Tag Archives: URALCHEM

URALCHEM has become a Controlling Shareholder of the Ventamonjaks Terminal

August 21, 2014 staronepr Leave a comment

URALCHEM, OJSC has become a controlling shareholder in SIA Ventamonjaks. Ventamonjaks is the largest liquid ammonia transhipment terminal in the Baltic Sea.

Moscow, Russia (August 21, 2014) — URALCHEM, OJSC has become a controlling shareholder in SIA Ventamonjaks. Ventamonjaks is the largest liquid ammonia transhipment terminal in the Baltic Sea. It has an annual capacity of 1 million tonnes and is located in the ice-free port of Ventspils. URALCHEM’s subsidiary, Uralchem Freight limited, acted on behalf of URALCHEM as a party to the transaction and became the owner of 55% of the shares in the company, which has 100% shares in SIA Ventamonjaks. The transaction was carried out with the participation of ABLV bank.

Dmitry Konyaev, General Director of URALCHEM OJSC, commented

The purchase of the terminal is consistent with our strategic goal of providing logistic security to the supply of our products. For more than 15 years the enterprises of URALCHEM have been customers of the Ventamonjaks. URALCHEM is the leader in Russia in terms of manufacturing ammonia and intends to increase its production. We are keen to provide our customers around the world with flexible and the most favourable conditions for its supply. Our approach to the purchase of the terminal and to its future management will be identical to our existing project – the Riga Fertilizer Terminal.

Andrejs Visnauskas, Chairman of the board of directors of SIA Ventamonjaks, said

The acquisition of shares in the terminal by the manufacturer and owner of the transhipped product provides a long-term guarantee for its workload. This is an important factor for the competitiveness of the terminal, its ability to ensure income for its owners and to provide jobs and taxes for the Latvian budget. We also hope that, with the help of URALCHEM, we will be able to increase the workload of the terminal, which has significantly reduced after the global financial crisis.

Public Relations Department
URALCHEM, OJSC
Tel: +7 (495) 721 89 89
pr@uralchem.com
http://www.uralchem.com

URALCHEM, OJSC is one of the largest producers of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers in Russia and the CIS with production capacities of over 2.8 million tonnes of ammonia, 2.5 million tonnes of ammonium nitrate, 1.2 million tonnes of urea and 0.8 million tonnes of phosphate and compound fertilizers per year. URALCHEM, OJSC ranks first in Russia for production of ammonia and ammonium nitrate, and second for the production of urea. Key production assets of URALCHEM, OJSC include Azot Branch of URALCHEM, OJSC in Berezniki, Perm Region; OJSC Minudobrenia, Perm; MFP Kirovo-Chepetsk Chemical Works, OJSC Branch in Kirovo-Chepetsk, Kirov region; Voskresensk Mineral Fertilisers, OJSC in Voskresensk, Moscow region.

Some of the information in this press release may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of URALCHEM. We wish to caution you that these statements are only predictions. We do not intend to update these statements and our actual results may differ materially from those contained in our projections or forward-looking statements, including, among others, the achievement of anticipated levels of profitability, growth, cost and synergy of our recent acquisitions, the impact of competitive pricing, the ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and licenses, the impact of developments in the Russian economic, political and legal environment, financial risk management and the impact of general business and global economic conditions.

Business

URALCHEM Expands Its Own Fleet of Ammonia Transportation Tanks

August 15, 2014 staronepr Leave a comment

In August, URALCHEM’s fleet of rolling stock increased by 100 new ammonia tanks.

Moscow, Russia (August 14, 2014) — In August, URALCHEM‘s fleet of rolling stock increased by 100 new ammonia tanks. A financial leasing contract was signed by URALCHEM-TRANS (part of URALCHEM) and Alpha Leasing. The deal amounted to about 500 million roubles.

The leasing company was chosen on a competitive basis, which allowed URALCHEM to negotiate the best terms for the deal. The new tanks are to be manufactured by the Ruzaevsky Chemical Engineering factory (Ruzhimmash, part of the RM Rail group). URALCHEM-TRANS has long been using Ruzhimmash products. Currently, the company’s fleet includes 533 leased tanks by this manufacturer and another 76 rented.

