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8-K - FORM 8-K - CENTURY ALUMINUM COa20161231q4earningsrelease.htm


Exhibit 99.1
Century Reports Fourth Quarter 2016 Financial Results
CHICAGO, IL -- 2/23/17 -- Century Aluminum Company (NASDAQ: CENX) reported a net loss of $168.5 million ($1.93 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2016. Results were negatively impacted by a $152.2 million ($1.75 per share) impairment charge related to the Helguvik project in Iceland. In addition, we incurred an unfavorable $6.9 million ($0.08 per share) charge related to discrete tax items recorded during the quarter which was partially offset by a favorable $2.1 million ($0.02 per share) lower of cost or market inventory adjustment. The fourth quarter adjusted net loss was $11.5 million ($0.12 per share).
For the fourth quarter of 2015, Century reported a net loss of $43.1 million ($0.50 per share). Results were favorably impacted by a $23.5 million ($0.25 per share) lower of cost or market inventory adjustment and $3.4 million ($0.04 per share) related to non-cash, non-recurring post-retirement benefits. Results were negatively impacted by a $3.5 million charge ($0.04 per share) related to the partial curtailment of operations at Hawesville and Mt. Holly, a $5.0 million charge ($0.05 per share) for depreciation related to Mt. Holly purchase accounting and an $11.6 million impairment charge ($0.12 per share) at BHH.
Sales for the fourth quarter of 2016 were $339.8 million compared with $383.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2015. Shipments of primary aluminum for the fourth quarter of 2016 were 183,210 tonnes compared with 211,710 tonnes shipped in the fourth quarter of 2015. The decrease in sales and shipment volume was primarily due to curtailment actions taken in the fourth quarter of 2015.
Net cash provided by operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2016 was $22.6 million. Our cash position at quarter end was $132.4 million and we had $100.1 million of revolver availability.
For the full year 2016, Century reported a net loss of $252.4 million ($2.90 per share). Results were negatively impacted by the $152.2 million impairment charge related to the Helguvik project ($1.75 per share) and a $26.8 million ($0.31 per share) charge related to the closure of the Ravenswood facility, including settlement costs associated with the retiree medical class action lawsuit. Additionally, we incurred a $6.9 million ($0.08 per share) charge related to discrete tax items and a favorable $0.7 million ($0.01 per share) lower of cost or market inventory adjustment.
For the full year 2015, Century reported a net loss of $59.3 million ($0.68 per share). Results were favorably impacted by $12.6 million related to purchase accounting for the Mt. Holly acquisition and $3.4 million related to non-cash, non-recurring post-retirement benefits. Results were negatively impacted by a $31.2 million charge related to the permanent closure of Ravenswood, $13.1 million in costs related to the labor disruption at Hawesville, $7.6 million due to partial curtailments of operations at Hawesville and Mt. Holly, $11.6 million related to the impairment at BHH, $1.6 million for signing bonuses related to a new labor agreement in Iceland, $1.0 million related to the separation of a former senior executive and a $7.5 million lower of cost or market inventory adjustment.
Sales for the full year 2016 were $1,319.1 million compared with $1,949.9 million for 2015. Shipments of primary aluminum for 2016 were 733,825 tonnes compared with 921,958 tonnes shipped in 2015. The decrease in sales and shipment volume was primarily due to curtailment actions taken in the second half of 2015 combined with lower market prices for primary aluminum.
"All operations performed well during the quarter, with key performance indicators and financial results at expected levels," commented Michael Bless, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are proud of the safety performance our people have achieved under difficult conditions; we believe our focus on the identification of behaviors that can lead to safety risk, as well as the prevention of serious and life changing injuries, is paying dividends. Conversion costs remained in line during the quarter and cash flow was strong relative to the depressed market conditions. The company's financial condition, which remained robust through the significant commodity price weakness of late 2015 into 2016, has only improved."

