Superior Plus Announces Third Quarter Results, a US Refined Fuels Asset
Acquisition of $76 Million and Completion of the Port Edwards Membrane
Expansion
TSX: SPB
STRATEGIC GROWTH INITIATIVES
----------------------------
- On November 4, 2009, Superior announced that it entered into an asset
purchase agreement to acquire certain assets of Griffith Energy
Services, Inc. ("GES") that comprise a retail heating oil, propane
and motor fuels distribution business for an aggregate purchase price
of approximately US$76 million. For details on the acquisition,
please refer to press release entitled "Superior Plus Announces
Expansion of its US Refined Fuels Business with a US$76 Million
Acquisition" dated November 4, 2009.
- Construction was substantially completed on the Port Edwards membrane
expansion project in the third quarter of 2009. The plant was
commissioned during October with first production expected in early
November 2009. The project is expected to have annualized incremental
EBITDA of US$20 - $30 million at full capacity.
- On September 24, 2009, Superior completed its acquisition of the
shares of Specialty Products & Insulation Co. ("SPI") for
consideration of CDN$141.8 million.
- On September 30, 2009, Superior acquired the retail heating oil and
propane distribution business from Sunoco, Inc. ("SRH") for an
aggregate purchase price of CDN$96.1 million.
- Superior completed the issuance of 6,773,135 common shares for gross
proceeds of approximately $77.7 million and convertible debentures
for gross proceeds of approximately $69.0 million during the third
quarter of 2009.
- On October 27, 2009, Superior completed the issuance of 8.25% senior
unsecured debentures for gross proceeds of $150 million.
- Long-term funding is now in place for all of Superior's completed
growth initiatives.
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
----------------------
- Superior's revised forecast for adjusted operating cash flow per
share is $1.90 - $2.05 in 2009 compared to $2.18 per share in 2008, a
decrease of approximately 10% based upon the mid-point of the 2009
financial outlook range.
- Positive leading indicators in each of the businesses provide
evidence that the economy has bottomed over the past two quarters as
a number of Superior's customers are beginning to increase
inventories, restart deferred projects, and commence work on new
projects as the global economy recovers from the downturn.
- The third quarter results reflected seasonality and the impact from a
global recession. Production at Port Edwards was curtailed due to
construction related downtime which extended into the fourth quarter
of 2009. A cash tax recovery related to the timing of the Port
Edwards project start-up which had previously been expected in the
third quarter is now expected to be recognized in the fourth quarter
of 2009. Inventory management activities in the Fuel Distribution
segment had the effect of deferring expected profit recognition from
the third quarter to the fourth quarter of 2009.
- Adjusted operating cash flow per share for the third quarter and
year-to-date 2009 of $0.22 and $1.13, a decrease of $0.16 and $0.31,
respectively, compared to prior year periods.
- Gross profit and EBITDA from operations were lower in the third
quarter and year-to-date 2009 compared to prior periods due to the
same factors outlined above.
- The impact of our strategic growth initiatives are expected to
improve operating results in the fourth quarter of 2009 and more
fully in 2010.
- Four quarter trailing proforma EBITDA was $265.5 million resulting in
a Senior Debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.4x and a Total Debt to EBITDA
ratio of 3.6x as at September 30, 2009. The proforma EBITDA includes
the SPI and SRH acquisitions completed during the third quarter of
2009.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
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Three months ended Nine months ended
(millions of dollars except September 30, September 30,
per share amounts) 2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue 441.3 580.2 1,499.2 1,828.8
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Gross profit 126.8 152.8 450.1 476.0
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EBITDA from operations(1) 32.3 49.6 143.3 173.0
Interest (10.1) (9.8) (28.1) (28.0)
Cash taxes 0.9 (4.3) (5.3) (10.2)
Corporate costs (3.8) (2.0) (10.4) (7.5)
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Adjusted operating cash flow(1) 19.3 33.5 99.5 127.3
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Adjusted operating cash flow
per share, basic(1)(2) and
diluted(1)(3) $0.22 $0.38 $1.13 $1.44
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Dividends/Distributions
paid per share/unit $0.405 $0.405 $1.215 $1.205
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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 Management's Discussion and Analysis of the 2009 Third
Quarter Results.
(2) The weighted average number of shares outstanding for the three
months ended September 30, 2009 is 88.7 million (2008 - 88.4 million)
and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, is 88.4 million
(2008 - 88.3 million).
(3) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008,
there were no dilutive instruments.
FINANCIAL OUTLOOK
"The length of the global recession has made forecasting the recovery of the businesses difficult. Superior has responded swiftly to capitalize on acquisition opportunities given its strong balance sheet and operational expertise at a low point in the economic cycle. We continue to improve Superior's cost structure and integrate the acquisitions of SPI and SRH into our construction products and fuel distribution businesses. Given the recent improvement in a number of leading indicators in each of the businesses, we believe the third quarter of 2009 is the bottom of one of the most severe economic downturns in the past century. We remain committed to stability of dividends and creating value growth for our shareholders," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
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(millions of dollars, except per 2009(1) 2009(2)(4)(5)(6)
share amounts) Prior Current
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EBITDA from operations
Fuel Distribution 95-105 95-105
Specialty Chemicals 95-105 95-105
Construction Products Distribution 20-25 20-25
Fixed-Price Energy Services 9-12 9-12
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Adjusted operating cash flow per share $1.95-$2.10 $1.90-$2.05
Dividends paid per share $1.62 $1.62
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Senior Debt/EBITDA Ratio(3) 1.9 2.0
Total Debt/EBITDA Ratio(3) 3.0 3.2
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(1) As provided in Superior's 2009 Second Quarter Financial Results.
(2) The assumptions, definitions, and risk factors relating to the
Financial Outlook are discussed in Management's Discussion and
Analysis of the 2009 Third Quarter Results.
(3) Superior's debt ratios take into account the impact of the off-
balance sheet receivable sales program amounts, the efficiency and
growth projects and excludes Port Edwards project debt of
$150 million (US$130 million) as well as project EBITDA contribution.
Including the Port Edwards project debt with no corresponding EBITDA
would result in a year-end Senior Debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.6x and
Total Debt to EBITDA ratio of 3.8x.
(4) The current 2009 financial outlook includes the acquisitions of SPI
and SRH which closed on September 24, 2009 and September 30, 2009,
respectively.
(5) The current 2009 financial outlook includes the convertible
debenture, common share, and senior unsecured debenture financings as
discussed in Management's Discussion and Analysis of the 2009 Third
Quarter Results.
(6) The current 2009 financial outlook does not include any benefit or
cost related to the announced GES acquisition on November 4, 2009.
Superior has revised its annual expectations for adjusted operating cash flow by
The Port Edwards membrane expansion project was commissioned in
SEGMENTED INFORMATION
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Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30, September 30,
(millions of dollars) 2009(1) 2008(1) 2009(1) 2008(1)
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EBITDA from operations:
Fuel Distribution 0.3 6.7 49.9 57.5
Specialty Chemicals 22.1 31.9 74.4 83.6
Construction Products
Distribution 7.1 8.1 11.9 23.9
Fixed-Price Energy Services 2.8 2.9 7.1 8.0
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32.3 49.6 143.3 173.0
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(1) EBITDA from operations is a key performance measure used by
management to evaluate the performance of Superior. This measure is
defined under Non-GAAP Financial Measures in Management's Discussion
and Analysis of the 2009 Third Quarter Results.
Fuel Distribution
- EBITDA from operations were $0.3 million and $49.9 million for the
third quarter and year-to-date 2009, a decrease of $6.4 million and
$7.6 million, respectively, compared to prior year periods, primarily
as a result of an 8% decline in sales volumes due to the continued
impact of the economic recession in Canada.
- Total gross profits per litre for the third quarter and year-to-date
2009 were 22.1 cents and 22.7 cents, a decrease of 0.6 cents and an
increase of 1.5 cents, respectively, compared to the prior year
periods.
- Retail propane and delivery gross profits of $44.7 million and
$171.1 million decreased by 8% and 5% in the third quarter and year-
to-date 2009, respectively, compared to the prior year periods.
Superior's sales and marketing program has produced positive results
throughout 2009 with annualized new customer volumes of approximately
119 million litres partially offsetting the impact on sales volumes
due to the economic recession in Canada.
- Wholesale and related gross profits were $0.3 million and
$18.5 million in the third quarter and year-to-date 2009, a decrease
of $2.2 million and an increase of $4.4 million, respectively,
compared to the prior year periods. Inventory management activities
had the effect of deferring expected profit recognition from the
third quarter to the fourth quarter of 2009.
- Superior consolidated logistics functions from six Regional Operation
Centres into two National Operations Centres during the third quarter
of 2009. Installation of handheld computers on the service fleet
commenced in the third quarter and is expected to be completed in the
fourth quarter of 2009.
- EBITDA from operations is expected to be $95 - $105 million for 2009,
including the acquisition of SRH. The previous outlook provided in
the 2009 Second Quarter Results did not include any benefit of the
SRH acquisition completed on September 30, 2009. The benefits of
sales and marketing initiatives, projected efficiency improvements in
the cost structure, and the benefits due to the SRH acquisition
mitigated the impact of the economic recession in North America.
Specialty Chemicals
- EBITDA from operations were $22.1 million and $74.4 million in the
third quarter and year-to-date 2009, a decrease of $9.8 million and
$9.2 million, respectively, compared to the prior year periods.
- Gross profits in the third quarter and year-to-date 2009 decreased by
$11.9 million and $5.1 million to $50.0 million and $163.7 million,
respectively, compared to the prior year periods.
- Chemical sales volumes of 163,000 (MTs) for the third quarter were
25,000 (MTs) lower than the prior year quarter primarily due to the
Port Edwards membrane project conversion downtime. The Valdosta,
Georgia sodium chlorate facility was restarted in the third quarter
as planned due to a forecasted increase in sodium chlorate demand.
- The Port Edwards, Wisconsin chloralkali facility membrane expansion
project remains on budget with construction substantially completed
at the end of the third quarter. Project commissioning and testing
was completed during October with first phase of start-up initiated
late October. The temporary closure of the facility was approximately
10 weeks which resulted in reduced revenue and production volumes and
have been reflected in the current financial outlook. The additional
plant capacity is expected to provide an annual incremental US$20 -
$30 million of positive EBITDA contribution at full capacity.
- EBITDA from operations is expected to be $95 - $105 million for 2009,
which is consistent with the previous outlook provided in the 2009
Second Quarter Results.
Construction Products Distribution
- EBITDA from operations were $7.1 million and $11.9 million in the
third quarter and year-to-date 2009, a decrease of $1.0 million and
$12.0 million, respectively, compared to the prior year periods.
- Gross profits in the third quarter and year-to-date 2009 were
$26.9 million and $75.6 million, a decrease of $8.3 million and
$24.3 million, respectively, compared to the prior year periods
primarily due to a 21%, 29%, and 31% decline in drywall sales volumes
in the first, second, and third quarter, respectively. Sales volumes
declined due to a rapid deterioration of the residential and
commercial construction activity as a result of the impact of a
recession in North America.
- Sales margins were modestly higher in most operating areas in the
third quarter and year-to-date 2009, compared to the prior year
periods due to a continued focus on margin management initiatives and
the impact of purchasing programs.
- Aggressive cost reduction initiatives throughout the first half of
the year significantly contributed to lower cash operating and
administrative costs of $19.8 million, a decrease of 27% compared to
the prior year period.
