Steel Partners Holdings Reports Fourth Quarter Results

Fourth Quarter 2020 Results

  • Revenue totaled $338.7 million
  • Net income from continuing operations was $94.2 million
  • Net income attributable to common unitholders was $108.4 million, or $2.52 per diluted common unit
  • Adjusted EBITDA* totaled $67.1 million; Adjusted EBITDA margin* was 19.8%
  • Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations was $13.5 million
  • Adjusted free cash flow* totaled $13.8 million
  • Total debt was $334.2 million; net debt,* which also includes our pension and preferred unit liabilities, less cash and investments, totaled $354.9 million

Full Year 2020 Results

  • Revenue totaled $1.3 billion
  • Net income from continuing operations was $83.5 million
  • Net income attributable to common unitholders was $72.7 million, or $1.65 per diluted common unit
  • Adjusted EBITDA* totaled to $213.7 million; Adjusted EBITDA margin* was 16.3%
  • Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations was $311.2 million
  • Adjusted free cash flow* totaled $149.6 million

NEW YORK--()--Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (NYSE: SPLP), a diversified global holding company, today announced operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2020.

Q4 2020

 

Q4 2019

 

($ in thousands)

 

FY 2020

 

FY 2019

$338,719

 

$346,691

 

Revenue

 

$1,310,636

 

$1,455,048

94,231

 

10,259

 

Net income from continuing operations

 

83,477

 

79,471

108,388

 

(28,564)

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders

 

72,675

 

(1,597)

67,084

 

46,614

 

Adjusted EBITDA*

 

213,739

 

195,349

19.8%

 

13.4%

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin*

 

16.3%

 

13.4%

7,645

 

13,293

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

23,226

 

39,816

13,843

 

36,491

 

Adjusted free cash flow*

 

149,648

 

117,028

* See reconciliations to the nearest GAAP measure included in the financial tables. See "Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measurements" below for the definition of these non-GAAP measures.

"Despite the many headwinds in 2020, we dedicated ourselves to safely providing quality, on-time products and services to our customers, and our results reflect this hard work and perseverance," said Executive Chairman Warren Lichtenstein. "We were able to respond to the pandemic and economic volatility by reducing costs, improving our operational performance, and increasing our financial flexibility, which led to increased EBITDA and cash flow despite reduced revenue in 2020. I am proud of our entire team, and we will continue to execute our strategy to deliver value for our unitholders, customers, and employees."

Results of Operations

Comparisons of the Three Months and Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

Revenue

$

338,719

 

 

$

346,691

 

 

$

1,310,636

 

 

$

1,455,048

 

Cost of goods sold

222,158

 

 

225,373

 

 

859,863

 

 

952,071

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

75,317

 

 

78,322

 

 

290,784

 

 

334,566

 

Goodwill impairment charges

1,100

 

 

 

 

1,100

 

 

15,924

 

Asset impairment charges

(11

)

 

 

 

606

 

 

849

 

Interest expense

6,176

 

 

8,737

 

 

29,514

 

 

38,835

 

Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on securities, net

(51,158

)

 

21,405

 

 

(25,643

)

 

(47,315

)

All other (income) expenses, net

(6,595

)

 

13,915

 

 

29,013

 

 

58,041

 

Total costs and expenses

246,987

 

 

347,752

 

 

1,185,237

 

 

1,352,971

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity method investments

91,732

 

 

(1,061

)

 

125,399

 

 

102,077

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

20,135

 

 

(19,771

)

 

38,136

 

 

14,563

 

(Income) loss of associated companies, net of taxes

(22,634

)

 

8,451

 

 

3,786

 

 

8,043

 

Net income from continuing operations

94,231

 

 

10,259

 

 

83,477

 

 

79,471

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

14,191

 

 

(38,949

)

 

(10,199

)

 

(81,165

)

Net income (loss)

108,422

 

 

(28,690

)

 

73,278

 

 

(1,694

)

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities (continuing operations)

(34

)

 

126

 

 

(603

)

 

97

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders

$

108,388

 

 

$

(28,564

)

 

$

72,675

 

 

$

(1,597

)

Revenue

Revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2020 decreased $8.0 million, or 2.3%, as compared to the same period last year. The decrease was driven by lower sales volumes in our Energy and Financial Services segments, partially offset by higher sales volume from our Diversified Industrial segment. Excluding an increase in average silver prices in the Diversified Industrial segment of $5.9 million, revenue increased by $4.1 million in our Diversified Industrial segment.

