DJ PhosAgro PJSC: PhosAgro Reports 4Q and FY 2021 Financial Results. Record-High Annual EBITDA Exceeds RUB 191 Billion
PhosAgro PJSC (PHOR) PhosAgro PJSC: PhosAgro Reports 4Q and FY 2021 Financial Results. Record-High Annual EBITDA Exceeds RUB 191 Billion 10-Feb-2022 / 11:30 MSK Dissemination of a Regulatory Announcement that contains inside information according to REGULATION (EU) No 596/2014 (MAR), transmitted by EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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For Immediate Release 10 February 2022
PhosAgro Reports 4Q and FY 2021 Financial Results
Record-High Annual EBITDA Exceeds RUB 191 Billion
Moscow - PhosAgro ("PhosAgro" or "the Company") (Moscow Exchange, LSE: PHOR), one of the world's leading vertically integrated phosphate-based fertilizer producers, today announces its consolidated IFRS financial results for the 12 months (FY) of 2021.
4Q and FY 2021 highlights
Revenue for 4Q 2021 increased by 117.2% year-on-year to RUB 127.9 billion (USD 1.8 billion), driven by higher sales volumes combined with high demand in global markets.
Revenue for FY 2021 increased by 65.6% year-on-year and amounted to RUB 420.5 billion (USD 5.7 billion). This growth was driven mainly by the Company's record-setting production volumes, a global recovery in fertilizer prices during the year and strong end-user demand combined with low inventories in key markets.
In 4Q 2021, the Company's EBITDA more than tripled year-on-year to RUB 61.5 billion (USD 847 million). EBITDA margin for the quarter grew to 48.1%, driven by upgrades to production assets, efficiency improvements at key production units and high levels of self-sufficiency in key inputs.
In FY 2021, the Company's EBITDA more than doubled year-on-year to RUB 191.8 billion (USD 2.6 billion). EBITDA margin for the year increased to 45.6%.
Capex for FY 2021 amounted to RUB 48.0 billion (USD 651 million), an increase of 17.3% year-on-year. This growth was driven by investments in the final stage of construction of a state-of-the-art production facility in Volkhov and the implementation of other projects in line with the Company's long-term development strategy.
In 4Q 2021, free cash flow amounted to RUB 22.9 billion (USD 315 million), up from RUB 2.9 billion in 4Q 2020.
Free cash flow was a record RUB 77.9 billion (USD 1.1 billion) for FY 2021, up 83.1% year-on-year.
Adjusted net profit** tripled year-on-year in FY 2021 to RUB 130.2 billion (USD 1.8 billion).
Net debt as of 31 December 2021 decreased slightly year-on-year, amounting to RUB 153.7 billion (USD 2.1 billion). The net debt/EBITDA ratio decreased to 0.8x as of the end of 2021.
Financial and operating highlights
Financial highlights
FY FY Chng. 4Q 4Q Chng.
RUB mln % 2021 2020 %
2021 2020
Revenue 420,488 253,879 65.6% 127,924 58,891 117.2%
EBITDA* 191,810 85,659 123.9% 61,519 17,868 244.3%
EBITDA margin 45.6% 33.7% 11.9 p.p. 48.1% 30.3% 17.7 p.p.
Net profit 129,674 16,921 666.3% 41,834 12,963 222.7%
Adj. net profit** 130,205 43,370 200.2% 45,140 2,165 1,985.0%
Free cash flow 77,857 42,519 83.1% 22,905 2,854 702.6%
31.12.2021 31.12.2020
Net debt 153,718 156,875
ND/LTM EBITDA 0.80x 1.83x
Sales volumes by category
FY FY Chng. 4Q 4Q Chng.
