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8-K - FORM 8-K - Kraton Corpkra102620168k.htm


Exhibit 99.1
Kraton Corporation Announces Third Quarter 2016 Results
HOUSTON, October 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Kraton Corporation (NYSE: KRA), a leading global producer of styrenic block copolymers, specialty polymers, and value-added specialty products primarily derived from renewable sources, announces financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2016.
2016 THIRD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS
Strong volume growth for the Polymer segment, with sales volume up 6.1% compared to the third quarter 2015. Sales volume in our Chemical segment was in line with third quarter 2015.
Net income was $15.6 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, in the third quarter 2016 compared to a net income of $8.4 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, in the third quarter 2015. Adjusted earnings per diluted share (non-GAAP) was $0.63 in the third quarter 2016 compared to $0.48 in the third quarter 2015.
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) was $91.1 million in the third quarter 2016 compared to $42.4 million in the third quarter 2015.
Realized $10.9 million of year-over-year benefit associated with integration synergies and cost reduction initiatives in the third quarter 2016.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue
$
454,143

 
$
269,012

 
$
1,328,715

 
$
786,349

Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton 
$
15,560

 
$
8,446

 
$
111,048

 
$
(6,574
)
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)(1) 
$
91,074

 
$
42,393

 
$
276,911

 
$
116,773

Adjusted EBITDA as % of revenue (non-GAAP)
20.1
%
 
15.8
%
 
20.8
%
 
14.9
%
Earnings (loss) per diluted share            
$
0.49

 
$
0.27

 
$
3.56

 
$
(0.21
)
Adjusted earnings per diluted share (non-GAAP)(1)
$
0.63

 
$
0.48

 
$
2.07

 
$
1.26

_______________________________________
(1)
See non-GAAP reconciliations included in the accompanying financial tables for the reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to its most directly comparable GAAP measure.

“During the third quarter 2016 we continued to execute under our cost reduction initiatives and we delivered solid progress toward achieving our targeted transaction synergies for the year. With regard to our HSBC project in Mailiao, Taiwan, having previously achieved mechanical completion, during the quarter the plant was undergoing steps in the commissioning phase as we move toward anticipated commercial production before year end. With respect to our CariflexTM ‘direct-couple’ project in Paulinia, Brazil, during the third quarter we conducted an extremely successful preliminary production run on the commercial asset that further validates our expectations for the benefits of our new process technology,” said Kevin M. Fogarty, Kraton’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We still expect to deliver $70 million of cost reductions and $65 million of transaction synergies by year-end 2018.”
“Overall, our results for the third quarter 2016 were below our expectations principally due to incremental margin pressure in our adhesives businesses, lower than planned sales of SBS into paving applications and the impact of lower pricing for TOFA in our Chemical Intermediates business,” said Fogarty. “During the quarter our Polymer segment remained on its trend of volume growth, and sales mix improvement. Our Cariflex business continued to demonstrate its attractive market value, as evidenced by 29% volume growth, and we realized 10% volume growth for our Specialty Polymer HSBC product grades, compared to the third quarter 2015. Despite lower than expected sales of SBS grades into paving applications related to a supply constraint for butadiene and production shortfalls in the quarter, sales volume for Performance Products was up over 3% compared to Q3 2015. Differentiated sales as a percentage of the Polymer segment sales mix, increased to 60% in the TTM period ending September 30, 2016, up from 59% for the period ending June 30, 2016,” added Fogarty.
“During the quarter, continued availability of low-cost, C5-hydrocarbon-based resins maintained pressure on margins for certain adhesive products in our Chemical segment. In addition, our Chemical Intermediates business experienced continued margin pressure, resulting from the on-going over-supply of TOFA, the impact of increased energy prices on our feedstock costs, and to a lesser extent, changes in product mix. Nevertheless, despite these pressures, in the third quarter 2016 our Chemical segment generated $22.1 million in operating income and $41.5 million in Adjusted EBITDA, resulting in Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue for the segment of 23%, reflecting its resiliency and attractive customer value” said Fogarty.





Status of Synergies, Operational Improvement, and Cost Reduction Initiatives
We previously announced synergies and operational improvement initiatives associated with our January 6, 2016 acquisition of Arizona Chemical (the “Arizona Chemical Acquisition”) and a cost reduction initiative targeted at lowering costs in our Polymer segment. Following is a summary of the status of these initiatives:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
Incremental
 
2016
 
2015
 
Incremental
 
Cumulative(1)
 
(In thousands)
G&A synergies
$
5,099

 
$

 
$
5,099

 
$
10,722

 
$

 
$
10,722

 
$
10,722

Operational improvements
4,224

 

 
4,224

 
9,631

 

 
9,631

 
9,631

Polymer cost reduction
6,888

 
5,279

 
1,609

 
20,242

 
11,859

 
8,383

 
27,771

 
$
16,211

 
$
5,279

 
$
10,932

 
$
40,595

 
$
11,859

 
$
28,736

 
$
48,124

_____________________________________________________
(1) The cumulative Polymer cost reduction initiatives include $19.4 million realized in the full year 2015.

