Superior Plus Announces 2010 First Quarter Financial Results, 2011 Outlook
and Revised 2010 Outlook
TSX: SPB
CALGARY, May 5 /CNW/ -
FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS
------------------------
- Adjusted operating cash flow (AOCF) per share for the first quarter
was $0.53 compared to $0.69 in the comparative period. First quarter
results were primarily impacted by a number of significant and
unusual items:
- Weather in Canada was 16% warmer than the prior year period which
reduced higher margin heating related sales volumes as well as
significantly reducing supply portfolio market trading
opportunities, resulting in a significant reduction in first
quarter AOCF. This was partially offset by the contribution from
the acquisitions of the U.S. refined fuels business, whose
operations were also impacted by weather being 6% warmer than the
prior year period in the northeastern U.S.
- The ongoing impact of the economic recession reduced customer
demand in all of Superior's businesses, although signs of a
recovery are evident.
- Record chloralkali prices realized in the prior year were
significantly lower in the current year period due to the impact
of the recession, resulting in a decrease in the contribution from
the Specialty Chemicals business, offset in part, by increased
sodium chlorate sales volumes and increased chloralkali sales
volumes due to the completion of the Port Edwards chloralkali
facility expansion in the fourth quarter of 2009.
- The earthquake in Chile on February 27, 2010, resulted in
approximately $1.5 million in repairs and one month of lost
production; the plant is now operating at normal production
levels.
- The Construction Products Distribution business benefited from the
acquisition of SPI in 2009, offsetting the impact of the economic
recession.
- Guidance for 2010 has been reduced to AOCF per share of $1.75 to
$1.90 as a result of the first quarter results and a continued slow
economic recovery for the remainder of 2010.
- Guidance for 2011 is announced at AOCF per share of $2.00 to $2.20,
and assumes a return to normal weather and a continued slow economic
recovery throughout 2011.
- Superior is restarting its dividend reinvestment program (DRIP)
commencing with the payment of the May 2010 dividend. Proceeds from
the DRIP will be used to reduce existing debt levels and to fund
existing and future accretive growth opportunities.
- Superior continued to expand its Energy Services business; completing
the acquisition of Griffith Holdings, Inc (Griffith Rochester), a
U.S. refined fuels business with operations in upstate New York on
January 20, 2010 for a purchase price of US$125 million.
- Superior successfully closed $241.8 million of long-term financing,
consisting of $69.3 million in equity financing and $172.5 million,
5.75% Convertible Debentures, due June 30, 2017.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
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Three months ended
March 31,
(millions of dollars except per share amounts) 2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue 966.6 603.5
Gross profit 218.6 188.3
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EBITDA from operations(1) 76.1 80.0
Interest (16.8) (10.3)
Cash income tax expense (0.4) (5.0)
Corporate costs (4.2) (3.4)
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Adjusted operating cash flow(1) 54.7 61.3
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Adjusted operating cash flow per share, basic
and diluted(1)(2)(3) $0.53 $0.69
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Dividends paid per share $0.405 $0.405
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(1) EBITDA from operations and adjusted operating cash flow are key
performance measures used by management to evaluate the performance
of Superior. These measures are defined under "Non-GAAP Financial
Measures" in Superior's 2010 First Quarter Management's Discussion
and Analysis.
(2) The weighted average number of shares outstanding for the three
months ended March 31, 2010 is 103.3 million (2009 - 88.4 million).
(3) For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, there were no
dilutive instruments.
SEGMENTED INFORMATION
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Three months ended
March 31,
(millions of dollars) 2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA from operations:
Energy Services 50.8 46.4
Specialty Chemicals 21.1 32.1
Construction Products Distribution 4.2 1.5
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76.1 80.0
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Energy Services
- EBITDA from operations for the first quarter of $50.8 million was
impacted by reduced sales volumes and gross margins at the Canadian
propane distribution business and reduced gross profit within the
supply portfolio management business due principaly to the impact of
record warm weather, offset in part by the impact of the acquisition
of the U.S. refined fuels business.
- Canadian propane distribution sales volumes were 12% lower than the
prior year quarter due principally to reduced residential and
commercial sales volumes as a result of the unseasonably warm weather
experienced throughout Canada during the first quarter of 2010.
Additionally, sales volumes were negatively impacted by weaker
industrial sales volumes due to the ongoing impact of the economic
downturn, offset in part, by the impact of new commercial sales
volumes due to the ongoing sales and marketing efforts.
- The 2009/2010 winter in Canada was the warmest since records began in
1948. Average weather as determined by degree days for the first
quarter of 2010 was 17% warmer than the prior year in western Canada,
15% warmer than the prior year in eastern Canada and 11% warmer on a
total basis compared to the five year average.
- Average weather for the northeastern U.S., as determined by degree
days for the first quarter of 2010, was 6% warmer than the prior year
and modestly warmer than the five year average.
- Canadian propane average sales margins were 17.1 cents per litre in
the first quarter compared to 18.5 cents per litre in the prior year
quarter. The decrease in average margins was due principally to
reduced sales volumes of higher margin heating related volumes as a
result of the warm weather and increased general competitive
pressures relative to the prior year period.
- The U.S. refined fuels business, excluding service gross profits,
generated gross profits of $50.5 million in the first quarter,
modestly below Superior's acquisition assumptions due in part to
warmer than anticipated weather. Superior continues to focus on
integrating its U.S. refined fuels business to generate operational
efficiencies.
- The supply portfolio management business generated gross profits of
$5.3 million in the first quarter compared to $15.4 million in the
prior year period. The current quarters results are consistent with
management's expectations and historical levels, whereas the prior
period results benefited from non-typical gross profits as a result
of historically high volatility in the supply and pricing for
wholesale propane.
- The fixed-price energy services business generated gross profits of
$7.4 million, consistent with the prior year period. Recent increases
to the regulated price of natural gas in Ontario has resulted in
renewed customer interest in one to five year fixed-price natural gas
offerings.
- As a result of the record warm weather experienced in the first
quarter of 2010 and the slow economic recovery, Superior is revising
its 2010 outlook for its Energy Services business to $125 to 135
million and providing a 2011 outlook of $145 to $155 million. The
outlook for 2011 assumes normalized weather and a continued slow
economic recovery. Superior is beginning to see a recovery in non-
heating load customer volumes in most end-use markets which should
improve volumes in the second half of 2010 and throughout 2011.
Specialty Chemicals
- EBITDA from operations for the first quarter of $21.1 million was
impacted by reduced chloralkali gross profits as a result of lower
pricing due principally to the impact of the economic recession and
reduced demand for KOH due to the warmer than normal weather. Pricing
in the prior year period was at record levels. The impact of reduced
sales prices was offset in part by improved chloralkali sales volumes
due to the completion of the Port Edwards chloralkali facility
expansion in the fourth quarter of 2009.
- Sodium chlorate gross profits were modestly higher than the prior
year due to a 13% increase in sales volumes as a result of improved
North American sales volumes, partially offset by a decrease in the
average selling price due to the appreciation of the Canadian dollar
on US-denominated sales. Sodium chlorate sales volumes for first
quarter benefited from a strong pulp market.
- A devastating earthquake hit Chile on February 27, 2010, and as a
result, Superior safely shutdown its 55,000 metric tonne, sodium
chlorate facility located in Mininco, Chile. The facility was
repaired and recommissioned during the later part of the first
quarter and was placed into active operations during the first week
of April 2010. Superior anticipates that the facility will be running
at normal operating and profitability levels throughout the second
quarter of 2010.
- As a result of weaker than anticipated chloralkali pricing and the
first quarter impact of the earthquake in Chile, Superior is revising
its 2010 outlook for its Specialty Chemicals business to $92 to $102
million and providing a 2011 outlook of $100 to $110 million,
reflecting normal operating levels and a continued slow economic
recovery. Superior is seeing recovery in the demand for sodium
chlorate as a result of strong pulp markets and new customers for the
expanded Port Edwards facility which will improve chloralkali volumes
in the second half of 2010 and continuing into 2011.
Construction Products Distribution
- EBITDA from operations for the first quarter was $4.2 million
compared to $1.5 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in
EBITDA from operations is principally due to the acquisition of SPI
on September 24, 2009.
- Excluding the acquisition of SPI, operating results continue to be
impacted by reduced sales volumes due to the ongoing economic
downturn which has resulted in reduced residential and commercial
construction activity. Additionally, increased competitive pressures
have resulted in reduced sales volumes and lower percentage sales
margins.
- As a result of continued weakness in the commercial construction
market and slow recovery in the residential market, Superior is
revising its 2010 outlook for its Construction Products Distribution
business to $35 to $45 million and providing a 2011 outlook of $40 to
$50 million. Superior is seeing stronger residential markets which
will provide improved sales in the second half of 2010, but we do
expect that the commercial market will not begin to recover until
2011, as excess space is worked through the system.
Corporate Related
- Total interest expense for the first quarter was $16.8 million
compared to $10.3 million in the prior year quarter. Interest expense
increased due to higher average debt levels as a result of the
financing of acquisitions completed during the first quarter of 2010
and the second half of 2009, offset in part by the appreciation of
the Canadian dollar on US-denominated interest costs.
- Cash income taxes of $0.4 million in the first quarter compared to a
$5.0 million expense in the prior year quarter. Cash income taxes
were lower than the prior year period due to additional U.S. tax
basis associated with the successful start-up of the Port Edwards
facility during the fourth quarter of 2009 and reduced U.S. taxable
income.
- In conjunction with the acquisition of Griffith Rochester and
Griffith Energy Services, Superior entered into a $69.3 million
bought deal equity financing for 5,002,500 shares at $13.85 per share
that closed on February 10, 2010. Additionally, during the first
quarter Superior completed a $172.5 million, 5.75% convertible
debenture financing, maturing June 30, 2017.
- Superior has determined it will restart its DRIP, commencing with the
payment of the May 2010 dividend. Proceeds from the DRIP will be used
to reduce existing debt levels and to fund existing and future
accretive growth opportunities. The DRIP will provide Superior's
shareholders with the opportunity to reinvest their cash dividends in
the future growth of the business at a 5% discount to the market
price of Superior's common shares. See the press release "Superior
Plus Announces May Dividend, Reestablishment of Dividend Reinvestment
Program and Upcoming Events" on May 5, 2010, for details on enrolling
in Superior's DRIP.
- Effective March 25, 2010, Superior amended certain financial covenant
ratios related to its US Notes to make the covenants consistent with
its existing syndicated credit facility. Under the revised financial
covenants, Superior is permitted to have a Consolidated Secured Debt
to compliance EBITDA of up to 3.0x and a Senior Adjusted Debt or
Consolidated Debt to compliance EBITDA of up to 5.0x. For purposes of
these compliance ratios, Senior Adjusted Debt and Consolidated Debt
do not include Superior's convertible debentures.
- Four quarter trailing compliance EBITDA was $237.6 million resulting
in a Consolidated Secured Debt to compliance EBITDA ratio of 1.8x and
a Consolidated Debt (excluding convertible debentures) to compliance
EBITDA ratio of 2.4x as at March 30, 2009. Compliance EBITDA includes
the impact of acquisitions completed during 2009.
2010 Financial Outlook(1)(2)
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(millions of dollars except 2010 Outlook 2010 Outlook
per share amounts) Current Prior 2011 Outlook
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EBITDA from operations:
Energy Services 125-135 140-150 145-155
Specialty Chemicals 92-102 105-115 100-110
Construction Products
Distribution 35-45 40-50 40-50
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Adjusted operating cash flow
per share $1.75-$1.90 $1.95-$2.15 $2.00-$2.20
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(1) The assumptions, definitions, risk factors and explanation of the
changes to the 2010 and 2011 Financial Outlook are discussed in
Superior's 2010 First Quarter Management's Discussion and Analysis.
2010 First Quarter Results
Superior's 2010 First Quarter Management's Discussion and Analysis is attached and is also available on Superior's website at: www.superiorplus.com under the investor information section.
Conference Call
Superior will be conducting a conference call and webcast for investors, analysts, brokers and media representatives to discuss the 2010 First Quarter Results at 3:30 p.m. MST on Wednesday, May 5, 2010. To participate in the call, dial: 1-888-231-8191. A recording of the call will be available for replay until midnight, June 4, 2010. To access the recording, dial: 1-800-642-1687 and enter pass code: 67432510. Internet users can listen to the call live, or as an archived call, on Superior's website at www.superiorplus.com.
Forward Looking Information
Certain information included herein is forward-looking, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward looking information can be identified by looking for words such as "believe", "expects", "expected", "will", "intends", "projects", "anticipates", "estimates", "continues" or similar words. Forward-looking information in this press release, including the attached 2010 First Quarter Management's Discussion and Analysis, includes but is not limited to, consolidated and business segment outlooks, expected EBITDA from operations, expected adjusted operating cash flow, expected adjusted operating cash flow per share, future capital expenditures, business strategy and objectives, dividend strategy, future cash flows, anticipated taxes, expected results from acquisitions, expected life of facilities and statements regarding the future financial position of Superior and Superior Plus LP. Superior believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon.
Forward-looking information is based on various assumptions. Those assumptions are based on information currently available to Superior, including information obtained from third party industry analysts and other third party sources and include, the historic performance of Superior's businesses, current business and economic trends, availability and utilization of tax basis, foreign currency, exchange and interest rates, trading data, cost estimates and the other assumptions set forth under the "Outlook" sections contained in the attached 2010 First Quarter Management's Discussion and Analysis. Readers are cautioned that the preceding list of assumptions is not exhaustive.
Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and involves a number of risks and uncertainties some of which are described herein and in the attached 2010 First Quarter Management's Discussion and Analysis. Such forward-looking information necessarily involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Superior's or Superior LP's actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to the risks referred to under the section entitled "Risk Factors to Superior", in the attached 2010 First Quarter Management's Discussion and Analysis, the risks associated with the availability and amount of the tax basis and the risks identified in Superior's 2009 Annual Information Form under the heading "Risk Factors". Any forward-looking information is made as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, Superior does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise such information to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of 2010 First Quarter Results
May 5, 2010
Overview of Superior
Superior is a diversified business corporation. Superior holds 100% of Superior Plus LP (Superior LP), a limited partnership formed between Superior General Partner Inc., as general partner and Superior as limited partner. Superior owns 100% of the shares of Superior General Partner Inc. The cash flow of Superior is solely dependent on the results of Superior LP and is derived from the allocation of Superior LP's income to Superior by means of partnership allocations. Superior, through its ownership of Superior LP has three operating segments: the Energy Services segment which includes a Canadian propane distribution business, a U.S. refined fuels distribution business, a fixed-price energy services business and a supply portfolio management business; the Specialty Chemicals segment; and the Construction Products Distribution segment.
First Quarter Results
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Summary of Adjusted Operating Cash Flow
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Three months ended
March 31,
(millions of dollars except per share amounts) 2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA from operations:(1)
Energy Services 50.8 46.4
Specialty Chemicals 21.1 32.1
Construction Products Distribution 4.2 1.5
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76.1 80.0
Interest (16.8) (10.3)
Cash income tax recovery (expense) (0.4) (5.0)
Corporate costs (4.2) (3.4)
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Adjusted operating cash flow(1) 54.7 61.3
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Adjusted operating cash flow per share(1), basic(2)
and diluted(3) $0.53 $0.69
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(1) EBITDA, EBITDA from operations and adjusted operating cash flow are
not GAAP measures. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures"
(2) The weighted average number of shares outstanding for the three
months ended March 31, 2010, is 103.3 million (2009 - 88.4 million)
(3) For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, there were no
dilutive instruments.
Adjusted Operating Cash Flow Reconciled to Cash Flow from Operating
Activities(1)
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Three months ended
March 31,
(millions of dollars) 2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from operating activities 95.0 83.4
Add: Customer contract related costs capitalized 0.6 0.9
Less: Decrease in non-cash working capital (39.3) (18.6)
Reclassification of unrealized losses related
to Superior's supply portfolio management
business - (2.7)
Amortization of customer contract related costs (1.6) (1.7)
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Adjusted operating cash flow 54.7 61.3
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(1) See the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for cash
flows from operating activities, customer contract related costs and
changes in non-cash working capital.
