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5N Plus

vnp · TSX Basic Materials
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Industry Industrial Materials
Employees 501-1000
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FY2012 Annual Report · 5N Plus
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2012 
Annual 
Report

1

our vision

To grow together in an environmentally 

responsible way, through the innovation 

and product excellence made possible 

by our employees’ know-how and 

commitment, thereby enabling 5N Plus 

to become the world’s leading producer 

of specialty metal and chemical products.

5N Plus2012ANNuAl RePoRt2

2013 is a time for renewal at 5N Plus, as the Company aims to strengthen 

its position in markets which are rapidly evolving. There are indeed 

certain periods in life when the situation requires, either at the corporate 

or collective level, changes in order to address recurring issues, create 

opportunities, and lead to a better and more promising future in the short, 

medium and long term.

message  
to 
shareholders

5N Plus Inc. is not immune to these economic realities and constraints caused by the combined 

effects of a host of phenomena and external factors over which management has little control. 

These include a restructuring in the solar industry due to a disproportionate increase in production 

capacity, the downward pressure on the prices of metals, and the sluggish global economy slowed 

in part by economic turbulences in the eurozone and even to some extent in Asia.

Overall, the sum of these structural changes and the impact of the slowdown has led to a changing 

business and market environment warranting a redefined vision and a renewed approach to growth. 

Throughout the Company, this approach is now being deployed through sound and forceful decisions 

which are expected to enable the Company to renew with market conditions and a financial 

performance more in line with management and shareholder expectations.

MIXED FINANCIAL RESULTS

The Company’s financial performance suffered throughout the year amid these important changes 

that were mostly beyond management’s control and forecasting, leading to lower annualized sales 

and losses for a second consecutive fiscal year. At the same time, the company saw its market value 

fall below its book value for most of the year, resulting in a more stringent evaluation of goodwill 

which was eventually fully written-off.

5N Plus2012ANNuAl RePoRt3

Operating in this challenging environment, the Company has still managed to maintain or increase 

its sales volumes and market share, while significantly improving its cash position. Indeed, the 

Company’s debt has been reduced by close to 125 million through strong cash flow resulting mainly 

from a decrease in working capital.

FOCUSED ON GROWTH

2012 was however also a year of many impressive accomplishments in terms of growth. The 

Company was ranked number 15 among Canada’s 200 fastest growing companies by PROFIT 

Magazine, Your Guide To Business Success. This prestigious ranking, now in its 24th year, recognizes 

Canada’s fastest growing companies based on their five-year revenue growth which for 5N Plus 

came in at 2459%.

For the third consecutive year, 5N Plus also won awards in several categories in the renown 

Deloitte Technology Fast 50™ program for highest percentage revenue growth, over a period of 

5 years. The Company also earned the rank of 138th in the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™, among 

500 companies with the fastest growth in the areas of technology, media, telecommunications, life 

sciences and clean technologies in North America.

The Company has also executed on its strategic plan which calls for a stronger presence in Asia by 

opening a new recycling plant in Malaysia’s Kulim High Technology Park, acquiring the outstanding 

shares in its gallium refinery in Shenzhen China and by operating its new facility in Laos for its first 

full year.

Overall, 5N Plus management remains cautiously optimistic and confident in the face of changing 

market conditions which will largely determine the Company’s future financial performance.

A YEAR OF TRANSITION

A leader in most of the markets in which it operates, the Company intends to take advantage of an 

environment which can only become more favorable especially in terms of commodity prices. We also 

intend to gradually redeploy capital into higher value opportunities and recycling with a strong focus 

on increasing commercial dealings in Asia. Combined with our efforts aimed at improving our business 

practices and operational efficiencies, this should enable us to significantly improve our financial 

performance in the coming years, recognizing that 2013 will be very much of a transition year.

5N Plus2012ANNuAl RePoRt4

EFFICIENCY

Amid the measures made to re-focus our strengths, 5N Plus will be making every effort to improve 

the efficiency of its business processes. Specifically, we have decided to streamline our production 

operations to meet the demands of market movements and the new global demand for pure metals, 

compounds and specialty chemicals that make up the range of our product offering.

Thus, the Company has opted to consolidate its North American operations by relocating its Fairfield 

production facilities in Wisconsin and by closing its facilities in Trail, British Columbia. The Company 

is also involved in an ambitious program to reduce costs in order to improve its competitiveness. 

These efforts will in no way negatively impact sales and are aimed at optimizing the Company’s 

production capabilities in order to become more competitive in the market. We also intend to 

strengthen our efforts in Asia, by leveraging our existing plants in Malaysia, Laos and China, as well 

as our efforts to do business in Korea.

As with most reorganizations, many employees have been impacted and some negatively following 

lay-offs in several sites. It is with the utmost respect to our employees that such measures have 

been taken in accordance with the Company’s values that are based on commitment, respect 

and integrity.

A RETURN TO PROFITABILITY

We are aware that the turbulences which have impacted our performance during the last year may 

have in some minds darkened our future. However, our willingness to act decisively, together with 

the speed with which we identify sound solutions, have effectively restored a positive outlook for the 

years to come. We would therefore like to thank you for your continuing support as we believe the 

best is yet to come!

Dennis Wood 
Chairman of the Board of Directors

Jacques L’Ecuyer 
President and Chief Executive Officer

5N Plus2012ANNuAl RePoRtManagement’s Discussion and Analysis 

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of the financial condition and results of operations is intended to 
assist  readers  in  understanding  5N  Plus  Inc.  (the  “Company”),  its  business  environment,  strategies,  performance  and 
risk  factors.  This  MD&A  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  audited  consolidated  financial  statements  and  the 
accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company’s audited consolidated financial statements 
for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2012,  have  been  prepared  in  compliance  with  International  Financial  Reporting 
Standards (“IFRS”) as defined in the Handbook of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants and adopted by the 
International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).  

The “Q4 2012” and the “Q4 2011” refer to the three‐month periods ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 
All amounts in this MD&A are expressed in U.S. dollars, and all amounts in the tables are in thousands of U.S. dollars, 
unless otherwise indicated. All quarterly information disclosed in this MD&A is based on unaudited figures. 

Information contained herein includes any significant developments to March 28, 2013, the date on which the MD&A 
was approved by the Company’s board of directors. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “we”, “us” and “our” “the 
group” as used herein refer to the Company together with its subsidiaries.  

Change in Year‐End  
On August 24, 2011, the Company changed its financial year‐end date from May 31 to December 31. As a result, the 
year ended December 31, 2011 comprises seven months.  

Non‐IFRS Measures 
This MD&A also includes certain figures that are not performance measures consistent with IFRS. These measures are 
defined at the end of this MD&A under the heading Non‐IFRS Measures.  

Notice Regarding Forward‐Looking Statements  
Certain statements in this MD&A may be forward‐looking within the meaning of applicable securities laws.  Forward‐
looking information and statements are based on the best estimates available to the Company at the time and involve 
known and unknown risks, uncertainties or other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or 
achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by 
such forward‐looking statements. Factors of uncertainty and risk that might result in such differences include the risks 
related to the possible failure to realize anticipated benefits of acquisitions, additional indebtedness, inventory pricing, 
commodity  pricing,  legal  proceedings,  source  of  supply,  environmental  regulations,  competition,  dependence  on  key 
personnel, business interruptions, protection of intellectual property, international operations,  collective agreements 
and being a public issuer.  A description of the risks affecting the Company’s business and activities appears under the 
heading “Risks and Uncertainties” of this MD&A.  Forward‐looking statements can generally be identified by the use of 
terms  such  as  “may”,  “should”,  “would”,  “believe”,  “expect”,  the  negative  of  these  terms,  variations  of  them  or  any 
similar terms. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward‐looking information in this MD&A 
will  transpire  or  occur,  or  if  any  of  them  do  so,  what  benefits  that  5N Plus  will  derive  therefrom.   In   particular,  no 
assurance can be given as to the future financial performance of 5N Plus. The forward‐looking information contained in 
this MD&A is made as of the date hereof and the Company has no obligation to publicly update such forward‐looking 
information  to  reflect  new  information,  subsequent  or  otherwise,  unless  required  by  applicable  securities  laws.    The 
reader is warned against placing undue reliance on these forward‐looking statements. 

5N Plus Inc.                     

5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Corporate Overview and Business 
5N Plus is the leading producer of specialty metal and chemical products.  Fully integrated with closed‐loop recycling 
facilities, the Company is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and operates manufacturing facilities and sales 
offices  in  several  locations  in  Europe,  Americas  and  Asia.  5N  Plus  deploys  a  range  of  proprietary  and  proven 
technologies  to  produce  products  which  are  used  in  a  number  of  advanced  pharmaceutical,  electronic  and  industrial 
applications.    Typical  products  include  purified  metals  such  as  bismuth,  gallium,  germanium,  indium,  selenium  and 
tellurium, inorganic chemicals based on such metals and compound semiconductor wafers.  Many of these are critical 
precursors and key enablers in markets such as solar, light‐emitting diodes and eco‐friendly materials. 

Reportable Segments  
The  Company  has  two  reportable  segments,  namely  Electronic  Materials  and  Eco‐Friendly  Materials.   Corresponding  
operations and activities are managed accordingly by the Company’s key decision makers.  Segmented  operating and 
financial information, labelled key performance indicators, are available and used to manage these business segments, 
review performance and allocate resources.  Financial performance of any given segment is evaluated primarily in terms 
of  revenues  and  segment  adjusted  EBITDA  which  is  reconciled  to  consolidated  numbers  by  taking  into  account 
corporate income and expenses.   

The  Electronic  Materials  segment  is  headed  by  a  Vice  President  who  oversees  locally  managed  operations  in  the 
Americas, Europe and Asia. The Electronic Materials segment manufactures and sells refined metals, compounds and 
alloys which are primarily used in a number of electronic applications.  Typical end‐markets include photovoltaics (solar 
energy),  light  emitting  diodes  (LED),  displays,  high‐frequency  electronics,  medical  imaging  and  thermoelectrics.  Main 
products are associated with the following metals: cadmium, gallium, germanium, indium and tellurium. These are sold 
either  in  elemental  or  alloyed  form  as  well  as  in  the  form  of  chemicals  and  compounds.   Revenues   and  earnings 
associated  with  recycling  services  and  activities  provided  to  customers  of  the  Electronic  Materials  segment  are  also 
included  in  the  Electronic  Materials  segment  and  management  of  such  activities  is  also  the  responsibility  of  the 
Electronic Materials Vice President. 

The  Eco‐Friendly  Materials  segment  is  so  labelled  because  it  is  mainly  associated  with  bismuth,  one  of  the  very  few 
heavy metals which have no detrimental effect on either human health or in the environment.  As a result, bismuth is 
being increasingly used in a number of applications as a replacement for more harmful metals and chemicals.  The Eco‐
Friendly  Materials  segment  is  headed  by  a  Vice  President  who  oversees  locally  managed  operations  in  Europe  and 
China. The Eco‐Friendly Materials segment manufactures and sells refined bismuth and bismuth chemicals, low melting 
point alloys as well as refined selenium and selenium chemicals.  These are used in the pharmaceutical and animal‐feed 
industry  as  well  as  in  a  number  of  industrial  applications  including  coatings,  pigments,  metallurgical  alloys  and 
electronics.  

Corporate  expenses  associated  with  the  head  office  and  unallocated  selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses 
together with financing costs, gains and/or losses on foreign exchange and derivatives have been regrouped under the 
heading Corporate. The head office is also responsible for managing businesses which are still in the development stage 
and corresponding costs are netted of any revenues. 

6

5N Plus Inc.                     

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Highlights of Q4 2012 and Fiscal Year 2012 

(cid:127)

(cid:127)

(cid:127)

(cid:127)

(cid:127)

(cid:127)

Generated strong cash flow from operating activities of $101.8 million in 2012. Net debt amounted to $136.6 million 
on December 31, 2012 compared to $260.6 million on December 31, 2011 and decreased by $4.0 million in Q4 2012 
and  by  $124.0  million  during  2012.   Total  debt  amounted  to  $148.4  million  on  December  31,  2012  compared  to 
$341.9 million on December 31, 2011 and decreased by $1.4 million in Q4 2012 and by $193.5 million in 2012.   

Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2012 was $6.4 million, a 10.4% decrease over Adjusted EBITDA of $7.1 million for Q4 2011. 
Adjusted EBITDA in 2012 was $37.9 million compared to $37.4 million for the seven‐month period ended December 
31, 2011.  

The Company recorded in Q4 2012 goodwill and other non‐current asset impairment charges of $204.8 million due 
to longer‐than‐anticipated pricing softness in minor metals and a significant reduction in the market capitalization of 
the Company.  This resulted in a net loss of $212.0 million in the quarter and a net loss of $227.8 million for 2012.  
This  compares  with  net  losses  of  $37.2  million  and  $22.5  million  for  the  quarter  and  seven‐month  period  ended 
December 31, 2011.  Excluding impairment charges and reversals, restructuring costs and acquisition costs net of the 
related income tax, adjusted net earnings resulted in a loss of $6.9 million in Q4 2012 of $2.9 million in 2012 which 
compares to adjusted net earnings (loss) of ($0.1) million and $16.5 million for the quarter and seven‐month period 
ended December 31, 2011.    

Revenues  for  Q4  2012  were  $128.6  million,  a  13.9%  decrease  over  revenues  of  $149.4  million  for  Q4  2011.  
Revenues for 2012 increased to $551.7 million representing a 40.8% increase over revenues of $391.7 million for the 
seven‐month period ended December 31, 2011.  

As at December 31, 2012, the backlog of orders expected to translate into sales over the following twelve months 
stood at $165.8 million compared to $162.3 million as at September 30, 2012 and to $223.2 million a year ago. 

On June 6, 2012, the Company issued 6,452,000 stock units for gross proceeds of CA$20.0 million. The offering was 
made by way of short form prospectus filed with the securities commissions of each of the provinces of Canada. In a 
concurrent private placement, the Company issued and sold a further 6,451,613 units to Investissement Québec for 
gross proceeds of CA$20.0 million.  

(cid:127) On  November  15,  2012,  the  Company  announced  that  its  new  Malaysian  recycling  facility  was  operational  and 
completed  under  budget.  The  facility  is  located  within  the  Kulim  High  Technology  Park,  one  of  Malaysia’s  highest 
profile industrial areas for technological firms. 

(cid:127)

The  Company  amended  its  senior  secured  multi‐currency  revolving  credit  facility  under  which  the  facility  will  be 
reduced  to  $100  million  starting  March  31,  2013  and  could,  at  any  time,  be  expanded  to  $140  million  at  the 
Company’s  request  through  the  exercise  of  an  additional  $40  million  accordion  feature,  subject  to  review  and 
approval by the lenders. 

Despite  the  very  challenging  business  environment  in  which  it  operated  throughout  the  quarter  and  the  year,  the 
Company managed to maintain market share and generate significant cash flow enabling a sizeable reduction in debt.  
The Company also achieved commercial, technical and operational milestones including the completion of its Malaysian 
facility,  breakthroughs  at  its  Sylarus  subsidiary,  relocation  of  its  Fairfield  operations  to  Wisconsin  and  further 
penetration of the Asian market. 

Revenues,  backlog  and  profitability  were  all  negatively  impacted  in  the  quarter  and  the  year  by  low  underlying 
commodity  prices  which  caused  the  Company  to  record  significant  write‐downs  in  the  value  of  its  inventories,  non‐
current  assets  and  goodwill,  the  latter  having  now  been  completely  written  off.    Headwinds  related  to  continuing 
concerns over European demand, the slowdown in the global economy and the structural changes in the solar industry 
continued to weigh on the Company's performance.  This was further exacerbated by the difficulties encountered with 
the  integration  of  the  former  MCP  activities  leading  to  the  departure  of  some  senior  executives  from  the  former 
management team and the dispute which followed related to some of the seller's representations and warranties made 
at the time of the purchase. 

5N Plus Inc.                     

7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

On the positive side, the amendment of its credit facility provides the Company with the required financing flexibility for 
2013 and better fits its current financing needs. The Company is now better aligned and intends to gradually redeploy 
capital into higher value opportunities and recycling with a strong focus on increasing commercial dealings in Asia.  The 
Company  also  intends  to  leverage  its  dominant  market  share  and  take  advantage  of  what  it  believes  will  be  a  more 
favorable underlying commodity pricing environment in the coming year. 

Recognising that 2013 will be a year of transition, the Company has established a plan for improving efficiency which 
includes  the  closure  of  the  Trail  operations  and  the  relocation  of  all  corresponding  activities  and  more  generally 
significant cost reduction efforts throughout the group.  At the same time the Company also intends to further develop 
its Asian footprint in Korea as previously announced.  These  measures together with the continuing support from the 
Company's financial institutions should enable it to be very well positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities 
beyond the current year.  

The Company therefore continues to remain cautiously optimistic and is confident on its ability to weather the current 
challenges.  5N Plus would also like to thank its employees which have unfortunately been negatively impacted by the 
current cost  reduction  measures  and  efficiency  improvement  plan  for  their  past  contribution, and all  others  for  their 
commitment  and  confidence  as  the  Company  strives  to  become  a  better  and  stronger  organization  in  a  changing 
business environment to which it must adapt. 

Selected Yearly Financial Information 

Consolidated Results 
  Revenues 
  EBITDA1 
  Adjusted EBITDA1 
  Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders of 5N Plus 
  Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to equity holders of 5N Plus 
  Net earnings (loss) 
  Basic earnings (loss) per share 
  Diluted earnings (loss) per share 
  Funds from operations1 
Statement of Financial Position Data 
  Total assets 
  Net debt1 
  Shareholders’ equity 

Selected Quarterly Financial Information 

12 months 
December 31, 2012 
$ 

7 months ended  
December 31, 2011 
$ 

12 months ended 
 May 31, 2011 
$ 

551,675 
(12,729) 
37,856 
(227,738) 
($2.91) 
(227,849) 
($2.91) 
($2.91) 
25,393 

383,978 
136,547 
148,470 

391,712 
2,625 
37,415 
(21,641) 
($0.31) 
(22,464) 
($0.32) 
($0.32) 
27,338 

782,344 
260,575 
339,710 

179,995 
28,723 
28,723 
22,928 
$0.45 
21,948 
 $0.45 
 $0.44 
26,477 

 807,557 
241,210 
363,990 

Revenues 
Gross profit1 
Adjusted gross profit1 
EBITDA1 
Adjusted EBITDA1 
Net earnings (loss) 
Basic earnings (loss) per share 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share 
Net earnings (loss) attributable to equity holders of 5N Plus 
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to equity holders 
 of 5N Plus 
Adjusted net earnings (loss)1 
Basic adjusted net earnings (loss) per share1 
Backlog1 

Q4 
$ 
128,620 
(5,599) 
18,918 
(18,121) 
6,395 
(211,953) 
($2.70) 
($2.70) 
(212,006) 

($2.71) 
(6,880) 
($0.08) 
165,790 

Q3 
$ 
120,744 
17,898 
17,898 
9,001 
9,001 
1,275 
$0.02 
$0.02 
1,218 

$0.02 
648 
$0.01 
162,323 

2012 

Q2 
$ 
140,076 
(10,859) 
15,209 
(20,474) 
5,594 
(22,062) 
($0.30) 
($0.30) 
(21,922) 

($0.29) 
(1,911) 
($0.03) 
188,982 

December 31, 2011 
Q1  
(4 months)  
$ 
242,289 
42,857 
44,233 
28,904 
30,281 
14,933 
$0.21 
$0.21 
15,565 

Q2
$
149,423
(8,674)
24,739
(26,278)
7,135
(37,397)
($0.53)
($0.53)
(37,206)

($0.52)
(92)
($0.01)
223,177

$0.22 
15,965 
$0.23 
212,264 

May 31, 2011 

Q4
$
121,976
25,001
25,001
19,995
19,995
8,174
$0.14
$0.14
8,549

$0.14
14,128
$0.24
263,702

Q3
$
20,663
8,104
8,104
6,001
6,001
5,551
$0.12
$0.12
5,526

$0.12
5,551
$0.12
73,154

Q1 
$ 
162,235 
29,988 
29,988 
16,867 
16,867 
4,891 
$0.07 
$0.07 
4,972 

$0.07 
5,250 
$0.07 
215,588 

1 See Non IFRS Measures 

8

5N Plus Inc.                     

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Revenues, Gross Profit, Net Earnings (loss) and Earnings (loss) per Share 

Revenues 
Gross profit1 
Adjusted gross profit1 
Adjusted gross profit ratio1 
Impairment charges 
Adjusted net earnings (loss) 
Basic adjusted net (loss) per share1  
Net loss 
Basic loss per share 

Q4 2012 
$ 
128,620 
(5,599) 
18,918 
14.7% 
229,263 
(6,880) 
($0.08) 
(211,953) 
($2.70) 

Q4 2011 
$ 
149,423 
(8,674)  
24,739 
16.6% 
45,573 
(92) 
($0.01) 
(37,397) 
($0.53) 

 Seven‐month period 
ended December 31, 
2011 
$ 
391,712 
34,182 
68,972 
17.6% 
46,950 
16,505 
$0.23 
(22,464) 
($0.32) 

2012 
$ 
551,675 
31,428 
82,013 
14.9% 
255,331 
(2,893) 
($0.04) 
(227,849) 
($2.91) 

Revenues 
Revenues  for  Q4  2012  were  $128.6  million  compared  to  revenues  of  $149.4  million  for  Q4  2011.  Revenues  for  2012 
reached  $551.7  million  representing  a  40.8%  increase  over  revenues  of  $391.7  million  for  the  seven‐month  period 
ended December 31, 2011. The decrease in sales for Q4 2012 is mainly due to lower underlying commodity pricing and 
the increase for 2012 to the difference in the length of the reporting period.   

Impairment charges 
The  Company  recorded  a  total  impairment  charge  of  $229.3  million  in  Q4  2012  due  to  the  impairment  of  goodwill 
related to the MCP acquisition and non‐current assets for a total of $204.8 million and to inventory write‐down of $24.5 
million  in  response  to  adverse  commodity  pricing  mainly  in  bismuth,  gallium  and  selenium.  In  2012,  the  Company 
recorded  an  inventory  write‐down  of  $50.6  million  for  a  total  impairment  charge  of  $255.3  million.  The  impairment 
charges allocated to the Electronic and Eco‐Friendly business units were $153.6 million and $101.7 million respectively. 
The plant closure in Trail was also responsible for an impairment of $11.0 million of the Property, plant and equipment 
(“PPE”).   

