“This has been another good quarter for Innospec, showing the strength and balance of our portfolio. Operating income increased by 12 percent despite a significant reduction from our Octane Additives business and increased share-based compensation accruals driven by the increase in our share price. Adjustednon-GAAP EPS excluding Octane Additives is up 40 percent, which demonstrates the quality of our businesses and the successful execution of our strategy.”
“Fuel Specialties operating income was similar to a strong comparative quarter, despite having to deal with some raw material disruptions. The strategy of this business remains on track and the organic growth opportunities continue to offer attractive future potential.”
“In Performance Chemicals, raw material prices fell, which fed through to lower selling prices for some of our contractual business. While this resulted in lower revenue, it contributed to improved margins and overall operating income, which rose 13 percent compared to the same period last year.”
“Oilfield Services has outperformed the market and again delivered very positive results. Our combination of good technology and service continues to be attractive to customers in this market. I am also pleased that our focus on margins and product mix has contributed to a significant improvement in operating income.”
“As we expected there were minimal sales in Octane Additives, which resulted in operating income for the quarter of $0.1 million compared to $5.2 million a year ago.”
“Overall, excluding Octane Additives, a 37 percent improvement in operating income demonstrates the strength of our portfolio and positions us well for the future.”
Revenues in Fuel Specialties were $133.3 million for the quarter down by 1 percent from last year as a positive price/mix of 5 percent was offset by an adverse currency impact of 4 percent combined with a 2 percent reduction in volumes. Gross margins of 33.5 percent were similar to the second quarter of 2018, although slightly weaker sequentially due to sales mix. Operating income for the quarter was $24.1 million up slightly from $23.7 million in the same quarter last year.
In Performance Chemicals, revenues of $104.7 million were down 12 percent from $118.9 million year ago driven by a 5 percent reduction in volumes, a negative currency impact of 4 percent and an adverse price/mix of 3 percent as lower raw material costs fed through into lower prices. Gross margins were up by 2.9 percentage points on prior year, driven by raw material movements, product mix and other improvement actions. Operating income was up by 13 percent from last year at $11.0 million.
In Oilfield Services, revenues of $122.5 million were up 29 percent on the second quarter of 2018, driven by continued improvement in customer activity, in production and in stimulation. Gross margins were up 3.8 percentage points on the second quarter of 2018, largely as a result of a favorable sales mix. Operating income of $10.1 million more than doubled from $4.1 million in the same quarter last year.
In Octane Additives, revenues for the quarter were $1.9 million compared to $10.0 million a year ago. Operating income of $0.1 million compared to $5.2 million in last year’s second quarter.
Corporate costs for the quarter were $13.6 million, compared to the $14.4 million recorded a year ago. The effective tax rate for the quarter was 26.9 percent compared to 26.1 percent last year, as a consequence of the geographical location of taxable profits.
Net cash provided by operating activities in the quarter was $50.0 million, compared to $2.3 million a year ago. In the quarter, the Company also distributed $12.2 million to shareholders for the semi-annual dividend. As of June 30, 2019, Innospec had $106.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, and total debt of $160.9 million, further strengthening our balance sheet and moving our net debt to approximately 0.3x EBITDA.
Mr. Williams concluded,
“We have faced some challenges during this quarter as a result of the cyber security incident which we disclosed in a Form8-K. I am very grateful to our customers, suppliers, employees, and other partners, who have shown us great support through this period. We believe that this issue is transitionary and short-term and Innospec will emerge a stronger company.”