First quarter adjusted operating cash flow was $54.7 million, a decrease of $6.6 million or 11% compared to the prior year quarter. The decrease in adjusted operating cash flow was due to reduced EBITDA from operations at Specialty Chemicals and higher interest costs, offset in part by increased EBITDA from operations at Energy Services and Construction Products Distribution primarily due to acquisitions and lower cash income taxes. Adjusted operating cash flow per share was $0.53 per share in the first quarter, a decrease of 23% from $0.69 per share in the prior year quarter due to the decrease in operating cash flow noted above. Also contributing to the decrease was a higher weighted average number of shares outstanding as compared to the prior year quarter due to the issuance of common shares to partially finance the acquisition of Specialty Products and Insulation Co. (SPI) on September 24, 2009, the acquisition of certain assets that comprise a U.S. heating oil and propane distribution business from Sunoco Inc. (Sunoco U.S. refined fuels assets) on September 30, 2009, the acquisition of certain assets that comprise a retail heating oil, propane and motor fuels distribution business from Griffith Energy Services Inc. (Griffith CH U.S. refined fuels assets) on December 11, 2009 (the Sunoco U.S. refined fuels assets and the Griffith CH U.S. refined fuels assets, collectively referred to as the "U.S. refined fuels asset") and the acquisition of Griffith Holdings Inc. (Griffith) on January 20, 2010. A comprehensive review of EBITDA from operations for all of Superior's businesses is contained in this management's discussion and analysis.
Net earnings for the first quarter were $9.2 million, compared to a net loss of $5.5 million in the prior year quarter. Net earnings were impacted by $28.2 million in unrealized losses on financial instruments in the current quarter, compared to unrealized losses of $72.9 million in the prior year quarter. The change in the unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments was due principally to lower losses in the current quarter on Superior's natural gas financial derivatives compared to the prior year as a result of fluctuations in the spot and forward price for natural gas. Revenues of $964.6 million were $361.1 million higher than the prior year quarter due principally to higher Energy Services revenue from the acquisition of U.S. refined fuels assets and Griffith along with higher Construction Products Distribution revenue due to the acquisition of SPI, offset in part by reduced Specialty Chemicals' revenue. Gross profit of $218.6 million was $30.3 million higher than the prior year quarter due principally to contributions of the acquisitions completed in 2009 and 2010, offset in part by reduced sales volumes at Energy Services, and lower Specialty Chemicals gross margin. Total income tax for the first quarter was a recovery of $9.2 million compared to an income tax recovery of $16.8 million in the prior year quarter. Income taxes in the first quarter were impacted by the commissioning of the Port Edwards expansion in the fourth quarter of 2009, and the change in unrealized losses on financial instruments in the first quarter as discussed above.
Energy Services
Energy Services' condensed operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 are provided in the following table.
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Three months ended
March 31,
(millions of dollars except per litre amounts) 2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue(1)(2) 688.5 379.8
Cost of sales(1) (549.7) (272.1)
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Gross profit 138.8 107.7
Less: Cash operating and administration costs (88.0) (61.3)
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EBITDA from operations 50.8 46.4
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(1) In order to better reflect the results of its operations, Superior
has reclassified certain amounts for purposes of this management's
discussion analysis to present its results as if it had accounted for
various transactions as accounting hedges. See Reconciliation of
Divisional Segmented Revenue and Cost of Sales to EBITDA for detailed
amounts.
(2) For the three months ended March 31, 2009, for purposes of this
management discussion and analysis, Superior has classified $2.7
million of unrealized losses on forward propane purchase contracts as
a component of revenue, related to Energy Services supply portfolio
management business.
Revenues for the first quarter of 2010 were $688.5 million, an increase of $308.7 million from revenues of $379.8 million in 2009. The increase in revenues was due to the contribution from the acquisition of the Sunoco U.S. refined fuels assets on September 30, 2009 and acquisition of the Griffith CH U.S. refined fuels assets on December 11, 2009 (the Sunoco U.S. refined fuels assets and the Griffith CH U.S. refined fuels assets, collectively referred to as the "U.S. refined fuels assets"), and the acquisition of Griffith Holdings Inc. (Griffith) on January 20, 2010, offset in part by lower Canadian propane sales volumes. Total gross profit for the first quarter of 2010 was $138.8 million, an increase of $31.1 million or 29% over the prior year quarter. The increase in gross profit was due to the contribution from the acquisition of U.S. refined fuels assets and Griffith and increased fixed-price energy services gross profit offset in part by lower Canadian propane distribution and supply portfolio management gross profit. A summary and detailed review of gross profit by segment is provided below.
Gross Profit Detail
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Three months ended
March 31,
(millions of dollars) 2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian propane distribution 65.8 79.6
U.S. refined fuels 50.5 -
Other services 9.8 5.7
Supply portfolio management 5.3 15.4
Fixed-price energy services 7.4 7.0
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Total gross profit 138.8 107.7
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Canadian propane distribution gross profit for the first quarter was $65.8 million, a decrease of $13.8 million or 17% from the prior year quarter, due principally to a 51 million litre or 12% reduction in sales volumes and lower average sales margins. Residential and commercial volumes decreased by 32.0 million litres or 18% and were negatively impacted by warmer weather, and by a weaker overall economic environment throughout most of Canada. Average weather across Canada as measured by degree days, for the first quarter was 16% warmer than the prior year and 11% warmer than the five-year average, negatively impacting heating related volumes. Ongoing marketing efforts have been successful in acquiring new customers, partially offsetting the impact of reduced volumes due to the warmer weather and weaker economic environment. Industrial volumes decreased by 14 million litres or 7%, due principally to the impact of a weaker economic environment as noted above. Automotive propane volumes declined by 1 million litres or 5%, which was below the historical decline trend in this end-use market due to a favourable pricing differential between propane and retail gasoline.
Canadian Propane Distribution Sales Volumes
Volumes by End-Use Application(1) Volumes by Region(2)
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Three months ended Three months ended
(millions of March 31, March 31,
litres) 2010 2009 2010 2009
--------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Residential 51 63 Western Canada 211 245
Commercial 94 114 Eastern Canada 139 154
Agricultural 19 23 Atlantic Canada 30 32
Industrial 198 212
Automotive 18 19
--------------------------------- -------------------------------------
380 431 380 431
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(1) Volume: Volume of propane sold (millions of litres).
(2) Regions: Western Canada region consists of British Columbia, Alberta,
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Ontario, Yukon and Northwest
Territories; Eastern Canada region consists of Ontario (except for
Northwest Ontario) and Quebec; and Atlantic Canada consists of New
Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward
Island.
Average Canadian propane distribution sales margin for the quarter was 17.3 cents per litre, a decrease of 1.2 cents per litre or 6% as compared to the prior year quarter. Average margins compared to the prior year quarter were negatively impacted by reduced sales volume of higher margin heating related volumes due to the warm weather, competitive market pressures and reduced delivery related gross profits.
U.S. refined fuels gross profit for 2010 was $50.5 million and represents the contribution from the previously announced acquisitions of the U.S. refined fuels assets and Griffith. The gross profit was generated by the sale of heating oil, propane and other refined fuels throughout the northeast United States. Volume contribution from the U.S. refined fuels business was 469 million litres and average U.S. refined fuels sales margin was 10.8 cents per litre. U.S. refined fuels also offers a broad range of services including heating, ventilation and air conditioning repair, and other related services which contributed $4.8 million in gross profits included within the other services segment.
U.S. Refined Fuels Sales Volumes
Volumes by End-Use Application(1) Volumes by Region(2)
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Three months ended Three months ended
(millions of March 31, March 31,
litres) 2010 2009 2010 2009
--------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Residential 170 - Northeast United
Commercial 281 - States 469 -
Automotive 18 - -
-
--------------------------------- -------------------------------------
469 - 469 -
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(1) Volume: Volume of heating oil, propane, diesel and gasoline sold
(millions of litres).
(2) Regions: Northeast United States region consists of Pennsylvania,
Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island.
Other services gross profit was $9.8 million in the first quarter, an increase of $4.1 million over the prior year quarter due primarily to the contribution from the acquisitions completed by the U.S. refined fuels business. Excluding the contribution from the U.S. refined fuels business, other services gross profit decreased by $0.7 million due to lower rental and service and installation gross profit as a result of the weaker overall economic environment.
Supply portfolio management related gross profits were $5.3 million in the first quarter, a decrease of $10.1 million compared to the prior year quarter. The decline in gross profits is due to reduced demand, warm weather and strong supply in the first quarter as compared to tight supply, favorable market conditions and price volatility in the prior year quarter.
Fixed-Price Energy Services Gross Profit
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(millions of
dollars Three months ended Three months ended
except volume March 31, 2010 March 31, 2009
and per Gross Gross
unit amounts) Profit Volume Per Unit Profit Volume Per Unit
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural Gas(1) 6.62 7.4 GJ 89.5 6.78 8.1 GJ 83.7
cents/GJ cents/GJ
Electricity(2) 0.87 73.8 KWh 1.18 0.22 30.9KWh 0.71
cents/KWh cents/KWh
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Total 7.49 7.00
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(1) Natural gas volumes and per unit amounts are expressed in millions of
gigajoules (GJ).
(2) Electricity volumes and per unit amounts are expressed in millions of
kilowatt hours (KWh).
Fixed-price energy services gross profit was $7.5 million in the first quarter, an increase of $0.5 million compared to the prior year quarter. Gross profit from natural gas was $6.6 million in the first quarter, a decrease of $0.2 million or 2% compared to the prior year quarter, as natural gas volumes sold decreased by 9%, offset in part by higher gross profit per gigajoule (GJ). Natural gas sales volumes decreased due to lower residential volumes as a result of reduced residential customer aggregation as fixed-price energy services continues to focus marketing efforts on commercial customers in the Ontario market. Natural gas gross profit per cents per millions of gigajoules (GJ) was modestly higher than the prior year quarter. Electricity gross profit in the first quarter of 2010 was $0.9 million, $0.7 million higher than the prior year quarter due to the aggregation of additional commercial customers over the past twelve months.
Cash operating and administrative costs of $88.0 million increased by $26.7 million or 44% from the prior year quarter. The increase in expenses was due primarily to the contribution from the acquisition of the U.S. refined fuels assets and Griffith, offset in part by lower wages and benefits related to expense management initiatives in response to fluctuations in volumes.
Acquisition of Griffith Holdings Inc.
On January 20, 2010, Superior completed its acquisition of the shares of Griffith Holdings, Inc. (Griffith) for consideration of approximately $147.3 million (US$140.6 million), inclusive of working capital adjustments and transaction costs. Griffith is a retail and wholesale distributor of retail propane, heating oil and motor fuels in upstate New York.
Outlook
Energy Services' expects EBITDA from operations for 2010 to be between $125 million and $135 million, increasing in 2011 to between $145 million and $155 million. Energy Services' previous 2010 outlook as provided in the fourth quarter 2009 Financial Discussion was $140 million and $150 million. Prior to this outlook, Superior had not disclosed its expectations for 2011. The reduction in Energy Services' 2010 Outlook reflects record warm weather across Canada during the first quarter and the impact of the continued slow economic recovery. Significant assumptions underlying its current outlook are:
- Average temperatures across Canada are expected to return to the most
recent five-year average for 2010 and 2011. Average temperatures in
the northeast United States are expected to be consistent with the
most recent five-year average for 2010 and 2011;
- Total propane and U.S. refined fuels related sales volumes compared
to 2009 are anticipated to decrease due to the continued slow
economic recovery and begin to grow in 2011 as market conditions
improve;
- Wholesale propane, and U.S. refined fuels related prices will not
significantly impact demand for propane, refined fuels and related
services;
- Supply portfolio management gross profit will be lower than 2009 as
reduced volatility in the wholesale cost of propane will result in
fewer trading opportunities. Supply portfolio management gross profit
are expected to return to historic levels beginning in 2011;
- Fixed price energy services will be able to access sales channel
agents on acceptable contract terms and expects gross profit to
increase modestly in 2010 and 2011; and
- The commercial electricity market in Ontario and the retail
electricity market in the northeastern U.S. are expected to provide
additional growth opportunities for fixed-price energy services.
In addition to the significant assumptions detailed above, refer to the section "Risk Factors to Superior" for a detailed review of significant business risks affecting Energy Services' businesses.
Specialty Chemicals
Specialty Chemicals' condensed operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 are provided in the following table.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(millions of dollars except
per metric tonne (MT) Three months ended March 31,
amounts) 2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ per MT $ per MT
Chemical Revenue(1)(2) 110.0 647 120.2 775
Chemical Cost of
Sales(1)(2) (59.0) (347) (57.5) (370)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chemical Gross Profit 51.0 300 62.7 405
Less: Cash operating and
administrative costs(1) (29.9) (176) (30.6) (198)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA from operations 21.1 124 32.1 207
Chemical volumes sold
(thousands of MTs) 170 155
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) In order to better reflect the results of its operations, Superior
has reclassified certain amounts for purposes of this management's
discussion analysis related to financial instruments, non-cash
amortization and foreign currency translation losses/gains related to
US-denominated working capital. See Reconciliation of Divisional
Segmented Revenue and Cost of Sales to EBITDA for detailed amounts.
(2) Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to
conform to current year presentation. Specifically, $1.8 million has
been reclassified to chemical revenue from technology revenue to
provide comparative presentation of Specialty Chemicals revenue. Also
$0.4 million has been reclassified to chemical cost of sales from
technology cost of sales to provide comparative presentation of
Specialty Chemicals cost of sales.
Chemical revenue for the first quarter of $110.0 million was $10.2 million or 8% lower than the prior year quarter as a result of reduced average selling prices of chloralkali/potassium products offset in part by increased sodium chlorate sales volumes. First quarter gross profit of $51.0 million was $10.3 million lower than the prior year quarter due principally to reduced chloralkali/ potassium gross profits which more than offset increased sodium chlorate gross profits. Chloralkali/potassium gross profits were lower than the prior year quarter as a decrease in average aggregate selling prices more than offset a 3,000 tonne or 6% increase in sales volumes. Sales prices for potassium based products for the first quarter of 2010 decreased as compared to the prior year quarter which experienced historically high pricing levels in response to increases in the cost of potash, the primary input cost in the production of potassium products. Sales volumes of chloralkali/potassium products in the first quarter increased primarily due to higher production levels associated with the Port Edwards expansion completed in the fourth quarter of 2009. Sodium chlorate gross profits increased as compared to the prior year quarter due to a 13% increase in sales volumes offset in part by a decrease in average selling prices due to the appreciation of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar on US-denominated sales. Sodium chlorate sales volumes increased by 12,000 tonnes or 13% compared to the prior year quarter due principally to increased sales volumes in North America as a result of increased market demand for pulp. The increase in North American sodium chlorate sales volume more than offset the production losses at Specialty Chemicals' Chilean facility which was shut down during the month of March due to an earthquake on February 27, 2010. The Chilean facility has been repaired and production was restarted in early April. Sodium chlorate average selling prices were 3% lower than the prior year quarter due to the appreciation of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar on US-denominated sales. Technology gross profit was $0.4 million higher than the prior year quarter due to an increased project activity.
Cash operating and administrative costs of $29.9 million were $0.7 million or 2% lower than the prior year quarter due to reduced bad debt provisions and the impact of the appreciation of the Canadian dollar on US-denominated expenses offset in part by repair costs associated with Specialty Chemicals' Chilean facility.
Outlook
Superior expects 2010 EBITDA from operations from its Specialty Chemicals business to be between $92 million and $102 million, increasing in 2011 to between $100 million and $110 million. Specialty Chemicals' previous outlook as provided in the fourth quarter 2009 Financial Discussion was $105 million and $115 million. Prior to this outlook, Superior had not disclosed its expectations for 2011. The reduction in Specialty Chemicals' 2010 outlook reflects lower chloralkali pricing during the first quarter and the impact of the continued slow economic recovery. Significant assumptions underlying the current outlook are:
- Supply and demand fundamentals for sodium chlorate will be stronger
than in 2009, resulting in increased sales volumes during 2010 and
2011. Pricing is expected to increase modestly from current levels
into 2011;
- Chloralkali/potassium revenues will be lower than 2009 as the
increase in production from the expansion of the Port Edwards project
in late 2009 is more than offset by weak chloralkali pricing and the
continued slow economic recovery. Chloralkali pricing and sales
volumes are expected to strengthen in 2011 as market conditions
continue to improve; and
- Average plant utilization will approximate 85% to 90% in 2010 and
exceed 90% in 2011 reflecting improved utilization of the additional
Port Edwards' capacity.