- Several leading indicators such as permits and housing starts have
provided positive signs of both the United States and Canadian
construction markets bottoming with some improvement expected in
2010.
- EBITDA from operations is expected to be $20 - $25 million for 2009,
including the acquisition of SPI. The previous outlook provided in
the 2009 Second Quarter Results did not include any benefit from the
SPI acquisition completed on September 24, 2009. The benefits of
aggressive cost reduction programs and the positive impact of the SPI
acquisition mitigated the full impact of the recession in North
America.
Fixed-Price Energy Services
- EBITDA from operations were $2.8 million and $7.1 million in the
third quarter and year-to-date 2009, a decrease of $0.1 million and
$0.9 million, respectively, compared to the prior year periods.
- Gross profits were $7.9 million and $23.2 million in the third
quarter and year-to-date 2009, a decrease of $0.7 million and
$0.8 million, respectively, compared to the prior year periods.
- SEM continued to focus its sales channels towards acquiring and
retaining Ontario commercial natural gas and electricity customers,
Quebec commercial natural gas customers and British Columbia natural
gas residential and commercial customers.
- Currently, SEM's portfolio of customers is approximately 70%
commercial and 30% residential by volume.
- EBITDA from operations is expected to be $9 - $12 million for 2009,
consistent with the previous outlook provided in the 2009 Second
Quarter Results.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE SUMMARY
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Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30 September 30
(millions of dollars) 2009 2008 2009 2008
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Efficiency, process improvement
and growth related 5.0 4.5 17.9 15.4
Other capital 2.6 0.5 5.9 4.9
Port Edwards expansion project 31.1 9.1 87.3 17.6
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Earn-out payment on prior
acquisition - - 0.6 -
Acquisition of SPI 141.8 - 141.8 -
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Acquisition of SRH 96.1 - 96.1 -
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Other acquisitions 0.7 (0.1) 0.7 24.5
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Proceeds on disposition
of capital (1.0) (5.1) (3.9) (6.6)
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Total net capital expenditures 276.3 8.9 346.4 55.8
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In the third quarter of 2009, Superior continued to improve its cost structure by investing
KEY CORPORATE ITEMS
- Total interest expense of $10.1 million in the third quarter
increased by $0.3 million compared to the prior year quarter
primarily due to higher average debt levels partially offset by lower
average interest rates and the impact of the appreciation of the
Canadian dollar on US denominated interest costs.
- Superior had a $570 million syndicated credit facility with undrawn
credit capacity of approximately $143.7 million (excluding its
securitization program) as at September 30, 2009. Effective
October 31, 2009, Superior had undrawn credit capacity in excess of
$300 million primarily due to the October 27, 2009 closing of
Superior Plus LP's $150 million senior unsecured debentures.
- As at September 30, 2009, Superior had utilized $66.8 million of its
existing securitization program.
- Due to the timing of the start-up of the Port Edwards project,
Superior anticipates a US cash income tax recovery of approximately
$5.6 million to occur in the fourth quarter of 2009, which will
result in an increase to adjusted operating cash flow per share of
approximately $0.05. The US cash tax recovery was originally expected
to occur in the third quarter of 2009 and is included in the current
financial outlook in 2009.
- Given Superior's current tax basis of approximately $1.7 billion as
at December 31, 2008, the corporation does not anticipate any
material Canadian cash taxes payable until 2014 based upon the
current level of Canadian taxable income projected from 2009-2014.
Beyond 2014, Superior anticipates incurring Canadian cash taxes at an
approximate rate of 12-13% for a period of 3-4 years.
2009 Third Quarter Results
Superior's 2009 third Quarter Results are attached and available on Superior's website at: www.superiorplus.com under the investor information section and at www.sedar.com.
Conference Call
Superior Plus will be conducting a conference call and webcast for investors, analysts, brokers and media representatives to discuss the 2009 Third Quarter Results at
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 Management's Discussion and Analysis of 2009 Third Quarter Results, 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, expected senior debt and total debt to EBITDA ratios, future cash flows, anticipated taxes, expected impact of proposed productivity improvement initiatives and statements regarding the future financial position of Superior and Superior 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, currency, exchange and interest rates, trading data, cost estimates and the other assumptions set forth under the "Outlook" sections contained in the attached Management's Discussion and Analysis of 2009 Third Quarter Results. 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 Management's Discussion and Analysis of 2009 Third Quarter Results. 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 Management's Discussion and Analysis of 2009 Third Quarter Results, the risks associated with the availability and amount of the tax basis and the risks identified in Superior's 2008 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 2009 Third Quarter Results
November 4, 2009
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 acquisition 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 Canadian 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 Superior Propane, 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 9.
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 divisions. 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 businesses may be referred to as EBITDA from operations. Net earnings (loss) are reconciled to EBITDA from operations on page 24.
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 10 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of net earnings (loss) to compliance EBITDA.
Overview of Superior
Superior Plus Corp. is a diversified business corporation. Superior holds 100% of 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 four operating segments: a fuel distribution and related service business operating under the trade names Superior Propane, Superior Plus Energy Services, Montour Home Comfort Services and Mohawk Home Comfort Services; a specialty chemicals business operating under the trade name ERCO Worldwide (ERCO); a construction products distribution business operating under the trade names Winroc and Specialty Products and Insulation Co. (SPI); and a fixed-price energy services business operating under the trade name Superior Energy Management (SEM).
Third Quarter Results
---------------------
Summary of Adjusted Operating Cash Flow
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Three months ended Nine months ended
(millions of dollars except September 30, September 30,
per share amounts) 2009 2008 2009 2008
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EBITDA from operations:
Fuel Distribution 0.3 6.7 49.9 57.5
Specialty Chemicals 22.1 31.9 74.4 83.6
Construction Products
Distribution 7.1 8.1 11.9 23.9
Fixed-Price Energy Services 2.8 2.9 7.1 8.0
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32.3 49.6 143.3 173.0
Interest (10.1) (9.8) (28.1) (28.0)
Cash income tax recovery
(expense) 0.9 (4.3) (5.3) (10.2)
Corporate costs (3.8) (2.0) (10.4) (7.5)
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Adjusted operating cash flow 19.3 33.5 99.5 127.3
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Adjusted operating cash flow
per share, basic(1) and
diluted(2) $0.22 $0.38 $1.13 $1.44
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(1) The weighted average number of shares outstanding for the three
months ended September 30, 2009, is 88.7 million (2008 -
88.4 million) and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, is
88.4 million (2008 - 88.3 million).
(2) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008,
there were no dilutive instruments.
Adjusted Operating Cash Flow Reconciled to Cash Flow from Operating
Activities(1)
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Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30, September 30,
(millions of dollars) 2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from operating
activities 29.3 8.7 187.7 154.1
Add: Customer contract related
costs capitalized 0.9 2.6 3.0 5.0
Less: Decrease in non-cash
working capital (9.2) 23.8 (86.1) (26.9)
Amortization of customer
contract related costs (1.7) (1.6) (5.1) (4.9)
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Adjusted operating cash flow 19.3 33.5 99.5 127.3
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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.
Third quarter adjusted operating cash flow was
Adjusted operating cash flow for the nine months ended
Net earnings for the third quarter were
Net earnings for the nine months ended
Fuel Distribution
Superior Propane generated EBITDA from operations of
Condensed operating results for the three and nine months ended
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(millions of dollars
except per litre Three months ended September 30,
amounts) 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
cents/ cents/
litre litre
----- -----
Revenue(1)(2) 147.6 65.9 236.6 97.0
Cost of sales (98.0) (43.8) (181.3) (74.3)
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Gross profit 49.6 22.1 55.3 22.7
Less: Cash operating and
administration costs (49.3) (22.0) (48.6) (19.9)
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EBITDA from operations 0.3 0.1 6.7 2.8
Propane retail volumes sold
(millions of litres) 224 244
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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(millions of dollars
except per litre Nine months ended September 30,
amounts) 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
cents/ cents/
litre litre
----- -----
Revenue(1)(2) 614.4 68.0 834.2 84.5
Cost of sales (409.6) (45.3) (625.2) (63.3)
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Gross profit 204.8 22.7 209.0 21.2
Less: Cash operating and
administration costs (154.9) (17.1) (151.5) (15.3)
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EBITDA from operations 49.9 5.6 57.5 5.9
Propane retail volumes sold
(millions of litres) 904 987
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(1) Effective January 1, 2007, Superior discontinued hedge accounting for
all economic hedging activities, as such, amounts related to these
contracts must be accounted for separately on Superior's financial
statements (see Notes 9 and 13 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated
Financial Statements). In order to better reflect the results of its
operations, Superior has reclassified these amounts for purposes of
this management's discussion and analysis to present its results as
if it had accounted for these transactions as accounting hedges. As
such, included in revenue for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2009 is $0.1 million and $1.0 million in realized
foreign currency forward contract losses, and included in revenue for
the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 is $0.2 million
and ($0.4) million in realized foreign currency forward contract
gains (losses).
(2) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 for purposes
of the management's discussion and analysis, Superior has
reclassified $0.1 million and $nil, of foreign currency translation
gains related to US-denominated working capital from operating and
administrative expense to revenue and for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 2008 has reclassified $nil and $0.6 million of
foreign currency translation losses related to US-denominated working
capital from operating and administrative expense to revenue.
Reclassification of the translation gains or losses provides improved
matching to the income statement recognition of the underlying
working capital item that resulted in the translation gains or
losses.
Revenues for the third quarter of 2009 were
Gross Profit by Segment
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Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30, September 30,
(millions of dollars) 2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retail propane and delivery 44.7 48.4 171.1 180.1
Other services 4.6 4.4 15.2 14.8
Wholesale and related 0.3 2.5 18.5 14.1
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Total gross profit 49.6 55.3 204.8 209.0
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Retail propane and delivery gross profit for the third quarter was
Other services gross profit was
Superior Propane Annual Sales Volumes:
Volumes by End-Use Application(1) Volumes by Region(1)(2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Three months ended
September 30, September 30,
2009 2008 2009 2008
--------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Residential 18 19 Western Canada 115 134
Commercial 40 43 Eastern Canada 90 92
Agricultural 8 9 Atlantic Canada 19 18
Industrial 127 139
Automotive 31 34
--------------------------------- -------------------------------------
224 244 224 244
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Volumes by End-Use Application(1) Volumes by Region(1)(2)
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Nine months ended Nine months ended
September 30, September 30,
2009 2008 2009 2008
--------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Residential 103 109 Western Canada 494 550
Commercial 203 214 Eastern Canada 338 366
Agricultural 39 44 Atlantic Canada 72 71
Industrial 478 529
Automotive 81 91
--------------------------------- -------------------------------------
904 987 904 987
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(1) Volume: Volume of retail 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.
Cash operating and administrative costs of
Acquisition of Heating Oil Assets
On
Outlook
Fuel Distribution
Superior expects fuel distribution's EBITDA from operations, inclusive of the contribution from the heating oils assets, for 2009 to be between
- Superior forecasts average temperatures across Canada and the North
Eastern United States to be consistent with the most recent five-year
average;
- Total propane sales volumes compared to the prior year are expected
to decline due to a continued slowdown in economic activity resulting
in reduced demand for propane and related services;
- Commercial and industrial propane volumes are anticipated to improve
in the last quarter of 2009 relative to the first three quarters of
2009 due to customer sales initiatives and a modestly improved
outlook for the general economy;
- Total heating oil sales volumes will be consistent with Superior's
acquisition assumptions;
- Superior expects that wholesale propane and heating oil prices will
not significantly impact demand for propane and heating oil and
related services;
- Total gross profit for Superior Propane compared to the prior year is
anticipated to decrease due to reduced economic activity and
resulting demand; and
- Wholesale trading gross profits will be higher than in 2008 assuming
normal volatility in the wholesale cost of propane for the remainder
of 2009.