Impairment of inventories 
Impairment of PPE 
Impairment of intangible assets 
Impairment of goodwill 
Impairment charges 

Q4 2012 
$ 
24,517 
39,239 
40,597 
124,910 
229,263 

Q4 2011 
$ 
33,413 
11,460 
‐ 
‐ 
44,873 

Seven‐month period 
ended December 31, 
2011 
$ 
34,790 
11,460 
‐ 
‐ 
46,250 

2012 
$ 
50,585 
39,239 
40,597 
124,910 
255,331 

Gross profit and adjusted gross profit 
For Q4 2012, gross profit was ($5.6) million and adjusted gross profit was $18.9 million compared to ($8.7) million and 
$24.7  million  for  Q4  2011.  For  Q4  2012,  adjusted  gross  profit  ratio  was  14.7%  compared  to  16.6%  for  Q4  2011.   For  
2012, gross profit and adjusted gross profit were $31.4 million and $82.0 million compared to $34.2 million and $69.0 
million  for  the  seven‐month  period  ended  December  31,  2011.  For  2012,  adjusted  gross  profit  ratio  was  14.9% 
compared  to  17.6%  in  the  seven‐month  period  of  last  year.  The  decrease  in  gross  profit  ratio  is  mainly  due  to 
inventories remaining fully valued as a result of the decreasing trend in underlying commodity pricing.  

Adjusted net earnings (loss) and net earnings (loss) 
Adjusted net loss for Q4 2012 was $6.9 million or $0.08 per share and $2.9 million or $0.04 per share for 2012. Adjusted 
net earnings (loss) for Q4 2011 were ($0.1) million or ($0.01) per share and $16.5 million or $0.23 for the seven‐month 
period  ended  December  31, 2011.  Net  loss  for  Q4  2012 was  $212.0  million  or  $2.70  per  share  and  $227.8  million  or 
$2.91 per share for 2012 resulting from impairment charges of $255.3 million mostly booked in Q4 2012. Net loss was 
$37.4 million or $0.53 per share and $22.5 million or $0.32 per share for the seven‐month period ended December 31, 
2011 respectively. These decreases are mainly attributable to lower average selling prices and the fully valued price of 
inventories following a continuing decreasing trend of commodity prices and impairment charges related to the MCP 
acquisition.  

1 See Non‐IFRS Measures 

5N Plus Inc.                     

9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA 

Net loss  
Interest on long‐term debt and other interest expense  
(Gain) loss on foreign exchange and derivative 
Depreciation and amortization 
Income tax recovery 
Restructuring costs 
Impairment of goodwill, PPE and intangible assets 
Reversal of impairment of PPE 
EBITDA1 
Impairment of inventory 
Adjusted EBITDA1  

Q4 2012 
$ 
(211,953) 
1,463 
(360) 
5,628 
(18,578) 
932 
204,746 
‐ 
(18,122) 
24,517 
6,395 

Q4 2011 
$ 
(37,397) 
2,048 
1,118 
5,463 
(9,670) 
‐ 
12,160 
‐ 
(26,278) 
33,413 
7,135 

 Increase 
(Decrease) 

467% 
 (29%) 
(132%) 
3% 
92% 
‐ 
1,584% 
‐ 
(31%) 

(10%) 

  Seven‐month period 
ended December 
31, 2011 
$ 
(22,464) 
5,487 
(642) 
12,797 
(4,713) 
‐ 
12,160 
‐ 
2,625 
34,790 
37,415 

2012 
$ 
(227,849) 
8,828 
2,759 
21,159 
(24,221) 
2,781 
204,746 
(932) 
(12,729) 
50,585 
37,856 

Increase 
(Decrease) 

914% 
61% 
(530%) 
65% 
414% 
‐ 
1,584% 
‐ 
(585%) 

1% 

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA 
In  Q4  2012,  EBITDA  amounted  to  ($18.1)  million  and  Adjusted  EBITDA  to  $6.4  million.  EBITDA  for  2012  was  ($12.7) 
million and is primarily attributable to impairment charges recorded in Q2 2012 and Q4 2012 and, Adjusted EBITDA was 
$37.9  million  in  2012.   This   compares  to  adjusted  EBITDA  of  $7.1  million  and  $37.4  million  for  the  three  and  seven‐
month  periods  ended  December  31,  2011  respectively.   Adjusted   EBITDA  remains  relatively  stable  in  Q4  2012  but 
continues to reflect low average selling prices due to the lower price of the underlying commodities.  

Reversal of previously impaired property, plant and equipment 
In  2012,  the  Company  partially  reversed  asset  impairment  charges  of  $0.9  million  previously  booked  in  the  quarter 
ended December 31, 2011 related to its PPE located in DeForest, Wisconsin.  

Bookings and Backlog 
Bookings in Q4 2012 were $132.0 million and $494.3 million for 2012.  This compares with bookings of $160.5 million 
and $351.2 million for the three and seven‐month periods ended December 31, 2011.  Backlog as at December 31, 2012 
stood  at  $165.8  million  which  corresponds  to  a  25.8%  decrease  over  the  $223.2  million  backlog  as  at  December  31, 
2011. Decreases in bookings and backlog in 2012 compared to 2011 are primarily associated with decreases in expected 
average selling prices given the current decreasing trend of underlying commodity prices as well as a more conservative 
treatment  of  our  contract  with  our  main  customer  in  the  solar  market  which  no  longer  has  take  or  pay  provisions.  
Backlog increased by $3.5 million compared to the backlog of September 30, 2012. 

Segment Information 
Revenues, EBITDA and bookings for the Company’s reportable segments, namely Electronic Materials business unit and 
Eco‐Friendly  Materials  business  unit  are  discussed  below.  Former  MCP  activities  were  carried  out  in  both  business 
segments and are accordingly split between the two. 5N Plus activities prior to MCP acquisition are entirely included in 
the Electronic Materials business segment.   

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA per Business Unit 

Electronic Materials 
Eco‐Friendly Materials 
Corporate 
EBITDA1  
Impairment of inventory 
Adjusted EBITDA1 

1 See Non‐IFRS Measures 

10

Q4 2012 
$ 
(1,733) 
(11,700) 
(4,689) 
(18,122) 
24,517 
6,395 

 Q4 2011 
$ 
(19,607) 
1,773 
(8,444) 
(26,278) 
33,413 
7,135 

2012 
$ 
10,909 
(8,209) 
(15,429) 
(12,729) 
50,585 
37,856 

Seven‐month 
period ended 
December 31, 
2011 
$ 
(333) 
14,600 
(11,642) 
2,625 
34,790 
37,415 

5N Plus Inc.                     

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Electronic Materials Business Unit  

Revenues  
Cost of goods & expenses, before amortization 
EBITDA1 
Impairment of inventory 
Adjusted EBITDA1 
Bookings 

Q4 2012 
$ 
55,254 
(56,987) 
(1,733) 
8,226 
6,493 
59,342 

Q4 2011 
$ 
69,761 
(89,368) 
(19,607) 
30,658 
11,051 
76,073 

2012 
$ 
232,013 
(221,110) 
10,903 
23,750 
34,653 
178,615 

Seven‐month 
period ended 
December 31, 
2011 
$ 
186,015 
(186,348) 
(333) 
30,964 
30,631 
179,145 

Revenues for Q4 2012 for the Electronic Materials business unit decreased by 20.8% and reached $55.2 million down 
from  $69.8  million  in  Q4  2011.    Revenues  for  2012  increased  by  24.7%  and  reached  $232.0  million,  up  from  $186.0 
million  for  the  seven‐month  period  ended  December  31,  2011.   The   increase  in  2012  is  due  to  the  difference  in  the 
length of the reporting periods, and the decrease in Q4 2012 from lower average selling prices following a reduced price 
for underlying commodities.  

Adjusted  EBITDA  for  Q4  2012  for  the  Electronic  Materials  business  unit  decreased  to  $6.5  million  down  by  41.2% 
compared to $11.1 million in Q4 2011.  Adjusted EBITDA for 2012 was $34.7 million which represents a 13.1% increase 
over Adjusted EBITDA of $30.6 million for the seven‐month period ended December 31, 2011.  The increase in 2012 is 
due to the difference in the length of the reporting periods. The decrease for Q4 2012 compared to Q4 2011 is primarily 
associated with lower average selling prices.   

Bookings in Q4 2012 for the Electronic Materials business unit were $59.3 million, up from $30.0 million for the quarter 
ended September 30, 2012. An increase in bookings in Q4 2012 was expected as yearly contracts are normally signed at 
the  end  or  beginning  of  calendar  year.   The   backlog  for  the  Electronic  Materials  business  unit  now  stands  at  $100.7 
million, a decrease of $49.3 million compared to December 31, 2011 due to the lower expected average selling prices 
given  the  current  decreasing  trend  of  underlying  commodity  prices,  as  well  as  the  ongoing  restructuring  in  the  solar 
market.   

Eco‐Friendly Materials Business Unit 

Revenues  
Cost of goods & expenses, before amortization 
EBITDA1   
Impairment of inventory 
Adjusted EBITDA1 
Bookings 

Q4 2012 

$ 
73,366 
(85,066) 
(11,700) 
16,291 
4,591 
72,744 

Q4 2011 

$ 
79,663 
(77,890) 
1,773 
2,755 
4,528 
84,444 

Seven‐month 
period ended 
December 31, 
2011 

$ 
205,697 
(191,097) 
14,600 
3,826 
18,426 
172,043 

2012 

$ 
319,662 
(327,865) 
(8,203) 
26,835 
18,632 
311,584 

Revenues  decreased  by  $6.3  million  and  reached  $73.4  million  in  Q4  2012  compared  to  $79.7  million  in  Q4  2011.  
Revenues  for  2012  increased  by  55.4%  and  were  $319.7  million,  up  from  $205.7  million  for  the  seven‐month  period 
ended December 31, 2011. The decrease in revenues for the quarter is due to lower selling prices associated with the 
reduced prices of underlying commodities. The increase for 2012 is due to the difference in the length of the reporting 
periods. 

Adjusted  EBITDA  in  Q4  2012  for  the  Eco‐Friendly  Materials  business  unit  remains  stable  compared  to  Q4  2011  and 
totalled $4.6 million compared to $4.5 million in Q4 2011.  Adjusted EBITDA for 2012 reached $18.6 million compared to 
$18.4 million for the seven‐month ended December 31, 2011. 

Bookings  in  Q4  2012  for  the  Eco‐Friendly  Materials  business  unit  reached  $72.7  million,  up  from  $64.1  million  in  the 
quarter ended September 30, 2012. An increase in bookings in Q4 2012 was expected as yearly contracts are normally 
signed at the end or beginning of calendar years. The backlog for the Eco‐Friendly Materials business unit now stands at 
$65.1 million, a decrease of $8.1 million over the backlog as at December 31, 2011. This decrease is mainly associated 
with lower selling prices. 

1 See Non‐IFRS Measures 

5N Plus Inc.                     

11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Expenses 

Depreciation and amortization 
SG&A excluding amortization 
Restructuring costs 
Financial expenses  
Income tax recovery 

Q4 2012 
$ 
5,628 
12,561 
932 
1,103 
(18,578) 
1,646 

Q4 2011 
$ 
5,463 
17,446 
‐ 
3,169 
(9,670) 
16,408 

Increase 
(Decrease) 

3% 
(28%) 
‐ 
(65%) 
92% 
(88%) 

  Seven‐month period 
ended December 
31, 2011 
$ 
12,797 
33,500 
‐ 
4,845 
(4,713) 
46,429 

2012 
$ 
21,159 
45,742 
2,781 
11,587 
(24,221) 
57,048 

Increase 
(Decrease) 

65% 
37% 
‐ 
139% 
414% 
17% 

Depreciation and Amortization 
Depreciation and amortization expenses for Q4 2012 were $5.6 million compared to $5.5 million for Q4 2011. For 2012, 
depreciation  and  amortization  expenses  were  $21.2  million  compared  to  $12.8  million  for  the  seven‐month  period 
ended  December  31,  2011.  The  increase  in  depreciation  and  amortization  for  2012  relates  to  the  difference  in  the 
length of the reporting periods and are otherwise in line with the 2011 run rates. 

SG&A    
Selling,  General  and  Administrative  expenses  were  $12.6  million  and  $45.7  million  in  Q4  2012  and  2012  respectively 
compared  to  $17.4  million  and  $33.5  million  for  Q4  2011  and  the  seven‐month  period  ended  December  31,  2011, 
respectively. The increase in 2012 is due to the difference in the length of the periods and is otherwise approximately 
28% lower than Q4 2011 and 20% lower than the 2011 run rates reflecting the cost reduction efforts.  

Restructuring costs 
The  Company  incurred  expenses  of  $0.9  and  $2.8  million  during  Q4  2012  and  2012  resulting  from  an  incident  which 
occurred at one of its sites in the US, and some severance payments.  

Financial Expenses  
Financial expenses decreased to $1.1 million for Q4 2012 compared to $3.2 million for Q4 2011 due the lower level of 
debt.  Financial  expenses  for  2012  were  $11,6  million  compared  to  $4.8  million  for  the  seven‐month  period  ended 
December 31, 2011 due to the difference in the length of the periods.    

Income Taxes 
For Q4 2012, recovery of income tax was $18.6 million compared to $9.7 million for Q4 2011. Recovery of income tax 
for  2012  was  $24.2  million  compared  to  $4.7  million  for  the  seven‐month  period  ended  December  31,  2011, 
representing  effective  tax  rates  of  9.6%  and  17.3%  respectively.  The  lower  effective  tax  rate  is  due  mainly  to  the 
goodwill impairment charge which is not deductible for tax purposes. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources  

Cash Flows 

Funds from operations1 
Net changes in non‐cash working capital items related to operations 
Operating activities 
Investing activities  
Financing activities  
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 
related to operations 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  

Q4 2012 
$ 
4,244 
2,685 
6,929 
(4,346) 
(100) 

(276) 
2,207 

Q4 2011 
$ 
10,349 
(9,284) 
1,065 
(9,027) 
7,791 

592 
421 

2012 
$ 
25,393 
76,419 
101,812 
33,637 
(154,964) 

(399) 
 (19,914) 

Seven‐month 
period ended 
December 31, 
2011 
$ 
27,338 
(38,253) 
(10,915) 
(12,321) 
24,043 

592 
1,399 

Cash generated by operating activities was $6.9 million in Q4 2012 and $101.8 million in 2012.  This compares with cash 
generated  of  $1.1  million  and  ($10.9)  million  for  Q4  2011  and  the  seven‐month  period  ended  December  31,  2011 
respectively.    This  increase  in  cash  is  essentially  related  to  a  decrease  in  working  capital  requirements  primarily 
associated with a reduction in inventory levels of $145 million.  

1 See Non‐IFRS Measures 

12

5N Plus Inc.                     

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Investing activities consumed $4.3 million in Q4 2012 and generated $33.6 million in 2012 compared to consumption of 
$9.0 million and $12.3 million for Q4 2011 and the seven‐month period ended December 31, 2011 respectively.  For Q4 
2012,  cash  consumed  from  investing  activities  was  mainly  due  to  the  acquisition  of  PPE  and  cash  generated  from 
investing activities in 2012 were mainly related to temporary investments partially netted by the acquisition of PPE.   

Cash  consumed  by  financing  activities  amounted  to  $0.1  million  in  Q4  2012  and  $155.0  million  in  2012  and  resulted 
mainly from reduction of indebtedness by $192.2 million partially netted by the proceeds of the issuance of common 
shares  and  warrants  that  occurred  in  June  2012  for  an  amount  of  $37.1  million.  For  the  seven‐month  period  ended 
December 31, 2011, financing activities provided $24.0 million as the Company refinanced its revolving credit facility. 

Working Capital 

Inventories 
Other current assets  
Current liabilities 
Working capital1 
Working capital current ratio1 

As at December 31, 2012 
$ 
170,293 
121,144 
(104,789) 
186,648 
2.78 

As at December 31, 2011 
$ 
315,333 
171,756 
(151,384) 
335,705 
3.22 

Working capital decreased to $186.6 million as at December 31, 2012 compared to $335.7 million as at December 31, 
2011, reflecting the reduction of $145.0 million in inventory levels and $69.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and 
temporary investments which was partially offset by a decrease of $65.4 million in bank indebtedness and short‐term 
debt.  

Net Debt  

Bank indebtedness and short‐term debt 
Long‐term debt including current portion 

Total Debt 
Cash and cash equivalents and temporary investments (restricted) 
Net Debt1 

As at December 31, 2012 
$ 
8,014 
140,425 

148,439 
(11,892) 
136,547 

As at December 31, 2011 
$ 
73,430 
268,476 
341,906 
(81,331) 
260,575 

Net debt after taking into account cash and cash equivalents and restricted temporary investments amounted to $136.5 
million as at December 31, 2012 compared to $260.6 million as at December 31, 2011 corresponding to a decrease of 
$124.0 million, reflecting strong cash generated from operations which is mainly used to reimburse the debt. 

Funds from Operations  

Funds from operations1 
Acquisition of PPE and intangible assets 
Working capital changes 
Issuance of common shares 
Others 

Total movement in net debt1 
Net debt1, beginning of period 
Net debt1, end of period 

Q4 2012 
$ 
4,243 
(3,926) 
2,686 
‐ 
678 
(562) 
3,681 
(140,228) 
(136,547) 

Q4 2011 
$ 
10,349 
(5,668) 
(9,284) 
134 
(3,766) 
(18,584) 
(8,235) 
(252,340) 
(260,575) 

2012 
$ 
25,393 
 (15,888) 
76,419 
38,636 
(532) 
98,635 
124,028 
(260,575) 
(136,547) 

Seven‐month period 
ended December 31, 
2011 
$ 
27,338 
(10,785) 
(38,253) 
346 
1,989 
(46,703) 
(19,365) 
(241,210) 
(260,575) 

Funds  from  operations  were  $4.2  million  in  Q4  2012  compared  to  $10.3  million  in  Q4  2011.   For   2012,  funds  from 
operations were $25.4 million compared to $27.3 million for the seven‐month period ended December 31, 2011.   

Net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio for 2012 was 3.6. Funds from operations generated in the same period represented 
18.6% of net debt.  

1 See Non‐IFRS Measures 

5N Plus Inc.                     

13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Net debt1 to annualized adjusted EBITDA ratio 
Annualised funds from operations1 to net debt (%) 

Q4 2012 
5.34 
12.4 

Q4 2011 
9.13 
15.9 

Seven‐month period 
ended December 31, 
2011 
4.0 
18.0 

2012 
3.6 
18.6 

Share Capital 

Authorized  
The Company has an unlimited number of common shares, participating, with no par value, entitling the holder to one 
vote per share.  

The Company has an unlimited number of preferred shares that may be issued in one or more series with specific terms, 
privileges and restrictions to be determined for each class by the Board of Directors.  

Issued and fully paid  
Common shares 
Outstanding  

Number
83,908,269

As at December 31, 2012
$
343,272

Number 
70,961,125 

As at December 31, 2011
$
305,928

As at March 28, 2013 a total of 83,908,269 common shares were issued and outstanding, and no preferred shares were 
issued or outstanding. 

Stock Option Plan  
On  April  11,  2011,  the  Company  adopted  a  new  stock  option  plan  (the  “Plan”)  replacing  the  previous  plan  (the  “Old 
Plan”) in place since October 2007, with the same features as the Old Plan with the exception of a maximum number of 
options  granted  which  cannot  exceed  five  million.  The  aggregate  number  of  shares  which  could  be  issued  upon  the 
exercise of options granted under the Old Plan could not exceed 10% of the issued shares of the Company at the time of 
granting  the  options.  Options  granted  under  the  Old  Plan  may  be  exercised  during  a  period  not  exceeding  ten  years 
from the date of grant. The stock options outstanding as at December 31, 2012 may be exercised during a period not 
exceeding six years from their date of grant. Options vest at a rate of 25% (100% for directors) per year, beginning one 
year following the grant date of the options. Any unexercised options will expire one month after the date a beneficiary 
ceases to be an employee, director or officer.  

The number of stock options and the weighted average exercise price for each share‐based compensation plan are as 
follows: 

Outstanding, beginning of period 
Granted 
Cancelled 
Exercised 
Outstanding, end of period 
Exercisable, end of period 

Number of 
options 

1,543,211 
325,840 
(240,072) 
(43,531) 
1,585,448 
1,024,656 

2012 

Weighted average
exercise price 
CA$ 
5.28 
2.22 
5.60 
3.36 
4.67 
4.94 

Seven‐month period ended December 31, 2011 
Weighted average
Number of 
exercise price 
options 
CA$ 
4.52 
8.60 
5.40 
3.17 
5.28 
4.28 

1,384,025 
275,249 
(47,565) 
(68,498) 
1,543,211 
908,657 

Off‐Balance Sheet Arrangements 
The Company has certain off‐balance sheet arrangements, consisting of leasing certain premises and equipment under 
the terms of operating leases and contractual obligations in the normal course of business.   

The Company is exposed to currency risk on sales in Euro and other currencies and therefore periodically enters into 
foreign  currency  forward  contracts  to  protect  itself  against  currency  fluctuation.  The  reader  will  find  more  details 
related to these contracts in Note 24 and Note 26 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements of the Company. 

1 See Non‐IFRS Measures

14

5N Plus Inc.                     

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
                                                           
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

The contractual maturities of the Company’s financial liabilities as at December 31, 2012 are as follows: 

Bank indebtedness and short‐term debt 
Trade and accrued liabilities 
Derivative financial instruments 
Long‐term debt 
Leases 
Total  

Carrying 
amount 
$ 
8,014 
62,214 
6,354 
140,425 
4,760 
221,767 

1 year 
$ 
8,531 
62,214 
2,817 
31,236 
2,148 
106,946 

2‐3 
years 
$ 
‐ 
‐ 
3,537 
116,552 
1,415 
121,504 

4‐5 
years 
$ 
‐ 
‐ 
‐ 
421 
597 
1,018 

Beyond 
5 years 
$ 
‐ 
‐ 
‐ 
21 
600 
621 

Total 
$ 
8,531 
62,214 
6,354 
148,230 
4,760 
230,089 

Contingencies  
In the normal course of operations, the Company is exposed to events that could give rise to contingent liabilities or 
assets. As at March 28, 2013, the Company was not aware of any significant events that would have a material effect on 
its consolidated financial statements, except for the legal proceedings and related matters described on page 17 of this 
MD&A under section “Risks and Uncertainties”. 

Governance 
As  required  by  Multilateral  Instrument  52‐109  of  the  Canadian  Securities  Administrators  («MI  52‐109  »),  5N  Plus  has 
filed certificates signed by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer that, among others, attest to the 
design  of  the  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  the  design  and  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting.  

