Kraton Corporation Announces Third Quarter 2020 Results

HOUSTON, Oct. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Kraton Corporation (NYSE: KRA), a leading global sustainable producer of  specialty polymers and high-value biobased products derived from pine wood pulping co-products, announces financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

THIRD QUARTER 2020 SUMMARY

• Results reflect improved sequential demand fundamentals in many end markets, resulting in favorable sales volume growth relative to the third quarter of 2019.
• Consolidated net loss of $402.6 million, compared to consolidated net income of $20.9 million in the third quarter of 2019. The results include a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $400.0 million within the Chemical segment, recorded as of September 30, 2020.
• Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of $60.3 million, down 24.7% compared to the third quarter of 2019.
• Polymer segment operating loss of $5.1 million, down 127.9% compared to the third quarter of 2019, and Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of $31.9 million, down 36.6% compared to $50.3 million in the third quarter of 2019.
• Excluding the Cariflex business, which was sold in early 2020, Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ down $4.6 million compared to the third quarter of 2019.
• Adjusted EBITDA decline (excluding Cariflex) was primarily associated with the timing of deferred maintenance and lower fixed cost absorption associated with planned inventory reduction, offsetting the benefit of higher sales volume compared to the third quarter of 2019.
• Chemical segment operating loss of $401.7 million, down over 100% compared to the third quarter of 2019, and Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of $28.3 million, down 4.7% compared to $29.8 million in the third quarter of 2019.
• Operating results include the aforementioned non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $400.0 million.
• Adjusted EBITDA decline reflects lower unit margins associated with lower average selling prices for Crude Sulfate Turpentine ("CST") refinery products and for rosin esters, partially offset by an 18.7% increase in sales volume and lower cost of raw materials compared to the third quarter of 2019.
• Reduced Consolidated Debt by $75.5 million and reduced Consolidated Net Debt, excluding the effect of foreign currency⁽¹⁾, by $25.8 million during the third quarter of 2020.

"We continue to effectively manage our business despite COVID-19 having an ongoing adverse effect on global demand fundamentals. During the third quarter of 2020, we benefited once again from our diverse end market exposure, and specifically from improved demand fundamentals, as we delivered solid operational and financial results and Adjusted EBITDA of $60.3 million for the quarter. During the third quarter our Polymer segment experienced continued improvement in demand in China and broader Asia and sequential demand recovery in North America, specifically for automotive, industrial and medical applications in our Specialty Polymers business, and we benefited from strong demand in paving and roofing applications in our Performance Products business. Excluding the effect of the sale of the Cariflex business, Polymer segment sales volume was up 8% compared to the third quarter of 2019," said Kevin M. Fogarty, Kraton's President and Chief Executive Officer. "For our Chemical segment, despite ongoing weaker demand associated with the impact of COVID-19, specifically in certain end markets such as oilfield, our third quarter results reflect the benefit of an impressive 18.7% increase in sales volume compared to the third quarter of 2019, and sales volume was up 2.4% through three quarters in 2020," said Fogarty.

For the third quarter of 2020, Polymer segment Adjusted EBITDA was $31.9 million, down $18.4 million, or 36.6% compared to the third quarter of 2019. Excluding operating results for the Cariflex business, Adjusted EBITDA would have been down $4.6 million, compared to the third quarter of 2019, with the decrease largely reflecting higher maintenance costs that we deferred into the second half of the year as a result of COVID-19, as well as lower fixed cost absorption associated with pacing of assets and inventory liquidation following the inventory build in the first half of the year, and as outlined in our second quarter 2020 earnings release. Sales volume for Performance Products increased 3.3% compared to the third quarter of 2019, principally due to higher sales into paving and roofing applications. Sales volume for Specialty Polymers was up 23.0% compared to the third quarter of 2019, reflecting higher sales into lubricant additive applications and higher sales into China and broader Asia associated with continued improvement in demand fundamentals.

Chemical segment Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2020 was $28.3 million, a decrease of $1.4 million compared to the third quarter of 2019. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily associated with lower unit margins resulting from lower average sales prices for Crude Sulfate Turpentine refined products and lower pricing for Rosin Esters, largely offset by higher sales volume, in part reflecting sequential demand improvement compared to the second quarter of 2020, as well as lower raw material costs, compared to the third quarter of 2019. Sales volume for Performance Chemicals increased 25.7% compared to the third quarter of 2019, reflecting higher opportunistic sales of raw materials and the timing of purchases by a major customer. Adhesives sales volume was up 5.8% compared to the third quarter of 2019 and sales volume for Tires was up 14.2% compared to the third quarter of 2019.

