Agrium Inc. (ticker: AGU, exchange: New York Stock Exchange (.N))
News Release -
27-Jul-2004
Agrium Announces Best Quarterly Earnings in Six Years
CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 27, 2004--
ALL AMOUNTS ARE STATED IN U.S.$
Agrium Inc. (TSX: AGU) (NYSE: AGU) announced today that net
earnings for the second quarter of 2004 were $75-million ($0.52
diluted earnings per share), a significant improvement over net
earnings of $69-million ($0.47 diluted earnings per share) for the
same period in 2003. Net earnings for the first six months of the year
were $87-million ($0.60 diluted earnings per share) exceeding 2003 net
earnings of $63-million ($0.43 diluted earnings per share) for the
same period. Net earnings for the first six months of 2004 improved
over the prior period, despite higher costs relating to our litigation
with Union Oil Company of California ("Unocal"). These Kenai related
costs include Earn-out expenses (under dispute), litigation charges
and other expenses, including higher gas costs relating to excess gas
royalties. In total, these costs amounted to over $27-million for the
first half of 2004, compared to a total of only $2-million in the
first half of 2003. Second quarter results do not reflect the positive
impact of the Arbitration Panel ruling, including $39-million in
damages awarded to Agrium, which will be recorded in the third quarter
of 2004.
"The second quarter results were the best in six years and
represent a continuation of what we believe to be an improving
nitrogen cycle," said Mike Wilson, Agrium's President and CEO.
Agrium's gross profit was 12 percent higher than the same period in
2003. Beginning in June, nitrogen prices bounced back above the near
historic highs in January and February. Potash prices continued to
increase while phosphate prices remained relatively stable. Retail
sales rebounded to post an 18 percent improvement in EBIT over the
second quarter of 2003. "The outlook for fertilizer fundamentals
continues to be positive and as a result we expect year-over-year
earnings improvement to continue," said Mr. Wilson.
It is difficult to give guidance given the volatility of nutrient
prices, North American gas prices, global freight rates, the
uncertainty of Chinese fertilizer trade levels and potential for high
nutrient prices to impact demand levels. Agrium's earnings guidance
for the second half of 2004 is $0.45 to $0.50 diluted earnings per
share. This earnings guidance does not take into account the positive
results from the recent Arbitration Panel ruling, specifically the
$39-million in damages inclusive of interest ($23-million after tax
or $0.16 diluted earnings per share) or any positive operational
results from Unocal's increased gas supply obligation to our Kenai,
Alaska nitrogen facility. Furthermore, it does not incorporate the
increase in nitrogen prices experienced over the past few weeks.
Should these higher prices hold, or increase from current levels, we
would expect further upside to our earnings.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
Tight supply and demand fertilizer fundamentals continued
throughout the second quarter. Nitrogen pricing rose as demand growth
and recent U.S. plant closures more than offset additions in world
nitrogen capacity. NYMEX natural gas price increased by $0.49/MMBtu
in the second quarter of 2004, compared to the second quarter of
2003. Agrium's average gas price rose from $3.48/MMBtu in the second
quarter of 2003 to $3.66/MMBtu in the second quarter of 2004, an
increase of only $0.18/MMBtu. This smaller change in Agrium's natural
gas price is largely due to our gas price advantage resulting from
the AECO differential.
- The Arbitration Panel recently awarded Agrium $39-million in
damages including interest, and determined Unocal's gas delivery
obligation to the Kenai facility for the contract years through to
2007 at volumes higher than previously indicated. Unocal has
indicated it expects that production from dedicated fields will be
less than its gas supply obligations as determined by the Arbitration
Panel. Kenai operated at an average rate of 88 percent of capacity
during the second quarter of 2004, increasing to more than 95 percent
of capacity in May and June, taking advantage of additional seasonal
gas. These deliveries were supplied 76 percent by Unocal and the
balance from higher cost, third party sources.
- Gross profit for North and South America Wholesale increased by
$15-million ($7-million and $8-million respectively), as Agrium held
first half 2004 nitrogen margins above previous year levels despite
volatility in world nitrogen prices.
- Carseland Nitrogen Operations and both Redwater and Kapuskasing
Phosphate Operations achieved new monthly production records during
the quarter. North America Wholesale inventories were 181-thousand
metric tonnes lower as at June 30, 2004 than they were at June 30,
2003.