In addition to the significant assumptions detailed above, refer to the section "Risk Factors to Superior" for a detailed review of the significant business risks affecting Superior's Specialty Chemicals' segment.
Construction Products Distribution
Construction Products Distribution's condensed operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 are provided in the following table.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended
March 31,
(millions of dollars) 2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and direct sales revenue(1) 167.0 94.1
Distribution and direct sales cost of sales (127.9) (69.7)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and direct sales gross profit 39.1 24.4
Less: Cash operating and administrative costs (34.9) (22.9)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA from operations 4.2 1.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) In order to better reflect the results of its operations, Superior
has reclassified certain amounts for purposes of this management's
discussion analysis to present its results as if it had accounted for
various transactions as accounting hedges. See Reconciliation of
Divisional Segmented Revenue and Cost of Sales to EBITDA for detailed
amounts.
Distribution and direct sales revenues of $167.0 million for the first quarter of 2010 was $72.9 million or 77% higher than the prior year quarter due primarily to the contribution from the acquisition of SPI offset in part by reduced sales volumes and lower selling prices. Distribution and direct sales gross profit of $39.1 million in the first quarter was $14.7 million or 60% higher than the prior year quarter, due principally to the contribution of the acquisition of SPI, offset in part by the impact of reduced sales volumes and lower percentage sales margins. Distribution drywall sales volumes, an indicator of overall distribution sales volumes, decreased by 4% from the prior year quarter. The decrease in distribution sales volumes was largely due to the ongoing slowdown in new home residential housing starts and commercial building activity which negatively impacted volumes in most operating regions, particularly in the U.S., offset in part by improved sales volumes in Ontario. Sales volumes continue to be challenged by the general economic slowdown throughout North America. Percentage sales margins were lower than the prior year quarter as a result of competitive pressures and lower margin sales contribution from SPI. Cash operating and administrative costs of $34.9 million were $12.0 million or 52% higher than the prior year quarter due to the contribution of the acquisition of SPI and restructuring costs, offset in part by the impact of cost reduction programs and lower warehouse wages and fleet costs due to reduced sales volumes.
Outlook
Superior expects Construction Products Distribution's EBITDA from operations for 2010 to be between $35 million and $45 million, increasing in 2011 to between $40 million and $50 million. Construction Products Distribution's previous outlook as provided in the fourth quarter 2009 Financial Discussion was $40 million to $50 million. Prior to this outlook, Superior had not disclosed its expectations for 2011. The reduction in Construction Products Distribution's 2010 outlook reflects the continued weak commercial market and slow recovery in residential markets. Significant assumptions underlying its current outlook are:
- Sales volumes compared to 2009 are expected to modestly improve
during the later half of 2010 and into 2011 as suggested by positive
leading indicators in new home residential activity in both Canada
and the United States; and
- Sales volumes for industrial insulation products in 2010 will be
consistent with the prior year while commercial volumes in 2010 will
be lower due to reduced commercial economic activity compared to the
prior year. Sales volumes for both industrial insulation and
commercial products are expected to increase in 2011 as these
markets recover.
In addition to the Construction Products Distribution segment's significant assumptions detailed above, refer to the section "Risk Factors to Superior" for a detailed review of the significant business risks affecting Superior's Construction Products Distribution segment.
Consolidated Capital Expenditure Summary
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended
March 31,
(millions of dollars) 2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Efficiency, process improvement and growth related 5.6 7.8
Other capital 0.7 1.5
Port Edwards conversion project - 26.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.3 35.9
Acquisition of Griffith 147.3 -
Other acquisitions 0.4 -
Earn-out payment on prior acquisition - 0.6
Proceeds on disposition of capital (0.5) (1.8)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total net capital expenditures 153.5 34.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Efficiency, process improvement and growth related expenditures were $5.6 million in the first quarter compared to $7.8 million in the prior year quarter. Efficiency, process improvement and growth related expenditures were incurred in relation to Specialty Chemicals' various efficiency projects and Energy Services' system upgrades. Other capital expenditures were $0.7 million in the first quarter compared to $1.5 million in the prior year quarter, consisting primarily of required maintenance and general capital at Energy Services and Specialty Chemicals. During the quarter, as previously discussed, Superior completed the acquisition of Griffith for $147.3 million. Proceeds on the disposal of capital were $0.5 million in the first quarter and consisted of Superior's disposition of surplus tanks and cylinders.
Corporate and Interest Costs
Corporate costs for the first quarter were $4.2 million, compared to $3.4 million in the prior year quarter. Corporate costs were impacted by higher professional and consulting related costs offset in part by lower foreign currency translation losses on the revaluation of US dollar cash transactions and US dollar-denominated interest payable.
Interest expense on revolving term bank credits and term loans for the first quarter was $11.5 million, an increase of $5.0 million from the prior year quarter. The increase in interest costs was primarily due to the impact of higher average debt levels associated with the acquisition of Griffith and other acquisitions completed in 2009, modestly higher interest rates and the higher interest costs associated with the issuance of 8.25% senior unsecured debentures on October 27, 2009. The increase in interest costs was partially offset by depreciation of the US dollar relative to the Canadian dollar on US-denominated interest. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" discussion for further details on the change in average debt levels.
Interest on Superior's convertible unsecured subordinated debentures ("Debentures" which includes all series of convertible unsecured subordinated debentures) was $5.3 million for the first quarter of 2010, $1.5 million higher than the prior year quarter of $3.8 million. The increase in debenture interest is primarily due to the issuance of $69.0 million, 7.50% convertible debentures on August 28, 2009, issued in part to partially finance the acquisition of SPI and the U.S. refined fuels assets. The issuance of $172.5 million, 5.75% convertible debentures on March 25, 2010 also contributed to higher debenture interest costs.
Taxation
Total income tax recovery for the first quarter was $9.2 million, and consists of $0.4 million in cash income tax expenses and $9.6 million in future income tax recoveries, compared to a total income tax recovery of $16.8 million in the prior year quarter, which consisted of $5.0 million in cash income taxes and a $21.8 million future income tax recovery.
Cash income and withholding taxes for the first quarter were $0.4 million and consisted of a cash tax expense in the US of $0.5 million and a Canadian capital tax recovery of $0.1 million (2009 Q1 - $4.7 million of US cash taxes expense and capital taxes and withholding taxes of $0.3 million). The decrease in US cash income taxes was primarily due to the tax amortization resulting from the commissioning of the Port Edwards conversion in the fourth quarter of 2009. Future income tax recovery for the first quarter of 2010 was $9.6 million (2009 Q1 - $21.8 million future income tax recovery), resulting in a corresponding net future income tax asset of $278.9 million and a net deferred credit of $257.3 million as at March 31, 2010. Future income taxes were impacted by the unrealized losses on financial instruments.
Consolidated Outlook
Superior expects adjusted cash flow from operations for 2010 to be between $1.75 and $1.90 per share and for 2011 to be between $2.00 and $2.20 per share. Superior's previous outlook for 2010 as provided in the 2009 fourth quarter Financial Discussion was between $1.95 and $2.15 per share. Prior to this outlook, Superior had not disclosed its expectations for 2011. Superior's consolidated adjusted operating cash flow outlook is dependent on the operating results of its three operating segments. See the discussion of operating results by segment for additional details on Superior's 2010 guidance. In addition to the operating results of Superior's three operating segments, significant assumptions underlying Superior's current 2010 and 2011 outlook are:
- The slow economic recovery in Canada and the United States is
expected to continue in 2010 and 2011;
- Superior continues to attract capital and obtain financing on
acceptable terms;
- The foreign currency exchange rate between the Canadian and US dollar
is expected to average par in 2010 and 2011 on all unhedged foreign
currency transactions;
- Financial and physical counterparties continue to fulfill their
obligations to Superior;
- Regulatory authorities do not impose any new regulations impacting
Superior;
- Superior's average interest rate on floating-rate is expected to
increase modestly throughout 2010 and 2011;
- The per share outlooks for 2010 and 2011 include the impact of
Superior's dividend reinvestment program (DRIP) which was restarted
effective the payment of the May 2010 dividend; and
- US based cash taxes for 2010 are expected to be minimal in 2010 as a
result of the tax basis associated with the completion of the Port
Edwards conversion and begin to increase in 2011 due to improved U.S.
based results and lower tax basis.
In addition to Superior's significant assumptions detailed above, refer to the section "Risk Factors to Superior" for a detailed review of Superior's significant business risks.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Superior's revolving term bank credit (Credit Facility) and term loans before deferred financing fees, including $109.4 million related to Superior's accounts receivable securitization program totaled $579.3 million as at March 31, 2010, a decrease of $158.8 million from December 31, 2009. The decrease in revolving term bank credits and terms loans is predominately due the issuance of $172.5 million in convertible debentures, the issuance of equity during the first quarter, and the non-cash impact of the depreciation of the US dollar relative to the Canadian dollar on US-denominated debt (approximately $9 million), offset in part by the acquisition of Griffith. See "Summary of Cash Flows" for a complete summary of Superior's sources and uses of cash.
As at March 31, 2010, Debentures before deferred issue costs issued by Superior totaled $489.1 million, which is $172.4 million higher than the balance as at December 31, 2009. The increase in Debentures is due to the issuance of $172.5 million in 5.75% convertible unsecured subordinated debentures during the first quarter. The 5.75% debentures mature June 30, 2017. See Note 8 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details on Superior's Debentures.
As at March 31, 2010, approximately $417.2 million was available under the Credit Facility and accounts receivable securitization program, which Superior considers sufficient to meet its net working capital funding requirements and expected capital expenditures.
Consolidated net working capital was $138.9 million as at March 31, 2010, a decrease of $44.9 million from net working capital of $183.8 million as at December 31, 2009. The decrease in net working capital from the prior year is due to lower net working capital at Energy Services due to reduced sales volumes and a $17 million increase in Superior's accounts receivable securitization program offset in part by the working capital associated with the acquisition of Griffith. Lower net working capital levels at Construction Products Distribution are due primarily to the impact of reduced sales activity and inventory management initiatives. Corporate related working capital was impacted by reduced cash on hand and accruals associated with the acquisition of Griffith. Superior's net working capital requirements are financed from revolving term bank credit facilities and by proceeds raised from a trade accounts receivable sales program.
On January 27, 2010, Superior and its subsidiaries, Superior LP and Superior Plus U.S. Holdings Inc., completed an expansion of the Credit Facility from $570 million to $600 million. In addition, certain debt definitions used in the calculation of Superior's financial covenant ratios in the Credit Facility have been amended, together with corresponding amendments to the related financial covenant ratios. The previous consolidated senior debt coverage ratio requirement has been replaced with a Consolidated Secured Debt (as defined in the Credit Facility) coverage ratio requirement. The new definition of Consolidated Secured Debt under the Credit Facility excludes the $150 million of senior unsecured debentures of Superior Plus LP issued on October 27, 2009, which are still included in the calculation of Consolidated Debt for the purposes of the Consolidated Debt coverage ratio requirement. As a result of the new definition of Consolidated Secured Debt, Superior must maintain a Consolidated Secured Debt to compliance EBITDA ratio of not more than 3.0 to 1.0 compared to the previous senior debt to compliance EBITDA ratio which was 3.5 to 1.0. Superior's Consolidated Debt, excluding convertible unsecured subordinated debentures, to compliance EBITDA coverage ratio requirement for compliance purposes is unchanged at not more than 5.0 to 1.0. Effective March 25, 2010, Superior and Superior LP, amended certain financial covenant ratios in its US Note Purchase Agreement dated October 29, 2003 (Note Agreement) to make them consistent with the financial covenant ratios under its existing Credit Facility as noted above.
At March 31, 2010, the Consolidated Secured Debt to compliance EBITDA ratio when calculated in accordance with Superior's Credit Facility and Note Agreement was 1.8 times to 1.0 (December 31, 2009 - 2.2 times) and the Consolidated Debt to compliance EBITDA ratio when calculated in accordance with Superior's Credit Facility and Note Agreement was 2.4 times to 1.0 (December 31, 2009 - 2.8 times). As noted above the Consolidated Debt to compliance EBITDA for purposes of Superior's covenants does not include the Debentures. These ratios are within the requirements contained in Superior's debt covenants, which restrict its ability to pay dividends. In accordance with Superior's Credit Facility and Note Agreement, Superior must maintain a Consolidated Debt to compliance EBITDA ratio of not more than 5.0 to 1.0, excluding convertible unsecured subordinated debentures. In addition, Superior must maintain a Consolidated Secured Debt to compliance EBITDA ratio of not more than 3.0 to 1.0 and not more than 3.5 to 1.0 as a result of acquisitions. Distributions (including payments to Debenture holders) cannot exceed compliance EBITDA, less cash income taxes and certain capital expenditures, plus $25.0 million on a trailing twelve month rolling basis.
Superior has entered into an agreement to sell, with limited recourse, certain accounts receivable on a 30-day revolving basis to an entity sponsored by a Canadian chartered bank to finance a portion of its working capital requirements, which represents an off-balance sheet obligation. The receivables are sold at a discount to face value based on prevailing money market rates. As at March 31, 2010, proceeds of $109.4 million (December 31, 2009 - $92.7 million) had been raised from this program and were used to repay revolving term bank credits. (See Note 5 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements). Superior is able to adjust the size of the sales program on a seasonal basis in order to match the fluctuations of its accounts receivable funding requirements. The program requires Superior to maintain a minimum secured credit rating of BB and meet certain collection performance standards. Superior is currently fully compliant with program requirements. Effective April 30, 2009, Superior extended the maturity of its accounts receivable securitization program until June 29, 2010.
On January 20, 2010, DBRS confirmed Superior LP's senior secured notes and senior unsecured debenture ratings at BBB(low) and BB(high), respectively, both with stable trends. On January 21, 2010, Standard and Poor's confirmed Superior LP's senior secured long-term debt credit rating at BBB-, senior unsecured debentures of BB- and a corporate credit rating of BB+ with a negative outlook.
At March 31, 2010, Superior had an estimated defined benefit pension solvency deficiency of approximately $24 million and going concern solvency deficiency of approximately $17 million. Funding requirements required by applicable pension legislation are based upon going concern and solvency actuarial assumptions. These assumptions differ from the going concern actuarial assumptions used in Superior's financial statements. Superior has sufficient liquidity through existing revolving term bank credits and anticipated future operating cash flow to fund this deficiency over the prescribed funding period.
In the normal course of business, Superior is subject to lawsuits and claims. Superior believes the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on Superior's liquidity, consolidated financial position or results of operations. Superior records costs as they are incurred or when they become determinable.
Shareholders' Capital
The weighted average number of shares outstanding during the first quarter was 103.3 million shares, an increase of 14.9 million shares compared to the prior year quarter due to the issuance of 16,541,389 common shares over the past twelve months. The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the common shares issued over the last twelve months:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issued
Number
Issuance of
Price Common
Closing per Shares
Date Share (Millions)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at March 31, 2009 88.4
Issuance of common shares to
partially finance the
acquisition of Sunoco U.S.
refined fuels assets September 23, 2009 $11.35 4.0
Private placement of common
shares to partially finance
the Acquisition of SPI September 24, 2009 $11.63 2.8
Issuance of common shares upon
closing of the over-allotment
option associated with the
September 23, 2009 offering October 8, 2009 $11.35 0.6
Issuance of common shares to
partially finance the
acquisition of Griffith CH
U.S. refined fuels assets November 26, 2009 $12.00 4.1
Issuance of common shares to
partially finance the
acquisition of Griffith
Holdings Inc. February 10, 2010 $13.85 5.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at March 31, 2010 104.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at May 5, 2010, March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, the following
shares and securities convertible into shares were outstanding:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
May 5, 2010 March 31, 2010 December 31, 2009
Convertible Convertible Convertible
(millions) Securities Shares Securities Shares Securities Shares
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common shares
outstanding 104.9 104.9 99.9
5.75% Debentures
(convertible at
$36.00 per
share) $174.9 4.9 $174.9 4.9 $174.9 4.9
5.85% Debentures
(convertible at
$31.25 per
share) $75.0 2.4 $75.0 2.4 $75.0 2.4
7.50% Debentures
(convertible at
$13.10 per
share) $69.0 5.3 $69.0 5.3 $69.0 5.3
5.75% Debentures
(convertible at
$19.00 per
share) $172.5 9.1 $172.5 9.1 - -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares
outstanding,
and issuable
upon conversion
of debentures 126.6 126.6 112.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Dividends Paid to Shareholders
Superior's dividends to its shareholders are dependent on its cash flow from operating activities with consideration for changes in working capital requirements, investing activities and financing activities of Superior. See "Summary of Adjusted Operating Cash Flow" on page 6 and "Summary of Cash Flows" on page 16 for additional details on the sources and uses of Superior's cash flow.
