News Release dated April 28, 2005
 



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 APRIL 2005

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     o   Form 40-F     þ

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     o   No     þ

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



 


 

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: April 29, 2005  By:   /s/ RANDY MILNER    
    Name:   Randy Milner   
    Title:   Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary   
 

 


 

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

For immediate release

METHANEX DELIVERS HIGHER EARNINGS AND CASH FLOWS

April 28, 2005

Methanex Corporation recorded net income of US$76.0 million (US$0.63 diluted net income per share) and generated EBITDA1 of US$134.7 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2005. This compares to net income of US$46.8 million (US$0.38 diluted net income per share) and EBITDA of US$93.4 million for the same period in 2004. In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company reported net income of US$66.1 million (US$0.54 diluted net income per share) and EBITDA of US$120.8 million.

Bruce Aitken, President and CEO of Methanex commented, “We are delighted to have produced a record quarter. The earnings and cash flows that we achieved in the first quarter are our highest in 10 years. Methanol pricing remained strong and stable in the first quarter, underpinned by tight methanol industry supply and demand fundamentals in an environment of high global energy prices. This resulted in a continuation of the very favourable business environment that Methanex enjoyed in 2004. Our average realized price for the first quarter of 2005 was US$262 per tonne compared with US$251 per tonne for the previous quarter and US$223 per tonne for the first quarter 2004. As we enter the second quarter of 2005, the methanol market remains tight, global inventories remain below normal levels and global Methanex reference prices are stable, ranging from US$302 to $316 (US$0.91 — $0.95 gallon) before discounts.”

Mr. Aitken continued, “Our fourth plant in Chile is currently in the commissioning phase and is progressing well. This plant will increase our total low cost production capability to 5.8 million tonnes per year and significantly improve our ability to generate cash throughout the methanol price cycle. We plan to be shipping methanol to our customers from the 840,000 tonne per year Chile IV plant in the second quarter.”

Mr. Aitken added, “Numerous planned and unplanned outages in the industry to date in 2005 resulted in global inventories remaining below historic norms. Looking ahead, we remain optimistic that tight market conditions and above average methanol pricing will continue in 2005. We believe that the impact of planned methanol capacity additions this year should be largely offset by further industry restructuring and increased demand.”

-more-

 


 

-continued-

Mr. Aitken concluded, “We continue to enjoy excellent financial strength and flexibility. With US$257 million cash on hand at the end of the first quarter of 2005 and a US$250 million undrawn credit facility, we have the financial capacity to complete our capital maintenance spending program, pursue new opportunities to enhance our strategic position in the methanol industry and continue to deliver on our commitment to maintain a prudent balance sheet and return excess cash to shareholders.”

A conference call is scheduled for Thursday, April 28 at 11:00 am EDT (8:00 am PDT) to review these first quarter results. To access the call, dial the Telus Conferencing operator ten minutes prior to the start of the call at (416) 883-0139, or toll free at (888) 458-1598. The security passcode for the call is 75577. A playback version of the conference call will be available for seven days at (877) 653-0545. The reservation number for the playback version is 261996. There will be a simultaneous audio-only webcast of the conference call, which can be accessed from our website at www.methanex.com.

Methanex is a Vancouver based, publicly-traded company engaged in the worldwide production and marketing of methanol. Methanex shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada under the trading symbol “MX” and on the Nasdaq National Market in the United States under the trading symbol “MEOH.”

-end-


1   For a definition of EBITDA, please refer to “Additional Information — Supplemental Non-GAAP Measure” included in this Interim Report.

For further information, contact:

Wendy Bach
Director, Investor Relations
Tel: 604.661.2600

Information in this news release and the attached management’s discussion and analysis may contain forward-looking statements. By their nature, such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. They include world-wide economic conditions, actions of competitors, the availability and cost of gas feedstock, the ability to implement business strategies and pursue business opportunities, conditions in the methanol and other industries including the supply and demand for methanol and the risks attendant with producing and marketing methanol, integrating acquisitions and realizing anticipated synergies and carrying out major capital expenditure projects. Please also refer to our publicly available documents filed from time to time with securities commissions.

 


 

     
1
  (METHANEX LOGO)
Interim Report
For the three months
ended March 31, 2005

At April 26, 2005 the Company had 118,503,092 common shares issued and outstanding and stock options exercisable for 1,196,400 additional common shares.

Share Information

Methanex Corporation’s common shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol MX and on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol MEOH.

Transfer Agents & Registrars
CIBC Mellon Trust Company
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 web site 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

First Quarter Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Except where otherwise noted, all currency amounts are stated in United States dollars.