Revenue in 2020 decreased $144.4 million, or 9.9%, as compared to 2019. Excluding the effect of an increase in average silver prices in the Diversified Industrial segment of 1.2%, revenue decreased by 11.1%. The net revenue decrease of 11.1% was due to lower sales volumes across all the reportable segments, primarily due to the impact of COVID-19.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold for the three months ended December 31, 2020 decreased $3.2 million, or 1.4%, as compared to the same period last year, due to decreases in the Energy segment, primarily due to the lower sales volume.

Cost of goods sold in 2020 decreased $92.2 million, or 9.7%, as compared to 2019, due to decreases in the Diversified Industrial and Energy segments. The decrease in cost of goods sold was primarily due to: (1) lower sales volumes in both the Diversified Industrial and Energy segments, (2) the Company's cost reduction efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, and (3) a $5.0 million reduction in expense due to a favorable settlement of litigation involving our Building Materials business in the Diversified Industrial segment.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") for the three months ended December 31, 2020 decreased $3.0 million, or 3.8%, as compared to the same period last year. The decrease was primarily driven by cost reduction efforts across all the operating segments, partially offset by higher corporate expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2020.

SG&A in 2020 decreased $43.8 million, or 13.1%, as compared to 2019, primarily due to lower sales volumes and cost reduction initiatives in the Diversified Industrial and Energy segments. These decreases were partially offset by: (1) a $14.0 million environmental reserve charge recorded in 2020 in the Diversified Industrial segment related to a legacy, non-operating site and (2) higher SG&A in the Financial Services segment driven by increased credit performance fees associated with the larger loan balances. There was also a $12.5 million expense associated with a legal settlement in 2019.

Goodwill Impairment Charges

As a result of declines in customer demand and the performance of the Performance Materials business during 2020, the Company recorded a $1.1 million charge in the consolidated statements of operations for three months and year ended December 31, 2020.

The Company fully impaired the Packaging reporting unit's goodwill during 2019 and recorded aggregate goodwill impairment charges of $41.9 million ($15.9 million classified in continuing operations and $25.9 million classified in discontinued operations).

Asset Impairment Charges

As a result of COVID-19 related declines in our youth sports business within the Energy segment, intangible assets of $0.6 million, primarily customer relationships, were fully impaired in 2020. The impairment charges in 2019 of $0.8 million were primarily related to unused software in the Diversified Industrial segment's Kasco business.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $6.2 million and $8.7 million, respectively. Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $29.5 million and $38.8 million, respectively. The lower interest expense in the 2020 periods was primarily due to lower interest rates.

Realized and Unrealized (Gains) Losses on Securities, Net

The Company recorded gains of $51.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020, as compared to losses of $21.4 million in 2019, and gains of $25.6 million and $47.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The changes in realized and unrealized (gains) losses on securities, net over the respective periods are primarily due to mark-to-market adjustments on the Company's portfolio of securities, which are required to be recorded in earnings under generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP").

All (Income) Other Expenses, Net

All other expenses, net decreased $20.5 million and $29.0 million in the three months and year ended December 31, 2020, respectively, as compared to the same period of last year. The decreases were primarily due to lower provision for loan losses and lower finance interest expense, as compared to 2019 periods.

Income Taxes

As a limited partnership, we are generally not responsible for federal and state income taxes, and our profits and losses are passed directly to our limited partners for inclusion in their respective income tax returns. The Company's tax provision represents the income tax expense or benefit of its consolidated corporate subsidiaries. Income tax provision of $20.1 million and $38.1 million, respectively, were recorded for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020, respectively, and tax benefit of $19.8 million and tax provision of $14.6 million were recorded for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively. Significant losses incurred by a corporate subsidiary together with losses incurred by the limited partnership, a flow-through entity, for both of which no tax benefits have been recorded, resulted in an effective tax rate of 30.4% based on the consolidated income before income taxes and equity method investments of $125.4 million in 2020. The lower 2019 effective tax rate reflects benefits for the removal of the valuation allowance on a capital loss carryforward and deductions related to the write-off of investments in certain subsidiaries.