- Overall, Retail EBIT improved in the second quarter of 2004 by
$8-million over the second quarter of 2003, and North America Retail
recorded its best ever second quarter EBIT.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
July 27, 2004
The following interim management's discussion and analysis (MD&A)
updates our annual MD&A included in our 2003 Annual Report to
Shareholders, to which readers are referred. No update is provided
where an item is not material or there has been no material change
from the discussion in our annual MD&A.
OVERVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Net Earnings
Agrium's consolidated net earnings for the second quarter of 2004
were $75-million or $0.52 diluted earnings per share. Net earnings
increased $6-million over the same quarter last year and diluted
earnings per share were up $0.05 compared to $0.47 in the second
quarter of 2003. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, consolidated
net earnings were $87-million, up $24-million compared to net
earnings of $63-million for the same period in 2003. Year-to-date
diluted earnings per share were $0.60 compared to $0.43 for the
comparative six months ended June 30, 2003.
Increased earnings were driven by higher international and
domestic pricing for most of our products, particularly potash and
nitrogen, resulting from a tightened global supply/demand balance.
Higher fertilizer prices and volumes contributed to increased margins
in our retail businesses.
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Cash flow from operating activities for the second quarter of
2004 was $23-million compared to $36-million for the same quarter of
2003. This decline is attributable to a $146-million increase in
non-cash working capital, largely due to a $149-million increase in
accounts receivable. Accounts receivable are up over last year
primarily as a result of not using our accounts receivable
securitization program this year compared to a $125-million asset
securitization at June 30, 2003.
Cash flow from operating activities for the six months ended June
30, 2004 was up $54-million to $125-million. The increase is mainly
due to improved earnings of $24-million combined with a decrease in
net change in non-cash working capital of $23-million compared to the
same period in 2003.
Financial Position
In May 2004, we entered into a $450-million three-year syndicated
revolving unsecured credit facility which replaced existing credit
facilities expiring in 2004 totaling $281-million. In addition to
improved pricing and terms, the extended expiration date and higher
borrowing limits of the new facility complements our growth strategy
and provides us with increased liquidity and flexibility for
short-term borrowings.
The primary financial covenants include restrictions on the
amount of additional debt, maximum debt to capital ratios and minimum
EBITDA-interest coverage ratios. We were in compliance with all
applicable covenants as at June 30, 2004.
Business Segment Performance
North America Wholesale
- Wholesale EBIT for the second quarter of 2004 was $74-million,
down $12-million from EBIT of $86-million for the same period last
year.
- Second quarter gross profit was $137-million in 2004, up from
$130-million last year. Increased prices for nitrogen and potash, a
result of a tightened supply/demand balance both domestically and
internationally, were the primary drivers underlying the $7-million
increase in gross profit in the second quarter of 2004 compared to
the second quarter of 2003. However, nitrogen gross profit was
negatively impacted by higher cost of product for urea and ammonia
and lower ammonia sales volumes.
- Overall, expenses are up $34-million in the second quarter of
2004 compared to the same period of 2003. Factors most significantly
impacting this increase are Kenai Earn-out related expenses,
litigation charges and other expenses, including higher gas costs
relating to gas royalties, which totaled $18-million. Agrium
continues to dispute our liability with respect to the payment of the
Earn-out. Higher depreciation and potash profit tax recorded as
royalties, were additional factors contributing to the increase.
- On July 22, 2004, an Arbitration Panel decision was received
with respect to the Corporation's dispute with Union Oil Company of
California ("Unocal") over gas supply obligations to our Kenai,
Alaska plant. The Panel awarded Agrium damages of $37-million plus
interest of $2-million for failure of Unocal to supply the required
daily quantities to April 2004 and directed determination of further
damages to June 30, 2004. We will reflect the damage award in the
Corporation's third quarter financial results.
South America Wholesale
- Wholesale EBIT was $21-million for the second quarter of 2004,
up $8-million from $13-million EBIT for the same quarter last year.
Improved EBIT is directly related to increased ammonia and urea
prices and increased urea volumes, consistent with a tightened global
supply/demand balance.
North America Retail
- Retail EBIT for the second quarter of 2004 was $48-million, up
$6-million from the same period last year. Higher fertilizer prices
and sales volumes were the primary drivers behind a $12-million
improvement in gross profit for the second quarter year-over-year.
