Kraton Polymers LLC Announces Third Quarter 2009 Financial Results

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20091111006223/en

HOUSTON--(Business Wire)--
Kraton Polymers LLC (Kraton), a leading global producer of engineered polymers,
announces financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30,
2009.

Total operating revenues amounted to $289 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2009, a decrease of $93 million, or 24%, compared to total
operating revenues of $382 million for the three months ended September 30,
2008. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, total operating revenues
amounted to $717 million, a decrease of $277 million, or 28%, compared to total
operating revenues of $994 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Reported earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)
amounted to $45 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009, a
decrease of $16 million, or 26%, compared to reported EBITDA of $61 million for
the three months ended September 30, 2008. The results for the three month
period ended September 30, 2009 included expenses of $7 million associated with
the exit of our Pernis, The Netherlands manufacturing plant. For the nine months
ended September 30, 2009, reported EBITDA amounted to $67 million, a decrease of
$44 million, or 40%, compared to reported EBITDA of $111 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 2008. Through September 2009 and September 2008,
EBITDA included restructuring and related costs of approximately $9 million in
both periods.

Our reported EBITDA is based on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis of
accounting. Our results for the first nine months of 2009 were negatively
impacted by approximately $32 million, reflecting the spread between FIFO cost
and replacement cost, resulting from the sale of higher cost inventory produced
when raw material feedstock prices were above replacement cost. Conversely, our
results for the first nine months of 2008 were positively impacted by
approximately $39 million, to reflect a similar FIFO versus replacement cost
measurement.

Net income amounted to $22 million for the three months ended September 30,
2009, a decrease of $13 million compared to net income of $35 million in the
same period in 2008. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, net income
amounted to $1 million, a decrease of $34 million compared to net income of $35
million in the same period in 2008.

Last Twelve Months (LTM) Bank EBITDA, a measure used to determine compliance
with our debt covenants, totalled $124 million for the LTM ended September 30,
2009. Kraton was in compliance with its debt covenants at September 30, 2009. A
reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to LTM Bank EBITDA is attached.

"The positive volume momentum that began in the second quarter of 2009,
continued into the third quarter," noted Kevin M. Fogarty, Kraton`s President
and Chief Executive Officer. "In contrast to the 39% and 24% volume declines in
the first quarter and second quarter, respectively, when compared to the
comparable quarters in 2008, volume was down by 10% in the third quarter, and
our September sales volume was 98% of our September 2008 sales volume. As we
have maintained all year, a steady improvement in sales volume, coupled with
improved operating leverage we have achieved from our pricing and cost
management initiatives, is expected to result in measureable improvement in
Kraton`s bottom line in the coming quarters."

"Moreover, we continue to position Kraton for the future, as we made impressive
progress over the last few months on our strategic priorities," said Mr.
Fogarty. "In terms of operating results, we posted good quarterly financial
results in a recovering yet still challenging global market. We amended our
senior credit facility to provide us the opportunity to seek maturity extensions
to our revolver and term debt. On the cost reduction and productivity
improvement front, we announced the timed exit from our plant in Pernis, The
Netherlands, which we believe will yield annual cost savings of approximately
$12 million, beginning January 1, 2010. With regard to innovation, we continue
to launch new products for our customers, most recently introducing new Kraton A
copolymers to be used in environmentally sensitive adhesives, sealants and
coatings formulations. Lastly, I am pleased to report that we have completed the
installation of our new global SAP system. The project was completed in less
than 12 months and we are already experiencing the benefits of this powerful
platform, and we expect to capture additional productivity improvements as we
learn to leverage the system`s full capabilities," noted Mr. Fogarty.

Recent Developments

* Beginning in August 2009, we announced the implementation of a series of
regional price increases which were generally broad-based across our end-use
markets and in response to increases in raw material and energy costs.
* In August 26, 2009, we made additional announcements concerning our recently
introduced NEXAR TM polymers. The new NEXAR polymers family offers a unique set
of key performance attributes that can be used in a myriad of applications,
ranging from water desalination, to industrial separation applications, to
improving high performance textiles and clothing. The unique permselectivity of
NEXAR membranes allows for a flow of moisture in one direction while blocking
other substances such as potentially harmful chemicals.
* On September 10, 2009, we announced the exit of our Pernis, The Netherlands
isoprene rubber manufacturing facility. We are in the process of completing
project scoping for producing alternative isoprene rubber manufacturing
capacity, and until such alternative is brought on line, we plan to satisfy
customer and internal demand for isoprene rubber with inventory currently on
hand. The closure is expected to result in annualized cost savings of
approximately $12 million beginning in 2010.
* On September 28, 2009, we announced new developments for Kraton A styrenic
block copolymers that enable a new approach for environmentally friendly
adhesives and oil gels. The use of the new class of Kraton polymers will make it
possible to formulate pressure sensitive adhesives, sealants and coatings using
natural oils. The new technology offers a green solution and represents the
latest addition to Kraton`s portfolio of environmentally friendly products.
* On October 1, 2009, Polymer Holdings LLC, the parent company of Kraton
Polymers LLC, announced it had filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) related to a proposed public
offering of its common stock. On November 3, 2009, Polymer Holdings LLC filed
Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement on Form S-1 with the SEC.
* On October 20, 2009, we entered into Amendment No. 6 (the "Amendment") to our
senior credit facility. The Amendment permits, in each case subject to the terms
and conditions of the Credit Agreement, (i) the establishment of separate
classes of commitments to replace all or a portion of the existing revolving
commitments, (ii) the conversion of all or a portion of existing term loans into
separate classes of extended term loans that extend the scheduled amortization
and maturity of the existing term loans and (iii) the incurrence of indebtedness
secured pari passu with the current lenders to refinance existing term loans.

