Agri Fertilizer Industry Handbook
Transcription
Agri Fertilizer Industry Handbook
Agri Fertilizer Industry Handbook Agri Capital Markets Day December 3-5, 2003 1 List of contents ò Introduction to Agri ò Fertilizer industry overview ò Industry value drivers and trends 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media The Agri Fertilizer Industry Handbook To position Agri for further value creation, Norsk Hydro decided June 19, 2003 to establish Agri as a separate listed company. As the world leading supplier of plant nutrients, Agri will become an exciting investment opportunity. The purpose of this document is to give financial analysts, investors and other stakeholders a better insight into the fertilizer industry and in Agri’s view the most important value drivers. The goal is to provide a better platform to assess the attractiveness of the fertilizer industry and Agri. Agri’s intention is to update and publish this document annually. This handbook is divided into three main sections. The first section gives a snapshot of Agri. The second section gives a short introduction to what fertilizer is and what the global industry structure looks like. The third part describes the most import drivers of demand and supply of fertilizer products. Industrial products are not dealt with in this fact pack. 2 Agri at a glance (1) ò Global ò Balanced ò Added value 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media The global leader in plant nutrition With sales in more than 120 countries Agri is the most global player in the fertilizer industry. The core business of Agri is production and marketing of nitrogen fertilizer such as urea and nitrates. Agri also produces and sells ammonia, the key raw material for all nitrogen fertilizers. To complement its nitrogen-based product offerings, Agri also markets third-party sourced phosphate and potash fertilizers containing the other two primary plant nutrients, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). This enables Agri, through its global downstream network, to offer customers a balanced nutrient portfolio. In addition, Agri markets value-added specialty fertilizers, as well as certain industrial gases, nitrogen chemicals and technical nitrates that, in general, are coproducts of its fertilizer operations. 3 Agri at a glance (2) ò Low-cost ò Profitable ò Growth 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Upper quartile profitability with a strong platform for growth In response to the stiff competition within the fertilizer industry and other market forces, Agri has steadily strengthened its results by cutting costs and improving productivity, principally through completion of a three-year turnaround program from 1999-2001. The turnaround program enabled Agri to position itself as the lowestcost fertilizer producer in Europe. Since 2001, Agri has been within the top 25 percent of industry peers in terms of gross return on assets (defined as EBITDA, excluding non-recurring items, divided by total assets). Since 1999 Agri has also grown organically and through well-timed acquisitions in key growth markets. The combination of a strong financial position and a global network is expected to give Agri the opportunity to take an active part in the further development of the fertilizer industry. 4 Agri key facts Carve-out figures 2002 ò Operating revenues NOK 33 477 million ò EBITDA NOK 3 878 million ò Operating income NOK 2 143 million ò Net income NOK 1 715 million ò Employees 7 606 ò Sales volume 22.5 million tonnes 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Solid performance in 2002 With good results and new market positions, Agri gained strength in 2002. The marketing network, with approximately 50 sales offices worldwide, sold more than 20 million tonnes of fertilizer in more than 120 countries. For the first time, Agri sold more plant nutrients overseas than in Europe. Our measure for return on capital, CROGI (Cash Return On Gross Investment), defined as EBITDA – tax divided by Gross Investment ended at a solid 8.6% despite historically high energy prices. 5 Agri’s history and growth 1905: 1973: 1996: World's first production of fertilizer at Notodden, Norway Joint venture in Qatar – QAFCO Acquisition of Nutrite in Canada and Italian fertilizer operations 19791979-86: Porsgrunn Plant, Norway Acquisitions in Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, U.K., Germany and France. Terminal in China 1946: 1991: Market operations in North America Acquisition of ammonia plants in Trinidad, and nitrate plant in Rostock, Germany 1928: 1972: 19991999-2001 Agri Turnaround 2003 Decision to list Agri as separate company Market operations in Thailand 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media An exciting history creating a platform for further value creation In 1905, Norsk Hydro was established to utilize Norway’s large hydroelectric energy resources for the industrial production of mineral fertilizer. Through organic growth and acquisitions Agri has become the largest and most global fertilizer company. To position Agri for further value creation, Norsk Hydro announced June 19, 2003 the decision to establish Agri as a separate, listed company. The successful turnaround in 1999-2001 has put Agri in a favorable position for further profitable growth. Increasing Agri’s financial flexibility through direct access to the capital markets provides attractive opportunities. 6 Agri’s global network Major plant Office “On the ground” in ~50 countries, sales to more than 120 countries 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media A global network Agri is well-positioned in key growth markets with a presence in nearly 30 countries outside Europe. The distribution network consists of sales offices, chartered dry bulk ships, bulk blending plants, terminals and bagging operations. Through acquisitions and joint ventures Agri has access to cheap energy, like in Trinidad and Qatar. The global presence reduces the exposure to any particular region that may be characterized by adverse market conditions from time to time. It also mitigates the seasonality inherent in the fertilizer business and enables Agri to take advantage of arbitrage opportunities by shifting volumes from one region to another. 7 Agri’s European network Major plant Office 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media A leading European low-cost producer Agri is the leading fertilizer company in Europe in terms of profitability, sales volumes and cost position. After the listing, Agri will also be the only European listed company with nitrogen fertilizer as its core business. 