slca-20211029
0001524741false00015247412021-10-292021-10-29

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
________________________________________ 
FORM 8-K
_________________________________________
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): October 29, 2021
__________________________________________
U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 __________________________________________
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
001-35416 26-3718801
(Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
24275 Katy Freeway, Suite 600
Katy
Texas
 77494
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (281) 258-2170
  ___________________________________________
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: 
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value SLCA  New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐




Item 2.02Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On October 29, 2021, U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. issued a press release providing information regarding earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2021. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

In accordance with General Instructions B.2. of Form 8-K, the information furnished under this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section. The information in this form 8-K shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
 
Item 9.01Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits. The following exhibit is furnished herewith:
 
  
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).





SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: October 29, 2021
 
  U.S. SILICA HOLDINGS, INC.
   /s/ Donald A. Merril
   Donald A. Merril
   Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Document

                                             Exhibit 99.1
https://cdn.kscope.io/969aa4a478bcd504eabb9b6b1314d88c-usslogo2q15a38.jpg    
News Release
U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2021 Results
Cash flows generated from operating activities were $74.8 million in the quarter
Third quarter revenue totaled $267.3 million, flat sequentially (excluding the prior quarter customer settlement) and increased 51% compared to the prior year
GAAP and adjusted EPS for the quarter of $(0.27) and $(0.22) per diluted share, respectively


Katy, Texas, October 29, 2021 – U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SLCA), a diversified industrial minerals company and the leading last-mile logistics provider to the oil and gas industry (the “Company”), today announced a net loss of $20.0 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021. This compared with net income of $26.0 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2021 which benefited from a pre-tax customer settlement of $48.9 million.
The third quarter results were negatively impacted by $4.8 million pre-tax, or $0.05 per diluted share after-tax, of charges related to merger and acquisition related expense, plant startup and expansion costs, and other adjustments, resulting in adjusted EPS for the third quarter of $(0.22) per diluted share.
Bryan Shinn, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "I am proud of our team's execution and ability to deliver on our strategy to generate strong cash flow and strengthen our balance sheet. In the third quarter, we paid off our revolver balance and increased our cash on hand to over $250 million.
"In our Industrial & Specialty Products segment, we continue to enjoy robust customer demand and continued success with new offerings including several product launches and successful customer scale up trials during the quarter. We are also moving quickly and aggressively to combat macro headwinds associated with logistical and supply chain constraints, overall cost inflation, and higher natural gas prices through the implementation of additional price increases and surcharges.
"In our Oil & Gas segment, sand and logistics demand moderated slightly during the quarter as completions activity slowed due to annual budget exhaustion at some customers. Additionally, this segment experienced a shift in customer mix with more spot sales at lower margins and higher costs, including higher natural gas prices and accelerated plant maintenance. Sandbox was a bright spot during the quarter with improved sequential profitability from increased pricing.
"Earlier this month, we announced that we have commenced a review of strategic alternatives for our Industrial & Specialty Products segment. We are considering a broad range of options, including a potential sale or separation of this segment. Both our Industrial & Specialty Products and Oil & Gas segments are industry leaders, and it is from a position of strength that we believe a separation or sale of the Industrial & Specialty Products segment has the potential to unlock significant value and maximize returns for all of our shareholders and other stakeholders.
"Looking ahead, we are well positioned for strong growth in our Industrial & Specialty Products segment, driven by new opportunities in several fast growing end-uses, new product adoption, expected GDP expansion and planned price increases. In our Oil & Gas segment, we are forecasting robust proppant and logistics demand in 2022 as energy company budgets reset and completions activity increases to levels consistent with very supportive



commodity prices. We also expect improved pricing and increased contract coverage with potential upside if commodity prices rise further."

Third Quarter 2021 Highlights
Total Company
Revenue of $267.3 million for the third quarter of 2021 increased 51% when compared with the third quarter of 2020 and decreased 16% compared with $317.3 million in the second quarter of 2021. However, excluding the $48.9 million benefit in the Oil & Gas segment related to a customer settlement, revenues were flat sequentially.
Overall tons sold of 3.989 million for the third quarter of 2021 decreased 3% compared with 4.104 million tons sold in the second quarter of 2021 and increased 78% when compared with the third quarter of 2020.
Contribution margin of $66.7 million for the third quarter of 2021 decreased 10% when compared with the third quarter of 2020 and decreased 48% compared with $128.6 million in the second quarter of 2021. However, excluding the $48.9 million benefit in the Oil & Gas segment, contribution margin decreased 16% sequentially.
Adjusted EBITDA of $39.8 million for the third quarter of 2021 decreased 62% compared with $103.3 million in the second quarter of 2021. However, excluding the $48.9 million benefit in the Oil & Gas segment, adjusted EBITDA decreased 27% sequentially.