Effective with the fourth quarter of 2009, Superior anticipates that it will no longer provide individual reporting and outlook's for its propane distribution, heating oil distribution and fixed-price energy services (SEM) businesses, rather it will report actual results and outlook's on a grouped basis which may be referred to as Energy Services. Superior's 2009 outlook for its Energy Services business, as defined above, based on the individual businesses outlook's provided in this management's discussion and analysis would be between
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 Superior's propane and heating oil businesses.
Specialty Chemicals
ERCO Worldwide generated EBITDA from operations in the third quarter of
Condensed operating results for the three and nine months ended
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(millions of dollars except Three months ended September 30,
per metric tonne (MT) amounts) 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue $ per MT $ per MT
Chemical(1)(3) 112.8 692 122.1 649
Technology 1.6 10 1.6 9
Cost of Sales
Chemical(1)(2) (64.0) (393) (61.2) (326)
Technology (0.4) (2) (0.6) (3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Profit 50.0 307 61.9 329
Less: Cash operating and
administrative costs(3) (27.9) (171) (30.0) (160)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA from operations 22.1 136 31.9 169
Chemical volumes sold
(thousands of MTs) 163 188
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(millions of dollars except Nine months ended September 30,
per metric tonne (MT) amounts) 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue $ per MT $ per MT
Chemical(1)(3) 343.4 726 344.6 608
Technology 6.8 14 9.9 17
Cost of Sales
Chemical(1)(2) (183.9) (389) (180.2) (318)
Technology (2.6) (5) (5.5) (9)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Profit 163.7 346 168.8 298
Less: Cash operating and
administrative costs(3) (89.3) (189) (85.2) (150)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA from operations 74.4 157 83.6 148
Chemical volumes sold
(thousands of MTs) 473 567
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Effective January 1, 2007, Superior discontinued hedge accounting for
all economic hedging activities. As such, amounts related to these
contracts must be accounted for separately on Superior's financial
statements (see Notes 9 and 13 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated
Financial Statements). In order to better reflect the results of its
operations, Superior has reclassified these amounts for purposes of
this management's discussion analysis to present its results as if it
had accounted for these transactions as accounting hedges. As such,
included in revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30,
2009 is $0.5 million and $7.3 million in realized foreign currency
forward contract losses and included in chemical cost of sales and
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 is
$0.3 million and $0.4 million in realized fixed-price electricity
gains. Included in revenue for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2008 is $1.5 million and $6.3 million in realized
foreign currency forward contract gains and included in chemical cost
of sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 is
$5.4 million and $17.2 million in realized fixed-price electricity
gains.
(2) Effective January 1, 2008, Superior adopted a revised CICA Handbook
section related to Inventory. This section impacts the calculation of
the cost of inventory at ERCO Worldwide, due to the requirement to
inventory the cost of certain fixed overhead items, principally the
amortization of property, plant and equipment. Additionally, this
section requires that the amortization that is inventoried be
classified as a component of cost of products sold once sold. As
such, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, for
purposes of the management's discussion and analysis, Superior has
excluded $9.1 million and $27.3 million in non-cash amortization from
cost of sales in the calculation of ERCO Worldwide's EBITDA from
operations and for the three and nine months ended September 30,
2008, Superior has excluded $9.1 million and $28.8 million.
(3) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 for purposes
of the management's discussion and analysis, Superior has
reclassified $0.5 million and $1.9 million, of foreign currency
translation losses related to US-denominated working capital from
operating and administrative expense to revenue and for the three and
nine months ended September 30, 2008 has reclassified $0.5 million
and $1.1 million of foreign currency translation gains related to US-
denominated working capital from operating and administrative expense
to revenue. Reclassification of the translation gains or losses
provides improved matching to the income statement recognition of the
underlying working capital item that resulted in the translation
gains or losses.
Chemical and technology revenues for the third quarter of
Cash operating and administrative costs of
Port Edwards Conversion Project Update
Superior's project to convert its Port Edwards, Wisconsin chloralkali facility from mercury based technology to membrane technology is currently on budget and it is anticipated that the facility will be fully commissioned and in full production by the end of the fourth quarter of 2009. Significant milestones reached during the third quarter included the installation of all major equipment and components; as a result, the facility ceased production midway through the third quarter to allow for the final conversion to be completed.
The conversion project maintains the facility's ability to produce both sodium and potassium products, increases the production capacity by approximately 30%, provides a significant extension of the plant life and enhances the efficiency of ERCO's use of electrical energy. The total cost of the conversion is estimated to be US
Outlook
Superior expects EBITDA from operations from its specialty chemicals business for 2009 to be between
- Current supply and demand fundamentals for sodium chlorate will be
weaker than the prior year, resulting in reduced sales volumes for
2009;
- Chloralkali/potassium gross profits will be impacted by lower sales
prices compared to historically high levels in the first half of 2009
and the second half of 2008;
- ERCO's average plant utilization for the remainder of 2009 is
expected to be approximately 85-90%, excluding the impact of
production curtailments due to the conversion of the Port Edwards,
Wisconsin facility;
- ERCO's conversion of its Port Edwards, Wisconsin chloralkali facility
from mercury based technology to membrane technology for
US $130 million is expected to be completed on-budget in the fourth
quarter of 2009; and
- No incremental cash flow is anticipated as a result of the Port
Edwards project in 2009, except for the impact of reduced US cash
income taxes compared to the prior year which does not form part of
ERCO's EBITDA from operations.
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 business.
Construction Products Distribution
Construction products distribution generated EBITDA from operations of
Condensed operating results for the three and nine months ended
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30, September 30,
(millions of dollars) 2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and direct sales
revenue 100.5 142.6 292.8 399.5
Distribution and direct sales
cost of sales (73.6) (107.4) (217.2) (299.6)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and direct sales
gross profit 26.9 35.2 75.6 99.9
Less: Cash operating and
administrative costs (19.8) (27.1) (63.7) (76.0)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA from operations 7.1 8.1 11.9 23.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and direct sales revenues of
Acquisition of Specialty Products & Insulation Co.
On
Outlook
Superior expects construction products distribution EBITDA from operations, inclusive of the acquisition of SPI, for 2009 to be between
- Sales volumes compared to the prior year are expected to continue to
be negatively impacted by the continued weakness in new home
residential and commercial activity in both Canada and the United
States;
- Sales volumes attributable to Superior's acquisition of SPI will be
consistent with Superior's acquisition assumptions; and
- Current economic conditions in Canada and the United States will
improve in the last quarter of 2009 with continued improvement
throughout 2010.
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 Superior's construction products distribution businesses.
Fixed-Price Energy Services
SEM's condensed operating results for the three and nine months ended
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30, September 30,
(millions of dollars) 2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue 77.8 79.5 231.6 247.0
Cost of sales(1)(2) (69.9) (70.9) (208.4) (223.0)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 7.9 8.6 23.2 24.0
Less: Operating, administrative
and selling costs(2) (5.1) (5.7) (16.1) (16.0)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA from operations 2.8 2.9 7.1 8.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Effective January 1, 2007, Superior discontinued hedge accounting for
all economic hedging activities. As such, amounts related to these
contracts must be accounted for separately on Superior's financial
statements (see Notes 9 and 13 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated
Financial Statements.) In order to better reflect the results of its
operations, Superior has reclassified these amounts for purposes of
this management's discussion and analysis to present its results as
if it had accounted for these transactions as accounting hedges. As
such, included in cost of sales for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2009, is $3.4 million and $3.1 million in realized
foreign currency forward contract losses and $30.8 million and
$78.2 million related to natural gas commodity realized fixed price
losses. Included in cost of sales for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2008, is $5.5 million and $18.2 million in realized
foreign currency forward contract losses and $17.1 million and
$38.6 million in related to natural gas commodity realized fixed
price gains.
(2) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 for purposes
of the management's discussion and analysis, Superior has
reclassified $0.2 million and $0.9 million, of foreign currency
translation gains related to US-denominated working capital from
operating and administrative expense to cost of sales, and for the
three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 has reclassified
$1.4 million and $2.2 million of foreign currency translation losses
related to US-denominated working capital from operating and
administrative expense to cost of sales. Reclassification of the
translation gains or losses provides improved matching to the income
statement recognition of the underlying working capital item that
resulted in the translation gains or losses.
Gross Profit by Segment
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(millions of
dollars except Three months ended Three months ended
volume and September 30, 2009 September 30, 2008
per unit Gross Gross
amounts) Profit Volume Per Unit Profit Volume Per Unit
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural Gas(1) 7.27 8.4 GJ 86.5 8.38 8.3 GJ 101.0
cents/GJ cents/GJ
Electricity(2) 0.63 56.1 KWh 1.12 0.22 18.0KWh 1.22
cents/KWh cents/KWh
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 7.90 8.60
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(millions of
dollars except Nine months ended Nine months ended
volume and September 30, 2009 September 30, 2008
per unit Gross Gross
amounts) Profit Volume Per Unit Profit Volume Per Unit
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural Gas(1) 22.05 24.8 GJ 88.9 23.37 25.0 GJ 93.5
cents/GJ cents/GJ
Electricity(2) 1.15 125.0 KWh 0.92 0.63 42.3KWh 1.49
cents/KWh cents/KWh
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 23.20 24.00
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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).
SEM generated EBITDA from operations of
SEM invested
Outlook
SEM expects EBITDA from operations for 2009 to be between
- SEM is able to access sales channel distributors on acceptable
contract terms;
- Natural gas markets in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia will
provide growth opportunities for SEM; and
- The commercial electricity market in Ontario is expected to provide
additional growth opportunities for SEM.
In addition to SEM's significant assumptions detailed above, refer to the
section "Risk Factors to Superior" for a detailed review of SEM's significant
business risks.
Consolidated Capital Expenditure Summary
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30, September 30,
(millions of dollars) 2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Efficiency, process improvement
and growth related 5.0 4.5 17.9 15.4
Other capital 2.6 0.5 5.9 4.9
Port Edwards conversion project 31.1 9.1 87.3 17.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
38.7 14.1 111.1 37.9
Acquisition of SPI(1) 141.8 - 141.8 -
Acquisition of Heating Oil
assets 96.1 - 96.1 -
Other acquisitions 0.7 (0.1) 0.7 24.5
Earn-out payment on prior
acquisition - - 0.6 -
Proceeds on disposition of
capital (1.0) (5.1) (3.9) (6.6)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total net capital expenditures 276.3 8.9 346.4 55.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Includes the issuance of $32.6 million of common shares that were
issued by way of private placement.