8 Agri production capacity Annual production capacity* Million tonnes NPK complex fertilizer Nitrates (CAN, AN) Urea Calcium Nitrate solids (CN) Total Ammonia European production Trinidad production Tringen (JV, 49%) Qafco, (JV, 25%) Total ammonia capacity 4.0 4.6 2.2 0.9 11.7 4.0 0.3 0.5 0.4 5.2 * Excluding UAN, CN liquids and bulk blends. Including Agri’s ownership of Joint Venture Companies 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Production capacity to serve customer needs The total production capacity for fertilizers is approximately 12 million tonnes, with NPK and nitrates as main products. NPK is a combination of the most important nutrients; nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Nitrate is the most important type of fertilizer in Europe as it typically gives better yields in a European climate. Urea is the most important nitrogen fertilizer globally with its high nitrogen content and good properties in warm climates. Calcium nitrate is a specialty fertilizer improving the quality of both grain and cash crops. The bulk of Agri’s ammonia production is in Europe, but there is also significant capacity in Trinidad and Qatar. 9 Agri production and sales 2002 Operating revenues NOK 33.5 billion Production source for sold products 16.7 million tonnes* JV Norway Other Europe North America Other Africa South America UK Latin America Netherlands Sweden Italy Asia* Germany Italy France Germany France Africa * Including bulk blends. Including total volumes bought from JV companies 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Leading European producer with global presence Most of the production is located in Europe and most of our own produced products are sold in the European market. However, the largest plants export a significant share to overseas markets. Agri also has production capacity in emerging markets and in areas with access to cheap energy. Where Agri does not have production assets, products are sourced through third parties. Agri today sells more than half of its fertilizer outside Europe. 10 Three business segments 2002 carve-out financials Agri Upstream Sales: NOK 11.1 bn EBITDA: NOK 1.3 bn ò Global ammonia production, trade & shipping ò Urea production ò Nitrate and NPK production with global reach Downstream Industrial Sales: NOK 26.7 bn EBITDA: NOK 2.0 bn Sales: NOK 4.4 bn EBITDA: NOK 0.8 bn ò Sales and marketing units ò Nitrate and NPK production for local markets ò Specialty fertilizers ò Production and marketing of industrial gases and CO2 ò Nitrogen chemicals for industrial applications 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Customer-focused organization The new organization of Agri reflects the way Agri operates its business, with major ammonia-integrated production facilities and the ammonia trade and shipping in Upstream, all fertilizer sales and marketing and local plants in Downstream and all industrial sales and marketing and dedicated industrial plants in Industrial. While the Upstream segment is comparable to a typical nitrogen fertilizer company exposed to cyclical swings, the Downstream and Industrial segments are essentially margin businesses with relatively stable cashflows across the cycle. 11 Agri Value Chain 2002 volumes in million tonnes Production source* Agri Production Europe Agri Production Outside Europe Global optimization Marketing and sales 12.3 2.3 ● ● Purchased from JV companies 2.1 Purchased from Third Parties 5.8 ● Sourcing Allocation Logistics 22.5 Business Units & Front Offices Key Accounts Smaller customers * Including bulk blends 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Asset light production structure to meet global demand Including bulk blends Agri had production of 14.6 million tonnes at 100% owned facilities in 2002. The rest of the total 22.5 million tonnes of sales originated from part-owned joint venture companies and other producers in order to optimize capital tied up in production facilities. All volumes are allocated to the market organizations through a global optimization performed by the Downstream segment. Sales and marketing is done through business units and front offices working with a mix of large key account customers providing a stable product off-take and smaller customers providing flexibility and arbitrage opportunities. 12 List of contents ò Introduction to Agri ò Fertilizer industry overview ¢ What is fertilizer? ¢ The global industry ¢ The European industry ò Industry value drivers and trends 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media What is fertilizer? Fertilizers are essential plant nutrients that are applied to a crop to achieve optimal yield and quality. The following slides describe the value and characteristics of fertilizers in modern food production. 13 Healthy food for plants… ... yields healthy food for people 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media The value of fertilizers in modern food production is clear The quality of the food we eat is a natural concern for consumers. Mineral fertilizers are based on natural nutrients that plants need to realize their growth potential. Balanced nutrition, supplying the right nutrients in the right amounts, is essential for plants. Balanced nutrition is also essential for human beings. For this reason balanced fertilization of the crop plays an important role in supplying a healthy human diet. World food production depends upon supplementing plant nutrients obtained from the soil with mineral fertilizers. Fertilizers are now indispensable for ensuring sufficient food production and preventing decline in soil productivity through nutrient depletion. The rapid increase in the world population and the corresponding rise in consumption have rendered fertilizers an integral part of the food chain. 14 Plants need three main nutrients: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium N P K YIELD AND QUALITY Nitrogen the main driver of yield 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Three main nutrients: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium Nitrogen (N), the main constituent of protein is essential for growth and development in plants. As nitrogen is one of the single most common nutrients that limits agricultural productivity, its value in modern food production is unquestionable. Supply of nitrogen determines a plant’s growth, vigour, colour and yield. Phosphorus (P) is vital for adequate root development and helps the plant resist drought. Phosphorus is also important plant growth and development, such as the ripening of seed and fruit. Potassium (K) is central to the translocation of photosynthates within plants, and for high yielding crops. Potassium helps improve crop resistance to lodging, disease and drought. In addition to the three primary nutrients, the secondary nutrients sulphur, magnesium and calcium are required for optimum crop growth. Calcium is particularly essential for yield, quality and storage capacity of high value crops such as fruit and vegetables. 