Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P. Reports Fourth Quarter 2011 Results

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: CLMT) (the "Partnership," the "Company," "Calumet," "we," "our" or "us") reported net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 of $26.9 million compared to net income of $9.5 million for the same quarter in 2010. These results include $13.5 million of noncash unrealized derivative gains as compared to $2.0 million of noncash unrealized derivative losses in the fourth quarter of 2010. For the year ended December 31, 2011, Calumet reported net income of $43.0 million compared to net income of $16.7 million in 2010.  Fiscal year 2011 results include $15.1 million of debt extinguishment costs ($14.4 million of which were noncash) and $10.4 million of noncash unrealized derivative losses as compared to $15.8 million of noncash unrealized derivative losses in 2010. 

Earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") and Adjusted EBITDA (as defined below in the section of this press release titled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures") were $64.6 million and $65.0 million, respectively, for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $33.6 million and $42.2 million, respectively, for the same quarter in 2010. Distributable Cash Flow (as defined below in the section of this press release titled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures") for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $33.1 million compared to $31.0 million for the same quarter in 2010. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA quarter over quarter was due primarily to a $24.8 million increase in gross profit, discussed below, partially offset by decreased realized gains, a $2.7 million increase in transportation expense and a $3.4 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses. See the section of this press release titled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and the attached tables for discussion of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Distributable Cash Flow and other non-generally accepted accounting principles ("Non-GAAP") financial measures, definitions of these measures and reconciliations of such measures to the comparable U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") measures.

"Having completed our first quarter since our acquisition of the Superior refinery and as a result of its successful integration and contribution to our results, we increased our quarterly distribution to $0.53 per unit, a $0.03 increase from the prior quarter.  We continue to focus on our operations to meet demand for our specialty products and to better benefit from current fuel products crack spreads that to date have widened again in the first quarter of 2012," said Bill Grube, Calumet's Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board. "Also, in early January we completed two strategic, niche acquisitions we believe will enhance our specialty products offerings over time," said Grube.

Net income reported for quarter ended December 31, 2011 increased $17.4 million quarter over quarter due primarily to a $24.8 million increase in gross profit, as discussed below, and a $15.5 million increase in noncash unrealized derivative gains, which may or may not be realized in the future as the derivatives are settled, partially offset by a $10.2 million increase in interest expense, a $3.4 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses and a $2.7 million increase in transportation expense.  

Gross profit by segment for the three months and year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

The increase in specialty products segment gross profit of $7.9 million quarter over quarter was due primarily to a 13.4% increase in the average selling price per barrel, partially offset by a 20.8% increase in the average cost of crude oil per barrel and higher operating costs, primarily repairs and maintenance.

The increase in fuel products segment gross profit of $16.8 million quarter over quarter was due primarily to a 106.8% increase in sales volume primarily due to incremental volumes from the Superior acquisition, a 21.6% increase in the average selling price per barrel (excluding the impact of realized hedging losses reflected in sales), partially offset by a 16.0% increase in the average cost of crude oil per barrel, increased realized losses on derivatives of $23.3 million in our fuel products hedging program and higher operating costs, primarily repairs and maintenance.

The increase in specialty products segment gross profit of $71.2 million year over year was due primarily to a 22.3% increase in the average selling price per barrel, partially offset by a 26.1% increase in the average cost of crude oil per barrel and higher operating costs, primarily repairs and maintenance.

The increase in fuel products segment gross profit of $4.1 million year over year was due primarily to a 34.4% increase in sales volume as a result of the Superior acquisition and a 34.8% increase in the average selling price per barrel (excluding the impact of realized hedging losses reflected in sales), partially offset by a 25.8% increase in the average cost of crude oil per barrel, increased realized losses on derivatives of $117.3 million in our fuel products hedging program and higher operating costs, primarily repairs and maintenance.  Additionally, by-product production increased in the 2011 period as compared to the 2010 period due primarily to an increase in run rates at the Shreveport refinery.