Industrial & Specialty Products (ISP)
Revenue of $125.5 million for the third quarter of 2021 increased 1% compared with $124.0 million in the second quarter of 2021, and increased 14% when compared with the third quarter of 2020.
Tons sold totaled 1.08 million for the third quarter of 2021, flat compared with 1.08 million tons sold in the second quarter of 2021, and increased 13% when compared with the third quarter of 2020.
Segment contribution margin of $41.0 million, or $38.07 per ton, for the third quarter of 2021 decreased 11% compared with $45.9 million in the second quarter of 2021, and decreased 3% when compared with the third quarter of 2020. These results were impacted by logistical and supply chain constraints, as well as cost inflation, particularly for higher natural gas prices during the third quarter of 2021.
The company has implemented price increases and surcharges to combat recent cost inflation.

Oil & Gas
Revenue of $141.8 million for the third quarter of 2021 decreased 27% when compared with $193.3 million in the second quarter of 2021 and increased 114% when compared with the third quarter of 2020. However, excluding the $48.9 million customer settlement, revenue decreased 2% when compared with the second quarter of 2021.
Tons sold of 2.912 million for the third quarter of 2021 decreased 4% compared with 3.024 million tons sold in the second quarter of 2021, and increased 127% when compared with the third quarter of 2020.
Segment contribution margin of $25.7 million, or $8.83 per ton, decreased 69% when compared with $82.7 million in the second quarter of 2021 and decreased 18% when compared with the third quarter of 2020. However, excluding the $48.9 million customer settlement, segment contribution margin decreased 24% when compared with the second quarter of 2021, and was impacted by a shift in customer mix with more spot sales at lower margins and higher costs, including higher natural gas prices and accelerated plant maintenance.


Capital Update



As of September 30, 2021, the Company had $250.6 million in cash and cash equivalents and total debt was $1.216 billion. The Company's $100.0 million Revolver had zero drawn, with $22.2 million allocated for letters of credit, and availability of $77.8 million. Capital expenditures in the third quarter totaled $8.3 million. During the third quarter of 2021, the Company generated $74.8 million in cash flow from operations, which included the remaining $45.0 million cash payment from the customer settlement which was received in July.
Outlook and Guidance
Looking forward to the fourth quarter and into 2022, the Company's two business segments remain well positioned for sustainable, long-term growth in their respective markets. The Company has a strong portfolio of industrial and specialty products that serve numerous essential, high growth and attractive end markets, supported by a robust pipeline of new products under development as well as pricing increases and surcharges.
The oil and gas industry is progressing through a transitional year of what is anticipated to be a multi-year growth cycle. Strength in commodity prices, particularly WTI crude oil prices, along with forecasted increases in customer spending, are promising for an active well completions environment in 2022.
The Company continues to expect to generate positive free cash flow in 2022 and further strengthen its balance sheet.
Conference Call
U.S. Silica will host a conference call for investors today, October 29, 2021 at 7:30 a.m. Central Time to discuss these results. Hosting the call will be Bryan Shinn, Chief Executive Officer and Don Merril, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Investors are invited to listen to a live webcast of the conference call by visiting the "Investors- Events & Presentations" section of the Company's website at www.ussilica.com. The webcast will be archived for one year. The call can also be accessed live over the telephone by dialing (877) 869-3847 or for international callers, (201) 689-8261. A replay will be available shortly after the call and can be accessed by dialing (877) 660-6853 or for international callers, (201) 612-7415. The conference ID for the replay is 13723834. The replay will be available through November 29, 2021.
About U.S. Silica
U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. is a performance materials company and is a member of the Russell 2000. The Company is a leading producer of commercial silica used in the oil and gas industry, and in a wide range of industrial applications. Over its 121-year history, U.S. Silica has developed core competencies in mining, processing, logistics and materials science that enable it to produce and cost-effectively deliver over 600 diversified products to customers across our end markets. U.S. Silica's wholly-owned subsidiaries include EP Minerals and SandBox Logistics™. EP Minerals is an industry leader in the production of products derived from diatomaceous earth, perlite, engineered clays, and non-activated clays. SandBox Logistics™ is a state-of-the-art leader in proppant storage, handling and well-site delivery, dedicated to making proppant logistics cleaner, safer and more efficient. The Company currently operates 24 mines and production facilities and is headquartered in Katy, Texas.
Forward-looking Statements
This third quarter 2021 earnings release, as well as other statements we make, contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws - that is, statements about the future, not about past events. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. These statements may include words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," "intend," "believe," "may," "will," "should," "could," "can have," "likely" and other words and terms of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements made include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact and may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding U.S. Silica's growth opportunities, strategy, future financial results, forecasts, projections, plans