Third Quarter 2009 Earnings Release Conference Call and Webcast

Kraton has scheduled a conference call on Thursday, November 12, 2009, from
9:00-10:00 a.m. Central Time (10:00-11:00 a.m. Eastern Time) to discuss third
quarter 2009 financial results. These results will be available on Kraton's
website, http://www.Kraton.com thereafter.

Kraton invites you to listen to the conference call, which will be broadcast
live over the internet at http://www.Kraton.com, by selecting the "Investor
Relations" link at the top of the home page and then selecting "Events" from the
Investor Relations menu on the left side of the Investor Relations page. Company
spokespeople will include Kevin M. Fogarty, President and Chief Executive
Officer; Stephen E. Tremblay, Chief Financial Officer; and David A. Bradley,
Chief Operating Officer.

You may also listen to the conference call by telephone by contacting the
conference call operator 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and
asking for the "Kraton Conference Call - Passcode: Earnings Call." U.S./Canada
dial-in #: 888-577-8992. International dial-in #: 312-470-7060.

About Kraton

Kraton is a leading producer of styrenic block copolymers, or SBCs, a family of
performance polymer products whose chemistry it pioneered over 40 years ago.
SBCs are highly engineered synthetic elastomers which enhance the performance of
numerous products by delivering a variety of performance-enhancing
characteristics, including greater flexibility, resilience, strength, durability
and processability.

Kraton currently offers approximately 800 products to more than 700 customers in
over 60 countries worldwide, and is the only SBC producer with manufacturing and
service capabilities on four continents. Kraton manufactures products at six
plants globally, including its flagship plant in Belpre, Ohio, as well as plants
in Germany, France, The Netherlands and Brazil, and a joint venture operated
plant in Japan.

Kraton, the Kraton logo and design, and the "Giving Innovators their Edge"
tagline are all trademarks of Kraton Polymers LLC.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements that reflect our plans,
beliefs, expectations and current views with respect to, among other things,
future events and financial performance. Forward-looking statements are often
characterized by the use of words such as "believes," "estimates," "expects,"
"projects," "may," "intends," "plans" or "anticipates," or by discussions of
strategy, plans or intentions.

In this press release, forward-looking information relates to covenant
compliance, pricing trends, cost savings, production rates and other similar
matters. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made based on
management's current expectations and estimates, which involve risks,
uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Among these
factors are conditions in the global economy and capital markets, our dependence
on LyondellBasell, Shell Chemicals and other suppliers to perform their
obligations to us, failure of our suppliers to perform their obligations under
long-term supply agreements, or our inability to replace or renew these
agreements when they expire, could increase our cost for these materials and
interrupt production, limited availability or increases in prices of raw
materials used in our business, our substantial level of indebtedness and the
operating and financial restrictions imposed by our debt instruments and related
indentures, competitive pressures in the specialty chemicals industry, our
ability to continue technological innovation and successful commercial
introduction of new products, our ability to protect intellectual property and
other proprietary information, losses due to lawsuits arising out of
intellectual property infringement and product liability claims, losses due to
lawsuits arising out of environmental damage or personal injuries associated
with chemical manufacturing, compliance with extensive environmental, health and
safety laws, including regulation of our employees` exposure to butadiene, could
require material expenditures or changes in our operations, the risk of
accidents that could disrupt our operations or expose us to significant losses
or liabilities, governmental regulations and trade restrictions, exposure to
interest rate and currency fluctuations, acts of war or terrorism in the United
States or worldwide, political or financial instability in the countries where
our goods are manufactured and sold, and other risks and uncertainties described
in this report and our other reports and documents. Readers are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to
update such information.