Disclosure Controls and Procedures 
The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have designed disclosure controls and procedures, or have 
caused them to be designed under their supervision, in order to provide reasonable assurance that: 

 material information relating to the Company has been made known to them; and 


information required to be disclosed in the Company’s filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported 
within the time periods specified in securities legislation. 

An evaluation was carried out, under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the 
effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer 
and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective. 

Internal Control over Financial Reporting 
The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have also designed internal controls over financial reporting, 
or have caused them to be designed under their supervision, in order to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for  external  purposes  in  accordance  with 
IFRS. 

An evaluation was carried out under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the 
design of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer 
and  the  Chief  Financial  Officer  concluded  that  the  internal  controls  over  financial  reporting  are  effective,  using  the 
criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting 
No changes were made to our internal controls over financial reporting during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting. 

Accounting Policies and Changes 
The  Company  established  its  accounting  policies  and  methods  used  in  the  preparation  of  its  audited  consolidated 
financial statements for the fiscal year 2012 in accordance with IFRS.  The Company’s significant accounting policies are 
described  in  Note  2  to  the  December  31,  2012  audited  consolidated  financial  statements.  The  key  assumptions  and 
basis  for  estimates  that  management  has  made  under  IFRS,  and  their  impact  on  the  amounts  reported  in  the 

5N Plus Inc.                     

15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

consolidated  financial  statements  and notes,  remain  substantially  unchanged  from  those  described  in  the  Company’s 
audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. 

Significant Management Estimation and Judgment in Applying Accounting Policies
The following are significant management judgments used in applying the accounting policies of the Company that have 
the most significant effect on the consolidated financial statements. 

Estimation uncertainty 
When preparing the consolidated financial statements, management undertakes a number of judgments, estimates and 
assumptions about recognition and measurement of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Estimates and underlying 
assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which 
the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. 

Information  about  the  significant  judgments,  estimates  and  assumptions  that  have  the  most  significant  effect  on  the 
recognition and measurement of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are discussed below. 

Impairment of non‐financial assets 
An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which an asset’s or CGUs carrying amount exceeds its recoverable 
amount, which is the higher of fair value less cost to sell and value in use. 

To determine value in use, management estimates expected future cash flows from each asset or CGU and determines a 
suitable interest rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. In the process of measuring expected 
future cash flows, management makes assumptions about future operating results. These assumptions relate to future 
events and circumstances. The actual results may vary, and may cause significant adjustments to the Company’s assets 
in  future  periods.  In  most  cases,  determining  the  applicable  discount  rate  involves  estimating  the  appropriate 
adjustment to market risk and to asset‐specific risk factors.   

Useful lives of depreciable assets 
Management  reviews  the  useful  lives  of  depreciable  assets  at  each  reporting  date  whenever  events  or  changes  in 
circumstances indicate that their carrying value amounts may not be recoverable. 

Inventories 
Inventories  are  measured  at  the  lower  of  cost  and  net  realizable  value,  with  cost  determined  on  the  average  cost 
method. In estimating net realizable values, management takes into account the most reliable evidence available at the 
time the estimates are made. The Company’s core business is subject to changes in foreign policies and internationally 
accepted metal prices which may cause selling prices to change rapidly. The Company evaluates its inventory using a 
group of similar items basis and considered events that have occurred between the financial position date and the date 
of the completion of the financial statements. Net realizable value held to satisfy a specific sales contract is measured at 
the contract price. 

Income taxes 
The Company is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining the 
worldwide  provision  for  income  taxes.  There  are  many  transactions  and  calculations  for  which  the  ultimate  tax 
determination  is  uncertain.  The  Company  recognizes  liabilities  for  anticipated  tax  audit  issues  based  on  estimates  of 
whether additional taxes will be due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that 
were  initially  recorded,  such  differences  will  impact  the  current  and  deferred  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities  in  the 
period in which such determination is made. 

The Company has deferred income tax assets that are subject to periodic recoverability assessments. Realization of the 
Company’s deferred income tax assets is largely dependent upon its achievement of projected future taxable income 
and  the  continued  applicability  of  ongoing  tax  planning  strategies.  The  Company’s  judgments  regarding  future 
profitability  may  change  due  to  future  market  conditions,  changes  in  tax  legislation  and  other  factors  that  could 
adversely affect the ongoing value of the deferred income tax assets. These changes, if any, may require the material 
adjustment  of  these  deferred  income  tax  asset  balances  through  an  adjustment  to  the  carrying  value  thereon  in  the 

16

5N Plus Inc.                     

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

future. This adjustment would reduce the deferred income tax asset to the amount that is considered to be more likely 
than not to be realized and would be recorded in the period such a determination was to be made. 

Future Accounting Standards  
A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for annual periods beginning 
after  January 1,  2013,  and  have  not  been  applied  in  preparing  the  2012  consolidated  financial  statements.  None  of 
these is expected to have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, except the following 
set out below. 

IFRS  9,  “Financial  Instruments”,  addresses  the  classification,  measurement  and  recognition  of  financial  assets  and 
financial liabilities. IFRS 9 was issued in November 2009 and October 2010. It replaces the parts of IAS 39 that relate to 
the  classification  and  measurement  of  financial  instruments.  IFRS 9  requires  financial  assets  to  be  classified  into  two 
measurement categories: those measured as at fair value and those measured at amortized cost. The determination is 
made  at  initial  recognition.  The  classification  depends  on  the  entity’s  business  model  for  managing  its  financial 
instruments and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the instrument. For financial liabilities, the standard retains 
most  of  the  IAS 39  requirements.  The  main  change  is  that,  in  cases  where  the  fair  value  option  is  taken  for  financial 
liabilities, the part of a fair value change due to an entity’s own credit risk is recorded in other comprehensive income 
rather  than  the  consolidated  statement of  earnings  (loss),  unless  this  creates  an  accounting  mismatch.  The  Company 
has yet to assess IFRS 9’s full impact and intends to adopt IFRS 9 no later than the accounting period beginning on or 
after January 1, 2015. The Company will also consider the impact of the remaining phases of IFRS 9 when completed by 
the Board. 

IFRS 10, “Consolidated Financial Statements”, builds on existing principles by identifying the concept of control as the 
determining factor in whether an entity should be included within the consolidated financial statements of the parent 
company. The standard provides additional guidance to assist in the determination of control where this is difficult to 
assess. The Company has yet to assess IFRS 10’s full impact and intends to adopt IFRS 10 no later than the accounting 
period beginning on or after January 1, 2013. 

IFRS  12,  “Disclosures  of  Interests  in  Other  Entities”,  includes  the  disclosure  requirements  for  all  forms  of  interests  in 
other entities, including joint arrangements, associates, special‐purpose vehicles and other off‐balance sheet vehicles. 
The Company has yet to assess IFRS 12’s full impact and intends to adopt IFRS 12 no later than the accounting period 
beginning on or after January 1, 2013. 

IFRS  13,  “Fair  Value  Measurement”,  aims  to  improve  consistency  and  reduce  complexity  by  providing  a  precise 
definition of fair value and a single source of fair value measurement and disclosure requirements for use across IFRSs. 
The requirements, which are largely aligned between IFRS and US GAAP, do not extend the use of fair value accounting 
but  provide  guidance  on  how  it  should  be  applied  where  its  use  is  already  required  or  permitted  by  other  standards 
within IFRS. 

IAS 19, “Employee Benefits”, was amended in June 2011. The impact on the Company will be as follows: to immediately 
recognize  all  past  service  costs;  and  to  replace  interest  cost  and  expected  return  on  plan  assets  with  a  net  interest 
amount that is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability (asset). The Company has yet 
to assess the full impact of the amendments. 

Amendment  to  IAS  1,  “Financial  Statement  Presentation”.  The  main  change  resulting  from  this  amendment  is  a 
requirement for entities to group items presented in “other comprehensive income” (OCI) on the basis of whether they 
are  potentially  reclassifiable  to  profit  or  loss  subsequently  (reclassification  adjustments).  The  amendment  does  not 
address which items are presented in OCI. 

There are no other IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a material 
impact on the Company. 

Related Party Transactions 
The Company’s related parties are its joint ventures, directors and executive members. Transactions with these related 
parties are described in Note 25 and Note 28 in the 2012 consolidated financial statements of the Company. 

5N Plus Inc.                     

17

 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Financial Instruments 
Fair Value of financial instruments 
The Company has determined that the carrying value of its short‐term financial assets and financial liabilities, including 
cash and cash equivalents, temporary investments, accounts receivable, bank indebtedness and short‐term debt, and 
trade and accrued liabilities approximates their carrying value due to the short‐term maturities of these instruments. 

A  detailed  description  of  the  methods  and  assumptions  used  to  measure  the  fair  value  of  the  Company’s  financial 
instruments and their fair value are discussed in Note 17 – Categories of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities in the 
2012 consolidated financial statements of the Company. 

The fair value of the derivative financial instruments was as follows: 

Liability 

Interest rate swap 
Foreign exchange forward contracts 
Options 
Warrants  
Total  

December 31, 2012 
$ 
3,870 
1,080 
239 
1,165 
6,354 

December 31, 2011 
$ 
2,326 
517 
2,873 
‐ 
5,716 

Interest rate risk 
Interest rate risk refers to the risk that future cash flows will fluctuate as a result of changes in market interest rates. 
The Company is exposed to interest rate fluctuations on its revolving credit facility, which bears a floating interest rate. 

As at December 31, 2012, the Company had an outstanding interest rate swap contract to hedge part of its interest rate 
risk on the revolving credit facility. The nominal value is $100 million beginning in January 2013 and ending in August 
2015. This interest rate swap fixed the LIBOR interest rate at 1.82%. The Company received $1.7 million when entering 
into this interest rate swap in September 2011, which was the fair value of the instrument on signing. The fair value of 
the contract is ($3.9) million as at December 31, 2012 and was recorded as part of derivative financial liabilities in the 
consolidated statement of financial position. 

Currency Risk 
The Company’s sales are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars whereas a portion of our operating costs are realized in 
local currencies, such as Euros, Canadian dollars and Pounds Sterling. Even though the purchases of raw materials are 
denominated in U.S. dollars, which reduce to some extent the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, we are subject to 
currency translation risk which can negatively impact our results.  Management has implemented a policy for managing 
foreign  exchange  risk  against  the  relevant  functional  currency.   The   Company  manages  the  foreign  exchange  risk  by 
entering into various foreign exchange forward contracts.  

The Company had the following currency exposures on December 31, 2012: 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Temporary investments (restricted) 
Accounts receivable 
Bank indebtedness and short‐term debt 
Trade and accrued liabilities 
Long‐term debt 
Net financial (liabilities) assets  

CA$ 

101 
‐ 
444 
‐ 
(2,568) 
(1,052) 
(3,075) 

EUR 

2,771 
2,357 
12,574 
‐ 
(11,379) 
(65,928) 
(59,605) 

GBP 

85 
‐ 
2,203 
‐ 
(870) 
‐ 
1,418 

RMB 

3,913 
‐ 
3,893 
(8,014) 
(4,733) 
‐ 
(4,941) 

HK$ 

11 
‐ 
‐ 
‐ 
(232) 
‐ 
(221) 

18

5N Plus Inc.                     

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

The  following  table  shows  the  impact  on  earnings  before  income  tax  of  a  one‐percentage  point  strengthening  or 
weakening of foreign currencies against the US dollar as at December 31, 2012 for the Company’s financial instruments 
denominated in non‐functional currencies: 

1% Strengthening 
Earnings (loss) before tax 
1% Weakening 
Earnings (loss) before tax 

CA$ 

(31) 

31 

EUR 

(596) 

596 

GBP 

RMB 

HK$ 

14 

(14) 

(49) 

49 

(2) 

2 

Options 
The Company sold options to a financial institution, giving it the right to sell Euros to the Company on specific dates. The 
options  have  a  nominal  value  of  €21.5  with  €/US$  exchange  of  1.3283,  and  they  mature  in  January  2013  without 
renewal. The fair value was ($0.2) million as at December 31, 2012. 

The  market  value  of  those  financial  instruments  depends  on  several  factors,  such  as  foreign  market  volatility,  the 
remaining  duration  of  the  instruments  and  other  market  conditions.  For  these  reasons,  it  is  very  difficult  for  the 
Company to evaluate market risk. The Company believes that a sensitivity analysis would be unrepresentative. 

Warrants
In June 2012, the Company issued 12,903,613 units at a price of CA$3.10 per unit. Each unit comprises one common 
share and one‐half of a common share purchase warrant. The Company issued 6,451,807 warrants, which are recorded 
as  part  of  derivative  financial  liabilities  at  fair  value  based  on  the  stock  exchange  market.  The  fair  value  was  ($1.2) 
million as at December 31, 2012 and nil as at December 31, 2011. Fair value depends on several factors, such as market 
volatility,  foreign  exchange  rate  volatility,  interest  rate  fluctuations,  the  Company’s  market  activity  and  other  market 
conditions. For these reasons, it is very difficult for the Company to evaluate market risk. The Company believes that a 
sensitivity analysis would be unrepresentative. 

Credit risk 
Credit risk corresponds to the risk of loss due to the client’s inability to fulfill its obligations with respect to trade and 
other  receivables  as  well  as  contracts.  The  Company  has  a  large  number  of  clients  and  is  no  longer  dependent  on  a 
specific client. The Company has a credit policy that defines standard credit practices. This policy dictates that all new 
customer  accounts  be  reviewed  prior  to  approval  and  establishes  the  maximum  amount  of  credit  exposure  per 
customer. The creditworthiness and financial well‐being of the customer are monitored on an ongoing basis. 

The Company establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts as determined by management based on its assessment of 
collection; therefore, the carrying amount of accounts receivable generally represents the maximum credit exposure. As 
at December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company has an allowance for doubtful accounts of $168 and $482 respectively. 
The  provision  for  doubtful  accounts,  if  any,  will  be  included  in  SG&A  expenses  in  the  consolidated  statements  of 
earnings (loss), and will be net of any recoveries that were provided for in prior periods. 

Liquidity risk 
Liquidity  risk  is  the  risk  that  the  Company  will  not  be  able  to  meet  its  financial  obligations  as  they  come  due.  The 
Company  manages  liquidity  risk  through  the  management  of  its  capital  structure.  It  also  manages  liquidity  risk  by 
continually  monitoring  actual  and  projected  cash  flows,  taking  into  account  the  Company’s  sales  and  receipts  and 
matching the maturity profile of financial assets and financial liabilities. The Board of Directors reviews and approves 
the Company’s annual operating and capital budgets, as well as any material transactions out of the ordinary course of 
business, including proposals on acquisitions and other major investments. 

Risks and Uncertainties 
The Company is subject to a number of risk factors which may limit its ability to execute its strategy and achieve its long‐
term growth objectives. Management analyses these risks and implements strategies in order to minimize their impact 
on the Company's performance.  

5N Plus Inc.                     

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Possible Failure to Realize Anticipated Benefits of Acquisitions 
There  is  a  risk  that  some  of  the  expected  benefits  will  fail  to  materialize,  or  may  not  occur  within  the  time  periods 
anticipated by our management. The realization of such benefits may be affected by a number of factors, many of which 
are beyond our control. These factors include achieving the benefits of the acquisition and any future acquisitions that 
we may complete and will depend in part on successfully consolidating functions and integrating operations, procedures 
and personnel in a timely and efficient manner, as well as our ability to realize the anticipated growth opportunities and 
synergies  from  combining  the  acquired  businesses  and  operations  with  ours.   The   integration  of  acquired  businesses 
requires the dedication of substantial management effort, time and resources which may divert management’s focus 
and  resources  from  other  strategic  opportunities  and  from  operational  matters  during  this  process.   The   integration 
process may result in the loss of key employees, significant expenses and the disruption of ongoing business, customer 
and  employee  relationships  that  may  adversely  affect  our  ability  to  achieve  the  anticipated  benefits  of  these 
acquisitions. 

Additional Indebtedness 
We assumed the indebtedness of former MCP upon the completion of the acquisition.  The additional indebtedness has 
increased the interest payable by us from time to time until such amounts are repaid.  In addition, we are required to 
pay to the selling shareholders the amounts set out in the promissory notes as well as the cash “holdback” described 
under “Acquisition Agreement and Related Agreements”, in the short form prospectus dated April 1, 2011. Although we 
have  signed  a  $200 million  senior  secured  multi‐currency  revolving  credit  facility,  we  may  need  to  find  additional 
sources of financing to pay the foregoing indebtedness when it becomes due.  There can be no guarantee that we will 
be able to obtain financing on terms acceptable to us or at all at such time or times. 

International Operations 
We  operate  in  a  number  of countries,  including  China,  and,  as  such,  face  risks  associated  with  international  business 
activities.   We   could  be  significantly  affected  by  such  risks,  which  include  the  integration  of  international  operations, 
challenges  associated  with  dealing  with  numerous  legal  systems,  the  potential  for  volatile  economic  and  labor 
conditions,  political  instability,  expropriation,  and  changes  in  taxes,  tariffs  and  other  regulatory  costs.  Although  we 
operate primarily in countries with relatively stable economic and political climates, there can be no assurance that our 
business will not be adversely affected by the risks inherent in international operations. 

Environmental Regulations 
Our  operations  involve  the  use,  handling,  generation,  processing,  storage,  transportation,  recycling  and  disposal  of 
hazardous materials and are subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations at the national, provincial, local 
and international level.  These  environmental laws and regulations include those governing the discharge of pollutants 
into  the  air  and  water,  the  use,  management  and  disposal  of  hazardous  materials  and  wastes,  the  clean‐up  of 
contaminated  sites  and  occupational  health  and  safety.    We  have  incurred  and  will  continue  to  incur  capital 
expenditures  in  order  to  comply  with  these  laws  and  regulations.   In   addition,  violations  of,  or  liabilities  under, 
environmental  laws  or  permits  may  result  in  restrictions  being  imposed  on  our  operating  activities  or  in  our  being 
subject  to  substantial  fines,  penalties,  criminal  proceedings,  third  party  property  damage  or  personal  injury  claims, 
clean‐up  costs  or  other  costs.   While   we  believe  that  we  are  currently  in  compliance  with  applicable  environmental 
requirements, future developments such as more aggressive enforcement policies, the implementation of new, more 
stringent  laws  and  regulations,  or  the  discovery  of  currently  unknown  environmental  conditions  may  require 
expenditures that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. 
Former MCP’s facility in Tilly, Belgium is currently undergoing corrective measures under a remediation plan as a result 
of industrial legacy at this site, which has been in industrial use for more than 100 years, and in order to comply with 
more  stringent  environmental  regulations.  The  remediation  plan  has  been  approved  by  the  local  authorities  and 
estimated resulting costs have been properly accounted for by the Company.  

Legal Proceedings 
On November 6, 2012, Florinvest S.A., Heresford Ltd., Metals Corp S.C.R.L. and S.R.I.W. S.A. (the “Vendors”) which are 
all former shareholders of MCP filed a request for arbitration (the “Arbitration”) against the Company, claiming that it 
misinterpreted the terms of the Acquisition Agreement entered into with them on February 26, 2011 with respect to 
the calculation of interests owed on the sums payable after closing. The Company opposes the position taken by the 
Vendors with respect to the method of calculating interest. 

20

5N Plus Inc.                     

 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Together with the answer to the request for Arbitration, the Company also filed a counterclaim in the Arbitration, as it 
has  discovered  that  the  Vendors  have  breached  the  terms  of  the  Acquisition  Agreement,  and  certain  other  related 
agreements, including breaches with respect to representations and warranties made by the Vendors and breaches of 
closing conditions. The Company and MCP have also filed lawsuits against the former directors of MCP holding them 
personally liable for any and all damages caused by any faults or tortuous acts committed by them acting as directors of 
MCP or in any other capacity. The total amount of damages which the Company has incurred to date is provisionally 
estimated at an amount which is significantly higher than the balance of the sums allegedly owed under the terms of 
the Acquisition Agreement and other related documents. Furthermore, the Company intends to be fully indemnified by 
the  Vendors  and  the  former  directors  of  MCP  for  any  damage  in  excess  of  the  balance  of  the  sums  owed  under  the 
terms of the Acquisition Agreement and other related documents. 

The Company is confident that its claims against the Vendors and eventually the former directors of MCP have merit, 
however, there are no guarantees as to the outcome of such litigation.  

The Company is threatened from time to time with, or may become subject to various legal proceedings in the ordinary 
course of conducting its business. Being implicated in such legal proceedings could require substantial amounts of its 
management's attention, necessitate financial resources to defend such claims or result in significant attorney fees and 
damage  awards  for  which  the  Company  may  not  be  fully  insured  and  which  could  harm  its  reputation.  A  significant 
judgment against the Company or the imposition of a significant fine or penalty could have a material adverse effect on 
its business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. 

Competition risk 
We are the leading producer of specialty metal and chemical products and have a limited number of competitors, none 
of which are as fully integrated as we are or have a similar range of products. Accordingly, they are not in a position to 
provide the same comprehensive set of services and products as we do. However, there can be no guarantee that this 
situation will continue in the future and competition could arise from new low‐cost metal refiners or from certain of our 
customers  who  could  decide  to  backward  integrate.  The  forecasted  growth  in  demand  for  our  main  products  may 
attract more metal refiners into this industry and increase competition. Although we believe that our operations and 
our commercial network are important competitive advantages, greater competition could have an adverse effect on 
our  revenues  and  operating  margins  if  our  competitors  gain  market  share  and  we  are  unable  to  compensate  for  the 
volume lost to our competition. 

Commodity price risk 
The price we pay for, and availability of, various inputs fluctuates due to numerous factors beyond our control, including 
economic conditions, currency exchange rates, global demand for metal products, trade sanctions, tariffs, labor costs, 
competition,  over  capacity  of  producers  and  price  surcharges.  Fluctuations  in  availability  and  cost  of  inputs  may 
materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. To the extent that we 
are  not  able  to  pass  on  any  increases,  our  business,  financial  condition,  results  of  operations  and  cash  flows  may  be 
materially adversely affected. 

Sources of Supply 
We may not be able to secure the critical raw material feedstock on which we depend for our operations.  We currently 
procure  our  raw  materials  from  a  number  of  suppliers  with  whom  we  have  had  long‐term  commercial  relationships.  
The loss of any one of these suppliers or a reduction in the level of deliveries to us may reduce our production capacity 
and impact our deliveries to customers.  This would in turn negatively impact our sales, net margins and may lead to 
liabilities with respect to some of our sales contracts. 