Efficiency, process improvement and growth related expenditures were
Corporate and Interest Costs
Corporate costs for the third quarter were
Interest expense on revolving term bank credits and term loans for the third quarter was
Interest on Superior's unsecured subordinated convertible debentures (the debentures) was
Taxation
On
Total income tax expense for the third quarter was
Cash income and withholding taxes for the third quarter were a recovery of
Consolidated Outlook
Superior expects adjusted cash flow from operations for 2009 to be between
- Current economic conditions in Canada and the United States will
improve in the last quarter of 2009 with continued modest improvement
throughout 2010;
- Superior continues to attract capital and obtain financing on
acceptable terms;
- The foreign currency exchange rate between the Canadian and US dollar
averages 1.10 in 2009 and 1.05 in 2010 on all unhedged foreign
currency transactions;
- Superior's average interest rate on floating rate debt remains stable
to marginally lower throughout 2009, increasing modestly in 2010;
- Financial and physical counterparties continue to fulfill their
obligations to Superior;
- Regulatory authorities do not impose any new regulations impacting
Superior;
- EBITDA from operations of the divisions in 2010 is consistent, to
modestly improved, compared to 2009;
- Incremental EBITDA is generated in 2010 from the Port Edwards
conversion project, which is assumed to be in production in the
fourth quarter of 2009; and
- US cash income taxes for 2009 and 2010 will be reduced due to the
completion of the Port Edwards conversion project in the fourth
quarter of 2009.
In the 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 and term loans before deferred financing fees, including
As at
As at
Consolidated net working capital was
As at
Superior has entered into an agreement to sell, with limited recourse, certain accounts receivables 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
On
At
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 third quarter was 88.7 million shares, higher than the prior year quarter due to the issuance of 6,773,135 common shares during the third quarter. During the third quarter of 2009, Superior issued 2,803,135 common shares for gross consideration of
As at
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 4, 2009 September 30, 2009 December 31, 2008
Convert- Convert- Convert-
ible ible ible
Securi- Securi- Securi-
(millions) ties Shares ties Shares ties Shares
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common shares
outstanding(1) 95.8 95.2 88.4
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 $- -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares outstanding,
and issuable upon
conversion of
debentures 108.4 107.8 95.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Common shares outstanding as at November 4, 2009, includes 595,500 of
common shares issued subsequent to September 30, 2009, in relation to
the overallotment option of Superior's issuance of 3,970,000 common
shares during the third quarter of 2009.
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 8 and "Summary of Cash Flows" on page 20 for additional details on the sources and uses of Superior's cash flow.
Dividends paid to shareholders for the quarter ended
Superior's primary sources and uses of cash have been detailed in the table below:
Summary of Cash Flows(1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30, September 30,
(millions of dollars) 2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from operating
activities 29.3 8.7 187.7 154.1
Investing activities:
Purchase of property,
plant and equipment(2) (38.7) (14.1) (111.1) (37.9)
Proceeds on disposal of
property, plant and
equipment 1.0 5.1 3.9 6.6
Acquisition of SPI(1) (109.2) - (109.2) -
Acquisition of Heating
Oil assets (96.1) - (96.1) -
Other acquisitions (0.7) 0.1 (0.7) (24.5)
Earn-out payment on
prior acquisition - - (0.6) -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from investing
activities (243.7) (8.9) (313.8) (55.8)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing activities:
Dividends to shareholders (36.7) (35.8) (108.3) (106.4)
Revolving term bank credits
and term loans 160.4 25.4 137.4 90.2
Issuance of 7.50%
convertible debentures 65.8 - 65.8 -
Issuance of common shares 43.0 - 43.0 -
Net proceeds of accounts
receivable securitization
program (19.1) - (33.2) (100.0)
Realized gain on financial
instruments 1.4 - 7.7 -
Other 4.9 - 16.9 -
Proceeds from distribution
reinvestment plan - - - 8.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing
activities 219.7 (10.4) 129.3 (107.3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease)
in cash 5.3 (10.6) 3.2 (9.0)
Cash beginning of period 14.0 15.7 16.1 14.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash end of period 19.3 5.1 19.3 5.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) See the unaudited Interim 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, SEM enters into natural gas financial swaps primarily with Macquarie Cook Energy
SEM enters into electricity financial swaps with three counterparties to manage the economic exposure of providing fixed-price electricity to its customers. SEM monitors its fixed-price electricity positions on a daily basis to evaluate compliance with established risk management policies. SEM maintains a substantially balanced fixed-price electricity position in relation to its customer supply commitments.
ERCO 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 Propane 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. Superior Propane monitors its fixed-price propane positions on a daily basis to monitor compliance with established risk management policies. Superior Propane 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 ten counterparties to manage the economic exposure of Superior's operations to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. SEM and Superior Propane contract a portion of their 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. ERCO 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
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2014
and
There-
(US$ millions) 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 after Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEM - US$ forward
purchases(1) (20.6) (61.9) (5.4) - - - (87.9)
Superior Propane -
US$ forward sales 6.6 3.1 - - - - 9.7
ERCO - US$ forward
sales(2) 32.5 111.4 64.5 32.5 9.0 - 249.9
SPI - US$ forward
sales(2) 6.0 23.5 - - - - 29.5
Heating Oil - US$
forward sales(2) 4.5 15.5 - - - - 20.0
SPLP - US$ forward
purchases (5.3) - - - - - (5.3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net US $ forward
purchases 23.7 91.6 59.1 32.5 9.0 - 215.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEM - Average US$
forward purchase
rate(1) 1.20 1.16 1.11 - - - 1.16
Superior Propane -
Average US$ forward
rate 1.21 1.21 - - - - 1.21
ERCO - Average US$
forward sales rate(2) 1.09 1.08 1.20 1.13 1.11 - 1.12
SPI - Average US$
forward sales rate(2) 1.08 1.08 - - - - 1.08
Heating Oil - Average
US$ forward sales
rate(2) 1.08 1.08 - - - - 1.08
SPLP - Average US$
forward sales purchase
rate 1.09 - - - - - 1.09
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net average external
US$/Cdn$ exchange rate 1.13 1.11 1.19 1.13 1.11 - 1.13
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
ERCO - EURO forward
sales 1.1 5.1 0.3 - - - 6.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
ERCO - Average EURO
forward sales rate 1.58 1.58 1.58 - - - 1.58
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) SEM is now sourcing its fixed-price natural gas requirements in
Canadian dollars, as such, SEM will no longer be required to use
United States dollar forward contracts to fix its Canadian dollar
exposure.
(2) Does not include the impact of the US$ conversion of ERCO's Port
Edwards, Wisconsin chloralkali facility which is anticipated to cost
US$130.0 million in aggregate, of which $31.1 million
(US$28.3 million) was incurred in the third quarter of 2009,
(US$119.9 million cumulatively) with the remaining costs expected
throughout 2009.
Superior has interest rate swaps with a single counterparty 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. Superior Propane and Winroc deal with a large number of small customers, thereby reducing this risk. ERCO, due to the nature of its operations, sells its products to a relatively small number of customers. ERCO mitigates its customer credit risk by actively monitoring the overall credit worthiness of its customers. SEM has minimal exposure to customer credit risk as local natural gas and electricity distribution utilities have been mandated, for a nominal fee, to provide SEM with invoicing, collection and the assumption of bad debts risk for residential and small commercial customers. SEM 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 third 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 9 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
Subsequent Event
On
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The certifying officers have limited the scope of their interim certification under NI 52-109 for the design of Disclosure Controls & Procedures and Internal Controls over Financial Reporting to exclude controls, policies and procedures due to the acquisition of SPI on
In the first quarter of 2009, Superior made changes in the processes and procedures at SEM in response to the two material weaknesses referenced in the 2008 annual certification. Management has continued to monitor and test these controls to be able to conclude that the specific internal controls are designed and will be effective for the 2009 annual certification.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Superior's unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. The significant accounting policies are described in the Consolidated Financial Statements, see Note 2 on pages 61 to 66 of the 2008 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.
Changes in Accounting Policies
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
On
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
On
Future Accounting Changes
International Financial Reporting Standards
The Accounting Standards Board of
During 2008, Superior formed an IFRS project team to develop an IFRS transition plan. Superior's approach is 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 will include the assessment of differences between Canadian 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. During the third quarter of 2009, Superior completed the majority of its comprehensive diagnostic and began 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 Canadian 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;
- Financial statement disclosures under IFRS tend to be more
comprehensive than those under Canadian GAAP; and
- The impact on various credit agreements, if any.
Superior will continue to assess the impact of IFRS throughout 2009, including the impact on its consolidated financial statements, financial reporting systems and internal control systems.
Financial Instruments - Disclosure
The CICA has amended Handbook Section 3862 Financial Instruments - Disclosure. These amendments require enhanced disclosure on the fair value of certain financial instruments. The amendments are effective for annual financial statements on or after
Quarterly Financial and Operating Information
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(millions of dollars except 2009 Quarters 2008 Quarters
per trust unit amounts) Third Second First Fourth Third
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Propane sales volumes (millions
of litres) 224 249 431 390 244
Chemical sales volumes
(thousands of metric tonnes) 163 155 155 160 188
Natural gas sales volumes
(millions of GJs) 8 8 8 8 8
Electricity sales volumes
(millions of KwH) 56 38 31 28 18
Gross profit 126.9 134.9 188.3 193.1 152.8
Net earnings (loss) 33.0 23.4 (5.5) (19.9) (203.9)
Per share, basic $0.37 $0.26 $(0.06) $(0.23) $(2.31)
Per share, diluted $0.37 $0.26 $(0.06) $(0.23) $(2.31)
Adjusted operating cash flow 19.3 18.9 61.3 65.0 33.5
Per share, basic $0.22 $0.21 $0.69 $0.74 $0.38
Per share, diluted $0.22 $0.21 $0.69 $0.74 $0.38
Net working capital(1) 132.0 72.0 83.7 152.2 227.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
(millions of dollars except 2008 Quarters 2007 Quarters
per trust unit amounts) Second First Fourth Third
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Propane sales volumes (millions
of litres) 274 469 416 256
Chemical sales volumes
(thousands of metric tonnes) 188 191 194 187
Natural gas sales volumes
(millions of GJs) 8 9 9 9
Electricity sales volumes
(millions of KwH) 14 10 2 -
Gross profit 153.3 169.9 185.8 145.9
Net earnings (loss) 164.3 127.2 64.5 (26.9)
Per share, basic $1.86 $1.44 $0.74 $(0.31)
Per share, diluted $1.86 $1.44 $0.74 $(0.31)
Adjusted operating cash flow 38.1 55.7 64.9 30.3
Per share, basic $0.43 $0.63 $0.74 $0.35
Per share, diluted $0.43 $0.63 $0.74 $0.35
Net working capital(1) 217.6 256.3 157.0 62.3
-----------------------------------------------------------------
(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.
Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to EBITDA from Operations(1)(2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fuel Constr-
For the three months ended Distri- Specialty uction
September 30, 2009 bution Chemicals Products SEM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) (5.7) 1.0 6.0 16.7
Add: Amortization of property,
plant and equipment,
intangible assets and
accretion of convertible
debenture issue costs 3.7 1.1 1.1 0.1
Amortization included
in cost of sales - 9.1 - -
Superior Propane non-cash
pension expense 0.4 - - -
Unrealized (gains) losses
on financial instruments 1.9 10.9 - (14.0)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA from operations 0.3 22.1 7.1 2.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fuel Constr-
For the three months ended Distri- Specialty uction
September 30, 2008 bution Chemicals Products SEM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) 2.7 15.5 6.9 (222.7)
Add: Amortization of property,
plant and equipment,
intangible assets and
accretion of convertible
debenture issue costs 3.6 1.3 1.2 0.1
Amortization included
in cost of sales - 9.1 - -
Superior Propane non-cash
pension expense 0.7 - - -
Unrealized (gains) losses
on financial instruments (0.3) 10.0 - 225.5
Gain on disposal of
facility - (4.0) - -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA from operations 6.7 31.9 8.1 2.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fuel Constr-
For the nine months ended Distri- Specialty uction
September 30, 2009 bution Chemicals Products SEM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) 37.7 15.8 8.6 (19.2)
Add: Amortization of property,
plant and equipment,
intangible assets and
accretion of convertible
debenture issue costs 13.1 3.6 3.3 0.3
Amortization included
in cost of sales - 27.3 - -
Superior Propane non-cash
pension expense 1.1 - - -
Unrealized (gains) losses
on financial instruments (2.0) 27.7 - 26.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA from operations 49.9 74.4 11.9 7.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fuel Constr-
For the nine months ended Distri- Specialty uction
September 30, 2008 bution Chemicals Products SEM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) 42.0 71.4 20.7 9.5
Add: Amortization of property,
plant and equipment,
intangible assets and
accretion of convertible
debenture issue costs 11.3 4.1 3.2 0.2
Amortization included
in cost of sales - 28.8 - -
Superior Propane non-cash
pension expense 1.9 - - -
Unrealized (gains) losses
on financial instruments 2.3 (16.7) - (1.7)
Gain on disposal of
facility - (4.0) - -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA from operations 57.5 83.6 23.9 8.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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.
