Superior Plus Corp. ('Superior') (TSX: SPB) announced today its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2022.
Fourth Quarter 2022 Adjusted EBITDA1 of $182.6 million, a 28% increase from the prior year
Fourth Quarter net earnings of $63.0 million, an increase of $49.2 million from the prior year
Full-year 2022 Adjusted EBITDA of $449.8 million, a 13% increase compared to the prior year and above the midpoint of the guidance range of $425 million to $465 million
Net loss from continuing operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 of $87.9 million, compared to net earnings from continuing operations of $17.2 million in the prior year
Superior is introducing its 2023 Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA1 guidance range of $585 million to $635 million with a midpoint of $610 million, which includes the expected full twelve months of Certarus 2023 Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $140 million to $150 million. The economic benefit of Certarus' expected 2023 Adjusted EBITDA will be retained in the business
Adjusted EBITDA and Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA are Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
In announcing these results, Luc Desjardins, President and Chief Executive Officer said, 'We are very proud of what we accomplished in 2022 with our operational results and progression of our strategic initiatives. Through our resilient business model in the propane distribution businesses, we were able to overcome challenges related to COVID-19 health measures earlier in the year, rising inflation and labour costs, and the impact from volatile commodity costs. We were able to deliver Adjusted EBITDA of $449.8 million, which was a $51.4 million increase from 2021. We also achieved record Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter and continued executing on our Superior Way Forward strategy, closing eight acquisitions in 2022 for total consideration of $519 million and announcing the transformative acquisition of Certarus.'
Mr. Desjardins continued, 'Although 2023 has started off warmer than expected in some of our operating regions, we are excited for 2023 as we expect our propane distribution business will continue to benefit from the acquisitions completed in 2021 and 2022, and the recently announced Certarus acquisition is expected to provide us with a significant organic growth segment in the low carbon mobile fuels industry. The Certarus business is expected to position us well for a low carbon future, giving us exposure to the rapidly growing Compressed Natural Gas ('CNG'), Renewable Natural Gas ('RNG') and hydrogen markets, while also enabling us to achieve our Superior Way Forward goals two years ahead of target in 2024.'
Financial Highlights
Net earnings from continuing operations of $63.0 million in the fourth quarter compared to $13.8 million in the prior year quarter primarily due to higher revenue and gross profit and a gain on derivatives and foreign currency translation of borrowings, partially offset by higher selling, distribution and administrative expenses ('SD&A'), finance expense and income tax expense. Basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to Superior was $0.27 per share, an increase of $0.23 from $0.04 per share in the prior year quarter due to the aforementioned reasons, partially offset by the impact of the increased number of weighted average shares outstanding.
Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $182.6 million, an increase of $40.4 million compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to higher EBITDA from operations2, partially offset by higher corporate costs2 and a realized loss on foreign currency hedges compared to a realized gain in the prior year quarter. EBITDA from operations increased primarily due to higher Adjusted EBITDA in U.S. retail propane distribution ('U.S. Propane'), North American wholesale propane distribution ('Wholesale Propane') and Canadian retail propane distribution ('Canadian Propane').
U.S. Propane Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $116.7 million an increase of $36.8 million from the prior year quarter of $79.9 million primarily due to the impact of acquisitions completed in the current year and, to a lesser extent, higher average margins related to increased prices to offset inflation and the impact of the weaker Canadian dollar on the translation of U.S. denominated transactions, partially offset by rising costs due to inflation, labour and fuel.
Canadian Propane Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $58.3 million, an increase of $4.7 million from the prior year quarter of $53.6 million or 9% primarily due to higher average margins related to increased sales prices to offset the impact of inflation, partially offset by higher operating costs2 related to the rising costs due to inflation labour and fuel.
Wholesale Propane Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $22.7 million an increase of $13.1 million from the prior year quarter of $9.6 million primarily due to contribution from the acquisition of Kiva Energy Inc. ('Kiva').
Corporate costs for the fourth quarter were $11.0 million compared to $4.6 million in the prior year quarter. The increase is primarily due to higher insurance costs, professional fees, the impact of inflation and higher incentive plan costs. Superior realized a loss on foreign currency hedging contracts of $4.1 million compared to a gain of $3.7 million in the prior year quarter due to lower average hedge rates relative to changes in exchange rates.
Adjusted Operating Cash Flow ('AOCF') before transaction and other costs2 was $152.8 million for the fourth quarter, an increase of $21.2 million from the prior year quarter primarily due to higher Adjusted EBITDA discussed above, partially offset by higher interest expense and current taxes. Interest expense increased by $9.8 million or 55% primarily to due to higher average debt balances compared to the prior year quarter and higher interest rates related to the Bank of Canada and the Federal Reserve raising rates. AOCF per share before transaction, restructuring and other costs was $0.66, per share, a decrease of $0.02 per share or 3% from the prior year quarter AOCF per share of $0.64 per share. The decrease on a per share basis is primarily due to the impact from the increase in the weighted average shares outstanding, partially offset by the increase in AOCF before transaction, restructuring and other costs.