Consolidated Results
Q3 2016 VERSUS Q3 2015 RESULTS
Revenue was $454.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $269.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $185.1 million or 68.8%, of which $181.2 million relates to our Chemical segment.
Gross profit was $135.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $67.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $67.4 million or 99.5%, of which $58.2 million relates to our Chemical segment.
Research and development expenses were $9.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $7.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $2.1 million or 27.6%, of which $2.8 million related to our Chemical segment.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $42.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $26.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $15.9 million or 58.9%, of which $16.4 million relates to our Chemical segment.
Interest expense, net was $33.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $6.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $27.7 million. The increase is primarily due to additional indebtedness related to the Arizona Chemical Acquisition.
Income tax expense was $2.2 million and $3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Net income attributable to Kraton was $15.6 million or $0.49 per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $7.1 million compared to net income of $8.4 million or $0.27 per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2015. Adjusted earnings per diluted share (non-GAAP) was $0.63 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $0.48 for the three months ended September 30, 2015. See a reconciliation of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") earnings (loss) per diluted share to non-GAAP adjusted earnings per diluted share below.
YTD 2016 VERSUS YTD 2015 RESULTS
Revenue was $1,328.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $786.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $542.4 million or 69.0%, of which $542.6 million relates to our Chemical segment.
Gross profit was $361.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $161.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase includes gross profit of $151.2 million from our Chemical segment, which includes $24.7 million of higher costs of goods sold related to the full amortization of the fair value adjustment in purchase accounting for inventory.
Research and development expenses were $30.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $23.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $7.0 million or 30.1%, of which $8.4 million relates to our Chemical segment.





Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $135.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $77.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $58.4 million or 75.3%, of which $53.2 million relates to our Chemical segment.
Interest expense, net was $101.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $18.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $83.5 million. The increase is primarily due to additional indebtedness related to the Arizona Chemical Acquisition.
Income tax benefit was $83.0 million and income tax expense was $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Following the completion of the Arizona Chemical Acquisition, we reassessed the need for a valuation allowance against our U.S. net operating loss deferred tax assets and released $86.6 million of the previously recorded valuation allowance.
Net income attributable to Kraton was $111.0 million or $3.56 per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $117.6 million compared to net loss of $6.6 million or $0.21 per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Adjusted earnings per diluted share (non-GAAP) was $2.07 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $1.26 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. See a reconciliation of GAAP earnings (loss) per diluted share to non-GAAP adjusted earnings per diluted share below.
Polymer Segment
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Revenue
(In thousands)
 
(In thousands)
Cariflex
$
45,303

 
$
34,044

 
$
126,513

 
$
102,069

Specialty Polymers
89,107

 
86,828

 
256,197

 
263,082

Performance Products
138,479

 
147,987

 
403,214

 
420,889

Other
81

 
153

 
208

 
309

 
$
272,970

 
$
269,012

 
$
786,132

 
$
786,349

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
$
28,728

 
$
17,151

 
$
59,936

 
$
14,122

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) (1)
$
49,576

 
$
42,393

 
$
141,023

 
$
116,773

 ____________________________________________________
(1)
See Non-GAAP reconciliations included in the accompanying financial tables for the reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to its most directly comparable GAAP measure.
Q3 2016 VERSUS Q3 2015 RESULTS
Revenue for the Polymer segment was $273.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $269.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $4.0 million or 1.5%. The increase was due to higher sales volumes of $23.2 million and changes in foreign currency exchange rates of $3.8 million, partially offset by lower average selling prices amounting to $23.0 million, which were primarily driven by lower average raw material costs, lower prices for certain SIS product grades and mix. Sales volumes were 85.9 kilotons for the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of 5.0 kilotons or 6.1%.
With respect to revenue for the Polymer segment product groups:
Cariflex revenue was $45.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $34.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The increase of $11.3 million was attributable to a 29.4% increase in sales volumes, primarily into surgical glove applications, and changes in foreign currency exchange rates amounting to $2.4 million.
Specialty Polymers revenue was $89.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $86.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, a $2.3 million increase, which includes a decrease of $1.7 million related to the sale of the Belpre Compounding Unit ("BCU"). The revenue increase was attributable to a 10.2% increase in sales volumes, primarily within automotive and lubricant additive applications, partially offset by lower average selling prices resulting from lower raw material costs.







