U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2021 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

U.S. Silica Holdings (NYSE: SLCA) reported a net loss of $20 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, for Q3 2021, contrasting with a net income of $26 million in Q2 2021. Adjusted EPS is $(0.22) after $4.8 million in pre-tax charges. Revenue reached $267.3 million, a 51% rise from Q3 2020, but a 16% decrease from Q2 2021. Industrial segment revenue was up 1% sequentially, while Oil & Gas revenue fell 27%. The company maintains strong cash flow, with over $250 million in cash, and is exploring strategic alternatives for its Industrial & Specialty Products segment.

Positive

• Increased cash on hand exceeding $250 million.
• Revenue of $267.3 million, up 51% compared to Q3 2020.
• Continued robust demand in the Industrial & Specialty Products segment.
• Exploration of strategic alternatives for the Industrial & Specialty Products segment could unlock shareholder value.

Negative

• Net loss of $20 million for Q3 2021.
• Adjusted EBITDA decreased 62% compared to Q2 2021.
• Oil & Gas segment revenue decreased 27% from Q2 2021.
• Shift in customer mix in Oil & Gas led to lower margins.

KATY, Texas, Oct. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SLCA), a diversified industrial minerals company and the leading last-mile logistics provider to the oil and gas industry (the "Company"), today announced a net loss of $20.0 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021. This compared with net income of $26.0 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2021 which benefited from a pre-tax customer settlement of $48.9 million.

The third quarter results were negatively impacted by $4.8 million pre-tax, or $0.05 per diluted share after-tax, of charges related to merger and acquisition related expense, plant startup and expansion costs, and other adjustments, resulting in adjusted EPS for the third quarter of $(0.22) per diluted share.   

Bryan Shinn, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "I am proud of our team's execution and ability to deliver on our strategy to generate strong cash flow and strengthen our balance sheet. In the third quarter, we paid off our revolver balance and increased our cash on hand to over $250 million.

"In our Industrial & Specialty Products segment, we continue to enjoy robust customer demand and continued success with new offerings including several product launches and successful customer scale up trials during the quarter. We are also moving quickly and aggressively to combat macro headwinds associated with logistical and supply chain constraints, overall cost inflation, and higher natural gas prices through the implementation of additional price increases and surcharges.

"In our Oil & Gas segment, sand and logistics demand moderated slightly during the quarter as completions activity slowed due to annual budget exhaustion at some customers. Additionally, this segment experienced a shift in customer mix with more spot sales at lower margins and higher costs, including higher natural gas prices and accelerated plant maintenance.  Sandbox was a bright spot during the quarter with improved sequential profitability from increased pricing.

"Earlier this month, we announced that we have commenced a review of strategic alternatives for our Industrial & Specialty Products segment. We are considering a broad range of options, including a potential sale or separation of this segment. Both our Industrial & Specialty Products and Oil & Gas segments are industry leaders, and it is from a position of strength that we believe a separation or sale of the Industrial & Specialty Products segment has the potential to unlock significant value and maximize returns for all of our shareholders and other stakeholders.

"Looking ahead, we are well positioned for strong growth in our Industrial & Specialty Products segment, driven by new opportunities in several fast growing end-uses, new product adoption, expected GDP expansion and planned price increases. In our Oil & Gas segment, we are forecasting robust proppant and logistics demand in 2022 as energy company budgets reset and completions activity increases to levels consistent with very supportive commodity prices. We also expect improved pricing and increased contract coverage with potential upside if commodity prices rise further."  

