UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

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

Commission File No. 001-15903

CARBO CERAMICS INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE		72-1100013
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)		Identification Number)

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Registrant’s telephone number)

          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 þ 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 þ No o

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer þ		Accelerated filer o		Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller reporting company o

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

          As of October 28, 2010, 23,108,589 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, were outstanding.

 

 

CARBO CERAMICS INC.

Index to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

		PAGE
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets — September 30, 2010 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2009		3
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) — Three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009		4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) — Nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009		5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)		6-10
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		11-14
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		14
Item 4. Controls and Procedures		14
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings		15
Item 1A. Risk Factors		15
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		15
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities		15
Item 4. (Removed and Reserved)		15
Item 5. Other Information		15
Item 6. Exhibits		15-16
Signatures		17
Exhibit Index		18
EX-31.1
EX-31.2
EX-32.1
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CARBO CERAMICS INC.

($ in thousands, except per share data)

		September 30,				December 31,
		2010				2009
		(Unaudited)				(Note 1)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	52,800			$	69,557
Short-term investment			4,989				—
Trade accounts and other receivables, net			86,521				59,567
Inventories:
Finished goods, net			42,542				48,414
Raw materials and supplies			43,814				31,735
Total inventories			86,356				80,149
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			3,357				2,799
Deferred income taxes			6,816				6,798
Total current assets			240,839				218,870
Property, plant and equipment:
Land and land improvements			14,044				11,326
Land-use and mineral rights			8,026				8,043
Buildings			46,765				44,170
Machinery and equipment			306,488				295,188
Construction in progress			107,409				56,598
Total			482,732				415,325
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			163,932				144,603
Net property, plant and equipment			318,800				270,722
Goodwill			13,523				13,716
Intangible and other assets, net			10,351				10,104
Total assets		$	583,513			$	513,412
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	27,114			$	8,732
Accrued income taxes			—				3,609
Dividends payable			4,622				—
Other accrued expenses			25,584				20,117
Total current liabilities			57,320				32,458
Deferred income taxes			26,719				23,638
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 5,000 shares authorized, none outstanding			—				—
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 40,000,000 shares authorized; 23,110,162 and 23,077,183 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively			231				231
Additional paid-in capital			56,584				54,361
Retained earnings			447,617				407,933
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(4,958	)			(5,209	)
Total shareholders’ equity			499,474				457,316
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	583,513			$	513,412

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

CARBO CERAMICS INC.

($ in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2010				2009				2010				2009
Revenues		$	118,517			$	91,783			$	353,498			$	251,747
Cost of sales			74,018				59,512				225,193				160,300
Gross profit			44,499				32,271				128,305				91,447
Selling, general and administrative expenses			13,240				10,856				38,936				31,210
Start-up costs			102				—				621				—
Operating profit			31,157				21,415				88,748				60,237
Other income (expense):
Interest income, net			57				78				131				398
Foreign currency exchange (loss) gain, net			(63	)			30				(50	)			(216	)
Other, net			(92	)			(50	)			(308	)			128
			(98	)			58				(227	)			310
Income before income taxes			31,059				21,473				88,521				60,547
Income taxes			10,884				7,071				30,620				20,330
Net income		$	20,175			$	14,402			$	57,901			$	40,217
Earnings per share:
Basic		$	0.87			$	0.62			$	2.51			$	1.73
Diluted		$	0.87			$	0.62			$	2.50			$	1.73
Other information:
Dividends declared per common share (see Note 5)		$	0.40			$	0.36			$	0.76			$	0.70

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

CARBO CERAMICS INC.

($ in thousands)
(Unaudited)

		Nine months ended
		September 30,
		2010				2009
Operating activities
Net income		$	57,901			$	40,217
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			20,308				18,294
Provision for doubtful accounts			—				966
Deferred income taxes			3,063				2,794
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation			(668	)			(66	)
Loss on disposal or impairment of assets			204				128
Foreign currency transaction loss, net			50				216
Stock compensation expense			2,819				1,892
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts and other receivables			(26,809	)			5,407
Inventories			(6,144	)			(10,053	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			(557	)			(254	)
Long-term prepaid expenses			(13	)			337
Accounts payable			18,377				(6,271	)
Accrued expenses			4,966				(1,069	)
Accrued income taxes, net			(2,900	)			(46,641	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			70,597				5,897
Investing activities
Capital expenditures			(68,706	)			(35,448	)
Acquisition of BBL Falcon Industries, Ltd.			193				—
Purchase of short-term investment			(4,989	)			—
Net cash used in investing activities			(73,502	)			(35,448	)
Financing activities
Net proceeds from stock based compensation			254				602
Dividends paid			(12,948	)			(12,136	)
Purchase of common stock			(1,860	)			(22,730	)
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation			668				66
Net cash used in financing activities			(13,886	)			(34,198	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash			34				(157	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents			(16,757	)			(63,906	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			69,557				154,817
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	52,800			$	90,911
Supplemental cash flow information
Interest paid		$	—			$	1
Income taxes paid		$	30,457			$	64,176