Protection of Intellectual Property  
Protection of our proprietary processes, methods and other technologies is important to our business.  We rely almost 
exclusively  on  a  combination  of  trade  secrets  and  employee  confidentiality  agreements  to  safeguard  our  intellectual 
property.  We have deliberately chosen to limit our patent position to avoid disclosing valuable information.  Failure to 
protect and monitor the use of our existing intellectual property rights could result in the loss of valuable technologies 
and processes. 

5N Plus Inc.                     

21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Inventory price risk 
The  Company  monitors  its  risk  associated  with  the  value  of  its  inventories in  relation  to  the  market  price  of  such 
inventories.  Because of the highly illiquid nature of many of its inventories, we rely on a combination of standard risk 
measurement  techniques,  such  as  value  at  risk  as  well  as  a  more  empirical  assessment  of  the  market 
conditions.  Decisions on appropriate physical stock levels are taken by considering both the value at risk calculations 
and the market conditions. 

Business Interruptions 
We may incur losses resulting from business interruptions.  In many instances, especially those related to our long‐term 
contracts, we have contractual obligations to deliver product in a timely manner.  Any disruption in our activities which 
leads  to  a  business  interruption  could  harm  our  customers’  confidence  level  and  lead  to  the  cancellation  of  our 
contracts and legal recourse against us.  Although we believe that we have taken the necessary precautions to avoid 
business  interruptions  and  carry  business  interruption  insurance,  we could  still  experience  interruptions  which would 
adversely impact our financial results. 

Dependence on Key Personnel  
The Company relies on the expertise and know‐how of its personnel to conduct its operations.   The loss of any member 
of our senior management team could have a material adverse effect on us.  Our future success also depends on our 
ability to retain and attract our key employees, train, retain and successfully integrate new talent into our management 
and  technical  teams.   Recruiting  and  retaining  talented  personnel,  particularly  those  with  expertise  in  the  specialty 
metals  industry  and  refining  technology  is  vital  to  our  success  and  may  prove  difficult. We  cannot  provide  assurance 
that we will be able to attract and retain qualified personnel when needed. 

Collective Agreements 
A  portion  of  our  workforce  is  unionized  and  we  are  party  to  collective  agreements  that  are  due  to  expire  at  various 
times in the future.  If we are unable to renew these collective agreements on similar terms as they become subject to 
renegotiation from time to time, this could result in work stoppages or other labour disturbances, such as strikes, walk‐
outs or lock‐outs, potentially affecting our performance. 

Risks Associated with Public Issuer Status 
The  Company’s  shares  are  publicly  traded  and,  as  such,  it  is  subject  to  all  of  the  obligations  imposed  on  "reporting 
issuers" under applicable securities laws in Canada and all of the obligations applicable to a listed company under stock 
exchange  rules.  Direct  and  indirect  costs  associated  with  public  company  status  have  escalated  in  recent  years  and 
regulatory initiatives under consideration may further increase the costs of being public in Canada. Those costs could 
have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition. 

Non‐IFRS Measures  
In  this  Management’s  Report,  the  Company’s  management  uses  certain  measures  which  are  not  in  accordance  with 
IFRS. Non‐IFRS measures are useful supplemental information but may not have a standardized meaning according to 
IFRS.  

Backlog represents the expected value of orders we have received but have not yet executed and that are expected to 
translate  into  sales  within  the  next  12  months.  Bookings  represents  the  value  of  orders  received  during  the  period 
considered and is calculated by adding revenues to the increase or decrease in backlog for the period considered.  We 
use backlog to provide an indication of expected future revenues, and bookings to determine our ability to sustain and 
increase our revenues.  

EBITDA  means  net  earnings  (loss)  before  financial  expenses  (income),  income  taxes,  depreciation  and  amortization, 
impairment  or  reversal  of  impairment  of  PPE  and  intangible  assets,  impairment  of  goodwill,  restructuring  costs  and 
acquisition‐related costs. We use EBITDA because we believe it is a meaningful measure of the operating performance 
of our ongoing business without the effects of certain expenses. The definition of this non‐IFRS measure used by the 
Company may differ from that used by other companies.   

22

5N Plus Inc.                     

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Adjusted EBITDA means EBITDA as defined above before impairment of inventories. We use adjusted EBITDA because 
we  believe  it  is  a  meaningful  measure  of  the  operating  performance  of  our  ongoing  business  without  the  effects  of 
inventory  write‐downs.  The  definition  of  this  non‐IFRS  measure  used  by  the  Company  may  differ  from  that  used  by 
other companies.  

Adjusted net earnings means the net earnings (loss) before the effect of charge and reversal of impairment related to 
inventory,  PPE  and  intangible  assets,  impairment  of  goodwill,  restructuring  charges  and  acquisitions  costs  net  of  the 
related income tax. We use adjusted net earnings (loss) because we believe it is a meaningful measure of the operating 
performance  of  our  ongoing  business  without  the  effects  of  unusual  inventory  write‐downs  and  property  plant  and 
equipment and intangible asset impairment charges, restructuring charges and acquisition costs. The definition of this 
non‐IFRS measure used by the Company may differ from that used by other companies.    

Basic adjusted net earnings (loss) per share means Adjusted net earnings (loss) divided by the weighted average number 
of  outstanding  shares.  We  use  basic  adjusted  net  earnings  (loss)  per  share  because  we  believe  it  is  a  meaningful 
measure of the operating performance of our ongoing business without the effects of unusual inventory write‐downs 
and property plant and equipment and intangible asset impairment charges, restructuring charges and acquisition costs 
per share. The definition of this non‐IFRS measure used by the Company may differ from that used by other companies.    

Funds  from  operations  means  the  amount  of  cash  generated  from  operating  activities  before  changes  in  non‐cash 
working capital balances related to operations. This amount appears directly in the audited consolidated statements of 
cash flows of the Company. We consider funds from operations to be a key measure as it demonstrates the Company’s 
ability to generate cash necessary for future growth and debt repayment.  

Gross  profit  is  a  financial  measure  equivalent  to  the  sales  less  cost  of  sales.  The  gross  profit  ratio  is  displayed  as  a 
percentage  of  sales.  We  use  gross  profit  and  gross  profit  ratio  as  measures  of  our  ability  to  operate  effectively  and 
generate value. 

Adjusted gross profit is a financial measure equivalent to the sales less cost of sales excluding write‐down of inventories. 
The adjusted gross profit ratio is displayed as a percentage of sales. We use adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross 
profit ratio as measures of our ability to operate effectively and generate value. 

Net debt or net cash is a measure we use to monitor how much debt we have after taking into account cash and cash 
equivalents and temporary investments. We use it as an indicator of our overall financial position, and calculate it by 
taking  our  total  debt,  including  the  current  portion,  and  subtracting  cash  and  cash  equivalents  and  temporary 
investments.   

Working capital is a measure that shows us how much cash we have available for the growth of our Company.  We use it 
as an indicator of our financial strength and liquidity.  We calculate it by taking current assets and subtracting current 
liabilities. 

Additional Information 
Our common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the ticker symbol VNP. Additional  information 
relating to the Company, including the Company’s annual information form is available under the Company’s profile on 
SEDAR at www.sedar.com. 

Subsequent Event 
In March 2013, the Company signed an amendment to its senior secured multi‑currency revolving credit facility under 
which  the  facility  will  be  reduced  to $100 million  starting  March  31, 2013.  The amendment  establishes  new  financial 
covenants for 2013 and maintains the original maturity (August 2015). The interest rate has been changed and is linked 
to the Debt/EBITDA ratio, and can vary from LIBOR, banker’s acceptance rate or EURIBOR plus 3.00% to 4.50% or US 
base rate or prime rate plus 2.00% to 3.5%.  Standby fees from 0.75% to 1.125% are paid on the unused portion. At any 
time, 5N Plus has the option to request that the credit facility be expanded to $140 million through the exercise of an 
additional $40 million accordion feature, subject to review and approval by the lenders. 

5N Plus Inc.                     

23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012 AND FOR THE SEVEN-
MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 
(Figures in thousands of United States dollars)

24

Management’s Report 
To the Shareholders of 5N Plus Inc. 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the management of 
5N  Plus  Inc.  and  have  been  reviewed  by  the  Audit  Committee  and  approved  by  the  Board  of 
Directors. 

These consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared by management 
in  conformity  with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  and  necessarily  include  amounts 
based on management’s informed judgments and estimates. 

Management is also responsible for all other information included in this Annual Report and for 
ensuring that this information is consistent with the Company’s consolidated financial statements 
and business activities. 

Management  is  responsible  for  the  design,  establishment  and  maintenance  of  appropriate 
internal  controls  and  procedures  for  financial  reporting,  to  ensure  that  financial  statements  for 
external  purposes  are  fairly  presented  in  conformity  with  International  Financial  Reporting 
Standards. Such internal control systems are designed to provide reasonable assurance on the 
reliability of the financial information and the safeguarding of assets. 

The  Company’s  external  auditors  have  free  and  independent  access  to  the  Audit  Committee, 
which  is  comprised  of  independent  directors.  The  Audit  Committee,  which  meets  regularly 
throughout the year with members of management, reviews the consolidated financial statements 
and recommends their approval to the Board of Directors. 

The consolidated financial statements have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. 

SIGNED  
Jacques L’Ecuyer  
President and Chief Executive Officer    

SIGNED 
David Langlois, CA 
Chief Financial Officer 

Montreal, Canada 
March 28, 2013

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26

27

5N PLUS INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars) 

ASSETS 
Current
Cash and cash equivalents 
Temporary investments (restricted) 
Accounts receivable (Note 5) 
Inventories (Note 6) 
Income tax receivable 
Other current assets 
Total current assets 
Property, plant and equipment (Note 7) 
Intangible assets (Note 8) 
Deferred tax asset (Note 16) 
Goodwill (Note 9) 
Investments accounted for using the equity method (Note 10) 
Other assets (Note 11) 
Total non-current assets 
Total assets  

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 
Current  
Bank indebtedness and short-term debt (Note 13) 
Trade and accrued liabilities (Note 12) 
Income tax payable 
Derivative financial liabilities (Note 17) 
Long-term debt due within one year (Note 13) 
Total current liabilities 
Long-term debt (Note 13) 
Deferred tax liability (Note 16) 
Retirement benefit obligation (Note 14) 
Derivative financial liabilities (Note 17) 
Other liabilities (Note 15) 
Total non-current liabilities 
Total liabilities  
Shareholders’ equity 
Non-controlling interest 
Total equity 
Total liabilities and equity 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 24) 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

As at 
December 31, 
2012
$ 

As At
December 31,
2011
$ 

9,535 
2,357 
87,807 
170,293 
18,931 
2,514 
291,437 
55,548 
16,010 
11,232 
- 
503 
9,248 
92,541 
383,978 

8,014 
62,214 
2,217 
2,817 
29,527 
104,789 
110,898 
2,632 
12,092 
3,537 
1,560 
130,719 
235,508 
148,112 
358 
148,470 
383,978 

29,449 
51,882 
76,641 
315,333 
11,022 
2,762 
487,089 
86,483 
68,148 
2,706 
124,910 
1,513 
11,495 
295,255 
782,344 

73,430 
59,029 
354 
3,814 
14,757 
151,384 
253,719 
19,143 
12,315 
1,902 
4,171 
291,250 
442,634 
339,241 
469 
339,710 
782,344 

28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS) 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, except per share information) 

Revenues  
Cost of sales (Note 28) 
Selling, general and administrative expenses (Note 28) 
Other expenses, net (Note 28) 
Share of (profit) loss from joint ventures  

Operating loss 
Financial expenses 
Interest on long-term debt 
Other interest expense  
Foreign exchange and derivative (gain) and loss 

Loss before income tax  
Income tax recovery (Note 16) 
Net loss for the period 

Attributable to: 
Equity holders of 5N Plus Inc. 
Non-controlling interest 

Loss per share attributable to equity holders of 5N Plus Inc. (Note 22) 
Basic loss per share 
Diluted loss per share 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

For the 
year ended 
December 31, 
2012
$ 

For the 
seven-month
period ended
December 31,
2011
$ 

551,675 
520,247 
45,742 
225,836 
333 
792,158 
(240,483) 

8,012 
816 
2,759 
11,587 
(252,070) 
(24,221) 
(227,849) 

(227,738) 
(111) 
(227,849) 
(2.91) 
(2.91) 
(2.91) 

391,712 
357,530 
33,500 
23,443 
(429) 
414,044 
(22,332) 

5,179 
308 
(642) 
4,845 
(27,177) 
(4,713) 
(22,464) 

(21,641) 
(823) 
(22,464) 
(0.31) 
(0.32) 
(0.32) 

29

 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars) 

Net loss for the period 
Other comprehensive income (loss) 
Cash flow hedges, net of income tax of $406 (2011 – $188) 
De-designation of cash flow hedges (net of income tax of $(312)) for 2012 
Currency translation adjustment  
Comprehensive loss for the period 
Attributable to equity holders of 5N Plus Inc. 
Attributable to non-controlling interest 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

For the 
year ended 
December 31, 
2012
$ 

For the
seven-month
period ended
December 31,
2011
$ 

(227,849) 

(22,464)

(1,102) 
848 
215 
(227,888) 
(227,777) 
(111) 

(474)
- 
246 
(22,692)
(21,869)
(823)

30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars) 

Operating activities 
Net loss for the period 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash flows 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization  

of intangible assets 

Amortization of other assets 
Share-based compensation expense 
Deferred income tax 
Share of (profit) loss from joint ventures 
Impairment of inventories (Note 6) 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment (Note 7) 
Impairment of intangible assets (Note 8) 
Impairment of goodwill (Note 9) 
Reversal of impairment of property, plant and equipment (Note 7) 
Unrealized loss (gain) on non-hedge financial instruments 
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) on assets and liabilities  

Funds from operations before the following 
Net change in non-cash working capital balances related to operations (Note 20) 
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities 
Investing activities
Acquisition of a 40% interest in a subsidiary (Note 4) 
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 
Acquisition of intangible assets 
Temporary investments (restricted) 
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities 
Financing activities 
Repayment of long-term debt 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 
Net decrease in bank indebtedness and short-term debt 
Issuance of common shares and warrants (Note 18) 
Share issuance expense  
Financial instruments  
Others
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents  

related to operations 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the period 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 

Supplemental information(a)
Income tax paid 
Interest paid 

For the 
year ended 
December 31, 
2012
$ 

For the
seven-month
period ended
December 31,
2011
$ 

(227,849) 

(22,464)

21,159 
1,040 
563 
(25,037) 
333 
50,585 
39,239 
40,597 
124,910 
(932) 
(1,338) 
2,123 
25,393 
76,419 
101,812 

- 
(15,541) 
(347) 
49,525 
33,637 

(126,826) 
- 
(65,416) 
38,636 
(1,621) 
263 
- 
(154,964) 

 (399) 
(19,914) 
29,449 
9,535 

7,520 
8,434 

12,797 
485 
443 
(1,357)
(429)
34,790 
11,460 
700 
- 
- 
1,946 
(11,033)
27,338 
(38,253)
(10,915)

(1,007)
(9,964)
(821)
(529)
(12,321)

(53,736)
185,426 
(101,273)
346 
(162)
2,653 
(9,211)
24,043 

592
1,399 
28,050 
29,449 

9,937 
6,786 

(a) Amounts paid for interest and income tax were reflected as cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

31

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, except number of shares) 

For the year ended 
December 31, 2012 

For the seven-month period 
ended December 31, 2011 

Total Equity 

Shareholders’ Equity 
Share capital 

Balance at beginning of period 

Common shares issued on exercise of stock options
Common shares issued for cash (Note 18) 

Balance at end of period 

Contributed surplus

Balance at beginning of period 

Share-based compensation expense 
Exercise of stock options 

Balance at end of period 

Retained earnings (deficit) 

Balance at beginning of period 

Net loss attributable to equity holders of  

5N Plus Inc. for the period 

Acquisition of a 40% interest in a subsidiary  

(Note 4) 

Share issue expense (net of income tax of $436;  

December 31, 2011 – $36) (Note 18) 

Balance at end of period

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Balance at beginning of period 

Cash flow hedges (net of income tax of $406;  

2011 – $188) 

De-designation of cash flow hedges (net of income 

tax of $(312)) for 2012 
Currency translation adjustment 

Balance at end of period 

Total shareholders’ equity at end of period
Non-controlling Interest

Balance at beginning of period 

Share of profit 

Balance at end of period 

Total Equity 

Number
of shares   

70,961,125 
43,531 
12,903,613 
83,908,269 

Amount 
$ 

305,928 
225 
37,119 
343,272 

2,691 
563 
(74)
3,180 

30,850 

(227,738)

- 

(1,185)
(198,073)

(228)

(1,102)

848 
215 
(267)
148,112 

469 
(111)
358 
148,470 

Number 
of shares   

Amount 
$ 

70,892,627 
68,498 
- 
70,961,125 

305,464 
464 
- 
305,928 

2,366 
443 
(118)
2,691 

54,868 

(21,641)

(2,251)

(126)
30,850 

- 

(474)

- 
246 
(228)
339,241 

1,292 
(823)
469 
339,710 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

32

 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

NOTE 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION 

Nature of operations 

5N Plus Inc. (“5N Plus” or the “Company”) is a Canadian-based international company. 5N Plus is a producer of specialty 
metal and chemical products. Fully integrated with closed-loop recycling facilities, the Company’s head office is located at 
4385 Garand Street, Saint-Laurent, Quebec (Canada) H4R 2B4. The Company operates manufacturing facilities and sales 
offices  in  several  locations  in  Europe,  the  Americas  and  Asia.  The  Company’s  shares  are  listed  on  the  Toronto  Stock 
Exchange  (“TSX”).  5N  Plus  and  its  subsidiaries  represent  the  “Company”  mentioned  throughout  these  consolidated 
financial statements. The Company has two reportable business segments, namely Electronic Materials and Eco-Friendly 
Materials. Corporate expenses associated with the head office and unallocated selling, general and administrative expenses 
together  with  financing  costs,  gains  and/or  losses  on  foreign  exchange  and  derivative  and  the  amortization  of  intangible 
assets  have  been  regrouped  under  the  heading  Corporate  and  unallocated  (Note 19).  Corresponding  operations  and 
activities are managed accordingly by the Company’s key decision-makers.  

The  Electronic  Materials  segment  is  headed  by  a  vice  president  who  oversees  locally  managed  operations  in  North 
America,  Europe  and  Asia.  Its  main  products  are  associated  with  the  following  metals:  cadmium,  gallium,  germanium, 
indium and tellurium. These metals are sold as elements, alloys, chemicals and compounds.  

The Eco-Friendly Materials segment is associated mainly with bismuth. This segment is headed by a vice president who 
oversees  locally  managed  operations  in  Europe  and  China.  The  segment  manufactures  and  sells  refined  bismuth  and 
bismuth chemicals, low melting-point alloys as well as refined selenium and selenium chemicals.  

The Company’s operations are not subject to seasonal fluctuations. 

In  2011,  the  Company  changed  its  financial  year-end  from  May  31  to  December  31.  These  consolidated  financial 
statements  are  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2012  with  comparative  figures  for  the  seven-month  period  ended 
December 31, 2011. 

These consolidated financial statements were authorized for issuance by the Company’s Board of Directors on March 28, 
2013. 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below. 
These policies have been consistently applied to all periods presented, unless otherwise stated. 

Basis of preparation 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(“IFRS”)  and  International  Financial  Reporting  Interpretations  Committee  (“IFRIC”)  interpretations.  The  consolidated 
financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for derivative financial instruments. 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It 
also requires management to exercise its judgment in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. The areas 
involving  a  higher  degree  of  judgment  or  complexity,  or  areas  where  assumptions  and  estimates  are  significant  to  the 
consolidated financial statements are also disclosed in Note 2. 

Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. 

33

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

Consolidation 

a)  Subsidiaries 

All the subsidiaries are entities over which the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies 
generally accompanying a shareholding of more than one half of the voting rights. The existence and effect of potential 
voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing whether the Company controls 
another entity. The Company also assesses the existence of control where it does not have more than 50% of the voting 
power but is able to govern the financial and operating policies by virtue of de facto control. 

De  facto  control  may  arise  in  circumstances  where  the  size  of  the  Company’s  voting  rights  relative  to  the  size 
and dispersion of holdings of other shareholders gives the Company the power to govern the financial and operating 
policies. 

The  subsidiaries  are  fully  consolidated  from  the  date  on  which  control  is  transferred  to  the  Company.  They  are 
deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. 

The Company applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for 
the  acquisition  of  a  subsidiary  corresponds  to  the  fair  value  of  the  assets  transferred,  the  liabilities  incurred  to  the 
former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Company. The consideration transferred includes 
the  fair  value  of  any  asset  or  liability  resulting  from  a  contingent  consideration  arrangement.  Identifiable  assets 
acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair 
value at the acquisition date. The Company recognizes any non-controlling interest in the acquiree on an acquisition-
by-acquisition  basis,  either  at  fair  value  or  at  the  non-controlling  interest’s  proportionate  share  of  the  recognized 
amounts of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. 

Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. 

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date carrying value of the acquirer’s previously held 
equity interest in the acquiree is remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date; any gains or losses arising from such 
remeasurement are recognized in profit or loss. 

Any  contingent  consideration  to  be  transferred  by  the  Company  is  recognized  at  fair  value  at  the  acquisition  date. 
Subsequent  changes  to  the  fair  value  of  the  contingent  consideration  that  is  deemed  to  be  an  asset  or  liability  is 
recognized in accordance with IAS 39, “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement”, either in profit or loss 
or as a change to other comprehensive income. Contingent consideration that is classified as equity is not remeasured, 
and its subsequent settlement is accounted for in equity. 

Goodwill is initially measured as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the fair value of non-
controlling interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If this consideration is lower than 
the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized in profit or loss. 

Intercompany transactions, balances, income and expenses on transactions between group companies are eliminated. 
Profits  and  losses  resulting  from  intercompany  transactions  that  are  recognized  in  assets  are  also  eliminated. 
Accounting  policies  of  subsidiaries  have  been  changed  where  necessary  to  ensure  consistency  with  the  policies 
adopted by the Company. 

34

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

b)  Associates 

All associates are entities over which the Company has significant influence but not control, generally accompanying a 
shareholding  of  between  20%  and  50%  of  the  voting  rights.  Investments  in  associates  are  accounted  for  using  the 
equity method of accounting. Under this method, the investment is initially recognized at cost, and the carrying amount 
is  increased  or  decreased  to  recognize  the  investor’s  share  of  the  profit  or  loss  of  the  investee  after  the  date  of 
acquisition. The Company’s investment in associates includes goodwill identified on acquisition. 