Quarterly Distribution

On January 23, 2012, the Company declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.53 per unit on all outstanding units, or $28.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2011. The distribution was paid on February 14, 2012 to unitholders of record as of the close of business on February 3, 2012. This quarterly distribution represents an increase of 6.0% over the third quarter of 2011.  Annual distributions of $2.00 per unit in 2011 represent an increase of 8.7% year over year.

Operations Summary

The following table sets forth unaudited information about Calumet's operations. Facility production volume differs from sales volume due to changes in inventories and the sale of purchased fuel product blendstocks such as ethanol and biodiesel in our fuel products segment.

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Revolving Credit Facility Capacity

On December 31, 2011, Calumet had availability under its revolving credit facility of $340.8 million, based on a $570.8 million borrowing base, $230.0 million in outstanding standby letters of credit, and no outstanding borrowings. Calumet believes it will continue to have sufficient cash flow from operations and borrowing capacity to meet its financial commitments, minimum quarterly distributions to unitholders, debt service obligations, contingencies and anticipated capital expenditures.

Recent Acquisitions

Hercules Synthetic Lubricants Business

On January 3, 2012, we completed the acquisition of an aviation and refrigerant lubricants business (a polyolester based synthetic lubricants business) from Hercules Incorporated, a subsidiary of Ashland, Inc. for aggregate consideration of approximately $19.6 million, excluding certain customary post-closing purchase price adjustments.  The acquisition includes a manufacturing facility located in Louisiana, Missouri.

TruSouth Oil

On January 6, 2012, we completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding membership interests of TruSouth Oil, LLC, a specialty petroleum packaging and distribution company and related party, located in Shreveport, Louisiana for aggregate consideration of approximately $25.5 million.

About the Partnership

Calumet is a master limited partnership and is a leading independent producer of high-quality, specialty hydrocarbon products in North America. Calumet processes crude oil and other feedstocks into customized lubricating oils, solvents, waxes and asphalt used in consumer, industrial and automotive products. Calumet also produces fuel products including gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.  Calumet is based in Indianapolis, Indiana and has eight facilities located in northwest Louisiana, northwest Wisconsin, western Pennsylvania, southeastern Texas and eastern Missouri.

A conference call is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. CT) on Wednesday, February 15, 2012, to discuss the financial and operational results for the fourth quarter of 2011. Anyone interested in listening to the presentation may call 800-659-2032 and enter passcode 16915381. For international callers, the dial-in number is 617-614-2712 and the passcode is 16915381.

The telephonic replay of the conference call is available in the United States by calling 888-286-8010 and entering passcode 32659009. International callers can access the replay by calling 617-801-6888 and entering passcode 32659009. The replay will be available beginning Wednesday, February 15, 2012, at approximately 3:00 p.m. until Wednesday, February 29, 2012.

The information contained in this press release is available on Calumet's website at http://www.calumetspecialty.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and information in this press release concerning results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2011 may constitute "forward-looking statements."  The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "intend," "foresee," "should," "would," "could" or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature.  These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on us.  While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we anticipate.  All comments concerning our expectations for future revenues and operating results are based on our forecasts for our existing operations and do not include the potential impact of any future acquisitions.  Our forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections.  Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include: the overall demand for specialty hydrocarbon products, fuels and other refined products; our ability to produce specialty products and fuels that meet our customers' unique and precise specifications; the impact of fluctuations and rapid increases or decreases in crude oil and crack spread prices, including the resulting impact on our liquidity; the results of our hedging and other risk management activities; our ability to comply with financial covenants contained in our debt instruments; the availability of, and our ability to consummate, acquisition or combination opportunities and the impact of any completed acquisitions; labor relations; our access to capital to fund expansions, acquisitions and our working capital needs and our ability to obtain debt or equity financing on satisfactory terms; successful integration and future performance of acquired assets, businesses or third-party product supply and processing relationships; our ability to timely and effectively integrate the operations of recently acquired businesses or assets, particularly those in new geographic areas or in new lines of business; environmental liabilities or events that are not covered by an indemnity, insurance or existing reserves; maintenance of our credit ratings and ability to receive open credit lines from our suppliers; demand for various grades of crude oil and resulting changes in pricing conditions; fluctuations in refinery capacity; our ability to access sufficient crude oil supply through long-term or month-to-month evergreen contracts and on the spot market; the effects of competition; continued creditworthiness of, and performance by, counterparties; the impact of current and future laws, rulings and governmental regulations, including guidance related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; shortages or cost increases of power supplies, natural gas, materials or labor; hurricane or other weather interference with business operations; our ability to access the debt and equity markets; accidents or other unscheduled shutdowns; and general economic, market or business conditions.