Selling expenses increased $5-million in the second quarter of 2004,
compared to the second quarter of 2003, which correlates directly
with increased sales volume.
South America Retail
- Second quarter EBIT for Retail was $4-million for 2004, up
$2-million from the second quarter of 2003. The increase is primarily
a result of higher fertilizer prices and sales volumes, while higher
chemical prices also contributed to the increase.
Other
- EBIT for our Other non-operating business segment for the
second quarter of 2004 was a loss of $20-million from a loss of
$13-million for the same period last year. This change is a result of
a foreign exchange loss in 2004 compared to a foreign exchange gain
in 2003.
SELECTED QUARTERLY INFORMATION
(Unaudited, in millions of U.S. dollars, except per share information)
2004 2003 2002
----------- ----------------------- -------------
Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3
----------- ----------------------- -------------
Net sales 1,011 435 637 561 929 372 507 466
Gross Profit 283 142 204 172 252 111 142 133
Net earnings (loss) 75 12 (109) 25 69 (6) 12 1
Earnings (loss)
per share
-basic 0.56 0.07 (0.89) 0.18 0.53 (0.07) 0.07 (0.01)
-diluted 0.52 0.07 (0.89) 0.17 0.47 (0.07) 0.07 (0.01)
The fertilizer business is seasonal in nature. As a result,
quarter-to-quarter comparisons are not directly comparable.
NON-GAAP MEASURES
In the discussion of our performance for the quarter, in addition
to the primary measures of earnings and earnings per share, we make
reference to EBIT (earnings before interest expense and income taxes)
and EBITDA (earnings before interest expense, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization). We consider EBIT and EBITDA to be
useful measures of performance because income tax jurisdictions and
business segments are not synonymous, and we believe that allocation
of income tax charges distorts the comparability of historical
performance for the different business segments. Similarly, financing
and related interest charges cannot be allocated to all business
segments on a basis that is meaningful for comparison with other
companies. EBIT and EBITDA measures are also used extensively in the
covenants relating to our financing arrangements.
EBIT and EBITDA are not recognized measures under GAAP, and our
method of calculation may not be comparable to other companies. EBIT
should therefore not be used as an alternative to net earnings (loss)
determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of our
performance. Similarly, EBITDA should not be used as an alternative
to cash provided by (used in) operating activities as determined in
accordance with GAAP.
KEY RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
Looking Forward to the Second Half 2004
As Agrium looks toward the second half of 2004, there are a
number of factors that may positively impact the second half results:
- International ammonia and urea prices have increased
significantly in June and July supported by strong import demand from
regions such as South America and India combined with production
turnarounds and curtailments in the former Soviet Union, North
America, and Indonesia. Prices continue to strengthen in what is
traditionally a weak pricing season.
- Potash prices continue to improve due to strong U.S. and
international demand. North American potash inventories continue to
decline and are currently 46% below the 5-year average.
- Phosphate prices continue to be supported by strong export
demand and declining inventories for both DAP and MAP.
- Strong Chinese domestic demand combined with internal
transportation problems could limit the availability of Chinese urea
on the international market.
- Ocean freight rates have increased in July following the steady
decline in rates throughout the second quarter. Further strengthening
of ocean freight rates could positively impact Agrium's South and
domestic North American nitrogen netbacks but could negatively impact
Agrium's offshore potash.
- The USDA is forecasting a record U.S. corn crop in 2004 and
prices well above five-year averages for all the major row crops,
supporting strong farm income levels and the ability of farmers to
finance farm inputs.
- Moisture conditions in Western Canada have improved
significantly compared to the conditions in early spring 2004, which
should result in increased yields and support nutrient demand.
Offsetting these positive indicators are some negative factors
that may adversely impact the second half results:
- Continued high and volatile North American natural gas prices
could negatively impact North America Wholesale's margins.
- Additional nitrogen capacity is expected to come on-stream in
the second half of 2004, which may have some impact on current high
prices if demand is significantly less than expectations.
- The ban on Canadian beef imports by key trading partners as a
result of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) will continue to
negatively impact Canadian farm income.
- Strengthening in the Canadian dollar would negatively impact
Agrium's costs in its Canadian operations.