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 2008 Annual Information Form under the heading "Risk Factors". For a detailed discussion of these risks, see Superior's 2008 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 a 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., the General Partner of Superior LP, 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 Superior Propane's sales and substantially all of ERCO and Winroc'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.
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 is or may be exposed to third-party credit risk relating to any obligations of Ballard that are not transferred, or if transferred, from which obligations Superior has not been released. Superior has, through the contractual provisions in the agreement entered into with Ballard in connection with Superior's corporate conversion (the Arrangement Agreement), the indemnity agreement and the divestiture agreement contemplated thereby, 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 and to the extent any applicable insurance coverage is not available, Superior may be liable for such obligations which could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of Superior.
Although Superior has conducted investigations of, and engaged legal counsel to review, the corporate, legal, financial and business records of Ballard and attempted to ensure, through the contractual provisions in the Arrangement Agreement, the indemnity agreement and the divestiture agreement, and through securing certain insurance coverage, that the liabilities and obligations relating to the business of Ballard are transferred to and assumed by the new corporation which continued to carry on Ballard's business, there may be liabilities or risks that Superior may not have uncovered in its due diligence investigations, or that may have an unanticipated material adverse effect on Superior. These liabilities and risks could have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of Superior.
The steps under the plan of arrangement pursuant to which the corporate conversion was completed (the Plan of Arrangement) were structured to be tax-deferred to the Fund and Fund Unitholders based on proposals to facilitate tax deferred conversions of certain mutual fund trusts into taxable Canadian corporations (the SIFT Reorganization Amendments) proposed by the Department of Finance on
Risks to the Businesses
Superior Propane
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 Propane competes with other retail marketers. Superior Propane's ability to remain an industry leader depends on its ability to provide reliable service at competitive selling prices.
Weather and general economic conditions affect propane market volumes. Weather influences the demand for propane 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 Propane'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 Propane purchases the propane and when the customer purchases the propane) may result in positive or negative gross margin fluctuations.
Superior Propane offers its customers various fixed-price propane programs. In order to mitigate the price risk from offering these services, Superior Propane 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 Propane'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 Propane 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.
Approximately 22% of Superior Propane's employees are unionized. Collective bargaining agreements are renegotiated in the normal course of business.
Heating Oil
Heating oil is subject to similar business and operation risk as Superior Propane. In addition to these risks, the heating oil business is subject to the following additional risks. The heating oil business requires the transportation and distribution of several liquid fuels, including heating oil, which, upon a spill or release could result in damage to the environment, death or injury, reclamation obligations and substantial costs and liabilities to third parties. Superior may not be able to insure against these events or may elect not to insure because of high premium costs or for other reasons. In addition, any such liabilities could exceed the value of any insurance coverage obtained. Heating oil is subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations, including those relating to the protection of the environment, waste management, discharge of hazardous materials and the characteristics and composition of refined products. Certain of these laws and regulations may also require assessment or remediation efforts at heating oil facilities and at third party sites. Environmental laws applicable to the heating oil business are subject to frequent change and often become more stringent over time. Compliance with current and future environmental laws and regulations may require significant expenditures, increasing the overall cost of operating the business. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could also result in substantial fines or penalties against Superior or orders that could limit its operations and have a material adverse effect on its business or results of operations.
ERCO
ERCO 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 ERCO's products are correlated to the general economic environment and the competitiveness of its customers, all of which are outside of its control.
ERCO 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 ERCO 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 ERCO's Port Edwards, Wisconsin facility. Substantially all of ERCO's KCl is received from Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan (Potash). ERCO currently has a limited ability to source KCl from additional suppliers.
ERCO is exposed to fluctuations in the US dollar and the euro to the Canadian dollar.
ERCO's 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.
ERCO's 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 ERCO.
Approximately 25% of ERCO employees are unionized. Collective bargaining agreements are renegotiated in the normal course of business.
Winroc
Winroc competes with other specialty construction distributors servicing the builder/contractor market, in addition to big-box home centres and independent lumber yards. Winroc's ability to remain competitive depends on its ability to provide reliable service at competitive prices.
Demand for walls and ceilings building materials are 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 Winroc's products and services.
Approximately 8% of Winroc's employees are unionized. Collective bargaining agreements are renegotiated in the normal course of business.
SPI
SPI is subject to similar business and operational risks as Winroc. In addition to these risks, SPI is also subject to the following risks. SPI's business targets the commercial and industrial markets. Demand for commercial and industrial building products is affected by changes in general and local economic conditions and demand factors, including conditions in a wide range of end use markets which include manufacturing, energy, petrochemical, utility, healthcare, education and institutional. The level of demand in SPI's commercial and industrial business is subject to changes in these economic conditions and demand factors. In addition, a large portion of contracts awarded depend on competitive bidding, and, as a result, such competition can adversely affect the ability to secure contracts or negatively affect the terms of such contracts.
SEM
New entrants in the energy retailing business may enter the market and compete directly for the customer base that SEM targets, slowing or reducing its market share.
SEM 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 SEM 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, SEM 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, SEM 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.
SEM 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 SEM. SEM is able to invoice existing commercial electricity customers for balancing charges when the amount of energy used is greater than or less than 10% of the amount of energy that SEM estimated. In certain circumstances, there can be balancing issues for which SEM is responsible when customer aggregation forecasts are not realized.
SEM 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. SEM 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 SEM. However, the financial condition of each counterparty is evaluated and credit limits are established to minimize SEM'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 SEM's risk management policy.
SEM must retain qualified sales agents in order to properly execute its business strategy. The continued growth of SEM 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 SEM would limit future growth of the cash flow.
SEM operates in the highly regulated energy industry in Ontario, British Columbia and
SUPERIOR PLUS CORP.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 30, December 31,
(unaudited, millions of dollars) 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 19.3 16.1
Accounts receivable and other (Note 5 and 9) 232.1 246.8
Inventories 142.2 128.0
Future income tax asset (Note 10) 77.1 65.9
Current portion of unrealized gains
on financial instruments (Note 9) 23.9 42.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
494.6 498.8
Property, plant and equipment 653.8 562.3
Customer contract related costs 15.6 17.7
Intangible assets (Note 4) 114.6 28.8
Goodwill (Note 4) 513.4 472.7
Accrued pension asset 18.5 19.5
Future income tax asset (Note 10) 160.1 185.9
Investment tax credits 123.4 133.1
Long-term portion of unrealized gains
on financial instruments (Note 9) 35.9 108.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,129.9 2,026.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 238.8 230.5
Current portion of term loans (Note 7) 5.2 13.0
Dividends and interest payable to
shareholders and debentureholders 17.6 0.7
Current portion of deferred credit (Note 10) 41.1 37.9
Current portion of unrealized losses
on financial instruments (Note 9) 83.1 87.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
385.8 369.9
Revolving term bank credits and term loans (Note 7) 570.9 462.8
Convertible unsecured subordinated
debentures (Note 8) 308.3 241.7
Future employee benefits 15.5 18.0
Deferred credit (Note 10) 235.3 269.8
Long-term portion of unrealized losses
on financial instruments (Note 9) 52.3 90.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Liabilities 1,568.1 1,452.7
Shareholders' Equity
Shareholders' capital (Note 11) 1,446.5 1,370.9
Contributed surplus (Note 11) 5.3 4.8
Accumulated deficit (860.8) (803.1)
Accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) (Note 11) (29.2) 1.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(890.0) (801.5)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Shareholders' Equity 561.8 574.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,129.9 2,026.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(See Notes to the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements)
SUPERIOR PLUS CORP.
Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings (Loss), Comprehensive Income
(Loss) and Deficit
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(unaudited, millions of Three months ended Nine months ended
dollars except per September 30, September 30,
share amounts 2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues 441.3 580.2 1,499.2 1,828.8
Cost of products sold (281.3) (446.1) (969.0) (1,397.7)
Realized gains (losses) on
financial instruments (Note 9) (33.1) 18.7 (80.1) 44.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 126.9 152.8 450.1 476.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses
Operating and administrative 106.5 115.0 336.5 339.8
Amortization of property,
plant and equipment 4.6 4.8 15.9 15.0
Amortization of
intangible assets 1.4 1.4 4.4 3.8
Interest on revolving term
bank credits and term loans 5.9 6.0 17.8 18.2
Interest on convertible
unsecured subordinated
debentures 4.2 3.8 11.7 11.2
Accretion of convertible
debenture issue costs 0.2 0.3 0.8 1.1
Gain on disposal of facility - (4.0) - (4.0)
Unrealized losses (gains)
on financial instruments
(Note 9) (33.9) 232.7 20.4 (22.4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
88.9 360.0 407.5 362.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) before
income taxes 38.0 (207.2) 42.6 113.3
Income tax recovery (expense)
(Note 10) (5.0) 3.3 8.3 (25.7)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Earnings (Loss) 33.0 (203.9) 50.9 87.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) 33.0 (203.9) 50.9 87.6
Other comprehensive
income (loss):
Unrealized foreign currency
gains (losses) on translation
of self-sustaining foreign
operations (18.9) 4.0 (27.9) 6.8
Reclassification of derivative
gains and losses previously
deferred 1.5 (0.4) (2.9) (7.4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive Income (Loss) 15.6 (200.3) 20.1 87.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deficit, Beginning of Period (857.1) (507.7) (803.1) (728.6)
Cumulative impact of adopting
new guidance on the valuation
of financial instrument asset
and liabilities (Note 2(b)) - - (0.3) -
Net earnings 33.0 (203.9) 50.9 87.6
Dividends to Shareholders
(Note 2(a)) (36.7) (35.8) (108.3) (106.4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deficit, End of Period (860.8) (747.4) (860.8) (747.4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) per share,
basic and diluted (Note 12) $0.37 ($2.31) $0.58 $0.99
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(See Notes to the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements)
SUPERIOR PLUS CORP.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months ended Nine months ended
(unaudited, millions of September 30, September 30,
dollars 2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Activities
Net earnings (loss) 33.0 (203.9) 50.9 87.6
Items not affecting cash:
Amortization of property,
plant and equipment,
intangible assets and
accretion of convertible
debenture issue costs 6.2 6.5 21.1 19.9
Amortization of customer
contract related costs 1.7 1.6 5.1 4.9
Amortization included
in cost of sales 9.1 9.1 27.3 28.8
Pension expense 0.4 0.7 1.1 1.9
Unrealized losses (gains)
on financial instruments (33.9) 232.7 20.4 (22.4)
Future income tax
expense (recovery) 5.9 (7.6) (13.6) 15.5
Customer contract related costs (0.9) (2.6) (3.0) (5.0)
Realized gains on financial
instruments (1.4) - (7.7) -
Proceeds on disposal of facility - (4.0) - (4.0)
Decrease (increase) in non-cash
operating working capital items 9.2 (23.8) 86.1 26.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from operating
activities 29.3 8.7 187.7 154.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investing Activities
Purchase of property,
plant and equipment (38.7) (14.1) (111.1) (37.9)
Proceeds on disposal of
property, plant and
equipment 1.0 5.1 3.9 6.6
Acquisition of SPI (Note 4) (109.2) - (109.2) -
Acquisition of Heating
Oil assets (Note 4) (96.1) - (96.1) -
Other acquisitions (Note 4) (0.7) 0.1 (0.7) (24.5)
Earn-out payment on prior
acquisition - - (0.6) -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from investing
activities (243.7) (8.9) (313.8) (55.8)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing Activities
Revolving term bank
credits and term loans 160.4 25.4 137.4 90.2
Net repayment of accounts
receivable sales program (19.1) - (33.2) (100.0)
Dividends to Shareholders (36.7) (35.8) (108.3) (106.4)
Issuance of common shares
(Note 11) 43.0 - 43.0 -
Issuance of 7.50% convertible
debentures (Note 8) 65.8 - 65.8 -
Proceeds from distribution
reinvestment program - - - 8.9
Realized gains on
financial instruments 1.4 - 7.7 -
Increase in non-cash
working capital 4.9 - 16.9 -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing
activities 219.7 (10.4) 129.3 (107.3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash 5.3 (10.6) 3.2 (9.0)
Cash and cash equivalents,
beginning of period 14.0 15.7 16.1 14.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents,
end of period 19.3 5.1 19.3 5.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(See Notes to the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements)
Notes to 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.
