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8-K - CURRENT REPORT - FutureFuel Corp.future_8k-050911.htm
Exhibit 99.1
 
PRESS RELEASE
 
May 9, 2011
 
FUTUREFUEL REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2011 RESULTS
 
Clayton, Missouri – FutureFuel Corp. (NYSE: FF) (“FutureFuel”), a manufacturer of custom and performance chemicals and biofuels, today announced its results for the first quarter of 2011.
 
Recent financial and operating highlights include:
 
·
First quarter revenues were $55,241,000, up 16% from the first quarter of 2010.
 
·
First quarter adjusted EBITDA was $8,882,000, up 9% from the first quarter of 2010.
 
·
First quarter net income was $2,716,000, down 26% from the first quarter of 2010.
 
·
Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash and cash equivalents) and marketable and auction rate securities were $136,062,000 compared to $117,650,000 at March 31, 2010.
 
Financial Overview and Key Operating Metrics
 
Financial and operating metrics, which include non-GAAP financial measures, include:
 
FutureFuel Corp.
Certain Financial and Operating Metrics
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
   
As of and For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
Change
   
% Change
 
Revenue
  $ 55,241     $ 47,763     $ 7,478       16 %
Income from operations
  $ 3,220     $ 5,779     $ (2,559 )     (44 )%
Net income
  $ 2,716     $ 3,659     $ (943 )     (26 )%
Earnings per common share – basic
  $ 0.07     $ 0.13     $ (0.06 )     (46 )%
Earnings per common share – diluted
  $ 0.07     $ 0.12     $ (0.05 )     (42 )%
Capital expenditures
  $ 8,163     $ 2,394     $ 5,769       241 %
Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash and cash equivalents and marketable and auction rate securities)
  $ 136,062     $ 117,650     $ 18,412       16 %
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 8,882     $ 8,164     $ 718       9 %

Management Comments
 
“The first quarter of 2011 was a mixed bag for FutureFuel.  Although we are proud of the many accomplishments we achieved that have positioned us well for the remainder of the year,” said Lee Mikles, chief executive officer and president of FutureFuel, “we still have some areas for improvement.”  “Our common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FF”.  In addition, while the lingering effects of the challenging economy on the small business sector have resulted in continued pressure on FutureFuel, our increase in revenues in the first quarter of 2011 is an encouraging sign of economic improvement as well as customer satisfaction with our products.  However, our net income for the first three months of 2011 declined approximately $0.9 million when compared to the first three months of 2010.  This decline included a $3.8 million loss on derivative instruments due to hedging activities.  We note that there is an expected timing difference between when these losses are recognized and when the biofuel inventory that is being hedged is sold.  With the reinstatement of the $1.00 per gallon federal fuel blenders’ credit this year, we believe our biofuels business segment will show growth in 2011.”
 
 
 

 
 
First Quarter Financial and Business Summery
 
Revenue
 
FutureFuel reported revenues of $55.2 million for the first quarter of 2011, an increase of 16% from the first quarter of 2010.  The chemicals segment revenues were $44.7 million, an increase of 3% from the first quarter of 2010, and the biofuels segment revenues were $10.5 million, an increase of 153% from the first quarter of 2010.  Chemical revenues were up despite revenues from the bleach activator decreasing in the current quarter due to reduced volumes, as price and volume differences seen in other products resulted in an overall increase in chemical revenues.
 
Increased revenues in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010 from the biofuels segment resulted from increased regional sales of blended biodiesel and unblended petrodiesel.  The volumes of biodiesel and blended biodiesel sold in the first quarter of 2010 were limited due to the expiration of the $1.00 biodiesel blender’s credit.  With the reinstatement of this credit in December 2010, biodiesel sales have resumed.  The reinstatement of the biodiesel blender’s credit in December 2010 after its expiration in December 2009 makes a comparison of first quarter 2011 activity to first quarter 2010 activity meaningless.
 
Income from Operations and Segment Gross Margins
 
FutureFuel reported income from operations of $3.2 million for the first quarter of 2011, a decrease of 44% from the first quarter of 2010.  FutureFuel does not report income from operations by segment, but does report segment gross margin.  The chemicals segment gross margin was $7.8 million, a decrease of 16% from the first quarter of 2010, and the biofuels segment gross margin was $(2.8) million, a decrease of 116% from the first quarter of 2010.
 
Chemicals segment gross margin decreased primarily due to cost increases which we could not pass along to customers.  The decrease in biofuels segment gross margin was primarily the result of losses on derivative instruments which are a component of FutureFuel’s hedging activities.  Such losses totaled $3.8 million in the first three months of 2011 as compared to losses of $0.4 million in the first three months of 2010.  Our immediate recognition of derivative instrument gains and losses can cause net income to be volatile from quarter to quarter due to the timing of the valuation change in the derivative instruments relative to the sale of biofuel.
 