Expansion of its fleet of ammonia tanks is in line with URALCHEM’s strategy to ensure the independence of its logistics chain. In particular, it is driven by the requirement to reduce its current dependence on leased fleets of other ammonia manufacturers. This allows the company to guarantee uninterrupted supply of raw materials and finished products. By following this strategy in 2012 to 2014, URALCHEM increased the proportion of its own ammonia tanks from 40% to 71% of the total number of tanks in its fleet. In total, URALCHEM’s rolling stock of ammonia tanks consists of 1700 ammonia tanks, of which more than 1200 are owned by the company.

Public Relations Department
URALCHEM, OJSC
Tel: +7 (495) 721 89 89
pr@uralchem.com
http://www.uralchem.com

Business

URALCHEM Celebrates Its 7th Anniversary

July 14, 2014 staronepr Leave a comment

Last Friday marked the seventh anniversary of the foundation of URALCHEM.

Moscow, Russia (July 14, 2014) — Last Friday marked the seventh anniversary of the foundation of URALCHEM.

Ever since it was set up in 2007, URALCHEM has pursued a strategy of consolidating assets whilst improving the efficiency of business processes, increasing productivity and profitability, as well as reducing transaction costs. Today, URALCHEM is a leading manufacturer of nitrogen fertilizers. Ranking first in Russia in the production of ammonia and ammonium nitrate, the company supplies more than 80 kinds of products in more than 60 countries.

Over the past seven years, URALCHEM has boosted total production by more than 3 times. In 2013 the company produced 6.04 million tons of its main products and set a record for the production of gross ammonia at 2.82 million tons. Revenue has grown more than four-fold for the past seven years, reaching $2.27 billion in 2013. In terms of profitability, URALCHEM is one of the industry leaders, not only in Russia, but also globally. The company’s EBITDA grew from $207 million in 2007 to $632 million in 2013, with an EBITDA margin of 28%. The company is actively reinvesting its profits. Over the period of 2007 to 2013, URALCHEM has invested $682 million in its own development.

General Director of URALCHEM OJSC Dmitry Konyaev commented, “Today URALCHEM is one of the leaders of the chemical industry. This is a company that has managed in a short time to walk a path that has taken many players in the industry decades; a company that is confident in the future. We are developing and launching new products, strengthening our positions in key markets and entering new markets. We believe that URALCHEM is set for a long-term and stable development. Its employees, highly qualified managers and effective business model all guarantee this.”

More than 300 employees, representing all businesses of the company participated in the celebrations. The guests enjoyed a spectacular boat trip on the Moscow River and a concert.

Public Relations Department
URALCHEM, OJSC
Tel: +7 (495) 721 89 89
pr@uralchem.com
http://www.uralchem.com

Business

URALCHEM reports the results of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

July 3, 2014 staronepr Leave a comment

United Chemical Company URALCHEM, OJSC reports on the decisions taken by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on 30th June, 2014.

Moscow, Russia (July 2, 2014) — United Chemical Company URALCHEM, OJSC reports on the decisions taken by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on 30th June, 2014.

The company’s shareholders approved URALCHEM’s annual report and annual financial statements for fiscal year 2013. The shareholders decided not to announce and pay dividends for 2013, beyond the 3.475 billion roubles previously announced for the nine months of 2013.

The meeting also re-elected the current Board of Directors of URLACHEM OJSC. The board includes Dmitry Mazepin, Dmitry Tatianin, Dmitry Konyaev, Julia Orlovskaya, Andrey Pakhomenkov, Mikhail Genkin and independent director Petr Krupnov.

The shareholders’ approved the new edition of the articles of association of the company, which brings it into line with changes in legislation and specifies the responsibilities of the CEO and the Board of Directors. The meeting approved a major deal: namely, the signing of an additional agreement to the VTB loan to purchase shares in OJSC Uralkali, which increased the period of availability of undrawn funds to the end of 2014.

Dmitry Konyaev, CEO of URALCHEM, OJSC said that in 2013 the company demonstrated the stability of the business in difficult market conditions. Among the main results of the year were the completion of its own port terminal in Riga and the purchase of 19.99% of shares in OJSC Uralkali. In 2014, the company will focus on improving business efficiency by continuing to invest in the renovation and modernization of its existing facilities.

