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U.S. Silica (SLCA) Wraps Up Frac Sand Producer Acquisition

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U.S. Silica (SLCA - Free Report) has wrapped up its acquisition of the NBR Sand unit of New Birmingham Inc., a privately-owned industrial minerals and logistics company. The deal was announced last month.

NBR Sand has a capacity of over two million tons of fine-grade frac sand per annum. It produces 40/70 Mesh and 100 Mesh Silica Sand used in hydraulic fracturing.

The acquisition of the frac sand producer allows U.S. Silica to expand its product offering and capacity in the regional sands market, and enhance customer satisfaction. U.S. Silica is optimistic about the growth of the regional sand market and is looking to create a strong foothold in the same.

U.S. Silica’s strong balance sheet provides it with ample opportunities for making strategic investments this that will help expand the life of its flagship operation and ensure its long-term competitive position in the market. The company’s decision to raise capital in first-quarter 2016 enhanced its financial flexibility and strengthened its balance sheet.

U.S. Silica, in May 2016, also purchased a fully permitted, 327-acre parcel of land adjacent to its present silica sand mine and plant in Ottawa, IL. The company intends to use the property for future mining operations.

U.S. Silica posted better-than-expected results in second-quarter 2016. Its adjusted loss for the quarter came in at 17 cents per share, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 23 cents. Revenues of $117 million also beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $116 million.

U.S. Silica is currently focusing on cost reduction and operational efficiency improvement. The company believes these measures will help it survive in the current downturn and increase profitability when the market reverses. The company is on track to deliver roughly $50 million of cost improvements in 2016.

U.S. Silica currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Other Stocks to Consider

Better-ranked stocks in the basic materials space include Rio Tinto plc (RIO - Free Report) , Klondex Mines Ltd. and McEwen Mining Inc. (MUX - Free Report) . While Rio Tinto sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), both Klondex and McEwen Mining carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

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