HOUSTON, July 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kraton Corporation (NYSE: KRA), a leading global specialty chemicals company that manufactures styrenic block copolymers ("SBCs"), specialty polymers, and high-value performance products primarily derived from pine wood pulping co-products, announces financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2018.

SECOND QUARTER 2018 SUMMARY

• Second quarter consolidated net loss of $14.9 million compared to net income of $25.6 million in the second quarter of 2017.
• Second quarter Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of $105.6 million, up 4.1% compared to the second quarter of 2017.
• Polymer segment operating income of $60.2 million, up 62.4%, and Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of $68.7 million, up 9.4% compared to $62.8 million in the second quarter of 2017.
• Adjusted EBITDA margin⁽²⁾ of 20.3%.
• Chemical segment operating income of $22.6 million, down 11.2%, and Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of $36.9 million, down 4.5% compared to $38.7 million in the second quarter of 2017.
• The decrease was largely due to planned maintenance costs at our Panama City and Dover facilities of $4.8 million.
• Successfully completed a refinancing of our 10.5% Senior Notes through issuance of €290 million of 5.25% Senior Notes and increased borrowings under existing low-cost facilities. The refinancing is expected to result in annual cash interest savings of approximately $24 million.

"Kraton's results for the second quarter of 2018 reflect unit margin expansion and improved core profitability in both our Polymer and Chemical segments. Second quarter 2018 Adjusted EBITDA of $105.6 million was up 4.1% compared to the second quarter 2017, driven by the unit margin growth and higher sales of differentiated products," said Kevin M. Fogarty, Kraton's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our Polymer segment delivered yet another strong quarter, with Adjusted EBITDA of $68.7 million, up 9.4% compared to the year-ago quarter, and with an associated margin of 20.3%. Polymer segment results benefitted from growth in our Specialty Polymers and Cariflex businesses, in which sales volume was up 7.8% and 6.9%, respectively, compared to the second quarter 2017. Of note, the increase in Polymer segment profitability was achieved despite raw material price increases in the quarter. 

"Second quarter 2018 Adjusted EBITDA for the Chemical segment was $36.9 million. While this was down $2 million compared to $38.7 million the second quarter of 2017, the decrease was largely due to planned maintenance costs at our Panama City and Dover plants of approximately $5 million. Excluding the impact of planned maintenance in the second quarter of 2018, underlying performance for the Chemical segment improved compared to the second quarter 2017, on higher unit margins for TOFA and TOFA derivatives and the contribution from improved pricing and increased sales for other derivative products, including the specialty offering in our Tires business, where pricing and margins were up significantly compared to the second quarter of 2017," said Fogarty.

"As we wind down activities and resources associated with the global footprint re-alignment resulting in $70 million of cost improvements for our Polymer segment, and having delivered $65 million of cost synergies associated with our acquired Chemical segment, we are now positioned to unlock additional value derived from cash flow expansion, and innovation-led organic growth. Specifically, while we have reduced our 2018 net debt reduction guidance range by the requisite cost of the successful refinancing of our 10.5% notes, we still expect to end 2018 with a consolidated net debt leverage ratio below four turns. Moreover, with pro-forma annual interest expense now reduced by approximately $24 million, and with continued underlying business improvement, we expect to see normalized cash flow expansion beginning in 2019, allowing for further debt reduction.

"Regarding innovation-led organic growth, our efforts to re-energize the Polymer segment pipeline these past three years have begun to bear tangible results. Specifically, our Specialty Polymers business has introduced a number of new innovations to the marketplace. One example is new HSBC formulations being adopted in the rapidly growing oil-field chemicals space. Within our Chemical segment, we are very pleased with the progress made in advancing our innovation pipeline since acquiring the business. For example, to address the market challenges in our rosin ester adhesive markets, we have been focusing our efforts on differentiating our product offerings, particularly with respect to color and odor. Based on customer dialogue, we believe fundamentally, that 'all else being equal', in terms of quality and cost, our renewable offering is preferable, even in periods of market over-supply," added Fogarty.

Q2 2018 VERSUS Q2 2017 RESULTS

Revenue for the Polymer segment was $338.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $335.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. Sales volumes of 87.7 kilotons for the three months ended June 30, 2018 declined 2.1% compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017. Specialty Polymers volumes increased 7.8%, Cariflex volumes increased 6.9%, and Performance Products volumes decreased 5.8%. The positive effect from changes in currency exchange rates between the periods was $9.5 million.