If the ownership interest in an associate is reduced but significant influence is retained, only a proportionate share of 
the amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss where appropriate. 

The Company’s share of post-acquisition profit or loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings (loss), 
and  its  share  of  post-acquisition  movements  in  other  comprehensive  income  is  recognized  in  other  comprehensive 
income  with  a  corresponding  adjustment  to  the  carrying  amount  of  the  investment.  When  the  Company’s  share  of 
losses  in  an  associate  equals  or  exceeds  its  interest  in  the  associate,  including  any  other  unsecured  receivables,  the 
Company does not recognize further losses, unless it has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments 
on behalf of the associate. 

The  Company  determines  at  each  reporting  date  whether  there  is  any  objective  evidence  that  the  investment  in  the 
associate is impaired. If this is the case, the Company calculates the amount of impairment as the difference between 
the recoverable amount of the associate and its carrying value and recognizes the amount adjacent to share of profits 
(loss) of associates in the consolidated statement of earnings (loss). 

Profits  and  losses  resulting  from  upstream  and  downstream  transactions  between  the  Company  and  its  associate  are 
recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements only to the extent of unrelated investor’s interests in the 
associates.  Unrealized  losses  are  eliminated  unless  the  transaction  provides  evidence  of  an  impairment  of  the  asset 
transferred.  Accounting  policies  of  associates  have  been  changed  where  necessary  to  ensure  consistency  with  the 
policies adopted by the Company. 

Dilution gains and losses arising in investments in associates are recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings 
(loss). 

Foreign currency translation 

a) Functional and presentation currency 

The Company’s functional and presentation currency is the US dollar. Functional currency is determined for each of 
the Company’s entities, and items included in the financial statements of each entity are measured using that functional 
currency.

b) Transactions and balances 

Foreign  currency  transactions  are  translated  into  the  functional  currency  using  the  exchange  rates  prevailing  at  the 
dates of the transactions or valuation where items are remeasured. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from 
the  settlement  of  such  transactions  and  from  the  translation  at  year-end  exchange  rates  of  monetary  assets  and 
liabilities  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  are  recognized  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  earnings  (loss),  except 
when deferred in other comprehensive income as qualifying cash flow hedges and qualifying net investment hedges. 
Foreign  exchange  gains  and  losses  are  presented  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  earnings  (loss)  within  “foreign 
exchange and derivative (gain) and loss”. 

Changes in the fair value of monetary securities denominated in foreign currencies classified as available for sale are 
analyzed between translation differences resulting from changes in the amortized cost of the security and other changes 

35

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

in the carrying amount of the security. Translation differences related to changes in amortized cost are recognized in 
profit or loss, and other changes in the carrying amount are recognized in other comprehensive income.  

Translation differences on non-monetary financial assets and liabilities such as equities held at fair value through profit 
or  loss  are  recognized  in  profit  or  loss.  Translation  differences  on  non-monetary  financial  assets,  such  as  equities 
classified as available for sale, are included in other comprehensive income. 

c) Group companies 

The  results  and  financial  position  of  all  the  group  entities  (none  of  which  has  the  currency  of  a  hyperinflationary 
economy) that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation 
currency as follows: 

i)

ii)

assets and liabilities for each statement of financial position presented are translated at the closing rate at the 
date of that statement of financial position; 

income  and  expenses  for  each  statement  of  earnings  are  translated  at  average  exchange  rates  (unless  this 
average is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction 
dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the rate on the dates of the transactions); and 

iii) all resulting exchange differences are recognized in other comprehensive income. 

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of 
the  foreign  entity  and  translated  at  the  closing  rate.  Exchange  differences  arising  are  recognized  in  other 
comprehensive income. 

Segment reporting 

In identifying its operating segments, management generally follows the Company’s service lines, which represent the main 
products provided by the Company. The Company operates two principal segments: Electronic Materials and Eco-Friendly 
Materials.  Discrete  operating  and  financial  information  is  available  for  these  segments  and  is  used  to  determine  the 
operating performance of each segment and to allocate resources. 

The  Electronic  Materials  segment  is  associated  with  the  following  metals:  cadmium,  gallium,  germanium,  indium  and 
tellurium. These are sold as elements, alloys, chemicals and compounds. Typical end-markets include photovoltaics (solar 
energy), medical imaging, light emitting diodes (LED), displays, high-frequency electronics and thermoelectrics. 

The  Eco-Friendly  Materials  segment  manufactures  and  sells  refined  bismuth  and  bismuth  chemicals,  low  melting-point 
alloys as well as refined selenium and selenium chemicals. These are used in the pharmaceutical and animal-feed industries 
as well as in a number of industrial applications including coatings, pigments, metallurgical alloys and electronics. 

Each operating segment is managed separately as each of these service lines requires different technologies, resources and 
marketing  approaches.  All  intersegment  transactions  between  the  Electronic  Materials  and  the  Eco-Friendly  Materials 
segment have been eliminated on consolidation.  

Revenue recognition 

Revenue comprises the sale of manufactured products and the rendering of services and is measured at the fair value of the 
sale of manufactured products, net of intercompany sales, value-added tax, and estimated customer returns and allowances 
at the time of recognition. The estimates of fair value are based on the Company’s historical experience with each customer 
and the specifics of each arrangement. 

36

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

Revenue from the sale of manufactured products and custom refining activities is recognized when the risks and rewards of 
ownership  have  been  transferred  to  the  buyer  (which  generally  occurs  upon  shipment)  and  collectibility  of  the  related 
receivables is reasonably assured. Revenue is recognized when  (i) it can be measured reliably; (ii) it is probable that the 
economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity; and (iii) the costs incurred or to be incurred can be
measured reliably.  

Management  uses  its  best  estimate  to  record  revenue  when  measurement  of  the  revenue  is  not  yet  determined  and  the 
criteria above are met. 

Property, plant and equipment 

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis 
over 25 years for buildings, 10 years for production equipment, ranging from 3 to 10 years for furniture, office equipment 
and  rolling  stock,  and  over  the  term  of  the  lease  for  leasehold  improvements.  As  no  finite  useful  life  for  land  can  be 
determined,  related  carrying  amounts  are  not  depreciated.  Consistent  with  IAS 16,  Property,  Plant  and  Equipment, 
“significant  components”  with  different  useful  lives  from  the  original  asset  purchased  or  constructed  are  identified  and 
depreciated using a representative useful life. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. 

However,  “major  overhauls  and  replacements”  are  capitalized  to  the  consolidated  statements  of  financial  position  as  a 
separate component, with the replaced part or previous overhaul derecognized from the statement. 

Construction in progress is not depreciated until the assets are put into use. Costs are only capitalized if they are directly 
attributable to the construction or development of the assets. 

Residual values, method of depreciation and useful life of the assets are reviewed annually and adjusted if appropriate. 

The  carrying  values  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  which  exceed  their  recoverable  amounts  are  written  down  to  their 
recoverable amount and are recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss) (see impairment section below). 
Gains  or  losses  arising  on  the  disposal  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  are  determined  as  the  difference  between  the 
disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the assets and are recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss) 
in other expenses, net. 

Leases 

Leases are classified as finance leases if the Company bears substantially all risks and rewards of ownership of the leased 
asset.  At  inception  of  the  lease,  the  related  asset  is  recognized  at  the  lower  of  fair  value  and  the  present  value  of  the 
minimum lease payments, and a corresponding amount is recognized as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are split 
between finance charges and the reduction of the finance lease obligation to achieve a constant proportion of the capital 
balance outstanding. Finance charges are charged to net earnings (loss) over the lease term. 

All other leases are classified as operating leases. Operating lease payments are recognized as an expense on a straight-line 
basis over the lease term. 

37

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

Goodwill and intangible assets 

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis or whenever facts or circumstances indicate that 
the carrying amount may exceed its recoverable amount. 

Intangible assets other than goodwill are amortized on a straight-line basis over the periods stated below.  

Customer relationships 
Technology 
Trade name and non-compete agreements 
Software
Intellectual property 
Development costs 

Impairment of non-financial assets 

Impairment of goodwill 

Periods 

10 years 
5 years 
2 to 5 years 
5 years 
10 years 
Not exceeding 10 years 

For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are largely independent 
cash inflows. As a result, some assets are tested individually for impairment and some are tested at the cash-generating unit 
(“CGU”) level. Goodwill is allocated to CGUs or groups of CGUs for impairment testing purposes based on the level at 
which management monitors it, which is not higher than an operating segment. The allocation is made to those CGUs or 
group  of  CGUs  that  are  expected  to  benefit  from  synergies  of  the  related  business  combination  in  which  the  goodwill 
arises.

Corporate head office assets and expenses are not allocated to CGUs or groups of CGUs. If there is an indication that a 
corporate asset may be impaired, the recoverable amount is determined for the CGU to which the corporate asset belongs. 
CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment at least annually and whenever there is an indication 
that the unit may be impaired. This testing is done by comparing the carrying amount of the unit, including the goodwill, 
with the recoverable amount of the unit. 

The  recoverable  amount  of  an  asset  or  CGU  is  the  greater  of  its  value  in  use  and  its  fair  value  less  costs  to  sell.  To 
determine  value  in  use,  management  estimates  expected  future  cash  flows  from  each  CGU  and  determines  a  suitable 
discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. The data used for impairment testing procedures 
are  directly  linked  to  the  Company’s  latest  approved  budget,  adjusted  as  necessary  to  exclude  the  effects  of  future 
reorganizations  and  asset  enhancements.  Discount  factors  are  determined  individually  for  each  CGU  and  reflect  their 
respective risk profiles as assessed by management. Impairment losses for a CGU are first allocated to reduce the carrying 
amount  of  goodwill  allocated  to  that  CGU, and  the remainder  is  allocated  to other  assets  of  the unit on  a  pro rata basis. 
Goodwill impairment losses cannot be reversed.  

Impairment of other non-financial assets 

Non-financial assets with finite lives are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that 
their  carrying  amounts  may  not  be  recoverable.  In  addition,  non-financial  assets  that  are  not  amortized  are  subject  to  an 
annual  impairment  assessment.  Any  impairment  loss  is  recognized for  the  amount  by which  the  asset’s  carrying  amount 
exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in 
use.  For  the  purpose  of  assessing  impairment,  assets  are  grouped  at  the  lowest  levels  for  which  there  are  separately 
identifiable  cash  flows  (CGUs).  The  Company  evaluates  impairment  losses  for  potential  reversals,  other  than  goodwill 
impairment, when events or changes in circumstances warrant such consideration. 

38

 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

Non-current assets (or disposal groups) held for sale  

Non-current assets (or disposal groups) are classified as assets held for sale when their carrying amount is to be recovered 
principally  through  a  sale  transaction  and  a  sale  is  considered  highly  probable.  They  are  stated  at  the  lower  of  carrying 
amount and fair value less costs to sell. 

Financial assets 

Classification 

The  Company  classifies  its  financial  assets  in  the  following  categories:  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss,  loans  and 
receivables, and available for sale. The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired. 
Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition. 

a)  Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are financial assets held for trading. A financial asset is classified in
this category if acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term. Derivatives are also categorized as held 
for trading unless they are designated as hedges. Assets in this category are classified as current assets if expected to be 
settled within 12 months; otherwise, they are classified as non-current. 

b)  Loans and receivables 

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an 
active  market.  They  are  included  in  current  assets,  except  for  maturities  greater  than  12 months  after  the  end  of  the 
reporting period. These are classified as non-current assets. The Company’s loans and receivables comprise “trade and 
other receivables”, “cash and cash equivalents” and “temporary investments (restricted)” in the consolidated statements 
of financial position. 

c)  Available-for-sale financial assets 

Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivatives that are either designated in this category or not classified in any 
of the other categories. They are included in non-current assets unless the investment matures or management intends 
to dispose of it within 12 months of the end of the reporting period. 

Recognition and measurement 

Regular purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized on the trade date, the date on which the Company commits to 
purchase or sell the asset. Investments are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs for all financial assets not 
carried at fair value through profit or loss. Financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss are initially recognized 
at  fair  value,  and  transaction  costs  are  expensed  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  earnings  (loss).  Financial  assets  are 
derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the investments have expired or been transferred and the Company 
has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. Available-for-sale financial assets and financial assets at 
fair  value  through  profit or  loss  are  subsequently  carried at  fair value. Loans and  receivables  are  subsequently  carried  at 
amortized cost using the effective interest method. 

Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of the “financial assets at fair value through profit or loss” category 
are presented in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss) within foreign exchange gain (loss) and derivatives in the 
period in which they arise.  

39

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

Impairment of financial assets  

Assets carried at amortized cost 

The  Company  assesses  at  the  end  of  each  reporting  period  whether  there  is  objective  evidence  that  a  financial  asset  or 
group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired and impairment losses are 
incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial 
recognition of the asset (a “loss event”) and that loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of 
the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated. 

Evidence of impairment may include indications that the debtor or a group of debtors is experiencing significant financial 
difficulty, default or delinquency in interest or principal payments, the probability that they will enter bankruptcy or other 
financial  reorganization,  and  where  observable  data  indicates  that  there  is  a  measurable  decrease  in  the  estimated  future 
cash flows, such as changes in arrears or economic conditions that correlate with defaults. 

For  loans  and  receivables  category,  the  amount  of  the  loss  is  measured  as  the  difference  between  the  asset’s  carrying 
amount  and  the  present value  of  estimated  future  cash  flows (excluding future  credit  losses  that  have not  been  incurred) 
discounted  at  the  financial  asset’s  original  effective  interest  rate.  The  carrying  amount  of  the  asset  is  reduced  and  the 
amount of the loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss). If a loan has a variable interest rate, the
discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective interest rate determined under the contract. As a 
practical expedient, the Company may measure impairment on the basis of an instrument’s fair value, using an observable 
market price. 

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an 
event occurring after the impairment was recognized (such as an improvement in the debtor’s credit rating), the reversal of 
the previously recognized impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss). 

Financial liabilities 

The Company’s financial liabilities include borrowings, trade and accrued liabilities and derivative financial instruments. 
Financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, except for financial liabilities held
for  trading  or  designated  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss,  which  are  carried  subsequently  at  fair  value  with  gains  or 
losses recognized in net earnings (loss). 

All derivative financial instruments that are not designated and effective as hedging instruments are accounted for at fair 
value through the consolidated statements of earnings (loss). All interest-related charges and, if applicable, changes in an 
instrument’s fair value that are reported in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss) are included in foreign exchange 
(gain) loss and derivatives. 

Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities 

Derivatives  are  initially  recognized  at  fair  value  on  the  date  a  derivative  contract  is  entered  into  and  are  subsequently 
remeasured at their fair value. The method of recognizing the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is 
designated  as  a  hedging  instrument  and,  if  so,  the  nature  of  the  item  being  hedged.  The  Company  designates  certain 
derivatives as either: 

a)  hedges of the fair value of recognized assets or liabilities or a firm commitment (fair value hedge); 

b)  hedges of a particular risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction 

(cash flow hedge); or 

c)  hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation (net investment hedge). 

40

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

The Company documents at the inception of a transaction the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, 
as  well  as  its  risk  management  objectives  and  strategy  for  undertaking  various  hedging  transactions.  The Company  also 
documents  its  assessment,  both  at  hedge  inception  and  on  an  ongoing  basis,  of  whether  the  derivatives  that  are  used  in 
hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. 

The fair values of various derivative instruments used for hedging purposes are disclosed in Note 17. 

The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability when the remaining hedged item is
more  than  12 months  and  as  a  current  asset  or  liability  when  the  remaining  maturity  of  the  hedged  item  is  less  than 
12 months. Trading derivatives are classified as a current asset or liability. 

a)  Fair value hedge 

The Company generally applies fair value hedge accounting to certain interest-rate derivatives to hedge the exposures 
to changes in the fair value of recognized financial assets and financial liabilities. In a fair value hedge relationship, 
gains  or  losses  from  the  measurement  of  derivative  hedging  instruments  at  fair  value  are  recorded  in  net  earnings 
(loss), while gains or losses on hedged items attributable to the hedged risks are accounted for as an adjustment to the 
carrying amount of hedged items and are recorded in net earnings (loss). 

b)  Cash flow hedge 

The  Company  generally  applies  cash  flow  hedge  accounting  to  forward  foreign  exchange  contracts  and  interest-rate 
derivatives entered into to hedge foreign exchange risks on forecasted transactions and recognized assets and liabilities. 
In  a  cash  flow  hedge  relationship,  the  portion  of  gains  or  losses  on  the  hedging  item  that  is  determined  to  be  an 
effective  hedge  is  recognized  in  other  comprehensive  income  (loss),  while  the  ineffective  portion  is  recorded  in  net 
earnings (loss). The amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified in net earnings (loss) as 
a reclassification adjustment when the hedged item affects net earnings (loss).  

c)  Net investment hedge 

Hedges of net investments in foreign operations are accounted for similarly to cash flow hedges.  

Any  gain  or  loss  on  the  hedging  instrument  relating  to  the  effective  portion  of  the  hedge  is  recognized  in  other 
comprehensive  income  (loss).  The  gain  or  loss  relating  to  the  ineffective  portion  is  recognized  in  the  consolidated 
statements  of earnings  (loss).  Gains  and losses  accumulated  in  equity  are  included  in  the  consolidated  statements  of 
earnings (loss) when the foreign operation is partially disposed of or sold. 

Inventories 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost includes all expenditures directly attributable to the
manufacturing  process  as  well  as  suitable  portions  of  related  production  overheads  based  on  normal  operating  capacity. 
Costs  of  ordinarily  interchangeable  items  are  assigned  using  a  weighted  average  formula.  Net  realizable  value  is  the 
estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less any applicable selling expenses. When the circumstances that 
previously caused inventories to be written down below cost no longer exist or when there is clear evidence of an increase 
in  net  realizable  value  because  of  changed  economic  circumstances,  the  amount  of  the  impairment  is  reversed  (i.e.  the 
reversal is limited to the amount of the original impairment) so that the new carrying amount is the lower of the cost and the 
revised net realizable value. 

41

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

From time to time, when substantially all required raw materials are in inventories, the Company may choose to enter into 
long-term  sales  contracts  at  fixed  prices.  The  quantity  of  raw  materials  required  to  fulfill  these  contracts  is  specifically 
assigned,  and  the  average  cost  of  these  raw  materials  of  this  inventory  are  accounted  for  throughout  the  duration  of  the 
contract. 

Trade receivables 

Trade  receivables  are  amounts  due  from  customers  for  the  sale  of  manufactured  products  and  the  rendering  of  services 
performed  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business.  If  collection  is  expected  in  one  year  or  less,  they  are  classified  as  current 
assets. If not, they are presented as non-current assets. 

Trade  receivables  are  recognized  initially  at  fair  value  and  subsequently  measured  at  amortized  cost  using  the  effective 
interest method, less provision for impairment. 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits. Cash equivalents may also include bank notes, as 
well as short-term money market instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition, which can be 
immediately converted into cash upon acquisition. 

Temporary investments (restricted) 

Temporary investments represent restricted deposits held to secure certain liabilities of the Company. 

Trade and accrued liabilities 

Trade and accrued liabilities are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of 
business from suppliers. Trade and accrued liabilities are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year 
or less (or in the normal operating cycle of the business if longer). If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. 

Trade and accrued liabilities are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the 
effective interest method. 

Borrowings 

Borrowings are recognized initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently carried at 
amortized cost: any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognized in the 
consolidated statements of earnings (loss) over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. 

Fees  paid  on  the  establishment  of  loan  facilities  are  recognized  as  transaction  costs  of  the  loan  to  the  extent  that  it  is 
probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until the drawdown occurs. To 
the extent there is no evidence that it is probable that same or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalized as 
a pre-payment for liquidity services and amortized over the term of the facility to which it relates. 

Borrowing costs 

General and specific borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets,
which are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the 
cost of those assets, until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale. 
Investment  income  earned  on  the  temporary  investment  of  specific  borrowings  pending  their  expenditure  on  qualifying 
assets is deducted from the borrowing costs eligible for capitalization.  

42

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

All other borrowing costs are recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred. 

Income taxes 

The  tax  expense  for  the  period  comprises  current  and  deferred  tax.  Tax  is  recognized  in  the  consolidated  statements  of 
earnings (loss), except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) or directly in 
equity. In which case, the tax is also recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) or directly in equity, respectively. 

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the date of the 
consolidated statements of financial position in the countries where the Company and its subsidiaries operate and generate 
taxable  income.  Management  periodically  evaluates  positions  taken  in  tax  returns  with  respect  to  situations  in  which 
applicable  tax  regulation  is  subject  to  interpretation.  It  establishes  provisions  where  appropriate  on  the  basis  of  amounts 
expected to be paid to the tax authorities. 

Deferred income tax is recognized, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of 
assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, deferred tax liabilities 
are not recognized if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill; deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises
from  initial  recognition  of  an  asset  or  liability  in  a  transaction  other  than  a  business  combination  that  at  the  time  of  the 
transaction  affects  neither  accounting  nor  taxable  profit  or  loss.  Deferred  income  tax  is  determined  using  tax  rates  (and 
laws)  that  are  enacted  or  substantively  enacted  at  the  date  of  the  consolidated  statements  of  financial  position  and  are 
expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled. 

Deferred income tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available 
against which the temporary differences can be used. 

Deferred income tax is provided for on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, except 
for deferred income tax liability where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Company 
and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 

Deferred  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  offset  when  there  is  a  legally  enforceable  right  to  offset  current  tax  assets 
against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the 
same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the
balances on a net basis. 

Employee future benefits 

The Company contributes to a defined benefit pension plan. The significant policies related to employee future benefits are 
as follows: 







The  cost  of  pension  and  other  post-retirement  benefits  earned  by  employees  is  actuarially  determined  using  the 
projected benefit method pro-rated on service, market interest rates and management’s best estimate of expected 
plan investment performance, retirement ages of employees and expected health care costs. 

Fair value is used to value the plan assets for the purpose of calculating the expected return on plan assets. 

Cumulative  unrecognized  net  actuarial  gains  and  losses  in  excess  of  10%  of  the  greater  of  the  accrued  benefit 
obligation  or  market-related  value  of  plan  assets  at  the  beginning  of  the  year  are  amortized  over  the  estimated 
average remaining service life of plan participants. 