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

CARBO CERAMICS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

($ in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

     The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of CARBO Ceramics Inc. have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of the interim periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or the full year. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2009 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2009 included in the annual report on Form 10-K of CARBO Ceramics Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2009.

     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CARBO Ceramics Inc. and its operating subsidiaries (the “Company”). The consolidated financial statements also include an interest in a Texas-based electronic equipment manufacturing company that was acquired in March 2008 that is reported under the cost method of accounting. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Cash Equivalents

     The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash equivalents approximate fair value.

Short-term Investments

     Management determines the appropriate classifications of investments at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation at the end of each fiscal quarter. Short-term investments held by the Company consist of debt-securities, which are classified as held-to-maturity securities and carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value.

2. Acquisition of Business

     On October 2, 2009 a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of BBL Falcon Industries, Ltd. (“Falcon”), a supplier of spill prevention and containment systems for the oil and gas industry. The acquisition was made for the purpose of expanding the Company’s product and service offerings to its existing client base. Falcon uses proprietary technology to provide solutions that are designed to enable its clients to extend the life of their storage assets, reduce the potential for hydrocarbon spills and provide containment of stored materials. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting under ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations” (formerly SFAS No. 141(R)). The aggregate purchase price of the acquisition, including purchase price adjustments, was $22,807 in cash. The operating results of the acquired company have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Goodwill of $8,664 arising in the transaction is deductible for income tax purposes.

     Unaudited pro forma revenue, earnings and earnings per share were not materially different from reported results and as such are not presented herein.

     The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

Current assets		$	3,704
Property, plant and equipment			5,892
Intangible assets			6,453
Goodwill arising in the transaction			8,664
			24,713
Current liabilities			(1,906	)
Net assets acquired		$	22,807

3. Earnings Per Share

     ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share” (formerly Staff Position No. EITF 03-6-1, “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities”) provides that unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The Company’s outstanding non-vested restricted stock awards are participating securities. Accordingly, earnings per common share are computed using the two-class method.

     The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method:

		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2010				2009				2010				2009
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
Net income		$	20,175			$	14,402			$	57,901			$	40,217
Effect of reallocating undistributed earnings of participating securities			(123	)			(79	)			(361	)			(237	)
Net income available to common shares		$	20,052			$	14,323			$	57,540			$	39,980
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share— weighted-average shares			22,966,617				22,918,922				22,968,492				23,153,130
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options (See Note 7)			2,936				8,806				4,055				9,823
Deferred stock awards (See Note 7)			4,039				5,479				4,028				6,575
Dilutive potential common shares			6,975				14,285				8,083				16,398
Denominator for diluted earnings per share— adjusted weighted-average shares			22,973,592				22,933,207				22,976,575				23,169,528
Basic earnings per share		$	0.87			$	0.62			$	2.51			$	1.73
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.87			$	0.62			$	2.50			$	1.73

4. Common Stock Repurchase Program

     On August 28, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to two million shares of the Company’s Common Stock. Shares are effectively retired at the time of purchase. The Company did not repurchase any shares under this plan during the third quarter of 2010. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2010, the Company repurchased and retired 19,500 shares at an aggregate price of $1,212. As of September 30, 2010, the Company had repurchased and retired a total of 1,762,576 shares at an aggregate cost of $65,925.

5. Dividends Paid

     On July 20, 2010, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.20 per common share payable to shareholders of record on August 2, 2010. The dividend was paid on August 16, 2010. On September 21, 2010, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.20 per common share payable to shareholders of

record on November 1, 2010. This dividend is payable on November 15, 2010 and is presented in Current Liabilities at September 30, 2010.