and capital expenditures, technological innovations, the impacts of COVID-19 on the Company's operations, and the commercial silica industry. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions, which may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from these forward-looking statements. Among these factors are global economic conditions; the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on markets the Company serves; supply chain and logistics constraints for our company and our customers, fluctuations in demand for commercial silica, diatomaceous earth, perlite, clay and cellulose; fluctuations in demand for frac sand or the development of either effective alternative proppants or new processes to replace hydraulic fracturing; the entry of competitors into our marketplace; changes in production spending by companies in the oil and gas industry and changes in the level of oil and natural gas exploration and development; changes in oil and gas inventories; general economic, political and business conditions in key regions of the world; pricing pressure; cost inflation; weather and seasonal factors; the cyclical nature of our customers' business; our inability to meet our financial and performance targets and other forecasts or expectations; our substantial indebtedness and pension obligations, including restrictions on our operations imposed by our indebtedness; operational modifications, delays or cancellations; prices for electricity, natural gas and diesel fuel; our ability to maintain our transportation network; changes in government regulations and regulatory requirements, including those related to mining, explosives, chemicals, and oil and gas production; silica-related health issues and corresponding litigation; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in this press release and our most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize (or the consequences of such a development changes), or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those reflected in our forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.





U.S. SILICA HOLDINGS, INC.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA FROM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited; dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 Three Months Ended
 September 30,
2021
June 30, 2021September 30,
2020
Total sales$267,298 $317,301 $176,472 
Total cost of sales (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization)207,448 192,955 107,592 
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative30,956 27,509 27,216 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization39,981 41,165 40,069 
Goodwill and other asset impairments11 — 222 
Total operating expenses70,948 68,674 67,507 
Operating (loss) income(11,098)55,672 1,373 
Other (expense) income:
Interest expense(17,796)(17,918)(19,274)
Other income (expense), net, including interest income2,580 (186)(409)
Total other expense(15,216)(18,104)(19,683)
(Loss) income before income taxes(26,314)37,568 (18,310)
Income tax benefit (expense)6,140 (11,666)4,094 
Net (loss) income$(20,174)$25,902 $(14,216)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest(179)(126)(254)
Net (loss) income attributable to U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. $(19,995)$26,028 $(13,962)
(Loss) earnings per share attributable to U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.:
Basic$(0.27)$0.35 $(0.19)
Diluted$(0.27)$0.34 $(0.19)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic74,523 74,339 73,688 
Diluted74,523 76,136 73,688 
Dividends declared per share$— $— $— 








U.S. SILICA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Unaudited; dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
 
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$250,587 $150,920 
Accounts receivable, net176,759 206,934 
Inventories, net116,405 104,684 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets29,204 23,147 
Income tax deposits— 628 
Total current assets572,955 486,313 
Property, plant and mine development, net1,277,133 1,368,092 
Lease right-of-use assets44,866 37,469 
Goodwill185,649 185,649 
Intangible assets, net152,445 159,582 
Other assets7,567 9,842 
Total assets$2,240,615 $2,246,947 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$157,082 $121,920 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities15,846 17,388 
Current portion of long-term debt20,484 42,042 
Current portion of deferred revenue6,744 13,545 
Total current liabilities200,156 194,895 
Long-term debt, net1,195,092 1,197,660 
Deferred revenue17,045 20,147 
Liability for pension and other post-retirement benefits38,923 48,169 
Deferred income taxes, net48,033 49,386 
Operating lease liabilities76,806 76,361 
Other long-term liabilities 36,552 33,538 
Total liabilities1,612,607 1,620,156 
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock— — 
Common stock837 827 
Additional paid-in capital1,213,165 1,200,023 
Retained deficit(410,233)(395,496)
Treasury stock, at cost(183,483)(181,615)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(2,562)(8,479)
Total U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. stockholders’ equity617,724 615,260 
Non-controlling interest10,284 11,531 
Total stockholders' equity628,008 626,791 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$2,240,615 $2,246,947 



Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Segment Contribution Margin
Segment contribution margin is a key metric that management uses to evaluate our operating performance and to determine resource allocation between segments. Segment contribution margin excludes selling, general, and administrative costs, corporate costs, plant capacity expenses, and facility closure costs.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net (loss) income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to segment contribution margin.
 (All amounts in thousands)Three Months Ended
 September 30,
2021
June 30, 2021September 30,
2020
Sales:
Oil & Gas Proppants$141,848 $193,298 $66,343 
Industrial & Specialty Products125,450 124,003 110,129 
Total sales267,298 317,301 176,472 
Segment contribution margin:
Oil & Gas Proppants25,723 82,676 31,478 
Industrial & Specialty Products41,003 45,939 42,353 
Total segment contribution margin66,726 128,615 73,831 
Operating activities excluded from segment cost of sales(6,876)(4,269)(4,951)
Selling, general and administrative(30,956)(27,509)(27,216)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization(39,981)(41,165)(40,069)
Goodwill and other asset impairments(11)— (222)
Interest expense(17,796)(17,918)(19,274)
Other income (expense), net, including interest income2,580 (186)(409)
Income tax benefit (expense)6,140 (11,666)4,094 
Net (loss) income$(20,174)$25,902 $(14,216)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest(179)(126)(254)
Net (loss) income attributable to U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. $(19,995)$26,028 $(13,962)

Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of our financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) as a measure of operating performance, cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, Adjusted 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. Adjusted EBITDA contains certain other limitations, including the failure to reflect our cash expenditures, cash requirements for working capital needs and cash costs to replace assets being depreciated and amortized, and excludes certain charges that may recur in the future. Management compensates for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and by using Adjusted EBITDA only supplementally. Our measure of Adjusted EBITDA is not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to potential inconsistencies in the methods of calculation.



The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to Adjusted EBITDA:
(All amounts in thousands)Three Months Ended
 September 30,
2021
June 30, 2021September 30,
2020
Net (loss) income attributable to U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.$(19,995)$26,028 $(13,962)
Total interest expense, net of interest income17,778 17,902 19,801 
Provision for taxes(6,140)11,666 (4,094)
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses39,981 41,165 40,069 
EBITDA31,624 96,761 41,814 
Non-cash incentive compensation (1)
5,450 3,954 5,523 
Post-employment expenses (excluding service costs) (2)
(2,140)363 161 
Merger and acquisition related expenses (3)
504 109 285 
Plant capacity expansion expenses (4)
782 19 744 
Goodwill and other asset impairments (5)
11 — 222 
Business optimization projects (6)
33 24 
Facility closure costs (7)
218 490 1,881 
Other adjustments allowable under the Credit Agreement (8)
3,279 1,586 675 
Adjusted EBITDA$39,761 $103,286 $51,329 



(1)
Reflects equity-based and other equity-related compensation expense.
(2)
Includes net pension cost and net post-retirement cost relating to pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations during the applicable period, but in each case excluding the service cost relating to benefits earned during such period. Non-service net periodic benefit costs are not considered reflective of our operating performance because these costs do not exclusively originate from employee services during the applicable period and may experience periodic fluctuations as a result of changes in non-operating factors, including changes in discount rates, changes in expected returns on benefit plan assets, and other demographic actuarial assumptions.
(3)
Merger and acquisition related expenses include legal fees, consulting fees, bank fees, severance costs, certain purchase accounting items such as the amortization of inventory fair value step-up, information technology integration costs and similar charges. While these costs are not operational in nature and are not expected to continue for any singular transaction on an ongoing basis, similar types of costs, expenses and charges have occurred in prior periods and may recur in the future as we continue to integrate prior acquisitions and pursue any future acquisitions.
(4)
Plant capacity expansion expenses include expenses that are not inventoriable or capitalizable as related to plant expansion projects greater than $5 million in capital expenditures or plant start up projects. While these expenses are not operational in nature and are not expected to continue for any singular project on an ongoing basis, similar types of expenses have occurred in prior periods and may recur in the future if we continue to pursue future plant capacity expansion.
(5)
The three months ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 reflect impairment charges of $11 thousand and $0.2 million, respectively.
(6)

Reflects costs incurred related to business optimization projects within our corporate center, which aim to measure and improve the efficiency, productivity and performance of our organization. While these costs are not operational in nature and are not expected to continue for any singular project on an ongoing basis, similar types of expenses may recur in the future.
(7)

Reflects costs incurred related to idled sand facilities and closed corporate offices, including severance costs and remaining contracted costs such as office lease costs, maintenance, and utilities. While these costs are not operational in nature and are not expected to continue for any singular event on an ongoing basis, similar types of expenses may recur in the future.
(8)
Reflects miscellaneous adjustments permitted under the Credit Agreement, such as recruiting fees and relocation costs. The three months ended September 30, 2021 also included $3.3 million of transload shortfall and exit fees. The three months ended June 30, 2021 also included $1.0 million related to expenses incurred with severe winter storms during the first quarter and costs related to a power interruption at a plant location of $0.5 million.

U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.
Investor Contact
Patricia Gil
Vice President, Investor Relations
(281) 505-6011
gil@ussilica.com