(Income) Loss of Associated Companies, Net of Taxes

The Company recorded income from associated companies, net of taxes, of $22.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020, as compared to losses, net of taxes, of $8.5 million for the same period of 2019. The Company incurred losses from associated companies, net of taxes, of $3.8 million in 2020, as compared to losses, net of taxes of $8.0 million in 2019.

Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment (Capital Expenditures)

Capital expenditures for the fourth quarter of 2020 totaled $7.6 million, or 2.3% of revenue, as compared to $13.3 million, or 3.8% of revenue, in the fourth quarter of 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2020, capital expenditures were $23.2 million, or 1.8% of revenue, as compared to $39.8 million, or 2.7% of revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Additional Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $67.1 million, as compared to $46.6 million for the same period in 2019. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 19.8% in the quarter from 13.4% in the fourth quarter of 2019, primarily due to the Company's continued focus on cost management and the lower than expected loan losses noted above. Adjusted free cash flow was $13.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, as compared to $36.5 million for the same period in 2019.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin were $213.7 million and 16.3%, respectively, as compared to $195.3 million and 13.4% in 2019. For year ended December 31, 2020, Adjusted free cash flow was $149.6 million, as compared to $117.0 million for the same period in 2019.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $336.3 million in available liquidity under its senior credit agreement, as well as $18.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, excluding WebBank cash, and $291.4 million in marketable securities and long-term investments.

As of December 31, 2020, total debt was $334.2 million, a decrease of $3.9 million, as compared to December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, net debt totaled $354.9 million, a decrease of $58.5 million, as compared to December 31, 2019. Total leverage (as defined in the Company's senior credit agreement) was 2.4x as of December 31, 2020 versus 3.3x as of December 31, 2019.

During 2020 and continuing in 2021, WebBank has issued loans under the Small Business Administration's ("SBA") Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. As of December 31, 2020, the total PPP loans and associated liabilities are $2.0 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively. The loans were funded by the PPP Liquidity Facility, have terms of between 2 and 5 years, and their repayment is guaranteed by the SBA. Loans can be forgiven in whole or part (up to the full principal and any accrued interest) if certain criteria are met. The timing of loan forgiveness is uncertain at this time, but borrower forgiveness applications and SBA processing is expected over the next several quarters.

Revision for Correction of Errors and Discontinued Operations

In connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company identified errors in its previously filed annual consolidated financial statements and unaudited quarterly consolidated financial statements. The prior period errors are related primarily to a division of the Company's Electrical Products business within the Diversified Industrial segment that represented approximately 10% and 11% of the Company's revenue in 2019 and 2020, respectively, and are primarily related to inventories, revenue recognition and trade receivables, and accounts payable. The Company assessed the materiality of the errors in its historical annual consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") Topic 1.M, Materiality, and concluded that the errors were not material to the previously filed annual consolidated financial statements or corresponding unaudited interim periods but would be material in the aggregate if corrected solely in its consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020. In accordance with SAB Topic 1.N, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, the Company has corrected for these errors by revising previously filed 2019 annual consolidated financial statements in connection with the filing of its 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The revised annual consolidated financial statements also include adjustments to correct certain other immaterial errors, including errors that had previously been adjusted for as out of period corrections in the period identified. For additional information, please refer to Note 25 - "Restatement of Previously Issued Consolidated Financial Statements" of our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. All financial data in this release reflects the impact of those restatements.

In addition, the Company recast all 2019 financial information associated with API Group Limited and certain of its affiliates, which were deconsolidated during the first quarter of 2020 and previously included in the Diversified Industrial segment, to discontinued operations. The 2019 financial information has been recast to reflect these changes on a comparable basis.

About Steel Partners Holdings L.P.

Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (www.steelpartners.com) is a diversified global holding company that owns and operates businesses and has significant interests in various companies, including diversified industrial products, energy, banking, defense, direct marketing, supply chain management and logistics, and youth sports.