6. Comprehensive Income

     The following table sets forth the components of comprehensive income:

		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2010				2009				2010				2009
Net income		$	20,175			$	14,402			$	57,901			$	40,217
Foreign currency translation adjustment			2,014				1,270				251				(555	)
Comprehensive income		$	22,189			$	15,672			$	58,152			$	39,662

     The foreign currency translation adjustment for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is net of deferred income tax expense of none and $684, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the foreign currency translation adjustment is net of deferred income tax benefit of none and $299, respectively.

7. Stock Based Compensation

     The CARBO Ceramics Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Incentive Plan”), which replaced the previously expired restricted stock and stock option plans, provides for granting of cash-based awards, stock options (both non-qualified and incentive) and other equity-based awards (including stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, deferred share units or share-denominated performance units) to employees and non-employee directors. The amount paid under the Omnibus Incentive Plan to any single participant in any calendar year with respect to any cash-based award shall not exceed $2,000. Awards may be granted with respect to a number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock that in the aggregate does not exceed 750,000 shares prior to the fifth anniversary of its effective date, plus (i) the number of shares that are forfeited, cancelled or returned, and (ii) the number of shares that are withheld from the participants to satisfy an option exercise price or minimum statutory tax withholding obligations. No more than 50,000 shares may be granted to any single participant in any calendar year. Equity-based awards may be subject to performance-based and/or service-based conditions. With respect to stock options and stock appreciation rights granted, the exercise price shall not be less than the market value of the underlying Common Stock on the date of grant. The maximum term of an option is ten years. Restricted stock awards granted generally vest (i.e., transfer and forfeiture restrictions on these shares are lifted) proportionately on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date, but subject to certain limitations, awards may specify other vesting periods. Unvested shares granted to an individual vest upon retirement at or after the age of 62. As of September 30, 2010, 668,653 shares were available for issuance under the Omnibus Incentive Plan. Although the Company’s previous restricted stock and stock option plans have expired, outstanding options and unvested shares granted under these plans remain outstanding in accordance with their terms.

     The Company also had a Director Deferred Fee Plan (the “Plan”), which terminated on January 19, 2010, that permitted non-employee directors of the Company to defer receipt of cash compensation for service as a director and to receive those fees in the form of the Company’s Common Stock on a specified later date that was on or after the director’s retirement from the Board of Directors. As of September 30, 2010, a total of 4,050 shares were reserved for future issuance in payment of $170 of deferred fees under the Plan by electing directors. These shares will be issued no later than 2011.

     A summary of stock option activity and related information for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is presented below:

						Weighted-				Aggregate
						Average				Intrinsic
		Options				Exercise Price				Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2010			13,425			$	28.59
Granted			—				—
Exercised			(7,525	)		$	33.72
Forfeited			—				—
Outstanding at September 30, 2010			5,900			$	22.04			$	348
Exercisable at September 30, 2010			5,900			$	22.04			$	348

     As of September 30, 2010, all compensation cost related to stock options granted under the expired stock option plans has been recognized. The weighted-average remaining contractual term of options outstanding at September 30, 2010 was 1.8 years. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $250.

     A summary of restricted stock activity and related information for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is presented below:

						Weighted-
						Average
						Grant-Date
		Shares				Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2010			139,391			$	38.88
Granted			55,460			$	68.80
Vested			(50,502	)		$	36.78
Forfeited			(2,376	)		$	52.95
Nonvested at September 30, 2010			141,973			$	51.08

     As of September 30, 2010, there was $4,562 of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to restricted shares granted under the restricted stock plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $1,858.

     The Company also had an International Long-Term Incentive Plan that provided for granting units of stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) or phantom shares to key international employees. This plan was replaced by the Omnibus Incentive Plan. One-third of the units subject to an award vests and ceases to be forfeitable on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. Participants awarded units of SARs have the right to receive an amount, in cash, equal to the excess of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as of the vesting date, or in some cases on a later exercise date chosen by the participant, over the exercise price. Participants awarded units of phantom shares are entitled to a lump sum cash payment equal to the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the vesting date. In no event will Common Stock of the Company be issued under either plan with regard to SARs or phantom shares. As of September 30, 2010, there were 18,895 units of phantom shares granted under the plans, of which 6,930 have vested and 325 have been forfeited, with a total value of $943, the vested portion of which is recorded as a liability within Other Accrued Expenses.