15 Plants need nutrients to grow Boron Oxygen m Sodiu Soil conditions and other growth factors Calcium Potassium Phosphorus Warmth Light Water Nitrogen YIELD 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media The law of minimum The ‘law of minimum’ is often illustrated with a water barrel, with staves of different lengths. The barrel`s capacity to hold water (or the plants capacity to reach maximum yield) is determined by the shortest stave. The yield of plants is frequently limited by shortage of nutrients or water. Once the limiting factor (constraint) has been corrected, yield will increase until the next limiting factor is encountered. Yield responses to nitrogen are frequently observed, as nitrogen is often a limiting factor to crop production, but not the only factor. Balanced nutrition is used to obtain maximum yield and avoid shortages of nutrients. 16 Nitrates vs. urea ò Nitrogen in ammonium and nitrates forms is readily available to plants, while urea needs to be transformed Urea Ammonium Hydrolysis Plant uptake Nitrate Nitrification Nitrate is the most important fertilizer in Europe 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Nitrate is a fertilizer particularly suited for European climate Ammonia is the basis for all nitrogen fertilizer. Ammonia can be applied directly to the soil, but for several reasons, including environmental, it’s more common to further process ammonia into, e.g., urea or nitrates. While ammonium and nitrate are readily available to plants, urea first needs to be transformed to ammonium (not the same as ammonia) and then to nitrate. The transformation process is dependent on many environmental and biological factors. E.g., with low temperatures and low pH the transformation is slow and difficult to predict with resulting nitrogen and efficiency losses. As a consequence, nitrate is in general a higher quality nitrogen fertilizer with a particularly large market share in Europe. 17 Fertilizer characteristics Organic compared to Mineral fertilizer Characteristics Organic fertilizer Mineral fertilizer ò Nutrient source ò Crop residues and animal manures ò Nitrogen from the air and minerals from the soil ò Low ò Nutrient concentration concentration ò High concentration ò Nutrient availability ò Variable ò Immediately available for the crop ò Quality control ò Often inconsistent ò Traceable and consistent 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Organic fertilizer contains the same inorganic molecules as mineral fertilizer Crops can be fed with mineral or organic fertilizers, and in both cases the crop will utilize the same inorganic molecules. A complete nutrient program must take into account soil reserves, use of organic manure or fertilizers, and accurately supplement with mineral fertilizers. Organic manures or fertilizers are often bulky making them difficult to handle, they have an unpredictable release pattern of nutrients, and are often inconsistent in their nutrient content. In contrast, mineral fertilizers offer concentrated, immediately available nutrients, with a consistent nutrient content. 18 The basis for mineral fertilizer: Energy, ammonia and natural minerals Nitrogen (N) from air Finished products: ■ Ammonia ■ ■ Natural gas ■ ■ Urea Nitrates NPK Specialty fertilizers Industrial products Natural minerals: ■ ■ Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K) 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Utilizing the Earth’s natural ingredients The basis for the production of nitrogen fertilizer is “fixing” nitrogen from the air by combining it with hydrogen from natural gas to form ammonia. Phosphorus and potassium are extracted from mines and sometimes combined with ammonia or nitric acid to form fertilizers with different ratios of each nutrient. Side streams of the main fertilizer production are upgraded and sold as specialty fertilizer or industrial products. 19 List of contents ò Introduction to Agri ò Fertilizer industry overview ¢ What is fertilizer? ¢ The global industry ¢ The European industry ò Industry value drivers and trends 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media The global industry This section focuses on the fertilizer industry structure and the difference in characteristics between the nitrogen and the phosphorus and potassium industry. The most important challenges and opportunities are also presented. 20 Global fertilizer consumption of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium 138.7 mill. tonnes* Potassium (K) 16% Phosphorus(P) 24% Nitrogen (N) 60% * Nutrient tonnes Source: IFA statistics season 2001/2002 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Nitrogen is the most important plant nutrient The global market for the three nutrients N, P and K was approximately 140 million metric tonnes in the 2001/2002 season. Nitrogen dominates the consumption with a share of 60% measured in nutrient tonnes as this is the most important of the three primary nutrients. According to industry convention, when measuring concentrations of the primary nutrients, nitrogen is measured as such, while phosphorus content is measured as P2O5 equivalents and potassium as K2O equivalents. When fertilizer is measured in nutrient tonnes, it is the weight of these equivalents which is given. Nutrient weight for a fertilizer is always less than product weight as a product typically contains additional substances like calcium, oxygen, hydrogen etc. 21 Global nitrogen fertilizer consumption by product 82 million tonnes NPK 10% Other 29% 49% Urea 12% Nitrates (AN/CAN) * Nutrient tonnes Source: IFA statistics season 2000/2001 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Urea the largest nitrogen product in global volumes Urea is the main nitrogen product and is also the driver of the price for nitrogen. Prices of other nitrogen products correlate with the movement in the urea price. Nitrates is a particularly popular nitrogen source in Europe and to some extent in North America. NPK is primarily bought due to the additional requirement for P and K. 22 Fertilizer market by application Wheat 18% Other 32% Rice 17% Cotton 3% Fruit&Vegetable 6% Other cereals 7% Corn 17% Source: FAO 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media The three large grain crops consume about half of all fertilizer Wheat, rice and corn are the largest fertilizer-consuming crops. This is not surprising as these crops constitute the staple foods of the world’s population. However, there are several other crops like fruits and vegetables, cotton and others with high value per kilo that are important for global fertilizer consumption. Typically, different crops prefer different combinations of the three primary nutrients and other trace elements leading to demand for numerous differentiated fertilizer products. 23 Nutrient and industry characteristics Phosphorus (P)/ Potassium (K) Characteristic Nitrogen (N) Application Must be applied every year resulting in stable volumes Annual application not necessary as nutrients can be stored in soil Industry structure Industry not consolidated, input cost swings Few suppliers Production classification Chemical process industry Mining industry 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Nitrogen industry has different characteristics compared to phosphate and potash Due to different nutrient and industry characteristics, nitrogen fertilizer companies are not always directly comparable to fertilizer companies focused on phosphate or potash. Nitrogen volumes are typically more stable as nitrogen must be applied every year. However, the price of nitrogen (ammonia and urea) tends to fluctuate more than, in particular, potash as the nitrogen industry is less consolidated and more affected by energy costs. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the nitrogen industry. Finally, the nitrogen industry is classified as chemical process industry while phosphate and potash are mining industries. However, the production processes for phosphoric acid and DAP are also classified as chemical production. As a consequence, different capabilities are required for top performance in the different parts of the fertilizer industry. 24 Nitrogen fertilizer industry dynamics: Challenges and opportunities Substitutes: Low ò Organic fertilizers only relevant where land or wealth surplus Buyer power: Moderate ò National/regional distributors/coop’s ò Need security of supply Supplier power: Low ò Raw materials readily available Attractive cashflow through the cycle for industry leaders Competition: Moderate to high ò Regional fragmentation (consolidation in progress) ò Limited differentiation ò Separate regional dynamics Entry barriers: Moderate to Low ò Capital intensive ò Economies of scale ò Low cost energy only in some regions ò Transportation costs ò Basic technology availabl 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media The key forces in the nitrogen fertilizer market Substitutes: the risk from substitution through organic fertilizers is considered low for the global fertilizer industry. This is only relevant in areas where there is a surplus of land or purchasing power. Competition: the global fertilizer market is generally fragmented, with limited product differentiation. Strong regional presence and closeness to customers in the different markets are key success factors, requiring an extensive distribution and sales network. The entry barriers are considered moderate to low. The production technology for commodity nitrogen fertilizers is readily available, but the production process is highly capital intensive. There has a trend away from government financing of fertilizer capacity which has moved the industry to be more market driven than in the past. Economies of scale are important in reducing fixed costs per tonne and achieving general cost competitiveness. Another key element is access to low cost gas, which is only available in certain regions of the world. In terms of purchasing strength of the customer, this is considered moderate. The national/regional cooperatives have critical mass and can exercise a certain price pressure as nitrogen fertilizers are readily available, but they are also dependent on security of supply. 25 List of contents ò Introduction to Agri ò Fertilizer industry overview ¢ What is fertilizer? ¢ The global industry ¢ The European industry ò Industry value drivers and trends 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media The European industry This section describes the European industry structure, challenges and opportunities. 26 Nitrogen fertilizer consumption in West Europe 2001/02 9.4 million tonnes N Urea NPK 23% Other 21% 15% 41% Nitrates (AN/CAN) Source: EFMA 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Nitrate is the most important nitrogen fertilizer in Europe For agronomic reasons, nitrate is the preferred nitrogen source in West Europe, and hence commands a price premium above urea. NPK is the second most popular nitrogen fertilizer as it makes balanced fertilization easy. Urea is used to a lesser extent and primarily in the southern parts of Europe. 27 West European market shares for N fertilizer 2001/02 Hydro Agri 24% Imports 26% Other WE 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Agri is the largest fertilizer company in Europe Agri has approximately 25% market share for fertilizers in Europe. Imports have approximately the same market share, and could be regarded as the main competitive supply. Other important European suppliers are Fertiva (K+S), Kemira, Grande Paroisse (Atofina/Total), Fertiberia, Terra, DSM and smaller players. None of Agri’s competitors have European market shares above 15%. 28 European market developments ò EU enlarg enlargeme ement ò EU Comm Common Agricu ricultural Policy Policy (CA (CAP) ò Russian Russian WT WTO entry entry ò Positiv mand outlook sitive supply/de supply/dem outlook for grain 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media European market development poses some challenges, but also opportunities Lower labor costs and probable increased agricultural subventions in new EU member states are likely to lead to a moderate shift in agricultural products towards the eastern parts of EU. A change can also occur due to subsidies moving away from production volumes and towards quality and other factors (CAP). In the short term, EU anti-dumping measures and other import restrictions on all products except AN, are expected to have little effect as market prices currently are above the defined Minimum Import Price. If market prices go down, the implemented anti-dumping measures will have a positive effect for EU producers. Recently global and European grain production have been below consumption reducing stocks and leading to a limited overall downside. In general, European competitiveness relative to imports has been more important than European overall consumption level. 29 Net import to Western Europe 2500 kt nitrogen 2000 1500 1000 500 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 0 Source: EFMA 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media European imports stabilized The restructuring of the West European nitrogen industry has opened up for increased imports, even in the slightly declining market. However, since 2000 imports have been reduced and seem to have stabilized. The long term success of the European industry is mainly dependent on competitiveness versus imports, and less on the supply/demand balance in Europe itself. 30 Nitrate capacity and nitrate fertilizer consumption in West Europe 7000 6000 Capacity kt nitrogen 5000 4000 Consumption 3000 2000 1000 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 0 Source: EFMA 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Improved market balance in Europe The recent restructuring in the European nitrate industry has resulted in a significant reduction in nitrate capacity. The decline in capacity is stronger than the decline in consumption, leading to additional need for imports. As there is only a small number of fertilizer companies with a long-term focus on the European market, there are several plants of other players which are poorly maintained and could be closure candidates in the years to come. This could create interesting opportunities for dedicated companies to increase their market share in a market with a potentially attractive supply-demand balance. 31 List of contents ò Introduction to Agri ò Fertilizer industry overview ò Industry value drivers and trends ¢ Drivers of demand ¢ Drivers of supply ¢ Price relations ¢ Production economics 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Industry value drivers and trends This part describes what Agri believes are the most important value drivers in the fertilizer industry. 32 Industry value drivers – Revenue drivers Drivers Effect on Grain prices ➨ Urea price Gas price USA ➨ Ammonia price Ammonia price ➨ Urea price European market balance ➨ Nitrate margin Market segmentation ➨ Value added margins 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Industry value drivers determine potential for cash generation Grain price is one of the main drivers for fertilizer demand. There is approximately 50% common variation between global grain prices and the urea price. The production costs of the marginal or so called ”swing” producers, which over the last 4 years have been the US producers, establish the floor price for ammonia, and also indirectly for urea. The main driver of the US producers’ costs is the US gas price. Nitrate prices in Europe are based on the urea price plus a margin where the latter is determined by the European supply/demand balance. Finally, a company’s innovation and marketing skills determines its opportunities to fetch margins beyond industry average. 33 List of contents ò Introduction to Agri ò Fertilizer industry overview ò Industry value drivers and trends ¢ Drivers of demand ¢ Drivers of supply ¢ Price relations ¢ Production economics 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Drivers of demand This section describes what Agri belives are the most important drivers of demand of fertilizer products. 34 Population and arable land drives grain consumption Hectares/person 0.5 Population(billion) 10 2 0.0 0 Hectares/person 2020E 0.1 2010E 4 2000 0.2 1990 6 1980 0.3 1970 8 1960 0.4 Population Source: IFA,Worldmarkets.com, Hydro 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Fundamental forces drive growth Land per person is decreasing as a result of population growth and reduced land availability. In order to produce enough food, productivity or yield per hectare has to be improved. The main challenges are • Increasing the area of productive land • Increasing the yield per unit area of land • Maintaining soil productivity and reversing the nutrient mining of soil • Improving agriculture sustainability through better resource management (e.g. erosion control, improved water-use efficiency) • Breeding new crop varieties with higher yield potential and improved tolerance to pests, diseases, drought and other stress factors • Promoting and expanding agriculture research and advisory services to help improve farmers’ practices 35 Nutrient sources of productivity boost Nutrient source Tonnes of wheat per hectare 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 Mineral fertilizer 1.0 Manure 0.5 Soil fertility 2020E 2010E 2000 1990 1980 1970 1960 0.0 2.4% average annual fertilizer volume growth 1970-2000 Source: IFA,Worldmarkets.com, Hydro 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Mineral fertilizer is the only sustainable large scale nutrient source In a world with declining arable land, and an increasing population with a requirement for improved diet, history has shown that increased food production is dependent upon increased fertilizer application. Improved crop varieties have strengthened the plants’ ability to extract nutrients from the soil, but has not by far been as important as mineral fertilizer. The 30 years historical annual growth rate has been 2.4%. Future long-term average growth rate is expected to be less although external estimates vary. 36 Grain consumption and production 2000 Consumption million tonnes 1950 1900 1850 Production 1800 1750 1700 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003E Source: FAO 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Grain consumption higher than production last four years For the last four years grain consumption has exceeded grain production which is clearly an unsustainable situation in the long-term. Sooner or later grain production has to be increased as stocks are being depleted. An increase in grain production typically leads to an increase in fertilizer consumption. 37 Grain inventory relative to corn price USD/bu 800 4 750 Grain inventory Million tonnes 700 650 3 600 550 500 2 450 Corn price 400 350 300 1994 1 1996 1998 2000 2002 Source: FAO 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Record low inventory Grain stocks are historically low, and forecast to decline further in the short term. The situation is particularly tight outside China, where stocks are only 13% of yearly consumption. China has almost 50% of the global stocks, and can probably continue to draw down stocks for a while yet. Grain production will have to start closing the gap to consumption, which would normally lead to increased fertilizer consumption. 