Dividends paid to shareholders for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 totaled $41.8 million or $0.405 per share, an increase of $6.0 million as compared to the first quarter of 2009 due to the issuance of common shares over the last twelve months. Superior's current monthly dividend is $0.135 per share ($1.62 on an annualized basis). Dividends to shareholders are declared at the discretion of Superior.
Superior's primary sources and uses of cash have been detailed in the table below:
Summary of Cash Flows (1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended
March 31,
(millions of dollars) 2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from operating activities 95.0 83.4
Investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment(2) (6.3) (35.9)
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and
equipment 0.5 1.8
Acquisition of Griffith (147.3) -
Other acquisitions (0.4) -
Earn-out payment on prior acquisition - (0.6)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows used in investing activities (153.5) (34.7)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing activities:
Dividends to shareholders (41.8) (35.8)
Revolving term bank credits and term loans (167.3) (59.1)
Issuance of 5.75% convertible debentures 166.1 -
Issuance of common shares 66.5 -
Net proceeds of accounts receivable
securitization program 16.7 25.0
Other 5.9 15.5
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Cash flows from (used in) financing activities 46.1 (54.4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash (12.4) (5.7)
Cash beginning of period 24.3 16.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash end of period 11.9 10.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) See the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for
additional details.
(2) See "Consolidated Capital Expenditure Summary" for additional
details.
Financial Instruments - Risk Management
Derivative and non-financial derivatives are used by Superior to manage its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. Superior assesses the inherent risks of these instruments by grouping derivative and non-financial derivatives related to the exposures these instruments mitigate. Superior's policy is not to use derivative or non-financial derivative instruments for speculative purposes. Superior does not formally designate its derivatives as hedges, as a result, Superior does not apply hedge accounting and is required to designate its derivatives and non-financial derivatives as held for trading.
Effective 2008, Energy Services entered into natural gas financial swaps primarily with Macquarie Cook Energy Canada Ltd. (formerly, Constellation Energy Commodities Group Inc.) for distributor billed natural gas business in Canada to manage its economic exposure of providing fixed-price natural gas to its customers. Additionally, Energy Services maintains its natural gas swap positions with seven additional counterparties. Energy Services monitors its fixed-price natural gas positions on a daily basis to evaluate compliance with established risk management policies. Superior maintains a substantially balanced fixed-price natural gas position in relation to its customer supply commitments.
Energy Services entered into electricity financial swaps with three counterparties to manage the economic exposure of providing fixed-price electricity to its customers. Energy Services monitors its fixed-price electricity positions on a daily basis to evaluate compliance with established risk management policies. Energy Services maintains a substantially balanced fixed-price electricity position in relation to its customer supply commitments.
Energy Services entered into various propane forward purchase and sale agreements with more than twenty counterparties to manage the economic exposure of its wholesale customer supply contracts. Energy Services monitors its fixed-price propane positions on a daily basis to monitor compliance with established risk management policies. Energy Services maintains a substantially balanced fixed-price propane gas position in relation to its wholesale customer supply commitments.
Specialty Chemicals has entered into fixed-price electricity purchase agreements to manage the economic exposure of certain of its chemical facilities to changes in the market price of electricity, in markets where the price of electricity is not fixed. Substantially all of the fair value with respect to these agreements is with a single counterparty.
Superior, on behalf of its operating divisions, entered into foreign currency forward contracts with twelve counterparties to manage the economic exposure of Superior's operations to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. Energy Services contracts a portion of its fixed-price natural gas, propane and heating oil purchases and sales in US dollars and enters into forward US dollar purchase contracts to create an effective Canadian dollar fixed-price purchase cost. Specialty Chemicals enters into US dollar forward sales contracts on an ongoing basis to mitigate the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on sales margins on production from its Canadian plants that is sold in US dollars. Interest expense on Superior's US dollar debt is also used to mitigate the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations.
As at March 31, 2010, Energy Services had hedged approximately 100% of its US dollar natural gas and propane purchase (sales) obligations for 2010 and had hedged approximately 55% and 87% of its estimated US dollar exposure for the remainder of 2010 and 2011. Specialty Chemicals had hedged approximately 100% and 85% of its estimated US dollar exposure for the remainder of 2010 and 2011. Construction Products Distribution had hedged approximately 100% and 73% of its estimated US dollar exposure for the remainder of 2010 and 2011. The estimated sensitivity on adjusted operating cash flow for Superior, including divisional US exposures and the impact on US-denominated debt with respect to a $0.01 change in the Canadian to United States exchange rate for 2010 is $nil million and 2011 is $0.2 million, respectively after giving effect to United States forward contracts for 2010 and 2011, as shown in the table below. Superior's sensitivities and guidance are based on an anticipated Canadian to USD foreign currency exchange rate for 2010 and 2011 of par.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2015 and
There-
(US$ millions) 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 after Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Energy Services -
US$ forward
purchases(1) (47.7) (5.4) - - - - (53.1)
Energy Services -
US$ forward sales 10.8 44.6 44.0 44.0 - - 143.4
Construction
Products
Distribution -
US$ forward sales 17.6 18.0 24.0 24.0 - - 83.6
Specialty
Chemicals - US$
forward sales 88.9 106.5 80.5 57.0 - - 332.9
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Net US $ forward
sales 69.6 163.7 148.5 125.0 - - 506.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Energy Services -
Average US$
forward purchase
rate(1) 1.12 1.11 - - - - 1.12
Energy Services -
Average US$
forward rate 1.06 1.06 1.06 1.06 - - 1.06
Construction
Products
Distribution -
Average US$
forward sales
rate 1.08 1.06 1.06 1.07 - - 1.07
Specialty
Chemicals -
Average US$
forward sales
rate 1.08 1.15 1.09 1.07 - - 1.10
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net average
external US$/Cdn$
exchange rate 1.09 1.11 1.08 1.06 - - 1.09
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specialty
Chemicals - Euro
forward sales 4.0 0.3 - - - - 4.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specialty
Chemicals -
Average Euro
forward sales
rate 1.58 1.58 - - - - 1.58
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Energy services is now sourcing its fixed-price natural gas
requirements in Canadian dollars, as such, it will no longer be
required to use United States dollar forward contracts to fix its
Canadian dollar exposure.
Superior has interest rate swaps with four counterparties to manage the interest rate mix of its total debt portfolio and related overall cost of borrowing. Superior manages its overall liquidity risk in relation to its general funding requirements by utilizing a mix of short-term and longer-term maturity debt instruments. Superior reviews its mix of short-term and longer-term debt instruments on an on-going basis to ensure it is able to meet its liquidity requirements.
Superior utilizes a variety of counterparties in relation to its derivative and non-financial derivative instruments in order to mitigate its counterparty risk. Superior assesses the credit worthiness of its significant counterparties at the inception and throughout the term of a contract. Superior is also exposed to customer credit risk. Energy Services and Construction Products Distribution deal with a large number of small customers, thereby reducing this risk. Specialty Chemicals, due to the nature of its operations, sells its products to a relatively small number of customers. Specialty Chemicals mitigates its customer credit risk by actively monitoring the overall credit worthiness of its customers. Energy Services has minimal exposure to customer credit risk as local natural gas and electricity distribution utilities have been mandated, for a nominal fee, to provide Energy Services with invoicing, collection and the assumption of bad debts risk for residential and small commercial customers. Energy Services actively monitors the credit worthiness of its direct bill industrial customers.
For additional details on Superior's financial instruments, including the amount and classification of gains and losses recorded in Superior's first quarter Consolidated Financial Statements, summary of fair values, notional balances, effective rates and terms, and significant assumptions used in the calculation of the fair value of Superior's financial instruments, see Note 10 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Controls Over Financial
Reporting
No changes have been made in Superior's internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Superior's internal controls over financial reporting in the quarter ended March 31, 2010.
The certifying officers have limited the scope of their certification in accordance with National Instrument 52-109 for the design of disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting to exclude controls, policies and procedures resulting from the acquisition of SPI on September 24, 2009 and the acquisition of a U.S. refined fuel assets on September 30, 2009 and December 11, 2009 and of Griffith on January 20, 2010. The businesses are described under Construction Products Distribution and Energy Services.
Superior's consolidated results include revenues and net income of $78.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively, related to the SPI business. Superior's consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2010 includes $173.0 million in total assets and total liabilities of $48.1 million related to the SPI business.
Superior's consolidated results include revenues and net income of $318.4 million and $15.8 million, respectively, related to the U.S. refined fuel assets acquired on September 30, 2009, December 11, 2009, and Griffith on January 20, 2010. Superior's consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2010 includes $435.3 million in total assets and total liabilities of $107.5 million related to the U.S. refined fuel assets and Griffith. The financial information for the U.S. refined fuel assets and Griffith has been combined to reflect the consistent management and operating control structures, the similarity in the risks in business operations and to be consistent with how the businesses are managed and disclosed to investors.
With respect to the acquisitions of SPI, the U.S. refined fuel assets and Griffith where the scope of the CEO and CFO's certification has been limited in accordance with National Instrument 52-109, Superior's management, under the supervision of the CEO and the CFO, has evaluated the overall risk, reviewed the results of operations with operating management, and confirmed that consistent controls have operated since Superior's acquisitions and continued to operate at year end. Management is confident in the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements included in Superior's consolidated results. In 2010, Superior will certify that the internal controls over financial reporting and the disclosure controls and procedures are designed and effective under National Instrument 52-109.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Superior's unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The significant accounting policies are described in the audited Consolidated Financial Statements, see Note 2 on pages 59 to 66 of the 2009 annual report. Certain of these accounting policies, as well as estimates made by management in applying such policies, are recognized as critical because they require management to make subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. Our critical accounting estimates relate to the allowance for doubtful accounts, employee future benefits, future income tax assets and liabilities, the valuation of derivatives and non-financial derivatives and asset impairments and the assessment of potential asset retirement obligations.
Future Accounting Changes
International Financial Reporting Standards
The Accounting Standards Board of Canada (AcSB) has announced plans that will require the convergence of GAAP with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for publicly accountable enterprises, including Superior Plus Corp. The changeover date from GAAP to IFRS is for annual and interim financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011.
During 2008, Superior formed an IFRS project team to develop an IFRS transition plan. Superior's approach was to assess and coordinate ongoing training requirements in conjunction with the development of a comprehensive diagnostic/planning document throughout the first and second quarters of 2009. Superior's diagnostic plan was substantially completed in the fourth quarter of 2009 and includes the assessment of differences between GAAP and IFRS, options available under IFRS, potential system requirements as a result of the adoption of IFRS, and the impact on internal controls and other business activities. Superior continues to work on the development and execution of a detailed IFRS transition plan.
At this time, Superior is unable to reasonably estimate the impact that the adoption of IFRS may have on its future operating results or financial position. Superior's preliminary assessment of areas that may have a significant impact upon adoption of IFRS consist of, but may not be limited to:
- Property, plant and equipment may be impacted by the requirement to
record and amortize on the basis of material components;
- Employee future benefit obligations will be impacted as IFRS does not
allow the deferral of certain actuarial gains and losses which are
currently deferred under GAAP;
- Asset impairments recorded in prior years, under certain
circumstances, are eligible to be reversed under IFRS;
- The classification of a lease arrangement as either an operating
lease or a finance/capital lease may differ under IFRS;
- The assessment and accounting treatment of off-balance sheet
arrangements such as Superior's accounts receivable securitization
program may differ under IFRS;
- The classification of financial statement items may differ under
IFRS;
- The assessment and accounting treatment of some income tax related
items may differ under IFRS;
- Financial statement disclosures under IFRS tend to be more
comprehensive than those under GAAP; and
- The impact on various credit agreements, if any.
Superior will continue to assess the impact of IFRS throughout 2010, including the impact on its consolidated financial statements, financial reporting systems and internal control systems, and Superior is expected to disclose the quantitative impact of IFRS during 2010.
Quarterly Financial and Operating Information
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2010
(millions of dollars Quarters 2009 Quarters
except per trust unit -------------------------------------------------
amounts) First Fourth Third Second First
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian propane sales
volumes (millions of
litres) 380 373 224 249 431
U.S. refined fuels
sales volumes
(millions of litres) 469 153 - - -
Natural gas sales
volumes (millions of
GJs) 7 8 8 8 8
Electricity sales
volumes (millions of
KwH) 74 68 56 38 31
Chemical sales volumes
(thousands of metric
tonnes) 170 160 163 155 155
Gross profit 218.6 203.3 126.9 134.9 188.3
Net earnings (loss) 9.2 17.4 33.0 23.4 (5.5)
Per share, basic $0.09 $0.17 $0.37 $0.26 $(0.06)
Per share, diluted $0.09 $0.17 $0.37 $0.26 $(0.06)
Adjusted operating cash
flow 54.7 64.4 19.3 18.9 61.3
Per share, basic and
diluted $0.53 $0.65 $0.22 $0.21 $0.69
Net working capital(1) 138.9 183.8 132.0 72.0 83.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------
(millions of dollars 2008 Quarters
except per trust unit ---------------------------------------
amounts) Fourth Third Second First
---------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian propane sales
volumes (millions of
litres) 390 244 274 469
U.S. refined fuels
sales volumes
(millions of litres) - - - -
Natural gas sales
volumes (millions of
GJs) 8 8 8 9
Electricity sales
volumes (millions of
KwH) 28 18 14 10
Chemical sales volumes
(thousands of metric
tonnes) 160 188 188 191
Gross profit 193.1 152.8 153.3 169.9
Net earnings (loss) (19.9) (203.9) 164.3 127.2
Per share, basic $(0.23) $(2.31) $1.86 $1.44
Per share, diluted $(0.23) $(2.31) $1.86 $1.44
Adjusted operating cash
flow 65.0 33.5 38.1 55.7
Per share, basic and
diluted $0.74 $0.38 $0.43 $0.63
Net working capital(1) 152.2 227.4 217.6 256.3
---------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Net working capital reflects amounts as at the quarter end and is
comprised of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and
inventories, less bank indebtedness, accounts payable and accrued
liabilities, current portion of term loans and dividends and interest
payable to shareholders and debentureholders.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted Operating Cash Flow
Adjusted operating cash flow is equal to cash flow from operating activities as defined by Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), adjusted for changes in non-cash working capital and customer contract related costs. Superior may deduct or include additional items to its calculation of adjusted operating cash flow; these items would generally, but not necessarily, be items of a non-recurring nature. Adjusted operating cash flow is the main performance measure used by management and investors to evaluate the performance of Superior. Readers are cautioned that adjusted operating cash flow is not a defined performance measure under GAAP and that adjusted operating cash flow cannot be assured. Superior's calculation of adjusted operating cash flow may differ from similar calculations used by comparable entities. Adjusted operating cash flow represents cash flow generated by Superior that is available for, but not necessarily limited to, changes in working capital requirements, investing activities and financing activities of Superior.
The seasonality of Superior's individual quarterly results must be assessed in the context of annualized adjusted operating cash flow. Adjustments recorded by Superior as part of its calculation of adjusted operating cash flow include, but are not limited to, the impact of the seasonality of Superior's businesses, principally the Energy Services segment, by adjusting for non-cash working capital items, thereby eliminating the impact of the timing between the recognition and collection/payment of Superior's revenues and expense, which can differ significantly from quarter to quarter. Adjustments are also made to reclassify the cash flows related to natural gas and electricity customer contract related costs in a manner consistent with the income statement recognition of these costs. Adjusted operating cash flow is reconciled to cash flow from operating activities on page 6.
EBITDA
EBITDA represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses, and is used by Superior to assess its consolidated results and the results of its operating segments. EBITDA is not a defined performance measure under GAAP. Superior's calculation of EBITDA may differ from similar calculations used by comparable entities. EBITDA of Superior's operating segments may be referred to as EBITDA from operations. Net earnings are reconciled to EBITDA from operations on page 21.