8. Bank Borrowings

     The Company replaced its prior credit facility with a new unsecured revolving credit agreement with a bank. Under the terms of the agreement, dated January 29, 2010, the Company can borrow up to $10,000. The Company has the option of choosing either the bank’s fluctuating Base Rate or LIBOR Fixed Rate, plus an Applicable Margin, all as defined in the credit agreement. The terms of the credit agreement provide for certain affirmative and negative covenants and require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios. Commitment fees are payable quarterly at the annual rate of 0.50% of the unused line of credit.

9. Foreign Currencies

     As of September 30, 2010, the Company’s net investment that is subject to foreign currency fluctuations totaled $80,273 and the Company has recorded a cumulative foreign currency translation loss of $4,958, net of deferred income tax benefit. This cumulative translation loss is included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.

10. New Accounting Pronouncements

     Effective January 1, 2010, the Company adopted ASC Topic 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Others-General Intangibles Other than Goodwill”. The statement discusses determination of the useful life of intangible assets and amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. This guidance is intended to improve the consistency between the useful life of an intangible asset determined under the guidance for goodwill and other intangible assets and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

     In February 2010, the FASB issued an amendment to the standard pertaining to subsequent events. The amendment addressed certain implementation issues related to an entity’s requirement to perform and disclose subsequent event procedures. Among other things, the amendment clarified that all entities other than SEC filers, as defined, must disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated and whether that date is the date the financial statements were issued or available to be issued. SEC filers are still required to evaluate subsequent events through the date that the financial statements are issued and, as required by SEC rules, to provide disclosure regarding subsequent events if appropriate. The amendment was effective immediately. The adoption of this amendment had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements other than with respect to subsequent events disclosures.

11. Legal Proceedings

     The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these matters is currently not determinable, management does not expect that the ultimate costs to resolve these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Business

The Company generates revenue primarily through the sale of products and services to the oil and natural gas industry. The Company’s principal business consists of manufacturing and selling ceramic proppant for use primarily in the hydraulic fracturing of oil and natural gas wells. The Company also provides the industry’s most popular fracture simulation software, as well as fracture design and consulting services. In addition, the Company provides a broad range of technologies for spill prevention, containment and countermeasures, along with geotechnical monitoring.

Critical Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require the Company to make estimates and assumptions (see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009). The Company believes that some of its accounting policies involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity than others. As of December 31, 2009, critical accounting policies for the Company included revenue recognition, estimating the recoverability of accounts receivable, inventory valuation, accounting for income taxes and accounting for long-lived assets. These critical accounting policies are discussed more fully in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. The Company added purchase accounting as a critical accounting policy in 2010 as a result of the BBL Falcon Industries, Ltd. asset acquisition. There have been no other changes in the Company’s evaluation of its critical accounting policies since December 31, 2009.

Purchase accounting requires extensive use of estimates and judgments to allocate the cost of an acquired enterprise to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The cost of an acquired enterprise is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. If necessary, these estimates can be revised during an allocation period when information becomes available to further define and quantify the value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The allocation period does not exceed a period of one year from the date of acquisition. To the extent additional information to refine the original allocation becomes available during the allocation period, the purchase price allocation would be adjusted accordingly. Should information become available after the allocation period, the effects would be reflected in operating results.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2010

Revenues. Revenues of $118.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 increased 29% compared to $91.8 million in revenues for the same period in 2009. The increase is mainly attributed to a 12% increase in proppant sales volume, the addition of Falcon Technologies and Services, Inc. (“Falcon Technologies”) in October 2009, and an increase in the average proppant selling price. Worldwide proppant sales volume totaled 332 million pounds for the third quarter of 2010 compared to 296 million pounds for the third quarter of 2009. North American (defined as Canada and the U.S.) sales volume increased 16% largely driven by an increase in the drilling rig count in the U.S. and Canada as well as continued acceptance of the Company’s products in unconventional resource plays, including shale formations. International (excluding Canada) sales volume decreased 6% primarily attributable to a decrease in Mexico, partially offset by an increase in China. The average selling price per pound of ceramic proppant was $0.327 during the third quarter of 2010 compared to $0.304 for the same period in 2009.