(Financial Tables Follow)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

December 31, 2020

 

December 31, 2019

ASSETS

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

135,788

 

 

$

137,948

 

Marketable securities

106

 

 

220

 

Trade and other receivables - net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,368 and $2,578, respectively

164,106

 

 

169,827

 

Receivables from related parties

2,073

 

 

2,221

 

Loans receivable, including loans held for sale of $88,171 and $226,532, respectively, net

306,091

 

 

548,427

 

Inventories, net

137,086

 

 

148,453

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

58,053

 

 

41,759

 

Assets of discontinued operations

 

 

41,012

 

Total current assets

803,303

 

 

1,089,867

 

Long-term loans receivable, net

2,183,017

 

 

196,145

 

Goodwill

150,852

 

 

149,626

 

Other intangible assets, net

138,581

 

 

158,593

 

Deferred tax assets

66,553

 

 

90,907

 

Other non-current assets

42,068

 

 

69,073

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

228,992

 

 

250,133

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

29,715

 

 

34,324

 

Long-term investments

291,297

 

 

275,836

 

Assets of discontinued operations

 

 

17,267

 

Total Assets

$

3,934,378

 

 

$

2,331,771

 

LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

100,759

 

 

$

88,165

 

Accrued liabilities

69,967

 

 

103,747

 

Deposits

285,393

 

 

615,495

 

Payables to related parties

4,080

 

 

481

 

Short-term debt

397

 

 

1,800

 

Current portion of long-term debt

10,361

 

 

14,208

 

Current portion of preferred unit liability

 

 

39,514

 

Other current liabilities

46,044

 

 

51,132

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations

 

 

21,256

 

Total current liabilities

517,001

 

 

935,798

 

Long-term deposits

70,266

 

 

139,222

 

Long-term debt

323,392

 

 

322,081

 

Other borrowings

2,090,223

 

 

 

Preferred unit liability

146,892

 

 

142,972

 

Accrued pension liabilities

183,462

 

 

183,228

 

Deferred tax liabilities

2,169

 

 

2,497

 

Long-term operating lease liabilities

21,845

 

 

26,458

 

Other non-current liabilities

39,906

 

 

25,057

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations

 

 

87,825

 

Total Liabilities

3,395,156

 

 

1,865,138

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

 

 

Capital:

 

 

 

Partners' capital common units: 22,920,804 and 25,023,128 issued and outstanding (after deducting 14,916,635 and 12,647,864 units held in treasury, at cost of $219,245 and $198,781), respectively

707,309

 

 

654,249

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(172,649

)

 

(191,422

)

Total Partners' Capital

534,660

 

 

462,827

 

Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities

4,562

 

 

3,806

 

Total Capital

539,222

 

 

466,633

 

Total Liabilities and Capital

$

3,934,378

 

 

$

2,331,771

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

Unaudited

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diversified industrial net sales

$

271,607

 

 

$

261,803

 

 

$

1,058,745

 

 

$

1,119,642

 

Energy net revenue

32,548

 

 

37,307

 

 

107,831

 

 

163,972

 

Financial services revenue

34,564

 

 

47,581

 

 

144,060

 

 

171,434

 

Total revenue

338,719

 

 

346,691

 

 

1,310,636

 

 

1,455,048

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold

222,158

 

 

225,373

 

 

859,863

 

 

952,071

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

75,317

 

 

78,322

 

 

290,784

 

 

334,566

 

Goodwill impairment charges

1,100

 

 

 

 

1,100

 

 

15,924

 

Asset impairment charges

(11

)

 

 

 

606

 

 

849

 

Finance interest expense

2,287

 

 

3,586

 

 

11,733

 

 

16,279

 

Provision for loan losses

(8,759

)

 

10,957

 

 

21,946

 

 

43,373

 

Interest expense

6,176

 

 

8,737

 

 

29,514

 

 

38,835

 

Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on securities, net

(51,158

)

 

21,405

 

 

(25,643

)

 

(47,315

)

Other income, net

(123

)

 

(628

)

 

(4,666

)

 

(1,611

)

Total costs and expenses

246,987

 

 

347,752

 

 

1,185,237

 

 

1,352,971

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity method investments

91,732

 

 

(1,061

)

 

125,399

 

 

102,077

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

20,135

 

 

(19,771

)

 

38,136

 

 

14,563

 

(Income) loss of associated companies, net of taxes

(22,634

)

 

8,451

 

 

3,786

 

 

8,043

 

Net income from continuing operations

94,231

 

 

10,259

 

 

83,477

 

 

79,471

 

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

14,191

 

 

(38,949

)

 

(2,808

)

 