Compliance EBITDA
Compliance EBITDA represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses calculated on a 12 month trailing basis giving pro forma effect to acquisitions and divestitures and is used by Superior to calculate its debt covenants and other credit information. Compliance EBITDA is not a defined performance measure under GAAP. Superior's calculation of compliance EBITDA may differ from similar calculations used by comparable entities. See Note 12 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of net earnings (loss) to compliance EBITDA.
Reconciliation of Net Earnings to EBITDA from Operations(1)(2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Construction
For the three months ended Energy Specialty Products
March 31, 2010 Services Chemicals Distribution
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) (2.1) 5.0 0.9
Add: Amortization of property,
plant and equipment,
intangible assets and
accretion of convertible
debenture issue costs 11.1 1.1 3.3
Amortization included in
cost of sales - 10.8 -
Unrealized losses on
financial instruments 41.8 4.2 -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA from operations 50.8 21.1 4.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Construction
For the three months ended Energy Specialty Products
March 31, 2009 Services Chemicals Distribution
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) (16.4) 6.8 0.4
Add: Amortization of property,
plant and equipment,
intangible assets and
accretion of convertible
debenture issue costs 6.4 1.1 1.1
Amortization included in
cost of sales - 9.1 -
Energy Services non-cash
pension expense 0.4 - -
Unrealized losses on
financial instruments 56.0 15.1 -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA from operations 46.4 32.1 1.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) See the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for net
earnings (loss), amortization of property, plant and equipment,
intangible assets and accretion of convertible debenture issue costs,
amortization included in cost of sale, non-cash pension expense,
unrealized (gains) losses on financial instruments and gain on
disposal of facility.
(2) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for additional details.
Reconciliation of Divisional Segmented Revenue and Cost of Sales to
EBITDA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the three months ended
March 31, 2010
Energy Specialty Construction
Services Chemicals Products
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue 688.1 109.7 166.8
Realized foreign currency
gains (losses) - 1.2 0.2
Foreign currency gains (losses)
related to Working capital 0.4 (0.9) -
Unrealized losses on forward
propane purchase contracts - - -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue after reclass adjustments 688.5 110.0 167.0
Cost of Goods Sold (531.4) (69.1) (127.9)
Realized foreign currency
gains (losses) (2.4) - -
Realized fixed price electricity
gains (losses) - (0.7) -
Foreign currency gains (losses)
related to working capital - - -
Non-cash amortization - 10.8 -
Natural gas commodity realized
fixed price gains (losses) (15.9) - -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost of Goods Sold after
reclassification adjustments (549.7) (59.0) (127.9)
Gross Profit 138.8 51.0 39.1
Cash, operating and
administrative costs (87.6) (30.8) (34.9)
Non-cash pension expense - - -
Reclassification of foreign
currency gains and losses
related to working capital (0.4) 0.9 -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash, operating and administrative
costs after reclassification
adjustments (88.0) (29.9) (34.9)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA from operations 50.8 21.1 4.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the three months ended
March 31, 2009
Energy Specialty Construction
Services Chemicals Products
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue 385.5 123.9 94.1
Realized foreign currency
gains (losses) (2.6) (4.4) -
Foreign currency gains (losses)
related to Working capital (0.4) 0.7 -
Unrealized losses on forward
propane purchase contracts (2.7) - -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue after reclass adjustments 379.8 120.2 94.1
Cost of Goods Sold (254.9) (67.9) (69.7)
Realized foreign currency
gains (losses) 0.9 - -
Realized fixed price electricity
gains (losses) - 1.3 -
Foreign currency gains (losses)
related to working capital (0.2) - -
Non-cash amortization - 9.1 -
Natural gas commodity realized
fixed price gains (losses) (17.9) - -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost of Goods Sold after
reclassification adjustments (272.1) (57.5) (69.7)
Gross Profit 107.7 62.7 24.4
Cash, operating and
administrative costs (62.3) (29.9) (22.9)
Non-cash pension expense 0.6 - -
Reclassification of foreign
currency gains and losses
related to working capital 0.4 (0.7) -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash, operating and administrative
costs after reclassification
adjustments (61.3) (30.6) (22.9)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA from operations 46.4 32.1 1.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk Factors to Superior
The risks factors and uncertainties detailed below are a summary of Superior's assessment of its material risk factors as identified in Superior's 2009 Annual Information Form under the heading "Risk Factors". For a detailed discussion of these risks, see Superior's 2009 Annual Information Form filed on the Canadian Securities Administrator's website, www.sedar.com and Superior's website, www.superiorplus.com.
Risks to Superior
Superior is entirely dependent upon the operations and assets of Superior LP. Superior's ability to make dividend payments to shareholders is dependent upon the ability of Superior LP to make distributions on its outstanding limited partnership units as well as the operations and business of Superior LP.
Although Superior intends to distribute the income allocated from Superior LP, less the amount of its expenses, indebtedness and other obligations and less amounts, if any, Superior pays in connection with the redemption of common shares, there is no assurance regarding the amounts of cash to be distributed by Superior LP or generated by Superior LP and therefore funds available for dividends to shareholders. The actual amount distributed in respect of the limited partnership units will depend on a variety of factors including, without limitation, the performance of Superior LP's operating businesses, the effect of acquisitions or dispositions on Superior LP, and other factors that may be beyond the control of Superior LP or Superior. In the event significant sustaining capital expenditures are required by Superior LP or the profitability of Superior LP declines, there would be a decrease in the amount of cash available for dividends to shareholders and such decrease could be material.
Superior's dividend policy and the distribution policy of Superior LP are subject to change at the discretion of the board of directors of Superior or the board of directors of Superior General Partner Inc., as applicable. Superior's dividend policy and the distribution policy of Superior LP are also limited by contractual agreements including agreements with lenders to Superior and its affiliates and by restrictions under corporate law.
The credit facilities of Superior LP contain covenants that require Superior LP to meet certain financial tests and that restrict, among other things, the ability of Superior LP to incur additional debt, dispose of assets or pay dividends/distributions in certain circumstances. These restrictions may preclude Superior LP from returning capital or making distributions on the limited partnership units.
The payout by Superior LP of substantially all of its available cash flow means that capital expenditures to fund growth opportunities can only be made in the event that other sources of financing are available. Lack of access to such additional financing could limit the future growth of the business of Superior LP and, over time, have a material adverse effect on the amount of cash available for dividends to Shareholders.
To the extent that external sources of capital, including public and private markets, become limited or unavailable, Superior's and Superior LP's ability to make the necessary capital investments to maintain or expand the current business and to make necessary principal payments, uncertainties and assumptions under its term credit facilities may be impaired.
Superior maintains a substantial floating interest rate exposure through a combination of floating interest rate borrowings and the use of derivative instruments. Demand levels for approximately half of Energy Services' sales and substantially all of Specialty Chemicals and Construction Products Distribution's sales are affected by general economic trends. Generally speaking, when the economy is strong, interest rates increase as does sales demand from Superior's customers, thereby increasing Superior's ability to pay higher interest costs and vice versa. In this way, there is a common relationship between economic activity levels, interest rates and Superior's ability to pay higher or lower rates.
A portion of Superior's net cash flows are denominated in US dollars. Accordingly, fluctuations in the Canadian/US dollar exchange rate can impact profitability. Superior attempts to mitigate this risk by hedging.
The timing and amount of capital expenditures incurred by Superior LP or by its subsidiaries will directly affect the amount of cash available to Superior for dividends to shareholders. Dividends may be reduced, or even eliminated, at times when significant capital expenditures are incurred or other unusual expenditures are made.
If the board of directors of Superior decides to issue additional common shares, preferred shares or securities convertible into common shares, existing shareholders may suffer significant dilution.
Superior has, through the contractual provisions in the Arrangement Agreement, the Indemnity Agreement and the Divestiture Agreement, and through securing certain insurance coverage, attempted to ensure that the liabilities and obligations relating to the business of Ballard are transferred to and assumed by New Ballard, that Superior is released from any such obligations and, even where such transfer or release is not effective or is not obtained, Superior is indemnified by New Ballard for all such obligations. However, in the event New Ballard fails or is unable to meet such contractual obligations to Superior, Superior could be exposed to liabilities and risks associated with the operations of Ballard which include, without limitation, risks relating to claims with respect to intellectual property matters, product liability or environmental damages.
There can be no assurances that income tax laws in the numerous jurisdictions in which Superior operates will not be changed in a manner which adversely affects Superior and its shareholders. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Canadian Revenue Agency (or provincial tax agency), U.S. Internal Revenue Service (or a state or local tax agency), or the Chilean Internal Revenue Service (collectively the "Tax Agencies") will agree with how Superior calculates its income for tax purposes or that the various Tax Agencies will not change their administrative practices to the detriment of Superior or its Shareholders. In particular, there is the possibility that the Canada Revenue Agency could challenge the tax consequences of the Plan of Arrangement or prior Ballard transactions which could potentially affect the availability or amount of the tax basis or other tax accounts of Superior.
Risks to Superior's segments
Energy Services
Canadian Propane Distribution and U.S. Refined Fuels
Propane is sold in competition with other energy sources such as fuel oil, electricity and natural gas, along with alternative energy sources that are currently under development. In addition to competition from other energy sources, Superior competes with other retail marketers. Superior's ability to remain an industry leader depends on its ability to provide reliable service at competitive selling prices.
Competition in the U.S. Refined Fuels business markets generally occurs on a local basis between large full service, multi-state marketers and smaller local independent marketers. Although the industry has seen a continued trend of consolidation over the past several years, the top ten multi-state marketers still contribute only one-third of total retail sales in the United States. Marketers primarily compete based upon price and service and tend to operate in close proximity to customers, typically within a 35-mile marketing radius from a central depot, to lower delivery costs and provide prompt service.
Weather and general economic conditions affect propane and refined fuels market volumes. Weather influences the demand for propane and heating oil used primarily for space heating uses and also for agricultural applications.
The trend towards increased conservation measures and technological advances in energy efficiency may have a detrimental effect on propane demand and Superior's sales. Further, increases in the cost of propane encourage customers to conserve fuel and to invest in more energy-efficient equipment, reducing demand. Changes in propane supply costs are normally passed through to customers, but timing lags (the time between when Superior purchases the propane and when the customer purchases the propane) may result in positive or negative gross margin fluctuations.
Superior offers its customers various fixed-price propane and heating oil programs. In order to mitigate the price risk from offering these services, Superior uses its physical inventory position, supplemented by forward commodity transactions with various third parties having terms and volumes substantially the same as its customers' contracts. In periods of high propane price volatility the fixed price programs create exposure to over or under supply positions as the demand from customers may significantly exceed or fall short of supply procured. In addition, if propane prices decline significantly subsequent to customers signing up for a fixed price program there is a risk that customers will default on their commitments.
Superior's operations are subject to the risks associated with handling, storing and transporting propane in bulk. Slight quantities of propane may also be released during transfer operations. To mitigate risks, Superior has established a comprehensive program directed at environmental, health and safety protection. This program consists of an environmental policy, codes of practice, periodic self-audits, employee training, quarterly and annual reporting and emergency prevention and response.
The U.S. Refined Fuels business, through a centralized safety and environment management system, ensures safety practices and regulatory compliance are an important part of its business. The storage and delivery of refined fuels posses the potential for spills which impact the soils and water of storage facilities and customer properties.
Superior's fuel distribution businesses are based and operate in Canada and the United States, and, as a result, such operations could be affected by changes to laws, rules or policies which may either be more favorable to competing energy sources or increase costs or otherwise negatively affect the operations of Energy Services in comparison to such competing energy sources. Any such changes could have an adverse effect on the operations of Energy Services.
Approximately 18% of Superior's propane and U.S. refined fuels distribution business's employees are unionized. Collective bargaining agreements are renegotiated in the normal course of business.
Fixed-price energy services business
New entrants in the energy retailing business may enter the market and compete directly for the customer base that Superior targets, slowing or reducing its market share.
Fixed-price energy services purchases natural gas to meet its estimated commitments to its customers based upon their historical consumption. Depending on a number of factors, including weather, customer attrition and poor economic conditions affecting commercial customers' production levels, customers' combined natural gas consumption may vary from the volume purchased. This variance must be reconciled and settled at least annually and may require Superior to purchase or sell natural gas at market prices which may have an adverse impact on the results of this business. To mitigate balancing risk, Superior closely monitors its balancing position and takes measures such as adjusting gas deliveries and transferring gas between pools of customers, so that imbalances are minimized. In addition, Superior maintains a reserve for potential balancing costs. The reserve is reviewed on a monthly basis to ensure that it is sufficient to absorb any losses that might arise from balancing.
Fixed-price energy services matches its customers estimated electricity requirements by entering into electricity swaps in advance of acquiring customers. Depending on several factors, including weather, customers' energy consumption may vary from the volumes purchased by Superior. Superior is able to invoice existing commercial electricity customers for balancing charges when the amount of energy used is greater than or less than the tolerance levels set initially. In certain circumstances, there can be balancing issues for which Superior is responsible when customer aggregation forecasts are not realized.
Fixed-price energy services resources its fixed-price term natural gas sales commitments by entering into various physical natural gas and US dollar foreign exchange purchase contracts for similar terms and volumes to create an effective Canadian dollar fixed-price cost of supply. Superior transacts with nine financial and physical natural gas counterparties. There can be no assurance that any of these counterparties will not default on any of their obligations to Superior. However, the financial condition of each counterparty is evaluated and credit limits are established to minimize Superior's exposure to this risk. There is also a risk that supply commitments and foreign exchange positions may become unmatched; however, this is monitored daily in compliance with Superior's risk management policy.
Fixed-price energy services must retain qualified sales agents in order to properly execute its business strategy. The continued growth of fixed-price energy services is reliant on the services of agents to sign up new customers. There can be no assurance that competitive conditions will allow these agents to achieve these customer additions. Lack of success in the marketing programs of fixed-price energy services would limit future growth of cash flow.
Fixed-price energy services operates in the highly regulated energy industry in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec. Changes to existing legislation could impact this business's operations. As part of the current regulatory framework, local delivery companies are mandated to perform certain services on behalf of fixed-price energy services, including invoicing, collection, assuming specific bad debt risks and storage and distribution of natural gas. Any elimination or changes to these rules could have a significant adverse effect on the results of this business.
In November 2009 the Ontario government introduced a new piece of legislation (Bill 235) to address energy consumer protection. Bill 235 proposes a new Energy Consumer Protection Act (ECPA) that, if passed, would affect how fixed-price energy services maintains its existing Ontario residential and small commercial base and acquires new small commercial customers that fall within the low volume definition of the OEB Codes of Conduct for Gas Marketers and Electricity Retailers (less than 50,000m3 annually for natural gas and less than 150,000 kWh annually for electricity). The new ECPA could also influence any potential plans for fixed-price energy services to re-enter the Ontario residential energy market in the future.
The Bill passed first reading on December 8, 2009. The second reading and comment period is anticipated early in 2010 and, if passed, will likely take affect toward the middle of 2010. The bill includes limitations on renewals; increased marketer accountability, including licensing of individual sales agents; the elimination of telemarketing; increased cancellation alternatives for residential consumers; rules regarding smart sub-metering, and a requirement for retailers to offer time-of-use products.
Specialty Chemicals
Specialty Chemicals competes with sodium chlorate, chloralkali and potassium producers on a worldwide basis. Key competitive factors include price, product quality, logistics capability, reliability of supply, technical capability and service. The end-use markets for products are correlated to the general economic environment and the competitiveness of its customers, all of which are outside of its control.
Specialty Chemicals has long-term electricity contracts or electricity contracts that renew automatically with power producers in each of the jurisdictions where its plants are located. There is no assurance that Specialty Chemicals will continue to be able to secure adequate supplies of electricity at reasonable prices or on acceptable terms.
Potassium Chloride (KCl) is a major raw material used in the production of potassium hydroxide at the Port Edwards, Wisconsin facility. Substantially all of Specialty Chemicals KCl is received from Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan (Potash). Specialty Chemicals currently has a limited ability to source KCl from additional suppliers.
Specialty Chemicals is exposed to fluctuations in the US dollar and the euro to the Canadian dollar.
Specialty Chemicals operations involve the handling, production, transportation, treatment and disposal of materials that are classified as hazardous and are regulated by environmental and health and safety laws, regulations and requirements. The potential exists for the release of highly toxic and lethal substances, including chlorine. Equipment failure could result in damage to facilities, death or injury and liabilities to third parties. If at any time the appropriate regulatory authorities deem any of the facilities unsafe, they may order that such facilities be shut down.