38 Calorie consumption per capita per day 3400 3200 Developed countries Calories 3000 2800 2600 Developing countries 2400 2200 2000 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 Source: FAO 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Improved standard of living following economic growth increases demand for food and fertilizer Economic growth improves the diet in developing countries. More calories will be consumed, and also more proteins in the form of meat. Meat production is intensive, as it requires a lot of grain and (hence also fertilizer) to produce meat. 39 Meat consumption per capita Kilograms meat per capita per year 90 80 Developed countries 70 60 50 40 30 Developing countries 20 10 0 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 Source: UNFAO, Roma 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Fertilizer consumption is linked to change in diet towards more protein Especially in developing countries the increased proportion of meat in the diet drives increased fertilizer demand. This represents a significant growth potential in the years to come. Typically, the production of one kilo of meat requires between 2 and 7 kilograms of grain: - 1 kg of poultry requires 2 kg of grain - 1 kg of pork requires 4 kg of grain - 1 kg of beef requires 7 kg of grain Total food consumption is expected to increase in the developing world based on increased population and improved diet. 40 Consumption per nutrient 100 90 N million tonnes nutrient 80 1.9%/year 70 60 50 P 40 2.7%/year 30 K 20 2.0%/year 10 0 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005E Source: IFA 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media IFA forecasts nitrogen consumption to grow by approximately 2% per year for the next five years Most external sources estimate medium term growth rates close to 2%/year, although FAO, in their long term forecast(20 years), believes growth rates will be around 1%/year. A tight, and tightening, supply/demand balance for grain supports the argument that medium term consumption growth could exceed the long term average. 41 Nitrogen consumption by continent 60 2.8%/year million tons nutrient 50 Asia 40 30 20 Europe 0.2%/year 0.2%/year North America Latin America 10 2.3%/year 2007E 2006E 2005E 2004E 2003E 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 0 Source: IFA 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Stable consumption expected in mature markets while significant growth in Asia and Latin America Measured in tonnes of product, growth will continue to be highest by far in Asia, but consumption is also forecast to grow strongly in Latin America. Mature markets like Europe and North America are not expected to experience significant growth. 42 List of contents ò Introduction to Agri ò Fertilizer industry overview ò Industry value drivers and trends ¢ Drivers of demand ¢ Drivers of supply ¢ Price relations ¢ Production economics 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Drivers of supply This section describes what Agri belives are the most important drivers of supply of fertilizer products. 43 Nitrogen value chain Raw Raw Material Material Intermediate Intermediate product product Finished Finished products products ✔ Natural Natural ✔Ammonia Ammonia ✔Fertilizer Fertilizer ✔Industrial Industrial gas gas products products 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Natural gas major nitrogen cost driver At current gas prices in the US, natural gas constitutes about 85% of ammonia production costs. Ammonia is an intermediate product for all nitrogen fertilizer, while nitric acid is a second intermediate product for the production of, e.g., nitrates. Finished fertilizer products are urea, nitrates (CAN, AN), NPK and others. Industrial products range from high purity carbon dioxide, basic nitrogen chemicals to industrial applications of upgraded fertilizer products. 44 World gas prices USD/mmbtu, 2003 estimate Alaska Russia 1.5 1.5 0.7 Netherlands 3.7 US – Henry Hub 5.4 Trinidad 1.6 1.5 Ukraine Middle East 0.5 Algeria 0.5-0.75 Indonesia 1.7 Source: Fertecon. For US gas price: CERA 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media New ammonia capacity will be focused in areas with cheap gas Favorable locations for new ammonia capacity are pockets of stranded gas mostly located around the equator with the main exceptions being Russia, Ukraine and Alaska. 45 Cost structure for ammonia Gas costs Other 2003E price* 350 300 USD / mt 250 200 150 100 50 0 3 4 5 6 7 8 USD / mmbtu * Ammonia price: NOLA barge fob Source: Blue Johnson & Associates. 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Natural gas cost creates ammonia “price floor” Due to the upward shift in natural gas prices in the USA in recent years’, US producers have become the swing producers of ammonia. Therefore, the US gas price is one of the key factors determining ammonia prices as long as prices are supply-driven rather than demand-driven. 46 Cost structure for urea Ammonia cost Process gas costs Other cash production cost 2003E Urea price* 300 USD / mt 250 200 150 100 50 0 3 4 * Urea price: NOLA granular fob Source: Blue Johnson & Associates. 5 6 7 8 USD / mmbtu 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Ammonia cost creates urea ”price floor” Ammonia prices also create a floor for the urea prices in a supply-driven market balance. Urea prices normally never go below this floor as a sufficiently large number of producers would then rather sell the ammonia at ammonia market prices. 47 Global nitrogen capacity utilization Urea capacity utilization CRU (British Sulphur) 2006F 2005F 2004F 2003E 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 Fertecon 1995 92% 90% 88% 86% 84% 82% 80% 78% 76% 74% 72% 70% External industry analysts range from neutral to positive regarding capacity utilization in the next three years Source: CRU, Fertecon 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Capacity utilization - neutral to positive expectations among industry analysts Industry analysts range from neutral to positive regarding the capacity utilization in the next three years. While Fertecon is on the conservative side, CRU (British Sulphur) is quite positive predicting a return to the cyclical highs of 1995 and 1996. While most analysts agree about the amount of new capacity expected in places like China, Iran, Oman, Saudi-Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Trinidad and Australia, the uncertainty is related to the magnitude of closures and general consumption growth. 