Net loss from continuing operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 was $87.9 million, compared to net earnings from continuing operations of $17.2 million in the prior year. The decrease is primarily due to a loss on derivatives and foreign currency translation of borrowings and higher SD&A, partially offset by a higher gross profit, lower finance expense and income tax expense.
Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 was $449.8 million, an increase of $51.4 million or 13% compared to the prior year primarily due to higher EBITDA from operations, partially offset by higher corporate costs and a realized loss on foreign currency hedging contracts.
Superior's Leverage Ratio2 for the trailing twelve months ('TTM') ended December 31, 2022, was 4.1x compared to 3.9x at December 31, 2021 primarily due to the impact of the higher USD/CAD exchange rate on USD denominated debt. On a constant currency basis, using the USD/CAD rate at December 31, 2021, Superior's Leverage Ratio at December 31, 2022 would be consistent. Superior's Leverage Ratio is expected to be within Superior's targeted range of 3.5x to 4.0x at the anticipated closing of the Certarus acquisition.
EBITDA from operations and AOCF before transaction and other costs are Non-GAAP Financial Measures. Leverage Ratio is a Non-GAAP ratio.
Acquisition Update
On November 9, 2022, Superior acquired the assets of McRobert Fuels, a retail propane and distillates distributor located in Strathroy, Ontario for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $18.1 million including adjustments for working capital.
On December 22, 2022 Superior announced it had entered into a definitive arrangement agreement to acquire Certarus Ltd. ('Certarus'), a leading North American low carbon energy solutions provider (the 'Certarus Acquisition'). Under the terms of the Certarus Acquisition, Superior will acquire all the outstanding common shares of Certarus, representing an equity value of $853 million, and assume Certarus' outstanding net debt of $196 million, for a total acquisition value of $1.05 billion. The Certarus shareholders will receive $353 million in cash and $500 million of Superior common shares priced at $10.25 per share, representing approximately 17% pro forma ownership. On February 14, 2023, 99.9% of the common shares represented at a special meeting of Certarus shareholders voted in favour of the Certarus Acquisition. In addition, the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act in the United States, where over 85% of Certarus' revenues are generated, expired on February 13, 2023. Superior expects the transaction will close in the first half of 2023, subject to satisfaction of the remaining customary closing conditions.
Certarus' business has performed better than expected, achieving record monthly Adjusted EBITDA in December 2022, only to be surpassed again in January 2023. The free cash flow generated from operations during the period before closing will be reinvested into the business helping drive organic growth and enhancing the value of Certarus at closing.
Announcement of Executive Appointments
The Board of Directors of Superior is pleased to announce the appointment of Allan MacDonald as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a Director of Superior commencing April 3, 2023.
Allan's experience covers a wide array of business and management roles. For more than 11 years, he held numerous strategic and operational roles at Canadian Tire Corporation, the most recent being Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer. Allan has had a very successful career in sales and finance roles in telecom, oil and gas, retail and distribution industries. Allan is an energetic, focused, dynamic and value driven leader with a track record of delivering on expectations. Strategic, he also has proven operational effectiveness. He brings a wealth of experience in many different public and private companies and these past successes make him the ideally qualified to lead Superior. Allan holds an MBA from Henley Management College in England and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Acadia University in Nova Scotia Canada.
I am honored and fortunate to have the opportunity to lead this company and I am looking forward to working with an incredible group of talented executives and dedicated employees to continue the growth and evolution of Superior Plus Corp.' said Allan MacDonald.
The appointment of Allan MacDonald as CEO of Superior follows an extensive recruitment process overseen by a succession committee of the Superior board of directors using global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder, which saw a wide variety of exceptional candidates vetted and interviewed.
Allan made a strong impression on the board with his vision, intellect and capability to lead our North American based organization and continue to leverage our capabilities to strengthen the organization internally by focusing on internal growth, operational improvement and continuing to execute accretive tuck-in acquisitions. His exceptional distribution and executive expertise combined with his customer focus and strong human values will benefit all of our stakeholders', David Smith, Chair of the Board said.
Consistent with Superior's previously announced transition plan, with a new CEO selected, Luc Desjardins, will be stepping down from his role as CEO effective April 3, 2023, and will remain available in an advisory role until July 31, 2023 to ensure a seamless transition. The Board of Directors wishes to acknowledge Luc's contribution throughout his twelve-year tenure at Superior. He is leaving an organization very well positioned to grow and evolve under new leadership. His passion, dedication and determination will be missed.
In addition, Superior is also pleased to announce that Andy Peyton, President of Superior's U.S. Propane business, has been promoted to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer of Superior's North American propane distribution business.
