Sherritt International Corporation Annual Report 2015

Plain-text annual report

Moa JV Employees, Moa, Cuba 2015 Annual Report THENAME INNICKELOre trucks at the Ambatovy JV mine site near Moramanga, Madagascar Sherritt (TSX: S) is a world leader in the mining and refining of nickel from lateritic ores with operations in Canada, Cuba and Madagascar. Sherritt is the largest independent energy producer in Cuba, with extensive oil and power operations on the island. Sherritt licenses its proprietary technologies and provides metallurgical services to commercial metals operations worldwide. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Revenue by Division ($ millions) ($ millions, except per share data, as at December 31) 2015 2014 Combined revenue Adjusted EBITDA(1) Combined Free Cash Flow(1) $ 1,022.7 $ 1,136.3 113.1 253.2 (98.8) (81.7) Adjusted net loss from continuing operations(2) (351.3) (246.5) Net loss from continuing operations per share (7.05) (1.07) Cash, cash equivalents and short term investments 435.4 477.2 Total loans and borrowings 2,263.1 1,859.9 Weighted average number of shares (millions) 293.7 297.0 (1) For additional information, please see the non-GAAP measures section of the MD&A. (2) In 2015, Sherritt recorded impairment expenses of: $80.6 million on its oil assets in Cuba and Spain and $1.6 billion at the Ambatovy Joint Venture. The adjusted net loss from continuing operations excludes these impairment losses, while the net loss from continuing operations per share includes the impairment losses. CONTENTS Message from the CEO Message from the Chairman Strategic Priorities 1 3 4 Operational Highlights Sustainability Board of Directors 5 8 9 800 600 400 200 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Metals Oil & Gas Electricity Adjusted EBITDA by Division(1) ($ millions, excluding corporate costs) 250 200 150 100 50 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Metals Oil & Gas Electricity (1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. CEO MESSAGE MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO At Sherritt, our approach to business is to own and operate long-life low-cost assets in areas where we feel we have a true competitive advantage. While I believe this is the right strategy over the long-term, its benefits are even more pronounced during prolonged periods of depressed commodity prices, like the one we are currently experiencing. Through 2015, we saw prices for our primary products, nickel and oil, down 40% and 30% respectively. LME traded nickel hit a 12-year low of US$3.70/lb before recovering to US$3.93/lb at year-end. Crude oil prices also hit multi-year lows, with our benchmark, Gulf Coast Fuel Oil 6, ending the year at US$23.01 per barrel. Managing our company effectively through this challenging period will allow us to capitalize on the next cycle of rising prices. At the outset of 2015, we committed to concentrating on five strategic priorities: we focused on our nickel business, ramped up operations at Ambatovy, worked with our Cuban partners to extend the life of our energy business, built balance sheet strength and reduced costs. We made great strides in improving our operational and financial performance by using this framework, and as a result we were able to weather this challenging environment by increasing our production while reducing our costs over the course of the year. In our nickel business, we were able to bring our Net Direct Cash Costs (NDCC) down significantly throughout the year. NDCC declined every quarter, averaging US$3.88/lb at our Moa JV in Cuba and US$4.83/lb at our Ambatovy JV in Madagascar. At Ambatovy, NDCC fell from US$6.98/lb in Q4 2014 to US$4.07 in Q4 2015. Sherritt’s total finished nickel production for the full year was up 14% as Ambatovy ramped up to approximately 80% of design capacity, and our finished cobalt production for the full year was up 17%. On a 100% basis, the Metals division produced 80,976 tonnes of finished nickel and 7,175 tonnes of cobalt in 2015. Looking ahead to 2016, we expect to achieve even lower unit costs while we further increase production. David V. Pathe President and Chief Executive Officer The acid plant currently under construction at Moa, which remains on time and on budget, is expected to be operating in the second half of 2016. In September, we achieved financial completion at Ambatovy, having delivered all 10 requisite certificates to our lenders, covering a range of operational, environmental, financial and legal obligations. Most notable of these was demonstrating our ability to maintain a production rate equivalent to 54,000 tonnes of nickel on an annualized basis (approximately 90% of nameplate capacity), measured over 90 days in a 100-day continuous period, which we accomplished early in 2015. As a consequence of passing these tests, the US$1.6 billion that remains outstanding on the Ambatovy project financing is now non-recourse to Sherritt and our partners, and the only collateral we provide is our 40% portion of the Ambatovy asset itself. continued on page 2 SHERRITT ANNUAL REPORT 2015 | 1 Employee at the Ambatovy JV nickel refinery, Toamasina, Madagascar continued from page 1 We are the largest shareholder of Ambatovy with a 40% ownership interest. Under the current terms of the limited recourse Ambatovy partner loans, 70% of Sherritt's share of future distributions from Ambatovy will go towards repayment of those loans, leaving us with the remaining 30%, effectively an economic interest of just 12%. Given the currently unfavourable nickel pricing environment, this sharing mechanism could be in place for some time. Accordingly, given this “40 for 12” model, we announced in early 2016 that, having achieved financial completion, we will no longer commit more capital to Ambatovy on the present terms. By agreement with our partners, our unfunded amounts remain payable to Ambatovy, with accrued interest, but those amounts are non-recourse to Sherritt, and we will not be exercising our voting rights. We continue to serve as the on-site operator and discussions are ongoing between the partners and senior lenders regarding future funding of Ambatovy and modifications to the existing senior principal amortization schedule. In Cuba, our oil production declined as a result of natural reservoir declines. For the full year, production of 18,257 bopd was down 6% as compared to the previous year. In part due to our lower production, along with a weaker Canadian dollar, our unit operating costs increased over the year by 11% to $9.53 per barrel. In 2015, we fulfilled our drilling commitment on the lands covered by our Production Sharing Contract (PSC) extension. Power production in 2015 was 902GWh, up 6% as compared to the previous year, in part due to the first full year of operations at our 150MW Boca de Jaruco Combined Cycle facility. Looking ahead to the coming year in Cuba, we will commence drilling on a new block, Block 10, to extend the life of our oil assets, and we will look to increase production in our power business by finding ways to increase gas availability. Despite the pricing challenges we faced in global commodity markets and the financial demands at Ambatovy, we finished the year with $435.4 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. We were able do this as a result of prudent management of capital spending and costs, along with the contribution of strong cash flow from our Cuban oil and power operations. We will continue to protect our balance sheet strength by preserving cash, establishing clarity on the long-term funding of Ambatovy, and continuing to optimize our administrative costs. We could not have achieved all we did across the company this year without the dedication and determination of our employees, and I want to thank them for all of their efforts. I would also like to thank our Board of Directors for their ongoing support and counsel, and our shareholders for their perseverance and commitment to Sherritt. David V. Pathe President and Chief Executive Officer Sherritt International Corporation 2 | SHERRITT ANNUAL REPORT 2015 CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN 2015 was without question another difficult year for resource companies, and Sherritt was no exception. We remain committed to our stated purpose of being a low-cost nickel producer that creates sustainable prosperity for our employees, investors and communities. Despite current market uncertainty and low commodity prices, Sherritt and your Board of Directors remain dedicated to long-term thinking and planning. Sherritt’s technical expertise and operational capabilities are the cornerstones of the company’s competitive advantage. In 2015, we saw these capabilities applied in order to significantly lower costs and increase production. Sherritt has long-life and low-cost nickel assets, which will provide strong performance when commodity prices improve. Our focus in 2015 was to protect our liquidity and to lower costs. Following the repayment of over $400 million in debt in 2014, the balance sheet was further strengthened in 2015 with the achievement of financial completion at Ambatovy, removing significant risk in the form of our guarantees of Ambatovy project debt. As part of these comprehensive efforts to maintain liquidity, in September of last year the Board suspended the $0.01 per share quarterly dividend. To put this in context, at the time of this decision the price of nickel was down 36% since Q1 2014, when the dividend was last reduced, from $0.043 to $0.01 per share quarterly. It is our commitment to sustainability that positions us as a leader in responsible mining and energy production and gives us our social license to operate. We are honoured by the recognition Sherritt received from the United Nations and the Government of Madagascar for being one of the country’s best private sector providers of humanitarian aid. We take pride in engaging with the people and embracing the local environment in the communities in which we operate, while we create lasting economic benefits together. Awards such as this provide well-deserved recognition to the Sherritt management team and employees who work tirelessly to build a brighter future for all our stakeholders. Harold (Hap) Stephen Chairman In 2015, Bernard Michel retired from our Board, having first been appointed to serve in 2007. Bernard’s experience and guidance were instrumental throughout a period of transition at Sherritt. On behalf of the Board, I wish him well. We continue to focus on what we do best and act as responsible stewards of capital, and we look forward to reporting to you on our operational and financial results through 2016. Harold (Hap) Stephen Chairman Sherritt International Corporation SHERRITT ANNUAL REPORT 2015 | 3 Plant nursery near the town of Moramanga, Madagascar STRATEGIC PRIORITIES The table below lists Sherritt’s strategic priorities for 2016. The 2016 Strategic Priorities reflect the continuing depressed commodity outlook and the Corporation’s responsibility to preserve liquidity, continue to drive down costs, and execute rational capital allocation plans. Sherritt’s purpose, originally communicated in 2014, continues to be a low-cost nickel producer that creates sustainable prosperity for our employees, investors and communities. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 2016 TARGETS UPHOLD GLOBAL OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN FINISHED NICKEL LATERITE PRODUCTION Complete and commission the acid plant at Moa in the second half of 2016 Further reduce NDCC costs at Moa and Ambatovy towards the goal of being in the lowest quartile Increase Ambatovy production over 2015, despite the major maintenance work scheduled for Q3 Maintain peer leading performance in environmental, health, safety and sustainability EXTEND THE LIFE OF OUR CUBAN ENERGY BUSINESS Allocate capital to new drilling on Block 10, with future drilling to be contingent on results from 2016 activity PRESERVE LIQUIDITY AND BUILD BALANCE SHEET STRENGTH Protect Sherritt’s balance sheet and preserve cash Establish clarity on long-term funding of Ambatovy Run business units to be free cash flow neutral, and continue to optimize administrative costs 4 | SHERRITT ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Employees at the Ambatovy Plant Site, Toamasina, Madagascar OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS NDCC (US$/lb) 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2015 2014 Nickel Production (Sherritt's 40% share) (tonnes) AMBATOVY JOINT VENTURE The Ambatovy Joint Venture is the world’s largest vertically integrated finished lateritic nickel and cobalt facility. Located in Madagascar, Ambatovy produces Class 1 finished nickel and cobalt. Sherritt is a 40% owner and the operator, with partners Sumitomo Corporation (32.5%) and Korea Resources Corporation (27.5%). Ambatovy performed at close to 80% of design capacity, producing more than 47,000 tonnes (100% basis) of nickel and almost 3,500 tonnes (100% basis) of cobalt. During the third quarter, Sherritt received confirmation that finished nickel briquettes from Ambatovy qualified for delivery to the London Metals Exchange (LME) warehouses, affirming the high quality of Ambatovy’s products. The achievement of financial completion in the third quarter comprised satisfying 10 separate tests covering all manner of operational, financial, legal and environmental matters at Ambatovy. Financial completion was of great importance to Sherritt as it removed guarantees of over $US1.6 billion of Ambatovy debt from the Sherritt balance sheet. 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2015 2014 SHERRITT ANNUAL REPORT 2015 | 5 NDCC (US$/lb) 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2015 2014 Nickel Production (50% basis, tonnes) 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2015 2014 MOA JOINT VENTURE AND FORT SASKATCHEWAN OPERATIONS The Moa Joint Venture is a vertically integrated operation producing Class 1 finished nickel and cobalt. Sherritt and its joint venture partner General Nickel Company S.A. of Cuba (50%) have run operations for over 20 years. Metals refining occurs in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, where Sherritt also has 100% owned fertilizer, sulphuric acid and utilities operations. In 2015, the Moa JV continued to demonstrate consistency and reliability. With a nickel recovery rate of 89% for the year, the integrated High Pressure Acid Leach and refining facilities produced almost 34,000 tonnes (100% basis) of nickel and more than 3,700 tonnes (100% basis) of cobalt, along with more than 250,000 tonnes of fertilizer from the Moa JV and Sherritt's Fort Saskatchewan fertilizer operations. A strong focus on cost control resulted in a 22% improvement in the average net direct cash cost (US$3.88 per pound) for the year and US$2.90 per pound in the fourth quarter, placing the Moa JV in the lowest cost quartile of producers globally. In addition, construction of a third acid plant in Moa is on track for completion in the second half of 2016. Once complete, this project is expected to have a further positive impact in reducing costs, as it eliminates the need to import sulphuric acid, which is more expensive than producing acid from imported sulphur. The Moa Joint Venture was established in 1994. Proven and probable reserves are expected to extend operations for close to 20 years at current production rates. “ With a nickel recovery rate of 89% for the year, the integrated High Pressure Acid Leach and refining facilities produced almost 34,000 tonnes (100% basis) of nickel.” Moa JV inventory warehouse, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta 6 | SHERRITT ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Electricity Unit Operating Costs ($/MWh) Electricity Production (33¹/₃% basis, GWh) Total Gross Working Interest Production (Cuba, bopd) 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 250 200 150 100 50 0 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 OIL & GAS AND POWER Sherritt is the largest independent oil producer in Cuba, with more than 20 years of operational experience as a low-cost producer of heavy oil. The Cuban oil accounts for more than 90% of Sherritt’s total oil production, with minimal production of light crude oil (Spain) and natural gas (Pakistan) making up the total net working interest production. In 2015, production was 18,257 barrels of oil per day (Gross working-interest – Cuba). The weighted average realized price (on a net working-interest basis, all operations) was $38.73 per barrel, with unit operating costs averaging $10.69 per barrel. Much of 2015 was spent maximizing production from the existing Cuban Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs), with 8 new wells drilled on PSC Extension areas between late 2014 and the end of 2015. Total Net Working Interest Production (all ops, bopd) 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2015 2014 Oil Unit Operating Costs (Cuba, $/barrel (GWI basis)) Sherritt Power operates in Cuba through a one third interest in Energas S.A. The other investors in Energas are two Cuban agencies, who each hold a one third interest. Energas processes natural gas from oil fields, including Sherritt’s oil fields, to run power turbines. The operation is an environmentally efficient process, as it uses natural gas that would otherwise be flared in the production of oil. In 2015, Energas produced 2,707 GWh of electricity (100% basis), which is the highest production in the last five years, benefiting from a full year of operations from the recently constructed 150MW Boca de Jaruco Combined Cycle Project. 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 2015 2014 “ In 2015, Energas produced 2,707 GWh of electricity (100% basis), which is the highest production in the last five years.” SHERRITT ANNUAL REPORT 2015 | 7 Orchidarium near Moramanga, Madagascar SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability is core to Sherritt’s values and strengthens the company’s social license to operate and grow. TRI and LTI Index(1) 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 TRI LTI (1) LTI – Lost Time Injury TRI – Total Recordable Injury 8 | SHERRITT ANNUAL REPORT 2015 In 2015, Sherritt made important progress on building an integrated management system that links all of the company’s sustainability functions: environment, health and safety, security, stakeholder relations and community development. The system establishes corporate standards that create minimum management requirements that will apply across the company. This year, Sherritt developed and rolled out standards on health and safety, anti- corruption, stakeholder engagement, and security; updated its human rights, Indigenous relations and community investment standards; and established a four-year implementation plan for the remaining standards that address the material sustainability aspects of the business. Sherritt also took steps to align its 2015 sustainability report with the most recent version of the Global Reporting Initiative’s G4 guidelines. Enhanced reporting allows the company to provide more information about its approach to sustainability and related performance, ultimately fostering greater transparency and openness. To review Sherritt’s annual sustainability report, please visit sustainability.sherritt.com. In early 2015, Sherritt was honored by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum with the Syncrude Award for Excellence in Sustainable Development for the pioneering work undertaken at the Ambatovy Joint Venture, especially regarding biodiversity management. However, the company’s 2015 sustainability performance was overshadowed by four fatalities. In response to these tragic losses, Sherritt has taken actions to strengthen its safety culture, including: increasing leader interactions in work areas at all sites, improving proactive communication on safety, developing fatality prevention standards, and tracking and investigating significant potential incidents, which are incidents that could have resulted in a fatality, but did not. Additional initiatives are planned for 2016, and the company will continue to work at ensuring all employees and contractors return home safe and sound every day. BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAROLD (HAP) STEPHEN (4 ) Chairman Sherritt International Corporation Toronto, Canada Harold (Hap) Stephen (appointed May 2012) is a Chartered Professional Accountant and currently serves as a Director of TD Mutual Funds Corporate Class Ltd. and Algoma Central Corporation. Mr. Stephen is the Chairman and CEO of Stonecrest Capital Inc. DAVID V. PATHE President and Chief Executive Officer Sherritt International Corporation Toronto, Canada David Pathe (appointed January 2012) became President and CEO of the Corporation on January 1, 2012. Since joining Sherritt in June 2007, Mr. Pathe held various roles, including Senior Vice President, CFO, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. TIM BAKER (3)(4 )(5) Corporate Director Toronto, Canada Timothy Baker (appointed May 2014) is a geologist and currently serves as a Director of Antofagasta PLC. He is also Chairman of Golden Star Resources Ltd. and was previously Executive Vice President and COO of Kinross Gold Corporation. R. PETER GILLIN (1)(2)(3)(4) Corporate Director Toronto, Canada Peter Gillin (appointed January 2010) is a CFA and is currently a Director of Silver Wheaton Corp., Dundee Precious Metals Inc., TD Mutual Funds Corporate Class Ltd. and Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. (formerly Ivanhoe Mines Inc.). SIR RICHARD LAPTHORNE (1)(4)(5) Corporate Director London, England Sir Richard Lapthorne (appointed September 2011) is currently Chairman of Cable & Wireless Communications PLC and PWC’s UK Public Interest Body. With 30 years of experience, he has served as a Finance Director or Chairman of various FTSE 100 companies, including Courtaulds PLC and Amersham International PLC. ADRIAN LOADER (2)(4)(5) Corporate Director London, England Adrian Loader (appointed July 2013) has extensive international experience from Royal Dutch Shell in energy management, projects, strategy, business development and new market entry. Mr. Loader also serves on the boards of PLC. LafargeHolchim Ltd., Oracle Coalfields and Alderon Iron Ore Corp. EDYTHE (DEE) A. MARCOUX (2)(3)(4) Corporate Director Gibsons, Canada Edythe (Dee) Marcoux (appointed May 2006) is an MBA and a metallurgical engineer. She is a retired executive, with over 30 years of experience in the energy industry and five years of experience in the mineral industry. Miss Marcoux previously sat on the boards of SNC Lavalin Inc. and Placer Domer Inc. LISA PANKRATZ (1)(3)(4) Corporate Director Vancouver, Canada Lisa Pankratz (appointed November 2013) is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 28 years of experience in the investment industry and capital markets in both executive and advisory capacities working with multinational and international companies. (1) Audit Committee (2) Human Resources Committee (3) Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability Committee (4) Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (5) Reserves Committee SHERRITT ANNUAL REPORT 2015 | 9 Ore Truck at Moa JV mine site in Moa, Cuba FINANCIAL REVIEW 10 | SHERRITT ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Management’s discussion and analysis For the year ended December 31, 2015 This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) is intended to help the reader understand Sherritt International Corporation’s operations, financial performance and the present and future business environment. This MD&A, which has been prepared as of February 10, 2016, should be read in conjunction with Sherritt’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015. Additional information related to the Corporation, including the Corporation’s Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or on the Corporation’s website at www.sherritt.com. References to “Sherritt” or the “Corporation” refer to Sherritt International Corporation and its share of consolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures, unless the context indicates otherwise. All amounts are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated. References to “US$” are to United States dollars. Securities regulators encourage companies to disclose forward-looking information to help investors understand a company’s future prospects. This discussion contains statements about Sherritt’s future financial condition, results of operations and business. See the end of this report for more information on forward-looking statements. Overview of the business Strategic Priorities Highlights Financial results Consolidated financial position Outlook Significant factors influencing operations Review of operations Metals Oil and Gas Power Liquidity and capital resources Risk factors Critical accounting estimates and judgments Accounting pronouncements Three-year trend analysis Summary of quarterly results Off-balance sheet arrangements Transactions with related parties Controls and procedures Supplementary information Sensitivity analysis Oil and Gas production and sales volume Non-GAAP measures Forward-looking statements 60 64 65 66 67 67 68 69 69 70 70 81 12 14 15 17 23 24 26 29 29 35 37 39 44 11 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Overview of the business Sherritt is a leader in the mining and refining of nickel and cobalt from lateritic ores with projects and operations in Canada, Cuba and Madagascar. The Corporation is also the largest independent energy producer in Cuba, with extensive oil and power operations on the island. Sherritt licenses its proprietary technologies and provides metallurgical services to mining and refining operations worldwide. The common shares of the Corporation are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol “S”. SHERRITT INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Metals Oil & Gas Power Corporate Nickel and cobalt mining, processing and refining Oil and gas exploration and production Power generation Technology group, development projects and head office METALS Sherritt is an industry leader in mining, processing and refining nickel and cobalt from lateritic ore bodies. Sherritt has a 50/50 partnership with General Nickel Company S.A. (GNC) of Cuba (the Moa Joint Venture) and a 40% interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture that owns a significant nickel operation in Madagascar. In addition, Sherritt has wholly-owned fertilizer, sulphuric acid, utilities and storage facilities in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada (Fort Site) that provide additional sources of income. The Moa Joint Venture mines, processes and refines nickel and cobalt for sale worldwide (except in the United States). The Moa Joint Venture has mining operations and associated processing facilities in Moa, Cuba; and refining facilities in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. Continuous optimization of production facilities, combined with the implementation of innovative technologies at the Moa Joint Venture assists Metals in continuing to be one of the world’s lower-cost producers of nickel and cobalt from lateritic ore. Moa Joint Venture’s experienced and knowledgeable workforce and management team, combined with consistently high on-stream time and equipment reliability, have been the key to the safe and responsible utilization of production assets. Ambatovy is one of the world’s largest nickel mining, processing and refining operations utilizing lateritic ore. Sherritt is the operator of the mine and refining facilities, and has as its partners Sumitomo Corporation and Korea Resources Corporation (collectively referred to as the Ambatovy Partners). Ambatovy has two nickel deposits located near Moramanga (eastern central Madagascar) which are planned to be mined over a 19-year period. Additionally, reclamation of low-grade ore stockpiles is expected to extend project life by nine years. The ore from these deposits is initially processed at the mine site and then delivered as slurry to the processing plant and refinery located near the Port of Toamasina. Ambatovy has an annual nameplate capacity of 60,000 tonnes (100% basis) of nickel and 5,600 tonnes (100% basis) of cobalt. OIL AND GAS Sherritt explores for and produces oil and gas, primarily from fields situated in Cuba. All of Sherritt’s oil sales in Cuba in 2015 were to an agency of the Government of Cuba. Under the terms of its production-sharing contracts, Sherritt’s net production is made up of an allocation from gross working-interest production (cost recovery oil) to allow recovery of all approved costs in addition to a negotiated percentage of the remaining production (profit oil). The pricing for oil produced by Sherritt in Cuba is based on a discount to Gulf Coast Fuel Oil Number 6 reference prices. Sherritt has developed expertise in the exploration and development of fold-and-thrust geological plays along the north coast of Cuba. Reservoirs are located offshore, but in close proximity to the coastline. As a result, specialized long reach directional drilling methods have been developed to economically exploit the reserves from land-based drilling locations. In addition, Sherritt holds working-interests in several oil fields located in the Gulf of Valencia in Spain, an interest in the related production platform, and a working-interest in a natural gas field in Pakistan. 