(kt) % 2021 2020 %
2021 2020
Phosphate-based fertilizers and feed phosphates 7,762 7,669 1.2% 1,904 1,545 23.2%
Nitrogen-based fertilizers 2,495 2,286 9.1% 567 500 13.5%
TOTAL fertilizers 10,257 9,955 3.0% 2,470 2,045 20.8%
Other products 177 184 -3.5% 49 44 10.4%
TOTAL fertilizers and other products 10,434 10,138 2.9% 2,519 2,089 20.6%
RUB/USD exchange rates: average 4Q 2021 rate: 72.6; average 4Q 2020 rate: 76.2; as of 31 December 2021: 74.3; as of 31 December 2020: 73.9.
* EBITDA is calculated as operating profit adjusted for depreciation and amortisation.
** Net profit as reported minus FX gain or loss.
Commenting on the Company's performance, Xavier Rolet, Chairman of PhosAgro's Board of Directors, said:
"Notwithstanding a great financial performance, PhosAgro made notable progress in the execution of its sustainable strategy and extended the selection and quality of its ESG ratings throughout 2021. For example, in keeping with the Climate and Water Strategies approved by the Board in 2020, we've added water security to our work with ratings agency CDP in the area of climate change and were delighted to see our overall climate change rating raised to B in 2021 and our inaugural water security rating achieving a C.
"In 2021 we also participated in the S&P ESG rating for the first time and achieved a strong CSA result of 46 points.
"Further in December 2021, the international agency Sustainalytics recognised PhosAgro as the best company in the global agrochemical sector in terms of ESG - PhosAgro's ESG risk rating improved from 27.3 to 22.8.
"PhosAgro remains committed to its policy of proactive cooperation with supranational institutions dedicated to Climate Change action. In 2021, PhosAgro and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) announced the extension of their cooperation agreement on global soil protection through 2023. Working together, FAO and PhosAgro have built a global network of 760 soil laboratories spanning 150 countries, extending the reach of the Soil Doctors project, which promotes the use of best practices in agriculture. In the next stage of cooperation, the FAO and PhosAgro plan to focus on solving the issue of soil health, with particular focus on contamination linked to heavy metals."
Commenting on the Company's financial results, Andrey Guryev, PhosAgro's CEO and a member of the Board of Directors, said:
"Looking at the Company's performance in 2021, I would note that this was a record year for us not only in terms of production; the Company also achieved all-time highs in terms of its financial results.
"Growth in the production and sales of fertilizers, driven by the implementation of our long-term investment programme, enabled us to increase revenue by more than 50%, exceeding RUB 420 billion for the year. Favourable conditions in global agricultural markets also led to higher margins and increased cash flow. EBITDA more than doubled in 2021 to RUB 192 billion, our best-ever result since going public.
"Despite rising investments in fixed assets and expenditures on major overhauls, which amounted to a little under RUB 50 billion in total for the year, we were able to generate almost RUB 80 billion in free cash flow during the year thanks to our highly efficient business and flexible sales system focused on the most attractive markets.
"High sales margins and a balanced long-term development programme ensured that the Company's net debt decreased slightly to about RUB 154 billion as of the end of the year. At the same time, however, our net debt/EBITDA ratio decreased to 0.8x, which is a comfortable level in the long term, as per our financial policy."
4Q 2021 market conditions
In the course of 4Q 2021, prices in global phosphate-based fertilizer markets were impacted by export restrictions in China in October, which forced DAP consumers in Asia and MAP consumers in Latin America and Australia to make essential seasonal purchases from alternative sources, including from Russia and Morocco. In addition, scaled-back US production of DAP/MAP also supported import demand in the region. The average price of MAP in 4Q 2021 was USD 767 per tonne (FOB Baltic), up from USD 695 per tonne (FOB Baltic) the previous quarter. Prices for NPK fertilizers increased on the back of seasonal demand in European countries and rising world prices for potassium feedstocks. The average price for 15-15-15 NPK fertilizer in 4Q 2021 was USD 547 per tonne (FOB Baltic), which was up USD 121 from the average price in 3Q 2021 (USD 426 per tonne FOB Baltic). Contract prices for phosphoric acid supplies to India in 4Q 2021 were agreed at USD 1,330 per tonne of 100% P2O5 (CFR India), which was USD 170 per tonne higher than the price in 3Q 2021, in line with changes in the phosphate-based fertilizer market. Phosphate feedstock prices (68%-72% BPL) in 4Q 2021 were at USD 130-225 per tonne (FOB Morocco), compared with USD 105-190 per tonne (FOB Morocco) in 3Q 2021. World sulphur prices also rose thanks to favourable conditions in phosphate-based fertilizer markets, reaching USD 222 per tonne (FOB Baltic) in 4Q 2021, compared with USD 185 per tonne (FOB Baltic) the previous quarter.
