LSB Industries, Inc. Reports First Quarter Results of $.46 Per Common Share Compared to $.28 in 2007

LSB Industries, Inc. (AMEX:LXU), today reported record results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008. First Quarter 2008 Compared to First Quarter 2007 Net sales increased 9% to $160.5 million from $147.4 million; Operating income rose nearly 43% to $19.3 million from $13.5 million; Net income applicable to common stock was $10.6 million compared to $5.6 million after deducting dividends, dividend requirements and stock dividend on preferred stock of $.3 million in 2008 and $5.2 million in 2007; Net income was $10.9 million for the current first quarter and $10.8 million for the first quarter of 2007; the current first quarter includes a $6.7 million provision for income taxes versus $.3 million in the prior year’s first quarter; and, Diluted income per common share rose to $.46 per share from $.28 per share. Business Overview LSB’s Chairman & CEO, Jack E. Golsen, noted, "2008 started on a strong note. Both our Chemical and Climate Control businesses contributed to this record first quarter, but the stand-out performer for the period was Chemical, increasing its operating profit by 57% over the first quarter last year. Worthy of note, the net income in the 2008 quarter was after provisions for income taxes of $6.7 million compared to $.3 million in the 2007 quarter, making the quarterly profit comparison all the more impressive.” Discussing the Climate Control Business, Barry H. Golsen, President & COO, noted, "First quarter new orders rose 24% to $70.1 million, compared to $56.5 million in the first quarter one year earlier . We closed the quarter with a backlog of confirmed orders of approximately $62.1 million compared to $54.5 million at 2007 year-end. Benefiting from favorable raw materials hedging decisions, we achieved a nearly 10% increase in operating income despite the 7% comparable quarter sales decline which was in part due to last year’s shipments of $9.7 million of orders during the first quarter in connection with an overall initiative to reduce what had been excessive order backlogs.” Mr. Barry Golsen continued, "We were very pleased by the latest data from our industry’s leading trade association which indicates that our market share in heat pumps and fan coils continues to lead the industry. We will continue to seek ways to optimize profitability including hedging the rising market prices for copper, steel and aluminum which have increased approximately 25% since the beginning of the year, as well as aggressive cost reduction measures.” Moving on to the Chemical Business, Mr. Barry Golsen stated, "The increase in Chemical sales reflects significantly higher selling prices for agricultural products as a result of increased global demand for fertilizer products. The higher selling prices more than offset the lower volume of agricultural products caused by weather conditions in our market areas. Additionally, selling prices of industrial acids increased due to the pass through of higher cost raw material feedstock.” In his closing remarks, LSB’s Chairman noted, "As today’s release indicates, our balance sheet remains quite strong and during the first quarter, we repurchased 200,000 shares of our common stock at the weighted average price of $17.10 per share. For the time being, we will likely defer additional purchases until a decision is reached about activating a portion of our now idled ammonia and urea chemical plant in Pryor, Oklahoma. The feasibility study is underway based on producing and marketing approximately 325,000 tons of UAN fertilizer per year. At present, we estimate that it would take about one year and cost between $15 million to $20 million to bring this plant on line. If approved, it is contemplated this project will be funded from our available cash on hand and working capital. Conference Call LSB’s management will host a conference call covering the first quarter results on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 5:15 pm EDT/4:15 pm CDT to discuss these results and recent corporate developments. Participating in the call will be CEO, Jack E. Golsen; President and COO, Barry H. Golsen; Executive Vice President and CFO, Tony M. Shelby. Interested parties may participate in the call by dialing 706-679-3079. Please call in ten minutes before the conference is scheduled to begin and ask for the LSB conference call. To listen to a webcast of the call, please go to the Company’s website at www.lsb-okc.com at least 15 minutes before the conference call to download and install any necessary audio software. If you are unable to listen live, the conference call webcast will be archived on the Company’s website for 90 days. We suggest listeners use Microsoft Explorer as their web browser. LSB Industries, Inc. LSB is a manufacturing, marketing and engineering company. LSB’s principal business activities consist of the manufacture and sale of commercial and residential climate control products, such as geothermal and water source heat pumps, hydronic fan coils, large custom air handlers, the manufacture and sale of chemical products for the mining, agricultural and industrial markets, and the provision of specialized engineering services and other activities. LSB is included in the Russell 2000 Index and the Russell 3000 Index. This press release contains certain statements which may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Reform Act of 1996. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, general economic conditions and the "Risk Factors” contained in, and the other factors listed under the heading "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in, our 2007 Form 10-K, as amended by our 10-K/A Amendment No. 1. LSB Industries, Inc. Unaudited Financial Highlights Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007   2008 2007 (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) Net sales $ 160,455 $ 147,385 Cost of sales   122,698     115,333   Gross profit 37,757 32,052   Selling, general and administrative expense 18,764 18,301 Provisions for losses on accounts receivable 90 258 Other expense 181 24 Other income   (610 )   (54 ) Operating income 19,332 13,523 Interest expense 2,454 2,588 Non-operating other income, net   (517 )   (42 ) Income from continuing operations before provisions forincome taxes and equity in earnings of affiliate 17,395 10,977 Provisions for income taxes 6,720 344 Equity in earnings of affiliate   (232 )   (215 ) Income from continuing operations 10,907 10,848   Net loss from discontinued operations   -     29   Net income 10,907 10,819   Dividends, dividend requirements and stock dividend onpreferred stocks   306     5,188   Net income applicable to common stock $ 10,601   $ 5,631     Weighted average common shares: Basic   21,057     17,516   Diluted   24,992     20,976     Income per common share: Basic $ .50   $ .32   Diluted $ .46   $ .28     (See accompanying notes)                 LSB Industries, Inc. Notes to Unaudited Financial Highlights Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 (unaudited) Note 1: Net income applicable to common stock is computed by adjusting net income by the amount of preferred stock dividends, dividend requirements and stock dividend. Basic income per common share is based upon net income applicable to common stock and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted income per share is based on net income applicable to common stock plus preferred stock dividends and dividend requirements on preferred stock assumed to be converted, if dilutive, and interest expense including amortization of debt issuance costs, net of income taxes, on convertible debt assumed to be converted, if dilutive, and the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding and the assumed conversion of dilutive convertible securities outstanding. During the three months ended March 31, 2007, $3,000,000 of the 7% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2011 ("2006 Debentures”), was converted into 423,749 shares of common stock. Subsequently during 2007, the remaining $1.0 million of the 2006 Debentures was converted into 141,040 shares of common stock. In addition, as a result of a tender offer completed on March 13, 2007, we issued 2,262,965 shares of our common stock for 305,807 shares of Series 2 preferred stock that were tendered. Also as a result of this tender offer, we effectively settled the dividends in arrears on the Series 2 preferred stock tendered. At March 31, 2008, there were no dividends in arrears. Note 2: Provisions for income taxes are as follows:   Three Months Ended   March 31,   2008   2007 (in thousands) Current - Federal and State $ 5,710 $ 344 Deferred - Federal and State   1,010 - Provisions for income taxes $ 6,720 $ 344 In the first quarter of 2007, we had significant income tax net operating loss ("NOL”) carryforwards. In addition, we had valuation allowances in place against our deferred tax assets arising from the NOL carryforwards and other temporary differences. As a result, the provisions for federal and state income taxes were only $344,000. During 2008, we anticipate that we will utilize the remaining $2.9 million of federal NOL carryforwards and recognize and pay federal income taxes at regular corporate rates. Note 3: Information about the Company’s operations in different industry segments for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 is detailed on the following page. LSB INDUSTRIES, INC. Notes to Unaudited Financial Highlights (Continued) Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007   Three Months EndedMarch 31, 