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Vertex Energy, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter And Full-Year 2019 Results

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE /  March 4, 2020 / Vertex Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:VTNR, "Vertex" or the "Company"), a leading specialty refiner and marketer of high-quality hydrocarbon products, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2019.

4Q19 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

  • Total direct collections +19.1% year-over-year (y/y)
  • Total revenue of $42.6 million (+$0.8 million y/y)
  • Total net income of $1.4 million (+$1.6 million y/y)
  • Total adjusted EBITDA of $3.9 million (+$5.5 million y/y)

FULL-YEAR 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Total direct collections +20.6% y/y
  • Completed Tensile Capital Joint-Venture
  • Completed Bunker One Strategic Partnership

For the three months ended December 31, 2019, the Company reported net income available to common shareholders of $1.4 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, versus a net loss of ($0.2) million, or ($0.01) per basic share, in the fourth quarter of 2018. Vertex reported Adjusted EBITDA of $3.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, versus ($1.6) million in the prior-year period. For the full-year 2019, the Company reported a net loss available to common shareholders of ($11.4) million, or ($0.28) per basic share, versus a net loss of ($8.0) million, or ($0.23) per basic share, in 2018. Vertex reported Adjusted EBITDA of $7.4 million for the full-year 2019, versus $7.3 million in the prior-year period. A schedule reconciling the Company's GAAP and non-GAAP financial results (including Adjusted EBITDA) is included later in this release.

Fourth quarter results benefited from a combination of increased sales volumes and elevated product margins, resulting in improved profitability in the period. In advance of the January 1, 2020 low-sulfur marine fuel mandate set forth by the International Maritime Organization, the spread between high-sulfur fuel oil and corresponding middle distillate values widened materially. In response to improved market conditions, the Company's Marrero, Louisiana refinery operated near peak capacity during the fourth quarter of 2019, capitalizing on favorable refining economics evident in the market. During the fourth quarter of 2019, Marrero sold near-record volumes of middle distillate to the Company's long-term distribution partner, Bunker One USA. At the Company's Ohio-based Heartland refinery, increased sales volumes of high-purity base oils also contributed to the year-over-year improvement in fourth quarter results.

Direct collections of used motor oil (UMO) increased 19.1% in the fourth quarter of 2019, when compared to the prior-year's period. UMO collections represented approximately 44.5% of overall feedstock processed at the Company's refineries in the fourth quarter of 2019, versus 36.5% in the fourth quarter of 2018, with the remaining feedstock being sourced from third-party UMO suppliers.

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY

"Fourth quarter results exceeded our guidance range, given strong performances at both our Marrero and Heartland refineries," stated Benjamin P. Cowart, President and CEO of Vertex, who continued, "In expectation of improved product spreads leading up to the January 1, 2020 IMO transition, we operated our Marrero refinery at capacity, while building inventories of middle distillates. This strategy served us well in the fourth quarter, positioning us to sell increased volumes at elevated margins. Improved refining economics at Marrero, together with increased sales of high-purity base oils at Heartland, resulted in a return to profitable growth in the period.

"During 2019, we entered into two major strategic partnerships that we believe will position us to achieve material growth in profitability over a multi-year horizon. Our recently announced relationship with Bunker One USA, which provides for a long-term supply-offtake agreement and a net profit-sharing arrangement, represents the single most significant opportunity for growth in 2020. This relationship, together with our previously disclosed joint-venture with Tensile Capital, which positions us to become a leading producer and marketer of high-purity base oils at the Heartland refinery, are both transformational opportunities that we feel position us to create significant value for shareholders, over time.

"During the first quarter 2020, product spreads narrowed from near-record fourth quarter levels, as global trade slowed in reaction to concerns around a novel coronavirus strain. Importantly, we have hedges in place to protect some of our product margins, which we expect will serve to offset part of the recent volatility evident in the market. Even as refining margins are expected to revert back toward long-term averages, contributions from the Bunker One agreement, together with strong demand for high-purity base oils, support our positive outlook for the full-year 2020," continued Cowart.

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

A conference call will be held today at 9:00 A.M. ET to review the Company's financial results, discuss recent events and conduct a question-and-answer session.

A webcast of the conference call and accompanying presentation materials will be available in the Investor Relations section of Vertex's website at www.vertexenergy.com. To listen to a live broadcast, go to the site at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time in order to register, download, and install any necessary audio software.

