Try our mobile app

NewMarket Corporation Reports Second Quarter and First Half 2024 Results 

Published: 2024-07-29 21:01:00 ET
<<<  go to NEU company page
  • Second Quarter Net Income of $112 Million and Earnings Per Share of $11.63
  • First Half Petroleum Additives Operating Profit of $299 Million
  • First Half AMPAC Results Consistent with Pre-Acquisition Expectations
  • Debt Reduction of $171 Million Since AMPAC Acquisition

RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NewMarket Corporation (NYSE:NEU) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas E. Gottwald, released the following earnings report of the Company’s operations for the second quarter and first half of 2024.

Net income for the second quarter of 2024 was $111.6 million, or $11.63 per share, compared to net income of $99.6 million, or $10.36 per share, for the same period last year. For the first half of 2024, net income was $219.4 million, or $22.87 per share, compared to $197.2 million, or $20.45 per share, for the same period in 2023.

Petroleum additives sales for the second quarter of 2024 were $669.8 million, compared to $684.0 million for the same period in 2023. Petroleum additives operating profit for the second quarter of 2024 was $147.8 million, compared to $132.1 million for the second quarter of 2023. The increase in petroleum additives operating profit was mainly due to lower raw material and operating costs as well as increased shipments, partially offset by lower selling prices. Shipments increased approximately 1% when comparing the second quarter of 2024 to the same period in 2023.

Petroleum additives sales for the first half of 2024 were $1.3 billion, compared to $1.4 billion in the first half of 2023. Petroleum additives operating profit for the first half of 2024 was $298.7 million, compared to $264.2 million in the same period last year. The drivers for the increase in operating profit between these periods were consistent with those affecting the second quarter comparison discussed above. Shipments increased 2.7% when comparing the first half of 2024 with the same period in 2023, with increases in both lubricant additives and fuel additives shipments.

We are pleased with the strong performance of our petroleum additives business during the first half of 2024. We are seeing the favorable results of our ongoing focus on margin management. Managing our operating costs, our inventory levels, and our portfolio profitability will remain priorities throughout 2024.

We completed the acquisition of American Pacific Corporation (AMPAC) on January 16, 2024. The financial results of our AMPAC business since the date of acquisition are included in our specialty materials segment. Specialty materials sales for the second quarter of 2024 were $38.0 million. Specialty materials operating profit for the second quarter of 2024 was $5.0 million, compared to a loss of $5.0 million in the first quarter of 2024.

For the first half of 2024, the specialty materials segment reported sales of $55.1 million and operating profit slightly above breakeven. The specialty materials second quarter and first half 2024 results reflect the sale of AMPAC finished goods inventory that we acquired at closing. This inventory was recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and, when sold during the first half of 2024, generated no margin. We expect to see substantial variation in quarterly results for AMPAC due to the nature of its business, and we anticipate full year 2024 results to be consistent with our pre-acquisition expectations.

We generated solid cash flows from operations during the first half of 2024, we funded capital expenditures of $28.5 million, and we paid dividends of $48.0 million. Since the AMPAC acquisition, we have made payments of $171 million on our revolving credit facility. As of June 30, 2024, our Net Debt to EBITDA ratio was 1.6, which is within our target operating range of 1.5 to 2.0.

We anticipate continued strength in our petroleum additives segment. We also look forward to the ongoing integration of AMPAC into the NewMarket family of companies. We continue to make decisions to promote long-term value for our shareholders and customers, and we remain focused on our long-term objectives. We believe the fundamentals of how we run our business - a long-term view, safety-first culture, customer-focused solutions, technology-driven product offerings, and world-class supply chain capability - will continue to be beneficial for all our stakeholders.

Sincerely,

Thomas E. Gottwald

The petroleum additives segment consists of the North America (the United States and Canada), Latin America (Mexico, Central America, and South America), Asia Pacific, and Europe/Middle East/Africa/India (Europe or EMEAI) regions. The specialty materials segment, which consists of the AMPAC business, operates primarily in North America.

The Company has disclosed the non-GAAP financial measures EBITDA, Net Debt, and Net Debt to EBITDA, as well as the related calculations in the schedules included with this earnings release. EBITDA is defined as income from continuing operations before the deduction of interest and financing expenses, income taxes, depreciation (on property, plant, and equipment) and amortization (on intangibles and lease right-of-use assets). Net Debt is defined as long-term debt, including current maturities, less cash and cash equivalents. Net Debt to EBITDA is defined as Net Debt divided by EBITDA for the rolling four quarters ended as of the specified date. The Company believes that even though these items are not required by or presented in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), these additional measures enhance understanding of the Company’s performance and period to period comparability. The Company believes that these items should not be considered an alternative to our results determined under GAAP.