Performance Products revenue was $138.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $148.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015. The $9.5 million decline was primarily driven by lower average selling prices due to lower raw material costs, lower prices for certain SIS product grades reflective of global over capacity for SIS, and product mix, partially offset by a 3.2% increase in sales volumes and changes in foreign currency exchange rates of $1.1 million. The increase in sales volumes was primarily driven by higher sales into roofing and personal care applications, which more than offset lower volume into paving applications and lower sales of SIS product grades into packaging and industrial adhesive applications. A factor in the decline in paving volume was constrained availability of butadiene arising from a cracker outage from one of our suppliers.
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Polymer segment operating income was $28.7 million compared to $17.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015.
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Polymer segment generated Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) of $49.6 million compared to $42.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, an increase of $7.2 million, or 16.9%. The increase was due to higher sales volumes and lower costs, partially offset by modestly lower unit margins, including the effect of product mix. The effect of currency fluctuations negatively impacted Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) by $2.2 million. See a reconciliation of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA below.
YTD 2016 VERSUS YTD 2015 RESULTS
Revenue for the Polymer segment was $786.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $786.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Lower average selling prices amounting to $76.5 million, primarily driven by lower average raw material costs, lower prices for certain SIS product grades and mix, was offset by an increase of $74.4 million due to higher sales volumes and changes in foreign currency exchange rates of $2.0 million. Sales volumes were 250.9 kilotons for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of 19.3 kilotons or 8.3%.
With respect to revenue for the Polymer segment product groups:
Cariflex revenue was $126.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $102.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase of $24.4 million was attributable to a 23.7% increase in sales volumes, primarily due to higher sales into surgical glove applications, and changes in foreign currency of $4.1 million, partially offset by a $4.2 million decrease attributable to lower average selling prices resulting from lower raw material costs.
Specialty Polymers revenue was $256.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $263.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $6.9 million. Excluding the $7.8 million effect of the sale of the BCU, which occurred in the first quarter of 2016, revenue was essentially unchanged with a 7.2% increase in sales volumes, largely in automotive and industrial applications, offset by lower average selling prices due to lower raw material costs and a $1.0 million negative effect from changes in currency exchange rates.
Performance Products revenue was $403.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $420.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The $17.7 million decrease was primarily driven by lower average selling prices resulting from lower raw material costs, lower prices for certain SIS product grades and mix, and changes in foreign currency exchange rates of $1.2 million, partially offset by 7.5% increase in sales volumes. The increase in sales volumes was primarily driven by paving, roofing, and personal care applications, partially offset by lower sales of SIS product grades into packaging and industrial adhesive applications.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Polymer segment operating income was $59.9 million compared to $14.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Polymer segment generated $141.0 million of Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) compared to $116.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, an increase $24.3 million or 20.8%. The increase was a result of higher sales volumes and lower costs, partially offset by lower unit margins, including the effect of product mix. The effect of currency fluctuations negatively impacted Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) by $4.9 million. See a reconciliation of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA below.





Chemical Segment
The results for the Chemical segment are included in the consolidated financial statements for the period January 6, 2016 to September 30, 2016. The 2015 amounts have been derived from the Arizona Chemical historical operating results and are being included for comparative purposes only.
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
For the period January 6, 2016 through September 30, 2016
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Revenue
(In thousands)
Adhesives
$
60,771

 
$
65,754

 
$
186,903

 
$
205,250

Roads and construction
13,778

 
16,138

 
40,845

 
41,864

Tires
10,380

 
11,058

 
30,238

 
32,058

Chemical intermediates
96,244

 
114,531

 
284,597

 
341,791

 
$
181,173

 
$
207,481

 
$
542,583

 
$
620,963

 ____________________________________________________
(1)
See Non-GAAP reconciliations included in the accompanying financial tables for the reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to its most directly comparable GAAP measure.
Q3 2016 VERSUS Q3 2015 RESULTS
Revenue for the Chemical segment was $181.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $207.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $26.3 million or 12.7%. Sales volumes were 104.3 kilotons for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to 104.8 kilotons for the three months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of 0.5 kilotons or 0.4%.
With respect to revenue for the Chemical segment product groups:
Adhesives revenue was $60.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $65.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $5.0 million or 7.6%, largely due to lower average selling prices due to the availability of low cost hydrocarbon C5 based alternatives, which has resulted in price pressures. This was partially offset by higher sales volume of 2.4%.
Roads and Construction revenue was $13.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $16.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, an decrease of $2.4 million or 14.6%, primarily attributable to lower average selling prices.
Tires revenue was $10.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, effectively unchanged compared to $11.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015.
Chemical Intermediates revenue was $96.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $114.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $18.3 million, or 16.0%. The revenue decline reflects lower average selling prices, driven by excess supply of tall oil fatty acids ("TOFA") and tall oil rosin ("TOR"), and to a lesser extent, a 1.3% decrease in sales volume.
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Chemical segment operating income was $22.1 million.
For the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Chemical segment generated Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) of $41.5 million. See a reconciliation of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA below.
YTD 2016 VERSUS YTD 2015 RESULTS
Revenue for the Chemical segment was $542.6 million from the date of the Arizona Chemical Acquisition to September 30, 2016 compared to $621.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $78.4 million, or 12.6%. Sales volumes were 308.0 kilotons for the period from January 6, 2016 through September 30, 2016 compared to 315.4 kilotons for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of 7.4 kilotons or 2.3%.





