Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 6-K
 
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2019
 
METHANEX CORPORATION
(Registrant’s name)
 
SUITE 1800, 200 BURRARD STREET, VANCOUVER, BC V6C 3M1 CANADA
(Address of principal executive offices)
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F  ¨             Form 40-F  ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes  ¨            No   ý

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82 




NEWS RELEASE
mx_logo.jpg
Methanex Corporation
1800 - 200 Burrard St.
Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 3M1
Investor Relations: (604) 661-2600
www.methanex.com 


For immediate release

January 30, 2019

METHANEX REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER 2018 RESULTS

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - For the fourth quarter of 2018, Methanex (TSX:MX) (NASDAQ:MEOH) reported net income attributable to Methanex shareholders of $161 million ($1.68 per common share on a diluted basis) compared to net income of $128 million ($1.61 per common share on a diluted basis) in the third quarter of 2018. Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $197 million and Adjusted net income was $90 million ($1.15 per common share). This compares with Adjusted EBITDA of $293 million and Adjusted net income of $152 million ($1.92 per common share) for the third quarter of 2018.

For the year ended December 31, 2018, Methanex reported net income attributable to Methanex shareholders of $569 million ($6.92 net income per common shares on a diluted basis), Adjusted EBITDA of $1,071 million and Adjusted net income of $556 million ($6.86 net income per common share). This compares with net income attributable to Methanex shareholders of $316 million ($3.64 net income per common share on a diluted basis), Adjusted EBITDA of $838 million and Adjusted net income of $409 million ($4.71 Adjusted net income per common share) for the year ended December 31, 2017.

John Floren, President and CEO of Methanex, commented, "2018 was an excellent year and we are pleased to have achieved record production and sales volume and the highest Adjusted EBITDA in the Company's history, surpassing the records we set in 2017. These results reflect the investments we have made over the past few years to increase our production capability and significantly improve our earnings profile and cash generation capability. In 2018, we also returned $550 million to shareholders through our regular dividend and share repurchases of 6.6 million common shares to complete the normal course issuer bid that started on March 13, 2018."

"The volatility that we experienced in the fourth quarter resulted in downward pressure on our earnings on a quarter-over-quarter basis that is less impactful over the longer-term. Our fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA was impacted by lower average realized methanol prices, lower sales of Methanex- produced methanol and higher costs compared to the third quarter of 2018. Our average realized price decreased to $401 per tonne in the fourth quarter compared to $413 per tonne in the third quarter. Methanol pricing declined in the fourth quarter due to concerns around global economic growth, unresolved trade tensions and a steep decline in oil prices which reduced affordability for methanol in energy-related applications. Sales of Methanex-produced methanol were lower compared to the third quarter of 2018 due to the timing of inventory flows and because we increased our inventory levels in line with business growth. Our costs were higher in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter as a result of higher unabsorbed costs at our manufacturing sites, higher logistics costs and higher selling and administrative expenses. As well, in a declining methanol price environment, our margins tend to be lower than in a stable price environment due to inventory timing differences."

"The improvements we have made in our business enable us to generate strong earnings and cash flow at a wide range of methanol prices. We have $256 million of cash on hand at the end of the fourth quarter, a committed revolving credit facility and a robust balance sheet. Our balanced approach to capital allocation remains unchanged. We believe we are well positioned to meet our financial commitments, pursue our growth opportunities and deliver on our commitment to return excess cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases," Floren said.

METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER NEWS RELEASE    PAGE 1



FURTHER INFORMATION
The information set forth in this news release summarizes Methanex's key financial and operational data for the fourth quarter of 2018. It is not a complete source of information for readers and is not in any way a substitute for reading the fourth quarter 2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") dated January 30, 2019 and the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2018, both of which are available from the Investor Relations section of our website at www.methanex.com. The MD&A and the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2018 are also available on the Canadian Securities Administrators' SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and on the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL DATA
 
Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
($ millions except per share amounts and where noted)
Dec 31
2018

Sep 30
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Production (thousands of tonnes) (attributable to Methanex shareholders)
1,885

1,735

1,942

 
7,211

7,187

Sales volume (thousands of tonnes)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Methanex-produced methanol
1,599

1,790

1,930

 
7,002

7,229

Purchased methanol
908

802

633

 
3,032

2,289

Commission sales
245

279

289

 
1,174

1,151

Total sales volume 1
2,752

2,871

2,852

 
11,208

10,669

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Methanex average non-discounted posted price ($ per tonne) 2
487

486

403

 
481

396

Average realized price ($ per tonne) 3
401

413

350

 
405

337

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
977

1,044

861

 
3,932

3,061

Adjusted revenue
1,008

1,067

904

 
4,033

3,227

Adjusted EBITDA
197

293

254

 
1,071

838

Cash flows from operating activities
218

228

206

 
980

780

Adjusted net income
90

152

143

 
556

409

Net income (attributable to Methanex shareholders)
161

128

68

 
569

316

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted net income per common share
1.15

1.92

1.70

 
6.86

4.71

Basic net income per common share
2.07

1.62

0.81

 
7.07

3.64

Diluted net income per common share
1.68

1.61

0.81

 
6.92

3.64

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common share information (millions of shares)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares
78

79

84

 
80

87

Diluted weighted average number of common shares
78

79

84

 
81

87

Number of common shares outstanding, end of period
77

78

84

 
77

84

1 
Methanex-produced methanol represents our equity share of volume produced at our facilities and excludes volume marketed on a commission basis related to the 36.9% of the Atlas facility and 50% of the Egypt facility that we do not own. Methanex-produced methanol includes any volume produced by Chile using natural gas supplied from Argentina under a tolling arrangement ("Tolling Volume"). There was no Tolling Volume produced in the fourth quarter of 2018 and 20,000 MT in the third quarter of 2018. There was no Tolling Volume in the fourth quarter of 2017. A total of 108,000 MT Tolling Volume was produced in 2018, and none in 2017.
2 
Methanex average non-discounted posted price represents the average of our non-discounted posted prices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific weighted by sales volume. Current and historical pricing information is available at www.methanex.com.
3 
Average realized price is calculated as revenue, excluding commissions earned and the Egypt non-controlling interest share of revenue, but including an amount representing our share of Atlas revenue, divided by the total sales volume of Methanex-produced and purchased methanol, but excluding Tolling Volume.


METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER NEWS RELEASE    PAGE 2



A reconciliation from net income attributable to Methanex shareholders to Adjusted net income and the calculation of Adjusted net income per common share is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
($ millions except number of shares and per share amounts)
Dec 31
2018

Sep 30
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Net income (attributable to Methanex shareholders)
$
161

$
128

$
68

 
$
569

$
316

U.S. tax reform charge


37

 

37

Mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation, net of tax
(71
)
24

38

 
(13
)
56

Adjusted net income
$
90

$
152

$
143

 
$
556

$
409

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (millions)
78

79

84

 
81

87

Adjusted net income per common share
$
1.15

$
1.92

$
1.70

 
$
6.86

$
4.71

We recorded net income attributable to Methanex shareholders of $161 million during the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to net income of $128 million in the third quarter of 2018. The increase in earnings is primarily due to the change in the mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation, offset by a decrease in sales of Methanex-produced methanol and a decrease in our average realized methanol price during the fourth quarter.
We recorded Adjusted EBITDA of $197 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 compared with $293 million for the third quarter of 2018. Adjusted net income was $90 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to Adjusted net income of $152 million for the third quarter of 2018. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income is primarily due to a decrease in sales of Methanex-produced methanol, an increase in costs and a decrease in average realized price to $401 per tonne for the fourth quarter of 2018 from $413 per tonne for the third quarter of 2018.
Production for the fourth quarter of 2018 was 1,885,000 tonnes compared with 1,735,000 tonnes for the third quarter of 2018.
Total sales volume for the fourth quarter of 2018 was 2,752,000 tonnes compared with 2,871,000 tonnes for the third quarter of 2018. Sales of Methanex-produced methanol were 1,599,000 tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared with 1,790,000 tonnes in the third quarter of 2018. In the fourth quarter of 2018, production exceeded sales of Methanex-produced methanol, resulting in a 286,000 tonne build of produced methanol inventory. This inventory build primarily resulted due to timing with significantly higher production levels in the last-half of the fourth quarter compared to the last-half of the third quarter 2018. This timing of production within the quarter has an impact on the sales of produced methanol for the quarter as it generally takes between 30 and 60 days to sell the methanol we produce.
Total cash costs per tonne in the fourth quarter were higher than in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, we incurred higher unabsorbed costs at our manufacturing sites, higher logistics costs primarily due to increased bunker fuel prices and higher selling, general and administrative expenses that included cloud-based computing system implementation costs that are required to be expensed. As well, in a declining price environment, our margins tend to be lower than in a stable price environment due to inventory timing differences.
During the fourth quarter of 2018 we completed the 10% normal course issuer bid initiated in March 2018 repurchasing the maximum 6,590,095 common shares in 2018 for approximately $444 million.
During the fourth quarter of 2018 we paid a $0.33 per common share quarterly dividend to shareholders for a total of $25 million.
Total distributions to shareholders in 2018 were $550 million including quarterly dividends and share repurchases.
In the fourth quarter of 2018 we restarted our 0.8 million tonne Chile IV plant that had been idle since 2007. During the quarter, Chile I and IV have been operating on a combination of Chile and Argentina sourced natural gas with Chile IV production ramping up over the quarter.
We continue to make good progress on a potential Geismar 3 production facility. We continue to expect to spend approximately $50 to $60 million on this project prior to reaching a final investment decision with approximately $45 million remaining to be spent in the first half of 2019. We believe that the potential Geismar 3 project would be advantaged relative to other projects being contemplated or under construction in the US Gulf.

METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER NEWS RELEASE    PAGE 3



PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS
(thousands of tonnes)
Annual Operating Capacity1

2018
Production

2017
Production

Q4 2018 Production

Q3 2018 Production

Q4 2017 Production

New Zealand 2
2,430

1,606

1,943

389

478

558

Geismar (USA)
2,000

2,078

1,935

527

520

506

Trinidad (Methanex interest) 3
2,000

1,702

1,768

448

353

466

Egypt (50% interest)
630

613

534

155

128

145

Medicine Hat (Canada)
600

600

593

160

144

158

Chile 4
880

612

414

206

112

109

 
8,540

7,211

7,187

1,885

1,735

1,942

1 
Operating capacity includes only those facilities which are currently capable of operating, but excludes any portion of an asset that is underutilized due to a lack of natural gas feedstock over a prolonged period of time. The operating capacity of our production facilities may be higher than original nameplate capacity as, over time, these figures have been adjusted to reflect ongoing operating efficiencies at these facilities. Actual production for a facility in any given year may be higher or lower than operating capacity due to a number of factors, including natural gas composition or the age of the facility's catalyst. 
2 
The operating capacity of New Zealand is made up of the two Motunui facilities and the Waitara Valley facility.  
3 
The operating capacity of Trinidad is made up of the Titan (100% interest) and Atlas (63.1% interest) facilities.
4 
The production capacity of our Chile I and IV facilities is 1.7 million tonnes annually assuming access to natural gas feedstock. For 2018, our operating capacity in Chile is 0.9 million tonnes. In the fourth quarter of 2018 we restarted our 0.8 million tonne Chile IV plant that had been idle since 2007. Chile operating capacity will be updated in 2019 to reflect the two plant operations.
Key production and operational highlights during the fourth quarter include:
New Zealand produced 389,000 tonnes compared with 478,000 tonnes in the third quarter of 2018. Production in the fourth quarter of 2018 is lower than the third quarter of 2018 by 89,000 tonnes primarily as a result of a scheduled turnaround at our Waitara Valley site and continued gas constraints as a result of natural gas suppliers completing planned and unplanned maintenance activities.
Geismar production rates continue to be strong, with production of 527,000 tonnes.
Trinidad produced 448,000 tonnes (Methanex interest) compared with 353,000 tonnes in the third quarter of 2018. Production in Trinidad was higher in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2018 primarily as a result of production outages during the previous quarter. Additionally, we continue to experience gas curtailments in Trinidad.
The Egypt facility produced 310,000 tonnes (Methanex interest - 155,000 tonnes) in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared with 256,000 tonnes (Methanex interest - 128,000 tonnes) in the third quarter of 2018. Mechanical issues primarily related to the supply of off spec natural gas at the Egypt facility resulted in lower production during the previous quarter.
Medicine Hat produced 160,000 tonnes during the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to 144,000 tonnes in the third quarter of 2018. We experienced CO2 supply constraints during the third quarter of 2018.
The Chile facilities, Chile I and IV, produced 206,000 tonnes during the fourth quarter of 2018 from a combination of Chile and Argentina sourced natural gas with Chile IV production ramping up over the quarter. This compares to 112,000 tonnes during the third quarter of 2018, including 20,000 tonnes through the tolling arrangement.


METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER NEWS RELEASE    PAGE 4



CONFERENCE CALL
A conference call is scheduled for January 31, 2019 at 12:00 noon ET (9:00 am PT) to review these fourth quarter results. To access the call, dial the conferencing operator ten minutes prior to the start of the call at (416) 340-2216, or toll free at (800) 273-9672. A simultaneous audio-only webcast of the conference call can be accessed from our website at www.methanex.com and will also be available following the call. A playback version of the conference call will be available until February 14, 2019 at (905) 694-9451, or toll free at (800) 408-3053. The passcode for the playback version is 4200911#.
ABOUT METHANEX
Methanex is a Vancouver-based, publicly traded company and is the world’s largest producer and supplier of methanol to major international markets. Methanex shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada under the trading symbol "MX" and on the NASDAQ Global Market in the United States under the trading symbol "MEOH".
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION WARNING
This fourth quarter 2018 press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to us and the chemical industry. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information. Methanex does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law. Refer to Forward-Looking Information Warning in the fourth quarter 2018 Management's Discussion and Analysis for more information which is available from the Investor Relations section of our website at www.methanex.com, the Canadian Securities Administrators' SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and on the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.
NON-GAAP MEASURES
The Company has used the terms Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, Adjusted net income per common share, Adjusted revenue and operating income throughout this document. These items are non-GAAP measures that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. These measures represent the amounts that are attributable to Methanex Corporation shareholders and are calculated by excluding the mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation as a result of changes in our share price and the impact of certain items associated with specific identified events. Refer to Additional Information - Supplemental Non-GAAP measures on page 13 of the Company's MD&A for the period ended December 31, 2018 for reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures. Unless otherwise indicated, the financial information presented in this release is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB").

-end-

For further information, contact:



Kim Campbell
Manager, Investor Relations
Methanex Corporation
604-661-2600

METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER NEWS RELEASE    PAGE 5



4
mx_logo.jpg
Share Information
Methanex Corporation’s common shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol MX and on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol MEOH.


Transfer Agents & Registrars
AST Trust Company (Canada)
320 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario Canada M5H 4A6
Toll free in North America: 1-800-387-0825
Investor Information
All financial reports, news releases and corporate information can be accessed on our website at www.methanex.com.


Contact Information
Methanex Investor Relations
1800 - 200 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 3M1
E-mail: invest@methanex.com
Methanex Toll-Free: 1-800-661-8851
Management's Discussion and Analysis for the Three Months and Year Ended December 31, 2018
At January 29, 2019 the Company had 77,263,273 common shares issued and outstanding and stock options exercisable for 846,554 additional common shares.
FOURTH QUARTER MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS ("MD&A")
Except where otherwise noted, all currency amounts are stated in United States dollars.
FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

A reconciliation from net income attributable to Methanex shareholders to Adjusted net income and the calculation of Adjusted net income per common share is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
($ millions except number of shares and per share amounts)
Dec 31
2018

Sep 30
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Net income (attributable to Methanex shareholders)
$
161

$
128

$
68

 
$
569

$
316

U.S. tax reform charge


37

 

37

Mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation, net of tax
(71
)
24

38

 
(13
)
56

Adjusted net income
$
90

$
152

$
143

 
$
556

$
409

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (millions)
78

79

84

 
81

87

Adjusted net income per common share
$
1.15

$
1.92

$
1.70

 
$
6.86

$
4.71

1
The Company has used the terms Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, Adjusted net income per common share, Adjusted revenue and operating income throughout this document. These items are non-GAAP measures that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Refer to Additional Information - Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures on page 13 of the MD&A for reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures.

We recorded net income attributable to Methanex shareholders of $161 million during the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to net income of $128 million in the third quarter of 2018. The increase in earnings is primarily due to the change in the mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation, offset by a decrease in sales of Methanex-produced methanol and a decrease in our average realized methanol price during the fourth quarter.
We recorded Adjusted EBITDA of $197 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 compared with $293 million for the third quarter of 2018. Adjusted net income was $90 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to Adjusted net income of $152 million for the third quarter of 2018. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income is primarily due to a decrease in sales of Methanex-produced methanol, an increase in costs and a decrease in average realized price to $401 per tonne for the fourth quarter of 2018 from $413 per tonne for the third quarter of 2018.
Production for the fourth quarter of 2018 was 1,885,000 tonnes compared with 1,735,000 tonnes for the third quarter of 2018. Refer to the Production Summary section on page 4 of the MD&A.
Total sales volume for the fourth quarter of 2018 was 2,752,000 tonnes compared with 2,871,000 tonnes for the third quarter of 2018. Sales of Methanex-produced methanol were 1,599,000 tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared with 1,790,000 tonnes in the third quarter of 2018. In the fourth quarter of 2018, production exceeded sales of Methanex-produced methanol, resulting in a 286,000 tonne build of produced methanol inventory. This inventory build primarily resulted due to timing with significantly higher production levels in the last-half of the fourth quarter compared to the last-half of the third quarter 2018.

METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 1
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS



This timing of production within the quarter has an impact on the sales of produced methanol for the quarter as it generally takes between 30 and 60 days to sell the methanol we produce.
Total cash costs per tonne in the fourth quarter were higher than in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, we incurred higher unabsorbed costs at our manufacturing sites, higher logistics costs primarily due to increased bunker fuel prices and higher selling, general and administrative expenses that included cloud-based computing system implementation costs that are required to be expensed. As well, in a declining price environment, our margins tend to be lower than in a stable price environment due to inventory timing differences.
During the fourth quarter of 2018 we completed the 10% normal course issuer bid initiated in March 2018 repurchasing the maximum 6,590,095 common shares in 2018 for approximately $444 million.
During the fourth quarter of 2018 we paid a $0.33 per common share quarterly dividend to shareholders for a total of $25 million.
Total distributions to shareholders in 2018 were $550 million including quarterly dividends and share repurchases.
In the fourth quarter of 2018 we restarted our 0.8 million tonne Chile IV plant that had been idle since 2007. During the quarter, Chile I and IV have been operating on a combination of Chile and Argentina sourced natural gas with Chile IV production ramping up over the quarter.
We continue to make good progress on a potential Geismar 3 production facility. We continue to expect to spend approximately $50 to $60 million on this project prior to reaching a final investment decision with approximately $45 million remaining to be spent in the first half of 2019. We believe that the potential Geismar 3 project would be advantaged relative to other projects being contemplated or under construction in the US Gulf.

This Fourth Quarter 2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis dated January 30, 2019 for Methanex Corporation ("the Company") should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2018 as well as the 2017 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and MD&A included in the Methanex 2017 Annual Report. Unless otherwise indicated, the financial information presented in this interim report is prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"). The Methanex 2017 Annual Report and additional information relating to Methanex is available on our website at www.methanex.com, the Canadian Securities Administrators' SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and on the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.



METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 2
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS



FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL DATA
 
Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
($ millions except per share amounts and where noted)
Dec 31
2018

Sep 30
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Production (thousands of tonnes) (attributable to Methanex shareholders)
1,885

1,735

1,942

 
7,211

7,187

Sales volume (thousands of tonnes)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Methanex-produced methanol
1,599

1,790

1,930

 
7,002

7,229

Purchased methanol
908

802

633

 
3,032

2,289

Commission sales
245

279

289

 
1,174

1,151

Total sales volume 1
2,752

2,871

2,852

 
11,208

10,669

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Methanex average non-discounted posted price ($ per tonne) 2
487

486

403

 
481

396

Average realized price ($ per tonne) 3
401

413

350

 
405

337

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
977

1,044

861

 
3,932

3,061

Adjusted revenue
1,008

1,067

904

 
4,033

3,227

Adjusted EBITDA
197

293

254

 
1,071

838

Cash flows from operating activities
218

228

206

 
980

780

Adjusted net income
90

152

143

 
556

409

Net income (attributable to Methanex shareholders)
161

128

68

 
569

316

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted net income per common share
1.15

1.92

1.70

 
6.86

4.71

Basic net income per common share
2.07

1.62

0.81

 
7.07

3.64

Diluted net income per common share
1.68

1.61

0.81

 
6.92

3.64

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common share information (millions of shares)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares
78

79

84

 
80

87

Diluted weighted average number of common shares
78

79

84

 
81

87

Number of common shares outstanding, end of period
77

78

84

 
77

84

1 
Methanex-produced methanol represents our equity share of volume produced at our facilities and excludes volume marketed on a commission basis related to the 36.9% of the Atlas facility and 50% of the Egypt facility that we do not own. Methanex-produced methanol includes any volume produced by Chile using natural gas supplied from Argentina under a tolling arrangement ("Tolling Volume"). There was no Tolling Volume produced in the fourth quarter of 2018 and 20,000 MT in the third quarter of 2018. There was no Tolling Volume in the fourth quarter of 2017. A total of 108,000 MT Tolling Volume was produced in 2018, and none in 2017.
2 
Methanex average non-discounted posted price represents the average of our non-discounted posted prices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific weighted by sales volume. Current and historical pricing information is available at www.methanex.com.
3 
Average realized price is calculated as revenue, excluding commissions earned and the Egypt non-controlling interest share of revenue, but including an amount representing our share of Atlas revenue, divided by the total sales volume of Methanex-produced and purchased methanol, but excluding Tolling Volume.



METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 3
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS



PRODUCTION SUMMARY
(thousands of tonnes)
Annual Operating Capacity1

2018
Production

2017
Production

Q4 2018 Production

Q3 2018 Production

Q4 2017 Production

New Zealand 2
2,430

1,606

1,943

389

478

558

Geismar (USA)
2,000

2,078

1,935

527

520

506

Trinidad (Methanex interest) 3
2,000

1,702

1,768

448

353

466

Egypt (50% interest)
630

613

534

155

128

145

Medicine Hat (Canada)
600

600

593

160

144

158

Chile 4
880

612

414

206

112

109

 
8,540

7,211

7,187

1,885

1,735

1,942

1 
Operating capacity includes only those facilities which are currently capable of operating, but excludes any portion of an asset that is underutilized due to a lack of natural gas feedstock over a prolonged period of time. The operating capacity of our production facilities may be higher than original nameplate capacity as, over time, these figures have been adjusted to reflect ongoing operating efficiencies at these facilities. Actual production for a facility in any given year may be higher or lower than operating capacity due to a number of factors, including natural gas composition or the age of the facility's catalyst.     
2 
The operating capacity of New Zealand is made up of the two Motunui facilities and the Waitara Valley facility (refer to the New Zealand section below).  
3 
The operating capacity of Trinidad is made up of the Titan (100% interest) and Atlas (63.1% interest) facilities (refer to the Trinidad section below).
4 
The production capacity of our Chile I and IV facilities is 1.7 million tonnes annually assuming access to natural gas feedstock. For 2018, our operating capacity in Chile is 0.9 million tonnes. In the fourth quarter of 2018 we restarted our 0.8 million tonne Chile IV plant that had been idle since 2007. Chile operating capacity will be updated in 2019 to reflect the two plant operations.
New Zealand
The New Zealand facilities produced 389,000 tonnes of methanol in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared with 478,000 tonnes in the third quarter of 2018. Production in the fourth quarter of 2018 is lower than the third quarter of 2018 by 89,000 tonnes primarily as a result of a scheduled turnaround at our Waitara Valley site and continued gas constraints as a result of natural gas suppliers completing planned and unplanned maintenance activities. The New Zealand facilities are capable of producing up to 2.4 million tonnes annually, depending on natural gas composition.
United States
The Geismar facilities produced 527,000 tonnes during the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to 520,000 tonnes during the third quarter of 2018.
Trinidad
The Trinidad facilities produced 448,000 tonnes (Methanex interest) in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared with 353,000 tonnes (Methanex interest) in the third quarter of 2018. Production in Trinidad was higher in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2018 primarily as a result of production outages during the previous quarter. Additionally, we continue to experience gas curtailments in Trinidad.
Egypt
The Egypt facility produced 310,000 tonnes (Methanex interest - 155,000 tonnes) in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared with 256,000 tonnes (Methanex interest - 128,000 tonnes) in the third quarter of 2018. Mechanical issues primarily related to the supply of off spec natural gas at the Egypt facility resulted in lower production during the previous quarter.