Specialty Chemicals operations and activities in various jurisdictions require regulatory approvals for the handling, production, transportation and disposal of chemical products and waste substances. The failure to obtain or comply fully with such applicable regulatory approvals may materially adversely affect Specialty Chemicals.
Approximately 25% of Specialty Chemicals employees are unionized. Collective bargaining agreements are renegotiated in the normal course of business.
Construction Products Distribution
Construction Products Distribution competes with other specialty construction distributors servicing the builder/contractor market, in addition to big-box home centres and independent lumber yards. The ability to remain competitive depends on its ability to provide reliable service at competitive prices.
Demand for walls and ceilings building materials is affected by changes in general and local economic factors including demographic trends, employment levels, interest rates, consumer confidence and overall economic growth. These factors in turn impact the level of existing housing sales, new home construction, new non-residential construction, and office/commercial space turnover, all of which are significant factors in the determination of demand for products and services.
The Commercial & Industrial Insulation (C&I) market is driven largely by C&I construction spending and economic growth. Sectors within the C&I market that are particularly influential to demand include commercial construction and renovation, construction or expansion of industrial process facilities, such as oil refineries and petrochemical plants, as well as institutional facilities (e.g. government, healthcare and schools).
Approximately 4% of Construction Products Distribution's employees are unionized. Collective bargaining agreements are renegotiated in the normal course of business.
SUPERIOR PLUS CORP.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 31, December 31,
(unaudited, millions of dollars) 2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 11.9 24.3
Accounts receivable and other (Note 5 and 10) 292.4 313.8
Inventories 131.3 145.7
Future income tax asset (Note 11) 57.3 59.0
Current portion of unrealized gains on
financial instruments (Note 10) 29.8 22.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
522.7 565.0
Property, plant and equipment (Note 4) 726.0 668.0
Customer contract related costs 13.7 14.7
Intangible assets (Note 4) 207.7 165.3
Goodwill (Note 4) 547.9 528.4
Accrued pension asset 18.0 18.2
Long-term notes receivable 4.4 -
Future income tax asset (Note 11) 176.6 165.7
Investment tax credits 117.4 120.2
Long-term portion of unrealized gains on
financial instruments (Note 10) 33.0 28.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,367.4 2,274.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 273.5 280.7
Unearned revenue 7.1 5.8
Current portion of term loans (Note 7) 3.1 5.1
Dividends and interest payable to shareholders
and debentureholders 20.1 14.2
Current portion of deferred credit (Note 11) 18.2 24.5
Current portion of unrealized losses on
financial instruments (Note 10) 100.3 77.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
422.3 408.1
Revolving term bank credits and term loans
(Note 7) 459.6 633.2
Convertible unsecured subordinated debentures
(Note 8) 475.3 309.0
Employee future benefits 18.5 17.2
Asset retirement obligations and environmental
liabilities (Note 9) 3.6 0.9
Future income tax liability (Note 11) 72.4 22.1
Deferred credit (Note 11) 239.1 246.4
Long-term portion of unrealized losses on
financial instruments (Note 10) 74.7 52.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Liabilities 1,765.5 1,689.5
Shareholders' Equity
Shareholders' capital (Note 12) 1,568.0 1,502.0
Contributed surplus (Note 12) 5.5 5.3
Accumulated deficit (915.9) (883.3)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 12) (55.7) (39.5)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(971.6) (922.8)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Shareholders' Equity 601.9 584.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,367.4 2,274.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(See Notes to the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements)
SUPERIOR PLUS CORP.
Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings (Loss), Comprehensive Loss and
Deficit
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended
(unaudited, millions of dollars except March 31,
per share amounts) 2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues 964.6 603.5
Cost of products sold (728.4) (392.5)
Realized losses on financial instruments
(Note 10) (17.6) (22.7)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 218.6 188.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses
Operating and administrative 157.5 118.5
Amortization of property, plant and equipment 8.6 7.2
Amortization of intangible assets 6.9 1.4
Interest on revolving term bank credits
and term loans 11.5 6.5
Interest on convertible unsecured subordinated
debentures 5.3 3.8
Accretion of convertible debenture issue costs 0.6 0.3
Unrealized losses on financial instruments
(Note 10) 28.2 72.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
218.6 210.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) before income taxes - (22.3)
Income tax recovery (Note 11) 9.2 16.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Earnings (Loss) 9.2 (5.5)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) 9.2 (5.5)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized foreign currency gains (losses) on
translation of self-sustaining foreign operations (15.9) 4.1
Reclassification of derivative gains and (losses)
previously deferred (0.3) (6.3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive Loss (7.0) (7.7)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deficit, Beginning of Period (883.3) (803.4)
Net earnings (loss) 9.2 (5.5)
Dividends to Shareholders (41.8) (35.8)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deficit, End of Period (915.9) (844.7)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) per share, basic and
diluted (Note 13) $0.09 ($0.06)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(See Notes to the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements)
SUPERIOR PLUS CORP.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended
March 31,
(unaudited, millions of dollars) 2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Activities
Net earnings (loss) 9.2 (5.5)
Items not affecting cash:
Amortization of property, plant and equipment,
intangible assets and accretion of convertible
debenture issue costs 16.1 8.9
Amortization of customer contract related costs 1.6 1.7
Amortization included in cost of sales 10.8 9.1
Pension expense - 0.4
Unrealized losses on financial instruments 28.2 72.9
Future income tax expense (recovery) (9.6) (21.8)
Customer contract related costs (0.6) (0.9)
Decrease in non-cash operating working
capital items 39.3 18.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from operating activities 95.0 83.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investing Activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (6.3) (35.9)
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant
and equipment 0.5 1.8
Acquisition of Griffith (Note 4) (147.3) -
Other acquisitions (Note 4) (0.4) -
Earn-out payment on prior acquisition - (0.6)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows used in investing activities (153.5) (34.7)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing Activities
Revolving term bank credits and term loans (167.3) (59.1)
Net repayment of accounts receivable
sales program 16.7 25.0
Dividends to shareholders (41.8) (35.8)
Issuance of common shares (Note 12) 66.5 -
Issuance of 5.75% convertible debentures
(Note 8) 166.1 -
Increase in non-cash working capital 5.9 15.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities 46.1 (54.4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (12.4) (5.7)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 24.3 16.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 11.9 10.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(See Notes to the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements)
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited, tabular amounts in Canadian millions of dollars, unless noted
otherwise, except per share amounts)
1. Organization
Superior Plus Corp. (Superior) is a diversified business corporation,
incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act. Superior holds
100% of Superior Plus LP (Superior LP), a limited partnership formed
between Superior General Partner Inc., as general partner and Superior as
limited partner. Superior holds 100% of the shares of Superior General
Partner Inc. Superior does not conduct active business operations but
rather distributes to shareholders the income it receives from Superior
Plus LP in the form of partnership allocations, net of expenses and
interest payable on the convertible unsecured subordinated debentures
(the debentures). Superior's investments in Superior Plus LP are financed
by share capital and debentures.
2. Accounting Policies
(a) Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
(Consolidated Financial Statements) have been prepared according to
Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), applied on a
consistent basis, and includes the accounts of Superior and its wholly
owned subsidiaries. These unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements do
not conform in all respects to the note disclosure requirement of GAAP
for annual financial statements as certain information and disclosures
included in the annual financial statements notes have been condensed or
omitted. These unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes
thereto should be read in conjunction with Superior's financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2009, and the accounting
policies applied are consistent with this period except as noted in
Note 2(b). All significant transactions and balances between Superior and
Superior's subsidiaries have been eliminated on consolidation.
(b) Future Accounting Changes
International Financial Reporting Standards
The Accounting Standards Board of Canada (AcSB) has announced plans that
will require the convergence of GAAP with IFRS for publicly accountable
enterprises, including Superior. The changeover date from GAAP to IFRS is
for annual and interim financial statements relating to fiscal years
beginning on or after January 1, 2011. Superior is currently assessing
the future impact of these new standards on its consolidated financial
statements.
Business Combinations
In January 2009, the CICA issued section 1582, "Business Combinations,"
which will replace CICA section 1581 of the same name. Under this
guidance, the purchase price used in a business combination is based on
the fair value of shares exchanged at their market price at the date of
the exchange. Currently the purchase price used is based on the market
price of the shares for a reasonable period before and after the date the
acquisition is agreed upon and announced. This new guidance generally
requires all acquisition costs to be expensed, which currently are
capitalized as part of the purchase price. Contingent liabilities are to
be recognized at fair value at the acquisition date and re-measured at
fair value through earnings each period until settled. Currently only
contingent liabilities that are resolved and payable are included in the
cost to acquire the business. In addition, negative goodwill is required
to be recognized immediately in earnings, unlike the current requirement
to eliminate it by deducting it from non current assets in the purchase
price allocation. Section 1582 is effective for Superior on January 1,
2011 with prospective application and early adoption permitted. The
adoption of this standard will impact the accounting treatment of future
business combinations.
Consolidated Financial Statements
In January 2009, the CICA issued section 1601, "Consolidated Financial
Statements," which will replace CICA section 1600 of the same name. This
guidance requires uniform accounting policies to be consistent throughout
all consolidated entities, which is not explicitly required under the
current standard. Section 1601 is effective for Superior on January 1,
2011 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard should
not have a material impact on Superior's Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Non-controlling Interests
In January 2009, the CICA issued section 1602, "Non-controlling
Interests," which will replace CICA section 1600, "Consolidated Financial
Statements." Minority interest is now referred to as non-controlling
interest, ("NCI"), and is presented within equity. Under this new
guidance, when there is a loss or gain of control the Company's
previously held interest is revalued at fair value. Currently an increase
in an investment is accounted for using the purchase method and a
decrease in an investment is accounted for as a sale resulting in a gain
or loss in earnings. In addition, NCI may be reported at fair value or at
the proportionate share of the fair value of the acquired net assets and
allocation of the net income to the NCI will be on this basis. Currently,
NCI is recorded at the carrying amount and can only be in a deficit
position if the NCI has an obligation to fund the losses. Section 1602 is
effective for Superior on January 1, 2011 with early adoption permitted.
The adoption of this standard should not have a material impact on
Superior's Consolidated Financial Statements.
(c) Business Segments
Superior operates three distinct operating segments: Energy Services,
Specialty Chemicals and Construction Products Distribution. Superior's
Energy Services operating segment provides distribution, wholesale
procurement and related services in relation to propane, heating oil and
other refined fuels. Energy Services also provides fixed-price natural
gas and electricity supply services. Superior's Specialty Chemicals
operating segment is a leading supplier of sodium chlorate and technology
to the pulp and paper industries and a regional supplier of potassium and
chloralkali products to the U.S. Midwest. Superior's Construction
Products Distribution operating segment is one of the largest
distributors of commercial and industrial insulation in North America and
the largest distributor of specialty construction products to the walls
and ceilings industry in Canada. (Note 14)
3. Seasonality of Operations
Energy Services
Energy Services sales typically peak in the first quarter when
approximately one-third of annual propane and other refined fuels sales
volumes and gross profits are generated due to the demand from heating
end-use customers. They then decline through the second and third
quarters rising seasonally again in the fourth quarter with heating
demand. Similarly, net working capital levels are typically at seasonally
high levels during the first quarter, and normally decline to seasonally
low levels in the second and third quarters. Net working capital levels
are also significantly influenced by wholesale propane prices and other
refined fuels.
Construction Products Distribution
Construction Products Distribution sales typically peak during the second
and third quarters with the seasonal increase in building and remodeling
activities. They then decline through the first and fourth quarters.
Similarly, net working capital levels are typically at seasonally high
levels during the second and third quarters, and normally decline to
seasonally low levels in the first and fourth quarters.
4. Acquisitions
On January 20, 2010, Superior completed its acquisition of the shares of
Griffith Holdings, Inc. (Griffith) for an aggregate purchase price of
$147.3 million (US$140.6 million), inclusive of working capital
adjustments and transaction costs. Griffith is a retail and wholesale
distributor of retail propane, heating oil and motor fuels in upstate New
York.
On December 11, 2009, Superior acquired certain assets that comprise a
retail heating oil, propane and motor fuels distribution business
(Griffith CH U.S. refined fuels assets) from Griffith Energy Services,
Inc. for an aggregate purchase price of $82.5 million (US$77.9 million)
inclusive of transaction related costs. Griffith CH U.S. refined fuels
assets distribute a broad range of liquid fuels and propane gas, serving
markets in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. In addition
Griffith CH U.S. refined fuels assets also distributes to a broad range
of services, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning repair
and other related services.
Using the purchase method of accounting for acquisitions, Superior
consolidated the assets and liabilities from the acquisitions and
included earnings as of the respective closing dates. As a result of the
timing of the completion of these acquisitions towards the beginning of
2010 it is likely that adjustments to the allocation of the assets and
liabilities will be required. The purchase price allocation for Griffith
CH has been included below due to additional transaction costs incurred,
changes in net working capital and property, plant and equipment values
since the acquisition closed on December 11, 2009.
Acquisition
of Griffith Acquisition
Holdings of Griffith
Inc. CH TOTAL
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash consideration paid 142.6 79.6 222.2
Transaction costs 4.7 2.9 7.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cash consideration 147.3 82.5 229.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Working capital, net 32.7 2.4 35.1
Property, plant and equipment 83.2 12.8 96.0
Intangible assets 54.4 63.5 117.9
Goodwill(1) 22.8 3.9 26.7
Assumed deferred consideration
obligations (0.6) - (0.6)
Future income tax liability (41.6) - (41.6)
Asset retirement obligations and
environmental liabilities (3.6) (0.1) (3.7)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
147.3 82.5 229.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) The amount of goodwill that is expected to be deductible for tax
purposes is approximately $3.9 million.
The allocation of consideration paid for these acquisitions to
intangibles is as follows;
Acquisition
of Griffith Acquisition
Holdings of Griffith
Inc. CH TOTAL
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trademarks 17.8 21.5 39.3
Customer base 33.5 41.4 74.9
Restrictive covenants and other assets 3.1 0.6 3.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total intangible assets 54.4 63.5 117.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additionally, during the first quarter of 2010, Construction Products
Distribution acquired the assets of a small construction product
distributor for consideration of $0.4 million.
5. Accounts Receivable and Other
Superior sells, with limited recourse, certain trade accounts receivable
on a revolving basis to an entity sponsored by a Canadian chartered bank.
The accounts receivable are sold at a discount to face value based on
prevailing money market rates. Superior has retained the servicing
responsibility for the accounts receivable sold and has therefore
recognized a servicing liability. The level of accounts receivable sold
under the program fluctuates seasonally with the level of accounts
receivable. As at March 31, 2010, proceeds of $109.4 million
(December 31, 2009 - $92.7 million) had been received. The existing
accounts receivable securitization program matures on June 29, 2010.
March 31, December 31,
2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts receivable trade 252.8 270.4
Accounts receivable other 21.9 22.0
Prepaid expenses 17.7 21.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts receivable and other 292.4 313.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Inventories
For the three months ended March 31, 2010 inventories of $592.0 million
(March 31, 2009 - $338.9 million) were expensed through cost of products
sold. No write-downs of inventory or reversals of write-downs were
recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.
7. Revolving Term Bank Credits and Term Loans
Year of Effective Interest March December
Maturity Rate 31, 2010 31, 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revolving term
bank credits(1)
Floating BA rate
Bankers' plus applicable
Acceptances (BA) 2011 credit spread 31.5 174.6
LIBOR Loans Floating LIBOR rate
(US$124.4 million; 2009 plus applicable
- US$145.5 million) 2011 credit spread 126.3 152.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
157.8 327.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Debt
Notes payable 2010 Prime 0.6 0.6
Deferred
consideration Non-interest bearing - 2.4
Deferred Interest bearing
consideration 2012-2015 5% and 7% 1.0 -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.6 3.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senior Secured Notes
Senior secured notes
subject to fixed
interest rates
(US$158.0 million;
2009 - US$158.0
million)(2) 2010-2015 6.65% 160.5 165.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
160.5 165.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senior Secured Notes
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senior unsecured
debentures 2016 8.25% 150.0 150.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revolving term
bank credits and
term loans before
deferred financing fees 469.9 645.4
Deferred financing fees (7.2) (7.1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revolving term bank
credits and term loans 462.7 638.3
Current maturities (3.1) (5.1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revolving term bank
credits and term loans 459.6 633.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Superior and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Superior Plus US Holdings
Inc. and Commercial e Industrial (Chile) Limitada, have revolving
term bank credit borrowing capacity of $600.0 million. The credit
facilities mature on June 28, 2011. These facilities are secured by a
general charge over the assets of Superior and certain of its
subsidiaries. As at March 31, 2010, Superior had $20.9 million of
outstanding letters of credit (December 31, 2009 - $19.4 million).