Global prices for nitrogen-based fertilizers and commercial ammonia also reached record highs, mainly due to the ongoing energy crisis and record increase in natural gas prices in Europe. The introduction of restrictions on urea exports from China led to an imbalance whereby the demand in Asian markets outstripped the supply, especially in India, where the fourth quarter has traditionally accounted for the largest volume of import purchases. The average price level for urea in 4Q 2021 was USD 788 per tonne (FOB Baltic), compared with USD 442 per tonne (FOB Baltic) in 3Q 2021. The average price for commercial ammonia increased from USD 574 per tonne (FOB Baltic) in 3Q 2021 to USD 839 per tonne (FOB Baltic) in 4Q 2021.
4Q and FY 2021 financial performance
In 4Q 2021, the Company's revenue increased by 117.2% year-on-year to RUB 127.9 billion (USD 1.8 billion). The main growth driver was a 20% year-on-year increase in fertilizer sales combined with favourable conditions in phosphate- and nitrogen-based fertilizer markets.
The Company's 4Q 2021 EBITDA increased by 244.3% year-on-year to a record RUB 61.5 billion (USD 847 million). This substantial growth was due in part to the launch of new production facilities at the Company's Volkhov complex and the improved efficiency of existing production units thanks to operational improvements. EBITDA margin for the quarter exceeded 48%.
-- EBITDA in the phosphate-based fertilizers segment amounted to RUB 45.1 billion (USD 621 million), a morethan threefold increase year-on-year. Higher profitability was driven by increased sales volumes on the back ofhigh demand in global markets.
-- EBITDA in the nitrogen-based fertilizer segment was RUB 16.0 billion (USD 221 million), up more thanfourfold year-on-year. This growth was driven by a considerable increase in prices for nitrogen-based fertilizersin late 2021 amid the gas crisis in Europe.
Net profit adjusted for non-cash FX gain/loss for 4Q 2021 amounted to RUB 45.1 billion (USD 622 million), up from RUB 2.1 billion in 4Q 2020.
In 4Q 2021, the Company's free cash flow was RUB 22.9 billion (USD 315 million). The main source of cash flow was an increase in sales volumes of DAP/MAP and of all types of nitrogen-based fertilizers, as well as an increase in sales revenue as a result of higher average prices.
Capex in 4Q 2021 amounted to RUB 16.3 billion (USD 224 million). The principal investments were aimed at completing the construction of a large production facility in Volkhov, completing a project to increase the production of aluminium fluoride in Cherepovets and developing the ore feedstock base in Kirovsk.
As of 31 December 2021, the net debt/EBITDA ratio was 0.8x. The Company was able to decrease its debt burden thanks to higher profitability combined with effective internal cost controls. Net debt as of the end of 2021 was RUB 153.7 billion (USD 2.1 billion).
Cost of sales
FY FY Chng. 4Q 4Q Chng.