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the third quarter of 2010 was $44.5 million, or 38% of revenues, compared to $32.3 million, or 35% of revenues, for the third quarter of 2009. Gross profit, as well as gross profit as a percentage of revenues, for the third quarter of 2010 improved compared to last year’s third quarter primarily as a result of higher sales volume and an increase in the average proppant selling price due to price increases instituted during the second and third quarters of 2010 for certain products, partially offset by an increase in freight costs.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) and Other Operating Expenses. SG&A expenses totaled $13.2 million for the third quarter of 2010 compared to $10.9 million for the same period in 2009. The increase in SG&A expenses primarily resulted from the inclusion of Falcon Technologies SG&A expenses in the third quarter of 2010 and higher research and development spending. Start-up costs of $0.1 million in 2010 relate to costs associated with the start-up of the third production line at the Company’s Toomsboro, Georgia facility, which is anticipated in November 2010. As a percentage of revenues, SG&A expenses decreased to 11.2% compared to 11.8% for the third quarter of 2009.

Other Income (Expense). Other income for the third quarter of 2010 declined $0.2 million compared to the same period in 2009. This decrease is mainly attributable to an increase in foreign currency exchange losses.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense was $10.9 million, or 35.0% of pretax income, for the third quarter of 2010 compared to $7.1 million, or 32.9% of pretax income, for the same period last year. The $3.8 million increase is due to higher pre-tax income combined with a higher effective tax rate primarily associated with the final preparation and filing of the Company’s prior year tax returns.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

Revenues. Revenues of $353.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased 40% compared to $251.7 million in revenues for the same period in 2009. Revenues increased primarily due to a 33% increase in proppant sales volume and the addition of Falcon Technologies. Worldwide proppant sales volume totaled 1.015 billion pounds in the first nine months of 2010 compared to 765 million pounds for the same period in 2009. North American (defined as Canada and the U.S.) sales volume increased 33% due primarily to an increase in the drilling rig count in the U.S. and Canada as well as continued acceptance of the Company’s products in unconventional resource plays, including shale formations. International (excluding Canada) sales volume increased 29% primarily due to increases in China, Africa, and the Middle East, partially offset by a decrease in Mexico. The average selling price per pound of ceramic proppant was $0.320 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $0.321 for the same period in 2009.

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $128.3 million, or 36% of revenues, compared to $91.4 million, or 36% of revenues, for the same period in 2009. The increase in gross profit was the result of increased revenues driven primarily by higher sales volumes.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) and Other Operating Expenses. SG&A expenses totaled $38.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $31.2 million for the same period in 2009. The increase in SG&A expenses primarily resulted from the inclusion of Falcon Technologies SG&A expenses in 2010 and higher research and development spending. Start-up costs of $0.6 million in 2010 related to the start-up of the resin-coating plant within the Company’s existing manufacturing infrastructure at the New Iberia, Louisiana facility and the start-up of the third production line at the Company’s Toomsboro, Georgia facility. As a percentage of revenues, SG&A expenses decreased to 11.0% compared to 12.4% for the same nine-month period in 2009.

Other Income (Expense). Other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 declined $0.5 million compared to the same period in 2009. This decrease is mainly attributed to a $0.3 million increase in foreign currency exchange losses and a $0.2 million decrease in interest income.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense was $30.6 million, or 34.6% of pretax income, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $20.3 million, or 33.6% of pretax income for the same period last year. The $10.3 million increase is due to higher pre-tax income combined with a higher effective tax rate primarily associated with the final preparation and filing of the Company’s prior year tax returns.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At September 30, 2010, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $52.8 million compared to cash and cash equivalents of $69.6 million at December 31, 2009. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company generated $70.6 million of cash from operating activities, $0.7 million from excess tax benefits relating to stock based compensation, and received $0.3 million proceeds from exercised stock options. Uses of

cash included $68.7 million for capital expenditures, $5.0 million for the purchase of a short-term investment, $12.9 million for the payment of cash dividends, and $1.8 million for repurchases of the Company’s Common Stock. Capital expenditures are largely attributable to construction of the third and fourth production lines at the Company’s Toomsboro, Georgia manufacturing plant.

The Company remains cautious with respect to the near-term outlook for natural gas, given the current supply-demand situation. While natural gas fundamentals remain weak, the shift in oilfield activity by the Company’s clients to oily, liquids-rich plays is encouraging and demand for the Company’s ceramic proppant should remain high. Moreover, the North American natural gas rig count appears to have stabilized during 2010. Based on these factors, the Company expects that for the remainder of the year, ceramic proppant sales volume will closely match its production capacity, although seasonality may curb these sales volumes somewhat.

