill.  If the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, a write down to the implied fair value of goodwill would be required.

The Company uses a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit in performing step one of the testing.  This model requires the use of long-term planning estimates and assumptions regarding industry-specific economic conditions that are outside the control of the Company.  Assessments of future cash flows would consider, but not be limited to, the following: global industrial plant maintenance requirements; global infrastructure construction; global metals production and capacity utilization; global railway track maintenance-of-way capital spending; and other drivers of the Company’s businesses.  Changes in the overall interest rate environment may also impact the fair market value of the Company’s reporting units as this would directly influence the rate utilized for discounting operating cash flows, and ultimately determining a reporting unit’s fair value.  The Company’s overall market capitalization is also a factor in evaluating the fair market values of the Company’s reporting units.  Significant declines in the overall market capitalization of the Company could lead to the determination that the book value of one
 
 
- 69 -

or more of the Company’s reporting units exceeds their fair value.  The Company performed required annual testing for goodwill impairment as of October 1, 2009 and 2008 and all reporting units of the Company passed the step one testing thereby indicating that no goodwill impairment exists.  Additionally, the Company determined that as of December 31, 2009 no interim impairment testing was necessary.  However, there can be no assurance that future goodwill impairment tests will not result in a charge to earnings.

The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009:

Goodwill by Segment
                             
(In thousands)
 
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
   
Harsco Metals Segment
   
Harsco Rail Segment
   
All Other Category (a) – Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial
   
Consolidated Totals
 
Balance as of December 31, 2007
  $ 254,856     $ 348,311     $ 8,118     $ 108,784     $ 720,069  
                                         
Goodwill acquired during year (b)
    12,045                         12,045  
                                         
Changes to Goodwill (c)
    1,262       (4,892 )     254       12       (3,364 )
                                         
Foreign currency translation
    (47,616 )     (43,806 )           (5,838 )     (97,260 )
                                         
Balance as of December 31, 2008
  $ 220,547     $ 299,613     $ 8,372     $ 102,958     $ 631,490  
                                         
Goodwill acquired during year (d)
    29,601                         29,601  
                                         
Changes to Goodwill (e)
    (68 )     480       607       1,137       2,156  
                                         
Foreign currency translation
    16,039       15,652             4,103       35,794  
                                         
Balance as of December 31, 2009
  $ 266,119     $ 315,745     $ 8,979     $ 108,198     $ 699,041  
 
(a)
All Other Category has been adjusted for comparative purposes to exclude the Harsco Rail Segment, which has been reclassified as a reportable Segment based on 2009 results.
(b)
Relates to acquisitions of Baviera S.R.L., Buckley Scaffolding and Sovereign Access Services Limited.
(c)
Relates principally to opening balance sheet adjustments.
(d)
Relates principally to the ESCO acquisition.
(e)
Relates principally to payment of contingent consideration on acquisitions made prior to 2009.

Goodwill is net of accumulated amortization of $98.7 million and $95.9 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The increase in accumulated amortization from December 31, 2008 is due to foreign currency translation.
 
 
 
 
 

 
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Intangible assets totaled $150.9 million, net of accumulated amortization of $95.8 million at December 31, 2009 and $141.5 million, net of accumulated amortization of $65.4 million at December 31, 2008.  The following table reflects these intangible assets by major category:

 
Intangible Assets
           
     
December 31, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Gross Carrying
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Gross Carrying
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortization
 
                           
 
Customer relationships
  $ 165,092     $ 61,547     $ 138,752     $ 40,821  
                                   
 
Non-compete agreements
    1,440       1,346       1,414       1,196  
                                   
 
Patents
    7,043       4,597       6,316       4,116  
                                   
 
Other
    73,143       28,336       60,495       19,309  
                                   
 
Total
  $ 246,718     $ 95,826     $ 206,977     $ 65,442  

The increase in intangible assets for 2009 was due principally to intangible assets acquired in the acquisitions discussed in Note 2, “Acquisitions and Dispositions.”  As part of these transactions, the Company acquired the following intangible assets (by major class) that are subject to amortization:

 
Acquired Intangible Assets
         
 
(In thousands)
 
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Residual Value
Weighted-average
amortization period
             
 
Customer relationships
  $ 19,823  
None
9 years
               
 
Patents
    574  
None
15 years
               
 
Other
    7,677  
None
5 years
               
 
Total
  $ 28,074      

There were no research and development assets acquired and written off in 2009, 2008 or 2007.

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $26.4 million, $28.1 million and $27.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The following table shows the estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years based on current intangible assets.

 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
 
                                 
 
Estimated amortization expense (a)
  $ 31,865     $ 29,953     $ 16,353     $ 14,496     $ 12,761  

(a)
These estimated amortization expense amounts do not reflect the potential effect of future foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

 
6.         Debt and Credit Agreements
 
The Company has various credit facilities and commercial paper programs available for use throughout the world.  The following table illustrates the amounts outstanding on credit facilities and commercial paper programs, and available credit at December 31, 2009.  These credit facilities and programs are described in more detail below the table.
 
 

 
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Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2009
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Facility Limit
   
Outstanding
Balance
   
Available
Credit
 
                     
 
U.S. commercial paper program
  $ 550,000     $ 20,949     $ 529,051  
                           
 
Euro commercial paper program
    286,320       28,999       257,321  
                           
 
Multi-year revolving credit facility (a)
    570,000             570,000  
                           
 
Bilateral credit facility (b)
    30,000             30,000  
                           
 
Totals at December 31, 2009
  $ 1,436,320     $ 49,948     $ 1,386,372 (c)
 
 
(a)
U.S.-based program.
 
(b)
International-based program.
 
(c)
Although the Company has significant available credit, in practice, the Company limits aggregate commercial paper and credit facility borrowings at any one-time to a maximum of $600.0 million (the aggregate amount of the back-up facilities).

The Company has a U.S. commercial paper borrowing program under which it can issue up to $550 million of short-term notes in the U.S. commercial paper market.  In addition, the Company has a 200 million euro commercial paper program, equivalent to approximately $286.3 million at December 31, 2009, which is used to fund the Company's international operations.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had $20.9 million and $35.9 million of U.S. commercial paper outstanding, respectively; and $29.0 million and $9.0 million outstanding, respectively, under its European-based commercial paper program.  At December 31, 2008, the Company also had $50.0 million outstanding under its previous 364-day revolving credit line, which was repaid in 2009 and subsequently replaced by the $570 million multi-year credit facility.  These borrowings are classified as long-term debt when the Company has the ability and intent to refinance them on a long-term basis through existing long-term credit facilities.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company classified $49.9 million and $94.9 million, respectively, of commercial paper and advances as short-term debt.  There were no remaining commercial paper or advances to be reclassified as long-term debt at December 31, 2009 or 2008.

During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company entered into a multi-year revolving credit facility in the amount of $570 million, through a syndicate of 21 banks, which matures in December 2012.  This new facility replaces the $220 million 364-day revolving credit facility, which expired in November 2009, and the $450 million credit facility the Company terminated in the fourth quarter of 2009.  This facility serves as back-up to the Company's commercial paper programs.  Interest rates on the facility are based upon either the announced Citibank Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus a margin or LIBOR plus a margin.  The Company pays a facility fee (0.275% per annum as of December 31, 2009) that varies based upon its credit ratings.  At December 31, 2009, there were no borrowings outstanding on this credit facility.

The Company’s bilateral credit facility was amended in December 2009 to extend the maturity date to December 2010.  The facility serves as back-up to the Company’s commercial paper programs and also provides available financing for the Company’s European operations.  Borrowings under this facility are available in most major currencies with active markets at interest rates based upon LIBOR plus a margin.  Borrowings outstanding at expiration may be repaid over the succeeding 12 months.  As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, there were no borrowings outstanding on this facility.

Short-term borrowings amounted to $57.4 million and $117.9 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  This included commercial paper and advances of $49.9 million and $94.9 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Other than the commercial paper borrowings and advances, short-term debt was principally bank overdrafts.  The weighted-average interest rate for short-term borrowings at December 31, 2009 and 2008 was 0.9% and 3.8%, respectively.


- 72 -

 
     
Long-Term Debt
 
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
 
 
5.75% notes due May 1, 2018
  $ 447,029     $ 446,762  
 
7.25% British pound sterling-denominated notes due October 27, 2010
    322,700       290,777  
 
5.125% notes due September 15, 2013
    149,392       149,247  
 
Other financing payable in varying amounts due through 2016 with a weighted average interest rate of 8.0% and 7.5% as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively
    8,426       8,243  
        927,547       895,029  
 
Less: current maturities
    (25,813 )     (3,212 )
 
Total Long-term Debt
  $ 901,734     $ 891,817  

At December 31, 2009, most of the Company’s 7.25% British pound sterling-denominated notes that are due in October 2010 are classified as long-term debt based on the Company’s ability and intent to refinance this debt using either the public debt markets or its existing multi-year revolving credit facility, which matures in 2012.  Current maturities of long-term debt include a portion of the 7.25% British pound sterling-denominated notes that the Company believes exceeds the amount it will refinance and a portion of other financing payables.

The maturities of long-term debt for the four years following December 31, 2010 are as follows:

 
(In thousands)
 
 
2011
  $ 3,739  
 
2012
    301,247  
 
2013
    149,536  
 
2014
    57  

Cash payments for interest on all debt from continuing operations were $61.5 million, $71.6 million and $80.3 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The Company’s credit facilities and certain notes payable agreements contain a covenant stipulating a maximum debt to capital ratio of 60%.  Certain notes payable agreements also contain a covenant requiring a minimum net worth of $475 million.  In addition, one credit facility limits the proportion of subsidiary consolidated indebtedness to a maximum of 10% of consolidated tangible assets.  The Company’s 7.25% British pound sterling-denominated notes and its 5.75% notes also include covenants that permit the note holders to redeem their notes, at par and 101% of par, respectively, in the event of a change of control of the Company or disposition of a significant portion of the Company’s assets in combination with the Company’s credit rating being downgraded to non-investment grade.  At December 31, 2009, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

 
7.         Leases
 
The Company leases certain property and equipment under noncancelable operating leases.  Rental expense (for continuing operations) under such operating leases was $64.3 million, $65.0 million and $70.4 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Future minimum payments under operating leases with noncancelable terms are as follows:

 
(In thousands)
 
 
2010
  $ 45,500  
 
2011
    31,540  
 
2012
    23,230  
 
2013
    18,749  
 
2014
    15,737  
 
After 2014
    27,521  

Total minimum rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases as of December 31, 2009 are $8.0 million.

 
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8.         Employee Benefit Plans
 
 
Pension Benefits
The Company has pension and profit sharing retirement plans covering a substantial number of its employees.  The defined benefits for salaried employees generally are based on years of service and the employee's level of compensation during specified periods of employment.  Defined benefit plans covering hourly employees generally provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of service.  The multi-employer plans in which the Company participates provide benefits to certain unionized employees.  The Company's funding policy for qualified plans is consistent with statutory regulations and customarily equals the amount deducted for income tax purposes.  The Company also makes periodic voluntary contributions as recommended by its pension committee.  The Company's policy is to amortize prior service costs of defined benefit pension plans over the average future service period of active plan participants.

For most U.S. defined benefit pension plans and a majority of international defined benefit pension plans, accrued service is no longer granted.  In place of these plans, the Company has established defined contribution pension plans providing for the Company to contribute a specified matching amount for participating employees’ contributions to the plan.  Domestically, this match is made on employee contributions up to 4% of their eligible compensation.  Additionally, the Company may provide a discretionary contribution of up to 2% of compensation for eligible employees.  Internationally, this match is up to 6% of eligible compensation with an additional 2% going towards insurance and administrative costs.  The Company believes the defined contribution plans provide a more predictable and less volatile net periodic pension cost than exists under defined benefit plans.

 (In thousands)
 
U.S. Plans
   
International Plans
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net Periodic Pension Cost (Income)
                               
Defined benefit plans:
                                   
Service cost
  $ 1,790     $ 1,740     $ 3,033     $ 3,977     $ 8,729     $ 9,031  
Interest cost
    14,104       15,197       15,511       42,854       50,146       50,118  
Expected return on plan assets
    (14,598 )     (23,812 )     (22,943 )     (41,453 )     (58,166 )     (61,574 )
Recognized prior service costs
    351       333       686       353       897       938  
Recognized losses
    3,466       1,167       1,314       9,353       10,317       15,254  
Amortization of transition  liability
                      33       29       36  
Settlement/Curtailment loss (gain)
    4       (620 )     2,091       (341 )     1,536        
Defined benefit plans pension cost (income)
    5,117       (5,995 )     (308 )     14,776       13,488       13,803  
Less Discontinued Operations included in above
          (694 )     2,748                   477  
Defined benefit plans pension cost (income)  – continuing operations
    5,117       (5,301 )     (3,056 )     14,776       13,488       13,326  
Multi-employer plans (a)
    12,533       15,231       13,552       9,201       10,143       10,361  
Defined contribution plans (a)
    7,104       7,806       9,628       8,235       8,131       7,741  
                                                 
Net periodic pension cost – continuing operations
  $ 24,754     $ 17,736     $ 20,124     $ 32,212     $ 31,762     $ 31,428  
 
(a) Excludes discontinued operations.
 