On December 31, 2008, Superior Plus Income Fund (the Fund) completed a
transaction with Ballard Power Systems Inc. (Ballard) which resulted in
Superior converting from a publicly traded income trust to a publicly
traded corporation. The transaction resulted in the Unitholders of the
Fund becoming Shareholders of Superior with no substantive changes to the
underlying business operations.
2. Accounting Policies
(a) Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements have
been prepared according to Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP), applied on a consistent basis, and include the
accounts of Superior and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Superior Plus
Corp. is considered a continuation of Superior Plus Income Fund; as such,
these consolidated financial statements follow the continuity of
interests method of accounting. Under the continuity of interests method
of accounting, Superior's transfer of the assets, liabilities and equity
from the Fund to Superior upon the completion of its transaction with
Ballard were recorded at their net book values. As a result of the
application of the continuity of interests method of accounting, certain
terms such as shareholder/unitholder and dividend/distribution may be
used interchangeably throughout these unaudited Interim Consolidated
Financial Statements. For the period ended September 30, 2009, payments
to Shareholders were in the form of dividends, whereas for the period
ended September 30, 2008, payments to Unitholders were in the form of
trust unit distributions. These unaudited Interim 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 Interim
Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto should be read in
conjunction with Superior's financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2008, 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) Changes in Accounting Policies
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
On January 1, 2009, Superior adopted the requirements of guidance
provided by the CICA related to the application of credit risk and the
determination of the fair value of financial assets and liabilities.
Superior adopted the guidance retrospectively, but did not restate prior
periods. Accordingly, Superior decreased the carrying value of its net
financial instrument assets and liabilities as at January 1, 2009, by
$0.4 million, with a corresponding increase of $0.1 million to Superior's
future income tax asset and an increase of $0.3 million to Superior's
opening accumulated deficit; comparative earnings and financial assets
and liabilities for prior periods have not been restated.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
On January 1, 2009, Superior adopted CICA Handbook Section 3064 Goodwill
and Intangible Assets. This standard provides more specific guidance on
the recognition of internally developed intangible assets and requires
that research and development expenditures be evaluated against the same
criteria as expenditures for intangible assets. The Section harmonizes
Canadian GAAP with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
Adoption of this standard did not have an impact on Superior.
(c) Future Accounting Changes
International Financial Reporting Standards
The Accounting Standards Board of Canada (AcSB) has announced plans that
will require the convergence of Canadian GAAP with IFRS for publicly
accountable enterprises, including Superior. The changeover date from
Canadian 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.
Financial Instruments - Disclosure
The CICA has amended Handbook Section 3862 Financial Instruments -
Disclosure. These amendments require enhanced disclosure on the fair
value of certain financial instruments. The amendments are effective for
annual financial statements on or after September 30, 2009. Superior does
not anticipate that these amendments will have a significant impact on
its consolidated financial statements.
(d) Business Segments
Superior operates four distinct business segments: a fuel distribution
and related service business operating under the trade names Superior
Propane, Superior Plus Energy Services, Montour Home Comfort Services and
Mohawk Home Comfort Services; a specialty chemicals business operating
under the trade name ERCO Worldwide (ERCO); a construction products
distribution business operating under the trade names Winroc and
Specialty Products & Insulation Co. (SPI); and a fixed-price energy
services business operating under the trade name Superior Energy
Management (SEM). (See Note 13.)
3. Seasonality of Operations
Superior Propane
Propane sales typically peak in the first quarter when approximately one-
third of annual propane 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 at the end of 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.
Winroc
Winroc's 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 quarter, and normally decline to seasonally low levels in the
first and fourth quarters.
4. Acquisitions
On September 24, 2009, Superior acquired the shares of Specialty Products
& Insulation Co. (SPI) for an aggregate purchase price of $141.8 million
(US$130.5 million), inclusive of transaction related costs. SPI is a
leading US national distributor of a comprehensive selection of
insulation and architectural named brand products focused on the
commercial and industrial markets.
On September 30, 2009, Superior acquired certain assets which make up a
US retail heating oil and propane distribution business (heating oil
assets) from Sunoco, Inc. (R&M), and Sunoco, Inc. both Pennsylvania
corporations, for an aggregate purchase price of $96.1 million (US$89.6
million), inclusive of transaction related costs. The heating oil assets
distribute a broad range of liquid fuels and propane gas and related
services, serving markets in Pennsylvania and New York.
Using the purchase method of accounting for acquisitions, Superior
consolidated the assets and liabilities from the acquisitions and
included earnings as of the closing date. As a result of the timing of
the completion of these acquisitions relative to the third quarter it is
likely that adjustments to the allocation of the assets and liabilities
may be required. A preliminary allocation of the consideration paid for
these acquisitions is as follows:
Acquisition Acquisition
of SPI of Sunoco TOTAL
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash consideration paid 107.0 91.6 198.6
Transaction costs 2.2 4.5 6.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cash consideration 109.2 96.1 205.3
Common shares issued to former
shareholders of SPI 32.6 - 32.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total consideration 141.8 96.1 237.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Working capital, net 54.7 3.2 57.9
Property, plant and equipment 3.8 53.0 56.8
Intangible assets 47.5 40.2 87.7
Goodwill 41.9 0.5 42.4
Future income tax liability (6.1) - (6.1)
Asset retirement obligations - (0.8) (0.8)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
141.8 96.1 237.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additionally, during the third quarter of 2009, Superior Propane acquired
the assets of two small propane distributors for consideration of $0.7
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 September 30, 2009, proceeds of $66.8 million (December
31, 2008 - $100.0 million) had been received. The existing accounts
receivable securitization program matures on June 29, 2010.
A summary of accounts receivable and other is as follows:
September 30, December 31,
2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts receivable trade 217.6 225.5
Accounts receivable other 2.8 5.9
Prepaid expenses 11.7 15.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts receivable and other 232.1 246.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Inventories
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 inventories of
$262.0 million and $833.7 million were expensed through cost of products
sold. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 inventories
of $356.6 million and $1,129.6 million were expensed through cost of
products sold. No write-downs of inventory or reversals of write-downs
were recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009
and 2008.
7. Revolving Term Bank Credits and Term Loans
Year of Effective September December
Maturity Interest Rate 30, 2009 31, 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revolving term bank
credits(1)
Bankers 2011 Floating BA rate 328.5 168.9
Acceptances (BA) plus applicable
credit spread
LIBOR Loans 2011 Floating LIBOR rate 77.3 90.1
(US$72.1 million; 2008 plus applicable
- US$71.6 million) credit spread
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
405.8 259.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Debt
Notes payable 2010 Prime 0.6 6.2
Deferred
consideration 2010 Non-interest bearing 2.4 4.8
Loan payable 2009-2014 6.3% - 11.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.0 22.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senior Secured Notes
Senior secured notes
subject to floating
interest rates
(US$60.0 million;
2008 - US$60.0 Floating LIBOR
million)(2) 2009-2015 rate plus 1.7% 64.4 73.5
Senior secured
notes subject to
fixed interest
rates
(US$100.0 million;
2008 - US$100.0
million)(2) 2009-2015 6.65% 107.2 122.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
171.6 195.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revolving term
bank credits and term
loans before deferred
financing fees 580.4 477.7
Deferred financing fees (4.3) (1.9)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revolving term bank credits and term loans 576.1 475.8
Current maturities (5.2) (13.0)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revolving term bank credits and term loans 570.9 462.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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 $570.0 million. The credit
facility matures on June 28, 2011. These facilities are secured by a
general charge over the assets of Superior and certain of its
subsidiaries. As at September 30, 2009, Superior had $17.5 million of
outstanding letters of credit (December 31, 2008 - $41.5 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$160.0 million (CDN$171.6
million at September 30, 2009 and CDN$195.9 million at December 31,
2008) are secured by a general charge over the assets of Superior and
certain of its subsidiaries. Principal repayments begin in 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 September 30, 2009 was CDN$166.3 million (December 31, 2008 - CDN
$183.8 million). In conjunction with the issue of the Notes, Superior
swapped US$60.0 million (CDN $64.4 million) (December 31, 2008 - US
$60.0 million (CDN $73.5 million)) of the fixed rate obligation into
a US dollar floating rate obligation.
Repayment requirements of the revolving term bank credits and term loans
are as follows:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Maturities 5.2
Due in 2011 442.2
Due in 2012 34.3
Due in 2013 34.3
Due in 2014 32.2
Subsequent to 2014 32.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 580.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Convertible Unsecured Subordinated Debentures
Superior has issued three series of debentures as follows:
Total
Unamortized Carrying
Discount Value
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
December December December
Maturity Date 31, 2012 31, 2015 31, 2014(1)
Interest rate 5.75% 5.85% 7.50%
Conversion price
per share $36.00 $31.25 $13.10
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debentures
outstanding as
at December 31,
2008 174.9 75.0 (2.6) 247.3
Issuance of 7.50%
debentures - - 69.0 (0.5) 68.5
Accretion of
discount during 2009 - - - 0.8 0.8
Deferred issue costs (3.2) (1.9) (3.2) (8.3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debentures
outstanding as at
September 30, 2009 171.7 73.1 65.8 (2.3) 308.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quoted market value
as at September 30,
2009 174.8 70.5 70.9
Quoted market value
as at December 31,
2008 141.7 52.5 -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Superior issued $69.0 million, 7.50%, convertible debentures during
the third quarter of 2009.