To participate in the live teleconference:

Domestic Live: 844-369-8770

To listen to a replay of the teleconference, which will be available through April 4, 2020:

Domestic Replay: 877-481-4010

Conference ID: 33255

ABOUT VERTEX ENERGY

Houston-based Vertex Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: VTNR) is a specialty refiner of alternative feedstocks and marketer of high-purity petroleum products. Vertex is one of the largest processors of used motor oil in the U.S., with operations located in Houston and Port Arthur (TX), Marrero (LA) and Heartland (OH). Vertex also co-owns a facility, Myrtle Grove, located on a 41-acre industrial complex along the Gulf Coast in Belle Chasse, LA, with existing hydro-processing and plant infrastructure assets, that include nine million gallons of storage. The Company has built a reputation as a key supplier of Group II+ and Group III base oils to the lubricant manufacturing industry throughout North America.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including information about management's view of Vertex Energy's future expectations, plans and prospects, within the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). In particular, when used in the preceding discussion, the words "believes," "hopes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," or "may," and similar conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act, and are subject to the safe harbor created by the Act. Any statements made in this news release other than those of historical fact, about an action, event or development, are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the results of Vertex Energy, its divisions and concepts to be materially different than those expressed or implied in such statements. These risk factors and others are included from time to time in documents Vertex Energy files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, its Form 10-Ks, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on Vertex Energy's future results. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. Vertex Energy cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Finally, Vertex Energy undertakes no obligation to update these statements after the date of this release, except as required by law, and takes no obligation to update or correct information prepared by third parties that are not paid for by Vertex Energy.

CONTACT

Noel Ryan, IRC
720.778.2415
IR@vertexenergy.com

Reconciliation of Net Loss attributable to Vertex Energy, Inc., to Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) and Adjusted EBITDA*

  For the Three Months Ended  For the Twelve Months 
             
  December 31, 2019  December 31, 2018  December 31, 2019  December 31, 2018 
Net income (loss)            
attributable to Vertex Energy, Inc. $1,434,202  $(201,333) $(5,048,579) $(2,217,767)
Add (deduct):                
Interest Income  (126)  -   (2,697)  (659)
Interest Expense  747,291   833,084   3,070,071   3,281,855 
Depreciation and amortization  1,846,604   1,756,996   7,180,089   6,991,010 
EBITDA  4,027,971    2,388,747   5,198,884    8,054,439  
                 
Add (deduct):                
Loss (gain) on change in value of derivative warrant liability  819,239   (2,888,687)  487,524   (763,716)
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments  (1,134,723)  (1,297,475)  1,071,792   (695,992)
Stock-based compensation  169,350   165,057   642,841   659,836 
Adjusted EBITDA * $3,881,837   $(1,632,358)  $7,401,039   $7,254,567  

* EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. These measurements are not recognized in accordance with GAAP and should not be viewed as an alternative to GAAP measures of performance.

EBITDA represents net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA before stock-based compensation expense and gain (loss) on change in value of derivative warrant liability and unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments for hedging activities. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are presented because we believe they provide additional useful information to investors due to the various noncash items during the period. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our operating results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

  • EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect cash expenditures, or future requirements for capital expenditures, or contractual commitments;
  • EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, working capital needs;
  • EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on debt or cash income tax payments;
  • Although depreciation and amortization are noncash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and
  • Other companies in this industry may calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently than Vertex Energy does, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

VERTEX ENERGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

  December 31, 2019  December 31, 2018 
ASSETS      
Current assets      
Cash and cash equivalents $4,099,655  $1,249,831 
Restricted cash  100,170   1,600,000 
Accounts receivable, net  12,138,078   9,027,990 
Federal income tax receivable  68,606   137,212 
Inventory  6,547,479   8,091,397 
Derivative commodity asset  -   695,941 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  4,452,920   2,740,541 
Total current assets  27,406,908   23,542,912 
         
         
Fixed assets, at cost  69,469,548   66,762,388 
Less accumulated depreciation  (24,708,151)  (19,874,896)
Fixed assets, net  44,761,397   46,887,492 
Finance lease right-of-use assets  851,570   397,515 
Operating lease right-of-use assets  35,586,885   - 
Intangible assets, net  11,243,800   12,578,519 
Deferred income taxes  68,605   137,211 
Other assets  840,754   616,759 
TOTAL ASSETS $120,759,919  $84,160,408 
         
LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY AND EQUITY        
Current liabilities        
Accounts payable $7,620,098  $8,791,529 
Accrued expenses  5,016,132   2,535,347 
Dividends payable  389,176   403,002 
Finance lease-current  217,164   95,857 
Operating lease-current  5,885,304   - 
Current portion of long-term debt, net of unamortized finance costs  2,017,345   1,325,240 
Revolving note  3,276,230   3,844,636 
Derivative commodity liability  375,850   - 
Total current liabilities  24,797,299   16,995,611 
         
Long-term debt, net of unamortized finance costs  12,433,000   14,402,179 
Finance lease-long-term  610,450   276,355 
Operating lease-long-term  29,701,581   - 
Contingent consideration  -   15,564 
Derivative warrant liability  1,969,216   1,481,692 
Total liabilities  69,511,546   33,171,401 
         