Public Relations Department
URALCHEM, OJSC
Tel: +7 (495) 721 89 89
pr@uralchem.com
http://www.uralchem.com

Business

URALCHEM, OJSC Reports IFRS Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2014

June 3, 2014 staronepr Leave a comment

URALCHEM, OJSC, the Russian holding company of the URALCHEM Group, one of the largest producers of nitrogen fertilizers in Russia, announced its IFRS financial results for the first quarter of 2014.

Moscow, Russia (May 30, 2014)

• Revenue decreased to 19.4 bln RUB, compared to 20.8 bln RUB in January-March 2013.
• Operating profit amounted to 5.3 bln RUB, compared with 6.7 bln RUB in January-March 2013.
• Adjusted EBITDA comprised 6.2 bln RUB, compared to 7.6 bln RUB in January-March 2013.
• Adjusted EBITDA margin amounted to 32%, compared to 37% in January-March 2013.

URALCHEM, OJSC (hereinafter URALCHEM or the Company), the Russian holding company of the URALCHEM Group, one of the largest producers of nitrogen fertilizers in Russia, announced its IFRS financial results for the first quarter of 2014.

Revenue for the first quarter of 2014 decreased by 7% to 19.4 bln RUB, compared to 20.8 bln RUB in January – March, 2013. Operating profit amounted to 5.3 bln RUB (23% of revenue) compared with the operating profit of 6.7 bln RUB (32% of revenue) in the first quarter of 2013.

Adjusted EBITDA comprised 6.2 bln RUB, compared to 7.6 bln RUB, a decrease of 18%. The adjusted EBITDA margin for the first quarter of 2014 amounted to 32% of revenue, compared with 37% of revenue for the first quarter of 2013.

The negative net profit is the result of so-called paper losses. The bulk of the company’s debt is denominated in dollars, and following the sharp rise in the foreign exchange rate in the first quarter of 2014, the company has recognized a foreign exchange loss from financing activities to the amount of 13.56 billion roubles in the reporting period. Of this amount, 13 billion roubles is the exchange difference on the loans, on which there have been no real cash flows. Sharp fluctuations in exchange rates have a significant effect on the net income indicator. For example, movement of the dollar exchange rate in the opposite direction in April and May provided for positive exchange rate differences on the same loans to the total of about 6.5 billion roubles.

In addition, the financial result from operations includes foreign exchange loss in the amount of 957 million roubles arising on intercompany liability, while the corresponding gain is reflected directly in the statement of changes in equity. If these exchange differences were netted off, EBITDA could reach 7.15 billion roubles and its margin would be 37%.

Thus, against the background of declining global prices for major fertilizers, in the first quarter of 2014, URALCHEM showed the sustainability of its business model. Whilst its financial performance was lower in absolute terms, the company has maintained high margins (profitability) and continued to generate a stable positive cash flow. In response to market trends, the company has increased production and sales of key products, ammonium nitrate and its derivatives, as well as continued its efforts to improve the efficiency of business processes, to increase productivity and profitability and to reduce operating costs.

Markets

The first quarter is traditionally a period of significant market activity and prices are being supported by strong demand in premium markets, the US and Europe. However, despite the rise in prices in the first half of the quarter, the average values of quotes were lower than in the first quarter of 2013. In the second and third quarters of 2014 the market expects oversupply associated with the start of Chinese exports. The main demand during the period is expected from South Asia and Latin America, ie regions in which the price is traditionally low. The volume of demand is assessed as insufficient to absorb all available supplies from China and the Middle East. As a result of the oversupply, price cuts will inevitably lead to a halt in production in regions with high costs, including Europe and the CIS.

In January, the activity in ammonia markets stayed low. Quotes based on FOB Yuzhnyi Port remained around 410 to 430 dollars/tonne. In February, prices for ammonia in the ports of the CIS began to rise, which continued until the end of the quarter. Gazprom’s announcement about cancellation of discounts on natural gas prices increased interest in purchasing in the Yuzhnyi Port; the lack of available supplies in Trinidad heightened interest of US importers in purchasing in the CIS. The main growth in demand was due to the start of direct application of ammonia and increased requirements for raw materials from producers of phosphate fertilizers. In March, prices reached 474 dollars/tonne. However, in general, for the quarter the prices amounted to 438 dollars/tonne, which is 22.2 % lower than a year before.