With respect to revenue for the Chemical segment product groups:
Adhesives revenue was $186.9 million from the date of the Arizona Chemical Acquisition to September 30, 2016 compared to $205.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $18.3 million or 8.9%, largely due to lower average selling prices and to a lesser degree lower sales volume of 3.0%. The availability of low cost hydrocarbon C5 based alternatives has resulted in price pressures in adhesive markets.
Roads and Construction revenue was $40.8 million from the date of the Arizona Chemical Acquisition to September 30, 2016 compared to $41.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, an decrease of $1.0 million or 2.4%, primarily attributable to lower average selling prices, which were partially offset by a 4.7% increase in sales volume.
Tires revenue was $30.2 million, compared to $32.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $1.8 million or 5.7%, primarily attributable to a to lower average selling prices.
Chemical Intermediates revenue was $284.6 million from the date of the Arizona Chemical Acquisition to September 30, 2016 compared to $341.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, a decrease of $57.2 million or 16.7%. The revenue decline reflects lower average selling prices, driven by excess supply of TOFA and TOR and lower substitute material pricing, and to a lesser extent, a 2.8% decrease in sales volume.
From the date of the Arizona Chemical Acquisition to September 30, 2016, the Chemical segment operating income was $40.9 million.
From the date of the Arizona Chemical Acquisition to September 30, 2016, the Chemical segment generated Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) of $135.9 million. See a reconciliation of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA below.





CASH FLOW AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE
In connection with the Arizona Chemical Acquisition, we entered into a $1,350.0 million six-year senior secured first lien term loan facility and issued $440.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 10.5% senior notes due 2023. In addition, we entered into a $250.0 million five-year asset-based revolving credit facility, we did not have any borrowings drawn under this facility as of September 30, 2016. We applied a portion of the acquisition-related proceeds to prepay our previously issued 6.75% Senior Notes ($350.0 million principal amount plus fees and expenses of $8.0 million) and fund $57.6 million of debt issuance costs.
Since the date of the Arizona Chemical Acquisition (excluding borrowings under the KFPC Loan Agreement) we repaid approximately $109 million of Kraton Corporation indebtedness, while increasing cash on hand (excluding KFPC cash) by approximately $37 million.
Summary of principal amounts for indebtedness and net debt:
 
As of September 30, 2016
 
As of January 6, 2016
 
(In thousands)
Term Loan
$
1,278,000

 
$
1,350,000

10.5% Senior Notes
440,000

 
440,000

ABL

 
37,075

Capital lease
1,529

 
1,634

Kraton debt
1,719,529

 
1,828,709

Kraton cash
134,755

 
97,400

Kraton net debt
1,584,774

 
1,731,309

 
 
 
 
KFPC(1) loan
106,128

 
76,912

KFPC(1) cash
8,793

 
9,315

KFPC(1) net debt
97,335

 
67,597

 
 
 
 
Consolidated net debt
$
1,682,109

 
$
1,798,906

 ____________________________________________________
(1)
Represents the debt of Kraton Formosa Polymers Corporation (KFPC) located in Mailiao, Taiwan, a 50% investment in a joint venture,which we consolidate.
OUTLOOK
Our third quarter 2016 results were below our expectations primarily due to weaker than anticipated margins and volumes for sales into adhesive applications in both our Polymer and Chemical segments, lower prices for TOFA and TOR products, and lower sales of SBS products. In light of the year-to-date results and the expectation that market conditions will not reverse in the fourth quarter, we now expect fourth quarter 2016 Adjusted EBITDA to be in the low $80 million range, resulting in full-year 2016 Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $360 million.
We expect Kraton net debt to be approximately $1.6 billion at December 31, 2016 and we remain committed to our goal of delivering a $500 million reduction in Kraton net debt by December 31, 2018.
We currently estimate that our results in the fourth quarter 2016 will reflect a positive spread between FIFO and ECRC of approximately $5.0 million.
We have not reconciled Adjusted EBITDA guidance to net income (loss) because we do not provide guidance for net income (loss) or for items that we do not consider indicative of our on-going performance, including, but not limited to, transaction and acquisition costs and costs associated with dispositions, business exits, and production downtime, as certain of these items are out of our control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted. Accordingly, a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure guidance to the corresponding GAAP measures is not available without unreasonable effort.





USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
This press release includes the use of both GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures. The non-GAAP financial measures are EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted Net Income attributable to Kraton (or earnings per share). Tables included in this earnings release reconcile each of these non-GAAP financial measures with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. For additional information on the impact of the spread between the FIFO basis of accounting and estimated current replacement cost (“ECRC”), see 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, 2015.
We consider these non-GAAP financial measures 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 including period-to-period comparisons and/or that of other companies in our industry. Further, management uses these measures to evaluate operating performance, and our incentive compensation plan bases incentive compensation payments on our Adjusted EBITDA performance, along with other factors. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and in some cases can vary substantially from other measures of our performance. You should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results under GAAP in the United States. For EBITDA, which represents net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, these limitations include: 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; and 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 our 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. Other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. As an analytical tool, Adjusted EBITDA is subject to all the limitations applicable to EBITDA. We prepare Adjusted EBITDA by eliminating from EBITDA the impact of a number of items we do not consider indicative of our on-going performance, including the spread between FIFO and ECRC, but you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses similar to the adjustments in this presentation. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. In addition, due to volatility in raw material prices, Adjusted EBITDA may, and often does, vary substantially from EBITDA and other performance measures, including net income calculated in accordance with U.S. 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. Finally, we prepare Adjusted Net Income attributable to Kraton by eliminating from net income (loss) the impact of a number of items we do not consider indicative of our on-going performance, including the spread between FIFO and ECRC. 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.
CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST INFORMATION
Kraton has scheduled a conference call on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss third quarter 2016 financial results. Kraton invites you to listen to the conference call, which will be broadcast live over the internet at www.kraton.com, by selecting the "Investor Relations" link at the top of the home page and then selecting "Events" from the Investor Relations menu on the Investor Relations page.
You may also listen to the conference call by telephone by contacting the conference call operator 5 to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and asking for the "Kraton Conference Call – Passcode: Earnings Call." U.S./Canada dial-in 800-857-6511. International dial-in #: 210-839-8886.
For those unable to listen to the live call, a replay will be available beginning at approximately 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on October 27, 2016 through 1:59 a.m. (Eastern Time) on November 11, 2016. To hear a replay of the call over the Internet, access Kraton's Website at www.kraton.com by selecting the "Investor Relations" link at the top of the home page and then selecting "Events" from the Investor Relations menu on the Investor Relations page. To hear a telephonic replay of the call, dial 866-516-0665.





ABOUT KRATON CORPORATION
Kraton Corporation (NYSE: KRA) is a leading global producer of styrenic block copolymers, specialty polymers and high-value performance products derived from renewable sources. Kraton's polymers are used in a wide range of applications, including adhesives, coatings, consumer and personal care products, sealants and lubricants, and medical, packaging, automotive, paving and roofing applications. As the largest global provider in the pine chemicals industry, the company’s pine-based specialty products are sold into adhesive, road and construction and tire markets, and it produces and sells a broad range of chemical intermediates into markets that include fuel additives, oilfield chemicals, coatings, metalworking fluids and lubricants, inks, flavors and fragrances and mining. Kraton offers its products to a diverse customer base in numerous countries worldwide.
Kraton, the Kraton logo and design, and Cariflex are all trademarks of Kraton Polymers LLC.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the statements in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release includes forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, beliefs, expectations, and current views with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance. Forward-looking statements are often characterized by the use of words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “may,” “intends,” “plans”, “on track”, or “anticipates,” or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions, including all matters described on the section titled “Outlook” including, but not limited to, our outlook for full year 2016 guidance for Adjusted EBITDA, expectations of Kraton net debt at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2018 and fourth quarter 2016 guidance on the positive spread between FIFO and ECRC.

All forward-looking statements in this press release are made based on management's current expectations and estimates, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are more fully described 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, and include, but are not limited to, risks related to: the integration of Arizona Chemical (now, AZ Chem Holdings LP); Kraton's ability to repay its indebtedness; Kraton's reliance on third parties for the provision of significant operating and other services; conditions in the global economy and capital markets; fluctuations in raw material costs; limitations in the availability of raw materials; competition in Kraton's end-use markets; and other factors of which we are currently unaware or deem immaterial. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we assume no obligation to update such information in light of new information or future events.