Share-based payments 

The  fair value  of  the  equity-settled  share-based  payment  plan  is  determined using  the  Black-Scholes  model  on  the grant 
date. Measurement inputs include the share price on the measurement date, the exercise price of the instrument, expected 
volatility, weighted average expected life of the instrument, expected dividends, expected forfeiture rate, and the risk-free 

43

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

interest rate. The impact of service and non-market vesting conditions is not taken into account in determining fair value. 
The compensation expense of the equity-settled awards is recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss) over 
the graded vesting period, where the fair value of each tranche is recognized over its respective vesting period. 

For cash-settled share-based payment plans, the compensation expense is determined based on the fair value of the liability 
incurred at each reporting date until the award is settled. The fair value of the liability is measured using the Black-Scholes
model,  taking  into  consideration  the  terms  and  conditions  attached  to  each  grant  and  the  extent  to  which  the  employees 
have rendered service to date. 

Earnings (loss) per share  

Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net earnings (loss) for the period attributable to equity owners of 
the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  

Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated using the treasury stock method. Under this method, earnings (loss) per share 
data is computed as if the options were exercised at the beginning of the year (or at the time of issuance, if later) and as if
the funds obtained from the exercise were used to purchase common shares of the Company at the average market price 
during the period. 

Provisions 

Provisions for environmental restoration, restructuring costs and legal claims are recognized when: the group has a present 
legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events; it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle 
the obligation; and the amount has been reliably estimated. Restructuring provisions comprise lease termination penalties 
and employee termination payments. Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses. 

Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined 
by  considering  the  class  of  obligations  as  a  whole.  A  provision  is  recognized  even  if  the  likelihood  of  an  outflow  with 
respect to any one item included in the same class of obligations may be small. 

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-
tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The 
increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognized as interest expense. 

Significant management estimation and judgment in applying accounting policies 

The following are significant management judgments used in applying the accounting policies of the Company that have 
the most significant effect on the consolidated financial statements. 

Estimation uncertainty 

When  preparing  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  management  undertakes  a  number  of  judgments,  estimates  and 
assumptions  about  recognition  and  measurement  of  assets,  liabilities,  revenues  and  expenses.  Estimates  and  underlying 
assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the 
estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. 

Information  about  the  significant  judgments,  estimates  and  assumptions  that  have  the  most  significant  effect  on  the 
recognition and measurement of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are discussed below. 

44

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

Impairment of non-financial assets 

An  impairment  loss  is  recognized  for  the  amount  by  which  an  asset’s  or  CGUs  carrying  amount  exceeds  its  recoverable 
amount, which is the higher of fair value less cost to sell and value in use. 

To  determine  value  in use, management  estimates  expected future  cash  flows from  each asset or  CGU  and determines  a 
suitable interest rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. In the process of measuring expected future
cash flows, management makes assumptions about future operating results. These assumptions relate to future events and 
circumstances.  The  actual  results  may  vary,  and  may  cause  significant  adjustments  to  the  Company’s  assets  in  future 
periods. In most cases, determining the applicable discount rate involves estimating the appropriate adjustment to market 
risk and to asset-specific risk factors (Notes 8 and 9). 

Useful lives of depreciable assets 

Management  reviews  the  useful  lives  of  depreciable  assets  at  each  reporting  date  whenever  events  or  changes  in 
circumstances indicate that their carrying value amounts may not be recoverable. 

Inventories 

Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, with cost determined using the average cost method. 
In  estimating  net  realizable  values,  management  takes  into  account  the  most  reliable  evidence  available  at  the  time  the 
estimates  are  made.  The  Company’s  core  business  is  subject  to  changes  in  foreign  policies  and  internationally  accepted 
metal  prices  which  may  cause  selling  prices  to  change  rapidly.  The  Company  evaluates  its  inventories  using  a  group  of 
similar items basis and considers events that have occurred between the balance sheet date and the date of the completion 
of the financial statements. Net realizable value held to satisfy a specific sales contract is measured at the contract price. 

Income taxes 

The  Company  is  subject  to  income  taxes  in  numerous  jurisdictions.  Significant  judgment  is  required  in  determining  the 
worldwide  provision  for  income  taxes.  There  are  many  transactions  and  calculations  for  which  the  ultimate  tax 
determination  is  uncertain.  The  Company  recognizes  liabilities  for  anticipated  tax  audit  issues  based  on  estimates  of 
whether additional taxes will be due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were 
initially  recorded,  such  differences  will  impact  the  current  and  deferred  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities  in  the  period  in 
which such determination is made. 

The  Company  has  deferred  income  tax  assets  that  are  subject  to  periodic  recoverability  assessments.  Realization  of  the 
Company’s deferred income tax assets is largely dependent on its achievement of projected future taxable income and the 
continued  applicability  of  ongoing  tax  planning  strategies.  The  Company’s  judgments  regarding  future  profitability  may 
change due to future market conditions, changes in tax legislation and other factors that could adversely affect the ongoing 
value  of  the  deferred  income  tax  assets.  These  changes,  if  any,  may  require  the  material  adjustment  of  these  deferred 
income tax asset balances through an adjustment to the carrying value thereon in the future. This adjustment would reduce 
the  deferred  income  tax  asset  to  the  amount  that  is  considered  to  be  more  likely  than  not  to  be  realized  and  would  be 
recorded in the period such a determination was to be made. 

NOTE 3 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS 

A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for annual periods beginning after 
January 1, 2013, and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements. None of these is expected 
to have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, except the following set out below. 

45

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

Amendment  to  IAS  1,  “Financial  Statement  Presentation”,  regarding  other  comprehensive  income  (“OCI”).  The  main 
change resulting from this amendment is a requirement for entities to group items presented in OCI on the basis of whether 
they  are  potentially  reclassifiable  to  profit  or  loss  subsequently  (reclassification  adjustments).  The  amendment  does  not 
address which items are presented in OCI. 

IAS 19, “Employee Benefits”, was amended in June 2011. The impact on the Company will be as follows: to immediately 
recognize all past service costs; and to replace interest cost and expected return on plan assets with a net interest amount 
that is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability (asset). The Company has yet to assess the
full impact of the amendments. 

IFRS 9, “Financial Instruments”, addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial 
liabilities.  IFRS  9  was  issued  in  November  2009  and  October  2010.  It  replaces  the  parts  of  IAS 39  that  relate  to  the 
classification  and  measurement  of  financial  instruments.  IFRS 9  requires  financial  assets  to  be  classified  into  two 
measurement categories: those measured at fair value and those measured at amortized cost. The determination is made at 
initial recognition. The classification depends on the entity’s business model for managing its financial instruments and the 
contractual  cash  flow  characteristics  of  the  instrument.  For  financial  liabilities,  the  standard  retains  most  of  the  IAS 39 
requirements. The main change is that, in cases where the fair value option is taken for financial liabilities, the part of a fair
value change due to an entity’s own credit risk is recorded in OCI rather than the consolidated statement of earnings (loss), 
unless  this  creates  an  accounting  mismatch.  The  Company  has  yet  to  assess  IFRS 9’s  full  impact  and  intends  to  adopt 
IFRS 9  no  later  than  the  accounting  period  beginning  on  or  after  January 1,  2015.  The  Company  will  also  consider  the 
impact of the remaining phases of IFRS 9 when completed by the Board. 

IFRS  10,  “Consolidated  Financial  Statements”,  builds  on  existing  principles  by  identifying  the  concept  of  control  as  the 
determining  factor  in  whether  an  entity  should  be  included  within  the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  parent 
company.  The  standard  provides  additional  guidance  to  assist  in  the  determination  of  control  where  this  is  difficult  to 
assess.  The  Company  has  yet  to  assess IFRS 10’s  full  impact  and  intends  to  adopt IFRS 10 no  later  than  the  accounting 
period beginning on or after January 1, 2013. 

IFRS 12, “Disclosures of interests in other entities”, includes the disclosure requirements for all forms of interests in other
entities,  including  joint  arrangements,  associates,  special-purpose  vehicles  and  other  off-balance  sheet  vehicles.  The 
Company  has  yet  to  assess  IFRS  12’s  full  impact  and  intends  to  adopt  IFRS 12  no  later  than  the  accounting  period 
beginning on or after January 1, 2013. 

IFRS 13, “Fair Value Measurement”, aims to improve consistency and reduce complexity by providing a precise definition 
of  fair  value  and  a  single  source  of  fair  value  measurement  and  disclosure  requirements  for  use  across  IFRSs.  The 
requirements, which are largely aligned between IFRS and US GAAP, do not extend the use of fair value accounting but 
provide guidance on how it should be applied where its use is already required or permitted by other standards within IFRS. 

There  are  no  other  IFRSs  or  IFRIC  interpretations  that  are  not  yet  effective  that  would  be  expected  to  have  a  material 
impact on the Company. 

NOTE 4 – ACQUISITION OF A 40% INTEREST IN A SUBSIDIARY 

On  October  31,  2011,  the  Company  acquired  the  remaining  40%  ownership  interest  in  one  of  its  subsidiaries,  LAOS 
Industrial  Resources  Co.  Ltd.,  a  metal  refinery,  for  an  amount  of  $2,014.  This  amount  and  the  non-controlling  interest 
balance in the consolidated statement of financial position as at October 31, 2011 of $(237) has been recognized directly to 
retained earnings for a total of $2,251. 

46

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

NOTE 5 – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE 

Gross trade receivables 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 
Trade receivables 
Sales taxes receivable 
Other receivables 
Total accounts receivable 

December 31, 
2012

$   

78,948   
(168) 
78,780 
4,604 
4,423 
87,807 

December 31,
2011
$ 

71,322 
(482)
70,840 
4,706 
1,095 
76,641 

All  of  the  Company’s  accounts  receivable  are  short  term.  The  net  carrying  value  of  accounts  receivable  is  considered  a 
reasonable approximation of fair value. The Company reviews all amounts periodically for indications of impairment and 
the amounts impaired have been provided for as an allowance for doubtful accounts.  

The Company’s exposure to credit risks and impairment losses related to accounts receivable is disclosed in Note 26. 

Most of the accounts receivable are pledged as security for the revolving credit facility (Note 13). 

NOTE 6 – INVENTORIES 

Raw materials 
Work-in-progress and finished goods 
Total inventories 

December 31, 
2012

$   

60,410   
109,883 
170,293 

December 31,
2011
$ 

75,511 
239,822 
315,333 

For  the  year  ended  December 31,  2012,  a  total  of  $467,019  of  inventories  was  included  as  an  expense  in  cost  of  sales 
(seven-month period ended December 31, 2011 – $313,855). This includes $50,585 of impairment of inventories ($23,750 
for  the  Electronic  Materials  segment  and  $26,835  for  the  Eco-Friendly  Materials  segment)  (seven-month  period  ended 
December  31,  2011  –  $34,790  ($30,964  for  the  Electronic  Materials  segment  and  $3,826  for  the  Eco-Friendly  Materials 
segment)). 

For  the  year  ended  December 31,  2012,  a  total  of  $56,137  previously  written  down  was  recognized  as  a  reduction  of 
expenses  in  cost  of  sales  ($36,490  for  the  Electronic  Materials  segment  and  $19,647  for  the  Eco-Friendly  Materials 
segment). No amounts previously written down were recognized as a reduction of expenses during the seven-month period 
ended December 31, 2011. 

The majority of inventories are pledged as security for the revolving credit facility (Note 13). 

47

 
 
   
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

NOTE 7 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Land and
buildings
 $

Production
equipment
 $

Furniture, office
equipment and
rolling stock
 $

Leasehold 
improvements 
 $ 

Seven-month period ended December 31, 2011 
As at June 1, 2011 
Additions  
Disposals  
Impairment losses 
Depreciation  
Effect of foreign exchange 
As at December 31, 2011 

As at December 31, 2011 
Cost  
Accumulated depreciation 
Net book value 

Year ended December 31, 2012 
As at December 31, 2011 
Additions  
Disposals  
Impairment losses(a)(b) 
Reversal of impairment(c) 
Depreciation  
Effect of foreign exchange and adjustment 
As at December 31, 2012 

As at December 31, 2012 
Cost  
Accumulated depreciation 
Net book value 

36,864
1,870
(22)
-
(983)
(127)
37,602

40,119
(2,517)
37,602

37,602
5,653
-
(18,899)
-
(1,784)
90
22,662

26,058
(3,396)
22,662

54,795
4,034
(147)
(8,848)
(4,431)
(36)
45,367

51,705
(6,338)
45,367

45,367
9,762
(705)
(19,225)
932
(5,885)
(163)
30,083

35,772
(5,689)
30,083

2,188
815
-
(181)
(374)
(3)
2,445

2,836
(391)
2,445

2,445
1,635
(192)
(878)
-
(1,494)
(19)
1,497

2,752
(1,255)
1,497

3,177 
434 
- 
(2,431) 
(111) 
- 
1,069 

1,588 
(519) 
1,069 

1,069 
614 
(22) 
(237) 
- 
(118) 
- 
1,306 

1,952 
(646) 
1,306 

Total 
$ 

97,024 
7,153 
(169)
(11,460)
(5,899)
(166)
86,483 

96,248 
(9,765)
86,483 

86,483 
17,664 
(919)
(39,239)
932
(9,281)
(92)
55,548 

66,534 
(10,986)
55,548 

(a) As at December 31, 2012, the Company recognized an impairment of $28,235 in other expenses, due to the longer than anticipated pricing softness in minor 

metals, and a significant reduction in market capitalization. The impairment expense relates to the Eco-Friendly Materials segment (Note 9). 

(b) Following  the  announcement  of  the  closure  of  a  site,  the  Company  has  recognized  an  impairment  of  $11,004  in  the  Electronic  Materials  segment.  The 

impairment represents the excess of the recoverable amount of the carrying value of the related asset. 

(c) For the 12-month period ended December 31, 2012, a total of $932 previously written down in the Electronic Materials segment was reversed due mainly to the 

activation of some activities. 

48

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

NOTE 8 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Customer 

relationships Technology 
$
$

Trade name and
non-compete
agreements
$

Software, 
intellectual 
property and 
development costs 
$ 

42,966
-
-
(32,508)
10,458

3,131
4,380
-
(5,683)
1,828

23,108
-
-
(17,483)
5,625

3,029
4,620
-
(5,787)
1,862

7,781
-
(21)
(4,698)
3,062

1,886
2,159
(6)
(2,622)
1,417

3,369 
347 
(10) 
- 
3,706 

1,030 
719 
(15) 
- 
1,734 

Total
$

77,224
347
(31)
(54,689)
22,851

9,076
11,878
(21)
(14,092)
6,841

8,630

3,763

1,645

1,972 

16,010

Customer 

relationships Technology
$
$

Trade name and
non-compete
agreements
$

Software, 
intellectual 
property and 
development costs 
$ 

42,966
-
-
-
42,966

578
2,553
-
-
3,131

23,108
-
-
-
23,108

333
2,696
-
-
3,029

7,724
57
-
-
7,781

586
1,347
(47)
-
1,886

3,404 
696 
(700) 
(31) 
3,369 

843 
302 
(47) 
(68) 
1,030 

Total
$

77,202
753
(700)
(31)
77,224

2,340
6,898
(94)
(68)
9,076

39,835

20,079

5,895

2,339 

68,148

Cost 
As at December 31, 2011 
Additions
Adjustment 
Impairment losses(a) 
As at December 31, 2012 

Amortization  
As at December 31, 2011 
Amortization  
Adjustment 
Impairment losses(a) 
As at December 31, 2012 

Net book value as at 
December 31, 2012 

Cost 
As at June 1, 2011 
Additions 
Impairment losses(b) 
Effect of foreign exchange 
As at December 31, 2011 

Amortization  
As at June 1, 2011 
Amortization  
Effect of foreign exchange 
Adjustment  
As at December 31, 2011 

Net book value as at 
December 31, 2011 

(a) As at December 31, 2012, the Company recognized an impairment of $40,597 in other expenses, due to the longer than anticipated pricing softness in minor 
metals, and a significant reduction in market capitalization. The impairment expense was split $8,403 and $32,194 between the Electronic Materials and Eco-
Friendly Materials segments respectively (Note 9). 

(b) As at December 31, 2011, the Company recognized an impairment of $700 in other expenses in respect of development costs due to the significant decline in 

the solar market. The impairment expense is related to the Electronic Materials segment. 

49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

NOTE 9 – GOODWILL 

As at June 1, 2011 
Other
As at December 31, 2011  
Impairment losses 
As at December 31, 2012 

$ 

123,916 
994 
124,910 
(124,910) 

-

The  impairment  was  split  $14,450  and  $110,460  between  the  Eco-Friendly  Materials  and  Electronic  Materials  segments 
respectively.

Goodwill is allocated to the following CGUs for the purpose of annual impairment testing: 

Electronic Materials segment 
Eco-Friendly Materials segment  
Total goodwill allocated 

December 31, 
2012
$ 

December 31, 
2011
$ 

- 
- 
- 

110,460 
14,450 
124,910 

Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment 

For  purposes  of  the  annual  assessment  of  impairment  testing  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  and  finite  useful  lives 
intangible assets the Company has determined that it has four cash-generating units: (i) the solar sector; (ii) the germanium 
and  related  business;  (iii)  the  remaining  Electronic  Materials  segment;  (iv)  the  Eco-Friendly  Materials  segment  (which 
represent  the  same  level  used  to  test  goodwill).  The  Company  concluded  that  there  were  no  trigger  events  which  would 
require an impairment calculation for the solar sector and germanium and related businesses. However, the Company has 
determined  that  an  impairment  calculation  was  necessary  on  the  remaining  Electronic  Materials  segment,  due  mainly  to 
lower than anticipated growth in the light-emitting diode (LED) sector related to gallium metal and the lower than expected 
growth  in  the  indium  metal-related  sector.  For  the  year  ended  December 31,  2012,  the  Company  has  recorded  an 
impairment of $8,403 related to its other Electronic Materials cash-generating unit, which was all attributed to intangible 
assets.

Also, the Company completed the required annual impairment testing for goodwill at the CGU level of the Eco-Friendly 
Materials and Electronic Materials segments, which represent the lowest level at which management monitors goodwill. It 
was  concluded  there  was  impairment  of goodwill  in both  the  Eco-Friendly  Materials  and  Electronic  Materials  segments, 
following longer than anticipated pricing softness in minor metals, and a significant reduction in the market capitalization 
of  the  Company.  As  a  result,  the  year  ended  December  31,  2012  includes  $124,910  of  goodwill  impairment,  of  which 
$14,450  relates  to  the  Eco-Friendly  Materials  segment  and  $110,460  relates  to  the  Electronic  Materials  segment.  In 
addition, the year ended December 31, 2012 includes $60,429 of impairment charges related to the excess of the carrying 
value of the Eco-Friendly Materials CGU over its recoverable amount, of which $32,194 was attributed to intangible assets 
and $28,235 to property, plant and equipment. 

The  fair  value  less  costs  to  sell  was  used  to  determine  the  recoverable  amount  of  these  CGUs  by  applying  discounted 
projections of future cash flows based on financial forecast approved by management. Average growth rates of 4.5% were 
used  for  extrapolating  the  budget  estimates  over  the  years,  in  addition  to  a  discount  rate  of  11.4%,  working  capital 
requirements of 37.5% of sales and a weighted average income tax rate of 23.0%. 

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

Fair  value  determinations  require  considerable  judgment  and  are  sensitive  to  changes  in  underlying  assumptions  and 
factors. As a result, there can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions made for purposes of the long-lived assets 
and  annual  goodwill  impairment  test  will  prove  to  be  an  accurate  prediction  of  the  future.  Events  or  circumstances  that 
could reasonably be expected to negatively affect the underlying key assumptions and ultimately impact the estimated fair 
value of the Eco-Friendly Materials and Electronic Materials segments are, to name a few, lower than expected anticipated 
growth and change in the industry related to the Company’s metals. 

NOTE 10 – INVESTMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR USING THE EQUITY METHOD 

Beginning of year 
Reversal due to acquisition of remaining 50% interest(a) 
Share of profit (loss) from joint ventures 
End of year 

December 31, 
2012
$ 

December 31, 
2011
$ 

1,513 
(677) 
(333) 
503 

1,084 
- 
429 
1,513 

(a) The Company acquired the remaining 50% interest of MCP Crystal and MCP Shenzhen for the total price of $0.6 million. 

The  following  summarizes  financial  information  of  the  Company’s  share  of  assets,  liabilities,  revenue  and  expenses  of 
Ingal Stade GmbH (“Ingal”), in which the Company holds a 50% interest, and MCP Crystal and MCP Shenzhen, in which 
the Company held a 50% interest until their acquisition in 2012. 

Share of: 
Assets 
Liabilities  
Revenue 
Profit (loss) 

NOTE 11 – OTHER ASSETS 

Deferred costs 
Deposit 
Loan receivable from a related party (Note 25) 
Other
Total other assets 

December 31, 
2012
$ 

December 31, 
2011
$ 

5,057 
4,575 
4,127 
(333) 

6,606 
4,831 
6,615 
429 

December 31, 
2012
$ 

December 31, 
2011
$ 

2,676 
1,500 
3,958 
1,114 
9,248 

3,606 
1,727 
3,688 
2,474 
11,495 

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

NOTE 12 – TRADE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES 

Trade payables 
Accrued liabilities 
Total trade and accrued liabilities 

Trade payables are non-interest bearing. 

December 31, 
2012
$ 

December 31, 
2011
$ 

49,500 
12,714 
62,214 

35,763 
23,266 
59,029 

NOTE 13 – BANK INDEBTEDNESS, SHORT- AND LONG-TERM DEBT 

a) Bank indebtedness and short-term debt 

The  Company  has  credit  lines  with  financial  institutions  in  China.  These  credit  lines  are  guaranteed  by  other  group 
companies. 

As at December 31, 2012 

Contractual currency 

Facility available 
Amount drawn 

As at December 31, 2012 

Reporting currency 

Facility available 
Amount drawn 

As at December 31, 2011 

Contractual currency 

Facility available 
Amount drawn 

As at December 31, 2011 

Reporting currency 

Facility available 
Amount drawn 

HK$  

RMB  

Total 

- 
- 

217,000 
50,500 

217,000 
50,500 

US$  

US$  

- 
- 

34,438 
8,014 

Total 

34,438 
8,014 

HK$  

RMB  

Total 

390,000 
390,000 

194,000 
146,440 

n/a 
n/a 

US$ 

US$ 

50,205 
50,205 

30,826 
23,225 

Total 

81,031 
73,430 

The Chinese renminbi (“RMB”) credit line bears interest at 105% to 110% of the RMB base rate. 