(81,165

)

Net loss on deconsolidation of discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

(7,391

)

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

14,191

 

 

(38,949

)

 

(10,199

)

 

(81,165

)

Net income (loss)

108,422

 

 

(28,690

)

 

73,278

 

 

(1,694

)

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities (continuing operations)

(34

)

 

126

 

 

(603

)

 

97

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders

$

108,388

 

 

$

(28,564

)

 

$

72,675

 

 

$

(1,597

)

Net income (loss) per common unit - basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

$

3.81

 

 

$

0.41

 

 

$

3.34

 

 

$

3.19

 

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

0.57

 

 

(1.56

)

 

(0.41

)

 

(3.25

)

Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders

$

4.38

 

 

$

(1.15

)

 

$

2.93

 

 

$

(0.06

)

Net income (loss) per common unit - diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

$

2.19

 

 

$

0.41

 

 

$

1.85

 

 

$

3.19

 

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

0.33

 

 

(1.56

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(3.25

)

Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders

$

2.52

 

 

$

(1.15

)

 

$

1.65

 

 

$

(0.06

)

Weighted-average number of common units outstanding - basic

24,707,411

 

 

24,964,643

 

 

24,809,751

 

 

24,964,643

 

Weighted-average number of common units outstanding - diluted

42,930,970

 

 

24,964,643

 

 

51,390,972

 

 

24,964,643

 

Supplemental Balance Sheet Data (unaudited)

(in thousands, except common and preferred units) 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

2020

 

2019

Cash and cash equivalents

$

135,788

 

 

$

137,948

 

WebBank cash and cash equivalents

117,553

 

 

123,528

 

Cash and cash equivalents, excluding WebBank

$

18,235

 

 

$

14,420

 

Common units outstanding

22,920,804

 

 

25,023,128

 

Preferred units outstanding

6,422,128

 

 

7,927,288

 

Supplemental Non-GAAP Disclosures (unaudited)

Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2020

 

Year Ended
December 31, 2020

 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

Net income from continuing operations

$

94,231

 

 

$

10,259

 

 

$

83,477

 

 

$

79,471

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

20,135

 

 

(19,771

)

 

38,136

 

 

14,563

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

114,366

 

 

(9,512

)

 

121,613

 

 

94,034

 

Add (Deduct):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Income) loss of associated companies, net of taxes

(22,634

)

 

8,451

 

 

3,786

 

 

8,043

 

Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on securities, net

(51,158

)

 

21,405

 

 

(25,643

)

 

(47,315

)

Interest expense

6,176

 

 

8,737

 

 

29,514

 

 

38,835

 

Depreciation

11,498

 

 

11,659

 

 

44,583

 

 

44,619

 

Amortization

5,100

 

 

5,406

 

 

20,750

 

 

21,561

 

Non-cash goodwill impairment charges

1,100

 

 

 

 

1,100

 

 

15,924

 

Non-cash asset impairment charges

(11

)

 

 

 

606

 

 

849

 

Non-cash pension expense

1,200

 

 

2,077

 

 

3,632

 

 

8,290

 

Non-cash equity-based compensation

298

 

 

145

 

 

887

 

 

779

 

Other items, net

1,149

 

 

(1,754

)

 

12,911

 

 

9,730

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

67,084

 

 

$

46,614

 

 

$

213,739

 

 

$

195,349

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

$

338,719

 

 

$

346,691

 

 

$

1,310,636

 

 

$

1,455,048

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin

19.8

%

 

13.4

%

 

16.3

%

 

13.4

%

Net Debt Reconciliation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

2020

 

2019

Total debt

$

334,150

 

 

$

338,089

 

Accrued pension liabilities

183,462

 

 

183,228

 

Preferred unit liability, including current portion

146,892

 

 

182,486

 

Cash and cash equivalents, excluding WebBank

(18,235

)

 

(14,420

)

Marketable securities

(106

)

 

(220

)

Long-term investments

(291,297

)

 

(275,836

)

Net debt

$

354,866

 

 

$

413,327

 

Adjusted Free Cash Flow Reconciliation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2020

 

Year Ended
December 31, 2020

 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations

$

13,486

 

 

$

53,588

 

 

$

311,235

 

 

$

118,455

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(7,645

)

 

(13,293

)

 

(23,226

)

