Potash Corp./Saskatchewan Inc. : Q4 & Year-End: PotashCorp Reports Fourth-Quarter Earnings of $0.26 per Share

• News Release (PDF 122 KB)
• Q4 Financials (XLSX 77 KB)

Key Highlights

• ; full-year 2013 earnings of $2.04 per share
• Fourth-quarter results included $60 million in severance-related costs from workforce reductions
• Cash flow from operating activities totaled $3.2 billion for 2013 - our third-highest total on record
• Earnings guidance of $0.30-$0.35 per share for first-quarter 2014; $1.40-$1.80 per share for the year

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (PotashCorp) today reported fourth-quarter earnings of $0.26 per share ($230 million), a total which included a $60 million charge (approximately $0.05 per share) for severance-related costs associated with workforce reductions announced in December. This result was below the $0.48 per share ($421 million) reported during the same period in 2012. Earnings for the year totaled $2.04 per share, compared to $2.37 per share in 2012.

Challenging fertilizer market conditions impacted our performance. Gross margins fell as lower prices in all three nutrients more than offset improved costs and higher sales volumes. Total gross margin for both the quarter ($460 million) and the year ($2.8 billion) fell below 2012 same-period results of $586 million and $3.4 billion, respectively.

Fourth-quarter earnings before finance costs, income taxes, depreciation and amortization2 (EBITDA) of $544 million brought our total for the year to $3.3 billion. The company generated $656 million in cash from operating activities during the fourth quarter, bringing our full-year result to $3.2 billion, slightly below the record achieved in 2012.

Earnings from our offshore investments were similarly affected by fertilizer market conditions. For the quarter, contributions from our investments in Arab Potash Company Ltd. (APC) in Jordan, Israel Chemicals Ltd. (ICL) in Israel and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) in Chile added $25 million to earnings. Total contributions for the year, including a dividend from Sinofert Holdings Limited (Sinofert) in China, were $276 million. Both totals trailed those of the previous year. The market value of our investments in these publicly traded companies was approximately $5.2 billion, or $6 per share, at market close on January 29, 2014.

"This past quarter was a difficult one," said PotashCorp President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Doyle. "Pricing headwinds - most notably in potash - weighed on our performance, although there were signs as the quarter came to a close that the uncertainty in global markets was beginning to abate. Our focus remained on those things we can influence and we took important steps to enhance our competitive position across all three nutrients and prepare the company to deliver better performance."

Market Conditions

Following a period of limited purchasing activity, potash demand improved during the fourth quarter of 2013. This was most notable in North America where favorable crop economics and the need to replenish soil nutrients after a record harvest led to robust demand as farmers sought to meet their fall application needs. Shipments from North American producers climbed 30 percent above the same period in 2012 - totaling 2.3 million tonnes, which nearly surpassed the fourth-quarter record.

Offshore potash shipments from North American producers improved sharply during the quarter (up 38 percent) compared to the same period in 2012, when demand was especially weak. While buyers continued to move cautiously in an uncertain pricing environment, strong seasonal demand resulted in greater purchasing activity in spot markets like Brazil and Southeast Asia. Conversely, shipments to key contract markets continued to be limited, although totals for the most recent quarter included movements to India (none in 2012's similar period). Increased supply capability combined with relatively constrained demand resulted in continued price erosion through the last three months of 2013.

In nitrogen, ammonia prices were relatively stable through much of the second half of the year, although well below the comparative period of 2012 due to increased supply availability from key exporting regions and higher US production. After weakening through much of the year, urea markets began to show improvement near the end of the fourth quarter as stronger demand, limited import activity and perceived product shortages pushed up key benchmark prices.

Rising export capability and weak Indian imports affected global phosphate markets for most of 2013. In North America, fourth-quarter shipments from domestic producers slowed as dealers drew down inventories to help meet fall fertilizer application requirements. This slowdown was partially offset by strong demand in Latin America and certain Southeast Asian countries, which was reflected in increased exports by US producers during the fourth quarter. Although markets started to strengthen as the year came to a close, prices for all phosphate products trailed those during the same period in 2012.