     This first quarter 2005 Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with the 2004 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in the Methanex 2004 Annual Report. The Methanex 2004 Annual Report and additional information relating to Methanex is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

                         
    Three Months Ended  
    Mar 31     Dec 31     Mar 31  
($ millions, except where noted)   2005     2004     2004  
 
Sales volumes (thousands of tonnes)
                       
Company produced:
                       
Chile and Trinidad
    1,127       1,073       954  
Kitimat and New Zealand
    248       458       273  
 
 
    1,375       1,531       1,227  
Purchased
    296       402       535  
Commission sales1
    145       128        
 
 
    1,816       2,061       1,762  
 
                       
Average realized methanol price ($  per tonne)2
    262       251       223  
Methanex average non-discounted posted price ($  per tonne)3
    310       289       250  
Operating income
    114.7       98.9       73.3  
Net income
    76.0       66.1       46.8  
Cash flows from operating activities4
    116.0       103.5       80.6  
EBITDA5
    134.7       120.8       93.4  
Basic net income per common share
    0.63       0.55       0.39  
Diluted net income per common share
    0.63       0.54       0.38  
Number of common shares outstanding, end of period (millions of shares)
    119.5       120.0       122.1  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (millions of shares)
    120.0       120.4       121.2  
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding (millions of shares)
    121.3       122.0       123.5  
 


1   Commission sales volumes represent volumes marketed on a commission basis. Commissions earned are included in revenue.
 
2   Average realized methanol price is calculated as revenue, net of commissions earned, divided by the total sales volumes of produced and purchased methanol. Prior to 2005, in-market distribution costs were also deducted from revenue when calculating average realized methanol price for presentation in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis. The presentation of average realized methanol price for prior periods has been restated.
 
3   Represents the average of the non-discounted contract prices that we publish in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific weighted by sales volume.
 
4   Before changes in non-cash working capital.
 
5   EBITDA differs from the most comparable GAAP measure, cash flows from operating activities, primarily because it does not include changes in non-cash working capital and cash flows related to interest expense, interest and other income and income taxes. For a reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities to EBITDA, refer to “Additional Information — Supplemental Non-GAAP Measure”.

METHANEX CORPORATION 2005 FIRST QUARTER REPORT 1

 


 

Continued Strong Financial Results

Tight market conditions, high methanol prices and excellent operating performance at our plants resulted in another quarter of strong financial results for Methanex. For the first quarter of 2005 we recorded EBITDA of $134.7 million and net income of $76.0 million (diluted net income per share of $0.63). This compares with EBITDA of $120.8 million and net income of $66.1 million (diluted net income per share of $0.54) for the fourth quarter of 2004 and EBITDA of $93.4 million and net income of $46.8 million (diluted net income per share of $0.38) for the first quarter of 2004.

EBITDA

Commencing with this first quarter 2005 Management’s Discussion and Analysis, we are providing separate discussion of the change in EBITDA related to our Kitimat and New Zealand facilities. Accordingly, the price, cash cost and volume variances described below represent the change in EBITDA excluding the change related to sales of Kitimat and New Zealand produced methanol. The change in cash margin earned by our Kitimat and New Zealand facilities is presented separately. Natural gas is the primary feedstock at our methanol production facilities. Our low cost Chile and Trinidad production hubs are underpinned by long-term low cost take-or-pay natural gas purchase contracts with pricing terms that vary with methanol prices. This relationship enables these facilities to be competitive throughout the methanol price cycle and, accordingly, changes in methanol prices, sales volumes and cash costs for methanol produced at these facilities are the key drivers of changes in our EBITDA. In comparison, our facilities in Kitimat and New Zealand incur higher production costs and their operating results represent a smaller proportion of our EBITDA. We have positioned our New Zealand and Kitimat operations to be flexible and will continue to critically assess our operating plan with consideration given to prevailing market conditions and our ability to generate positive cash margins.

The change in EBITDA for the first quarter of 2005 compared with the fourth quarter of 2004 and the first quarter of 2004 resulted from the following:

                 
    Q1-2005     Q1-2005  
    compared with     compared with  
($ millions)   Q4-2004     Q1-2004  
 
Increase (decrease) related to changes in:
               
Average realized methanol price
    10       42  
Total cash cost
    6       (7 )
Sales volumes
    7       16  
Margin earned from Kitimat and New Zealand facilities
    (10 )     (8 )
Margin on the sale of purchased methanol
    1       (2 )
 
 
    14       41  
 

Average realized methanol price

Strong demand and tight supply have resulted in the continuation of a strong methanol price environment during the first quarter of 2005. This favourable price environment continues to be underpinned by high North American natural gas prices and high global energy prices. Our first quarter of 2005 average realized price1 was $262 per tonne compared with $251 per tonne for the fourth quarter of 2004 and $223 per tonne for the first quarter of 2004. The impact on EBITDA of changes in the average realized price for produced methanol is included in the above table.

The methanol industry is highly competitive and prices are affected by supply and demand fundamentals. We publish non-discounted prices for each major methanol market and offer discounts to customers based on various factors. For the first quarter of 2005 our average realized methanol price is approximately 15% lower than our average non-discounted price. This


1   Average realized methanol price is calculated as revenue, net of commissions earned, divided by the total sales volumes of produced and purchased methanol. Prior to 2005, in-market distribution costs were also deducted from revenue when calculating average realized methanol price for presentation in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis. The presentation of average realized methanol price for prior periods has been restated.
     
