U.S. Silica Announces Increase in Share Repurchase Program

FREDERICK, Md., Dec. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. SLCA announced today that its Board of Directors has authorized an increase in the Company's share repurchase program from $25 million to up to $50 million. The repurchase program will be funded over the next twelve months using the Company's available cash.

"The decision to upsize our stock repurchase program reflects our confidence in U.S. Silica's long-term strategy and growth prospects as well as a commitment to delivering increased value to shareholders," said Bryan Shinn, president and chief executive officer. "We remain focused on using our strong balance sheet and cash flows to continue investing in organic growth initiatives and other high-return business development activities that create value for our shareholders."

The Company is authorized to repurchase, from time to time, shares of its outstanding common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and the amount of any repurchases of common stock will be determined by U.S. Silica management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors.  Repurchases of common stock may also be made under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, which would permit common stock to be repurchased when U.S. Silica might otherwise be precluded from doing so under insider trading laws. The share repurchase program may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time and the Company has no obligation to repurchase any amount of its common stock under the program. The Company intends to make all repurchases in compliance with applicable regulatory guidelines and to administer the plan in accordance with applicable laws, including Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

About U.S. Silica

U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc., a member of the Russell 2000, is a leading producer of commercial silica used in the oil and gas industry, and in a wide range of industrial applications. Over its 114-year history, U.S. Silica has developed core competencies in mining, processing, logistics and materials science that enable it to produce and cost-effectively deliver over 250 products to customers across our end markets. The company currently operates nine industrial sand production plants and seven oil and gas sand production plants. The company is headquartered in Frederick, Maryland and also has offices located in Chicago, Illinois, Houston, Texas and Shanghai, China. The company operates on a platform of ethics, safety and sustainability. U.S. Silica is a founding member of Wisconsin Industrial Sand Association (WISA) and has been recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) as a partner in the WDNR Green Tier program. In becoming a Green Tier participant, U.S. Silica demonstrates its commitment to achieving superior environmental and economic performance.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and speak only as of this date. Forward-looking statements made include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact and may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding U.S. Silica's growth opportunities, strategy, future financial results, forecasts, projections, plans and capital expenditures, and the commercial silica industry. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions, which may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from these forward-looking statements. Among these factors are: (1) fluctuations in demand for commercial silica; (2) the cyclical nature of our customers' businesses; (3) operating risks that are beyond our control; (4) federal, state and local legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing; (5) our ability to implement our capacity expansion plans within our current timetable and budget; (6) loss of, or reduction in, business from our largest customers; (7) increasing costs or a lack of dependability or availability of transportation services or infrastructure; (8) our substantial indebtedness and pension obligations; (9) our ability to attract and retain key personnel; (10) silica-related health issues and corresponding litigation; (11) seasonal and severe weather conditions; and (12) extensive and evolving environmental, mining, health and safety, licensing, reclamation and other regulation (and changes in their enforcement or interpretation). Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in U.S. Silica's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.
Michael Lawson
Director of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
(301) 682-0304
lawsonm@ussilica.com

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SOURCE U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.