KRATON POLYMERS LLC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended Three Months Ended

September 30, 2009
September 30, 2008
Operating Revenues
Sales $ 270,454 $ 363,275
Other 18,064 18,892
Total operating revenues 288,518 382,167
Cost of Goods Sold 218,549 287,719
Gross Profit 69,969 94,448
Operating Expenses
Research and development 5,075 5,808
Selling, general, and administrative 20,282 28,214
Depreciation and amortization 16,477 13,118
Total operating expenses 41,834 47,140
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt - -
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Joint Venture 129 94
Interest Expense, net 8,044 7,875
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes 20,220 39,527
Income Tax Expense (1,645 ) 4,910
Net Income (Loss) $ 21,865 $ 34,617

KRATON POLYMERS LLC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

Nine Months Nine Months

Ended
Ended

September 30, 2009
September 30, 2008
Operating Revenues
Sales $ 682,061 $ 947,925
Other 35,235 46,472
Total operating revenues 717,296 994,397
Cost of Goods Sold 602,633 788,618
Gross Profit 114,663 205,779
Operating Expenses
Research and development 15,115 21,129
Selling, general, and administrative 56,585 73,578
Depreciation and amortization 41,582 40,880
Total operating expenses 113,282 135,587
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt 23,831 -
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Joint Venture 305 314
Interest Expense, net 24,778 27,678
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes 739 42,828
Income Tax Expense (482 ) 7,405
Net Income (Loss) $ 1,221 $ 35,423

KRATON POLYMERS LLC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

September 30, December 31,

2009
2008

ASSETS

Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 22,365 $ 101,396
Receivables, net of allowances of $1,832 and $2,512 132,756 95,443
Inventories of products, net 252,646 324,193
Inventories of materials and supplies, net 9,712 11,055
Deferred income taxes 14,778 14,778
Other current assets 24,269 6,769
Total current assets 456,526 553,634
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation of $201,371 and $182,252 381,988 372,008
Identifiable intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $41,099 and $36,169 61,181 67,051
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture 11,997 12,371
Deferred financing costs 6,145 8,184
Other long-term assets 22,043 18,626
Total Assets $ 939,880 $ 1,031,874

LIABILITIES AND MEMBER`S EQUITY

Current Liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt $ 3,343 $ 3,343
Accounts payable-trade 83,510 75,177
Other payables and accruals 68,059 69,349
Due to related party 15,601 25,585
Insurance note payable - -
Total current liabilities 170,513 173,454
Long-term debt, net of current portion 482,222 571,728
Deferred income taxes 20,112 34,985
Long-term liabilities 63,134 63,117
Total Liabilities 735,981 843,284
Commitments and contingencies
Member`s equity
Common equity 188,202 182,767
Accumulated other comprehensive income 15,697 5,823
Total member`s equity 203,899 188,590
Total Liabilities and Member`s Equity $ 939,880 $ 1,031,874

KRATON POLYMERS LLC

LTM Bank EBITDA

(In thousands)

3 Mos Ended 12 Mos Ended 3 Mos Ended 12 Mos Ended
9/30/09 9/30/09 09/30/08 09/30/08

Net Income (Loss) $ 21,865 $ (5,768 ) $ 34,617 $ (588 )
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (1,645 ) 553 4,910 11,721
Interest Expense, net 8,044 33,771 7,875 38,631
Depreciation and amortization 16,477 53,864 13,118 56,380
EBITDA (1) $ 44,741 82,420 $ 60,520 106,144

LTM Bank EBITDA adjustments (2)

Sponsor fees and expenses 2,000 2,001
Plant turnaround costs 6,000 3,536
Permitted acquisition costs 1,130 3,000
Restructuring costs 10,271 3,220
Specified cost savings 8,583 6,483
Schedule 1.1 cost 3,000 3,000
Equity Investment (3) - 9,588
Other non-cash items increasing Net Income (Loss) 10,811 9,065

LTM Bank EBITDA (4) $ 124,215 $ 146,037

(1) The EBITDA measure is used by management to evaluate operating performance. Management believes that EBITDA is useful to investors because it is frequently used by investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry. EBITDA is not a recognized term under GAAP and does not purport to be an alternative to net income (loss) as an indicator of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Because all companies do not use
identical calculations, this presentation of EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Additionally, EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow for management's discretionary use, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments, tax payments and debt service requirements.

(2) These adjustments are made pursuant to the Credit and Guaranty Agreement, amended as of May 12, 2006.

(3) On January 14, 2008, we received an equity investment of $10.0 million of which $9.6 million was included in LTM Bank EBITDA as provided under the terms of the senior credit facility.

(4) LTM Bank EBITDA is defined in the senior credit facility and is used to determine compliance with certain covenants included in the senior credit facility.

Kraton Polymers LLC
Analysts:
Stephen E. Tremblay, 281-504-4760
Media:
Richard A. Ott, 281-504-4720

Copyright Business Wire 2009