The greatest activity for urea during the quarter was shown in US, Europe and Brazil. The US entered the purchasing season with low stocks. In January, prices in the US rose by 21% and the rapid rise in prices in the United States resulted in an increase in prices in the major sources of shipment: in the Port of Yuzhnyi by 15%, in Egypt also by 15%, in the Middle East by 16%. Prices were also supported by a lack of free product in North Africa and the Middle East. However, beginning with the last week of January, the market trend changed. The devaluation of the Turkish lira and the Brazilian real impeded imports from these countries and by the end of the quarter, prices returned to January levels. The average quotes for urea FOB Baltics in March totalled 314 dollars/tonne. The average urea price for the quarter was $330/tonne, which is 14.3 % lower than a year before.

January and February marked steady growth of quotations for ammonium nitrate caused by deficiency of the product available for export, due to the supply to the Russian domestic market. FOB Baltics quotes grew from $300/tonne up to $320/tonne. But from the beginning of March there was change in the trend due to lower domestic demand. In general, during the first quarter of 2014 quotes amounted to $308/tonne, which is 8.6% lower than a year before.

In the segment of phosphate fertilizers (MAP/DAP) average quotations (FOB Black Sea) for the first quarter of 2014 amounted to $469 dollars/tonne, which is 6% lower than a year before. Since mid-March, demand in this segment declined markedly; importers, relying on high inventories, put off new purchases in anticipation of more lucrative offers. In the second quarter, market participants expect lower prices.

Financial Situation

Cash generated from operating activities in the first quarter of 2014 amounted to 5.6 bln RUB, compared to 5.06 bln RUB in the first quarter of 2013.

As at 31 March 2014, the Company’s net debt amounted to 163.11 bln RUB. The debt burden increased after the Company received a loan from VTB Capital to finance the purchase of 19.99% of shares in OJSC “Uralkali”, which as at 31 March 2014 amounted to 146,01 bln RUB

For more information, please visit the Company web site http://www.uralchem.com or use the following contact information:

Public Relations Department
URALCHEM, OJSC
Tel: +7 (495) 721 89 89
Email: pr@uralchem.com
Web: http://www.uralchem.com

Business

URALCHEM, OJSC Reports IFRS Financial Results for the Year 2013

April 24, 2014 staronepr Leave a comment

Revenue for 2013 reached 72.15 bln RUB, operating profit amounted to 16.5 bln RUB. Against the background of adverse market developments, the company managed to strengthen its leadership in the nitrogen segment, by showing an increase in production and sales of key products.

Moscow, Russia (April 24, 2014)

• Revenue decreased to 72.15 bln RUB, compared to 75.33 bln RUB in 2012.
• Operating profit amounted to 16.5 bln RUB, compared with 22.73 bln RUB in 2012.
• Adjusted EBITDA comprised 20.12 bln RUB, compared to 25.99 bln RUB in 2012.

URALCHEM, OJSC (hereinafter URALCHEM or the Company), the Russian holding company of the URALCHEM Group, one of the largest producers of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers in Russia, announced its audited IFRS financial results for the year 2013.

Dmitry Konyaev, CEO of URALCHEM, OJSC, commented on the Company’s results for the year 2013, “2013 proved to be a difficult year for fertilizer manufacturers. The decline in world prices affected the financial results of all the major players in the industry and URALCHEM was no exception. Against the background of adverse market developments, we worked actively to improve the efficiency of business processes, to increase productivity, profitability and to reduce operating costs. We managed to strengthen our leadership in the nitrogen segment, by showing an increase in production and sales of key products. Thanks to its chosen strategy, URALCHEM has continued to maintain a leading position among Russian producers in terms of margins, with the EBITDA margin at 28% in 2013.”

Financial Results

Revenue for 2013 decreased by 4% to 72.15 bln RUB, compared to 73.33 bln RUB in 2012. Operating profit amounted to 16.5 bln RUB (23% of revenue) compared with the operating profit of 22.73 bln RUB (30% of revenue) in 2012.

Adjusted EBITDA reached 20.12 bln RUB, compared to 25.99 bln RUB in 2012, a decrease of 23%.

The adjusted EBITDA margin for 2013 comprised 28% of revenue, compared with 34% of revenue for 2012.

