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EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION BY CEO PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 - ACL I Corpd409412dex311.htm
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Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

 

þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                  to                 

Commission File Number: 333-178345

 

 

ACL I CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   27-4241534

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1701 E. Market Street,

Jeffersonville, Indiana

  47130
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(812) 288-0100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report:

N/A

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  þ    No  ¨.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   þ  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  þ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Not applicable.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

ACL I CORPORATION

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     3   

Item 1: Financial Statements (unaudited)

     3   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

     3   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

     4   

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

     5   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     6   

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholder’s Equity

     7   

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

     8   

Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     19   

Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     33   

Item 4: Controls and Procedures

     33   

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

     35   

Item 1: Legal Proceedings

     35   

Item 1A: Risk Factors

     35   

Item 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     35   

Item 3: Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     35   

Item 4: Mine Safety Disclosures

     35   

Item 5: Other Information

     35   

Item 6: Exhibits

     36   

Signatures

     37   

Certification by CEO

  

Certification by CFO

  

Certification by CEO

  

Certification by CFO

  

EX-31.1

  

EX-31.2

  

EX-32.1

  

EX-32.2

  

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ACL I CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited—In thousands)

 

     Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2012
    Three Months
Ended
September 30,
2011
    Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2012
    Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
2011
 

Revenues

        

Transportation and Services

   $ 156,588      $ 196,350      $ 513,057      $ 520,793   

Manufacturing

     10,297        35,086        90,636        87,640   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenues

     166,885        231,436        603,693        608,433   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of Sales

        

Transportation and Services

     138,232        172,372        447,389        498,302   

Manufacturing

     9,607        34,932        81,247        86,377   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of Sales

     147,839        207,304        528,636        584,679   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Profit

     19,046        24,132        75,057        23,754   

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

     11,946        12,406        34,674        43,499   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income (Loss)

     7,100        11,726        40,383        (19,745
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Expense (Income)

        

Interest Expense

     16,880        15,639        49,646        42,503   

Other, Net

     (180     (189     (483     (533
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Expense

     16,700        15,450        49,163        41,970   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

     (9,600     (3,724     (8,780     (61,715

Income Taxes (Benefit)

     (3,554     (3,403     (2,973     (24,055
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from Continuing Operations

     (6,046     (321     (5,807     (37,660

Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax

     —          85        26        122   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Loss

   $ (6,046   $ (236   $ (5,781   $ (37,538
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

ACL I CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited—In thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,     September 30,  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Net Loss

   $ (6,046   $ (236   $ (5,781   $ (37,538

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

        

Change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax provisions of ($1,014) and $2,323 for three months and ($208) and $1,033 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively

     2,610        (4,546     1,290        (1,690

Other

     —          —          (77     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     2,610        (4,546     1,213        (1,690
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Comprehensive Loss

   $ (3,436   $ (4,782   $ (4,568   $ (39,228
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

ACL I CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited—In thousands)

 

     September 30,     December 31,  
     2012     2011  
ASSETS   

Current Assets

    

Cash

   $ 3,118      $ 1,388   

Accounts Receivable, Net

     77,700        87,368   

Inventory

     62,318        62,483   

Prepaid and Other Current Assets

     37,390        27,330   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Assets

     180,526        178,569   

Properties, Net

     982,060        935,576   

Investment in Equity Investees

     6,619        6,470   

Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Net

     12,102        11,725   

Goodwill

     17,692        17,692   

Other Assets

     45,283        54,759   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 1,244,282      $ 1,204,791   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES   

Current Liabilities

    

Accounts Payable

   $ 39,231      $ 48,653   

Accrued Payroll and Fringe Benefits

     14,273        20,035   

Deferred Revenue

     15,252        15,251   

Accrued Claims and Insurance Premiums

     12,340        13,823   

Other Current Liabilities

     46,040        53,247   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

     127,136        151,009   

Long Term Debt

     736,425        644,829   

Pension and Post Retirement Liabilities

     62,526        67,531   

Deferred Tax Liabilities

     160,796        168,365   

Other Long Term Liabilities

     35,746        46,335   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     1,122,629        1,078,069   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY   

Other Capital

     190,150        190,651   

Retained Deficit

     (44,551     (38,770

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

     (23,946     (25,159
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Shareholder’s Equity

     121,653        126,722   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity

   $ 1,244,282      $ 1,204,791   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5


Table of Contents

ACL I CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited—In thousands)

 

     Nine Months     Nine Months  
     Ended September 30,     Ended September 30,  
     2012     2011  

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net Loss

   $ (5,781   $ (37,538

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash

    

Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities:

    

Depreciation and Amortization

     80,353        82,081   

Debt Issuance Cost and Debt Discount Amortization

     547        (105

Deferred Taxes

     (8,114     (31,940

Gain on Property Dispositions

     (9,517     (1,294

Contribution to Pension

     (7,330     (7,458

Share-Based Compensation

     105        2,204   

Other Operating Activities

     (3,479     (1,492

Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:

    

Accounts Receivable

     9,668        (1,748

Inventory

     165        (24,622

Other Current Assets

     (4,424     15,673   

Accounts Payable

     (10,405     (8,270

Accrued Interest

     19,373        11,894   

Other Current Liabilities

     (5,761     (4,167
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

     55,400        (6,782

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Property Additions

     (163,706     (42,894

Proceeds from Property Dispositions

     15,523        3,383   

Impact of Barge Scrapping Operations

     33,691        —     

Other Investing Activities

     (2,522     (5,823
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

     (117,014     (45,334

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

2016 PIK Toggle Notes Issued

     —          245,625   

Revolving Credit Facility Borrowings

     63,935        55,042   

Bank Overdrafts on Operating Accounts

     982        1,975   

Debt Issuance/Refinancing Costs

     (505     (11,221

Short Term Debt Repayments

     (590     —     

Dividends Paid

     (478     (240,812

Tax Benefit of Share-Based Compensation

     —          212   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

     63,344        50,821   

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     1,730        (1,295

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

     1,388        3,707   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

   $ 3,118      $ 2,412   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6


Table of Contents

ACL I CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY

(Unaudited—In thousands)

 

     Other
Capital
    Retained
Deficit
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
    Total  

Balance at December 31, 2011

   $ 190,651      $ (38,770   $ (25,159   $ 126,722   

Cash Distributions

     (478     —          —          (478

Other

     (23     —          —          (23

Comprehensive Loss:

        

Net Loss

     —          (5,781     —          (5,781

Net Gain in Fuel Swaps Designated as Cash

        

Flow Hedging Instrument, Net of Tax Expense of $ 208

     —          —          1,290        1,290   

Other

     —          —          (77     (77
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Comprehensive Earnings

           (4,568
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2012

   $ 190,150      $ (44,551   $ (23,946   $ 121,653   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

7


Table of Contents

ACL I CORPORATION.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Note 1. Reporting Entity and Accounting Policies

ACL I Corporation (“ACL I” or “the Company”) is a Delaware corporation. ACL I is a wholly owned subsidiary of Finn Holding Corporation (“Finn”). Finn is primarily owned by certain affiliates of Platinum Equity, LLC (certain affiliates of Platinum Equity, LLC are referred to as “Platinum”). On December 21, 2010, the acquisition of American Commercial Lines Inc. (“ACL”) by Platinum (the “Acquisition”) was consummated. The assets of ACL I consist principally of its ownership of all of the stock of ACL which owns all of the stock of Commercial Barge Line Company (“CBL”). CBL does not conduct any operations independent of its ownership of all of the equity interests in American Commercial Lines LLC (“ACL LLC”), ACL Transportation Services LLC (“ACLTS”), and Jeffboat LLC (“Jeffboat”), Delaware limited liability companies, and ACL Professional Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and their subsidiaries.

The Acquisition was accomplished through the merger of Finn Merger Corporation (“Finn Merger”), a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of ACL I with and into ACL. Following the Acquisition, ACL I files as part of the consolidated federal tax return of its direct parent, Finn. In these condensed consolidated financial statements, unless the context indicates otherwise, the “Company” refers to ACL I and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis.

The operations of the Company include barge transportation together with related port services along the United States Inland Waterways consisting of the Mississippi River System, the Ohio River and the Illinois River and their tributaries and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (collectively the “Inland Waterways”) and marine equipment manufacturing. Barge transportation accounts for the majority of the Company’s revenues and includes the movement of bulk products, grain, coal, steel and liquids in the United States. The Company has long-term contracts with many of its customers. Manufacturing of marine equipment is provided to customers in marine transportation and other related industries in the United States. Until its sale in December 2011, the Company also owned Elliott Bay Design Group (“EBDG”), an operation engaged in naval architecture and engineering which was significantly smaller than the transportation or manufacturing segments. The results of operations of EBDG have been reclassified into discontinued operations for all periods presented.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. As such, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet at that date. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Some of the significant estimates underlying these financial statements include reserves for doubtful accounts, reserves for obsolete and slow moving inventories, pension and post-retirement liabilities, incurred but not reported medical claims, insurance claims and related receivable amounts, deferred tax liabilities, assets held for sale, environmental liabilities, revenues and expenses on special vessels using the percentage-of-completion method, environmental liabilities, valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets, expected forfeitures of share-based compensation, estimates of future cash flows used in impairment evaluations, liabilities for unbilled barge and boat maintenance, liabilities for unbilled harbor and towing services, estimated sub-lease recoveries and depreciable lives of long-lived assets.

In the opinion of management, for all periods presented, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the interim periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012. Our quarterly revenues and profits historically have been lower during the first six months of the year and higher in the last six months of the year due primarily to the timing of the North American grain harvest and seasonal weather patterns. In the three months ended September 30, 2012, historical seasonality was impacted by severe drought conditions in the Midwestern United States, which negatively affected water levels and the grain harvest disrupting normal operations and increasing costs throughout that quarter.

Periodically the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issues additional Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”). ASUs considered to have a potential impact on the Company where the impact is not yet determined are discussed as follows.

 

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Table of Contents

ACL I CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

ASU Number 2011-5 was issued in September2011, amending Topic 220—Comprehensive Income. The ASU modifies alternative presentation standards, eliminating the option for disclosure of the elements of other comprehensive income within the statement of stockholder’s equity. Adoption of this ASU by the Company changed our previous presentation, but did not impact the components of other comprehensive income. The ASU was effective on January 1, 2012. ASU Number 2011-12 subsequently modified the effective date of certain provisions of the ASU concerning whether it is necessary to require entities to present reclassification adjustments by component in both the statement where net income is presented and the statement where other comprehensive income is presented for both interim and annual financial statements, reverting to earlier guidance until the Board completes its deliberations on the requested changes. The ASU, as modified, was effective on January 1, 2012.

ASU Number 2011-8 was issued in September 2011, amending Topic 350 Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. The ASU allows entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, whereas previous guidance required as the first step in an at least annual evaluation a computation of the fair value of a reporting entity. The ASU is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2011.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in these condensed consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income.

