Kraton Corp - FORM 10-Q - April 26, 2018

Attached files

file	filename
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - Kraton Corp	kraexhibit321q12018.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - Kraton Corp	kraexhibit312q12018.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - Kraton Corp	kraexhibit311q12018.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q



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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018



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

Commission File Number 001-34581

Kraton Corporation

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)



Delaware	20-0411521
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

15710 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Suite 300 Houston, TX 77032	281-504-4700
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)	(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 ý No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, 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 ý No ¨

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



Large accelerated filer:	ý	Accelerated filer:	¨
Non-accelerated filer:	¨	Smaller reporting company:	¨
		Emerging growth company:	o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

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

Number of shares of Kraton Corporation Common Stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding as of April 24, 2018: 31,900,753.

Index to Quarterly Report

on Form 10-Q for

Quarter Ended March 31, 2018



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION		Page

	Report of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	4

Item 1	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	5

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017	5

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017	6

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017	7

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017	8

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017	9

	Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	11

Item 2	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	28

Item 3	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	42

Item 4	Controls and Procedures	42

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1	Legal Proceedings	43

Item 1A	Risk Factors	43

Item 2	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	43

Item 3	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	43

Item 4	Mine Safety Disclosures	43

Item 5	Other Information	43
Item 6	Exhibits	44

	Signatures	45

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Some of the statements and information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in our reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by our officers, directors, or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often characterized by the use of words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “may,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “forsees,” “future,” or by discussions of strategy, plans, or intentions; anticipated benefits of or performance of our products; beliefs regarding opportunities for new, differentiated applications, and other innovations; beliefs regarding strengthening relationships with customers; adequacy of cash flows to fund our working capital requirements; our investment in the joint venture with Formosa Petrochemical Corporation (“FPCC”); our expectations regarding indebtedness to be incurred by our joint venture with FPCC; debt payments, interest payments, benefit plan contributions, and income tax obligations; our anticipated capital expenditures, health, safety, environmental, and security and infrastructure and maintenance projects, projects to optimize the production capabilities of our manufacturing assets and to support our innovation platform; our ability to fully access our senior secured credit facilities; expectations regarding future dividend payments; expectations regarding our counterparties’ ability to perform, including with respect to trade receivables; estimates regarding tax expense of repatriating certain cash and short-term investments related to foreign operations; expectations regarding differentiated applications; our ability to realize certain deferred tax assets and our beliefs with respect to tax positions; expectations regarding our full year effective tax rate; estimates related to the useful lives of certain assets for tax purposes; expectations regarding our pension contributions; estimates or expectations related to raw material costs or availability, ending inventory levels and related estimated charges; the outcome and financial impact of legal proceedings; expectations regarding the spread between FIFO and ECRC (each as defined herein) in future periods; the estimates and matters described in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Results of Operations—Outlook;” and projections regarding environmental costs and capital expenditures and related operational savings.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or our achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from historical results, any future results, or performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this report. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed as forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

The factors set forth in this report, in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, including but not limited to “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” therein, and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

There may be other factors of which we are currently unaware or deem immaterial that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. In addition, to the extent any inconsistency or conflict exists between the information included in this report and the information included in our prior reports and other filings with the SEC, the information contained in this report updates and supersedes such information.

Forward-looking statements are based on current plans, estimates, assumptions and projections, and, therefore, you should not place undue reliance on them. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events.

Presentation of Financial Statements

The terms “Kraton,” “our company,” “we,” “our,” “ours” and “us” as used in this report refer collectively to Kraton Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes financial statements and related notes that present the condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, and cash flows of Kraton. Kraton Corporation is a holding company whose only material asset is its investment in its wholly owned subsidiary, Kraton Polymers LLC. Kraton Polymers LLC and its subsidiaries own all of our consolidated operating assets.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors

Kraton Corporation:

Results of Review of Interim Financial Information

We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheet of Kraton Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2018, the related condensed consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated interim financial information). Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated interim financial information for it to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2017, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 21, 2018, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

Basis for Review Results

This consolidated interim financial information is the responsibility of the Company's management. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Houston, Texas

April 26, 2018

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1.	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

KRATON CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except par value)



	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
	(unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	64,853		$	89,052
Receivables, net of allowances of $947 and $824	243,061			196,683
Inventories of products, net	369,273			367,796
Inventories of materials and supplies, net	27,302			25,643
Prepaid expenses	10,793			13,963
Other current assets	30,004			36,615
Total current assets	745,286			729,752
Property, plant, and equipment, less accumulated depreciation of $551,262 and $526,759	959,754			958,723
Goodwill	775,464			774,319
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $210,340 and $197,318	396,142			406,863
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	12,419			12,380
Debt issuance costs	2,048			2,340
Deferred income taxes	8,251			8,462
Other long-term assets	40,677			39,688
Total assets	$	2,940,041		$	2,932,527
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	$	44,890		$	42,647
Accounts payable-trade	163,202			169,265
Other payables and accruals	102,170			119,624
Due to related party	22,706			19,176
Total current liabilities	332,968			350,712
Long-term debt, net of current portion	1,573,319			1,574,881
Deferred income taxes	148,906			148,148
Other long-term liabilities	192,700			192,267
Total liabilities	2,247,893			2,266,008
Commitments and contingencies (note 10)
Equity:
Kraton stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued	—			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized; 31,887 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018; 31,605 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017	319			316
Additional paid in capital	379,203			377,957
Retained earnings	375,848			356,503
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(93,782		)	(98,295		)
Total Kraton stockholders' equity	661,588			636,481
Noncontrolling interest	30,560			30,038
Total equity	692,148			666,519
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,940,041		$	2,932,527

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

KRATON CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Revenue	$	502,392		$	458,125
Cost of goods sold	355,341			314,200
Gross profit	147,051			143,925
Operating expenses:
Research and development	10,797			10,237
Selling, general, and administrative	38,723			40,414
Depreciation and amortization	35,376			33,143
Operating income	62,155			60,131
Other expense	(1,113		)	(808		)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(7,591		)	(19,738		)
Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture	137			127
Interest expense, net	(29,276		)	(34,305		)
Income before income taxes	24,312			5,407
Income tax expense	(2,251		)	(1,218		)
Consolidated net income	22,061			4,189
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	11			2,224
Net income attributable to Kraton	$	22,072		$	6,413
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	0.69		$	0.21
Diluted	$	0.68		$	0.20
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	31,241			30,430
Diluted	31,851			30,851

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

KRATON CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)



	Three months ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Net income attributable to Kraton	$	22,072		$	6,413
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0	3,619			12,135
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax expense of $279 and $450, respectively	3,481			843
Reclassification of gain on cash flow hedge	(2,587		)	(41		)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	4,513			12,937
Comprehensive income attributable to Kraton	26,585			19,350
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	522			(338		)
Consolidated comprehensive income	$	27,107		$	19,012

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

KRATON CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)



	Common Stock			Additional Paid in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Total Kraton Stockholders' Equity			Noncontrolling Interest			Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	310		$	361,682		$	254,439		$	(158,530	)	$	457,901		$	32,336		$	490,237
Net income (loss)	—			—			6,413			—			6,413			(2,224		)	4,189
Other comprehensive income	—			—			—			12,937			12,937			1,886			14,823
Retired treasury stock from employee tax withholdings	(1		)	(1,510		)	—			—			(1,511		)	—			(1,511		)
Exercise of stock options	—			1,051			—			—			1,051			—			1,051
Non-cash compensation related to equity awards	3			2,971			—			—			2,974			—			2,974
Balance at March 31, 2017	$	312		$	364,194		$	260,852		$	(145,593	)	$	479,765		$	31,998		$	511,763

Balance at December 31, 2017	$	316		$	377,957		$	356,503		$	(98,295	)	$	636,481		$	30,038		$	666,519
Net income (loss)	—			—			22,072			—			22,072			(11		)	22,061
Other comprehensive income	—			—			—			4,513			4,513			533			5,046
Retired treasury stock from employee tax withholdings	(1		)	(3,020		)	(2,727		)	—			(5,748		)	—			(5,748		)
Exercise of stock options	1			1,367			—			—			1,368			—			1,368
Non-cash compensation related to equity awards	3			2,899			—			—			2,902			—			2,902
Balance at March 31, 2018	$	319		$	379,203		$	375,848		$	(93,782	)	$	661,588		$	30,560		$	692,148

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

KRATON CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Consolidated net income	$	22,061		$	4,189
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	35,376			33,143
Amortization of debt original issue discount	1,090			2,093
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,945			2,381
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment	27			(29		)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	7,591			19,738
Earnings from unconsolidated joint venture, net of dividends received	408			309
Deferred income tax benefit	(91		)	(1,177		)
Share-based compensation	2,902			2,974
Decrease (increase) in:
Accounts receivable	(43,428		)	(13,188		)
Inventories of products, materials, and supplies	1,932			(56,818		)
Other assets	10,813			(1,584		)
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable-trade	(1,684		)	20,262
Other payables and accruals	(19,235		)	(14,122		)
Other long-term liabilities	(1,958		)	(157		)
Due to related party	2,403			5,427
Net cash provided by operating activities	20,152			3,441
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Kraton purchase of property, plant, and equipment	(23,373		)	(27,279		)
KFPC purchase of property, plant, and equipment	(201		)	(5,558		)
Purchase of software and other intangibles	(437		)	(1,514		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(24,011		)	(34,351		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from debt	211,614			415,000
Repayments of debt	(212,000		)	(407,000		)
KFPC proceeds from debt	10,197			13,244
KFPC repayments of debt	(25,337		)	—
Capital lease payments	(258		)	(237		)
Purchase of treasury stock	(5,748		)	(1,511		)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	1,368			1,051
Settlement of interest rate swap	2,587			—
Debt issuance costs	(3,110		)	(9,318		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(20,687		)	11,229
Effect of exchange rate differences on cash	347			1,998
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(24,199		)	(17,683		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	89,052			121,749
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	64,853		$	104,066

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Supplemental disclosures:
Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net of refunds received	$	719	$	6,523
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of capitalized interest	$	21,332	$	17,741
Capitalized interest	$	712	$	1,215
Supplemental non-cash disclosures:
Property, plant, and equipment accruals	$	13,351	$	23,796

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

KRATON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. General

Description of our Business. We are a leading global specialty chemicals company that manufactures styrenic block copolymers (“SBCs”), specialty polymers, and high-value performance products primarily derived from pine wood pulping co-products.