"We've seen important developments in our markets over the last several months," continued Bless. "The U.S. government recently filed a WTO complaint accusing China of illegally subsidizing its primary aluminum sector. The assertions made in this case are consistent with the data our extensive research has uncovered. We are gratified to see that the industry is strongly supportive of this action. The EU, Canada, Japan and the Russian Federation have joined this effort and we believe other producing countries are planning on joining. This development confirms the global breadth and recognition of the problem. The first step in the proceedings will begin with consultations and we are hopeful that by the end of the proceedings China will have addressed its excess capacity problems; we believe such action would inure to the benefit of the industry and society in China as well as to the broader global market. Given aluminum's strong demand profile, a supply environment consistent with global trade laws would, we believe, produce a rational and healthy long-term market for producers and consumers."






Bless concluded, "We have progressed on several strategic fronts. We completed the sale of the remaining assets at Century’s original operating smelter in Ravenswood, W.V. In South Carolina, after a last attempt to find a mutually acceptable solution, we reluctantly filed an antitrust lawsuit against the monopoly power supplier; we simply cannot afford to operate this otherwise excellent plant at an uncompetitive power price. While we await the market rationalization the WTO process is designed to produce, we will continue to invest prudently in modest high return projects not dependent upon the price of the commodity. We continue to believe excellent opportunities exist for Century in our markets in the U.S. and Europe, and we will continue to develop our business in this respect.”

About Century Aluminum
Century Aluminum Company owns primary aluminum capacity in the United States and Iceland. Century's corporate offices are located in Chicago, IL. Visit www.centuryaluminum.com for more information.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted earnings (loss) per share are non-GAAP financial measures that management uses to evaluate Century's financial performance. These non-GAAP financial measures facilitate comparisons of this period’s results with prior periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that management does not believe are indicative of Century’s ongoing operating performance and ability to generate cash. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures enhance an overall understanding of Century’s performance and our investors’ ability to review Century’s business from the same perspective as management. The table below, under the heading "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures," provides a reconciliation of each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, Century's reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because not all companies use identical calculations, adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted earnings (loss) per share included in this press release may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation in conjunction with the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures.
Cautionary Statement
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are statements about future events and are based on our current expectations. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the words "believe," "expect," "hope," "target," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "seek," "estimate," "potential," "project," "scheduled," "forecast" or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," "might," or "may." Our forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements with respect to: future global and local financial and economic conditions; our assessment of the aluminum market and aluminum prices (including premiums); the potential outcome or occurrence of any trade claims to address excess capacity or unfair trade practices; our assessment of the ultimate outcome of our outstanding litigation; our assessment of power pricing and our ability to successfully obtain and/or implement long-term competitive power arrangements for our operations and projects; our ability to procure alumina, carbon products and other raw materials and our assessment of pricing and costs and other terms relating thereto; the future operation or potential curtailment of our U.S. assets; the future financial and operating performance of Century, its subsidiaries and its projects; future earnings, operating results and liquidity; future inventory, production, sales, cash costs and capital expenditures; future impairment charges or restructuring costs; our business objectives, strategies and initiatives, including our ability to achieve productivity improvements or cost reductions.
Where we express an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. However, our forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected or implied by those forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results and events to differ from those described in such forward-looking statements can be found in the risk factors and forward-looking statements cautionary language contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and in other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we have attempted to identify those material factors that could cause actual results or events to differ from those described in such forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause results or events to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Given these uncertainties, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

CENTURY ALUMINUM COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Three months ended December 31,
 
Twelve months ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
NET SALES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Related parties
$
306,860

 
$
350,283

 
$
1,178,631

 
$
1,867,711

Third-party customers
32,976

 
33,632

 
140,463

 
82,146

Total net sales
339,836

 
383,915

 
1,319,094

 
1,949,857

Cost of goods sold
334,779

 
402,616

 
1,330,136

 
1,908,544

Gross profit (loss)
5,057

 
(18,701
)
 