48 List of contents ò Introduction to Agri ò Fertilizer industry overview ò Industry value drivers and trends ¢ Drivers of demand ¢ Drivers of supply ¢ Price relations ¢ Production economics 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Price relations This section describes the price relations in the fertilizer industry 49 Fertilizer and grain prices USD/tonne urea USD/bushel corn 6 300 5 250 4 200 3 150 2 100 Corn Chicago cash Urea fob ME 1 0 50 0 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 Source: Blue-Johnson 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Correlation between long-term grain and fertilizer prices Variations in grain price (corn or wheat) explain approximately 50% of the variations in the urea price, making grain prices one of the most important factors driving fertilizer prices. Some of the correlation may of course be spurious, like GDP growth, Chinese imports, strength of the USD etc. The price increase for urea in 2003 is to a great extent caused by the increased US gas price, although consumption growth has been strong as well. 50 Ammonia price and US production cost 300 250 Ammonia fob US Gulf USD/tonne 200 150 US Gulf cash cost 100 50 2003E 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 0 Source: Blue-Johnson 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media High US gas prices set ammonia price floor at attractive level Over the last four years, US natural gas prices have established the prices of ammonia. Using the forward market for natural gas at Nymex on September 29 2003, forward US natural gas prices were at 4.9, 4.7 and 4.5 for 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively. This makes it likely that there will be a high ammonia price floor set by the natural gas price during the next few years. 51 Ammonia prices when US Gulf is swing producer Example assumptions: US gas price: 4.0/mmbtu US cash cost: 36 * 4.0 + 26 = 170/mt US terminal cost for import: 12/mt cfr US Gulf: 158/mt Rounding: 160/mt 155 Fr.+duty: 40 115 Freight: 45 160 Freight: 30 130 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media The marginal producers determine global ammonia price floor In a supply driven pricing environment, the region with the marginal producers determines the global ammonia prices. During the last four years the marginal or “swing” producers have been the producers in the US Gulf. Freight and duty costs between net import and export regions then determine prices in other geographies. 52 Ammonia and urea price 250 Urea (fob Black Sea) USD/tonne 200 150 100 0.6 * Amm + 15 50 jan-03 jan-02 jan-01 jan-00 jan-99 jan-98 jan-97 jan-96 jan-95 jan-94 jan-93 0 Source: Average of international publications 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Ammonia prices determine the urea price floor While energy costs for the ammonia swing producers set a price floor for ammonia, the ammonia price sets a floor for the urea price. If the urea price drops below this floor, more ammonia will be offered for sale, less urea will be sold, and the relationship will be restored. In a tight supply/demand scenario for nitrogen, the correlation is less, as urea plants run flat out. The supply/demand balance for excess ammonia (industrial, DAP/NPK and nitrates mainly) will determine the ammonia price, like during the mid 1990s. Calculation in graph is a rough approximation, see also production economics chapter. 53 Nitrate price in Europe and global urea price 700 500 CAN cfr Germany 400 300 200 03-Jul 03-Jan 02-Jul 02-Jan 01-Jul Jul-00 01-Jan Jul-99 Jan-00 Jan-99 Jan-97 Juil./97 Jan-96 Juil./96 Jan-95 Juil./95 Jan-94 Juil./94 Juil./93 Jan-93 0 Juil./98 Urea fob Middle East 100 Jan-98 USD per tonne nitrogen 600 Source: Average of international publications 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Urea prices determine the price range for nitrates There is a strong correlation between urea and nitrate prices, as they to some extent are substitutes for the farmers. For agronomic reasons, farmers are willing to pay a higher price per unit nitrogen for nitrates than for urea. The correlation is stronger in the medium to long term than within a season. The nitrate margin above urea is to some extent also influenced by the market balance in European nitrate industry. 54 10 years fertilizer prices Ammonia Fob Trinidad CAN Germany Bulk delivered warehouse USD/tonnes 250 USD/tonnes 250 200 200 150 150 100 100 50 50 0 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 0 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Urea Bulk fob Middle East DAP Bulk fob US Gulf USD/tonnes USD/tonnes 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 19931994199519971997199819992000200120022003 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 19931994199519961997199819992000200120022003 Average prices 1993 - 2002 Source: Fertilizer Week, The Market for CAN 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Nitrogen fertilizer prices are currently higher than average While urea and CAN prices are still only slightly above the historical average, ammonia prices are at historically high levels. This is partly linked to the high prices of oil and gas, but also related to strong demand. Taking into account the high energy prices, nitrogen fertilizer margins are close to a mid-cycle average. 55 Potential global industry concerns ò Increased exports from China ò Lower US gas prices ò Over-investment in capacity following today’s higher than average fertilizer prices 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Potential concerns should always be kept in mind As in many industries, China represents a factor of uncertainty. China has demonstrated an ability to grow production in many industries and with WTO membership there are opportunities for increased exports. However, there are now also opportunities for increased imports to China. Lower gas prices in the US could lead to plant restarts of idled capacity. As US producers are the marginal producers today, this could lower the ”price floor” when demand is weak. The global nitrogen industry (ammonia and urea) is cyclical. The most important long-term threat to an attractive price level is over-investment in capacity when prices are high. However, the construction of new capacity has become more market-driven in recent years. One could therefore expect current fertilizer investors to require a higher return than some of the historical state investors. 56 Global fertilizer industry trends ò Low grain stocks leading to increased fertilizer demand ò Improved global economic growth ò Limited new production capacity until 2005 ò US natural gas prices expected to stay quite high ò Further plant closures expected 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Positive medium term outlook The outlook for the supply/demand balance looks promising in the short to medium term. Fertilizer demand should benefit from historically low grain stocks and improved global economic growth. In addition, there is limited new capacity expected on-stream until 2005. With US gas prices expected to stay high next few years, the downside ammonia price risk is limited. Another potential upside is future plant closures due to limited investments in upgrading and new capacity during the last years. 57 List of contents ò Introduction to Agri ò Fertilizer industry overview ò Industry value drivers and trends ¢ Drivers of demand ¢ Drivers of supply ¢ Price relations ¢ Production economics 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Production economics This section shows examples of the cost structure for ammonia, urea and CAN. The costs are not Agri figures, but typical industry costs. 58 Ammonia cash cost build-up – example Gas price: x Gas consumption: = Gas cost: + Other prod. costs: = Total cash cost 4 USD/mmbtu 36 mmbtu/mt NH3 144 USD/mt NH3 26 170 USD/mt NH3 36 mill. BTU natural gas/tonne ammonia Ammonia (NH3) (82% N) Source: Blue Johnson & Associates. 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Natural gas costs the most important cost component With a natural gas price of USD 4/mmbtu gas cost represents around 85% of the ammonia production cash costs. In this example, one dollar increase in gas cost gives USD 36 higher gas costs. With the consulting firm CERA’s US gas price estimate of USD 5.4/mmbtu for 2003 (Henry Hub), the gas cost increases by USD 50 , to USD 220 per tonne ammonia. Most of the “other production costs” are fixed costs and therefore subject to scale advantages. All cost estimates are fob plant cash costs excluding depreciation, corporate overhead and debt service for a US proxy plant located in Louisiana (≈ 1,300 metric tonnes per day capacity). 59 Urea cash cost build up – example Ammonia use: 0.58 USD/mt urea x Ammonia price: 170 USD/mt NH3 = Ammonia cost 99 USD/mt urea + Process gas costs 21 + Other prod. costs: 20 (incl. loading) 140 USD/mt urea Ammonia (NH3) (82% N) 0.58 ammonia per tonne Urea CO2 = Total cash cost 36 mill. BTU natural gas/tonne ammonia Urea (46% N) Source: Blue Johnson & Associates. 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Ammonia the main input in urea Typically, it takes 0,58 tonne ammonia for each tonne urea. If we add the gas cost in ammonia (USD 144) and the additional process gas costs needed for the production of urea (5.2 mmbtu x USD 4 = USD 21) , natural gas represents around 75% of the total production cash cost. All cost estimates are fob plant cash costs excluding depreciation, corporate overhead and debt service for a US proxy plant located in Louisiana (≈1400 mt per day capacity). 60 Theoretical consumption factors Ammonia (82% N) 0.56 Urea (46% N) 0.41 AN (33.5% N) 0.33 P and K 0.18 CAN (27% N) NPK (15-15-15)* * There are several NPK formulas. 15-15-15 is just an example 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media Consumption factors to compare price movements As shown in the costing examples for urea and CAN, the real ammonia consumption factors are above the theoretical consumption factors, which are based on N content. The difference varies between plants according to their energy efficiency. Using the theoretical consumption factors is easier when making calculations. If the N content for a product is known (46% N in urea), the ammonia consumption factor can easily be calculated by dividing the figure with the N content in ammonia (0.46/0.82 = 0.56). Based on this illustration, it is possible to follow relative variation in the various nitrogen prices. As an example, if ammonia becomes USD10/mt more expensive, the production cost of urea increases by 10 * 0.56 (0,46/0,82) = 5.6USD/mt. Similarly, if the urea price increases by USD10/mt, a price increase of 10 * (0.27/0,46) = USD5.9/mt of CAN would keep the relative pricing at the same level. 61 Useful sources of market information ò News, price references and short term developments ( 1 - 2 months ) ¢ The Market Fertilizer Week ¢ Fertecon ¢ FMB ¢ Green Markets (USA) ¢ www.decyfer.com www.britishsulphur.com www.fertecon.com www.fmb-group.co.uk http://greenmarkets.pf.com ò Medium term ( 1 year ) supply/demand and price analysis ¢ Outlook, from The Market. Monthly publications for ammonia, urea and DAP ò Longer term ¢ ¢ Fertecon British sulphur ò Grain supply/demand and price ¢ ¢ International Grain Council Chicago Board of Trade www.igc.org.uk www.cbot.com 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media 62 Forward-Looking Statements/ Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures In order to utilize the “safe harbour" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Hydro is providing the following cautionary statement: This presentation contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company and certain of the plans and objectives of the Company with respect to these items. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. The actual results and developments may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to any number of different factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in costs and prices, changes in economic conditions, and changes in demand for the Company's products. Additional information, including information on factors which may affect Hydro's business, is contained in the Company's 2002 Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. With respect to each non-GAAP financial measure Hydro uses in connection with its financial reporting and other public communications, Hydro provides a presentation of what Hydro believes to be the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure and a reconciliation between the non-GAAP and GAAP measures. This information can be found in Hydro’s earnings press releases, quarterly reports and other written communications, all of which have been posted to Hydro’s website (www.hydro.com). 46477 11 2003 Hydro Media 63