For additional information regarding known material factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our projected results, please see our filings with Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.  

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We include in this press release the non-GAAP financial measures EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow, and provide reconciliations of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow to net income and net cash provided by operating activities, our most directly comparable financial performance and liquidity measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow are used as supplemental financial measures by our management and by external users of our financial statements such as investors, commercial banks, research analysts and others, to assess:

• the financial performance of our assets without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis;

• the ability of our assets to generate cash sufficient to pay interest costs and support our indebtedness;

• our operating performance and return on capital as compared to those of other companies in our industry, without regard to financing or capital structure; and

• the viability of acquisitions and capital expenditure projects and the overall rates of return on alternative investment opportunities.

We believe that these non-GAAP measures are useful to analysts and investors as they exclude transactions not related to our core cash operating activities and provide metrics to analyze our ability to pay distributions. We believe that excluding these transactions allows investors to meaningfully trend and analyze the performance of our core cash operations.

We define EBITDA for any period as net income (loss) plus interest expense (including debt issuance and extinguishment costs), income taxes and depreciation and amortization.

We define "Adjusted EBITDA" for any period as: (1) net income (loss) plus (2)(a) interest expense; (b) income taxes; (c) depreciation and amortization; (d) unrealized losses from mark to market accounting for hedging activities; (e) realized gains under derivative instruments excluded from the determination of net income (loss); (f) non-cash equity based compensation expense and other non-cash items (excluding items such as accruals of cash expenses in a future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense) that were deducted in computing net income (loss); (g) debt refinancing fees, premiums and penalties and (h) all extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items of gain or loss, or revenue or expense; minus (3)(a)  unrealized gains from mark to market accounting for hedging activities; (b) realized losses under derivative instruments excluded from the determination of net income (loss) and (c) other non-recurring expenses and unrealized items that reduced net income for a prior period, but represent a cash item in the current period.

We define "Distributable Cash Flow" for any period as Adjusted EBITDA less replacement capital expenditures, turnaround costs, cash interest expense (consolidated interest expense less non-cash interest expense) and income tax expense. Distributable Cash Flow is used by us and our investors to analyze our ability to pay distributions.

The definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash that are presented in this release have been updated to reflect the calculation of "Consolidated Cash Flow" contained in the indenture governing our 9⅜% senior notes due May 1, 2019 that were issued in April and September 2011 (the "2019 Notes").  We are required to report Consolidated Cash Flow to the holders of the 2019 Notes and Adjusted EBITDA to the lenders under our revolving credit facility, and these measures are used by them to determine our compliance with certain covenants governing those debt instruments.  Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow that are presented in this press release for prior periods have been updated to reflect the use of the new calculations.  Please see our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, for additional details regarding the covenants governing our debt instruments.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow should not be considered alternatives to net income (loss), operating income (loss), net cash provided by (used in) operating activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. In evaluating our performance as measured by EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow, management recognizes and considers the limitations of these measurements. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow do not reflect our obligations for the payment of income taxes, interest expense or other obligations such as capital expenditures. Accordingly, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow are only three of the measurements that management utilizes. Moreover, our EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of another company because all companies may not calculate EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow in the same manner. The following tables present a reconciliation of both net income to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow, and Distributable Cash Flow, Adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, our most directly comparable GAAP financial performance and liquidity measures, for each of the periods indicated.

Fuel Products Segment

The following table provides a summary of Calumet's derivatives and implied crack spreads for their crude oil, diesel, jet and gasoline swaps as of December 31, 2011, all of which are designated as cash flow hedges.

Specialty Products Segment

The following table provides a summary of Calumet's derivatives for its natural gas purchases as of December 31, 2011, none of which are designated as cash flow hedges.

SOURCE Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P.