Target Hospitality Corp., the largest provider of vertically-integrated specialty hospitality accommodations with premium catering and value-added hospitality services in the U.S., is providing the following business updates as a result of the recent volatility in global financial and commodity markets, created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Target Hospitality’s first priority is the health and safety of its employees, customers, suppliers and other partners, and we will continue to take all precautions to ensure their health and well-being during this unprecedented situation. We have taken numerous steps to mitigate the potential risk to our employees and customers by implementing a companywide contingency plan based on CDC and WHO standards. We are carefully monitoring the COVID-19 situation, following all recommended federal, state and local guidelines, to ensure a healthy workforce at our lodges,” stated Brad Archer, President and Chief Executive Officer.
“The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the rapid decline in commodity prices, has created an unprecedented situation for companies globally. However, Target has flexibility to quickly adjust operations to changing market conditions that will allow us to maintain our strong capital structure and financial position. In this rapidly evolving environment, we will take the necessary actions to defend our cash flow generating capabilities and preserve our liquidity position now and over the long-term,” concluded Mr. Archer.
Operational Response
Target has implemented a comprehensive response plan to ensure the safety and well-being of employees and customers at our communities and across the organization. The plan includes:
Implementing an extensive pre-screening process, for all employees and customers, prior to entering any Target community
If COVID-19 symptoms are present, Target can isolate employees and customers, providing additional exposure mitigation to the broader community.
Providing all employees with extensive education on CDC and WHO standards for reducing the spread of COVID-19, including personal hygiene best practices, social distancing and aseptic cleaning guidelines
Implementing a mandatory work remote policy for all corporate employees, consistent with federal, state and local health official guidance, to mitigate the potential risk of transmission among employees and maintain a healthy work environment.
Restricting all non-essential travel and group meetings, while implementing a virtual meeting platform to ensure business continuity and encourage disease prevention best practices.
Minimizing communal contact with a “to-go” only policy for all food offerings at our lodges
Closing lodge common areas, including gyms and recreational space, to reduce social interaction and mitigate potential risk of exposure to employees and customers
Increasing the frequency and depth of already extensive aseptic cleaning procedures at our corporate offices and throughout our entire community network.
Target’s operations and supply chain have not experienced disruptions and the company continues to work with suppliers to ensure there is no service disruption or shortage of critical products at our lodges. The Company will continue to monitor the evolving situation and remains committed to providing the necessary support to our employees and customers through this challenging situation.
Capital Discipline and Cost Reductions
Target has not experienced a meaningful reduction in utilized beds at our lodges; however, we are cognizant that the COVID-19 pandemic, and continued deterioration in global commodity markets, will create headwinds through much of 2020. In response to these anticipated lower utilization levels, Target has reduced its anticipated 2020 growth capital expenditures by 50% to $5 – $10 million. Target’s anticipated maintenance capital expenditures will be between $2 – $4 million.
Target has meaningful variable cost of services and anticipates a reduction of these costs over the remainder of 2020, which will offset a portion of any reduction in utilized beds. Target is taking additional steps to reduce cash corporate expenses across the organization, including voluntary cash salary reductions of 20% for the Board and select Executive Management and 10% – 15% for Senior Management. The Company has also implemented reductions in workforce, furloughs, reduced discretionary spending and the elimination of all non-essential travel. The Company believes these measures will reduce cash expenses by more than 25% over the remainder of 2020. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer will continue to voluntarily receive 100% of his base salary in the form of restricted stock units.
Balance Sheet Update
In the current environment, a major priority is preserving liquidity to retain operational and financial flexibility. As the Company previously stated, Target has significant flexibility to quickly adapt operationally to changing market conditions in order to maintain its strong capital structure and cash flow generating capabilities. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had liquidity of approximately $52 million, with a net leverage ratio of 2.6 times as defined by its credit facility. The Company’s $125 million asset-based credit facility, maturing September 2023, has no immediate covenant, liquidity or minimum credit rating. The Company’s long-term debt has no near-term maturities and primarily consists of $340 million in Senior Secured Notes due 2024.
2020 Outlook
The spread of COVID-19 continues to heighten and is having a significant impact on global economic activity, including commodity markets, and until there is clarity on the duration and severity of these events, the Company is withdrawing its previously announced 2020 financial outlook. Target will assess the ongoing situation and will provide an updated 2020 financial outlook when more clarity is available.