RUB mln % 2021 2020 %
2021 2020
Amortisation 24,812 23,743 4.5% 6,041 5,022 20.3%
Materials and services 47,084 40,937 15.0% 11,937 9,265 28.8%
Phosphate rock transport 9,105 8,134 11.9% 2,446 1,452 68.5%
Repair expenses 11,373 10,134 12.2% 2,764 2,754 0.4%
3,486 3,168 10.0% 706 788 -10.4%
Drilling and blasting costs
Other materials and services 23,120 19,501 18.6% 6,021 4,271 41.0%
Feedstocks 63,534 35,514 78.9% 20,024 7,643 162.0%
Ammonia 14,277 4,802 197.3% 4,844 1,322 266.4%
Sulphur and sulph. acid 17,707 4,360 306.1% 5,703 901 533.0%
Potassium 16,574 12,253 35.3% 5,290 2,442 116.6%
Natural gas 12,635 12,342 2.4% 2,964 2,467 20.1%
Ammonium sulphate 2,341 1,757 33.2% 1,223 511 139.3%
Salaries and social contributions 15,286 13,807 10.7% 3,724 2,897 28.5%
Electricity 6,740 6,311 6.8% 1,816 1,392 30.5%
Fuel 5,578 3,885 43.6% 1,486 915 62.4%
Products for resale 12,725 9,333 36.3% 5,141 2,538 102.6%
Customs duties 2,483 1,482 67.5% 829 459 80.6%
Freight, port and stevedoring expenses 28,587 19,128 49.5% 9,301 5,219 78.2%
Russian Railways' tariffs and operators' fees 10,728 11,452 -6.3% 2,399 2,720 -11.8%
Other 1,250 1,111 12.5% 288 240 20.0%
Total 218,807 166,703 31.3% 62,986 38,310 64.4%
Cost of sales increased by 31.3% in 2021 mainly due to an increase in sales volumes of commercial product and higher prices for primary feedstocks.
Cash cost of production in 4Q 2021 increased by 64.4% year-on-year, which was due to a 20.8% increase in fertilizer sales volumes compared with 4Q 2020 as well as a considerable increase in prices for feedstocks, fuel and other materials and services:
-- Spending on materials and services increased by 28.8% year-on-year to RUB 11.9 billion (USD 164 million)due to an increase in the cost of phosphate rock transport owing to a 9.6% increase in production year-on-year andan overall increase in prices for materials and services. Expenses for materials and services decreased by 5.4%from the 3Q 2021 partly due to the completion of scheduled maintenance on ammonia production lines at the end ofthe quarter.
-- Costs for feedstocks increased by 162.0% year-on-year to RUB 20.0 billion (USD 276 million):
-- Ammonia costs increased by 266.4% year-on-year to RUB 4.8 billion (USD 67 million) due to an increase inthe price of ammonia in late 2021 amid rising production costs and shutdowns of ammonia production facilitiesworldwide owing to rising natural gas prices in Europe in 3Q 2021.
-- Expenses for sulphur and sulphuric acid increased year-on-year to RUB 5.7 billion (USD 79 million) due tohigher global prices for these products in the wake of an increase in fertilizer prices.
-- Freight, port and stevedoring costs increased by 78.2% to RUB 9.3 billion (USD 128 million) due to highertransportation tariffs and seasonal growth in sales to Latin America and Europe.
Administrative and selling expenses
FY FY Chng. 4Q 4Q Chng.
RUB mln % 2021 2020 %
2021 2020
Administrative expenses 21,083 17,828 18.3% 6,137 4,887 25.6%
Salaries and social contributions 13,493 11,249 19.9% 3,771 2,873 31.3%
Professional services 1,971 1,929 2.2% 692 644 7.5%
Amortisation 1,384 1,368 1.2% 362 349 3.7%
Security and fire safety services 1,053 886 18.8% 276 228 21.1%
Other 3,182 2,396 32.8% 1,036 793 30.6%
Selling and marketing expenses 6,762 6,220 8.7% 1,936 1,913 1.2%
Salaries and social contributions 4,002 3,484 14.9% 1,112 1,166 -4.6%
Materials and services 1,280 1,221 4.8% 430 355 21.1%
Amortisation 1,480 1,515 -2.3% 394 392 0.5%
Administrative expenses increased by 18.3% year-on-year to RUB 21.1 billion (USD 286 million) in 2021, while selling and marketing expenses were up by 8.7% year-on-year to RUB 6.8 billion (USD 92 million). The main drivers behind these increases were changes in payroll and social contributions associated with the indexation of employee salaries, compensation payments and changes in exchange rates.