Markets

In 2013, the global fertilizer market was affected by a number of unfavourable factors. Among them were the reduction of fertilizer subsidies in India and the depreciation of regional currencies in the countries of South and Southeast Asia, the leading importers of mineral fertilizers. During the year Thai baht and Indian rupee lost 10% against the US dollar. On the Brazilian and Turkish markets (traditionally important for the Russian fertilizer exports), the real and the lira decreased by 15% and 19% against the US dollar, respectively. Restructuring of potash sales and a deficiency of natural gas for the nitrogen sector in Egypt, South-East and South Asia, and Latin America also added to the uncertainty.

As a result, continuing high demand for fertilizers under worsening general macroeconomic conditions was not supported by solvency of the major importers. This was reflected in falling prices of the major fertilizers and created the prerequisites for a general decline in prices in the short and medium terms. China’s increasing role as a supplier of fertilizers, coupled with the expectation that the country’s costs will remain stable (or even reduce slightly) will significantly constrain other producers’ opportunities to increase prices, even seasonally. The US move away from the import of nitrogen products to domestic production will increase competition in other regions and will also put additional pressure on prices.

The price of ammonia FOB Yuzhny Port during 2013 decreased from US $600 per tonne in January to US $385 to US $425 per tonne in December. The main factors influencing the negative trend in world prices for ammonia were: a drop in demand from Indian manufacturers of fertilizers, moderate demand from industrialized countries in Asia, the weakening of phosphate fertilizer market and lower prices for urea. During the same period, ammonia deficit increased in the countries of Southeast Asia, Europe and Latin America, which gave rise to the need for additional purchases of fertilizers from other regions. Also in 2013, industrial demand for ammonia remained high.

The price of urea FOB Yuzhny Port decreased by 24% during the reporting period to US $312 per tonne compared with US $408 per tonne in 2012. The most significant factor in the reduction in prices was the rise of China in the export markets, while the cost of production of urea in China significantly decreased due to the decrease in coal prices.

Steady growth of quotations of ammonium nitrate at the beginning of the year was replaced by a fall in mid-March. In late May prices stabilized, helped by repair works at plants in the CIS. By the end of the 2nd quarter, prices in the CIS received support from the industrial segment. Since the end of September, prices for ammonium nitrate started to restore due to the reduction of exports from Ukraine and the early-season purchases in the domestic markets of the CIS. During 2013 quotes for ammonium nitrate averaged $287 tonne, which was 6% lower than a year earlier (FOB Baltic).

In the phosphate fertilizers segment there was global decline in prices due to a lack of current demand. The main factor for the price reduction was a sharp drop in import demand in India due to the accumulation of significant reserves of phosphate and compound fertilizers in the country. Increased stocks were the result of low phosphorus usage in 2012 due to the drought that hit the country during the application season. Also, a significant reduction in imports was brought about by lower government subsidies and depreciation of the rupee against the dollar. At the same time, on the expectation of falling prices, importers in other regions adopted a policy of procurement to meet current needs only. The price of phosphate fertilizers on the basis of FOB Tampa averaged US $443 per tonne in 2013, which was 17.4 % lower than in 2012.

Financial Situation

Cash generated from operating activities in 2013 amounted to 14.47 bln RUB, compared to 20.63 bln RUB in 2012.

As at 31 December 2013, the Company’s net debt amounted to 148.997 bln RUB. The increased size of the debt is largely due to a loan of 126.27 bln RUB which the Company obtained from VTB Capital to finance the purchase of 19.99% of shares in OJSC “Uralkali” in December 2013.

The Company’s US dollar-denominated loan portfolio amounts to more than 140.89 bln RUB. The weighted average interest rate of the loan portfolio in dollars equals 3.7% annually.

For more information, please visit the Company web site http://www.uralchem.com or use the following contact information:

Public Relations Department
URALCHEM, OJSC
Tel: +7 (495) 721 89 89
Email: pr@uralchem.com
Web: http://www.uralchem.com

Business

URALCHEM Increased its Investments to $174 Million in 2013

March 21, 2014 staronepr Leave a comment

In 2013 URALCHEM’s investments in development reached $174 million, an increase of 5.5% compared to the previous year.

Moscow, Russia (March 21, 2014) — In 2013 URALCHEM‘s investments in development reached $174 million, an increase of 5.5% compared to the previous year. $84 million was spent on the implementation of investment projects, $77 million was spent on capital investments in equipment upgrades and $13 million was allocated for capitalized repairs.