 

(39,816

)

Net increase (decrease) in loans held for sale

8,002

 

 

(3,804

)

 

(138,361

)

 

38,389

 

Adjusted free cash flow

$

13,843

 

 

$

36,491

 

 

$

149,648

 

 

$

117,028

 

Segment Results (unaudited)

(in thousands)

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Year Ended
December 31,

 

2020

 

2019

 

2020

 

2019

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diversified industrial

$

271,607

 

 

$

261,803

 

 

$

1,058,745

 

 

$

1,119,642

 

Energy

32,548

 

 

37,307

 

 

107,831

 

 

163,972

 

Financial services

34,564

 

 

47,581

 

 

144,060

 

 

171,434

 

Total revenue

$

338,719

 

 

$

346,691

 

 

$

1,310,636

 

 

$

1,455,048

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before interest expense and income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diversified industrial

$

22,822

 

 

$

9,301

 

 

$

70,849

 

 

$

41,744

 

Energy

1,754

 

 

(3,149)

 

 

(1,887)

 

 

(3,846)

 

Financial services

27,907

 

 

21,373

 

 

59,799

 

 

69,385

 

Corporate and other

68,059

 

 

(28,300)

 

 

22,366

 

 

25,586

 

Income (loss) before interest expense and income taxes

120,542

 

 

(775)

 

 

151,127

 

 

132,869

 

Interest expense

6,176

 

 

8,737

 

 

29,514

 

 

38,835

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

20,135

 

 

(19,771)

 

 

38,136

 

 

14,563

 

Net income from continuing operations

$

94,231

 

 

$

10,259

 

 

$

83,477

 

 

$

79,471

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Income) loss of associated companies, net of taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate and other

$

(22,634)

 

 

$

8,451

 

 

$

3,786

 

 

$

8,043

 

Total

$

(22,634)

 

 

$

8,451

 

 

$

3,786

 

 

$

8,043

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment depreciation and amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diversified industrial

$

12,558

 

 

$

12,537

 

 

$

49,451

 

 

$

48,055

 

Energy

3,850

 

 

4,374

 

 

15,006

 

 

17,548

 

Financial services

150

 

 

114

 

 

717

 

 

423

 

Corporate and other

40

 

 

40

 

 

159

 

 

154

 

Total depreciation and amortization

$

16,598

 

 

$

17,065

 

 

$

65,333

 

 

$

66,180

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment Adjusted EBITDA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diversified industrial

$

38,217

 

 

$

24,713

 

 

$

140,634

 

 

$

117,439

 

Energy

5,686

 

 

1,001

 

 

13,841

 

 

13,440

 

Financial services

28,066

 

 

20,567

 

 

60,523

 

 

66,199

 

Corporate and other

(4,885)

 

 

333

 

 

(1,259)

 

 

(1,729)

 

Total Adjusted EBITDA

$

67,084

 

 

$

46,614

 

 

$

213,739

 

 

$

195,349

 

Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measurements

The financial data contained in this press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measurements as defined by the SEC, including "Adjusted EBITDA," "Net Debt," and "Adjusted Free Cash Flow." The Company is presenting these non-GAAP financial measurements because it believes that these measures provide useful information to investors about the Company's business and its financial condition. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income or loss from continuing operations before the effects of income or loss from investments in associated companies and other investments held at fair value, interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cash pension expense or income, and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments, and excludes certain non-recurring and non-cash items. The Company defines Net Debt as the sum of total debt, accrued pension liabilities, and preferred unit liability, less the sum of cash and cash equivalents (excluding those used in WebBank's banking operations), marketable securities, and long-term investments. The Company defines Adjusted Free Cash Flow as net cash provided by or used in operating activities of continuing operations less the sum of purchases of property, plant and equipment, and net increases or decreases in loans held for sale. The Company believes these measures are useful to investors because they are measures used by the Company's Board of Directors and management to evaluate its ongoing business, including in internal management reporting, budgeting and forecasting processes, in comparing operating results across the business, as internal profitability measures, as components in assessing liquidity and evaluating the ability and the desirability of making capital expenditures and significant acquisitions, and as elements in determining executive compensation.