(11,042
)
 
41,313

Selling, general and administrative expenses
10,961

 
8,566

 
40,264

 
42,115

Helguvik impairment
152,220

 

 
152,220

 

Ravenswood charges

 

 
26,830

 
30,850

Other operating expense - net
1,520

 
1,219

 
3,857

 
7,436

Operating loss
(159,644
)
 
(28,486
)
 
(234,213
)
 
(39,088
)
Interest expense
(5,695
)
 
(5,412
)
 
(22,216
)
 
(21,954
)
Interest income
283

 
91

 
758

 
339

Net gain on forward and derivative contracts
489

 
396

 
3,487

 
1,600

Unrealized gain on fair value of contingent consideration

 

 

 
18,337

Other income (expense) - net
1,781

 
(1,617
)
 
1,319

 
(356
)
Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of joint ventures
(162,786
)
 
(35,028
)
 
(250,865
)
 
(41,122
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
(6,061
)
 
2,929

 
(2,824
)
 
(9,276
)
Loss before equity in earnings of joint ventures
(168,847
)
 
(32,099
)
 
(253,689
)
 
(50,398
)
BHH impairment

 
(11,584
)
 

 
(11,584
)
Equity in earnings of joint ventures
383

 
603

 
1,274

 
2,672

Net loss
$
(168,464
)
 
$
(43,080
)
 
$
(252,415
)
 
$
(59,310
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss allocated to common stockholders
$
(168,464
)
 
$
(43,080
)
 
$
(252,415
)
 
$
(59,310
)
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
$
(1.93
)
 
$
(0.50
)
 
$
(2.90
)
 
$
(0.68
)
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted
87,079

 
86,933

 
87,064

 
87,375








CENTURY ALUMINUM COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
132,403

 
$
115,393

Restricted cash
 
1,050

 
791

Accounts receivable - net
 
12,432

 
9,475

Due from affiliates
 
16,651

 
17,417

Inventories
 
233,563

 
231,872

Prepaid and other current assets
 
22,210

 
42,412

Assets held for sale
 
22,313

 
30,697

   Total current assets
 
440,622

 
448,057

Property, plant and equipment - net
 
1,026,285

 
1,232,256

Other assets
 
73,420

 
72,155

   TOTAL
 
$
1,540,327

 
$
1,752,468

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable, trade
 
$
94,960

 
$
90,489

Due to affiliates
 
15,368

 
10,045

Accrued and other current liabilities
 
50,100

 
48,822

Accrued employee benefits costs
 
10,917

 
10,148

Industrial revenue bonds
 
7,815

 
7,815

   Total current liabilities
 
179,160

 
167,319

Senior notes payable
 
247,699

 
247,278

Accrued pension benefits costs - less current portion
 
49,493

 
43,999

Accrued postretirement benefits costs - less current portion
 
126,355

 
125,999

Other liabilities
 
72,026

 
53,009

Deferred taxes
 
108,939

 
106,053

   Total noncurrent liabilities
 
604,512

 
576,338

 
 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
 
 
 
 
Series A Preferred stock (one cent par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; 160,000 issued and 75,625 outstanding at December 31, 2016; 160,000 issued and 76,539 outstanding at December 31, 2015)
 
1

 
1

Common stock (one cent par value, 195,000,000 authorized; 94,437,418 issued and 87,250,897 outstanding at December 31, 2016; 94,224,571 issued and 87,038,050 outstanding at December 31, 2015)
 
944

 
942

Additional paid-in capital
 
2,515,131

 
2,513,631

Treasury stock, at cost
 
(86,276
)
 
(86,276
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(113,893
)
 
(112,650
)
Accumulated deficit
 
(1,559,252
)
 
(1,306,837
)
   Total shareholders’ equity
 
756,655

 
1,008,811

   TOTAL
 
$
1,540,327

 
$
1,752,468







CENTURY ALUMINUM COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Twelve months ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(252,415
)
 