The company’s plant in Kirovo-Chepetsk made the biggest contribution to the development investments – $46 million. The main areas of investment in the plant included building facilities for the production of new products, as well as reconstruction of existing facilities to increase production of mineral fertilizers and chemical products. In particular, work was continued on the project to create a new product, calcium nitrate. Another completed project was the increase in the capacity of one of the two units of nitric acid, which had originally started in 2012. Work was begun to increase the capacity of the second nitric acid unit and work continued to increase the capacity of the ammonia unit.

The investments by the “Azot” plant in Berezniki totalled $41 million. The main areas of investment were projects aimed at increasing output and reducing raw material consumption. Major work was carried out on units of production of ammonia, urea and nitric acid. $26 million was spent on the development of the plant in Perm. Most of the funds were allocated to a large-scale programme of modernization of the ammonia unit. The implementation of this project will increase production and reduce raw material consumption. The total capital investments of the plant in Voskresenks amounted to more than $13 million, which was spent on the development of new products.

The company’s major infrastructure project for the year was the completion and launch of the fertilizer handling terminal at the port of Riga in the fourth quarter of 2013. The terminal has a capacity of 2 million tonnes per year. The total investment for this project was about $78 million, $34 million of which was spent in 2013. Also in 2013, the company continued increasing the number of units in its own rolling stock, extending its life and modernizing it.

Dmitry Konyaev, CEO of URALCHEM OJSC, commented, “In 2013, URALCHEM continued to implement a long-term investment programme aimed at the technical upgrade of existing facilities. The main goal of the programme is to increase production and to improve the efficiency of technological processes, reducing rates of raw materials consumption and improving the environmental safety of production.”

PR department
URALCHEM, OJSC
Tel: +7 (495) 721 89 89
Email: pr@uralchem.com
Web: http://www.uralchem.com

URALCHEM, OJSC is one of the largest producers of nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers in Russia and the CIS with production capacities of over 2.5 million tonnes of ammonium nitrate, 2.8 million tonnes of ammonia, 0.8 million tonnes of MAP and DAP, 0.8 million tonnes of complex fertilisers and 1.2 million tonnes of urea. URALCHEM, OJSC is the second largest ammonium nitrate producer in the world and number one in Russia, the second largest producer of nitrogen fertilisers in Russia. Key production assets of URALCHEM, OJSC include Azot Branch of URALCHEM, OJSC in Berezniki, Perm Region; OJSC Minudobrenia, Perm; MFP Kirovo-Chepetsk Chemical Works, OJSC Branch in Kirovo-Chepetsk, Kirov region; Voskresensk Mineral Fertilisers, OJSC in Voskresensk, Moscow region.

Business

URALCHEM sets a record in Russia for the production of Ammonia

February 5, 2014 staronepr Leave a comment

URALCHEM set an absolute record in 2013 for the highest output of ammonia in Russia, with the total output of 2.819 million tonnes. Compared with 2012, production grew by 1.3%. The market situation in the ammonia segment of the global fertilizer market allowed the company to steadily follow its general production strategy.

Moscow, Russia (February 5, 2014) — URALCHEM set an absolute record in 2013 for the highest output of ammonia in Russia, with the total output of 2.819 million tonnes. Compared with 2012, production grew by 1.3%. The increased production was achieved through stable work of the units during the year, the implementation of projects to increase daily production at the units in the group’s enterprises in the Perm region and in Kirovo-Chepetsk, as well as through shortening repair down-time. The market situation in the ammonia segment of the global fertilizer market allowed the company to steadily follow its general production strategy.

URALCHEM’s production of major commodity products in 2013 comprised 6.039 million tonnes, 0.3% higher than a year earlier. Production of ammonium nitrate and its derivatives was 2.789 million tonnes, an increase by 7% compared to the same period last year. Monitoring the market situation, the company adjusted its production to the existing demand. Production of ammonia was decreased by 3% to 768 thousand tonnes. Urea production decreased by 2% to 1.138 million tonnes. Production of compound fertilizers decreased by 5%, to 581 thousand tonnes. Production of phosphate fertilizers (MAP / DAP) decreased by 13%, to 433 thousand tonnes.

