MIC Reports Fourth Quarter And Full Year 2019 Results

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation (NYSE: MIC) today reported financial and operational results for the full year 2019 that were in line with the Company's guidance.

MIC's net income from continuing operations totaled $101 million in 2019, up from $65 million in 2018 (the prior comparable period). The increase reflects primarily higher operating income and lower income taxes, partially offset by an increase in interest expense associated principally with higher average rates on debt balances outstanding.

Consolidated revenue declined 2% to $1,727 million in 2019 from $1,761 million in 2018, primarily as a result of MIC's divestiture of non-core businesses in 2018 and a lower average wholesale cost of jet fuel purchased by Atlantic Aviation, partially offset by increased revenue including a contract termination payment recorded by International-Matex Tank Terminals ("IMTT"). Jet fuel costs are passed through to Atlantic Aviation's customers and, together with a dollar-based margin, recorded as revenue. The decline in consolidated revenue was partially offset by increases in the amount of jet fuel sold and hangar rental revenue generated by Atlantic Aviation and the full year impact of higher utility gas rates generated by Hawaii Gas.

Expenses (cost of services/product sales and selling, general and administrative combined) declined by 5% in 2019 primarily as a result of the absence of costs related to businesses sold during the prior year, the lower average wholesale cost of jet fuel and smaller unfavorable movements (non-cash) in the value of commodity hedges associated with Liquefied Petroleum Gas purchases recorded by the Company's MIC Hawaii segment. The expense reductions were partially offset by anticipated increases in labor costs at each operating business.

MIC reported Adjusted EBITDA excluding non-cash items from continuing operations that was flat with 2018 at $604 million. In calculating Adjusted EBITDA, the Company excluded approximately $5 million of professional services fees incurred primarily in connection with its pursuit of strategic alternatives.

Cash generated by MIC's operating activities in 2019 was largely flat with 2018 at $468 million.

Adjusted Free Cash Flow from continuing operations totaled $410 million in 2019, down 7% versus the prior comparable period, reflecting the flat Adjusted EBITDA excluding non-cash items and lower cash taxes, offset by anticipated increases in maintenance capital expenditures and interest expense.

The Company's sales of discontinued operations in 2019 generated approximately $223 million of proceeds net of taxes and transaction fees. The deconsolidation of debt associated with the sold businesses and the repayment of $350 million of convertible notes in July 2019 reduced MIC's consolidated debt by $655 million. At December 31, 2019, MIC had debt outstanding of $2,722 million.

MIC's leverage (net debt / EBITDA) was 3.9x at December 31, 2019, down from 4.0x at December 31, 2018. The Company expects its leverage to increase to between 4.25x and 4.5x at the end of 2020 as it continues to utilize cash on hand to fund growth projects.

MIC deployed $211 million in support of growth projects across its businesses in 2019 including $68 million in the fourth quarter.

MIC's Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Frost, said of the Company's results for 2019: "MIC's financial and operational results for the year were consistent with our expectations and guidance to the market. We are pleased with the favorable trends in storage utilization at IMTT and the opportunities to expand the business and we remain confident in its prospects.

"Atlantic Aviation delivered an anticipated contribution to our overall results despite growth in U.S. general aviation flight activity that was below the average of the past several years. Atlantic Aviation was successful in attracting and servicing larger aircraft and recorded an increase in both the amount of fuel sold and earnings from ancillary services such as hangar rentals.

"Results for MIC Hawaii reflect moderation in demand for gas services provided by Hawaii Gas associated with above average temperatures, although these were offset by the full-year benefit of the new utility rates implemented in mid-2018 and lower propane prices.

"I am pleased with both the performance of our operating businesses in 2019 and our liquidity and believe they position us well as we work to unlock additional value for shareholders through a sale of the Company or one or more of its operating businesses," Frost added.

On October 31, 2019 MIC announced its intention to actively pursue sales of the whole of the Company or its operating businesses. The Company notes that there can be no assurances as to the form and timing of any transaction as a result of this pursuit of strategic alternatives, or if any transactions will be consummated, and any final decisions remain subject to approval by the MIC board of directors.

IMTT to Construct Renewable Diesel Pipelines in Louisiana

MIC's bulk liquid storage and handling subsidiary, IMTT, has entered into an agreement with Diamond Green Diesel ("DGD") pursuant to which it will construct two pipelines connecting its St. Rose, LA terminal with the DGD renewable diesel refinery at Norco, LA five miles away. IMTT will also expand its marine and rail infrastructure and repurpose approximately 790,000 barrels of existing storage capacity from heavy and residual petroleum service to renewable diesel feedstocks and finished product. All aspects of the project are expected to be in service prior to the end of 2021.

