Exhibit 5.1
Management's Discussion and Analysis
MDA-1
Management's Discussion and Analysis
The following commentary provides additional analysis of Marsulex's operations
and financial position for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2004 and
includes material information available to February 25, 2005. It is
supplementary information and should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
OVERVIEW OF 2004
o Net earnings were $4.9 million in 2004 compared with $6.9 million in 2003.
o Gross profit for the year was $48.9 million compared to $48.4 million in
2003, reflecting increases in Western Markets and Power Generation gross
profit, offset by the decrease in Refinery Services gross profit.
o Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and unusual
items for the year was $25.6 million compared to $30.8 million in 2003,
reflecting the $4.3 million cost of the change in senior management
announced in the fourth quarter.
o Refinery Services Group results reflected the first quarter outages at two
of its customers, a return to historical prilled sulphur margins after
unusually high levels in 2003 and the impact of the strong Canadian dollar
on the Group's U.S. earnings.
o Western Markets Group results were ahead of last year, reflecting the Prince
George acquisition as well as a strong performance from a number of the
Group's products including water treatment chemicals which experienced
increased demand in the second half of the year.
o During the year, the Power Generation Group won three new projects in China
--Gaojing, Baotou and Shimen and with increased licensing activity, posted
improved results.
o The Company entered into agreements with Petro-Canada and Shell Canada
Products for the expansion of its Montreal facility. The expansion will
increase the facility's capacity by approximately 50% and the existing
service agreements have been extended to 2015 from 2010. Construction of the
project has begun and is scheduled for completion in mid 2006.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Selected Financial Information
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(in millions of dollars, except per share amounts) 2004 2003 2002
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Revenue 137.0 135.0 138.3
Gross profit 48.9 48.4 48.3
Selling, general, administrative, and other costs 23.3 19.7 20.7
Foreign exchange gains on monetary items 0.1 2.1 0.6
Earnings from operations before the undernoted (EBITDA(1)) 25.6 30.8 28.1
Depreciation, including losses on disposals 17.0 15.7 15.7
Amortization of deferred charges and intangible assets 0.7 0.7 0.4
Unusual items, losses 0.7 1.4 7.5
Net interest expense(2) 5.6 5.3 9.2
Net earnings (loss) 4.9 6.9 (7.8)
Basic earnings (loss) per share(3) 0.15 0.22 (0.25)
Cash generated from operations before non-cash changes in working capital 19.7 24.5 15.9
Changes in non-cash operating working capital 5.5 5.0 (5.8)
Cash provided by operations 25.2 29.5 10.1
Cash and cash equivalents, including total cash held in trust 44.8 34.0 7.9
Long-term debt, including current portion 113.1 119.2 95.9
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1. EBITDA is earnings (loss) before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and unusual items. EBITDA is not a
recognized measure of performance under generally accepted accounting principles in Canada. See a separate discussion on
EBITDA in the Supplemental Financial Information section.
2. Net interest expense is calculated as interest expense net of interest capitalized and interest income.
3. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding was 31,696,398 for 2004; 31,572,737 for 2003; and 31,542,732 for
2002.
MDA-2
Selected Segmented Information
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REFINERY SERVICES
(in millions of dollars) 2004 2003 2002
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Revenue 73.9 71.5 69.3
Gross profit 22.6 27.2 24.6
Total Assets 178.0 182.3 181.3
Capital expenditures(1) 13.7 31.6 35.9
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WESTERN MARKETS
(in millions of dollars) 2004 2003 2002
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Revenue 54.6 54.3 54.0
Gross profit 21.5 18.3 19.5
Total Assets 35.9 37.3 26.8
Capital expenditures(1) 0.8 0.6 0.5
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POWER GENERATION
(in millions of dollars) 2004 2003 2002
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Revenue 8.5 9.2 15.0
Gross profit 4.8 2.9 4.2
Total Assets 11.4 11.9 17.5
Capital expenditures(1) -- 0.1 4.4
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CORPORATE SUPPORT
(in millions of dollars) 2004 2003 2002
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Revenue -- -- --
Gross profit -- -- --
Total Assets 47.5 39.0 13.6
Capital expenditures(1) 0.1 0.3 0.2
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CONSOLIDATED TOTAL
(in millions of dollars) 2004 2003 2002
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Revenue 137.0 135.0 138.3
Gross profit 48.9 48.4 48.3
Total Assets 272.8 270.5 239.2
Capital expenditures(1) 14.6 32.6 41.0
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1. Capital expenditures from operations excluding acquisitions.
REVENUE
The Company provides industrial services, including the processing, removal,
distribution, and sale of the by-products resulting from compliance services,
and sells industrial chemicals.
The Refinery Services Group provides the following types of industrial
services:
o Regeneration of spent acid at the Toledo facility;
o Acid gas processing at the Montreal facility;
o Conversion of molten sulphur into prilled sulphur at the Company's west
coast prilling operations in the U.S.; and,
o By-product processing and marketing at the new Fort McMurray facility once
Syncrude's overall UE-1 project is completed.
Although the volumes processed by the Group may be affected by the market
demand and seasonal variation of the refinery customers' products, generally
peaking during the summer driving season, the Group's revenues are largely
stable year over year and are somewhat insulated through contractual minimum
volume requirements.
MDA-3
Western Markets earns revenue by providing sulphur-enhanced chemicals to the
pulp and paper industry as well as water treatment chemicals used by
municipalities throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan for water and sewage
treatment. The Group's product range includes sulphuric acid, liquid sulphur
dioxide, aluminum sulphate ("alum"), sodium bisulphite, aqua ammonia, carbon
disulphide, and hydrogen sulphide. The demand for the Group's products may
experience seasonal fluctuations, for example, the demand from the Group's
municipal customers to treat water peaks during the spring "run off" and summer
seasons.
The activities associated with the Power Generation Group include the design
and installation of pollution control equipment, engineering and project
management services, and the licensing of technology.
In 2004 consolidated revenue was $137.0 million, up $2.0 million or 1.5%, from
$135.0 million in 2003.
Consolidated revenue was $135.0 million for 2003, compared to $138.3 million in
2002, a decrease of $3.3 million or 2.4%. Primarily, this reflected the
improved Refinery Services performance offset by the completion of Power
Generation's Virginia Power project in the first quarter of 2002.
Refinery Services provides services to major oil refinery customers in the
United States and Canada, primarily outsourced compliance services for the
regeneration of spent sulphuric acid produced during the octane enhancement of
gasoline, the extraction and recovery of sulphur from hydrogen sulphide gas
created during the refining process, and the recovery of SO2 to ensure air
quality compliance.
Revenue for the Group was $73.9 million in 2004 compared to $71.5 million in
2003, an increase of 3.4%.
Refinery Services' revenue in 2003 was $71.5 million, up $2.2 million or 3.2%
from 2002. This reflects solid performances in 2003 from all of the Group's
operations, which were negatively affected by the impact of the lower U.S.
dollar.
Western Markets produces and provides sulphur-enhanced chemicals to the pulp
and paper industry in western Canada and is one of the leading suppliers of
alum, a water treatment chemical used extensively by municipalities for water
and sewage treatment. These and other chemicals are marketed to customers in
North America.
Revenue for Western Markets in 2004 was $54.6 million up $0.3 million from
revenue of $54.3 in 2003.
Western Markets revenue in 2003 was $54.3 million up $0.3 million from revenue
of $54.0 million in 2002.
Power Generation provides outsourced environmental services, primarily air
quality compliance, to customers in the fossil fuel based power generation
industry.
Revenue for Power Generation was $8.5 million in 2004, down 7.6% from $9.2
million in 2003, primarily reflecting revenues earned from the new projects as
well as the licensing activity in 2004, compared to the revenues from the
Shajiao project that was completed in 2003.