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. Financial Instruments
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 ERCO'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 $1.4 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
(Liability)(Liability)
as at as at
Effective September December
Description Notional(1) Term Rate 30, 2009 31, 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural gas
financial
swaps-NYMEX 11.9 GJ(2) 2009-2011 US$8.11/GJ (29.3) (33.5)
Natural gas
financial
swaps-AECO 38.5 GJ(2) 2009-2014 CDN$7.65/GJ (63.2) (34.8)
Foreign
currency
forward
contracts,
net sale US$215.9(4) 2009-2015 1.13 5.0 (11.5)
Foreign
currency
forward EURO
contracts (euro)6.5(4) 2009-2011 1.58 0.1 -
Floating
Interest rate LIBOR rate
swaps US$60.0(4) 2013-2015 plus 1.7% 7.9 11.7
Propane
wholesale
purchase
and sale
contracts,
net sale 8.35 USG(5) 2009-2010 $0.93/USG 1.5 (1.3)
Butane
wholesale
purchase
and sale
contracts,
net sale 3.41 USG(5) 2009-2010 $1.38/USG (1.0) -
ERCO fixed-
price
electricity
purchase
agreement 45 MW(3) 2009-2017 $45-$52/MWh 13.6 42.1
SEM electricity
swaps 0.5 MWh(6) 2009-2014 $62.3/MWh (10.2) (0.9)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Notional values as at September 30, 2009
(2) Millions of gigajoules purchased
(3) Mega watts (MW) on a 24/7 continual basis per year purchased
(4) Millions of dollars/Euros
(5) Millions of United States gallons purchased
(6) Millions of mega watt hours (MWh)
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 12.0 5.0 64.5 45.0
SEM electricity swaps - - 4.2 6.0
Foreign currency forward
contracts, net 5.4 10.8 9.8 1.3
Interest rate swaps - 7.9 - -
Propane wholesale purchase
and sale contracts 4.0 - 2.5 -
Butane wholesale purchase
and sale contracts 1.1 - 2.1 -
ERCO fixed-price power
purchase agreements 1.4 12.2 - -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at September 30, 2009 23.9 35.9 83.1 52.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at December 31, 2008 42.0 108.1 87.8 90.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the three For the three
months ended months ended
September 30, 2009 September 30, 2008
Realized Unrealized Realized Unrealized
gain gain gain gain
Description (loss) (loss) (loss) (loss)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural gas financial
swaps - NYMEX and AECO (29.1) 14.8 17.2 (224.0)
SEM electricity swaps (1.7) (0.7) - (1.5)
Foreign currency forward
contracts, net (4.0) 16.9 (3.9) 8.0
Interest rate swaps - 1.4 - 1.2
Foreign currency forward
contracts - balance
sheet related 1.4 - - -
Propane wholesale purchase
and sale contracts - (0.3) - 0.3
Butane wholesale purchase
and sale contracts - (1.7) - -
ERCO fixed-price power
purchase agreements 0.3 (11.0) 5.4 (11.1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total realized and
unrealized gains (losses)
on financial and
non-financial derivatives (33.1) 19.4 18.7 (227.1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign currency
translation of senior
secured notes - 14.5 - (6.7)
Foreign currency
translation of ERCO
royalty assets - - - 1.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total realized and
unrealized gains (losses) (33.1) 33.9 18.7 (232.7)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the nine For the nine
months ended months ended
September 30, 2009 September 30, 2008
Realized Unrealized Realized Unrealized
gain gain gain gain
Description (loss) (loss) (loss) (loss)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural gas financial
swaps - NYMEX and AECO (74.7) (16.7) 38.6 1.0
SEM electricity swaps (3.5) (9.3) - 0.7
Foreign currency forward
contracts, net (11.4) 11.4 (12.3) 17.5
Interest rate swaps 1.4 (4.4) 1.4 0.3
Foreign currency forward
contracts - balance
sheet related 7.7 - - -
Propane wholesale purchase
and sale contracts - 2.8 - (2.3)
Butane wholesale purchase
and sale contracts - (0.9) - -
ERCO fixed-price power
purchase agreements 0.4 (27.7) 17.2 14.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total realized and
unrealized gains (losses)
on financial and
non-financial
derivatives (80.1) (44.8) 44.9 31.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign currency
translation of senior
secured notes - 24.4 - (11.5)
Foreign currency
translation of
ERCO royalty assets - - - 2.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total realized and
unrealized gains (losses) (80.1) (20.4) 44.9 22.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-Derivative Financial Instruments
Superior's accounts receivables 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, SEM enters into natural gas financial swaps primarily
with Macquarie Cook Energy Canada Ltd. for distributor billed natural gas
business in Canada to manage its economic exposure of providing fixed-
price natural gas to its customers. Additionally, SEM continues to
maintain its historical natural gas swap positions with seven additional
counterparties. SEM monitors its fixed-price natural gas positions on a
daily basis to monitor compliance with established risk management
policies. SEM maintains a substantially balanced fixed-price natural gas
position in relation to its customer supply commitments.
SEM enters into electricity financial swaps with three counterparties to
manage the economic exposure of providing fixed-price electricity to its
customers. SEM monitors its fixed-price electricity positions on a daily
basis to monitor compliance with established risk management policies.
SEM maintains a substantially balanced fixed-price electricity position
in relation to its customer supply commitments.
ERCO 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.
Superior Propane 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. Superior Propane
monitors its fixed-price propane positions on a daily basis to monitor
compliance with established risk management policies. Superior Propane
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 ten counterparties to manage the economic
exposure of Superior's operations to movements in foreign currency
exchange rates. SEM and Superior Propane contract a portion of their
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. ERCO Worldwide
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 a single counterparty 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. Superior
Propane and Winroc deal with a large number of small customers, thereby
reducing this risk. ERCO, due to the nature of its operations, sells its
products to a relatively small number of customers. ERCO mitigates its
customer credit risk by actively monitoring the overall credit worthiness
of its customers. SEM has minimal exposure to customer credit risk as
local natural gas and electricity distribution utilities have been
mandated, for a nominal fee, to provide SEM with invoicing, collection
and the assumption of bad debts risk for residential customers. SEM
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.
Pursuant to their respective terms, trade accounts receivable, before
deducting an allowance for doubtful accounts, are aged as follows:
September 30, December 31,
2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current 184.3 150.5
Past due less than 90 days 31.7 67.6
Past due over 90 days 8.2 16.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trade accounts receivable, total 224.2 234.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Superior's trade accounts receivable are stated after deducting a
provision of $6.6 million as at September 30, 2009 (December 31, 2008 -
$9.3 million). The movement in the provision for doubtful accounts was as
follows:
Nine Twelve
months months
ended ended
September 30, December 31,
2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allowance for doubtful accounts, opening (9.3) (5.1)
Bad debt expense, net of recoveries (2.7) (8.1)
Written-off 5.4 3.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allowance for doubtful accounts, ending (6.6) (9.3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Superior's contractual obligations associated with its financial
liabilities are as follows:
2015
and
There-
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 after Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revolving term
bank credits
and term loans 5.2 2.1 440.1 34.3 34.3 32.2 32.2 580.4
Convertible
unsecured
subordinated
debentures - - - 174.9 - 69.0 75.0 318.9
CDN$ equivalent
of US$ foreign
currency forward
purchase
contracts 22.5 68.1 6.0 - - - - 96.6
US$ foreign
currency
forward
sales
contracts (US$) 43.0 150.4 64.5 32.5 9.0 - - 299.4
EURO(euro)
foreign
currency forward
sales
contracts (EURO) 1.1 5.1 0.3 - - - - 6.5
Fixed-price
electricity
purchase
commitments 4.4 17.7 17.7 17.7 17.7 17.7 53.1 146.0
CDN$ natural
gas purchases 13.4 37.1 9.3 7.6 7.0 - - 74.4
US$ natural
gas purchases
(US$) 14.5 37.9 2.1 - - - - 54.5
US$ propane
purchases (US$) 15.0 0.7 - - - - - 15.7
US$ butane
purchases (US$) 2.4 1.9 - - - - - 4.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 and nine
months ended
September 30, 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) to net earnings of a
$0.01 increase in the CDN$ to the US$ 3.6
Increase (decrease) to net earnings of a
0.5% increase in interest rates (1.3)
Increase (decrease) to net earnings of a
$0.40/GJ increase in the price of natural gas 18.7
Increase (decrease) to net earnings of a
$0.04/litre increase in the price of propane 1.0
Increase (decrease) to net earnings of a
$0.04/litre increase in the price of butane (0.2)
Increase (decrease) to net earnings of a
$1.00/KwH increase in the price of electricity 1.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 (loss) on financial
instruments and would not have a material impact on Superior's cash flow
from operations.
10. Income Taxes
On December 31, 2008, Superior converted from a publicly traded income
trust to a publicly traded corporation. As such, Superior's calculation
of current and future income taxes for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2009 is based on the conversion to a corporate structure
effective December 31, 2008, whereas Superior's calculation of current
and future income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30,
2008 is based on Superior being a publicly traded income trust.
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/expense, comprised of current and future taxes
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 was a $5.0 million
expense and an $8.3 million recovery, respectively, compared to a $3.3
million recovery and $25.7 million expense in the comparative period.
Income taxes were impacted by Superior's conversion to a corporation on
December 31, 2008, and the reversal of Superior's deferred tax credit.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, future income tax
recovery/expense from operations in Canada, the United States and Chile
was a $5.9 million expense and a $13.6 million recovery, respectively,
resulting in a corresponding total future income tax asset of $237.2
million and a total deferred credit of $276.4 million. Future income tax
recovery/expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008
was a $7.6 million recovery and $15.5 million expense, respectively.
11. 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, 2008 88.4 574.2
Net earnings - 50.9
Other comprehensive income (loss) - (30.8)
Issuance of common shares(2) 6.8 75.6
Option value associated with the issue
of $69.0 million, 7.50% debentures - 0.5
Cumulative impact of adopting new guidance
on the valuation of financial instrument
asset and liabilities (Note 2(b)) - (0.3)
Dividends to Shareholders(3) - (108.3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' equity, September 30, 2009 95.2 561.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) On December 31, 2008, Superior redeemed its outstanding trust units
in exchange for shares as a result of its conversion from a publicly
traded income trust to a publicly corporation. (See Note 1.)
(2) On September 23, 2009 Superior issued 3,970,000 common shares for net
proceeds of $43.0 million related to its acquisition of certain
heating oil assets. Additionally, on September 24, 2009, Superior
issued 2,803,135 common shares valued at $32.6 million by way of
private placement in consideration of the acquisition of SPI. The
number of common shares issued was based on a specified weighted
average value of superiors existing common shares.
(3) Dividends to Shareholders are declared at the discretion of Superior.
Shareholders' capital, deficit and accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss) as at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consists of the
following components:
September 30, December 31,
2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' capital
Share capital 1,446.5 1,370.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,446.5 1,370.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contributed Surplus
Conversion feature on expired warrants
and convertible debentures 5.3 4.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.3 4.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated deficit
Retained earnings from operations 583.7 532.8
Cumulative impact of adopting new guidance
on the valuation of financial instrument
asset and liabilities (Note 2(b)) (0.3) -
Accumulated dividends/distributions (1,444.2) (1,335.9)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(860.8) (803.1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at beginning of period 1.6 (20.3)
Unrealized foreign currency gains (losses)
on translation of self-sustaining
foreign operations (27.9) 30.1
Reclassification of derivative gains
and losses previously deferred (2.9) (8.2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(29.2) 1.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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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, securitized accounts receivable
and cash and cash equivalents.