Note 2. Debt

 

     September 30,
2012
    December 31,
2011
 

Revolving Credit Facility

   $ 219,013      $ 155,078   

2017 Senior Notes

     200,000        200,000   

Plus Purchase Premium

     24,966        29,147   

PIK Notes

     295,407        264,219   

Less Discount

     (2,961     (3,615
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long Term Debt

   $ 736,425      $ 644,829   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Concurrent with the Acquisition, on December 21, 2010, ACL, ACL I , ACL LLC, ACLTS and Jeffboat (the “Borrowers”) entered into a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”) which provides for borrowing capacity of up to an aggregate principal amount of $475,000 with a final maturity date of December 21, 2015. Proceeds of the Credit Facility are available for use by the Borrowers and, subject to certain limitations, their subsidiaries for working capital and general corporate purposes. At the Acquisition, proceeds of the Credit Facility were used, in part, to fund the liquidation of ACL’s previous facility and certain expenses associated with the Acquisition.

The Borrowers may also use the Credit Facility to issue letters of credit up to a total of $50,000. Availability under the Credit Facility is capped at a borrowing base, calculated based on certain percentages of the value of the Company’s vessels, inventory and receivables and subject to certain blocks and reserves, all as further set forth in the Credit Facility agreement. The Borrowers are currently prohibited from incurring more than $390,000 of indebtedness under the Credit Facility regardless of the size of the borrowing base until (a) all of the obligations (other than unasserted contingent obligations) under the indenture governing the 2017 Notes (defined below) are repaid, defeased, discharged or otherwise satisfied or (b) the indenture governing the 2017 Notes is replaced or amended or otherwise modified in a manner such that additional borrowings would be permitted. At the Borrowers’ option, the Credit Facility may be increased by $75,000, subject to certain requirements set forth in the Credit Facility agreement (“Credit Agreement”).

In accordance with the Credit Agreement, the Borrowers’ obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by, among other things, a lien on substantially all of their tangible and intangible personal property (including but not limited to vessels, accounts receivable, inventory,equipment, general intangibles, investment property, deposit and securities accounts, certain owned real property and intellectual property) and a pledge of the capital stock of each of ACL’s wholly owned restricted domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions and thresholds.

 

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Table of Contents

ACL I CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

On February 15, 2011, ACL I completed a private placement of $250,000 in aggregate principal amount of 10.625%/11.375% Senior Payment in Kind (“PIK”) Toggle Notes due 2016 (the “PIK Notes”). Interest on the PIK Notes will accrue at a rate of 10.625% with respect to interest paid in cash and a rate of 11.375% with respect to interest paid by issuing additional PIK Notes. Selection of the interest payment method is solely a decision of ACL I. At the first interest payment date ACL I elected PIK interest, increasing the amount of PIK Notes outstanding by $14,219 to $264,219. On the second payment date ACL I also elected PIK interest which increased the PIK Notes by $15,027 to $279,246. On the third payment date ACL I again elected PIK interest which increased the PIK Notes by $16,161 to $295,407. The net of original issue discount proceeds of the PIK Notes offering were used primarily to pay a special dividend to ACL I’s stockholder to redeem equity advanced in connection with the acquisition of the Company by an affiliate of Platinum Equity, LLC and to pay certain costs and expenses related to the PIK Notes offering. The PIK Notes were registered effective May 10, 2012 and the exchange offer was completed on September 11, 2012. The PIK Notes are unsecured and are not guaranteed by ACL I’s subsidiaries.

On July 7, 2009, CBL issued $200,000 aggregate principal amount of senior secured second lien 12.5% notes due July 15, 2017 (the “2017 Notes”). The issue price was 95.181% of the principal amount of the 2017 Notes. The 2017 Notes are guaranteed by ACL and by all material existing and future domestic subsidiaries of CBL. At the Acquisition date, the fair value of the 2017 Notes was $35,000 higher than the face amount. This amount is being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the remaining life of the 2017 Notes.

The Credit Facility has no financial covenants unless borrowing availability is generally less than a certain defined level set forth in the Credit Agreement. The $169,742 in borrowing availability at September 30, 2012, exceeds the specified level by approximately $120,942. Should the springing covenants be triggered, the leverage calculation would include only first lien senior debt, excluding debt under the 2017 Notes. The 2017 Notes and the Credit Facility also provide flexibility to execute sale leasebacks, sell assets and issue additional debt. In addition, the Credit Facility places no direct restrictions on capital spending, but, subject to certain exceptions for redeemable capital interests, management benefit plans and stock dividends, as well as a $20,000 allowance for such payments, does limit the payment of cash dividends to a level equal to half of cumulative consolidated net income since July 1, 2009 plus the aggregate amount of any new capital contributions or equity offering proceeds. Outstanding redeemable capital interests and management benefit plans are not significant as of September 30, 2012, and, since July 1, 2009, there has been no available cumulative consolidated net income through September 30, 2012. No new capital contributions or equity offerings were made since the Acquisition.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at the Borrowers’ option, at either (i) an alternate base rate or an adjusted LIBOR rate plus, in each case, an applicable margin. Such applicable margin will, depending on average availability under the Credit Facility, range from 2.00% to 2.50% in the case of base rate loans and 2.75% to 3.25% in the case of LIBOR rate loans. Interest is payable (a) in the case of base rate loans, monthly in arrears, and (b) in the case of LIBOR rate loans, at the end of each interest period, but in no event less often than every three months. A commitment fee is payable monthly in arrears at a rate per annum equal to 0.50% of the daily unused amount of the commitments in respect of the Credit Facility. The Borrowers, at their option, may prepay borrowings under the Credit Facility and re-borrow such amounts, at any time (subject to applicable borrowing conditions) without penalty, in whole or in part, in minimum amounts and subject to other conditions set forth in the Credit Facility. For any period that availability is less than a certain defined level set forth in the Credit Agreement and until no longer less than such level for a 30-day period, the Credit Agreement imposes several financial covenants on CBL and its subsidiaries, including (a) a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of at least 1.1 to 1; and (b) a maximum first lien leverage ratio of 4.25 to 1.0. The Credit Agreement requires that CBL and its subsidiaries comply with covenants relating to customary matters (in addition to those financial covenants described above), including with respect to incurring indebtedness and liens, using the proceeds received under the Credit Agreement, transactions with affiliates, making investments and acquisitions, effecting mergers and asset sales, prepaying indebtedness, and paying dividends.

During all periods presented the Company has been in compliance with the respective covenants contained in the Credit Facility.

Additionally, the Company entered into short term financing arrangements comprised of non-cash notes bearing interest of 2.7%, with monthly payments until June 2013, to finance various insurance premiums. Short term debt is classified with Other Current Liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

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ACL I CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Note 3. Inventory

Inventory is carried at the lower of cost (based on a weighted average method) or market and consists of the following.

 

     September 30,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

Raw Materials

   $ 26,094       $ 26,865   

Work in Process

     11,587         8,232   

Parts and Supplies

     24,637         27,386   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 62,318       $ 62,483   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 4. Income Taxes

ACL I’s operating entities are primarily single member limited liability companies that are owned by a corporate parent, and are subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes on a combined basis. The effective tax rates in the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 37.0% and 91.4% respectively. The effective tax rate in the three months ended September 30, 2011 was distorted by a $1,877 discrete tax item resulting from a change in IRS Administrative Procedures related to an IRS Revenue Procedure regarding transaction success fees, which increased the benefit for the quarter then ended. The effective tax rates in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 33.9% and 39.0%, respectively. The effective income tax rates are impacted by the significance of consistent levels of permanent book and tax differences on expected full year income in the respective periods. There is no tax-sharing agreement with the other companies included in the Finn consolidated return filing and therefore the tax attributes of the Company are stated on a stand-alone basis.

Note 5. Employee Benefit Plans

A summary of the components of the Company’s pension and post-retirement plans follows.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Pension Components:

        

Service cost

   $ 1,140      $ 1,120      $ 3,420      $ 3,360   

Interest cost

     2,645        2,634        7,935        7,902   

Expected return on plan assets

     (3,460     (3,250     (10,380     (9,750

Amortization of unrecognized losses

     443        —          1,329        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 768      $ 504      $ 2,304      $ 1,512   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Post-retirement Components:

        

Service cost

   $ 3      $ 3      $ 9      $ 9   

Interest cost

     45        55        135        165   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 48      $ 58      $ 144      $ 174   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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ACL I CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Note 6. Related Party Transactions

There were no related party freight revenues in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 and there were no related party receivables included in accounts receivable on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, except those contained in the caption Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Net. These amounts related to the receivable from Finn in connection with the Acquisition and certain subsequent payments associated with the wind-down of the pre-Acquisition share-based compensation plan. Since the Acquisition, additional vesting of certain pre-Acquisition share-based awards has occurred and, per the terms of the Omnibus Plan, all awards previously granted to executives separating without cause from the Company within one year after the Acquisition date became fully vested. Finn redeemed certain of these shares. Dividends from the Company were declared and paid to Finn in amounts sufficient to fund these redemptions. These dividends reduced the Accounts Receivable Related Parties, Net balance.

During the first quarter of 2012 and in the second quarter of 2011 the Company paid an annual management fee of $5,000 to Platinum Equity Advisors, LLC. The management fee is amortized to selling, general and administrative expense over the course of the respective fiscal year.

Note 7. Business Segments

The Company has two significant reportable business segments: transportation and manufacturing. ACL I’s transportation segment includes barge transportation operations and fleeting facilities that provide fleeting, shifting, cleaning and repair services at various locations along the Inland Waterways. The manufacturing segment constructs marine equipment for external customers as well as for our transportation segment.

Management evaluates performance based on a variety of measures, including segment earnings, which is defined as operating income. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are consistent with those described in the summary of significant accounting policies described in the Company’s filing on Form S-4 Registration Statement filed May 8, 2012. Intercompany sales are transferred at the lower of cost or fair value.

 

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ACL I CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Reportable segments are business units that offer different products or services. The reportable segments are managed separately because they provide distinct products and services to internal and external customers.