SBCs are highly-engineered synthetic elastomers, which we originally invented and commercialized. Our SBCs enhance the performance of numerous products by imparting greater flexibility, resilience, strength, durability, and processability, and are used in a wide range of applications, including adhesives, coatings, consumer and personal care products, sealants, lubricants, medical, packaging, automotive, and paving and roofing products. We manufacture and sell isoprene rubber and isoprene rubber latex, which are non-SBC products primarily used in applications such as medical products, personal care, adhesives, tackifiers, paints, and coatings.

We refine and further upgrade crude tall oil and crude sulfate turpentine, into value-added specialty chemicals. These pine-based specialty products are sold into adhesive, road and construction, and tire markets, and we produce and sell a broad range of performance chemicals (which we formerly referred to as chemical intermediates) into markets that include fuel additives, oilfield chemicals, coatings, metalworking fluids and lubricants, inks, flavors and fragrances, and mining.

Basis of Presentation. The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements presented in this report are for us and our consolidated subsidiaries, each of which is a wholly-owned subsidiary, except our 50% investment in our joint venture, Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation (“KFPC”), located in Mailiao, Taiwan. KFPC is a variable interest entity for which we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary and, therefore, have consolidated into our financial statements. Our 50% investment in our joint venture located in Kashima, Japan, is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 and reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly our results of operations and financial position. Amounts reported in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations are not necessarily indicative of amounts expected for the respective annual periods or any other interim period, in particular due to the effect of seasonal changes and weather conditions that typically affect our sales into paving, roadmarking, roofing, and construction applications. In particular, sales volumes into these applications are generally higher in the second and third quarter of the calendar year as warm and dry weather is more conducive to paving and roofing activity.

Reclassifications. Certain amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements for the prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current reporting presentation.

Significant Accounting Policies. Our significant accounting policies have been disclosed in Note 1 Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Significant Accounting Policies in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Except for the changes below, the Company has consistently applied the accounting policies presented in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition. The Company adopted Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers with a date of initial adoption of January 1, 2018. As a result, the Company has changed its accounting policy for revenue recognition and applied Topic 606 using the modified retrospective basis. Typically, this approach would result in recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying Topic 606 as an adjustment to the opening balance of equity at January 1, 2018. The company did not have a material change in financial position, results of operations, or cash flows and therefore there is no cumulative impact recorded to opening equity.

There have been no other changes to the accounting policies, which are disclosed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements we present in this report have been prepared in accordance with our policies.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include:


•	the useful lives of long-lived assets;


•	estimates of fair value for assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations;


•	allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns;


•	the valuation of derivatives, deferred tax assets, property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, inventory, investments, and share-based compensation; and


•	liabilities for employee benefit obligations, environmental matters, asset retirement obligations, income tax uncertainties, and other contingencies.

Income Tax in Interim Periods. We conduct operations in separate legal entities in different jurisdictions. As a result, income tax amounts are reflected in these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for each of those jurisdictions. Tax laws and tax rates vary substantially in these jurisdictions and are subject to change based on the political and economic climate in those countries. We file our tax returns in accordance with our interpretations of each jurisdiction’s tax laws. We record our tax provision or benefit on an interim basis using the estimated annual effective tax rate. This rate is applied to the current period ordinary income or loss to determine the income tax provision or benefit allocated to the interim period.

Losses from jurisdictions for which no benefit can be realized and the income tax effects of unusual and infrequent items are excluded from the estimated annual effective tax rate. Valuation allowances are provided against the future tax benefits that arise from the losses in jurisdictions for which there is uncertainty that they may be realized. The effects of unusual and infrequent items are recognized in the impacted interim period as discrete items.

The estimated annual effective tax rate may be significantly affected by nondeductible expenses and by our projected earnings mix by tax jurisdiction. Adjustments to the estimated annual effective income tax rate are recognized in the period during which such estimates are revised.

We have established valuation allowances against a variety of deferred tax assets, including net operating loss carryforwards, foreign tax credits and other income tax credits. Valuation allowances take into consideration our expected ability to realize these deferred tax assets and reduce the value of such assets to the amount that is deemed more likely than not to be recoverable. Our ability to realize these deferred tax assets is dependent on achieving our forecast of future taxable operating income over an extended period of time. We review our forecast in relation to actual results and expected trends on a quarterly basis. If we fail to achieve our operating income targets, we may change our assessment regarding the recoverability of our net deferred tax assets and such change could result in a valuation allowance being recorded against some or all of our net deferred tax assets. A change in our valuation allowance would impact our income tax benefit (expense) and our stockholders’ equity and could have a significant impact on our results of operations or financial condition in future periods.

2. New Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Adopted in the Current Period

We have implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that management believes would materially affect our financial statements.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, updated by ASU No. 2015-14 Deferral of the Effective Date, which provides a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most current revenue recognition guidance. In August 2015, the effective date for the standard was deferred by one year and the standard is now effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted based on the original effective date. Our revenue is primarily generated from the sale of finished product to customers. Those sales predominantly contain a single delivery element and revenue is recognized at a single point in time, when ownership and risk of loss transfers. These are largely un-impacted by the new standard. We completed our analysis during 2017 and there is no material change to our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. We adopted ASU No. 2014-09 and its amendment on a modified retrospective basis effective January 1, 2018. Although there is no material impact, we have expanded disclosures in our notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements related to revenue recognition under the new standard. We have implemented changes to our accounting policies and practices, business processes, systems, and controls to support the new revenue recognition and disclosure requirements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230). The ASU addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. Our analysis of ASU 2016-15 was completed during 2017 and there is no material change to our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. We adopted ASU 2016-15 effective January 1, 2018.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715)-Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Post-retirement Benefit Cost. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a year for which financial statements (interim and annual) have not been issued. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component. Our service costs

were $1.7 million and $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We adopted ASU 2017-07 effective January 1, 2018 and net periodic benefit costs other than the service cost component have been included in Other expense on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for all reported periods.

New Accounting Standards to be Adopted in Future Periods

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This standard requires that an entity must recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of twelve months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and liabilities. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. We are still analyzing the quantitative impact of adoption; therefore, the effects of this standard on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows are not yet known. As we complete our overall assessment, we are identifying and preparing to implement changes to our accounting policies and practices, business processes, systems and controls to support the new standard and disclosure requirements. Our assessment will be completed during fiscal year 2018 and we expect to adopt the ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This standard is effective for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. Our evaluation of this standard is currently ongoing.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted for any interim period after issuance of the ASU. Our evaluation of this standard is currently ongoing and we expect to adopt ASU 2017-12 effective on January 1, 2019.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for any interim period after issuance of the ASU. Our evaluation of this standard is currently ongoing and we expect to adopt ASU 2018-02 effective on January 1, 2019.

3. Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied; generally this occurs at a point in time when the transfer of risk and title to the product transfers to the customer. Our standard terms of delivery are included in our contracts of sale, order confirmation documents, and invoices. As such, all revenue is considered revenue recognized from contracts with customers and we do not have other sources of revenue. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Revenue is recognized net of sales tax, value-added taxes, and other taxes. Shipping and other transportation costs charged to customers are recorded in both revenue and cost of goods sold. We do not have any material significant payment terms as payment is received at or shortly after the point of sale. Certain customers may receive cash-based incentives (including: rebates, price supports, and sales commission), which are accounted for as variable consideration. We estimate rebates and price supports based on the expected amount to be provided to customers and reduce revenues recognized once the performance obligation has been met. Sales commissions are recorded as an increase in cost of goods sold once the performance obligation has been met. We do not expect to have significant changes in our estimates for variable considerations.

We have deferred revenue of $16.0 million related to contractual commitments with customers that the performance obligation will be satisfied over time, which will range from one to ten years. The revenue associated with these performance obligations is recognized as the obligation is satisfied, which occurs as a volume based metric over time when the transfer of risk and title of finished products transfer to the customer.

Occasionally, we enter into bill-and-hold contracts, where we invoice the customer for products even though we retain possession of the products until a point in time in the future when the products will be shipped to the customer. In these contracts, the primary performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time when the product is segregated from our general inventory, it's ready for shipment to customer, and we do not have the ability to use the product or direct it to another customer. Additionally, we have a secondary performance obligation related to custodial costs, including storage and freight, which is satisfied over time once the product has been delivered to the customer. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recognized $3.8 million of revenue related to these arrangements and $0.4 million of custodial costs have been accrued and will be recognized as revenue once the remaining performance obligation is met.

We disaggregate our revenue by segment product lines, which is how we market our products and review results of operations. The following tables disaggregate our segment revenue by major product lines:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Polymer Product Line Revenue	(In thousands)
Performance Products	$	145,730		$	141,718
Specialty Polymers	104,018			90,920
Cariflex	39,525			38,048
Other	(202		)	262
	$	289,071		$	270,948

Effective January 1, 2018, results for our Roads and Constructions target market have been consolidated into our Adhesives and Performance Chemicals product lines to better align customer portfolio and end usage. We have adjusted the three months ended March 31, 2017 to conform to with the 2018 presentation.



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Chemical Product Line Revenue	(In thousands)
Adhesives	$	73,148	$	73,879
Performance Chemicals	122,941		101,579
Tires	17,232		11,719
	$	213,321	$	187,177



	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Contract receivables⁽¹⁾	$	240,582	$	196,951
Contract liabilities⁽²⁾	$	16,010	$	16,257

____________________________________________________


(1)	Contract receivables are recorded within receivables, net of allowances on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.


(2)	Our contract liability decreased by $0.6 million, as a result of meeting the performance obligation, which was recognized in our Specialty Polymers product line revenue, and decreased approximately $0.4 million due to the change in currency exchange rates.