52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

b) Long-term debt 

Unsecured balance of purchase price and holdback to the former shareholders of MCP for
an  amount  of  €51,899  (€36,928  as  a  promissory  note  and  €14,971  as  holdback), 
bearing interest at interest rate swap three-year rate plus 3.00%(b). The promissory 
note is repayable in two annual instalments beginning April 2013 and the holdback 
is repayable in April 2014(a) and (b).  

Senior  secured  revolving  facility  of  $200,000  with  a  syndicate  of  banks,  maturing  in

August 2015(c) 

Term loan, non-interest bearing, repayable under certain conditions, maturing in 2023. If
the  loan  has  not  been  repaid  in  full  by  the  end  of  2023,  the  balance  will  be
forgiven(d)

Debt,  bearing  interest  at  a  rate  of  three-month  LIBOR  plus  3.00%,  repayable  in

April 2013 

Other loans  

Less: Current portion of long-term debt  

December 31, 
2012
$ 

December 31,
2011
$ 

65,928 

80,066 

72,213 

185,000 

797 

824 

769 
718 
140,425 
29,527 
110,898 

1,836 
750 
268,476 
14,757 
253,719 

(a)  Under  agreements  entered  into  with  two  executives  who  left  the  Company  in  2012,  the  Company  made  payments  of  HK$10 million  and  €0.9 
million  (approximately  $2,600  in  aggregate)  in  October  2012.  These  payments  could  be  applied  as  a  reduction  of  the  unsecured  balance  of 
purchase price above of $65,928 if certain conditions are eventually met. 

(b)  Refer to Note 24. 

(c)  This revolving credit facility can be drawn in US dollars, Canadian dollars or euros. The interest rate depends on a debt/EBITDA ratio and can 
vary from LIBOR, banker’s acceptance or EURIBOR plus 1.25% to 2.75% or US base rate or prime rate plus 0.25% to 1.75%. Also, standby fees 
from 0.31% to 0.69% are paid on the unused portion of the credit facility. The revolving credit facility can be increased to $300,000 subject to 
acceptance by the lenders, and it is guaranteed by a pledge on almost all of the assets of certain entities of the Company. The amount drawn as at 
December 31, 2012 comprised $1,052 in Canadian dollar advances and $71,161 in US dollar advances. The total amount drawn was in US dollars 
as at December 31, 2011. The facility is subject to covenants. As at December 31, 2012, the Company met all covenants (Note 29).

(d)  The term loan has been reclassified as short term debt since these amounts could become payable on demand.

Under the terms of its credit facility, the Company is required to satisfy certain restrictive covenants as to financial ratios.
In order to comply with these covenants, the Company has prepared and will need to execute on its budgeted EBITDA and 
cash  flow  estimates.  Management  believes  that  the  assumptions  used  by  the  Company  in  preparing  its  budgets  are 
reasonable and that it is not likely that the financial covenants will be violated in the next 13 months. However, the risk 
remains.  Successful  achievement  of  these budgeted  results  is dependent  on  stability  in  the  price of metals  and other raw 
materials, reduction of debt through optimization of the Company’s working capital and the continued viability and support 
of the Company’s bank. 

53

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

NOTE 14 – RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATION 

The Company operates a defined pension plan in Germany based on employee pensionable earnings and length of service. 
Former  general  and  senior  managers had been provided with direct benefit  commitments.  Employees  had been  provided 
with indirect benefit commitments via the Unterstützungseinrichtung der HEK GmbH e.V. Such promises had been made 
for employees with entry date of December 31, 1993 or earlier.  

Present value of unfunded obligations 

Movement in the defined benefit obligation is as follows: 

Beginning of period 
Current service cost 
Interest cost 
Effect of foreign exchange 
Benefits paid 
Actuarial gains 
End of period 

December 31, 
2012
$ 

December 31, 
2011
$ 

12,092 

12,315 

For the 
year ended 
December 31, 
2012
$ 

For the 
seven-month
period ended 
December 31, 
2011
$ 

12,315 
73 
627 
150 
(398) 
(675) 
12,092 

13,481 
39 
355 
(1,285) 
(226) 
(49) 
12,315 

Amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss) are as follows: 

For the 
year ended 
December 31, 
2012
$ 

For the 
seven-month
period ended 
December 31, 
2011
$ 

73 
627 
700 

39 
355 
394 

December 31, 
2012

December 31,
2011

3.1% 

5% 

Current service cost 
Interest cost 
Total included in wages and salaries (Note 28)

The principal actuarial assumptions as at period-ends were as follows: 

Discount rate 

54

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

NOTE 15 – OTHER LIABILITIES 

As at June 1, 2011 
Additional provisions 
Unused amounts reversed 
Utilized 
Reclassification to current liabilities 
As at December 31, 2011 

Utilized 
As at December 31, 2012 – non-current liabilities 

NOTE 16 – INCOME TAX 

Current tax: 
Current tax (recovery) on profits for the period 
Adjustment in respect of prior years 
Total current tax (recovery) 

Deferred tax: 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences 
Total deferred tax 
Income tax recovery 

Site 
provision
$ 

Deferred
revenues 

3,463 
1,107 
- 
(1,098)
(2,588)
884 

(884)
- 

789 
467 
(5)
(191)
-
1,060 

(1,050)
10 

Other 
$ 

4,036 
677 
- 
(2,486) 
- 
2,227 

(677) 
1,550 

Total 
$ 

8,288 
2,251 
(5)
(3,775)
(2,588)
4,171 

(2,611)
1,560 

For the 
year ended 
December 31, 
2012
$ 

For the 
seven-month
period ended 
December 31,
2011
$ 

1,167 
(924) 
243 

(24,464) 
(24,464) 
(24,221) 

(4,483) 
903 
(3,580) 

(1,133) 
(1,133) 
(4,713) 

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

The  tax  on  the  Company’s  profit  before  tax  differs  from  the  amount  that  would  arise  using  the  applicable  federal  and 
provincial statutory tax rate applicable to profits of the consolidated entities as follows: 

For the year ended 
December 31, 2012 
% 
$ 

For the seven-month 
period ended 
December 31, 2011 
% 
$ 

Tax on loss at local statutory rate 

(67,807)  

26.9 

(7,719)   

28.4 

Increase (decrease) resulting from: 

Unrecorded losses carried forward  
Non-deductible expenses for tax purposes 
Non-deductible impairment of goodwill 
Benefits arising from a financing structure 
Non-taxable foreign exchange 
Effect of difference of foreign tax rates compared 

to Canadian tax rates 

Prior year adjustments 
Other 

Total income tax recovery 

7,319 
1,718 
33,600 
(1,030)  
(178)  

530 
1,344 
283 
(24,221)  

(2.9)
(0.7)
(13.4)
0.4 
0.1 

(0.2)
(0.5)
(0.1)
9.6 

4,391 
400 
- 
(996)   
(358)   

(823) 
903 
(511)   
(4,713)   

(16.2)
(1.5)
- 
3.7 
1.3 

3.0 
(3.3)
1.9 
17.3 

The variation in the statutory rate between December 2011 (28.4%) and December 2012 (26.9%) is explained mainly by 
the reduction of the statutory federal rate from 16.5% to 15.0%. 

The analysis of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities is as follows: 

Deferred tax assets: 
To be recovered within 12 months 
To be recovered after 12 months 

Deferred tax liabilities: 
To be recovered within 12 months 
To be recovered after 12 months 
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) – (net) 

Movement in the deferred income tax amounts is as follows: 

Beginning of period 
Tax charge relating to components of other  

comprehensive income (loss) 

Charged to consolidated statements of earnings (loss) 
Tax charged directly to equity 
End of period

56

December 31, 
2012
$

December 31, 
2011
$

1,685 
9,547 

- 
(2,632) 
8,600 

642 
2,064 

- 
(19,143)
(16,437)

For the 
year ended 
December 31, 
2012
$

For the 
seven-month
period ended 
December 31, 
2011
$

(16,437)   

(17,794)

137 
24,464 
436 
8,600 

188 
1,133 
36 
(16,437)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

Deferred income tax assets are recognized to the extent that the realization of the related tax benefit is probable. The 
Company  has  unrecognized  tax  losses  carryforwards  of  $47,500  as  at  December  31,  2012  (December  31,  2011 – 
$26,118) for which no deferred income tax assets have been recognized. 

The deferred tax assets of $11,232, as reported on the consolidated statements of financial position, are dependent on 
projection of future taxable profits for entities that have suffered a loss in the current period. 

Deferred income tax liabilities have not been recognized for the withholding tax and taxes that would be payable on 
the  unremitted  earnings  of  certain  subsidiaries.  Such  amounts  are  permanently  reinvested.  Unremitted  earnings 
totalled $43,364 as at December 31, 2012 (December 31, 2011 – $272,195). 

As at December 31, 2012, the Company had the following operating tax losses available for carryforward for which 
no deferred tax benefit has been recorded in the account. 

Country

United Kingdom 
Belgium 
United States 
Malaysia 
Peru 
Total

Carryforward 
period 

No limit 
No limit 
2031–2032 
No limit 
2015–2016 

$

20,978 
17,068 
7,697 
1,077 
680 
47,500 

NOTE 17 – CATEGORIES OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 

Fair value 

All financial assets classified as loans and receivables, as well as financial liabilities classified as other liabilities are 
initially measured at their fair values and subsequently at their amortized cost using the effective interest method. All 
financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  classified  as  held  for  trading  are  measured  at  their  fair  values.  Gains  and 
losses related to periodic revaluations are recorded in net earnings (loss). 

The  Company  has  determined  that  the  carrying  value  of  its  short-term  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities, 
including cash and cash equivalents, temporary investments (restricted), accounts receivable, bank indebtedness and 
short-term debt, and trade and accrued liabilities approximates their carrying value due to the short-term maturities of 
these instruments. 

As at December 31, 2012, the fair value of long-term debt approximates its carrying value and is calculated using the 
present value of future cash flows at the year-end rate for similar debt with the same terms and maturities. 

The  following  table  presents  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  measured  at  fair  value  in  the  consolidated 
statements  of financial  position  in  accordance  with  the  fair  value hierarchy.  This  hierarchy  groups financial  assets 
and financial liabilities into three levels based on the significance of inputs used in measuring the fair value of the 
financial assets and financial liabilities. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels: 





Level 1:  unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; 

Level 2: 

inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or  
liability, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices); and 

58

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 



Level 3: 

inputs  for 
(unobservable inputs). 

the  asset  or 

liability 

that  are  not  based  on  observable  market  data  

The  level  in which  the  financial  asset  or financial  liability  is  classified is  determined based  on  the  lowest  level  of 
significant input to the fair value measurement. The financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in 
the  consolidated  statements  of  financial  position  are  grouped  into  the  fair  value  hierarchy  as  follows  as  at 
December 31: 

December 31, 2012 

Financial liabilities
Interest rate swap 
Foreign exchange forward contracts 
Options 
Warrants 
Total 

December 31, 2011 

Financial liabilities
Interest rate swap 
Foreign exchange forward contracts 
Options 
Total 

Derivative assets and liabilities 

Level 1 
$ 

Level 2 
$ 

Level 3 
$ 

- 

- 
1,165
1,165

3,870 
1,080 
239 
- 
5,189 

- 

- 
- 
- 

Level 1 
$ 

Level 2 
$ 

Level 3 
$ 

- 
- 
- 
- 

2,326 
517 
2,873 
5,716 

- 
- 
- 
- 

The Company currently has derivative financial instruments which relate to the following: 





Interest rate swap to fix the interest rate on part of its revolving credit facility; 

Foreign exchange forward contracts to sell US dollars in exchange for euros related to hedge strategies; 

 Options sold to a financial institution related to hedge strategies; and 

 Warrants. 

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

The derivatives are measured at fair value as follows: 

Liability 

Interest rate swap(a) 
Foreign exchange forward contracts(b) 
Options(c) 
Warrants (d) 
Total  

December 31, 
2012
$ 

December 31, 
2011
$ 

3,870 
1,080 
239 
1,165 
6,354 

2,326 
517 
2,873 
- 
5,716 

(a)  The interest rate swap has a nominal value of $100,000 commencing in January 2013 and ending in August 2015. Under this 
swap, the Company will pay a fixed interest rate of 1.82%. The Company received $1,700 when entering into this forward 
starting interest rate swap in September 2011. This amount forms part of the fair value that is recorded as a long-term liability. 
The Company initially designated this contract as a cash flow hedge of anticipated variable payments of interest on a nominal 
amount of $100,000 of the revolving line of credit, and the change in its fair value was recorded in the consolidated statements
of  comprehensive  income  (loss).  On  September  4,  2012,  the  Company  repaid  part  of  its  credit  facility  and  de-designated 
$30,000 of the nominal amount of the swap. The Company reclassified the estimated fair value of this portion of the swap 
from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to unrealized loss on de-designation within the consolidated statement 
of earnings. 

Prior  to  the  de-designation  of  the  cash  flow  hedge  related  to  a  forecasted  transaction  on  September  3,  2012,  the  Company 
assessed the effectiveness of the cash flow hedge as well as at December 31, 2012. 

(b)  The foreign exchange forward contracts are to sell US dollars in exchange for euros. The nominal value of the euro forwards 

was €30,000 until April 11, 2013 and April 11, 2014 at US$/euros rates of 1.3546 and 1.3641 respectively.  

(c)  The Company sold options to a financial institution, giving it the right to sell euros to the Company on specific dates. The 
options have a nominal value of €21,500 with a euro/US$ rate of 1.3283 and will mature in January 2013 without renewal. 

(d)  On June 6, 2012, the Company issued 6,451,807 warrants (Note 18), which expire on June 6, 2014. 

The following methods were used to estimate fair value: 







Interest rate swap: Estimated by discounting expected future cash flows using period-end interest rate yield curves; 

Foreign  exchange  forward  contracts:  Estimated  by  discounting  expected  future  cash  flows  using  period-end  currency 
rate;

Options: Standard Black-Scholes model using end of period market data as input; and 

 Warrants:  Fair  value  based  on  the  Toronto  stock  exchange  (“TSX”)  closing  price.  The  ticker  symbol  of  the  publicly 

traded warrants is VNP.WT. 

60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

NOTE 18 – ISSUANCE OF UNITS  

On  June  6,  2012,  the  Company  closed  a  placement  for  total  gross  proceeds  of  CA$40,001  (US$38,485).  The 
financing consisted of the issuance of 12,903,613 units at a price of CA$3.10 per unit. Each unit consisted of one 
common share and one–half common share purchase warrant, with each such whole warrant entitling the holder to 
subscribe for one additional common share at a price of CA$5.00 until June 6, 2014. 

The initial fair value of the 6,451,807 warrants was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on 
the  following assumptions:  risk-free  interest  rate  of 1.25%,  average  expected volatility  of 40%,  expected  dividend 
per share of nil and expected life of warrants of two years. As a result, the fair value of the common share purchase 
warrants was estimated at CA$1,419 (US$1,366) after a pro rata allocation of the fair value of the units’ components. 

This amount was allocated to warrants, and the balance of CA$38,582 (US$37,119) to share capital. The warrants 
were recorded as a derivative liability. In accordance with IFRS, an obligation to issue shares for a price that is not 
fixed in the Company’s functional currency and that does not qualify as a rights offering to all shareholders of that 
class  must  be  classified  as  a  derivative  liability  and  measured  at  fair  value,  with  changes  recognized  in  the 
consolidated statements of earnings (loss) as they arise. 

The fair value of the warrants as at December 31, 2012 was $(1,165) (Note 17). 

The  total  issuance  costs  of  the  units  amounting  to  $1,185  (net  of  income  tax  of  $436)  was  attributed  to  retained 
earnings. 

Units issued for cash 

Less: Warrants 

Net amount attributable to share capital 

Number 

Amount 
CA$ 

12,903,613 

40,001 

(1,419) 

38,582 

Amount 
US$ 

38,485 

(1,366) 

37,119 

61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

NOTE 19 – OPERATING SEGMENTS 

The  following  tables  summarize  the  information  reviewed  by  the  Company’s  managements  when  measuring 
performance: 

Eco-Friendly
Materials 
$ 

Electronic
Materials 
$ 

Corporate
and unallocated 
$ 

For the year ended December 31, 2012

Segment revenues 
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 
Interest on long-term debt and other interest expense
Restructuring costs 
Impairment of inventories (Note 6) 
Impairment of properties, plant and equipment  

(Note 7) 

Impairment of intangible assets (Note 8) 
Impairment of goodwill (Note 9) 
Foreign exchange loss and derivative 
Depreciation and amortization 
Reversal of impairment of property, plant and 

equipment (Note 7) 

Loss before income tax 
Capital expenditures 

319,662 
18,632 
- 
1,325 
26,835 

28,235 
32,194 
14,450 
- 
11,470 

- 
(95,877) 
7,445 

232,013 
34,653 
- 
1,456 
23,750 

11,004 
8,403 
110,460 
- 
9,563 

(932)
(129,051)
8,830 

Total 
$ 

551,675 
37,856 
8,828 
2,781 
50,585 

39,239 
40,597 
124,910 
2,759 
21,159 

- 
(15,429) 
8,828 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
2,759 
126 

- 
(27,142) 
1,389 

(932) 
(252,070) 
17,664 

For the seven-month period ended  
December 31, 2011

Eco-Friendly
Materials 
$ 

Electronic
Materials 
$ 

Corporate
and unallocated 
$ 

Segment revenues 
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 
Interest on long-term debt and other interest expense
Impairment of inventories 
Impairment of properties, plant and equipment 
Foreign exchange gain and derivative 
Depreciation and amortization 
Other 
Earnings (loss) before income tax 
Capital expenditures 

205,697 
18,426 
- 
3,826 
- 
- 
6,910 
- 
7,690 
2,742 

186,015 
30,631 
- 
30,964 
4,525 
- 
5,807 
- 
(10,665)
4,313 

- 
(11,644) 
5,487 
- 
6,935 

(642)  
80 
698 
(24,202) 
98 

As at December 31, 2012

Eco-Friendly
Materials 
$ 

Electronic
Materials 
$ 

Corporate
and unallocated 
$ 

Total assets excluding the following: 
Investment accounted for using equity method 
Deferred tax asset 

162,073 
- 
3,873 

204,578 
503 
5,996 

5,592 
- 
1,363 

Total 
$ 

391,712 
37,413 
5,487 
34,790 
11,460 
(642)
12,797 
698 
(27,177) 
7,153 

Total 
$ 

372,243 
503 
11,232 

62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

As at December 31, 2011

Eco-Friendly
Materials 
$ 

Electronic
Materials 
$ 

Corporate
and unallocated 
$ 

Total assets excluding the following: 
Goodwill 
Investment accounted for using equity method 
Deferred tax asset 

317,297 
14,450 
- 
2,170 

332,224 
110,460 
1,513 
503 

3,694 
- 
- 
33 

Total 
$ 

653,215 
124,910 
1,513 
2,706 

(1)  Earnings  (loss)  before  income  tax,  depreciation  and  amortization  and  the  following:  interest  on  long-term  debt  and  other  interest  expense, 
restructuring  costs,  impairment  of  inventories,  reversal  of  impairment  of  property,  plant  and  equipment,  impairment  of  property,  plant  and 
equipment, of intangibles assets and goodwill, acquisition-related costs, and foreign exchange (gain) loss and derivative.  

The geographic distribution of the Company’s revenues based on the location of the customers for the periods ended 
December  31,  2012  and  2011,  and  the  identifiable  non-current  assets  as  at  December  31,  2012  and  2011  are 
summarized as follows: 

Revenues

Asia 

China 
Japan 
Others 

America 

United States 
Others

Europe

France 
Germany 
United Kingdom 
Others

Other
Total

Non-current assets as at

Asia 

Hong Kong 
Other
United States 
Europe

Belgium 
Germany 
Other

Canada  
Total

December 31, 
2012
(12 months) 
$ 

December 31,
2011
(7 months) 
$ 

72,672 
10,425 
106,575 

102,344 
21,231 

33,067 
90,455 
27,021 
84,097 
3,788 
551,675 

39,298 
18,276 
39,671 

90,493 
13,065 

16,256 
64,232 
55,537 
51,805 
3,079 
391,712 

December 31, 
2012
$ 

December 31,
2011
$ 

10,801 
9,543 
6,058 

23,755 
9,164 
6,087 
27,133 
92,541 

95,067 
13,429 
15,751 

42,264 
74,222 
16,845 
37,677 
295,255 

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2012,  one  customer  represented  approximately  13.3%  (12.5%  for  the  7 month 
period ended December 31, 2011) of the revenues, and is included in the Electronic Materials revenues. 

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

NOTE 20 – SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION 

Net change in non-cash working capital balances related to operations consists of the following: 

Decrease (increase) in assets:  
Accounts receivable 
Inventories 
Income tax receivable 
Other current assets 

Increase (decrease) in liabilities: 
Trade and accrued liabilities 
Income tax payable 

Net change 

For the  
year ended 
December 31, 
2012
$ 

For the 
seven-month
period ended 
December 31,
2011
$ 

(10,549) 
95,615 
(7,816) 
1,221 

(3,915) 
1,863 
76,419 

36,231 
(49,822)
(8,355)
(1,094)

(8,146)
(7,067)
(38,253)

The consolidated statements of cash flows exclude or include the following transactions: 

For the  
year ended 
December 31, 
2012

For the 
seven-month
period ended 
December 31,
2011

$ 

1,394 

$ 

190 

$ 

190 

$ 

2,176 

a) Exclude additions unpaid at end of period: 

Additions to property, plant and equipment 

b)

Include additions unpaid at beginning of period: 

Additions to property, plant and equipment 

NOTE 21 – SHARE CAPITAL 

Authorized: 

 An unlimited number of common shares, participating, with no par value, entitling the holder to one vote 

per share 

 An unlimited number of preferred shares, issuable in one or more series with specific terms, privileges and 
restrictions  to  be  determined  for  each  class  by  the  Board  of  Directors.  As  at  December  31,  2012,  no 
preferred shares were issued 

None of the Company’s shares is held by any subsidiary or joint venture. 

64

 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

NOTE 22 –LOSS PER SHARE 

The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used for the computation of basic and diluted loss 
per share: 

Numerators 

Net loss attributable to equity holders of 5N Plus Inc.  

Net loss for the period  

For the  
year ended 
December 31, 
2012
$ 

(227,738) 

(227,849) 

For the 
seven-month
period ended 
December 31,
2011
$ 

(21,641) 

(22,464) 

Given the Company’s stock price for the year ended December 31, 2012 and given the consolidated net loss incurred 
by the Company for that period, stock options and warrants were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per 
share due to their anti-dilutive effect. 