"This is an exciting opportunity for IMTT to partner with the market leader in the production of renewable diesel in the U.S. and to contribute to a greener energy complex," said Rick Courtney, chief executive officer of IMTT. "The project also highlights our success with initiatives that reposition IMTT by increasing our exposure to products and markets with strong growth prospects."

DGD is a joint venture between Valero Energy Corporation and Darling Ingredients. DGD has commenced an expansion of its renewable diesel facility that is expected to more than double its production capacity.

In addition to the renewable diesel project, IMTT has entered into an agreement with a nearby manufacturer to construct additional chemical storage capacity and related infrastructure at its Geismar, LA facility. The agreement contemplates approximately 70,000 barrels of new, dedicated capacity and pipelines to and from the IMTT docks at the facility. The tanks and related infrastructure are expected to be in service at year end 2020.

Including previously announced projects with a combined value of approximately $175 million, IMTT has committed to growth projects with an aggregate value of approximately $350 million. The projects collectively are expected to generate incremental EBITDA at stabilization of approximately $39 million over an initial weighted average contract term of 19 years.

Atlantic Aviation to Acquire FBO in Connecticut

Atlantic Aviation has entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of Volo Aviation, Inc. at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Bridgeport, CT. The acquisition will expand Atlantic Aviation's existing presence on the airfield with the Volo facilities adding approximately 35,000 square feet of hangar space and 4,000 square feet of office space to the Atlantic Aviation portfolio pursuant to a long-dated lease expiring in 2040. The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2020.

2020 Guidance

MIC has initiated financial guidance for 2020. For the full year the Company expects to generate Adjusted EBITDA excluding non-cash items of between $575 million and $600 million. The midpoint of the guidance represents a year on year increase of approximately 4%, excluding the contract termination payment received by IMTT in 2019. The Company expects the improvement in Adjusted EBITDA to be driven by a combination of continued stable growth at Atlantic Aviation, continued increases in utilization at IMTT, partially offset by an anticipated decrease in average storage rates reflecting the full-year impact of lower renewals in second half of 2019, and a consistent contribution from MIC Hawaii.

The buildup of the EBITDA guidance for 2020 on segment basis is as follows:

Adjusted EBITDA excluding non-cash items also excludes costs associated with pursuit of strategic alternatives so as to ensure comparability with prior period reports. The costs will form part of the management reporting line item, investment and acquisition/disposition costs in the Company's reconciliation from Net income to Adjusted EBITDA excluding non-cash items.

MIC also initiated guidance for the generation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow of between $360 million and $400 million in 2020. The decrease versus 2019 reflects the absence of the contract termination fee received by IMTT and expected increases in cash taxes and interest expense. The anticipated increase in cash taxes reflects, in part, MIC's utilization of all remaining federal Net Operating Loss carryforwards in 2019.

The Company intends to pay a dividend of $1.00 per share, per quarter, in 2020. The payment of the dividend is predicated on, i) the composition of the MIC portfolio of businesses being unchanged, ii) the businesses performing as expected and at levels that support the dividend, iii) stable economic and equity market conditions generally, and iv) the authorization of the dividend by the Company's board of directors.

MIC expects to continue to invest in the growth and development of its businesses. The Company expects to deploy between $200 million and $225 million in 2020, including projects commenced in 2019 and the portion of the IMTT Pipeline Project announced today that will be expended this year.

In addition to investing in the growth of its businesses, MIC expects to support the continued cash generating capacity of its businesses by making maintenance capital expenditures of between $55 million and $65 million in 2020. The decrease in forecast maintenance capital expenditures versus 2019 reflects a reduction in anticipated expenditures related to the refurbishment of a pier at IMTT in Bayonne.