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   METHANEX CORPORATION 2005 FIRST QUARTER REPORT 2

 


 

compares to approximately 13% lower for the fourth quarter of 2004 and 11% lower for the first quarter of 2004. In order to reduce the impact of cyclical pricing on our earnings, for a portion of our production volume we have positioned ourselves with certain global customers under long-term contracts where prices are either fixed or linked to our costs plus a margin. While the discount from reference prices in the current strong pricing environment has increased, the discount should narrow during periods of lower pricing. We believe it is important to maintain financial flexibility throughout the methanol price cycle and these strategic contracts are a component of our prudent approach to liquidity.

Total cash cost

Maintaining a low cost structure provides a competitive advantage in a commodity industry and is a key element of our strategy. Our low cost production facilities in Chile and Trinidad represent over 80% of our total production capacity. These facilities are underpinned by long-term low cost take-or-pay natural gas purchase agreements with pricing terms that are linked to methanol prices above a pre-determined floor price. We believe this enables these facilities to be competitive throughout the methanol price cycle.

Our total cash costs for the first quarter of 2005 were lower than in the fourth quarter of 2004 and this increased EBITDA by $6 million. The decrease in cash costs primarily relates to lower costs for maintenance, supply chain and general and administrative expenditures, including lower stock-based compensation expense of $2 million.

Our total cash costs for the first quarter of 2005 were higher than in the first quarter of 2004 and this decreased EBITDA by $7 million. The increase in cash costs primarily relates to the impact of higher methanol prices on natural gas costs at our Chile and Trinidad facilities.

Sales volumes

Higher sales volumes of methanol produced from our low cost Chile and Trinidad facilities during the first quarter of 2005 increased EBITDA by $7 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2004 and increased EBITDA by $16 million compared with the first quarter of 2004. Sales volumes of methanol produced from these facilities represented 82% of our total produced product sales volumes for the first quarter of 2005 compared with 70% in the fourth quarter of 2004 and 78% in the first quarter of 2004.

Margin earned from our Kitimat and New Zealand facilities

The cash margin earned from our Kitimat and New Zealand facilities during the first quarter of 2005 was $10 million lower than in the fourth quarter of 2004 and $8 million lower than in the first quarter of 2004. These facilities are generating positive cash margins in the current methanol price environment despite high costs for natural gas. The decrease in cash margin compared with the fourth quarter of 2004 primarily relates to reduced sales volumes of production from New Zealand due to natural gas supply constraints. The decrease in cash margin compared with the first quarter of 2004 is primarily due to lower sales volumes of New Zealand production, higher cash costs in New Zealand and higher natural gas costs for our Kitimat facility. Our costs in New Zealand were lower in the first quarter of 2004 primarily as a result of favourable New Zealand dollar foreign currency forward contracts that expired during 2004.

Margin on the sale of purchased methanol

We purchase additional methanol produced by others on the spot market or through offtake agreements in order to meet customer needs and support our marketing efforts. Consequently, we realize holding gains or losses on the resale of this product depending on the methanol price at the time of resale. The cost for purchased methanol also includes allocated fixed storage and handling costs of approximately $5 per tonne. For the first quarter of 2005 we incurred a loss of $5 million on the sale of 0.3 million tonnes of purchased methanol compared with a loss of $6 million on the sale of 0.4 million tonnes for the fourth quarter of 2004 and a loss of $3 million for the first quarter of 2004 on the sale of 0.5 million tonnes.

     
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   METHANEX CORPORATION 2005 FIRST QUARTER REPORT 3

 


 

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense was $20 million for the first quarter of 2005 compared with $20 million for the same period in 2004.

Interest Expense

The components of interest expense are as follows:

                 
    Three Months Ended  
    Mar 31     Mar 31  
Interest expense ($ millions)   2005     2004  
 
Interest expense before interest capitalized for plant and equipment under construction
  $ 13     $ 15  
Less capitalized interest:
               
Chile IV
    (4 )     (3 )
Atlas
          (4 )
 
Interest expense
  $ 9     $ 8  
 

Interest and Other Income

Interest and other income for the first quarter of 2005 was $1 million compared with $4 million for the first quarter of 2004. The decrease in interest and other income relates primarily to decreased foreign exchange gains in 2005 compared with 2004.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate for the first quarter of 2005 was 29% compared with 33% for the first quarter of 2004. The statutory tax rate in Chile and Trinidad, where we earn substantially all of our pre-tax earnings, is 35%. Our 850,000 tonne per year Titan facility in Trinidad has a tax holiday until July 2005. The Atlas facility in Trinidad has an agreement whereby the tax rate will increase over a ten year period from 0% to 35%.