 

     Reportable Segments     Intersegment
Eliminations
       
     Transportation     Manufacturing       Total  

Three Months ended September 30, 2012

        

Total revenue

   $ 156,727      $ 47,182      $ (37,024   $ 166,885   

Less Intersegment revenues

     139        36,885        (37,024     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue from external customers

     156,588        10,297        —          166,885   

Operating expense

        

Materials, supplies and other

     38,374        —          —          38,374   

Rent

     6,646        —          —          6,646   

Labor and fringe benefits

     28,262        —          —          28,262   

Fuel

     38,161        —          —          38,161   

Depreciation and amortization

     25,719        —          —          25,719   

Taxes, other than income taxes

     2,684        —          —          2,684   

Gain on disposition of equipment

     (1,614     —          —          (1,614

Cost of goods sold

     —          9,607        —          9,607   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cost of sales

     138,232        9,607        —          147,839   

Selling, general & administrative

     11,082        864        —          11,946   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     149,314        10,471        —          159,785   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   $ 7,274      $ (174   $ —        $ 7,100   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Three Months ended September 30, 2011

        

Total revenue

   $ 196,694      $ 56,907      $ (22,165   $ 231,436   

Less Intersegment revenues

     344        21,821        (22,165     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue from external customers

     196,350        35,086        —          231,436   

Operating expense

        

Materials, supplies and other

     63,391        —          —          63,391   

Rent

     6,960        —          —          6,960   

Labor and fringe benefits

     28,875        —          —          28,875   

Fuel

     45,347        —          —          45,347   

Depreciation and amortization

     24,645        —          —          24,645   

Taxes, other than income taxes

     3,094        —          —          3,094   

Loss on disposition of equipment

     60        —          —          60   

Cost of goods sold

     —          34,932        —          34,932   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cost of sales

     172,372        34,932        —          207,304   

Selling, general & administrative

     11,953        453        —          12,406   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     184,325        35,385        —          219,710   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   $ 12,025      $ (299   $ —        $ 11,726   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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ACL I CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

     Reportable Segments     Intersegment
Eliminations
       
     Transportation     Manufacturing       Total  

Nine Months ended September 30, 2012

        

Total revenue

   $ 513,489      $ 153,233      $ (63,029   $ 603,693   

Less Intersegment revenues

     432        62,597        (63,029     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue from external customers

     513,057        90,636        —          603,693   

Operating expense

        

Materials, supplies and other

     146,209          —          146,209   

Rent

     20,073          —          20,073   

Labor and fringe benefits

     85,084          —          85,084   

Fuel

     120,960          —          120,960   

Depreciation and amortization

     76,019          —          76,019   

Taxes, other than income taxes

     8,545          —          8,545   

Gain on disposition of equipment

     (9,501       —          (9,501

Cost of goods sold

     —          81,247        —          81,247   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cost of sales

     447,389        81,247        —          528,636   

Selling, general & administrative

     31,642        3,032        —          34,674   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     479,031        84,279        —          563,310   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

   $ 34,026      $ 6,357      $ —        $ 40,383   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Nine Months ended September 30, 2011

        

Total revenue

   $ 521,674      $ 121,488      $ (34,729   $ 608,433   

Less Intersegment revenues

     881        33,848        (34,729     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue from external customers

     520,793        87,640        —          608,433   

Operating expense

        

Materials, supplies and other

     181,647        —          —          181,647   

Rent

     20,924        —          —          20,924   

Labor and fringe benefits

     84,801        —          —          84,801   

Fuel

     126,919        —          —          126,919   

Depreciation and amortization

     76,072        —          —          76,072   

Taxes, other than income taxes

     9,207        —          —          9,207   

Gain on disposition of equipment

     (1,268     —          —          (1,268

Cost of goods sold

     —          86,377        —          86,377   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cost of sales

     498,302        86,377        —          584,679   

Selling, general & administrative

     42,038        1,461        —          43,499   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     540,340        87,838        —          628,178   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss

   $ (19,547   $ (198   $ —        $ (19,745
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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ACL I CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Note 8. Financial Instruments and Risk Management

The Company has price risk for fuel not covered by contract escalation clauses and in time periods from the date of price changes until the next monthly or quarterly contract reset. From time to time the Company has utilized derivative instruments to manage volatility in addition to contracted rate adjustment clauses. For several years the Company has been entering into fuel price swaps with commercial banks. The number of gallons settled and related net gains, as well as additional gallons hedged and unrealized changes in market value are contained in the table below. At September 30, 2012, the Company has fuel price swaps with a maximum maturity of October 2013. As hedged fuel is used, any gains or losses are recorded as a decrease or increase to fuel expense, a component of cost of sales.

The fair value of unsettled fuel price swaps is listed in the following table. These derivative instruments have been designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges. To the extent of their effectiveness, changes in fair value of the hedged instrument will be accounted for through other comprehensive income until the hedged fuel is used, at which time the gain or loss on the hedge instruments will be recorded as fuel expense (cost of sales). Other comprehensive loss at September 30, 2012 of ($23,946) and December 31, 2011 of ($25,159) consisted of gains (losses) on fuel hedging and pension liability, net of tax benefit of $15,132 and $15,417, respectively. Hedge ineffectiveness is recorded in income as a component of fuel expense as incurred.

The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, which are recorded in Prepaid and Other Current Assets, are as follows:

 

Description

   9/30/2012      Reporting Date Using
Markets for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 

Fuel Price Swaps

   $ 460       $ 460   

At September 30, 2012, the increase in the fair value of the financial instruments is recorded as a net receivable of $460 in the consolidated balance sheet and as a net-of-tax deferred gain, less hedge ineffectiveness, in other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheet. Hedge ineffectiveness resulted in a decrease to fuel expense of $3 and an increase of $24 in the three and nine months of 2012, respectively. The fair value of the fuel price swaps is based on quoted market prices for identical instruments, or Level 1 inputs as to fair value and also considers the credit risk of the counterparty. The Company may increase the quantity hedged or add additional months based upon active monitoring of fuel pricing outlooks by the management team.

 

     Gallons     Dollars  

Fuel Price Swaps at December 31, 2011

     19,400      $ (1,012

1st Quarter 2012 Fuel Hedge (Income) Expense

     (5,900     (1,679

1st Quarter 2012 Changes

     —          5,388   

2nd Quarter 2012 Fuel Hedge (Income) Expense

     (5,700     (603

2nd Quarter 2012 Changes

     1,800        (5,260

3rd Quarter 2012 Fuel Hedge (Income) Expense

     (5,200     891   

3rd Quarter 2012 Changes

     720        2,735   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fuel Price Swaps at September 30, 2012

     5,120      $ 460   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 9. Contingencies

During the three months ended September 30, 2012, the Company resolved the remaining contingencies as to the amount of insurance proceeds to be received arising from a settlement of certain claims under a replacement property policy for 2011 flood damage to the Company’s terminal located in Memphis, Tennessee and a confirmation of the proceeds amount was received from the insurer. An $11,442 gain, representing the net proceeds was recorded as a reduction of claims expense included in Materials, supplies and other costs as a component of cost of sales transportation and services during the three months ended September 30, 2012. The related receivable is included in Prepaid and Other Current Assets.

The nature of our business exposes us to the potential for legal proceedings, including those relating to labor and employment, personal injury, property damage and environmental matters. Although the ultimate outcome of any legal matter cannot be predicted with certainty, based on present information, including our assessment of the merits of each particular claim, as well as our current reserves and insurance coverage, we do not expect that any known legal proceeding will in the foreseeable future have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or the results of our operations.

 

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Table of Contents

ACL I CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Shareholder Appraisal Action

On April 12, 2011, IQ Holdings, Inc. (“IQ”) filed a Verified Petition for Appraisal of Stock against ACL in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware (the “Delaware Court”). Among other things, the appraisal petition seeks a judicial determination of the fair value of IQ’s 250,000 shares of common stock pursuant to 8 Del. C. § 262, and an order by the Delaware Court directing ACL to pay IQ the fair value of its shares as of the effective date of the Acquisition, taxes, attorney’s fees, and costs and interest from the effective date of the Acquisition through the date of the judgment. A trial was held in October 2012. The Company expects that a ruling will be made in the first half of 2013. Funds sufficient to pay the acquisition price of the stock are held in a paying agent account. While it is not possible at this time to determine the potential outcome of this action, we do not believe the action will result in a payment by ACL (in addition to the funds held in the paying agent account) that would materially affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Environmental Litigation

We have been involved in the following environmental matters relating to the investigation or remediation of locations where hazardous materials have or might have been released or where we or our vendors have arranged for the disposal of wastes. These matters include situations in which we have been named or are believed to be a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) under applicable federal and state laws.

Collision Incident, Mile Marker 97 of the Mississippi River

ACL and ACL LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of ACL, have been named in various lawsuits stemming from an incident on July 23, 2008, involving one of ACL LLC’s tank barges that was being towed by DRD Towing Company L.L.C. (“DRD”), an independent towing contractor. The tank barge was involved in a collision with the motor vessel Tintomara, operated by Laurin Maritime, at Mile Marker 97 of the Mississippi River in the New Orleans area. The tank barge was carrying approximately 9,900 barrels of #6 oil, of which approximately two-thirds was released. ACL completed the cleanup of the oil spill and is processing claims properly presented, documented and recoverable under the Oil Spill Act of 1990 (“OPA 90”). A recent ruling by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana held that ACL was not at fault for the incident. This ruling does not exonerate ACL from the liabilities under OPA 90. ACL LLC has filed a Notice of Appeal. Laurin Maritime (America) Inc., Laurin Maritime AB, Whitefin Shipping Company Limited, M/V TINTOMARA, and Anglo-Atlantic Steamship Company Limited has filed a Notice of Cross-Appeal. On August 22, 2011 an action was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana captioned United States of America v. American Commercial Lines LLC and D.R.D. Towing, LLC, Civil Action No. 2:11-cv-2076. The action seeks damages of approximately $25 million, including certain repayment to the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for sums it paid related to the cleanup of the oil spill and to certain claimants for damages cognizable under OPA 90, a civil penalty under the Clean Water Act in an amount to be determined at trial as well as a claim for natural resources damages. ACL and ACL LLC have various insurance policies covering pollution, property, marine and general liability. While the cost of cleanup operations and other potential liabilities relating to the spill are significant, we believe the company has satisfactory insurance coverage and other legal remedies to cover substantially all of the cost.

Note 10. Share-Based Compensation

On April 12, 2011, Finn adopted the Finn Holding Corporation 2011 Participation Plan (the “Participation Plan”) to provide incentive to key employees of Finn and its subsidiaries by granting performance units to key stakeholders, including ACL I ‘s named executive officers, to maximize Finn’s performance and to provide maximum returns to Finn’s stockholders. The Participation Plan may be altered, amended or terminated by Finn at any time.

Under the Participation Plan, the value of the performance units is related to the appreciation in the value of Finn from and after the date of grant. The performance units vest over a period specified in the applicable award agreements. Participants in the Participation Plan may be entitled to receive compensation for their vested units if certain performance-based “qualifying events” occur during the participant’s employment with the Company. These qualifying events are described below. The Compensation Committee for the Participation Plan (the “Plan Committee”) determines who is eligible to receive an award, the size and timing of the award and the value of the award at the time of grant. The performance units generally mature according to the terms approved by the Plan Committee and as set forth in a grant agreement. Payment on the performance units is contingent upon the occurrence of either (i) a sale of some or all of Finn common stock by its stockholders, or (ii) Finn’s payment of a cash dividend. The Participation Plan will expire April 1, 2016 and all performance units will terminate upon the expiration of the Participation Plan, unless sooner terminated pursuant to the terms of the Participation Plan.