Dmitry Konyaev, CEO of URALCHEM, OJSC, commented on the results, “In 2013 URALCHEM cemented its leadership of the nitrogen segment. It retained first place in Russia for the production of ammonia and ammonium nitrate, and the second in the production of urea. At the same time, an unfavourable situation for manufacturers in the global fertilizer market has reduced the output of certain products, primarily phosphorus fertilizers. In difficult market conditions, URALCHEM showed its significant margin of safety and ability to develop. In 2013, we successfully completed our largest logistics project when we opened a terminal in Riga for transhipment of bulk fertilizers with the capacity of up to 2 million tonnes per year. We signed an agreement on cooperation with the world’s top developer and licensor of urea processes, Stamicarbon. At the end of 2013 we acquired a 19.99 % stake in Uralkali, which we see as a strategic investment in one of the most profitable and promising sectors of the fertilizer market.”

For more information, please visit the Company web site http://www.uralchem.com or use the following contact information:

PR Department
URALCHEM, OJSC
Tel: +7 (495) 721 89 89
Email: pr@uralchem.com
Web: http://www.uralchem.com

Business

URALCHEM OJSC Reports Securing a Loan of US $4.5 Billion

December 18, 2013 staronepr Leave a comment

URALCHEM has secured a loan of up to US $4.5 billion. The loan has been granted for a period of 84 months. A major part of the loan will be used to pay for the 20% of shares to be acquired in Uralkali.

Moscow, Russia (December 17, 2013) — URALCHEM OJSC has secured a loan of up to US $4.5 billion. The loan has been granted for a period of 84 months.

URALHEM OJSC and the plant in Kirovo-Chepetsk are the borrowers in the transaction. VTB Capital Plc is acting as the lender, the loan agent and the documentation agent. The loan guarantees are Voskresensk Mineral Fertilisers, OJSC in Voskresensk, URALCHEM Trading House Ltd, OJSC Minudobrenia in Perm, URALCHEM HOLDING P.L.C. and SIA URALCHEM Trading.

Out of the $4.5 billion loan, a major part will be used to pay for the 20% of shares to be acquired in OJSC Uralkali. Part of the borrowed funds can be used to repay the current loan liabilities of the URALCHEM Group and will be called on if the existing creditors of the Group require early repayment of liabilities due to changes in the credit portfolio of the Group.

On 4 December 2013, URALCHEM Group’s shareholders announced an agreement to acquire a package of shares and GDRs in OJSC Uralkali (MICEX-RTS: URKA; LSE: URKA), constituting 20% of total share capital of the company. Closure of the transaction is expected in the near future. These shares will be used as collateral for the loan borrowed from VTB Capital Plc.

PR Department
URALCHEM, OJSC
Tel: +7 (495) 721 89 89
Email: pr@uralchem.com
Web: http://www.uralchem.com

Business

URALCHEM, OJSC Reports IFRS Financial Results for the First Nine Months of 2013

December 12, 2013 staronepr Leave a comment

Despite the difficult market conditions, the company maintained its revenues at the level of 2012. Thanks to its chosen strategy, URALCHEM has continued to maintain a leading position in the industry in terms of margins, with the EBITDA margin at 32%.

Moscow, Russia (December 11, 2013)

– Revenue increased to 56.26 bln RUB, compared to 55.96 bln RUB in the first nine months of 2012.
– Operating profit amounted to 14.63 bln RUB, compared with 17.09 bln RUB in the first nine months of 2012.
– Adjusted EBITDA comprised 17.32 bln RUB, compared to 19.55 bln RUB in the first nine months of 2012.

URALCHEM, OJSC (hereinafter URALCHEM Holding or the Company), the Russian holding company of the URALCHEM Group, one of the largest producers of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers in Russia, announced its unaudited IFRS financial results for the first nine months of 2013*.

Dmitry Konyaev, CEO of URALCHEM, OJSC, commented on the Company’s results for the first nine months of 2013, “In the second half of 2013 the global market situation took a downward turn for fertilizer producers. Despite the difficult market conditions, URALCHEM maintained its revenues at the level of 2012. The Company is one of the leaders in the nitrogen segment in terms of output of ammonia per production unit. It is actively upgrading facilities, seeking to reduce costs and developing production of high-margin niche products. Thanks to its chosen strategy, URALCHEM has continued to maintain a leading position in terms of margins, with the EBITDA margin at 32%. The Company has maintained its financial stability together with its ability to develop strategic operations, as confirmed, among other things, by successive improvements of loan terms provided by banks.”