"In light of the positive demand trends we experienced in the third quarter, we remain optimistic about the outlook for the balance of 2020 and as we move into 2021. We plan to remain focused on execution, sustainable innovation and cost discipline, including our efforts to deliver $20 million of run rate cost reductions by year end, and on debt reduction, as we continue to position Kraton to benefit from market recovery and incremental opportunities that may occur in 2021," said Fogarty. "With our commitment to providing innovative and sustainable solutions, we intend to continue to promote our differentiated products such as REvolution^TM and CirKular+^TM to provide our customers with compelling, biobased product alternatives and sustainable solutions. Moreover, we plan to continue to work through the regulatory review process in the U.S. and in select global markets to commercialize our novel BIAXAM^TM technology, which we believe can truly make a positive difference in today's world."

Polymer Segment

Q3 2020 VERSUS Q3 2019 RESULTS

Revenue for the Polymer segment was $198.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to $261.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease was driven by the divestiture of our Cariflex business in March 2020 and lower average sales prices resulting from lower raw material costs, partially offset by higher sales volumes in our Specialty Polymers and Performance Products business lines.

Sales volumes of 75.3 kilotons for the three months ended September 30, 2020 declined 0.6% compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019, largely due to the aforementioned divestiture of our Cariflex business. Specialty Polymers sales volumes increased 23.0% primarily from higher purchases by a significant lubricant additives customer and demand recovery primarily in Asia and North America. Performance Products sales volumes increased 3.3% due to stronger paving and roofing demand associated with improved weather conditions. The IRSA provided $1.8 million of sales revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The positive effect from changes in currency exchange rates between the periods was $3.4 million.

For the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Polymer segment generated Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) of $31.9 million compared to $50.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decline in Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) was largely due to the divestiture of our Cariflex business. However, on a comparative basis, excluding the operating results of our Cariflex business, Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) would have been approximately $4.6 million lower. The lower comparative Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) is driven by the factors described above. The positive effect from changes in currency exchange rates between the periods was $5.1 million. See a reconciliation of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA below.

Chemical Segment

Q3 2020 VERSUS Q3 2019 RESULTS

Revenue for the Chemical segment was $174.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to $182.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in revenue was attributable to lower average sales prices in terpene refinery upgrades driven by a decrease in gum turpentine prices and lower average sales prices for rosin esters associated with excess hydrocarbon tackifier supply compared to 2019 levels, partially offset by higher sales volumes across all product lines, particularly in TOFA refined products, and opportunistic raw material sales. Third quarter 2020 continued to see adverse demand impacts of market fundamentals including COVID-19 within Performance Chemicals and Tires.

Sales volumes were 110.5 kilotons for the three months ended September 30, 2020, an increase of 17.4 kilotons, or 18.7%, due to opportunistic raw material sales, timing of purchases by significant customers, and rosin ester volumes, largely offset by the impact from weakness in oilfield applications and related COVID-19 demand pressures. The positive effect from changes in currency exchange rates between the periods was $4.9 million.

For the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Chemical segment generated $28.3 million of Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) compared to $29.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) was primarily driven by a decline in average sales prices in CST refinery products and rosin esters, partially offset by higher sales volumes and lower raw material cost. The positive effect from changes in currency exchange rates between the periods was $0.3 million. See a reconciliation of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA below.

CASH FLOW AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we reduced Kraton indebtedness by approximately $445.2 million, and consolidated net debt, excluding the effect of foreign currency (non-GAAP) by $499.9 million. Further, we had approximately $267.7 million of available liquidity, comprised of $62.8 million of cash on hand and a borrowing base of $204.9 million largely undrawn on our ABL facility as of September 30, 2020.

On March 6, 2020, we completed the sale of our Cariflex business to Daelim for gross proceeds of $530.0 million, adjusted for incremental working capital of $5.8 million, less contractual capital contributions of $25.3 million. The transaction is subject to a customary post-closing working capital adjustment and a contractual capital contribution post-closing adjustment. Upon closing, we recognized a gain of $175.2 million, and as part of the consideration received, entered into the multi-year IRSA with Daelim. As the IRSA product sales are at cost, we deferred approximately $180.6 million of revenue, of which $158.2 million and $22.4 million are recorded within deferred income and other payables and accruals, respectively, on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The deferred income will be amortized into revenue as a non-cash transaction when the products are sold. In accordance with the IRSA, we will supply Isoprene Rubber to Daelim for a period of five years, with an optional extension for an additional five years.