The fair value of Superior's revolving term bank credits and other
debt approximates its carrying value as a result of the market based
interest rates and the short-term nature of the underlying debt
instruments.
(2) Senior secured notes (the Notes) totaling US$158.0 million
(Cdn$160.5 million at March 31, 2010 and Cdn$165.4 million at
December 31, 2009) are secured by a general charge over the assets of
Superior and certain of its subsidiaries. Principal repayments began
in the fourth quarter of 2009. Management has estimated the fair
value of the Notes based on comparisons to treasury instruments with
similar maturities, interest rates and credit risk profiles. The
estimated fair value of the Notes at March 31, 2010 was
Cdn$155.5 million (December 31, 2009 - Cdn$161.5 million).
Repayment requirements of the revolving term bank credits and term loans
are as follows:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Maturities 3.1
Due in 2011 190.8
Due in 2012 32.5
Due in 2013 32.5
Due in 2014 180.5
Subsequent to 2014 30.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 469.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Convertible Unsecured Subordinated Debentures
Superior has issued three series of debentures as follows:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, October 31, December 31,
Maturity Date 2012 2015 2012
Interest rate 5.75% 5.85% 7.50%
Conversion price per share $36.00 $31.25 $13.10
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debentures outstanding at
December 31, 2009 174.9 75.0 69.0
Issuance of 5.75% debentures(1) - - -
Accretion of discount during 2010 - - -
Deferred issue costs (3.1) (1.2) (2.9)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debentures outstanding as at
March 31, 2010 171.8 73.8 66.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quoted market value as at
March 31, 2010 178.4 75.9 76.2
Quoted market value as at
December 31, 2009 177.1 74.4 78.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
Unamortized Carrying
Discount Value
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 30,
Maturity Date 2017(1)
Interest rate 5.75%
Conversion price per share $19.00
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debentures outstanding at
December 31, 2009 - (2.2) 316.7
Issuance of 5.75% debentures(1) 172.5 (0.2) 172.3
Accretion of discount during 2010 - 0.1 0.1
Deferred issue costs (6.6) - (13.8)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debentures outstanding as at
March 31, 2010 165.9 (2.3) 475.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quoted market value as at
March 31, 2010 171.6
Quoted market value as at
December 31, 2009 -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Superior issued $172.5 million 5.75% convertible unsecured
subordinated debentures during the first quarter of 2010. In
conjunction with the issue of these debentures, Superior swapped
$150 million of the fixed rate obligation into a floating rate
obligation of floating BA rate plus 2.65%.
The debentures may be converted into shares at the option of the holder
at any time prior to maturity and may be redeemed by Superior in certain
circumstances. Superior may elect to pay interest and principal upon
maturity or redemption by issuing shares to a trustee in the case of
interest payments, and to the debenture holders in the case of payment of
principal. The number of any shares issued will be determined based on
market prices for the shares at the time of issuance.
9. Asset Retirement Obligations and Environmental Liabilities
The asset retirement obligations result from ownership of various assets
associated with Superior's Energy Services operating segment. Superior
estimates the total undiscounted amount of expenditures required to
settle its asset retirement obligations is approximately $8.3 million
which will be paid out over the next twenty to twenty five years. The
credit-adjusted free-risk rate of 7.5% was used to calculate the present
value of the estimated cash flows.
The environmental liabilities represent the estimated costs of
environmental remediation efforts and regulatory compliance associated
with the activities of Superior's Energy Services operating segment.
A reconciliation of the asset retirement obligations and environmental
liabilities is provided as follows:
2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset retirement obligations, beginning of year 0.9 -
Liabilities associated with the acquisition
of Griffith (see Note 4) 1.2 -
Foreign exchange revaluation of Asset
retirement obligations (0.1) -
Accretion expense - -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset retirement obligations, as at March 31 2.0 -
Environmental liabilities associated with
acquisition of Griffith (see Note 4) 3.0 -
Other environmental liabilities - -
Less current portion of environmental liabilities (1.4) -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total asset retirement obligations and
environmental liabilities, as at March 31 3.6 -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Financial Instruments
GAAP requires disclosure around fair value and specifies a hierarchy of
valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation
techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect
market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs
reflect Superior's market assumptions. These two types of inputs create
the following fair value hierarchy:
- Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.
- Level 2 - quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets;
quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that
are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant
inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active
markets.
- Level 3 - valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one
or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are
unobservable.
The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount of consideration
that would be estimated to be agreed upon in an arm's length transaction
between knowledgeable, willing parties who are under no compulsion to
act. Fair values are determined by reference to quoted bid or asking
prices, as appropriate, in the most advantageous active market for that
instrument to which Superior has immediate access. Where bid and ask
prices are unavailable, Superior uses the closing price of the most
recent transaction of the instrument. In the absence of an active market,
Superior estimates fair values based on prevailing market rates (bid and
ask prices, as appropriate) for instruments with similar characteristics
and risk profiles or internal or external valuation models, such as
discounted cash flow analysis, using, to the extent possible, observable
market-based inputs.
Fair values determined using valuation models require the use of
assumptions concerning the amount and timing of estimated future cash
flows and discount rates. In determining those assumptions, Superior
looks primarily to available readily observable external market inputs
including factors such as forecasted commodity price curves, interest
rate yield curves, currency rates, and price and rate volatilities as
applicable. With respect to the valuation of Specialty Chemical's fixed-
price electricity agreement, the valuation of this agreement requires
Superior to make assumptions about the long-term price of electricity in
electricity markets for which active market information is not available.
The impact of the assumption for the long-term forward price curve of
electricity has a material impact on the fair value of this agreement. A
$1/MWh change in the forecasted price of electricity would result in a
change in the fair value of this agreement of $1.6 million, with a
corresponding impact to net income before income taxes. Any changes in
the fair values of financial instruments classified or designated as
held-for-trading are recognized in net income.
Financial and Non-Financial Derivatives
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset Asset
(Liabil- (Liabil-
Fair ity) ity)
Value as at as at
Effective Input March December
Description Notional(1) Term Rate Level 31, 2010 31, 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural gas
financial 2010-
swaps-NYMEX 5.8 GJ(2) 2011 US$8.60/GJ Level 1 (24.0) (22.2)
Natural gas
financial 2010-
swaps-AECO 40.6 GJ(2) 2015 CDN$7.37/GJ Level 1 (107.2) (69.3)
Foreign
currency
forward
contracts, 2010-
net sale US$506.7(3) 2015 1.09 Level 1 26.5 12.5
Foreign
currency
forward EURO 2010-
contracts (euro)4.3(3) 2011 1.58 Level 1 0.9 0.4
Six month
Interest rate 2010- BA rate
swaps-Cdn$ US$ 150.0(3) 2017 plus 2.65% Level 2 (1.3) -
Energy
Services
propane
wholesale
purchase
and sale
contracts, 2010-
net sale 5.92 USG(4) 2011 $1.13/USG Level 2 0.3 (2.2)
Energy
Services
butane
wholesale
purchase
and sale
contracts, 2010-
net sale 1.57 USG(4) 2011 $1.28/USG Level 2 (0.3) (0.2)
Energy
Services
electricity 2010-
swaps 0.6 MWh(5) 2014 $58.46/MWh Level 2 (13.2) (9.3)
Energy
Services
heating oil
swaps and
option
purchase
and sale 2010- $2.08 US/
contracts 9.4 Gallons(4) 2011 Gallon Level 2 - 0.1
Specialty
Chemical
fixed-price
electricity
purchase 2010-
agreement 43-45 MW(6) 2017 $43-$63/MWh Level 3 6.1 10.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Notional values as at December 31, 2009
(2) Millions of gigajoules purchased
(3) Millions of dollars purchased/Euros purchased
(4) Millions of United States gallons purchased
(5) Millions of mega watt hours (MWh)
(6) Mega watts (MW) on a 24/7 continual basis per year purchased
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
All financial and non-financial derivatives are designated as held for
trading upon their initial recognition.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Long-term Current Long-term
Description Assets Assets Liabilities Liabilities
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural gas financial
swaps - NYMEX and AECO 12.5 5.2 87.4 61.5
Energy Services
electricity swaps - - 5.5 7.7
Foreign currency forward
contracts, net 12.9 20.9 6.2 0.2
Interest rate swaps 2.8 1.2 - 5.3
Energy Services Propane
wholesale purchase and
sale contracts 0.6 - 0.3 -
Energy Services Butane
wholesale purchase and
sale contracts 0.3 - 0.6 -
Energy Services Heating
oil purchase and sale
contracts 0.3 - 0.3 -
Specialty Chemicals fixed-
price power purchase
agreements 0.4 5.7 - -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at March 31, 2010 29.8 33.0 100.3 74.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at December 31, 2009 22.2 28.5 77.8 52.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the three For the three
months ended months ended
March 31, 2010 March 31, 2009
Realized Unrealized Realized Unrealized
gain gain gain gain
Description (loss) (loss) (loss) (loss)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural gas financial
swaps - NYMEX and AECO (14.6) (38.7) (17.4) (51.8)
Energy Services
electricity swaps (1.3) (3.9) (0.5) (3.0)
Foreign currency forward
contracts, net (1.0) 14.1 (6.1) 6.6
Interest rate swaps - (1.3) - -
Energy Services Propane
wholesale purchase and
sale contracts - 2.3 - (3.9)
Energy Services Heating
oil purchase and sale
contracts - (1.4) - -
Specialty Chemicals fixed-
price power purchase
agreements (0.7) (4.2) 1.3 (15.1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total realized and
unrealized gains (losses)
on financial and non-
financial derivatives (17.6) (33.1) (22.7) (67.2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign currency
translation of senior
secured notes - 4.9 - (5.7)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total realized and
unrealized gains (losses) (17.6) (28.2) (22.7) (72.9)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-Derivative Financial Instruments
Superior's accounts receivable have been designated as available for sale
due to Superior's accounts receivable securitization program, Superior's
accounts payable, dividends and interest payable to shareholders and
debentureholders, revolving term bank credits and term loans and
debentures have been designated as other liabilities. The carrying value
of Superior's cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and dividends
and interest payable to shareholders and debenture holders approximates
their fair value due to the short-term nature of these amounts. The
carrying value and the fair value of Superior's revolving term bank
credits and term loans, and debentures, is provided in Notes 7 and 8.
Financial Instruments - Risk Management
Derivative and non-financial derivatives are used by Superior to manage
its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest
rates and commodity prices. Superior assesses the inherent risks of these
instruments by grouping derivative and non-financial derivatives related
to the exposures these instruments mitigate. Superior's policy is not to
use derivative or non-financial derivative instruments for speculative
purposes. Superior does not formally designate its derivatives as hedges,
as a result, Superior does not apply hedge accounting and is required to
designate its derivatives and non-financial derivatives as held for
trading.
Effective 2008, Energy Services enters into natural gas financial swaps
primarily with Macquarie Cook Energy Canada Ltd. (formerly, Constellation
Energy Commodities Group Inc.) for distributor billed natural gas
business in Canada to manage its economic exposure of providing fixed-
price natural gas to its customers. Additionally, Energy Services
continues to maintain natural gas swap positions with seven additional
counterparties. Energy Services monitors its fixed-price natural gas
positions on a daily basis to monitor compliance with established risk
management policies. Energy Services maintains a substantially balanced
fixed-price natural gas position in relation to its customer supply
commitments.
Energy Services enters into electricity financial swaps with three
counterparties to manage the economic exposure of providing fixed-price
electricity to its customers. Energy Services monitors its fixed-price
electricity positions on a daily basis to monitor compliance with
established risk management policies. Energy Services maintains a
substantially balanced fixed-price electricity position in relation to
its customer supply commitments.
Specialty Chemicals has entered into a fixed-price electricity purchase
agreement to manage the economic exposure of certain of its chemical
facilities to changes in the market price of electricity, in a market
where the price of electricity is not fixed. The fair value with respect
to this agreement is with a single counterparty.
Energy Services also enters into various propane forward purchase and
sale agreements with more than twenty counterparties to manage the
economic exposure of its wholesale customer supply contracts. Energy
Services monitors its fixed-price propane positions on a daily basis to
monitor compliance with established risk management policies. Energy
Services maintains a substantially balanced fixed-price propane gas
position in relation to its wholesale customer supply commitments.
Superior, on behalf of its operating divisions, enters into foreign
currency forward contracts with twelve counterparties to manage the
economic exposure of Superior's operations to movements in foreign
currency exchange rates. Energy Services contracts a portion of its
fixed-price natural gas, and propane purchases and sales in US dollars
and enter into forward US dollar purchase contracts to create an
effective Canadian dollar fixed-price purchase cost. Specialty Chemicals
enters into US dollar forward sales contracts on an ongoing basis to
mitigate the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on sales margins on
production from its Canadian plants that is sold in US dollars. Interest
expense on Superior's US dollar debt is also used to mitigate the impact
of foreign exchange fluctuations.
Superior has interest rate swaps with four counterparties to manage
the interest rate mix of its total debt portfolio and related overall
cost of borrowing. Superior manages its overall liquidity risk in
relation to its general funding requirements by utilizing a mix of short-
term and longer-term maturity debt instruments. Superior reviews its mix
of short-term and longer-term debt instruments on an on-going basis to
ensure it is able to meet its liquidity requirements.
Superior utilizes a variety of counterparties in relation to its
derivative and non-financial derivative instruments in order to mitigate
its counterparty risk. Superior assesses the credit worthiness of its
significant counterparties at the inception and throughout the term of a
contract. Superior is also exposed to customer credit risk. Energy
Services and Construction Products Distribution deal with a large number
of small customers, thereby reducing this risk. Specialty Chemicals, due
to the nature of its operations, sells its products to a relatively small
number of customers. Specialty Chemicals mitigates its customer credit
risk by actively monitoring the overall credit worthiness of its
customers. Energy Services has minimal exposure to customer credit risk
as local natural gas and electricity distribution utilities have been
mandated, for a nominal fee, to provide Energy Services with invoicing,
collection and the assumption of bad debts risk for residential
customers. Energy Services actively monitors the credit worthiness of its
commercial customers.
Allowance for doubtful accounts and past due receivables are reviewed by
Superior at each balance sheet reporting date. Superior updates its
estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts based on the evaluation
of the recoverability of accounts receivable balances of each customer
taking into account historic collection trends of past due accounts and
current economic conditions. Accounts receivable are written-off once it
is determined they are not collectable. Superior's maximum amount of
credit risk is approximately $316.4 million and includes cash and cash
equivalents, accounts receivable trade, other receivables and unrealized
gains on financial instruments.
Pursuant to their respective terms, trade accounts receivable, before
deducting an allowance for doubtful accounts, are aged as follows:
March 31, December 31,
2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current 188.5 214.8
Past due less than 90 days 62.8 55.6
Past due over 90 days 12.7 10.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trade accounts receivable, total 264.0 280.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Superior's trade accounts receivable are stated after deducting a
provision of $11.2 million as at March 31, 2010 (December 31, 2009 -
$10.2 million). The movement in the provision for doubtful accounts was
as follows:
Three Twelve
months months
ended ended
March 31, December 31,
2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allowance for doubtful accounts, opening (10.2) (9.3)
Opening adjustment due to acquisitions (Note 4) (0.8) -
Bad debt expense, net of recoveries (0.7) (7.5)
Written-off 0.5 6.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allowance for doubtful accounts, ending (11.2) (10.2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Superior's contractual obligations associated with its financial
liabilities are as follows:
2015
and
There-
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 after Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revolving term bank
credits and term loans 3.1 190.8 32.5 32.5 180.5 30.5 469.9
Convertible unsecured
subordinated debentures - - 243.9 - - 247.5 491.4
Cdn$ equivalent of US$
foreign currency forward
purchase contracts 53.5 6.0 - - - - 59.5
US$ foreign currency
forward sales
contracts (US$) 126.6 188.4 160.3 133.1 - - 608.4
Euro (euro) foreign
currency forward sales
contracts (Euro) 4.0 0.3 - - - - 4.3
Fixed-price electricity
purchase commitments 25.3 17.7 17.7 17.7 17.7 53.1 149.2
Cdn$ natural gas
purchases 40.8 9.5 7.9 6.9 - - 65.1
US$ natural gas
purchases (US$) 13.6 0.5 - - - - 14.1
US$ heating oil
purchases (US$) 5.4 1.0 - - - - 6.4
US$ propane
purchases (US$) 94.3 35.6 - - - - 129.9
US$ butane
purchases (US$) 17.2 5.2 - - - - 22.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Superior's contractual obligations are considered to be normal course
operating commitments and do not include the impact of mark-to-market
fair values on financial and non-financial derivatives. Superior expects
to fund these obligations through a combination of cash flow from
operations, proceeds on revolving term bank credits and proceeds on the
issuance of share capital.