The maximum number of performance units that may be awarded under the Participation Plan is 36,800,000. During the year ended December 31, 2011, a total of 31,165,000 performance units were granted and 19,780,000 performance units were forfeited by executives that left employment in 2011. At no time during the year did the outstanding grants exceed the maximum authorized units. At December 31, 2011, the Company had committed to issue 17,595,000 performance units to executives that joined the Company during 2011. These units were granted during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 and no units were granted in the quarter ended September 30, 2012.

 

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Table of Contents

ACL I CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Upon the occurrence of a qualifying event, participants with vested units may receive an amount equal to the difference between: (i) the value (as defined by the Participation Plan) of the units on the date of the qualifying event, and (ii) the value of the units assigned on the date of grant. No amounts are due to participants until the total cash dividends and net proceeds from the sale of common stock exceed values pre-determined by the Participation Plan. The Company accounts for grants made pursuant to this Participation Plan in accordance with FASB ASC 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). It is anticipated that since the occurrence of future “qualifying events” is not determinable or estimable, no liability or expense will be recognized until the qualifying event(s) becomes probable and can be estimated.

Prior to the Acquisition, ACL had reserved the equivalent of approximately 54,000 shares of Finn for grants to employees and directors under the Omnibus Plan. According to the terms of the Omnibus Plan, forfeited share awards and expired stock options become available for future grants. No share-based awards were granted under this Omnibus Plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 or 2011.

For all share-based compensation under the Omnibus Plan, as participants render service over the vesting periods, expense has been recorded to the same line items used for cash compensation. Generally, this expense is for the straight-line amortization of the grant date fair market value adjusted for expected forfeitures. Other capital is correspondingly increased as the compensation is recorded. Grant date fair market value for all non-option share-based compensation was the closing market value on the date of grant. Adjustments to estimated forfeiture rates have been made when actual results were known, generally when awards are fully earned. Adjustments to estimated forfeitures for awards not fully vested occur when significant changes in turnover rates became evident.

Effective as of the date of the Acquisition on December 21, 2010, all awards that had been granted to non-executive employees and to the former ACL board members vested and were paid out consistent with certain provisions in the Omnibus Plan. The payment of the intrinsic value of these awards totaling $14,284 was a part of the consideration paid for the Acquisition and included certain previously vested executive shares. This payment by the Company is recorded as an element of the intercompany receivable balance on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Unvested awards previously granted to Company executives under the Omnibus Plan were assumed by Finn. There were no changes in the terms and conditions of the awards, except for adjustment to denomination in Finn shares for all award types and conversion to time-based vesting as to the performance units. At September 30, 2012, 8,799 shares were available under the Omnibus Plan for future awards, but there is no intention that any further awards will be granted under the Omnibus Plan.

During the 2012 third quarter, 215 stock options vested. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, a total of 1,468 restricted stock units and 1,329 stock options, held by Company executives vested. These vesting events will result in an increase in additional paid in capital and a tax benefit for the excess of the intrinsic value of the restricted units at the vesting date over the fair value at the date of grant of $206. These tax benefits will be recognized through paid in capital as it becomes more likely than not that the tax benefit will be realized. As of September 30, 2012, there were 2,796 options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $55.78 and 54 vested and 690 unvested restricted stock units outstanding.

In the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded total stock-based compensation expense of $21 and $105 respectively, and related income tax benefit of $8 and $39, respectively. In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded total stock-based employee compensation expense of $389 and $2,204 respectively, and related tax benefit of $145 and $825.

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, after the issuance of $250,000 of unsecured PIK Notes by ACL I, CBL’s indirect parent company, Finn declared a dividend of $258.50 per share for each outstanding share. The dividend was paid to Finn shareholders during the first quarter of 2011. This reduced Finn’s initial capitalization from $460,000 to $201,500.

Per the terms of the Plan, in the event of such dividend, holders of outstanding share-based equity awards were entitled to receive either dividend rights, participation in the dividend or adjustment of awards to maintain the then-current intrinsic value of the existing awards. Finn elected to pay the dividend per share to holders of vested restricted stock units and performance units and to adjust the strike prices and number of options issued to maintain the intrinsic value at date of dividend, or some combination of such actions. The dividend resulted in payments of $3,659 to Company executives at the date of the dividend, with all remaining share-based awards’ new intrinsic value based on shares of Finn valued at $201.50 per share. The $3,659 payment was made by the Company and increased the Company’s related receivable from Finn. After the payouts to the executives, during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company declared and paid dividends to Finn in an amount equal to the gross payments. Finn, in turn, used the proceeds to reimburse the Company for payments made on its behalf to separating executives and to holders of vested restricted units under the Plan.

 

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ACL I CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

Note 11. Dispositions

Dispositions and Impairments—

In December 2011 the Company disposed of its interest in EBDG. Due to the sale, all results of EBDG operations are reflected in discontinued operations.

During the first quarter of 2011 one of the three boats held for sale was returned to service, one boat was sold in the third quarter of 2011 and two additional boats were placed into held for sale status in the fourth quarter. These three boats are being actively marketed. During the first nine months of 2012 nine surplus boats were sold at a small loss. Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, 432 retired barges were sold for scrap generating proceeds of $33,453 and gains on disposition of $12,028.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) includes certain “forward-looking statements” that involve many risks and uncertainties. When used, words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “may be,” “will be” and similar words or phrases, or the negative thereof, unless the context requires otherwise, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s present expectations and beliefs about future events. As with any projection or forecast, these statements are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. The Company is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of such changes, new information, subsequent events or otherwise. The potential for actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements should be considered in evaluating our outlook.

The readers of this document are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. See the risk factors enumerated in “Part II —Other Information Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Report”) and ”Risk Factors” in the Company’s filing on Form S-4 Registration Statement filed May 8, 2012 (our “Registration Statement”) for a detailed discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such forward-looking statements.

INTRODUCTION

This MD&A is provided as a supplement to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes to help provide an understanding of the financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations of ACL I CORPORATION (the “Company”). This MD&A should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes. This MD&A is organized as follows.

Overview. This section provides a general description of the Company and its business, as well as developments the Company believes are important in understanding the results of operations and financial condition or in understanding anticipated future trends.

Results of Operations. This section provides an analysis of the Company’s results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Liquidity and Capital Resources. This section provides an overview of the Company’s sources of liquidity, a discussion of the Company’s debt that existed as of September 30, 2012, and an analysis of the Company’s cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011.

Changes in Accounting Standards. This section describes certain changes in accounting and reporting standards applicable to the Company.

Critical Accounting Policies. This section describes any significant changes in accounting policies that are considered important to the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, require significant judgment and require estimates on the part of management in application from those previously described in our Registration Statement. The Company’s significant accounting policies include those considered to be critical accounting policies.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. This section discusses our analysis of significant changes in exposure to potential losses arising from adverse changes in fuel prices and interest rates at September 30, 2012.

OVERVIEW

Our Business

The Company

ACL I is one of the largest and most diversified inland marine transportation and service companies in the United States. ACL I provides barge transportation and related services under the provisions of the Jones Act (the “Jones Act”) and manufactures barges, primarily for use in the inland rivers, commonly referred to as brown-water use. The Jones Act is a federal cabotage law that restricts domestic non-proprietary cargo marine transportation in the United States to vessels built and registered in the United States, manned by U.S. citizens and 75% owned by U.S. citizens.

We currently operate in two business segments, transportation and manufacturing. We are the third largest provider of dry cargo barge transportation and second largest provider of liquid tank barge transportation on the United States Inland Waterways, which consists of the Mississippi River, the Ohio River, the Illinois River and their tributaries and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (the “Inland Waterways”), accounting for 10.9% of the total inland dry cargo barge fleet and 10.2% of the total inland liquid cargo barge fleet as of December 31, 2011, according to InformaEconomics, Inc. (“Informa”), a private forecasting service.

 

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Our operations are tailored to service a wide variety of shippers and freight types. We provide additional value-added services to our customers, including warehousing and third-party logistics through our BargeLink LLC joint venture. Our operations incorporate advanced fleet management practices and information technology systems which allows us to effectively manage our fleet.

Our manufacturing segment was the second largest manufacturer of brown-water barges in the United States in 2011 according to Criton Corporation (“Criton”), publisher of River Transport News.

The Industry

Transportation Industry. Barge market behavior is driven by the fundamental forces of supply and demand, influenced by a variety of factors including the size of the Inland Waterways barge fleet, local weather patterns, navigation circumstances, domestic and international consumption of agricultural and industrial products, crop production, trade policies and the price of steel.

For purposes of industry analysis, the commodities transported on the Inland Waterways can be broadly divided into four categories: grain, bulk, coal and liquids. Using these broad cargo categories, the following graph depicts the total millions of tons shipped through the Inland Waterways for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 by all carriers according to data from the US Army Corps of Engineers Waterborne Commerce Statistics Center (the “Corps”). The Corps does not estimate ton-miles, which we believe is a more accurate volume metric. Note that the most recent periods are typically estimated for the Corps’ purposes by lockmasters and retroactively adjusted as shipper data is received.

 

LOGO

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterborne Commerce Statistics Center

Manufacturing Industry. The inland barge manufacturing industry competes primarily on quality of manufacture, delivery schedule, design capabilities and price. We believe based on data reported by River Transport News (published by Criton), that Jeffboat and one other competitor together comprise the significant majority of barge manufacturing capacity in the U.S.

Consolidated Financial Overview

For the quarter and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012, the Company had net losses of $6.0 million and $5.8 million, respectively. This represented an increase of $5.8 million for the quarter and a decrease of $31.8 million for the first nine months compared to the same periods of the prior year.

 

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The following table displays certain individually significant drivers of after-tax non-comparability in the respective third quarters and first nine-month periods of 2012 and 2011. Though all periods contain the impact of purchase accounting due to the significant difference in the level of asset sales and barge scrapping, we have separated the former basis and the impact of the purchase accounting revaluation of the assets disposed.