We used the $510.5 million net proceeds from the sale of our Cariflex business principally for repayment of the full outstanding balance of $290.0 million under the U.S. dollar denominated tranche of the Company's senior secured term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility") and repayment in the amount of €145.0 million, or approximately $166.8 million, of borrowings under the Euro dollar denominated tranche of the Term Loan Facility. We intend to use the remaining proceeds in accordance with the terms of the Term Loan Facility to make additional repayments of debt and/or invest in strategic assets of the Company.

Summary of principal amounts for indebtedness and a reconciliation of Kraton debt to consolidated net debt (non-GAAP) and consolidated net debt, excluding the effect of foreign currency (non-GAAP):

CHEMICAL SEGMENT  - GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT

During the third quarter of 2020 we completed our review of our annual long-term plan. Specifically with regard to our Chemical segment, the plan took into consideration factors including the continued availability of low-cost hydrocarbon based tackifiers which has adversely impacted market pricing for Rosin Esters within our adhesive business, a continuation of lower CST margins resulting from the decline of gum turpentine pricing in the second half of 2019, and the demand impact associated with COVID-19. These and other factors were considered by us to be an indicator of impairment of our Chemical segment's goodwill. We performed an interim impairment test of goodwill as of September 30, 2020. As a result, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $400 million within the Chemical segment.

OUTLOOK

In light of the positive demand trends we experienced in the third quarter, we remain optimistic about the outlook for the balance of 2020 and as we move into 2021.  Nevertheless, the potential for continued market disruption associated with COVID-19 still exists.

USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This press release includes the use of both GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures. The non-GAAP financial measures used are EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share, Consolidated Net Debt (including as adjusted to exclude the effect of foreign currency), Adjusted Gross Profit, and Adjusted Gross Profit Per Ton. Tables included in this earnings release reconcile each of these non-GAAP financial measures with the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure. For additional information on the impact of the spread between first-in-first-out ("FIFO") and Estimated Current Replacement Cost ("ECRC"), see Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

We consider these non-GAAP financial measures to be important supplemental measures of our performance and believe they are frequently used by investors, securities analysts, and other interested parties in the evaluation of our performance including period-to-period comparisons and/or that of other companies in our industry. Further, management uses these measures to evaluate operating performance, and our incentive compensation plan based incentive compensation payments on our Adjusted EBITDA performance and attainment of net debt reduction, along with other factors. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and in some cases can vary substantially from other measures of our performance. You should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results under U.S. GAAP in the United States.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin: For our consolidated results, EBITDA represents net income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. For each reporting segment, EBITDA represents operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, and earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures. Among other limitations EBITDA does not: reflect the significant interest expense on our debt or reflect the significant depreciation and amortization expense associated with our long-lived assets; and EBITDA included herein should not be used for purposes of assessing compliance or non-compliance with financial covenants under our debt agreements, which can vary from the terms used herein. The calculation of EBITDA in our debt agreements includes adjustments, such as extraordinary, non-recurring or one-time charges, proforma cost savings, certain non-cash items, turnaround costs, and other items included in the definition of EBITDA in the debt agreements. Other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. As an analytical tool, Adjusted EBITDA is subject to all the limitations applicable to EBITDA. We prepare Adjusted EBITDA by eliminating from EBITDA the impact of a number of items we do not consider indicative of our on-going performance, including the spread between FIFO and ECRC and the material impairment charge, but you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses similar to the adjustments in this presentation. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. In addition, due to volatility in raw material prices, Adjusted EBITDA may, and often does, vary substantially from EBITDA and other performance measures, including net income calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We define Adjusted EBITDA Margin as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue (for each reporting segment or on a consolidated basis, if applicable). Because of these and other limitations, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as a measure of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business.

Adjusted Gross Profit and Adjusted Gross Profit Per Ton: We define Adjusted Gross Profit Per Ton as Adjusted Gross Profit divided by total sales volume (for each reporting segment or on a consolidated basis, as applicable). We define Adjusted Gross Profit as gross profit excluding certain charges and expenses. Adjusted Gross Profit is limited because it often varies substantially from gross profit calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP due to volatility in raw material prices.

Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share: We prepare Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share by eliminating from Diluted Earnings per Share the impact of a number of non-recurring items we do not consider indicative of our on-going performance, including the spread between FIFO and ECRC and the material impairment charge.