4. Share-Based Compensation

We account for share-based awards under the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. Accordingly, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and we expense these costs using the straight-line method over the requisite service period. Share-based compensation expense was $2.9 million and $3.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

5. Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts



	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
	(In thousands)
Inventories of products:
Finished products	$	270,025		$	270,562
Work in progress	6,728			6,925
Raw materials	103,353			100,594
Inventories of products, gross	380,106			378,081
Inventory reserves	(10,833		)	(10,285		)
Total inventories of products, net	$	369,273		$	367,796
Intangible assets:
Contractual agreements	$	265,589		$	264,581
Technology	146,836			146,449
Customer relationships	60,643			60,547
Tradenames/trademarks	80,414			80,138
Software	53,000			52,466
Intangible assets	606,482			604,181
Less accumulated amortization:
Contractual agreements	50,128			44,435
Technology	55,411			53,086
Customer relationships	34,778			33,871
Tradenames/trademarks	37,600			35,770
Software	32,423			30,156
Total accumulated amortization	210,340			197,318
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	$	396,142		$	406,863
Other payables and accruals:
Employee related	$	25,714		$	41,250
Interest payable	28,353			23,615
Property, plant, and equipment accruals	10,044			10,404
Other	38,059			44,355
Total other payables and accruals	$	102,170		$	119,624
Other long-term liabilities:
Pension and other post-retirement benefits	$	145,876		$	147,209
Other	46,824			45,058
Total other long-term liabilities	$	192,700		$	192,267

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component were as follows:



	Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation			Net Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Hedges			Net Unrealized Loss on Net Investment Hedges			Benefit Plans Liability, Net of Tax			Total
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2016	$	(72,731	)	$	515		$	(1,926	)	$	(84,388	)	$	(158,530	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	12,135			843			—			—			12,978
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			(41		)	—			—			(41		)
Net other comprehensive income for the year	12,135			802			—			—			12,937
March 31, 2017	$	(60,596	)	$	1,317		$	(1,926	)	$	(84,388	)	$	(145,593	)

December 31, 2017	$	(9,654	)	$	4,550		$	(1,926	)	$	(91,265	)	$	(98,295	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	3,619			3,481			—			—			7,100
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			(2,587		)	—			—			(2,587		)
Net other comprehensive income for the year	3,619			894			—			—			4,513
March 31, 2018	$	(6,035	)	$	5,444		$	(1,926	)	$	(91,265	)	$	(93,782	)

6. Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income attributable to Kraton by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income attributable to Kraton by the diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period and, accordingly, reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other agreements to issue common stock, such as stock options, were exercised, settled or converted into common stock and were dilutive. The diluted weighted-average number of shares used in our diluted EPS calculation is determined using the treasury stock method.

The calculations of basic and diluted EPS are as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018							Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	Net Income Attributable to Kraton			Weighted Average Shares Outstanding		Earnings Per Share		Net Income Attributable to Kraton			Weighted Average Shares Outstanding		Earnings Per Share
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Basic:
As reported	$	22,072		31,771				$	6,413		31,032
Amounts allocated to unvested restricted shares	(368		)	(530	)			(124		)	(602	)
Amounts available to common stockholders	21,704			31,241		$	0.69	6,289			30,430		$	0.21
Diluted:
Amounts allocated to unvested restricted shares	368			530				124			602
Non participating share units	—			280				—			187
Stock options added under the treasury stock method	—			330				—			234
Amounts reallocated to unvested restricted shares	(361		)	(530	)			(123		)	(602	)
Amounts available to stockholders and assumed conversions	$	21,711		31,851		$	0.68	$	6,290		30,851		$	0.20

7. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:



	March 31, 2018										December 31, 2017
	Principal		Discount			Debt Issuance Costs			Total		Principal		Discount			Debt Issuance Costs			Total
	(In thousands)
USD Tranche	$	300,000	$	(8,178	)	$	(11,961	)	$	279,861	$	485,000	$	(13,373	)	$	(13,986	)	$	457,641
Euro Tranche	388,017		—			(3,382		)	384,635		198,265		—			(3,517		)	194,748
10.5% Senior Notes	440,000		(12,773		)	(13,873		)	413,354		440,000		(13,267		)	(14,409		)	412,324
7.0% Senior Notes	400,000		—			(7,223		)	392,777		400,000		—			(7,424		)	392,576
ABL Facility	—		—			—			—		—		—			—			—
KFPC Loan Agreement	135,633		—			(174		)	135,459		149,919		—			(196		)	149,723
KFPC Revolving Credit Facilities	10,295		—			—			10,295		8,430		—			—			8,430
Capital lease obligation	1,828		—			—			1,828		2,086		—			—			2,086
Total debt	1,675,773		(20,951		)	(36,613		)	1,618,209		1,683,700		(26,640		)	(39,532		)	1,617,528
Less current portion of total debt	44,890		—			—			44,890		42,647		—			—			42,647
Long-term debt	$	1,630,883	$	(20,951	)	$	(36,613	)	$	1,573,319	$	1,641,053	$	(26,640	)	$	(39,532	)	$	1,574,881

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility. On March 8, 2018, we entered into a Fifth Amendment (the “Fifth Amendment”) to the credit agreement (as amended, the “Credit Amendment”) governing our senior secured term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) pursuant to which the Kraton Polymers Holdings B.V., a wholly owned Dutch subsidiary of Kraton Corporation, increased borrowings under the existing tranche of Euro denominated term loans under the Term Loan Facility (the “Euro Tranche”) by €150.0 million. The proceeds from the additional borrowings under the Euro Tranche were used, together with available cash to pay down $185.0 million of the then outstanding borrowings under the existing tranche of U.S. dollar denominated term loans under the Term Loan Facility (the “USD Tranche”). Pursuant to the Fifth Amendment, we reduced our USD Tranche interest rate applicable margin to 2.5% and alternative base rate applicable margin to 1.5%, and we reduced our Euro Tranche interest rate applicable margin to 2.0%. The Fifth Amendment extended the maturity date of the Term Loan Facility by three years to March 8, 2025.

In connection with our March 2018 refinancing of our Term Loan Facility, we recorded a $7.6 million loss on extinguishment of debt during the three months ended March 31, 2018; which includes a write off of $5.2 million related to previously capitalized deferred financing costs and a write off of $5.0 million related to original issue discount on our Term Loan Facility, partially offset by a $2.6 million gain on the settlement of the ineffective portion of interest rate swaps.

KFPC Loans. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, KFPC made a 494.0 million New Taiwan Dollars (“NTD”), or approximately $16.8 million, principle payment on their syndicated loan agreement. In addition, KFPC borrowed NTD 300.0 million, or approximately $10.2 million, and repaid NTD 250.0 million, or approximately $8.5 million, under the NTD 700 million revolving credit facility during the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Debt Issuance Costs. We had net debt issuance cost of $39.8 million as of March 31, 2018, of which $3.2 million related to our asset-based revolving credit facility is recorded as an asset (of which $1.2 million was included in other current assets) and $36.6 million is recorded as a reduction to long-term debt. We amortized $1.9 million and $2.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In connection with our March 2018 refinancing of our Term Loan Facility, we deferred $3.8 million of debt issuance costs; of which $2.2 million and $1.7 million relates to the Euro Tranche and USD Tranche, respectively.

Debt Maturities. The remaining principal payments on our outstanding total debt as of March 31, 2018, are as follows:



	Principal Payments
	(In thousands)
April 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019	$	44,890
April 1, 2019 through March 31, 2020	101,895
April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021	182
April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022	193
April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023	205
Thereafter	1,528,408
Total debt	$	1,675,773

See Note 8 Fair Value Measurements, Financial Instruments, and Credit Risk for fair value information related to our long-term debt.

8. Fair Value Measurements, Financial Instruments, and Credit Risk

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. ASC 820 requires entities to, among other things, maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

ASC 820 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.

ASC 820 specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions.

In accordance with ASC 820, these two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:


•	Level 1—Inputs that are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;


•	Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, including:


•	Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;


•	Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active;


•	Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and


•	Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means; and


•	Level 3—Inputs that are unobservable and reflect our assumptions used in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available under the circumstances (e.g., internally derived assumptions surrounding the timing and amount of expected cash flows).

Recurring Fair Value Measurements. The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. These financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, which judgment may affect the valuation of their fair value and placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.



				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Balance Sheet Location	March 31, 2018		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		(In thousands)
Derivative asset – current	Other current assets	$	1,981	$	—	$	1,981	$	—
Derivative asset – noncurrent	Other long-term assets	4,622		—		4,622		—
Retirement plan asset – noncurrent	Other long-term asset	2,456		2,456		—		—
Derivative liability – current	Other payables and accruals	243		—		243		—
Total		$	9,302	$	2,456	$	6,846	$	—



				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Balance Sheet Location	December 31, 2017		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		(In thousands)
Derivative asset – current	Other current assets	$	1,629	$	—	$	1,629	$	—
Derivative asset – noncurrent	Other long-term assets	3,801		—		3,801		—
Retirement plan asset – noncurrent	Other long-term assets	2,435		2,435		—		—
Derivative liability – current	Other payables and accruals	$	399	$	—	$	399	$	—
Total		$	8,264	$	2,435	$	5,829	$	—

The following table presents the carrying values and approximate fair values of our long-term debt.



	March 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
USD Tranche (significant other observable inputs – level 2)	$	300,000	$	302,439	$	485,000	$	490,762
Euro Tranche (significant other observable inputs – level 2)	$	388,017	$	390,442	$	198,265	$	200,495
10.5% Senior Notes (quoted prices in active market for identical assets – level 1)	$	440,000	$	489,544	$	440,000	$	499,171
7.0% Senior Notes (quoted prices in active market for identical assets – level 1)	$	400,000	$	414,852	$	400,000	$	432,028
Capital lease obligation (significant other observable inputs – level 2)	$	1,828	$	1,828	$	2,086	$	2,086
KFPC Loan Agreement (significant unobservable inputs – level 3)	$	135,633	$	135,633	$	149,919	$	149,919
KFPC Revolving Credit Facilities (significant unobservable inputs – level 3)	$	10,295	$	10,295	$	8,430	$	8,430

The Capital lease, KFPC Loan Agreement, and KPFC Revolvers are variable rate instruments, and as such, the fair value approximates the carrying value.

Financial Instruments

Interest Rate Swap Agreements. Periodically, we enter into interest rate swap agreements to hedge or otherwise protect against interest rate fluctuation on a portion of our variable rate debt. These interest rate swap agreements are designated as cash flow hedges on our exposure to the variability of future cash flows.

In an effort to convert a substantial portion of our future interest payments pursuant to the USD Tranche to a fixed interest rate, in February and March 2016 we entered into several interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional value of $925.4 million, effective dates of January 3, 2017 and maturity dates of December 31, 2020. We exited out of $625.4 million of our interest rate swaps as of March 31, 2018. As a result, at March 31, 2018 the total notional value of our interest rate swaps was $300.0 million, fixing LIBOR at 1.608%. We recorded an unrealized gain of $3.8 million and $1.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to the effective portion of these interest rate swap agreements. In addition, we reclassified out of other comprehensive income (loss) the settlement of a portion of our interest rate swap that amounted to $2.6 million gain for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Foreign Currency Hedges. Periodically, we enter into foreign currency agreements to hedge or otherwise protect against fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. These agreements do not qualify for hedge accounting and gains/losses resulting from both the up-front premiums and/or settlement of the hedges at expiration of the agreements are recognized in the period in which they are incurred. We settled these hedges and recorded a loss of $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which are recorded in cost of goods sold in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. These contracts are structured such that these gains/losses from the mark-to-market impact of the hedging instruments materially offset the underlying foreign currency exchange gains/losses to reduce the overall impact of foreign currency exchange movements throughout the period.