In 2008, the Company recognized a settlement gain of $0.9 million related to the Gas Technologies Segment that was sold in December 2007.  The settlement gain was recognized upon final transfer of pension assets and liabilities to an authorized trust established by the purchaser of the Segment and is included above in U.S. Plans discontinued operations.  Also in 2008, the Company implemented plan design changes for certain domestic and international defined benefit pension plans so that accrued service is no longer granted for periods after December 31, 2008.  These actions resulted in a net curtailment loss of $1.5 million.  See Note 17, “2008 Restructuring Program” for additional information.

In 2007, the Company recognized a $2.1 million curtailment loss in connection with the remeasurement of plan obligations related to the divestiture of the Gas Technologies Segment.

- 74 -

The change in the financial status of the pension plans and amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

Defined Benefit Pension Benefits
 
U. S. Plans
   
International Plans
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
 
Change in benefit obligation:
                       
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 238,347     $ 268,710     $ 698,836     $ 987,894  
Service cost
    1,790       1,740       3,977       8,729  
Interest cost
    14,104       15,197       42,854       50,146  
Plan participants’ contributions
                1,131       2,311  
Amendments
          890             (111 )
Adoption of measurement date change
          598             5,154  
Actuarial loss (gain)
    8,638       (10,145 )     102,390       (58,507 )
Settlements/curtailments
                (1,564 )     (10,388 )
Benefits paid
    (15,616 )     (15,721 )     (35,771 )     (35,695 )
Divestiture of Gas Technologies Segment
          (22,922 )           (678 )
Effect of foreign currency
                76,029       (250,019 )
Benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 247,263     $ 238,347     $ 887,882     $ 698,836  
Change in plan assets:
                               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
  $ 189,686     $ 311,193     $ 558,757     $ 905,849  
Actual return on plan assets
    39,730       (83,794 )     67,925       (99,645 )
Employer contributions
    3,119       1,600       25,601       28,865  
Plan participants’ contributions
                1,131       2,310  
Settlements/curtailments
                (1,110 )     (237 )
Benefits paid
    (15,616 )     (15,721 )     (33,238 )     (34,182 )
Adoption of measurement date change
          (2,495 )           (5,946 )
Divestiture of Gas Technologies Segment
          (21,097 )            
Effect of foreign currency
                59,952       (238,257 )
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
  $ 216,919     $ 189,686     $ 679,018     $ 558,757  
Funded status at end of year
  $ (30,344 )   $ (48,661 )   $ (208,864 )   $ (140,079 )

In 2008, the actual return on the Company’s U.S. and international plans’ assets reflects the decline in pension asset values during the second half of 2008.  This decline was due to the financial crisis and the deterioration of global economic conditions.


Defined Benefit Pension Benefits
 
U. S. Plans
   
International Plans
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
 
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following:
                       
Noncurrent assets
  $ 1,676     $ 232     $ 7,929     $ 5,072  
Current liabilities
    (2,175 )     (2,111 )     (1,129 )     (1,897 )
Noncurrent liabilities
    (29,845 )     (46,782 )     (215,664 )     (143,254 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss before tax
    89,209       109,523       357,388       260,765  
 

 
- 75 -

Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of the following:

   
U. S. Plans
   
International Plans
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Net actuarial loss
  $ 87,712     $ 107,672     $ 354,201     $ 257,393  
Prior service cost
    1,497       1,851       2,972       3,184  
Transition obligation
                215       188  
Total
  $ 89,209     $ 109,523     $ 357,388     $ 260,765  

The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into defined benefit net periodic pension cost in 2010 are as follows:

(In thousands)
 
U. S. Plans
   
International Plans
 
Net actuarial loss
  $ 2,611     $ 12,644  
Prior service cost
    339       384  
Transition obligation
          56  
Total
  $ 2,950     $ 13,084  


The Company’s estimate of expected contributions to be paid in year 2010 for the U.S. defined benefit plans is $2.2 million and for the international defined benefit plans is $27.8 million.

Contributions to multi-employer pension plans were $22.5 million, $26.1 million and $24.2 million in years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Future Benefit Payments
The expected benefit payments for defined benefit plans over the next 10 years are as follows:

(In millions)
 
U.S. Plans
   
International
Plans
 
2010
  $ 15.2     $ 34.2  
2011
    16.7       35.8  
2012
    15.9       37.3  
2013
    17.4       38.9  
2014
    18.0       40.6  
2015 - 2019
    87.8       231.4  


- 76 -

Net Periodic Pension Cost Assumptions
The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the net periodic pension cost for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 
   
Global Weighted Average
December 31
 
   
2009
2008
2007
 
 
Discount rates
6.1%
5.9%
5.3%
 
 
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets
7.4%
7.6%
7.6%
 
 
Rates of compensation increase
3.4%
3.6%
3.3%
 


   
U. S. Plans
December 31
International Plans
December 31
   
2009
2008
2007
2009
2008
2007
 
Discount rates
6.1%
6.2%
5.9%
6.0%
5.8%
5.1%
 
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets
8.0%
8.3%
8.3%
7.1%
7.3%
7.3%
 
Rates of compensation increase
4.0%
4.8%
4.5%
3.4%
3.5%
3.2%

The expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for the 2010 net periodic pension cost are 8.0% for the U.S. plans and 7.1% for the international plans.
 

 
Defined Benefit Pension Obligation Assumptions
The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the defined benefit pension plan obligations at December 31 were as follows:
 
   
Global Weighted Average
December 31
 
   
2009
2008
 
 
Discount rates
5.8%
6.1%
 
 
Rates of compensation increase
3.6%
3.4%
 


   
U.S. Plans
December 31
International Plans
December 31
 
   
2009
2008
2009
2008
 
 
Discount rates
5.9%
6.1%
5.7%
6.0%
 
 
Rates of compensation increase
3.0%
4.0%
3.6%
3.4%
 



The U.S. discount rate was determined using a yield curve that was produced from a universe containing approximately 500 U.S. dollar-denominated, AA-graded corporate bonds, all of which were noncallable (or callable with make-whole provisions), and excluding the 10% of the bonds with the highest yields and the 10% with the lowest yields.  The discount rate was then developed as the level-equivalent rate that would produce the same present value as that using spot rates to discount the projected benefit payments.  For international plans, the discount rate is aligned to corporate bond yields in the local markets, normally AA-rated corporations.  The process and selection seeks to approximate the cash outflows with the timing and amounts of the expected benefit payments.


- 77 -

Accumulated Benefit Obligations
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans at December 31 was as follows:

 
(In millions)
 
U.S. Plans
   
International Plans
 
 
2009
  $ 247.1     $ 877.7  
 
2008
  $ 237.8     $ 687.7  



Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31 were as follows:

     
U. S. Plans
   
International Plans
 
 
(In millions)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
 
Projected benefit obligation
  $ 238.0     $ 228.7     $ 843.7     $ 659.5  
 
Accumulated benefit obligation
    238.0       228.5       838.5       656.1  
 
Fair value of plan assets
    206.0       179.8       627.5       517.3  

The asset allocations attributable to the Company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows:

U.S. Plans
Asset Category
Target Long-Term Allocation
Percentage of Plan Assets at
December 31, 2009
December 31, 2008
Domestic Equity Securities
41% - 51%
47.5%
 42.5%
International Equity Securities
4.5% - 14.5%
11.1%
8.8%
Fixed Income Securities
27% - 37%
32.7%
  39.6%
Cash & Cash Equivalents
0% - 5%
1.4%
1.4%
Other
6% - 18%
7.3%
7.7%

Plan assets are allocated among various categories of equities, fixed income, cash and cash equivalents with professional investment managers whose performance is actively monitored.  The primary investment objective is long-term growth of assets in order to meet present and future benefit obligations.  The Company periodically conducts an asset/liability modeling study and accordingly adjusts investments among and within asset categories to ensure the long-term investment strategy is aligned with the profile of benefit obligations.

The Company reviews the long-term expected return-on-asset assumption on a periodic basis taking into account a variety of factors including the historical investment returns achieved over a long-term period, the targeted allocation of plan assets and future expectations based on a model of asset returns for an actively managed portfolio, inflation and administrative/other expenses.  The model simulates 500 different capital market results over 15 years.  For 2010, the expected return-on-asset assumption for U.S. plans is 8.00%, which is the same assumption as for 2009.

The U.S. defined benefit pension plans assets include 431,033 shares of the Company’s stock valued at $13.9 million at December 31, 2009 and 434,088 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $12.0 million at December 31, 2008.  These shares represented 6.4% of total plan assets at December 31, 2009 and 2008.  Dividends paid to the pension plans on the Company stock amounted to $0.3 million, $0.3 million and $0.5 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The asset allocations attributable to the Company’s international defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the long-term target allocation of plan assets, by asset category, are as follows:

International Plans
Asset Category
Target Long-Term Allocation
Percentage of Plan Assets at
December 31, 2009
December 31, 2008
Equity Securities
50.0%
46.0%
42.0%
Fixed Income Securities
40.0%
43.9%
47.4%
Cash & Cash Equivalents
  0.0%
  1.5%
  0.2%
Other
10.0%
  8.6%
10.4%

- 78 -

Plan assets as of December 31, 2009 in the U.K. defined benefit pension plan amounted to 84.7% of the international pension assets.  These assets are allocated among various categories of equities, fixed income, cash and cash equivalents with professional investment managers whose performance is actively monitored.  The primary investment objective is long-term growth of assets in order to meet present and future benefit obligations.  The Company periodically conducts asset/liability modeling studies and accordingly adjusts investment amounts within asset categories to ensure the long-term investment strategy is aligned with the profile of benefit obligations.

For the international long-term rate of return assumption, the Company considered the current level of expected returns in risk-free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical level of the risk premium associated with other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the expectations for future returns of each asset class and plan expenses.  The expected return for each asset class was then weighted based on the target asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets.  For 2010, the expected return-on-asset assumption for the U.K. plan is 7.5%, which is the same assumption as for 2009.  The remaining international pension plans, with assets representing 15.3% of the international pension assets, are under the guidance of professional investment managers and have similar investment objectives.

The fair values of the Company’s U.S. pension plans’ assets at December 31, 2009 by asset category are as follows:

(In thousands)
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Domestic equities:
                       
Common stocks
  $ 50,211     $ 50,211     $     $  
Mutual funds - equities
    52,734       13,892       38,842        
International equities – mutual funds
    24,035       11,012       13,023        
Fixed income securities
                               
U.S. Treasuries and collateralized securities
    25,525             25,525        
Corporate bonds and notes
    6,327       6,327              
Mutual funds - bonds
    39,110       39,110              
Other – mutual funds
    16,039       15,918       121        
Cash and money market accounts
    2,938       2,938              
Total
  $ 216,919     $ 139,408     $ 77,511     $  


The fair values of the Company’s international pension plans’ assets at December 31, 2009 by asset category are as follows:

(In thousands)
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Equity securities
                       
Common stocks
  $ 35,037     $ 35,037     $     $  
Mutual funds - equities
    277,069       120,356       156,713        
Fixed income investments
                               
British government securities
    46,299             46,299        
Corporate bonds and notes
    26,809       26,809              
Mutual funds – bonds
    168,201             168,201        
Insurance contracts
    56,955             56,955        
Other:
                               
Real estate funds / limited partnerships
    40,177             29,183       10,994  
Other mutual funds
    18,190       15,033       3,157        
Cash and money market accounts
    10,281       10,281              
Total
  $ 679,018     $ 207,516     $ 460,508     $ 10,994  
 
 
- 79 -

The following table summarizes changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets for the year ended December 31, 2009:

 
(In thousands)
 
Real Estate Limited Partnerships
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 8,438  
 
Actual return on plan assets:
       
 
Relating to assets still held at year—end
    2,556  
 
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 10,994  


Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for the plans’ investments measured at fair value:

·  
Level 1 Fair Value Measurements - Investments in interest-bearing cash are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.  The fair values of money market accounts and certain mutual funds are based on quoted net asset values of the shares held by the Plan at year-end.  The fair values of common and foreign stocks and corporate bonds, notes and convertible debentures are valued at the closing price reported in the active market on which the individual securities are traded.
·  
Level 2 Fair Value Measurements - The fair values of investments in mutual funds for which quoted net asset values in an active market are not available are valued by the investment advisor based on the current market values of the underlying assets of the mutual fund based on information reported by the investment consistent with audited financial statements of the mutual fund.  Further information concerning these mutual funds may be obtained from their separate audited financial statements.  Investments in U.S. Treasury notes and collateralized securities are valued based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.
·  
Level 3 Fair Value Measurements – Real estate limited partnership interests are valued by the general partners based on the underlying assets.  The limited partnership interests are valued using unobservable inputs and have been classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Effective for the year ending December 31, 2008, changes in pension accounting issued by the FASB required the consistent measurement of plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the Company’s fiscal year-end statement of financial position.  Since the Company previously used an October 31 measurement date for its U.S. defined benefit pension plans and a September 30 measurement date for most of its international defined benefit pension plans, the standard required the Company to change those measurement dates in 2008 to December 31.  In order to record the effects of the change to a December 31 measurement date, the Company chose to use the measurements determined as of October 31, 2007 and September 30, 2007 and estimate the net periodic benefit cost for the 14-month and 15-month periods, respectively, ending December 31, 2008, exclusive of any curtailment or settlement gains or losses.  Amounts allocated proportionately to the 2-month and 3-month periods ended December 31, 2007 (the “short periods”) were recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings, effective January 1, 2008.  The remaining costs were recognized as net periodic pension cost during the year ended December 31, 2008.  The following table sets forth the adjustments to retained earnings and Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) resulting from the measurement date change, net of tax for the short periods:

Impact of Measurement Date Change
 
   
U. S. Defined Benefit
Pension Plans
   
International
Defined Benefit
Pension Plans
   
Other
Post-Retirement
Benefit Plans
 
(In thousands)
 
Retained Earnings
   
AOCI
   
Retained Earnings
   
AOCI
   
Retained Earnings
   
AOCI
 
                                     
Service cost, interest cost and expected return on plan assets
  $ 576     $     $ 364     $     $ (21 )   $  
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial gain (loss)
    (169 )     169       (2,207 )     2,207       4       (4 )
Net adjustment recognized
  $ 407     $ 169     $ (1,843 )   $ 2,207     $ (17 )   $ (4 )

 
- 80 -

 9.
Income Taxes
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interest as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income consists of the following:

 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                     
 
United States
  $ 51,529     $ 98,842     $ 110,926  
 
International
    107,813       244,495       271,513  
 
Total income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest
  $ 159,342     $ 343,337     $ 382,439  
                           
 
Income tax expense (benefit):
                       
 
Currently payable:
                       
 
Federal
  $ 23,886     $ 33,873     $ 37,917  
 
State
    1,591       1,988       8,670  
 
International
    26,938       54,817       68,688  
 
Total income taxes currently payable
    52,415       90,678       115,275  
                           
 
Deferred federal and state
    (28,018 )     1,478       (3,695 )
 
Deferred international
    (5,888 )     (336 )     6,018  
 
Total income tax expense
  $ 18,509     $ 91,820     $ 117,598  

Cash payments for income taxes, including taxes on the gain or loss from discontinued business, were $57.1 million, $120.6 million and $125.4 million for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The following is a reconciliation of the normal expected statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the effective rate as a percentage of Income from continuing operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interest as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income:

 
2009
2008
2007
U.S. federal income tax rate
35.0%
35.0%
35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
1.0
0.8
1.0
Export sales corporation benefit/domestic manufacturing deduction
(1.5)
(0.2)
(0.3)
Change in permanent reinvestment assertion
(5.0)
(0.8)
Difference in effective tax rates on international earnings and remittances
(25.0)
(7.7)
(3.0)
Uncertain tax position contingencies and settlements
4.0
(0.5)
0.2
Cumulative effect in change in statutory tax rates/laws
2.8
(0.4)
(0.7)
Other, net
0.3
(0.3)
(0.7)
Effective income tax rate
11.6%
26.7%
30.7%


The difference in effective tax rates on international earnings and remittances from 2008 to 2009 was primarily due to a decrease in earnings in jurisdictions with higher tax rates and a change in the permanent reinvestment in current year earnings.  In 2009, the company changed its permanent reinvestment assertion in prior year undistributed earnings for certain non-US subsidiaries which were previously not considered permanently reinvested.

The difference in effective tax rates for uncertain tax position contingencies and settlements from 2008 to 2009 resulted from an increase in unrecognized tax benefits related to an ongoing dispute between the European Union (“EU”) and specific EU countries partially offset by the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits in various state and foreign jurisdictions as a result of the lapse of statute of limitations and final settlements and resolution of outstanding tax matters in various state and foreign jurisdictions.  While the Company believes it has adequately provided for all tax positions, amounts asserted by taxing authorities could be different than the accrued position.

- 81 -

The tax effects of the temporary differences giving rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:


     
2009
   
2008
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Asset
   
Liability
   
Asset
   
Liability
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
  $     $ 177,393     $     $ 169,729  
 
Expense accruals
    37,720             36,909        
 
Inventories
    4,813             4,866        
 
Provision for receivables
    2,129             2,587        
 
Deferred revenue
          4,838             7,704  
 
Operating loss carryforwards
    48,822             21,211        
 
Deferred foreign tax credits
    17,061             3,601        
 
Pensions
    61,403             58,226        
 
Currency adjustments
    66,791             85,561        
 
Outside basis differences on foreign investments
                      7,963  
 
Other
    13,358             16,336        
 
Subtotal
    252,097       182,231       229,297       185,396  
 
Valuation allowance
    (22,744 )           (21,459 )      
 
Total deferred income taxes
  $ 229,353     $ 182,231     $ 207,838     $ 185,396  

The deferred tax asset and liability balances recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
 
               
 
Other current assets
  $ 82,606     $ 35,065  
 
Other assets
    57,083       27,013  
 
Other current liabilities
    (1,574 )     (4,194 )
 
Deferred income taxes
    (90,993 )     (35,442 )

At December 31, 2009, the tax-effected amount of net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) totaled $48.8 million.  Tax-effected NOLs from international operations are $41.0 million.  Of that amount, $33.7 million can be carried forward indefinitely, and $7.3 million will expire at various times between 2012 and 2029.  Tax-effected U.S. federal NOLs are $0.2 million, expire in 2022, and relate to preacquisition NOLs.  Tax-effected U.S. state NOLs are $7.6 million.  Of that amount, $0.2 million expire at various times between 2010 and 2016, $6.0 million expire at various times between 2017 and 2024, and $1.4 million expire at various times between 2025 and 2029.

The valuation allowances of $22.7 million and $21.5 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, related principally to NOLs, currency and foreign investment tax credits that are uncertain as to realizability.

The change in the valuation allowances for 2009 and 2008 results primarily from the increase in valuation allowances in certain jurisdictions based on the Company’s evaluation of the realizability of future benefits partially offset by the utilization of NOLs and the release of valuation allowances in certain jurisdictions based on the Company's revaluation of the realizability of future benefits.


- 82 -

The Company has not provided U.S. income taxes on certain of its non-U.S. subsidiaries’ undistributed earnings as such amounts are permanently reinvested outside the United States.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, such earnings were approximately $843 million and $741 million, respectively.  If these earnings were repatriated at December 31, 2009, the one-time tax cost associated with the repatriation would be approximately $163 million.  The Company has various tax holidays in the Middle East and Asia that expire between 2010 and 2012.  The Company no longer has tax holidays in Europe as they have all expired.  During 2009, 2008 and 2007, these tax holidays resulted in approximately $0.0 million, $0.2 million and $2.8 million, respectively, in reduced income tax expense.

The Company adopted changes in accounting for uncertain tax provisions effective January 1, 2007.  As a result of the adoption, the Company recognized a cumulative effect reduction to the January 1, 2007 retained earnings balance of $0.5 million.  As of the adoption date, the Company had gross unrecognized income tax benefits of $46.0 million, of which $17.8 million, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective income tax rate.  Of this amount, $0.8 million was classified as current and $45.2 million was classified as non-current on the Company’s balance sheet.  While the Company believes it has adequately provided for all tax positions, amounts asserted by taxing authorities could be different than the accrued position.

The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalty expense related to unrecognized income tax benefits (“UTB”) in income tax expense.  During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company recognized an income tax expense for interest and penalties of $3.3 million, $3.2 million and $6.5 million, respectively.  The Company had $11.0 million and $7.7 million for the payment of interest and penalties accrued at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
- 83 -

A reconciliation of the change in the UTB balance from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009 is as follows:

(In thousands)
 
Unrecognized
Income Tax
Benefits
   
Deferred
Income Tax
Benefits
   
Unrecognized
Income Tax
Benefits, Net of Deferred Income
Tax Benefits
 
Balance at January 1, 2007
  $ 45,965     $ (15,016 )   $ 30,949  
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)
    3,849       (172 )     3,677  
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)
    6,516             6,516  
Reductions for tax positions related to acquired entities in prior years, offset to goodwill
    (3,568 )           (3,568 )
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years
    (22,086 )     12,681       (9,405 )
Settlements
    (500 )     175       (325 )
Balance at December 31, 2007
  $ 30,176     $ (2,332 )   $ 27,844  
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)
    2,723             2,723  
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)
    2,753       (629 )     2,124  
Reductions for tax positions related to acquired entities in prior years, offset to goodwill
    (92 )           (92 )
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years
    (6,080 )     1,077       (5,003 )
Settlements
    (5,181 )     705       (4,476 )
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 24,299     $ (1,179 )   $ 23,120  
Additions for tax positions related to the current year (includes currency translation adjustment)
    7,868       (11 )     7,857  
Additions for tax positions related to prior years (includes currency translation adjustment)
    10,625       (49 )     10,576  
Other reductions for tax positions related to prior years
    (4,007 )     117       (3,890 )
Statute of Limitations expirations
    (1,934 )     152       (1,782 )
Settlements
    (60 )     21       (39 )
Total unrecognized income tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate as of December 31, 2009
  $ 36,791     $ (949 )   $ 35,842  

Included in the additions for tax positions related to prior years for 2009 is $6.8 million recorded in purchase accounting related to acquired entities.

Included in the additions for tax positions related to current and prior years is approximately $8.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits that created an additional net operating loss in a foreign jurisdiction.  To the extent the unrecognized tax benefit is recognized, a full valuation allowance would be recorded against the net operating loss.

The Company files its income tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. and foreign examinations by tax authorities for the years through 2003.

- 84 -

It is reasonably possible the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits may decrease within the next 12 months by $3.0 million as a result of the lapse of statute of limitations and as a result of final settlement and resolution of outstanding tax matters in various state and foreign jurisdictions.

 
10.
Commitments and Contingencies
 
Environmental
The Company is involved in a number of environmental remediation investigations and cleanups and, along with other companies, has been identified as a "potentially responsible party" for certain waste disposal sites.  While each of these matters is subject to various uncertainties, it is probable that the Company will agree to make payments toward funding certain of these activities and it is possible that some of these matters will be decided unfavorably to the Company.  The Company has evaluated its potential liability, and its financial exposure is dependent upon such factors as the continuing evolution of environmental laws and regulatory requirements, the availability and application of technology, the allocation of cost among potentially responsible parties, the years of remedial activity required and the remediation methods selected.  The Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2009 and 2008 include accruals in Other current liabilities of $3.1 million and $3.2 million, respectively, for environmental matters.  The amounts charged against pre-tax income related to environmental matters totaled $1.5 million, $1.5 million and $2.8 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The Company and an unrelated third party received a notice of violation in November 2007 from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“the EPA”), in connection with an alleged violation by the Company and such third party of certain applicable federally enforceable air pollution control requirements in connection with the operation of a slag processing area located on the third party’s Pennsylvania facility.  The Company and such third party have promptly taken steps to remedy the situation.  The Company and the third party have reached an agreement in principle with the EPA to resolve this matter and are in the process of finalizing this agreement.  The Company anticipates that its portion of any penalty would exceed $0.1 million.  However, the Company does not expect that any sum it may have to pay in connection with this matter would have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company evaluates its liability for future environmental remediation costs on a quarterly basis.  Actual costs to be incurred at identified sites in future periods may vary from the estimates, given inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental exposures.  The Company does not expect that any sum it may have to pay in connection with environmental matters in excess of the amounts recorded or disclosed above would have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Gas Technologies Divestiture
In October 2009, the Company and Taylor-Wharton International (“TWI”), the purchaser of the Company’s Gas Technologies business, satisfactorily resolved the open claims and counterclaims that were submitted to arbitration.  The claims and counterclaims related to both net working capital adjustments associated with the divestiture and the alleged breach of certain representations and warranties made by the Company.  The settlement and related costs and fees were reflected in the $15.1 million after-tax loss from discontinued operations for 2009.  In November 2009, TWI filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.  TWI has not yet emerged from bankruptcy protection and has yet to confirm any plan of reorganization; however, TWI has filed a motion to reject certain executory contracts entered into between the Company and TWI.  TWI has not sought to reject the settlement agreement finalized in October 2009 between the Company and TWI.  The Company has not yet been able to determine the effect of such proceedings on ongoing contractual relationships between the Company and TWI.

Value-Added Tax Dispute
The Company is involved in a value-added and services (“ICMS”) tax dispute with the State Revenue Authorities from the State of São Paulo, Brazil (the “SPRA”).  In October 2009, the Company received notification of the SPRA’s administrative decision regarding the levying of ICMS in the State of São Paulo in relation to services provided to one of the Company’s customers in the State between January 2004 and May 2005.  The assessment from the SPRA is approximately $12 million, including tax, penalty and interest and could increase to reflect additional interest accrued since December 2007.

The Company believes that it does not have liability for this assessment and will vigorously contest it under various alternatives, including judicial appeal.  Any ultimate final determination of this assessment is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s annual results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

- 85 -

Other
The Company has been named as one of many defendants (approximately 90 or more in most cases) in legal actions alleging personal injury from exposure to airborne asbestos over the past several decades.  In their suits, the plaintiffs have named as defendants, among others, many manufacturers, distributors and installers of numerous types of equipment or products that allegedly contained asbestos.