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 4)  -   - 
         
TEMPORARY EQUITY        
Series B Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share;
10,000,000 shares authorized, 3,826,055 and 3,604,827 shares issued
and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively with liquidation preference of $11,860,771 and $11,174,964 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
  11,006,406   8,900,208 
         
Series B1 Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share;
17,000,000 shares authorized, 9,028,085 and 10,057,597 shares issued
and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively with liquidation preference of $14,083,813 and $15,689,851 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
  12,743,047   13,279,755 
         
Redeemable non-controlling interest  4,396,894   - 
Total Temporary Equity  28,146,347   22,179,963 
EQUITY        
Series A Convertible Preferred stock, $0.001 par value;
5,000,000 shares authorized and 419,859 and 419,859 shares issued
and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, with a liquidation preference of $625,590 and $625,590 at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
  420   420 
         
Series C Convertible Preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share;
44,000 shares designated; zero and zero
issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively with a liquidation preference of zero and zero at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
  -   - 
         
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share;
750,000,000 shares authorized; 43,395,563 and 40,174,821
issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
  43,396   40,175 
Additional paid-in capital  81,527,351   75,131,122 
Accumulated deficit  (59,246,514)  (47,800,886)
Total Vertex Energy, Inc. stockholders' equity  22,324,653   27,370,831 
Non-controlling interest  777,373   1,438,213 
Total Equity  23,102,026   28,809,044 
TOTAL LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY AND EQUITY $120,759,919  $84,160,408 

VERTEX ENERGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018

  2019  2018 
Revenues $163,365,565  $180,720,661 
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)  134,777,113   151,314,039 
Gross profit  28,588,452   29,406,622 
         
Operating expenses:        
Selling, general and administrative expenses  24,182,407   21,927,264 
Depreciation and amortization  7,180,089   6,991,010 
Total operating expenses  31,362,496   28,918,274 
Income (loss) from operations  (2,774,044)  488,348 
Other income (expense):        
Other income  920,197   659 
Gain (loss) on sale of assets  (74,111)  45,553 
Gain (loss) on change in value of derivative warrant liability  (487,524)  763,716 
Interest expense  (3,070,071)  (3,281,855)
Total other expense  (2,711,509)  (2,471,927)
Loss before income taxes  (5,485,553)  (1,983,579)
Income tax benefit  -   - 
Net loss  (5,485,553)  (1,983,579)
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest and redeemable non-controlling interest  (436,974)  234,188 
Net loss attributable to Vertex Energy, Inc.  (5,048,579)  (2,217,767)
         
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest to redemption value  (2,279,371)  - 
Accretion of discount on series B and B-1 Preferred Stock  (2,489,722)  (3,132,414)
Dividends on series B and B-1 Preferred Stock  (1,627,956)  (2,687,123)
Net loss available to common stockholders $(11,445,628) $(8,037,304)
         
Loss per common share        
Basic $(0.28) $(0.23)
Diluted $(0.28) $(0.23)
Shares used in computing loss per share        
Basic  40,988,946   35,411,264 
Diluted  40,988,946   35,411,264 