For the  
year ended 
December 31, 
2012

For the 
seven-month
period ended 
December 31,
2011

Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Basic and diluted 

78,352,364 

70,939,901 

NOTE 23 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION 

As at December 31, 2012, the Company had the following share-based compensation plans. 

Stock option plan  

On April 11, 2011, the Company adopted a new stock option plan (the “Plan”) replacing the previous plan (the “Old 
Plan”) in place since October 2007, with the same features as the Old Plan with the exception of a maximum number 
of options granted which cannot exceed 5,000,000. The aggregate number of shares which could be issued upon the 
exercise of options granted under the Old Plan could not exceed 10% of the issued shares of the Company at the time 
of granting the options. Options granted under the Old Plan may be exercised during a period not exceeding ten years 
from the date of grant. The stock options outstanding as at December 31, 2012 may be exercised during a period not 
exceeding six years from their date of grant. Options vest at a rate of 25% (100% for directors) per year, beginning 
one  year  following  the  grant  date  of  the  options.  Any  unexercised  options  will  expire  one  month  after  the  date  a 
beneficiary ceases to be an employee, director or officer.  

65

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

Restricted share unit incentive plan 

On June 7, 2010, the Company adopted a Restricted Share Unit (“RSU”) Plan to complement the stock option plan. 
The RSU Plan enables the Company to award to eligible participants phantom share units that vest after a three-year 
period. The RSU is settled in cash and is recorded as a liability. The measurement of the compensation expense and 
corresponding liability for these awards is based on the fair value of the award, and is recorded as a charge to selling, 
general  and  administrative  (“SG&A”)  expenses  over  the vesting period  of  the  award.  At  the end of  each  financial 
period, changes in the Company’s payment obligation due to changes in the market value of the common shares on 
the TSX are recorded as a charge to SG&A expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company granted 
33,978  RSUs  and,  cancelled  12,385  RSUs.  As  at  December  31,  2012,  79,480  RSUs  were  outstanding  (2011 – 
57,887). 

Restricted share unit incentive plan for foreign employees

On June 7, 2010, the Company adopted a Restricted Share Unit for Foreign Employees (“RSUFE”) Plan. Under this 
Plan,  the  RSUFE  granted  may  be  exercised  during  a  period  not  exceeding  ten  years  from  the  date  of  grant.  The 
RSUFE outstanding as at December 31, 2012 may be exercised during a period not exceeding six years from their 
date of grant. RSUFE vest at a rate of 25% per year beginning one year following the grant date of the award. For the 
12-month  period  ended  December 31,  2012,  the  Company  granted  14,995  RSUFE  and,  paid  1,981  RSUFE.  As  at 
December 31, 2012, 54,364 RSUFE were outstanding (2011 – 41,350). 

Stock Appreciation Rights 

On November 1, 2011, the Company granted 247,000 Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”) to most of its employees 
except senior management. The SARs are vested and paid over a period of three years. The SARs are exercisable 
automatically for cash at each anniversary date and the Company is obligated to pay the holders. The amount of cash 
payout is calculated based on the number of SARs multiplied by the average price of the Company’s shares for the 
month  immediately  before  vesting.  At  the  end  of  each  financial  period,  changes  in  the  Company’s  payment 
obligations due to changes in the market value of the common shares on the TSX are recorded as an expense. For the 
year ended December 31, 2012, 59,383 SARs were cancelled and, 61,250 SARs were paid. As at December 31, 2012 
123,167 SARs were outstanding (2011 – 243,800).  

The following table presents information concerning all outstanding stock options: 

For the year ended
December 31, 2012 
Weighted average
exercise price 
CA$ 

For the seven-month period ended
December 31, 2011
Weighted average
exercise price 
CA$ 

Number of 
options

5.28 
2.22 
5.60 
3.36 
4.67 
4.94 

1,384,025 
275,249 
(47,565) 
(68,498) 
1,543,211 
908,657 

4.52 
8.60 
5.40 
3.17 
5.28 
4.28 

Number of 
options

1,543,211 
325,840 
(240,072)
(43,531)
1,585,448 
1,024,656 

Outstanding, beginning of period 
Granted 
Cancelled 
Exercised 
Outstanding, end of period 
Exercisable, end of period 

66

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

The outstanding stock options as at December 31, 2012 are as follows: 

Maturity 

December 2013 
June and August 2014 
October 2014 
January 2015 to October 2016 
June and September 2017 
December 2017 
November 2018 

Exercise 
price 

High 
CA$ 

3.00 
10.32 
3.81 
6.16 
8.64 
6.16 
2.22 

Low 
CA$ 

3.00 
9.13 
3.81 
4.87 
8.50 
6.16 
2.22 

Number of 
options

357,650 
7,500 
2,500 
646,920 
245,038 
7,500 
318,340 
1,585,448 

The fair value of stock options at the grant date was measured using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The 
historical share price of the Company’s common shares is used to estimate expected volatility, and government bond 
rates are used to estimate the risk-free interest rate. The following table illustrates the inputs used in the measurement 
of the fair values of the stock options at the grant date granted during the year ended December 31, 2012 and for the 
seven-month period ended December 31, 2011: 

Expected stock price volatility 
Dividend 
Risk-free interest rate 
Expected option life 
Fair value – weighted average of options issued  

For the 
year ended 
December 31, 
2012

53% 
None 
1.07% 
4 years 
$0.93 

For the 
seven-month
period ended 
December 31,
2011

39% 
None 
1.475% 
4 years 
$3.22 

The  following  table  shows  the  share-based  compensation  expense  recorded  in  the  consolidated  statements  of 
earnings (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2012 and for the seven-month period ended December 31, 2011: 

Expense 

Stock options 
RSUFE 
SARs 
Total

For the 
year ended 
December 31, 
2012
$ 

563 
- 
92 
655 

For the 
seven-month
period ended 
December 31, 
2011
$ 

443 
10 
114 
567 

67

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

The following table shows the carrying amount and the intrinsic value of the share-based compensation liabilities: 

Liability

RSUs 
RSUFE 
SARs 
Total

December 31, 
2012
$ 

December 31,
2011
$ 

92 
10 
189 
291 

92 
10 
114 
216 

NOTE 24 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

Commitments 

The Company rents certain premises and equipment under the terms of operating leases. Future minimum payments 
excluding operating costs for the next years are as follows: 

Within one year 
After one year but not more than five years 
Total commitments 

Contingencies 

December 31, 
2012
$ 

December 31,
2011
$ 

2,148 
2,612 
4,760 

1,511 
3,426 
4,937 

In the normal course of operations, the Company is exposed to events that could give rise to contingent liabilities or 
assets. As at the date of issue of the consolidated financial statements, the Company was not aware of any significant 
events that would have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements, except for the following. 

The Company has filed a request for arbitration against Florinvest S.A., Heresford Ltd., Metals Corp. S.C.R.L. and 
S.R.I.W. S.A. (the “Vendors”), which are all former shareholders of MCP Group S.A. (“MCP”), as it believes that 
the Vendors have breached the terms of the Acquisition Agreement and certain other related agreements, including 
breaches with respect to representations and warranties made by the Vendors and breaches of closing conditions. 

Furthermore,  the  Company  and  MCP  have  also  filed  lawsuits  against  the  former  directors  of  MCP,  holding  them 
personally liable for any and all damages caused by any faults or tortuous acts committed by them acting as directors 
of MCP or in any other capacity. 

Accordingly, the Company does not intend to pay any amounts due under the balance of purchase price payable until 
resolution of the arbitration proceedings. 

The  Company  is  investigating  the  potential  impact  that  any  such  breaches  may  have  had  on  the  pre-  and  post- 
acquisition business practices of MCP. As of the date hereof, the Company has not received any claims related to 
these  events  for  fines,  penalties  or  other  monetary  compensation  from  any  third  party.  Due  to  the  nature  of  the 
investigation including the possibility that the scope maybe broadened, the Company cannot predict at this time the 
final outcome with respect to any investigation nor can it reasonably estimate the range of loss, if any, which could 
result from any such investigations and could have a material adverse impact on its future results of operations. 

68

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

NOTE 25 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

The Company’s related parties are its joint ventures, associates, directors and executive members. 

Unless otherwise stated, none of the transactions incorporates special terms and conditions and no guarantees were 
given or received. Outstanding balances are usually settled in cash. 

Ingal Stade (“Ingal”) supplies gallium metal to other companies of the group. At the time MCP Shenzhen was a joint 
venture (Note 10), the Company supplied gallium to MCP Shenzhen. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the 
Company  purchased  $5,994  worth  of  gallium  from  Ingal  and  did  not  sell  any  gallium  to  MCP  Shenzhen  (the 
Company purchased $3,945 worth of gallium from Ingal and sold $63 worth of gallium to MCP Shenzhen for the 
seven-month period ended December 31, 2011). 

As at December 31, 2012, the Company has no balance payable to Ingal (2011 – $25) and a loan receivable from 
Ingal of $3,958 (€3,000) (2011 – $3,688 (€2,850)) (Note 11). 

NOTE 26 – FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT 

In  the  normal  course  of  operations,  the  Company  is  exposed  to  various  financial  risks.  These  risk  factors  include 
market risk (currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. 

Market risk 

Market risk is the risk that changes in market price, such as foreign exchange rates, equity prices and interest rates, 
will affect the Company’s net (loss) or the value of financial instruments. 

The  objective  of  market  risk  management  is  to  mitigate  exposures  within  acceptable  limits,  while  maximizing 
returns. 

(i) Currency risk

Currency  risk  refers  to  the  fluctuation  of  financial  commitments,  assets,  liabilities,  income  or  cash  flows  due  to 
changes in foreign exchange rates. The Company conducts business transactions and owns assets in several countries 
and is therefore subject to fluctuations in the currencies in which it operates. The Company’s revenues and expenses 
are exposed to currency risk largely in the following ways: 

(cid:127) Translation  of  foreign  currency-denominated  revenues  and  expenses  into  US  dollars,  the  Company’s 
functional currency – When the foreign currency changes in relation to the US dollar, earnings reported in 
US dollars will change. The impact of a weakening foreign currency in relation to the US dollar for foreign 
currency-denominated revenues and expenses will result in lower net earnings (higher net loss) because the 
Company has more foreign currency-denominated revenues than expenses. 

(cid:127) Translation of foreign currency-denominated debt and other monetary items – A weakening foreign currency 
in respect of the Company’s foreign currency-denominated debt will decrease the debt in US dollar terms and 
generate foreign exchange gain on bank advances and other short-term debt, which is recorded in earnings. 
The Company calculates the foreign exchange on short-term debt using the difference in foreign exchange 
rates at the beginning and end of each reporting period. Other foreign currency-denominated monetary items 
will also be affected by changes in foreign exchange rates. 

69

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

The  following  table  summarizes  in  US  dollar  equivalents  the  Company’s  major  currency  exposures  as  at 
December 31, 2012: 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Temporary investments (restricted) 
Accounts receivable 
Bank indebtedness and short-term debt 
Trade and accrued liabilities 
Long-term debt 
Net financial assets (liabilities) 

CA$ 
$ 

101 
- 
444 
- 
(2,568)
(1,052)
(3,075)

EUR 
$ 

2,771 
2,357 
12,574 
- 
(11,379)
(65,928)
(59,605)

GBP 
$ 

85 
- 
2,203 
- 
(870) 
- 
1,418 

RMB 
$ 

3,913 
- 
3,893 
(8,014) 
(4,733) 
- 
(4,941) 

HK$ 
$ 

11 
- 
- 
- 
(232)
- 
(221)

The  following  table  shows  the  impact  on  loss  before  income  tax  of  a  one-percentage  point  strengthening  or 
weakening  of  foreign  currencies  against  the  US  dollar  as  at  December 31,  2012  for  the  Company’s  financial 
instruments denominated in non-functional currencies: 

1% Strengthening 
Earnings (loss) before tax 
1% Weakening 

Earnings (loss) before tax 

CA$ 
$

(31)

31 

EUR 
$

(596)

596 

GBP 
$ 

14 

(14)

RMB 
$ 

HK$ 
$

(49) 

49 

(2)

2 

Occasionally,  the  Company  will  enter  into  short-term  foreign  exchange  forward  contracts  to  sell  US  dollars  in 
exchange for Canadian dollars, euros, Hong Kong dollars and British pounds sterling. These contracts would hedge a 
portion of ongoing foreign exchange risk on the Company’s cash flows since much of its non-US dollar expenses 
outside China are incurred in Canadian dollars, euros, Hong Kong dollars and British pounds sterling. 

(ii) Market risk – Interest rate risk 

Interest rate risk refers to the risk that future cash flows will fluctuate as a result of changes in market interest rates. 
The Company is exposed to interest rate fluctuations on its revolving credit facility, which bears a floating interest 
rate. 

As at December 31, 2012, the Company has  an outstanding interest rate swap contract to hedge part of its interest 
rate risk on the revolving credit facility. The nominal value is $100,000 commencing in January 2013 and ending in 
August 2015. This interest rate swap fixed the LIBOR interest rate at 1.82%. The Company received $1,700 when 
entering into this interest rate swap in September 2011, which was the fair value of the instrument on signing. The 
fair value of the contract is $(3,870) as at December 31, 2012 and is recorded as part of derivative financial liabilities 
in the consolidated statement of financial position. 

(iii) Market risk – Other price risk 

Other  price  risk  is  the  risk  that  fair  value  or  future  cash  flows  will  fluctuate  because  of  changes  in  market  prices, 
other  than  those  arising  from  interest  rate  risk  or  currency  risk.  The  Company  is  exposed  to  other  price  risk  with 
respect to the underlying risks of the held-for-trading financial instruments included in the consolidated statements of 
financial position. 

70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

Warrants 

In June 2012, the Company issued 12,903,613 units at a price of CA$3.10 per unit. Each unit comprises one 
common share and one-half of a common share purchase warrant. The Company issued 6,451,807 warrants, 
which are recorded as part of derivative financial liabilities at fair value based on the stock exchange market. 
The fair value is $(1,165) as at December 31, 2012 and nil as at December 31, 2011. Fair value depends on 
several  factors,  such  as  market  volatility,  foreign  exchange  rate  volatility,  interest  rate  fluctuations,  the 
Company’s market activity and other market conditions. 

Options 

The  Company  sold  options  to  a  financial  institution,  giving  it  the  right  to  sell  euros  to  the  Company  on 
specific dates. The options have a nominal value of €21,500 with €/US$ exchange of 1.3283, and they mature 
in January 2013 without renewal. The fair value is $(239) as at December 31, 2012. 

The market value of those financial instruments depends on several factors, such as foreign market volatility, 
the remaining duration of the instruments and other market conditions. 

Because of the above, it is very difficult for the Company to evaluate market risk. The Company believes that 
a sensitivity analysis would be unrepresentative. 

Credit risk 

Credit risk refers to the possibility that a customer or counterparty will fail to fulfill its obligations under a contract 
and, as a result, create a financial loss for the Company. The Company has a credit policy that defines standard credit 
practice.  This  policy  dictates  that  all  new  customer  accounts  be  reviewed  prior  to  approval  and  establishes  the 
maximum  amount of  credit  exposure per  customer.  The  creditworthiness  and financial  well-being of  the  customer 
are monitored on an ongoing basis. 

The Company establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts as determined by management based on its assessment 
of  collection;  therefore,  the  carrying  amount  of  accounts  receivable  generally  represents  the  maximum  credit 
exposure.  As  at  December 31,  2012  and  2011,  the  Company  has  an  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  of  $168  and 
$482  respectively.  The  provision  for  doubtful  accounts,  if  any,  is  included  in  selling,  general  and  administrative 
expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss), and is net of any recoveries that were provided for in prior 
periods. 

Counterparties to financial instruments may expose the Company to credit losses in the event of non-performance. 
Counterparties for derivative and cash transactions are limited to high credit quality financial institutions, which are 
monitored on an ongoing basis. Counterparty credit assessments are based on the financial health of the institutions 
and  their  credit  ratings  from  external  agencies.  As  at  December 31,  2012,  the  Company  does  not  anticipate  non-
performance that would materially impact its consolidated financial statements. 

No  financial  assets  are  past  due  except  for  trade  receivables.  The  aging  analysis  of  the  latter  two  categories  of 
receivables is as follows: 

Up to 3 months 
More than 3 months 

December 31, 
2012
$ 

December 31,
2011
$ 

22,966 
1,395 
24,361 

24,235 
1,381 
25,616 

71

 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

The following table summarizes the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for trade receivables: 

Beginning of period 
Provision for impairment 
Trade receivables written off during the year as uncollectible(a) 
Unused amounts reversed 
End of period 

For the 
year ended 
December 31, 
2012
$ 

For the 
seven-month
period ended 
December 31,
2011
$ 

482 
1,333 
(1,647) 
- 
168 

190 
298 
- 
(6) 
482 

(a)  For the year ended December 31, 2012, a client from the Eco-Friendly Materials segment had significant difficulties and the Company wrote 

off the account receivable of $1.4 million (€1.1 million). 

Amounts  charged  to  the  allowance  account  are  generally  written  off  when  there  is  no  expectation  of  recovering 
additional cash. 

Liquidity risk 

Liquidity  risk  is  the  risk  that  the  Company  will  not  be  able  to  meet  its  financial  obligations  as  they  come  due 
(Note 13(b)). The Company manages liquidity risk through the management of its capital structure. It also manages 
liquidity risk by continually monitoring actual and projected cash flows, taking into account the Company’s sales and 
receipts and matching the maturity profile of financial assets and financial liabilities. The Board of Directors reviews 
and  approves  the  Company’s  annual operating  and  capital  budgets,  as well  as  any  material  transactions out of  the 
ordinary course of business, including proposals on acquisitions and other major investments. 

The following table reflects the contractual maturity of the Company’s financial liabilities as at December 31, 2012: 

Bank indebtedness and short-term debt 
Trade and accrued liabilities 
Derivative financial instruments 
Long-term debt 
Total

Carrying
amount 
$

8,014 
62,214 
6,354 
140,425 
217,007 

1 year 
$

8,531 
62,214 
2,817 
31,236 
104,798 

2-3
years 
$

4-5
years 
$

Beyond 
5 years 
$

- 
- 
3,537 
116,552 
120,089 

- 
- 
- 
421 
421 

- 
- 
- 
21 
21 

Total 
$

8,531 
62,214 
6,354 
148,230 
225,329 

NOTE 27 – CAPITAL MANAGEMENT 

The Company’s objective when managing capital is to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern in order to 
provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to 
reduce the cost of capital. 

In  order  to  maintain  or  adjust  the  capital  structure,  the  Company  may  amend  the  amount  of  dividends  paid  to 
shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt. 

72

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

The  Company  requires  the  approval  of  its  lenders  on  some  of  the  capital  transactions  such  as  the  payment  of 
dividends and capital expenditures over a certain level. 

The Company monitors capital on the basis of the debt-to-equity ratio. This ratio is calculated as net debt divided by 
total  equity.  Net  debt  is  calculated  as  total  borrowings  (comprising  bank  indebtedness  and  short-term  debt  and 
long-term  debt  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  financial  position)  less  cash  and  cash  equivalents  and  temporary 
investments (restricted). Total equity is the equity attributable to equity holders of 5N Plus Inc. in the consolidated 
statements of financial position. 

Debt-to-equity ratios as at period-ends are as follows: 

Total borrowings 
Less: Cash and cash equivalents and temporary investments (restricted) 
Net debt 
Shareholders’ equity  
Debt-to-equity ratio 

December 31, 
2012
$ 

December 31,
2011
$ 

148,439 
(11,892) 
136,547 
148,112 
92% 

341,906 
(81,331) 
260,575 
339,241 
77% 

NOTE 28 – KEY MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION AND EXPENSE BY NATURE 

Key management compensation  

Key management includes directors (executive and non-executive) and certain senior management. The compensation 
expense paid or payable to key management for employee services is as follows:  

Key management compensation 

Wage and salaries  
Share-based compensation 
Total

For the 
year ended 
December 31, 
2012
$ 

4,731 
219 
4,950 

For the 
seven-month
period ended 
December 31,
2011
$ 

3,085 
301 
3,386 

73

 
 
 
 
5N PLUS INC. 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 

(Figures in thousands of United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated) 

Expense by nature

Wages and salaries  
Share-based compensation 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization  

of intangible assets 

Research and development (net of tax credit) 
Impairment of goodwill 
Impairment of inventories 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment 
Impairment of intangible assets 
Reversal of impairment of property, plant and equipment 
Restructuring costs 

NOTE 29 – SUBSEQUENT EVENT 

For the 
year ended 
December 31, 
 2012 
$

For the 
seven-month
period ended 
December 31,
 2011 
$

39,653 
655 

21,159 
4,763 
124,910 
50,585 
39,239 
40,597 
(932) 
2,781 

31,677 
567 

12,797 
3,027 
- 
34,790 
11,460 
700 
- 
- 

In March 2013, the Company signed an amendment to its senior secured multi‑currency revolving credit facility 
under which the facility will be reduced to $100 million starting March 31, 2013. The amendment establishes new 
financial covenants for the year 2013 and maintains the original maturity (August 2015). The interest rate has been 
changed and is linked to the Debt/EBITDA ratio, and can vary from LIBOR, banker’s acceptance rate or EURIBOR 
plus 3.00% to 4.50% or US base rate or prime rate plus 2.00% to 3.5%. Standby fees from 0.75% to 1.125% are paid 
on the unused portion. At any time, 5N Plus has the option to request that the credit facility be expanded to $140 
million through the exercise of an additional $40 million accordion feature, subject to review and approval by the 
lenders. 

74

 
 
Corporate Information

Stock Exchange

For more information, please contact:

5N Plus is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, 

under the symbol VNP.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

Computershare Investor Services Inc.

Auditors

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 

Head Office

4385 Garand Street  

Montreal, Quebec  

H4R 2B4

Annual Meeting

Investor Relations 

5N Plus Inc.  

4385 Garand Street  

Montreal, Quebec  

H4R 2B4 

T: 514-856-0644  

F: 514-856-9611  

invest@5nplus.com

Si vous souhaitez obtenir une copie en français 

de ce rapport annuel, communiquez avec :

Relations avec les investisseurs

The annual shareholders meeting will be  

5N Plus inc.  

held on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. 

4385, rue Garand  

Club Saint-James  

1145 Union Avenue  

Montreal, Quebec

Montréal (Québec)  

H4R 2B4

Aussi disponible à l’adresse :  

www.5nplus.com

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5N Plus Inc.  

4385 Garand Street  

Montreal, Quebec  

H4R 2B4  

Canada

www.5nplus.com