Significant Non-Comparable Items

(in thousands)

After Tax Impact on Net Income (Decrease) Increase

 

     Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Share based compensation and restructuring

   $ (13   $ (590   $ (147   $ (2,868

Other restructuring/acqusition-related costs and consult:

     (2,431     (2,161     (6,047     (9,375

Total historical cost gains/losses on boat/barge sales

     2,787        226        23,525        3,010   

Purchase accounting impact on boat/barge gains

     (1,792     (350     (17,703     (2,306

Customer bankruptcy (loss)/recovery

     —          (33     —          543   

Insurance gain on 2011 flood claims

     7,155        —          7,155        —     

Discrete tax item

     —          (1,877     —          (1,877
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 5,706      $ (4,785   $ 6,783      $ (12,873
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

In addition to the above items, both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 have been impacted by approximately $15.1 million, after tax, due to drought conditions. The drought lead to extremely low Mississippi River levels, which limited the amount of cargo that could be carried, thereby reducing tons per barge. On average, the Company’s dry cargo tons per barge declined by nearly 7% during the quarter compared to levels that were achieved from March through May of this year. This decline in tons transported resulted in a direct reduction in EBITDAR of $9.8 million for the quarter. Additionally, the number of barges per tow was reduced along the Mississippi River in the most seriously impacted river segments, between St. Louis and Vicksburg, as part of an industry-wide agreement aimed at controlling disruptions to the flow of traffic on the river. As a result, the Company required more tow boats in service to deliver the same equivalent amount of freight based upon number of barges per tow. The cost of this excess towing capacity during the third quarter was $5.9 million. Finally, river conditions led to more traffic disruptions on the Mississippi River south of St. Louis, resulting in a reduced turn of the Company fleet assets. As a result, the Company was required to use more tow boat power to deliver booked freight during the quarter and the slower turn also impacted the number of revenue earning days on the barge fleet. The impact of these incremental costs and lost profit totaled $8.5 million during the quarter.

These items and changes in the operating performance of our transportation and manufacturing segments drove the changes in net income. The primary causes of changes in operating income in our transportation and manufacturing segments are generally described below under “Segment Overview” and more fully described below under Operating Results by Business Segment.

For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, Adjusted EBITDAR from continuing operations was $55.1 million and $169.3 million respectively. This represents improvements of $7.1 million and $55.8 million compared to the same periods of the prior year. Adjusted EBITDAR from continuing operations as a percent of revenue was 33.0% and 28.0% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012. This represents an increase of 12.3 points quarter-over-quarter and an increase of 9.4 points nine month period-over-nine month period. See the table below under “Consolidated Financial Overview – Non-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliation” for a definition of Adjusted EBITDAR and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDAR to consolidated net income or loss.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, $165.3 million of capital expenditures were primarily attributable to the addition of 77 new covered dry cargo barges, 23 new liquid tank barges, acquisition of eight used liquid tank barges, boat repower spending, other boat and barge capital improvements and facilities improvements. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, proceeds from the scrapping of 432 retired barges generated $33.5 million and the sale of nine surplus boats generated $15.4 million.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, average face amount of outstanding debt increased approximately $16.3 million from the year end 2011 level, primarily driven by capital expenditures in the period offset by the proceeds from barge scrapping and boat sales and the improvement in operating cash flow. Total interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, was $49.6 million or $7.1 million higher than those expenses in the same period of 2011. The increase in interest expense is due higher interest expense in the current year on obligations other than debt.

At September 30, 2012, we had total long term indebtedness of $736.4 million, including $200 million related to the 2017 Notes, $25.0 million in unamortized premium recorded at the Acquisition-date to recognize their fair value, $219.0 million drawn on our credit facility, and $295.4 related to the PIK Notes less the unamortized discount of $3.0 million as of September 30, 2012. At this level of debt, we had $169.7 million in remaining availability under our Credit Facility. The Credit Facility has no maintenance financial covenants unless borrowing availability is generally less than $48.8 million. At September 30, 2012, debt levels were $120.9 million above this threshold.

 

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As of September 30, 2012, the present value of the lease payments associated with revenue generating equipment was approximately $45.5 million. Including the present value of these lease payments, the Company’s total funded indebtedness would be $802.4 million as of September 30, 2012. The ratio of funded debt to Adjusted EBITDAR for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2012 was 3.5 times.

Segment Overview

We operate in two predominant business segments: Transportation and Manufacturing.

The transportation segment produces several significant revenue streams. Our customers engage us to move cargo, generally for a per ton rate, from an origin point to a destination point along the Inland Waterways in the Company’s barges, pushed primarily by the Company’s towboats under affreightment contracts. Affreightment contracts include both term and spot market arrangements.

Our transportation segment’s revenue stream within any year reflects the variance in seasonal demand, with revenues earned in the first half of the year lower than those earned in the second half of the year. Historically, grain has experienced the greatest degree of seasonality among all the commodity segments, with demand generally following the timing of the annual harvest. Demand for grain movement generally begins around the Gulf Coast and Texas regions and the southern portions of the Lower Mississippi River, or the Delta area, in late summer of each year. The demand for freight spreads north and east as the grain matures and harvest progresses through the Ohio Valley, the Mid-Mississippi River area, and the Illinois River and Upper Mississippi River areas. System-wide demand generally peaks in the mid-fourth quarter. Demand normally tapers off through the mid-first quarter, when traffic is generally limited to the Ohio River as the Upper Mississippi River normally closes from approximately mid-December to mid-March, and ice conditions can hamper navigation on the upper reaches of the Illinois River. On average, for the last five-year period, the peak grain tariff rates have been almost double the trough rates.

Non-affreightment revenue is generated either by demurrage charges related to affreightment contracts or by one of three other contractual arrangements with customers: charter/day rate contracts, outside towing contracts, or other marine services contracts.

Under charter/day rate contracts the Company’s boats and barges are leased to third parties who control the use (loading, movement, unloading) of the vessels. The ton-miles for charter/day rate contracts are not included in the Company’s tracking of affreightment ton-miles, but are captured and reported as part of ton-miles non-affreightment.

Outside towing revenue is earned by moving barges for other affreightment carriers at a specific rate per barge move.

Marine services revenue is earned for fleeting, shifting and cleaning services provided to third parties.

 

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Transportation revenue for each contract type for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012 is summarized in the following key operating statistics table.

 

     Three
Months  Ended
September 30, 2012
     % Change to
Prior  Year Quarter
Increase (Decrease)
    Nine
Months Ended
September 30, 2012
     % Change to
Prior  Year YTD
Increase (Decrease)
 

Ton-miles (in thousands):

          

Total dry

     5,748,665         (26.0 %)      20,321,618         (4.4 %) 

Total liquid

     444,399         (12.7 %)      1,422,045         (7.1 %) 
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

Total affreightment ton-miles

     6,193,064         (25.2 %)      21,743,663         (4.6 %) 

Total non-affreightment ton-miles

     794,992         (21.3 %)      2,634,745         (3.9 %) 
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

Total ton-miles

     6,988,057         (24.8 %)      24,378,407         (4.5 %) 
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

Average ton-miles per affreightment barge

     3,423         (7.1 %)      11,670         15.4

Rates per ton mile:

          

Dry rate per ton-mile

        (6.2 %)         (4.8 %) 

Fuel neutral dry rate per ton-mile

        (5.9 %)         (7.6 %) 

Liquid rate per ton-mile

        3.7        12.1

Fuel neutral liquid rate per-ton mile

        6.6        8.5

Overall rate per ton-mile

   $ 16.37         (3.2 %)    $ 15.94         (2.6 %) 

Overall fuel neutral rate per ton-mile

   $ 16.50         (2.5 %)    $ 15.47         (5.5 %) 

Revenue per average barge operated (in thousands)

   $ 79,527         (3.0 %)    $ 239,971         10.9

Fuel price and volume data:

          

Fuel price

   $ 3.18         2.9   $ 3.13         7.2

Fuel gallons (in thousands)

     12,008         (18.2 %)      38,638         (11.1 %) 

Revenue data (in thousands):

          

Affreightment revenue

   $ 101,167         (27.6 %)    $ 346,071         (6.9 %) 

Non-affreightment revenue

          

Towing

     9,900         (26.5 %)      33,999         (4.8 %) 

Charter and day rate

     29,013         19.8     84,063         34.7

Demurrage

     9,783         (21.7 %)      27,024         (18.1 %) 

Other

     6,725         3.5     21,900         23.3
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

Total non-affreightment revenue

     55,421         (2.2 %)      166,986         12.2
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

Total transportation segment revenue

   $ 156,588         (20.3 %)    $ 513,057         (1.5 %) 
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

Data regarding changes in our barge fleet for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 is summarized in the following table.

Barge Fleet Changes

 

Barges—Current Quarter

   Dry     Tankers     Total  

Barges operated as of June 30, 2012

     1,617        321        1,938   

Retired (includes reactivations)

     (12     (2     (14

New builds

     67        15        82   

Purchased

     —          —          —     

Change in number of barges leased

     (7     —          (7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Barges operated as of September 30, 2012

     1,665        334        1,999   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Barges—Current Year

   Dry     Tankers     Total  

Barges operated as of December 31, 2011

     1,961        316        2,277   

Retired (includes reactivations)

     (345     (13     (358

New builds

     77        23        100   

Purchased

     —          8        8   

Change in number of barges leased

     (28     —          (28
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Barges operated as of September 30, 2012

     1,665        334        1,999   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Data regarding our boat fleet at September 30, 2012 is contained in the following table.

Owned Boat Counts and Average Age by Horsepower Class

 

Horsepower Class

   Number      Average
Age
 

1950 or less

     32         33.7   

Less than 4650

     23         36.8   

Less than 6250

     33         35.5   

6800 and over

     12         33.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total/overall age

     100         34.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

In addition, the Company had 13 chartered boats in service at September 30, 2012. Average life of a boat (with refurbishment) exceeds 50 years. At September 30, 2012, two boats were classified as assets held for sale.

Manufacturing

Our manufacturing segment consists of our subsidiary, Jeffboat which was the second largest manufacturer of brown-water barges in the United States in 2011 according to Criton Corporation, publisher of River Transport News. This segment manufactures barges both for external parties as well as internal use, with internal revenue and associated costs eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein.

Manufacturing Segment Units Produced for External Sales or Internal Use

 

      Three months ended
September 30,
     Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2012      2011      2012      2011  

External sales:

           

Deck barges

     —           15         —           27   

Dry cargo barges

     18         48         162         135   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total external units sold

     18         63         162         162   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Internal sales:

           

Liquid tank barges

     15         2         23         2   

Dry cargo barges

     35         30         45         55   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total units into production

     50         32         68         57   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total units produced

     68         95         230         219   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Consolidated Financial Overview—Non-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliation

COMMERCIAL BARGE LINE COMPANY

NET INCOME (LOSS) TO ADJUSTED EBITDA AND EBITDAR RECONCILIATION

( Unaudited—Dollars in thousands)

 

      For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
    For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Consolidated Net Loss

   $ (6,046   $ (236   $ (5,781   $ (37,538

Less Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes

     —          85        26        122   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Loss from Continuing Operations

     (6,046     (321     (5,807     (37,660

Adjustments from Continuing Operations:

        

Interest Income

     —          (4     (5     (162

Interest Expense

     16,880        15,639        49,646        42,503   

Depreciation and Amortization

     26,148        26,626        80,353        82,020   

Taxes

     (3,554     (3,403     (2,973     (24,055
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDA from Continuing Operations

     33,428        38,537        121,214        62,646   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustments from Continuing Operations for EBITDAR:

        

Long-term Boat and Barge Rents

     3,822        3,873        11,592        11,550   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDAR from Continuing Operations

     37,250        42,410        132,806        74,196   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustments from Discontinued Operations:

        

Interest Income

     —          —          —          (18

Depreciation and Amortization

     —          23        —          61   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDA from Discontinued Operations

     —          108        26        165   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustments from Discontinued Operations for EBITDAR:

        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDAR from Discontinued Operations

     —          108        26        165   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated EBITDAR

   $ 37,250      $ 42,518      $ 132,832      $ 74,361   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Adjustments to EBITDAR

        

Other Non-cash or Non-comparable charges included in net income:

        

Continuing Ops

        

Share based compensation

   $ 21      $ 943      $ 234      $ 4,586   

Other restructuring/acqusition-related costs and consulting

     3,887        3,455        9,671        14,994   

Other non-cash impacts of purchase accounting

     (2,028     (730     (6,084     (1,952

Purchase accounting impact on boat/barge gains

     2,866        559        28,311        3,688   

Gain on excess boat sales

     335        —          (10,943     —     

Insurance gain on 2011 flood claims

     (11,442     —          (11,442     —     

Drought, flood and other costs

     24,164        1,325        26,714 (A)      17,943   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Continuing Ops

     17,803        5,552        36,461        39,259   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDAR from Continuing Ops

     55,053        47,962        169,267        113,455   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Discontinued Ops

        

Merger Related and Consulting Expenses

     —          —          —          20   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Discontinued

     —          —          —          20   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDAR from Discontinued Ops

     —          108        26        185   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Consolidated EBITDAR

   $ 55,053      $ 48,070      $ 169,293      $ 113,640   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) In order to provide a comprehensive estimate of the total drought effect, we have included $ 2,550 of drought related impact, incurred in June, in the nine months ended September 30, 2012. This amount was not included in adjusted EBITDAR in the second quarter 10Q filed on August 14, 2012 as materiality and duration of the drought were not known at that time.

EBITDAR consists of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, long-term boat and barge rents. Adjusted EBITDAR includes adjustments to historical EBITDAR that we do not consider indicative of our core operating functions or ongoing operating performance after the Acquisition. EBITDAR and Adjusted EBITDAR are not calculated or presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and

 

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other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDAR and Adjusted EBITDAR differently than we do. As a result, these financial measures have limitations as analytical and comparative tools and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. However, we believe that EBITDAR and Adjusted EBITDAR provide relevant and useful information, which is often reported and widely used by analysts, investors and other interested parties in our industry. We consider EBITDAR and Adjusted EBITDAR to be meaningful indicators of core operating performance and we use it as a means to assess the operating performance of our business segments. EBITDAR and Adjusted EBITDAR should not be considered as measures of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business as both measures exclude certain items that are relevant in understanding and assessing our results of operations and cash flows. EBITDAR and Adjusted EBITDAR provide management with an understanding of one aspect of earnings before the impact of investing and financing transactions and income taxes. We believe that our use of long-term leases to fund the construction and acquisition of revenue-producing assets is a financing decision and therefore we exclude rents related to such arrangements from this measure for its internal analyses. In calculating these financial measures, we make certain adjustments that are based on assumptions and estimates that may prove to have been inaccurate. In addition, in evaluating these financial measures, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses similar to those eliminated in this presentation. Our presentation of EBITDAR and Adjusted EBITDAR should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.

Outlook

Historically, as the Company moved into the third quarter of most years, it experienced a tightening of barge capacity, higher rates and increased volumes. This year severe, persistent drought conditions have presented some of the most challenging operating conditions the industry has experienced in several decades. Not only is this drought impacting navigating conditions by negatively impacting load drafts, tow sizes and system speed, the drought decreased agricultural yields for the current crop year and is expected to result in the lowest levels of grain exports through the Gulf since the mid-1990’s. In non-agricultural market sectors, the Company continues to see strength in energy, as United States coal exports have remained strong and North American oil production continues to rise. Industry tank barge capacity currently lags demand and the Company expects to continue to pursue taking advantage of this market dynamic. Domestic utility coal demand continues to be sluggish as a result of high inventories, coal’s recent competitive disadvantage to natural gas and increased emissions regulations. The overall economic recovery in the United States has slowed, reducing demand for our dry cargo services. These factors have increased the pricing pressure on barge freight. The Company cannot predict how long it will face drought conditions but expects to continue to tightly control expenses while maintaining the safety of our employees, its equipment, the environment and its customers’ cargoes. Navigational draft restrictions, reduced tow sizes and slower system speed will, for the duration of the current conditions, continue to reduce our volumes and boat efficiency and increase costs in the near term. Each one inch reduction in load draft represents the loss of 17 tons of cargo, extrapolating to a 25 barge tow that represents a 425 ton loss of efficiency and a 510 ton loss for a 30 barge tow. Current operating conditions on the Mississippi River below Cairo, Illinois have stabilized in recent weeks but are still not where we would ordinarily expect them for this time of year. In the St. Louis area, water levels remain challenging and could worsen as the Missouri River reservoir releases are restricted during the winter season. We expect that we will continue to deal with the effects of the drought at some level for some time until significant rains refill the watershed.

The Company expects to continue to focus on operating efficiencies, including maintain our network density and tight coordination of multiple freight movements to minimize non-revenue producing activities. The Company also continues to refine its previously announced capital expenditure plan in order to deploy new investment to opportunities with the highest anticipated returns. These reviews have resulted in a reduction of our previously anticipated capital spending by approximately $50 million through the sale of some of the dry hopper barges previously anticipated to be put into service by the Company. Additionally, the Company has sold a limited number of liquid tank barges. The Company expects to continue to make adjustments to its capital spending plans to position itself to best match the extent and timing of anticipated demand, while preserving liquidity in the interim.

In our manufacturing segment, Criton reported that in 2011 there was a net expansion in the dry cargo fleet. Given the age of many barges in the industries dry fleet; we expect a further reduction in the industry fleet of dry cargo barges over the next three to five years. This may lead to more consistent demand and stable pricing for barge building by our manufacturing segment, over the long term. However, the recent slowdown in dry cargo transportation demand has impacted immediate demand for new barge production. Based on current projections, we believe that available production capacity is sold out through the first quarter of 2013

The manufacturing segment’s external revenue backlog at the period end was $47.4 million, approximately $69.7 million lower than the September 30, 2011 backlog and approximately $53.8 million lower than the December 31, 2011 backlog.

Overall, we are monitoring market conditions closely and are maintaining a disciplined approach to our operations that will allow us to continue to realize and build upon the gains we achieved in operating efficiency in 2011 and through the first nine months of 2012.

 

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OPERATING RESULTS by BUSINESS SEGMENT

Quarter Ended September 30, 2012 as compared with September 30, 2011

COMMERCIAL BARGE LINE COMPANY OPERATING RESULTS by BUSINESS SEGMENT

(Dollars in thousands except where noted)

(Unaudited)

 

                       % of Consolidated
Revenue
 
     Quarter Ended September 30,     3rd Quarter  
     2012     2011     Variance     2012     2011  

REVENUE

          

Transportation and Services

   $ 156,588      $ 196,350      $ (39,762     93.8     84.8

Manufacturing (external and internal)

     47,182        56,907        (9,725     28.3     24.6

Intersegment manufacturing elimination

     (36,885     (21,821     (15,064     (22.1 %)      (9.4 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated Revenue

     166,885        231,436        (64,551     100.0     100.0

OPERATING EXPENSE

          

Transportation and Services

     149,314        184,325        (35,011    

Manufacturing (external and internal)

     10,471        35,385        (24,914    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated Operating Expense

     159,785        219,710        (59,925     95.7     94.9

OPERATING INCOME

          

Transportation and Services

     7,274        12,025        (4,751    

Manufacturing (external and internal)

     (174     (299     125       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated Operating Income

     7,100        11,726        (4,626     4.3     5.1

Interest Expense

     16,880        15,639        1,241       

Other Expense (Income)

     (180     (189     9       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

     (9,600     (3,724     (5,876    

Income Tax Benefit

     (3,554     (3,403     (151    

Discontinued Operations

     —          85        (85    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Net Loss

   $ (6,046   $ (236   $ (5,810    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Domestic Barges Operated (average of period beginning and end)

     1,969        2,395        (426    

Revenue per Barge Operated (Actual)

   $ 79,527      $ 81,983      $ (2,456    

Revenue. As a result of the impact of the persistent drought conditions on the transportation segment, consolidated revenue decreased by $64.6 million to $166.9 million, a 27.9% decrease compared with $231.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.

Transportation segment revenues were hardest hit by the drought resulting in a decrease of $39.8 million, or 20.3% to $156.6 million. Total affreightment volume measured in ton-miles decreased in the third quarter of 2012 to 6.2 billion compared to 8.3 billion in the same period of the prior year driven by declines of 36.6% in bulk affreightment ton-mile volume and a 32.6% decline in grain affreightment ton-mile volume largely attributable to the aforementioned tow size and draft restrictions resulting from the drought conditions.

For the third quarter ended September 30, 2012, non-affreightment revenues, compared to the same period of the prior year, decreased by $1.3 million, or 2.2%, primarily due to the $4.8 million in higher charter/day rate revenue being more than offset by lower dry towing and lower demurrage revenue in the current year quarter

 

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Overall transportation revenues decreased approximately 19.5% in the quarter ended September 30, 2012 on a fuel neutral basis compared to the same period of the prior year based on changes in volume and pricing. . The impact of the volume decreases noted above, was exacerbated by a decline in overall fuel-neutral rates per ton-mile of approximately 2.5% in the quarter compared to prior year. Our achieved grain pricing, across all river segments, was down 11.3% in the quarter compared to the same period of the prior year.

Average revenues per barge operated decreased 3.0% in the third quarter of 2012, compared to the same period of the prior year. The decrease in the quarter was driven by the decline in affreightment revenue, partially offset by an increase in non-affreightment charter and day rate revenue. The change in liquid charter and day rate revenue resulted from higher asset deployment into this trade, with 18 more liquid barges on average in this service in the current year quarter. The predominant lanes of service for this trade are less affected by the current drought conditions.

Manufacturing segment revenues decreased 71% to $10.3 million, as 18 barges were sold compared to 63 sold in the prior year quarter. This decline is attributable to a significant portion of the manufacturing segments capacity being allocated to produce barges for the transportation segment during the quarter.

Operating Expense. Consolidated operating expense decreased by $59.9 million, or 27.3%, to $159.8 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same quarter of 2011.

Transportation segment expenses were $35.0 million lower in the third quarter of 2012 than in the comparable quarter of 2011. The decrease in transportation segment operating expenses was attributable to an $11.4 million gain from the resolution of insurance contingencies surrounding a claim related to 2011 damage to one of our river terminals; $7.2 million lower fuel costs; $6.7 million lower boat and barge repairs related to both the boat repower program and lower repairs associated with the significant retirement of older barge assets; other reductions in operating costs related to lower production volume including fleeting, barge preparation and boat hire; and $1.7 million higher gains on disposition of barges and other assets.