12 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTPOWER Sherritt’s primary power generating assets are located in Cuba at Varadero, Boca de Jaruco and Puerto Escondido. These assets are held by Sherritt through its one-third interest in Energas S.A. (Energas), which is a Cuban joint arrangement established to process raw natural gas and generate electricity for sale to the Cuban national electrical grid. Cuban government agencies Union Electrica (UNE) and Unión Cuba Petróleo (CUPET) hold the remaining two-thirds interest in Energas. Raw natural gas that would otherwise be flared is supplied to Energas by CUPET free of charge. The processing of raw natural gas produces clean natural gas, used to generate electricity, as well as by-products such as condensate and liquefied petroleum gas. All of Energas’ electrical generation is purchased by UNE under long-term fixed-price contracts while the by-products are purchased by CUPET at market based prices. Sherritt provided the financing for the construction of the Energas facilities and is repaid from the cash flows generated by the facilities. The Energas facilities comprising the two combined cycle plants at Varadero and Boca de Jaruco, produce electricity using steam generated from the waste heat captured from the gas turbines. The Boca de Jaruco Combined Cycle Project was fully operational in early February 2014, increasing Energas’ electrical generating capacity by 150 MW to 506 MW. CORPORATE AND OTHER Technologies Sherritt Technologies provides technical support to Sherritt’s operating divisions and identifies opportunities for the Corporation as a result of the division’s international and R&D activities. Technologies specializes in evaluating, developing and commercializing process technologies for natural resource based industries, in particular for the hydrometallurgical recovery of non-ferrous metals. Technologies’ process development is conducted in laboratory and pilot plant facilities where new technologies are developed, tested and demonstrated. The business we manage Sherritt manages its nickel, oil, gas and power operations through different legal structures including 100% owned subsidiaries, joint venture arrangements and production sharing contracts. With the exception of the Moa Joint Venture, which Sherritt operates jointly with its partner, Sherritt is the operator of these assets. The relationship Sherritt has with these operations and the economic interest recognized in the Corporation’s financial statements are as follows: METALS Moa Joint Venture Ambatovy Joint Venture OIL AND GAS POWER Relationship for accounting purposes Economic interest Basis of accounting Joint venture Associate Subsidiary Joint operation 50% 40% 100% 331/3% Equity method Equity method Full consolidation Economic interest recognized The Financial results and review of operations sections in this MD&A present amounts by reporting segment, based on the Corporation’s economic interest. For financial statement purposes, the Moa Joint Venture and Ambatovy Joint Venture are accounted for using the equity method of accounting which recognizes the Corporation’s share of earnings (loss) from joint venture and associate, respectively. Metal’s operating results include the Corporation’s 50% interest in the Moa Joint Venture, 100% interest in the utility and fertilizer operations in Fort Saskatchewan (Fort Site), 40% interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture, and 100% interest in a wholly-owned subsidiary established to buy, market and sell certain Ambatovy nickel production. The financial statements and review of operations in this MD&A include the Corporation’s 100% interest in its Oil and Gas business and 331/3% interest in its Power businesses. Amounts presented in this MD&A can be reconciled to note 5 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015. 13 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTStrategic Priorities The table below lists Sherritt’s Strategic Priorities in 2015, and how the Corporation performed in 2015 against those priorities. Strategic Priorities 2015 Targets Status FOCUSING ON OUR CORE NICKEL BUSINESS Sustaining production and lowering costs at Moa Advancing the acid plant project at Moa 1 Moa nickel production was steady, and NDCC costs declined in each successive quarter of 2015 Acid plant construction continues on track for second half of 2016 CONTINUING TO RAMP UP AMBATOVY 2 Targeting a production rate of 90% of nameplate capacity over a 90-day period within the first half of 2015 Targeting financial completion by September 30, 2015 Achieved 90 for 90 in Q1 2015, and again in Q3 2015 Financial completion announced September 21, 2015 EXTENDING THE LIFE OF OUR CUBAN ENERGY BUSINESS Securing two additional exploration PSCs Commencing drilling on extended Puerto Escondido/Yumuri PSC 3 BUILDING BALANCE SHEET STRENGTH Maintaining a strong balance sheet and liquidity 4 REDUCING COSTS Optimizing operating and administrative costs 5 Eight wells drilled in the Puerto Escondido/ Yumuri extension area PSCs. Block 8A and Block 10 PSCs signed in late 2014. In Block 10, seismic was reprocessed, drilling locations identified and permitting process commenced in 2015 Cash, cash equivalents and short term investments of $435.4 million at December 31, 2015, after full drawdown of existing credit facilities. Credit facilities were upsized by $40 million in Q3 Net Direct Cash Costs at Moa and Ambatovy have declined every quarter this year, averaging US$3.88/lb (Moa) and US$4.83/lb (Ambatovy) Combined administrative expense for the full year were down 21% year over year 14 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTThe table below lists Sherritt’s strategic priorities for 2016. The 2016 Strategic Priorities reflect the continuing depressed commodity outlook and the Corporation’s responsibility to preserve liquidity, continue to drive down costs, and execute rational capital allocation plans. Sherritt’s purpose, originally communicated in 2014, continues to be a low-cost nickel producer that creates sustainable prosperity for our employees, investors and communities. Strategic Priorities 2016 Targets UPHOLD GLOBAL OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN FINISHED NICKEL LATERITE PRODUCTION Complete and commission the acid plant at Moa in the second half of 2016 Further reduce NDCC costs at Moa and Ambatovy towards the goal of being in the lowest quartile 1 Increase Ambatovy production over 2015, despite the major maintenance work scheduled for Q3 Maintain peer leading performance in environmental, health, safety and sustainability EXTEND THE LIFE OF OUR CUBAN ENERGY BUSINESS Allocate capital to new drilling on Block 10, with future drilling to be contingent on results from 2016 activity 2 PRESERVE LIQUIDITY AND BUILD BALANCE SHEET STRENGTH Protect Sherritt’s balance sheet and preserve cash Establish clarity on long-term funding of Ambatovy 3 Run business units to be free cash flow neutral, and continue to optimize administrative costs Highlights OPERATIONS UPDATE Metals achieved record production of 35,761 tonnes of finished nickel (Sherritt’s share) for the year ended December 31, 2015, representing a 14% increase from the prior year. The increase is due to the ramp-up of production at Ambatovy and stable refinery operations and mixed sulphide availability at the Moa Joint Venture. This increased production combined with lower input costs and an organization wide focus on cost management resulted in achieving a Metals net direct cash cost (NDCC) of nickel of US$4.38 per pound for 2015, a 26% reduction from the prior year. On September 29, 2015, Sherritt received notice that Ambatovy’s finished nickel briquettes met the standards to qualify for delivery to London Metal Exchange (LME) warehouses. With Ambatovy’s LME acceptance, nickel briquettes from all of Sherritt’s nickel operations are LME deliverable, allowing Sherritt or its customers the flexibility and commercial advantage of delivering nickel product to LME warehouses where logistics benefits exist or to mitigate short term variance in customer demand. AMBATOVY FUNDING In 2015, Sherritt provided funding to Ambatovy of US$105.6 million. Funding requirements were significantly impacted in the year by principal and interest payments on the Ambatovy Joint Venture Financing. As no funding was provided in the fourth quarter, this amount is unchanged from the funding that Sherritt reported in the third quarter of 2015. As a result of achieving financial completion, the US$ 1.6 billion Ambatovy Joint Venture Financing (balance as at December 31, 2015, 100% basis) became non-recourse to the partners. 15 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTPursuant to cash calls due in January, 2016, an additional US$30.0 million was provided to Ambatovy by Sumitomo Corp. and Korea Resources Corp. (KORES). Total cash calls of US$50.0 million were made, with Sherritt not funding its 40% pro-rata share (US$20.0 million). By agreement amongst the partners Sherritt’s unfunded amounts remain payable to Ambatovy, with accrued interest at LIBOR +3%. These amounts will be subtracted from future Ambatovy Joint Venture distributions, or may be set off by the Ambatovy Joint Venture against certain other amounts owed to Sherritt. Sherritt also has the option to pay the amounts in cash at any time, at Sherritt’s election. Until the funding deficit is cured, and subject to continued discussions with the Ambatovy partners, Sherritt will not be exercising its Ambatovy voting rights. The outcome of these discussions is not certain – for additional information see the Risk Factors section. Sherritt determined not to fund further cash calls at this time to preserve liquidity and due to the current structure of the Ambatovy partner loans, which, at current nickel prices, effectively reduce Sherritt’s 40% interest in Ambatovy to a 12% economic interest(1). At this time, Sherritt continues to serve as operator, and constructive discussions are ongoing between partners and senior lenders regarding future funding of Ambatovy and modifications to the existing senior principal amortization. IMPAIRMENTS In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Ambatovy Joint Venture recorded an impairment of US$2.4 billion (100% basis) due to lower forecast nickel prices. The impairment recorded at the Sherritt level is $1.6 billion after tax, consisting of $1.3 billion representing Sherritt’s 40% share of Ambatovy’s impairment and $0.3 billion from the incremental carrying value of Sherritt’s Ambatovy assets, primarily related to mineral rights acquired from Dynatec in 2007. In the third quarter of 2015, the Corporation recorded an impairment expense of $80.6 million on its oil assets in Cuba and Spain. This impairment is the result of lower oil price forecasts and drilling results from development wells at Puerto Escondido/Yumuri extension that were below expectation. TAX RATE REDUCTIONS IN CUBA During the first quarter of 2015, clarification was received from the Cuban government regarding the application of tax rate reductions in Cuba due to a new foreign investment law. Operation Oil and Gas Power Metals – Moa Prior Statutory Tax Rate Revised Statutory Tax Rate 30% 30% 45% 22.5% 15% 22.5% As a result of these changes, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 the Corporation recognized a tax recovery of $40.7 million in Oil and Gas and $2.6 million in the Moa Joint Venture. (1) 70% of Sherritt’s distributable cash flow from Ambatovy (after opex, capex and project debt service) goes to Partner Loan repayment, leaving Sherritt with 30%; 30% of Sherritt’s 40% ownership = 12%. 16 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTFinancial results $ millions, except as otherwise noted FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Revenue Combined revenue(1) Adjusted EBITDA(1) Loss from operations, associate and joint venture Loss from continuing operations For the three months ended 2014 December 31 2015 December 31 For the years ended 2014 2015 Change December 31 December 31 (25%) $ 335.9 $ 455.6 $ 76.5 $ 229.5 6.1 (1,721.9) (1,757.3) 101.6 278.3 31.4 (18%) (81%) (74.9) (2,199%) (147.7) (1,090%) 1,022.7 113.1 (1,978.6) (2,071.7) (5.0) Change (26%) (10%) (55%) 1,136.3 253.2 (111.9) (1,668%) (318.5) (550%) 28.5 (118%) (Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax – (12.7) 100% Net loss for the period Adjusted loss from continuing operations(1) Loss per share (basic and diluted) ($ per share) Net loss from continuing operations Net loss for the period CASH FLOW (1,757.3) (113.8) (160.4) (996%) (2,076.7) (290.0) (616%) (80.0) (42%) (351.3) (246.5) (43%) (5.99) (5.99) (0.50) (1,098%) (0.54) (1,009%) (7.05) (7.07) (1.07) (559%) (0.97) (629%) Cash provided (used) by continuing operating activities $ 10.8 $ 39.4 (73%) $ 64.5 $ 109.6 Combined free cash flow(1) Combined adjusted operating cash flow(1) Combined adjusted operating cash flow per share ($ per share)(1) (24.8) (29.5) (0.09) (14.8) (41.3) (0.14) (68%) (98.8) (81.7) 29% 36% 63.1 0.21 95.1 0.32 (41%) (21%) (34%) (34%) OPERATIONAL DATA SPENDING ON CAPITAL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS(2) $ 26.9 $ 56.1 (52%) $ 150.1 $ 150.5 – PRODUCTION VOLUMES Finished nickel (tonnes) Moa Joint Venture (50% basis) Ambatovy Joint Venture (40% basis) Finished cobalt (tonnes) Moa Joint Venture (50% basis) Ambatovy Joint Venture (40% basis) Oil (boepd, NWI production)(3) Electricity (gigawatt hours) (331/3% basis) AVERAGE-REALIZED PRICES(1) Nickel ($ per pound) Cobalt ($ per pound) Oil ($ per boe, NWI)(3) Electricity ($ per megawatt hour) UNIT OPERATING COSTS(1) Nickel (US$ per pound) Moa Joint Venture Ambatovy Joint Venture Oil ($ per boe, GWI)(3) Electricity ($ per megawatt hour) 4,098 4,885 521 386 10,727 226 $ 5.54 $ 12.91 29.53 56.53 2.90 4.07 11.64 33.88 $ $ 4,332 3,964 436 277 10,369 214 7.89 15.34 49.58 48.38 4.44 6.98 12.25 22.82 (5%) 23% 19% 39% 3% 6% 16,853 18,908 1,867 1,386 11,158 902 (30%) $ 6.68 $ (16%) (40%) 17% (35%) $ (42%) (5%) 48% 15.20 38.73 54.26 3.88 4.83 10.69 21.00 $ 16,455 14,821 1,605 1,166 10,960 847 8.29 15.10 65.69 46.81 4.99 7.04 9.45 17.25 2% 28% 16% 19% 2% 6% (19%) 1% (41%) 16% (22%) (31%) 13% 22% (1) For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section. (2) Spending on capital and intangible assets includes accruals and does not include spending on service concession arrangements. (3) Net working-interest (NWI); gross working-interest (GWI); barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd); barrels of oil equivalent (boe). 17 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTREVENUE $ millions REVENUE BY SEGMENT Metals Oil and Gas Power Corporate and Other Combined revenue(1) Adjust joint venture and associate Financial statement revenue For the three months ended 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 Change For the years ended 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 Change $ 183.8 $ 216.5 (15%) $ 30.5 13.7 1.5 229.5 (153.0) 76.5 49.6 11.7 0.5 (39%) 17% 200% 278.3 (18%) (176.7) 101.6 (25%) 805.1 162.6 52.7 2.3 1,022.7 (686.8) 335.9 $ 813.8 269.3 49.0 4.2 1,136.3 (680.7) (1%) (40%) 8% (45%) (10%) 455.6 (26%) (1) For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section. Combined revenue for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 were lower compared to the same periods in the prior year primarily due to lower nickel and oil prices partly offset by a weaker Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 sales volumes of nickel and cobalt were higher at both Moa Joint Venture and Ambatovy as a result of continued operational stability at the Moa Joint Venture and continued ramp-up of operations at Ambatovy. In addition, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 Ambatovy revenues were higher compared to the prior-year period which only included revenue for the eleven months following the declaration of commercial production effective February 1, 2014. COST OF SALES $ millions COST OF SALES BY SEGMENT Metals Oil and Gas Power Corporate and other Combined cost of sales(1) Adjust joint venture and associate Financial statement cost of sales For the three months ended 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 Change For the years ended 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 Change $ 284.9 $ 244.7 16% $ 1,028.1 $ 30.2 16.7 1.2 333.0 (257.9) 75.1 52.9 10.3 1.5 309.4 (209.3) (43%) 62% (20%) 8% 100.1 (25%) 146.9 52.6 5.2 1,232.8 (914.7) 318.1 894.5 150.0 37.1 9.5 1,091.1 (773.1) 318.0 15% (2%) 42% (45%) 13% – (1) For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section. Combined cost of sales for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 were higher compared to the same periods in the prior year primarily due to inventory impairment adjustments at Ambatovy, costs associated with increased production ramp-up at Ambatovy and the weaker Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar, partly offset by lower input commodity prices. The prior year includes an impairment of the North Sea and Alboran Sea oil and gas licenses. For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015, depletion, depreciation and amortization expense was higher at Power’s Varadero facility due to the impact of a change in the residual value estimate. Costs of sales at Ambatovy were higher compared to the prior-year period which only included costs for the eleven months following the declaration of commercial production. 18 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES $ millions ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES BY SEGMENT Metals Oil and Gas Power Corporate and other Combined administrative expenses(1) Adjust joint venture and associate Financial statement administrative expenses For the three months ended 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 For the years ended 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 Change $ 8.7 1.5 0.3 8.2 18.7 (7.7) 11.0 $ 11.3 (23%) $ 31.9 $ 88% (75%) (15%) (19%) 0.8 1.2 9.7 23.0 (10.0) 13.0 (15%) 6.7 3.8 32.1 74.5 (28.1) 46.4 35.7 7.8 7.3 43.6 94.4 (31.0) 63.4 Change (11%) (14%) (48%) (26%) (21%) (27%) (1) For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section. Combined administrative expenses for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 were lower compared to the same periods in the prior year primarily due to lower employee costs following the restructuring plan initiated by the Corporation in the fourth quarter of 2014, higher legal fees in 2014 attributable to the Coal transaction and implementation of cost reduction initiatives undertaken in the current year. ADJUSTED EBITDA $ millions ADJUSTED EBITDA(1) BY SEGMENT Metals Oil and Gas Power Corporate and Other Adjusted EBITDA For the three months ended 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 For the years ended 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 Change (1.9) 9.7 5.5 (7.2) 6.1 13.6 26.3 5.4 (13.9) (114%) (63%) 2% 48% 31.4 (81%) 33.3 81.9 30.0 (32.1) 113.1 73.3 191.7 24.8 (36.6) 253.2 Change (55%) (57%) 21% 12% (55%) (1) For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section. 19 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTNET FINANCE EXPENSE $ millions Financial statement net finance expense Moa Joint Venture net finance expense(1) Ambatovy Joint Venture net finance expense(1) Combined net finance expense(2) For the three months ended 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 35.4 1.6 28.2 65.2 71.9 3.4 19.8 95.1 Change (51%) (53%) 42% (31%) For the years ended 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 Change 129.0 11.2 74.3 214.5 161.2 (20%) 12.0 68.7 (7%) 8% 241.9 (11%) (1) For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section. (2) Net of intercompany interest. Combined net finance expense for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 were lower than the prior periods due to lower interest expense as a result of lower outstanding loan balances in 2014 including fees related to the repurchase and redemption of the Corporation’s debentures in the fourth quarter of 2014, partly offset by a higher unrealized foreign exchange loss recognized due to a weakening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S dollar, higher interest income on the Ambatovy subordinated loan receivable and the expiry of the Ambatovy call option in the third quarter of 2015. Net finance expense increased at Ambatovy for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to higher interest expense on higher outstanding loan balances. Net finance expense for the three months ended December 31, 2015 was also impacted by increased interest rates on Ambatovy’s senior financing as a result of achieving financial completion in the third quarter of 2015. INCOME TAXES $ millions INCOME TAXES BY SEGMENT Metals Oil and Gas Power Corporate and other Combined income taxes(1) Adjust joint venture and associate Financial statement income taxes For the three months ended 2014 December 31 2015 December 31 Change For the years ended 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 Change $ (113.2) $ (6.3) (1,697%) $ (136.1) $ (9.1) (1,396%) 0.3 (0.3) – (113.2) 113.2 – 2.1 (86%) (1.1) (0.1) 73% 100% (5.4) (1,996%) 6.3 0.9 (100%) (35.0) (0.9) – (172.0) 136.1 (35.9) 44.1 (179%) (0.5) (80%) 1.8 36.3 9.1 45.4 (100%) (574%) (179%) (1) For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section. Combined income taxes for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 were lower than the prior periods primarily due to a deferred income tax recovery recognized at Ambatovy as a result of the impairment as well as lower earnings from Moa Joint Venture, Ambatovy and Oil and Gas. In addition, in the twelve month period there was a tax recovery related to the reduction in tax rates in Cuba. In 2015, clarification was received from the Cuban government regarding the application of tax rate reductions in Cuba due to a new foreign investment law. As a result in the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, the tax recovery includes a recovery of $40.7 million in Oil and Gas and $2.6 million for Moa Joint Venture. The total tax recovery includes a non-cash adjustment of $13.0 million to reflect re-measurement of deferred tax liabilities and a current tax recovery of $30.3 million. 20 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTIMPAIRMENTS Ambatovy Impairment The Corporation recognized a total impairment of $1.6 billion (40% basis), after tax, within the Corporation’s share of loss of an associate, net of tax, in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss). The impairment reflects the expectation of a sustained reduction in long-term nickel prices. The total impairment consists of the Corporation’s 40% share of the Ambatovy Joint Venture impairment, including a deferred tax asset write-down and inventory write-down, and, an incremental impairment of the Corporation’s mineral rights, net of deferred tax adjustments. The recoverable amount was based on value in use and was determined to be $7.1 billion (100% basis) as at December 31, 2015. In determining value in use for the Ambatovy Joint Venture, a long-term nickel price of US$8.50/lb and a discount rate of 9.0% were used in the discounted cash flow calculation. The Corporation has identified the Ambatovy Joint Venture operation as one cash-generating unit (CGU), which constitutes the Ambatovy Joint Venture reportable segment. Oil and Gas Impairment In the third quarter of 2015, the Corporation recognized an impairment loss of $80.6 million representing the write-down of certain Oil assets in the Oil and Gas segment to their recoverable amount as a result of lower oil price forecasts and drilling results from development wells at the Puerto Escondido/Yumuri extension that were below expectation. This impairment was recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) as Impairment of Oil assets. The Corporation has four CGUs within its Oil and Gas segment. These CGUs are determined by geographical area or production-sharing contract (PSC). The impaired CGUs consisted of Puerto Escondido/Yumuri, Puerto Escondido/Yumuri extension and Spain. The recoverable amounts of the impaired CGUs were based on value in use and were $54.4 million as at September 30, 2015. In determining value in use for the CGU, the cash flows were discounted at a rate of 10%. The drilling results used in the value in use were derived from internal estimates. In the fourth quarter of 2015, an independent qualified reserve analysis was received. Based on the Corporation’s review of this report no additional impairment was recognized. 21 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTCHANGE IN NET LOSS For the three months ended December 31, 2015, net loss from continuing operations was $1,757.3 million, or $5.99 per share, compared to a loss of $147.7 million, or $0.50 per share in the same period in the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2015, net loss from continuing operations was $2,071.7 million, or $7.05 per share, compared to a loss of $318.5 million, or $1.07 per share in the same period in the prior year. The change in net loss from continuing operations between 2015 and 2014 is detailed below: $ millions Lower U.S. dollar denominated nickel and cobalt prices $ Lower oil and gas prices Higher fertilizer prices Higher total metals and fertilizer sales volumes Lower Cuba oil and gas gross working-interest volumes Higher Spain oil and gas volumes Higher electricity volumes Lower mining, processing and refining, third-party feed and fertilizer unit costs Lower Oil and Gas cost recovery revenue Lower (Higher) Oil and Gas cost of sales Lower (Higher) depletion, depreciation and amortization Lower administrative expenses Ambatovy impairment of assets Tax impact on Ambatovy impairment Impairment of Oil assets Lower exploration and evaluation impairment losses Gain on sale of corporate assets Arbitration settlement January 2014 earnings at Ambatovy capitalized prior to commercial production Foreign exchange impact on operations Lower combined net finance expense, before Ambatovy call option revaluation Ambatovy call option revaluation Cuban tax recovery Other tax recoveries Other For the three months ended 2015 December 31 For the year ended 2015 December 31 (58.0) (12.3) 2.8 23.5 (3.4) – 0.7 12.4 (4.2) 3.7 1.7 4.3 (1,722.5) 102.9 – 13.5 (3.3) (1.3) – (15.7) 29.8 – – 4.9 10.9 $ (150.2) (93.8) 10.8 86.0 (11.8) 6.7 3.1 32.3 (14.6) (1.5) (32.4) 19.9 (1,722.5) 102.9 (80.6) 14.7 15.8 (14.1) (10.2) (44.4) 41.1 (13.7) 43.3 62.1 (2.1) Change in net loss from continuing operations, compared to 2014 $ (1,609.6) $ (1,753.2) 22 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL POSITION The following table summarizes the significant items as derived from the audited consolidated statements of financial position: $ millions, except as otherwise noted, as at December 31 Current assets Current liabilities Working capital Current ratio Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments Non-current advances, loans receivable and other financial assets Investment in an associate Investment in a joint venture Property, plant and equipment Total assets Total loans and borrowings Total provisions Total liabilities Retained (deficit) earnings Shareholders’ equity $ $ 2015 820.4 212.1 608.3 3.87:1 $ 435.4 $ 1,600.5 757.3 404.2 351.1 4,090.0 2,263.1 126.6 2,532.9 2014 855.1 193.6 661.5 4.42:1 477.2 1,922.4 1,548.5 380.1 422.1 5,283.2 1,859.9 126.8 2,224.5 Change (4%) 10% (8%) 136% (9%) (17%) (51%) 6% (17%) (23%) 22% – 14% (2,342.6) 1,557.1 (259.9) (801%) 3,058.7 (49%) As at December 31, 2015, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments decreased by $41.8 compared to the prior year end. For additional information see the Liquidity and capital resources – sources and uses of cash section. The significant changes in assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity from 2014 to 2015 are discussed below: • Investment in an associate decreased by $791.2 million primarily as a result of the $1.6 billion impairment of Ambatovy’s assets, partly offset by a $840.0 million decrease in Ambatovy’s subordinated loan payable, due to a conversion from loan payable to equity and foreign exchange adjustments; • Non-current advances, loans receivable and other financial assets decreased by $321.9 million primarily due to a $840.0 million decrease in the Ambatovy subordinated loan receivable, due to a conversion from loan receivable to equity and repayments on the Energas conditional sales agreement, partly offset by $135.7 million of loans provided to the Ambatovy Joint Venture to meet the Corporation’s funding obligations, foreign exchange adjustments and accrued interest receivable related to the Ambatovy subordinated loan; • Property, plant and equipment decreased by $71.0 million primarily as a result of the impairment of $80.6 million recognized on the Corporation’s oil assets and depletion, depreciation and amortization, offset by normal course capital spending. A discussion of spending on capital is included in the Review of operations sections for each segment; • Total loans and borrowings increased by $403.2 million primarily due to foreign exchange adjustments on the Ambatovy Joint Venture loans due to a weakening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S dollar as well as the drawdown of the revolving term credit facility and line of credit; and • Retained earnings decreased by $2.1 billion reflecting the impact of losses recognized in the year. In addition, the Corporation paid dividends of $9.0 million during the year prior to the suspension of dividends announced in October 2015. 23 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTOutlook 2016 PRODUCTION AND CAPITAL SPENDING GUIDANCE In 2016, Sherritt has made certain modifications to how guidance is presented. For example, nickel and cobalt production expectations will continue to be published and reconciled to production guidance, but mixed sulphide production will not be part of the production guidance. This change was implemented recognizing that external stakeholders are focused on finished metal production with mixed sulphide production guidance having less utility. Secondly, capital spending estimates are being presented in U.S. dollars, with the Canadian dollar estimate being presented for ease of comparison. The Canadian dollar estimate has been converted using the 2016 forecast conversion rate of $1.36. This change in presentation is intended to align with Sherritt’s capital budgeting practices, and to mitigate the change to capital that arises from translation to the Canadian dollar reporting currency. In 2015, capital spending revisions were generally explained in terms of their U.S. dollar movement, as the fall in the Canadian dollar offset larger downward revisions to capital spending as the year progressed. This year, the presentation in U.S. dollars and reporting against spending projections in U.S. dollars is intended to mitigate the impacts of currency exchange volatility. Capital projects in the Metals business are generally U.S. dollar expenditures, while in Oil & Gas, the expenditures are roughly 50% Canadian dollar denominated and 50% U.S. dollar denominated. Production volumes and spending on capital PRODUCTION VOLUMES Mixed sulphides (tonnes, Ni+Co contained, 100% basis) Moa Joint Venture Ambatovy Joint Venture Total Nickel, finished (tonnes, 100% basis) Moa Joint Venture Ambatovy Joint Venture Total Cobalt, finished (tonnes, 100% basis) Moa Joint Venture Ambatovy Joint Venture Total Oil – Cuba (gross working-interest, bopd) Oil and Gas – All operations (net working-interest, boepd) Electricity (GWh, 331/3% basis) Spending on capital ($ millions) Metals – Moa Joint Venture (50% basis), Fort Site (100% basis) (1) Metals – Ambatovy Joint Venture (40% basis) Oil and Gas Power (331/3% basis) Power (331/3% basis) Pipeline Construction on Service Concession Arrangements 2015 guidance Actual 2015 December 31 2016 guidance 36,500 – 38,000 50,500 – 56,000 87,000 – 94,000 37,020 48,995 86,015 33,000 – 34,000 33,706 33,500 – 34,500 45,000 – 48,000 47,271 48,000 – 50,000 78,000 – 82,000 80,977 81,500 – 84,500 3,500 – 4,000 3,500 – 4,000 7,000 – 8,000 18,500 11,300 850 75 35 71 4 3,734 3,464 7,198 18,257 11,158 902 64 24 55 4 3,300 – 3,800 3,300 – 3,800 6,600 – 7,600 14,500 8,900 860 US$38 (52) US$25 (34) US$43 (59) US$1 (1) US$4 (5) Spending on capital (excluding Corporate) 185 147 US$111 (151) (1) Spending is 50% of US$ expenditures for Moa JV and 100% expenditures for Fort Site fertilizer and utilities. 24 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT PRODUCTION VOLUMES Sherritt expects 2016 production to increase at Ambatovy, despite the planned once in three year maintenance shutdown of operations scheduled for Q3 2016. Production at Moa and in the power operations is expected to remain steady, with a decline in Oil & Gas, reflecting natural reservoir declines and no further drilling activity on existing PSC’s. The original PSC wells are scheduled to revert to Cuban ownership in 2017 and 2018. Longer term, new production in Oil & Gas is expected to come from the drilling of Block 10, where the drill program will progress at a pace driven by prudent capital spending, and the objective of running the business units to be cash flow neutral. CAPITAL SPENDING Capital spending (excluding Corporate) in 2015 was approximately $147 million, up 39% from 2014 capex of approximately $106 million, but down 21% from guidance provided at the end of Q3 2015. Approximately US$12 million ($16.3 million) has been carried over to 2016 estimated capital spending of US$107 million. In the Moa JV, 2016 estimated capital spending is consistent with 2015 levels adjusting for carry-forwards. The acid plant construction at the Moa JV is nearing 75% completion at January 31, 2016, and is on track to be operating in the second half of 2016. Counting US$40.4 million spent (100% basis) from the construction re-start in 2013 to the end of 2015 and an additional estimated US$24.6 million (included in the 2016 capital spending estimate), the construction completion cost (since resuming construction in 2013) is forecast at approximately US$65 million which is in line with the 2013 approved budget and is being 100% financed by a Cuban leading institution. Ambatovy capital spending is similar to what was originally estimated for 2015. Oil and gas estimated capital spending is focused on the preparation and drilling of Block 10. Block 10 is covered by one of the two new PSC’s which Sherritt signed in 2014 with the Cuban agency, encompassing 261 square kilometres in the Bay of Cardenas for a 25-year term. Sherritt originally held Block 10 and completed a drill hole on the block in June 1994. Sherritt drilled one well, using an offshore drilling rig, which produced a discovery which tested at 3,750 barrels of oil per day. Since then, significant advances in horizontal drilling technology have made new drilling from onshore a viable prospect. Power capital spending is forecast to be US$1 million (Sherritt’s 331/3% share) in 2016. In addition, the cost to construct a new pipeline to increase gas availability is estimated at US$4 million (Sherritt’s share) with construction starting and finishing in 2016. 25 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTSignificant factors influencing operations As a commodity-based, geographically diverse company, Sherritt’s operating results are influenced by many factors, the most significant of which are: commodity prices and foreign exchange rates. COMMODITY PRICES Operating results for the year ended December 31, 2015 were significantly impacted by market-driven commodity prices for nickel, cobalt, oil and gas. A significant portion of electricity prices are established at the beginning of a negotiated supply contract period and are, therefore, less susceptible to commodity price fluctuations during the term of the agreement. Nickel Prices Cobalt Prices (US$/lb) $10 $9 $8 $7 $6 $5 $4 $3 $16 $15 $14 $13 $12 $11 $10 n a J b e F r a M r p A y a M n u J l u J g u A p e S t c O v o N c e D n a J b e F r a M r p A y a M n u J l u J g u A p e S t c O v o N c e D 2015 2014 2015 2014 Nickel spot prices hit a multi-year low of US$3.70 per pound in the fourth quarter of 2015, and have since traded lower in February. These are price levels not seen since 2003. More significant supply disruptions have started to appear in January, with announced cuts from Votorantim and Mirabela in Brazil, and Panoramic and Mincor in Australia. Coupled with Chinese supply cuts announced in 2015, these cuts could impact 200,000 tonnes of nickel supply in 2016. So far, the LME nickel price has not shown any positive response to the supply cut news, as nickel was one of the worst performers in 2015 and published inventories remain at high levels buffering the impact of any supply disruptions. On the demand side, global stainless demand is estimated to have decreased marginally (by approximately 1.2%) in 2015; however, despite this slowdown, world nickel demand is projected to increase marginally in 2016. High levels of nickel stocks and the strengthening U.S. dollar are factors that may cap price rallies in 2016. Sherritt’s Moa Joint Venture and Ambatovy Joint Venture operations experienced steady demand for their nickel briquettes throughout 2015, despite the negative market sentiment and price decline. Higher nickel grades of stainless steel remain more profitable for steel mills, which is positive for both the Moa and Ambatovy Joint Ventures. 26 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT WTI Prices (US$/bbl) Fuel Oil #6 Prices (US$/bbl) $110 $100 $90 $80 $70 $60 $50 $40 $30 $110 $100 $90 $80 $70 $60 $50 $40 $30 $20 n a J b e F r a M r p A y a M n u J l u J g u A p e S t c O v o N c e D n a J b e F r a M r p A y a M n u J l u J g u A p e S t c O v o N c e D 2015 2014 2015 2014 Crude oil prices also hit multi-year lows, with WTI prices ending the year at US$36.60 per barrel, and Gulf Coast Fuel Oil 6 ending the year at US$21.80 per barrel. A sensitivity analysis of 2015 earnings to changes in significant commodity prices is provided in the Supplementary information – Sensitivity analysis section. 27 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE As Sherritt reports its results in Canadian dollars, the fluctuation in foreign exchange rates has the potential to cause significant volatility in those results. Most commodity prices are quoted in U.S. dollars, and a significant portion of operating expenses are U.S. dollar denominated. Therefore operating earnings are generally positively impacted by a weaker Canadian dollar as the uplift on revenue exceeds the negative impact on operating expenses. However, in a period of operating losses, where U.S. denominated expenses exceeds U.S. denominated revenue, the foreign exchange impact is negative. This was the case in 2015 where the negative impact of foreign exchange on operating earnings was approximately $90 million. In addition many of Sherritt’s trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, loans receivable and loans payable are denominated in U.S. dollars. In 2015, the U.S. based financial liabilities exceeded the U.S. based financial assets which resulted in a negative translation loss of approximately $45 million for the year. During 2015, the Canadian dollar weakened relative to the U.S. dollar such that the average annual Canadian dollar cost to purchase one U.S. dollar increased on average to $1.28, compared to an average of $1.10 in 2014 and had an approximate negative impact on earnings of $135 million as described above. CAD/USD 1.40 1.30 1.20 1.10 1.00 n a J b e F r a M r p A y a M n u J l u J g u A p e S t c O v o N c e D 2015 2014 28 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTReview of operations METALS Financial Review $ millions, for the three months ended December 31 2015 2014 Moa JV and Fort Site Ambatovy JV Other Total Moa JV and Fort Site Ambatovy JV Other Total Change FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Revenue $ 101.1 $ 69.9 $ 12.8 $ 183.8 $ 127.3 $ 73.4 $ 15.8 $ 216.5 (15%) Earnings (loss) from operations (6.8) (1,785.5) (0.6) (1,792.9) Adjusted EBITDA(1) Cash provided (used) by operations Free cash flow(1) PRODUCTION VOLUMES (tonnes) Mixed Sulphides Finished Nickel Finished Cobalt Fertilizer 7.6 21.1 1.3 4,336 4,098 521 (9.5) (22.3) (26.6) 5,042 4,885 386 69,741 15,169 NICKEL RECOVERY (%) 89% 86% SALES VOLUMES (tonnes) Finished Nickel Finished Cobalt Fertilizer 4,237 559 4,665 411 60,461 14,814 AVERAGE REFERENCE PRICES (US$ per pound) Nickel Cobalt(2) AVERAGE-REALIZED PRICES(1) Nickel ($ per pound) Cobalt ($ per pound) Fertilizer ($ per tonne) $ 5.57 $ 14.08 413 5.52 11.31 197 UNIT OPERATING COSTS(1) (US$ per pound) Nickel – net direct cash cost SPENDING ON CAPITAL Sustaining Expansion $ $ $ (1.9) 0.2 (23.9) 9,378 8,983 907 9.9 21.2 30.0 9.0 4,589 4,332 436 (51.6) (7.5) (16.8) (29.1) 4,312 3,964 277 84,910 69,996 10,942 84% 87% 8,902 970 75,275 4,401 435 78,134 3,658 257 9,080 0.5 (0.1) 2.4 2.4 (41.2) (4,252%) 13.6 15.6 (114%) (99%) (17.7) (35%) – – – – – – – 8,901 8,296 713 80,938 5% 8% 27% 5% 8,059 692 10% 40% 87,214 (14%) $ 7.17 14.07 (40%) (19%) $ 4.27 11.34 – $ 5.54 $ 7.94 $ 12.91 371 15.49 391 7.84 14.84 187 – $ 7.89 15.34 370 (30%) (16%) – – – – – 1.4 1.4 – – – – – – – – – – 2.90 $ 4.07 3.51 $ 4.44 $ 6.98 5.59 (37%) 13.8 $ 4.9 $ – $ 18.7 $ 18.6 $ 12.4 $ – $ 31.0 (40%) 6.7 – – 6.7 2.8 – – 2.8 139% 20.5 $ 4.9 $ – $ 25.4 $ 21.4 $ 12.4 $ – $ 33.8 (25%) (1) For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section. (2) Average low-grade cobalt published price per Metals Bulletin. 29 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT$ millions, for the years ended December 31 2015 2014 Moa JV and Fort Site Ambatovy JV Other Total Moa JV and Fort Site Ambatovy JV(1) Other Total Change FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Revenue $ 412.6 $ 332.0 $ 60.5 $ 805.1 $ 457.4 $ 291.8 $ 64.6 $ 813.8 (1%) Earnings (loss) from operations (4.4) (1,934.1) Adjusted EBITDA(2) Cash provided (used) by operations Free cash flow(2) 42.2 53.4 (9.0) (9.4) (24.3) (60.4) 0.5 0.5 4.1 4.1 (1,938.0) 33.3 33.2 39.0 78.1 34.5 (158.4) (5.5) (52.6) (65.3) (6.9) (102.9) 1.3 0.7 0.9 0.9 (118.1) (1,541%) 73.3 (55%) (17.2) 293% (108.9) 40% PRODUCTION VOLUMES (tonnes) Mixed Sulphides Finished Nickel Finished Cobalt Fertilizer 18,510 16,853 1,867 255,991 19,598 18,908 1,386 54,930 NICKEL RECOVERY (%) 89% 86% SALES VOLUMES (tonnes) Finished Nickel Finished Cobalt Fertilizer 16,980 1,885 182,065 18,857 1,362 56,033 AVERAGE REFERENCE PRICES (US$ per pound) Nickel Cobalt(3) AVERAGE-REALIZED PRICES(2) Nickel ($ per pound) Cobalt ($ per pound) Fertilizer ($ per tonne) $ 6.72 $ 15.69 425 6.64 14.50 196 UNIT OPERATING COSTS(2) (US$ per pound) Nickel – net direct cash cost SPENDING ON CAPITAL(4) Sustaining Expansion $ $ $ – – – – – – – 38,108 35,761 3,253 18,205 16,455 1,605 310,921 263,423 16,107 14,821 1,166 39,112 87% 86% 35,837 3,247 16,604 1,623 238,098 214,271 13,559 1,071 36,841 $ 5.37 12.99 – $ 6.68 $ 8.23 $ 15.20 371 15.20 392 8.37 14.93 168 – – – – – – – – – – 34,312 31,276 2,771 302,535 11% 14% 17% 3% 30,163 2,694 251,112 19% 21% (5%) $ 7.65 (30%) 14.16 (8%) – $ 8.29 (19%) – – – 15.10 359 1% 3% 5.91 (26%) 3.88 $ 4.83 4.38 $ 4.99 $ 7.04 47.4 $ 23.8 $ – $ 71.2 $ 36.6 $ 16.7 – – 16.7 6.0 64.1 $ 23.8 $ – $ 87.9 $ 42.6 $ 37.5 – 37.5 $ $ – $ 74.1 (4%) – 6.0 – $ 80.1 178% 10% (1) Represents the post-commercial production period except for production volumes and nickel recovery. (2) For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section. (3) Average low-grade cobalt published price per Metals Bulletin. (4) For Ambatovy JV, excludes payments made on arbitration settlements disclosed in note 7 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015. 30 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTMoa Joint Venture and Fort Site Revenue is composed of the following: $ millions Nickel Cobalt Fertilizers Other(1) For the three months ended 2014 2015 December 31 2015 December 31 Change December 31 For the years ended 2014 December 31 Change $ $ 54.8 17.4 25.0 3.9 77.0 14.9 30.5 4.9 (29%) $ 254.5 $ 301.4 (16%) 17% (18%) (20%) 65.2 77.4 15.5 54.4 83.9 17.7 20% (8%) (12%) $ 101.1 $ 127.3 (21%) $ 412.6 $ 457.4 (10%) (1) Beginning in the second quarter of 2015 sulphuric acid revenue was reclassified from fertilizers to other; all current and prior periods have been adjusted to reflect this change. The amount of sulphuric acid revenue included in other was $2.7 million and $10.6 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015, respectively, and $3.0 million and $11.7 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2014, respectively. The change in earnings from operations between 2015 and 2014 is detailed below: $ millions Lower U.S. dollar denominated realized nickel prices Lower U.S. dollar denominated realized cobalt prices Higher fertilizer prices Higher metals sales volumes Lower fertilizer sales volumes Lower mining, processing and refining, third-party feed and fertilizer unit costs Weaker Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar Other For the three months ended 2015 December 31 For the year ended 2015 December 31 $ (27.5) $ (3.6) 1.9 1.7 (2.0) 12.4 1.2 (0.8) (85.7) (6.0) 7.8 4.8 (4.1) 32.3 9.7 (2.2) (43.4) Change in earnings from operations, compared to 2014 $ (16.7) $ The average-realized prices of nickel and cobalt for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 were lower than the same periods in the prior year due to lower reference prices. The impact of lower reference prices was partly offset by the impact of a weaker Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. Production of contained mixed sulphides for the three months ended December 31, 2015 was lower compared to the same period in the prior year primarily as a result of unplanned maintenance in HPAL operations resulting in lower process plant availability in the quarter. The unplanned maintenance and lower availability was partially attributed to power failures stemming from a newly commissioned national power plant in Moa which also contributed to premature component failures in the HPAL. Production was higher for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 reflecting strong production in the first half of 2015. Production of finished nickel for the three months ended December 31, 2015 was lower compared to the same period in the prior year due to lower Moa feed availability; however it was higher for the twelve month period. Continued stable refinery operations and mixed sulphide availability over the course of the year, resulted in finished nickel volume above levels of the prior year despite a longer planned annual refinery shutdown in the second quarter of 2015. Finished cobalt production for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 was also higher than in the same periods in the prior year reflecting similar trends and a higher utilization of cobalt rich feeds. Fertilizer’s contributions to operating earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 were lower compared to the same periods in the prior year due to lower production and sales volumes, partly offset by higher realized prices. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, lower opening inventories after a strong fourth quarter in 2014 and the longer planned maintenance shutdown in the second quarter of 2015, impacted production and sales volumes. 31 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTCost of sales(1) is composed of the following: $ millions Mining, processing and refining Third-party feed costs Fertilizers Selling costs Other(2) For the three months ended 2014 2015 December 31 December 31 Change December 31 For the years ended 2014 December 31 Change 2015 $ 61.3 $ 4.7 16.4 4.7 6.2 67.5 3.4 22.5 4.4 4.1 (9%) $ 254.1 $ 256.2 38% (27%) 7% 51% 13.9 57.6 16.6 23.6 14.6 62.0 16.9 19.3 $ 93.3 $ 101.9 (8%) $ 365.8 $ 369.0 (1%) (5%) (7%) (2%) 22% (1%) (1) Excludes depletion, depreciation and amortization. (2) Beginning in the second quarter of 2015 sulphuric acid cost of sales was reclassified from fertilizers to other; all current and prior periods have been adjusted to reflect this change. The amount of sulphuric acid cost of sales included in other was $1.5 million and $11.4 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015, respectively, and $1.5 million and $6.5 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2014, respectively. Sulphuric acid costs increased in the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to the bi-annual maintenance shutdown of the Sulphuric Acid Plant which took place in 2015. Net direct cash cost(1) is composed of the following: For the three months ended 2014 2015 December 31 2015 December 31 Change December 31 For the years ended 2014 December 31 Change Mining, processing and refining costs Third-party feed costs Cobalt by-product credits Other(2) Net direct cash cost (US$ per pound of nickel) $ $ $ 4.60 0.38 (1.39) (0.69) 6.00 0.31 (1.35) (23%) $ 23% (3%) (0.52) (33%) $ 5.15 0.29 (1.36) (0.20) 6.24 0.36 (1.34) (0.27) (17%) (19%) (1%) 26% 2.90 $ 4.44 (35%) $ 3.88 $ 4.99 (22%) (1) For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section. (2) Includes the Moa Joint Venture and Fort Site refinery fertilizer by-product profit or loss and marketing costs, discounts, and other by-product credits. Net direct cash cost of nickel in the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 were lower compared to the same periods in the prior year due largely to lower mining, processing and refining costs primarily reflecting lower fuel oil prices. Sustaining capital spending for the Moa Joint Venture was lower in the three months ended December 31, 2015 and higher in the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same periods in the prior year. The decrease in the fourth quarter was due to planned deferral of spending into 2016 in response to the weak commodity price environment. The increase in the year to date period is a result of higher planned spending undertaken during the extended refinery and utilities shutdowns completed in the second quarter of 2015 and a weaker Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. Expansion capital spending relates to the construction of the 2,000 tonnes per day acid plant at Moa which is on track for operation in the second half of 2016. Ambatovy Revenue is composed of the following: $ millions Nickel Cobalt Fertilizers Other For the three months ended 2014 2015 December 31 For the years ended 2014 2015 December 31 Change December 31 December 31(1) Change $ $ 56.8 10.2 2.9 – $ 63.2 (10%) $ 276.3 $ 8.4 1.7 0.1 21% 71% (100%) 43.6 11.0 1.1 249.9 35.2 6.2 0.5 69.9 $ 73.4 (5%) $ 332.0 $ 291.8 11% 24% 77% 120% 14% (1) Excludes revenue for January 2014 of approximately $17 million, which was capitalized for accounting purposes. 32 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTThe change in earnings from operations between 2015 and 2014 is detailed below: $ millions Lower US dollar denominated realized nickel prices Lower US dollar denominated realized cobalt prices Higher metals sales volumes Higher fertilizer sales volumes Lower administrative expense Higher depreciation expense Weaker Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar January 2014 losses capitalized prior to commercial production Impairment of assets (excluding related $102.9M tax recovery) Other Change in earnings from operations, compared to 2014 For the three months ended 2015 December 31 For the year ended 2015 December 31 $ (21.6) (5.1) 23.8 0.9 2.8 (3.6) (16.6) – $ (47.9) (10.6) 85.3 3.0 4.7 (23.2) (55.7) (10.2) (1,722.5) 8.0 (1,722.5) 1.4 $ (1,733.9) $ (1,775.7) In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Ambatovy Joint Venture recorded an impairment of US$2.4 billion (100% basis) due to lower forecast nickel prices. The impairment recorded at the Sherritt level is $1.6 billion after tax, consisting of $1.3 billion representing Sherritt’s 40% share of Ambatovy’s impairment and $0.3 billion from the incremental carrying value of Sherritt’s Ambatovy assets, primarily related to mineral rights acquired from Dynatec in 2007. The average-realized prices of nickel and cobalt for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 decreased compared to the same periods in the prior year due to lower reference prices. The impact of a lower reference price was partly offset by a weaker Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. Production and sales volumes of nickel and cobalt were higher for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same periods in the prior year due to process control enhancements and improved operational stability, which have facilitated the ramp-up of production capacity. Finished nickel production for three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 represents 81% and 79% of design capacity, respectively. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 production was affected by a plant strike in April, unexpected plant outages and maintenance and repairs to the ore thickeners. All autoclave train turnarounds scheduled for the second half of 2015 were successfully completed and significant progress was made in reducing maintenance time required to perform an autoclave turnaround from approximately 42 days to 21 days going forward. In the third quarter of 2016, a two week total plant shutdown is scheduled to complete inspections of pressure vessels in accordance with statutory engineering codes and to carry out major opportune maintenance in various areas of the plant. Sales volumes of nickel and cobalt for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 were also higher compared to the prior-year period which only included sales for the eleven months following the declaration of commercial production. Depletion, depreciation, and amortization expense for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 were higher compared to the same periods in the prior year due to the impact of a weaker Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 the increase is also due to the prior-year period recognizing depreciation for the post commercial production period only. Going forward, depreciation charges are expected to decline by approximately US$55.0 million (40% basis) per year as a result of the lower carrying value due to the impairment recognized in the fourth quarter of 2015. Cost of sales(1) is composed of the following: $ millions Mining, processing and refining Selling costs Impairment of inventory Other For the three months ended 2014 For the years ended 2014 December 31 Change December 31 December 31(2) 2015 December 31 2015 $ $ 68.4 $ 3.5 36.4 3.9 70.1 2.6 – – (2%) $ 296.1 $ 35% – – 14.5 36.4 9.7 257.4 10.6 – 3.8 112.2 $ 72.7 5% $ 356.7 $ 271.8 (1) Excludes depletion, depreciation and amortization. (2) Excludes cost of sales for January 2014 of approximately $27 million, which were capitalized for accounting purposes. Change 15% 37% – 155% 31% 33 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTNet direct cash cost(1) is composed of the following: For the three months ended 2014 December 31 2015 December 31 For the years ended 2014 December 31 December 31(2) 2015 Change Mining, processing and refining costs $ 4.78 $ Cobalt by-product credits Other(3) Net direct cash cost (US$ per pound of nickel) (0.90) 0.19 4.07 7.52 (0.97) 0.43 6.98 (36%) $ 5.49 $ (7%) (56%) (42%) (0.87) 0.21 4.83 7.82 (1.09) 0.31 7.04 Change (30%) (20%) (32%) (31%) (1) For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section. (2) Represents the post-commercial production period. (3) Includes selling costs, discounts, and other by-product credits. Net direct cash cost of nickel for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 decreased compared to the same periods in the prior year primarily due to increased production efficiencies resulting from the continued ramp up; lower maintenance costs and headcount and lower overall input commodity prices. The fourth quarter of 2015 represented a record NDCC quarter for Ambatovy and demonstrates the potential for Ambatovy NDCC to trend toward the lowest quartile NDCC production with mining, processing and refining costs similar to those of the Moa Joint Venture. Capital spending for Ambatovy is focused on sustaining capital for mining and production equipment and the tailings facility. In the third quarter of 2015, SNC-Lavalin exercised their put option to divest their 5% interest in Ambatovy, selling their stake to existing partner Sumitomo Corporation for $600.0 million. Sumitomo now owns 32.5%, with Sherritt at 40% and Korea Resources at 27.5%. As a result of SNC-Lavalin exercising their put option, Sherritt’s Ambatovy call option expired and the Corporation recognized a loss on financial instruments of $13.7 million within net finance expense. In 2015, Sherritt provided funding to Ambatovy of US$105.6 million ($135.7 million). Funding requirements were significantly impacted in the year by principal and interest payments on the Ambatovy Joint Venture Financing. As no funding was provided in the fourth quarter, this amount is unchanged from the funding that Sherritt reported in the third quarter of 2015. As a result of achieving financial completion, the US$1.6 billion Ambatovy Joint Venture Financing (balance as at December 31, 2015, 100% basis) became non-recourse to the partners. Pursuant to cash calls due in January, 2016, an additional US$30.0 million was provided to Ambatovy by Sumitomo Corp. and Korea Resources Corp. (KORES). Total cash calls of US$50.0 million were made, with Sherritt not funding its 40% pro-rata share (US$20.0 million). By agreement amongst the partners Sherritt’s unfunded amounts remain payable to Ambatovy, with accrued interest at LIBOR +3%. These amounts will be subtracted from future Ambatovy Joint Venture distributions, or may be set off by the Ambatovy Joint Venture against certain other amounts owed to Sherritt. Sherritt also has the option to pay the amounts in cash at any time, at Sherritt’s election. Until the funding deficit is cured, and subject to continued discussions with the Ambatovy partners, Sherritt will not be exercising its Ambatovy voting rights. The outcome of these discussions is not certain – for additional information see Risk Factors – “Ambatovy Liquidity and Funding Risks” and “Restrictions in Debt Instruments, Debt Covenants and Mandatory Repayments.” Sherritt determined not to fund further cash calls at this time to preserve liquidity and due to the current structure of the Ambatovy partner loans, which, at current nickel prices, effectively reduce Sherritt’s 40% interest in Ambatovy to a 12% economic interest(1). At this time, Sherritt continues to serve as operator, and constructive discussions are ongoing between partners and senior lenders regarding future funding of Ambatovy and modifications to the existing senior principal amortization. (1) 70% of Sherritt’s distributable cash flow from Ambatovy (after opex, capex and project debt service) goes to Partner Loan repayment, leaving Sherritt with 30%; 30% of Sherritt’s 40% ownership = 12%. 34 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTOIL AND GAS Financial review $ millions, except as otherwise noted December 31 December 31 Change December 31 December 31 Change For the three months ended 2014 2015 For the years ended 2014 2015 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Revenue (Loss) earnings from operations Adjusted EBITDA(1) Cash provided (used) by operations Free cash flow(1) PRODUCTION AND SALES(2) Gross working-interest (GWI) – Cuba Total net working-interest (NWI) AVERAGE REFERENCE PRICES (US$ per barrel) Gulf Coast Fuel Oil No. 6 Brent AVERAGE-REALIZED PRICES(1) (NWI) Cuba ($ per barrel) Spain ($ per barrel) Pakistan ($ per boe)(2) Weighted-average ($ per boe) UNIT OPERATING COSTS(1)(2)(3) (GWI) Cuba Spain Pakistan Weighted-average ($ per boepd) SPENDING ON CAPITAL Development, facilities and other Exploration $ 30.5 $ (1.2) 9.7 30.2 23.3 49.6 (4.9) 26.3 58.3 41.6 (39%) $ 162.6 $ 269.3 (40%) 76% (63%) (48%) (44%) (71.6) 110.7 (165%) 81.9 80.7 21.4 191.7 193.8 131.0 (57%) (58%) (84%) 17,045 10,727 18,701 10,369 (9%) 3% 18,257 11,158 19,456 10,960 (6%) 2% $ $ $ $ $ 29.86 43.45 29.38 53.39 11.00 29.53 10.82 60.40 9.87 11.64 $ $ 61.98 76.80 (52%) $ (43%) 40.68 52.08 49.93 84.61 9.38 49.58 (41%) $ (37%) 17% (40%) 38.35 67.37 10.63 38.73 $ $ 82.55 99.35 (51%) (48%) 66.21 (42%) 109.08 (38%) 9.05 17% 65.69 (41%) $ 9.94 9% $ 9.53 $ 8.56 11% 185.59 (67%) 6.36 12.25 55% (5%) 61.12 8.56 10.69 (1.2) 0.5 (0.7) $ $ 20.2 (106%) – – 20.2 (103%) $ $ 53.1 1.4 54.5 $ $ 72.80 (16%) 6.45 9.45 64.8 0.6 65.4 33% 13% (18%) 133% (17%) (1) For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section. (2) Oil production is stated in barrels of oil per day (bopd). Natural gas production is stated in barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), which is converted at 6,000 cubic feet per barrel. Collectively, oil and natural gas production are stated in barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd). (3) Excludes the impact of impairment of property, plant and equipment. Oil and Gas revenue is composed of the following: $ millions Cuba Spain Pakistan Processing For the three months ended 2014 2015 For the years ended 2014 2015 December 31 December 31 Change December 31 December 31 Change $ $ 27.4 $ 45.0 (39%) $ 146.1 $ 250.6 (42%) 1.5 0.2 1.4 2.0 0.2 2.4 (25%) – (42%) 10.5 1.1 4.9 11.2 1.0 6.5 (6%) 10% (25%) 30.5 $ 49.6 (39%) $ 162.6 $ 269.3 (40%) 35 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTThe change in earnings from operations between 2015 and 2014 is detailed below: $ millions Lower realized oil and gas prices, denominated in U.S. dollars Lower Cuba gross working-interest volumes Higher Spain volumes Lower cost recovery revenue Lower administrative costs Lower depletion, depreciation and amortization Weaker Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar Impairment of Oil assets Lower exploration and evaluation impairment losses Lower (higher) operating costs Other Change in earnings from operations, compared to 2014 For the three months ended 2015 December 31 For the year ended 2015 December 31 $ $ (12.3) (3.4) – (4.2) (0.7) 8.6 (2.3) – 13.5 3.7 0.8 3.7 $ (93.8) (11.8) 6.7 (14.6) 1.1 4.0 (5.7) (80.6) 14.7 (1.5) (0.8) $ (182.3) Reference and realized prices continued to decline in the fourth quarter of 2015. Prices were significantly lower in the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same periods in the prior year. The decrease in average-realized price in the current-year periods benefited from the impact of a weaker Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. In Spain, revenue decreased in the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same periods in the prior year primarily due to lower realized prices, partly offset by higher production resulting from a successful workover in the Rodaballo field, which came back onto production in the first quarter of 2015. In the third quarter of 2015, the Corporation recorded an impairment expense of $80.6 million on its oil assets in Cuba and Spain. This impairment is the result of lower oil price forecasts and drilling results from development wells at Puerto Escondido/Yumuri extension that were below expectation. Production and sales volumes were as follows: Daily production volumes(1) December 31 December 31 Change December 31 December 31 Change GROSS WORKING-INTEREST OIL PRODUCTION IN CUBA 17,045 18,701 (9%) 18,257 19,456 (6%) NET WORKING-INTEREST OIL PRODUCTION For the three months ended 2014 2015 For the years ended 2014 2015 Cuba (heavy oil) Cost recovery Profit oil Total Spain (light oil) Pakistan (natural gas) 4,580 5,565 10,145 292 290 10,727 4,311 5,493 9,804 257 308 10,369 6% 1% 3% 14% (6%) 3% 4,059 6,378 10,437 426 295 11,158 3,395 6,975 10,370 280 310 10,960 20% (9%) 1% 52% (5%) 2% (1) Refer to Oil and Gas production and sales volume on page 70 for further detail. Gross working-interest oil production in Cuba decreased for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same periods in the prior year primarily due to lower oil production from development wells drilled under the Puerto Escondido/Yumuri Production Sharing Contract (PSC) extension which were not able to offset the natural reservoir declines. Cost-recovery oil production in Cuba for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 increased compared to the same periods in the prior year as a result of lower oil prices. The allocation of cost recovery barrels in any particular period is limited to a fixed percentage of GWI volumes within each cost pool. Expenditures that exceed this limit are carried forward and are eligible for a future allocation of cost recovery barrels. 36 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTProfit oil production, which represents Sherritt’s share of production after cost recovery volumes are deducted from GWI volumes, were lower in the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 as a result of higher cost recovery oil volumes during the current-year periods and a reduction in GWI volumes. In Spain, oil production was higher in the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same periods in the prior year as a result of increased production from the Rodaballo field. Unit operating cost in Cuba increased in the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same periods in the prior year primarily due to a weaker Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar and lower production, partly offset by lower workover costs in 2015. Unit operating cost in Spain decreased in the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same periods in the prior year primarily as a result of lower workover costs in 2015 as well as higher production in the Rodaballo field. Spending on capital was lower in the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same periods in the prior year due to a decrease in development drilling activities and lower spending on facilities. In the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, a total of six development wells were drilled with two currently producing oil, one abandoned, one suspended and two shut-in. During the year, Oil and Gas fulfilled its commitment to drill seven wells under the Puerto Escondido/Yumuri Production Sharing Contract extension agreement. POWER Financial review $ millions (331/3% basis), except as otherwise noted For the three months ended 2014 December 31 2015 December 31 2015 Change December 31 For the years ended 2014 December 31 Change FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Revenue (Loss) earnings from operations Adjusted EBITDA(1) Cash provided by operations Free cash flow(1) PRODUCTION AND SALES Electricity (GWh(2)) AVERAGE-REALIZED PRICES(1) Electricity (per MWh(2)) UNIT OPERATING COSTS(1) (per MWh) Base Non-base(3) $ $ $ 13.7 (3.3) 5.5 6.5 4.4 226 $ 11.7 17% $ (0.1) (3,200%) 5.4 18.5 16.3 2% (65%) (73%) 52.7 (3.7) 30.0 61.4 57.0 $ 49.0 8% 4.3 (186%) 24.8 49.8 45.4 21% 23% 26% 214 6% 902 847 6% $ $ 56.53 23.77 10.11 33.88 48.38 17% 19.21 3.61 22.82 24% 180% 48% $ $ $ $ $ 54.26 17.57 3.43 21.00 4.4 – 4.4 (0.3) 4.1 $ $ $ $ $ 46.81 16% 15.18 2.07 17.25 16% 66% 22% 3.7 0.7 4.4 2.1 6.5 19% (100%) – (114%) (37%) SPENDING ON CAPITAL AND SERVICE CONCESSION ARRANGEMENTS Sustaining Growth Capital Service concession arrangements $ $ $ 2.2 – 2.2 (0.2) 2.0 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3 (4%) – (4%) – (13%) (1) For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section. (2) Gigawatt hours (GWh), Megawatt hours (MWh). (3) Costs incurred at the Boca de Jaruco and Puerto Escondido facilities that otherwise would have been capitalized if these facilities were not accounted for as service concession arrangements. 37 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTPower revenue is composed of the following: $ millions (331/3% basis) Electricity sales By-products and other Construction activity(1) For the three months ended 2014 2015 For the years ended 2014 2015 December 31 December 31 Change December 31 December 31 Change $ $ 12.9 $ 1.0 (0.2) 10.3 1.4 – 25% $ (29%) – 49.0 4.0 (0.3) 13.7 $ 11.7 17% $ 52.7 $ $ 39.6 24% 7.3 2.1 49.0 (45%) (114%) 8% (1) Value of construction, enhancement or upgrading activity of the Boca de Jaruco and Puerto Escondido facilities. The contractual arrangements related to the activities of these facilities are treated as service concession arrangements for accounting purposes. Construction activity revenue is offset equally by construction activity expenses recorded in cost of goods sold. The change in earnings from operations between 2015 and 2014 is detailed below: $ millions (331/3% basis) Higher electricity volumes Lower realized by-product prices Lower realized by-product volume Lower administrative expenses Higher depletion, depreciation and amortization Weaker Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar Other Change in earnings from operations, compared to 2014 For the three months ended 2015 December 31 For the year ended 2015 December 31 $ $ 0.7 (0.5) (0.1) 0.9 (3.3) 2.0 (2.9) (3.2) $ $ 3.1 (2.9) (0.8) 3.5 (13.2) 7.3 (5.0) (8.0) Electricity revenue was higher in the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015, due to higher realized prices and production volumes. Production was higher in the current periods as a result of higher gas availability and for the year to date period, production from the 150MW Boca de Jaruco Combined Cycle Project which was operational for the entire period, compared to eleven months in the prior-year period as a result of being brought online effective February 2, 2014. The average-realized price of electricity was higher for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same periods in the prior year primarily due to a weakening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. Higher depletion, depreciation and amortization expense for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same periods in the prior year is due to the impact of a change in residual value estimate of the Varadero facility in the first quarter of 2015 as well as the impact of a weaker Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. In addition, depletion, depreciation and amortization is higher for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 due to depreciation at the Boca de Jaruco Combined Cycle Project being recognized for the full period, compared to eleven months in the prior period. Unit operating cost increased for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same periods in the prior year due to a weaker Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar and higher routine maintenance costs, partly offset by higher production. Sustaining capital expenditures were primarily related to routine maintenance and the purchases of equipment. 38 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTLiquidity and capital resources Total available liquidity at December 31, 2015 was $438.0 million which includes cash, cash equivalents and short term investments of $435.4 million and available credit facilities of $2.6 million. CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS The following table provides a summary of consolidated significant liquidity and capital commitments based on existing commitments and debt obligations (including accrued interest): Canadian $ millions, as at December 31, 2015 Total Falling due within 1 year Falling due between 1 – 2 years Falling due between 2 – 3 years Falling due between 3 – 4 years Falling due between 4 – 5 years Falling due in more than 5 years Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities Income taxes payable Senior unsecured debentures Ambatovy Joint Venture Additional Partner loans (non-recourse) Ambatovy Joint Venture Partner loans Other loans and borrowings Provisions Operating leases(2) Capital commitments Total $ 73.6 $ 73.6 $ 2.4 1,041.4 4,985.2 168.1 95.2 160.7 20.0 11.5 2.4 58.4 – – 95.2 19.1 2.9 11.5 – $ – – $ – – $ – – $ – 58.4 308.4 38.4 288.4 – – – 4.2 2.9 – – – – 4.4 3.0 – – – – – 3.0 – – – – 0.4 3.0 – – – 289.4 4,985.2 168.1 – 132.6 5.2 – $ 6,558.1 $ 263.1 $ 65.5 $ 315.8 $ 41.4 $ 291.8 $ 5,580.5 (1) The interest and principal on the loans from the Ambatovy Joint Venture partners will be repaid from the Corporation’s share of distributions from the Ambatovy Joint Venture. Amounts are based on management’s best estimate of future cash flows including estimating assumptions such as commodity prices, production levels, cash costs of production, capital and reclamation costs. The Ambatovy Joint Venture additional partner loans are non-recourse to Sherritt unless there is a direct breach of certain restrictions stipulated in the loan documents. The maturity analysis table includes an estimate of interest repayments. OTHER COMMITMENTS The following commitments are not reflected in the table above: Moa Joint Venture As a result of the Corporation’s 50% interest in the Moa Joint Venture, its proportionate share of significant commitments of the joint venture includes the following: • Environmental rehabilitation commitments of $87.6 million, with no significant payments due in the next four years; • Advances and loans payable of $218.2 million; and • Other commitments of $0.9 million. Ambatovy Joint Venture As a result of the Corporation’s 40% interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture, its proportionate share of significant commitments of the Joint Venture includes the following: • Environmental rehabilitation commitments of $227.5 million, with no significant payments due in the next four years; • Other contractual commitments of $29.5 million; and • Ambatovy Joint Venture senior debt financing of US$640.4 million ($886.4 million). On an undiscounted basis, principal and interest repayments are $1.1 billion. 39 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT In September 2015, the Ambatovy Joint Venture achieved financial completion under the Ambatovy Joint Venture financing, during the fourth quarter 2015 the challenge period for financial completion expired. Upon achieving financial completion, the US$1.6 billion (100% basis, balance as at December 31, 2015) Ambatovy senior financing became non-recourse to the Joint Venture partners and the interest rate increased from LIBOR plus 1.4% to LIBOR plus 2.5%. INVESTMENT LIQUIDITY At December 31, 2015, cash and cash equivalents and investments were located in the following countries: $ millions, as at December 31, 2015 Canada Cuba Other Cash equivalents and short-term investments Cash 100.2 $ 323.7 $ 3.9 7.7 – – Total 423.9 3.9 7.7 111.8 $ 323.7 $ 435.5 $ $ Cash and short-term investments The Corporation’s cash balances are deposited with major financial institutions rated A- or higher by Standard & Poor’s, except for institutions located in Madagascar (BB or higher) and with banks in Cuba that are not rated. At December 31, 2015 cash equivalents includes $118.9 million in Government of Canada treasury bills and term deposits with major financial institutions both having original maturity dates of less than three months and short-term investments includes $204.8 million in Government of Canada treasury bills having original maturity dates of greater than three months and less than one year. The table above does not include cash and cash equivalents of $43.7 million (100% basis) held by the Moa Joint Venture, or $39.6 million (100% basis) held by the Ambatovy Joint Venture. The Corporation’s share is included as part of the investment in a joint venture and associate balances in the consolidated statement of financial position. Loans and Borrowings Loans and borrowings are composed primarily of: • $750.0 million in unsecured debentures and notes having interest rates between 7.50% and 8.00% and maturities in 2018, 2020 and 2022; • $1.4 billion in two loans provided by the Ambatovy Joint Venture partners to finance Sherritt’s portion of funding requirements of the Joint Venture bearing interest of six-month LIBOR plus a margin of 7.0% and 1.125%, respectively; • $55.0 million in the syndicated revolving-term credit facility bearing interest at prime plus 2.25% per annum or bankers’ acceptances plus 3.25%; and • $35.0 million in a line of credit bearing interest at prime plus 2.75% or bankers’ acceptances plus 3.75% per annum. The following is a summary of significant changes in the Corporation’s credit facilities during 2015. Syndicated revolving-term credit facility In September 2015, the Corporation amended the terms of the syndicated revolving-term credit facility to extend the maturity date to November 30, 2016 and increase the maximum credit available from $90.0 to $115.0 million. The total available draw is based on eligible receivables and inventory. The interest rate on the facility remains unchanged at prime plus 2.25% per annum or bankers’ acceptances plus 3.25%. The facility is subject to the following financial covenants: net financial debt-to-EBITDA covenant of 3.75:1, financial debt-to-equity covenant of 0.55:1 and EBITDA-to-interest expense covenant of not less than 3:1. Line of credit In September 2015, the Corporation amended the terms of the line of credit to extend the maturity date to November 30, 2016 and increase the maximum credit available from $20.0 to $35.0 million. The interest rate on the facility increased from prime plus 2.25% or bankers’ acceptance plus 3.25% per annum to prime plus 2.75% or bankers’ acceptances plus 3.75% per annum. This facility is subject to the same financial covenants as the syndicated revolving-term credit facility. 40 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTCAPITAL STRUCTURE $ millions, except as otherwise noted Current portion of loans and borrowings Non-current loans and borrowings Other financial liabilities Total debt Shareholders’ equity Total debt-to-capital (1) Common shares outstanding Stock options outstanding $ $ 2015 December 31 2014 December 31 91.2 $ 2,171.9 3.4 2,266.5 $ 1,557.1 59% 1.6 1,858.3 7.4 1,867.3 3,058.7 38% 293,853,001 6,149,349 293,271,191 5,518,752 Change 5600% 17% (54%) 21% (49%) 56% – 11% (1) Calculated as total debt divided by the sum of total debt and shareholders’ equity. AVAILABLE CREDIT FACILITIES The following table outlines the maximum amounts undrawn and available to the Corporation for credit facilities that had amounts undrawn at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. In September 2015, the Corporation amended the terms of the syndicated revolving-term credit facility as well as the line of credit and increased the maximum credit available on these facilities. A detailed description of these facilities is provided in the Loans, borrowings and other liabilities note in the Corporation’s audited consolidated statements for the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. $ millions, as at SHORT-TERM 2015 December 31 2014 December 31 Maximum Undrawn Available(1) Maximum Undrawn Available(1) Syndicated revolving-term credit facility(2) Line of credit Total $ $ 115.0 $ 12.6 $ 35.0 – 150.0 $ 12.6 $ 2.6 – 2.6 $ $ 90.0 $ 33.0 $ 20.0 20.0 110.0 $ 53.0 $ 33.0 20.0 53.0 (1) The Corporation’s credit facilities are available to the extent amounts are undrawn and financial covenants or restrictions have not been exceeded. (2) Established for general corporate purposes. Total available draw is based on eligible receivables and inventory. At December 31, 2015, the Corporation had $47.4 million of letters of credit outstanding and drew down $55.0 million on this facility. Letters of credit at December 31, 2015 are primarily in place to support Oil and Gas reclamation obligations in Spain and exploration activities in Cuba. Covenants Certain of the Corporation’s credit facilities, loans and debentures have financial tests and other covenants with which the Corporation and its affiliates must comply. Non-compliance with such covenants could result in accelerated repayment of the related debt or credit facilities and classification of the amounts to current. The Corporation monitors its covenants on an ongoing basis and reports on its compliance with the covenants to its lenders on a quarterly basis. As at December 31, 2015, the Corporation exceeded the financial debt to equity covenant of the Syndicated revolving-term credit facility and line of credit as a result of impairment charges recognized on the assets of the Ambatovy Joint Venture. Exceeding this covenant gives the lender the option to accelerate the repayment terms of this facility. Subsequent to year end, the Corporation received a waiver for this covenant on the Syndicated revolving-term credit facility as at December 31, 2015. In addition, a waiver was also received for this covenant on the line of credit. This waiver is temporary while discussions are ongoing with the line of credit lender. 41 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTSOURCES AND USES OF CASH The Corporation’s cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities are summarized in the following table as derived from Sherritt’s consolidated statements of cash flow(1). $ millions CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES For the three months ended 2014 December 31 2015 December 31 For the years ended 2014 2015 Change December 31 December 31 Change Oil and Gas operating cash flow $ 30.2 $ 58.3 (48%) $ 80.7 $ 193.8 (58%) Power operating cash flow (excluding interest received on Energas CSA loan) Fort Site operating cash flow Dividends received from Moa Joint Venture Interest received on Moa Joint Venture loans Interest received on Energas CSA loan Interest paid on debentures Premium paid on redemption of debentures Corporate and other operating cash flow Cash provided by continuing operations Cash (used) provided by discontinued operations 3.7 1.2 – 0.6 2.8 (20.4) – (7.3) 10.8 (12.3) 7.1 15.1 – 2.0 11.4 (27.9) (33.6) 7.0 39.4 (48%) (92%) – (70%) (75%) 27% 100% (204%) (73%) (0.1) (12200%) 23.5 14.3 12.5 9.1 37.9 (58.9) – (54.6) 64.5 (16.0) 23.4 13.6 – 13.7 26.4 (93.2) – 5% – (34%) 44% 37% (33.6) 100% (34.5) (58%) 109.6 (41%) 18.6 (186%) $ (1.5) $ 39.3 (104%) $ 48.5 $ 128.2 (62%) CASH (USED) PROVIDED BY INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES Property, plant, equipment and intangible expenditures $ (11.2) $ (25.4) 56% $ (80.4) $ (82.3) 2% Receipts of advances, loans receivable and other financial assets Increase in advances, loans receivable and other financial assets Increase of loans, borrowings and other financial liabilities Repayment of loans, borrowings and other financial liabilities Repayment of senior unsecured debentures Issuance of senior unsecured debentures, net of financing costs Loans to Ambatovy Joint Venture Receipt from investments Net proceeds from sale of Corporate assets Dividends paid on common shares Issuance of common shares Share repurchase Cash used by discontinued operations Net proceeds from sale of Coal (net of cash disposed) Other 8.3 – 65.0 (0.4) – – – – – – – – – – $ 0.4 62.1 60.6 0.4 1.1 – (0.4) 1975% (100%) – – (675.0) 100% 239.0 (100%) 38.5 (17.1) 90.0 (1.6) – – 10.7 260% (1.1) (1455%) – – (365.3) 100% (675.0) 100% 239.0 (100%) (73.2) 100% (135.7) (191.2) 29% – 2.1 – (100%) (3.0) 100% – – (10.0) 100% – – – – 1.0 (60%) – 21.2 (9.0) 0.7 – – – 3.1 6.2 2.1 (100%) 910% (21.9) 59% 1.0 (30%) (10.0) 100% (23.0) 100% 804.3 (100%) 2.7 15% 70% 76% $ (543.4) 111% $ (90.3) $ (303.8) (504.1) 112% (41.8) (175.6) CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS: Beginning of the period End of the period 374.8 435.4 $ 981.3 477.2 (62%) (9%) $ 477.2 435.4 $ 652.8 477.2 (27%) (9%) $ (1) As a result of disposing the Coal operations on April 28, 2014, cash (used) provided by Coal prior to disposal and any subsequent uses related to Coal are reported in cash provided (used) by discontinued operations for the current and prior-year periods. 42 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTThe following significant items affected the sources and uses of cash: Cash from continuing operations were lower during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 compared to prior periods: • cash from continuing operating activities at Oil and Gas was lower for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same periods in the prior year, respectively as a result of lower earnings and timing related to the settlement of receivables; • movements in cash flow from operations at Fort Site relates primarily to timing of collection of fertilizer sales; and • interest payments on debentures were lower as a result of the reduction of outstanding debt in the fourth quarter of 2014. Included in investing and financing activities: • funding of $135.7 million (US$105.6 million) to the Ambatovy Joint Venture in the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 relates primarily to fund the Senior Debt Reserve Account upon financial completion and to settle arbitration payments; • receipts of advances and loans receivable of $8.3 million and $38.5 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015, respectively, relates primarily to principal repayments from Energas; • increase in advances and loans receivable in the twelve months end December 31, 2015 of $17.1 million relates to advances made to the Moa Joint Venture; and • increase in loans and borrowings of $65.0 and $90.0 million for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 relates to the drawdown of the revolving term credit facility and line of credit. Combined adjusted operating and free cash flow The Corporation’s combined adjusted operating cash flow(1) and free cash flow(1) are summarized in the following table as derived from Sherritt’s consolidated statements of cash flow. $ millions For the three months ended 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 For the years ended 2014 2015 Change December 31 December 31 Change Combined adjusted operating cash flow $ (29.5) $ (41.3) 29% $ 63.1 $ 95.1 (34%) Combined free cash flow (24.8) (14.8) (68%) (98.8) (81.7) (21%) (1) For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section. During the three months December 31, 2015, combined adjusting operating cash flow, which excludes changes in working capital is higher than the same period in the prior year due to higher interest paid and fees related to the repurchase and redemption of the Corporation’s debentures in the fourth quarter of 2014 partly offset by lower earnings. During the three months ended December 31, 2015, combined free cash flow is lower than the same period in the prior year due to higher capital spending. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, combined adjusted operating cash flow and combined free cash flow were lower compared to the same period in the prior year primarily as a result of lower earnings and marginally higher property, plant and equipment expenditures due to higher expenditures at the Moa Joint Venture completed in the second quarter of 2015 partly offset by higher interest paid and fees in the fourth quarter of 2014. 43 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTCOMMON SHARES As at February 10, 2016, the Corporation had 293,880,001 common shares outstanding. An additional 6,149,349 common shares are issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options granted to employees and directors pursuant to the Corporation’s stock option plan. As part of a comprehensive initiative to manage liquidity, the Board has suspended the $0.01 per share quarterly dividend, effective September 2015. Normal Course Issuer Bid On October 29, 2014, the Corporation received approval from the TSX to commence a normal course issuer bid (NCIB) to purchase for cancellation up to 14,875,944 common shares, representing approximately 5% of its issued and outstanding common shares until November 2, 2015. Based on the average daily trading volumes, daily purchases were limited to 300,404 common shares, other than block purchase exceptions. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Corporation purchased and cancelled a total of 3,960,300 shares under the NCIB at an average cost of $2.52 per share, for an aggregate cost of $10.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Corporation did not purchase or cancel any common shares under the NCIB. The Corporation’s NCIB expired on November 2, 2015 and was not renewed. Risk factors An investment in securities of the Corporation is subject to certain risks. Before making any investment decision, a potential investor should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as the other information contained in and incorporated by reference in this MD&A. These risks may not be the only risks faced by the Corporation. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known by the Corporation or which are presently considered immaterial may also adversely impact the Corporation’s business, results of operations, and financial performance. MARKET CONDITIONS Generally In recent years, there has been global economic uncertainty, including reduced economic growth, reduced confidence in financial markets, bank failures and credit availability concerns. These economic events have had a negative effect on the mining and minerals and oil and gas sectors in general. The Corporation will continue to consider its future plans and options carefully in light of prevailing economic conditions. Should these conditions continue or intensify, they could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. Commodity Risk Sherritt’s principal businesses include the sale of several commodities. Revenues, earnings and cash flows from the sale of nickel, cobalt, oil and gas are sensitive to changes in market prices, over which the Corporation has no control. The Corporation’s earnings and financial condition depend largely upon the market prices for nickel, cobalt, oil, gas and other commodities, which can be volatile in nature. The prices for these commodities can be affected by numerous factors beyond the Corporation’s control, including expectations for inflation, speculative activities, relative exchange rates to the U.S. dollar, production activities of mining and oil and gas companies, global and regional supply and demand, supply and market prices for substitute commodities, political and economic conditions and production costs in major producing regions. The prices for these commodities have fluctuated widely in recent years. Significant further reductions in commodity prices or sustained low commodity prices could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. Sherritt’s current businesses are dependent upon commodity inputs such as natural gas, sulphur, sulphuric acid, coal, electricity, fuel oil, diesel and related products, and materials costs that are subject to prevailing commodity prices. Costs and earnings from the use of these products are sensitive to changes in market prices over which Sherritt has no control. 44 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTMarket Fluctuations and Share Price Volatility In recent years, the securities markets in Canada and the rest of the developed world have experienced price and volume volatility, which have affected the market price of Sherritt’s securities. The market prices of Sherritt’s securities have been and, may continue to be, affected by these fluctuations, as well as varying in response to a number of other events and factors. These factors may include, but are not limited to: the price of commodities, Sherritt’s operating performance; the public’s reaction to the Corporation’s press releases, other public announcements and the Corporation’s filings with the various securities regulatory authorities; changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by research analysts who trade the Corporation’s common shares or the shares of other companies in the resource sector. In the past year, the market price and trading volume of Sherritt’s securities has decreased significantly, resulting in the Corporation’s common shares being removed from the composite index of the Toronto Stock Exchange. The lower trading price of Sherritt’s common shares has also led to an increase in price volatility, as small increase or decrease in trading price result in a larger proportional percentage change than would have occurred at higher values. In addition to the factors listed above, securities markets have recently experienced a large degree of price and volume volatility and the market price of many companies have experience wide fluctuations which have not necessarily been related to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. As such, there can be no assurance that price and volume fluctuations in the market price of Sherritt’s securities will not continue to occur. Liquidity and Access to Capital Sherritt’s ability to fund its capital and operating expenses and to meet its financial obligations depend on its ability to generate sufficient cash flow from its operations and its ability obtain additional financing and/or refinance its existing credit facilities and loans on terms that are acceptable to the Corporation. As noted in the risk factor entitled “Commodity Risk” above, Sherritt’s earnings and financial condition are highly dependent upon the market prices for nickel, cobalt, oil, gas and other commodities, which are highly volatile in nature. Should the current negative trend in commodity prices continue, Sherritt may find itself unable to access sufficient capital to fund its operations in the manner required for the long-term viability of the business and/or remain in compliance with its debt covenants. Failure to adequately fund its operations or meet its financial obligations could have a material adverse effect on Sherritt’s business, results of operations and financial performance. Sherritt’s current financing includes, among other things, a $115 million syndicated revolving-term credit facility, a $35 million unsecured line of credit and $750 million in unsecured debentures. The total available draw under the Corporation’s syndicated revolving-term credit facility is based on eligible receivables and inventory, and the facility is currently fully drawn. If commodity prices remain at similar levels or continue to decline this could result in materially less funds being available to Sherritt under the syndicated revolving-term credit facility and the line of credit. Certain debt covenants under the syndicated revolving-term credit facility and the line of credit are based on ratios involving the Corporation’s EBITDA and/or equity, which would also be negatively affected by decreased commodity prices. As at December 31, 2015 the Corporation exceeded the financial debt to equity covenant of the Syndicated revolving-term credit facility and line of credit as a result of impairment charges recognized on the assets of the Ambatovy Joint Venture. Subsequent to year end, the Corporation received a waiver for this covenant on the Syndicated revolving-term credit facility as at December 31, 2015. In addition, a waiver was also received for this covenant on the line of credit. This waiver is temporary while discussions are ongoing with the line of credit lender. There can be no assurance that these waivers will be extended in the future. Unless the lenders otherwise agree, a breach of such covenants could result in a default and could lead to an acceleration of repayment and early termination of the credit facility and line of credit, which could have a material adverse impact on the Corporation’s liquidity, and its business, results of operations and financial performance. Please see the risk factor entitled “Ambatovy Liquidity and Funding Risks” for information regarding the financing risks associated with the Ambatovy Joint Venture. There is no guarantee that the Corporation will be able to refinance its unsecured debentures, as they come due, on terms and conditions that would be acceptable to the Corporation. Similarly, there is a risk that Sherritt will not be able to raise funds in the equity capital markets on terms that are acceptable to the Corporation. Please see the risk factor entitled “Restrictions in Debt Instruments, Debt Covenants and Mandatory Repayments” for more information on Sherritt’s loans and borrowings and on the effect of non-compliance with certain debt covenants. 45 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTAMBATOVY LIQUIDITY AND FUNDING RISKS Due to the current nickel pricing environment, the Ambatovy Joint Venture will likely require ongoing financing in order to support debt service repayments and continued operations. Although the Ambatovy Joint Venture has successfully secured sufficient financing from its shareholders and third party lenders in the past, there can be no assurance that it will be successful in securing additional financing or creditor concessions when required or on favourable terms. If the Ambatovy Joint Venture is unable to continue operations, this would have a material adverse effect on Sherritt’s investment in the Ambatovy Joint Venture, and on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. The Ambatovy Joint Venture borrowed US$2.1 billion (US$1.6 billion as at December 31, 2015) under the Ambatovy financing agreements and all of the Ambatovy Joint Venture’s assets and the interests of its shareholders in the Ambatovy Joint Venture have been pledged as security for the financing. If the Ambatovy Joint Venture is unable to make semi-annual interest and principal repayments, the Ambatovy senior lenders could realize upon their security and seize all of the Ambatovy Joint Venture’s assets and all of Sherritt’s interest therein. This would have a material adverse effect on Sherritt’s investment in the Ambatovy Joint Venture, and on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. Please see “Liquidity and Access to Capital”, above, and “Restrictions in Debt Instruments, Debt Covenants and Mandatory Repayments” and “Reliance on Partners”, below, for additional information. Cash calls of US$50 million were due to the Ambatovy Joint Venture in January 2016 and Sherritt did not fund its 40% pro-rata share (US$20 million). By agreement amongst the partners, Sherritt is not considered to be a defaulting shareholder under the Shareholders Agreement as a consequence of such non-funding and Sherritt’s unfunded amounts accrue interest at LIBOR +3%. These amounts (including accrued interest) will be subtracted from future Ambatovy Joint Venture distributions, or may be set off by the Ambatovy Joint Venture against certain other amounts owed to Sherritt. Sherritt also has the option to pay such amounts in cash at any time at Sherritt’s election. Until the funding deficit is cured, and subject to continued discussions with the Ambatovy partners, Sherritt will not receive any Ambatovy Joint Venture distributions and will not exercise its voting rights at the Ambatovy Joint Venture’s Executive Committee, its corporate Boards of Directors and its Shareholder Meetings. Sherritt, its partners, and the Ambatovy senior lenders continue to seek a solution on future Ambatovy Joint Venture funding and debt service. In the event that a solution satisfactory to Sherritt is not achieved, there can be no assurance that Sherritt will resume its funding, nor that the existing arrangements between the partners will be extended to funding any future cash calls. Unless otherwise agreed with its partners, Sherritt would be in breach of the Ambatovy Joint Venture Shareholders Agreement if it fails to resume funding approved cash calls. As a consequence of such breach, Sherritt would become a defaulting shareholder and until its funding deficit was cured: (a) any unfunded amounts would continue to accrue interest at LIBOR +3%; (b) Sherritt would not receive any Ambatovy Joint Venture distributions; (c) Sherritt would lose its voting rights at the Ambatovy Joint Venture’s Executive Committee, its corporate Boards of Directors and its Shareholder Meetings; (d) Sherritt would lose its right to attend and be represented at meetings of the Ambatovy Joint Venture’s Executive Committee and its corporate Boards of Directors; (e) it will be required to offer its 40% shareholder interest and subordinated loans pro rata to the other Ambatovy partners who have the right to purchase them at the lower of fair market value and book value; (f) the other Ambatovy partners can elect to cure Sherritt’s funding deficit by funding on Sherritt’s behalf, in which case such funding is deemed to be a loan to Sherritt, payable on demand, which accrues interest at LIBOR +3% and is limited recourse to Sherritt’s interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture and repayable from future distributions; and (g) the other Ambatovy Joint Venture partners can elect to dilute Sherritt’s interest by converting such deemed loans or by funding on Sherritt’s behalf and electing dilution of Sherritt’s interest, without any deemed loan. In the event that any of the Ambatovy Joint Venture partners elect to purchase the Corporation’s interest pursuant to paragraph (e), there can be no assurance that the Corporation will receive any proceeds once such purchase price is offset against amounts outstanding under the Partner Loans. Due to the Ambatovy Joint Venture’s current and projected funding requirements and the distribution sharing arrangements under the partner loans and additional partner loans, in a persistently low nickel price environment there can be no certainty that Sherritt will receive any distributions from the Ambatovy Joint Venture. Accordingly, Sherritt’s continued funding and ongoing involvement in the Ambatovy Joint Venture may not be commercially or economically justified. Sherritt’s future involvement as operator and equity partner in the Ambatovy Joint Venture will be significantly impacted by the outcome of the ongoing discussions between and amongst Sherritt, its partners, and the Ambatovy senior lenders regarding future funding of Ambatovy Joint Venture and modifications to the terms of the Ambatovy Joint Venture Financing. There can be no assurance that these discussions will result in concessions or favourable terms for Sherritt. Whether as a result of Sherritt not funding cash calls or otherwise (and unless the partners otherwise agree), Sherritt’s equity interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture and entitlements to future distributions could be at risk and there is no assurance that it will be able to retain all or any portion of its equity interest or entitlement to future distributions, which could have a materially adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations, and financial performance. Please see “Restrictions in Debt Instruments, Debt Covenants and Mandatory Repayments”, below, for additional information. 46 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTRESTRICTIONS IN DEBT INSTRUMENTS, DEBT COVENANTS AND MANDATORY REPAYMENTS Sherritt is a party to certain agreements in connection with its syndicated revolving-term credit facility and line of credit, as well as the trust indenture governing its 7.875% Notes, its 7.50% Notes and its 8.00% Notes. Sherritt is also a party to various agreements with the Ambatovy senior lenders relating to the US$2.1 billion (US$1.6 billion as at December 31, 2015) Ambatovy Joint Venture Financing. In addition, Sherritt has two tranches of loans – the partner loans and the additional partner loans – with the Ambatovy partners (and certain other parties) that were used to fund Sherritt’s contributions to the Ambatovy Joint Venture. These agreements and loans contain covenants which could have the effect of restricting Sherritt’s ability to react to changes in Sherritt’s business or to local and global economic conditions. In addition, Sherritt’s ability to comply with these covenants and other terms of its indebtedness may be affected by changes in the Corporation’s business, local or global economic conditions or other events beyond the Corporation’s control. Failure by Sherritt to comply with the covenants contained in the indenture, the syndicated revolving-term credit facility, the line of credit, the Ambatovy Joint Venture Financing, the partner loans or any future debt instruments or credit agreements, could materially adversely affect the Corporation’s business, results of operations, and financial performance. The Corporation provided certain completion guarantees to the Ambatovy senior lenders under the Ambatovy Financing Agreements. These guarantees became non-recourse to the Corporation once the Ambatovy Joint Venture achieved financial completion in September 2015. As a result, the Ambatovy senior lenders’ recourse under the Ambatovy Joint Venture Financing, including for repayment of semi-annual of principal and interest, is limited to the Ambatovy Joint Venture and Sherritt’s and the other Ambatovy Partners’ interests therein. The partner loans ($134.6 million as at December 31, 2015) are generally repayable by Sherritt or a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sherritt solely from the proceeds of distributions from the Ambatovy Joint Venture. Recourse under these loans is generally limited to Sherritt’s interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture and is subordinate to the security interests therein held by the Ambatovy senior lenders. If Sherritt becomes a defaulting shareholder under the terms of the Ambatovy Joint Venture Shareholders Agreement, for example, by failing to fund a cash call, a cross-default to the partner loans would be triggered and the lenders could elect to accelerate repayment. However, due to the limited recourse nature of the loans, such acceleration will not require Sherritt to repay the loans until after August 2023 and the lenders’ recourse is effectively limited to their subordinated security interest over Sherritt’s interest in and future distributions from the Ambatovy Joint Venture. While recourse is generally limited, Sherritt can be obligated to repay any outstanding amount of the partner loans if they have not been repaid in full by August 2023 or if the Ambatovy senior lenders exercise remedies as a result of a default by the Ambatovy Joint Venture under the Ambatovy Joint Venture Financing. In either case, Sherritt has the option to repay in cash or, provided its common shares are trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange at the time of payment, in common shares. Unless the lenders otherwise agree, the partner loans also require repayment in cash within five business days in the event of the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Sherritt, the acquisition of more than 50% of the Shares of Sherritt or a corporate restructuring of Sherritt. Repayment of the partner loans in cash could have significant consequences for Sherritt’s liquidity and could materially adversely affect the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. In those cases where it has the option, if Sherritt elects to repay all or any portion of the partner loans in common shares this could result in significant dilution to existing shareholders depending on the prevailing common share price at the time of payment. The additional partner loans ($1,303.2 million as at December 31, 2015) are repayable by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sherritt solely from the proceeds of distributions from the Ambatovy Joint Venture. Recourse for a default under these loans is generally limited to Sherritt’s interest in and future distributions from the Ambatovy Joint Venture, and is also subordinate to the security interests therein held by the Ambatovy senior lenders. These loans are recourse to Sherritt in circumstances where there is a breach of specific restrictions in the loan documents by Sherritt or its wholly-owned subsidiaries that hold Sherritt’s interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture. These restrictions are generally aimed at preserving the lenders’ security interests by restricting the activities of such subsidiaries, for example, by prohibiting the pledging of Sherritt’s interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture or a corporate reorganization of a subsidiary that holds such interest. If Sherritt becomes a defaulting shareholder under the terms of the Ambatovy Joint Venture Shareholders Agreement, a cross-default to the partner loans would be triggered, which in turn could trigger a cross-default under the syndicated revolving-term credit facility and the line of credit. However, the lenders under the syndicated revolving-term credit facility have waived any default attributable to Sherritt becoming a defaulting shareholder under the Ambatovy Joint Venture Shareholders Agreements due to non-funding and any cross-default under the partner loans that would be triggered as a result of thereof. Certain breaches of the Ambatovy Joint Venture Shareholders Agreement could also trigger a default under the additional partner loans. However, this would not trigger a cross-default under the syndicated revolving-term credit facility and the line of credit. 47 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTIf a cross-default to the partner loans is triggered, and the lenders under those loans were to accelerate repayment, although generally such acceleration would not require repayment by Sherritt until after August 2023 it could in turn trigger a cross-default under the indenture. Such a cross-default under the indenture could result in acceleration of the debentures unless the default is cured by repaying the partner loan or waived in accordance with the Indenture. Sherritt likely would not have sufficient cash and short term investments to repay all or any portion of the amounts outstanding under any or all series of outstanding debentures (in the aggregate, $750 million principal amount as at December 31, 2015) and there can be no assurance that Sherritt could refinance such amounts. Acceleration of the partner loans and/or the debentures would, in turn, trigger an event of default under the syndicated revolving term credit facility and the line of credit. Accordingly, acceleration of any one or more series of debentures could materially adversely affect the Corporation’s business, results of operations, and financial performance. RELIANCE ON PARTNERS The Corporation holds its interest in certain projects and operations through joint ventures or partnerships. A failure by a partner to comply with its obligations under applicable partnership or similar joint venture arrangements, to continue to fund such projects or operations, or a breakdown in relations with its partners could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. In addition, the Corporation is currently in discussions with its Ambatovy partners regarding modifications to the Ambatovy Joint Venture financing structure. Failure to achieve modifications that are satisfactory to the Corporation could lead Sherritt to be in breach of its obligations under the Ambatovy Joint Venture funding arrangements. For information regarding the possible consequences of a failure to comply with such arrangements please see “Ambatovy Liquidity and Funding Risks” for additional information. OPERATING RISKS Variability in production at the Sherritt’s operations in Madagascar and Cuba are most likely to arise from following categories of potential risk: (i) Parts and Equipment – the inherent risk that parts and equipment may fail or fail to perform in accordance with design due to mechanical or engineering issues. Given the location and associated logistics, replacement components may not be immediately available; and (ii) Operational Risk – production is directly affected by the performance of core operators and maintenance teams. Supplementary operators and maintenance personnel, experienced in steady-state operations, have been mobilized to assist in training and early to mitigate risks. Please see the Risk Factors entitled “Risks Related to Sherritt’s Operations in Madagascar” and “Risks Related to Sherritt’s Operations in Cuba” for additional information. COMPLETION OF THE MOA JOINT VENTURE ACID PLANT The Corporation and GNC have agreed on the terms to complete the 2,000 tonne per day acid plant at Moa. Agreement was reached with a Cuban financial institution to fund the full amount of the estimated US$67.2 million required to complete this project and funding has occurred since 2013. The issues which have caused previous delays in the construction of the acid plant have largely been resolved and construction is progressing well. However, there can be no assurance that the completion of the acid plant may not be further delayed either by delays in construction or for other reasons, some of which are outside of the Corporation’s control. Any delay would postpone the Moa Joint Venture’s ability to realize the cost savings anticipated from the completion of the acid plant. Further, should additional delays occur or if the cost of completion exceeds $67.2 million further funding may not be available. TRANSPORTATION Sherritt’s operations depend on an uninterrupted flow of materials, supplies, equipment, services and finished products. Due to the geographic location of many of Sherritt’s properties and operations, this flow is highly dependent on third parties for the provision of rail, port, marine, shipping and other transportation services. Sherritt negotiates prices for the provision of these services in circumstances where it may not have viable alternatives to using specific providers, or have access to regulated rate setting mechanisms. Contractual disputes, demurrage charges, classification of commodity inputs and finished products, rail, marine and port capacity issues, availability of vessels and rail cars, weather problems, labour disruptions or other factors could have a material adverse effect on Sherritt’s ability to transport materials according to schedules and contractual commitments and could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. In particular, the Corporation’s metals process plants rely on access to rail, port and marine shipping for certain raw material inputs and for the export of refined metals and fertilizers. 