Superior's financial instruments' sensitivity to changes in foreign
currency exchange rates, interest rates and various commodity prices and
the impact to net earnings are detailed below:
Three months ended
March 31, 2010
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) to net earnings of a
$0.01 increase in the CDN$ to the US$ 6.8
Increase (decrease) to net earnings of a
0.5% increase in interest rates (0.6)
Increase (decrease) to net earnings of
a $0.40/GJ increase in the price of natural gas 17.0
Increase (decrease) to net earnings of a
$0.04/litre increase in the price of propane 0.2
Increase (decrease) to net earnings of a
$0.10/gallon increase in the price of heating oil 0.9
Increase (decrease) to net earnings of a
$1.00/KwH increase in the price of electricity 2.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The calculation of Superior's sensitivity to changes in foreign currency
exchange rates, interest rates and various commodity prices represent the
change in fair value of the financial instrument without consideration of
the value of the underlying variable, for example, the underlying
customer contracts. The recognition of the sensitivities identified above
would have impacted Superior's unrealized gain or loss on financial
instruments and would not have a material impact on Superior's cash flow
from operations.
11. Income Taxes
Consistent with prior periods, Superior recognizes a provision for income
taxes for its subsidiaries that are subject to current and future income
taxes, including United States income tax, United States non-resident
withholding tax and Chilean income tax.
Total income tax recovery, comprised of current and future taxes for the
three months ended March 31, 2010 was $9.2 million compared to a
$16.8 million recovery in the comparative period. Income taxes were
impacted by the tax basis benefit associated with the start-up of the
Port Edwards facility in the fourth quarter and the impact of unrealized
losses on financial instruments. For the three months ended March 31,
2010, future income tax recovery from operations in Canada, the United
States and Chile was $9.6 million resulting in a corresponding
total future income tax asset of $278.9 million and a total deferred
credit of $257.3 million. Future income tax recovery for the three months
ended March 31, 2009 was a $16.8 million.
12. Shareholders' Equity
Authorized
Superior is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares and
an unlimited number of preferred shares. The holders of common shares are
entitled to dividends if, as and when declared by the board of directors;
to one vote per share at meetings of the holders of common shares; and
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Superior to receive pro
rata the remaining property and assets of Superior, subject to the rights
of any shares having priority over the common shares of which none are
outstanding.
Preferred shares are issuable in series with each class of preferred
share having such rights as the board of directors may determine. Holders
of preferred shares are entitled, in priority of holders of common
shares, to be paid rateably with holders of each other series of
preferred shares the amount of accumulated dividends, if any, specified
to be payable preferentially to the holders of such series upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Superior to be paid rateably
with holders of each other series of preferred shares the amount, if any,
specified as being payable preferentially to holders of such series.
Superior does not have any preferred shares outstanding.
Issued
Number of
Common Shares Shareholders'
(Millions)(1) Equity(1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' equity, December 31, 2009 99.9 584.5
Net earnings - 9.2
Other comprehensive income (loss) - (16.2)
Issuance of common shares(1) 5.0 66.0
Option value associated with the issue
of $172.5 million, 5.75% debentures - 0.2
Dividends to Shareholders(2) - (41.8)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' equity, March 31, 2010 104.9 601.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) On February 10, 2010 Superior issued 5,002,500 common shares for net
proceeds of $69.3 million including the over-allotment option to
partially finance the acquisition of Griffith. The number of common
shares issued was based on a specified weighted average value of
Superior's existing common shares.
(2) Dividends to Shareholders are declared at the discretion of Superior.
Shareholders' capital, deficit and accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss) as at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 consists of the
following components:
March 31, December 31,
2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' capital
Share capital 1,568.0 1,502.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,568.0 1,502.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contributed Surplus
Conversion feature on convertible
debentures and expired warrants 5.5 5.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.5 5.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated deficit
Retained earnings from operations 610.0 600.8
Accumulated dividends/distributions (1,525.9) (1,484.1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(915.9) (883.3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at beginning of period (39.5) 1.6
Unrealized foreign currency gains (losses)
on translation of self-sustaining
foreign operations (15.9) (39.4)
Reclassification of derivative gains and
losses previously deferred (0.3) (1.7)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(55.7) (39.5)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Capital Disclosures
Superior's objectives when managing capital are: (i) to maintain a
flexible capital structure to preserve its ability to meet its financial
obligations, including potential obligations from acquisitions; and (ii)
safeguard Superior's assets while at the same time maximizing the growth
of its businesses and returns to its shareholders.
In the management of capital, Superior includes shareholders' equity
(excluding accumulated other comprehensive income) (AOCI), current and
long-term debt, convertible debentures, and securitized accounts
receivable.
Superior manages its capital structure and makes adjustments in light of
changes in economic conditions and nature of the underlying assets. In
order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, Superior may adjust
the amount of dividends to Shareholders, issue additional share capital,
issue new debt or convertible debentures, issue new debt or convertible
debentures with different characteristics and/or increase or decrease the
amount of securitized accounts receivable.
Superior monitors its capital based on the ratio of consolidated secured
debt and consolidated debt outstanding to net earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses
(EBITDA), as defined by its revolving term credit facility (Credit
Facility). Superior also monitors its total debt to EBITDA ratio in
addition to its covenant. Superior's reference to EBITDA as defined by
its revolving term credit facility may be referred to as compliance
EBITDA in other public reports of Superior.
Superior is subject to various financial covenants in its Credit Facility
agreements, including consolidated secured debt and total consolidated
debt to EBITDA ratios, which are measured on a quarterly basis. On
January 27, 2010, Superior and its subsidiaries, Superior Plus LP and
Superior Plus U.S. Holdings Inc., completed an expansion of the Credit
Facility from $570 million to $600 million. In addition, certain debt
definitions used in the calculation of Superior's financial covenant
ratios in the Credit Facility have been amended, together with
corresponding amendments to the related financial covenant ratios. The
new definition of Consolidated Secured Debt under the credit facility
excludes the $150 million of senior unsecured debentures of Superior Plus
LP issued on October 27, 2009, which are still included in the
calculation of Consolidated Debt for the purpose of the Consolidated Debt
coverage ratio requirement. As a result of the new definition of
Consolidated Secured Debt, Superior must maintain a Consolidated Secured
Debt to compliance EBITDA ratio of not more than 3.0 to 1.0 compared to
the previous senior debt to compliance EBITDA ratio which was 3.5 to 1.0.
Superior's Consolidated Debt, excluding convertible unsecured
subordinated debentures, to compliance EBITDA coverage ratio requirement
for compliance purposes is unchanged at not more than 5.0 to 1.0.
Effective March 25, 2010, Superior and Superior LP, amended certain
financial covenant ratios in its US Note Purchase Agreement dated
October 29, 2003 to make them consistent with the financial covenant
ratios under its existing Credit Facility as noted above. As at March 31,
2010 and December 31 2009, Superior was in compliance with all of its
financial covenants.
Superior's financial objectives and strategy related to managing its
capital as described above have remained unchanged from the prior fiscal
year. Superior believes that its debt to EBITDA ratios are within
reasonable limits, in light of Superior's size, the nature of its
businesses and its capital management objectives.
The capital structure of the Superior and the calculation of its key
capital ratios are as follows:
March 31, December 31,
2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total shareholders' equity 601.9 584.5
Exclude accumulated other comprehensive
loss (income) 55.7 39.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' equity (excluding AOCI) 657.6 624.0
Current portion of term loans 3.1 5.1
Revolving term bank credits and term loans(1) 466.8 640.3
Accounts receivable securitization program 109.4 92.7
Less: Senior unsecured debentures (150.0) (150.0)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated secured debt 429.3 588.1
Add: Senior unsecured debentures 150.0 150.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated debt 579.3 738.1
Convertible unsecured subordinated debentures(1) 489.1 316.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total debt 1,068.4 1,054.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total capital 1,726.0 1,678.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Twelve Twelve
months months
ended ended
March 31, December 31,
2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings 83.0 68.3
Adjusted for:
Interest on revolving term bank credits
and term loans 32.0 27.0
Interest on convertible unsecured
subordinated debentures 18.3 16.8
Accretion of convertible debenture issue costs 1.7 1.4
Amortization of property, plant and equipment 24.0 22.6
Amortization included in cost of sales 39.2 37.5
Amortization of intangible assets 13.4 7.9
Income tax expense 20.3 12.7
Unrealized losses (gains) on financial
instruments (24.1) 20.6
Non-cash pension expense 1.3 1.7
Proforma impact of acquisitions 28.5 51.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA(2) 237.6 267.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 31, December 31,
Compliance ratio 2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated secured debt
to EBITDA(2) Maximum 3.0:1 1.8:1 2.2:1
Consolidated debt
to EBITDA(2) Maximum 5.0:1 2.4:1 2.8:1
Total debt to EBITDA(2) 4.5:1 3.9:1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Revolving term bank credits and term loans and convertible unsecured
subordinated debentures are before deferred issue costs.
(2) EBITDA, as defined by Superior's revolving term credit facility, is
calculated on a trailing twelve month basis taking into consideration
the proforma impact of acquisitions and dispositions in accordance
with the requirements of Superior's credit facility. Superior's
calculation of EBITDA and debt to EBITDA may differ from those of
similar entities.
13. Net Earnings per Share
Three months ended
March 31,
2010 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings per share computation,
basic and diluted(1)
Net earnings (loss) 9.2 (5.5)
Weighted average shares outstanding 103.3 88.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) per share, basic and diluted $0.09 ($0.06)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) All outstanding debentures have been excluded from this calculation
as they were anti-dilutive.
14. Business Segments
Superior operates three distinct operating segments: Energy Services,
Specialty Chemicals and Construction Products Distribution. Superior's
Energy Services operating segment provides distribution, wholesale
procurement and related services in relation to propane, heating oil and
other refined fuels. Energy Services also provides fixed-price natural
gas and electricity supply services. Superior's Specialty Chemicals
operating segment is a leading supplier of sodium chlorate and technology
to the pulp and paper industries and is a regional supplier of potassium
and chloralkali products to the U.S. Midwest. Superior's Construction
Products Distribution operating segment is one of the largest
distributors of commercial and industrial insulation in North America and
the largest distributor of specialty construction products to the walls
and ceilings industry in Canada. Superior's corporate office arranges
intersegment foreign exchange contracts from time to time between its
business segments. Realized gains and losses pertaining to intersegment
foreign exchange gains and losses are eliminated under the Corporate cost
column. Certain reclassifications of prior year segments have been made
to conform to current year presentation. Specifically, Energy Services'
results include the operations of Superior Propane and Superior Energy
Management, Specialty Chemicals results includes ERCO Worldwide and
Construction Products Distribution results include Winroc results.
Construction
For the three Products Total
months ended Energy Specialty Distri- Consoli-
March 31, 2010 Services Chemicals bution Corporate dated
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues 688.1 109.7 166.8 - 964.6
Cost of products
sold (531.4) (69.1) (127.9) - (728.4)
Realized gains
(losses) on
financial
instruments (18.3) 0.5 0.2 - (17.6)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 138.4 41.1 39.1 - 218.6
Expenses
Operating and
administrative 87.6 30.8 34.9 4.2 157.5
Amortization of
property, plant
and equipment 7.0 - 1.6 - 8.6
Amortization of
intangible assets 4.1 1.1 1.7 - 6.9
Interest on
revolving term
bank credits and
term loans - - - 11.5 11.5
Interest on
convertible
unsecured
subordinated
debentures - - - 5.3 5.3
Accretion of
convertible
debenture
issue costs - - - 0.6 0.6
Unrealized losses
(gains) on
financial
instruments 41.8 4.2 - (17.8) 28.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
140.5 36.1 38.2 3.8 218.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss)
before income taxes (2.1) 5.0 0.9 (3.8) -
Income tax recovery - - - 9.2 9.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Earnings (Loss) (2.1) 5.0 0.9 5.4 9.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Construction
For the three Products Total
months ended Energy Specialty Distri- Consoli-
March 31, 2009 Services Chemicals bution Corporate dated
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues 385.5 123.9 94.1 - 603.5
Cost of products
sold (254.9) (67.9) (69.7) - (392.5)
Realized gains
(losses) on
financial
instruments (19.6) 3.1 - - (22.7)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 111.0 52.9 24.4 - 188.3
Expenses
Operating and
administrative 62.3 29.9 22.9 3.4 118.5
Amortization of
property, plant
and equipment 6.2 - 1.0 - 7.2
Amortization of
intangible assets 0.2 1.1 0.1 - 1.4
Interest on
revolving term
bank credits and
term loans - - - 6.5 6.5
Interest on
convertible
unsecured
subordinated
debentures - - - 3.8 3.8
Accretion of
convertible
debenture
issue costs - - - 0.3 0.3
Unrealized losses
(gains) on
financial
instruments 58.7 15.1 - (0.9) 72.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
127.4 46.1 24.0 13.1 210.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss)
before income taxes (16.4) 6.8 0.4 (13.1) (22.3)
Income tax recovery - - - 16.8 16.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Earnings (Loss) (16.4) 6.8 0.4 3.7 (5.5)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Assets, Net Working Capital, Acquisitions and Purchase of Property,
Plant and Equipment
Construction
Products Total
Energy Specialty Distri- Consoli-
Services Chemicals bution Corporate dated
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at March 31,
2010
Net working
capital(1) 69.3 13.6 99.6 (43.6) 138.9
Total assets 1,035.3 568.1 359.3 404.7 2,367.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at December 31,
2009
Net working
capital(1) 93.3 2.8 116.8 (29.1) 183.8
Total assets 930.6 597.1 369.1 377.2 2,274.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the three
months ended
March 31, 2010
Acquisitions 147.3 - 0.4 - 147.7
Purchase of
property, plant
and equipment 2.9 3.2 0.2 - 6.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the three
months ended
March 31, 2009
Acquisitions - - - - -
Purchase of
property, plant
and equipment 2.8 33.1 - - 35.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Net working capital reflects amounts as at the year end and is
comprised of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and
inventories, less bank indebtedness, accounts payable and accrued
liabilities, current portion of term loans and dividends and interest
payable to shareholders and debentureholders.
Geographic Information
Total
United Consoli-
Canada States Other dated
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues for the three months
ended March 31, 2010 477.0 465.4 22.2 964.6
Property, plant and equipment
as at March 31, 2010 354.7 314.2 57.1 726.0
Goodwill as at March 31, 2010 456.5 91.4 - 547.9
Total assets as at
March 31, 2010 1,597.0 706.9 63.5 2,367.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues for the three months
ended March 31, 2009 488.9 95.8 18.8 603.5
Property, plant and equipment
as at December 31, 2009 365.8 243.7 58.5 668.0
Goodwill as at
December 31, 2009 457.7 70.7 - 528.4
Total assets as at
December 31, 2009 1,685.9 522.2 65.9 2,274.0
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For further information: about Superior, visit our website at www.superiorplus.com or contact: Wayne Bingham, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, E-mail: [email protected], Phone: (403) 218-2951, Fax: (403) 218-2973, Toll Free: 1-866-490-PLUS (7587); Jay Bachman, Vice-President, Investor Relations and Planning, E-mail: [email protected], Phone: (403) 218-2957, Fax: (403) 218-2973, Toll Free: 1-866-490-PLUS (7587)
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