Attached files

file filename
8-K - 8-K - POTASH CORP OF SASKATCHEWAN INCd477085d8k.htm
LOGO   LOGO

 

 

 

For Immediate Release

October 26, 2017

Listed: TSX, NYSE

   Symbol: POT

PotashCorp Reports Third-Quarter Earnings of $0.06 per Share

Key Highlights

 

    Third-quarter earnings of $0.06 per share,1 including $0.03 per share related to a non-cash impairment charge in phosphate

 

    Record quarterly potash sales volumes

 

    Canpotex2 fully committed for 2017

 

    Expect merger of equals with Agrium3 to close by the end of the fourth quarter of 2017

 

    Full-year 2017 earnings guidance range adjusted to $0.48-$0.54 per share, including merger-related costs of $0.08 per share

CEO Commentary

“With strong customer engagement in all key markets, potash fundamentals continued to improve in the third quarter,” said PotashCorp President and Chief Executive Officer Jochen Tilk. “In this environment, we delivered stronger potash results on record quarterly sales volumes and higher price realizations. Importantly, we expect that the rising consumption trends in place today will continue, with the potential for another record shipment year in 2018.

“We have made significant progress related to our merger with Agrium. On the regulatory front, we recently announced that we received clearance in Canada as well as in India – where we have committed to divesting three of our minority shareholdings. With approvals obtained in four jurisdictions and only the U.S. and China remaining, we continue to expect the merger of equals to close by the end of 2017 and are well-positioned to deliver on the strategic benefits and synergy potential of this transaction,” said Tilk.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (PotashCorp) reported third-quarter earnings of $0.06 per share ($53 million) – including a non-cash impairment charge in phosphate of $0.03 per share – bringing the nine-month total to $0.48 per share ($403 million). Results for the quarter were down from the $0.10 per share ($81 million) earned in the third quarter of 2016, while the nine-month total surpassed the $0.33 per share ($277 million) earned in the same period last year.

Gross margin was $230 million for the quarter and $753 million for the first nine months, exceeding 2016 levels of $190 million and $667 million, respectively, primarily due to higher potash contributions that more than offset weaker nitrogen and phosphate results. Cash from operating activities prior to working capital changes4 of $290 million for the quarter and $935 million for the first nine months surpassed last year’s totals of $247 million and $908 million for the same periods.

Investments in Arab Potash Company (APC) in Jordan, Israel Chemicals Ltd. (ICL) in Israel and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) in Chile contributed $35 million to our third-quarter earnings, bringing the total for the first nine months to $132 million. Totals for both the third quarter and first nine months exceeded the respective amounts generated last year, which also included a dividend from Sinofert Holdings Limited (Sinofert) in China. The market value of our investments in these four publicly traded companies was approximately $6.6 billion,5 or $8 per PotashCorp share, at market close on October 25, 2017.

 

LOGO


Market Conditions

Global potash prices improved for the fifth consecutive quarter as agronomic need and affordability led to strong demand in all major markets. Shipments to China and India accelerated following contract settlements early in the third quarter while deliveries to Latin America continued at a record pace. In North America, dealers worked to position product in anticipation of a strong fall application season, leading to elevated shipment levels.

In nitrogen, tighter market fundamentals late in the quarter supported a recovery in prices from multi-year lows. This was most evident in urea markets, where seasonally strong demand and lower Chinese exports led to higher prices. Ammonia and UAN prices also strengthened, but remained volatile and well below 2016’s third quarter levels, as new expansions began to ramp up, most notably in the US.

Phosphate fertilizer markets witnessed moderate appreciation during the quarter, supported by stronger engagement from India and weather-related supply outages that offset the impact of competition from increased Chinese exports. While prices for industrial products were relatively flat during the quarter, feed prices remained under pressure due to the impact of increased supply from offshore producers, keeping them well below prior-year levels.

Potash

Potash gross margin of $254 million for the third quarter and $627 million for the first nine months of 2017 surpassed the respective totals of $106 million and $317 million generated in 2016, predominantly due to higher prices, reduced per-tonne costs and increased offshore sales volumes.

Sales volumes for the quarter reached a record 2.9 million tonnes, increasing our total for the first nine months to 7.4 million tonnes. In North America, shipments were 10 percent higher than in 2016’s record third quarter, while offshore shipments were up 14 percent. The majority of Canpotex’s volumes for the quarter were sold to Latin America (30 percent) and Other Asian markets outside of China and India (26 percent), while China and India accounted for 23 percent and 14 percent, respectively.

Our average realized potash price of $179 per tonne in the third quarter exceeded the $150 per tonne realized in the same period last year as prices in all markets continued to strengthen from the lows in 2016.

Manufactured cost of goods sold for the quarter averaged $89 per tonne, down from $106 per tonne in the same period last year, primarily due to increased production and the benefits of optimizing to our lower-cost mines.

Nitrogen

In nitrogen, weaker prices resulted in gross margin of $21 million for the quarter and $186 million for the first nine months, down from $69 million and $306 million, respectively, in 2016. Our Trinidad operations accounted for 60 percent of our quarterly nitrogen gross margin, with our US operations providing the remainder.

Sales volumes of 1.6 million tonnes for the quarter and 4.7 million tonnes for the first nine months were flat compared to the respective periods in 2016.

 

2


Our average realized price of $168 per tonne for the third quarter was down from $200 per tonne in the same period last year due to lower realizations for ammonia and nitrogen solutions.

Cost of goods sold for the quarter averaged $157 per tonne, relatively flat compared to third-quarter 2016, as lower natural gas costs in Trinidad were partially offset by increased natural gas costs in the US.

Phosphate

Third-quarter phosphate gross margin of negative $45 million was below the $15 million earned during the same period last year, primarily due to weaker prices and a non-cash impairment charge of $29 million. Negative gross margin of $60 million for the first nine months trailed the $44 million generated in the same period of 2016 when prices for all our phosphate products were higher.

Sales volumes of 0.8 million tonnes for the quarter and 2.0 million tonnes for the first nine months were modest increases from the same periods last year (5 percent and 2 percent, respectively).

Our average realized price for the third quarter was $365 per tonne, below the $385 per tonne realized in the same period last year, largely due to lower prices for feed and industrial products.

Cost of goods sold of $420 per tonne for the quarter exceeded the $366 per tonne in the same period of 2016, mainly due to an impairment of property, plant and equipment at Aurora related to a feed product that we will no longer produce.

Financial

Provincial mining and other taxes for the quarter totaled $47 million, exceeding the $31 million in last year’s corresponding period, primarily due to higher potash prices.

Other expenses of $30 million for the third quarter were principally impacted by foreign exchange losses and transaction costs related to the proposed merger with Agrium. This compared to other income of $5 million in 2016’s third quarter.

Income tax expense of $22 million for the quarter increased from $2 million in the same period last year predominantly due to discrete tax adjustments related to prior years’ provisions.

Potash Market Outlook

We continue to see strong customer engagement in all key potash markets and expect robust demand to continue into 2018. We have maintained our anticipated global shipment range for 2017 at 62-65 million tonnes and, with Canpotex now fully committed for the remainder of the year, we expect this year’s demand to eclipse the previous record.

In North America, demand continues to be robust as growers address nutrient needs and capitalize on strong affordability. We expect total shipments to this market to approach the upper end of our 9.3-9.8 million tonnes range.

With its substantial agronomic need and favorable crop economics, we anticipate deliveries to Latin America will remain on pace to surpass those of 2016, with our full-year shipment total unchanged at 12.0-12.5 million tonnes.

In China, we expect nutrient affordability will continue to drive strong consumption. We maintain our 2017 shipment estimate in the range of 15.5-16.5 million tonnes, a potential record for this market.

 

3


We continue to see an improving demand environment in India, supported by significant agronomic need, higher minimum support prices and a favorable monsoon. We now expect deliveries for 2017 near the upper end of our guidance range of 4.0-4.5 million tonnes, an increase from 2016 levels.

In Other Asian markets, we expect supportive palm oil prices and improved moisture conditions will support demand for the remainder of the year and are maintaining our estimated shipment range of 9.0-9.5 million tonnes for the full year, above the 2016 total.

Financial Outlook

With greater clarity on potash markets through the balance of the year, we have narrowed our guidance range for potash sales volumes, to 9.1-9.3 million tonnes, and for gross margin, to $750-$800 million.

In nitrogen, we expect markets to remain volatile in the fourth quarter and anticipate full-year gross margin will be significantly weaker than in 2016. In phosphate, we expect challenging market fundamentals will continue to weigh on our realizations. With these factors in mind, and taking into consideration the third-quarter phosphate impairment charge, we have lowered our combined nitrogen and phosphate gross margin range and now estimate $140-$190 million in 2017, trailing last year’s combined total.

We now anticipate our effective income tax rate to be in a negative range of 2-4 percent, primarily due to discrete tax adjustments.

We have lowered the upper end of our estimates for provincial mining and other taxes and now expect a range of 19-21 percent of potash gross margin for 2017. Further, we have lowered our range for selling and administrative expenses to $215-$225 million and increased our range for finance costs to $230-$240 million.

We have raised the bottom end of our range for income from equity investments and now expect $180-$190 million, primarily due to the strength of SQM earnings.

Due to the recent strength of the Canadian dollar, we have revised our full-year foreign exchange rate assumption to CDN $1.30 per US dollar.

Based on these factors, we have narrowed our full-year 2017 earnings guidance and now estimate $0.48-$0.54 per share. Merger-related costs are now anticipated to be $0.08 per share, with $0.05 per share expected in the fourth quarter.

All annual guidance numbers – including those noted above – are outlined in the table below.

 

2017 Guidance

Annual earnings per share

   $0.48-$0.54

Potash sales volumes

   9.1-9.3 million tonnes

Potash gross margin

   $750-$800 million

Nitrogen and phosphate gross margin

   $140-$190 million

Capital expenditures*

   ~$600 million

Effective tax rate

   Negative 2-4 percent

Provincial mining and other taxes**

   19-21 percent

Selling and administrative expenses

   $215-$225 million

Finance costs

   $230-$240 million

Income from equity investments***

   $180-$190 million

Annual foreign exchange rate assumption

   CDN$1.30 per US$

Annual EPS sensitivity to foreign exchange

   US$ strengthens vs. CDN$ by $0.02 = +$0.01 EPS

Annual EPS sensitivity to potash prices

   Increases by $20 per tonne = +$0.14 EPS

 

* Does not include capitalized interest
** As a percentage of potash gross margin
*** Includes income from dividends and share of equity earnings

 

4


 

Notes

1. All references to per-share amounts pertain to diluted net income per share.

2. Canpotex Limited (Canpotex), the offshore marketing company for PotashCorp and two other Saskatchewan potash producers.

3. Agrium Inc. (Agrium)

4. See reconciliation and description of non-IFRS measures in the attached section titled “Selected Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Reconciliations and Supplemental Information.”

5. Market value of PotashCorp’s investment in Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. calculated using last traded price of B shares.

 

 

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 one of the largest producers of 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    Randy Burton

Senior Vice President, Investor and Public Relations

  

Director, Public Relations and Communications

Phone: (306) 933-8521    Phone: (306) 933-8849
Fax: (306) 933-8844    Fax: (306) 933-8844
Email: ir@potashcorp.com    Email: pr@potashcorp.com

 

Website:     www.potashcorp.com

  

This release contains “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) or “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation) that relate to future events or our future performance. These statements can be identified by expressions of belief, expectation or intention, as well as those statements that are not historical fact. These statements often contain words such as “should,” “could,” “expect,” “forecast,” “may,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimates,” “plans” and similar expressions. These statements are based on certain factors and assumptions as set forth in this document, including with respect to: foreign exchange rates, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, including the completion of the proposed merger of equals with

 

5


Agrium, and effective tax rates. While we consider 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 our actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the following: our proposed merger of equals transaction with Agrium, including the failure to satisfy all required conditions, including required regulatory approvals, or to satisfy or obtain waivers with respect to all other closing conditions in a timely manner and on favorable terms or at all; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the arrangement agreement; certain costs that we may incur in connection with the proposed merger of equals; certain restrictions in the arrangement agreement on our ability to take action outside the ordinary course of business without the consent of Agrium; the effect of the announcement of the proposed merger of equals on our ability to retain customers, suppliers and personnel and on our operating future business and operations generally; risks related to diversion of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed merger of equals; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed merger of equals and to successfully integrate Agrium and PotashCorp; the risk that our credit ratings may be downgraded or there may be adverse conditions in the credit markets; any significant impairment of the carrying value of certain assets; 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 and petrochemical markets; changes in competitive pressures, including pricing pressures; risks and uncertainties related to any operating and workforce changes made in response to our industry and the markets we serve, including mine and inventory shutdowns; adverse or uncertain economic conditions and changes in credit and financial markets; economic and political uncertainty around the world; changes in capital markets; the results of sales contract negotiations within major markets; unexpected or adverse weather conditions; risks related to reputational loss; the occurrence of a major safety incident; inadequate insurance coverage for a significant liability; our inability to obtain relevant permits for our operations; catastrophic events or malicious acts, including terrorism; certain complications that may arise in our mining process, including water inflows; risks and uncertainties related to our international operations and assets; our ownership of non-controlling equity interests in other companies; our prospects to reinvest capital in strategic opportunities and acquisitions; risks associated with natural gas and other hedging activities; security risks related to our information technology systems; imprecision in reserve estimates; costs and availability of transportation and distribution for our raw materials and products, including railcars and ocean freight; changes in, and the effects of, government policies and regulations; earnings and the decisions of taxing authorities which could affect our effective tax rates; increases in the price or reduced availability of the raw materials that we use; our ability to attract, develop, engage and retain skilled employees; strikes or other forms of work stoppage or slowdowns; rates of return on, and the risks associated with, our investments and capital expenditures; timing and impact of capital expenditures; the impact of further innovation; adverse developments in pending or future legal proceedings or government investigations; and violations of our governance and compliance policies. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in more detail under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results and Operations and Financial Condition” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and in other documents and reports subsequently filed by us with the US Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian provincial securities commissions. Forward-looking statements are given only as of the date hereof and we disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

 

 

 

6


PotashCorp will host a Conference Call on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 1:00 pm Eastern Time.

 

Telephone Conference:      Dial-in numbers:   
    -    From Canada and the US    1-866-438-1126
    -    From Elsewhere    1-778-328-1919
Live Webcast:      Visit www.potashcorp.com   
         Webcast participants can submit questions to management online from their audio player pop-up window.

 

7


Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(in millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted)

(unaudited)

 

                     Three Months Ended                     Nine Months Ended  
                     September 30                     September 30  
              2017             2016             2017             2016  

Sales (Note 2)

     $           1,234       $           1,136       $           3,466       $           3,398  

Freight, transportation and distribution

     (172     (154     (421     (405

Cost of goods sold

     (832     (792     (2,292     (2,326

Gross Margin

     230       190       753       667  

Selling and administrative expenses

     (56     (59     (154     (167

Provincial mining and other taxes

     (47     (31     (125     (88

Share of earnings of equity-accounted investees

     33       25       121       74  

Dividend income

     5       8       17       24  

Impairment of available-for-sale investment

                       (10

Other (expenses) income (Note 3)

     (30     5       (56     (4

Operating Income

     135       138       556       496  

Finance costs

     (60     (55     (180     (161

Income Before Income Taxes

     75       83       376       335  

Income tax (expense) recovery (Note 4)

     (22     (2     27       (58

Net Income

     $                53       $                81       $              403       $              277  
                                  

Net Income per Share

        

Basic

     $             0.06       $             0.10       $             0.48       $             0.33  

Diluted

     $             0.06       $             0.10       $             0.48       $             0.33  
                                  

Dividends Declared per Share

     $             0.10       $             0.10       $             0.30       $             0.60  
                                  

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

        

Basic

     840,137,000       839,570,000       840,037,000       838,661,000  

Diluted

     840,301,000       840,045,000       840,202,000       839,376,000  
                                  

(See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)


Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(in millions of US dollars)

(unaudited)

 

                     Three Months Ended                     Nine Months Ended  
                     September 30                     September 30  
(Net of related income taxes)    2017     2016     2017     2016  

Net Income

   $              53     $              81     $            403     $            277  

Other comprehensive income (loss)

        

Items that will not be reclassified to net income:

        

Net actuarial loss on defined benefit plans (1)

                       (103

Items that have been or may be subsequently reclassified to net income:

        

Available-for-sale investments (2)

        

Net fair value gain (loss) during the period

     35       15       128       (88

Cash flow hedges

        

Net fair value loss during the period (3)

     (1     (5     (8     (2

Reclassification to income of net loss (4)

     9       11       28       39  

Other

     (1           2       2  

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     42       21       150       (152

Comprehensive Income

   $ 95     $ 102     $ 553     $ 125  
                                  

 

(1)  Net of income taxes of $NIL (2016 - $NIL) for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and $NIL (2016 - $60) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
(2)  Available-for-sale investments are comprised of shares in Israel Chemicals Ltd. (“ICL”), Sinofert Holdings Limited (“Sinofert”) and other.
(3)  Cash flow hedges are comprised of natural gas derivative instruments and treasury lock derivatives and were net of income taxes of $NIL (2016 - $2) for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and $4 (2016 - $NIL) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
(4)  Net of income taxes of $(4) (2016 - $(6)) for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and $(15) (2016 - $(22)) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

(See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)


Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow

(in millions of US dollars)

(unaudited)

 

                     Three Months Ended                     Nine Months Ended  
                     September 30                     September 30  
      2017     2016     2017     2016  

Operating Activities

        

Net income

   $ 53     $ 81     $ 403     $ 277  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities (Note 5)

     237       166       532       631  

Changes in non-cash operating working capital (Note 5)

     3       48       (91     (1

Cash provided by operating activities

            293       295              844       907  

Investing Activities

        

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (170     (191     (431     (648

Other assets and intangible assets

           (1     (1     (10

Cash used in investing activities

     (170     (192     (432     (658

Financing Activities

        

Finance costs on long-term debt obligations

                 (1     (4

(Repayment of) proceeds from short-term debt obligations

     (39     115       (99     519  

Dividends

     (84     (208     (248     (727

Issuance of common shares

                 1       25  

Cash used in financing activities

     (123     (93     (347     (187

Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents

           10       65       62  

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

     97       143       32       91  

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

   $ 97     $ 153     $ 97     $ 153  
                                  

Cash and cash equivalents comprised of:

        

Cash

   $ 31     $ 48     $ 31     $ 48  

Short-term investments

     66       105       66       105  
     $ 97     $        153     $ 97     $        153  
                                  

(See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)


Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity

(in millions of US dollars)

(unaudited)

 

                   Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income              
      Share
    Capital    
     Contributed
Surplus
     Net
unrealized
gain on
available-
for-sale
investments
     Net
(loss) gain on
derivatives
designated as
cash flow
hedges
    Other     Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
    Retained
Earnings
    Total
  Equity  
 

Balance - December 31, 2016

   $ 1,798      $ 222      $ 43      $ (60   $ (8   $ (25   $ 6,204     $ 8,199  

Net income

                                            403       403  

Other comprehensive income

                   128        20       2       150             150  

Dividends declared

                                            (252     (252

Effect of share-based compensation including issuance of common shares

     2        6                                       8  

Shares issued for dividend reinvestment plan

     5                                              5  

Balance - September 30, 2017

   $ 1,805      $ 228      $ 171      $ (40   $ (6   $ 125     $ 6,355     $ 8,513  
                                                                     

(See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)


Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

(in millions of US dollars except share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

As at    September 30
2017
     December 31
2016
 

Assets

     

Current assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 97      $ 32  

Receivables

     617        545  

Inventories

     753        768  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     55        49  
     1,522        1,394  

Non-current assets

     

Property, plant and equipment

     13,179        13,318  

Investments in equity-accounted investees

     1,176        1,173  

Available-for-sale investments

     1,068        940  

Other assets

     237        250  

Intangible assets

     169        180  

Total Assets

   $ 17,351      $ 17,255  
                   

Liabilities

     

Current liabilities

     

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt

   $ 785      $ 884  

Payables and accrued charges

     715        772  

Current portion of derivative instrument liabilities

     35        41  
     1,535        1,697  

Non-current liabilities

     

Long-term debt

     3,709        3,707  

Derivative instrument liabilities

     38        56  

Deferred income tax liabilities

     2,375        2,463  

Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities

     492        443  

Asset retirement obligations and accrued environmental costs

     632        643  

Other non-current liabilities and deferred credits

     57        47  

Total Liabilities

     8,838        9,056  

Shareholders’ Equity

     

Share capital Share capital

     1,805        1,798  

Unlimited authorization of common shares without par value; issued and outstanding 840,163,998 and 839,790,379 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively

     

Contributed surplus

     228        222  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     125        (25

Retained earnings

     6,355        6,204  

Total Shareholders’ Equity

     8,513        8,199  

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 17,351      $ 17,255  
                   

(See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)


Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

(in millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted)

(unaudited)

1. Significant Accounting Policies

With its subsidiaries, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (“PCS”) — together known as “PotashCorp” or “the company” except to the extent the context otherwise requires — forms a crop nutrient and related industrial and feed products company. The company’s accounting policies are in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”). The accounting policies and methods of computation used in preparing these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those used in the preparation of the company’s 2016 annual consolidated financial statements.

These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PCS and its subsidiaries; however, they do not include all disclosures normally provided in annual consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the company’s 2016 annual consolidated financial statements. Further, while the financial figures included in this preliminary interim results announcement have been computed in accordance with IFRS applicable to interim periods, this announcement does not contain sufficient information to constitute an interim financial report as that term is defined in International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 34, “Interim Financial Reporting”. The company expects to publish an interim financial report that complies with IAS 34 in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q in October 2017.

In management’s opinion, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary to present fairly such information. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year.

2. Segment Information

The company has three reportable operating segments: potash, nitrogen and phosphate. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1. Inter-segment sales are made under terms that approximate market value.

 

      Three Months Ended September 30, 2017  
      Potash     Nitrogen     Phosphate     All Others     Consolidated  

Sales - third party

   $       595     $       288     $       351     $     —     $    1,234  

Freight, transportation and distribution - third party

     (85     (33     (54           (172

Net sales - third party

     510       255       297          

Cost of goods sold - third party

     (256     (240     (336           (832

Margin (cost) on inter-segment sales (1)

           6       (6            

Gross margin

     254       21       (45           230  

Items included in cost of goods sold, selling and administrative or other expenses:

          

Depreciation and amortization

     (72     (47     (52     (9     (180

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

                 (29           (29

Cash outflows for additions to property, plant and equipment

     56       70       43       1       170  

 

(1) Inter-segment net sales were $15.


Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

(in millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted)

(unaudited)

2. Segment Information (continued)

 

      Three Months Ended September 30, 2016  
            Potash         Nitrogen       Phosphate       All Others     Consolidated  

Sales - third party

   $       453     $       333     $       350     $       —     $       1,136  

Freight, transportation and distribution - third party

     (73     (28     (53           (154

Net sales - third party

     380       305       297          

Cost of goods sold - third party

     (274     (243     (275           (792

Margin (cost) on inter-segment sales (1)

           7       (7            

Gross margin

     106       69       15             190  

Items included in cost of goods sold, selling and administrative or other expenses:

          

Depreciation and amortization

     (59     (53     (53     (18     (183

Cash outflows for additions to property, plant and equipment

     94       44       54       (1     191  

 

(1) Inter-segment net sales were $14.

 

      Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017  
            Potash         Nitrogen       Phosphate       All Others     Consolidated  

Sales - third party

   $    1,485     $    1,047     $       934     $       —     $       3,466  

Freight, transportation and distribution - third party

     (199     (97     (125           (421

Net sales - third party

     1,286       950       809          

Cost of goods sold - third party

     (659     (789     (844           (2,292

Margin (cost) on inter-segment sales (1)

           25       (25            

Gross margin

     627       186       (60           753  

Items included in cost of goods sold, selling and administrative or other expenses:

          

Depreciation and amortization

     (183     (144     (166     (27     (520

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

                 (29           (29

Cash outflows for additions to property, plant and equipment

     137       143       145       6       431  

 

(1) Inter-segment net sales were $54.


Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

(in millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted)

(unaudited)

2. Segment Information (continued)

 

      Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016  
            Potash           Nitrogen       Phosphate       All Others     Consolidated  

Sales - third party

   $       1,227     $       1,144     $       1,027     $       —     $       3,398  

Freight, transportation and distribution - third party

     (196     (88     (121           (405

Net sales - third party

     1,031       1,056       906          

Cost of goods sold - third party

     (714     (777     (835           (2,326

Margin (cost) on inter-segment sales (1)

           27       (27            

Gross margin

     317       306       44             667  

Items included in cost of goods sold, selling and administrative or other expenses:

          

Depreciation and amortization

     (159     (159     (165     (35     (518

Share of Canpotex’s (2) Prince Rupert project exit costs

     (33                       (33

Termination benefit costs

     (32                       (32

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

                 (27           (27

Cash outflows for additions to property, plant and equipment

     259       178       142       69       648  

 

(1) Inter-segment net sales were $48.
(2) Canpotex Limited ("Canpotex").

3. Other (Expenses) Income

 

                     Three Months Ended                      Nine Months Ended  
                     September 30                      September 30  
                      2017                 2016                  2017                 2016  

Foreign exchange (loss) gain

   $ (14   $ 5      $ (22   $ (14

Proposed Transaction costs (Note 7)

     (10            (33      

Other (expenses) income

     (6            (1     10  
     $ (30   $ 5      $ (56   $ (4
                                   

4. Income Tax (Expense) Recovery

A separate estimated average annual effective tax rate was determined for each taxing jurisdiction and applied individually to the pre-tax income of each jurisdiction.

 

                     Three Months Ended                     Nine Months Ended  
                     September 30                     September 30  
                      2017                 2016                 2017                  2016  

Income tax (expense) recovery

   $ (22   $ (2   $ 27      $ (58

Actual effective tax rate on ordinary earnings

     17%           16%           10%            20%  

Actual effective tax rate including discrete items

         29%       2%       -7%        17%  

Discrete tax adjustments that impacted the tax rate

   $ (9   $ 11     $ 67      $ 11  

Significant items to note include the following:

• The actual effective tax rate on ordinary earnings decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period last year due to different weightings between jurisdictions, most notably a decline in the United States partially offset by an increase in Canada.

• In the second quarter of 2017, a discrete deferred tax recovery of $68 was recorded as a result of a Saskatchewan income tax rate decrease. This decreased the actual effective tax rate including discrete items for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 by 18 percentage points.

• In the second quarter of 2016, a $10 discrete non-tax deductible impairment of the company’s available-for-sale investment in Sinofert was recorded. This increased the actual effective tax rate including discrete items for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 by one percentage point.


Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

(in millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted)

(unaudited)

5. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow

 

                     Three Months Ended                     Nine Months Ended  
                 September 30                     September 30  
                  2017                 2016                 2017                 2016  

Reconciliation of cash provided by operating activities

        

Net income

   $ 53     $ 81     $ 403     $ 277  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities

        

Depreciation and amortization

     180       183       520       518  

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

     29             29       27  

Net distributed (undistributed) earnings of equity-accounted investees

     1       (23     (1     21  

Impairment of available-for-sale investment

                       10  

Share-based compensation

     2       3       9       8  

(Recovery of) provision for deferred income tax

     (3     6       (99     5  

Pension and other post-retirement benefits

     17       8       50       36  

Asset retirement obligations and accrued environmental costs

     1       (12     3       13  

Other long-term liabilities and miscellaneous

     10       1       21       (7

Subtotal of adjustments

     237       166       532       631  

Changes in non-cash operating working capital

        

Receivables

     (126     (66     (88     79  

Inventories

     72       63       14       20  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     11       6       (3     9  

Payables and accrued charges

     46       45       (14     (109

Subtotal of changes in non-cash operating working capital

     3       48       (91     (1

Cash provided by operating activities

   $          293     $          295     $          844     $          907  
                                  

Supplemental cash flow disclosure

        

Interest paid

   $ 30     $ 31     $ 133     $ 124  

Income taxes paid (recovered)

   $ 14     $ (3   $ 67     $ 43  

6. Share-Based Compensation

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the company issued stock options and performance share units (“PSUs”) to eligible employees under the 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”). Information on stock options and PSUs is summarized below:

 

     LTIP      Expense for all employee share-based compensation plans  
    

Units
Granted

in 2017

     Units
Outstanding as at
September 30, 2017
                     Three Months Ended                      Nine Months Ended  
                       September 30                      September 30  
                        2017                  2016                  2017                  2016  

Stock options

     1,482,829        4,503,104      $ 1      $ 2      $ 6      $ 8  

Share-settled PSUs

     555,918        935,570        2        1        4        3  

Cash-settled PSUs

     858,684        1,561,678        6        3        8        7  
                       $ 9      $ 6      $ 18      $ 18  
                                                       


Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

(in millions of US dollars except as otherwise noted)

(unaudited)

6. Share-Based Compensation (continued)

Weighted average grant date fair value per unit for stock options and share-settled PSUs granted during 2017 was $4.36 and $19.93, respectively.

Stock Options

Under the LTIP, stock options generally vest and become exercisable on the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to continuous employment or retirement, and have a maximum term of 10 years. The weighted average fair value of stock options granted was estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

Exercise price per option

   $ 18.71  

Expected annual dividend per share

   $ 0.40  

Expected volatility

     29%  

Risk-free interest rate

     1.67%  

Expected life of options

     5.7 years  

Performance Share Units

PSUs granted under the LTIP in 2017 vest based on the achievement of performance metrics, over three years, comprising 1) the relative ranking of the company’s total shareholder return compared with a specified peer group using a Monte Carlo simulation and 2) the outcome of the company’s cash flow return on investment compared with its weighted average cost of capital. Compensation cost is measured based on 1) the grant date fair value of the units, adjusted for the company’s best estimate of the outcome of non-market vesting conditions (1) at the end of each period for share-settled PSUs and 2) period-end fair value of the awards for cash-settled PSUs. PSUs granted under the LTIP settle in shares for grantees who are subject to the company’s share ownership guidelines and in cash for all other grantees.

 

(1) The company’s cash flow return on investment compared with its weighted average cost of capital is a non-market vesting condition as performance is not tied to the company’s share price or relative share price.

7. Proposed Transaction with Agrium Inc.

On September 11, 2016, the company entered into an Arrangement Agreement with Agrium Inc. (“Agrium”) pursuant to which the company and Agrium have agreed to combine their businesses (the “Proposed Transaction”) in a merger of equals transaction to be implemented by way of a plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act. On November 3, 2016, the Proposed Transaction was overwhelmingly approved by shareholders of both companies. On November 7, 2016, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice issued a final order approving the Proposed Transaction. The companies have since received unconditional regulatory clearance in Canada, Brazil and Russia and conditional approval from India requiring PotashCorp’s commitment to divest its minority shareholdings in Arab Potash Company (“APC”), ICL and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (“SQM”) within a period of 18 months from October 18, 2017. The regulatory review and approval process continues in the U.S. and China. Upon the closing of the Proposed Transaction, the new parent company will be named Nutrien Ltd. (“Nutrien”). The Proposed Transaction is currently anticipated to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter of 2017 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including remaining regulatory approvals.

Upon the closing of the Proposed Transaction, the company and Agrium will become indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of Nutrien. PotashCorp shareholders will own approximately 52 percent of Nutrien, and Agrium shareholders will own approximately 48 percent.


Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Selected Financial Data

(unaudited)

 

                     Three Months Ended                     Nine Months Ended  
                 September 30                     September 30  
                  2017                 2016                 2017                 2016  

Potash Sales (tonnes - thousands)

        

Manufactured Product

        

North America

     1,123       1,019       2,633       2,647  

Offshore

     1,727       1,511       4,756       3,788  

Manufactured Product

     2,850       2,530       7,389       6,435  
                                  

Potash Net Sales

        

(US $ millions)

        

Sales

   $ 595     $ 453     $ 1,485     $ 1,227  

Freight, transportation and distribution

     (85     (73     (199     (196

Net Sales

   $ 510     $ 380     $ 1,286     $ 1,031  
                                  

Manufactured Product

        

North America

   $ 220     $ 158     $ 518     $ 463  

Offshore

     290       221       764       561  

Other miscellaneous and purchased product

           1       4       7  

Net Sales

   $ 510     $ 380     $ 1,286     $ 1,031  
                                  

Manufactured Product

        

Average Realized Sales Price per Tonne

        

North America

   $ 195     $ 155     $ 197     $ 175  

Offshore

   $ 168     $ 146     $ 161     $ 148  

Average

   $         179     $         150     $         173     $         159  

Cost of Goods Sold per Tonne

   $ (89   $ (106   $ (87   $ (107

Gross Margin per Tonne

   $ 90     $ 44     $ 86     $ 52  
                                  


Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Selected Financial Data

(unaudited)

 

                     Three Months Ended
                 September 30
   

                Nine Months Ended

                September 30

 
      2017     2016     2017     2016  

Average Natural Gas Cost in Production per MMBtu

   $ 2.92     $ 3.26     $ 3.39     $ 3.32  

Nitrogen Sales (tonnes - thousands)

        

Manufactured Product

        

Ammonia (1)

     552       576       1,700       1,720  

Urea

     270       290       883       857  

Solutions/Nitric acid/Ammonium nitrate

     751       700       2,151       2,160  

Manufactured Product

     1,573       1,566       4,734       4,737  
                                  

Fertilizer sales tonnes (1)

     605       542       1,897       1,755  

Industrial/Feed sales tonnes

     968       1,024       2,837       2,982  

Manufactured Product

         1,573           1,566           4,734           4,737  
                                  

Nitrogen Net Sales

        

(US $ millions)

        

Sales - third party

   $ 288     $ 333     $ 1,047     $ 1,144  

Freight, transportation and distribution - third party

     (33     (28     (97     (88

Net sales - third party

     255       305       950       1,056  

Inter-segment net sales

     15       14       54       48  

Net Sales

   $ 270     $ 319     $ 1,004     $ 1,104  
                                  

Manufactured Product

        

Ammonia (2)

   $ 108     $ 145     $ 448     $ 510  

Urea

     62       66       220       223  

Solutions/Nitric acid/Ammonium nitrate

     95       103       311       355  

Other miscellaneous and purchased product (3)

     5       5       25       16  

Net Sales

   $ 270     $ 319     $ 1,004     $ 1,104  
                                  

Fertilizer net sales (2)

   $ 106     $ 100     $ 407     $ 402  

Industrial/Feed net sales

     159       213       572       686  

Other miscellaneous and purchased product (3)

     5       6       25       16  

Net Sales

   $ 270     $ 319     $ 1,004     $ 1,104  
                                  

Manufactured Product

        

Average Realized Sales Price per Tonne

        

Ammonia

   $ 195     $ 252     $ 264     $ 296  

Urea

   $ 230     $ 226     $ 250     $ 260  

Solutions/Nitric acid/Ammonium nitrate

   $ 127     $ 148     $ 144     $ 165  

Average

   $ 168     $ 200     $ 207     $ 230  

Fertilizer average price per Tonne

   $ 176     $ 187     $ 215     $ 229  

Industrial/Feed average price per Tonne

   $ 164     $ 208     $ 202     $ 230  

Average

   $ 168     $ 200     $ 207     $ 230  

Cost of Goods Sold per Tonne

   $ (157   $ (158   $ (170   $ (168

Gross Margin per Tonne

   $ 11     $ 42     $ 37     $ 62  
                                  

(1)    Includes inter-segment ammonia sales (tonnes - thousands)

     46       37       141       116  

(2)    Includes inter-segment ammonia net sales

   $ 15     $ 13     $ 54     $ 47  

(3)    Includes inter-segment other miscellaneous and purchased product net sales

   $     $ 1     $     $ 1  


Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Selected Financial Data

(unaudited)

 

    

                Three Months Ended

                September 30

   

                Nine Months Ended

                September 30

 
      2017     2016     2017     2016  

Phosphate Sales (tonnes - thousands)

        

Manufactured Product

        

Fertilizer

     559       537       1,275       1,248  

Feed and Industrial

     250       232       763       750  

Manufactured Product

     809       769       2,038       1,998  
                                  

Phosphate Net Sales

        

(US $ millions)

        

Sales

   $ 351     $ 350     $ 934     $ 1,027  

Freight, transportation and distribution

     (54     (53     (125     (121

Net Sales

   $ 297     $ 297     $ 809     $ 906  
                                  

Manufactured Product

        

Fertilizer

   $ 174     $ 168     $ 427     $ 467  

Feed and Industrial

     121       128       378       435  

Other miscellaneous and purchased product

     2       1       4       4  

Net Sales

   $ 297     $ 297     $ 809     $ 906  
                                  

Manufactured Product

        

Average Realized Sales Price per Tonne

        

Fertilizer

   $ 311     $ 313     $ 335     $ 374  

Feed and Industrial

   $ 486     $ 554     $ 496     $ 580  

Average

   $ 365     $ 385     $ 395     $ 451  

Cost of Goods Sold per Tonne

   $ (420   $ (366   $ (425   $ (430

Gross Margin per Tonne

   $ (55   $ 19     $ (30   $ 21  
                                  


Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Selected Additional Data

(unaudited)

Exchange Rate (Cdn$/US$)

 

            2017          2016  

December 31

 

        1.3427  

September 30

 

     1.2480        1.3117  

Third-quarter average conversion rate

 

     1.2864        1.2980  
                     Three Months Ended
             September 30
                     Nine Months Ended
                 September 30
 
      2017      2016      2017      2016  

Production

           

Potash production (KCl Tonnes - thousands)

     2,134        1,557        7,376        6,060  

Potash shutdown weeks (1)

     12        8        24        21  

Nitrogen production (N Tonnes - thousands)

     749        799        2,248        2,359  

Ammonia operating rate

     84%        90%        84%        88%  

Phosphate production (P2O5 Tonnes - thousands)

     392        399        1,106        1,107  

Phosphate P2O5 operating rate

     82%        84%        78%        78%  

Shareholders

           

PotashCorp's total shareholder return

     19%        2%        9%        1%  

Customers

           

Product tonnes involved in customer complaints (thousands)

     1        21        32        83  

Community

           

Taxes and royalties ($ millions) (2)

     92        40        266        199  

Employees

           

Annualized employee turnover rate

     4%        3%        4%        3%  

Safety

           

Total recordable injury rate (3)

             0.77                0.92        0.85        0.92  

Environment

           

Environmental incidents (4)

     1        5        6        17  
As at      September 30
2017
     December 31
2016
 

Number of employees

 

     

Potash

 

     2,241        2,331  

Nitrogen

 

     854        823  

Phosphate

 

     1,558        1,515  

Other

 

     452        461  

Total

 

             5,105                5,130  
                     

 

(1) Represents weeks of full production shutdown; excludes the impact of any periods of reduced operating rates and planned routine annual maintenance shutdowns and announced workforce reductions.
(2) Taxes and royalties = current income tax expense - investment tax credits - realized excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation + potash production tax + resource surcharge + royalties + municipal taxes + other miscellaneous taxes (calculated on an accrual basis).
(3) Total recordable injuries for every 200,000 hours worked for all PotashCorp employees, contractors and others on site. Calculated as the total recordable injuries multiplied by 200,000 hours worked divided by the actual number of hours worked.
(4) Number of incidents, includes reportable quantity releases, permit non-compliance and Canadian reportable releases. Calculated as: reportable quantity releases (a release whose quantity equals or exceeds the US Environmental Protection Agency’s notification level and is reportable to the National Response Center (NRC)) + permit non-compliance (an exceedance of a federal, state, provincial or local permit condition or regulatory limit) + Canadian reportable releases (an unconfined spill or release into the environment).


Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Selected Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Reconciliations and Supplemental Information

(in millions of US dollars except percentage amounts)

(unaudited)

The following information is included for convenience only. Generally, a non-IFRS financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s performance, cash flows or financial position that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS. EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, cash flow prior to working capital changes and free cash flow are not measures of financial performance (nor do they have standardized meanings) under IFRS. In evaluating these measures, investors should consider that the methodology applied in calculating such measures may differ among companies and analysts.

The company uses both IFRS and certain non-IFRS measures to assess operational performance and as a component of employee remuneration. Management believes these non-IFRS measures provide useful supplemental information to investors in order that they may evaluate PotashCorp’s financial performance using the same measures as management. Management believes that, as a result, the investor is afforded greater transparency in assessing the financial performance of the company. These non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for, nor superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.

 

A. EBITDA, ADJUSTED EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA MARGIN

Set forth below is a reconciliation of “EBITDA” and "adjusted EBITDA" to net income and "adjusted EBITDA margin" to net income as a percentage of sales, the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS.

 

                     Three Months Ended                      Nine Months Ended  
                     September 30                      September 30  
      2017      2016      2017     2016  

Net income

   $          53      $          81      $        403     $        277  

Finance costs

     60        55        180       161  

Income tax expense (recovery)

     22        2        (27     58  

Depreciation and amortization

     180        183        520       518  

EBITDA

   $ 315      $ 321      $ 1,076     $ 1,014  

Share of Canpotex's Prince Rupert project exit costs

                         33  

Termination benefit costs

                         32  

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

     29               29       27  

Impairment of available-for-sale investment

                         10  

Proposed Transaction costs

     10        8        33       8  

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 354      $ 329      $ 1,138     $ 1,124  
                                    

EBITDA is calculated as net income before finance costs, income tax expense (recovery), and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as net income before finance costs, income tax expense (recovery), depreciation and amortization, exit costs, termination benefit costs, certain impairment charges and Proposed Transaction costs. PotashCorp uses EBITDA as a supplemental financial measure of its operational performance. Management believes EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA to be important measures as they exclude the effects of items that primarily reflect the impact of long-term investment and financing decisions, rather than the performance of the company’s day-to-day operations. As compared to net income according to IFRS, these measures are limited in that they do not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenues in the company's business, the charges associated with impairments, exit costs, termination costs, or Proposed Transaction costs. Management evaluates such items through other financial measures such as capital expenditures and cash flow provided by operating activities. The company believes that these measurements are useful to measure a company’s ability to service debt and to meet other payment obligations or as a valuation measurement.

 

                     Three Months Ended
                 September 30
                    Nine Months Ended
                 September 30
 
      2017     2016     2017     2016  

Sales

   $ 1,234     $ 1,136     $ 3,466     $ 3,398  

Freight, transportation and distribution

     (172     (154     (421     (405

Net sales

   $ 1,062     $ 982     $ 3,045     $ 2,993  
                                  

Net income as a percentage of sales

     4%       7%       12%       8%  

Adjusted EBITDA margin

     33%       34%       37%       38%  


Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Selected Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Reconciliations and Supplemental Information

(in millions of US dollars)

(unaudited)

 

A. EBITDA, ADJUSTED EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA MARGIN (continued)

Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated as adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales (sales less freight, transportation and distribution). Management believes comparing adjusted EBITDA to net sales earned (net of costs to deliver product) is an important indicator of efficiency. In addition to the limitations given above in using adjusted EBITDA as compared to net income, adjusted EBITDA margin as compared to net income as a percentage of sales is also limited in that freight, transportation and distribution costs are incurred and valued independently of sales; adjusted EBITDA also includes earnings from equity investees whose sales are not included in consolidated sales. Management evaluates these items individually on the consolidated statements of income.

 

B. CASH FLOW

Set forth below is a reconciliation of “cash flow prior to working capital changes” and “free cash flow” to cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS.

 

                     Three Months Ended
                 September 30
                    Nine Months Ended
                 September 30
 
      2017     2016     2017     2016  

Cash flow prior to working capital changes

   $     290     $     247     $     935     $     908  

Changes in non-cash operating working capital

        

Receivables

     (126     (66     (88     79  

Inventories

     72       63       14       20  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     11       6       (3     9  

Payables and accrued charges

     46       45       (14     (109

Changes in non-cash operating working capital

     3       48       (91     (1

Cash provided by operating activities

   $ 293     $ 295     $ 844     $ 907  

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (170     (191     (431     (648

Other assets and intangible assets

           (1     (1     (10

Changes in non-cash operating working capital

     (3     (48     91       1  

Free cash flow

   $ 120     $ 55     $ 503     $ 250  
                                  

Management uses cash flow prior to working capital changes as a supplemental financial measure in its evaluation of liquidity. Management believes that adjusting principally for the swings in non-cash working capital items due to seasonality or other timing issues assists management in making long-term liquidity assessments. The company also believes that this measurement is useful as a measure of liquidity or as a valuation measurement.

The company uses free cash flow as a supplemental financial measure in its evaluation of liquidity and financial strength. Management believes that adjusting principally for the swings in non-cash operating working capital items due to seasonality or other timing issues, additions to property, plant and equipment, and changes to other assets assists management in the long-term assessment of liquidity and financial strength. Management also believes that this measurement is useful as an indicator of its ability to service its debt, meet other payment obligations and make strategic investments. Readers should be aware that free cash flow does not represent residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures.


Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.

Selected Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Reconciliations and Supplemental Information

(in millions of US dollars)

(unaudited)

 

C. ITEMS INCLUDED IN GROSS MARGIN

 

      Three Months Ended September 30, 2017  
      Potash     Nitrogen      Phosphate     Consolidated  

Gross margin

   $     254     $ 21      $ (45   $ 230  

Items included in the above:

         

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

                  (29     (29
      Three Months Ended September 30, 2016  
      Potash     Nitrogen      Phosphate     Consolidated  

Gross margin

   $ 106     $ 69      $ 15     $     190  

No items included in the above to note.

                                 
      Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017  
      Potash     Nitrogen      Phosphate     Consolidated  

Gross margin

   $ 627     $     186      $ (60   $ 753  

Items included in the above:

         

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

                  (29     (29
      Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016  
      Potash     Nitrogen      Phosphate     Consolidated  

Gross margin

   $ 317     $ 306      $     44     $ 667  

Items included in the above:

         

Share of Canpotex’s Prince Rupert project exit costs

     (33                  (33

Termination benefit costs

     (32                  (32

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

                  (27     (27