The Company believes that the claims against it are without merit.  The Company has never been a producer, manufacturer or processor of asbestos fibers.  Any component within a Company product that may have contained asbestos would have been purchased from a supplier.  Based on scientific and medical evidence, the Company believes that any asbestos exposure arising from normal use of any Company product never presented any harmful levels of airborne asbestos exposure, and moreover, the type of asbestos contained in any component that was used in those products was protectively encapsulated in other materials and is not associated with the types of injuries alleged in the pending suits.  Finally, in most of the depositions taken of plaintiffs to date in the litigation against the Company, plaintiffs have failed to specifically identify any Company products as the source of their asbestos exposure.

The majority of the asbestos complaints pending against the Company have been filed in New York.  Almost all of the New York complaints contain a standard claim for damages of $20 million or $25 million against the approximately 90 defendants, regardless of the individual plaintiff’s alleged medical condition, and without specifically identifying any Company product as the source of plaintiff’s asbestos exposure.

As of December 31, 2009, there are 26,084 pending asbestos personal injury claims filed against the Company.  Of these cases, 25,576 were pending in the New York Supreme Court for New York County in New York State.  The other claims, totaling 508, are filed in various counties in a number of state courts, and in certain Federal District Courts (including New York), and those complaints generally assert lesser amounts of damages than the New York State court cases or do not state any amount claimed.

As of December 31, 2009, the Company has obtained dismissal by stipulation, or summary judgment prior to trial, in 18,366 cases.

In view of the persistence of asbestos litigation nationwide, the Company expects to continue to receive additional claims.  However, there have been developments during the past several years, both by certain state legislatures and by certain state courts, which could favorably affect the Company’s ability to defend these asbestos claims in those jurisdictions.  These developments include procedural changes, docketing changes, proof of damage requirements and other changes that require plaintiffs to follow specific procedures in bringing their claims and to show proof of damages before they can proceed with their claim.  An example is the action taken by the New York Supreme Court (a trial court), which is responsible for managing all asbestos cases pending within New York County in the State of New York.  This Court issued an order in December 2002 that created a Deferred or Inactive Docket for all pending and future asbestos claims filed by plaintiffs who cannot demonstrate that they have a malignant condition or discernable physical impairment, and an Active or In Extremis Docket for plaintiffs who are able to show such medical condition.  As a result of this order, the majority of the asbestos cases filed against the Company in New York County have been moved to the Inactive Docket until such time as the plaintiffs can show that they have incurred a physical impairment.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company has been listed as a defendant in 443 Active or In Extremis asbestos cases in New York County.  The Court’s Order has been challenged by plaintiffs.

Except with regard to the legal costs in a few limited, exceptional cases, the Company’s insurance carrier has paid all legal and settlement costs and expenses to date.  The Company has liability insurance coverage under various primary and excess policies that the Company believes will be available, if necessary, to substantially cover any liability that might ultimately be incurred on these claims.

The Company intends to continue its practice of vigorously defending these cases as they are listed for trial.  It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of asbestos-related lawsuits, claims and proceedings due to the unpredictable nature of personal injury litigation.  Despite this uncertainty, and although results of operations and cash flows for a given period could be adversely affected by asbestos-related lawsuits, claims and proceedings, management believes that the ultimate outcome of these cases will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company is subject to various other claims and legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters that arose in the ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of management, all such matters are adequately covered by insurance or by accruals, and if not so covered, are without merit or are of such kind, or involve such amounts, as would not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

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Insurance liabilities are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred for a particular event and the amount of loss associated with the event can be reasonably estimated.  Insurance reserves have been estimated based primarily upon actuarial calculations and reflect the undiscounted estimated liabilities for ultimate losses including claims incurred but not reported.  Inherent in these estimates are assumptions that are based on the Company’s history of claims and losses, a detailed analysis of existing claims with respect to potential value, and current legal and legislative trends.  If actual claims differ from those projected by management, changes (either increases or decreases) to insurance reserves may be required and would be recorded through income in the period the change was determined.  When a recognized liability is covered by third-party insurance, the Company records an insurance claim receivable to reflect the covered liability.  Insurance claim receivables are included in Other receivables in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.  See Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” for additional information on Accrued Insurance and Loss Reserves.

 
11.         Capital Stock
 
The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 150,000,000 shares of common stock and 4,000,000 shares of preferred stock, both having a par value of $1.25 per share.  The preferred stock is issuable in series with terms as fixed by the Board of Directors (the “Board”).  None of the preferred stock has been issued.  On September 25, 2007, the Board approved a revised Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Agreement (the “Agreement”).  Under the Agreement, the Board authorized and declared a dividend distribution to stockholders of record on October 9, 2007, of one right for each share of common stock outstanding on the record date.  The rights may only be exercised if, among other things and with certain exceptions, a person or group has acquired 15% or more of the Company's common stock without the prior approval of the Board.  Each right entitles the holder to purchase 1/100th share of Harsco Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $230.  Once the rights become exercisable, the holder of a right will be entitled, upon payment of the exercise price, to purchase a number of shares of common stock calculated to have a value of two times the exercise price of the right.  The rights, which expire on October 9, 2017, do not have voting power, and may be redeemed by the Company at a price of $0.001 per right at any time until the 10th business day following public announcement that a person or group has accumulated 15% or more of the Company's common stock.  The Agreement also includes an exchange feature.  At December 31, 2009, 803,531 shares of $1.25 par value preferred stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of the rights.

On January 23, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split of the Company’s common stock.  One additional share of common stock was issued on March 26, 2007 for each share that was issued and outstanding at the close of business on February 28, 2007.  The Company’s treasury stock was not included in the stock split.

The Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of shares of common stock as follows:

     
No. of Shares Authorized to be Purchased
January 1 (a)
   
Additional Shares Authorized for Purchase
   
No. of Shares Purchased
   
Remaining No. of Shares Authorized for Purchase
December 31
 
 
2007
    2,000,000                   2,000,000  
 
2008
    2,000,000       4,000,000       4,463,353       1,536,647  
 
2009
    1,536,647       463,353             2,000,000  
(a)  
Authorization adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split effective at the end of business on March 26, 2007.

The Company’s share repurchase program was extended by the Board of Directors in September 2009.  At that time, the Board authorized an increase of 463,353 shares to the 1,536,647 remaining from the Board’s previous stock repurchase authorization.  The repurchase program expires January 31, 2011.  When and if appropriate, repurchases are made in open market transactions, depending on market conditions.  Repurchases may not be made and may be discontinued at any time.

In addition to the above purchases, 53,029 and 29,346 shares were repurchased in 2009 and 2008, respectively, in connection with the issuance of shares as a result of vested restricted stock units.  In 2009, 15,645 shares were repurchased in connection with the issuance of shares as a result of stock option exercises.  In 2007, 90 treasury shares were issued in connection with stock option exercises, employee service awards and shares related to vested restricted stock units.

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The following table summarizes the Company’s common stock:

     
Common Stock
 
     
Shares
Issued
   
Treasury
Shares
   
Outstanding
Shares
 
                     
 
Outstanding, January 1, 2007 (a)
    110,510,203       26,472,843       84,037,360  
 
Stock Options Exercised (a)
    422,416             422,416  
 
Other (a)
          (90 )     90  
                           
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2007
    110,932,619       26,472,753       84,459,866  
 
Stock Options Exercised
    121,176             121,176  
 
Vested Restricted Stock Units
    86,193       29,346       56,847  
 
Purchases
          4,463,353       (4,463,353 )
                           
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2008
    111,139,988       30,965,452       80,174,536  
 
Stock Options Exercised
    92,250       15,645       76,605  
 
Vested Restricted Stock Units
    154,947       53,029       101,918  
                           
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2009
    111,387,185       31,034,126       80,353,059  
(a)      Share data has been restated for comparison purposes to reflect the effect of the March 2007 stock split.

The following is a reconciliation of the average shares of common stock used to compute basic earnings per common share to the shares used to compute diluted earnings per common share as shown on the Consolidated Statements of Income:

 
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                     
 
Income from continuing operations attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders
  $ 133,838     $ 245,623     $ 255,115  
                           
 
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic
    80,295       83,599       84,169  
                           
 
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation
    291       430       555  
                           
 
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted
    80,586       84,029       84,724  
 
Earnings from continuing operations per common share, attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders:
                       
                           
 
Basic
  $ 1.67     $ 2.94     $ 3.03  
                           
 
Diluted
  $ 1.66     $ 2.92     $ 3.01  

At December 31, 2009, 21,675 restricted stock units outstanding were not included in diluted weighted average shares outstanding because the effect was antidilutive.  All outstanding stock options at December 31, 2009 and all outstanding stock options and restricted stock units at December 31, 2008 and 2007 were included in the computation of diluted earnings per share.

 
12.         Stock-Based Compensation
 
The 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 8,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock for use in paying incentive compensation awards in the form of stock options or other equity awards such as restricted stock, restricted stock units or stock appreciation rights.  The 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 600,000 shares of the Company's common stock for equity awards.  At December 31, 2009, there were 2,184,952 and 249,000 shares available for granting equity awards under the 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan and the 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan, respectively.  The above-referenced authorized and available shares for the Executive Incentive Compensation and Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Plans are stated to reflect the March 2007 two-for-one stock split.  Generally, new shares are issued for exercised stock options and vested restricted stock units.

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The Board of Directors approves the granting of performance-based restricted stock units as the long-term equity component of director, officer and certain key employee compensation.  The restricted stock units require no payment from the recipient and compensation cost is measured based on the market price on the grant date and is generally recorded over the vesting period.  The vesting period for restricted stock units granted to non-employee directors is one year, and each restricted stock unit will be exchanged for a like number of shares of Company stock following the termination of the participant’s service as a director.  Restricted stock units granted to officers and certain key employees after September 2006 vest on a pro rata basis over a three-year period, and the specified retirement age is 62.  Prior grants utilized three-year cliff vesting and a retirement age of 65.  Upon vesting, each restricted stock unit will be exchanged for a like number of shares of the Company’s stock.  Restricted stock units do not have an option for cash payment.

The following table summarizes restricted stock units issued and the compensation expense (including both continuing and discontinued operations) recorded for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:

Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Income)
                   
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit)
                   
   
Restricted
   
Fair Value
   
Expense (Income)
 
   
Stock Units
   
per Unit
    2009    
2008
   
2007
 
Directors:
                             
May 1, 2006 (a)
    16,000     $ 41.30     $     $     $ 220  
May 1, 2007
    16,000       50.62             270       539  
May 1, 2008
    16,000       58.36       311       623        
May 1, 2009
    16,000       27.28       291              
                                         
                                         
Employees:
                                       
January 24, 2005 (a)
    65,400       25.21             21       328  
January 24, 2006 (a)
    93,100       33.85       (191 )(b)     632       839  
January 23, 2007
    101,700       38.25       761       1,035       1,488  
January 22, 2008
    130,950       45.95       1,371       2,652        
January 27, 2009
    106,625       25.15       1,174              
November 19, 2009
    15,000       31.90       169              
                                         
Total
    576,775             $ 3,886     $ 5,233     $ 3,414  
(a)  
Restricted stock units and fair values have been restated to reflect the March 2007 two-for-one stock split.
(b)  
Due primarily to forfeitures of restricted stock units.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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Restricted stock unit activity for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was as follows:

     
Restricted Stock Units (a)
   
Weighted Average Grant-Date
Fair Value (a)
 
               
 
Nonvested at January 1, 2007
    145,234     $ 30.88  
 
Granted
    117,700       39.93  
 
Vested
    (16,000 )     47.51  
 
Forfeited
    (35,000 )     34.06  
                   
 
Nonvested at December 31, 2007
    211,934       34.12  
 
Granted
    146,950       47.30  
 
Vested
    (95,570 )     34.43  
 
Forfeited
    (5,584 )     39.78  
                   
 
Nonvested at December 31, 2008
    257,730       41.40  
 
Granted
    137,625       26.13  
 
Vested
    (153,283 )     38.46  
 
Forfeited
    (12,581 )     36.97  
                   
 
Nonvested at December 31, 2009
    229,491     $ 34.45  
(a)
Restricted stock units and fair values have been restated to reflect the March 2007 two-for-one stock split.

As of December 31, 2009, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock units was $3.2 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.5 years.

There was a $0.3 million decrease of excess tax benefits principally from restricted stock units recognized in 2009, while increases in excess tax benefits principally from stock options of $1.7 million and $5.1 million were recognized during 2008 and 2007, respectively.

No stock options have been granted to officers and employees since February 2002.  No stock options have been granted to non-employee directors since May 2003.  Prior to these dates, the Company had granted stock options for the purchase of its common stock to officers, certain key employees and non-employee directors under two stockholder-approved plans.  The exercise price of the stock options was the fair value on the grant date, which was the date the Board of Directors approved the respective grants.

Options issued under the 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan generally vested and became exercisable one year following the date of grant except options issued in 2002, which generally vested and became exercisable two years following the date of grant.  Options issued under the 1995 Non-Employee Director’s Stock Plan generally became exercisable one year following the date of grant but vested immediately.  The options under both Plans expire ten years from the date of grant.
 