Credit Risk

The use of derivatives creates exposure to credit risk in the event that the counterparties to these instruments fail to perform their obligations under the contracts, which we seek to minimize by limiting our counterparties to major financial institutions with acceptable credit ratings and by monitoring the total value of positions with individual counterparties.

We analyze our counterparties’ financial condition prior to extending credit, and we establish credit limits and monitor the appropriateness of those limits on an ongoing basis. We also obtain cash, letters of credit, or other acceptable forms of security from customers to provide credit support, where appropriate, based on our financial analysis of the customer and the contractual terms and conditions applicable to each transaction.

9. Income Taxes

Income tax provision was an expense of $2.3 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 9.3% and 22.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our effective tax rates differ from the U.S. corporate statutory tax rate of 21.0% and 35.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, primarily due to the mix of our pretax income or loss generated in various jurisdictions, permanent items, uncertain tax positions, and changes in our valuation allowances. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, our effective tax rate differed from the U.S. corporate statutory tax rate of 21.0% primarily due to the mix of our pretax income or loss generated in various foreign jurisdictions and a $3.1 million benefit related to share-based compensation tax deductions. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, our pretax earnings in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Finland decreased our effective tax rate due to the statutory rates of 25.0%, 22.0%, and 20.0%, respectively.

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. corporate statutory income tax rate to income (loss) before income taxes for the reasons set forth below.



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Income taxes at the statutory rate	(21.0	)%	(35.0	)%
State taxes, net of federal benefit	(1.5	)	(2.6	)
Foreign tax rate differential	11.7		33.1
Permanent differences	8.3		(6.1	)
Uncertain tax positions	(2.2	)	(10.6	)
Valuation allowance	0.8		(1.4	)
Return to provision adjustments	(5.4	)	0.1
Effective tax rate	(9.3	)%	(22.5	)%

Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. We consider all available material evidence, both positive and negative, in assessing the appropriateness of a valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets. In determining whether a valuation allowance is required during the period, we evaluate primarily (a) cumulative earnings and losses in recent years, (b) historical taxable income or losses as it relates to our ability to utilize operating loss and tax credit carryforwards within the expiration period, (c) trends indicating earnings or losses expected in future years along with our ability in prior years to reasonably project these future trends or operating results, (d) length of the carryback and carryforward period, and (e) prudent and feasible tax-planning strategies, particularly related to operational changes and the impact on the timing or taxability of relative amounts.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we recorded a valuation allowance of $51.1 million and $51.3 million, respectively, against our net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets. We decreased our valuation allowances by $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. We increased our valuation allowances by $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, primarily related to current period net operating losses in certain jurisdictions.

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”) introduced significant changes to U.S. income tax law, which included a reduction to the U.S. statutory tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0% and a limitation on net operating loss carryforwards generated in 2018 and beyond. Additionally, the Tax Act extends bonus depreciation provisions and limits the amount of interest expense deductible in future years. In 2017, we were subject to a one-time transition tax on accumulated foreign subsidiary earnings not previously subject to U.S. income tax.

The Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which provides registrants a measurement period to report the impact of the new U.S. tax law. Due to the timing of the enactment and the complexity involved in applying the provisions of the Tax Act, we have made reasonable estimates of the effects and recorded provisional amounts in our financial statements as of December 31, 2017. As we collect and prepare necessary data, and interpret the Tax Act and any additional guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, and other standard-setting bodies, we may make adjustments to the provisional amounts. Those adjustments may materially impact our provision for income taxes and effective tax rate in the period in which the adjustments are made. The accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act will be completed in 2018. Certain items or estimates that result in impacts of the Tax Act being provisional include: the deemed repatriation tax on post-1986 accumulated earnings and profits, the deferred tax rate change effect of the new law, certain deferred taxes related to employee compensation, valuation allowances on certain deferred taxes, deferred taxes related to outside basis differences in certain foreign investments, detailed foreign earnings calculation for the most recent period, project foreign cash balances for certain foreign subsidiaries, and finalized computations of foreign tax credit availability. In addition, the companies 2017 U.S. income tax returns will not be finalized until later in 2018, and while historically this

process has resulted in offsetting changes in estimates in current and deferred taxes for items which are timing related, the reduction of the U.S. tax rate will result in adjustment to our income tax provision or benefit when recorded. Finally, we consider it likely that further technical guidance regarding the new Tax Act provisions, as well as clarity regarding state income tax conformity to current federal tax code, may be issued.

In accordance with the Tax Act, our previously untaxed accumulated foreign earnings are subjected to U.S. income tax at a rate of 15.5% to the extent of foreign cash and certain other net current assets and 8.0% on the remaining earnings. We recorded a provisional amount for our one-time transitional tax liability and income tax expense of $46.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. We have recorded provisional amounts based on estimates of the effects of the Tax Act as the analysis requires significant data from our foreign subsidiaries that is not regularly collected or analyzed.

The impact of the Tax Act to our deferred taxes was a benefit of $95.0 million, of which $68.9 million relates to the reduction of the U.S. statutory tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0% for years after 2017 and the remaining relates to changes in our investments in foreign subsidiaries. We remeasured our deferred taxes as of December 31, 2017 to reflect the reduced rate that will apply in future periods when these deferred taxes are settled or realized. Although the tax rate reduction is known, we have not collected the necessary data to complete our analysis of the effect of the Tax Act on the underlying deferred taxes and as such, the amounts recorded as of December 31, 2017 are provisional. As we complete our analysis of the Tax Act and incorporate additional guidance that may be issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS or other standard-setting bodies, we may identify additional effects not reflected as of December 31, 2017.

For the period ending December 31, 2017, a portion of the unremitted foreign earnings are permanently reinvested in the corresponding country of origin. Accordingly, we have not provided deferred taxes for the differences between the book basis and underlying tax basis in those subsidiaries or on the foreign currency translation adjustment amounts related to such operations.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various state and foreign jurisdictions. For our U.S. federal income tax returns, the statute of limitations has expired through the tax year ended December 31, 2003. As a result of net operating loss carryforwards from 2004, the statute remains open for all years subsequent to 2003. In addition, open tax years for state and foreign jurisdictions remain subject to examination.

We recognize the tax impact of certain tax positions only when it is more likely than not those such positions are sustainable. The taxes are recorded in accordance with ASC 740-10, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, which prescribes the minimum recognition threshold.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had total unrecognized tax benefits of $25.2 million and $24.4 million, respectively, related to uncertain tax positions, all of which, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, we had an increase of $0.8 million and $0.3 million, respectively, primarily related to our uncertain tax positions in the U.S. and Europe. We recorded interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes.

10. Commitments and Contingencies

(a) Legal Proceedings

We received an initial notice from the tax authorities in Brazil during the fourth quarter of 2012 in connection with tax credits that were generated from the purchase of certain goods which were subsequently applied by us against taxes owed. We received an additional tax assessment of R$1.5 million, or approximately $0.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The tax authorities are currently assessing R$9.1 million, or approximately $2.8 million. We have appealed the assertion by the tax authorities in Brazil that the goods purchased were not eligible to earn the credits. While the outcome of this proceeding cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect this matter to have a material adverse effect upon our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

We and certain of our subsidiaries, from time to time, are parties to various other legal proceedings, claims and disputes that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. These claims may involve significant amounts, some of which would not be covered by insurance. A substantial settlement payment or judgment in excess of our accruals could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. While the outcome of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect any of these existing matters, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect upon our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

(b) Asset Retirement Obligations.

The changes in the aggregate carrying amount of our asset retirement obligations are as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	5,712		$	8,863
Accretion expense	85			73
Obligations settled	(23		)	(177		)
Foreign currency translation	136			61
Ending balance	$	5,910		$	8,820

Pursuant to the indemnity included in the February 2001 separation agreement from Shell Chemical, we recorded a receivable of $0.2 million and $3.5 million as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

There have been no material changes to our Commitments and Contingencies disclosed in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.

11. Employee Benefits

The components of net periodic benefit costs related to pension benefits are as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018						2017
	U.S Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S Plans			Non-U.S. Plans
	(In thousands)
Service cost	$	887		$	651		$	830		$	646
Interest cost	1,795			541			1,814			721
Expected return on plan assets	(2,452		)	(700		)	(2,353		)	(827		)
Amortization of prior service cost	1,235			3			907			56
Amortization of net actuarial loss	—			168			—			—
Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,465		$	663		$	1,198		$	596

The components of net periodic benefit costs other than the service cost component are included in Other expense on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

We made contributions of $4.6 million and $2.0 million to our pension plans in the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The components of net periodic benefit cost related to other post-retirement benefits are as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
	U.S Plans		U.S Plans
	(In thousands)
Service cost	$	155	$	145
Interest cost	335		340
Amortization of prior service cost	188		150
Net periodic benefit cost	$	678	$	635

The components of net periodic benefit costs other than the service cost component are included in Other expense on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

12. Industry Segments and Foreign Operations

Our operations are managed through two operating segments: (i) Polymer segment; and (ii) Chemical segment. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 280, Segment Reporting, our chief operating decision maker has been identified as the President and Chief Executive Officer, who reviews operating results to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance for the entire company.

•Polymer Segment is comprised of our SBCs and other engineered polymers business.

•Chemical Segment is comprised of our pine-based specialty products business.

Our chief operating decision maker uses operating income (loss) as the primary measure of each segment's operating results in order to allocate resources and in assessing the company's performance. In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting, we have presented operating income (loss) for each segment. The following table summarizes our operating results by segment. We do not have sales between segments.



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018							Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	Polymer		Chemical		Total			Polymer		Chemical		Total
	(In thousands)
Revenue	$	289,071	$	213,321	$	502,392		$	270,948	$	187,177	$	458,125
Cost of goods sold	207,542		147,799		355,341			181,352		132,848		314,200
Gross profit	81,529		65,522		147,051			89,596		54,329		143,925
Operating expenses:
Research and development	7,447		3,350		10,797			7,405		2,832		10,237
Selling, general, and administrative	23,520		15,203		38,723			23,337		17,077		40,414
Depreciation and amortization	17,762		17,614		35,376			16,324		16,819		33,143
Operating income	$	32,800	$	29,355	62,155			$	42,530	$	17,601	60,131
Other expense					(1,113		)					(808		)
Loss on extinguishment of debt					(7,591		)					(19,738		)
Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture					137							127
Interest expense, net					(29,276		)					(34,305		)
Income before income taxes					$	24,312						$	5,407

The following table presents long-lived assets including goodwill and total assets.



	March 31, 2018						December 31, 2017
	Polymer		Chemical		Total		Polymer		Chemical		Total
	(In thousands)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	$	561,177	$	398,577	$	959,754	$	561,109	$	397,614	$	958,723
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	$	12,419	$	—	$	12,419	$	12,380	$	—	$	12,380
Goodwill	$	—	$	775,464	$	775,464	$	—	$	774,319	$	774,319
Total assets	$	1,129,162	$	1,810,879	$	2,940,041	$	1,125,626	$	1,806,901	$	2,932,527

For geographic reporting, revenue is attributed to the geographic location in which the customers’ facilities are located. Long-lived assets consist primarily of property, plant, and equipment, which are attributed to the geographic location in which they are located and are presented at historical cost.

Following is a summary of revenue by geographic region:



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018						Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	Polymer		Chemical		Total		Polymer		Chemical		Total
	(In thousands)						(In thousands)
Revenue:
United States	$	103,729	$	81,324	$	185,053	$	90,344	$	76,992	$	167,336
Germany	31,842		16,236		48,078		31,173		16,298		47,471
All other countries	153,500		115,761		269,261		149,431		93,887		243,318
	$	289,071	$	213,321	$	502,392	$	270,948	$	187,177	$	458,125

Following is a summary of long-lived assets by geographic region:



	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
	(In thousands)
Long-lived assets, at cost:
United States	$	859,599	$	851,454
Taiwan	186,864		182,644
France	145,033		138,770
Brazil	83,295		82,508
Germany	74,955		72,100
All other countries	161,270		158,006
	$	1,511,016	$	1,485,482

Our capital expenditures for the Polymer segment, excluding capital expenditures by the KFPC joint venture, were $9.7 million and $14.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and capital expenditures for our Chemical segment were $13.6 million and $13.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

13. Related Party Transactions

We own a 50% equity investment in an SBC manufacturing joint venture in Kashima, Japan. Our outstanding payables were $20.6 million and $17.7 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively; which were recorded in “Due to related party” liability on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our total purchases from the joint venture were $9.1 million and $12.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

We own a 50% variable interest in KFPC, an HSBC manufacturing joint venture in Mailiao, Taiwan. The KFPC joint venture is fully consolidated in our financial statements, and our joint venture partner, Formosa Petrochemical Corporation (“FPCC”), is a related party affiliate. Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, FPCC is to provide certain site services and raw materials to KFPC. Our outstanding payables were $2.1 million and $1.5 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively; which were recorded in “Due to related party” liability on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our total purchases from this joint venture were $5.9 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. See Note 14 Variable Interest Entity, for further discussion related to the KFPC joint venture.

14. Variable Interest Entity

We hold a variable interest in a joint venture with FPCC to build, own and operate a 30 kiloton HSBC plant at FPCC’s petrochemical site in Mailiao, Taiwan. Kraton and FPCC are each 50% owners of the joint venture company, KFPC. Under the provisions of an offtake agreement with KFPC, we have exclusive rights to purchase all production from KFPC. Additionally, the agreement requires us to purchase a minimum of 80% of the plant production capacity each year at a defined fixed margin. This offtake agreement represents a variable interest that provides us the power to direct the most significant activities of KFPC and exposes us to the economic variability of the joint venture. As such, we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of this variable interest entity. As a result, we have consolidated KFPC in our financial statements and reflected FPCC’s 50% ownership as a noncontrolling interest.

The following table summarizes the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 for KFPC before intercompany eliminations.



	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
	(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	5,495	$	13,848
Other current assets	18,069		21,399
Property, plant, and equipment, net	174,930		173,363
Intangible assets	9,582		9,585
Other long-term assets	14,541		13,972
Total assets	$	222,617	$	232,167

Current portion of long-term debt	$	44,204	$	41,745
Current liabilities	15,743		13,938
Long-term debt	101,550		116,408
Total liabilities	$	161,497	$	172,091

15. Subsequent Events

We have evaluated events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date and determined that there were no significant events or transactions that would require recognition or disclosure in our condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ended March 31, 2018.


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

INTRODUCTION

You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations together with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. This discussion contains forward-looking statements and involves numerous risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance, or industry results, to differ materially from historical results, any future results, or performance, or industry results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information.”

OVERVIEW

We are a leading global specialty chemicals company that manufactures styrenic block copolymers (“SBCs”), specialty polymers, and high-value performance products primarily derived from pine wood pulping co-products. Our operations are managed through two operating segments: (i) Polymer segment and (ii) Chemical segment.

Polymer Segment

SBCs are highly-engineered synthetic elastomers that we originally invented and commercialized. Our SBCs enhance the performance of numerous products by imparting greater flexibility, resilience, strength, durability, and processability. They are used in a wide range of applications, including adhesives, coatings, consumer and personal care products, sealants, lubricants, medical, packaging, automotive, paving, roofing and footwear products. We also sell isoprene rubber and isoprene rubber latex, which are non-SBC products primarily used in applications such as medical products, personal care, adhesives, tackifiers, paints, and coatings.

Our polymers are typically formulated or compounded with other products to achieve improved, customer-specific performance characteristics. We seek to maximize the value of our product portfolio by emphasizing complex or specialized polymers and innovations that yield higher margins than more commoditized products. We sometimes refer to these complex or specialized polymers or innovations as being more “differentiated.”

Our products are found in many everyday applications, including personal care products, such as disposable diapers, and in the rubberized grips of toothbrushes, razor blades and power tools. Our products are also used to impart tack and shear properties in a wide variety of adhesive products and to impart characteristics such as flexibility and durability in sealants and corrosion resistance in coatings. Our paving and roofing applications provide durability, extending road and roof life.

We also produce Cariflex^TM isoprene rubber and isoprene rubber latex. Our Cariflex products are based on synthetic polyisoprene polymer and do not contain natural rubber latex or other natural rubber products, making them an ideal substitute for natural rubber latex, particularly in applications with high purity requirements such as medical, healthcare, personal care, and food contact. We believe the versatility of Cariflex provides opportunities for new, differentiated applications.

Chemical Segment

We manufacture and sell high value products primarily derived from pine wood pulping co-products. We refine and further upgrade two primary feedstocks into value-added specialty chemicals, crude tall oil (“CTO”) and crude sulfate turpentine (“CST”), both of which are co-products of the wood pulping process. We refine CTO through a distillation process into four primary constituent fractions: tall oil fatty acids (“TOFA”), tall oil rosin (“TOR”), distilled tall oil (“DTO”), and tall oil pitch. We further upgrade TOFA, TOR and DTO into derivatives including dimer acids, polyamide resins, rosin resins, dispersions, and disproportionated resins. We refine CST into terpene fractions, which can be further upgraded into terpene resins. The various fractions and derivatives resulting from our CTO and CST refining process provide for distinct functionalities and properties, determining their respective applications and end markets.

We focus our resources on three target markets: adhesives, tires, and performance chemicals. Within our target markets, these products are sold into a diverse range of submarkets, including packaging, tapes and labels, pavement marking, high performance tires, fuel additives, oilfield and mining, coatings, metalworking fluids and lubricants, inks, and flavor and fragrances, among others.

While this business is based predominantly on the refining and upgrading of CTO and CST, we have the capacity to use both hydrocarbon-based raw materials, such as alpha-methyl-styrene, rosins and gum rosins where appropriate and, accordingly, are able to offer tailored solutions for our customers.

Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

International Operations and Currency Fluctuations. We operate a geographically diverse business, serving customers in numerous countries from fourteen manufacturing facilities on four continents. Our sales and production costs are mainly denominated in U.S. dollars, Euro, Japanese Yen, Swedish Krona, and Brazilian Real. From time to time, we use hedging strategies to reduce our exposure to currency fluctuations.

We generated our revenue from customers located in the following regions:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Revenue by Geography:	(In thousands)
Americas	$	210,078	$	196,204
Europe, Middle East, and Africa	177,589		164,851
Asia Pacific	114,725		97,070
Total revenue	$	502,392	$	458,125

Raw Materials. We use butadiene, styrene, and isoprene (collectively referred to as “monomers”) as our primary raw materials in our Polymer segment and CTO and CST in our Chemical segment. The cost of these raw materials has generally correlated with changes in energy prices and is generally influenced by supply and demand factors, and for our isoprene monomers the prices of natural and synthetic rubber. Average purchase prices of our raw materials decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Seasonality. Seasonal changes and weather conditions typically affect our sales of products in our paving, pavement marking, roofing, and construction applications, which generally results in higher sales volumes in the second and third quarters of the calendar year compared to the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year. Sales for our other product applications tend to show relatively little seasonality.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

KRATON CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Revenue	$	502,392		$	458,125
Cost of goods sold	355,341			314,200
Gross profit	147,051			143,925
Operating expenses:
Research and development	10,797			10,237
Selling, general, and administrative	38,723			40,414
Depreciation and amortization	35,376			33,143
Operating income	62,155			60,131
Other expense	(1,113		)	(808		)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(7,591		)	(19,738		)
Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture	137			127
Interest expense, net	(29,276		)	(34,305		)
Income before income taxes	24,312			5,407
Income tax expense	(2,251		)	(1,218		)
Consolidated net income	22,061			4,189
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	11			2,224
Net income attributable to Kraton	$	22,072		$	6,413
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	0.69		$	0.21
Diluted	$	0.68		$	0.20
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	31,241			30,430
Diluted	31,851			30,851

Consolidated Results

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

Revenue was $502.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $458.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, an increase of $44.3 million or 9.7%. Revenue for our Polymer segment increased $18.1 million and our revenue for the Chemical segment increased $26.1 million. For additional information regarding the changes in revenue, see our segment disclosures below.

Cost of goods sold was $355.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $314.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, an increase of $41.1 million or 13.1%. For additional information regarding the changes in cost of goods sold, see our segment disclosures below.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $38.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $40.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The $1.7 million decrease is primarily attributable to lower employee related costs.

Depreciation and amortization was $35.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $33.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

In connection with our March 2018 refinancing of our senior secured term loan facility (the (the “Term Loan Facility”), we recorded a $7.6 million loss on extinguishment of debt during the three months ended March 31, 2018; which includes the write off of previously capitalized deferred financing costs and original issue discount on our Term Loan Facility, partially offset by a gain on the settlement of the ineffective portion of interest rate swaps.

Income tax provision was an expense of $2.3 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 9.3% and 22.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our effective tax rates differ from the U.S. corporate statutory tax rate of 21.0% and 35.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, primarily due to the mix of our pretax income or loss generated in various jurisdictions, permanent items, uncertain tax positions, and changes in our valuation allowances. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 our effective tax rate differed from the U.S. corporate statutory tax rate of 21.0% primarily due to a $3.1 million benefit related to share-based compensation tax deductions. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, our pretax earnings in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Finland decreased our effective tax rate due to the statutory rates of 25.0%, 22.0%, and 20.0%, respectively.

Net income attributable to Kraton was $22.1 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2018, an increase of $15.7 million compared to net income of $6.4 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Adjusted diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP) was $0.58 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to adjusted diluted loss per share (non-GAAP) of $0.15 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. See a reconciliation of GAAP diluted earnings (loss) per share to non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share below.

Polymer Segment



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Revenue	(In thousands)
Performance Products	$	145,730		$	141,718
Specialty Polymers	104,018			90,920
Cariflex	39,525			38,048
Other	(202		)	262
	$	289,071		$	270,948

Operating income	$	32,800		$	42,530
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾	$	44,766		$	32,055
Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP)⁽²⁾	15.5		%	11.8		%

____________________________________________________


(1)	See non-GAAP reconciliations included below for the reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to its most directly comparable GAAP measure.


(2)	Defined as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

Revenue for the Polymer segment was $289.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $270.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, which included a $12.9 million positive effect from changes in currency exchange rates between the periods. Sales volumes of 77.6 kilotons for the three months ended March 31, 2018 increased 1.2% compared to three months ended March 31, 2017. Our Specialty Polymers and Cariflex volumes increased 5.7% and 0.5%, respectively, which was partially offset by a decline in Performance Products volumes of 0.4%.

Cost of goods sold was $207.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $181.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, an increase of $26.2 million or 14.4%. The increase in cost of goods sold reflects the cost of consumed raw materials, which had higher average costs on a first-in, first-out measurement basis of accounting. Additionally, changes in currency exchange rates between the periods resulted in a negative impact of $9.4 million.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Polymer segment operating income was $32.8 million compared to $42.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Polymer segment generated Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) of $44.8 million compared to $32.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA reflects improved unit margins. Our unit margins during the three months ended March 31, 2017 were adversely impacted by the significant increases in current replacement costs of raw materials and the timing associated with the realization of price increases. The positive effect from changes in currency exchange rates between the periods was $2.1 million. See a reconciliation of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA below.

Chemical Segment



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Revenue	(In thousands)
Adhesives	$	73,148		$	73,879
Performance Chemicals	122,941			101,579
Tires	17,232			11,719
	$	213,321		$	187,177

Operating income	$	29,355		$	17,601
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾	$	43,859		$	33,516
Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP)⁽²⁾	20.6		%	17.9		%

____________________________________________________


(1)	See non-GAAP reconciliations included below for the reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to its most directly comparable GAAP measure.


(2)	Defined as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

Revenue for the Chemical segment was $213.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $187.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in Chemical segment revenue was attributable to higher average selling prices and a $12.4 million positive effect from changes in currency exchange rates between the periods. Sales volumes were 115.9 kilotons for the three months ended March 31, 2018, a decrease of 2.3 kilotons or 1.9%. The Performance Chemicals and Tires volumes increased 0.4% and 7.3%, respectively, which was partially offset by the decline in Adhesives volumes of 8.4%.

Cost of goods sold was $147.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $132.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, an increase of $15.0 million or 11.3%. The increase was primarily driven by higher average raw material costs and a negative impact from changes in currency exchange rates between the periods of $10.6 million.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Chemical segment operating income was $29.4 million compared to $17.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Chemical segment generated $43.9 million of Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) compared to $33.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily driven by higher average selling prices and improved product mix primarily for TOFA and other Performance Chemical upgrades. See a reconciliation of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA below.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share

We consider EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share to be important supplemental measures of our performance and believe they are frequently used by investors, securities analysts, and other interested parties in the evaluation of our performance and/or that of other companies in our industry, including period-to-period comparisons. Further, management uses these measures to evaluate operating performance, and our incentive compensation plan bases incentive compensation payments on our Adjusted EBITDA performance and attainment of net debt reduction, along with other factors. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share have limitations as analytical tools and in some cases can vary substantially from other measures of our performance. You should not consider any of them in isolation, or as substitutes for analysis of our results under GAAP.



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
EBITDA⁽²⁾	$	88,964	$	72,855
Adjusted EBITDA^{(1) (3)}	$	88,625	$	65,571
Adjusted Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share⁽¹⁾	$	0.58	$	(0.15	)

____________________________________________________

(1)

The majority of our consolidated inventory is measured using the FIFO basis of accounting. As part of our pricing strategy, we measure our business performance using the estimated current replacement cost (“ECRC”) of our inventory and cost of goods sold. Our ECRC is based on our current expectation of the current cost of our significant raw material inputs. ECRC is developed monthly based on actual market-based contracted rates and spot market purchase rates that are expected to occur in the period. We then adjust the value of the significant raw material inputs and their associated impact to finished goods to the current replacement cost to arrive at an ECRC value for inventory and cost of goods sold. The result of this revaluation from the GAAP carrying value creates the spread between GAAP and ECRC. We maintain our perpetual inventory in our global enterprise resource planning system, where the carrying value of our inventory is determined. With inventory valued under GAAP and ECRC, we then have the ability to report cost of goods sold and therefore Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share under both our GAAP convention and ECRC.


(2)	On a consolidated basis, EBITDA represents net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. On a reporting segment basis, EBITDA represents segment operating income before depreciation and amortization, loss on extinguishment of debt, and earnings of unconsolidated joint venture. Limitations for EBITDA as an analytical tool include the following:


•	EBITDA does not reflect the significant interest expense on our debt;


•	EBITDA does not reflect the significant depreciation and amortization expense associated with our long-lived assets;

•

EBITDA included herein should not be used for purposes of assessing compliance or non-compliance with financial covenants under our debt agreements. The calculation of EBITDA in the debt agreements includes adjustments, such as extraordinary, non-recurring or one-time charges, proforma cost savings, certain non-cash items, turnaround costs, and other items included in the definition of EBITDA in the debt agreements; and


•	other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

(3)

Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA net of the impact of the spread between the FIFO basis of accounting and ECRC and net of the impact of items we do not consider indicative of our ongoing operating performance. We explain how each adjustment is derived and why we believe it is helpful and appropriate in the reconciliation below. You are encouraged to evaluate each adjustment and the reasons we consider it appropriate for supplemental analysis. As an analytical tool, Adjusted EBITDA is subject to the limitations applicable to EBITDA described above, as well as the following limitations:


•	due to volatility in raw material prices, Adjusted EBITDA may, and often does, vary substantially from EBITDA, net income, and other performance measures, including net income calculated in accordance with GAAP; and


•	Adjusted EBITDA may, and often will, vary significantly from EBITDA calculations under the terms of our debt agreements and should not be used for assessing compliance or non-compliance with financial covenants under our debt agreements.

Because of these and other limitations, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as a measure of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business.

Our presentation of non-GAAP financial measures and the adjustments made therein should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items, and in the future we may incur expenses or charges similar to the adjustments made in the presentation of our non-GAAP financial measures.

We compensate for the above limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share only as supplemental measures. See our financial statements included in Part I of this Form 10-Q.

We reconcile consolidated net income and operating income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018									Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	Polymer			Chemical			Total			Polymer			Chemical			Total
	(In thousands)
Net income attributable to Kraton							$	22,072								$	6,413
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest							(11		)							(2,224		)
Consolidated net income							22,061									4,189
Add (deduct):
Income tax expense							2,251									1,218
Interest expense, net							29,276									34,305
Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture							(137		)							(127		)
Loss on extinguishment of debt							7,591									19,738
Other expense							1,113									808
Operating income	$	32,800		$	29,355		62,155			$	42,530		$	17,601		60,131
Add (deduct):
Depreciation and amortization	17,762			17,614			35,376			16,324			16,819			33,143
Other expense	(1,324		)	211			(1,113		)	(902		)	94			(808		)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(7,591		)	—			(7,591		)	(19,738		)	—			(19,738		)
Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture	137			—			137			127			—			127
EBITDA	41,784			47,180			88,964			38,341			34,514			72,855
Add (deduct):
Transaction, acquisition related costs, restructuring, and other costs (a)	605			(1,259		)	(654		)	4,674			220			4,894
Loss on extinguishment of debt	7,591			—			7,591			19,738			—			19,738
KFPC startup costs (b)	—			—			—			2,821			—			2,821
Non-cash compensation expense	2,902			—			2,902			2,974			—			2,974
Spread between FIFO and ECRC	(8,116		)	(2,062		)	(10,178		)	(36,493		)	(1,218		)	(37,711		)
Adjusted EBITDA	$	44,766		$	43,859		$	88,625		$	32,055		$	33,516		$	65,571

_____________________________________________________


(a)	Charges related to the evaluation of acquisition transactions, severance expenses, and other restructuring related charges.


(b)	Startup costs related to the joint venture company, KFPC.

We reconcile GAAP Diluted Earnings Per Share to Adjusted Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share (non-GAAP) as follows:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.68		$	0.20
Transaction, acquisition related costs, restructuring, and other costs (a)	(0.02		)	0.12
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0.18			0.41
KFPC startup costs (b)	—			0.06
Spread between FIFO and ECRC	(0.26		)	(0.94		)
Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share(non-GAAP)	$	0.58		$	(0.15	)

_____________________________________________________


(a)	Charges related to the evaluation of acquisition transactions, severance expenses, and other restructuring related charges.


(b)	Startup costs related to the joint venture company, KFPC.

Critical Accounting Policies

For a discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates that require the use of significant estimates and judgments, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility. In January 2016, we entered into the Term Loan Facility pursuant to which Kraton Polymers LLC (the “U.S. Term Loan Borrower”) made U.S. dollar denominated term loan borrowings in an aggregate principal amount of $1,350.0 million (the “USD Tranche”). On August 16, 2017, we entered into a Fourth Amendment (the “Fourth Amendment”) to the credit agreement governing the Term Loan Facility (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”) pursuant to which Kraton Polymers Holdings B.V., a wholly-owned Dutch subsidiary of Kraton Corporation (the “Euro Term Loan Borrower” and, together with the U.S. Term Loan Borrower, the “Term Loan Borrowers”), borrowed a new tranche of term loans denominated in Euros in an aggregate principal amount equal to €260.0 million (the “Euro Tranche”). The proceeds from borrowings under the Euro Tranche were used, together with available cash, to pay down a portion of the then outstanding borrowings under the USD Tranche. On March 8, 2018, we entered into a Fifth Amendment (the “Fifth Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement pursuant to which the Euro Term Loan Borrower increased borrowings under the Euro Tranche by €150.0 million. The proceeds from the additional borrowings under the Euro Tranche were used, together with available cash to pay down an additional $185.0 million of the then outstanding borrowings under the USD Tranche. The Fifth Amendment extended the maturity date of the Term Loan Facility by three years to March 8, 2025. Subject to compliance with certain covenants and other conditions, contained within the Credit Agreement, the Term Loan Borrowers have the option to borrow up to $350.0 million of incremental term loans plus an additional amount subject to a senior secured net leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2018, we had $300.0 million in borrowings under the USD Tranche and €315.0 million, or approximately $388.0 million, in borrowings under the Euro Tranche.

Borrowings under the USD Tranche bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin, plus, at our option, either (a) an adjusted LIBOR rate (subject to a 1.0% floor) determined by reference to the costs of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for the interest period relevant to such borrowing adjusted for statutory reserve requirements or (b) an alternate base rate (subject to a 2.0% floor) determined by reference to the highest of (1) the prime rate of Credit Suisse AG, (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5% and (3) the one month adjusted LIBOR rate plus 1.0% per annum. Borrowings under the Euro Tranche bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin, plus EURIBOR rate (subject to a 0.75% floor). Pursuant to the Fifth Amendment, we reduced our USD Tranche interest rate applicable margin to 2.5% and alternative base rate applicable margin to 1.5% , and we reduced our Euro Tranche interest rate applicable margin to 2.0%. We are also required to pay customary agency fees in connection with the Term Loan Facility. As of the date of this filing, the effective interest rate for the USD Tranche is LIBOR plus 2.5% and the effective interest rate for the Euro Tranche is 2.75%.

Voluntary prepayments on the Term Loan Facility may be made without premium or penalty other than customary “breakage” costs with respect to LIBOR or EURIBOR loans and other than a 1.0% of the Term Loan Facility. Pursuant to the Fifth Amendment, the period during which such prepayment premium may be required under each of the Euro Tranche and the USD Tranche was reset until six months after the effective date of the Fifth Amendment. In the event we have consolidated excess cash flow for any fiscal year, we are required to prepay an amount of borrowings under the Term Loan Facility equal to at least 50% of such cash flow by the 90th day after the end of the fiscal year. The prepayment percentage is reduced to 25% if our senior secured net leverage ratio is under 2.5:1.0 or 0% if our senior secured net leverage ratio is below 2.0:1.0.

The USD Tranche is guaranteed by Kraton Corporation and certain of our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries (the “U.S. Term Loan Guarantors”). The Euro Tranche is guaranteed by each of the U.S. Term Loan Guarantors, the U.S. Term Loan Borrower and certain other Dutch subsidiaries of Kraton Corporation (the “Dutch Term Loan Guarantors”), including those Dutch subsidiaries that are also either a borrower or a guarantor under the Euro tranche facility under the ABL Facility.

The obligations under the Term Loan Facility are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by (i) a first-lien pledge of 100% of the equity interests held by Kraton Corporation, the U.S. Term Loan Borrower and the other U.S. Term Loan Guarantors in their respective first-tier domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the equity interests directly held by such entities in their first-tier foreign subsidiaries, (ii) a first-priority security interest in substantially all tangible and intangible assets of Kraton Corporation, the U.S. Term Loan Borrower and the other U.S. Term Loan Guarantors, other than the ABL Priority Collateral (as defined below), and (iii) a perfected second-priority security interest in all of the ABL Priority Collateral. The Euro Tranche is also secured by a first-lien pledge of 100% of the equity interests in the Euro Term Loan Borrower and the Dutch Term Loan Guarantors and a first-lien pledge of any intercompany notes or instruments evidencing intercompany indebtedness owed to the Euro Term Loan Borrower or the guarantors of the Euro Tranche that are not U.S. Term Loan Guarantors.

The Term Loan Facility contains a number of customary affirmative and negative covenants. As of the date of this filing, we were in compliance with the covenants under the Term Loan Facility.

10.5% Senior Notes due 2023. Kraton Polymers LLC and its wholly-owned financing subsidiary Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation issued $440.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.5% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “10.5% Senior Notes”) that mature on April 15, 2023. The 10.5% Senior Notes are general unsecured, senior obligations and are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each of Kraton Corporation and certain of our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. We pay interest on the 10.5% Senior Notes at 10.5% per annum, semi-annually in arrears on April 15

and October 15 of each year. Prior to October 15, 2018, we may redeem up to 40.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the 10.5% Senior Notes with the net proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 110.5% of the principal amount of the 10.5% Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. At any time prior to October 15, 2018, we may redeem some or all of the 10.5% Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date and a “make-whole” premium. On and after October 15, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 and thereafter, we may redeem all or a part of the 10.5% Senior Notes for 107.875%, 105.250%, 102.625%, and 100.0% of the principal amount, respectively.

7.0% Senior Notes due 2025. Kraton Polymers LLC and its wholly-owned financing subsidiary Kraton Polymers Capital Corporation issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.0% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “7.0% Senior Notes”) in March 2017, which mature on April 15, 2025. The 7.0% Senior Notes are general unsecured, senior obligations and are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each of Kraton Corporation and certain of our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. We pay interest on the Senior Notes at 7.0% per annum, semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year. We made the first interest payment on July 15, 2017. Prior to April 15, 2020, we may redeem up to 40.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the 7.0% Senior Notes with the net proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 107.0% of the principal amount of the 7.0% Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of redemption. At any time prior to April 15, 2020, we may redeem some or all of the 7.0% Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date and a “make-whole” premium. On and after April 15, 2020, 2021, and 2022 and thereafter, we may redeem all or a part of the 7.0% Senior Notes for 105.250%, 102.625%, and 100.0% of the principal amount, respectively.

ABL Facility. In January 2016, we entered into an amended and restated asset-based revolving credit facility that provides financing of up to $250.0 million (the “ABL Facility”). We did not have any borrowings drawn under this facility as of March 31, 2018. Borrowing availability under the ABL Facility is subject to borrowing base limitations based on the level of receivables and inventory available for security. Revolver commitments under the ABL Facility consist of U.S. and Dutch revolving credit facility commitments, and the terms of the ABL Facility require the U.S. revolver commitment comprises at least 60.0% of the commitments under the ABL Facility.

The ABL Facility provides that we have the right at any time to request up to $100.0 million of additional commitments under this facility, provided that we satisfy additional conditions described in the credit agreement and provided further that the U.S. revolver commitment comprises at least 60.0% of the commitments after giving effect to such increase. We cannot guarantee that all of the lending counterparties contractually committed to fund a revolving credit draw request will actually fund future requests, although we currently believe that each of the counterparties would meet their funding requirements. The ABL Facility terminates on January 6, 2021; however, we may, from time to time, request that the lenders extend the maturity of their commitments; provided among other things, that at no time shall there be more than four different maturity dates under the ABL Facility.

Borrowings under the ABL Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the applicable margin plus (1) a base rate determined by reference to the prime rate of Bank of America, N.A. in the jurisdiction where the currency is being funded or (2) LIBOR for loans that bear interest based on LIBOR. The initial applicable margin for borrowings under the ABL Facility is 0.5% with respect to U.S. base rate borrowings and 1.5% with respect to LIBOR or borrowings made on a European base rate. The applicable margin ranges from 0.5% to 1.0% with respect to U.S. base rate borrowings and 1.5% to 2.0% for LIBOR or borrowings made on a European base rate per annum based on the average excess availability for the prior fiscal quarter. In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal amounts under the ABL Facility, we are required to pay a commitment fee in respect of the un-utilized commitments at an annual rate of 0.375%.

All of the obligations under the ABL Facility are guaranteed by Kraton Corporation and certain of our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries (the “ABL U.S. Guarantors”). Certain foreign obligations under the ABL Facility are also guaranteed by certain other wholly-owned subsidiaries of Kraton Corporation (the “ABL Dutch Guarantors”). In connection with the Fourth Amendment, on August 16, 2017, we entered into a First Amendment and Consent to the ABL Facility (the “ABL Amendment). The ABL Amendment provides, among other things, that any foreign subsidiary of Kraton Corporation that becomes a guarantor under the Euro Tranche will also become a guarantor under the Euro tranche facility of the ABL Facility.

All obligations under the ABL Facility are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by (i) a first-priority security interest in, among other things, accounts, inventory and cash of the ABL U.S. Guarantors (the “ABL Priority Collateral”), and (ii) a perfected second-priority security interest in substantially all tangible and intangible assets of the ABL U.S. Guarantors that are not ABL Priority Collateral. Certain foreign obligations under the ABL Facility are also secured, subject to certain exceptions, by, a first priority security interest in, among other things, accounts, inventory and cash of the ABL Dutch Guarantors.

The ABL Facility contains a number of customary affirmative and negative covenants, including a financial covenant requiring us to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0:1.0 if borrowing availability under the ABL Facility is below a specified amount. As of the date of this filing, we were in compliance with the covenants under the ABL Facility.

KFPC Loan Agreement. On July 17, 2014, KFPC entered into a syndicated loan agreement (the “KFPC Loan Agreement”) in the amount of 5.5 billion New Taiwan Dollars (“NTD”), or approximately $188.8 million, to provide additional funding to construct the hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer (“HSBC”) facility in Taiwan and to provide funding for working capital requirements and/or general corporate purposes.

The KFPC Loan Agreement is comprised of a NTD 4.3 billion Tranche A, or approximately $147.2 million, to fund KFPC’s capital expenditures, and a NTD 1.2 billion Tranche B, or approximately $41.5 million, to fund working capital requirements and/or general corporate purposes. As of March 31, 2018, NTD 4.0 billion, or approximately $135.6 million, was drawn on the KFPC Loan Agreement. The facility period of the KFPC Loan Agreement is five years from January 17, 2015 (the first drawdown date). KFPC was able to draw on the KFPC Loan Agreement for the first 28 months following the first drawdown date, which ended in May 2017. Subject to certain conditions, KFPC can request a two-year extension of the term of the KFPC Loan Agreement.

The total outstanding principal amount is payable in six semi-annual installments. The first installment payment was made on July 17, 2017 and each subsequent payment will be due every six months thereafter. The first five installments will be in an amount equal to 10% of the outstanding principal amount and the final installment will be in an amount equal to the remaining 50% of the outstanding principal amount. In the event the extension period is granted, the final 50% of the outstanding principal amount shall be repaid in five equal semi-annual installments with the first installment due on the original final maturity date.

The KFPC Loan Agreement is subject to a variable interest rate composed of a fixed 0.8% margin plus the three-month or six-month fixing rate of the Taipei Interbank Offered Rate (depending on the interest period selected by KFPC in the drawdown request or the interest period notice), subject to a floor of 1.7%. Interest is payable on a monthly basis. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, our effective interest rate for borrowings on the KFPC Loan Agreement was 1.8%.

The KFPC Loan Agreement contains certain financial covenants that change during the term of the KFPC Loan Agreement. The financial covenants include a maximum debt to equity ratio of 1.2:1.0 in 2018; a minimum tangible net worth requirement of $50.0 million through 2018, which will increase to $100.0 million in 2019; and a minimum interest coverage ratio requirement of 5.0:1.0 commencing in 2017. In each case, these covenants are calculated and tested on an annual basis at December 31^st each year. Formosa Petrochemical Corporation and Kraton Polymers LLC are the guarantors of the KFPC Loan Agreement with each guarantor guaranteeing 50% of the indebtedness.

KFPC Revolving Credit Facilities. During the fourth quarter of 2017, KFPC executed two revolving credit facilities to provide funding for working capital requirements and/or general corporate purposes. The revolving credit facility in the amount of NTD 700.0 million, or approximately $24.0 million, expires September 29, 2018 (the “NTD 700.0 million Facility”) and the revolving credit facility in the amount of NTD 500.0 million, or approximately $17.2 million, expires November 20, 2018 (the “NTD 500.0 million Facility”). Both revolving credit facilities are subject to a variable interest rate. Interest on borrowings denominated in NTD for the NTD 700.0 million Facility are composed of the adjustable rate for consumer loans plus a 0.21% margin, subject to a 1.20% floor and interest on borrowings denominated in NTD for the NTD 500.0 million Facility are composed of TAIBOR plus a premium of 0.50%. As of March 31, 2018, NTD 300 million, or approximately $10.3 million, was drawn on the NTD 700.0 million Facility and we had no borrowings under the NTD 500.0 million Facility.

Known Trends and Uncertainties

Kraton Corporation is a holding company without any operations or assets other than the operations of its subsidiaries. Cash flows from operations of our subsidiaries, cash on hand, and available borrowings under the Term Loan Facility and ABL Facility are our principal sources of liquidity.

Based upon current and anticipated levels of operations, we believe that cash flows from operations of our subsidiaries, cash on hand, and borrowings available to us will be sufficient to fund our expected financial obligations, planned capital expenditures, and anticipated liquidity requirements, including working capital requirements, our investment in the KFPC joint venture, debt payments, interest payments, benefit plan contributions, and income tax obligations.

Our cash flows are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, earnings, sensitivities to the cost of raw materials, seasonality, and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Because feedstock costs generally represent a substantial portion of our cost of goods sold, in periods of rising feedstock costs, we generally consume cash in operating activities due to increases in accounts receivable and inventory costs, partially offset by increased value of accounts payable. Conversely, during periods in which feedstock costs are declining, we generate cash flow from decreases in working capital.

Going forward there can be no assurance that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available under the Term Loan Facility and the ABL Facility or any new credit facilities or financing arrangements to fund liquidity needs and enable us to service our indebtedness. As of the date of this filing, our available borrowing capacity under the ABL was $208.4 million, with no outstanding borrowings. Subject to compliance with certain covenants and other conditions, we have the option to borrow up to $350.0 million of incremental term loans plus an additional amount subject to a senior secured net leverage ratio. Our available cash and cash equivalents are held in accounts managed by third-party financial institutions and consist of cash invested in interest bearing funds and operating accounts. To date, we have not experienced any losses or lack of access to our invested cash or cash equivalents; however, we cannot provide any assurance that adverse conditions in the financial markets will not impact access to our invested cash and cash equivalents.

We made contributions of $4.6 million and $2.0 million to our pension plans during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We expect our total pension plan contributions for the year ended December 31, 2018 to be approximately $13.2 million. Our pension plan obligations are predicated on a number of factors, the primary ones being the return on our pension plan assets and the discount rate used in deriving our pension obligations. If the investment return on our pension plan assets does not meet or exceed expectations during 2018, and the discount rate decreases from the prior year, higher levels of contributions could be required in 2019 and beyond.

As of March 31, 2018, we had $62.0 million of cash and short-term investments related to foreign operations that management asserts are permanently reinvested. As a result of net operating loss carryforwards and the impact of recent tax reform, management estimates that no incremental cash tax expense would be incurred if this cash were repatriated.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was enacted and we recorded a tax liability for the one-time transition tax on accumulated foreign subsidiary earnings of $46.3 million recorded as deferred income taxes. As permitted by the Tax Act, we anticipate utilizing a portion of our net operating loss carryforwards in lieu of paying the one-time transition tax.

Turbulence in U.S. and international markets and economies may adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition, the liquidity and financial condition of our customers, and our ability to timely replace maturing liabilities and access the capital markets to meet liquidity needs, resulting in adverse effects on our financial condition and results of operations. However, to date we have been able to access borrowings available to us in amounts sufficient to fund liquidity needs.

Our ability to pay principal and interest on our indebtedness, fund working capital, make anticipated capital expenditures, and fund our investment in the KFPC joint venture depends on our future performance, which is subject to general economic conditions and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. “See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 for further discussion.

Operating Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $20.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $3.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. This represents a net increase in operating cash flows of $16.7 million, which was primarily driven by increases in working capital and operating income. The period-over-period changes in working capital are as follows:


•	$58.8 million increase in cash flows associated with inventories of products, materials, and supplies due to lower costs and volumes;


•	$12.4 million increase in cash flows due timing of receipts and payments of other assets, primarily driven by value added tax; partially offset by a


•	$30.2 million net decrease in cash flows associated with accounts receivables due to higher selling prices;


•	$21.9 million decrease in cash flows due to associated with accounts payable due to lower raw material costs; and


•	$9.9 million decrease in cash flows associated with other items, including other payables and accruals, other long term liabilities, and due to related parties; primarily due to timing of transactions and payments

Investing Cash Flows

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $24.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and $34.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Expected Capital Expenditures

We currently expect 2018 capital expenditures, excluding expenditures by the KFPC joint venture, will be approximately $110.0 million, which includes $5.0 million of capitalized interest. Included in this estimate is approximately $10.0 million for projects associated with our cost reset initiative and approximately $60.0 million for health, safety, environmental, and security and infrastructure and maintenance projects. The remaining anticipated 2018 capital expenditures are primarily associated with projects to optimize the production capabilities of our manufacturing assets, to support our innovation platform, and to upgrade our information technology systems.

Financing Cash Flows

Our consolidated capital structure as of March 31, 2018 was approximately 27.9% equity, 70.8% debt and 1.3% noncontrolling interest compared to approximately 27.1% equity, 71.6% debt, and 1.3% noncontrolling interest at December 31, 2017.

In connection with our March 2018 refinancing of our Term Loan Facility, we recorded a $7.6 million loss on extinguishment of debt during the three months ended March 31, 2018; which includes the write off of previously capitalized deferred financing costs and original issue discount on our Term Loan Facility, partially offset by a gain on the settlement of the ineffective portion of interest rate swaps. We deferred $3.8 million of debt issuance costs; of which $2.2 million and $1.7 million relates to the Euro Tranche and USD Tranche, respectively.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 (excluding borrowings under the KFPC Loan Agreement) we increased Kraton Corporation indebtedness by $4.5 million, while decreasing cash on hand (excluding KFPC cash) by approximately $15.8 million.

Contractual Commitments

Our contractual obligations are summarized in Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. See Note 7 Long-Term Debt for changes to our debt maturity schedule. There have been no other material changes to the contractual obligations disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are not involved in any material off-balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2018, other than operating leases.


Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk, see Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. There have been no material changes to the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. See Note 8 Fair Value Measurements, Financial Instruments and Credit Risk for further discussion.


Item 4.	Controls and Procedures.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. As of March 31, 2018, based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Effective January 1, 2018, we implemented ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Although the new standard did not have a material impact to our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows, we implemented changes to our processes related to revenue recognition and the control activities related to revenue recognition. These included the development of new policies based on the five-step model provided in the new standard, training, ongoing contract review requirements, and gathering of information provided for disclosures.

There has been no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2018 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.	Legal Proceedings.

We and certain of our subsidiaries, from time to time, are parties to various other legal proceedings, claims, and disputes that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. These claims may involve significant amounts, some of which would not be covered by insurance. A substantial settlement payment or judgment in excess of our accruals could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. While the outcome of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect any of these existing matters, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect upon our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In January 2014, our Belpre, Ohio, facility experienced a mechanical equipment failure due to inclement weather that resulted in a release of process solvents into nearby waterways. Applicable authorities were notified, and cleanup activities have been completed. Kraton may be required to pay governmental fines or sanctions in excess of $100,000 in connection with this event.

For more information regarding legal proceedings, including environmental matters, see Note 10 Commitments and Contingencies to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


Item 1A.	Risk Factors.

Readers of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should carefully consider the risks described in our other reports and filings filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our prior and subsequent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, in connection with any evaluation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

The risks and uncertainties in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or those that are currently deemed immaterial may also affect our operations. Any of the risks, uncertainties, events or circumstances described therein could cause our future financial condition, results of operations or cash flows to be adversely affected. There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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

None.


Item 3.	Default Upon Senior Securities.

None.


Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.


Item 5.	Other Information.

None.


Item 6.	Exhibits.



Exhibit Number
10.1		Fifth Amendment to Credit and Guarantee Agreement, dated as of March 8, 2018, among Kraton Polymers LLC, as U.S. Borrower and Guarantor, Kraton Polymers Holdings B.V., as Euro Borrower, Kraton Corporation, as Parent, certain subsidiaries of Parent, as Guarantors, the Lenders party thereto from time to time and Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as Administrative Agent and as Dollar Replacement Term Lender and Euro Replacement Term Lender (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Kraton Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 12, 2018)
31.1*		Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of Sarbanes—Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*		Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of Sarbanes—Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*		Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes—Oxley Act of 2002
101*		The following materials from Kraton Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2018, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (Unaudited), (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited), (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited), (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited), (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (Unaudited) and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

_________________________________________________


*	Filed herewith.

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.



		KRATON CORPORATION

Date:	April 26, 2018	/s/ Kevin M. Fogarty
		Kevin M. Fogarty
		President and Chief Executive Officer

Date:	April 26, 2018	/s/ Stephen E. Tremblay
		Stephen E. Tremblay
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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