For the three months ended June 30, 2018, the Polymer segment generated Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) of $68.7 million compared to $62.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. The increase reflects higher unit margins, including the effect of more favorable sales mix, partially offset by lower sales volume. The positive effect from changes in currency exchange rates between the periods was $5.2 million. See a reconciliation of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA below.

Effective January 1, 2018, results for our Roads and Constructions target market have been consolidated into our Adhesives and Performance Chemicals product lines to better align customer portfolio and end usage. We have adjusted the presentations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 to conform with the respective 2018 presentations.

Q2 2018 VERSUS Q2 2017 RESULTS

Revenue for the Chemical segment was $200.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $190.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. Sales volumes were 110.8 kilotons for the three months ended June 30, 2018, an increase of 9.3 kilotons or 9.1%. The increase in sales volumes was primarily driven by a 16.8% increase in Performance Chemicals, partially offset by a decline in Adhesives sales volumes of 3.2%. The positive effect from changes in currency exchange rates between the periods was $5.6 million.

For the three months ended June 30, 2018, the Chemical segment generated $36.9 million of Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) compared to $38.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily driven by the timing of scheduled maintenance. See a reconciliation of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA below.

CASH FLOW AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE

During the six months ended June 30, 2018 (excluding borrowings Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation) we increased Kraton Corporation net indebtedness by $50.9 million.

Summary of principal amounts for indebtedness and a reconciliation of Kraton debt to Kraton net debt and consolidated net debt (non-GAAP):

OUTLOOK

We continue to expect our full-year 2018 Adjusted EBITDA to be approximately $400 million.

With regard to our 2018 debt reduction target, we now expect to reduce consolidated net debt (total debt less cash), by $75 - $100 million, including the impact of approximately $53 million of costs associated with our refinancing during the second quarter of 2018.

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 are EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share, Consolidated Net Debt Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Net Debt, and Net Debt. 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 the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") basis of accounting 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, 2017.

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 bases 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 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. 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, 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 Diluted Earnings Per Share: We prepare Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share by eliminating from Diluted Earnings (loss) 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.

Consolidated Net Debt and Net Debt: We define net debt for Kraton as total debt (excluding debt of KFPC) less cash and cash equivalents. We define consolidated net debt as Kraton net debt plus debt of KFPC less KFPC's cash and cash equivalents. Management uses 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 net debt is useful to investors in determining our leverage since we could choose to use cash and cash equivalents to retire debt. In addition, management believes that presenting Kraton's net debt excluding KFPC is useful because KFPC has its own capital structure.

Consolidated Net Debt Leverage Ratio: The consolidated net debt leverage ratio is defined as consolidated net debt as of the balance sheet date divided by Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months then ended. Our use of this term may vary from the use of similarly-titled measures by others in our industry due to the potential inconsistencies in the method of calculation and differences due to items subject to interpretation.

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST INFORMATION

Kraton has scheduled a conference call on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss second quarter 2018 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: Earnings Call." 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 July 26, 2018 through 1:59 a.m. (Eastern Time) on August 9, 2018. 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 800-551-8152 or 203-369-3810.

ABOUT KRATON CORPORATION

Kraton Corporation (NYSE: KRA) is a leading global specialty chemicals company that manufactures styrenic block copolymers ("SBCs"), specialty polymers, and high-value performance products primarily 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, and Cariflex are all trademarks of Kraton Polymers LLC or its affiliates.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the statements and information in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release includes forward-looking statements 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 identified by words such as "outlook," "believes," "target," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "may," "intends," "plans", "on track", or "anticipates," or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions, including, but not limited to our expectations with respect to full-year 2018 Adjusted EBITDA results, 2018 consolidated net debt reduction and year end consolidated net debt leverage ratio, and annual interest expense reduction, timing for cash flow expansion and the effects of Kraton's new innovations in the marketplace.

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. These risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, including but not limited to "Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors" and "Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" therein, and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and include, but are not limited to, risks related to: Kraton's ability to repay its indebtedness and risk associated with incurring additional indebtedness; Kraton's reliance on third parties for the provision of significant operating and other services; conditions in, and risk associated with operating in, the global economy and capital markets; fluctuations in raw material costs; limitations in the availability of raw materials; competition in Kraton's end-use markets; and other factors of which we are currently unaware or deem immaterial. In addition, to the extent any inconsistency or conflict exists between the information included in this report and the information included in our prior reports and other filings with the SEC, the information contained in this report updates and supersede such information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we assume no obligation to update such information in light of new information or future events.

For further information:
H. Gene Shiels  281-504-4886

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SOURCE Kraton Corporation