The Egypt facility has previously experienced periodic natural gas supply restrictions. The strong efforts of the Egyptian governmental authorities to fast-track existing and new upstream gas supply in Egypt has led to improved gas deliveries in 2017 and 2018. As a result, we expect to receive 100% of contracted gas supply for the foreseeable future.

METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 4
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS



Canada
The Medicine Hat facility produced 160,000 tonnes during the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to 144,000 tonnes in the third quarter of 2018. Medicine Hat production was higher in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2018 due to CO2 supply constraints in the third quarter of 2018.
Chile
The Chile facilities, Chile I and IV, produced 206,000 tonnes during the fourth quarter of 2018 from a combination of Chile and Argentina sourced natural gas. This compares to 112,000 tonnes for Chile I during the third quarter of 2018, including 20,000 tonnes through the tolling arrangement. The tolling arrangement expired at the end of September 2018.

In the fourth quarter of 2018 we restarted our 0.8 million tonne Chile IV plant that had been idle since 2007. During the quarter, Chile I and IV have been operating on a combination of Chile and Argentina sourced natural gas with Chile IV production ramping up over the quarter. We expect that our current gas agreements will allow for a two-plant operation in Chile during the southern hemisphere summer months and up to a maximum of 75% of a two-plant operation annually in the near-term. The future of our Chile operations is primarily dependent on the level of natural gas exploration and development in southern Chile and our ability to secure a sustainable natural gas supply to our facilities on economic terms from Chile and Argentina.
FINANCIAL RESULTS

For the fourth quarter of 2018, we reported net income attributable to Methanex shareholders of $161 million ($1.68 per common share on a diluted basis) compared with net income attributable to Methanex shareholders for the third quarter of 2018 of $128 million ($1.61 per common share on a diluted basis).

For the fourth quarter of 2018, we recorded Adjusted EBITDA of $197 million and Adjusted net income of $90 million ($1.15 per common share). This compares with Adjusted EBITDA of $293 million and Adjusted net income of $152 million ($1.92 per common share) for the third quarter of 2018.

We calculate Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income by including amounts related to our equity share of the Atlas facility (63.1% interest) and by excluding the non-controlling interests' share, the mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation as a result of changes in our share price and the impact of certain items associated with specific identified events. Refer to Additional Information - Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures on page 13 of the MD&A for a further discussion on how we calculate these measures. Our analysis of depreciation and amortization, finance costs, finance income and other expenses and income taxes is consistent with the presentation of our consolidated statements of income and excludes amounts related to Atlas.


METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 5
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS



We review our financial results by analyzing changes in Adjusted EBITDA, mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, finance costs, finance income and other expenses and income taxes. A summary of our consolidated statements of income is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
($ millions)
Dec 31
2018

Sep 30
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Consolidated statements of income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$
977

$
1,044

$
861

 
$
3,932

$
3,061

Cost of sales and operating expenses
(701
)
(784
)
(666
)
 
(2,857
)
(2,352
)
Mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation
(87
)
29

46

 
(17
)
68

Adjusted EBITDA (attributable to associate)
27

35

36

 
140

148

Amounts excluded from Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non-controlling interests
(19
)
(31
)
(23
)
 
(127
)
(87
)
Adjusted EBITDA (attributable to Methanex shareholders)
197

293

254

 
1,071

838

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation
87

(29
)
(46
)
 
17

(68
)
Depreciation and amortization
(62
)
(61
)
(57
)
 
(245
)
(232
)
U.S. tax reform charge


(37
)
 

(37
)
Finance costs
(23
)
(23
)
(24
)
 
(94
)
(95
)
Finance income and other expenses
2

1

4

 
4

13

Income tax expense
(33
)
(43
)
(16
)
 
(153
)
(59
)
Earnings of associate adjustment 1
(10
)
(21
)
(17
)
 
(69
)
(72
)
Non-controlling interests adjustment 1
3

11

7

 
38

28

Net income (attributable to Methanex shareholders)
$
161

$
128

$
68

 
$
569

$
316

Net income
$
177

$
148

$
85

 
$
658

$
375

1 
These adjustments represent depreciation and amortization, finance costs, finance income and other expenses and income taxes associated with our 63.1% interest in the Atlas methanol facility and the non-controlling interests.
Adjusted EBITDA (attributable to Methanex shareholders)

Our operations consist of a single operating segment - the production and sale of methanol. We review the results of operations by analyzing changes in the components of Adjusted EBITDA. For a discussion of the definitions used in our Adjusted EBITDA analysis, refer to How We Analyze Our Business on page 16 of the MD&A. Changes in these components - average realized price, sales volume and total cash costs - similarly impact net income attributable to Methanex shareholders.

The changes in Adjusted EBITDA resulted from changes in the following:
($ millions)
Q4 2018
compared with
Q3 2018

Q4 2018
compared with
Q4 2017

2018
compared with
2017

Average realized price
$
(32
)
$
128

$
679

Sales volume
(9
)
(6
)
44

Total cash costs
(55
)
(179
)
(490
)
Increase (Decrease) in Adjusted EBITDA
$
(96
)
$
(57
)
$
233


METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 6
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS



Average realized price
 
Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
($ per tonne)
Dec 31
2018

Sep 30
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Methanex average non-discounted posted price
487

486

403

 
481

396

Methanex average realized price
401

413

350

 
405

337


Methanex’s average realized price for the fourth quarter of 2018 decreased to $401 per tonne compared to $413 per tonne in the third quarter of 2018, decreasing Adjusted EBITDA by $32 million. For the three months and year ended December 31, 2018, Methanex's average non-discounted posted price increased to $487 per tonne and $481 per tonne from $403 per tonne and $396 per tonne for same periods in 2017. Our average realized price for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018 increased compared to the same periods in 2017 driven by the higher average non-discounted posted prices (refer to Supply/Demand Fundamentals section on page 11 of the MD&A for more information).

Our average realized price for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $401 per tonne compared with $350 per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2017. The increase in average realized price for the fourth quarter of 2018 compared with the fourth quarter of 2017 increased Adjusted EBITDA by $128 million. For the year ended December 31, 2018, our average realized price increased to $405 per tonne from $337 per tonne for the same period in 2017. This change in average realized price increased Adjusted EBITDA by $679 million.
Sales volume
Methanol sales volume excluding commission sales volume in the fourth quarter of 2018 was 85,000 tonnes lower than the third quarter of 2018 and 56,000 tonnes lower than the fourth quarter of 2017. The decrease in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2018 and compared to the fourth quarter of 2017, decreased Adjusted EBITDA by $9 million and $6 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2018 compared with the same period in 2017, methanol sales volume excluding commission sales volume was 516,000 tonnes higher and this resulted in higher Adjusted EBITDA by $44 million.
Total cash costs
The primary drivers of changes in our total cash costs are changes in the cost of Methanex-produced methanol and changes in the cost of methanol we purchase from others ("purchased methanol"). We supplement our production with methanol produced by others through methanol offtake contracts and purchases on the spot market to meet customer needs and to support our marketing efforts within the major global markets.

We have adopted the first-in, first-out method of accounting for inventories and it generally takes between 30 and 60 days to sell the methanol we produce or purchase. Accordingly, the changes in Adjusted EBITDA as a result of changes in Methanex-produced and purchased methanol costs primarily depend on changes in methanol pricing and the timing of inventory flows.

In a rising price environment, our margins at a given price are higher than in a stable price environment as a result of timing of methanol purchases and production versus sales. Generally, the opposite applies when methanol prices are decreasing.


METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 7
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS



The changes in Adjusted EBITDA due to changes in total cash costs were due to the following:
($ millions)
Q4 2018
compared with
Q3 2018

Q4 2018
compared with
Q4 2017

2018
compared with
2017

Methanex-produced methanol costs
$
(4
)
$
(36
)
$
(123
)
Proportion of Methanex-produced methanol sales
(24
)
(42
)
(93
)
Purchased methanol costs
(4
)
(68
)
(210
)
Logistics costs
(7
)
(12
)
(21
)
Other, net
(16
)
(21
)
(43
)
Decrease in Adjusted EBITDA due to changes in total cash costs
$
(55
)
$
(179
)
$
(490
)
Methanex-produced methanol costs
Natural gas is the primary feedstock at our methanol facilities and is the most significant component of Methanex-produced methanol costs. We purchase natural gas for more than half of our production under agreements where the unique terms of each contract include a base price and a variable price component linked to the price of methanol to reduce our commodity price risk exposure. The variable price component of each gas contract is adjusted by a formula related to methanol prices above a certain level. For the fourth quarter of 2018 compared with the third quarter of 2018, Methanex-produced methanol costs were higher by $4 million, despite marginally lower realized methanol prices primarily due to changes in the source of production and their relative costs sold from inventory. For the three months and year ended December 31, 2018 compared with the same periods in 2017, Methanex-produced methanol costs were higher by $36 million and $123 million, respectively, primarily due to the impact of higher realized methanol prices on the variable portion of our natural gas cost.
Proportion of Methanex-produced methanol sales
The cost of purchased methanol is directly linked to the selling price for methanol at the time of purchase and the cost of purchased methanol is generally higher than the cost of Methanex-produced methanol. Accordingly, an increase in the proportion of Methanex-produced methanol sales results in a decrease in our overall cost structure for a given period. For the fourth quarter of 2018 compared with the third quarter of 2018, a lower proportion of Methanex-produced methanol sales decreased Adjusted EBITDA by $24 million. For the three months and year ended December 31, 2018 compared with the same periods in 2017, a lower proportion of Methanex-produced methanol sales decreased Adjusted EBITDA by $42 million and $93 million, respectively.
Purchased methanol costs
Changes in purchased methanol costs for all periods presented are primarily a result of changes in methanol pricing and the timing of purchases sold from inventory.
Logistics costs
Logistics costs vary from period to period depending on the levels of production from each of our production facilities and the resulting impact on our supply chain. Logistics costs in the fourth quarter of 2018 were $7 million higher than in the third quarter of 2018, decreasing Adjusted EBITDA. Logistics costs for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018 compared with the same periods in 2017, were $12 million and $21 million higher, decreasing Adjusted EBITDA. Logistics costs for all periods presented were primarily higher due to increased bunker fuel prices.
Other, net
Other, net relates to unabsorbed fixed costs, tolling margins, selling, general and administrative expenses and other operational items. For the fourth quarter of 2018 compared with the third quarter of 2018, other costs were higher by $16 million, primarily due to higher selling, general and administrative expenses, higher unabsorbed fixed costs at our manufacturing sites, and cloud-based computing system implementation costs incurred during the quarter.

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2018 compared with the same periods in 2017, other costs were higher by $21 million and $43 million, primarily due to higher selling, general and administrative expenses primarily associated

METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 8
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS



with performance based incentives, higher unabsorbed fixed costs at our manufacturing sites and other operational items including an insurance settlement recorded in 2017.
Mark-to-Market Impact of Share-based Compensation

We grant share-based awards as an element of compensation. Share-based awards granted include stock options, share appreciation rights, tandem share appreciation rights, deferred share units, restricted share units and performance share units. For all share-based awards, share-based compensation is recognized over the related vesting period for the proportion of the service that has been rendered at each reporting date. Share-based compensation includes an amount related to the grant-date value and a mark-to-market impact as a result of subsequent changes in the fair value of the share-based awards primarily driven by the Company’s share price. The grant-date value amount is included in Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income. The mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation as a result of changes in our share price is excluded from Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income and analyzed separately.