OTHER
Agrium Inc. is a leading global producer and marketer of
agricultural nutrients and industrial products and a major retail
supplier of agricultural products and services in both North America
and Argentina. Agrium produces and markets three primary groups of
nutrients: nitrogen, phosphate and potash as well as micronutrients.
Agrium's strategy is to grow through incremental expansion of its
existing operations and acquisitions as well as the development,
commercialization and marketing of new products and international
opportunities.
Certain statements in this press release constitute
forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve
known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including those referred
to in the management discussion and analysis section of the
Corporation's most recent annual report to shareholders, which may
cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the
Corporation to be materially different from any future results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual
results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking
statements, including, but not limited to, weather conditions, the
future supply, demand, price level and volatility of natural gas,
future prices of nitrogen, phosphate and potash, the differential
pricing of natural gas in various markets, pending litigation between
the Corporation and Unocal, the application and enforceability of a
$50-million cap on the amount of liquidated damages under the Kenai
gas supply contract, the impact of any future reserves
recertification on the volumes of gas reserves dedicated to the Kenai
facility, the future gas prices and availability at Kenai, the
exchange rates for U.S., Canadian and Argentine currencies, Argentine
domestic fertilizer consumption, future fertilizer inventory levels,
future nitrogen, potassium and phosphate consumption in North
America, future crop prices, future levels of nitrogen imports into
North America and future additional fertilizer capacity and operating
rates. Agrium disclaims any intention or obligation to update or
revise any forward-looking information as a result of new information
or future events.
A WEBSITE SIMULCAST of the 2004 2nd Quarter Conference Call will
be available in a listen-only mode beginning Wednesday, July 28th at
8:00 a.m. MDT (10:00 a.m. EDT). Please visit the following website:
www.agrium.com
AGRIUM INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings
(Millions of U.S. dollars except per share information)
(Unaudited)
Three months ended Six months ended
June 30, June 30,
------------------ ----------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
------------------ ----------------
Sales $ 1,055 $ 966 $ 1,519 $ 1,361
Direct freight 44 37 73 60
------------------ ----------------
Net sales 1,011 929 1,446 1,301
Cost of product 728 677 1,021 938
------------------ ----------------
Gross profit 283 252 425 363
------------------ ----------------
Expenses
Selling, general and
administrative 77 74 143 133
Depreciation and amortization 39 35 77 66
Royalties and other taxes 8 4 14 9
Other expenses 32 9 33 20
------------------ ----------------
156 122 267 228
------------------ ----------------
Earnings before interest
expense and income taxes 127 130 158 135
Interest on long-term debt 13 15 26 29
Other interest 2 3 2 4
------------------ ----------------
Earnings before income taxes 112 112 130 102
------------------ ----------------
Current income taxes 32 29 37 29
Future income taxes 5 14 6 10
------------------ ----------------
Income taxes 37 43 43 39
------------------ ----------------
Net earnings 75 69 87 63
Retained earnings
- beginning of period 155 182 145 191
Common share dividends
declared (7) (7) (7) (7)
Preferred securities charges (2) (2) (4) (5)
------------------ ----------------
Retained earnings
- end of period $ 221 $ 242 $ 221 $ 242
------------------ ----------------
------------------ ----------------
Earnings per share (note 6)
Basic $ 0.56 $ 0.53 $ 0.63 $ 0.46
Diluted $ 0.52 $ 0.47 $ 0.60 $ 0.43
AGRIUM INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)
Three months ended Six months ended
June 30, June 30,
------------------ ----------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
------------------ ----------------
Operating
Net earnings $ 75 $ 69 $ 87 $ 63
Items not affecting cash
Depreciation and amortization 39 35 77 66
Future income taxes 5 14 6 10
Net change in non-cash
working capital (96) (82) (45) (68)
------------------ ----------------
Cash provided by
operating activities 23 36 125 71
------------------ ----------------
Investing
Capital expenditures (22) (22) (35) (31)
Increase in other assets (3) (3) (5) -
Proceeds from disposal of
assets and investments 1 6 2 11
Other 5 3 7 7
------------------ ----------------
Cash used in investing
activities (19) (16) (31) (13)
------------------ ----------------