KRATON CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Revenue
$
454,143

 
$
269,012

 
$
1,328,715

 
$
786,349

Cost of goods sold
318,887

 
201,202

 
967,744

 
624,542

Gross profit
135,256

 
67,810

 
360,971

 
161,807

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Research and development
9,693

 
7,597

 
30,383

 
23,345

Selling, general, and administrative
42,769

 
26,917

 
135,845

 
77,488

Depreciation and amortization
31,977

 
16,145

 
93,913

 
46,852

Operating income
50,817

 
17,151

 
100,830

 
14,122

Disposition and exit of business activities

 

 
40,001

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 
(13,423
)
 

Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture
94

 
95

 
274

 
273

Interest expense, net
(33,870
)
 
(6,151
)
 
(101,450
)
 
(17,975
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
17,041

 
11,095

 
26,232

 
(3,580
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
(2,198
)
 
(3,076
)
 
83,024

 
(4,135
)
Consolidated net income (loss)
14,843

 
8,019

 
109,256

 
(7,715
)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
717

 
427

 
1,792

 
1,141

Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton
$
15,560

 
$
8,446

 
$
111,048

 
$
(6,574
)
Earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.50

 
$
0.27

 
$
3.60

 
$
(0.21
)
Diluted
$
0.49

 
$
0.27

 
$
3.56

 
$
(0.21
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
30,221

 
30,503

 
30,137

 
30,779

Diluted
30,783

 
30,849

 
30,557

 
30,779







KRATON CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except par value) 

 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
(unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
143,548

 
$
70,049

Receivables, net of allowances of $847 and $244
209,867

 
105,089

Inventories of products
321,845

 
264,107

Inventories of materials and supplies
20,717

 
12,138

Other current assets
68,134

 
29,956

Total current assets
764,111

 
481,339

Property, plant, and equipment, less accumulated depreciation of $420,907 and $382,157
905,117

 
517,673

Goodwill
753,928

 

Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $135,361 and $100,093
451,576

 
41,602

Investment in unconsolidated joint venture
11,608

 
11,628

Debt issuance costs
3,803

 
1,337

Deferred income taxes
5,218

 
3,867

Other long-term assets
23,332

 
21,789

Total assets
$
2,918,693

 
$
1,079,235

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt
$
23,135

 
$
141

Accounts payable-trade
134,560

 
59,337

Other payables and accruals
157,330

 
91,011

Due to related party
14,907

 
14,101

Total current liabilities
329,932

 
164,590

Long-term debt, net of current portion
1,698,952

 
415,591

Deferred income taxes
213,776

 
9,070

Other long-term liabilities
141,305

 
96,992

Total liabilities
2,383,965

 
686,243

 
 
 
 
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; 30,916 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2016; 30,569 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015
309

 
306

Additional paid in capital
358,798

 
349,871

Retained earnings
258,179

 
147,131

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(116,611
)
 
(138,568
)
Total Kraton stockholders' equity
500,675

 
358,740

Noncontrolling interest
34,053

 
34,252

Total equity
534,728

 
392,992

Total liabilities and equity
$
2,918,693

 
$
1,079,235







KRATON CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Consolidated net income (loss)
$
109,256

 
$
(7,715
)
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
93,913

 
46,852

Amortization of debt premium and original issue discount
4,893

 
(130
)
Amortization of debt issuance costs
5,343

 
1,668

(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment
452

 
(60
)
Disposition and exit of business activities
(40,001
)
 

Loss on extinguishment of debt
13,423

 

Earnings from unconsolidated joint venture, net of dividends received
136

 
90

Deferred income tax benefit
(4,343
)
 
(2,270
)
Release of valuation allowance
(86,631
)
 

Share-based compensation
7,272

 
6,601

Decrease (increase) in:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(18,114
)
 
(9,693
)
Inventories of products, materials, and supplies
44,035

 
50,462

Other assets
(3,044
)
 
(2,022
)
Increase (decrease) in:
 
 
 
Accounts payable-trade
(2,981
)
 
(2,988
)
Other payables and accruals
(401
)
 
1,548

Other long-term liabilities
4,631

 
1,536

Due to related party
(1,710
)
 
(2,306
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
126,129

 
81,573

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Kraton purchase of property, plant, and equipment
(62,885
)
 
(42,384
)
KFPC purchase of property, plant, and equipment
(16,995
)
 
(46,097
)
Purchase of software and other intangibles
(4,691
)
 
(1,763
)
Acquisition, net of cash acquired
(1,312,105
)
 

Sale of assets
72,803

 

Net cash used in investing activities
(1,323,873
)
 
(90,244
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Proceeds from debt
1,782,965

 
30,000

Repayments of debt
(480,133
)
 
(30,000
)
KFPC proceeds from debt
24,368

 
55,622

Capital lease payments
(105
)
 
(99
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(967
)
 