Production Summary

                                 
    Q1-2005     Q4-2004     Q1-2004  
(thousands of tonnes)   Capacity1     Production     Production     Production  
 
Chile and Trinidad:
                               
Chile I, II and III
    740       727       690       696  
Titan
    210       202       154       190  
Atlas (63.1% interest)
    265       235       264        
 
 
    1,215       1,164       1,108       886  
 
                               
Other:
                               
New Zealand2
    131       120       266       289  
Kitimat
    123       119       122       122  
 
 
    254       239       388       411  
 
 
                               
 
    1,469       1,403       1,496       1,297  
 

Our facilities operated at 96% of operating capacity during the first quarter of 2005. Production from our low cost facilities in Chile and Trinidad was higher during the first quarter of 2005 than in prior periods, representing 83% of our total production compared with 74% for the fourth quarter of 2004 and 68% for the first quarter of 2004.


1   Quarterly operating capacity represents the capacity for plants that operated during Q1 2005 calculated for the number of days in the period.
 
2   Quarterly operating capacity for New Zealand includes only the Waitara Valley facility for Q1 2005.
     
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   METHANEX CORPORATION 2005 FIRST QUARTER REPORT 4

 


 

We have restructured our New Zealand operations over the past two years due to natural gas supply constraints and have reduced our operations to the 530,000 tonne per year Waitara Valley plant. We have positioned the New Zealand operations to be flexible and will continue to critically assess our operating plan during 2005 with consideration given to prevailing market conditions and our ability to generate positive cash margins. Until the end of 2005, we are obligated to supply ammonia under an off take agreement with the former owner of the ammonia production assets located adjacent to our Kitimat methanol facility. From the end of 2005, we have operating flexibility for the Kitimat facility.

Supply/Demand Fundamentals

We continue to operate in an environment of strong demand, high methanol prices and favourable industry fundamentals. A number of unplanned outages contributed to the continuation of tight market conditions and high methanol prices during the first quarter of 2005. Our 840,000 tonne per year Chile IV facility, which is currently being commissioned, will be the next significant increment of industry supply and we plan to begin shipping methanol to our customers during the second quarter. The next large scale methanol plant expected to be completed in 2005 is the 1.8 million tonne MHTL plant in Trinidad. We believe that the impact of these supply additions in 2005 will be largely offset by increased demand and further shutdowns of higher cost methanol facilities. In North America alone, approximately 3.4 million tonnes of capacity continues to operate and we believe it is likely that 1.1 million tonnes of this capacity will shut down with the start-up of MHTL’s plant in Trinidad.

In addition to these large-scale capacity additions there are a number of smaller-scale plants in China expected to be completed during 2005. We continue to believe that Chinese methanol capacity additions should not significantly impact the global supply/demand balance due to increased demand for methanol in China and difficulties associated with exporting methanol from China. These difficulties include product quality and plant reliability issues as well as a high cost structure.

The Methanex non-discounted reference prices for April 2005 are $316 per tonne ($0.95 per gallon) in the United States and $302 per tonne in Asia. In Europe, the April 2005 contract transaction price was held at #eu#230 (US$304 per tonne at the time of settlement compared with US$309 at January 2005). Currently, spot prices in the United States are approximately $293 per tonne ($0.88 per gallon) and spot prices in Europe (FOB Rotterdam) are approximately #eu#210 per tonne. Prices in Asia are currently between $280 and $290 per tonne.

Methanex Non Discounted Regional Posted Contract Prices

                 
    Apr     Jan  
US$ per tonne   2005     2005  
 
United States
  $ 316     $ 316  
Europe*
  $ 304     $ 309  
Asia
  $ 302     $ 302  


*   The European contract transaction price is #eu#230 at January and April 2005 and is presented in the above table in United States dollars converted at the date of settlement.
     
 
   

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash flows from operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital in the first quarter of 2005 were $116 million compared with $81 million for the same period in 2004. The improvement in cash flows from operating activities is primarily the result of higher levels of earnings.

During the first quarter of 2005, we repurchased for cancellation 1.3 million shares at an average price of US$18.54 per share under a normal course issuer bid that expires May 16, 2005. At March 31, 2005, we have repurchased a total of 7.5 million common shares under this bid with a maximum allowable repurchase of 12.2 million common shares. Also during the first quarter, we paid a quarterly dividend of US$0.08 per share, or approximately $10 million.

Capital expenditures for Chile IV during the first quarter of 2005 were $12 million and remaining costs to complete the construction of Chile IV at March 31, 2005 are estimated to be $40 million.

     
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   METHANEX CORPORATION 2005 FIRST QUARTER REPORT 5

 


 

We have excellent financial capacity and flexibility. Our cash balance at March 31, 2005 was $257 million and we have an undrawn $250 million credit facility. The planned capital maintenance expenditure program directed towards major maintenance, turnarounds and catalyst changes is estimated to total approximately $75 million for the period to the end of 2007. We have $250 million of public bonds due August 2005 and are currently reviewing our refinancing options.

We have the financial capacity to complete Chile IV and our capital maintenance spending program, pursue new opportunities to enhance our strategic position in the methanol industry and continue to deliver on our commitment to maintain a prudent balance sheet and return excess cash to shareholders.