 
 
 

 
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Stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was as follows:

     
Stock Options
       
     
Shares
Under Option (a)
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price (a)
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) (b)
 
                     
 
Outstanding, January 1, 2007
    1,027,412     $ 15.49     $ 23.4  
 
Exercised
    (422,416 )     15.74        
                           
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2007
    604,996       15.30       29.9  
 
Exercised
    (121,176 )     14.96        
                           
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2008
    483,820       15.39       5.7  
 
Exercised
    (92,250 )     14.25        
 
Expired
    (1,600 )     14.57        
 
Outstanding, December 31, 2009
    389,970     $ 15.66     $ 6.7  
(a)  
Stock options and weighted average exercise prices have been restated to reflect the March 2007 two-for-one stock split.
(b)  
Intrinsic value is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $1.4 million, $4.5 million and $17.1 million, respectively.

Options to purchase 389,970 shares were exercisable at December 31, 2009.  The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2009.

       
Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable
 
 
Range of Exercisable Prices
   
Number
Outstanding
and
Exercisable
   
Remaining
Contractual Life
In Years
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 
    $12.81 – $14.50       137,815       0.79     $ 13.52  
    14.65 – 16.33       195,955       2.01       16.29  
    16.96 – 20.96       56,200       2.78       18.73  
            389,970                  

 
13.
Financial Instruments
 
Off-Balance Sheet Risk
As collateral for the Company’s performance and to insurers, the Company is contingently liable under standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees in the amounts of $280.1 million and $234.1 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  These standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees are generally in force for up to four years.  Certain issues have no scheduled expiration date.  The Company pays fees to various banks and insurance companies that range from 0.25 percent to 1.60 percent per annum of the instruments’ face value.  If the Company were required to obtain replacement standby letters of credit, bonds and bank guarantees as of December 31, 2009 for those currently outstanding, it is the Company's opinion that the replacement costs would be within the present fee structure.

The Company has currency exposures in more than 50 countries.  The Company's primary foreign currency exposures during 2009 were in the United Kingdom, the European Economic and Monetary Union, Poland, Brazil and Mexico.

Off-Balance Sheet Risk – Third Party Guarantees
In connection with the licensing of one of the Company’s trade names and providing certain management services (the furnishing of selected employees), the Company guarantees the debt of certain third parties related to its international operations.  These guarantees are provided to enable the third parties to obtain financing of their operations.  The Company receives fees from these operations, which are included as Services revenues in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.  The revenue the Company recorded from these entities was $9.6 million, $6.3 million and $3.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The
 
 
- 91 -

guarantees are renewed on an annual basis and the Company would only be required to perform under the guarantees if the third parties default on their debt.  The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) related to these guarantees was $1.6 million and $2.9 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the accompanying financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making these payments is remote.  These guarantees were renewed in June 2009 and November 2009.

The Company provided an environmental indemnification for properties that were sold to a third party in 2007.  The maximum term of this guarantee is 20 years, and the Company would be required to perform under the guarantee only if an environmental matter is discovered on the properties.  The Company is not aware of environmental issues related to these properties.  There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the accompanying financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote.

The Company provided an environmental indemnification for property from a lease that terminated in 2006.  The term of this guarantee is indefinite, and the Company would be required to perform under the guarantee only if an environmental matter were discovered on the property relating to the time the Company leased the property.  The Company is not aware of any environmental issues related to this property.  The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) related to this guarantee is estimated to be $3.0 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008.  There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the accompanying financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote.

The Company provides guarantees related to arrangements with certain customers that include joint and several liability for actions for which the Company may be partially at fault.  The terms of these guarantees generally do not exceed four years, and the maximum amount of future payments (undiscounted) related to these guarantees is $3.0 million per occurrence.  This amount represents the Company’s self-insured maximum limitation.  There is no specific recognition of potential future payments in the accompanying financial statements as the Company is not aware of any claims.

The Company provided a guarantee related to the payment of taxes for a product line that was sold to a third party in 2005.  The term of this guarantee is five years, and the Company would be required to perform under the guarantee only if taxes were not properly paid to the government while the Company owned the product line in accordance with applicable statutes.  The Company is not aware of any instances of noncompliance related to these statutes.  The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) related to this guarantee is estimated to be $1.3 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008.  There is no recognition of any potential future payment in the accompanying financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote.

The Company provided an environmental indemnification for property that was sold to a third party in 2004.  The term of this guarantee is seven years, and the Company would be required to perform under the guarantee only if an environmental matter were discovered on the property relating to the time the Company owned the property that was not known by the buyer at the date of sale.  The Company is not aware of any environmental issues related to this property.  The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) related to this guarantee is $0.8 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008.  There is no recognition of this potential future payment in the accompanying financial statements as the Company believes the potential for making this payment is remote.

The above liabilities related to the Company’s obligation to stand ready to act on these off-balance sheet guarantees are included in Other current liabilities or Other liabilities (as appropriate) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The recognition of these liabilities did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, 2008 or 2007.

In the normal course of business, the Company provides legal indemnifications related primarily to the performance of its products and services and patent and trademark infringement of its goods and services sold.  These indemnifications generally relate to the performance (regarding function, not price) of the respective goods or services and therefore no liability is recognized related to the fair value of such guarantees.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Company uses derivative instruments, including swaps and forward contracts, to manage certain foreign currency, commodity price and interest rate exposures.  Derivative instruments are viewed as risk management tools by the Company and are not used for trading or speculative purposes.

All derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value.  Changes in the fair value of derivatives used to hedge foreign-currency-denominated balance sheet items are reported directly in earnings along with offsetting transaction gains and losses on the items being hedged.  Derivatives used to hedge forecasted cash flows
 
- 92 -

associated with foreign currency commitments or forecasted commodity purchases may be accounted for as cash flow hedges, as deemed appropriate and if the criteria for hedge accounting are met.  Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are deferred as a separate component of equity and reclassified to earnings in a manner that matches the timing of the earnings impact of the hedged transactions.  Generally, as of December 31, 2009, these deferred gains and losses will be reclassified to earnings over 10 to 15 years from the balance sheet date.  The ineffective portion of all hedges, if any, is recognized currently in earnings.

The fair value of outstanding derivative contracts recorded as assets and liabilities in the accompanying December 31, 2009 Consolidated Balance Sheet were as follows:

     
Fair Values of Derivative Contracts
 
     
At December 31, 2009
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Other current assets
   
Other assets
   
Other current liabilities
 
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                 
 
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
  $     $     $ 14  
 
Cross-currency interest rate swap
          7,357        
 
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
  $     $ 7,357     $ 14  
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                       
 
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
  $ 2,187     $     $ 590  

The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 was as follows:

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
(In thousands)
 
Amount of Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) on Derivative - Effective Portion
 
Location of Gain Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion
 
Amount of Gain Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income - Effective Portion
 
Location of Loss Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing
 
Amount of Loss Recognized in Income on Derivative - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing
 
For the twelve months ended
December 31, 2009:
             
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
  $ (23 )     $       $  
Commodity contracts
    (3,352 )
Service Revenues
    1,025  
Service Revenues
    (318 )
Cross-currency interest rate swap
    (36,490 )        
Cost of services and products sold
    (5,586 ) (a)
    $ (39,865 )     $ 1,025       $ (5,904 )
                             
(a)  
The net losses offset foreign currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal.

 
 
 

 
- 93 -

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
   
Amount of Loss Recognized in Income on Derivative
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2009 (a)
(In thousands)
Location of Loss
Recognized in
Income on Derivative
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Cost of services
and products sold
$      (6,308)
(a)
These losses offset gains recognized in cost of service and products sold principally as a result of intercompany or third party foreign currency exposures.

Commodity Derivatives
The Company periodically uses derivative instruments to hedge cash flows associated with selling price exposure to certain commodities.  The Company’s commodity derivative activities are subject to the management, direction and control of the Company’s Risk Management Committee, which approves the use of all commodity derivative instruments.  The Company’s commodity derivative contract positions that qualified as cash flow hedges under the requirements for hedge accounting consisted of unsecured swap contracts.  There were no such outstanding contracts at December 31, 2009 as all previously open positions matured in 2009.  At December 31, 2008, the Company had swap contracts with a notional value of $10.9 million that had related amounts recognized in operating income from continuing operations and other comprehensive income of $6.4 million and $4.4 million, respectively.  At December 31, 2007, the Company had cashless collars with a notional value of $6.0 million with a related $0.5 million recognized in operating income from continuing operations.

Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts
The Company conducts business in multiple currencies and, accordingly, is subject to the inherent risks associated with foreign exchange rate movements.  The financial position and results of operations of substantially all of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency.  Foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates, and income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates during the respective periods.  The aggregate effects of translating the balance sheets of these subsidiaries are deferred and recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss or income, which is a separate component of equity.

The Company uses derivative instruments to hedge cash flows related to foreign currency fluctuations.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had $122.1 million and $293.9 million of contracted amounts, respectively, of foreign currency forward exchange contracts outstanding.  These contracts are part of a worldwide program to minimize foreign currency exchange operating income and balance sheet exposure by offsetting foreign currency exposures of certain future payments between the Company and it various subsidiaries, vendors or customers.  The unsecured contracts outstanding at December 31, 2009 mature at various times within three months and are with major financial institutions.  The Company may be exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the contract counterparties.  The Company evaluates the creditworthiness of the counterparties and does not expect default by them.  Foreign currency forward exchange contracts are used to hedge commitments, such as foreign currency debt, firm purchase commitments and foreign currency cash flows for certain export sales transactions.

The following tables summarize, by major currency, the contractual amounts of the Company's foreign currency forward exchange contracts in U.S. dollars as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.  The "Buy" amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to purchase foreign currencies, and the "Sell" amounts represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to sell foreign currencies.  Recognized gains and losses offset amounts recognized in cost of services and products sold principally as a result of intercompany or third party foreign currency exposures.

As of December 31, 2009
 
(In thousands)
Type
 
U.S. Dollar
Equivalent
 
Maturity
 
Recognized
Gain (Loss)
 
British pounds sterling
Sell
  $ 715  
January 2010 through March 2010
  $ (18 )
British pounds sterling
Buy
    3,354  
January 2010
    67  
Euros
Sell
    72,068  
January 2010 through February 2010
    1,820  
Euros
Buy
    38,967  
January 2010
    (346 )
Other currencies
Sell
    4,155  
January 2010 through February 2010
    72  
Other currencies
Buy
    2,867  
January 2010 through March 2010
    (12 )
Total
    $ 122,126       $ 1,583  


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As of December 31, 2008
 
(In thousands)
Type
 
U.S. Dollar
Equivalent
 
Maturity
 
Recognized
Gain (Loss)
 
Canadian dollar
Sell
  $ 1,342  
January through September 2009
  $ (14 )
Euros
Sell
    19,749  
January through March 2009
    (248 )
Euros
Buy
    113,084  
January through August 2009
    5,625  
British pounds sterling
Sell
    56,671  
January 2009
    1,450  
British pounds sterling
Buy
    98,878  
January through February 2009
    (3,335 )
South African rand
Sell
    2,175  
January 2009
    (41 )
Other currencies
Sell
    292  
January 2009
    3  
Other currencies
Buy
    1,692  
January through May 2009
    (62 )
Total
    $ 293,883       $ 3,378  

The Company had outstanding forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges in the amount of $2.1 million at December 31, 2008.  These forward contracts had a net unrealized gain of $6 thousand that was included in Other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred taxes, at December 31, 2008.  The Company did not elect to treat the remaining contracts as hedges, and mark-to-market gains and losses were recognized in net income.

In addition to foreign currency forward exchange contracts, the Company designates certain loans as hedges of net investments in foreign subsidiaries.  The Company recorded charges of $9.2 million and $7.6 million during 2009 and 2008, respectively, as Accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is a separate component of stockholders’ equity, related to hedges of net investments.

Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swap
In May 2008, the Company entered into a 10-year, $250.0 million cross-currency interest rate swap in conjunction with a debt issuance in order to lock in a fixed euro interest rate for $250.0 million of the issuance.  Under the swap, the Company receives interest based on a fixed U.S. dollar rate and pays interest on a fixed euro rate on the outstanding notional principal amounts in dollars and euros, respectively.  The cross-currency interest rate swap is recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value, with changes in value attributed to the effect of the swaps’ interest spread recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss or income, which is a separate component of equity.  Changes in value attributed to the effect of foreign currency fluctuations are recorded in the income statement and offset currency fluctuation effects on the debt principal.

Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities and Other Financial Instruments
Fair value is 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 (an exit price).  The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that the Company believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique.
 
The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs).  The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

·  
Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
·  
Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (e.g., interest rates); and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
·  
Level 3—Inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

In instances in which multiple levels of inputs are used to measure fair value, hierarchy classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

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At December 31, 2009 and 2008, all derivative assets and liabilities were valued at Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  The following table indicates the different financial instruments of the Company.