Financing
Common shares 1 - 3 -
Bank indebtedness proceeds
(repayment) - (2) 1 (1)
Long-term debt repayment (9) - (91) (2)
Common share dividends paid - - (7) (7)
Preferred securities
charges paid (2) (2) (4) (5)
------------------ ----------------
Cash used in financing
activities (10) (4) (98) (15)
------------------ ----------------
Increase (decrease) in cash
and cash equivalents (6) 16 (4) 43
Cash and cash equivalents
- beginning of period 202 136 200 109
------------------ ----------------
Cash and cash equivalents
- end of period $ 196 $ 152 $ 196 $ 152
------------------ ----------------
------------------ ----------------
AGRIUM INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)
As at As at
June 30, December 31,
---------------- -----------
2004 2003 2003
---------------- -----------
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 196 $ 152 $ 200
Accounts receivable 436 287 314
Inventories 394 405 368
Prepaid expenses 48 26 60
---------------- ----------
1,074 870 942
Capital assets 1,197 1,472 1,260
Other assets 69 90 71
---------------- ----------
$ 2,340 $ 2,432 $ 2,273
---------------- ----------
---------------- ----------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities $ 483 $ 411 $ 404
Current portion of long-term debt 46 104 121
---------------- ----------
529 515 525
Long-term debt
Recourse debt 498 533 503
Non-recourse debt 99 124 111
---------------- ----------
597 657 614
Other liabilities 198 177 181
Future income taxes 130 187 132
---------------- ----------
1,454 1,536 1,452
---------------- ----------
Shareholders' equity
Share capital
Authorized: unlimited common shares
and preferred securities
Issued:
Common shares: 2004 - 131 million
(2003 - 126 million) 544 485 490
Preferred securities:
8% Redeemable 2004 - seven million
(2003 - seven million) 172 172 172
6% Convertible, redeemable 2004 - nil
(2003 - two million) (note 4) - 50 50
Contributed surplus 1 - 1
Retained earnings 221 242 145
Cumulative translation adjustment (52) (53) (37)
---------------- ----------
886 896 821
---------------- ----------
$ 2,340 $ 2,432 $ 2,273
---------------- ----------
---------------- ----------
AGRIUM INC.
Summarized Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the six months ended June 30, 2004
(Millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Corporation's accounting policies are in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in Canada and are consistent
with those outlined in the annual audited financial statements except
where stated below. These interim consolidated financial statements
do not include all disclosures normally provided in annual financial
statements and should be read in conjunction with the Corporation's
audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December
31, 2003. In management's opinion, the interim consolidated financial
statements include all adjustments necessary to present fairly such
information.
Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to
the current year's presentation.
2. BANK INDEBTEDNESS
In May 2004, Agrium Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Agrium
U.S. Inc., entered into a $450-million three-year syndicated
revolving unsecured credit facility. The new credit agreement
replaced Agrium Inc.'s $225-million credit facility due in May 2004
and Agrium U.S. Inc.'s $56-million credit facility due in December
2004.
Under the terms of the agreement, Agrium Inc. and Agrium U.S.
Inc. may borrow a maximum principal amount of $325-million and
$125-million respectively. Interest rates are at either Canadian
prime rate plus a variable margin, U.S. base rate established by a
bank plus a variable margin, LIBOR plus a variable margin or bankers'
acceptance rate plus a variable margin, at the election of the
borrower.
The credit facility requires that Agrium Inc. maintain certain
financial ratios and other covenants.
3. EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS
The total net employee future benefits expense for the
Corporation's pension and post-retirement benefit plans are computed
as follows:
Three months ended Six months ended
June 30, June 30,
------------------ ----------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
------------------ ----------------
Defined benefit pension plans $ 2 $ 2 $ 4 $ 4
Post-retirement benefit plans 1 1 3 2
Defined contribution pension
plans 2 2 7 6
------------------ ----------------
Total expense $ 5 $ 5 $ 14 $ 12
------------------ ----------------
------------------ ----------------
This expense is reflected in our cost of product and general and
administrative expenses.
4. SHARE CAPITAL
In January 2004, all holders of the six percent convertible,
redeemable preferred securities elected to convert the securities
into common shares at the stated conversion price of $11.9677 per
share, resulting in the issuance of an additional 4.18 million common
shares.
5. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
The Corporation began prospectively expensing the fair value of
stock options granted in 2003 over their vesting period. In
accordance with the prospective method of adoption, the Corporation
has recorded no compensation expense for stock options granted prior
to January 1, 2003 and will continue to provide pro-forma disclosure
of the effect on net earnings (loss) and earnings (loss) per share
had the fair value been expensed. The following table summarizes the
pro-forma disclosure for stock options granted prior to 2003 that
have not been expensed.
Three months ended
June 30,
-----------------------------------------------
2004 2003
----------------------- ---------------------
As Pro As Pro
Reported forma Reported forma
----------------------- ---------------------
Net earnings $ 75 $ 74 $ 69 $ 68
Earnings per share
Basic $ 0.56 $ 0.55 $ 0.53 $ 0.52
Diluted $ 0.52 $ 0.51 $ 0.47 $ 0.46
Six months ended
June 30,
-----------------------------------------------
2004 2003
----------------------- ---------------------
As Pro As Pro
Reported forma Reported forma
----------------------- ---------------------
Net earnings $ 87 $ 85 $ 63 $ 60
Earnings per share
Basic $ 0.63 $ 0.62 $ 0.46 $ 0.43
Diluted $ 0.60 $ 0.59 $ 0.43 $ 0.41
6. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table summarizes the computation of net earnings
per share:
Three months ended Six months ended
June 30, June 30,
------------------ ----------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
--------- ------- ------- -------
Numerator:
Net earnings $ 75 $ 69 $ 87 $ 63
Preferred securities
charges (net of tax) (2) (2) (4) (5)
--------- ------- ------- -------
Numerator for basic
earnings per share 73 67 83 58
--------- ------- ------- -------
--------- ------- ------- -------
Preferred securities
charges (net of tax) 2 2 4 5
--------- ------- ------- -------
Numerator for diluted
earnings per share 75 69 87 63
----------- ----- ---------- ----
----------- ----- ---------- ----
Denominator:
Weighted average
denominator for basic
earnings per share 131 126 130 126
--------- ------- ------- -------
--------- ------- ------- -------
Dilutive instruments:
Stock options (a) 1 1 1 1
Preferred securities
converted to common shares
$175-million, eight
percent (a) 13 16 13 16
$50-million, six
percent (note 4)(a) - 4 - 4
--------- ------- ------- -------
Denominator for diluted
earnings per share 145 147 144 147
--------- ------- ------- -------
--------- ------- ------- -------
Basic earnings per share $ 0.56 $ 0.53 $ 0.63 $ 0.46
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.52 $ 0.47 $ 0.60 $ 0.43
(a) For diluted earnings per share, these dilutive instruments are
added back only when the impact of the instrument is dilutive to
basic earnings per share
There were 131 million common shares outstanding at June 30, 2004
(2003 - 126 million). As at June 30, 2004, the Corporation has
outstanding approximately nine million options and options with
tandem stock appreciation rights to acquire common shares.
7. SEASONALITY
The fertilizer business is seasonal in nature. Sales are
concentrated in the spring and fall planting seasons while produced
inventories are accumulated throughout the year. Cash collections
generally occur after the planting seasons in North and South America.
8. SEGMENTED INFORMATION
The Corporation's primary activity is the production and
wholesale marketing of nitrogen, potash and phosphate and the retail
sales of fertilizers, chemicals and other agricultural inputs and
services. The Corporation operates principally in Canada, the United
States and Argentina.
Net sales between segments are accounted for at prices which
approximate fair market value and are eliminated on consolidation.
The reportable segment entitled "Other" includes Corporate functions
and inter-segment eliminations.
9. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Subsequent to June 30, 2004, an Arbitration Panel decision was
received with respect to the Corporation's dispute with Union Oil
Company of California ("Unocal") over gas supply obligations to our
Kenai, Alaska plant.
The Panel awarded Agrium damages of $37-million plus interest of
$2-million for failure of Unocal to supply the required daily
quantities to April 2004 and directed determination of further
damages to June 30, 2004. We will reflect the damage award in the
Corporation's third quarter financial results.
Schedule 1
AGRIUM INC.