Despite the decrease of $7.2 million in total fuel expense compared to the comparable quarter of 2011, fuel as a percent of segment revenues increased in the quarter by 1.3 points to 24.4% of segment revenues or $38.2 million. Fuel consumption decreased approximately 18.2% for the quarter compared to the same period of the prior year driven by lower volume and boat delays. The average net-of-hedge-impact price per gallon increased 2.9% to $3.18 per gallon in the quarter.

Manufacturing operating expenses decreased by $24.9 million due primarily to fewer external barges produced in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same quarter of the prior year.

Operating Income. Consolidated operating income decreased by $4.7 million to $7.1 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same quarter of 2011 primarily as a result of the declines in transportation segment revenues net of cost reductions attributable to the persistent drought conditions during the 2012 quarter which drove degradation of the operating ratio by 150 basis points in the quarter compared to the prior year. In total, based on operating metrics prior to the beginning of the drought, the estimated operating income impact of the current year drought has been estimated to be $24.2 million.

The manufacturing segment had operating losses of $0.2 and $0.3 million in the quarters ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively despite selling forty-five fewer total barges externally than in the third quarter of 2011. We were able to maintain flat operating loss mainly due to improved labor and materials efficiencies in the shipyard. Manufacturing had approximately five fewer weather-related lost production days in the third.

The drop in external sales was partially offset by an increase of eighteen barges manufactured for internal use as we continue to revitalize our fleet.

Interest Expense. Interest expense was essentially unchanged from the prior year quarter with lower average outstanding debt balances in the 2012 quarter offset by higher interest expense in the current year on obligations other than debt.

Income Tax Expense. The effective tax rates for the third quarters of 2012 and 2011 were 37.0% and 91.4%, respectively. Both rates represent the application of statutory rates to taxable income impacted by consistent levels of permanent book tax differences on differing expected full year income in 2012 compared to 2011. The effective tax rate in the three months ended September 30, 2011 was distorted by a discrete tax item of $1,877 resulting from a change in IRS Administrative Procedures related to transaction success fees.

Net Income (Loss). The net income was lower in the current year quarter due to the factors noted above.

 

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Nine months Ended September 30, 2012 as compared with Nine months Ended September 30, 2011

COMMERCIAL BARGE LINE COMPANY OPERATING RESULTS by BUSINESS SEGMENT

(Dollars in thousands except where noted)

(Unaudited)

 

                       % of Consolidated
Revenue
 
     Nine Months Ended September 30,     3rd Quarter  
     2012     2011     Variance     2012     2011  

REVENUE

          

Transportation and Services

   $ 513,057      $ 520,793      $ (7,736     85.0     85.6

Manufacturing (external and internal)

     153,233        121,488        31,745        25.4     20.0

Intersegment manufacturing elimination

     (62,597     (33,848     (28,749     (10.4 %)      (5.6 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated Revenue

     603,693        608,433        (4,740     100.0     100.0

OPERATING EXPENSE

          

Transportation and Services

     479,031        540,338        (61,307    

Manufacturing (external and internal)

     84,279        87,838        (3,559    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated Operating Expense

     563,310        628,176        (64,866     93.3     103.2

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

          

Transportation and Services

     34,026        (19,547     53,573       

Manufacturing (external and internal)

     6,357        (198     6,555       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated Operating Income (Loss)

     40,383        (19,745     60,128        6.7     (3.2 %) 

Interest Expense

     49,646        42,503        7,143       

Other Expense (Income)

     (483     (533     50       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

     (8,780     (61,715     52,935       

Income Tax Benefit

     (2,973     (24,055     21,082       

Discontinued Operations

     26        122        (96    
         —         
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Net Income (Loss)

   $ (5,781   $ (37,538   $ 31,757       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Domestic Barges Operated (average of period beginning and end)

     2,138        2,407        (269    

Revenue per Barge Operated (Actual)

   $ 239,971      $ 216,366      $ 23,605       

Revenue. Consolidated revenues were essentially flat in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, at $603.7 million compared with $608.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

As a result of the previously mentioned third quarter drought, transportation and services revenues decreased by $7.7 million, or 1.5% in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period of 2011. Total affreightment volume measured in ton-miles decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, to 21.7 billion compared to 22.8 billion in the same period of the prior year again as a result of the third quarter drought conditions.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, non-affreightment revenues, compared to the same period of the prior year, increased by $18.1 million, or 12.2%, primarily due to higher charter/day rate revenue, higher liquid towing revenue, higher liquid demurrage and higher fleet revenue for the first half of the year but offset by drought impact in third quarter.

 

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Revenues per average barge operated increased 10.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period of the prior year; although through the first half of the year we were up 25% over the prior year; the erosion in revenues per barge due primarily to the drought in the third quarter of 2012.

The increase in transportation segment revenues was achieved while operating a barge fleet that was 11.2% smaller on average than the prior year.

Manufacturing segment revenues increased 3.4% compared to the same period of the prior year to $90.6 million, with 162 total barges sold for the nine month period both current and prior year.

Operating Expense. Consolidated operating expense decreased by $64.4 million, or 10.3%, to $563.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period of 2011.

Transportation segment expenses were $61.3 million lower in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, than in the comparable period of 2011. The decrease in transportation segment operating expenses was attributable to $13.0 million lower boat and barge repairs related to both the boat repower program and lower repairs associated with the significant retirement of older barge assets, $10 .9 million reduction in fleeting, barge preparation, boat hire and claims; $6.0 million benefit of lower fuel pricing and improved fuel efficiency; $8.2 million additional net surplus from sale of barges and a $11.4 million gain from the resolution of insurance contingencies surrounding a claim related to 2011 flood damage to one of our river terminals. Additionally, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were decreased $9.9 million primarily due to reduction in restructuring and merger related expenses.

Manufacturing operating expenses were 4.1% lower at $84.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, after elimination of intersegment activity, due to improved labor and materials efficiencies in the shipyard while the same number of barges was produced for external sale.

Operating Income. Consolidated operating income increased by $60.1 million to $40.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to an operating loss of $19.7 million in the same period in 2011. Operating income in the transportation segment increased by $53.6 million over the same period of 2011 driven by higher revenues and the improved cost efficiencies and offset by drought impact in the third quarter, as discussed above.

Operating income in the manufacturing segment increased by $6.6 million driven by improved efficiency in labor and materials, higher production volume and favorable weather in the year nine months ended September 30, 2012 when compared to the prior year. Manufacturing had approximately twenty-four fewer weather-related lost production days in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same periods of the prior year which contributed to the increased productivity in the current year quarter.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $7.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period of the prior year. The increase resulted from a lower average outstanding debt balance in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, offset by higher interest expense in the current year on obligations other than debt.

Income Tax Expense. The effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were 33.9% and 39.0%, respectively. Both rates represent the application of statutory rates to taxable income impacted by consistent levels of permanent book tax differences on differing expected full year income in 2012 compared to 2011.

Net Income (Loss). The net income was higher in the current year quarter due to the reasons noted above.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Based on past performance and current expectations we believe that cash generated from operations and the liquidity available under our capital structure, described below, will satisfy the working capital needs, capital expenditures and other liquidity requirements associated with our operations in 2012.

Our funding requirements include capital expenditures, boat and barge fleet maintenance, interest payments and other working capital requirements. Our primary sources of liquidity at September 30, 2012, were draws from Credit Facility, cash generated from operations and proceeds from barge scrapping. Other potential sources of liquidity include proceeds from sale leaseback transactions and the sale of non-core, obsolete and surplus assets. We currently expect that our net 2012 capital expenditures may exceed $200 million, which we currently expect to fund with draws under our Credit Facility and proceeds from boat sales and barge scrapping. For information regarding capital expenditures and proceeds of boat and barge sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, see “Net Cash, Capital Expenditures and Cash Flow” below.

Our cash operating costs consist primarily of purchased services, materials and repairs, fuel, labor and fringe benefits and taxes (collectively presented as Cost of Sales on the consolidated statements of operations) and selling, general and administrative costs.

Concurrently with the Acquisition, on December 21, 2010, ACL I , ACL LLC, ACLTS and Jeffboat (the “Borrowers”), and ACL and certain subsidiaries as guarantors, entered into a credit agreement (“credit agreement”), consisting of a senior secured asset-based credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $475.0 million with a final maturity date of December 21, 2015 (“Credit Facility”). The proceeds

 

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of the Credit Facility are available for use for working capital and general corporate purposes, including certain amounts payable by ACL in connection with the Acquisition. Availability under the Credit Facility is capped at a borrowing base, calculated based on certain percentages of the value of the Borrower’s vessels, inventory and receivables and subject to certain blocks and reserves, all as further set forth in the Credit Agreement. We are currently prohibited from incurring more than $390.0 million of indebtedness under the Credit Facility regardless of the size of the borrowing base until (a) all of the obligations (other than unasserted contingent obligations) under the indenture governing the 2017 Notes (defined below) are repaid, defeased, discharged or otherwise satisfied or (b) the indenture governing the 2017 Notes is replaced or amended or otherwise modified in a manner such that such additional borrowings would be permitted. At the Borrower’s option, the Credit Facility may be increased by $75.0 million, subject to certain requirements set forth in the Credit Agreement. The Credit Facility is secured by, among other things, a lien on substantially all of borrows’ tangible and intangible personal property (including but not limited to vessels, accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, general intangibles, investment property, deposit and securities accounts, certain owned real property and intellectual property), a pledge of the capital stock of each of ACL’s wholly owned restricted domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions and thresholds.

For any period that availability is less than a certain defined level set forth in the Credit Agreement (currently $48.8 million until the $390.0 million borrowing cap is further expanded) and until such level is exceeded for a consecutive 30-day period, the Credit Agreement imposes several financial covenants on the Borrowers, including (a) a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of at least 1.1 to 1; and (b) a maximum first lien leverage ratio of 4.25 to 1.0. In addition, the Borrowers have agreed to maintain all cash (subject to certain exceptions) in deposit or security accounts with financial institutions that have agreed to control agreements whereby the lead bank, as agent for the lenders, has been granted control under specific circumstances. The Credit Agreement requires that the Borrowers comply with covenants relating to customary matters (in addition to those financial covenants described above), including with respect to incurring indebtedness and liens, using the proceeds received under the Credit Facility, effecting transactions with affiliates, making investments and acquisitions, effecting mergers and asset sales, prepaying indebtedness and paying dividends.

Our Indebtedness

At September 30, 2012, we had total long term indebtedness of $736.4 million, including $200 million related to the 2017 Notes, including $25.0 million in unamortized premium recorded at the Acquisition-date to recognize their fair value, $219.0 million drawn on our credit facility, and $295.4 related to the PIK Notes less the unamortized discount of $3.0 million as of September 30, 2012. At this level of debt, we had $169.7 million in remaining availability under our Credit Facility. The Credit Facility has no maintenance financial covenants unless borrowing availability is generally less than $48.8 million. At September 30, 2012, debt levels were $120.9 million above this threshold.