Net Income and Earnings Per Share
 
FutureFuel reported net income of $2.7 million for the first quarter of 2011, a decrease of 26% from the first quarter of 2010.  FutureFuel does not report net income by segment.  Basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2011 were $0.07 and $0.07, respectively, a decrease of 46% and 42% from the first quarter of 2010.  Net income was detrimentally impacted by the $3.8 million in losses on derivative instruments as discussed above, together with certain cost increases which could not be passed along to customers.
 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2011 was $8.9 million compared to $8.2 million for the first quarter of 2010, an increase of 9%.
 
Capital Expenditures
 
Capital expenditures were $8.2 million during the first quarter of 2011 compared to $2.4 million during the first quarter of 2010.  This increase was primarily due to progress made on capital projects FutureFuel has undertaken on behalf of its customers.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable and Auction Rate Securities
 
Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash and cash equivalents) and marketable and auction rate securities amounted to $136.1 million at the end of the first quarter of 2011, as compared with $117.7 million at the end of the first quarter of 2010.  These items increased primarily due to the exercise of warrants during 2010 and the cash generated by FutureFuel’s operations.
 
 
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About FutureFuel
 
FutureFuel is a leading manufacturer of diversified chemical products and biobased products comprised of biofuels and biobased specialty chemical products.  In its chemicals business, it manufactures specialty chemicals for specific customers (“custom manufacturing”) as well as multi-customer specialty chemicals (“performance chemicals”).  Its custom manufacturing product portfolio includes a bleach activator for a major detergent manufacturer, a proprietary herbicide and intermediates for a major life sciences company, and chlorinated polyolefin adhesion promoters and antioxidant precursors for a major chemical company.  The performance chemicals product portfolio includes polymer (nylon) modifiers and several small-volume specialty chemicals for diverse applications.  In its biofuels segment, the company predominantly produces biodiesel.  Visit www.futurefuelcorporation.com for more information on FutureFuel.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements deal with FutureFuel’s current plans, intentions, beliefs, and expectations, and statements of future economic performance.  Statements containing such terms as “believe,” “do not believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” and other phrases of similar meaning are considered to contain uncertainty and are forward-looking statements.  In addition, from time to time FutureFuel or its representatives have made or will make forward-looking statements orally or in writing.  Furthermore, such forward-looking statements may be included in various filings that the company makes with United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), or in press releases, or in oral statements made by or with the approval of one of FutureFuel’s authorized executive officers.
 
These forward-looking statements are subject to certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in these forward-looking statements.  Factors that might cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, those set forth under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in FutureFuel’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2010 and in its future filings made with the SEC.  An investor should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained in this document which reflect FutureFuel’s management’s opinions only as of their respective dates.  Except as required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revisions to forward-looking statements.  The risks and uncertainties described in this document and in current and future filings with the SEC are not the only ones FutureFuel faces.  New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the company to predict which will arise.  There may be additional risks not presently known to the company or that the company currently believes are immaterial to its business.  In addition, FutureFuel cannot assess the impact of each factor on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.  If any such risks occur, FutureFuel’s business, operating results, liquidity, and financial condition could be materially affected in an adverse manner.  An investor should consult any additional disclosures FutureFuel has made or will make in its reports to the SEC on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, and any amendments thereto.  All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to FutureFuel or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this document.
 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
In this press release, FutureFuel used adjusted EBITDA as a key operating metric.  Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure.  Adjusted EBITDA is not a substitute for operating income, net income, or cash flow from operating activities (each as determined in accordance with GAAP), as a measure of performance or liquidity.  Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of results as reported under GAAP.  FutureFuel defines adjusted EBITDA as net income before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization expenses, excluding, when applicable, non-cash share-based compensation, public offering expenses, acquisition-related transaction costs, purchase accounting adjustments, loss on disposal of property and equipment, gains or losses on derivative instruments, and other non-operating income or expense.  Information relating to adjusted EBITDA is provided so that investors have the same data that management employs in assessing the overall operation of FutureFuel’s business.  FutureFuel’s calculation of adjusted EBITDA may be different from similarly titled measures used by other companies; therefore, the results of its calculation are not necessarily comparable to the results of other companies.
 
 
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Adjusted EBITDA allows FutureFuel’s chief operating decision makers to assess the performance of FutureFuel’s business on a consolidated basis to assess the ability of its operating segments to produce operating cash flow to fund working capital needs, to fund capital expenditures, and to pay dividends.  In particular, FutureFuel management believes that adjusted EBITDA permits a comparative assessment of FutureFuel’s operating performance, relative to a performance based on GAAP results, while isolating the effects of depreciation and amortization, which may vary among its operating segments without any correlation to their underlying operating performance, and of non-cash share-based compensation, which is a non-cash expense that varies widely among similar companies, and gains and losses on derivative instruments, whose immediate recognition can cause net income to be volatile from quarter to quarter due to the timing of the valuation change in the derivative instruments relative to the sale of biofuel.
 