 
Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
($ millions except share price)
Dec 31
2018

Sep 30
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Methanex Corporation share price 1
$
48.17

$
79.10

$
60.55

 
$
48.17

$
60.55

Grant-date fair value expense included in Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income
1

2

2

 
11

11

Mark-to-market impact due to change in share price
(87
)
29

46

 
(17
)
68

Total share-based compensation expense (recovery), before tax
$
(86
)
$
31

$
48

 
$
(6
)
$
79


1 
US dollar share price of Methanex Corporation as quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market on the last trading day of the respective period.


For all periods presented, the mark-to-market impact on share-based compensation is primarily due to changes in the Methanex Corporation share price.
Depreciation and Amortization
    
Depreciation and amortization was $62 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 compared with $61 million for the third quarter of 2018 and $57 million for the fourth quarter of 2017. Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $245 million compared with $232 million for the same period in 2017. Depreciation and amortization is comparable for the fourth quarter and third quarter of 2018, despite lower sales of Methanex-produced methanol, primarily due to the recognition of higher unabsorbed depreciation associated with production outages in the fourth quarter of 2018. The increase in depreciation and amortization for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018 compared with the same periods in 2017 is primarily due to the recognition of higher unabsorbed depreciation associated with production outages in 2018.
Finance Costs
 
Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
($ millions)
Dec 31
2018

Sep 30
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Finance costs
$
23

$
23

$
24

 
$
94

$
95

Finance costs are primarily comprised of interest on borrowings and finance lease obligations. Finance costs are comparable for all periods presented.

METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 9
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS



Finance Income and Other Expenses
 
Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
($ millions)
Dec 31
2018

Sep 30
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Finance income and other expenses
$
2

$
1

$
4

 
$
4

$
13

The change in finance income and other expenses for all periods presented is primarily due to the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates.
Income Taxes

A summary of our income taxes for the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 is as follows:
 
Three months ended
December 31, 2018
 
Three months ended
September 30, 2018
($ millions except where noted)
Net Income

Adjusted
Net Income

 
Net Income

Adjusted
Net Income

Amount before income tax
$
210

$
117

 
$
191

$
207

Income tax expense
(33
)
(27
)
 
(43
)
(55
)
 
$
177

$
90

 
$
148

$
152

Effective tax rate
16
%
24
%
 
23
%
26
%

 
 
Year ended
December 31, 2018
 
Year ended
December 31, 2017
($ millions, except where noted)
Net Income

Adjusted
Net Income

 
Net Income

Adjusted
Net Income

Amount before income tax
$
811

$
737

 
$
471

$
524

U.S. tax reform charge


 
(37
)

Income tax expense
(153
)
(181
)
 
(59
)
(115
)
 
$
658

$
556

 
$
375

$
409

Effective tax rate
19
%
25
%
 
20
%
22
%

We earn the majority of our income in New Zealand, Trinidad, the United States, Egypt, Canada and Chile. In Trinidad and Chile, the statutory tax rate is 35%. The statutory rates in Canada and New Zealand are 27% and 28%, respectively. The United States statutory tax rate applicable to Methanex was 36% in 2017 and is 23% for 2018 and the Egypt statutory tax rate is 22.5%. As the Atlas entity is accounted for using the equity method, any income taxes related to Atlas are included in earnings of associate and therefore excluded from total income taxes but included in the calculation of Adjusted net income.

The effective tax rate based on Adjusted net income was 24% for the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to 26% for the third quarter of 2018. The effective tax rate based on Adjusted net income was 25% for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to 22% for the same period in 2017. Adjusted net income represents the amount that is attributable to Methanex shareholders and excludes the mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation and the impact of certain items associated with specific identified events. The effective tax rate differs from period to period depending on the source of earnings and the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations against the United States dollar on our tax balances. In addition, the effective tax rate is impacted by changes in tax legislation in the jurisdictions in which we operate.

METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 10
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS



SUPPLY/DEMAND FUNDAMENTALS
Demand
Methanol demand in 2018 totaled approximately 81 million tonnes, 3.5% higher than 2017, due to healthy growth from both traditional and energy-related applications. However, in the fourth quarter of 2018, demand for energy-related applications including methanol-to-olefins (MTO), which represents approximately 45% of global demand, was lower. The decline in oil prices reduced the affordability of methanol into energy-related applications including dimethyl-ether (DME) and methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE). MTO operating rates were lower in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter as two MTO producers had extended outages during the quarter. We continue to observe stable operating rates for most MTO facilities. We continue to monitor the progress of several new MTO units that are currently under construction and targeted to come online in the near to medium term. The future operating rates and methanol consumption from MTO producers will depend on a number of factors, including pricing for their various final products, the degree of downstream integration of these units with other products and the impact of the olefin industry feedstock costs, including naphtha, on relative competitiveness and plant maintenance schedules. Traditional chemical demand, which represents approximately 55% of global demand, was healthy supported by strong acetic acid demand and steady growth for other traditional chemical applications. Growth in demand from traditional chemical applications is generally correlated to GDP and industrial production growth rates.
Supply
Methanol industry supply improved in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter of 2018. In China, natural gas-based methanol production was impacted due to natural gas supply restrictions. The majority of future large-scale capacity additions are expected to be in North America and the Middle East. Yuhuang Chemical is progressing plans to complete a 1.7 million tonne plant in St. James Parish, Louisiana. There are a number of other projects under discussion in North America; however, we believe that there has been limited committed capital to date. There are other projects under construction in Iran that we continue to monitor. The start-up timing and future operating rates at those facilities will depend on various factors. Caribbean Gas Chemical Limited (CGCL) is constructing a 1.0 million tonne plant in Trinidad with announced production targeted in 2019. We anticipate that new capacity additions in China will be modest due to a continuing degree of restrictions placed by the Chinese government on new coal-based capacity additions. We expect that production from new methanol capacity in China will be consumed domestically.
Methanol Price
There was significant volatility in methanol pricing during the fourth quarter. Prices increased early in the quarter before declining later in the quarter due to concerns around global economic growth, unresolved trade tensions and a steep decline in oil prices which reduced affordability of methanol into energy applications. Our average realized price decreased in the fourth quarter to $401 per tonne from $413 per tonne in the third quarter.
Methanol pricing continued to decline leading into the first quarter of 2019 with posted prices decreasing to $442 per tonne in North America and $370 per tonne in Asia for January and €360 per tonne in Europe for the first quarter. We recently announced that February posted prices will decrease to $432 per tonne in North America and $345 per tonne in Asia. The methanol price will ultimately depend on the strength of the global economy, industry operating rates, global energy prices, new supply and demand additions and the strength of global demand.



 
Methanex Non-Discounted Regional Posted Prices 1
(US$ per tonne)
Feb 2019

Jan 2019

Dec 2018

Nov 2018

Oct 2018

North America
432

442

469

519

496

Europe 2
415

415

500

500

500

Asia Pacific
345

370

430

510

495

1    Discounts from our posted prices are offered to customers based on
various factors.
2 
€360 for Q1 2019 (Q4 2018 – €428) converted to United States dollars.

METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 11
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash flows from operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2018 were $218 million compared with $228 million for the third quarter of 2018 and $206 million for the fourth quarter of 2017. Cash flows from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $980 million compared with $780 million for the same period in 2017. The changes in cash flows from operating activities resulted from changes in the following:
($ millions)
Q4 2018
compared with
Q3 2018

Q4 2018
compared with
Q4 2017

2018
compared with
2017

Change in Adjusted EBITDA (attributable to Methanex shareholders)
$
(96
)
$
(57
)
$
233

Deduct change in Adjusted EBITDA of associate
8

9

8

Dividends received from associate
(28
)
(13
)
(22
)
Cash flows attributable to non-controlling interests
(12
)
(4
)
40

Non-cash working capital
132

90

55

Income taxes paid
(18
)
(15
)
(70
)
Share-based payments
1

6

(31
)
Other
3

(4
)
(13
)
Increase (Decrease) in cash flows from operating activities
$
(10
)
$
12

$
200


During the fourth quarter of 2018 we completed the 10% normal course issuer bid initiated in March 2018 repurchasing the maximum 6,590,095 common shares in 2018 for approximately $444 million.

During the fourth quarter of 2018 we paid a quarterly dividend of $0.33 per common share for a total of $25 million.

Total distributions to shareholders in 2018 were $550 million including quarterly dividends and share repurchases.

We operate in a highly competitive commodity industry and believe it is appropriate to maintain a strong balance sheet and financial flexibility. At December 31, 2018, our cash balance was $256 million, including $48 million of cash related to our Egypt entity consolidated on a 100% basis and $10 million of cash related to our joint venture interests in ocean going vessels consolidated on a 100% basis. We invest our cash only in highly rated instruments that have maturities of three months or less to ensure preservation of capital and appropriate liquidity.

We have a committed revolving credit facility with a syndicate of highly rated financial institutions that expires in December 2022. Refer to note 6 of the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for further discussion of the terms of the credit facility and long-term debt. We do not have any debt maturities until December 2019 other than normal course obligations for principal repayment related to our Egypt and other limited recourse debt facilities. We intend to refinance the $350 million notes due December 2019.
Capital Projects and Growth Opportunities
During the fourth quarter of 2018 we restarted our 0.8 million tonne Chile IV plant that has been idle since 2007. The Chile IV project was completed on time and on budget. Our planned capital expenditures directed towards maintenance, turnarounds and catalyst changes for operations, including our 63.1% share of Atlas and 50% of Egypt, is currently estimated to be approximately $125 million for 2019.

We continue to make good progress on a potential Geismar 3 production facility. We continue to expect to spend approximately $50 to $60 million on this project prior to reaching a final investment decision with approximately $45 million remaining to be spent in the first half of 2019. We believe that the potential Geismar 3 project would be advantaged relative to other projects being contemplated or under construction in the US Gulf.

We believe we are well positioned to meet our financial commitments, pursue our growth opportunities and deliver on our commitment to return excess cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 12
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS



ANTICIPATED CHANGES TO INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS

In 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16, Leases ("IFRS 16" or "the standard"), which eliminates the current operating/finance lease dual accounting model for lessees and replaces it with a single, on-balance sheet accounting model, similar to the current finance lease accounting. The standard replaces IAS 17, Leases ("IAS 17") and related interpretations and is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019.

IFRS 16 may be applied using a retrospective or modified retrospective approach on transition. The Company plans to transition to IFRS 16 in accordance with the modified retrospective approach and as such will not be required to restate comparative periods. Upon adoption, the incremental lease liability for leases currently classified as operating under IAS 17 will be measured at the present value of lease payments remaining in the lease term discounted using the Company’s incremental borrowing rates on the date of transition. The lease asset will be measured as if IFRS 16 was always in effect, resulting in an adjustment to retained earnings on transition.

The Company will use the following practical expedients permitted by the standard:
the use of hindsight in determining the lease term where the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease; and
the accounting of lease payments as expenses for which the underlying asset is of low dollar value.

The Company completed its transition project and quantified the impact of the new standard under the modified retrospective approach. The recognition of all leases on balance sheet will increase non-current assets by approximately $410 million and total liabilities by approximately $450 million on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position upon adoption, with the difference of $40 million recorded in retained earnings. The increase primarily relates to ocean vessels, terminal facilities and other right of use assets currently accounted for as operating leases and disclosed in the commitments and contingencies note of the Company’s consolidated annual financial statements.

In addition, the nature and timing of certain expenses related to leases previously classified as operating and presented in cost of sales and operating expenses will now change and be presented in depreciation and amortization and finance costs. As a result, depreciation and amortization and finance costs will increase and cost of sales and operating expenses will decrease. Overall the adoption of IFRS 16 is not expected to materially impact net income.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – SUPPLEMENTAL NON-GAAP MEASURES

In addition to providing measures prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), we present certain supplemental non-GAAP measures throughout this document. These are Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, Adjusted net income per common share, Adjusted revenue and operating income. These measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. These supplemental non-GAAP measures are provided to assist readers in determining our ability to generate cash from operations and improve the comparability of our results from one period to another. We believe these measures are useful in assessing operating performance and liquidity of the Company’s ongoing business on an overall basis. We also believe Adjusted EBITDA is frequently used by securities analysts and investors when comparing our results with those of other companies.
Adjusted EBITDA (attributable to Methanex shareholders)

Adjusted EBITDA differs from the most comparable GAAP measure, net income attributable to Methanex shareholders, because it excludes the mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, finance costs, finance income and other expenses and income taxes. Adjusted EBITDA includes an amount representing our 63.1% share of the Atlas facility and excludes the non-controlling shareholders' interests in entities which we control but do not fully own.


METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 13
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS



Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income exclude the mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation related to the impact of changes in our share price on SARs, TSARs, deferred share units, restricted share units and performance share units. The mark-to-market impact related to share-based compensation that is excluded from Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income is calculated as the difference between the grant-date value and the fair value recorded at each period-end. As share-based awards will be settled in future periods, the ultimate value of the units is unknown at the date of grant and therefore the grant-date value recognized in Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income may differ from the total settlement cost.

The following table shows a reconciliation from net income attributable to Methanex shareholders to Adjusted EBITDA:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
($ millions)
Dec 31
2018

Sep 30
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Net income (attributable to Methanex shareholders)
$
161

$
128

$
68

 
$
569

$
316

U.S. tax reform charge


37

 

37

Mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation
(87
)
29

46

 
(17
)
68

Depreciation and amortization
62

61

57

 
245

232

Finance costs
23

23

24

 
94

95

Finance income and other expenses
(2
)
(1
)
(4
)
 
(4
)
(13
)
Income tax expense
33

43

16

 
153

59

Earnings of associate adjustment 1
10

21

17

 
69

72

Non-controlling interests adjustment 1
(3
)
(11
)
(7
)
 
(38
)
(28
)
Adjusted EBITDA (attributable to Methanex shareholders)
$
197

$
293

$
254

 
$
1,071

$
838


1 
These adjustments represent depreciation and amortization, finance costs, finance income and other expenses and income tax expense associated with our 63.1% interest in the Atlas methanol facility and the non-controlling interests.

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per Common Share

Adjusted net income and Adjusted net income per common share are non-GAAP measures because they exclude the mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation and the impact of certain items associated with specific identified events. The following table shows a reconciliation of net income attributable to Methanex shareholders to Adjusted net income and the calculation of Adjusted net income per common share:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
($ millions except number of shares and per share amounts)
Dec 31
2018

Sep 30
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Net income (attributable to Methanex shareholders)
$
161

$
128

$
68

 
$
569

$
316

U.S. tax reform charge


37

 

37

Mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation, net of tax
(71
)
24

38

 
(13
)
56

Adjusted net income
$
90

$
152

$
143

 
$
556

$
409

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (millions)
78

79

84

 
81

87

Adjusted net income per common share
$
1.15

$
1.92

$
1.70

 
$
6.86

$
4.71




METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 14
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS



Adjusted Revenue (attributable to Methanex shareholders)
Adjusted revenue differs from the most comparable GAAP measure, revenue, because it excludes revenue relating to 50% of the Egypt methanol facility that we do not own and includes an amount representing our 63.1% share of Atlas revenue. It also includes commission earned on volume marketed on a commission basis related to both the 36.9% of the Atlas methanol facility and the 50% of the Egypt methanol facility that we do not own. A reconciliation from revenue to Adjusted revenue is as follows:

Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
($ millions)
Dec 31
2018

Sep 30
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Revenue
$
977

$
1,044

$
861

 
$
3,932

$
3,061

Methanex share of Atlas revenue 1
81

86

91

 
355

347

Non-controlling interests' share of revenue 1
(49
)
(62
)
(46
)
 
(250
)
(175
)
Other adjustments
(1
)
(1
)
(2
)
 
(4
)
(6
)
Adjusted revenue (attributable to Methanex shareholders)
$
1,008

$
1,067

$
904

 
$
4,033

$
3,227


1 
Excludes intercompany transactions with the Company.
Operating Income

Operating income is reconciled directly to a GAAP measure in our consolidated statements of income.
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

Our operations consist of a single operating segment - the production and sale of methanol. Quarterly results vary due to the average realized price of methanol, sales volume and total cash costs. A summary of selected financial information is as follows:

 
Three Months Ended
($ millions except per share amounts)
Dec 31
2018

Sep 30
2018

Jun 30
2018

Mar 31
2018

Revenue
$
977

$
1,044

$
950

$
962

Adjusted EBITDA
197

293

275

306

Net income (attributable to Methanex shareholders)
161

128

111

169

Adjusted net income
90

152

143

171

Basic net income per common share
2.07

1.62

1.36

2.02

Diluted net income per common share
1.68

1.61

1.36

2.00

Adjusted net income per common share  
1.15

1.92

1.75

2.03


 
Three Months Ended
($ millions except per share amounts)
Dec 31
2017

Sep 30
2017

Jun 30
2017

Mar 31
2017

Revenue
$
861

$
720

$
669

$
810

Adjusted EBITDA
254

143

174

267

Net income (attributable to Methanex shareholders)
68

32

84

132

Adjusted net income
143

52

74

140

Basic net income per common share
0.81

0.38

0.96

1.47

Diluted net income per common share
0.81

0.38

0.89

1.46

Adjusted net income per common share
1.70

0.60

0.85

1.56


METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 15
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS



HOW WE ANALYZE OUR BUSINESS

Our operations consist of a single operating segment - the production and sale of methanol. We review our financial results by analyzing changes in the components of Adjusted EBITDA, mark-to-market impact of share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, finance costs, finance income and other expenses and income taxes.

The Company has used the terms Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, Adjusted net income per common share, Adjusted revenue and operating income throughout this document. These items are non-GAAP measures that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Refer to Additional Information - Supplemental Non-GAAP Measures section on page 13 of the MD&A for a description of each non-GAAP measure and reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures.

In addition to the methanol that we produce at our facilities, we also purchase and re-sell methanol produced by others and we sell methanol on a commission basis. We analyze the results of all methanol sales together, excluding commission sales volume. The key drivers of changes in Adjusted EBITDA are average realized price, cash costs and sales volume, which are defined and calculated as follows:
PRICE
The change in Adjusted EBITDA as a result of changes in average realized price is calculated as the difference from period to period in the selling price of methanol multiplied by the current period total methanol sales volume, excluding commission sales volume and Tolling Volume, plus the difference from period to period in commission revenue.
 
CASH 
COSTS
The change in Adjusted EBITDA as a result of changes in cash costs is calculated as the difference from period to period in cash costs per tonne multiplied by the current period total methanol sales volume, excluding commission sales volume and Tolling Volume in the current period. The cash costs per tonne is the weighted average of the cash cost per tonne of Methanex-produced methanol and the cash cost per tonne of purchased methanol. The cash cost per tonne of Methanex-produced methanol includes absorbed fixed cash costs per tonne and variable cash costs per tonne. The cash cost per tonne of purchased methanol consists principally of the cost of methanol itself. In addition, the change in Adjusted EBITDA as a result of changes in cash costs includes the changes from period to period in unabsorbed fixed production costs, consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses and fixed storage and handling costs.
 
SALES VOLUME
The change in Adjusted EBITDA as a result of changes in sales volume is calculated as the difference from period to period in total methanol sales volume, excluding commission sales volume and Tolling Volume, multiplied by the margin per tonne for the prior period. The margin per tonne for the prior period is the weighted average margin per tonne of Methanex-produced methanol and margin per tonne of purchased methanol. The margin per tonne for Methanex-produced methanol is calculated as the selling price per tonne of methanol less absorbed fixed cash costs per tonne and variable cash costs per tonne. The margin per tonne for purchased methanol is calculated as the selling price per tonne of methanol less the cost of purchased methanol per tonne.
 

We own 63.1% of the Atlas methanol facility and market the remaining 36.9% of its production through a commission offtake agreement. A contractual agreement between us and our partners establishes joint control over Atlas. As a result, we account for this investment using the equity method of accounting, which results in 63.1% of the net assets and net earnings of Atlas being presented separately in the consolidated statements of financial position and consolidated statements of income (loss), respectively. For purposes of analyzing our business, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, Adjusted net income per common share and Adjusted revenue include an amount representing our 63.1% equity share in Atlas. Our analysis of depreciation and amortization, finance costs, finance income and other expenses and income taxes is consistent with the presentation of our consolidated statements of income and excludes amounts related to Atlas.

We own 50% of the 1.26 million tonne per year Egypt methanol facility and market the remaining 50% of its production through a commission offtake agreement. We account for this investment using consolidation accounting, which results in 100% of the revenues and expenses being included in our financial statements. We also consolidate less than wholly-owned entities for which we have a controlling interest. Non-controlling interests are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and represent the non-controlling shareholders’ interests in the Egypt methanol facility and any entity where we have control. For purposes of analyzing our business, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, Adjusted net income per common share and Adjusted revenue exclude the amounts associated with non-controlling interests.

METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 16
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS



FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION WARNING

This Fourth Quarter 2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") as well as comments made during the Fourth Quarter 2018 investor conference call contain forward-looking statements with respect to us and our industry. These statements relate to future events or our future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Statements that include the words "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "potential," "estimates," "anticipates," "aim," "goal" or other comparable terminology and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements.

More particularly and without limitation, any statements regarding the following are forward-looking statements:

expected demand for methanol and its derivatives,
expected new methanol supply or restart of idled capacity and timing for start-up of the same,
expected shutdowns (either temporary or permanent) or restarts of existing methanol supply (including our own facilities), including, without limitation, the timing and length of planned maintenance outages,
expected methanol and energy prices,
expected levels of methanol purchases from traders or other third parties,
expected levels, timing and availability of economically priced natural gas supply to each of our plants,
capital committed by third parties towards future natural gas exploration and development in the vicinity of our plants,
our expected capital expenditures,
anticipated operating rates of our plants,
expected operating costs, including natural gas feedstock costs and logistics costs,
expected tax rates or resolutions to tax disputes,
expected cash flows, earnings capability and share price,
availability of committed credit facilities and other financing,
 

our ability to meet covenants or obtain or continue to obtain waivers associated with our long-term debt obligations, including, without limitation, the Egypt limited recourse debt facilities that have conditions associated with the payment of cash or other distributions and the finalization of certain land title registrations and related mortgages which require actions by Egyptian governmental entities,
expected impact on our results of operations in Egypt or our financial condition as a consequence of civil unrest or actions taken or inaction by Egyptian governmental entities,
our shareholder distribution strategy and anticipated distributions to shareholders,
commercial viability and timing of, or our ability to execute future projects, plant restarts, capacity expansions, plant relocations or other business initiatives or opportunities,
our financial strength and ability to meet future financial commitments,
expected global or regional economic activity (including industrial production levels),
expected outcomes of litigation or other disputes, claims and assessments, and
expected actions of governments, governmental agencies, gas suppliers, courts, tribunals or other third parties.

We believe that we have a reasonable basis for making such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this document are based on our experience, our perception of trends, current conditions and expected future developments as well as other factors. Certain material factors or assumptions were applied in drawing the conclusions or making the forecasts or projections that are included in these forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, future expectations and assumptions concerning the following:

the supply of, demand for and price of methanol, methanol derivatives, natural gas, coal, oil and oil derivatives,
 
our ability to procure natural gas feedstock on commercially acceptable terms,
operating rates of our facilities,

METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 17
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS



receipt or issuance of third-party consents or approvals, including, without limitation, governmental registrations of land title and related mortgages in Egypt and governmental approvals related to rights to purchase natural gas,
the establishment of new fuel standards,
operating costs, including natural gas feedstock and logistics costs, capital costs, tax rates, cash flows, foreign exchange rates and interest rates,
the availability of committed credit facilities and other financing,
 
global and regional economic activity (including industrial production levels),
absence of a material negative impact from major natural disasters,
absence of a material negative impact from changes in laws or regulations,
absence of a material negative impact from political instability in the countries in which we operate, and
enforcement of contractual arrangements and ability to perform contractual obligations by customers, natural gas and other suppliers and other third parties.

However, forward-looking statements, by their nature, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties primarily include those attendant with producing and marketing methanol and successfully carrying out major capital expenditure projects in various jurisdictions, including, without limitation:

conditions in the methanol and other industries including fluctuations in the supply, demand and price for methanol and its derivatives, including demand for methanol for energy uses,
the price of natural gas, coal, oil and oil derivatives,
our ability to obtain natural gas feedstock on commercially acceptable terms to underpin current operations and future production growth opportunities,
the ability to carry out corporate initiatives and strategies,
actions of competitors, suppliers and financial institutions,
conditions within the natural gas delivery systems that may prevent delivery of our natural gas supply requirements,

 
competing demand for natural gas, especially with respect to domestic needs for gas and electricity in Chile and Egypt,
actions of governments and governmental authorities, including, without limitation, implementation of policies or other measures that could impact the supply of or demand for methanol or its derivatives,
changes in laws or regulations,
import or export restrictions, anti-dumping measures, increases in duties, taxes and government royalties and other actions by governments that may adversely affect our operations or existing contractual arrangements,
world-wide economic conditions, and
other risks described in our 2017 Annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis and this Fourth Quarter 2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

Having in mind these and other factors, investors and other readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. They are not a substitute for the exercise of one’s own due diligence and judgment. The outcomes implied by forward-looking statements may not occur and we do not undertake to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws.


METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 18
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS




Methanex Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
(thousands of U.S. dollars, except number of common shares and per share amounts)

 
Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Revenue
$
976,551

$
861,433

 
$
3,931,847

$
3,060,642

Cost of sales and operating expenses
(700,944
)
(665,734
)
 
(2,856,920
)
(2,351,949
)
Depreciation and amortization
(62,030
)
(57,315
)
 
(245,303
)
(232,225
)
Operating income
213,577

138,384

 
829,624

476,468

Earnings of associate (note 5)
17,859

18,351

 
72,001

75,995

Finance costs
(23,378
)
(23,460
)
 
(94,416
)
(94,955
)
Finance income and other expenses
1,712

3,935

 
4,266

13,377

Income before income taxes
209,770

137,210

 
811,475

470,885

Income tax expense:
 
 
 
 
 
Current
(12,874
)
(33,106
)
 
(91,027
)
(85,504
)
Deferred
(19,580
)
(19,207
)
 
(62,464
)
(10,284
)
 
(32,454
)
(52,313
)
 
(153,491
)
(95,788
)
Net income
$
177,316

$
84,897

 
$
657,984

$
375,097

Attributable to:
 
 
 
 
 
Methanex Corporation shareholders
$
160,876

$
68,039

 
$
568,982

$
316,135

Non-controlling interests
16,440

16,858

 
89,002

58,962

 
$
177,316

$
84,897

 
$
657,984

$
375,097

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income per common share for the period attributable to Methanex Corporation shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income per common share
$
2.07

$
0.81

 
$
7.07

$
3.64

Diluted net income per common share (note 7)
$
1.68

$
0.81

 
$
6.92

$
3.64

 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (note 7)
77,689,813

83,933,916

 
80,494,302

86,768,589

Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding (note 7)
78,010,566

83,989,044

 
80,889,525

86,824,948


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated interim financial statements.


METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 1
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)



Methanex Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)
(thousands of U.S. dollars)

 
Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Net income
$
177,316

$
84,897

 
$
657,984

$
375,097

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
Items that may be reclassified to income:
 
 
 
 
 
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges (note 10)
2,864

21,719

 
362

(74,790
)
Forward element excluded from hedging relationships (note 10)
(1,585
)
(26,235
)
 
(14,874
)
45,416

Items that will not be reclassified to income:
 
 
 
 
 
Actuarial gains (losses) on defined benefit pension plans
(2,328
)
564

 
(1,483
)
564

Taxes on above items
547

(7,520
)
 
3,980

674

 
(502
)
(11,472
)
 
(12,015
)
(28,136
)
Comprehensive income
$
176,814

$
73,425

 
$
645,969

$
346,961

Attributable to:
 
 
 
 
 
Methanex Corporation shareholders
$
160,374

$
56,567

 
$
556,967

$
287,999

Non-controlling interests
16,440

16,858

 
89,002

58,962

 
$
176,814

$
73,425

 
$
645,969

$
346,961


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 2
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)



Methanex Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (unaudited)
(thousands of U.S. dollars)

AS AT
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

ASSETS
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
256,077

$
375,479

Trade and other receivables
514,568

536,636

Inventories (note 2)
387,959

304,464

Prepaid expenses
32,541

26,548

Other assets (note 3)
60,931


 
1,252,076

1,243,127

Non-current assets:
 
 
Property, plant and equipment (note 4)
3,025,095

2,998,326

Investment in associate (note 5)
197,821

188,922

Deferred income tax assets
59,532

102,341

Other assets (note 3)
74,475

78,026

 
3,356,923

3,367,615

 
$
4,608,999

$
4,610,742

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
Trade, other payables and accrued liabilities
$
617,414

$
626,817

Current maturities on long-term debt (note 6)
383,793

55,905

Current maturities on other long-term liabilities
46,146

65,226

 
1,047,353

747,948

Non-current liabilities:
 
 
Long-term debt (note 6)
1,074,493

1,446,366

Other long-term liabilities
398,098

404,885

Deferred income tax liabilities
281,214

266,432

 
1,753,805

2,117,683

Equity:
 
 
Capital stock
446,544

480,331

Contributed surplus
1,597

2,124

Retained earnings
1,145,476

1,088,150

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(82,404
)
(69,841
)
Shareholders' equity
1,511,213

1,500,764

Non-controlling interests
296,628

244,347

Total equity
1,807,841

1,745,111

 
$
4,608,999

$
4,610,742


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated interim financial statements.


METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)



Methanex Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (unaudited)
(thousands of U.S. dollars, except number of common shares)

 
Number of
Common
Shares

Capital
Stock

Contributed
Surplus

Retained
Earnings

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

Shareholders
Equity

Non-
Controlling
Interests

Total
Equity

Balance, December 31, 2016
89,824,338

$511,465
$2,568
$1,124,104
$(41,302)
1,596,835

$208,515
$1,805,350
Net income



316,135


316,135

58,962

375,097

Other comprehensive income (loss)



403

(28,539)
(28,136
)

(28,136
)
Compensation expense recorded for stock options


488



488


488

Issue of shares on exercise of stock options
98,274

3,059




3,059


3,059

Reclassification of grant date fair value on exercise of stock options

932

(932
)





Payments for repurchase of shares
(6,152,358
)
(35,125
)

(250,995
)

(286,120
)

(286,120
)
Dividend payments to Methanex Corporation shareholders



(101,497
)

(101,497
)

(101,497
)
Distributions made and accrued to non-controlling interests






(31,300
)
(31,300
)
Equity contributions by non-controlling interests






8,170

8,170

Balance, December 31, 2017
83,770,254

$480,331
$2,124
$1,088,150
$(69,841)
1,500,764

$244,347
$1,745,111
Net income



568,982


568,982

89,002

657,984

Other comprehensive income (loss)



548

(12,563)
(12,015
)

(12,015
)
Compensation expense recorded for stock options


362



362


362

Issue of shares on exercise of stock options
83,114

3,210




3,210


3,210

Reclassification of grant date fair value on exercise of stock options

889

(889
)





Payment for shares repurchased
(6,590,095
)
(37,886
)

(406,528
)

(444,414
)

(444,414
)
Dividend payments to Methanex Corporation shareholders



(105,676
)

(105,676
)

(105,676
)
Distributions made and accrued to non-controlling interests






(36,721
)
(36,721
)
Balance, December 31, 2018
77,263,273

$446,544
$1,597
$1,145,476
$(82,404)
$1,511,213

$296,628
$1,807,841

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated interim financial statements.


METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 4
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)



Methanex Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
(thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

CASH FLOWS FROM / (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
177,316

$
84,897

 
$
657,984

$
375,097

Deduct earnings of associate
(17,859
)
(18,351
)
 
(72,001
)
(75,995
)
Dividends received from associate

12,619

 
63,102

84,553

Add (deduct) non-cash items:
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
62,030

57,315

 
245,303

232,225

Income tax expense
32,454

52,313

 
153,491

95,788

Share-based compensation expense
(86,082
)
48,321

 
(6,289
)
78,821

Finance costs
23,378

23,460

 
94,416

94,955

Other
4,528

148

 
3,681

4,034

Income taxes paid
(32,753
)
(17,661
)
 
(106,035
)
(35,890
)
Other cash payments, including share-based compensation
(10,791
)
(13,350
)
 
(59,444
)
(24,000
)
Cash flows from operating activities before undernoted
152,221

229,711

 
974,208

829,588

Changes in non-cash working capital (note 9)
65,581

(23,689
)
 
5,998

(49,368
)
 
217,802

206,022

 
980,206

780,220

 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM / (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Payments for repurchase of shares
(78,714
)
(54,288
)
 
(444,414
)
(286,120
)
Dividend payments to Methanex Corporation shareholders
(25,497
)
(25,131
)
 
(105,676
)
(101,497
)
Interest paid
(29,359
)
(28,134
)
 
(90,008
)
(86,041
)
Repayment of long-term debt and financing fees
(1,532
)
(5,087
)
 
(213,622
)
(56,997
)
Finance leases
(2,061
)
(1,777
)
 
(8,293
)
(6,880
)
Restricted cash for debt service accounts
9,832


 
3,804

7,522

Equity contributions by non-controlling interests

8,170

 

8,170

Distributions to non-controlling interests
(30,350
)
(1,250
)
 
(104,258
)
(4,330
)
Proceeds on issue of shares on exercise of stock options
257

667

 
3,210

3,059

Proceeds from other limited recourse debt


 
166,000


Restricted cash for distribution to non-controlling interests
7,000


 


Changes in non-cash working capital related to financing activities (note 9)
(4,000
)
(5,388
)
 


 
(154,424
)
(112,218
)
 
(793,257
)
(523,114
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM / (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment
(71,629
)
(21,468
)
 
(244,476
)
(103,170
)
Restricted cash for vessels under construction
2,135



(60,931
)

Changes in non-cash working capital related to investing activities (note 9)
1,506

(4,317
)
 
(944
)
(2,347
)
 
(67,988
)
(25,785
)
 
(306,351
)
(105,517
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(4,610
)
68,019

 
(119,402
)
151,589

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
260,687

307,460

 
375,479

223,890

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
256,077

$
375,479

 
$
256,077

$
375,479


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated interim financial statements.


METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 5
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)



Methanex Corporation
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (unaudited)
Except where otherwise noted, tabular dollar amounts are stated in thousands of U.S. dollars.
1.
Basis of presentation:

Methanex Corporation ("the Company") is an incorporated entity with corporate offices in Vancouver, Canada. The Company’s operations consist of the production and sale of methanol, a commodity chemical. The Company is the world’s largest producer and supplier of methanol to the major international markets of Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and South America.

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards ("IAS") 34, Interim Financial Reporting, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") on a basis consistent with those followed in the most recent annual consolidated financial statements except for the adoption of IFRS 15 as described in our condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements do not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements and were approved and authorized for issue by the Audit, Finance & Risk Committee of the Board of Directors on January 30, 2019.

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017.

In 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16, Leases ("IFRS 16" or "the standard"), which eliminates the current operating/finance lease dual accounting model for lessees and replaces it with a single, on-balance sheet accounting model, similar to the current finance lease accounting. The standard replaces IAS 17, Leases ("IAS 17") and related interpretations and is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019.