With respect to the Company's guidance for EBITDA and Free Cash Flow in 2020, a reconciliation of EBITDA to net income (loss), the most comparable GAAP measure and a reconciliation of Free Cash Flow to cash from operating activities, the most comparable GAAP measure, are not available without unreasonable effort due to the Company's limited visibility into and an inability to make accurate projections and estimates of items including management fees, hedging agreements, depreciation and any (benefit) provision for income taxes. These items may vary greatly from year to year and could significantly impact MIC's results as reported in accordance with GAAP.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Segment Results

• IMTT generated EBITDA excluding non-cash items of $58 million in the fourth quarter and $288 million for full year. EBITDA excluding non-cash items for the full year increased by 1% versus the prior comparable period including a $39 million contract termination payment received in the first quarter of the year. Storage utilization, reflecting the proportion of all capacity available for lease currently under contract, decreased from an average of 84.6% in 2018 to 84.0% in 2019. Utilization rose from approximately 80% at the beginning of the year to over 86% at year end primarily as a result of demand for storage of refinery feedstocks on the Lower Mississippi River. Historically, IMTT has had the benefit of pricing power when utilization exceeds 90%.
• Atlantic Aviation generated EBITDA excluding non-cash items of $71 million in the fourth quarter and $276 million for the full year. EBITDA excluding non-cash items for the full year increased by 5% versus the prior comparable period driven by an increase in the amount of fuel sold and increases in hangar rental revenue, partially offset by higher operating costs and a $3 million negative adjustment primarily related to its maintenance business. Based on data compiled by the Federal Aviation Administration for 2019, general aviation flight activity increased 0.3% industry-wide and by 0.8% at the airports on which Atlantic Aviation operates.
• MIC Hawaii generated EBITDA excluding non-cash items of $14 million in the fourth quarter and $60 million for the full year. EBITDA excluding non-cash items for the full year increased by 58% as a result of the absence of a write-down of a business that was sold in 2018 and the full-year impact of new utility rates implemented by Hawaii Gas in mid-2018.
• MIC's Corporate and Other segment recorded EBITDA excluding non-cash items of ($11) million in the fourth quarter and ($25) million for the full year. The Corporate and Other segment comprises primarily MIC's holding company and shared services functions. The $7 million decrease in EBITDA excluding non-cash items year on year reflects a reduction in revenue from a relationship with a renewable power project developer, partially offset by lower selling, general and administrative expenses.

Fourth Quarter 2019 Dividend

The board of directors of MIC authorized a cash dividend of $1.00 per share, or $4.00 annualized, for the fourth quarter of 2019 consistent with guidance provided to the market in October 2019. The dividend will be paid on March 11, 2020 to shareholders of record on March 6, 2020.

Including the dividend for the fourth quarter, MIC will have distributed approximately 84% of its Adjusted Free Cash Flow from continuing operations generated in 2019.

Summary Financial Information

Conference Call and Webcast

When: MIC has scheduled a conference call for 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 during which management will review and comment on the Company's 2019 results and outlook for 2020.

How: To listen to the conference call dial +1(650) 521-5252 or +1(877) 852-2928 at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time. A webcast of the call will be accessible via the Company's website at www.macquarie.com/mic. Allow extra time prior to the call to visit the site and download the software needed to listen to the webcast.

Supplemental Materials: MIC will prepare materials in support of its conference call. The materials will be available for downloading from the Company's website prior to the call.

Replay: For interested individuals unable to participate in the live conference call, a replay will be available after 2:00 p.m. on February 25, 2020 through midnight on March 3, 2020, at +1(404) 537-3406 or +1(855) 859-2056, Passcode: 8647367. An on-line archive of the webcast will be available on the Company's website for one year following the call.

About MIC

MIC owns and operates a diversified group of businesses providing basic services to customers in the United States. Its businesses consist of a bulk liquid terminals business, International-Matex Tank Terminals; an airport services business, Atlantic Aviation; and entities comprising an energy services, production and distribution segment, MIC Hawaii. For additional information, please visit the MIC website at www.macquarie.com/mic.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) excluding non-cash items and Free Cash Flow

In addition to MIC's results under U.S. GAAP, the Company uses certain non-GAAP measures including EBITDA excluding non-cash items and Free Cash Flow to assess the performance and prospects of its businesses.

MIC measures EBITDA excluding non-cash items as a reflection of its businesses' ability to effectively manage the amount of products sold or services provided, the operating margin earned on those transactions and the management of operating expenses independent of the capitalization and tax attributes of those businesses. The Company believes investors use EBITDA excluding non-cash items primarily as a measure to assess the operating performance of its businesses and to make comparisons with the operating performance of other businesses whose depreciation and amortization expense may vary widely from MIC's, particularly where acquisitions and other non-operating factors are involved. MIC defines EBITDA excluding non-cash items as net income (loss) or earnings -the most comparable GAAP measure- before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and non-cash items including impairments, unrealized derivative gains and losses, adjustments for other non-cash items and pension expense reflected in the statements of operations. EBITDA excluding non-cash items also excludes base management fees and performance fees, if any, whether paid in cash or stock.