The credit ratings for our unsecured notes at March 31, 2005 were as follows:

     
 
Standard & Poor’s Rating Services
  BBB- (stable)
Moody’s Investor Services
  Ba1 (stable)
Fitch Ratings
  BBB (stable)
 
   
Credit ratings are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell securities and do not comment on market price or suitability for a particular investor. There is no assurance that any rating will remain in effect for any given period of time or that any rating will not be revised or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency in the future.
 

Short-term Outlook

We are currently operating in an environment of strong demand, tight supply conditions and high methanol prices. Global inventory levels are low and we believe that several turnarounds are scheduled for the second quarter that will limit the rebuilding of global inventories. We expect that the impact of planned new capacity additions during 2005 is likely to be largely offset by further shutdowns of higher cost methanol production and increased demand. The methanol price will ultimately depend on industry operating rates, the rate of industry restructuring and the strength of global demand. We believe that our excellent financial position and financial flexibility, outstanding global supply network and low-cost position will ensure that Methanex continues to be the leader in the methanol industry.

April 28, 2005

     
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   METHANEX CORPORATION 2005 FIRST QUARTER REPORT 6

 


 

Additional Information

Supplemental Non-gaap Measure

In addition to providing measures prepared in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Methanex presents a supplemental non-GAAP measure, EBITDA. This supplemental non-GAAP measure does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Management believes this measure is useful in assessing performance and highlighting trends on an overall basis. Management also believes EBITDA is frequently used by securities analysts and investors when comparing our results with those of other companies. EBITDA differs from the most comparable GAAP measure, cash flows from operating activities, primarily because it does not include changes in non-cash working capital and cash flows related to interest expense, interest and other income and income taxes. This measure should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, net income, cash flows from operating activities and other measures of financial performance and liquidity reported in accordance with GAAP.

EBITDA

The following table shows a reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities to EBITDA:

                         
    Three Months Ended  
    Mar 31     Dec 31     Mar 31  
($ thousands)   2005     2004     2004  
 
Cash flows from operating activities
  $ 93,821     $ 114,463     $ 54,354  
Add (deduct):
                       
Changes in non-cash working capital
    22,215       (10,928 )     26,292  
Other non-cash operating expenses
    (4,500 )     (4,638 )     (1,634 )
Interest expense
    9,061       9,297       7,829  
Interest and other income
    (1,262 )     (2,127 )     (3,990 )
Income taxes – current
    15,365       14,702       10,500  
 
EBITDA
  $ 134,700     $ 120,769     $ 93,351  
 

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

A summary of selected financial information for the prior eight quarters is as follows:

                                 
    Three Months Ended  
    Mar 31     Dec 31     Sep 30     Jun 30  
($ thousands, except per share amounts)   2005     2004     2004     2004  
 
Revenue
  $ 438,300     $ 485,408     $ 428,840     $ 412,283  
Net income
    76,032       66,061       71,178       52,375  
Basic net income per common share
    0.63       0.55       0.59       0.43  
Diluted net income per common share
    0.63       0.54       0.58       0.42  
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended  
    Mar 31     Dec 31     Sep 30     Jun 30  
($ thousands, except per share amounts)   2004     2003     2003     2003  
 
Revenue
  $ 392,953     $ 358,421     $ 340,180     $ 377,603  
Net income (loss)
    46,830       (111,696 )     (9,253 )     48,415  
Basic net income (loss) per common share
    0.39       (0.93 )     (0.08 )     0.38  
Diluted net income (loss) per common share
    0.38       (0.93 )     (0.08 )     0.37  
 

Our quarterly revenues are not materially impacted by seasonality.

     
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   METHANEX CORPORATION 2005 FIRST QUARTER REPORT 7

 


 

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements made in this document that are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our experience and perception of trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve uncertainties and risks that may cause the stated outcome to differ materially from the actual outcome.

Important factors that can cause anticipated outcomes to differ materially from actual outcomes include worldwide economic conditions; conditions in the methanol and other industries, including the supply and demand balance for methanol; actions of competitors; changes in laws or regulations; the ability to implement business strategies, pursue business opportunities and maintain and enhance our competitive advantages; the risks attendant with methanol production and marketing, including operational disruption; the risks associated with carrying out capital expenditure projects, including completing the Chile IV project on time and on budget; availability and price of natural gas feedstock; foreign exchange risk; raw material and other production costs; transportation costs; the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the risks associated with investments and operations in multiple jurisdictions and other risks that we may describe in publicly available documents filed from time to time with securities commissions.

Having in mind these and other factors, many of which are described in this document, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We do not guarantee that anticipated outcomes made in forward-looking statements will be realized.