As a reminder, a conference call and webcast is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, to review second quarter 2024 financial results. You can access the conference call live by dialing 1-888-506-0062 (domestic) or 1-973-528-0011 (international) and requesting the NewMarket conference call. To avoid delays, callers should dial in five minutes early. A teleconference replay of the call will be available until August 6, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. ET by dialing 1-877-481-4010 (domestic) or 1-919-882-2331 (international). The replay passcode number is 50848. The call will also be broadcast via the internet and can be accessed through the Company’s website at www.newmarket.com or www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2001/50848. A webcast replay will be available for 30 days.

NewMarket Corporation is a holding company operating through its subsidiaries, Afton Chemical Corporation (Afton), Ethyl Corporation (Ethyl), and American Pacific Corporation (AMPAC). The Afton and Ethyl companies develop, manufacture, blend, and deliver chemical additives that enhance the performance of petroleum products. AMPAC is a manufacturer of specialty materials primarily used in solid rocket motors for the aerospace and defense industries. The NewMarket family of companies has a long-term commitment to its people, to safety, to providing innovative solutions for its customers, and to making the world a better place.

Some of the information contained in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although NewMarket’s management believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from expectations.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include, but are not limited to, the availability of raw materials and distribution systems; disruptions at production facilities, including single-sourced facilities; hazards common to chemical businesses; the ability to respond effectively to technological changes in our industries; failure to protect our intellectual property rights; sudden, sharp, or prolonged raw material price increases; competition from other manufacturers; current and future governmental regulations; the loss of significant customers; termination or changes to contracts with contractors and subcontractors of the U.S. government or directly with the U.S. government; failure to attract and retain a highly-qualified workforce; an information technology system failure or security breach; the occurrence or threat of extraordinary events, including natural disasters, terrorist attacks, wars and health-related epidemics; risks related to operating outside of the United States; political, economic, and regulatory factors concerning our products; the impact of substantial indebtedness on our operational and financial flexibility; the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; resolution of environmental liabilities or legal proceedings; limitation of our insurance coverage; our inability to realize expected benefits from investment in our infrastructure or from acquisitions, or our inability to successfully integrate acquisitions into our business; the underperformance of our pension assets resulting in additional cash contributions to our pension plans; and other factors detailed from time to time in the reports that NewMarket files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is available to shareholders at www.newmarket.com.

You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made by NewMarket in the foregoing discussion speaks only as of the date on which such forward-looking statement is made. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. We have no duty to, and do not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this discussion after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. In light of these risks and uncertainties, you should keep in mind that the events described in any forward-looking statement made in this discussion, or elsewhere, might not occur.

NEWMARKET CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SEGMENT RESULTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(In thousands, except per-share amounts, unaudited)

 

 

Second Quarter Ended

June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Petroleum additives

 

$

669,826

 

 

$

683,969

 

 

$

1,347,090

 

 

$

1,383,960

 

Specialty materials

 

 

38,010

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

55,057

 

 

 

0

 

All other

 

 

2,392

 

 

 

1,161

 

 

 

4,817

 

 

 

3,959

 

Total

 

$

710,228

 

 

$

685,130

 

 

$

1,406,964

 

 

$

1,387,919

 

Segment operating profit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Petroleum additives

 

$

147,819

 

 

$

132,138

 

 

$

298,728

 

 

$

264,206

 

Specialty materials

 

 

4,972

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

0

 

All other

 

 

(1,374

)

 

 

(1,022

)

 

 

(1,455

)

 

 

(1,997

)

Segment operating profit

 

 

151,417

 

 

 

131,116

 

 

 

297,278

 

 

 

262,209

 

Corporate unallocated expense

 

 

(3,985

)

 

 

(6,810

)

 

 

(9,542

)

 

 

(13,301

)

Interest and financing expenses

 

 

(15,910

)

 

 

(10,255

)

 

 

(31,564

)

 

 

(21,028

)

Other income (expense), net

 

 

11,472

 

 

 

10,659

 

 

 

24,515

 

 

 

21,978

 

Income before income tax expense

 

$

142,994

 

 

$

124,710

 

 

$

280,687

 

 

$

249,858

 

Net income

 

$

111,620

 

 

$

99,624

 

 

$

219,352

 

 

$

197,207

 

Earnings per share - basic and diluted

 

$

11.63

 

 

$

10.36

 

 

$

22.87

 

 

$

20.45

 

NEWMARKET CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per-share amounts, unaudited)

 

 

Second Quarter Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

Net sales

 

$

710,228

 

$

685,130

 

$

1,406,964

 

$

1,387,919

Cost of goods sold

 

 

491,773

 

 

489,492

 

 

972,144

 

 

994,237

Gross profit

 

 

218,455

 

 

195,638

 

 

434,820

 

 

393,682

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

 

 

42,840

 

 

37,438

 

 

87,205

 

 

77,285

Research, development, and testing expenses

 

 

28,663

 

 

33,958

 

 

59,863

 

 

67,114

Operating profit

 

 

146,952

 

 

124,242

 

 

287,752

 

 

249,283

Interest and financing expenses, net

 

 

15,910

 

 

10,255

 