 
Level 2 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2009 and 2008
 
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
 
 
Assets
           
 
Commodity derivatives
  $     $ 4,479  
 
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
    2,187       7,332  
 
Cross-currency interest rate swap
    7,357       49,433  
                   
 
Liabilities
               
 
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
    604       3,954  

The Company primarily applies the market approach for recurring fair value measurements and endeavors to utilize the best available information.  Accordingly, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs, such as forward rates, interest rates, the Company’s credit risk and counterparties’ credit risks, and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  The Company is able to classify fair value balances based on the observability of those inputs.  Commodity derivatives, foreign currency forward exchange contracts and cross-currency interest rate swaps are classified as Level 2 fair value based upon pricing models using market-based inputs.  Model inputs can be verified, and valuation techniques do not involve significant management judgment.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, total fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities, was $965.5 million and $900.1 million, respectively, compared to carrying value of $927.5 million and $895.0 million, respectively.  Fair values for debt are based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities.

Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable.  The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high-quality financial institutions and, by policy, limits the amount of credit exposure to any one institution.

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are generally limited in the Harsco Infrastructure and Harsco Rail Segments and the “All Other” Category due to the Company’s large number of customers and their dispersion across different industries and geographies.  However, the Company’s Harsco Metals Segment has several large customers throughout the world with significant accounts receivable balances.  Additionally, consolidation in the global steel industry has increased the Company’s exposure to specific customers.  Additional consolidation is possible.  Should transactions occur involving some of the steel industry’s larger companies, which are customers of the Company, it would result in an increase in concentration of credit risk for the Company.

The Company generally does not require collateral or other security to support customer receivables.  If a receivable from one or more of the Company’s larger customers becomes uncollectible, it could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or cash flows.

 
14.
Information by Segment and Geographic Area
 
The Company reports information about its operating segments using the "management approach," which is based on the way management organizes and reports the segments within the enterprise for making operating decisions and assessing performance.  The Company's reportable segments are identified based upon differences in products, services and markets served.

The Company has three reportable segments and an “All Other” Category labeled Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial.  These segments and the types of products and services offered include the following:

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Harsco Infrastructure Segment
Major services include project engineering and equipment installation, as well as the sale and rental of scaffolding, shoring and concrete forming systems for industrial maintenance and capital improvement projects, non-residential construction, and international multi-dwelling residential construction projects.  Services are provided to industrial and petrochemical plants; the infrastructure construction, repair and maintenance markets; commercial and industrial construction contractors; and public utilities.

Harsco Metals Segment
This segment provides on-site, outsourced services to steel mills and other metal producers such as aluminum and copper.  Services include slag processing; semi-finished inventory management; material handling; scrap management; in-plant transportation; and a variety of other services.

Harsco Rail Segment
This segment manufactures railway track maintenance equipment and provides track maintenance services.  The major customers include private and government-owned railroads and urban mass transit systems worldwide.

All Other Category - Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial
Major products and services include minerals and recycling technologies; granules for asphalt roofing shingles and abrasives for industrial surface preparation derived from coal slag; industrial grating; air-cooled heat exchangers; and boilers and water heaters.

Major customers include steel mills; industrial plants and the non-residential, commercial and public construction and retrofit markets; the natural gas exploration and processing industry; and asphalt roofing manufacturers.

Other Information
The measurement basis of segment profit or loss is operating income.  Sales of the Company in the United States and the United Kingdom exceeded 10% of consolidated sales with 34% and 15%, respectively, in 2009; 32% and 17%, respectively, in 2008; and 31% and 20%, respectively, in 2007.  There are no significant inter-segment sales.

In 2009, 2008 and 2007, sales to one customer, ArcelorMittal, principally in the Harsco Metals Segment, were $305.6 million, $416.6 million and $396.2 million, respectively, which represented more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated sales for those years.  These sales were provided under multiple long-term contracts at several mill sites.  In addition, the Harsco Metals Segment is dependent largely on the global steel industry, and in 2009, 2008 and 2007 there were two customers, including ArcelorMittal, that each provided in excess of 10% of this Segment’s revenues under multiple long-term contracts at several mill sites.  The loss of any one of these contracts would not have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s financial position or cash flows; however, it could have a material effect on quarterly or annual results of operations.  Additionally, these customers have significant accounts receivable balances.  Further consolidation in the global steel industry is possible.  Should transactions occur involving some of the Company’s larger steel industry customers, it would result in an increase in concentration of credit risk for the Company.

Corporate assets include principally cash, insurance receivables, prepaid taxes and U.S. deferred income taxes.  Net Property, Plant and Equipment in the United States represented 22%, 24% and 24% of total net Property, Plant and Equipment as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Net Property, Plant and Equipment in the United Kingdom represented 14%, 15% and 20% of total Net Property, Plant and Equipment as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 

 
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Segment Information
     
   
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
                   
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                                     
(In thousands)
 
Sales
   
Operating
Income
(Loss)
   
Sales
   
Operating
Income
(Loss)
   
Sales
   
Operating
Income
(Loss)
 
                                     
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
  $ 1,159,200     $ 68,437     $ 1,540,258     $ 185,382     $ 1,415,873     $ 183,752  
                                                 
Harsco Metals Segment
    1,084,826       15,927       1,577,720       85,344       1,522,274       134,504  
                                                 
Harsco Rail Segment (a)
    306,016       56,542       277,595       36,406       232,402       23,050  
                                                 
                                                 
Segment Totals
    2,550,042       140,906       3,395,573       307,132       3,170,549       341,306  
                                                 
All Other Category - Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial (a)
    440,295       82,460       572,009       114,516       517,595       119,141  
                                                 
General Corporate
    240       (4,710 )     240       (9,660 )     16       (2,642 )
                                                 
Total
  $ 2,990,577     $ 218,656     $ 3,967,822     $ 411,988     $ 3,688,160     $ 457,805  
(a)  
Segment information for prior periods has been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.  The Harsco Rail operating segment, which was previously a component of the All Other Category, is now reported separately.


Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income to Consolidated Income From Continuing Operations
Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest
 
   
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
                   
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Segment operating income (a)
  $ 140,906     $ 307,132     $ 341,306  
                         
All Other Category - Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial (a)
    82,460       114,516       119,141  
                         
General corporate expense
    (4,710 )     (9,660 )     (2,642 )
                         
Operating income from continuing operations
    218,656       411,988       457,805  
                         
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net
    504       901       1,049  
                         
Interest income
    2,928       3,608       4,968  
                         
Interest expense
    (62,746 )     (73,160 )     (81,383 )
                         
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ 159,342     $ 343,337     $ 382,439  
(a)
Segment information for prior periods has been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.  The Harsco Rail operating segment, which was previously a component of the All Other Category, is now reported separately.


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Segment Information
           
   
Assets
   
Depreciation and
Amortization
 
                     
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007 (a)
 
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
  $ 1,669,401     $ 1,607,171     $ 1,563,630     $ 101,465     $ 110,227     $ 90,477  
Harsco Metals Segment
    1,372,224       1,338,633       1,585,921       165,099       181,180       167,179  
Harsco Rail Segment (b)
    208,877       207,926       204,278       11,106       12,320       15,206  
Segment Totals
    3,250,502       3,153,730       3,353,829       277,670       303,727       272,862  
All Other Category - Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial (b)
    335,241       357,422       382,904       29,471       30,260       29,292  
Corporate
    53,497       51,818       168,697       4,390       3,962       3,019  
Total
  $ 3,639,240     $ 3,562,970     $ 3,905,430     $ 311,531     $ 337,949     $ 305,173  
(a)
Excludes Depreciation and Amortization for the Gas Technologies Segment in the amounts of $1.2 million because this Segment was reclassified to Discontinued Operations.
(b)
Segment information for prior periods has been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.  The Harsco Rail operating segment, which was previously a component of the All Other Category, is now reported separately.


   
Capital Expenditures
 
   
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
  $ 41,530     $ 226,559     $ 228,130  
Harsco Metals Segment
    96,423       205,766       193,244  
Harsco Rail Segment (a)
    7,699       5,393       2,162  
Gas Technologies Segment
                8,618  
Segment Totals
    145,652       437,718       432,154  
All Other Category - Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial (a)
    9,013       17,632       9,101  
Corporate
    10,655       2,267       2,328  
Total
  $ 165,320     $ 457,617     $ 443,583  
 
(a)
Segment information for prior periods has been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.  The Harsco Rail operating segment, which was previously a component of the All Other Category, is now reported separately.
 


Information by Geographic Area (a)
       
   
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
   
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
 
   
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
                   
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007 (b)
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
United States
  $ 1,010,076     $ 1,260,967     $ 1,152,623     $ 326,952     $ 361,071     $ 364,950  
United Kingdom
    436,039       677,598       746,261       205,681       225,368       312,375  
All Other
    1,544,462       2,029,257       1,789,276       978,168       896,394       857,889  
Totals including Corporate
  $ 2,990,577     $ 3,967,822     $ 3,688,160     $ 1,510,801     $ 1,482,833     $ 1,535,214  
(a)  
Revenues are attributed to individual countries based on the location of the facility generating the revenue.
(b)  
Excludes the sales of the Gas Technologies Segment because the Segment was reclassified to Discontinued Operations.

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Information about Products and Services
     
   
Revenues from Unaffiliated Customers
 
   
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007 (a)
 
Product Group
                 
Services and equipment for infrastructure construction and maintenance
  $ 1,159,200     $ 1,540,258     $ 1,415,873  
On-site services to metal producers
    1,084,826       1,577,720       1,522,274  
Railway track maintenance services and equipment
    306,016       277,595       232,402  
Heat exchangers
    129,365       174,513       152,493  
Minerals and recycling technologies (b)
    104,028       127,140       123,240  
Industrial grating products
    92,903       149,168       130,919  
Industrial abrasives and roofing granules
    68,244       74,118       68,165  
Heat transfer products
    45,755       47,070       42,778  
General Corporate
    240       240       16  
Consolidated Revenues
  $ 2,990,577     $ 3,967,822     $ 3,688,160  
(a)
Excludes the sales of the Gas Technologies Segment because the Segment was reclassified to Discontinued Operations.
(b)
Acquired February 2007.

 
15.
Other (Income) and Expenses
 
During 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded pre-tax Other (income) and expenses from continuing operations of $7.6 million, $22.0 million and $3.4 million, respectively.  The major components of this income statement category are as follows:

     
Other (Income) and Expenses
 
 
 (In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
 
Net gains
  $ (8,047 )   $ (15,923 )   $ (5,591 )
 
Impaired asset write-downs
    1,494       12,588       903  
 
Employee termination benefit costs
    10,931       19,027       6,552  
 
Costs to exit activities
    4,297       5,269       1,278  
 
Other (income) expense
    (1,114 )     989       301  
 
Total
  $ 7,561     $ 21,950     $ 3,443  

Net Gains
Net gains are recorded from the sales of redundant properties (primarily land, buildings and related equipment) and non-core assets.  In 2009, gains related to assets sold principally in the United States, the United Kingdom and Western Europe.  In 2008, gains related to assets sold principally in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, and in 2007, in the United States.

     
Net Gains
 
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                     
 
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
  $ (4,641 )   $ (10,399 )   $ (2,342 )
                           
 
Harsco Metals Segment
    (3,427 )     (4,538 )     (3 )
                           
 
All Other Category - Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial (a)
    21       (986 )     (3,246 )
                           
 
Total
  $ (8,047 )   $ (15,923 )   $ (5,591 )
(a)
Segment information for prior periods has been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.  The Harsco Rail operating segment, which was previously a component of the All Other Category, is not included since there was no activity for this segment.

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Cash proceeds associated with these gains are included in Proceeds from the sale of assets in the investing activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Impaired Asset Write-downs
Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of assets exceeded their fair value.  Fair value is estimated based upon the expected future realizable cash flows including anticipated selling prices.  Non-cash impaired asset write-downs are included in Other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities.  In 2009, impaired asset write-downs of $1.5 million were recorded principally in the Harsco Metals Segment in the United Kingdom.  In 2008, impaired asset write-downs of $12.6 million were recorded principally in the Harsco Metals Segment due to contract terminations and costs associated with existing underperforming contracts.  Impaired asset write-downs related to assets principally in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Employee Termination Benefit Costs
Costs and the related liabilities associated with involuntary termination costs associated with one-time benefit arrangements provided as part of an exit or disposal activity are recognized by the Company when a formal plan for reorganization is approved at the appropriate level of management and communicated to the affected employees.  Additionally, costs associated with ongoing benefit arrangements, or in certain countries where statutory requirements dictate a minimum required benefit, are recognized when they are probable and estimable.

The total amount of employee termination benefit costs incurred for the years 2009, 2008 and 2007 is presented in the table below.  The terminations in 2009 related primarily to actions implemented in Western Europe, North America and South America.  The terminations in 2008 related primarily to the fourth quarter 2008 restructuring program and occurred globally, primarily in Western Europe and the United States.  The terminations in 2007 occurred principally in Europe and the United States.

   
Employee Termination Benefit Costs
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
  $ 2,352     $ 5,317     $ 1,130  
                         
Harsco Metals Segment
    7,172       11,961       4,935  
                         
Harsco Rail Segment (a)
    246       492       276  
                         
All Other Category - Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial (a)
    1,129       1,156       106  
                         
Corporate
    32       101       105  
                         
Total
  $ 10,931     $ 19,027     $ 6,552  
(a)
Segment information for prior periods has been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.  The Harsco Rail operating segment, which was previously a component of the All Other Category, is now reported separately.

Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities
Costs associated with exit or disposal activities are recognized as follows:
·  
Costs to terminate a contract that is not a capital lease are recognized when an entity terminates the contract or when an entity ceases using the right conveyed by the contract.  This includes the costs to terminate the contract before the end of its term or the costs that will continue to be incurred under the contract for its remaining term without economic benefit to the entity (e.g., lease run-out costs).
·  
Other costs associated with exit or disposal activities (e.g., costs to consolidate or close facilities and relocate equipment or employees) are recognized and measured at their fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred.

In 2009, $4.3 million of exit costs were incurred, principally related to relocation costs for Western Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific.  In 2008, $5.3 million of exit costs were incurred, principally lease run-out costs and relocation costs for Corporate, and the Harsco Infrastructure and Harsco Metals Segments.  In 2007, exit costs of $1.3 million principally related to relocation costs, lease run-out costs and lease termination costs.

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Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities
 
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                     
 
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
  $ 1,720     $ 1,724     $ 803  
                           
 
Harsco Metals Segment
    2,519       1,092       375  
                           
 
All Other Category - Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial (a)
    58       5       100  
                           
 
Corporate
          2,448        
                           
 
Total
  $ 4,297     $ 5,269     $ 1,278  
(a)
Segment information for prior periods has been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.  The Harsco Rail operating segment, which was previously a component of the All Other Category, is not included since there was no activity for this segment.

See Note 17, “2008 Restructuring Program,” for additional information on net gains, impaired asset write-downs, employee termination benefit costs and costs associated with exit and disposal activities.

 
16.
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Total Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is included in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.  The components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Net of Tax
 
 
 
 
     
December 31
 
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
 
               
 
Cumulative foreign exchange translation adjustments
  $ 118,097     $ 21,295  
                   
 
Fair value of effective cash flow hedges
    (9,040 )     21,001  
                   
 
Pension liability adjustments
    (310,686 )     (250,536 )
                   
 
Unrealized loss on marketable securities
    (55 )     (59 )
                   
 
Total Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (201,684 )   $ (208,299 )

 
17.
2008 Restructuring Program
 
As a result of the deepening financial and economic crisis, the Company initiated a restructuring program in the fourth quarter of 2008.  The program was designed to improve organizational efficiency and enhance profitability and shareholder value by generating sustainable operating expense savings.  Under this program, the Company principally exited certain underperforming contracts with customers, closed certain facilities and reduced the global workforce.  Restructuring costs were incurred primarily in the Harsco Metals and Harsco Infrastructure Segments and recorded in the Other (income) expense line of the Condensed Consolidated Income Statements.  In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company recorded net pre-tax restructuring and other related charges totaling $36.1 million, including $28.0 million in Other expense, $5.8 million reduction in services revenue, a net $1.5 million related to pension curtailments and $0.8 million of other costs.  Restructuring actions are expected to be completed by March 31, 2010.

At December 31, 2009, the Company has completed workforce reductions of 1,300 employees of a total expected workforce reduction of 1,429 employees related to the fourth quarter 2008 restructuring program.  The majority of the remaining workforce reductions and exit activities relate to the Harsco Metals Segment and are targeted for completion during the first quarter of 2010.  These restructuring activities were not completed in 2009 due to continued negotiations with labor unions and customers that resulted in changes to estimates of the amount of restructuring costs and the timing of their settlement.

- 102 -

The restructuring accrual at December 31, 2009 and the activity for the year then ended attributable to each segment is as follows:

   
2008 Restructuring Program
 
(In thousands)
 
Accrual
December 31
2008
   
Adjustments to Previously
Recorded Restructuring Charges (a)
   
Cash
Expenditures
   
Remaining
Accrual
December 31
2009
 
                         
Harsco Infrastructure Segment
                       
Employee termination benefit costs
  $ 1,806     $ 215     $ (1,899 )   $ 122  
Cost to exit activities
    1,963       (1,136 )     (827 )      
Total Harsco Infrastructure Segment
    3,769       (921 )     (2,726 )     122  
                                 
Harsco Metals Segment
                               
Employee termination benefit costs
    9,888       945       (7,516 )     3,317  
Cost to exit activities
    656       (150 )     (320 )     186  
Total Harsco Metals Segment
    10,544       795       (7,836 )     3,503  
                                 
All Other Category - Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial (b)
                         
Employee termination benefit costs
    531       215       (746 )      
Total All Other Category - Harsco Minerals & Harsco Industrial
    531       215       (746 )      
                                 
Corporate
                               
Employee termination benefit costs
    113             (113 )      
Cost to exit activities
    2,448       (1,171 )     (1,277 )      
Total Corporate
    2,561       (1,171 )     (1,390 )      
                                 
Total
  $ 17,405     $ (1,082 )   $ (12,698 )   $ 3,625  

(a)  
Adjustments to previously recorded cost to exit activities resulted from changes in facts and circumstances in the implementation of these activities.
(b)
Segment information for prior periods has been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.  The Harsco Rail operating segment, which was previously a component of the All Other Category, is not included since there was no activity for this segment.

The majority of the remaining cash expenditures of $3.6 million related to the 2008 actions are expected to be paid by March 31, 2010.

 
18.           Subsequent Events
 
The Company’s management has evaluated all activity of the Company through February 23, 2010 (the issue date of the consolidated financial statements) and concluded that subsequent events are properly reflected in the Company’s financial statements and notes as required by standards for accounting and disclosure of subsequent events.


- 103 -

Two-Year Summary of Quarterly Results
(Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share amounts)
 
2009
 
Quarterly
 
First
   
Second
   
Third
   
Fourth
 
Sales
  $ 696.9     $ 777.0     $ 744.2     $ 772.5  
Gross profit (a)
    160.0       204.3       189.6       184.5  
Net income attributable to Harsco Corporation
    18.6       40.6       20.2 (b)     39.4  
Basic earnings per common share attributable to Harsco Corporation
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.25     $ 0.52     $ 0.40     $ 0.50  
Discontinued operations (c)
    (0.02 )     (0.02 )     (0.15 )     (0.01 )
Basic earnings per common share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders
  $ 0.23     $ 0.51 (d)   $ 0.25 (b)   $ 0.49  
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Harsco Corporation
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.25     $ 0.52     $ 0.40     $ 0.50  
Discontinued operations (c)
    (0.02 )     (0.02 )     (0.15 )     (0.01 )
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders
  $ 0.23     $ 0.50     $ 0.25 (b)   $ 0.49  
         
         
 
       
(In millions, except per share amounts)
 
2008
 
Quarterly
 
First
   
Second
   
Third
   
Fourth
 
Sales
  $ 987.8     $ 1,099.6     $ 1,044.9     $ 835.5  
Gross profit (a)
    256.8       307.8       282.6       194.2  
Net income attributable to Harsco Corporation
    57.0       89.9       80.3       13.7 (e)
Basic earnings per common share attributable to Harsco Corporation
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.67     $ 1.07     $ 1.00     $ 0.18  
Discontinued operations (c)
    0.00       (0.01 )     (0.04 )     (0.01 )
Basic earnings per common share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders
  $ 0.68 (d)   $ 1.07 (d)   $ 0.95 (d)   $ 0.17 (e)
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Harsco Corporation
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.67     $ 1.07     $ 0.99     $ 0.18  
Discontinued operations (c)
    0.00       (0.01 )     (0.04 )     (0.01 )
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Harsco Corporation common stockholders
  $ 0.67     $ 1.06     $ 0.95     $ 0.17 (e)
(a)  
Gross profit is defined as Sales less costs and expenses associated directly with or allocated to products sold or services rendered.
(b)  
In the third quarter of 2009, the Company recorded a net non-cash charge of $0.11 per basic and diluted share for adjustments related principally to the improper recording of revenue by one business unit in one country, over a period of approximately three years.  Previously issued financial statements were not revised based on the Company’s determination that the cumulative effect was not material to the full-year 2009 results or previously issued annual or quarterly financial statements.
(c)  
Discontinued operations related principally to the Gas Technologies Segment which was sold in the fourth quarter of 2007.  In the third quarter of 2009, the Company recorded an after-tax loss of $11.8 million, or $0.15 per basic and diluted share, related to the settlement of working capital adjustment claims and other costs associated with arbitration proceedings.
(d)  
Does not total due to rounding.
(e)  
In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company recorded after–tax restructuring charges of $23.1 million, or $0.28 per basic and diluted share.



- 104 -

Common Stock Price and Dividend Information
(Unaudited)

     
Market Price Per Share
   
Dividends Declared
 
     
High
   
Low
   
Per Share
 
 
 
2009
                 
 
First Quarter
  $ 31.65     $ 16.90     $ 0.2000  
 
Second Quarter
    32.07       21.39       0.2000  
 
Third Quarter
    36.33       26.69       0.2000  
 
Fourth Quarter
    37.65       29.38       0.2050  
                           
 
2008
                       
 
First Quarter
  $ 64.50     $ 46.10     $ 0.1950  
 
Second Quarter
    64.75       53.75       0.1950  
 
Third Quarter
    56.32       33.50       0.1950  
 
Fourth Quarter
    37.41       17.55       0.1950  


Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures.

None.


Item 9A. 
Controls and Procedures.

The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2009.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective.  There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2009.

Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting is included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”  The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009.


Item 9B.
Other Information.

None.
 
 
 
- 105 -

PART III


Information regarding executive officers required by this Item is set forth as a Supplementary Item at the end of Part I hereof (pursuant to Instruction 3 to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K).  Other information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled “Corporate Governance,” “Nominees for Director,” “Report of the Audit Committee” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” of the 2010 Proxy Statement.

The Company’s Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers (the “Code”) may be found on the Company’s Internet website, www.harsco.com.  The Company intends to disclose on its website any amendments to the Code or any waiver from a provision of the Code.  The Code is available in print to any stockholder who requests it.



Information regarding compensation of executive officers and directors is incorporated by reference to the following sections of the 2010 Proxy Statement:
·  
Compensation Discussion and Analysis,
·  
Compensation Committee Report,
·  
Executive Compensation,
·  
Non-Employee Director Compensation, and
·  
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.


Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Share Ownership of Directors, Management and Certain Beneficial Owners” of the 2010 Proxy Statement.

Equity Compensation Plan Information
The Company maintains the 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended, and the 1995 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Plan, as amended, which allow the Company to grant equity awards to eligible persons.

The following table gives information about equity awards under these plans as of December 31, 2009.  All securities referred to are shares of Harsco common stock.

Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
   
Column (a)
   
Column (b)
   
Column (c)
 
Plan category
 
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
   
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
   
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in Column (a))
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)
    619,461     $ 22.62 (2)     2,433,952  
                         
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
                 
Total
    619,461     $ 22.62       2,433,952  
(1)  
Plans include the 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended, and the 1995 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Plan, as amended.
(2)  
Includes the average of the weighted average exercise price for stock options and the weighted average grant-date fair value for the restricted stock units.


- 106 -


Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled "Transactions with Related Persons" and “Corporate Governance” of the 2010 Proxy Statement.


Item 14. 
Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

Information regarding principal accounting fees and services is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled “Report of the Audit Committee” and “Fees Billed by the Independent Auditors for Audit and Non-Audit Services” of the 2010 Proxy Statement.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- 107 -

PART IV


(a)
1.  The Consolidated Financial Statements are listed in the index to Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," on page 51.

(a)
2.  The following financial statement schedule should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements (see Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”):
 
 
  Page  
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years 2009, 2008 and 2007
109

Schedules other than that listed above are omitted for the reason that they are either not applicable or not required, or because the information required is contained in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 
Condensed financial information of the registrant is omitted since "restricted net assets" of consolidated subsidiaries does not exceed 25% of consolidated net assets.

 
Financial statements of 50% or less owned unconsolidated companies are not submitted inasmuch as (1) the registrant's investment in and advances to such companies do not exceed 20% of the total consolidated assets, (2) the registrant's proportionate share of the total assets of such companies does not exceed 20% of the total consolidated assets, and (3) the registrant's equity in the income from continuing operations before income taxes of such companies does not exceed 20% of the total consolidated income from continuing operations before income taxes.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
- 108 -

SCHEDULE II.  VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Continuing Operations
(In thousands)

COLUMN A
 
COLUMN B
   
COLUMN C
Additions
   
COLUMN D
Additions (Deductions)
   
COLUMN E
 
Description
 
Balance at Beginning of Period
   
Charged to Cost and Expenses
   
Due to Currency Translation Adjustments
   
Other
   
Balance at End of Period
 
                               
For the year 2009:
                             
                               
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
  $ 27,853     $ 9,318     $ 694     $ (13,370 ) (a)   $ 24,495  
Deferred Tax Assets – Valuation Allowance
  $ 21,459     $ (980 )   $ (75 )   $ 2,340     $ 22,744  
                                         
                                         
For the year 2008:
                                       
                                         
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
  $ 25,580     $ 12,493     $ (2,666 )   $ (7,554 ) (a)   $ 27,853  
Deferred Tax Assets – Valuation Allowance
  $ 15,318     $ 241     $ (804 )   $ 6,704 (b)   $ 21,459  
                                         
                                         
For the year 2007:
                                       
                                         
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
  $ 25,351     $ 7,842     $ 992     $ (8,605 ) (a)   $ 25,580  
Deferred Tax Assets – Valuation Allowance
  $ 13,892     $ (353 )   $ 372     $ 1,407     $ 15,318  
                                         
                                         


(a)  
Includes principally the utilization of previously reserved amounts.
 