Third Quarter 2021 Highlights

Total Company

• Revenue of $267.3 million for the third quarter of 2021 increased 51% when compared with the third quarter of 2020 and decreased 16% compared with $317.3 million in the second quarter of 2021. However, excluding the $48.9 million benefit in the Oil & Gas segment related to a customer settlement, revenues were flat sequentially.
• Overall tons sold of 3.989 million for the third quarter of 2021 decreased 3% compared with 4.104 million tons sold in the second quarter of 2021 and increased 78% when compared with the third quarter of 2020.
• Contribution margin of $66.7 million for the third quarter of 2021 decreased 10% when compared with the third quarter of 2020 and decreased 48% compared with $128.6 million in the second quarter of 2021. However, excluding the $48.9 million benefit in the Oil & Gas segment, contribution margin decreased 16% sequentially.
• Adjusted EBITDA of $39.8 million for the third quarter of 2021 decreased 62% compared with $103.3 million in the second quarter of 2021. However, excluding the $48.9 million benefit in the Oil & Gas segment, adjusted EBITDA decreased 27% sequentially.

Industrial & Specialty Products (ISP)

• Revenue of $125.5 million for the third quarter of 2021 increased 1% compared with $124.0 million in the second quarter of 2021, and increased 14% when compared with the third quarter of 2020.
• Tons sold totaled 1.08 million for the third quarter of 2021, flat compared with 1.08 million tons sold in the second quarter of 2021, and increased 13% when compared with the third quarter of 2020.
• Segment contribution margin of $41.0 million, or $38.07 per ton, for the third quarter of 2021 decreased 11% compared with $45.9 million in the second quarter of 2021, and decreased 3% when compared with the third quarter of 2020. These results were impacted by logistical and supply chain constraints, as well as cost inflation, particularly for higher natural gas prices during the third quarter of 2021.
• The company has implemented price increases and surcharges to combat recent cost inflation.

Oil & Gas

• Revenue of $141.8 million for the third quarter of 2021 decreased 27% when compared with $193.3 million in the second quarter of 2021 and increased 114% when compared with the third quarter of 2020. However, excluding the $48.9 million customer settlement, revenue decreased 2% when compared with the second quarter of 2021.
• Tons sold of 2.912 million for the third quarter of 2021 decreased 4% compared with 3.024 million tons sold in the second quarter of 2021, and increased 127% when compared with the third quarter of 2020.
• Segment contribution margin of $25.7 million, or $8.83 per ton, decreased 69% when compared with $82.7 million in the second quarter of 2021 and decreased 18% when compared with the third quarter of 2020. However, excluding the $48.9 million customer settlement, segment contribution margin decreased 24% when compared with the second quarter of 2021, and was impacted by a shift in customer mix with more spot sales at lower margins and higher costs, including higher natural gas prices and accelerated plant maintenance.

Capital Update

As of September 30, 2021, the Company had $250.6 million in cash and cash equivalents and total debt was $1.216 billion. The Company's $100.0 million Revolver had zero drawn, with $22.2 million allocated for letters of credit, and availability of $77.8 million. Capital expenditures in the third quarter totaled $8.3 million. During the third quarter of 2021, the Company generated $74.8 million in cash flow from operations, which included the remaining $45.0 million cash payment from the customer settlement which was received in July.  

Outlook and Guidance

Looking forward to the fourth quarter and into 2022, the Company's two business segments remain well positioned for sustainable, long-term growth in their respective markets. The Company has a strong portfolio of industrial and specialty products that serve numerous essential, high growth and attractive end markets, supported by a robust pipeline of new products under development as well as pricing increases and surcharges.

The oil and gas industry is progressing through a transitional year of what is anticipated to be a multi-year growth cycle. Strength in commodity prices, particularly WTI crude oil prices, along with forecasted increases in customer spending, are promising for an active well completions environment in 2022.

The Company continues to expect to generate positive free cash flow in 2022 and further strengthen its balance sheet.

Conference Call

U.S. Silica will host a conference call for investors today, October 29, 2021 at 7:30 a.m. Central Time to discuss these results. Hosting the call will be Bryan Shinn, Chief Executive Officer and Don Merril, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  Investors are invited to listen to a live webcast of the conference call by visiting the "Investors- Events & Presentations" section of the Company's website at www.ussilica.com.  The webcast will be archived for one year.  The call can also be accessed live over the telephone by dialing (877) 869-3847 or for international callers, (201) 689-8261.  A replay will be available shortly after the call and can be accessed by dialing (877) 660-6853 or for international callers, (201) 612-7415.  The conference ID for the replay is 13723834. The replay will be available through November 29, 2021.