By appointing Andy Peyton to this newly created role, we wanted to leverage his strong business acumen and operational experience to improve and further strengthen Superior's retail propane business in North America, remarked David Smith, Chair of the Board.
Update on Superior Way Forward
As previously communicated, Superior expects to achieve the $1.9 billion acquisition target at the close of the Certarus Acquisition, which is three years ahead of expectations. Superior also expects to achieve the Superior Way Forward EBITDA from operations target range of $700 million to $750 million by the end of 2024, which is two years ahead of expectations.
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Forward-Looking Information
Certain information included herein is forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information may include statements regarding the objectives, business strategies to achieve those objectives, expected financial results (including those in the area of risk management), economic or market conditions, and the outlook of or involving Superior and its businesses. Such information is typically identified by words such as 'anticipate', 'believe', 'continue', 'estimate', 'expect', 'plan', 'forecast', 'future', 'outlook, 'guidance', 'may', 'project', 'should', 'strategy', 'target', 'will' or similar expressions suggesting future outcomes.
Forward-looking information in this document includes: Superior's future financial position, expected 2023 Adjusted EBITDA pro forma the completion of the Certarus Acquisition, expected Adjusted EBITDA for Superior's businesses for 2023 (excluding Certarus), expected Adjusted EBITDA of Certarus for 2023, the completion and timing of the Certarus Acquisition, expected organic growth from the Certarus Acquisition, expected timing for the achievement of the Superior Way Forward EBITDA from operations range of $700 million to $750 million, and expected Leverage Ratio in the range of 3.5x to 4.0x at the closing of the Certarus Acquisition.
Forward-looking information is provided to provide information about management's expectations and plans for the future and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking information herein is based on various assumptions, and expectations that Superior believes are reasonable in the circumstances. No assurance can be given that these assumptions and expectations will prove correct. Those assumptions and expectations are based on information currently available to Superior, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and the historic performance of Superior's businesses and businesses it plans to acquire or has acquired. Superior cautions that the assumptions used to prepare such forward-looking information, including Superior's estimated Adjusted EBITDA pro forma the acquisition of Certarus, estimated Adjusted EBITDA for Superior's businesses for 2023 (excluding Certarus), Certarus' estimated 2023 Adjusted EBITDA, and Superior's estimated 2024 EBITDA from operations could prove to be incorrect or inaccurate.
In preparing the forward-looking information, Superior considered numerous economic and market assumptions regarding foreign exchange rates, competition, expected average weather and economic performance of each region where Superior and Certarus operate, including key assumptions listed under the heading '2023 Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA Guidance' in this news release and under the heading 'Financial Outlook' in Superior's 2022 Annual MD&A.
Additional key assumptions or risk factors with respect to the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, the satisfaction of the conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals, to the Certarus Acquisition, without significant changes to the terms or anticipated timing of the transaction; the amount and timing of the expected synergies from the acquisition of Certarus, the achievement of the Superior Way Forward acquisition target and EBITDA from operations target; obtaining the expected synergies from the acquisitions of Kamps Propane, Kiva Energy and the assets of the Quarles Delivered Fuels business completed earlier this year and other acquisitions consistent with historical averages at approximately 25% over the relevant period; no material divestitures; anticipated financial performance; current business and economic trends and the amount of future dividends paid by Superior.
Other particular, key assumptions and expectations underlying Superior's achievement of the Superior Way Forward EBITDA from operations target range in 2024 include a Certarus average mobile storage unit ('MSU') count of 655 trailers in 2023 and approximately 720 trailers in 2024; average EBITDA per MSU consistent with Certarus' historic results; corporate costs consistent with historical levels and completion of propane tuck-in acquisitions in 2024 at multiples consistent with historic multiples for Superior's acquisitions.
The forward-looking information is also subject to the risks and uncertainties set forth below. By its very nature, forward-looking information involves numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, both general and specific. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, as many important factors are beyond our control, Superior's actual performance and financial results may vary materially from those estimates and intentions contemplated, expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include risks relating to satisfaction of the conditions to, and completion of the Certarus Acquisition on the anticipated timeline, incorrect assessments of value when making acquisitions, failure to realize expected cost-savings and synergies from acquisitions, increases in debt service charges, colder average weather than anticipated, the loss of key personnel, fluctuations in foreign currency and exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, increasing rates of inflation, inadequate insurance coverage, liability for cash taxes, counterparty risk, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, reduced customer demand, operational risks involving our facilities, force majeure, labour relations matters, our ability to access external sources of debt and equity capital, and the risks identified in (i) our MD&A under the heading 'Risk Factors' and (ii) Superior's most recent Annual Information Form. The preceding list of assumptions, risks and uncertainties is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking information to make decisions with respect to Superior, investors and others should carefully consider the preceding factors, other uncertainties and potential events. Any forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this document and, except as required by law, Superior does not undertake to update or revise such information to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
Contact:
Tel: (416) 340-6015
SUPERIOR PLUS CORP. 