Segmentation
(unaudited - millions of U.S. dollars)
Three Months Ended June 30
--------------------------------------------
North America North America South America
Wholesale Retail Wholesale
--------------------------------------------
2004 2003 2004 2003 2004 2003
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Net sales
- external $ 488 $ 476 $ 460 $ 407 $ 33 $ 23
- inter-segment 27 21 - - 3 2
--------------------------------------------
Total net sales 515 497 460 407 36 25
Cost of product 378 367 349 308 10 7
--------------------------------------------
Gross profit 137 130 111 99 26 18
Gross profit % 27% 26% 24% 24% 72% 72%
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
Selling Expenses $ 4 $ 4 $ 57 $ 52 $ - $ -
EBIT (1) $ 74 $ 86 $ 48 $ 42 $ 21 $ 13
EBITDA (2) $ 102 $ 110 $ 53 $ 47 $ 25 $ 17
Schedule 1
(cont.)
Three Months Ended June 30
--------------------------------------------
South America
Retail Other Total
--------------------------------------------
2004 2003 2004 2003 2004 2003
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Net sales
- external $ 30 $ 23 $ - $ - $1,011 $ 929
- inter-segment - - (30) (23) - -
--------------------------------------------
Total net sales 30 23 (30) (23) 1,011 929
Cost of product 23 20 (32) (25) 728 677
--------------------------------------------
Gross profit 7 3 2 2 283 252
Gross profit % 23% 13% (7)% (9)% 28% 27%
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
Selling Expenses $ 4 $ 3 $ (1) $ - $ 64 $ 59
EBIT (1) $ 4 $ 2 $ (20) $ (13) $ 127 $ 130
EBITDA (2) $ 4 $ 2 $ (18) $ (11) $ 166 $ 165
Schedule 1
(cont.)
AGRIUM INC.
Segmentation
(unaudited - millions of U.S. dollars)
Six Months Ended June 30
--------------------------------------------
North America North America South America
Wholesale Retail Wholesale
--------------------------------------------
2004 2003 2004 2003 2004 2003
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Net sales
- external $ 748 $ 695 $ 606 $ 533 $ 53 $ 43
- inter-segment 43 37 - - 4 3
--------------------------------------------
Total net sales 791 732 606 533 57 46
Cost of product 572 546 450 392 17 14
--------------------------------------------
Gross profit 219 186 156 141 40 32
Gross profit % 28% 25% 26% 26% 70% 70%
--------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Selling Expenses $ 8 $ 7 $ 103 $ 96 $ - $ 1
EBIT (1) $ 110 $ 99 $ 44 $ 37 $ 31 $ 24
EBITDA (2) $ 167 $ 145 $ 53 $ 46 $ 38 $ 32
Schedule 1
(cont.)
Six Months Ended June 30
--------------------------------------------
South America
Retail Other Total
--------------------------------------------
2004 2003 2004 2003 2004 2003
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Net sales
- external $ 39 $ 30 $ - $ - $1,446 $1,301
- inter-segment - - (47) (40) - -
--------------------------------------------
Total net sales 39 30 (47) (40) 1,446 1,301
Cost of product 30 26 (48) (40) 1,021 938
--------------------------------------------
Gross profit 9 4 1 - 425 363
Gross profit % 23% 13% (2)% 0% 29% 28%
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
Selling Expenses $ 6 $ 4 $ (1) $ (1) $ 116 $ 107
EBIT (1) $ 3 $ 2 $ (30) $ (27) $ 158 $ 135
EBITDA (2) $ 3 $ 2 $ (26) $ (24) $ 235 $ 201
(1) Earnings (loss) before interest expense and income taxes.
(2) Earnings (loss) before interest expense, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization.
Schedule 2(a)
AGRIUM INC.
Product Lines
Three Months Ended June 30
(unaudited - millions of U.S. dollars)
--------------------------------------------
2004
--------------------------------------------
Sales Selling
Net Gross Tonnes Price Margin
Sales Profit (000's) ($/Tonne) ($/Tonne)
--------------------------------------------
North America Wholesale
Nitrogen (1)
Ammonia $ 136 $ 37 506 $ 269 $ 73
Urea 140 29 683 205 42
Nitrate, Sulphate
and Other 97 25 521 186 48
--------------------------------------------
Total Nitrogen 373 91 1,710 218 53
Phosphate 85 19 336 253 57
Potash (2) 57 27 510 112 53
--------------------------------------------
515 137 2,556 201 54
South America Wholesale (1) 36 26 190 189 137
North America Retail
Fertilizers 212 53
Chemicals 180 30
Other 68 28
--------------
460 111
South America Retail 30 7
Inter-segment (30) 2
--------------
Total $ 1,011 $ 283
--------------
--------------
Schedule 2(a)
(cont.)