The Company's businesses can be characterized as owners of high-value, long-lived assets capable of generating substantial Free Cash Flow. MIC defines Free Cash Flow as cash from operating activities - the most comparable GAAP measure - which includes cash paid for interest, taxes and pension contributions, less maintenance capital expenditures, which includes principal repayments on capital lease obligations used to fund maintenance capital expenditures and excludes changes in working capital.

Management uses Free Cash Flow as a measure of its ability to provide investors with an attractive risk-adjusted return by sustaining and potentially increasing MIC's quarterly cash dividend and funding a portion of the Company's growth. GAAP metrics such as net income (loss) do not provide MIC management with the same level of visibility to into the performance and prospects of the business as a result of: (i) the capital intensive nature of MIC's businesses and the generation of non-cash depreciation and amortization; (ii) shares issued to the Company's external manager under the Management Services Agreement, (iii) the Company's ability to defer all or a portion of current federal income taxes; (iv) non-cash unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments; (v) gains (losses) on disposal of assets, and (vi) pension expense. Pension expenses primarily consist of interest expense, expected return on plan assets and amortization of actuarial and performance gains and losses. Any cash contributions to pension plans are reflected as a reduction in Free Cash Flow and are not included in pension expense. Management believes that external consumers of its financial statements, including investors and research analysts, use Free Cash Flow both to assess the Company's performance and as an indicator of its success in generating an attractive risk-adjusted return.

In its Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company has disclosed Free Cash Flow on a consolidated basis and for each of its operating segments and MIC Corporate. Management believes that both EBITDA excluding non-cash items and Free Cash Flow support a more complete and accurate understanding of the financial and operating performance of its businesses than would otherwise be achieved using GAAP results alone.

Free Cash Flow does not take into consideration required payments on indebtedness and other fixed obligations or other cash items that are excluded from MIC's definition of Free Cash Flow. Management notes that Free Cash Flow may be calculated differently by other companies thereby limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. Free Cash Flow should be used as a supplemental measure to help understand MIC's financial performance and not in lieu of its financial results reported under GAAP.

See the tables below for a reconciliation of Net Income (loss) to EBITDA excluding non-cash items from continuing operations and a reconciliation of cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations to Free Cash Flow from continuing operations.

Classification of Maintenance Capital Expenditures and Growth Capital Expenditures

MIC categorizes capital expenditures as either maintenance capital expenditures or growth capital expenditures. As neither maintenance capital expenditure nor growth capital expenditure is a GAAP term, the Company has adopted a framework to categorize specific capital expenditures. In broad terms, maintenance capital expenditures primarily maintain MIC's businesses at current levels of operations, capability, profitability or cash flow, while growth capital expenditures primarily provide new or enhanced levels of operations, capability, profitability or cash flow. Management considers a number of factors in determining whether a specific capital expenditure will be classified as maintenance or growth.

MIC does not bifurcate specific capital expenditures into growth and maintenance components. Each discrete capital expenditure is considered within the above framework and the entire capital expenditure is classified as either maintenance or growth.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. MIC may, in some cases, use words such as "project", "believe", "anticipate", "plan", "expect", "estimate", "intend", "should", "would", "could", "potentially", or "may" or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond MIC's control including, among other things: the sale of MIC of any of its operating businesses as a result of its pursuit of strategic alternatives, or the termination of the sale effort, changes in general economic or business conditions; its ability to service, comply with the terms of and refinance debt, successfully integrate and manage acquired businesses, retain or replace qualified employees, complete growth projects, deploy growth capital and manage growth, make and finance future acquisitions, and implement its strategy; the regulatory environment; demographic trends, the political environment, the economy, tourism, construction and transportation costs, air travel, environmental costs and risks; fuel and gas and other commodity costs; its ability to recover increases in costs from customers, cybersecurity risks, work interruptions or other labor stoppages; risks associated with acquisitions or dispositions, litigation risks; risks related to its shared services initiative and its ability to achieve cost savings; reliance on sole or limited source suppliers, risks or conflicts of interests involving its relationship with the Macquarie Group and changes in U.S. federal tax law.

MIC's actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. Additional risks of which MIC is not currently aware could also cause its actual results to differ. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking events discussed in this release may not occur. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release. MIC undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

MIC is not an authorized deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Commonwealth of Australia). The obligations of MIC do not represent deposits or other liabilities of Macquarie Bank Limited ABN 46 008 583 542 (MBL). MBL does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of MIC.

SOURCE Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation