FutureFuel Releases 2023 Results
- FutureFuel reports a net income of $37.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
- The company declares a special cash dividend of $2.50 per share and a $25 million share repurchase program.
- Despite a decrease in consolidated sales revenue, FutureFuel sees an increase in net income and income from operations compared to the previous year.
- The company's strategy emphasizes operational excellence, reliability, and new product growth in the chemicals segment.
- Consolidated sales revenue decreased in 2023 compared to 2022.
- FutureFuel's biofuel segment experienced lower average sales prices in 2023.
- The company's financial results for the fourth quarter of 2023 showed a decrease in adjusted EBITDA compared to the same period in 2022.
Insights
The announcement from FutureFuel Corp. regarding its financial outcomes, including a significant increase in net income to $37.4 million, a special cash dividend and a share repurchase program, signals a robust financial position and operational efficiency. The substantial rise in net income by 146% year-over-year, despite a 7% decline in revenues, indicates a successful strategy in cost management and margin improvement. The special dividend of $2.50 per share and the share repurchase program of $25 million underscore the company's commitment to shareholder returns and confidence in its liquidity position, as evidenced by the increase in cash and cash equivalents to $219,444.
From a financial perspective, these actions can be seen as a move to optimize capital allocation and potentially enhance earnings per share through the reduction of shares outstanding. It is also indicative of management's belief that the stock may be undervalued, hence the repurchase program. However, investors should consider the sustainability of such returns and whether these capital distribution strategies might affect the company's ability to invest in future growth opportunities.
The performance of FutureFuel's biodiesel and chemicals segments, as reflected in the financial results, demonstrates resilience in the face of market challenges such as dampened demand in mature segments. The record production volume of biodiesel aligns with the global trend towards renewable energy sources and may position FutureFuel favorably in the market. The company's focus on operational excellence and risk management, particularly in securing feedstock supplies and managing price volatility through futures contracts, has evidently paid off in maintaining strong margins.
The strategic emphasis on growing new products within the chemical segment suggests an adaptive approach to market dynamics and customer needs. Investors may find the company's multi-market strategy and innovation focus a positive indicator for long-term growth and diversification of revenue streams.
FutureFuel's strategic maneuvers in the biodiesel segment, including the use of derivative instruments like heating oil futures, have been effective in safeguarding margins against the volatility of oil markets. The company's ability to manage its inventory levels and optimize the timing of sales for biodiesel and Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) is a testament to its adept handling of commodities trading.
The disclosed inventory of RINs, which increased in fair market value year-over-year, represents a significant asset that can be monetized based on market conditions. This strategic inventory management, coupled with the reported gains from derivatives, suggests a sophisticated approach to commodities risk management that has likely contributed to the company's financial success. However, the inherent risks associated with such strategies, including potential adverse movements in commodity prices, should be considered by stakeholders.
Reports Net Income of
Announces a Special Cash Dividend of
CLAYTON, Mo., March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FutureFuel Corp. (NYSE: FF) (“FutureFuel”), a manufacturer of custom and performance chemicals and biofuels, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023.
Fourth quarter 2023 Financial Highlights (all comparisons are with the fourth quarter of 2022)
- Revenues were
$92.0 million , compared to$117.8 million . - Net income increased to
$23.4 million , or$0.53 per diluted share, from$14.9 million , or$0.34 per diluted share. - Adjusted EBITDA(1) was
$16.8 million , down from$17.1 million .
2023 Financial Highlights (all comparisons are with the year ended December 31, 2022)
- Revenues were
$368.3 million , compared to$396.0 million . - Net income increased to
$37.4 million , or$0.85 per diluted share, from$15.2 million , or$0.35 per diluted share. - Adjusted EBITDA(1) was
$35.0 million , up from$27.8 million .
(1) A non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a description of the measure and a reconciliation to the applicable GAAP measure.
“I am pleased to report net income for the year of
In 2023, we achieved a record production volume of Biodiesel. This was thanks to our focus on operational excellence and reliability, as well as the successful execution of our risk management strategy. In our Chemicals segment, we are focused on the growth of new products and providing first class service to our existing customers. Even against a backdrop of dampening demand in certain mature segments, we were successful in bringing new products to our chemical business, either as trials or straight to commercial production.
As we look forward to 2024, we will continue our pursuit of new chemicals business adopting a broad multi-market strategy, as well as ensuring our biodiesel business maintains its strong history of production and margin capture,” said Tom McKinlay, Chief Executive Officer for FutureFuel Corp.
2024 Regular Cash Dividends
For 2024, FutureFuel declared a regular quarterly cash dividend in the amount of
Financial Overview and Key Operating Metrics
Financial and operating metrics, which include non-GAAP financial measures (see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information), include dollars in thousands, except per share amounts:
FutureFuel Corp. Certain Financial and Operating Metrics (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
Dollar | % | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022* | Change | Change | ||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 92,009 | $ | 117,816 | $ | (25,807 | ) | (22 | )% | ||||||
Income from operations | $ | 20,403 | $ | 11,778 | $ | 8,625 | 73 | % | |||||||
Net income | $ | 23,384 | $ | 14,933 | $ | 8,451 | 57 | % | |||||||
Earnings per common share: | |||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.53 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.19 | 56 | % | |||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.53 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.19 | 56 | % | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDA* | $ | 16,753 | $ | 17,119 | $ | (366 | ) | (2 | )% |
For the Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
Dollar | % | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022* | Change | Change | ||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 368,250 | $ | 396,014 | $ | (27,764 | ) | (7 | )% | ||||||
Income from operations | $ | 27,368 | $ | 17,546 | $ | 9,822 | 56 | % | |||||||
Net income | $ | 37,382 | $ | 15,211 | $ | 22,171 | 146 | % | |||||||
Earnings per common share: | |||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.85 | $ | 0.35 | $ | 0.50 | 143 | % | |||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.85 | $ | 0.35 | $ | 0.50 | 143 | % | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDA* | $ | 34,983 | $ | 27,763 | $ | 7,220 | 26 | % | |||||||
*Adjusted EBITDA for 2022 has been restated to be consistent with 2023 reporting. Adjusted EBITDA in both years excludes the impact from unrealized gains or losses on derivatives. Realized gains and losses are included in Adjusted EBITDA in both 2022 and 2023.
Financial Results Q4 2023 versus Q4 2022
Consolidated sales revenue decreased
Income from operations increased
Financial Results 2023 versus 2022
Consolidated sales revenue decreased
Income from operations increased
In our Biodiesel segment, our strategy is to secure ample supplies of feedstock when margins are attractive and then commit to sales of biodiesel and RINs to further secure those margins. This begins with building feedstock in the early part of the year and holding inventories of biodiesel and RINs until we can realize their optimum sales value later in the year. To protect those margins against price volatility in the oil markets, we use heating oil futures to counteract those movements. When the prices of those futures contracts fluctuate, it can result in significant changes in the value of the unrealized derivatives position that we report in our quarterly earnings. However, at the end of the year, when inventories of feedstock and biodiesel are lower, that effect is less pronounced. It is worth noting that even with this strong performance, as of December 31, 2023, we still hold 4.3 million of RINs in inventory at no cost with a fair market value of
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures were
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities
Cash and cash equivalents increased to
Share Repurchase Program
FutureFuel also adopted a share repurchase program of up to
About FutureFuel
FutureFuel is a leading manufacturer of diversified chemical products and biofuels. FutureFuel’s chemicals segment manufactures specialty chemicals for specific customers (“custom chemicals”) as well as multi-customer specialty chemicals (“performance chemicals”). FutureFuel’s custom manufacturing product portfolio includes proprietary agrochemicals, adhesion promoters, a biocide intermediate, and an antioxidant precursor. FutureFuel’s performance chemicals products include a portfolio of proprietary nylon and polyester polymer modifiers and several small-volume specialty chemicals and solvents for diverse applications. FutureFuel’s biofuels segment primarily produces and sells biodiesel to its customers. Please visit www.futurefuelcorporation.com for more information.
Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements deal with FutureFuel’s current plans, intentions, beliefs, and expectations, and statements of future economic performance. Statements containing such terms as “believe,” “do not believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” and other phrases of similar meaning are considered to contain uncertainty and are forward-looking statements. In addition, from time-to-time FutureFuel or its representatives have made or will make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. Furthermore, such forward-looking statements may be included in various filings that the company makes with United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in press releases, or in oral statements made by or with the approval of one of FutureFuel’s authorized executive officers.
These forward-looking statements are subject to certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, those set forth under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in FutureFuel’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in its future filings made with the SEC. An investor should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained in this document, which reflect FutureFuel management’s opinions only as of their respective dates. Except as required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revisions to forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties described in this document and in current and future filings with the SEC are not the only ones faced by FutureFuel. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the company to predict which will arise. There may be additional risks not presently known to the company or that the company currently believes are immaterial to its business. In addition, FutureFuel cannot assess the impact of each factor on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. If any such risks occur, FutureFuel’s business, operating results, liquidity, and financial condition could be materially affected in an adverse manner. An investor should consult any additional disclosures FutureFuel has made or will make in its reports to the SEC on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, and any amendments thereto. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to FutureFuel or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this document.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In this press release, FutureFuel used adjusted EBITDA as a key operating metric to measure both performance and liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted EBITDA is not a substitute for operating income, net income, or cash flow from operating activities (each as determined in accordance with GAAP), as a measure of performance or liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of results as reported under GAAP. FutureFuel defines adjusted EBITDA as net income before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization expenses, excluding, when applicable, non-cash share-based compensation expense, public offering expenses, acquisition-related transaction costs, purchase accounting adjustments, loss on disposal of property and equipment, non-cash gains or losses on derivative instruments, and other non-operating income or expense. Information relating to adjusted EBITDA is provided so that investors have the same data that management employs in assessing the overall operation and liquidity of FutureFuel’s business. FutureFuel’s calculation of adjusted EBITDA may be different from similarly titled measures used by other companies; therefore, the results of its calculation are not necessarily comparable to the results of other companies.
Adjusted EBITDA allows FutureFuel’s chief operating decision makers to assess the performance and liquidity of FutureFuel’s business on a consolidated basis to assess the ability of its operating segments to produce operating cash flow to fund working capital needs, to fund capital expenditures, and to pay dividends. In particular, FutureFuel management believes that adjusted EBITDA permits a comparative assessment of FutureFuel’s operating performance and liquidity, relative to a performance and liquidity based on GAAP results, while isolating the effects of depreciation and amortization, which may vary among its operating segments without any correlation to their underlying operating performance, and of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, which is a non-cash expense that varies widely among similar companies, and non-cash gains and losses on derivative instruments, whose immediate recognition can cause net income to be volatile from quarter to quarter due to the timing of the valuation change in the derivative instruments relative to the sale of biofuel.
A table included in this earnings release reconciles adjusted EBITDA with net income, the most directly comparable GAAP performance financial measure, and a table reconciles adjusted EBITDA with cash flows from operations, the most directly comparable GAAP liquidity financial measure.
FutureFuel Corp. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 219,444 | $ | 175,640 | ||||
Accounts receivable, inclusive of the blenders’ tax credit of | 28,407 | 26,204 | ||||||
Inventory | 32,978 | 26,761 | ||||||
Marketable securities | - | 37,126 | ||||||
Other current assets | 9,717 | 8,045 | ||||||
Total current assets | 290,546 | 273,776 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net | 72,711 | 76,941 | ||||||
Other assets | 3,824 | 5,252 | ||||||
Total noncurrent assets | 76,535 | 82,193 | ||||||
Total Assets | $ | 367,081 | $ | 355,969 | ||||
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
Accounts payable, inclusive of the blenders’ tax credit rebates due customers of | $ | 22,220 | $ | 36,345 | ||||
Dividends payable | 10,503 | 10,503 | ||||||
Other current liabilities | 8,621 | 9,250 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 41,344 | 56,098 | ||||||
Deferred revenue – long-term | 12,570 | 15,079 | ||||||
Other noncurrent liabilities | 3,287 | 1,792 | ||||||
Total noncurrent liabilities | 15,857 | 16,871 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 57,201 | 72,969 | ||||||
Preferred stock, | - | - | ||||||
Common stock, | 4 | 4 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | - | (1 | ) | |||||
Additional paid in capital | 282,489 | 282,489 | ||||||
Retained earnings | 27,387 | 508 | ||||||
Total Stockholders’ Equity | 309,880 | 283,000 | ||||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | $ | 367,081 | $ | 355,969 | ||||
FutureFuel Corp. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Three months ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
December : | December : | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 92,009 | $ | 117,816 | $ | 368,250 | $ | 396,014 | |||||||
Cost of goods sold and distribution | 67,931 | 102,630 | 327,271 | 367,021 | |||||||||||
Gross profit | 24,078 | 15,186 | 40,979 | 28,993 | |||||||||||
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 2,519 | 2,394 | 9,213 | 8,032 | |||||||||||
Research and development expenses | 1,156 | 1,014 | 4,398 | 3,415 | |||||||||||
3,675 | 3,408 | 13,611 | 11,447 | ||||||||||||
Income from operations | 20,403 | 11,778 | 27,368 | 17,546 | |||||||||||
Interest and dividend income | 2,982 | 2,249 | 9,577 | 4,870 | |||||||||||
(Loss) gain on marketable securities | - | (590 | ) | 575 | (8,546 | ) | |||||||||
Other expense | (34 | ) | (32 | ) | (137 | ) | (132 | ) | |||||||
Other income (expense) | 2,948 | 1,627 | 10,015 | (3,808 | ) | ||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 23,351 | 13,405 | 37,383 | 13,738 | |||||||||||
Income tax (benefit) provision | (33 | ) | (1,528 | ) | 1 | (1,473 | ) | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 23,384 | $ | 14,933 | $ | 37,382 | $ | 15,211 | |||||||
Earnings per common share | |||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.53 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.85 | $ | 0.35 | |||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.53 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.85 | $ | 0.35 | |||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||
Basic | 43,763,243 | 43,763,243 | 43,763,243 | 43,763,243 | |||||||||||
Diluted | 43,765,709 | 43,764,227 | 43,765,163 | 43,763,489 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive income | |||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 23,384 | $ | 14,933 | $ | 37,382 | $ | 15,211 | |||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income from unrealized net losses on available-for-sale securities | - | (8 | ) | 2 | (227 | ) | |||||||||
Income tax effect | - | 2 | (1 | ) | 48 | ||||||||||
Total unrealized (loss) gain, net of tax | - | (6 | ) | 1 | (179 | ) | |||||||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 23,384 | $ | 14,927 | $ | 37,383 | $ | 15,032 | |||||||
FutureFuel Corp. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) | |||||||
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||
Cash flows from operating activities | |||||||
Net income | $ | 37,382 | $ | 15,211 | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||
Depreciation | 10,348 | 10,454 | |||||
Amortization of deferred financing costs | 101 | 95 | |||||
Benefit for deferred income taxes | - | (1,822 | ) | ||||
Change in fair value of equity securities | (3,117 | ) | 8,297 | ||||
Change in fair value of derivative instruments | (1,878 | ) | (343 | ) | |||
Loss on the sale of investments | 2,543 | 248 | |||||
Stock based compensation | - | 46 | |||||
Loss on disposal of property and equipment | 29 | 64 | |||||
Noncash interest expense | 34 | 33 | |||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||
Accounts receivable | (2,208 | ) | 3,118 | ||||
Accounts receivable – related parties | 5 | 52 | |||||
Inventory | (6,217 | ) | 162 | ||||
Income tax receivable | 19 | 7,801 | |||||
Prepaid expenses | (652 | ) | (106 | ) | |||
Prepaid expenses – related party | - | (8 | ) | ||||
Other assets | 3,523 | 799 | |||||
Accounts payable | (6,493 | ) | 13,790 | ||||
Accounts payable – related parties | (7,757 | ) | (112 | ) | |||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | (719 | ) | (948 | ) | |||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities – related parties | (1 | ) | - | ||||
Deferred revenue | (2,418 | ) | (4,055 | ) | |||
Other noncurrent liabilities | 1,461 | (325 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 23,985 | 52,451 | |||||
Cash flows from investing activities | |||||||
Collateralization of derivative instruments | (1,343 | ) | (404 | ) | |||
Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities | 37,701 | 1,292 | |||||
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment | - | 61 | |||||
Capital expenditures | (6,022 | ) | (4,778 | ) | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 30,336 | (3,829 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities | |||||||
Payment of dividends | (10,503 | ) | (10,503 | ) | |||
Deferred financing costs | (14 | ) | - | ||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (10,517 | ) | (10,503 | ) | |||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 43,804 | (38,119 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 175,640 | 137,521 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 219,444 | $ | 175,640 | |||
Cash paid for interest | $ | - | $ | 3 | |||
Cash paid for income taxes | 20 | 69 | |||||
Noncash capital expenditures included in accounts payable | 333 | 208 | |||||
Noncash operating lease | - | 707 | |||||
Dividends payable | 10,503 | 10,503 | |||||
FutureFuel Corp. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure to Financial Measure (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) |
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income
Three months ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
December : | December : | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022* | 2023 | 2022* | ||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 23,384 | $ | 14,933 | $ | 37,382 | $ | 15,211 | |||||||
Depreciation | 2,612 | 2,604 | 10,348 | 10,454 | |||||||||||
Non-cash stock-based compensation | - | - | - | 46 | |||||||||||
Interest and dividend income | (2,982 | ) | (2,249 | ) | (9,577 | ) | (4,870 | ) | |||||||
Non-cash interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs | 34 | 56 | 135 | 128 | |||||||||||
Loss on disposal of property and equipment | 21 | 4 | 29 | 64 | |||||||||||
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments | (5,401 | ) | 2,709 | (1,878 | ) | (343 | ) | ||||||||
Loss (gain) on marketable securities | - | 590 | (575 | ) | 8,546 | ||||||||||
Other income | (882 | ) | - | (882 | ) | - | |||||||||
Income tax (benefit) provision | (33 | ) | (1,528 | ) | 1 | (1,473 | ) | ||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA* | $ | 16,753 | $ | 17,119 | $ | 34,983 | $ | 27,763 |
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Year Ended | |||||||
December : | |||||||
2023 | 2022* | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 23,985 | $ | 52,451 | |||
Benefit for deferred income taxes | - | 1,822 | |||||
Interest and dividend income | (9,577 | ) | (4,870 | ) | |||
Income tax provision (benefit) | 1 | (1,473 | ) | ||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net | 21,456 | (20,168 | ) | ||||
Other non-operating (income) expense | (882 | ) | 1 | ||||
Adjusted EBITDA* | $ | 34,983 | $ | 27,763 |
*Adjusted EBITDA for 2022 has been restated to be consistent with 2023 reporting. Adjusted EBITDA in both years excludes the impact from unrealized gains or losses on derivatives. Realized gains and losses are included in Adjusted EBITDA in both 2022 and 2023.
FutureFuel Corp. Condensed Consolidated Segment Income (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Three months ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
December : | December : | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
Revenue | |||||||||||||||
Custom chemicals | $ | 17,636 | $ | 14,709 | $ | 64,286 | $ | 58,737 | |||||||
Performance chemicals | 3,213 | 4,923 | 15,047 | 22,156 | |||||||||||
Chemical revenue | 20,849 | 19,632 | 79,333 | 80,893 | |||||||||||
Biofuel revenue | 71,160 | 98,184 | 288,917 | 315,121 | |||||||||||
Total Revenue | $ | 92,009 | $ | 117,816 | $ | 368,250 | $ | 396,014 | |||||||
Segment gross profit | |||||||||||||||
Chemical | $ | 8,019 | $ | 7,669 | $ | 29,936 | $ | 25,645 | |||||||
Biofuel | 16,059 | 7,517 | 11,043 | 3,348 | |||||||||||
Total gross profit | $ | 24,078 | $ | 15,186 | $ | 40,979 | $ | 28,993 | |||||||
As of December 31, 2023, FutureFuel held 4.3 million of RINs in inventory at no cost with a fair market value of
COMPANY CONTACT
FutureFuel Corp.
Tom McKinlay
(314) 854-8352
www.futurefuelcorporation.com
FAQ
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