Consolidated Net Debt and Consolidated Net Debt excluding the effect of foreign currency: We define Consolidated Net Debt as total consolidated debt (including debt of KFPC) less consolidated cash and cash equivalents. Management uses Consolidated Net Debt to determine our outstanding debt obligations that would not readily be satisfied by its cash and cash equivalents on hand. Management believes that using Consolidated Net Debt is useful to investors in determining our leverage since we could choose to use cash and cash equivalents to retire debt. We also present Consolidated Net Debt, as adjusted for foreign exchange impact accounts for the foreign exchange effect on our foreign currency denominated debt agreements.

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST INFORMATION

Kraton has scheduled a conference call on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss third quarter 2020 financial results. Kraton invites you to listen to the conference call, which will be broadcast live over the internet at www.kraton.com, by selecting the "Investor Relations" link at the top of the home page and then selecting "Events" from the Investor Relations menu on the Investor Relations page.

You may also listen to the conference call by telephone by contacting the conference call operator 5 to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and asking for the Kraton Conference Call – Passcode: 8680118. U.S./Canada dial-in 800-857-6511. International dial-in #: 210-839-8886.

For those unable to listen to the live call, a replay will be available beginning at approximately 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on October 29, 2020 through 1:59 a.m. (Eastern Time) on November 12, 2020. To hear a replay of the call over the Internet, access Kraton's Website at www.kraton.com by selecting the "Investor Relations" link at the top of the home page and then selecting "Events" from the Investor Relations menu on the Investor Relations page. To hear a telephonic replay of the call, dial 800-879-3386 (toll free) or 402-220-4713 (toll).

ABOUT KRATON CORPORATION

Kraton Corporation (NYSE: KRA) is a leading global sustainable producer of specialty polymers and high-value biobased products derived from pine wood pulping co-products. Kraton's polymers are used in a wide range of applications, including adhesives, coatings, consumer and personal care products, sealants and lubricants, and medical, packaging, automotive, paving and roofing applications. As the largest global provider in the pine chemicals industry, the company's pine-based specialty products are sold into adhesives and tire markets, and it produces and sells a broad range of performance chemicals into markets that include fuel additives, oilfield chemicals, coatings, roads, construction, metalworking fluids and lubricants, inks, and mining. Kraton offers its products to a diverse customer base in numerous countries worldwide.

Kraton, the Kraton logo and design, BIAXAM™, REvolution and CirKular+ are all trademarks of Kraton Polymers LLC or its affiliates.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect our plans, beliefs, expectations, and current views with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance. Forward-looking statements are often characterized by the use of words such as "outlook," "believes," "target," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "may," "intends," "plans," "on track", "forsees", "future," or "anticipates," or by discussions of strategy, plans, or intentions. The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding our expectations as to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (including governmental and regulatory actions) on demand for our products, on the economy and on our customers, suppliers, employees, business and results of operations, our expectations for our business and volume recovery for the remainder of 2020 and 2021, our ability to execute our innovation pipeline and deliver innovative and sustainable products and whether the expected benefits of those products will be realized,, our plans for operation improvements, our ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals for BIAXAM on our anticipated timeline, or at all, and whether the expected benefits of the product will be realized, our expectations with respect to debt reduction and consolidated net debt leverage ratio, our expectations regarding the call premium of our 7% senior notes and our expectations regarding the feasibility of future refinancings, our expected use of remaining proceeds from the Cariflex transaction, capital spending and run rate cost savings for 2020 and the information and the matters described under the caption "Outlook," are forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements in this press release are made based on management's current expectations and estimates, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements is contained in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in other filings made by us with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), and include, but are not limited to, risks related to: our ability to repay or re-finance indebtedness and risk associated with incurring additional indebtedness; our reliance on third parties for the provision of significant operating and other services; the impact of extraordinary events, including health epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19 (including governmental and regulatory actions relating thereto), natural disasters and other weather conditions and terrorist attacks; conditions in the global economy and capital markets; fluctuations in raw material costs; limitations in the availability of raw materials; competition in our end-use markets; fluctuations in global tariffs and logistics costs; the potential for charges related to our goodwill or other assets; and other factors of which we are currently unaware or deem immaterial. Many of these risks and uncertainties are currently amplified by and will continue to be amplified by, or in the future may be amplified by, the COVID-19 pandemic. To the extent any inconsistency or conflict exists between the information included in this press release and the information included in our prior reports and other filings with the SEC, the information contained in this press release updates and supersede such information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this press release, and we assume no obligation to publicly update or revise such forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events.