PhosAgro Reports Operating and Financial Results for 1H 2022

Moscow, 18 August 2022. PhosAgro (“PhosAgro” or “the Company”) (Moscow Exchange, LSE: PHOR), one of the world’s leading vertically integrated phosphate-based fertilizer producers, today announces its consolidated IFRS financial results for the first half (1H) of 2022. 

1H 2022 highlights

In 1H 2022, mineral fertilizer production increased by 5.2% year-on-year to over 5.3 million tonnes. This increase was made possible thanks to the fact that new production units launched as part of the Company’s comprehensive long-term development programme reached full capacity. 

Sales of mineral fertilizers in 1H 2022 increased by 10.2% year-on-year to almost 5.7 million tonnes. This growth was driven by an increase in production volumes, a decrease in stocks (accumulated during the low season) and strong demand for fertilizers in Russian and global markets.

Revenue for 1H 2022 increased by 90.9% year-on-year to RUB 336.5 billion (USD 4.4 billion). This increase was a result of the implementation of an ambitious programme for the modernisation and construction of new production facilities, which enabled the Company to expand the production of mineral fertilizers and considerably improve the performance of equipment. 

The increase in revenue was also driven by an improved sales structure that favours high-margin fertilizers, which are in high demand in Russia and in global markets. 

In 1H 2022, adjusted EBITDA increased by 123.8% year-on-year to RUB 165.3 billion (USD 2.2 billion). EBITDA margin for the period rose to 49.1%. 

In 1H 2022, adjusted free cash flow amounted to RUB 77.6 billion (USD 1.0 billion), up 126.8% year-on-year. 

As of 30 June 2022, net debt had decreased by RUB 91.6 billion since the end of 2021, amounting to RUB 62.1 billion (USD 1.2 billion). The net debt / adjusted EBITDA ratio had decreased to 0.22x as of the end of 2Q 2022. 

Financial and operating highlights



RUB/USD exchange rates: average 1H 2022 rate: 76.30; average 1H 2021 rate: 74.28; as of 30 June 2022: 51.16; as of 31 December 2021: 74.29.
* EBITDA is calculated as operating profit adjusted for depreciation and amortisation.
** Adj. EBITDA is EBITDA as reported minus FX differences from operating activities.
*** Adj. net profit is net profit as reported minus FX gain or loss.
**** Free cash flow adjusted for the amount of cash and cash equivalents written off as a result of the loss of ownership of foreign companies.

Concerning the Company’s financial stability, it should be noted that, despite the withdrawal of credit ratings from all Russian companies by international rating agencies, PhosAgro continues to service its debt obligations, taking all the necessary steps to ensure that they are paid on time. 

Among recent developments, the Company’s coupon payment for Eurobonds maturing in 2025 is worth highlighting. On 22 July 2022, PhosAgro made another coupon payment in accordance with Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 430 of 5 July 2022, with the division of payment flows between bondholders under Russia jurisdiction and those elsewhere. 

Market highlights in 1H 2022

The situation in global mineral fertilizer markets in 1H 2022 showed a high degree of price volatility, especially in markets for nitrogen-based fertilizers. At the same time, the cost of mineral fertilizers for Russian farmers, through 30 May 2022, was fixed at price levels from the middle of last year.

The global price of urea in 1H 2022 fluctuated by as much as USD 500 per tonne, from a low of USD 390 per tonne to a high of USD 890 per tonne (FOB Baltic). Prices for MAP fluctuated between USD 800 and USD 1,245 per tonne (FOB Baltic).

The current situation in fertilizer markets is being driven by the following factors:

• A rapid increase in global energy prices, which have remained high, especially in Europe; that has led to a reduction in domestic production capacity and an increase in import demand and higher prices for both feedstocks and fertilizers (especially nitrogen-based);
• A reduction in the export supply of Russian fertilizers and a disruption of existing trade flows; 
• A reduction in fertilizer exports from China in favour of supplying the domestic market;
• The high degree of global price volatility for the main types of agricultural products. 

The average export price for MAP in 1H 2022 amounted to USD 1,009 per tonne (FOB Baltic), compared with USD 569 per tonne in 1H 2021. The average price for urea in 1H 2022 was USD 644 per tonne (FOB Baltic), up from USD 339 per tonne in the period from January to June 2021;

Prices for the main types of feedstock commodities also rose steadily during the first half of the year, surpassing previous record highs. The most notable price increase was for ammonia, which was due to high prices for natural gas in Europe and the suspension of exports of commercial ammonia from Russia (as a result of the imposition of sanctions and the shutdown of the Tolyatti–Odessa ammonia pipeline). Ammonia prices in March and April reached the equivalent of USD 1,500–1550 per tonne (FOB Baltic). Phosphate feedstock and sulphur prices rose in line with changes in the market for phosphate-based fertilizers. The average price for sulphur in 1H 2022 was USD 308 per tonne (FOB Baltic), compared with USD 155 per tonne in the period from January to June 2021. Prices for phosphate feedstocks increased steadily, reaching USD 300 per tonne (FOB Morocco) (for feedstocks with P2O5 content of 31%–33%) as of the end of 1H 2022, up from USD 126 per tonne a year earlier.

Market outlook

Nitrogen-based fertilizer markets continue to demonstrate a high degree of price volatility, being driven by record-high natural gas prices in Europe, new production cuts in Europe and seasonal demand in key markets in Asia (India), Latin America (Brazil) and, closer to autumn, in Europe and North America.
 
The market for phosphate-based fertilizers is also starting to see seasonal demand in South Asia and Latin America.