 

31,564

 

 

21,028

Other income (expense), net

 

 

11,952

 

 

10,723

 

 

24,499

 

 

21,603

Income before income tax expense

 

 

142,994

 

 

124,710

 

 

280,687

 

 

249,858

Income tax expense

 

 

31,374

 

 

25,086

 

 

61,335

 

 

52,651

Net income

 

$

111,620

 

$

99,624

 

$

219,352

 

$

197,207

Earnings per share - basic and diluted

 

$

11.63

 

$

10.36

 

$

22.87

 

$

20.45

Cash dividends declared per share

 

$

2.50

 

$

2.25

 

$

5.00

 

$

4.35

NEWMARKET CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share amounts, unaudited)

 

 

June 30, 2024

 

December 31, 2023

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

87,632

 

 

$

111,936

 

Trade and other accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses

 

 

495,516

 

 

 

432,349

 

Inventories

 

 

492,638

 

 

 

456,234

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

39,455

 

 

 

39,051

 

Total current assets

 

 

1,115,241

 

 

 

1,039,570

 

Property, plant, and equipment, net

 

 

759,357

 

 

 

654,747

 

Intangibles (net of amortization) and goodwill

 

 

763,467

 

 

 

124,642

 

Prepaid pension cost

 

 

385,363

 

 

 

370,882

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

 

 

73,867

 

 

 

70,823

 

Deferred charges and other assets

 

 

52,776

 

 

 

48,207

 

Total assets

 

$

3,150,071

 

 

$

2,308,871

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

270,789

 

 

$

231,137

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

85,114

 

 

 

76,546

 

Dividends payable

 

 

21,410

 

 

 

19,212

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

15,097

 

 

 

6,131

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

 

14,866

 

 

 

15,074

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

12,240

 

 

 

16,064

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

419,516

 

 

 

364,164

 

Long-term debt

 

 

1,172,732

 

 

 

643,622

 

Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent

 

 

58,009

 

 

 

55,058

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

 

264,466

 

 

 

168,966

 

Total liabilities

 

 

1,914,723

 

 

 

1,231,810

 

Shareholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

Common stock and paid-in capital (with no par value; issued and outstanding shares - 9,594,110 at June 30, 2024 and 9,590,086 at

December 31, 2023)

 

 

2,052

 

 

 

2,130

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(34,097

)

 

 

(21,071

)

Retained earnings

 

 

1,267,393

 

 

 

1,096,002

 

Total shareholders' equity

 

 

1,235,348

 

 

 

1,077,061

 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 

$

3,150,071

 

 

$

2,308,871

 

NEWMARKET CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW DATA

(In thousands, unaudited)

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

Net income

 

$

219,352

 

 

$

197,207

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

55,130

 

 

 

40,558

 

Cash pension and postretirement contributions

 

 

(5,781

)

 

 

(5,020

)

Working capital changes

 

 

(40,696

)

 

 

52,494

 

Deferred income tax benefit

 

 

(7,461

)

 

 

(11,301

)

Capital expenditures

 

 

(28,533

)

 

 

(26,006

)

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired

 

 

(681,479

)

 

 

0

 

Net borrowings (repayments) under revolving credit facility

 

 

279,000

 

 

 

(88,000

)

Proceeds from term loan

 

 

250,000

 

 

 

0

 

Dividends paid

 

 

(47,972

)

 

 

(41,879

)

Debt issuance costs

 

 

(2,251

)

 

 

0

 

Repurchases of common stock

 

 

0

 

 

 

(42,864

)

All other

 

 

(13,613

)

 

 

(12,978

)

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

(24,304

)

 

$

62,211

 

NEWMARKET CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(In thousands, unaudited)

 

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second Quarter Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

Net Income

 

$

111,620

 

$

99,624

 

$

219,352

 

$

197,207

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and financing expenses, net

 

 

15,910

 

 

10,255

 

 

31,564

 

 

21,028

Income tax expense

 

 

31,374

 

 

25,086

 

 

61,335

 

 

52,651

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

28,938

 

 

19,897

 

 

54,193

 

 

39,863

EBITDA

 

$

187,842

 

$

154,862

 

$

366,444

 

$

310,749

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Debt to EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

Long-term debt, including current maturities

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,172,732

 

$

643,622

Less: Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

87,632

 

 

111,936

Net Debt

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,085,100

 

$

531,686

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rolling Four Quarters Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2024

 

 

2023

Net Income

 

 

 

 

 

$

411,009

 

$

388,864

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and financing expenses, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

47,895

 

 

37,359

Income tax expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

108,782

 

 

100,098

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

90,950

 

 

76,620

EBITDA-Rolling Four Quarters

 

 

 

 

 

$

658,636

 

$

602,941

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Debt to EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.6

 

 

0.9

 

William J. Skrobacz Investor Relations Phone: 804.788.5555 Fax: 804.788.5688 investorrelations@newmarket.com

Source: NewMarket Corporation