     
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   METHANEX CORPORATION 2005 FIRST QUARTER REPORT 8

 


 

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

                 
    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    MAR 31     MAR 31  
    2005     2004  
 
Revenue
  $ 438,300     $ 392,953  
Cost of sales and operating expenses
    303,600       299,602  
Depreciation and amortization
    19,953       20,064  
 
Operating income before undernoted items
    114,747       73,287  
Interest expense (note 7)
    (9,061 )     (7,829 )
Interest and other income
    1,262       3,990  
 
Income before income taxes
    106,948       69,448  
Income taxes:
               
Current
    (15,365 )     (10,500 )
Future
    (15,551 )     (12,118 )
 
 
    (30,916 )     (22,618 )
 
Net income
  $ 76,032     $ 46,830  
 
 
               
Net income per common share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.63     $ 0.39  
Diluted
  $ 0.63     $ 0.38  
 
               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    119,963,717       121,170,437  
Diluted
    121,289,236       123,501,408  
 
               
Period end number of common shares outstanding
    119,461,292       122,096,242  
     
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  METHANEX CORPORATION 2005 FIRST QUARTER REPORT 9

 


 

Methanex Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(thousands of U.S. dollars)

                 
    MAR 31     DEC 31  
    2005     2004  
    (unaudited)          
Assets
               
 
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 257,414     $ 210,049  
Receivables
    259,617       293,207  
Inventories
    150,327       142,164  
Prepaid expenses
    11,187       16,480  
 
 
    678,545       661,900  
Property, plant and equipment (note 2)
    1,368,845       1,366,787  
Other assets
    93,890       96,194  
 
 
  $ 2,141,280     $ 2,124,881  
 
 
               
Liabilities And Shareholders’ Equity
               
 
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
  $ 180,370     $ 230,758  
Current maturities on long-term debt and other long-term liabilities
    273,692       268,303  
 
 
    454,062       499,061  
Long-term debt (note 4)
    350,948       350,868  
Other long-term liabilities
    57,205       60,170  
Future income taxes
    281,089       265,538  
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Capital stock
    524,956       523,255  
Contributed surplus
    2,873       3,454  
Retained earnings
    470,147       422,535  
 
 
    997,976       949,244  
 
 
  $ 2,141,280     $ 2,124,881  
 
     
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  METHANEX CORPORATION 2005 FIRST QUARTER REPORT 10

 


 

Methanex Corporation
Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)
(thousands of U.S. dollars, except number of common shares)

                                           
    NUMBER OF                               TOTAL  
    COMMON       CAPITAL     CONTRIBUTED     RETAINED     SHAREHOLDERS’  
    SHARES       STOCK     SURPLUS     EARNINGS     EQUITY  
       
Balance, December 31, 2003
    120,007,767       $ 499,258     $ 7,234     $ 279,039     $ 785,531  
Year ended December 31, 2004
                                         
Net income
                        236,444       236,444  
Compensation expense related to stock options included in net income
                  1,738             1,738  
Proceeds on issue of shares on exercise of stock options
    6,158,250         44,654                   44,654  
Reclassification of grant date fair value on exercise of stock options
            5,518       (5,518 )            
Payment for shares repurchased
    (6,143,600 )       (26,175 )           (59,545 )     (85,720 )
Dividend payments
                        (33,403 )     (33,403 )
       
Balance, December 31, 2004
    120,022,417         523,255       3,454       422,535       949,244  
Three months ended March 31, 2005
                                         
Net income
                        76,032       76,032  
Compensation expense related to stock options included in net income
                  530             530  
Proceeds on issue of shares on exercise of stock options
    760,375         6,269                   6,269  
Reclassification of grant date fair value on exercise of stock options
            1,111       (1,111 )            
Payment for shares repurchased
    (1,321,500 )       (5,679 )           (18,821 )     (24,500 )
Dividend payments
                        (9,599 )     (9,599 )
       
Balance, March 31, 2005
    119,461,292       $ 524,956     $ 2,873     $ 470,147     $ 997,976  
       
     
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  METHANEX CORPORATION 2005 FIRST QUARTER REPORT 11

 


 

Methanex Corporation
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
(thousands of U.S. dollars)

                 
    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    MAR 31     MAR 31  
    2005     2004  
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
               
Net income
  $ 76,032     $ 46,830  
Add:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    19,953       20,064  
Future income taxes
    15,551       12,118  
Other
    4,500       1,634  
 
Cash flows from operating activities before undernoted changes
    116,036       80,646  
Receivables
    33,590       (17,123 )
Inventories
    (7,439 )     (19,349 )
Prepaid expenses
    5,293       1,180  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (53,659 )     9,000  
 
 
    93,821       54,354  
 
 
               
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
               
Repayment of limited recourse long-term debt
          (182,758 )
Release of restricted cash
          14,258  
Proceeds on issue of limited recourse long-term debt
          4,260  
Proceeds on issue of shares on exercise of stock options
    6,269       16,243  
Payment for shares repurchased
    (24,500 )      
Dividend payments
    (9,599 )     (7,323 )
Repayment of other long-term liabilities
    (932 )     (3,913 )
 
 
    (28,762 )     (159,233 )
 
 
               
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
               
Plant and equipment under construction
    (12,192 )     (31,331 )
Property, plant and equipment
    (8,478 )     (3,232 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities related to capital expenditures
    3,271       862  
Other assets
    (295 )      
 
 
    (17,694 )     (33,701 )
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    47,365       (138,580 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    210,049       287,863  
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 257,414     $ 149,283  
 
 
               
Supplementary Cash Flow Information
               
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest
  $ 20,112     $ 25,262  
Income taxes paid, net of amounts refunded
  $ 6,739     $ 5,205  
 
     
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  METHANEX CORPORATION 2005 FIRST QUARTER REPORT 12

 


 

Methanex Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

Except where otherwise noted, tabular dollar amounts are stated in thousands of United States dollars.