In 2003, revenue for Power Generation was $9.2 million compared to $15.0
million for the same period in 2002, a decrease of $5.8 million. The decrease
was primarily the result of the completion of the Virginia Power project in the
first quarter of 2002 and the idling of the CP-Gyp facility, partially offset
by the fees earned on the Shajiao project.
GROSS PROFIT
Gross profit in 2004 of $48.9 million, or 35.7% of revenue, was comparable to
gross profit in 2003 of $48.4 million or 35.9% of revenue.
Refinery Services' gross profit in 2004 was $22.6 million compared to $27.2
million for 2003, a 16.9% decline and the result of the expected reduction in
prilled sulphur margins and the impact of foreign exchange. Increased
production of spent acid was expected to somewhat offset the return to
historical conditions for prilled sulphur, however, the failure of the
alkylation units of the Toledo facility's two largest customers in the first
quarter of 2004 had an adverse impact that could not be recovered in the
balance of the year.
Western Markets' gross profit in 2004 was $21.5 million compared to $18.3
million in 2003, an increase of $3.2 million, largely reflecting the
contribution from the Prince George acquisition that was completed in the
latter part of 2003. The increase also reflects the strong performance from a
number of the Group's products such as water treatment chemicals which, after
unseasonably low demand in the first half of the year, enjoyed increased demand
in the second half of the year.
Gross profit for the Power Generation Group in 2004 was $4.8 million compared
to $2.9 million in 2003, a $1.9 million increase, and largely the result of the
revenues earned from the new projects and increased licensing activity.
Consolidated gross profit in 2003 of $48.4 million was comparable to the gross
profit reported in 2002. As a percentage of revenue, gross profit increased
from 34.9% in 2002 to 35.9% in 2003, reflecting the improvement in Refinery
Services and the increase in fees earned by Power Generation.
Refinery Services' gross profit in 2003 was $27.2 million compared to $24.6
million in 2002, a 10.6% improvement, reflecting the strong performances for
the entire Group's operations over 2002. These results were achieved despite
the negative foreign
MDA-4
exchange impact of $2.4 million on the U.S. denominated Refinery Services
earnings in 2003. In addition, the Group processed higher spent acid volumes
despite operating problems faced by some customers during 2003. The 2003
results reflect a full year's contribution from the BP Whiting facility and a
strong performance by the sulphur prilling operations, which benefited from
increased volumes and higher export prices.
Gross profit for the Western Markets Group of $18.3 million in 2003 was down
$1.2 million when compared to $19.5 million in 2002. Revenues were flat to 2002
but were offset by higher sulphur, natural gas, hydrogen and electricity costs.
In 2003, gross profit for Power Generation was $2.9 million compared to $4.2
million in 2002, a decrease of $1.3 million. This reflects the completion of
the Virginia Power project in the first quarter of 2002, offset by the fees
earned on the Shajiao project. The Power Generation Group also includes the
Company's first outsourcing agreement in the cement industry with Holcim Inc.,
under which the customer takes all of the production from the Company's CP-Gyp
facility in Dundee, Michigan. For a number of reasons, the customer stopped
accepting product in March of 2003 and the plant was subsequently idled. In
accordance with the terms of the agreement, an arbitrated solution is being
pursued. The Company has invested in excess of U.S. $5 million in the CP-Gyp
facility and operations.
SELLING, GENERAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER COSTS (SGA)
SGA costs were $23.3 million in 2004 compared to $19.7 million in 2003, an
increase of $3.6 million or 18.3%. The increase in SGA costs was due primarily
to the costs associated with the change in senior management and the impact of
the increase in the cost of the long-term incentive program offset by cost
cutting measures in the Power Generation Group. SGA as a percent of gross
profit increased to 47.6% in 2004 from 40.7% in 2003 and largely reflects the
$4.3 million cost of the change in senior management.
In 2003, SGA costs were $19.7 million compared to $20.7 million in 2002, a
decrease of $1.0 million or 4.8%, reflecting the positive impact of cost saving
initiatives implemented in the last half of 2002, primarily in the operating
groups. As a percent of gross profit SGA for 2003 was 40.7% compared to 42.9%
for 2002.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE GAINS AND LOSSES
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2004 2003 2002
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Year-to-date average U.S. exchange rates 1.3024 1.4010 1.5674
Closing U.S. exchange rates 1.2036 1.3033 1.5789
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The Company has U.S. based operations and reports in Canadian dollars and
therefore is exposed to foreign exchange fluctuations in the following three
areas: (1) monetary assets and liabilities, primarily working capital, (2)
revenues and expenses, and (3) the self-sustaining operations including the
Senior Subordinated Notes.
The gains or losses arising from the translation of monetary assets and
liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars have been translated into Canadian
dollars at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date, and the
resulting holding gains or losses are recorded in the statement of operations.
During 2004, the Company recorded a foreign exchange gain of $0.1 million
compared to a gain of $2.1 million in 2003 and a gain of $0.6 million in 2002.
If the net monetary liability remains unchanged, a one-cent increase in the
Canadian dollar would result in an approximate $0.1 million foreign exchange
gain.
In addition, all of the Company's U.S. denominated revenues and expenses of its
U.S. operations have been translated into its Canadian dollar reporting
currency at the average rate in effect during the year. Unlike other Canadian
companies whose U.S. denominated revenues are exposed when matched against
Canadian expenses, the impact of exchange fluctuations on the Company's
earnings is mitigated as both the revenues and expenses for these operations
are denominated in U.S. dollars and are translated at the average rate in
effect during the year. The year-to-date negative impact of foreign exchange on
the U.S. operating earnings was $1.2 million, largely in Refinery Services. The
Company's debt and related interest expense are also denominated in U.S.
dollars and hedges the U.S. dollar cash flow from operations and when combined
with U.S. dollar depreciation and amortization expenses, reduces the exposure
to net earnings. The table illustrates the foreign exchange impact of a
one-cent increase in the value of the Canadian dollar on the Company's U.S.
denominated operating results for the year ended December 31, 2004:
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(in thousand of dollars) 2004
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Gross Profit (267)
SGA costs 68
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Earnings from operations before the undernoted (199)
Depreciation and amortization of deferred charges,
intangible assets and unusual items 153
Net Interest expense 98
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Earnings before income taxes(1) 52
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1. This excludes the foreign exchange impact on translation of U.S. denominated
monetary assets and liabilities.
MDA-5
The Company has self-sustaining operations holding U.S. dollar assets and
liabilities, and the U.S. dollar-denominated Senior Subordinated Notes used in
the acquisition of the self-sustaining operations are considered to be a hedge
of this net investment. Gains or losses arising from the translation of the
financial statements of the self-sustaining operations including the Senior
Subordinated Notes are deferred in the foreign currency translation adjustment
account that is part of shareholders' equity on the balance sheet.
DEPRECIATION
Depreciation expense in 2004 was $16.9 million compared to $15.7 million in
2003, an increase of $1.2 million or 7.6%. This increase was attributable to
depreciation relating to the Prince George property, plant and equipment
acquired in 2003 partially offset by lower depreciation expense for the U.S.
dollar denominated assets.
In 2003, depreciation expense was $15.7 million comparable to 2002.
Depreciation relating to a full year's expense for the new BP Whiting facility,
acquisition of the Sulconam Inc. minority interest, and a part year's expense
for the newly acquired Prince George facility was offset by lower depreciation
expense for the U.S. denominated operations.
INTEREST EXPENSE, NET OF INTEREST INCOME
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(in thousand of dollars) 2004 2003 2002
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Interest expense 10,569 9,755 13,684
Interest capitalized (4,252) (3,738) (2,572)
Interest income (756) (730) (1,942)
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Net interest expense 5,561 5,287 9,170
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Net interest expense was $5.6 million in 2004, compared to net interest expense
of $5.3 million for 2003, an increase of $0.3 million. The increase is
primarily the result of a full year of the Syncrude project financing partially
offset by lower interest costs due to the foreign exchange on the U.S.
denominated interest expense.
In 2003, net interest expense was $5.3 million, a decrease of $3.9 million or
42.4% from the $9.2 million net interest expense in 2002 and is the result of
the interest costs relating to the completion of the Syncrude project financing
offset by the repurchase of a portion of the Senior Subordinated Notes in
August 2002 and the lower cost of interest due to foreign exchange on the U.S.
denominated debt.
The increase in interest income in 2004 is due to the interest earned on the
increased average cash balances while the reduction in interest income in 2003
compared to 2002 is due to lower average cash balances.
Based on the level of debt at December 31, 2004, interest expense for the
upcoming year is expected to be approximately $9.9 million, including the U.S.
denominated interest at the 2004 year-end exchange rate of 1.2036.
INCOME TAXES
In 2004, total income tax recovery was $3.2 million compared to income tax
expense of $0.8 million in 2003. An approximate $3.7 million income tax
recovery was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2004 as the Company is more
likely than not to realize a portion of its tax loss carryforwards with its
projected earnings. When the impact of the future tax recovery is ignored, the
overall effective tax rate is approximately 30% and when compared to the
statutory rate of 36.1%, the effective rate reflects the utilization of
previously unrecognized loss carryforwards and also large corporations and
minimum taxes paid during the year.
In 2003, total income tax expense was $0.8 million compared to $1.5 million in
2002. This resulted in an overall effective rate of 10.6% on earnings before
income taxes, minority interest and amortization of goodwill of $7.7 million.
When compared to the statutory rate of 36.6%, the effective rate reflects the
utilization of tax losses not previously recognized. The statutory rate
decreased an additional 2.0 percentage points in 2003. Also, the new Ontario
government elected in October 2003 reversed the previous government's decrease
in corporate rates resulting in an approximate $0.3 million increase in taxes.
Cash taxes were $0.8 million in 2004 compared to $0.6 million in 2003 and $2.0
million in 2002. In the coming year cash taxes are expected to be approximately
$1.0 million.
NET EARNINGS (LOSS)
Net earnings in 2004 were $4.9 million compared to net earnings of $6.9 million
in 2003. The decline reflects the decline in earnings from the Company's
operations and the increase in depreciation offset partially by the income tax
recovery.
The Company earned $6.9 million in 2003 compared to a net loss of $7.8 million
in 2002, a $14.7 million improvement. When the impact of the unusual items is
removed from both years, the Company's earnings improved $8.6 million and
reflect the reduced
MDA-6
SGA, the reduced net interest expense, and the elimination
of the minority interest resulting from the acquisition of the remaining 35%
interest in Sulconam Inc.
QUARTERLY OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Selected Quarterly Financial Information
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1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter
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(in millions of
dollars, except per
share amounts) 2004 2003 2002 2004 2003 2002 2004 2003 2002 2004 2003 2002
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Revenue 32.4 32.0 36.0 35.2 37.2 35.2 35.1 33.9 34.0 34.3 31.9 33.1
Gross Profit 10.4 11.0 10.4 12.2 12.9 12.8 13.1 12.8 12.8 13.2 11.7 12.3
Earnings from
operations before
the undernoted
(EBITDA) 5.8 6.8 5.6 7.4 9.3 6.7 8.7 7.9 8.8 3.7 6.8 7.0
Depreciation,
including losses on
disposals 4.2 4.2 3.8 4.2 3.8 3.5 4.1 3.5 3.7 4.5 4.2 4.7
Unusual items, (gains)
losses -- -- (3.6) -- -- -- 0.1 -- 1.3 0.5 1.4 9.8
Interest expense 2.7 2.2 4.0 2.7 2.2 4.9 2.7 2.7 2.4 2.5 2.7 2.4
Net earnings (loss) -- 0.8 2.0 1.2 4.1 (1.5) 1.8 2.6 1.1 1.9 (0.6) (9.4)
Earnings (loss) per
share -- 0.02 0.06 0.04 0.13 (0.05) 0.06 0.08 0.04 0.06 (0.02) (0.30)
Cash generated from
operations before
non-cash working
capital 4.3 5.0 2.6 5.6 8.0 2.8 6.3 6.1 6.0 3.5 5.4 4.5
Changes in non-cash
operating working
capital 0.1 9.4 5.2 (4.0) (7.3) (18.3) 1.7 3.9 3.6 7.7 (1.0) 3.7
Cash provided by
operations 4.4 14.4 7.8 1.6 0.7 (15.7) 8.0 10.0 9.6 11.2 4.4 8.2
Total Assets 273.5 238.6 341.7 274.9 268.9 325.7 273.5 273.5 262.1 272.8 270.5 239.2
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REVIEW OF FOURTH QUARTER OPERATING RESULTS
Revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2004 was $34.3 million compared
to $31.9 million for the same period in 2003, an increase of $2.4 million or
7.5%, reflecting the strong performance from Refinery Services spent acid
regeneration business and the revenues earned from Power Generation's project
and licensing activities.
For the three months ended December 31, 2004 gross profit was $13.2 million
compared to gross profit of $11.7 million for the same period in 2003. Refinery
Services spent acid regeneration business performed well in the quarter but was
offset by the return to historical prilled sulphur margins and the impact of
foreign exchange. This resulted in the Group recording gross profit of $5.0
million for the fourth quarter of 2004 compared to $6.1 million for the same
period in 2003. Increased volumes for Western Markets water treatment chemicals
that continued into the fourth quarter and an improvement in the Group's
margins was primarily responsible for the fourth quarter 2004 gross profit of
$6.0 million, up $0.8 million from the same period in 2003. Power Generation
generated gross profit of $2.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2004, a $1.7
million improvement over the same period in 2003. This improvement reflects the
timing in earnings from projects and the increased licensing activity. The
fourth quarter SGA was impacted by the costs associated with the change in
senior management.
The Company had net earnings of $1.9 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2004 compared to a net loss of $0.6 million for the same period in
2003 as the after tax impact of the senior management changes was more than
offset by the future income tax recovery of approximately $3.7 million.
Cash generated by operations for the three months ended December 31, 2004 was
$11.2 million compared to $4.4 million for 2003. The increase in non-cash
working capital in Q4 of 2004 is the result of accruing the cost of the change
in senior management as well as the increase in the long-term incentive plan.
REVIEW OF QUARTERLY TRENDS
The Company's revenues are generally stable period to period, with revenues
averaging approximately $34 million per quarter over the last 12 quarters and
gross profit averaging approximately $12 million per quarter. For the Refinery
Services Group volumes processed by its facilities are subject to the market
demand and seasonal variations of its refinery customers' products, which
generally peak during the summer driving months. A portion of Refinery Services
earnings, however, are protected from these variations through contractual
minimum volume requirements. Western Markets volumes and revenues are generally
stable year over year although some products may experience seasonal
fluctuations, for example, the demand of its municipal customers' water
treatment needs which generally peaks during the spring "run off" and summer
seasons. The timing of revenues earned from the Power Generation Group's
projects and licensing activities results in variances in the Group's quarterly
results. In the first quarter of 2002 the Power Generation Group completed the
Virginia Power project, which was then followed by the completion of the
Shajiao project in 2003, while during 2004 the Group started three new
projects.
MDA-7
In addition to the quarterly fluctuations in gross profit, the Company's net
earnings were also impacted by the unusual gains and losses on disposals of
businesses and assets. These included the sale of the parts and service
business of the Power Generation Group in Q1 of 2002 which resulted in a $3.6
million gain on sale, and the write-off of capitalized project costs of $9.5
million in Q4 of 2002.
Cash generated by operations is impacted by the quarterly changes in non-cash
working capital which typically reflect the impact of the seasonal fluctuations
in revenues and the interest accrual associated with the Senior Subordinated
Notes which is paid on June 30 and December 31 of each year. The significant
changes in working capital in Q2 of 2002 was largely due the timing of a large
customer billing impacting receivables while the change in working capital in
Q1 and Q2 of 2003 was due to the normal timing of changes in working capital.
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and unusual items,
or EBITDA, is used by management internally to measure the performance of the
business as a whole as well as to measure the performance of the individual
segments and also forms the primary basis upon which employees of the Company
receive incentive compensation. It is presented as supplemental information
because management, through its discussions with key stakeholders of the
Company including shareholders, analysts and other financial institutions,
believes it is a widely used financial indicator of the Company's operating
profitability and performance before the effects of capital investment and
financing decisions. EBITDA is not a recognized measure under Canadian
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and should not be considered as
an alternative to net earnings, consolidated cash flow from operations or any
other measure of performance required by GAAP or as an indicator of the
Company's operating performance. The Company's method of calculating EBITDA may
differ from other companies and accordingly, the Company's EBITDA may not be
comparable to measures used by other companies. The following is a
reconciliation of how the Company calculates EBITDA.
Supplemental selected information:
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(in thousand of dollars) Refinery Western Power Corporate
2004 Services Markets Generation Support Total
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Earnings (loss) before the undernoted (EBITDA) 20,425 20,125 523 (15,487) 25,586
Depreciation, including loss on disposal 13,517 2,294 892 261 16,964
Unusual items, loss -- -- -- 657 657
Amortization of deferred charges and intangible assets -- -- -- 708 708
Interest expense -- -- -- 10,569 10,569
Interest capitalized -- -- -- (4,252) (4,252)
Interest income -- -- -- (756) (756)
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Earnings (loss) before income taxes 6,908 17,831 (369) (22,674) 1,696
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(in thousand of dollars) Refinery Western Power Corporate
2003 Services Markets Generation Support Total
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Earnings (loss) before the undernoted (EBITDA) 24,392 16,936 (2,097) (8,401) 30,830
Depreciation 12,976 1,558 1,001 192 15,727
Unusual items, loss -- -- -- 1,422 1,422
Amortization of deferred charges and intangible assets -- -- -- 726 726
Interest expense -- -- -- 9,755 9,755
Interest capitalized -- -- -- (3,738) (3,738)
Interest income -- -- -- (730) (730)
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Earnings (loss) before income taxes 11,416 15,378 (3,098) (16,028) 7,668
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MDA-8
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(in thousand of dollars)
2002 Refinery Western Power Corporate
Services Markets Generation Support Total
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Earnings (loss) before the undernoted (EBITDA) 21,569 18,263 (2,000) (9,747) 28,085
Depreciation, including loss on disposal 13,004 1,300 1,149 227 15,680
Unusual items, loss -- -- -- 7,487 7,487
Amortization of deferred charges -- -- -- 387 387
Interest expense -- -- -- 13,684 13,684
Interest capitalized -- -- -- (2,572) (2,572)
Interest income -- -- -- (1,942) (1,942)
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Earnings (loss) before income taxes and minority 8,565 16,963 (3,149) (27,018) (4,639)
interest
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EBITDA in 2004 was $25.6 million compared to $30.8 million for 2003, a decrease
of 16.9% or $5.2 million largely due to the cost of the change in senior
management. EBITDA as a percent of revenue was 18.7% compared to 20.3% in 2003.
The contribution from the Prince George acquisition in Western Markets and the
improvement in Power Generation were offset by the return to historical prilled
sulphur margins, the impact of foreign exchange on the translation of U.S.
earnings of Refinery Services, and foreign exchange on the translation of net
U.S. denominated net monetary liabilities included in Corporate Support.
In 2003, EBITDA was $30.8 million compared to $28.1 million in 2002, an
increase of 9.6% or $2.7 million. EBITDA as a percent of revenue improved from
20.3% in 2002 to 22.8% in 2003, reflecting improved operating margins despite
the decrease in revenue, and the reduced cost of SGA. The impact of the decline
in the U.S. dollar on EBITDA was neutral. See the discussion of Gross Profit
for a further explanation of each of the businesses' operating performance.
Corporate Support costs were $15.5 million in 2004, $8.4 million in 2003 and
$9.7 million in 2002. Before the impact of foreign exchange gains and losses on
monetary items, Corporate costs of $15.5 million in 2004 reflect the $4.3
million impact of the change in senior management as well as the cost of the
long-term incentive plan. When the impact of the change in senior management
and the cost of the long-term incentive plan are ignored, 2004 Corporate costs
declined approximately $0.7 million from 2003 reflecting cost savings initiated
in 2002.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousand of dollars) 2004 2003 2002
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate costs 15,548 10,458 10,316
Foreign exchange gains on monetary items (61) (2,057) (569)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Support costs 15,487 8,401 9,747
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Total assets were $272.8 million at December 31, 2004 compared to $270.5
million at December 31, 2003, the increase is primarily the result of cash
generated by the operations offset by the negative impact of foreign exchange
on the U.S. denominated assets.
The net book value of property, plant, and equipment at December 31, 2004
decreased to $152.4 million from the December 31, 2003 balance of $156.7
million. This decrease is primarily due to 2004 capital additions of $14.6
million offset by depreciation expense of $16.9 million and the foreign
exchange translation impact of a stronger Canadian dollar versus the U.S.
dollar for U.S. property, plant, and equipment, the impact of which is included
in the foreign currency translation adjustment.
Accounts receivable increased by $2.3 million to $21.9 million from the
December 31, 2003 balance of $19.6 million and is largely the result of the
increase in fourth quarter revenues. Accounts payable increased by $0.8 million
to $10.6 million from the December 31, 2003 balance of $9.8 million, while
accrued liabilities increased $5.8 million from the December 31, 2003 balance
of $13.5 million largely due to the costs associated with the change in senior
management and the increase in the long-term incentive compensation related
accruals. Inventory decreased $0.6 million as a result of the impact of a
stronger Canadian dollar on the U.S. denominated inventories, the impact of
which is included in foreign exchange gain on monetary items. Prepaid expenses
at the end of the year decreased by $0.4 million due to the lower cost of
insurance. The final instalment relating to finalization of the Chemtrade
Logistics Inc. working capital of $0.9 million is due in May of 2005 and is
included in current assets.
Goodwill and intangible assets decreased to $48.2 million from the December 31,
2003 balance of $52.0 million with goodwill remaining unchanged except for the
impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on U.S. denominated goodwill, while
intangible assets decreased as result of amortization.
Total debt at the end of 2004 of $113.1 million remained unchanged in local
currency except for the impact of the strengthening Canadian dollar versus its
U.S. counterpart on the U.S. denominated Senior Subordinated Notes. The foreign
exchange gain
MDA-9
relating to the translation of the U.S. denominated Senior Subordinated Notes
is included in the foreign currency translation adjustment. In January 2005,
the Company began making scheduled monthly repayments of its $40.0 million 15
year term loan relating to the Syncrude project.
The increase in deferred revenues is attributable to the increase in licensing
activity in the Power Generation Group while other liabilities remained
virtually unchanged except for the foreign exchange translation impact of the
stronger Canadian dollar.
SHARE CAPITAL OUTSTANDING
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As at
February 25,
2005 2004 2003
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of common shares 32,035,231 31,696,398 31,696,398
Number of options 1,712,932 2,051,765 2,051,765
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In September of 2003, the Company's largest shareholder, TD Capital Canadian
Private Equity Partners, acquired all of the non-voting convertible shares of
Marsulex in a private transaction and converted them into common shares. TD
Capital now holds directly or indirectly 57% of Marsulex's outstanding shares.
In March of 2002 the Company established a long-term incentive plan in the form
of Performance Share Units for certain employees and key persons. Under this
plan the Board of Directors grants the total number of units and establishes
the performance criteria and the grant period which is typically three years.
In 2003, the Company reduced its reliance on stock options and discontinued
their use for long-term incentive and replaced them with the new Performance
Share Unit plan. The compensation expense associated with the awards earned
over the grant period as well as the subsequent changes in the market value of
the underlying common shares is recorded as part of SGA. During 2004 a total of
$2.5 million was recorded, compared to $1.1 million and $0.2 million in 2003
and 2002 respectively. The costs of the Long Term Incentive Plan increased $1.4
million in 2004 over 2003 and this is due to 2003 being the second year of the
plan with two thirds of the normal annual cost and the impact of the higher
market value of the Company's shares, which closed at $7.00 on December 31,
2004 (closing prices: 2003 - $5.15; 2002 - $4.00).
The Company saw an opportunity to repurchase, for cancellation, options held by
former Marsulex employees at a price that represented an excellent value for
Marsulex shareholders and on December 17, 2003, the Company purchased and fully
expensed 433,434 stock options held by former employees of the Company for
total consideration of $737,000.
During 2003 and 2002, 142,666 and 60,000 common shares were issued upon the
exercise of stock options for cash proceeds of $348,000 and $133,000,
respectively.
Subsequent to December 31, 2004, the Company issued 338,833 common shares for
cash proceeds of $762,000 upon the exercise of stock options.
On June 17, 2003, the Company filed a Notice of Intention to make a Normal
Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) with the Toronto Stock Exchange, pursuant to which the
Company may purchase up to 1,341,677 of its common shares, representing
approximately 5% of its 26,833,550 issued and outstanding common shares as at
June 12, 2003. The NCIB commenced on June 19, 2003 and terminated on June 18,
2004 during which the Company did not purchase any shares.
During 2002, the Company acquired and cancelled a total of 7,500 shares for
$27,000 under a NCIB which commenced on February 1, 2002 and terminated on
January 31, 2003.
On December 31, 2004, the Company's share price closed at $7.00, up $1.85 over
the closing price on December 31, 2003.
FINANCIAL CONDITION & LIQUIDITY
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2004 2003
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash including cash held in trust (in millions of dollars) $ 44.8 $ 34.0
Debt (in millions of dollars) $ 113.1 $ 119.2
Net debt(1) (in millions of dollars) $ 68.3 $ 85.2
Debt to Equity 1.1x 1.2x
Net debt to Gross Profit 1.4x 1.8x
Net debt to EBITDA 2.7x 2.8x
Net debt to Equity 0.7x 0.9x
Interest coverage (Gross Profit to interest expense) 4.6x 4.9x
Interest coverage (EBTIDA to interest expense) 2.4x 3.2x
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Net debt is defined as total debt less cash and cash equivalents, including
cash held in trust.
MDA-10
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of 2004 were $30.9 million compared to
$16.4 million at the end of 2003, with excess cash invested in short-term,
interest-bearing deposits. Cash held in trust was $13.9 million at the end of
2004 compared to $17.6 million at the end of 2003.
During the second quarter of 2003, the Company obtained long-term financing for
the Syncrude project and $40.0 million was advanced to a loan account which is
held in trust. Cash draws are made on this account as construction of the
facility progresses. As of December 31, 2004, $26.1 million in cash was drawn
from the account to fund the capital expenditures made by the Company on the
project, leaving a balance of $13.9 million held in trust and recorded
separately in current and long-term assets as cash held in trust. Of this
balance, $6.4 million will be used to fund the remaining capital commitments,
which includes the costs of commissioning the facility. Under the terms of the
agreement, $7.5 million of the funds are required to remain in trust until the
facility is successfully started up and commissioned, at which time it will
become available for general use and is recorded as part of long-term assets.
The financing is secured by the assets of a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company and by a general guarantee from the Company until the successful
start-up of the facility as defined under the terms of the loan agreement, at
which time the general guarantee will be released and the loan will be secured
by the subsidiary's assets. If, after the successful start-up of the facility,
the subsidiary fails to perform its operating obligations, the Company will
become responsible for the operation of the facility.
The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 7.3% per annum and the Company has
been making monthly interest-only payments throughout 2004. In January 2005 the
Company began making scheduled monthly repayments due over the next 15 years.
The Company generates positive cash flows from operations which are used to
meet its obligations under the Senior Subordinated Notes and to fund its growth
strategy. The growth strategy includes acquisition or expansion of processing
operations, development of new technologies, and development or expansion of
the Company's presence in new markets and, to the extent required, the Company
would seek new outside financing to fund this growth strategy.
The Company's long-term service contracts contributes to its positive and
stable cash flows, but given the Company's reliance on debt to finance the
growth strategy, Standard & Poors revised its credit rating of the Company on
June 2, 2003 to BB- from the BB rating received in June 1998. Consequently, the
rating on the Senior Subordinated Notes was revised to B from the 1998 rating
of B+. The revised rating did not have an impact on the current debt related
covenants.
WORKING CAPITAL
The Company's working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents and cash
held in trust and the current portion of long-term debt, was negative $3.6
million at December 31, 2004 compared to $0.7 million at December 31, 2003 and
is primarily the result of the increase in accrued liabilities relating to the
cost of the change in senior management which was paid in January of 2005 and
the long-term incentive program. Given the size of the Company and the
significant planned capital expenditures, it is not unusual for the Company to
experience temporary fluctuations in working capital.
The decrease in working capital resulted in a decrease in the current ratio,
excluding cash and cash equivalents, cash held in trust and the current portion
of long-term debt from 1.03:1 in 2003 to 0.88:1 in 2004.
CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair Value
(thousand of dollars) 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Thereafter Total Dec 31, 2004
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 5/8% Senior Subordinated
Notes(1) -- -- -- 73,138 -- -- 73,138 74,600
7.3% Long-Term Loan(2) 1,526 1,641 1,765 1,898 2,040 31,130 40,000 40,522
Operating Lease Commitments 3,572 2,864 2,499 1,921 649 136 11,641 n/a
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. The Senior Subordinated Notes are denominated in U.S. dollars and converted at the December 31, 2004 year-eate of 1.2036.
The Notes mature at the end of June 2008 and are redeemable at the option of the Company at specified redemption premiums.
2. On June 5, 2003, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company entered into a Long-term Loan agreement to finance the Syncrude
project and is secured by the subsidiary's assets. The Company provides a general guarantee until the successful start-up
of the facility as defined in the loan agreement at which time the general guarantee will be released and the loan will be
secured by the subsidiary's assets. If, after the successful start-up of the facility, the subsidiary fails to perform its
operating obligations, the Company will become responsible for the operation of the facility and as a result the servicing
of the debt. The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 7.3% per annum with a monthly interest-only payments being made
until scheduled repayments of principal which commenced in January 2005.
The Company also has a fixed price commitment to purchase equipment and
services relating to its construction of its Syncrude facility totalling $32.6
million. To the end of December 31, 2004 $32.6 million (2003 - $32.3 million)
has been recorded as part of facilities under construction in property, plant
and equipment.
Purchase commitments relating to the Company's expansion of the Montreal
facility at end of December were $13.0 million. To the end of December 31, 2004
$3.9 million has been recorded as part of facilities under construction in
property, plant and equipment.
MDA-11
Other commitments at December 31, 2004 include:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousand of dollars) 2004
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net post-retirement benefits liability 1,315
Asset retirement obligations 936
Other liabilities 7,507
Future tax liability 14,222
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
All of the Company's subsidiaries have been consolidated and are reflected in
the Company's financial statements. The Company does not have any off balance
sheet arrangements.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has entered into a management services contract with its major
shareholder for the supply of management and financial services. Under the
agreement the Company incurred fees of $0.4 million in each of 2004, 2003 and
2002.
In addition, certain of the Company's Directors hold senior positions with
firms that provide services to the Company. During 2004, $3.9 million in fees
were incurred compared to $3.4 million in 2003 and $3.6 million in 2002.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousand of dollars) 2004 2003 2002
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by operations before changes in working capital 19,650 24,539 15,930
Decrease (increase) in non-cash working capital 5,529 4,962 (5,777)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by operations 25,179 29,501 10,153
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In 2004, the Company generated $25.2 million in cash provided by operations
compared to $29.5 million in 2003, a $4.3 million decrease. The decrease was
due to the lower earnings before tax and minority interest. The decrease in
non-cash working capital in 2004 was $5.5 million compared to $5.0 million in
2003. The 2004 decrease in non-cash working capital is primarily the result of
the accruals relating to the cost of the change in senior management and the
increase in the long-term incentive program.
Cash generated by operations was $29.5 million in 2003 compared to $10.2
million in 2002, an $19.3 million increase, and is largely the result of the
improvement in operational results and the decreased interest costs. The $5.0
million decrease in non-cash working for 2003 was primarily the result of the
lower account receivable balances at the end of 2003. In 2002, the $5.8 million
increase in non-cash working capital is primarily the result of the reduced
activity from Power Generation's Virginia Power project which was completed in
the first quarter of 2002.
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of December 31, 2004 were $30.9 million,
up $14.5 million from $16.4 million at December 31, 2003 resulting from the
cash generated by the operations.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousand of dollars) 2004 2003 2002
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expansion projects 7,896 25,967 34,847
Maintenance capital 6,731 6,616 6,130
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total capital expenditures 14,627 32,583 40,977
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital expenditures in 2004 were $14.6 million compared to $32.6 million in
2003. The $18.0 million decrease was primarily due to the completion of the
Syncrude project offset by the start of the Montreal expansion.
During 2003, capital expenditures were $32.6 million compared to $41.0 million
in 2002. The decrease is primarily due to the completion of BP Whiting.
MDA-12
The Company completed the construction of its Syncrude project on schedule in
September 2003 and is now maintaining the plant in readiness for commissioning
and start-up when Syncrude's UE-1 project is completed. Syncrude reimbursed
the Company for its carrying costs during the period between the completion of
construction and the commencement of fees. Under the Company's agreement with
Syncrude, the Company began receiving fees in January 2005. At December 31,
2004, the Company had spent $52.5 million compared to the total budget of
$56.6 million.
The Company entered into agreements with Petro-Canada and Shell Canada
Products for the expansion of its Montreal facility that would increase the
facility's capacity by approximately 50%. Construction of the project has
begun and is scheduled for completion in mid 2006. To the end of December 31,
2004 $3.9 million has been recorded as part of facilities under construction
in property, plant and equipment.
ACQUISITIONS
On October 7, 2003, the Company acquired the sulphur products business in
Prince George, British Columbia from Duke Energy Gas Transmission. The gross
purchase price, including working capital, was $13.4 million financed by the
Company through existing cash. As part of the transaction the fully funded
pension benefits of $1.4 million and post retirement benefits of $0.7 million
for the existing work force were recognized by the Company and disclosed in
note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousand of dollars) 2003
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property, plant and equipment 13,382
Current assets 769
Current liabilities (1,760)
Post retirement benefits (670)
Other liabilities (117)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash purchase price 11,604
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RISKS & UNCERTAINTIES
Following is a description of the risk factors that affect the Company's
business, and ultimately, its profitability. Management's responsibility is to
mitigate risk to the extent possible, in order to maximize shareholder value.
RELIANCE ON CUSTOMERS
The business of the Company is dependent on the involuntary production of a
number of by-products by its customers. As environmental regulations become
more demanding, the need for by-product control, regeneration, removal, and
conversion has increased. Thus, the trend in North America is for continuing
growth in demand for the Company's services, although there can be no
assurance that environmental regulations will not become less stringent in the
future or that customers of the Company will continue to involuntarily produce
by-products which drive their demand for the Company's services.
Services provided, and products handled from the Company's major customer
accounted for 9.6% of the Company's total 2004 revenue (2003 - 10.3%; 2002 -
15.0%), the loss of which could have a significant impact on the Company.
COMPETITION
The Company operates in competitive markets, and some of its competitors have
economic resources greater than those of the Company and are well established
as suppliers to the markets that the Company serves.
Accordingly, such competitors may be better able to withstand volatility
within industries and throughout the economy as a whole while retaining
significantly greater operating and financial flexibility than the Company.
The Company believes it benefits from its strategically located facilities,
its long-term relationships and contracts with its customers and from its
technical skills, innovation, and value-added technologies. However, there can
be no assurances that the Company will be able to compete effectively with its
competitors and competitive pressures may harm the Company's business.
Although Western Markets operates in a competitive environment and is subject
to volume and price volatility, for certain products it can share a portion of
the end-use product price and volume risk with the by-product supplier. In
addition, Western Markets has a well-developed customer base and long-term
customer relationships.
Several of the Company's niche services and products are sold into select
markets. There can be no assurance, however, that these markets will not
attract additional competitors that could have greater financial,
technological, manufacturing and marketing resources than the Company. In
2004, 2003 and 2002, the largest customer associated with Western Markets
accounted for less than 2.5% of the Company's consolidated revenue.
MDA-13
NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
The Company has made significant investments in the development and
commercialization of new products, technologies and services. Broad market
acceptance and long-term commercial viability of services incorporating new
products, technologies and services may take some years to establish, if at
all, and are subject to business and competitive risks. If the Company is
unable to develop and market new products in a timely fashion, or at all, the
Company may not be able to compete successfully.
PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY
The Company relies on a combination of patents, confidentiality procedures and
contractual provisions to protect its proprietary rights. Despite the
Company's efforts to protect its proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may
obtain and use information that the Company regards as proprietary. Policing
unauthorized use of such proprietary technology, if required, may be
difficult, time-consuming and costly. In addition, the laws of certain
countries in which the Company does business may not protect its proprietary
rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States or Canada. There
can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in protecting its
proprietary rights.
Further, the industry in which the Company competes has many participants who
own, or claim to own, intellectual property. From time to time, a third party
may claim that the Company infringes such third party's intellectual property
rights or may challenge the Company's rights to its own intellectual property.
Any claim, whether or not with merit, could be time-consuming to evaluate,
result in costly litigation or require the Company to enter into licensing
agreements that may require the payment of a license fee and/or royalties to
the owner of the intellectual property. Such licensing agreements, if
required, may not be available on royalty or other licensing terms acceptable
to the Company, if available at all.
ACQUISITIONS
A substantial part of the Company's growth has come through acquisitions. The
success of acquisitions will depend in part on the Company's ability to
overcome significant challenges, including timely, efficient and successful
execution of post-acquisition strategies. If the Company fails to meet the
challenges involved in integrating the operations of its acquisitions, it may
not realize anticipated benefits or synergies of the acquisitions, which could
adversely affect operating results.
Future acquisitions may involve debt incurrence, operating losses, dilutive
issuances of equity securities and significant cash expenditures, any of which
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business.
Recent and any future acquisitions involve a number of risks, including:
o the Company's ability to integrate the acquired business.
o diversion of management attention.
o impairment of goodwill adversely affecting net earnings.
o the Company's ability to retain the management or other key employees of
the acquired business.
o the Company's ability to establish uniform standards, controls,
procedures and policies.
o the Company's ability to retain customers of the acquired companies.
o exposure to legal claims for activities of the acquired business prior
to the acquisition.
o damage to the Company's reputation as a result of performance or
customer satisfaction problems relating to an acquired business.
o the performance of any acquired business could be lower than
anticipated.
NEW FINANCING
The Company continues to actively pursue growth initiatives and may enter into
commitments in advance of securing financing. This may require the Company to
seek additional financing to supplement its current cash balances and
internally generated cash flows in order to finance these commitments.
Therefore, the Company is at risk as to the availability of new credit and the
associated interest rates.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
As the Company has U.S. based operations and reports in Canadian dollars, it
is exposed to foreign exchange fluctuations. Approximately 44.5% of the
Company's 2004 revenue (2003 - 42.9%; 2002 - 40.6%) was in U.S. dollars.
Ignoring the foreign exchange impact on U.S. denominated working capital
items, at present, a one-cent increase in the value of the Canadian dollar
would negatively impact gross profit by approximately $0.3 million. The
Company's debt and related interest expense is in U.S. dollars and hedges the
U.S. dollar cash flow from operations.
The U.S. dollar interest expense, when combined with U.S. dollar depreciation
and amortization expenses, limits the exposure of net earnings to foreign
exchange fluctuations. A one-cent increase in the value of the Canadian dollar
positively impacts net earnings by less than $0.1 million.
MDA-14
The Company has self-sustaining operations holding U.S. dollar assets and debt
and under present accounting rules in Canada, any fluctuation in the Canadian
dollar value against the U.S. dollar is recorded in the foreign currency
translation adjustment account that is part of the shareholders' equity on the
balance sheet.
COMMODITY PRICES
Industrial chemicals sold by the Company are subject to market price
fluctuations. In addition, regional supply and demand imbalances can lead to
isolated price erosion.
The Company's end-use contracts generally have a "meet or release" provision.
As a result, competitive pressure can cause the Company to lower selling
prices in order to retain the volume.
The Company attempts to reduce its exposure to market price fluctuations
through contracts where commodity price exposure is either shared with or
borne entirely by the customer.
Although the Company plans to continue entering into new contracts and
renegotiating existing contracts that include minimum volume requirements or
guaranteed fees in order to increase the stability of its cash flows, there
can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in renegotiating
existing contracts or entering new contracts with these terms. In 2004, these
types of arrangements represented 59% of the Company's EBITDA (2003 - 56.5%).
INTEREST RATES
The interest rate on all of the Company's long-term debt is fixed under
contractual agreements. The Senior Subordinated Notes bear interest of 9 5/8%
per annum while the Long-term Loan bears interest of 7.3% per annum.
LABOUR
The Company had 186 employees, including 115 in Canada and 71 in the U.S. at
December 31, 2004.
There were no Collective Bargaining Agreements that expired in 2004 and no
work stoppages were incurred as a result of unresolved labour issues. The
Company and the union satisfactorily resolved three formal grievances with one
grievance outstanding at year-end.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Communications, Energy and
Paperworkers Union in our Fort Saskatchewan Sulphides plant is set to expire
March 31, 2005.
Further, while the Company has not suffered any loss of production due to work
stoppages by its employees in recent years, there can be no assurances that
work stoppages or other labour disturbances which may have a material impact
on the Company will not occur in the future. Finally, a large number of the
Company's suppliers and customers have unionized employees and there can be no
assurances that work stoppages or other labour disturbances at the Company's
suppliers or customers will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business.
ENVIRONMENT
The Company has a comprehensive policy on the environment directed towards
minimizing the environmental impact of all its activities. Application of, and
adherence to, the policy is regularly reviewed through environmental
assessments, including independent reviews of its assets and operations. In
2004, the Company conducted internal assessments at select facilities to
verify the presence and effectiveness of its management systems. The Company
also successfully underwent a rigorous external assessment of its management
systems and practices in December 2003 in accordance with the Reverification
Protocol of the Canadian Chemical Producers' Association's Responsible Care(R)
initiative. Conducted approximately every three years after the initial
verification of Responsible Care-In-Place, Reverification involves assessment
by an independent team made up of knowledgeable industry experts, a
representative of the community at large and representatives of the
communities in which the Company operates.
The Company's Montreal facility was one of four Quebec organizations honoured
to receive the 2004 EcoGESte Award for controlling and reducing greenhouse gas
emissions. Presented by Environnement Quebec in the Small and Mid-sized
Business category, the facility was recognized for its reduction in greenhouse
gas emissions and energy efficiency improvements.
The Environmental, Health & Safety Committee of the Board of Directors meets
regularly to, among other things; review the Company's performance against the
Company's environmental, health, safety and training policies and practices.
The Committee also works with management to prioritize capital expenditures
related to environmental risk management and regulatory compliance.
Notices and Findings of Violation have been issued against the Company by
federal regulators with respect to the Company's Toledo facility in Oregon,
Ohio. The Company is, however, in compliance with the permits issued by the
governing body (the State) and although there is a potential for penalties to
be assessed against the Company, the Company believes that it is in
substantial compliance with environmental laws, regulations and guidelines.
MDA-15
A Notice and Finding of Violation has been issued by federal regulators with
respect to the facility in Cairo, Ohio which was sold to Chemtrade Logistics
Inc. ("Chemtrade"). As part of the sale, the Company has indemnified Chemtrade
against liabilities relating to the Notice and Finding of Violation issued. As
part of the indemnification the Company is obligated to reimburse Chemtrade
for the necessary installation of control equipment and for any penalties
which may be levied against the facility in respect of the Notice and Finding
of Violation. The Company believes that the Cairo facility is in material
compliance with regulations issued by the State of Ohio as those regulations
relate to allegations of federal regulators, and that the State has issued
lawful permits consistent with those regulations governing the operation of
the Cairo facility.
In the opinion of management, environmental compliance cost and penalties for
both the Cairo and Oregon facilities, if imposed by federal regulators, will
not have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company,
provided the Company is successful in prosecuting indemnity claims from the
entity from which it purchased the facilities, and that sufficient monies are
available to fund those indemnity obligations.
The Company may be subject to further environmental liabilities of which
management is not currently aware which may have a material impact on the
business or financial condition of the Company.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
A safe workplace has always been a primary objective of the Company, whereby
the goal is to encounter zero incidents of occupational injury or illness
among employees and the contractors engaged at the Company's facilities.
In 2004, through the increased efforts of every employee, safety performance
of the Company improved substantially with a 50% reduction in Recordable
incidents involving occupational injury or illness. The Company remains
committed to its goal and continues its efforts to further improve performance
in 2005. Among the highlights in 2004, the Company achieved a 34% improvement
in the safety performance of its contractors, five of its locations have been
without a single Recordable Injury for greater than 5 years and none of the
facilities experienced process related occurrences of a material nature. The
Company also received in 2004, Safe Handling Awards from both of its principal
rail carriers.
As a member of the Canadian Chemical Producers' Association since the
Company's inception, Marsulex annually re-affirms its commitment to the ethic
of Responsible Care(R). Through its Codes of Practice and the Company's EH&S
Management Systems, the Company continues to improve its overall performance
in the responsible management of its activities and forms valuable
relationships with its communities and stakeholders. The Marsulex Toledo, Ohio
facility was recognized by the Ohio Chemistry Technology Council (OCTC) and
received the OCTC 2004 Excellence in Responsible Care(R) Award for its
continued improvement in areas of environmental, health and safety
performance.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company's accounting policies, which are disclosed in the Significant
Accounting Policies note, Note 1 of the audited financial statements, are in
accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and are
applied on a consistent basis. High-quality financial statements require
rigorous application of accounting policies. Management uses judgement in
selecting policies for which alternative methods exist and in the application
of those accounting policies. The policies discussed below are considered by
management to be critical to an understanding of the Company's financial
statements because their application places the most significant demands on
management's judgement, and financial reporting results rely on estimation
about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. The estimates used
by management are based upon historical experience and on various other
assumptions that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.
The results of the Company's ongoing evaluation of these estimates form the
basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities
and the reported amounts for revenue and expenses. Specific risks for these
critical accounting policies are described in the following paragraphs. For
all of these policies, management cautions that future events rarely develop
exactly as forecasted, and the best estimates routinely require adjustment and
these adjustments may have a material impact on the Company's financial
condition.
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS, INCLUDING GOODWILL
The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when
events or changes in circumstances indicate the related carrying amount may
not be recoverable. An asset impairment is considered to exist if the total
estimated future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less that the
carrying amount of the asset. An impairment loss is measured and recorded
based on discounted estimated future cash flows. Significant management
judgment is involved in estimating these factors, which include inherent risks
and uncertainties. Management's assessment was based on projected future cash
flows using EBITDA and capital expenditures that are consistent with
management's internal planning. Management periodically evaluates and updates
the estimates based on the conditions that influence these factors. The
variability of these factors depends on a number of conditions, including
uncertainty about future events, and thus accounting estimates may change from
period to period. If other assumptions and estimates had been used in the
current period, the balances for non-current assets could have been materially
impacted. Furthermore, if management uses different assumptions or if
different conditions occur in future periods, future operating results could
be materially impacted.
The Company assesses goodwill at the reporting unit level and has determined
no impairment has occurred in the value of goodwill during 2004. The
assessment is based on determining the fair value of the Company's reporting
units based on using valuation methods which are based on the reporting unit's
projected EBITDA and earnings multiples. Management reviews these assumptions
annually taking into account the business conditions at that time and changes
to the Company's business strategy. There is no certainty that the assumptions
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used by management will develop exactly as forecasted or that the expected
earnings multiples will be achieved. Refer to note 1(h) of the audited
financial statements for more detail.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company earns revenue through the provision of industrial services,
including the processing, removal, distribution, and sale of the by-products
resulting from compliance services, and the sale of industrial chemicals and
recognizes revenue in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
in Canada (described in note 1(k) of the audited financial statements).
Generally revenue is recognized when a contract has been executed by a
customer, delivery has occurred, the amount is fixed and determinable, the
collection of the receivable is deemed reasonably assured and the Company has
no remaining performance obligations.
Revenue from the processing activities is earned as the services are rendered
and upon the completion of the Company's obligation stipulated under its
long-term agreements.
Revenue associated with the sale of by-products and other chemicals is
recognized at the time of shipment when title has passed to the customer.
The revenue associated with contracts for the design and installation of
equipment is recognized on a percentage of completion method. Under this
method, management uses engineering estimates for costs and time to complete
the project in order to determine the percent complete. The amount and timing
of profit recognized could differ materially if the estimates of the costs to
complete and timing of the expenditures are significantly different than the
actual. The effect of changes in total estimated expenses, and corresponding
revenue for each contract is recognized in the year in which the determination
is made that there has been a change. Losses on contracts are fully recognized
when they become evident.
In certain cases, application of the revenue recognition policy may require
estimates to be made of a component of the revenue recognized, the cost of the
product or service delivered and the creditworthiness of the customer. The
Company makes these estimates based on the most recent information available
and historical trends.
EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS
The cost of pensions and other retirement benefits earned by employees is
actuarially determined using the projected benefit method prorated on service
and management's discount rate as well as the best estimate of expected plan
investment performance, salary escalation, retirement ages of employees and
expected health care costs (described in note 1(l) and note 13 of the audited
financial statements). For 2004, the Company used the following factors:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discount rate 6.0%
Expected plan investment performance 7.0%
Salary escalation 4.0%
Expected health care cost increase 13% declining to 8%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Material changes in pension and other post retirement benefit costs may occur
in the future due to changes in these assumptions, differences between actual
experience and the assumptions used and changes in the benefit plans.
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
The Company recognizes the fair value of a future asset retirement as a
liability in the period in which it incurs a legal obligation associated with
the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that results from the
acquisition, construction, development, and/or normal use of the assets
(described in note 1(e) and note 8 of the audited financial statements). It
includes the Company's properties that are on leased land, which revert back
to the lessor and where the Company has a legal obligation under the landlease
agreement to remove improvements and structures from the property. The Company
concurrently recognizes a corresponding increase in the carrying amount of the
related long-lived asset that is depreciated over the life of the asset. The
fair value of the asset retirement obligation is estimated using the expected
cash flow approach that reflects a range of possible outcomes discounted at a
credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate. The asset retirement obligation is
adjusted at the end of each period to reflect the passage of time and changes
in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation.
The Company's operations are also subject to numerous laws, regulations and
guidelines relating to air emissions, water discharges, solid and hazardous
wastes, transportation and handling of hazardous substances and employee
health and safety in Canada and the United States, and these are discussed in
more detail in note 1(n) and note 14(c) of the audited financial statements.
Accruals have been made in specific instances where management has determined
it is probable that liabilities for remediation costs will be incurred and
where such liabilities can be reasonably estimated. The assumptions used by
management are based on discussion with regulatory authorities, laws and
regulations, third party consultants and management's judgement and there can
be no assurance the actual remediation costs will not differ from such
estimates.
The accounting estimates related to environmental and closure costs are
critical accounting estimates because (i) the Company will not incur most of
these costs for a number of years, requiring management to make estimates over
a relatively long period; (ii) reclamation and closure laws and regulations
could change in the future or circumstances affecting the Company's operations
could change, either of which could result in significant changes to the
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Company's current plans and future costs; and (iii) calculating the fair value
of the Company's asset retirement obligations requires management to assign
probabilities to projected cash flows, to make long-term assumptions about
inflation rates, to determine its long-term credit-adjusted, risk-free
interest rates and to determine market risk premiums that are appropriate for
the Company's operations over long periods of time.
TAX ASSET VALUATION
The provision of income taxes is calculated based on the expected tax
treatment of transactions recorded in the Company's 2004 financial statements.
The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of
taxes payable or refundable for the current year and the future tax assets and
liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that have been
recognized in the 2004 financial statements or tax returns. In determining
both the current and future components of income taxes, management interprets
tax legislation in a variety of jurisdictions as well as make assumptions
about the expected timing of the reversal of future tax assets and
liabilities.
The Company has developed a forward oriented multi-jurisdictional tax model to
assess future taxes and to determine its tax planning strategies. Management
uses judgement in determining the assumptions about the Company's future
profitability, tax rates, and capital position that are used in the model. As
part of assessing its future taxes, management also assesses the likelihood
that the future tax assets will be realized and to the extent it is more
likely than not that the tax asset will be realized, a valuation allowance
against these assets is not recognized. There can be no assurance that the
assumptions used by management will develop as predicted and not have a
material impact on the Company's assessment of its future taxes and the
valuation allowance. If management's interpretations differ from those of tax
authorities or if the timing of reversals is not as anticipated, the provision
or relief for income taxes could increase or decrease in future periods.
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES FOR 2004
There were no recently issued accounting pronouncements that impacted the
Company's financial statements.
OUTLOOK
The overall business continues to be stable. Growth in 2005 will largely be
the result of revenues from the Syncrude project in the Refinery Services
Group.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The foregoing may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are
based on current views and expectations that are subject to risks,
uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including risks,
uncertainties and assumptions relating to the timing and market acceptance of
future products, competition in the Company's markets, Company's reliance on
customers, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, commodity prices or
interest rates, the Company's ability to maintain good relations with its
employees, changes in laws or regulations regarding the environment or other
environmental liabilities, the Company's ability to integrate acquisitions and
the Company's ability to protect its intellectual property. Actual results
might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking
statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or
otherwise. Additional information identifying risks, uncertainties and
assumptions is contained in Company's filings with the securities regulatory
authorities, which are available at www.sedar.com. All forward-looking
statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this Cautionary
Statement.
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