IFRS 16 may be applied using a retrospective or modified retrospective approach on transition. The Company plans to transition to IFRS 16 in accordance with the modified retrospective approach and as such will not be required to restate comparative periods. Upon adoption, the incremental lease liability for leases currently classified as operating under IAS 17 will be measured at the present value of lease payments remaining in the lease term discounted using the Company’s incremental borrowing rates on the date of transition. The lease asset will be measured as if IFRS 16 was always in effect, resulting in an adjustment to retained earnings on transition.

The Company will use the following practical expedients permitted by the standard:
the use of hindsight in determining the lease term where the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease; and
the accounting of lease payments as expenses for which the underlying asset is of low dollar value.

The Company completed its transition project and quantified the impact of the new standard under the modified retrospective approach. The recognition of all leases on balance sheet will increase non-current assets by approximately $410 million and total liabilities by approximately $450 million on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position upon adoption, with the difference of $40 million recorded in retained earnings. The increase primarily relates to ocean vessels, terminal facilities and other right of use assets currently accounted for as operating leases and disclosed in the commitments and contingencies note of the Company’s consolidated annual financial statements.

In addition, the nature and timing of certain expenses related to leases previously classified as operating and presented in cost of sales and operating expenses will now change and be presented in depreciation and amortization and finance costs.


METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 6
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


As a result, depreciation and amortization and finance costs will increase and cost of sales and operating expenses will decrease. Overall the adoption of IFRS 16 is not expected to materially impact net income.
2.
Inventories:

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in first-out basis, and estimated net realizable value. The amount of inventories recognized as an expense in cost of sales and operating expenses and depreciation and amortization for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018 is $736 million (2017 - $632 million) and $2,758 million (2017 - $2,219 million), respectively.
3.
Other assets:

As at December 31, 2018, the Company holds $66.5 million (2017 - nil) in short-term, highly liquid investments held under restricted terms, of which $60.9 million (2017 - nil) has been recorded as current as it is expected to be spent within one year. Use of the funds is restricted for the construction of certain vessels and funding of a debt service account.
4.
Property, plant and equipment:
 
Buildings, Plant
Installations &
Machinery

 Finance Leases

Other

Total

Cost at December 31, 2018
$
4,715,767

$
217,810

$
354,852

$
5,288,429

Accumulated depreciation at December 31, 2018
2,048,137

49,569

165,628

2,263,334

Net book value at December 31, 2018
$
2,667,630

$
168,241

$
189,224

$
3,025,095

Cost at December 31, 2017
$
4,648,924

$
215,773

$
275,493

$
5,140,190

Accumulated depreciation at December 31, 2017
1,956,317

33,927

151,620

2,141,864

Net book value at December 31, 2017
$
2,692,607

$
181,846

$
123,873

$
2,998,326

5.
Interest in Atlas joint venture:

a)
The Company has a 63.1% equity interest in Atlas Methanol Company Unlimited ("Atlas"). Atlas owns a 1.8 million tonne per year methanol production facility in Trinidad. The Company accounts for its interest in Atlas using the equity method. Summarized financial information of Atlas (100% basis) is as follows:
Statements of financial position
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Cash and cash equivalents
$
9,367

$
8,361

Other current assets
104,742

79,738

Non-current assets
255,822

289,671

Current liabilities
(32,022
)
(41,388
)
Other long-term liabilities, including current maturities
(145,359
)
(157,935
)
Net assets at 100%
$
192,550

$
178,447

Net assets at 63.1%
$
121,499

$
112,600

Long-term receivable from Atlas
76,322

76,322

Investment in associate
$
197,821

$
188,922




METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 7
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS



 
Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
Statements of income
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Revenue
$
158,556

$
105,518

 
$
512,214

$
459,367

Cost of sales and depreciation and amortization
(111,175
)
(57,746
)
 
(322,325
)
(261,121
)
Operating income
47,381

47,772

 
189,889

198,246

Finance costs, finance income and other expenses
(2,541
)
(2,717
)
 
(10,841
)
(11,170
)
Income tax expense
(16,537
)
(15,973
)
 
(64,942
)
(66,640
)
Net earnings at 100%
$
28,303

$
29,082

 
$
114,106

$
120,436

Earnings of associate at 63.1%
$
17,859

$
18,351

 
$
72,001

$
75,995

 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends received from associate
$

$
12,619

 
$
63,102

$
84,553

b)
Contingent liability:

The Board of Inland Revenue of Trinidad and Tobago has issued assessments against Atlas in respect of the 2005 to 2012 financial years. All subsequent tax years remain open to assessment. The assessments relate to the pricing arrangements of certain long-term fixed price sales contracts from 2005 to 2019 related to methanol produced by Atlas. Atlas had partial relief from corporation income tax until late July 2014.

The Company has lodged objections to the assessments. Based on the merits of the cases and legal interpretation, management believes its position should be sustained.
6.
Long-term debt:
As at
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Unsecured notes
 
 
$350 million at 3.25% due December 15, 2019
$
349,026

$
348,060

$250 million at 5.25% due March 1, 2022
248,480

248,072

$300 million at 4.25% due December 1, 2024
297,232

296,873

$300 million at 5.65% due December 1, 2044
295,238

295,158

 
1,189,976

1,188,163

Egypt limited recourse debt facilities
101,226

241,190

Other limited recourse debt facilities
167,084

72,918

Total long-term debt 1
1,458,286

1,502,271

Less current maturities 1
(383,793
)
(55,905
)
 
$
1,074,493

$
1,446,366

1 
Long-term debt and current maturities are presented net of deferred financing fees.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Company made repayments of $1.5 million on its other limited recourse debt facilities. Other limited recourse debt facilities relate to financing for certain of our ocean going vessels which we own through less than wholly-owned entities under the Company's control.


METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 8
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)



The Company maintains a $300 million committed revolving credit facility with a syndicate of highly rated financial institutions that expires in December 2022. Significant covenant and default provisions of the facility include:
a) the obligation to maintain an EBITDA to interest coverage ratio of greater than 2:1 calculated on a four-quarter trailing basis and a debt to capitalization ratio of less than or equal to 55%, both ratios calculated in accordance with definitions in the credit agreement that include adjustments to the limited recourse subsidiaries,
b) a default if payment is accelerated by a creditor on any indebtedness of $50 million or more of the Company and its subsidiaries, except for the limited recourse subsidiaries, and
c) a default if a default occurs that permits a creditor to demand repayment on any other indebtedness of $50 million or more of the Company and its subsidiaries, except for the limited recourse subsidiaries.

The limited recourse debt facilities are described as limited recourse as they are secured only by the assets of the entity that carries the debt. Accordingly, the lenders to the limited recourse debt facilities have no recourse to the Company or its other subsidiaries.

The Egypt limited recourse debt facilities have covenants and default provisions that apply only to the Egypt entity, including restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness and a requirement to fulfill certain conditions before the payment of cash or other shareholder distributions. Under amended terms reached in 2017, shareholder distributions are permitted if the average gas deliveries over the prior 12 months are greater than 70% of gas nominations.

The Egypt limited recourse debt facilities contain a covenant, to complete by March 31, 2019, a mortgage that requires registration by Egyptian Notary Public entities and which the Company does not expect to complete by March 31, 2019. The Company is seeking a waiver from the lenders. The Company does not believe that the finalization of this mortgage is material. Whilst this covenant has been waived multiple times by the lenders in past years, and its circumstances have not materially changed, the Company cannot provide assurance that we will be able to obtain a waiver from the lenders.

Failure to comply with any of the covenants or default provisions of the long-term debt facilities described above could result in a default under the applicable credit agreement that would allow the lenders to not fund future loan requests, accelerate the due date of the principal and accrued interest on any outstanding loans or restrict the payment of cash or other distributions.

As at December 31, 2018, management believes the Company was in compliance with all significant terms and default provisions related to long-term debt obligations.
7.
Net income per common share:

Diluted net income per common share is calculated by considering the potential dilution that would occur if outstanding stock options and, under certain circumstances, tandem share appreciation rights ("TSARs") were exercised or converted to common shares.

Outstanding TSARs may be settled in cash or common shares at the holder’s option and for purposes of calculating diluted net income per common share, the more dilutive of the cash-settled and equity-settled method is used, regardless of how the plan is accounted for. Accordingly, TSARs that are accounted for using the cash-settled method will require adjustments to the numerator and denominator if the equity-settled method is determined to have a dilutive effect on diluted net income per common share as compared to the cash-settled method. The equity-settled method was more dilutive for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018, and an adjustment was required for both the numerator and the denominator. For the three months and year ended December 31, 2017 the cash-settled method was more dilutive and no adjustment was required for the numerator or the denominator.



METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 9
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


Stock options and, if calculated using the equity-settled method, TSARs are considered dilutive when the average market price of the Company’s common shares during the period disclosed exceeds the exercise price of the stock option or TSAR. For the three months and years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, stock options were considered dilutive, resulting in an adjustment to the denominator in both periods.
A reconciliation of the numerator used for the purposes of calculating diluted net income per common share is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Numerator for basic net income per common share
160,876

68,039

 
568,982

316,135

Adjustment for the effect of TSARs:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash-settled recovery included in net income
(29,396
)

 
(4,314
)

Equity-settled expense
(577
)

 
(4,769
)

Numerator for basic and diluted net income per common share
130,903

68,039

 
559,899

316,135

A reconciliation of the denominator used for the purposes of calculating diluted net income per common share is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Denominator for basic net income per common share
77,689,813

83,933,916

 
80,494,302

86,768,589

Effect of dilutive stock options
45,642

55,128

 
67,631

56,359

Effect of dilutive TSARS
275,111



327,592


Denominator for diluted net income per common share
78,010,566

83,989,044

 
80,889,525

86,824,948

8.
Share-based compensation:

a)
Share appreciation rights ("SARs"), TSARs and stock options:

(i)
Outstanding units:

Information regarding units outstanding at December 31, 2018 is as follows:
 
SARs
 
TSARs
(per share amounts in USD)
Number of Units

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 
Number of Units

Weighted Average Exercise Price

Outstanding at December 31, 2017
1,450,077

$
45.11

 
2,043,495

$
46.62

Granted
141,300

55.28

 
317,900

54.65

Exercised
(560,280
)
37.92

 
(874,774
)
41.52

Cancelled
(16,582
)
53.12

 
(8,267
)
47.25

Expired
(7,981
)
28.74

 


Outstanding at September 30, 2018
1,006,534

$
50.54

 
1,478,354

$
51.36

Granted


 
12,500

73.65

Exercised
(109,651
)
44.52

 
(43,553
)
61.76

Outstanding at December 31, 2018
896,883

$
51.27

 
1,447,301

$
51.24




METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 10
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


 
Stock Options
(per share amounts in USD)
Number of Units

Weighted Average Exercise Price

Outstanding at December 31, 2017
262,535

$45.09
Granted
21,900

54.65

Exercised
(75,014
)
39.66

Cancelled
(3,100
)
57.26

Outstanding at September 30, 2018
206,321

$
47.89

Exercised
(8,100
)
31.73

Outstanding at December 31, 2018
198,221

$48.55

 
Units Outstanding at December 31, 2018
 
Units Exercisable at December 31, 2018
Range of Exercise Prices
(per share amounts in USD)
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)

Number
of Units
Outstanding

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 
Number of Units
Exercisable

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

SARs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
$25.97 to $35.51
3.96

221,309

$34.40
 
105,955

$34.19
$38.24 to $50.17
3.95

205,951

46.52


99,000

42.59

$54.65 to $78.59
3.73

469,623

61.31

 
330,923

63.83

 
3.84

896,883

$51.27
 
535,878

$54.04
TSARs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
$25.97 to $35.51
3.99

347,839

$34.47
 
161,261

$34.32
$38.24 to $50.17
4.41

386,253

47.88


161,902

44.72

$54.65 to $78.59
4.23

713,209

61.24

 
386,109

66.20

 
4.22

1,447,301

$51.24
 
709,272

$54.05
Stock options:
 
 
 
 
 
 
$25.97 to $35.51
3.98

56,467

$34.45
 
35,831

$34.37
$38.24 to $50.17
3.01

57,754

43.70


39,351

40.67

$54.65 to $78.59
3.61

84,000

61.37

 
62,100

63.74

 
3.54

198,221

$48.55
 
137,282

$49.46

(ii)
Compensation expense related to SARs and TSARs:

Compensation expense for SARs and TSARs is measured based on their fair value and is recognized over the vesting period. Changes in fair value each period are recognized in net income for the proportion of the service that has been rendered at each reporting date. The fair value at December 31, 2018 was $18.9 million compared with the recorded liability of $17.3 million. The difference between the fair value and the recorded liability of $1.6 million will be recognized over the weighted average remaining vesting period of approximately 1.6 years. The weighted average fair value was estimated at December 31, 2018 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2018, compensation expense related to SARs and TSARs included a recovery in cost of sales and operating expenses of $48.4 million (2017 - expense of $28.7 million) and $1.2 million (2017 - expense of $45.1 million), respectively. This included a recovery of $49.3 million (2017 - expense of $26.7 million) and $7.8 million (2017 - expense of $37.8 million), respectively, related to the effect of the change in the Company’s share price for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018.



METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 11
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


(iii)
Compensation expense related to stock options:

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2018, compensation expense related to stock options included in cost of sales and operating expenses was $0.1 million (2017 - $0.1 million) and $0.4 million (2017 - $0.5 million), respectively. The fair value of each stock option grant was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

b)
Deferred, restricted and performance share units:

Deferred, restricted and performance share units outstanding at December 31, 2018 are as follows:
 
Number of Deferred
Share Units

Number of Restricted
Share Units

Number of Performance
Share Units

Outstanding at December 31, 2017
224,846

20,455

604,895

Granted
7,175

8,700

149,200

Performance factor impact on redemption 1


(127,733
)
Granted in-lieu of dividends
3,075

432

8,520

Redeemed
(28,001
)

(42,577
)
Cancelled


(16,107
)
Outstanding at September 30, 2018
207,095

29,587

576,198

Granted
577



Granted in-lieu of dividends
1,420

113

3,783

Redeemed

(12,339
)

Cancelled


(203
)
Outstanding at December 31, 2018
209,092

17,361

579,778

1 
Performance share units have a feature where the ultimate number of units that vest are adjusted by a performance factor of the original grant as determined by the Company’s total shareholder return in relation to a predetermined target over the period to vesting. These units relate to performance share units redeemed in the quarter ended March 31, 2018.

Compensation expense for deferred, restricted and performance share units is measured at fair value based on the market value of the Company’s common shares and is recognized over the vesting period. Changes in fair value are recognized in net income for the proportion of the service that has been rendered at each reporting date. The fair value of deferred, restricted and performance share units at December 31, 2018 was $36.6 million compared with the recorded liability of $35.3 million. The difference between the fair value and the recorded liability of $1.3 million will be recognized over the weighted average remaining vesting period of approximately 1.4 years.

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2018, compensation expense related to deferred, restricted and performance share units included in cost of sales and operating expenses was a recovery of $37.2 million (2017 - expense of $19.3 million) and $5.1 million (2017 - expense of $33.0 million), respectively. This included a recovery of $37.8 million (2017 - expense of $18.8 million) and $8.9 million (2017 - expense of $29.9 million), respectively, related to the effect of the change in the Company’s share price for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018.


METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 12
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


9.
Changes in non-cash working capital:

Changes in non-cash working capital for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Years Ended
 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

 
Dec 31
2018

Dec 31
2017

Changes in non-cash working capital:
 
 
 
 
 
Trade and other receivables
$
84,513

$
(20,911
)
 
$
22,068

$
(37,033
)
Inventories
(65,498
)
(3,488
)
 
(83,495
)
(23,136
)
Prepaid expenses
4,658

2,827

 
(5,993
)
(5,702
)
Trade, other payables and accrued liabilities
(4,601
)
2,167

 
(9,403
)
103,601

 
19,072

(19,405
)
 
(76,823
)
37,730

Adjustments for items not having a cash effect and working capital changes relating to taxes and interest paid
44,015

(13,989
)
 
81,877

(89,445
)
Changes in non-cash working capital having a cash effect
$
63,087

$
(33,394
)
 
$
5,054

$
(51,715
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
These changes relate to the following activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Operating
$
65,581

$
(23,689
)
 
$
5,998

$
(49,368
)
Financing
(4,000
)
(5,388
)
 


Investing
1,506

(4,317
)
 
(944
)
(2,347
)
Changes in non-cash working capital
$
63,087

$
(33,394
)
 
$
5,054

$
(51,715
)

The Company has reclassified the presentation of amounts in the comparative figures relating to accrued distributions to non-controlling interests in Changes in non-cash working capital from Operating activities to Financing activities.
10.Financial instruments:

Financial instruments are either measured at amortized cost or fair value.
In the normal course of business, the Company's assets, liabilities and forecasted transactions, as reported in U.S. dollars, are impacted by various market risks including, but not limited to, natural gas prices and currency exchange rates. The time frame and manner in which the Company manages those risks varies for each item based on the Company's assessment of the risk and the available alternatives for mitigating risks.
The Company uses derivatives as part of its risk management program to mitigate variability associated with changing market values. Changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments are recorded in earnings unless the instruments are designated as cash flow hedges. The Company designates as cash flow hedges derivative financial instruments to hedge its risk exposure to fluctuations in natural gas prices and derivative financial instruments to hedge its risk exposure to fluctuations in the euro compared to the U.S. dollar.
The fair value of derivative instruments is determined based on industry-accepted valuation models using market observable inputs and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of all of the Company's derivative contracts as presented in the consolidated statements of financial position are determined based on present values and the discount rates used are adjusted for credit risk. The effective portion of the changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges is recorded in other comprehensive income. The spot element of forward contracts in the hedging relationships is recorded in other comprehensive income as the change in fair value of cash flow hedges. The change in the fair value of the forward element of forward contracts is recorded separately in other comprehensive income as the forward element excluded from the hedging relationships.
Until settled, the fair value of the derivative financial instruments will fluctuate based on changes in commodity prices or foreign currency exchange rates.


METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 13
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


Natural gas forward contracts
The Company manages its exposure to changes in natural gas prices for a portion of its North American natural gas requirements by executing a number of fixed price forward contracts.
The Company has entered into forward contracts to manage its exposure to changes in natural gas prices for the Geismar 2 facility which it has designated as cash flow hedges. The Company has also entered into physical forward contracts to manage its exposure to changes in natural gas prices for the Medicine Hat facility over the period to 2022. The Company has designated contracts for the 2021 and 2022 periods as cash flow hedges for its highly probable forecast natural gas purchases in Medicine Hat. Other costs incurred to transport natural gas from the contracted delivery point, either Henry Hub or AECO, to the relevant production facility represent an insignificant portion of the overall underlying risk and are recognized as incurred outside of the hedging relationship.
As at December 31, 2018, the Company had outstanding forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges with a notional amount of $426 million (December 31, 2017 - $473 million) and a negative fair value of $105.7 million (December 31, 2017 - $90.2 million) included in other long-term liabilities.
Euro forward exchange contracts
The Company manages its foreign currency exposure to euro denominated sales by executing a number of forward contracts which it has designated as cash flow hedges for its highly probable forecast euro collections.
As at December 31, 2018, the Company had outstanding forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges to sell a notional amount of 45 million euros (December 31, 2017 - 109 million euros). The euro contracts had a positive fair value of $0.3 million included in current assets (December 31, 2017 - negative fair value $0.8 million included in current liabilities).
Fair value
The fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as disclosed above are determined based on Bloomberg quoted market prices and confirmations received from counterparties, which are adjusted for credit risk.
The table below shows the nominal net cash flows for derivative hedging instruments, excluding credit risk adjustments, based upon contracted settlement dates. The amounts reflect the maturity profile of the hedging instruments and are subject to change based on the prevailing market rate at each of the future settlement dates. Financial asset derivative positions are held with investment-grade counterparties and therefore the settlement day risk exposure is considered to be negligible.
 
Cash inflows (outflows) by term to maturity
 
1 year or less

1-3 years

3-5 years

More than
5 years

Total

Natural gas forward contracts
(7,006
)
(35,551
)
(40,130
)
(40,928
)
$
(123,615
)
Euro forward exchange contracts
327




$
327

The carrying values of the Company’s financial instruments approximate their fair values, except as follows:
 
December 31, 2018
As at
Carrying Value

Fair Value

Long-term debt excluding deferred financing fees
$
1,472,117

$
1,442,046


Long-term debt consists of limited recourse debt facilities and unsecured notes. There is no publicly traded market for the limited recourse debt facilities. The fair value of the limited recourse debt facilities as disclosed on a recurring basis and categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy is estimated by reference to current market rates as at the reporting date. The fair value of the unsecured notes disclosed on a recurring basis and also categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy is estimated using quoted prices and yields as at the reporting date. The fair value of the Company’s long term debt will fluctuate until maturity.


METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 14
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


Methanex Corporation
Quarterly History (unaudited)

 
2018

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

2017

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
METHANOL SALES VOLUME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(thousands of tonnes)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Methanex-produced 1
7,002

1,599

1,790

1,729

1,884

7,229

1,930

1,753

1,790

1,756

Purchased methanol
3,032

908

802

709

613

2,289

633

757

387

512

Commission sales 1
1,174

245

279

329

321

1,151

289

261

297

304

 
11,208

2,752

2,871

2,767

2,818

10,669

2,852

2,771

2,474

2,572

METHANOL PRODUCTION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(thousands of tonnes)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New Zealand
1,606

389

478

252

487

1,943

558

502

350

533

Geismar (Louisiana, USA)
2,078

527

520

518

513

1,935

506

499

437

493

Trinidad (Methanex interest)
1,702

448

353

442

459

1,768

466

457

449

396

Egypt (50% interest)
613

155

128

165

165

534

145

71

159

159

Medicine Hat (Canada)
600

160

144

143

153

593

158

158

159

118

Chile
612

206

112

128

166

414

109

78

60

167

 
7,211

1,885

1,735

1,648

1,943

7,187

1,942

1,765

1,614

1,866

AVERAGE REALIZED METHANOL PRICE 2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($/tonne)
405

401

413

405

402

337

350

307

327

365

($/gallon)
1.22

1.21

1.24

1.22

1.21

1.01

1.05

0.92

0.98

1.10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ADJUSTED EBITDA
1,071

197

293

275

306

838

254

143

174

267

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PER SHARE INFORMATION
($ per common share attributable to Methanex shareholders) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted net income
6.86

1.15

1.92

1.75

2.03

4.71

1.70

0.60

0.85

1.56

Basic net income
7.07

2.07

1.62

1.36

2.02

3.64

0.81

0.38

0.96

1.47

Diluted net income
6.92

1.68

1.61

1.36

2.00

3.64

0.81

0.38

0.89

1.46


1 
Methanex-produced methanol represents our equity share of volume produced at our facilities and excludes volume marketed on a commission basis related to the 36.9% of the Atlas facility and 50% of the Egypt facility that we do not own. Methanex-produced methanol includes any volume produced by Chile using natural gas supplied from Argentina under a tolling arrangement ("Tolling Volume"). There was no Tolling Volume produced in the fourth quarter of 2018 and 20,000 MT in the third quarter of 2018. There was no Tolling Volume in the fourth quarter of 2017.
2 
Average realized price is calculated as revenue, excluding commissions earned and the Egypt non-controlling interest share of revenue, but including an amount representing our share of Atlas revenue, divided by the total sales volume of Methanex-produced and purchased methanol, but excluding Tolling Volume.


 

METHANEX CORPORATION 2018 FOURTH QUARTER    PAGE 15
QUARTERLY HISTORY (UNAUDITED)



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
METHANEX CORPORATION
Date: January 30, 2019
By:
/s/ KEVIN PRICE
 
 
Name:
 
Kevin Price
 
 
Title:
 
General Counsel
and Corporate Secretary