Financial Results

Revenue for the first nine months of 2013 grew to 56.26 bln RUB, compared to 55.96 bln RUB in the first nine months of 2012. Operating profit amounted 14.63 bln RUB, or 27% of revenue, compared with the operating profit of 17.09 bln RUB, or 32% of revenue, in the first nine months of 2012.

During the first nine months of 2013, adjusted EBITDA reached 17.32 bln RUB, compared to 19.78 bln RUB in the first nine months of 2012, a decrease of 12%.

The adjusted EBITDA margin for the first nine months of 2013 comprised 32% of revenue compared with 37% of revenue for the same period in 2012.

Markets

From the beginning of the year, there was a decrease in demand for ammonia from the industrial segment in East Asia and the producers of phosphate fertilizers in India and North Africa. Demand in the US decreased because of the late start of planting. Partially the market was offset by the decrease in production in Egypt, Trinidad and Saudi Arabia. Recovery began in early August. There was a decline in exports from Ukrainian enterprises, and on the other hand, lower prices provided for growing interest in procurement. Average quotes for ammonia in January-September 2013 amounted to $498 / ton, which is only 4% lower than in the same period in 2012 (FOB Yuzhny Port).

In early 2013, high seasonal demand in Europe and the United States, limited supply from Egypt, and low initial stock in the European market resulted in increased prices for urea. However, in mid-February, prices began to decline, reducing further until the end of the first half of the year. Importing countries were postponing purchases in anticipation of lower prices, while Chinese exporters were actively accumulating stock expecting the “export window”. In the 2nd quarter there was a decrease in production in regions with high costs, namely in Romania and Ukraine. Amid rising purchases from India, Turkey and Latin America, there was a short period of stabilization in June. However, after then, prices continued to decline because of massive Chinese exports. Average quotes for urea in January-September 2013 amounted to $339 / ton, which is 17% lower than in the same period a year earlier (FOB The Baltic Sea).

Steady growth in quotations for ammonium nitrate at the beginning of the year was replaced by a fall in mid-March. In late May, prices stabilized, helped by turnarounds at factories in the CIS. By the end of the 2nd quarter, prices in the CIS received support from the industrial segment. During January-September 2013 quotes for ammonium nitrate averaged $291 / ton, which is 4.6 % lower than a year earlier (FOB, The Baltic Sea). Starting from late September, prices for ammonium nitrate began to recover due to reduced exports from Ukraine, as well as to the beginning of the purchase season in the domestic market of the CIS.

In the phosphate fertilizers segment there was a global decline in prices due to a lack of current demand. The main reason came from India, where high levels of stock, reduction of state subsidies and depreciation of the rupee against the dollar led to a significant reduction in imports. Importers in other regions changed their procurement tactics to just satisfy the current demand, playing on the falling market. Average DAP/MAP quotes for the three quarters of 2013 fell by 14.7 % compared with the previous year, reaching $481 / ton (FOB, The Baltic Sea). Low market activity is expected until the end of the year and in the first quarter of 2014.

Financial Situation

Cash generated from operating activities in the first nine months of 2013 amounted to 13.14 bln RUB, compared to 14.71 bln RUB in the same period of 2012.

As at 30 September 2013, the Company’s net debt amounted to 23.531 bln RUB. The weighted average interest rate of the loan portfolio in the first nine months of 2013 equalled 4.5% annually compared to 5.8% annually during the same period in 2012.

For more information, please visit the Company web site http://www.uralchem.com or use the following contact information:

Public Relations Department
URALCHEM, OJSC
Tel: +7 (495) 721 89 89
Email: pr@uralchem.com
Web: http://www.uralchem.com

URALCHEM is one of the largest producers of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers in Russia and the CIS with production capacities of over 2.5 million tonnes of ammonium nitrate, 2.2 million tonnes of ammonia, 0.8 million tonnes of MAP and DAP, 0.8 million tonnes of complex fertilizers and 0.5 million tonnes of urea. URALCHEM is the second largest ammonium nitrate producer in the world and number one in Russia. URALCHEM’s key production assets include Kirovo-Chepetsk Chemical Works, OJSC in Kirovo-Chepetsk, Kirov region; Azot, OJSC in Berezniki, Perm region; Voskresensk Mineral Fertilizers, OJSC in Voskresensk, Moscow region.