1. Basis of presentation:

These interim consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada on a basis consistent with those followed in the most recent annual consolidated financial statements. These interim consolidated financial statements do not include all note disclosures required by Canadian generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements, and therefore should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements included in the Methanex Corporation 2004 Annual Report. During 2004, we changed our financial statement presentation to include in-market distribution costs in cost of sales and operating expenses rather than as a reduction to revenue. Prior periods have been restated.

2. Property, plant and equipment:

                         
            Accumulated        
    Cost     Depreciation     Net Book Value  
 
March 31, 2005
                       
Plant and equipment
  $ 2,427,980     $ 1,320,148     $ 1,107,832  
Plant and equipment under construction
    234,635             234,635  
Other
    56,622       30,244       26,378  
 
 
  $ 2,719,237     $ 1,350,392     $ 1,368,845  
 
 
                       
December 31, 2004
                       
Plant and equipment
  $ 2,422,148     $ 1,302,701     $ 1,119,447  
Plant and equipment under construction
    222,443             222,443  
Other
    53,976       29,079       24,897  
 
 
  $ 2,698,567     $ 1,331,780     $ 1,366,787  
 

3. Interest in Atlas joint venture:

The Company has a 63.1% joint venture interest in Atlas Methanol Company (Atlas). The joint venture has constructed a 1.7 million tonne per year methanol plant in Trinidad that began operations in July 2004.

Included in the consolidated financial statements are the following amounts representing the Company’s proportionate interest in the Atlas joint venture:

                 
    Mar 31, 2005     Dec 31, 2004  
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 23,648     $ 13,981  
Other current assets
    28,137       21,677  
Property, plant and equipment
    282,744       284,336  
Other assets
    14,771       14,930  
Current liabilities, excluding current maturities on long-term debt
    14,339       30,112  
Long-term debt, including current maturities
    159,012       159,012  
 

METHANEX CORPORATION 2005 FIRST QUARTER REPORT 13

 


 

3. Interest in Atlas joint venture (continued):

                 
    Three Months Ended  
    Mar 31, 2005     Mar 31, 2004  
 
Consolidated Statements of Income:
               
 
Revenue
  $ 60,684     $  
Expenses
    34,682        
 
Net income
  $ 26,002     $  
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
               
Cash inflows from operating activities
  $ 7,112     $  
Cash inflows from financing activities
          4,260  
Cash outflows from investing activities
    (1,592 )     (22,347 )
 

4. Long-term debt:

                 
    Mar 31, 2005     Dec 31, 2004  
 
Unsecured notes
  $ 449,954     $ 449,920  
Atlas limited recourse debt facilities
    159,012       159,012  
 
 
    608,966       608,932  
Less current maturities
    (258,018 )     (258,064 )
 
 
  $ 350,948     $ 350,868  
 

The limited recourse debt facilities of Atlas are described as limited recourse as they are secured only by the assets of the joint venture.

5. Net income per common share:

A reconciliation of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is as follows:

                 
    Three Months Ended  
    Mar 31, 2005     Mar 31, 2004  
 
Denominator for basic net income per common share
    119,963,717       121,170,437  
Effect of dilutive stock options
    1,325,519       2,330,971  
 
Denominator for diluted net income per common share
    121,289,236       123,501,408  
 
     
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  METHANEX CORPORATION 2005 FIRST QUARTER REPORT 14

 


 

6.   Stock-based compensation:

(a)   Stock options:

  i)   Incentive stock options:

Common shares reserved for outstanding incentive stock options at March 31, 2005:

                                 
    Options Denominated in CAD$     Options Denominated in US$  
    Number of     Weighted Average     Number of     Weighted Average  
    Stock Options     Exercise Price     Stock Options     Exercise Price  
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2004
    784,675     $ 10.82       1,397,000     $ 8.36  
Granted
                652,750       17.73  
Exercised
    (311,550 )     12.26       (370,325 )     7.81  
Cancelled
    (15,500 )     14.63              
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2005
    457,625     $ 9.70       1,679,425     $ 12.13  
 

As at March 31, 2005, 457,625 incentive stock options denominated in CAD$ and 730,475 incentive stock options denominated in US$ had vested and were exercisable at average prices of CAD$9.70 and US$8.11, respectively.

  ii)   Performance stock options:

Common shares reserved for outstanding performance stock options at March 31, 2005:

                 
    Number of     Average exercise  
    Stock Options     Price (CAD$)  
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2004
    204,000     $ 4.47  
Exercised
    (78,500 )     4.47  
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2005
    125,500     $ 4.47  
 

As at March 31, 2005, all outstanding performance stock options have vested and are exercisable.

  iii)   Compensation expense related to stock options:

Compensation expense related to stock options included in cost of sales and operating expenses is $0.5 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2005 (2004 — $0.7 million). The fair value of each stock option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

         
    2005   2004
 
Risk-free interest rate
   4%    3%
Expected dividend yield
   2%    2%
Expected life
   5 years    5 years
Expected volatility
   43%    35%
 

For the three month period ended March 31, 2005, the weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted was US$6.59 per share (2004 — US$3.63 per share).

     
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  METHANEX CORPORATION 2005 FIRST QUARTER REPORT 15

 


 

6.   Stock-based compensation (continued):

(b)   Deferred and restricted share units:
 
    Deferred and restricted share units outstanding at March 31, 2005 are as follows:
                     
    Number of       Number of    
    Deferred Share       Restricted Share    
    Units       Units    
         
Outstanding at December 31, 2004
    455,519         1,014,313    
Granted
    73,912         561,150    
Dividend equivalents
    1,876         4,167    
Redeemed
            (8,366 )  
         
Outstanding at March 31, 2005
    531,307         1,571,264    
         

    The fair value of deferred and restricted share units at March 31, 2005 was $41.2 million compared with an accrued value of $19.2 million. Compensation expense related to deferred and restricted share units included in cost of sales and operating expenses is $4.0 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2005 (2004 — $2.1 million). Included in compensation expense for the three month period ended March 31, 2005 is $1.9 million (2004 — $0.1 million), related to the increase in our share price since the date of grant.
 
7.   Interest expense:
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    Mar 31, 2005     Mar 31, 2004  
 
Interest expense before capitalized interest
  $ 13,267     $ 14,764  
Less capitalized interest
    (4,206 )     (6,935 )
 
 
  $ 9,061     $ 7,829  
 

8.   Retirement plans:

Total net pension expense for the Company’s defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans during the three month period ended March 31, 2005 was $1.0 million (2004 — $1.6 million).

     
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  METHANEX CORPORATION 2005 FIRST QUARTER REPORT 16

 


 

Methanex Corporation

Quarterly History (unaudited)
                                                                                         
    Q1 2005     2004     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1     2003     Q4     Q3     Q2     Q1  
 
Methanol Sales Volumes
                                                                                       
(thousands of tonnes)
                                                                                       
 
                                                                                       
Company produced
    1,375       5,298       1,531       1,307       1,233       1,227       4,933       1,328       1,200       1,211       1,194  
Purchased product
    296       1,960       402       423       600       535       1,392       399       350       332       311  
Commission sales1
    145       169       128       41                   254                   55       199  
 
 
                                                                                       
 
    1,816       7,427       2,061       1,771       1,833       1,762       6,579       1,727       1,550       1,598       1,704  
 
 
                                                                                       
Methanol Production
                                                                                       
(thousands of tonnes)
                                                                                       
 
                                                                                       
Chile
    727       2,692       690       640       666       696       2,704       640       624       732       708  
Titan, Trinidad
    202       740       154       176       220       190       577       222       202       153        
Atlas, Trinidad (63.1%)
    235       421       264       157                                            
New Zealand
    120       1,088       266       304       229       289       968       158       229       225       356  
Kitimat
    119       486       122       121       121       122       449       109       91       122       127  
 
 
                                                                                       
 
    1,403       5,427       1,496       1,398       1,236       1,297       4,698       1,129       1,146       1,232       1,191  
 
 
                                                                                       
Methanol Price2
                                                                                       
($/tonne)
    262       237       251       248       225       223       224       208       219       245       227  
($/gallon)
    0.79       0.71       0.75       0.75       0.68       0.67       0.67       0.63       0.66       0.74       0.68  
 
                                                                                       
Per Share Information ($  per share)
                                                                                       
Basic net income (loss)
  $ 0.63       1.95       0.55       0.59       0.43       0.39       0.01       (0.93 )     (0.08 )     0.38       0.59  
Diluted net income (loss)
  $ 0.63       1.92       0.54       0.58       0.42       0.38       0.01       (0.93 )     (0.08 )     0.37       0.57  


1   Commission sales volumes include the 36.9% of production from Atlas that we do not own. Commission sales volumes prior to 2004 represents commission sales of production from Titan Methanol Company prior to our acquisition of Titan effective May 1, 2003.
 
2   Average realized methanol price is calculated as revenue, net of commissions earned, divided by the total sales volumes of produced and purchased methanol. Prior to 2005, in-market distribution costs were also deducted from revenue when calculating average realized methanol price for presentation in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis. The presentation of average realized methanol price for prior periods has been restated.
     
QUARTERLY HISTORY
  METHANEX CORPORATION 2005 FIRST QUARTER REPORT 17