About U.S. Silica

U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. is a performance materials company and is a member of the Russell 2000. The Company is a leading producer of commercial silica used in the oil and gas industry, and in a wide range of industrial applications.  Over its 121-year history, U.S. Silica has developed core competencies in mining, processing, logistics and materials science that enable it to produce and cost-effectively deliver over 600 diversified products to customers across our end markets.  U.S. Silica's wholly-owned subsidiaries include EP Minerals and SandBox Logistics™.  EP Minerals is an industry leader in the production of products derived from diatomaceous earth, perlite, engineered clays, and non-activated clays. SandBox Logistics™ is a state-of-the-art leader in proppant storage, handling and well-site delivery, dedicated to making proppant logistics cleaner, safer and more efficient.  The Company currently operates 24 mines and production facilities and is headquartered in Katy, Texas.

Forward-looking Statements

This third quarter 2021 earnings release, as well as other statements we make, contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws - that is, statements about the future, not about past events. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. These statements may include words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," "intend," "believe," "may," "will," "should," "could," "can have," "likely" and other words and terms of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements made include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact and may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding U.S. Silica's growth opportunities, strategy, future financial results, forecasts, projections, plans and capital expenditures, technological innovations, the impacts of COVID-19 on the Company's operations, and the commercial silica industry. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions, which may not prove to be accurate.  These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict.  Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from these forward-looking statements. Among these factors are global economic conditions; the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on markets the Company serves; supply chain and logistics constraints for our company and our customers, fluctuations in demand for commercial silica, diatomaceous earth, perlite, clay and cellulose; fluctuations in demand for frac sand or the development of either effective alternative proppants or new processes to replace hydraulic fracturing; the entry of competitors into our marketplace; changes in production spending by companies in the oil and gas industry and changes in the level of oil and natural gas exploration and development; changes in oil and gas inventories; general economic, political and business conditions in key regions of the world; pricing pressure; cost inflation; weather and seasonal factors; the cyclical nature of our customers' business; our inability to meet our financial and performance targets and other forecasts or expectations; our substantial indebtedness and pension obligations, including restrictions on our operations imposed by our indebtedness; operational modifications, delays or cancellations; prices for electricity, natural gas and diesel fuel; our ability to maintain our transportation network; changes in government regulations and regulatory requirements, including those related to mining, explosives, chemicals, and oil and gas production; silica-related health issues and corresponding litigation; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in this press release and our most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize (or the consequences of such a development changes), or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those reflected in our forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

U.S. SILICA HOLDINGS, INC. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA FROM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited; dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2021				June 30, 2021				September 30, 2020
Total sales	$	267,298			$	317,301			$	176,472
Total cost of sales (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization)	207,448				192,955				107,592
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	30,956				27,509				27,216
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	39,981				41,165				40,069
Goodwill and other asset impairments	11				—				222
Total operating expenses	70,948				68,674				67,507
Operating (loss) income	(11,098)				55,672				1,373
Other (expense) income:
Interest expense	(17,796)				(17,918)				(19,274)
Other income (expense), net, including interest income	2,580				(186)				(409)
Total other expense	(15,216)				(18,104)				(19,683)
(Loss) income before income taxes	(26,314)				37,568				(18,310)
Income tax benefit (expense)	6,140				(11,666)				4,094
Net (loss) income	$	(20,174)			$	25,902			$	(14,216)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest	(179)				(126)				(254)
Net (loss) income attributable to U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.	$	(19,995)			$	26,028			$	(13,962)
(Loss) earnings per share attributable to U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.:
Basic	$	(0.27)			$	0.35			$	(0.19)
Diluted	$	(0.27)			$	0.34			$	(0.19)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	74,523				74,339				73,688
Diluted	74,523				76,136				73,688
Dividends declared per share	$	—			$	—			$	—