(b)  
Includes principally valuation allowance established against the deferred tax asset related to a net investment hedge.
 

 

 
- 109 -

(a)      3.      Listing of Exhibits Filed with Form 10-K

Exhibit
Number
Data Required
Location in Form 10-K
2(a)
Share Purchase Agreement between Sun HB Holdings, LLC, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America and Harsco Corporation, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, United States of America dated September 20, 2005 regarding the sale and purchase of the issued share capital of Hünnebeck Group GmbH, Ratingen, Germany.
Exhibit to Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2005
     
2(b)
Agreement, dated as of December 29, 2005, by and among the Harsco Corporation (for itself and as agent for each of MultiServ France SA, Harsco Europa BV and Harsco Investment Limited), Brambles U.K. Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, Brambles France SAS, a company incorporated under the laws of France, Brambles USA, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Brambles Holdings Europe B.V., a company incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands, and Brambles Industries Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Australia.  In accordance with Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, the registrant hereby agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule to the Commission upon request.  Portions of Exhibit 2(a) have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.  The omitted portions have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Exhibit volume, 2005 Form 10-K
     
2(c)
Stock Purchase Agreement among Excell Materials, Inc., the Stockholders of Excell Materials, Inc. and Harsco Corporation dated as of January 4, 2007.
Exhibit volume, 2006 Form 10-K
     
2(d)
Asset and Stock Purchase Agreement By and Between Harsco Corporation and Taylor-Wharton International LLC dated as of November 28, 2007
Exhibit volume, 2007 Form 10-K
     
3(a)
Restated Certificate of Incorporation as amended April 24, 1990
Exhibit volume, 1990 Form 10-K
     
3(b)
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed June 3, 1997
Exhibit volume, 1999 Form 10-K
     
3(c)
Certificate of Designation filed September 25, 1997
Exhibit volume, 1997 Form 10-K
     
3(d)
By-laws as amended January 23, 2007
Exhibit to Form 8-K dated January 23, 2007
     
3(e)
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed April 26, 2005
Proxy Statement dated March 22, 2005 on Appendix A pages A-1 through A-2
 
- 110 -

Exhibit
Number
Data Required
Location in Form 10-K
     
4(a)
Harsco Corporation Rights Agreement dated as of September 25, 2007, with Chase Mellon Shareholder Services L.L.C.
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-A, filed September 26, 2007
     
4(b)
Registration of Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-A dated October 2, 1987
     
4(c)
Current Report on dividend distribution of Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K dated September 25, 2007
     
4(f)
Debt and Equity Securities Registered
Incorporated by reference to Form S-3, Registration No. 33-56885 dated December 15, 1994, effective date January 12, 1995
     
4(g)
Harsco Finance B. V. £200 million, 7.25% Guaranteed Notes due 2010
Exhibit to Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2000
     
4(h) (i)
Indenture, dated as of May 1, 1985, by and between Harsco Corporation and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association), as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(d) to the Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed by Harsco Corporation on August 23, 1991 (Reg. No. 33-42389))
Exhibit to Form 8-K dated September 8, 2003
     
4(h) (ii)
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 12, 1995, by and among Harsco Corporation, The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association), as resigning trustee, and Chemical Bank, as successor trustee
Exhibit to Form 8-K dated September 8, 2003
     
4(h) (iii)
Form of Second Supplemental Indenture, by and between Harsco Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee
Exhibit to Form 8-K dated September 8, 2003
     
4(h) (iv)
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 12, 2003, by and between Harsco Corporation and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, as Trustee
Exhibit to Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2003
     
4(i) (i)
Form of 5.125% Global Senior Note due September 15, 2013
Exhibit to Form 8-K dated September 8, 2003
     
4(i) (ii)
5.125% 2003 Notes due September 15, 2013 described in Prospectus Supplement dated September 8, 2003 to Form S-3 Registration under Rule 415 dated December 15, 1994
Incorporated by reference to the Prospectus Supplement dated September 8, 2003 to Form S-3, Registration No. 33-56885 dated December 15, 1994
 
- 111 -

 
Exhibit
Number
Data Required
Location in Form 10-K
     
4(j)
5.75% Senior Notes due 2018 described in Prospectus Supplement dated May 12, 2008 to Form S-3ASR Registration dated May 12, 2008
Incorporated by reference to the Prospectus Supplement dated May 12, 2008 to Form S-3, Registration No. 333-150825 dated May 12, 2008
     
Material Contracts - Credit and Underwriting Agreements
 
   
10(a) (i)
$50,000,000 Facility agreement dated December 15, 2000
Exhibit volume, 2000 Form 10-K
     
10(a) (ii)
Agreement extending term of $50,000,000 Facility agreement dated December 15, 2000
Exhibit volume, 2001 Form 10-K
     
10(a) (iii)
Agreement amending term and amount of $50,000,000 Facility agreement dated December 15, 2000
Exhibit volume, 2002 Form 10-K
     
10(a) (iv)
Agreement extending term of $50,000,000 Facility agreement dated December 15, 2000
Exhibit volume, 2003 Form 10-K
     
10(a) (v)
Agreement extending term of $50,000,000 Facility agreement dated December 15, 2000
Exhibit to Form 8-K dated January 25, 2005
     
10(a) (vi)
Agreement extending term of $50,000,000 Facility agreement dated December 15, 2000
Exhibit volume, 2005 Form 10-K
     
10(a) (vii)
Agreement extending term of $50,000,000 Facility agreement dated December 15, 2000
Exhibit to Form 8-K dated December 22, 2006
     
10(a) (viii)
Agreement extending term of $50,000,000 Facility agreement dated December 15, 2000
Exhibit to Form 8-K dated February 4, 2008
     
10(a) (ix)
Agreement extending term of Facility agreement dated December 15, 2000 and reducing the amount to $30,000,000
Exhibit to Form 8-K dated December 22, 2008
     
10(a) (x)
Agreement extending term of Facility agreement dated December 15, 2000 in the amount of $30,000,000
Exhibit volume, 2009 Form 10-K
     
10(b)
Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement dated September 24, 2003, between ING Belgium SA/NV and Harsco Finance B.V.
Exhibit volume, 2003 Form 10-K
 
- 112 -

Exhibit
Number
Data Required
Location in Form 10-K
     
10(b)(i)
Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement dated September 24, 2003, between ING Belgium SA/NV and Harsco Finance B.V. – Supplement No. 1 to the Dealer Agreement
Exhibit to Form 8-K dated November 8, 2005
     
10(c)
Commercial Paper Payment Agency Agreement Dated October 1, 2000, between Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and Harsco Corporation
Exhibit volume, 2000 Form 10-K
     
10(e)
Issuing and Paying Agency Agreement, Dated October 12, 1994, between Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York and Harsco Corporation
Exhibit volume, 1994 Form 10-K
     
10(f)
364-Day Credit Agreement
Exhibit to Form 10-Q for the period ended
September 30, 2008
     
10(g)
Three-Year Credit Agreement
Exhibit to Form 8-K dated December 23, 2009
     
10(i)
Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement dated June 7, 2001, between Citibank International plc, National Westminster Bank plc, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and Harsco Finance B.V.
Exhibit to Form 10-Q for the period ended
June 30, 2001
     
 
Material Contracts - Management Contracts and Compensatory Plans
     
     
10(d)
Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement (CEO)
Exhibit volume, 2008 Form 10-K
     
10(k)
Harsco Corporation Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan as amended and restated January 1, 2009
Exhibit volume, 2008 Form 10-K
     
10(l)
Trust Agreement between Harsco Corporation and Dauphin Deposit Bank and Trust Company dated July 1, 1987 relating to the Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan
Exhibit volume, 1987 Form 10-K
     
10(m)
Harsco Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan as amended
Exhibit volume, 1991 Form 10-K
     
10(n)
Trust Agreement between Harsco Corporation and Dauphin Deposit Bank and Trust Company dated November 22, 1988 relating to the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Exhibit volume, 1988 Form 10-K
     
10(o) (i)
Harsco Corporation 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan As Amended and Restated
Proxy Statement dated March 23, 2004 on Exhibit B pages B-1 through B-15
 
 
- 113 -

Exhibit
Number
Data Required
Location in Form 10-K
     
10(o) (ii)
Amendment No. 1 to the Harsco Corporation 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan
Exhibit volume, 2008 Form 10-K
     
10(p)
Authorization, Terms and Conditions of the Annual Incentive Awards, as Amended and Restated April 27, 2004, under the 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan
Exhibit to Form 8-K dated March 23, 2006
     
10(q)
Authorization, Terms and Conditions of Other Performance Awards under the Harsco Corporation 1995 Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended and restated)
Exhibit to Form 8-K dated March 22, 2007
     
10(r)
Special Supplemental Retirement Benefit Agreement for D. C. Hathaway
Exhibit Volume, 1988 Form 10-K
     
10(s)
Harsco Corporation Form of Restricted Stock Units Agreement (Directors)
Exhibit to Form 8-K dated April 26, 2005
     
10(u)
Harsco Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (as Amended and Restated as of December 31, 2008)
Exhibit Volume, 2008 Form 10-K
     
10(v) (i)
Harsco Corporation 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan As Amended and Restated at January 27, 2004
Proxy Statement dated March 23, 2004 on Exhibit A pages A-1 through A-9
     
10(v) (ii)
Amendment No. 1 to the Harsco Corporation 1995 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Plan
Exhibit volume, 2008 Form 10-K
     
10(w)
Restricted Stock Units Agreement for International Employees
Exhibit volume, 2007 Form 10-K
     
10(x)
Settlement and Consulting Agreement
Exhibit to Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2003
     
10(y)
Restricted Stock Units Agreement
Exhibit to Form 8-K dated January 23, 2007
     
10(aa)
Harsco Non-Qualified Retirement Savings & Investment Plan Part B – Amendment and Restatement as of January 1, 2009
Exhibit volume, 2008 Form 10-K
     
10(ab)
Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement  (Non-CEO)
Exhibit volume, 2008 Form 10-K
     

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Exhibit
Number
Data Required
Location in Form 10-K
 
Director Indemnity Agreements -
 
     
10(t)
A. J. Sordoni, III
Exhibit volume, 1989 Form 10-K Uniform agreement, same as shown for J. J. Burdge
     
   "
R. C. Wilburn
            "                   "
     
   "
J. I. Scheiner
            "                   "
     
   "
D. H. Pierce
            "                   "
     
   "
K. G. Eddy
Exhibit to Form 8-K dated August 27, 2004
     
   "
T. D. Growcock
Exhibit to Form 8-K dated August 27, 2004, same as shown for K. G. Eddy
     
   "
H.W. Knueppel
            "                   "
     
   "
S.E. Graham
            "                   "
     
12
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Exhibit volume, 2009 Form 10-K
     
21
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
Exhibit volume, 2009 Form 10-K
     
23
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Exhibit volume, 2009 Form 10-K
     
31(a)
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Executive Officer)
Exhibit volume, 2009 Form 10-K
     
31(b)
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Financial Officer)
Exhibit volume, 2009 Form 10-K
     
32
Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer)
Exhibit volume, 2009 Form 10-K
     

Exhibits other than those listed above are omitted for the reason that they are either not applicable or not material.

The foregoing Exhibits are available from the Secretary of the Company upon receipt of a fee of $10 to cover the Company's reasonable cost of providing copies of such Exhibits.



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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

     
HARSCO CORPORATION
     
(Registrant)
       
Date
2-23-2010
 
/S/ Stephen J. Schnoor
     
Stephen J. Schnoor
     
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
Capacity
Date
       
/S/
Salvatore D. Fazzolari
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
2-23-2010
 
(Salvatore D. Fazzolari)
and Director
 
       
/S/
Geoffrey D. H. Butler
President Harsco Corporation,
2-23-2010
 
(Geoffrey D. H. Butler)
CEO Harsco Infrastructure and Director
 
       
/S/
Stephen J. Schnoor
Senior Vice President and
2-23-2010
 
(Stephen J. Schnoor)
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
       
/S/
Richard M. Wagner
Vice President and Controller
2-23-2010
 
(Richard M. Wagner)
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
       
/S/
Kathy G. Eddy
Director
2-23-2010
 
(Kathy G. Eddy)
   
       
/S/
Stuart E. Graham
Director
2-23-2010
 
(Stuart E. Graham)
   
       
/S/
Terry D. Growcock
Director
2-23-2010
 
(Terry D. Growcock)
   
       
/S/
Henry W. Knueppel
Director
2-23-2010
 
(Henry W. Knueppel)
   
       
/S/
D. Howard Pierce
Director
2-23-2010
 
(D. Howard Pierce)
   
       
/S/
James I. Scheiner
Director
2-23-2010
 
(James I. Scheiner)
   
       
/S/
Andrew J. Sordoni, III
Director
2-23-2010
 
(Andrew J. Sordoni, III)
   
       
/S/
Dr. Robert C. Wilburn
Director
2-23-2010
 
(Dr. Robert C. Wilburn)
   

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