Market outlook
The start of 2022 has been marked by continued high demand for phosphate-based fertilizers thanks to the early resumption of DAP/NPK purchases from India due to low carry-over stocks and higher subsidies for fertilizer purchases. Since the beginning of the year, India has already purchased more than 1.5 million tonnes of phosphate-based fertilizers for delivery during 1Q 2022, thus counterbalancing off-season activity in other markets. An additional factor supporting prices is the ongoing restrictions on fertilizer exports from China in favour of supplies to the domestic market.
Global urea markets are seeing a price correction in the wake of the active phase of import purchases in most major markets, while global ammonia prices remain at record highs on the back of high natural gas prices and continued import demand from Europe.
Conference call and webcast:
PhosAgro will hold a conference call and webcast today at 13:30 London time (16:30 in Moscow; 08:30 in New York).
The call will be held in English.
Webcast link:
https://www.webcast-eqs.com/phosagro20220210
Participant dial-in numbers:
Russia:
+7 495 646 1870
8 10 800 2816 5011
United Kingdom:
+44 (0)330 336 9600
0800 279 6894 United States:
+1 646-828-8082
800-281-7989
Conference ID numbers:
English: 416118
Contacts
PJSC PhosAgro
Andrey Serov, Head of the Investor Relations Department
+7 495 231 2747 ext. 2183
ir@phosagro.ru
Timur Belov, Press Officer
+7 495 231 2747 ext. 2652
pr@phosagro.ru
EM
Sam VanDerlip
vanderlip@em-comms.com
+44 207 002 7859
About Us
PhosAgro (www.phosagro.ru) is one of the world's leading vertically integrated phosphate-based fertilizer producers in terms of production volumes of phosphate-based fertilizers and high-grade phosphate rock with a P2O5 content of 39% and higher. PhosAgro's environmentally friendly fertilizers stand out for their high efficiency, and they do not lead to the contamination of soils with heavy metals.
The Company is the largest phosphate-based fertilizer producer in Europe (by total combined capacity for DAP/MAP/NP/ NPK/NPS), the largest producer of high-grade phosphate rock with a P2O5 content of 39%, a top-three producer of MAP/DAP globally, one of the leading producers of feed phosphates (MCP) in Europe, and the only producer in Russia, and Russia's only producer of nepheline concentrate (according to the RAFP).
PhosAgro's main products include phosphate rock, more than 50 grades of fertilizers, feed phosphates, ammonia, and sodium tripolyphosphate, which are used by customers in 100 countries spanning all of the world's inhabited continents. The Company's priority markets outside of Russia and the CIS are Latin America, Europe and Asia.
PhosAgro's shares are traded on the Moscow Exchange, and global depositary receipts (GDRs) for shares trade on the London Stock Exchange (under the ticker PHOR). Since 1 June 2016, the Company's GDRs have been included in the MSCI Russia and MSCI Emerging Markets indexes.
More information about PhosAgro can be found on the website: www.phosagro.ru.
Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income for the year ended 31 December 2021
RUB million 2021 2020 Revenues 420,488 253,879 Cost of Group products sold -206,082 -157,37 Cost of products for resale -12,725 -9,333 Gross profit 201,681 87,176 Administrative and selling overhead expenses -27,845 -24,048 Taxes, other than income tax, net -5,946 -2,962 Other expenses, net -3,449 -2,512 Foreign exchange (loss)/gain from operating activities, net -307 1,379 Operating profit 164,134 59,033 Gain from revaluation of financial assets measured at fair value 1,193 - Finance income 778 975 Finance costs -5,044 -5,455 Foreign exchange loss from financing activities, net -531 -26,449 COVID-19 related expenses -475 -1,434 Profit before tax 160,055 26,67 Income tax expense -30,381 -9,749 Profit for the year 129,674 16,921 Attributable to: Non-controlling interests* -23 -11 Shareholders of the Parent 129,697 16,932 Basic and diluted earnings per share (in RUB) 1,002 131 Other comprehensive loss Items that will never be reclassified to profit or loss Actuarial losses -36 -28 Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss Foreign currency translation difference -350 2,345 Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the year -386 2,317 Total comprehensive income for the year 129,288 19,238 Attributable to: Non-controlling interests* -23 -11 Shareholders of the Parent 129,311 19,249
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 31 December 2021
31 December 31 December
RUB million
2021 2020
Assets
Property, plant and equipment 237,444 220,031
Advances issued for property, plant and equipment 13,237 7,835
Deferred tax assets 9,499 7,462
Right-of-use assets 6,955 7,335
Non-current spare parts 4,698 4,308
Other non-current assets 2,058 948
Catalysts 2,049 2,292
Intangible assets 1,756 1,621
Investments in associates 569 556
Non-current assets 278,265 252,388
Trade and other receivables 48,526 17,515
Inventories 41,177 30,58
Cash and cash equivalents 21,710 8,460
VAT and other taxes receivable 15,013 10,285
Income tax receivable 540 479
Other financial assets 216 311
Current assets 127,182 67,630
Total assets 405,447 320,018
Equity
Share capital 372 372
Share premium 7,494 7,494
Retained earnings 148,193 90,757
Actuarial losses -753 -717
Foreign currency translation reserve 9,231 9,581
Equity attributable to shareholders of the Parent 164,537 107,487
Equity attributable to non-controlling interests 106 129
Total equity 164,643 107,616
Liabilities
Loans and borrowings 157,081 103,824
Deferred tax liabilities 12,937 11,578
Lease liabilities 3,459 4,268
Defined benefit obligations 952 945
Non-current liabilities 174,429 120,615
Trade and other payables 41,756 29,869
Loans and borrowings 12,71 55,316
VAT and other taxes payable 6,397 3,675
Income tax payable 3,334 1
Lease liabilities 2,178 1,927
Current liabilities 66,375 91,787
Total equity and liabilities 405,447 320,018
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 December 2021
RUB million 2021 2020 Cash flows from operating activities Operating profit 164,134 59,033 Adjustments for: Depreciation and amortisation 27,676 26,626 Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 198 209 Operating profit before changes in working capital and provisions 192,008 85,868 Increase in inventories, catalysts and non-current spare parts -10,855 -1,843 Increase in trade and other receivables -38,667 -2,316 Increase in trade and other payables 17,490 12,612 Cash flows from operations before income taxes and interest paid 159,976 94,321 Income tax paid -28,806 -6,462 Finance costs paid -4,945 -4,121 Cash flows from operating activities 126,225 83,738 Cash flows from investing activities Acquisition of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets -47,951 -40,878 Borrowing cost capitalised paid -1,141 -1,220 Other 724 879 Cash flows used in investing activities -48,368 -41,219 Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from borrowings, net of transaction costs 61,622 63,520 Repayment of borrowings -50,081 -66,182 Early eurobond partial redemption fees - -292 Dividends paid to shareholders of the Parent -72,260 -38,852 Dividends paid to non-controlling interests - -30 Lease payments -1,950 -1,951 Other payments - -249 Cash flows used in financing activities -62,669 -44,036 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 15,188 -1,517 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 8,460 8,236 Effect of exchange rates fluctuations -1,938 1,741 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 21,710 8,460
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ISIN: US71922G2093 Category Code: FR TIDM: PHOR LEI Code: 25340053KRUNNYUWF472 OAM Categories: 2.2. Inside information Sequence No.: 142066 EQS News ID: 1278871 End of Announcement EQS News Service =------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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February 10, 2022 03:30 ET (08:30 GMT)