On February 15, 2011, ACL I completed a private placement of $250,000 in aggregate principal amount of 10.625%/11.375% Senior Payment in Kind (“PIK”) Toggle Notes due 2016 (the “PIK Notes”). Interest on the PIK Notes will accrue at a rate of 10.625% with respect to interest paid in cash and a rate of 11.375% with respect to interest paid by issuing additional PIK Notes. Selection of the interest payment method is solely a decision of ACL I. At the first interest payment date ACL I elected PIK interest, increasing the amount of PIK Notes outstanding by $14,219 to $264,219. On the second payment date ACL I also elected PIK interest which increased the PIK Notes by $15,027 to $279,246. On the third payment date ACL I again elected PIK interest which increased the PIK Notes by $16,161 to $295,407. The net of original issue discount proceeds of the PIK Notes offering were used primarily to pay a special dividend to ACL I’s stockholder to redeem equity advanced in connection with the acquisition of the Company by an affiliate of Platinum Equity, LLC and to pay certain costs and expenses related to the PIK Notes offering. The PIK Notes were registered effective May 10, 2012 and the exchange offer was completed on September11, 2012. The PIK Notes are unsecured and are not guaranteed by ACL I’s subsidiaries.

On July 7, 2009, ACL I issued $200 million aggregate principal amount of 12.5% senior secured second lien notes due July 15, 2017 (the “2017 Notes”). The issue price was 95.181% of the principal amount of the 2017 Notes. The original issue discount on the 2017 Notes was revised in purchase price accounting for the Acquisition to reflect a premium of $35 million, reflecting the fair market value of the 2017 Notes on the Acquisition date. The 2017 Notes are guaranteed by ACL and by certain of ACL I’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries.

Additionally, we are allowed to sell certain assets and consummate sale leaseback transactions on other assets to enhance our liquidity position. For a discussion of the interest rate under our credit facility, see Note 2 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I of this report.

With the remaining 3.2 year term on the Credit Facility, 3.3 year remaining term on the PIK notes and remaining 4.7 year term on the 2017 Notes, we believe that we have an appropriate longer term, lower cost and flexible capital structure that will provide adequate liquidity and allow us to focus on executing our tactical and strategic plans through the various economic cycles.

Net Cash, Capital Expenditures and Cash Flow

In the nine months ended September 30, 2012, net cash provided by operations was $55.4 million compared to cash flow used in operations of $6.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The change in cash provided by/used in operations is primarily attributable to improved operating results in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the prior year. The use of cash for

 

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working capital changes in the first nine months of 2012 was $8.6 million. The use of cash for working capital in the first nine months of 2011 was $11.2 million related primarily to the advance purchase of steel inventories in the manufacturing segment to lock in steel prices for builds early in that year.

Cash used in investing activities increased $71.7 million in the first nine months of 2012 to $117.0 million, with total property additions and other investing activities increasing to $166.2 million in 2012 from $48.7 million in the same period in 2011 and higher proceeds from surplus boat dispositions of $12.1 million in the first quarter of 2012 and higher cash provided by barge scrapping operations of $33.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The capital expenditures in the first nine months of both 2012 and 2011 included new barge construction, capital repairs and investments in our facilities. During the first nine months of 2012 we also began a major initiative to repower and upgrade certain of our boat assets resulting in a higher level of investment in 2012.

Net cash provided by financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $63.3 million, compared to $50.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 of $64.9 and $57.0 million, respectively related to borrowings on the Credit Facility, a net increase in the level of bank overdrafts on our zero balance accounts, representing checks disbursed but not yet presented for payment and dividends paid decrease of $240.3 million. The 2011 dividend was funded by notes issued of $245.6 million.

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Periodically the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issues additional Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”). ASUs considered having a potential impact on ACL I where the impact is not yet determined are discussed as follows.

ASU Number 2011-5 was issued in September 2011, amending Topic 220—Comprehensive Income. The ASU modifies alternative presentation standards, eliminating the option for disclosure of the elements of other comprehensive income within the statement of stockholder’s equity. Adoption of this ASU by the Company changed our previous presentation, but will not impact the components of other comprehensive income.

ASU Number 2011-12 subsequently modified the effective date of certain provisions of ASU 2011-5 concerning whether it is necessary to require entities to present reclassification adjustments by component in both the statement where net income is presented and the statement where other comprehensive income is presented for both interim and annual financial statements, reverting to earlier guidance until the Board completes its deliberations on the requested changes. The ASU, as modified, is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2011.

ASU Number 2011-8 was issued in September 2011, amending Topic 350 Intangibles—Goodwill and Other. The ASU allows entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, whereas previous guidance required as the first step in an at least annual evaluation a computation of the fair value of a reporting entity. The Company has not yet determined if it will use the qualitative assessment in 2012. The ASU is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2011.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Some of the significant estimates underlying these financial statements include amounts recorded as reserves for doubtful accounts, probable loss estimates regarding long-term construction contracts, reserves for obsolete and slow moving inventories, pension and post-retirement liabilities, incurred but not reported medical claims, insurance claims and related insurance and third-party receivables, deferred tax liabilities, assets held for sale, revenues and expenses on special vessels using the percentage-of-completion method, environmental liabilities, valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets, expected forfeitures of share-based compensation, liabilities for unbilled barge and boat maintenance, liabilities for unbilled harbor and towing services, recoverability of acquisition goodwill and depreciable lives of long-lived assets.

No significant changes have occurred to these policies, which are more fully described in the Company’s filing on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Operating results for the interim periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012. Our quarterly revenues and profits historically have been lower during the first six months of the year and higher in the last six months of the year due primarily to the timing of the North American grain harvest.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. As such, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet at that date. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

 

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QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as fuel prices and interest rates, and changes in the market value of financial instruments. We are exposed to various market risks, including those which are inherent in our financial instruments or which arise from transactions entered into in the course of business. A discussion of our primary market risk exposures is presented below. The Company neither holds nor issues financial instruments for trading purposes.

Fuel Price Risk

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, fuel expenses for fuel purchased directly and used by our boats represented 23.6% of our transportation revenues. Each one cent per gallon rise in fuel price increases our annual operating expense by approximately $0.6 million. We partially mitigate our direct fuel price risk through contract adjustment clauses in our term contracts. Contract adjustments are deferred either one quarter or one month, depending primarily on the age of the term contract. We have been increasing the frequency of contract adjustments to monthly as contracts renew to further limit our timing exposure. Additionally, fuel costs are only one element of the potential movement in spot market pricing, which generally respond only to long-term changes in fuel pricing. All of our grain movements, which comprised 16.1% of our total transportation segment revenues in the first nine months of 2012, are priced in the spot market. Spot grain contracts are normally priced at, or near, the quoted tariff rates in effect for the river segment of the move at the time they are contracted, which ranges from immediately prior to the transportation services to 90 days or more in advance. We generally manage our risk related to spot rates by contracting for business over a period of time and holding back some capacity to leverage the higher spot rates in periods of high demand. Despite these measures fuel price risk impacts us for the period of time from the date of the price increase until the date of the contract adjustment (either one month or one quarter), making us most vulnerable in periods of rapidly rising prices. We also believe that fuel is a significant element of the economic model of our vendors on the river, with increases passed through to us in the form of higher costs for external shifting and towing. From time to time we have utilized derivative instruments to manage volatility in addition to our contracted rate adjustment clauses. Since 2008 we have entered into fuel price swaps with commercial banks for a portion of our expected fuel usage. These derivative instruments have been designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges, and to the extent of their effectiveness, changes in fair value of the hedged instrument will be accounted for through Other Comprehensive Income until the fuel hedged is used, at which time the gain or loss on the hedge instruments will be recorded as fuel expense. At September 30, 2012, a net asset of approximately $0.5 million has been recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheet and the gain on the hedge instrument recorded in Other Comprehensive Income, net of negligible hedge ineffectiveness recorded as a reduction of fuel expense. Ultimate gains or losses will not be determinable until the fuel swaps are settled. Realized gains from our hedging program were $1.4 million and $8.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We believe that the hedge program can decrease the volatility of our results and protects us against fuel costs greater than our swap price. Further information regarding our hedging program is contained in Note 8 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I of this report. We may increase the quantity hedged based upon active monitoring of fuel pricing outlooks by the management team.

Interest Rate and Other Risks

At September 30, 2012, we had $219.0 million of floating rate debt outstanding, which represented the outstanding balance of the Credit Facility. If interest rates on our floating rate debt increase significantly, our cash flows could be reduced, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Each 100 basis point increase in interest rates, at our existing debt level, would increase our cash interest expense by approximately $2.2 million annually. This amount would be mitigated, in part, by the tax deductibility of the increased interest payments.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risks

The Company currently has no direct exposure to foreign currency exchange risk although exchange rates do impact the volume of goods imported and exported that are transported by barge.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk are incorporated herein by reference from Item 2.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported accurately within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) rules and forms. As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b)). Based upon this evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods

 

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specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. The conclusions of the CEO and CFO from this evaluation were communicated to the Audit Committee. We intend to continue to review and document our disclosure controls and procedures, including our internal controls and procedures for financial reporting, and may from time to time make changes aimed at enhancing their effectiveness and to ensure that our systems evolve with our business.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The nature of our business exposes us to the potential for legal proceedings, including those relating to labor and employment, personal injury, property damage and environmental matters. Although the ultimate outcome of any legal matter cannot be predicted with certainty, based on present information, including our assessment of the merits of each particular claim, as well as our current reserves and insurance coverage, we do not expect that any known legal proceeding will in the foreseeable future have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or the results of our operations. See Note 9 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I of this report, which is incorporated herein by reference, for additional detail regarding ongoing legal proceedings.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The Company continues to be subject to the risk factors previously disclosed in “Risk Factors” in the Company’s filing on Form S-4 Registration Statement filed on May 8, 2012.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

31.1*    Certification by Mark K. Knoy, Chief Executive Officer, required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
31.2*    Certification by David J. Huls, Chief Financial Officer, required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
32.1*    Certification by Mark K. Knoy, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32.2*    Certification by David J. Huls, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document*
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document*

 

* Filed herein

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

ACL I CORPORATION
By:   /s/ MARK K. KNOY
  Mark K. Knoy
  President and Chief Executive Officer
By:   /s/ DAVID J. HULS
  David J. Huls
  Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial Officer)

Date: November 8, 2012

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

31.1*    Certification by Mark K. Knoy, Chief Executive Officer, required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
31.2*    Certification by David J. Huls, Chief Financial Officer, required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
32.1*    Certification by Mark K. Knoy, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32.2*    Certification by David J. Huls, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document*
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document*

 

* Filed herein

 

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