However, the measures are not measures of financial performance under U.S. GAAP, and the items excluded from these measures are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance. Therefore, these non-GAAP financial measurements should not be considered substitutes for net income or loss, total debt, or cash flows from operating, investing, or financing activities. Because Adjusted EBITDA is calculated before recurring cash charges, including realized losses on investments, interest expense, and taxes, and is not adjusted for capital expenditures or other recurring cash requirements of the business, it should not be considered as a measure of discretionary cash available to invest in the growth of the business. There are a number of material limitations to the use of Adjusted EBITDA as an analytical tool, including the following:

  • Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the Company's tax provision or the cash requirements to pay its taxes;
  • Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect income or loss from the Company's investments in associated companies and other investments held at fair value;
  • Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the Company's interest expense;
  • Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash expenses in the period recorded, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the cash requirements for such replacement;
  • Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the Company's net realized and unrealized gains and losses on its investments;
  • Adjusted EBITDA does not include non-cash charges for pension expense and equity-based compensation;
  • Adjusted EBITDA does not include amounts related to noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities;
  • Adjusted EBITDA does not include certain other non-recurring and non-cash items; and
  • Adjusted EBITDA does not include the Company's discontinued operations.

In addition, Net Debt assumes the Company's cash and cash equivalents (excluding those used in WebBank's banking operations), marketable securities, and long-term investments are immediately convertible in cash and can be used to reduce outstanding debt without restriction at their recorded fair value, while Adjusted Free Cash Flow excludes net increases or decreases in loans held for sale, which can vary significantly from period-to-period since these loans are typically sold after origination and thus represent a significant component in WebBank's operating cash flow requirements.

The Company compensates for these limitations by relying primarily on its U.S. GAAP financial measures and using these measures only as supplemental information. The Company believes that consideration of Adjusted EBITDA, Net Debt, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow, together with a careful review of its U.S. GAAP financial measures, is a well-informed method of analyzing SPLP. Because Adjusted EBITDA, Net Debt, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow are not measurements determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and are susceptible to varying calculations, Adjusted EBITDA, Net Debt, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow, as presented, may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that reflect SPLP's current expectations and projections about its future results, performance, prospects and opportunities. SPLP identifies these forward-looking statements by using words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "estimate," and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are only predictions based upon the Company's current expectations and projections about future events, and are based on information currently available to the Company and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause its actual results, performance, prospects, or opportunities in 2021 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation: the adverse effect of COVID-19 on business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows; the material weakness identified in our internal control over financial reporting; the continued volatility of crude oil and commodity prices; our subsidiaries' sponsor defined benefit pension plans, which could subject the Company to substantial future cash flow requirements; significant costs as a result of complying with environmental laws and regulations, including those related to restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions, and other extensive requirements to which the Company is subject; risks associated with our wholly-owned subsidiary, WebBank, as a result of its Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation status, highly-regulated lending programs, and capital requirements; the ability to meet obligations under the Company's senior credit facility through future cash flows or financings; the risk of management diversion, increased costs and expenses, and impact on profitability in connection with the Company's acquisitions; the impact of losses in the Company's investment portfolio; the effects of rising interest rates on the Company's investments and the phase-out of LIBOR on the interest rates of our credit facilities; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and obtain or retain licenses to use others' intellectual property on which the Company relies; our exposure to risks inherent to conducting business outside of the U.S.; the adverse impact of litigation or compliance failures on the Company's profitability; a significant disruption in, or breach in security of, our technology systems; labor disputes, the loss of essential employees, and our ability to recruit and retain experienced personnel, including key members of our management team; economic downturns; the rights of unitholders with respect to voting and maintaining actions against us or our affiliates; the impact to the development of an active market for our units due to transfer restrictions in the Company's Partnership Agreement; the possible volatility of our common or preferred unit trading prices; and other risks detailed from time to time in filings we make with the SEC. These statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, and no assurance can be given that the actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Investors should read carefully the factors described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's filings with the SEC, including the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, for information regarding risk factors that could affect the Company's results. Any forward-looking statement made in this press release speaks only as of the date hereof, and investors should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Except as otherwise required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances, or any other reason.

Contacts

Investor Relations Contact
Jennifer Golembeske
212-520-2300
jgolembeske@steelpartners.com

Contacts

Investor Relations Contact
Jennifer Golembeske
212-520-2300
jgolembeske@steelpartners.com