Potash

A challenging pricing environment - particularly during the second half of the year - led to weaker results in our potash segment in 2013. Gross margin for the quarter ($228 million) and year ($1.6 billion) trailed the comparative totals in 2012 ($281 million and $2.0 billion, respectively).

Fourth-quarter potash sales volumes surpassed the trailing quarter (up 13 percent) and the comparative period of 2012 (up 34 percent). This rebound was most pronounced in North America, as our sales volumes to this market reached 0.8 million tonnes, outpacing the 0.6 million tonnes sold during the same period of 2012. Our offshore sales volumes of 0.9 million tonnes for the fourth quarter were above the historically low 0.7 million tonnes sold during the same period in 2012. The majority of Canpotex shipments were to Latin America (29 percent) and Other Asia (41 percent), with those to India (17 percent) and spot vessels to China (6 percent) accounting for a smaller percentage. PotashCorp's annual sales volumes reached 8.1 million tonnes, exceeding the 7.2 million tonnes shipped during full-year 2012. This reflected an overall improvement in global volumes.

Competitive pressures weighed on all potash markets and led to lower average realized prices for the fourth quarter ($282 per tonne) and full year ($332 per tonne) relative to the same periods in 2012.

Our per-tonne costs of goods sold, including $32 million in severance-related costs, improved from last year's fourth quarter primarily due to higher production levels, a declining Canadian dollar and the absence of higher-cost Esterhazy tonnes.

Nitrogen

Fourth-quarter nitrogen gross margin totaled $188 million - compared to $206 million generated during the same period in 2012 - as the positive impact of increased sales volumes was more than offset by lower average realized prices. For the year, gross margin reached $913 million, 7 percent below the record achieved in 2012. Favorable natural gas costs and higher production levels resulted in our US operations generating $126 million of gross margin for the quarter, while Trinidad contributed $62 million.

Our fourth-quarter sales volumes of 1.5 million tonnes exceeded the 1.1 million tonnes sold during the same period of 2012 as we benefited from expanded capacity. Sales volumes for the year reached 5.9 million tonnes, 19 percent higher than in 2012, primarily reflecting additional tonnage from our Geismar facility.

Our average realized price for the fourth quarter was $326 per tonne, well below the $461 per tonne in 2012's comparable period. Prices for all three major product categories declined from the historically high levels of 2012.

The total average cost of natural gas used in production for the fourth quarter, including the impact of our hedged position, was $4.83 per MMBtu, 31 percent below the same period in 2012. This, plus the favorable impact of additional lower-cost production from Geismar, resulted in a 29 percent reduction in per-tonne cost of goods sold for the quarter.

Phosphate

Our fourth-quarter phosphate gross margin totaled $44 million, produced almost entirely by our feed and industrial businesses. This result was well below the $99 million earned during the same period in 2012 as difficult global phosphate fertilizer market conditions persisted. Additionally, the fourth-quarter 2013 total included $17 million in severance-related costs and $14 million in other non-cash charges, both of which were included in cost of goods sold. For the year, phosphate gross margin totaled $304 million, significantly below the $469 million earned in 2012.

Sales volumes reached 0.9 million tonnes, 11 percent above the comparative quarter in 2012 when rock supply challenges constrained our capability. This result brought our full-year 2013 total to 3.7 million tonnes, slightly above 2012 levels.

For the fourth quarter, our average realized price of $455 per tonne trailed the $577 per tonne realized in the same period in 2012. Fertilizer products experienced the largest decline, with average realized prices down by 28 percent, while prices for our more stable feed and industrial products were down 8 percent.

Higher production levels and lower input costs for sulfur and ammonia were the key contributors to our improved per-tonne cost of goods sold in phosphate (down 13 percent compared to fourth-quarter 2012).

Financial

Provincial mining and other taxes totaled $40 million (compared to $18 million in fourth-quarter 2012), largely due to the timing of annual potash production tax accruals.

Capital-related cash expenditures totaled $0.4 billion during the quarter, bringing our annual total to $1.6 billion. At the close of 2013, our estimated expenditures relating to our multi-year potash expansion program were 93 percent complete.

Through our announced share repurchase program, we repurchased a total of 7.8 million common shares during the fourth quarter. At the close of 2013, we had completed approximately 33 percent of the anticipated total buyback under the program at an average cost of $31.46 per share.

Market Outlook

Even as 2014 begins with a more tempered outlook for crop commodity prices, we believe the fundamental drivers of fertilizer demand remain supportive. Record crop production in 2013 has led to a significant agronomic need to replenish essential soil nutrients. We expect farmers, especially those in more developed agricultural economies, will strive to increase their soil productivity in order to maximize returns from each planted acre.

In potash, the uncertainty that persisted over the past six months appears to be subsiding and we expect global demand to improve. We enter 2014 with improved market engagement and believe global shipments for the year could be in the range of 55-57 million tonnes (an increase of approximately 5 percent from 2013 levels), with those during the first half expected to be particularly robust. Although we believe conditions are supportive for record potash demand, achieving such levels will largely depend on consistent buyer engagement and renewed commitment in key developing agricultural economies to address nutrient-deficient soils.

In North America, we expect potash demand to be strong entering the planting season as supportive economics and the need to replenish soil nutrients should increase requirements at the farm level. We have seen this play out in recent weeks as dealers with limited inventories seek to ensure tonnage is in place prior to the spring. We anticipate shipments through the first half of 2014 will outpace those during the same period last year.

In China, we believe improved product affordability and a desire to increase domestic food production to help counterbalance rising grain imports will motivate consumption growth. We expect this to result in annual potash imports slightly above 2013 levels. First-half contracts with major offshore suppliers - including Canpotex - will likely meet a significant portion of China's anticipated annual seaborne requirements.

In India, potash shipments against previously contracted tonnage (through the end of March 2014) continue at revised pricing terms more reflective of current market conditions. We believe that India's potash requirements will improve after a prolonged period of deferral, although we do not expect a significant consumption response in 2014 without changes to the existing fertilizer subsidy program.

Buyers in key offshore spot markets in Latin America and other Asian countries continue to be active. We see positive signs that potash demand will remain at elevated levels in response to agronomic needs and favorable economic conditions. As a result, we anticipate shipments to these regions will meet or surpass previous-year levels.

Based on our expectation of improved demand and reduced operational capability (resulting largely from our operational and workforce changes announced in December), we believe industry operating rates will rise from 2013 levels (approximately 81 percent) and could be in the range of 86 percent to 89 percent, contributing to a more stable global potash market.

Financial Outlook

Even as near-term pressure on potash prices appears to have subsided, its impact is expected to suppress our offshore realizations through the early part of 2014. In North America, new pricing levels of $350 per short ton ($385 per metric tonne) announced with our winter-fill sales program will result in a lower realized price than during fourth-quarter 2013.

We expect our 2014 potash sales volumes to approximate 8.2-8.6 million tonnes. While this estimate assumes a benefit from higher anticipated global shipments, it will be partially offset by reduced sales from our New Brunswick facility (the result of a temporary reduction in operational capability) and a slightly lower Canpotex allocation for the first half of 2014 compared to the close of 2013 (due to a competitor's recent expansion run).

We believe we are well positioned to achieve our potash cost reduction targets of $15-$20 per tonne from 2013 levels as we maximize production at our lowest cost facilities. For 2014, our total will include an estimated $16 million increase in non-cash costs due to accelerated depreciation at our Penobsquis mine in New Brunswick along with transition costs of approximately $54 million related to the ramp-up at Picadilly and Rocanville. Total operational capability for 2014 is estimated at approximately 9.0 million tonnes with an ability to draw on inventory should customer demand surpass our current expectations. Our plans include a Canpotex allocation run at Allan, which should raise our entitlement for the second half of 2014 from the current level of approximately 49 percent.

In nitrogen, producers in North America and Trinidad continue to benefit from lower-cost natural gas relative to key exporting regions in China, Western Europe and Ukraine. Although recent pricing increases for urea and nitrogen solutions have improved the near-term outlook in nitrogen, we expect typical seasonal trends and weaker ammonia prices to result in margins trailing those of recent years. With a full year of production from Geismar, combined with the expectation of reduced natural gas curtailments at our operations in Trinidad, we expect our sales volumes to exceed 2013 levels.

In phosphate, fundamentals in the fertilizer business have improved in early 2014 but continued strength will largely depend on consistent engagement in key consuming markets, particularly India. We expect margins, especially for industrial and feed products, to remain relatively stable compared to 2013 levels as improved efficiencies and a shift to a more favorable product mix help counter potential pricing weakness. While the closure of one of our chemical plants at White Springs during the second half of 2014 will lower production slightly, the timing of the curtailment is unlikely to result in significant lost sales volumes for the year. Our non-cash costs will be elevated in 2014 (estimated at $43 million) as we accelerate depreciation on assets impacted by our previously announced operational changes.

Capital expenditures are expected to approximate $1.1 billion in 2014, excluding capitalized interest.

Based on these factors, PotashCorp forecasts first-quarter 2014 net income per share in the range of $0.30-$0.35 for the first quarter of 2014 and between $1.40 and $1.80 per share for full-year 2014. Other annual guidance numbers are provided in the table below:

Guidance Summary

Quarterly: Q1 2014
Earnings per share	$0.30-$0.35
Annual: 2014
Potash sales volumes	8.2-8.6 million tonnes
Potash gross margin	$1.0-$1.3 billion
Nitrogen and phosphate gross margin	$1.0-$1.2 billion
Capital expenditures	~$1.1 billion
Effective tax rate	26-28 percent
Provincial mining and other taxes*	16-18 percent
Selling and administrative expenses	$225-$235 million
Finance costs	$165-$175 million
Income from offshore investments**	$160-$180 million
Earnings per share	$1.40-$1.80
* As a percentage of potash gross margin ** Includes income from dividends and share of equity earnings

Conclusion

"While unexpected events and market uncertainty undermined confidence in recent months, we are encouraged by the current trends in global fertilizer markets," said Doyle. "There remains a tremendous nutrient requirement in soils around the world and farmer economics continue to be supportive to addressing this need. We are confident in our ability to meet customers' requirements and remain focused on enhancing our competitive position. As a company, we are committed to delivering improved results to our stakeholders."

PotashCorp is the world's largest crop nutrient company and plays an integral role in global food production. The company produces the three essential nutrients required to help farmers grow healthier, more abundant crops. With global population rising and diets improving in developing countries, these nutrients offer a responsible and practical solution to meeting the long-term demand for food. PotashCorp is the largest producer, by capacity, of potash and among the largest in nitrogen and phosphate. While agriculture is its primary market, the company also produces products for animal nutrition and industrial uses. Common shares of Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.

For further information please contact:

Investors	Media
Denita Stann Vice President, Investor and Public Relations Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail Denita	Bill Johnson Senior Director, Public Affairs Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail Bill

This release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information (forward-looking statements). These statements can be identified by expressions of belief, expectation or intention, as well as those statements that are not historical fact. These statements are based on certain factors and assumptions including with respect to: foreign exchange rates, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities and effective tax rates. While the company considers these factors and assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. The results or events set forth in forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Several factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to the following: risk and uncertainties related to operating and workforce changes made in response to our industry and the markets we serve; variations from our assumptions with respect to foreign exchange rates, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, and effective tax rates; fluctuations in supply and demand in the fertilizer, sulfur, transportation and petrochemical markets; costs and availability of transportation and distribution for our raw materials and products, including railcars and ocean freight; changes in competitive pressures, including pricing pressures; adverse or uncertain economic conditions and changes in credit and financial markets; the results of sales contract negotiations within major markets; economic and political uncertainty around the world; timing and impact of capital expenditures; risks associated with natural gas and other hedging activities; changes in capital markets; unexpected or adverse weather conditions; changes in currency and exchange rates; unexpected geological or environmental conditions, including water inflows; imprecision in reserve estimates; adverse developments in new and pending legal proceedings or government investigations; acquisitions we may undertake; strikes or other forms of work stoppage or slowdowns; rates of return on and the risks associated with our investments; changes in, and the effects of, government policies and regulations; security risks related to our information technology systems; and earnings and the decisions of taxing authorities, which could affect our effective tax rates. Additional risks and uncertainties can be found in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 under the captions "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A - Risk Factors" and in our other filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian provincial securities commissions. Forward-looking statements are given only as at the date of this release and the company disclaims any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.