AGRIUM INC.
Product Lines
Three Months Ended June 30
(unaudited - millions of U.S. dollars)
--------------------------------------------
2003
--------------------------------------------
Sales Selling
Net Gross Tonnes Price Margin
Sales Profit (000's) ($/Tonne) ($/Tonne)
--------------------------------------------
North America Wholesale
Nitrogen (1)
Ammonia $ 145 $ 39 571 $ 254 $ 68
Urea 133 34 661 201 51
Nitrate, Sulphate
and Other 94 25 533 176 47
--------------------------------------------
Total Nitrogen 372 98 1,765 211 56
Phosphate 78 14 305 256 46
Potash (2) 47 18 480 98 38
--------------------------------------------
497 130 2,550 195 51
South America Wholesale (1) 25 18 145 172 124
North America Retail
Fertilizers 174 50
Chemicals 175 27
Other 58 22
--------------
407 99
South America Retail 23 3
Inter-segment (23) 2
--------------
Total $ 929 $ 252
--------------
--------------
(1) International nitrogen sales were 524,000 tonnes (2003 - 587,000)
and gross profit was $24-million (2003 - $41-million) for the three
months ended June 30.
(2) International potash sales were 199,000 tonnes (2003 - 170,000)
and gross profit was $11-million (2003 - $7-million) for the three
months ended June 30.
Schedule 2(b)
AGRIUM INC.
Product Lines
Six Months Ended June 30
(unaudited - millions of U.S. dollars)
--------------------------------------------
2004
--------------------------------------------
Sales Selling
Net Gross Tonnes Price Margin
Sales Profit (000's) ($/Tonne) ($/Tonne)
--------------------------------------------
North America Wholesale
Nitrogen (1)
Ammonia $ 210 $ 60 788 $ 266 $ 76
Urea 206 45 983 210 46
Nitrate, Sulphate
and Other 143 37 762 188 49
--------------------------------------------
Total Nitrogen 559 142 2,533 221 56
Phosphate 128 30 499 257 60
Potash (2) 104 47 949 110 50
--------------------------------------------
791 219 3,981 199 55
South America Wholesale (1) 57 40 294 194 136
North America Retail
Fertilizers 286 72
Chemicals 237 50
Other 83 34
--------------
606 156
South America Retail 39 9
Inter-segment (47) 1
--------------
Total $ 1,446 $ 425
--------------
--------------
Schedule 2(b)
(cont.)
AGRIUM INC.
Product Lines
Six Months Ended June 30
(unaudited - millions of U.S. dollars)
--------------------------------------------
2003
--------------------------------------------
Sales Selling
Net Gross Tonnes Price Margin
Sales Profit (000's) ($/Tonne) ($/Tonne)
--------------------------------------------
North America Wholesale
Nitrogen (1)
Ammonia $ 194 $ 49 817 $ 237 $ 60
Urea 203 49 1,070 190 46
Nitrate, Sulphate
and Other 132 35 748 176 47
--------------------------------------------
Total Nitrogen 529 133 2,635 201 50
Phosphate 124 23 501 248 46
Potash (2) 79 30 820 96 37
--------------------------------------------
732 186 3,956 185 47
South America Wholesale (1) 46 32 284 162 113
North America Retail
Fertilizers 233 66
Chemicals 230 48
Other 70 27
---------------
533 141
South America Retail 30 4
Inter-segment (40) -
---------------
Total $ 1,301 $ 363
---------------
---------------
(1) International nitrogen sales were 830,000 tonnes
(2003 - 1,019,000) and gross profit was $55-million
(2003 - $67-million) for the six months ended June 30.
(2) International potash sales were 357,000 tonnes
(2003 - 306,000) and gross profit was $16-million
(2003 - $13-million) for the six months ended June 30.
CONTACT: Agrium Inc.
Richard Downey
Investor/Media Relations
(403) 225-7357
Fax: (403) 225-7609
SOURCE: Agrium Inc.
|
Agrium Inc.