A table included in this earnings release reconciles adjusted EBITDA with net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
 
 
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FutureFuel Corp.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
(Unaudited) March 31,
2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 79,363     $ 91,057  
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $10
    27,074       35,165  
Inventory
    41,199       37,372  
Marketable securities
    52,014       28,200  
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
    4,685       21,086  
Other current assets
    2,313       2,774  
Total current assets
    206,648       215,654  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    131,816       125,007  
Other assets
    2,316       2,495  
Total noncurrent assets
    134,132       127,502  
Total Assets
  $ 340,780     $ 343,156  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Accounts payable
  $ 22,964     $ 15,096  
Short position – marketable debt securities
    2,579       19,295  
Other current liabilities
    10,207       9,768  
Total current liabilities
    35,750       44,159  
Deferred revenue – long-term
    23,162       17,118  
Other noncurrent liabilities
    29,806       29,556  
Total noncurrent liabilities
    52,968       46,674  
Total Liabilities
    88,718       90,833  
Commitments and contingencies
               
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding
    -       -  
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 75,000,000 shares authorized, 39,983,849 and 39,978,849 issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively
    4       4  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    1,512       525  
Additional paid in capital
    237,158       237,123  
Retained earnings
    13,388       14,671  
Total stockholders’ equity
    252,062       252,323  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 340,780     $ 343,156  

 
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FutureFuel Corp.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenues
  $ 55,241     $ 47,763  
Cost of goods sold and distribution
    50,242       39,822  
Gross profit
    4,999       7,941  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    1,026       1,262  
Research and development expenses
    753       900  
      1,779       2,162  
Income from operations
    3,220       5,779  
Other income
    732       140  
Income before income taxes
    3,952       5,919  
Provision for income taxes
    1,236       2,260  
Net income
  $ 2,716     $ 3,659  
                 
Earnings per common share
               
Basic
  $ 0.07     $ 0.13  
Diluted
  $ 0.07     $ 0.12  
Weighted average shares outstanding
               
Basic
    39,982,905       29,265,383  
Diluted
    40,131,086       30,957,968  
                 
Comprehensive Income
               
Net income
  $ 2,716     $ 3,659  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax of $618 in 2011 and $77 in 2010
    987       126  
Comprehensive income
  $ 3,703     $ 3,785  


FutureFuel Corp.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure to Financial Measure
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 8,882     $ 8,164  
Depreciation and amortization
    (1,911 )     (1,937 )
Non-cash share-based compensation
    -       -  
Interest income
    776       122  
Interest expense
    (134 )     (6 )
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
    (6 )     (24 )
Losses on derivative instruments
    (3,750 )     (400 )
Other income, net
    95       -  
Income tax expense
    (1,236 )     (2,260 )
Net income
  $ 2,716     $ 3,659  

 
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FutureFuel Corp.
Condensed Consolidated Segment Income
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenues
           
Chemicals
  $ 44,695     $ 43,602  
Biofuels
    10,546       4,161  
Revenues
  $ 55,241     $ 47,763  
                 
Segment gross profit
               
Chemicals
  $ 7,774     $ 9,226  
Biofuels
    (2,775 )     (1,285 )
Segment gross margins
    4,999       7,941  
Corporate expenses
    (1,779 )     (2,162 )
Income before interest and taxes
    3,220       5,779  
Interest and other income
    871       146  
Interest and other expense
    (139 )     (6 )
Provision for income taxes
    (1,236 )     (2,260 )
Net income
  $ 2,716     $ 3,659  

Depreciation is allocated to segment costs of goods sold based on plant usage.  The total assets and capital expenditures of FutureFuel have not been allocated to individual segments as large portions of these assets are shared to varying degrees by each segment, causing such an allocation to be of little value.
 
The following table sets forth FutureFuel’s summary historical financial and operating data for the periods indicated below.  This summary historic financial and operating data has been derived from FutureFuel’s consolidated financial statements for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 (FutureFuel’s first full year after acquiring FutureFuel Chemical Company), 2008, 2009, and 2010.  The information presented in the table below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and FutureFuel’s financial statements and notes thereto.
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Item
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2010
   
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2009
   
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2008
   
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2007
 
Operating revenues
  $ 219,183     $ 196,711     $ 198,330     $ 169,788  
Net income
  $ 23,094     $ 16,992     $ 22,675     $ 8,408  
Earnings per common share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.63     $ 0.60     $ 0.84     $ 0.31  
Diluted
  $ 0.62     $ 0.58     $ 0.82     $ 0.26  
Total Assets
  $ 343,156     $ 246,007     $ 238,126     $ 216,113  
Long-term obligations
  $ 46,674     $ 34,842     $ 34,377     $ 24,353  
Cash dividends per common share
  $ 0.80     $ 0.30     $ 0.70     $ 0.00  
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 17,839     $ 25,883     $ 36,275     $ 21,554  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
  $ (30,767 )   $ 21,430     $ (52,009 )   $ (29,978 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
  $ 38,473     $ (9,256 )   $ (11,466 )   $ (50 )
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 40,930     $ 33,230     $ 29,301     $ 21,317  

Contact:
 
FutureFuel Corp.
Lee E. Mikles
(805) 565-9800
 
 
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