 

 

U.S. SILICA HOLDINGS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Unaudited; dollars in thousands)
	September 30, 2021				December 31, 2020
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	250,587			$	150,920
Accounts receivable, net	176,759				206,934
Inventories, net	116,405				104,684
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	29,204				23,147
Income tax deposits	—				628
Total current assets	572,955				486,313
Property, plant and mine development, net	1,277,133				1,368,092
Lease right-of-use assets	44,866				37,469
Goodwill	185,649				185,649
Intangible assets, net	152,445				159,582
Other assets	7,567				9,842
Total assets	$	2,240,615			$	2,246,947
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	157,082			$	121,920
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	15,846				17,388
Current portion of long-term debt	20,484				42,042
Current portion of deferred revenue	6,744				13,545
Total current liabilities	200,156				194,895
Long-term debt, net	1,195,092				1,197,660
Deferred revenue	17,045				20,147
Liability for pension and other post-retirement benefits	38,923				48,169
Deferred income taxes, net	48,033				49,386
Operating lease liabilities	76,806				76,361
Other long-term liabilities	36,552				33,538
Total liabilities	1,612,607				1,620,156
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock	—				—
Common stock	837				827
Additional paid-in capital	1,213,165				1,200,023
Retained deficit	(410,233)				(395,496)
Treasury stock, at cost	(183,483)				(181,615)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,562)				(8,479)
Total U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. stockholders' equity	617,724				615,260
Non-controlling interest	10,284				11,531
Total stockholders' equity	628,008				626,791
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,240,615			$	2,246,947

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Segment Contribution Margin

Segment contribution margin is a key metric that management uses to evaluate our operating performance and to determine resource allocation between segments. Segment contribution margin excludes selling, general, and administrative costs, corporate costs, plant capacity expenses, and facility closure costs.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net (loss) income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to segment contribution margin. 

(All amounts in thousands)	Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2021				June 30, 2021				September 30, 2020
Sales:
Oil & Gas Proppants	$	141,848			$	193,298			$	66,343
Industrial & Specialty Products	125,450				124,003				110,129
Total sales	267,298				317,301				176,472
Segment contribution margin:
Oil & Gas Proppants	25,723				82,676				31,478
Industrial & Specialty Products	41,003				45,939				42,353
Total segment contribution margin	66,726				128,615				73,831
Operating activities excluded from segment cost of sales	(6,876)				(4,269)				(4,951)
Selling, general and administrative	(30,956)				(27,509)				(27,216)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	(39,981)				(41,165)				(40,069)
Goodwill and other asset impairments	(11)				—				(222)
Interest expense	(17,796)				(17,918)				(19,274)
Other income (expense), net, including interest income	2,580				(186)				(409)
Income tax benefit (expense)	6,140				(11,666)				4,094
Net (loss) income	$	(20,174)			$	25,902			$	(14,216)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest	(179)				(126)				(254)
Net (loss) income attributable to U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.	$	(19,995)			$	26,028			$	(13,962)

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of our financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) as a measure of operating performance, cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow for management's discretionary use, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments, tax payments and debt service requirements. Adjusted EBITDA contains certain other limitations, including the failure to reflect our cash expenditures, cash requirements for working capital needs and cash costs to replace assets being depreciated and amortized, and excludes certain charges that may recur in the future. Management compensates for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and by using Adjusted EBITDA only supplementally. Our measure of Adjusted EBITDA is not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to potential inconsistencies in the methods of calculation.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to Adjusted EBITDA:

(All amounts in thousands)	Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2021				June 30, 2021				September 30, 2020
Net (loss) income attributable to U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.	$	(19,995)			$	26,028			$	(13,962)
Total interest expense, net of interest income	17,778				17,902				19,801
Provision for taxes	(6,140)				11,666				(4,094)
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses	39,981				41,165				40,069
EBITDA	31,624				96,761				41,814
Non-cash incentive compensation (1)	5,450				3,954				5,523
Post-employment expenses (excluding service costs) (2)	(2,140)				363				161
Merger and acquisition related expenses (3)	504				109				285
Plant capacity expansion expenses (4)	782				19				744
Goodwill and other asset impairments (5)	11				—				222
Business optimization projects (6)	33				4				24
Facility closure costs (7)	218				490				1,881
Other adjustments allowable under the Credit Agreement (8)	3,279				1,586				675
Adjusted EBITDA	$	39,761			$	103,286			$	51,329

(1)	Reflects equity-based and other equity-related compensation expense.
(2)	Includes net pension cost and net post-retirement cost relating to pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations during the applicable period, but in each case excluding the service cost relating to benefits earned during such period. Non-service net periodic benefit costs are not considered reflective of our operating performance because these costs do not exclusively originate from employee services during the applicable period and may experience periodic fluctuations as a result of changes in non-operating factors, including changes in discount rates, changes in expected returns on benefit plan assets, and other demographic actuarial assumptions.
(3)	Merger and acquisition related expenses include legal fees, consulting fees, bank fees, severance costs, certain purchase accounting items such as the amortization of inventory fair value step-up, information technology integration costs and similar charges. While these costs are not operational in nature and are not expected to continue for any singular transaction on an ongoing basis, similar types of costs, expenses and charges have occurred in prior periods and may recur in the future as we continue to integrate prior acquisitions and pursue any future acquisitions.
(4)	Plant capacity expansion expenses include expenses that are not inventoriable or capitalizable as related to plant expansion projects greater than $5 million in capital expenditures or plant start up projects.  While these expenses are not operational in nature and are not expected to continue for any singular project on an ongoing basis, similar types of expenses have occurred in prior periods and may recur in the future if we continue to pursue future plant capacity expansion.
(5)	The three months ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 reflect impairment charges of $11 thousand and $0.2 million, respectively.
(6)	Reflects costs incurred related to business optimization projects within our corporate center, which aim to measure and improve the efficiency, productivity and performance of our organization. While these costs are not operational in nature and are not expected to continue for any singular project on an ongoing basis, similar types of expenses may recur in the future.
(7)	Reflects costs incurred related to idled sand facilities and closed corporate offices, including severance costs and remaining contracted costs such as office lease costs, maintenance, and utilities. While these costs are not operational in nature and are not expected to continue for any singular event on an ongoing basis, similar types of expenses may recur in the future.
(8)	Reflects miscellaneous adjustments permitted under the Credit Agreement, such as recruiting fees and relocation costs. The three months ended September 30, 2021 also included $3.3 million of transload shortfall and exit fees. The three months ended June 30, 2021 also included $1.0 million related to expenses incurred with severe winter storms during the first quarter and costs related to a power interruption at a plant location of $0.5 million.

 

U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.

Investor Contact
Patricia Gil
Vice President, Investor Relations
(281) 505-6011
gil@ussilica.com

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SOURCE U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.

FAQ

What were U.S. Silica's Q3 2021 financial results?

U.S. Silica reported a net loss of $20 million and revenue of $267.3 million for Q3 2021.

How did U.S. Silica's revenue compare to Q2 2021?

Revenue decreased by 16% from $317.3 million in Q2 2021 to $267.3 million in Q3 2021.

What are the key challenges faced by U.S. Silica in Q3 2021?

Challenges included logistical constraints, cost inflation, and a shift in customer mix in the Oil & Gas segment.

Is U.S. Silica considering any strategic changes?

Yes, U.S. Silica is reviewing strategic alternatives for its Industrial & Specialty Products segment.

What is U.S. Silica's outlook for 2022?

The company anticipates strong growth in both segments driven by increased demand and favorable commodity prices.