Subject to the Company’s financial condition, the amount of funds generated from operations and the level of capital expenditures, the Company’s current intention is to continue to pay quarterly dividends to holders of its common stock. On September 21, 2010, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.20 per common share, $4.6 million in the aggregate, to shareholders of record on November 1, 2010. This dividend is payable on November 15, 2010. The Company estimates its total capital expenditures for the remainder of 2010 will be between $36 million and $46 million. Capital expenditures in 2010 are expected to include costs associated with the previously announced construction of the Company’s third and fourth production lines at its Toomsboro, Georgia facility. The Company currently anticipates that the third production line will be completed in November 2010 and the fourth production line will be completed in the second half of 2011. The construction of the fourth production line is expected to increase the Company’s capacity by an additional 250 million pounds per year and will have a total cost of approximately $62 million for completion.

The Company has historically maintained an unsecured line of credit of $10.0 million. That line of credit expired as of December 31, 2009; however, in January 2010 the Company obtained another $10.0 million unsecured line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. As of September 30, 2010, there was no outstanding debt under the new credit agreement. The Company anticipates that cash on hand, cash provided by operating activities and funds available under its line of credit will be sufficient to meet planned operating expenses, tax obligations, capital expenditures and other cash needs for the next 12 months. The Company also believes that it could acquire additional debt financing, if needed. Based on these assumptions, the Company believes that its fixed costs could be met even with a moderate decrease in demand for the Company’s products.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company had no off-balance sheet arrangements as of September 30, 2010.

Forward-Looking Information

The statements in this Form 10-Q that are not historical statements, including statements regarding our future financial and operating performance and liquidity and capital resources, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and estimates, which involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Among these factors are:

	•		changes in overall economic conditions,
	•		changes in the cost of raw materials and natural gas used in manufacturing our products,
	•		changes in demand and prices charged for our products,
	•		changes in the demand for, or price of, oil and natural gas,
	•		risks of increased competition,
	•		technological, manufacturing and product development risks,
	•		loss of key customers,
	•		changes in foreign and domestic government regulations, including environmental restrictions on operations and regulation of hydraulic fracturing,
	•		changes in foreign and domestic political and legislative risks,
	•		the risks of war and international and domestic terrorism,
	•		risks associated with foreign operations and foreign currency exchange rates and controls, and
	•		weather-related risks and other risks and uncertainties.

Additional factors that could affect our future results or events are described from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). See in particular our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 under the caption “Risk Factors” and similar disclosures in subsequently filed reports with the SEC. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company’s major market risk exposure is to foreign currency fluctuations that could impact its investments in China and Russia. As of September 30, 2010, the Company’s net investment that is subject to foreign currency fluctuations totaled $80.3 million and the Company had recorded a cumulative foreign currency translation loss of $5.0 million, net of deferred income tax benefit. This cumulative translation loss is included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. From time to time, the Company may enter into forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. There were no such foreign exchange contracts outstanding at September 30, 2010.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)		Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As of September 30, 2010, management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurances of achieving their control objectives. Based upon and as of the date of that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b)		Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2010, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, those controls.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Not applicable

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors discussed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table provides information about the Company’s repurchases of Common Stock during the quarter ended September 30, 2010:

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

														Maximum
										Total Number of				Number of
										Shares Purchased				Shares that May
		Total Number				Average				as Part of Publicly				Yet be Purchased
		of Shares				Price Paid				Announced				Under the
Period		Purchased				per Share				Plan(1)				Plan(2)
07/01/10 to 07/31/10			—			$	—				—				237,424
08/01/10 to 08/31/10			26	(3)		$	75.92				—				237,424
09/01/10 to 09/30/10			—			$	—				—				237,424
Total			26								—

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable

ITEM 4. (Removed and Reserved)

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

	31.1		Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Gary A. Kolstad.
	31.2		Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Ernesto Bautista III.
	32		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
	101		The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting

Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009; and (iv) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.

SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

		CARBO CERAMICS INC.
		/s/ Gary A. Kolstad   Gary A. Kolstad
		President and Chief Executive Officer
		/s/ Ernesto Bautista III   Ernesto Bautista III
		Chief Financial Officer
	Date: November 1, 2010

EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT		DESCRIPTION
31.1		Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Gary A. Kolstad.
31.2		Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Ernesto Bautista III.
32		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101		The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):
		(i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009; and (iv) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.