(31,891
)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
2,625

 
1,022

Settlement of interest rate swap
(5,155
)
 

Debt issuance costs
(57,646
)
 

Net cash provided by financing activities
1,265,952

 
24,654

Effect of exchange rate differences on cash
5,291

 
(6,002
)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
73,499

 
9,981

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
70,049

 
53,818

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
143,548

 
$
63,799

Supplemental disclosures:
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net of refunds received
$
7,788

 
$
5,435

Cash paid during the period for interest, net of capitalized interest
$
56,972

 
$
21,690

Capitalized interest
$
4,022

 
$
3,342

Supplemental non-cash disclosures:
 
 
 
Property, plant, and equipment accruals
$
30,494

 
$
16,023

Asset acquired through capital lease
$

 
$
681






RECONCILIATION OF GROSS PROFIT TO ADJUSTED GROSS PROFIT
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Polymer
 
Chemical
 
Total
 
Polymer
 
Chemical
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Gross profit
$
77,008

 
$
58,248

 
$
135,256

 
$
67,810

 

 
$
67,810

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Add (deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring and other charges (a)
743

 
8

 
751

 
61

 

 
61

Production downtime (b)

 

 

 
(146
)
 

 
(146
)
Non-cash compensation expense
128

 

 
128

 
122

 

 
122

Spread between FIFO and ECRC
(5,001
)
 
1,879

 
(3,122
)
 
926

 

 
926

Adjusted gross profit (non-GAAP)
$
72,878

 
$
60,135

 
$
133,013

 
$
68,773

 
$

 
$
68,773

___________________________________________________
(a)
Severance expenses and other restructuring related charges.
(b)
In 2015, the reduction in costs is due to additional insurance recovery related to the Belpre, Ohio, production downtime.

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Polymer
 
Chemical
 
Total
 
Polymer
 
Chemical
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Gross profit
$
209,774

 
$
151,197

 
$
360,971

 
$
161,807

 

 
$
161,807

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Add (deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring and other charges (a)
785

 
8

 
793

 
142

 

 
142

Effect of purchase price accounting on inventory valuation (b)

 
24,719

 
24,719

 

 

 

Production downtime (c)

 

 

 
(474
)
 

 
(474
)
Non-cash compensation expense
436

 

 
436

 
396

 

 
396

Spread between FIFO and ECRC
5,807

 
13,788

 
19,595

 
40,144

 

 
40,144

Adjusted gross profit (non-GAAP)
$
216,802

 
$
189,712

 
$
406,514

 
$
202,015

 
$

 
$
202,015

 ____________________________________________________
(a)
Severance expenses and other restructuring related charges.
(b)
Higher costs of goods sold for our Chemical segment related to the fair value adjustment in purchase accounting for their inventory.
(c)
In 2015, the reduction in costs is due to additional insurance recovery related to the Belpre, Ohio, production downtime.








KRATON CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO KRATON AND OPERATING INCOME TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Polymer
 
Chemical
 
Total
 
Polymer
 
Chemical
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Net income attributable to Kraton
 
 
 
 
$
15,560

 
 
 
 
 
$
8,446

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
 
 
 
(717
)
 
 
 
 
 
(427
)
Consolidated net income
 
 
 
 
14,843

 
 
 
 
 
8,019

Add (deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense
 
 
 
 
2,198

 
 
 
 
 
3,076

Interest expense, net
 
 
 
 
33,870

 
 
 
 
 
6,151

Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture
 
 
 
 
(94
)
 
 
 
 
 
(95
)
Operating income
$
28,728

 
$
22,089

 
$
50,817

 
$
17,151

 
$

 
$
17,151

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
14,977

 
17,000

 
31,977

 
16,145

 

 
16,145

Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture
94

 

 
94

 
95

 

 
95

EBITDA
43,799

 
39,089

 
82,888

 
33,391

 

 
33,391

Add (deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transaction, acquisition related costs, restructuring, and other costs (a)
7,216

 
530

 
7,746

 
5,501

 

 
5,501

Production downtime (b)

 

 

 
(134
)
 

 
(134
)
KFPC startup costs (c)
1,421

 

 
1,421

 
677

 

 
677

Non-cash compensation expense (d)
2,141

 

 
2,141

 
2,032

 

 
2,032

Spread between FIFO and ECRC
(5,001
)
 
1,879

 
(3,122
)
 
926

 

 
926

Adjusted EBITDA
$
49,576

 
$
41,498

 
$
91,074

 
$
42,393

 
$

 
$
42,393

_____________________________________________________
(a)
Charges related to the evaluation of acquisition transactions, severance expenses, and other restructuring related charges, which are primarily recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses.
(b)
In 2015, the reduction in costs is due to additional insurance recovery related to the Belpre, Ohio, production downtime, which is primarily recorded in cost of goods sold.
(c)
Startup costs related to the joint venture company, KFPC, which are recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses.
(d)
For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, $1.9 million and $1.7 million is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses, $0.1 million and $0.2 million is recorded in research and development expenses, and $0.1 million and $0.1 million is recorded in cost of goods sold.






