Tag Archives: uralchem group

Business

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

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

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.

Business

URALCHEM, OJSC Reports IFRS Financial Results for the Year 2013

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

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

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.

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 has obtained a Syndicated Loan

Leave a comment

The URALCHEM group, a leading Russian producer of mineral fertilizers, has refinanced part of its loan portfolio by procuring a 5-year unsecured syndicated loan.

Moscow, Russia (November 21, 2013) — The URALCHEM group, a leading Russian producer of mineral fertilizers, has refinanced part of its loan portfolio by procuring a 5-year unsecured syndicated loan. The proceeds of the loan have been used to refinance the current syndicated loan deal, concluded in December 2012, under which the Group used assignment of rights on its export contracts as security interest for the loan.

The syndicated loan was obtained on 18 November 2013 from a pool of leading international and Russian banks. Nordea Bank AB (publ), HSBC Bank PLC, Raiffeisenbank and and Rosbank (Société Générale Group) were Mandated Lead Arrangers. Within the framework of the deal, OJSC Nordea Bank acted as Documentation Agent and Nordea Bank AB (publ) acted as Facility Agent. The deal was closed within a very short time, only four weeks from the date of the official invitation to the banks.

The plant in Kirovo-Chepetsk acted as the borrowing party from the URALCHEM Group. URALCHEM OJSC, the plant in Voskresensk, the plant in Perm, SIA URALCHEM Trading in Riga and URALCHEM Trading House were the guarantors of the loan.

The amount of the loan in Euros is the equivalent of US $200 million. The interest rate is Euribor 3m + 2.5%. The loan documentation made provision for an option of a drawdown in Euros, which the company used. The loan period is 5 years with a grace period of 2 years. This was the debut unsecured syndicated loan for the Group, and it made it possible to release secured assets on the assignment of rights on export contracts. The new deal has allowed for reduction of the interest rate on the loan by more than 1.5%, as well as the increase of the average time frame for repayment of the loan.

Dmitry Konyaev, CEO of URALCHEM OJSC commented, “Our mutually beneficial cooperation with the leading banks that form the syndicate has been going on for years. The terms of the new deal and the efficiency of its closing show the high confidence that the banks have in the Group and the sustainability of its financial position. We are grateful to our creditors and appreciate our partnership with them.”

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.

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 Manufactured 4.49 Million Tons of Products in January-September 2013

Leave a comment

Production from all enterprises of the URALCHEM Group during the first nine months of 2013 amounted to 4.49 tons. This is a 2% increase compared with the same period last year.

Moscow, Russia (October 31, 2013) — Production from all enterprises of the URALCHEM Group during the first nine months of 2013 amounted to 4.49 tons. This is a 2% increase compared with the same period last year.

The production of ammonium nitrate and its derivatives amounted to 2.03 million tons, up 7% over the same period last year. The output of complex fertilizers increased by 1%, to 468.4 thousand tons. The production of commodity ammonia decreased by 3%, to 562.6 thousand tons. Urea production decreased to 851.4 thousand tons, which is 1% less than in January-September 2012. Production of phosphate fertilizers (MAP / DAP) decreased by 5%, to 333.3 thousand tons.

“On the whole, URALCHEM’s enterprises showed stable performance, increasing production through the upgrade of its units and increasing their efficiency. URALCHEM took the market situation fully into account and continued to ramp up production in its key nitrogen segment, placing emphasis on the most popular products,” said Dmitry Konyaev, CEO of URALCHEM, OJSC.

In the third quarter of 2013, the situation in the global fertilizer market was unfavourable for producers. The market for phosphate fertilizers suffered an especially significant drop in demand and prices. At the same time, the situation in nitrogen market is more stable.

-Ends-

PR department
URALCHEM, OJSC
Tel: +7 (495) 721 89 89
E-Mail: 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.

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 Increased Production in the First Half of 2013

Leave a comment

Production from all enterprises in the URALCHEM group of companies amounted to 3.14 million tons in the first half of 2013. Output increased by 0.7% compared to the same period last year.

Moscow, Russia (July 15, 2013) — Production from all enterprises in the URALCHEM group of companies amounted to 3.14 million tons in the first half of 2013. Output increased by 0.7% compared to the same period last year.

Production of ammonium nitrate reached 1.42 million tons, an increase by 1% over the same period last year. Ammonia production increased by 1% to 412 thousand tons. Urea production rose to 613.8 thousand tons, which is 2% more than in the first six months of 2012. Output of complex fertilizers (NPK) increased by 1% to 293.2 thousand tons. Production of phosphate fertilizers (MAP / DAP) decreased by 3% to 245.2 thousand tons.

Dmitry Konyaev, CEO of URALCHEM, OJSC, commented on the results for the first half of 2013, “As a result of ongoing projects to improve production efficiency, URALCHEM is continuing to increase output of its key nitrogen products, thereby maintaining a leading position among Russian manufacturers. During the period, the dynamics of phosphate fertilizer production reflected the overall situation on the global market for mineral fertilizers. The continuing low consumer activity in Asian countries, especially in India, has led to a global decline in the prices for phosphate fertilizers. URALCHEM’s wide range of products allows us to respond flexibly to changes in the market. The company continues to expand its product portfolio and has now entered a new niche, that of water-soluble fertilizers. These high-margin products are the fastest growing segment of today’s global market.”

-Ends-

PR department
URALCHEM, OJSC
Tel: +7 (495) 721 89 89
E-Mail: 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.

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.