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 senior debt
outstanding to net earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation,
amortization and other non-cash expenses (EBITDA), as defined by its
revolving term credit facility, and the ratio of total debt outstanding
to EBITDA. 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 senior debt and total debt to EBITDA ratios, which
are measured on a quarterly basis. As at September 30, 2009 and
December 31 2008, 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:
September 30, December 31,
2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total shareholders' equity 561.8 574.2
Exclude accumulated other comprehensive
loss (income) 29.2 (1.6)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' equity (excluding AOCI) 591.0 572.6
Current portion of term loans 5.2 13.0
Revolving term bank credits and term loans(1) 575.2 464.7
Accounts receivable securitization program 66.8 100.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total senior debt 647.2 577.7
Convertible unsecured subordinated debentures(1) 316.6 247.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total debt 963.8 825.3
Cash (19.3) (16.1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total capital 1,535.5 1,381.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Twelve Twelve
months months
ended ended
September 30, December 31,
2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) 31.0 67.7
Adjusted for:
Interest on revolving term bank credits
and term loans 23.3 23.7
Interest on convertible unsecured subordinated
debentures 15.3 14.8
Accretion of convertible debenture issue costs 1.1 1.4
Amortization of property, plant and equipment 19.2 18.3
Amortization included in cost of sales 37.4 38.9
Amortization of intangible assets 5.9 5.3
Income tax expense (recovery) (24.1) 9.9
Unrealized (gains) losses on financial
instruments 104.0 61.2
Gain on sale of facility - (4.0)
Superior Propane non-cash pension expense 1.6 2.4
Proforma impact of acquisition of SPI 31.9 -
Proforma impact of purchase of Heating Oil assets 18.9 -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA(2) 265.5 239.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 30, December 31,
Target 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senior debt to EBITDA(2) 1.5:1 - 2.0:1 2.4:1 2.4:1
Total debt to EBITDA(2) 2.5:1 - 3.0:1 3.6:1 3.4:1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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.
12. Net Earnings per Share
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30, September 30,
2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings per share
computation, basic and
diluted(1)
Net earnings (loss) 33.0 (203.9) 50.9 87.6
Weighted average shares
outstanding 88.7 88.4 88.4 88.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) per
share, basic and diluted $0.37 ($2.31) $0.58 $0.99
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) All outstanding debentures have been excluded from this calculation
as they were anti-dilutive.
13. Business Segments
Superior operates four distinct business segments: a fuel distribution
and related service business operating under the trade names Superior
Propane, Superior Plus Energy Services, Montour Home Comfort Services and
Mohawk Home Comfort Services; a specialty chemicals business operating
under the trade name ERCO Worldwide (ERCO); a construction products
distribution business operating under the trade names Winroc and
Specialty Products & Insulation Co. (SPI); and a fixed-price energy
services business operating under the trade name Superior Energy
Management (SEM). 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.
For the three
months ended Fuel Constr- Total
September 30, Distri- Specialty uction Consoli-
2009 bution Chemicals Products SEM Corporate dated
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues 147.6 115.4 100.5 77.8 - 441.3
Cost of
products sold (98.0) (73.8) (73.6) (35.9) - (281.3)
Realized gains
(losses) on
financial
instruments (0.1) (0.2) - (34.2) 1.4 (33.1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 49.5 41.4 26.9 7.7 1.4 126.9
Expenses
Operating
and admini-
strative 49.6 28.4 19.8 4.9 3.8 106.5
Amortization
of property,
plant and
equipment 3.7 - 0.9 - - 4.6
Amortization
of intangible
assets - 1.1 0.2 0.1 - 1.4
Interest on
revolving
term bank
credits and
term loans - - - - 5.9 5.9
Interest on
convertible
unsecured
subordinated
debentures - - - - 4.2 4.2
Accretion of
convertible
debenture
issue costs - - - - 0.2 0.2
Unrealized
losses (gains)
on financial
instruments 1.9 10.9 - (14.0) (32.7) (33.9)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
55.2 40.4 20.9 (9.0) (18.6) 88.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings
(loss) before
income taxes (5.7) 1.0 6.0 16.7 20.0 38.0
Income tax
expense - - - - (5.0) (5.0)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Earnings
(Loss) (5.7) 1.0 6.0 16.7 15.0 33.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the three
months ended Fuel Constr- Total
September 30, Distri- Specialty uction Consoli-
2008 bution Chemicals Products SEM Corporate dated
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues 236.4 121.7 142.6 79.5 - 580.2
Cost of
products sold (181.3) (76.3) (107.4) (81.1) - (446.1)
Realized gains
(losses) on
financial
instruments 0.2 6.9 - 11.6 - 18.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 55.3 52.3 35.2 10.0 - 152.8
Expenses
Operating
and admini-
strative 49.3 29.5 27.1 7.1 2.0 115.0
Amortization
of property,
plant and
equipment 3.6 0.2 1.0 - - 4.8
Amortization
of intangible
assets - 1.1 0.2 0.1 - 1.4
Interest on
revolving
term bank
credits and
term loans - - - - 6.0 6.0
Interest on
convertible
unsecured
subordinated
debentures - - - - 3.8 3.8
Accretion of
convertible
debenture
issue costs - - - - 0.3 0.3
Gain on
disposal of
facility - (4.0) - - - (4.0)
Unrealized
losses (gains)
on financial
instruments (0.3) 10.0 - 225.5 (2.5) 232.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
52.6 36.8 28.3 232.7 9.6 360.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings
(loss) before
income taxes 2.7 15.5 6.9 (222.7) (9.6) (207.2)
Income tax
recovery - - - - 3.3 3.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Earnings
(Loss) 2.7 15.5 6.9 (222.7) (6.3) (203.9)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the nine
months ended Fuel Constr- Total
September 30, Distri- Specialty uction Consoli-
2009 bution Chemicals Products SEM Corporate dated
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues 615.4 359.4 292.8 231.6 - 1,499.2
Cost of
products sold (409.6) (214.2) (217.2) (128.0) - (969.0)
Realized gains
(losses) on
financial
instruments (1.0) (6.9) - (81.3) 9.1 (80.1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 204.8 138.3 75.6 22.3 9.1 450.1
Expenses
Operating
and admini-
strative 156.0 91.2 63.7 15.2 10.4 336.5
Amortization
of property,
plant and
equipment 13.1 - 2.8 - - 15.9
Amortization
of intangible
assets - 3.6 0.5 0.3 - 4.4
Interest on
revolving
term bank
credits and
term loans - - - - 17.8 17.8
Interest on
convertible
unsecured
subordinated
debentures - - - - 11.7 11.7
Accretion of
convertible
debenture
issue costs - - - - 0.8 0.8
Unrealized
losses (gains)
on financial
instruments (2.0) 27.7 - 26.0 (31.3) 20.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
167.1 122.5 67.0 41.5 9.4 407.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings
(loss) before
income taxes 37.7 15.8 8.6 (19.2) (0.3) 42.6
Income tax
recovery - - - - 8.3 8.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Earnings
(Loss) 37.7 15.8 8.6 (19.2) 8.0 50.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the nine
months ended Fuel Constr- Total
September 30, Distri- Specialty uction Consoli-
2008 bution Chemicals Products SEM Corporate dated
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues 835.2 347.1 399.5 247.0 - 1,828.8
Cost of
products sold (625.2) (231.7) (299.6) (241.2) - (1,397.7)
Realized gains
(losses) on
financial
instruments (0.4) 23.5 - 20.4 1.4 44.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 209.6 138.9 99.9 26.2 1.4 476.0
Expenses
Operating
and admini-
strative 154.0 84.1 76.0 18.2 7.5 339.8
Amortization
of property,
plant and
equipment 11.3 0.9 2.8 - - 15.0
Amortization
of intangible
assets - 3.2 0.4 0.2 - 3.8
Interest on
revolving
term bank
credits and
term loans - - - - 18.2 18.2
Interest on
convertible
unsecured
subordinated
debentures - - - - 11.2 11.2
Accretion of
convertible
debenture
issue costs - - - - 1.1 1.1
Gain on disposal
of facility - (4.0) - - - (4.0)
Unrealized
losses (gains)
on financial
instruments 2.3 (16.7) - (1.7) (6.3) (22.4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
167.6 67.5 79.2 16.7 31.7 362.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings
(loss) before
income taxes 42.0 71.4 20.7 9.5 (30.3) 113.3
Income tax
expense - - - - (25.7) (25.7)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Earnings
(Loss) 42.0 71.4 20.7 9.5 (56.0) 87.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Assets, Net Working Capital, Acquisitions and Purchase of Property,
Plant and Equipment
Fuel Constr- Total
Distri- Specialty uction Consoli-
bution Chemicals Products SEM Corporate dated
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at
September 30,
2009
Net working
capital(1) 40.2 0.2 117.7 10.0 (36.1) 132.0
Total assets 688.2 609.6 379.4 63.8 388.9 2,129.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at
December 31,
2008
Net working
capital(1) 60.7 27.6 76.5 4.8 (22.9) 146.7
Total assets 658.2 618.3 211.3 69.5 469.6 2,026.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the three
months ended
September 30,
2009
Acquisitions 96.8 - 109.2 - - 206.0
Purchase of
property,
plant and
equipment 2.8 34.9 1.0 - - 38.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the three
months ended
September 30,
2008
Acquisitions - - (0.1) - - (0.1)
Purchase of
property,
plant and
equipment 1.4 12.3 - 0.4 - 14.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the nine
months ended
September 30,
2009
Acquisitions 96.8 - 109.2 - - 206.0
Purchase of
property,
plant and
equipment 8.1 101.7 1.2 0.1 - 111.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the nine
months ended
September 30,
2008
Acquisitions 3.4 - 21.1 - - 24.5
Purchase of
property,
plant and
equipment 4.6 30.8 1.6 0.9 - 37.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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.
Geographic Information
Total
United Consoli-
Canada States Other dated
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues for the three months
ended September 30, 2009 341.1 80.0 20.2 441.3
Revenues for the nine months
ended September 30, 2009 1,169.5 266.2 63.5 1,499.2
Property, plant and equipment
as at September 30, 2009 373.5 220.3 60.0 653.8
Goodwill as at
September 30, 2009 451.9 61.5 - 513.4
Total assets as at
September 30, 2009 1,762.4 297.3 70.2 2,129.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues for the three months
ended September 30, 2008 467.9 94.1 18.2 580.2
Revenues for the nine months
ended September 30, 2008 1,512.0 259.3 57.5 1,828.8
Property, plant and equipment
as at December 31, 2008 400.3 92.4 69.6 562.3
Goodwill as at
December 31, 2008 454.6 18.1 - 472.7
Total assets as at
December 31, 2008 1,761.1 188.7 77.1 2,026.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. Comparative Figures
Certain reclassifications of prior year amounts have been made to conform
to current year presentation. Specifically, $8.5 million has been
reclassified to property, plant and equipment from inventory to provide
comparative presentation of certain of Superior Propane's rental assets.
Additionally, $25.4 million has been reclassified from current portion of
deferred credit to long-term portion of the deferred credit.
15. Subsequent Event
On October 16, 2009, Superior LP announced that it intends to issue
$150 million, 8.25% senior unsecured debentures due October 27, 2016. The
net proceeds from the issue will be used to repay Superior's existing
revolving term credit facility.
For further information: For more 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); Scott Daniel, Vice-President, Treasurer and Investor Relations, E-mail: [email protected], Phone: (403) 218-2953, Fax: (403) 218-2973, Toll Free: 1-866-490-PLUS (7587)
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