KRATON CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO KRATON AND OPERATING INCOME TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Polymer
 
Chemical
 
Total
 
Polymer
 
Chemical
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Net income (loss) attributable to Kraton
 
 
 
 
$
111,048

 
 
 
 
 
$
(6,574
)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
 
 
 
(1,792
)
 
 
 
 
 
(1,141
)
Consolidated net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
109,256

 
 
 
 
 
(7,715
)
Add (deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax (benefit) expense
 
 
 
 
(83,024
)
 
 
 
 
 
4,135

Interest expense, net
 
 
 
 
101,450

 
 
 
 
 
17,975

Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture
 
 
 
 
(274
)
 
 
 
 
 
(273
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
 
 
 
13,423

 
 
 
 
 

Disposition and exit of business activities
 
 
 
 
(40,001
)
 
 
 
 
 

Operating income
$
59,936

 
$
40,894

 
$
100,830

 
$
14,122

 
$

 
$
14,122

Add (deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
45,199

 
48,714

 
93,913

 
46,852

 

 
46,852

Disposition and exit of business activities
40,001

 

 
40,001

 

 

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt
(13,423
)
 

 
(13,423
)
 

 

 

Earnings of unconsolidated joint venture
274

 

 
274

 
273

 

 
273

EBITDA
131,987

 
89,608

 
221,595

 
61,247

 

 
61,247

Add (deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transaction, acquisition related costs, restructuring, and other costs (a)
19,255

 
7,773

 
27,028

 
7,297

 

 
7,297

Disposition and exit of business activities
(40,001
)
 

 
(40,001
)
 

 

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt
13,423

 

 
13,423

 

 

 

Effect of purchase price accounting on inventory valuation

 
24,719

 
24,719

 

 

 

Production downtime (b)

 

 

 
(343
)
 

 
(343
)
KFPC startup costs (c)
3,280

 

 
3,280

 
1,827

 

 
1,827

Non-cash compensation expense (d)
7,272

 

 
7,272

 
6,601

 

 
6,601

Spread between FIFO and ECRC
5,807

 
13,788

 
19,595

 
40,144

 

 
40,144

Adjusted EBITDA
$
141,023

 
$
135,888

 
$
276,911

 
$
116,773

 
$

 
$
116,773

_____________________________________________________ 
(a)
Charges related to the evaluation of acquisition transactions, severance expenses, and other restructuring related charges, which are primarily recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses.
(b)
In 2015, the reduction in costs is due to additional insurance recovery related to the Belpre, Ohio, production downtime, which is primarily recorded in cost of goods sold.
(c)
Startup costs related to the joint venture company, KFPC, which are recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses.
(d)
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, $6.3 million and $5.7 million is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses, $0.6 million and $0.5 million is recorded in research and development expenses, and $0.4 million and $0.4 million is recorded in cost of goods sold.






We reconcile Earnings (Loss) Per Diluted Share to Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share (non-GAAP) as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Earnings (Loss) Per Diluted Share
$
0.49

 
$
0.27

 
$
3.56

 
$
(0.21
)
Transaction, acquisition related costs, restructuring, and other costs (a)
0.20

 
0.18

 
0.72

 
0.23

Disposition and exit of business activities

 

 
(0.82
)
 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 
0.28

 

Production downtime (b)

 
(0.01
)
 

 
(0.01
)
Effect of purchase price accounting on inventory valuation (c)

 

 
0.63

 

KFPC startup costs (d)
0.02

 
0.01

 
0.04

 
0.02

Valuation Allowance (e)

 

 
(2.77
)
 

Spread between FIFO and ECRC
(0.08
)
 
0.03

 
0.43

 
1.23

Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share (non-GAAP)
$
0.63

 
$
0.48

 
$
2.07

 
$
1.26

_____________________________________________________
(a)
Charges related to the evaluation of acquisition transactions, severance expenses, and other restructuring related charges which are primarily recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses.
(b)
In 2015, the reduction in costs is due to additional insurance recovery related to the Belpre, Ohio, production downtime, which is primarily recorded in cost of goods sold.
(c)
Higher costs of goods sold for our Chemical segment related to the fair value adjustment in purchase accounting for their inventory.
(d)
Startup costs related to the joint venture company, KFPC, which are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.
(e)
Reduction of income tax valuation allowance related to the assessment of our ability to utilize net operating losses in future periods.