$
(59,310
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Unrealized gain on fair value of contingent consideration

 
(18,337
)
Unrealized gain on E.ON contingent obligation
(1,411
)
 
(1,411
)
Lower of cost or market inventory adjustment
(660
)
 
7,539

Depreciation and amortization
84,780

 
80,117

Helguvik impairment
152,220

 

Ravenswood impairment
3,830

 
30,850

BHH impairment

 
11,584

Pension and other postretirement benefits
2,863

 
(4,991
)
Deferred income taxes
(893
)
 
(178
)
Stock-based compensation
1,502

 
1,844

Equity in earnings of joint ventures
(367
)
 
(806
)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable - net
(2,957
)
 
68,192

Due from affiliates
766

 
14,086

Inventories
919

 
44,896

Prepaid and other current assets
18,313

 
(144
)
Accounts payable, trade
2,271

 
(60,583
)
Due to affiliates
7,212

 
(12,216
)
Accrued and other current liabilities
(3,900
)
 
(31,540
)
Pension contribution - Mt. Holly

 
(34,595
)
Ravenswood charges
23,000

 

Other - net
3,100

 
(3,131
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
38,173

 
31,866

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(21,944
)
 
(54,700
)
Purchase of remaining interest in Mt. Holly smelter

 
11,313

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
1,040

 
14

Restricted and other cash deposits
(259
)
 
10

Net cash used in investing activities
(21,163
)
 
(43,363
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities
1,179

 
1,737

Repayments under revolving credit facilities
(1,179
)
 
(1,737
)
Repurchase of common stock

 
(36,352
)
Net cash used in financing activities

 
(36,352
)
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
17,010

 
(47,849
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
115,393

 
163,242

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
132,403

 
$
115,393







CENTURY ALUMINUM COMPANY
SELECTED OPERATING DATA
(Unaudited)

 
SHIPMENTS - PRIMARY ALUMINUM
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct (1)
 
Toll
 
United States
 
Iceland
 
Iceland
 
Tonnes
 
Sales $ (000)
 
Tonnes
 
Sales $ (000)
 
Tonnes
 
Sales $ (000)
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4th Quarter
103,186

 
$
198,202

 
80,024

 
$
141,090

 

 
$

3rd Quarter
106,890

 
$
201,973

 
75,539

 
$
130,177

 

 
$

2nd Quarter
106,974

 
$
204,173

 
54,968

 
$
92,707

 
23,625

 
$
27,944

1st Quarter
105,089

 
$
194,826

 
55,030

 
$
92,151

 
22,500

 
$
26,115

Total
422,139

 
$
799,174

 
265,561

 
$
456,125

 
46,125

 
$
54,059

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4th Quarter
131,849

 
$
247,895

 
59,074

 
$
101,497

 
20,787

 
$
24,281

3rd Quarter
149,187

 
$
304,948

 
60,939

 
$
116,919

 
20,914

 
$
26,226

2nd Quarter
157,373

 
$
371,898

 
50,056

 
$
110,083

 
26,521

 
$
37,858

1st Quarter
169,306

 
$
421,141

 
45,967

 
$
112,662

 
29,985

 
$
46,617

Total
607,715

 
$
1,345,882

 
216,036

 
$
441,161

 
98,207

 
$
134,982

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Excludes scrap aluminum sales.






CENTURY ALUMINUM COMPANY
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(in millions, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three months ended
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
$MM

 
EPS

Net loss as reported
 
$
(168.5
)
 
$
(1.93
)
 
 
 
 
 
Helguvik impairment
 
152.2

 
1.75

Discrete tax item
 
6.9

 
0.08

Lower of cost or market inventory adjustment
 
(2.1
)
 
(0.02
)
Adjusted net loss
 
$
(11.5
)
 
$
(0.12
)

Contacts
Peter Trpkovski
(Investors and media)
312-696-3112

Source: Century Aluminum Company