VERTEX ENERGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

   Common Stock    Series A Preferred    Series C Preferred                     
   Shares    $.001 Par    Shares    $.001 Par    Shares    $.001 Par    Additional Paid-in Capital    Retained Earnings    Non-controlling Interest    Total Equity 
Balance on December 31, 2017    32,658,176    32,658      453,567    454      31,568    32    67,768,509    (39,816,300)  399,005    28,384,358 
Correction of non-controlling interest    -      -      -      -      -      -      -      52,718      (52,718)    - 
Dividends and Series B and B1 Preferred Stock    166,630      167      -      -      -      -      313,097      (2,687,123)    -      (2,373,859)
Accretion of discount on Series B and B1 Preferred Stock    -      -      -      -      -      -      -      (1,960,013)    -      (1,960,013)
Conversion of Series B Preferred stock to common    32,149      33      -      -      -      -      99,629      (36,700)    -      62,962 
Share based compensation expense, total    -      -      -      -      -      -      659,836      -      -      659,836 
Exercise of options to common    241      -      -      -      -      -      -      -      -      - 
Conversion of Series A Preferred stock to common    33,708      34      (33,708)    (34)    -      -      -      -      -      - 
Conversion of Series C Preferred Stock to common    3,156,800      3,157      -      -      (31,568)    (32)    (3,125)    -      -      - 
Conversion of Series B1 Preferred stock to common    3,977,117      3,976      -      -      -      -      6,200,326      (1,135,701)    -      5,068,601 
Fixed assets contributed by noncontrolling interest    -      -      -      -      -      -      -      -      857,738      857,738 
Issue of common stock from Nickco contingent consideration    150,000      150      -      -      -      -      92,850      -      -      93,000 
Net income (loss)    -      -      -      -      -      -      -      (2,217,767)    234,188      (1,983,579)
Balance on December 31, 2018    40,174,821      40,175      419,859      420      -      -      75,131,122      (47,800,886)    1,438,213      28,809,044 
Dividends on Series B and B1 Preferred Stock    -      -      -      -      -      -      -      (1,627,956)    -      (1,627,956)
Accretion of discount on Series B and B1 Preferred Stock    -      -      -      -      -      -      -      (2,169,597)    -      (2,169,597)
Conversion of B1 Preferred Stock to common    1,642,317      1,642      -      -      -      -      2,560,373      (320,125)    -      2,241,890 
Share based compensation expense, total    -      -      -      -      -      -      642,840      -      -      642,840 
Exercise of options to common    78,425      79      -      -      -      -      6,996      -      -      7,075 
Distribution to noncontrolling    -      -      -      -      -      -      -      -      (285,534)    (285,534)
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest to redemption value    -      -      -      -      -      -      -      (2,217,703)    -      (2,217,703)
Adjustment of carrying amount of noncontrolling interest    -      -      -      -      -      -      970,809      -      -      970,809 
Issue of common stock and warrants    1,500,000      1,500      -      -      -      -      2,215,211      -      -      2,216,711 
Net loss    -      -      -      -      -      -      -      (5,110,247)    (375,306)    (5,485,553)
Balance on December 31, 2019    43,395,563    43,396      419,859    420      -    -    81,527,351    (59,246,514)  777,373    23,102,026 

VERTEX ENERGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

      2019  2018 
    Cash flows from operating activities      
    Net loss $(5,485,553) $(1,983,579)
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:        
    Stock-based compensation expense  642,840   659,836 
    Depreciation and amortization  7,180,089   6,991,010 
    Reduction in allowance for bad debt  (320,013)  (299,110)
    Gain on commodity derivative contracts  2,458,359   (1,062,682)
    Net cash settlement on commodity derivatives  (2,841,052)  369,188 
    Gain on sale of assets  74,111   (45,553)
    Gain on disposition  -   (241,416)
    Amortization of debt discount and deferred costs  573,908   584,336 
    Deferred federal income tax  -   - 
    Decrease in fair value of derivative liability  487,524   (763,716)
    Reduction in contingent consideration  (15,564)  (128,116)
    Impairment of goodwill  -   176,349 
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
    Accounts receivable  (2,652,864)  2,143,834 
    Inventory  1,543,918   (1,786,555)
    Prepaid expenses  (257,894)  (597,146)
    Accounts payable  (1,171,433)  1,493,324 
    Accrued expenses  2,480,786   42,625 
    Other assets  (223,995)  (176,342)
    Net cash provided by operating activities  2,473,167   5,376,287 
    Cash flows from investing activities        
    Internally developed software  (489,093)  - 
    Proceeds from the sale of assets  232,020   - 
    Acquisitions  -   (269,826)
    Purchase of fixed assets  (3,369,367)  (2,499,117)
    Net cash used in investing activities  (3,626,440)  (2,768,943)
    Cash flows from financing activities        
    Line of credit proceeds (payments), net  (568,406)  (746,891)
    Proceeds received from issuance of common stock and warrants  2,216,711   - 
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options  7,075   - 
    Distribution VRM LA  (285,534)  - 
    Contribution received from redeemable noncontrolling interest  3,150,000   - 
    Payments on finance leases  (165,598)  (77,886)
    Proceeds from notes payable  2,809,139   4,024,964 
    Payments made on notes payable  (4,660,120)  (4,063,487)
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  2,503,267   (863,300)
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash  1,349,994   1,744,044 
    Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the year  2,849,831   1,105,787 
    Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year $4,199,825  $2,849,831 
             
    SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION        
    Cash paid for interest $2,505,852  $2,722,542 
    Cash paid for income taxes $-  $- 
             
    NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING TRANSACTIONS        
    Conversion of Series A Preferred Stock into common stock $-  $34 
    Conversion of Series B and B1 Preferred Stock into common stock $2,560,373  $6,613,052 
    Dividends on Series B and B-1 Preferred Stock $1,627,956  $2,687,123 
    Initial adjustment of carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interest $970,809  $- 
    Accretion of discount on Series B and B-1 Preferred Stock $2,489,722  $3,132,414 
    Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest to redemption value $2,279,371  $- 
    Equipment acquired under capital leases $621,000  $450,098 
    Contributed assets Vertex Recovery Management LA from non-controlling interest $-  $857,738 
    Common restricted shares for Nickco acquisition $-  $93,000 

    SOURCE: Vertex Energy, Inc. 



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