2008   2007 (In Thousands) Net sales: Climate Control $ 66,323 $ 71,305 Chemical 91,330 73,720 Other   2,802     2,360   $ 160,455   $ 147,385     Gross profit: (1) Climate Control (2) $ 21,522 $ 20,707 Chemical (3) 15,353 10,532 Other   882     813   $ 37,757   $ 32,052     Operating income: (4) Climate Control (2) $ 9,327 $ 8,508 Chemical (3) 12,125 7,710 General corporate expenses and other business operations, net (5)   (2,120 )   (2,695 ) 19,332 13,523   Interest expense (2,454 ) (2,588 ) Non-operating other income, net: Climate Control 1 2 Chemical 4 28 Corporate and other business operations 512 12 Provisions for income taxes (6,720 ) (344 ) Equity in earnings of affiliate-Climate Control   232     215   Income from continuing operations $ 10,907   $ 10,848                     LSB INDUSTRIES, INC. Notes to Unaudited Financial Highlights (Continued) Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 (1) Gross profit by industry segment represents net sales less cost of sales. Gross profit classified as "Other” relates to the sales of industrial machinery and related components. (2) During the first quarters of 2008 and 2007, we recognized gains of $2,575,000 and $133,000, respectively, on our exchange-traded futures contracts for copper. These gains contributed to an increase in gross profit and operating income. (3) During the first quarters of 2008 and 2007, the amounts expensed for precious metals, net of recoveries and gains, were $2,460,000 and $898,000, respectively. These net expenses contributed to a decrease in gross profit and operating income. (4) Our chief operating decision makers use operating income by industry segment for purposes of making decisions which include resource allocations and performance evaluations. Operating income by industry segment represents gross profit by industry segment less Selling, general and administration expense ("SG&A”) incurred by each industry segment plus other income and other expense earned/incurred by each industry segment before general corporate expenses and other business operations, net. General corporate expenses and other business operations, net, consist of unallocated portions of gross profit, SG&A, other income and other expense. (5) The amounts included are not allocated to our Climate Control and Chemical Businesses since these items are not included in the operating results reviewed by our chief operating decision makers for purposes of making decisions as discussed above. LSB Industries, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Information at March 31, 2008 is unaudited)     March 31,2008   December 31,2007   (In Thousands) Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 42,486 $ 58,224 Restricted cash 31 203 Accounts receivable, net 82,888 70,577 Inventories: Finished goods 36,039 28,177 Work in process 2,438 3,569 Raw materials   23,940     25,130 Total inventories 62,417 56,876 Supplies, prepaid items and other: Deferred rent expense 2,014 - Prepaid insurance 2,501 3,350 Precious metals 11,502 10,935 Supplies 3,988 3,849 Other   2,322     1,464 Total supplies, prepaid items and other 22,327 19,598 Deferred income taxes   8,590     10,030 Total current assets 218,739 215,508   Property, plant and equipment, net 82,374 79,692   Other assets: Debt issuance and other debt-related costs, net 4,278 4,639 Investment in affiliate 3,378 3,426 Goodwill 1,724 1,724 Other, net   2,671     2,565 Total other assets   12,051     12,354 $ 313,164   $ 307,554 LSB Industries, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Information at March 31, 2008 is unaudited) (continued)     March 31,2008   December 31,2007   (In Thousands) Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 38,831 $ 39,060 Short-term financing and drafts payable 525 919 Accrued and other liabilities 37,456 38,942 Current portion of long-term debt   935     1,043   Total current liabilities 77,747 79,964   Long-term debt 120,895 121,064   Noncurrent accrued and other liabilities: Deferred income taxes 4,900 5,330 Other   7,014     6,913   11,914 12,243   Contingencies - -   Stockholders' equity: Series B 12% cumulative, convertible preferred stock, $100 parvalue; 20,000 shares issued and outstanding 2,000 2,000 Series D 6% cumulative, convertible Class C preferred stock, nopar value; 1,000,000 shares issued 1,000 1,000 Common stock, $.10 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized,24,590,810 shares issued (24,466,506 at December 31, 2007) 2,459 2,447 Capital in excess of par value 124,424 123,336 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (366 ) (411 ) Accumulated deficit   (5,836 )   (16,437 ) 123,681 111,935 Less treasury stock at cost: Common stock, 3,648,518 shares (3,448,518 at December 31, 2007)   21,073     17,652   Total stockholders' equity   102,608     94,283   $ 313,164   $ 307,554