48 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTUNCERTAINTY OF GAS SUPPLY TO ENERGAS Energas does not own the gas reserves contained in the Oilfields located in the vicinity of the Energas plant sites, nor does it control the rate or manner in which such gas reserves are produced. CUPET reserves the right to produce crude oil from such fields at such rates as the Government of Cuba may deem necessary in the national interest, which may affect the future supply of gas to Energas. Although the Corporation believes that generation of electricity will remain a key priority of the Government of Cuba and that the Oilfields will be operated in a manner which optimizes gas production, gas reserves are being depleted and there can be no certainty that sufficient quantities of gas will be available to operate the Energas facilities at maximum or economic capacity for the duration of the term of the Energas joint venture. Power generation fluctuates on a yearly basis when pipeline capacity and transport gas is inadequate. For example, a new pipeline is being constructed in 2016, during which time gas supply will be restricted to volumes below those experiences in 2015. Adequate future supplies of gas may depend, in part, upon the successful development of new oil fields as the existing fields are being depleted and the introduction of production practices designed to optimize the recovery of oil and gas reserves. No independent reserve report has been prepared with respect to gas reserves in Cuba, due to a lack of available technical information from CUPET. DEPLETION OF RESERVES Subject to any future expansion or other development, production from existing operations at the Corporation’s mines and wells will typically decline over the life of the mine or well. As a result, Sherritt’s ability to maintain or increase its current production of nickel, cobalt and oil and gas and generate revenues therefrom will depend significantly upon the Corporation’s ability to discover or acquire and to successfully bring new mines and wells into production and to expand mineral and oil and gas reserves at existing operations. Exploration and development of mineral and oil and gas properties involves significant financial risk. Very few exploratory properties are developed into operating mines or wells. Whether a deposit will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, including: the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to infrastructure; commodity prices, which are highly cyclical; political and social stability; and government regulation, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting of natural resources and environmental protection. Even if the Corporation identifies and acquire an economically viable deposit, several years may elapse from the initial stages of development. Significant expenses could be incurred to locate and establish reserves, to develop the required extractive processes and to construct mining or drilling and processing facilities. The original PSCs are scheduled to revert to Cuban ownership in 2017 and 2018, and the Corporation does not expect to carry out any further drilling activity on the original PSCs or for the original PSCs to be extended. Accordingly, after 2017/2018 any future oil and gas production presently will depend on new reserves in Block 10 and 8A. Sherritt cannot provide assurance that its exploration or development efforts will result in any new commercial operations or yield new mineral or oil and gas reserves to replace or expand current reserves. RELIANCE ON KEY PERSONNEL AND SKILLED WORKERS Sherritt’s operations require employees and contractors with a high degree of specialized technical, management and professional skills, such as engineers, trades people and plant and equipment operators. In some geographic areas, the Corporation competes with other local industries for these skilled workers. For example, in its Cuba operations, the Corporation is dependent on the government for the provision of skilled workers. In its Madagascar operations, the Corporation is required to recruit many skilled workers internationally and train locally, due to the limited number of local skilled workers in Madagascar. This challenge is further intensified by high expectations, from both the Malagasy government and the local community, for Sherritt to provide local employment. If Sherritt is unable to find an adequate supply of skilled workers, a decrease in productivity or an increase in costs may result which could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. The success of Sherritt’s operations and activities is dependent to a significant extent on the efforts and abilities of its senior management team, as well as outside contractors, experts and its partners. The loss of one or more members of senior management, key employees, contractors or partners, if not effectively replaced in a timely manner, could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. 49 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTEQUIPMENT FAILURE AND OTHER UNEXPECTED FAILURES Interruptions in Sherritt’s production capabilities would be expected to increase its production costs and reduce its profitability. The Corporation may experience material shutdowns or periods of reduced production because of equipment failures and this risk may be increased by the age of certain of the Corporation’s facilities or facilities of third parties in which the Corporation’s products are processed. In addition to equipment failures, the Corporation’s facilities are also subject to the risk of loss due to unanticipated events such as fires, explosions or adverse weather conditions. Shutdowns or reductions in operations could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. Remediation of an interruption in production capability could require the Corporation to make large expenditures. Further, longer-term business disruptions could result in a loss of customers. All of these factors could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. MINING, PROCESSING AND REFINING RISKS The business of mining, processing and refining involves many risks and hazards, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, labour-force disruptions, supply problems and delays, unusual or unexpected geological or operating conditions, geology-related failures, change in the regulatory environment, weather conditions, floods, earthquakes and water conditions. Such occurrences could result in damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties or production facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in mining, monetary losses and possible legal liability. As a result, Sherritt may incur significant liabilities and costs that could have a material adverse effect upon its business, results of operations and financial performance. Other risks and uncertainties which could impact the performance of mining projects include factors such as the ore characteristics; adverse impacts from construction or commissioning activities on ongoing operations; and difficulties with commissioning, changing geological conditions and integrating the operations of newly constructed mines and processing facilities. UNCERTAINTY OF RESOURCES AND RESERVE ESTIMATES Sherritt has reserves of nickel, cobalt, oil and gas. Reserve estimates are imprecise and depend partly on statistical inferences drawn from drilling, which may prove to be unreliable. Future production could differ from reserve estimates for the following reasons: • mineralization or formations could be different from those predicted by drilling, sampling and similar examinations; • declines in the market price of nickel, cobalt, oil and gas or increases in operating costs and processing costs may render the production of some or all of Sherritt’s reserves uneconomic; • the grade or quality of reserves may vary significantly from time to time and there is no assurance that any particular level of nickel, cobalt, oil or gas may be recovered from the reserves; and • legislative changes and other political changes in jurisdictions in which Sherritt operates may result in changes to Sherritt’s ability to exploit reserves. Any of these or other factors may require Sherritt to reduce its reserve estimates, reduce its production rates, or increase its costs. Past drilling results are not necessarily indicative of future drill results. Should the market price of any of the above commodities fall, or unit operating costs prove to be higher than expected, Sherritt could be required to materially write down its investment in its resource properties or delay or discontinue production or the development of projects. ENVIRONMENTAL REHABILITATION PROVISIONS Sherritt has estimated environmental rehabilitation provisions which management believes will meet current regulatory requirements. These future provisions are estimated by management using closure plans and other similar plans which outline the requirements that are expected to be carried out to meet the provisions. The provisions are dependent on legislative and regulatory requirements which could change. Because the estimate of provisions is based on future expectations, a number of assumptions and judgments are made by management in the determination of these provisions which may prove to be incorrect. As a result, estimates may change from time to time and actual payments to settle the provisions may differ from those estimated and such differences may be material. 50 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTThe provision for: (i) costs incurred due to the October 31, 2013 breach at the Obed Mountain mine; and (ii) future costs of reclamation activities at the Coal Valley mine are subject to uncertainties. Such uncertainties are caused by the dynamic nature of the response effort, the range of remediation alternatives available and the corresponding costs of various clean-up methodologies and uncertainty regarding the extent and nature of the cost of remediation activities that may be necessary to meet the Corporation’s reclamation obligations, respectively. Sherritt is awaiting approval from regulatory agencies regarding certain portions of the Obed Mountain remediation plan which will determine the nature of the remaining remediation efforts. The outcome of the regulatory agencies’ review, along with various other factors such as adverse weather and temperature changes, could escalate total costs. The Corporation has an obligation under applicable mining, oil and gas and environmental legislation to reclaim certain lands that it disturbs during mining, oil and gas production or other industrial activities. The Corporation is required to provide financial security to certain government authorities for some of its future reclamation costs. Currently, the Corporation provides this reclamation security by way of bank guarantees, corporate guarantees and irrevocable letters of credit issued under its senior credit facilities. The Corporation may be unable to obtain adequate financial security or may be required to replace its existing security with more expensive forms of security, including cash deposits, which would reduce cash available for operations. In addition, any increase in costs associated with reclamation and mine closure or termination of oil and gas field operations resulting from changes in the applicable legislation (including any additional bonding requirements) could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. RISKS RELATED TO SHERRITT’S CORPORATE STRUCTURE The Corporation holds its interest in certain operating companies, joint ventures or partnerships in Canada, Cuba, Spain, and Madagascar through one or more wholly-owned intermediary holding companies located in jurisdictions outside Canada, including the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Barbados, Cuba,, Spain and the Netherlands. Certain payments, including payment of dividends or other distributions by these subsidiaries to the Corporation is subject to statutory regimes applicable to those entities. There can be no assurance that the applicable Canadian government, or some or all of the holding company jurisdictions will not adopt law and/or regulations more restrictive than those currently in effect which could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial performance. While these jurisdictions have experienced political stability for some time, we continue to regularly monitor changes to applicable laws and regulations. POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND OTHER RISKS OF FOREIGN OPERATIONS Sherritt has operations located in Cuba, Madagascar, Spain and Pakistan. There can be no assurance that assets of companies operating in industries which are deemed of national or strategic importance in the countries in which the Corporation operates or has assets, including energy, mineral and petroleum exploration, development and production, will not be nationalized. Changes in policy that alter laws regulating the mining, oil and gas or energy sectors could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation. There can be no assurance that the Corporation’s assets in these countries will not be subject to nationalization, requisition or confiscation, whether legitimate on not, by an authority or body. Sherritt is also subject to other political, economic and social risks relating to foreign operations which include, but are not limited to, forced modification or cancellation of existing contracts or permits, currency fluctuations and devaluations, unfavourable tax enforcement, changing political conditions, political unrest, civil strife, uncertainty regarding the interpretation and/or application of applicable laws in foreign jurisdictions, and changes in governmental regulations or policies with respect to, among other things, currency, production, price controls, profit repatriation, export controls, labour, taxation, trade, and environmental, health and safety matters or the personnel administering those regulations or policies. Any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. RISKS RELATED TO SHERRITT’S OPERATIONS IN MADAGASCAR The Corporation is the operator of, and indirectly holds significant interests in the Ambatovy Joint Venture in Madagascar. Sherritt is subject to political, economic and social risks related to operating in Madagascar. In 2002, the government of Madagascar passed the La loi établissant un régime special pour les grands investissements dans le secteur minier Malagasy (LGIM), which is legislation to manage large-scale mining projects. The Ambatovy Joint Venture is the first and currently the only project to be developed under the LGIM’s terms and provisions, which have been largely untested. Although the Ambatovy Joint Venture has received its eligibility certification under the LGIM, it is possible that the LGIM could be interpreted or amended in a manner that has a material adverse effect on the Ambatovy Joint Venture. 51 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTMadagascar has a history of political instability and there is no assurance that continuing political stability will be achieved. In 2009, Madagascar experienced an unexpected change of government and the Transitional Government of Madagascar took control of the country. At several points during the ensuing five year political crisis, the Transitional Government indicated that the Ambatovy Joint Venture’s status under the LGIM could be subject to review. However, the Ambatovy Joint Venture’s eligible status under the LGIM has since been confirmed by the Commission des Grands Investissements Minier, the government body responsibility for overseeing the LGIM, on July 7, 2014. The Malagasy government is currently in the process of revising country’s mining code (the Code Minier de Madagascar). While the amendments included in the current draft legislation do not affect the Ambatovy Joint Venture’s rights under the LGIM, there is no guarantee that such amendments could not be made in the future. The political crisis came to an end with the holding of internationally recognized presidential elections in December 2013, whereby Mr. Hery Rajaonarimampianina was elected as the President of the Republic of Madagascar. While Mr. Rajaonarimampianina remains in power, the resignation the Prime Minister, Mr. Roger Kolo on January 12, 2015 and subsequent appointment of Mr. Jean Ravelonarivo has triggered the appointment of a new government. The government may continue to have direct or indirect impact on the Ambatovy Joint Venture, and may adversely affect the Corporation’s business. Any changes in regulations or shifts in political attitudes are beyond the control of Sherritt and may adversely affect its business. Operations may be affected in varying degrees by the Government of Madagascar regulations with respect to production, price controls, export controls (including the recent requirement for the registration of imports and exports), income taxes or investment tax credits, tax reimbursements, royalties and fees, expropriation of property, environmental legislation, land use, water use and mine and plant safety or changes to the LGIM. Operations in Madagascar may also be affected by the fact that Madagascar’s location potentially exposes it to cyclones and tropical storms of varying intensities. The risk of damage is dependent upon such factors as intensity, footprint, wind direction and the amount of precipitation associated with the storm and tidal surges. While the Ambatovy Joint Venture maintains comprehensive disaster plans and its facilities have been constructed to the extent reasonably possible to minimize damage, there can be no guarantee against severe property damage and disruptions to operations. Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world, with low levels of economic activity and high levels of unemployment. These conditions are conducive to social unrest and instability that could, under certain circumstances, have an impact on the Ambatovy Joint Venture’s ability to produce and export its products. The Ambatovy Joint Venture continues to foster active working relations with relevant Malagasy authorities and civil society to mitigate social risk, maintain its social license, and facilitate operational activities. Agencies of the Malagasy government have significant payment obligations to the Corporation in connection with the Ambatovy Joint Venture. This exposure to the Malagasy government and its potential inability or failure to fully pay such amounts could have an adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations. RISKS RELATED TO SHERRITT’S OPERATIONS IN CUBA The Corporation directly or indirectly holds very significant interests in mining, metals processing, exploration for and production of crude oil and the generation of electricity in Cuba. The operations of the Cuban businesses may be affected by economic pressures on Cuba. Risks include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in official or convertible currency exchange rates and high rates of inflation. Any changes in regulations or shifts in political attitudes are beyond the control of Sherritt and may adversely affect its business. Operations may be affected in varying degrees by such factors as Cuban government regulations with respect to currency conversion, production, project approval and execution, price controls, import and export controls, income taxes or reinvestment credits, expropriation of property, environmental legislation, land use, water use and mine and plant safety. Operations in Cuba may also be affected by the fact that, as a Caribbean nation, Cuba regularly experiences hurricanes and tropical storms of varying intensities. The risk of damage is dependent upon such factors as intensity, footprint, wind direction and the amount of precipitation associated with the storm and tidal surges. While the Corporation, its joint venture partners and agencies of the Government of Cuba maintain comprehensive disaster plans and the Corporation’s Cuban facilities have been constructed to the extent reasonably possible to minimize damage, there can be no guarantee against severe property damage and disruptions to operations. The Cuban government has allowed, for more than two decades, foreign entities to repatriate profits out of Cuba. However, there can be no assurance allowing foreign investment and profit repatriation will continue or that a change in economic conditions will not result in a change in the policies of the Cuban government or the imposition of more stringent foreign investment or foreign exchange restrictions. Such changes are beyond the control of Sherritt and the effect of any such changes cannot be accurately predicted. Agencies of the Cuban government have significant payment obligations to the Corporation in connection with the Corporation’s Oil and Gas, Metals and Power operations in Cuba. This exposure to the Cuban government and its potential inability to fully pay such amounts could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations. 52 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTRISKS RELATED TO U.S. GOVERNMENT POLICY TOWARDS CUBA The United States has maintained a general embargo against Cuba since the early 1960s, and the enactment in 1996 of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (Libertad) Act (commonly known as the “Helms-Burton Act”) extended the reach of the U.S. embargo. In December 2014, President Obama announced his intention to normalize diplomatic relation between the United States and Cuba and to reduce certain restrictions on travel, commercial and personal transactions between Americans and Cubans. Bilateral discussions between the U.S. and Cuba have been advancing to some extent since that time. The U.S. Embargo In its current form, apart from the Helms-Burton Act, the embargo applies to most transactions involving Cuba or Cuban enterprises, and it bars all “U.S. Persons” from participating in such transactions unless such persons have general or specific licenses from the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) authorizing their participation in the transactions. U.S. Persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. residents, individuals or enterprises located in the United States, enterprises organized under U.S. laws and enterprises owned or controlled by any of the foregoing. Subsidiaries of U.S. enterprises are subject to the embargo’s prohibitions. The embargo also extends to entities deemed to be owned or controlled by Cuba (specially designated nationals or SDNs). The three entities constituting the Moa Joint Venture in which Sherritt holds an indirect 50% interest have been deemed SDNs by Treasury. Sherritt is not an SDN. The U.S. embargo generally prohibits U.S. Persons from engaging in transactions involving the Cuban-related businesses of the Corporation. Furthermore, despite the relaxation of certain restrictions over the past year, generally U.S.-originated technology, U.S.-originated goods, and many goods produced from U.S.- originated components or with U.S.-originated technology cannot under U.S. law be transferred to Cuba or used in the Corporation’s operations in Cuba. In 1992, Canada issued an order pursuant to the Foreign Extraterritorial Measures Act (Canada) to block the application of the U.S. embargo under Canadian law to Canadian subsidiaries of U.S. enterprises. In addition, Sherritt conducts its Cuba-related operations so as not to require U.S. Persons to violate the U.S. embargo. The general embargo limits Sherritt’s access to U.S. capital, financing sources, customers, and suppliers. The Helms-Burton Act Separately from the general embargo, the Helms-Burton Act authorizes sanctions on individuals or entities that “traffic” in Cuban property that was confiscated from U.S. nationals or from persons who have become U.S. nationals. The term “traffic” includes various forms of use of Cuban property as well as “profiting from” or “participating in” the trafficking of others. The Helms-Burton Act authorizes damage lawsuits to be brought in U.S. courts by U.S. claimants against those “trafficking” in the claimants’ confiscated property. No such lawsuits have been filed because all Presidents of the United States in office since the enactment of the Helms-Burton Act have exercised their authority to suspend the right of claimants to bring such lawsuits for successive periods of up to six months. Pursuant to this authority, the President has suspended the right of claimants for successive six-month periods since 1996; the latest suspension extends through to July 31, 2016. The Corporation has nevertheless received letters from U.S. nationals claiming ownership of certain Cuban properties or rights in which the Corporation has an indirect interest. Even if the suspension were permitted to expire, Sherritt does not believe that its operations would be materially affected by any Helms-Burton Act lawsuits, because Sherritt’s minimal contacts with the United States would likely deprive any U.S. court of personal jurisdiction over Sherritt. Furthermore, even if personal jurisdiction were exercised, any successful U.S. claimant would have to seek enforcement of the U.S. court judgment outside the U.S. in order to reach material Sherritt assets. Management believes it unlikely that a court in any country in which Sherritt has material assets would enforce a Helms-Burton Act judgment. The Foreign Extraterritorial Measures Act (Canada) was amended as of January 1, 1997 to provide that any judgment given under the Helms-Burton Act will not be recognized or enforceable in any manner in Canada. The amendments permit the Attorney General of Canada to declare, by order, that a Canadian corporation may sue for and recover in Canada any loss or damage it may have suffered by reason of the enforcement of a Helms-Burton Act judgment abroad. In such a proceeding, the Canadian court could order the seizure and sale of any property in which the defendant has a direct or indirect beneficial interest, or the property of any person who controls or is a member of a group of persons that controls, in law or in fact, the defendant. The property seized and sold could include shares of any corporation incorporated under the laws of Canada or a province. The Government of Canada has also responded to the Helms-Burton Act through diplomatic channels. Other countries, such as the members of the European Union and the Organization of American States, have expressed their strong opposition to the Helms-Burton Act as well. Nevertheless, in the absence of any judicial interpretation of the scope of the Helms-Burton Act, the threat of potential litigation discourages some potential investors, lenders, suppliers and customers from doing business with Sherritt. 53 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTIn addition to authorizing private lawsuits, the Helms-Burton Act also authorizes the U.S. Secretary of State and the U.S. Attorney General to exclude from the United States those aliens who engage in certain “trafficking” activities, as well as those aliens who are corporate officers, principals, or controlling shareholders of “traffickers” or who are spouses, minor children, or agents of such excludable persons. The U.S. Department of State has deemed Sherritt’s indirect 50% interest in Moa Nickel S.A. to be a form of “trafficking” under the Helms-Burton Act. In their capacities as directors or officers of the Corporation, certain individuals have been excluded from entry into the U.S. under this provision. Management does not believe the exclusion from entry into the U.S. of such individuals will have any material effect on the conduct of the Corporation’s business. The U.S. Department of State has issued guidelines for the implementation of the immigration provision, which state that it is “not sufficient in itself for a determination” of exclusion that a person “has merely had business dealings with a person” deemed to be “trafficking”. Also, the statutory definition of “traffics” relevant to the Helms-Burton Act’s immigration provision explicitly excludes “the trading or holding of securities publicly traded or held, unless the trading is with or by a person on the SDN List”. The general embargo has been, and may be, amended from time to time, as may the Helms-Burton Act, and therefore the U.S. sanctions applicable to transactions with Cuba may become more or less stringent. The stringency and longevity of the U.S. laws relating to Cuba are likely to continue to be functions of political developments in the United States and Cuba, over which Sherritt has no control. President Obama’s announced intention to relax the general embargo may or may not result in further reductions in sanctions, but the pace and extent of any changes are uncertain and beyond Sherritt’s control. There can be no assurance that the general embargo and the Helms-Burton Act will not have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business results of operations or financial performance. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT Generally Sherritt’s business includes the development, construction and operation of large mining, metals refining projects and electrical generation projects. Unforeseen conditions or developments could arise during the course of these projects that could delay or prevent completion of, and/or substantially increase the cost of construction and/or could affect the current and projected level of production, the sustaining capital requirements or operating cost estimates relating to the projects. Such conditions or developments may include, without limitation, shortages of equipment, materials or labour; delays in delivery of equipment or materials; customs issues; labour disruptions; poor labour productivity; community protests; difficulties in obtaining necessary services; delays in obtaining regulatory permits; local government issues; political events; regulatory changes; investigations involving various authorities; adverse weather conditions; unanticipated increases in equipment, material and labour costs; unfavourable currency fluctuations; access to financing; natural or man-made disasters or accidents; and unforeseen engineering, technical and technological design, geotechnical, environmental, infrastructure or geological problems. Any such event could delay commissioning, and affect production and cost estimates. There can be no assurance that the development or construction activities will proceed in accordance with current expectations or at all. These risks and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. Capital and Operating Cost Estimates Capital and operating cost estimates made in respect of the Corporation’s operations and projects may not prove accurate. Capital and operating costs are estimated based on the interpretation of geological data, feasibility studies, anticipated climatic conditions and other factors. Any of the following, among the other events and uncertainties described herein, could affect the ultimate accuracy of such estimates: unanticipated changes in grade and tonnage to be mined and processed; incorrect data on which engineering assumptions are made; unanticipated transportation costs; the accuracy of major equipment and construction cost estimates; failure to meet scheduled construction completion dates and metal production dates due to any of the foregoing events and uncertainties; expenditures in connection with a failure to meet such scheduled dates; unsatisfactory construction quality resulting in failure to meet such scheduled dates; capital overrun related to the end of the construction phase in connection with, among other things, the demobilization of contractors and construction workers at any project; labour negotiations; unanticipated costs related to commencing operations, ramping up and/or sustaining production; changes in government regulation (including regulations regarding prices, cost of consumables, royalties, duties, taxes, permitting and restrictions on production quotas or exportation of the Corporation’s products); and unanticipated changes in commodity input costs and quantities. 54 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTSIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS The Ambatovy Joint Venture has entered into long-term nickel offtake agreements with two companies (the Ambatovy Offtakers). The Ambatovy Offtakers have each agreed to purchase 50% of nickel production up to the stated refined nickel capacity (60,000 tonnes per year) on open account terms net 30 days after shipment, for re-sale in global markets. The Moa Joint Venture derives a material amount of revenue from certain customers in Europe and Asia. Payment is made by way of an irrevocable letter of credit in a form acceptable to the lenders of the senior credit facility or through open account terms that are secured by accounts receivable insurance or by payment upon presentation of documents at the time of shipment. Any cancellation of shipments would result in nickel being placed with other customers through the spot markets; however, prices realized could vary from those negotiated with the customer. The Moa Joint Venture’s finished nickel product is qualified for delivery to the London Metals Exchange (LME) which provides a terminal market in the event that significant customers are unable to meet their contractual obligations. All sales of Sherritt’s oil production in Cuba are made to an agency of the Government of Cuba, as are all electricity sales made by Energas. The access of the Cuban government to foreign exchange is severely limited. As a consequence, from time to time, the Cuban agencies have had difficulty in discharging their foreign currency obligations. During such times, Sherritt has worked with these agencies in order to ensure that Sherritt’s operations continue to generate positive cash flow. However, there is a risk, beyond the control of Sherritt, that receivables and contractual performance due from Cuban entities will not be paid or performed in a timely manner, or at all. If any of these agencies or the Cuban government are unable or unwilling to conduct business with Sherritt, or satisfy their obligations to Sherritt, Sherritt could be forced to close some or all of its Cuban businesses, which could have a material adverse effect upon Sherritt’s results of operations and financial performance. Sherritt is entitled to the benefit of certain assurances received from the Government of Cuba and certain agencies of the Government of Cuba that protect it in many circumstances from adverse changes in law, although such changes remain beyond the control of the Corporation and the effect of any such changes cannot be accurately predicted. FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND PRICING RISKS Many of Sherritt’s businesses operate in currencies other than Canadian dollars and their products may be sold at prices other than prevailing spot prices at the time of sale. Sherritt is also sensitive to foreign exchange exposures when commitments are made to deliver products quoted in foreign currencies or when the contract currency is different from the product-pricing currency. The Moa Joint Venture derives the majority of its revenue from nickel and cobalt sales that are typically based on U.S. dollar reference prices over a defined period of time and collected in currencies other than U.S. or Canadian dollars in accordance with sales terms that may vary by customer and sales contract. Similarly, Oil and Gas and Power derives substantially all of their revenues from sales in U.S. dollars. Additionally, input commodities for Metals and other operating costs for Metals and the Corporation’s other operations are denominated in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, fluctuations in Canadian dollar exchange rates and price movements between the date of sale and final settlement may have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY The Corporation’s worldwide operations are subject to extensive EH&S laws including: employee health and safety; air quality; water quality and availability; the protection and enhancement of the environment (including the protection of plants and wildlife); land-use zoning; development approvals; the generation, handling, use, storage, transportation, release, disposal and cleanup of regulated materials, including wastes; and the reclamation and restoration of mining properties after mining is completed. The Corporation’s operations are regulated by a variety of federal, provincial or state legislation and local by-laws. A breach of EH&S laws may result in the temporary suspension of operations, the imposition of fines, other penalties (including administrative penalties and regulatory prosecution), and government orders, which could potentially have a material adverse effect on operations. EH&S laws require the Corporation to obtain certain operating licenses and impose certain standards and controls on the Corporation’s activities, and on the Corporation’s distribution and marketing of its products. Compliance with EH&S laws and operating licenses can require significant expenditures, including expenditures for pollution control equipment, clean-up costs and damages arising out of contaminated properties or as a result of other adverse environmental occurrences. There can be no assurance that the costs to ensure future or current compliance with EH&S laws would not materially affect the Corporation’s business, results of operations or financial performance. 55 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTThe Corporation must comply with a variety of EH&S laws that restrict air emissions. Because many of the Corporation’s mining, drilling and processing activities generate air emissions from various sources, compliance with EH&S laws requires the Corporation to make investments in pollution control equipment and to report to the relevant government authorities if any emissions limits are exceeded. The Corporation is also required to comply with a similar regime with respect to its wastewater. EH&S laws restrict the amount of pollutants that the Corporation’s facilities can discharge into receiving bodies of water, such as groundwater, rivers, lakes and oceans, and into municipal sanitary and storm sewers. Other EH&S laws regulate the generation, storage, transport and disposal of hazardous wastes and generally require that such waste be transported by an approved hauler and delivered to an approved recycler or waste disposal site. Regulatory authorities can enforce these and other EH&S laws through administrative orders to control, prevent or stop a certain activity; administrative penalties for violating certain EH&S laws; and regulatory proceedings. In addition, the operations of the Ambatovy Joint Venture in Madagascar are conducted in environmentally sensitive areas. In particular, the mine footprint is partly on first growth forest and portions of the pipeline traverse environmentally sensitive areas. Although the Ambatovy Joint Venture believes it is currently in material compliance with applicable laws, there can be no guarantee that it will remain in compliance or that applicable laws or regulations will remain the same. The Corporation’s tailings storage facilities are subject to various EH&S laws and/or applicable management practices that govern the design, operation, and closure of such facilities. Risks associated with the failure of the tailings storage facilities include but are not limited to: biological and land use impacts, material property and economic loss, serious health and safety impacts, regulatory censure, and public concern. The Corporation believes that it is taking every reasonable precaution to prevent failures of its tailings storage facilities however, there can be no assurance that such incidents will not occur or that such incidents would not have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations or financial performance. The Corporation assesses environmental impacts before initiating major new projects and before undertaking significant changes to existing operations. The approval process can entail public hearings and may be delayed or not achieved, reducing the ability of the Corporation to continue portions of its business at expanded or even existing levels. Furthermore, the Corporation’s existing approvals could potentially be suspended, or future required approvals denied, which would reduce the ability of the Corporation to meet project schedules or cost objectives and to continue portions of its business at expanded or even existing levels. The Corporation is subject to legal requirements governing the health and safety of the workforce. The Corporation believes that safe operations are essential for a productive and engaged workforce and sustainable growth. The Corporation is committed to workplace incident prevention and makes expenditures towards the necessary human and financial resources and site-specific systems to ensure compliance with its health and safety policies. Any injuries that may occur are investigated to determine root cause and to establish necessary controls with the goal of preventing recurrence. While the Corporation has implemented extensive health and safety initiatives to ensure the safety of its employees, contractors and surrounding communities, there can be no assurance that such measures will eliminate the occurrence of accidents or other incidences which could result in personal injury or property damage or result in regulatory fines or civil suits. New or amended EH&S laws may further require the protection and enhancement of the environment, and, as a consequence, mining activities may be even more closely regulated. Such legislation and changes to legislation, as well as future interpretations of laws and increased enforcement, may require substantial increases in mining equipment and operating costs and delays, interruptions or a termination of operations, the extent of which cannot be predicted. The potential impact of evolving regulations, including on product demand and methods of production and distribution, is not possible to predict. However, the Corporation closely monitors developments and evaluates the impact such changes may have on the Corporation’s financial condition, product demand and methods of production and distribution. Independently and through involvement in various associations, the Corporation responds to potential changes to EH&S laws by participating, as appropriate, in the public review process, thus ensuring the Corporation’s position is understood and considered in the decision-making process. The Corporation seeks to anticipate and prepare for public and regulatory concerns well in advance of such projects. Communication with regulators and the public is considered a key tool in gaining acceptance and approval for new projects. CLIMATE CHANGE/GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS The federal government has repeatedly announced its intention to implement a regulatory framework that would require significant reductions of GHG emissions by Canada’s largest industrial sectors. This includes the industrial sectors to which the Corporation provides its products, the majority of the facilities in Canada from which the Corporation ultimately obtains power, and some of the Corporation’s facilities. 56 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTIn addition, various Canadian provincial governments and other regional initiatives are moving ahead with GHG reduction and other initiatives designed to address climate change. Given the present uncertainty around the practical application of specific provisions in the Regulations and the impact of other provincial or regional initiatives, it is not yet possible to estimate with specificity the impact to the Corporation’s operations. However, the Corporation’s Canadian operations are large facilities, so the establishment of emissions regulations (whether in the manner described above or otherwise) may well affect them and may have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. In addition, the Corporation’s operations require large quantities of power and future taxes on or regulation of power producers or the production of oil and gas or other products may also add to the Corporation’s operating costs. COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND SOCIAL LICENSE TO GROW AND OPERATE The Corporation’s relationship with the communities in which it operates is critical to ensure the future success of its existing operations and the further development of its projects. There is an increasing level of public concern relating to the perceived effect of mining activities on the environment and on communities impacted by such activities. Certain organizations and individuals are vocal critics of the resource industries and their practices. Adverse publicity generated by such organizations or individuals related to extractive industries generally, or to the Corporation’s operations specifically, could have an adverse effect on the Corporation’s reputation or financial condition and may impact its relationship with the communities in which it operates. While the Corporation is committed to sustainable practices and has implemented certain initiatives with respect thereto, there is no guarantee that the Corporation’s efforts in this respect will mitigate this potential risk. CREDIT RISK Sherritt’s sales of nickel, cobalt, oil, gas, electricity and coal expose the Corporation to the risk of non-payment by customers. Sherritt manages this risk by monitoring the creditworthiness of its customers, covering some exposure through receivables insurance, documentary credit and seeking prepayment or other forms of payment security from customers with an unacceptable level of credit risk. There are also certain credit risks that arise due to the fact that all sales of oil and electricity in Cuba are made to agencies of the Cuban government (see “Risks Related to Sherritt’s Operations in Cuba”). Additionally, there are credit risks that arise due to the fact that there are currently value-added tax receivables and receivables related to the Corporation’s Power business that are outstanding from the Malagasy government (see “Risks Related to Sherritt’s Operations in Madagascar”). Although Sherritt seeks to manage its credit risk exposure, there can be no assurance that the Corporation will be successful in eliminating the potential material adverse impacts of such risks. SHORTAGE OF EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES The global demand for some of the equipment and related goods used in Sherritt’s operations vary and may exceed supply. If equipment or other supplies cannot be procured on a timely or competitive basis, Sherritt’s expansion activities, production, development or operations could be negatively affected. COMPETITION IN PRODUCT MARKETS The business of mining, processing and refining is intensely competitive and even if commercial quantities of mineral resources are developed, a profitable market may not exist for the sale of these commodities. Sherritt competes with companies that may have greater assets and financial resources, and may be able to sustain larger losses than Sherritt to develop or continue business. The Corporation’s competitive position is determined by its costs in comparison to those of other producers in the world. If Sherritt’s costs increase relative to its competitors, its earnings may be adversely affected. FUTURE MARKET ACCESS Sherritt’s access to markets in which it operates may be subject to ongoing interruptions and trade barriers due to policies and tariffs of individual countries and the actions of interest groups to restrict the import of certain commodities. There can be no assurance that Sherritt’s access to these markets will not be restricted. 57 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTINTEREST RATE CHANGES The Corporation’s exposure to changes in interest rates results from investing and borrowing activities undertaken to manage its liquidity and capital requirements. The Corporation has incurred indebtedness that bears interest at fixed and floating rates. There can be no assurance that the Corporation will not be adversely affected by interest rate changes. INSURABLE RISK Sherritt employs risk management practices to reduce and mitigate operational risks and other hazard risks and exposures, although it is impossible to completely protect its operations from all such risks. The Corporation places types and an amount of insurance that it considers consistent with industry practice to the extent coverage is available and cost effective. Such coverage includes third-party liability insurance and property and business interruption insurance. Such insurance, however, contains exclusions and limitations on coverage. Accordingly, the Corporation’s insurance policies may not provide coverage for all losses related to the Corporation’s business. The occurrence of losses, liabilities or damage not covered by insurance policies could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. Sherritt cannot be certain that insurance will be available to the Corporation, or that appropriate insurance will be available on terms and conditions acceptable to the Corporation. The difficulty in obtaining certain levels of insurance has increased over time as a result of reduced market capacity due to the limited participation of insurers in certain industries and also Caribbean- and Madagascar-based risks. In some cases, coverage is not available or considered too expensive relative to the perceived risk. The Corporation may also become liable for damages arising from unforeseen events which it cannot insure or chooses to self-insure. Costs incurred to repair uninsured damage or to pay associated liabilities may have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operation and financial performance. LABOUR RELATIONS Some of the Corporation’s employees are unionized. Strikes, lockouts or other work stoppages could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. In addition, any work stoppage or labour disruption at key customers or service providers could impede the Corporation’s ability to supply products, to receive critical equipment and supplies for its operations or to collect payment from customers encountering labour disruptions. Work stoppages or other labour disruptions could increase the Corporation’s costs or impede its ability to operate one or more of its operations. In 2015, Sherritt reported two separate instances of labour disruption at the Ambatovy Joint Venture, one being at the mine site and one being at the plant site. Both of the strikes were of relatively short duration, and involving only part of the work force. However, as organized labour develops in Madagascar, future grievances could also result in strikes or other labour disruptions. LEGAL RIGHTS In the event of a dispute arising in respect of Sherritt’s foreign operations, Sherritt may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of foreign courts or may not be successful in subjecting foreign persons to the jurisdiction of courts in Canada or international arbitration. If Sherritt is unsuccessful in enforcing its rights under the agreements to which it is a party, it could have a material adverse effect on Sherritt’s business, results of operations and financial performance. LEGAL CONTINGENCIES Sherritt may become party to legal claims arising in the ordinary course of business, including as a result of activities of joint ventures in which it has an interest. There can be no assurance that unforeseen circumstances resulting in legal claims will not result in significant costs. ACCOUNTING POLICIES The Corporation’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed on SEDAR, were prepared using accounting policies and methods prescribed by IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Significant accounting policies under IFRS are described in more detail in the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements. 58 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTSherritt has internal controls over financial reporting. These controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are properly authorized, assets are safeguarded against unauthorized or improper use, and transactions are properly recorded and reported. These controls cannot provide absolute assurance with respect to the reliability of financial reporting and financial statement preparation. RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FUTURE ACQUISITIONS Sherritt continually examines opportunities to replace and expand its reserves through the exploration of its existing properties and through acquisitions of interests in new properties or of interests in companies which own such properties. The development of Sherritt’s business will be in part dependent on management’s ability to identify, acquire and develop suitable acquisition targets in both new and existing markets. In certain circumstances, acceptable acquisition targets might not be available. Sherritt may also not be able to identify suitable partners with whom it could make such acquisitions. Acquisitions involve a number of risks, including: (i) the possibility that the Corporation, as a successor owner, may be legally and financially responsible for liabilities of prior owners; (ii) the possibility that the Corporation may pay more than the acquired company or assets are worth; (iii) the additional expenses associated with completing an acquisition and amortizing any acquired intangible assets; (iv) the difficulty of integrating the operations and personnel of an acquired business; (v) the challenge of implementing uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies throughout an acquired business; (vi) the inability to integrate, train, retain and motivate key personnel of an acquired business; and (vii) the potential disruption of the Corporation’s ongoing business and the distraction of management from its day-to-day operations. These risks and difficulties, if they materialize, could disrupt the Corporation’s ongoing business, distract management, result in the loss of key personnel, increase expenses and otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. GOVERNMENT PERMITS Government approvals and permits are currently required in connection with a number of the Corporation’s activities and further approvals and permits may be required. The duration and success of the Corporation’s efforts to obtain permits are contingent upon many variables outside of the Corporation’s control. Obtaining government permits may increase costs and cause delays depending on the nature of the activity to be permitted and the interpretation of applicable requirements implemented by the permitting authority. There can be no assurance that all necessary permits will be obtained and, if obtained, that the costs involved will not exceed the Corporation’s estimates or that the Corporation will be able to maintain such permits. To the extent such approvals are not obtained or maintained, the Corporation may be prohibited from proceeding with planned drilling, exploration, development or operation of properties which could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. GOVERNMENT REGULATION The Corporation’s activities are subject to various laws governing exploration, development, production, environment, taxes, labour standards and occupational health, mine safety, toxic substances and other matters. Mining, drilling and exploration activities are also subject to various laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. Although the Corporation believes that its activities are currently carried out in all material respects in accordance with applicable rules and regulations, no assurance can be given that new rules and regulations will not be enacted or that existing rules and regulations will not be applied in a manner that could limit or curtail production or development of the Corporation’s properties or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. ANTI-CORRUPTION AND BRIBERY Sherritt is subject to Canada’s Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (CFPOA), as well as various local anti-corruption laws. The CFPOA prohibits Canadian (and Canadian-controlled) corporations and their intermediaries from making or offering to make an improper payment of any kind to any kind of foreign public official, or any other person for the benefit of foreign public official, where the ultimate purpose is to obtain or retain a business advantage. 59 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTSherritt’s Anti-Corruption Policy prohibits the violation of the CFPOA and other applicable anti-corruption laws. Some of the Corporation’s operations are located in jurisdictions where governmental and commercial corruption presents a significant risk. The Corporation uses a risk-based approach to mitigate risks associated with corruption which includes training for employees and the logging of government payments. Despite the safeguards the Corporation has put in place, there can be no assurance that violations of the CFPOA or other applicable anti-corruption law by the Corporation, its employees or agents will not occur. Such violations of the CFPOA could result in substantial civil and criminal penalties and could have a material adverse effect on the business, operations or financial results of the Corporation. MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH In order to manage its current operations and any future growth effectively, the Corporation will need to continue to implement and improve its operational, financial and management information systems and to hire, train, motivate, manage and retain its employees. If and when any such growth occurs, there can be no assurance that the Corporation will be able to manage such growth effectively, that its management, personnel or systems will be adequate to support the Corporation’s operations or that the Corporation will be able to achieve the increased levels of revenue commensurate with increased levels of operating expenses associated with this growth, and failure to do so could have an adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Critical accounting estimates and judgments The preparation of financial statements requires the Corporation’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses reported each period. Each of these estimates varies with respect to the level of judgment involved and the potential impact on the Corporation’s reported financial results. Estimates are deemed critical when the Corporation’s financial condition, change in financial condition or results of operations would be materially impacted by a different estimate or a change in estimate from period to period. By their nature, these estimates are subject to measurement uncertainty, and changes in these estimates may affect the consolidated financial statements of future periods. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES Environmental rehabilitation provisions The Corporation’s operations are subject to environmental regulations in Canada, Cuba, Madagascar and other countries in which the Corporation operates. Many factors such as future changes to environmental laws and regulations, life of mine estimates, the cost and time it will take to rehabilitate the property and discount rates, all affect the carrying amount of environmental rehabilitation provisions. As a result, the actual cost of environmental rehabilitation could be higher than the amounts the Corporation has estimated. For certain operations, actual costs will ultimately be determined after site closure in agreement with predecessor companies. The environmental rehabilitation provision is assessed quarterly and measured by discounting the expected cash flows. The applicable discount rate is a pre-tax rate that reflects the current market assessment of the time value of money which is determined based on government bond interest rates and inflation rates. The actual rate depends on a number of factors, including the timing of rehabilitation activities that can extend decades into the future and the location of the property. Reserves for Oil and Gas properties Reserves are estimates of the amount of product that can be economically and legally extracted from the Corporation’s oil and gas properties. Reserve estimates are an integral component in the determination of the commercial viability of a site, depletion amounts charged to the cost of sales and any impairment analysis. In calculating reserves, estimates and assumptions are required about a range of geological, technical and economic factors, including quantities, production techniques, production decline rates, production costs, commodity prices and exchange rates. In addition, future changes in regulatory environments, including government levies or changes in the Corporation’s rights to exploit the resource imposed over the producing life of the reserves may also significantly impact estimates. All of the oil and gas reserves have been evaluated in accordance with National Instrument 51 – 101, Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities. 60 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTProperty, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment is the largest component of the Corporation’s assets and, as such, the capitalization of costs, the determination of estimated recoverable amounts and the depletion and depreciation of these assets have a significant impact on the Corporation’s financial results. Certain assets are depreciated using a units-of-production basis, which involves the estimation of recoverable reserves in determining the depletion and/or depreciation rates of the specific assets. Each item’s life, which is assessed annually, is assessed for both its physical life limitations and the economic recoverable reserves of the property at which the asset is located. For those assets depreciated on a straight-line basis, management estimates the useful life of the assets and their components, which in certain cases may be based on an estimate of the producing life of the property. These assessments require the use of estimates and assumptions including market conditions at the end of the asset’s useful life, costs of decommissioning the asset and the amount of recoverable reserves. Asset useful lives and residual values are re-evaluated at each reporting date. Income taxes The Corporation operates in a number of industries in several tax jurisdictions and, consequently, its income is subject to various rates and rules of taxation. As a result, the Corporation’s effective tax rate may vary significantly from the Canadian statutory tax rate depending upon the profitability of operations in the different jurisdictions. The Corporation calculates deferred income taxes based upon temporary differences between the assets and liabilities that are reported in its consolidated financial statements and their tax bases as determined under applicable tax legislation. The Corporation records deferred income tax assets when it determines that it is probable that such assets will be realized. The future realization of deferred tax assets can be affected by many factors, including current and future economic conditions, net realizable sale prices, production rates and production costs, and can either be increased or decreased where, in the view of management, such change is warranted. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS Interests in other entities As part of its process in determining the classification of its interests in other entities, the Corporation applies judgment in interpreting these interests such as: (i) the determination of the level of control or significant influence held by the Corporation; (ii) the legal structure and contractual terms of the arrangement; (iii) concluding whether the Corporation has rights to assets and liabilities or to net assets of the arrangement; and (iv) when relevant, other facts and circumstances. The Corporation has determined that Energas S.A. and its Oil and Gas production-sharing contracts represent joint operations while the Moa Joint Venture represents a joint venture as described in IFRS 11, “Joint Arrangements”. The Corporation has concluded that the Ambatovy Joint Venture represents an investment in associate as described in IAS 28, “Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures”. All other interests in other entities have been determined to be subsidiaries as described in IFRS 10, “Consolidated Financial Statements”. Aggregation of segments The Corporation applies judgment in aggregating operating segments into a reportable segment. Aggregation occurs when the operating segments have similar economic characteristics, and have similar (a) products and services; (b) production processes; (c) type or class of customer for their products and services; (d) methods used to distribute their products or provide their services; and (e) nature of the regulatory environment, if applicable. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Corporation changed its approach of aggregating the Ambatovy Joint Venture operating segment, including a wholly-owned subsidiary (“Metals Other”) established to buy, market and sell certain Ambatovy nickel production, and the Moa Joint Venture operating segment, including operations in Fort Saskatchewan. The Corporation now discloses the Ambatovy Joint Venture, the Moa Joint Venture and Fort Saskatchewan, and the Metals Other operating segments as three separate reportable segments. This new segment disclosure is aligned with current information reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker. The Corporation has revised the December 31, 2014 comparative information in note 5 to be consistent with this new segment presentation. This change does not impact the aggregated total within note 5 for the year ended December 31, 2014. 61 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTProperty, plant and equipment Management uses the best available information to determine when a development project reaches commercial viability which is generally based on management’s assessment of when economic quantities of proven and/or probable reserves are determined to exist and the point at which future costs incurred to develop a mine on the property are capitalized. Management also uses the best available information to determine when a project achieves commercial production, the stage at which pre-production costs cease to be capitalized. Commercial production at the Ambatovy Joint Venture was defined as 70% of ore throughput of nameplate capacity in the Pressure Acid Leach (PAL) circuit on average over a thirty-day period. The Corporation declared commercial production at the Ambatovy Joint Venture in January 2014 and began recognizing its share of earnings (losses) from Ambatovy beginning February 1, 2014. For assets under construction, management assesses the stage of each construction project to determine when a project is commercially viable. The criteria used to assess commercial viability are dependent upon the nature of each construction project and include factors such as the asset purpose, complexity of a project and its location, the level of capital expenditure compared to the construction cost estimates, completion of a reasonable period of testing of the mine plant and equipment, ability to produce the commodity in saleable form (within specifications), and ability to sustain ongoing production of the commodity. Asset impairment The Corporation assesses the carrying amount of non-financial assets including investment in a joint venture, property, plant and equipment and intangible assets subject to depreciation and amortization at each reporting date to determine whether there are any indicators that the carrying amount of the assets may be impaired or require a reversal of impairment. Impairment is assessed at the CGU level and the determination of CGUs is an area of judgment. For purposes of determining fair value, management assesses the recoverable amount of the asset using the net present value of expected future cash flows. Projections of future cash flows are based on factors relevant to the asset and could include estimated recoverable production, commodity or contracted prices, foreign exchange rates, production levels, cash costs of production, capital and reclamation costs. Projections inherently require assumptions and judgments to be made about each of the factors affecting future cash flows. Changes in any of these assumptions or judgments could result in a significant difference between the carrying amount and fair value of these assets. Where necessary, management engages qualified third-party professionals to assist in the determination of fair values. Measuring the recoverable amount of the Corporation’s interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture The Corporation accounts for its interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture using the equity method. The Corporation assesses the carrying amount of its investment at each reporting date to determine whether there are any indicators that the carrying amount of the investment may be impaired. For purposes of determining the recoverable amount of its interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture, management calculates the net present value of expected future cash flows. Projections of future cash flows are based on factors relevant to Ambatovy’s operations and could include estimated recoverable production, commodity or contracted prices, foreign exchange rates, production levels, cash costs of production, capital and reclamation costs. Projections inherently require assumptions and judgments to be made about each of the factors affecting future cash flows. The determination of the recoverable amount involves a detailed review of Ambatovy’s life of mine model and the determination of a weighted average cost of capital among other critical factors. Changes in any of these assumptions or judgments could result in a significant difference between the carrying amount and the recoverable amount of this asset. Where necessary, management engages qualified third-party professionals to assist in the determination of recoverable amounts. Overburden removal costs Overburden removal costs are capitalized and depreciated over the useful lives when the overburden removal activity can be shown to create value beyond providing access to the underlying reserve. In many cases, this determination is a matter of judgment. 62 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTExploration and evaluation Management must make estimates and assumptions when determining when to transfer E&E expenditures from intangible asset to property, plant and equipment, which is normally at the time when commercial viability is achieved. Assessing commercial viability requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions as to future events and circumstances, in particular whether an economically viable operation can be established. Any such estimates and assumptions may change as new information becomes available. If after having capitalized the expenditure, a decision is made that recovery of the expenditure is unlikely, the amount capitalized is recognized in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Income taxes In determining whether it is probable that a deferred tax asset will be realized, management reviews the timing of expected reversals of taxable temporary differences, the estimates of future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning that could be implemented. Significant judgment may be involved in determining the timing of expected reversals of temporary differences. Arrangements containing a lease The Corporation determined that the Power facilities in Varadero, Cuba and Madagascar are subject to operating lease arrangements. The Corporation applies judgment in interpreting these arrangements such as determining which assets are specified in an arrangement, determining whether a right to use a specified asset has been conveyed and if relative fair value or another estimation technique to separate lease payments from payments for other goods or services should be used. The Corporation also uses judgment in applying accounting guidance to determine whether these leases are operating or finance leases. Service concession arrangements The Corporation determined that the contract terms regarding the Boca de Jaruco and Puerto Escondido, Cuba, facilities operated by Energas represent service concession arrangements as described in IFRIC 12, “Service concession arrangements” (IFRIC 12). The Corporation uses judgment to determine whether the grantor sets elements of the services provided by the operator, whether the grantor retains any significant ownership interest in the infrastructure at the end of the agreement, and to determine the classification of the service concession asset as either a financial asset or intangible asset. 63 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTAccounting Pronouncements ADOPTION OF NEW AND AMENDED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In fiscal 2015, there have been no new or amended accounting pronouncements that have had a material impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements. ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS ISSUED BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE IFRS 9 – Financial instruments IFRS 9, “Financial instruments” (IFRS 9) was issued by the IASB on July 24, 2014 and will replace IAS 39, “Financial instruments: recognition and measurement” (IAS 39). IFRS 9 utilizes a single approach to determine whether a financial asset is measured at amortized cost or fair value and a new mixed measurement model for debt instruments having only two categories: amortized cost and fair value. The approach in IFRS 9 is based on how an entity manages its financial instruments in the context of its business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets. Final amendments released on July 24, 2014 also introduce a new expected loss impairment model and limited changes to the classification and measurement requirements for financial assets. IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact of this standard and amendments on its consolidated financial statements. IFRS 11 – Joint Arrangements IFRS 11, “Joint Arrangements” (IFRS 11) was amended by the IASB on May 6, 2014. The amendments add new guidance on how to account for the acquisition of an interest in a joint operation that constitutes a business. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements. IFRS 15 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers IFRS 15, “Revenue from Contracts and Customers” (IFRS 15) was issued by the IASB on May 28, 2014, and will replace IAS 18, “Revenue”, IAS 11, “Construction Contracts”, and related interpretations on revenue. IFRS 15 sets out the requirements for recognizing revenue that apply to all contracts with customers, except for contracts that are within the scope of the standards on leases, insurance contracts and financial instruments. IFRS 15 uses a control based approach to recognize revenue which is a change from the risk and reward approach under the current standard. Companies can elect to use either a full or modified retrospective approach when adopting this standard and it is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact of IFRS 15 on its consolidated financial statements. IFRS 16 – Leases IFRS 16, “Leases” (IFRS 16) was issued by the IASB on January 13, 2016, and will replace IAS 17, “Leases”. IFRS 16 will bring most leases on-balance sheet for lessees under a single model, eliminating the distinction between operating and financing leases. Lessor accounting however remains largely unchanged and the distinction between operating and finance leases is retained. The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted if IFRS 15 has also been applied. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact of IFRS 16 on its consolidated financial statements. IAS 1 – Presentation of Financial Statements IAS 1, “Presentation of Financial Statements” (IAS 1) was amended by the IASB on December 18, 2014. The amendments to IAS 1 give guidance on how to apply the concept of materiality in practice. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements. 64 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTIAS 16 – Property, Plant and Equipment IAS 16, “Property, Plant, and Equipment” (IAS 16) was amended by the IASB on May 12, 2014. The amendments to IAS 16 clarify that the use of revenue-based methods to determine the depreciation of an asset is not appropriate. However, the amendments provide limited circumstances when a revenue-based method can be an appropriate basis for amortization. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have an impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements. IAS 38 – Intangible Assets IAS 38, “Intangible Assets” (IAS 38) was amended by the IASB on May 12, 2014. The amendments to IAS 38 clarify that an amortization method based on revenue is generally presumed to be an inappropriate basis for measuring the consumption of the economic benefits embodied in an intangible asset. However, the amendments provide limited circumstances when a revenue-based method can be an appropriate basis for amortization. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have an impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements. Three-year trend analysis The following table presents select financial and operational results for the last three years: $ millions, except per share amounts for the years ended December 31 Revenue Adjusted EBITDA(1) (Loss) earnings from operations, associate and joint venture Loss from continuing operations (Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax Net loss for the period Loss per common share (basic and diluted) ($ per share): Net loss from continuing operations Net loss for the period Dividend rate per share PRODUCTION VOLUMES Finished nickel (tonnes) Moa Joint Venture (50% basis) Ambatovy Joint Venture (40% basis) Finished cobalt (tonnes) Moa Joint Venture (50% basis) Ambatovy Joint Venture (40% basis) Oil (boepd, net working-interest production)(2) Electricity (gigawatt hours) (331/3% basis) (1) For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section. (2) Barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd). $ 2015 335.9 113.1 $ (1,978.6) (2,071.7) (5.0) (2,076.7) (7.05) (7.07) 0.02 16,853 18,908 1,867 1,386 11,158 902 $ 2014 455.6 253.2 (111.9) (318.5) 28.5 (290.0) (1.07) (0.97) 0.04 16,455 14,821 1,605 1,166 10,960 847 2013 448.5 216.7 34.5 (158.5) (501.8) (660.3) (0.53) (2.23) 0.172 16,771 10,059 1,660 833 11,331 589 In 2015, loss from continuing operations was negatively impacted by a $1.6 billion after tax impairment of the Ambatovy Joint Venture assets and $80.6 million impairment on Oil assets. In 2014, loss from continuing operations was negatively impacted by $205.4 million in losses related to the Corporation’s share of loss of an associate, $14.4 million of impairments at Oil and Gas primarily related to its exploration and evaluation licenses in the United Kingdom’s North Sea and in Spain’s Alboran Sea, and $7.5 million of restructuring costs. In 2013, loss from continuing operations was negatively impacted by $36.7 million of impairments in Metals as a result of a change in expansion strategy and in Power as a result of a $22.1 million impairment at the Boca de Jaruco and Puerto Escondido facilities in Cuba, a $7.3 million impairment at an electricity generation facility in Madagascar and a $9.9 million provision on receivables related to this facility. In 2013, net loss for the period also includes losses related to the classification of Coal as a discontinued operation. 65 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTSummary of quarterly results The following table presents a summary of the segment revenue and consolidated operating results for each of the eight quarters ended March 31, 2014 to December 31, 2015(1). $ millions, except per share amounts, for the three months ended 2015 Dec 31 2015 Sept 30 2015 June 30 2015 Mar 31 2014 Dec 31 2014 Sept 30 2014 June 30 2014 Mar 31 Revenue Metals Oil and Gas Power Corporate and Other Combined Revenue(2) Adjust joint venture and associate revenue Financial statement revenue $ $ $ 183.8 $ 193.4 $ 204.2 $ 223.7 $ 216.5 $ 221.2 $ 216.0 $ 160.1 30.5 13.7 1.5 38.5 14.5 0.1 51.3 12.7 0.2 42.3 11.8 0.5 49.6 11.7 0.5 68.1 12.7 0.7 74.7 12.7 1.2 76.9 11.9 1.8 229.5 $ 246.5 $ 268.4 $ 278.3 $ 278.3 $ 302.7 $ 304.6 $ 250.7 (153.0) (169.6) (168.8) (195.4) (176.7) (199.8) (174.4) (129.8) 76.5 $ 76.9 $ 99.6 $ 82.9 $ 101.6 $ 102.9 $ 130.2 $ 120.9 Share of loss of an associate, net of tax (1,703.2) (68.6) (62.6) (42.3) (65.0) (49.4) (50.9) (40.1) Share of (loss) earnings of a joint venture, net of tax (9.1) (6.4) (0.3) 4.0 4.5 10.8 1.0 (6.9) Net loss from continuing operations (1,757.3) (210.0) (47.6) (56.8) (147.7) (51.3) (49.0) (70.5) (Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax – – (5.0) – (12.7) – 18.9 22.3 Net loss for the period $ (1,757.3) $ (210.0) $ (52.6) $ (56.8) $ (160.4) $ (51.3) $ (30.1) $ (48.2) NET LOSS PER SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED ($ PER SHARE) Net loss from continuing operations $ (5.99) $ (0.72) $ (0.16) $ (0.19) $ (0.50) $ (0.17) $ (0.16) $ (0.24) Net loss for the period (5.99) (0.72) (0.18) (0.19) (0.54) (0.17) (0.10) (0.16) (1) On April 28, 2014, the Corporation completed the sale of its Coal operations. Results for Coal prior to the date of sale and any subsequent expenses relating to Coal have been reported in (loss) earnings from discontinued operations. (2) For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section. In general, net (loss) earnings for the Corporation are primarily affected by commodity prices, sales volumes and exchange rates that impact revenue and costs. The average Canadian dollar cost to purchase one U.S. dollar for the above quarters has ranged from $1.09 to $1.34. In addition to the impact of commodity prices, sales volumes and exchange rates, net (loss) earnings were impacted by the following significant items (pre-tax): • the fourth quarter of 2015 includes an impairment of $1.6 billion recognized on Ambatovy Joint Venture assets; • the third quarter of 2015 includes an impairment of $80.6 million recognized on oil assets. Net finance expense includes a loss on financial instruments of $13.7 million related to the expiry of the Ambatovy call option; • the second quarter of 2015 includes a gain on sale of the Corporation’s head office building of $19.1 million and an additional tax recovery of $13.2 million related to tax rate reductions in Cuba; • the first quarter of 2015 includes a tax recovery of $30.1 million related to tax rate reductions in Cuba; • the fourth quarter of 2014 includes $33.8 million of fees related to the repurchase and redemption of debentures, $7.5 million related to restructuring costs and unrealized foreign exchange losses partly offset by a $3.3 million gain on sale of the Corporate assets and a $1.3 million gain on arbitration settlement; • the third quarter of 2014 includes a $12.8 million gain on arbitration settlement; • the second quarter of 2014 includes a $13.0 million gain recognized on the sale of the Coal operations; • the first quarter of 2014 includes a reduction in depletion, depreciation, and amortization as a result of classifying Coal as a discontinued operation. 66 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTOff-balance sheet arrangements The Corporation has no foreign exchange or commodity options, futures or forward contracts. Transactions with related parties The Corporation and subsidiaries provide goods, labour, advisory and other administrative services to jointly controlled entities and an associate at fair value. The Corporation and its subsidiaries also market, pursuant to sales agreements, a portion of the nickel, cobalt and certain by-products produced by certain jointly controlled entities and an associate in the Metals business. Canadian $ millions, as at Accounts receivable from joint operations Accounts receivable from joint venture Accounts receivable from associate Accounts payable to joint operations Accounts payable to joint venture Accounts payable to associate Advances and loans receivable from associate Advances and loans receivable from joint operations Advances and loans receivable from joint venture Canadian $ millions Total value of goods and services: Provided to joint operations Provided to joint venture Provided to associate Purchased from joint operations Purchased from joint venture Purchased from associate Net financing income from joint operations Net financing income from associate Net financing income from joint venture 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 $ 0.7 $ 20.2 33.8 0.2 5.2 0.5 0.1 20.6 37.5 0.1 34.2 2.5 1,187.2 1,489.9 182.0 312.8 239.3 250.3 For the three months ended 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 For the years ended 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 $ 12.8 $ 7.6 $ 33.2 $ 36.2 0.7 – 39.5 11.2 3.7 16.9 2.3 38.4 (0.3) – 61.6 14.1 1.5 13.5 2.0 169.4 2.9 – 141.0 53.8 16.1 65.6 8.6 20.2 165.1 2.2 1.0 192.0 58.5 15.5 45.5 7.4 Transactions between related parties are generally based on standard commercial terms. All amounts outstanding are unsecured and will be settled in cash. No guarantees have been given or received on the outstanding amounts. No expense has been recognized in the current or prior periods for bad debts in respect of amounts owed by related parties. Advances and loans receivable from associate, joint operation and joint venture relate to the Corporation’s interest in the Ambatovy subordinated loans receivable, Energas conditional sales agreement, and Moa Joint Venture loans receivable, respectively. For further detail, refer to note 17 of the Corporation’s December 31, 2015 audited consolidated financial statements. Goods and services provided to joint venture primarily relates to services provided by Fort Site to Moa Joint Venture. Goods and services purchased from associate relate to nickel purchased from the Ambatovy Joint Venture purchased under long term nickel off take agreements by a subsidiary of the Corporation established to buy, market and sell certain Ambatovy nickel production. Net financing income from associate relates to interest income recognized by the Corporation on the Ambatovy subordinated loans receivable. 67 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTKey management personnel Key management personnel is composed of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice Presidents of the Corporation. The following is a summary of key management personnel compensation: Canadian $ millions, as at Short-term benefits Post-employment benefits(1) Share-based payments 2015 December 31 2014 December 31 $ $ $ 7.5 1.8 6.3 15.6 $ 7.8 1.4 5.7 14.9 (1) Post-employment benefits include a non-registered defined contribution executive supplemental pension plan. The total cash pension contribution for key management personnel was $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 ($0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014). The total pension expense that is attributable to key management personnel was $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 ($0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014). Controls and procedures DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in National Instrument 52–109 of the Canadian Securities Commission (NI 52–109). Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant information is gathered and reported to management, including the CEO and CFO, on a timely basis so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding public disclosure. Management, with the participation of the certifying officers, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation, as of December 31, 2015, of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the certifying officers have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective and designed to ensure that material information known by others relating to the Corporation and its subsidiaries is provided to them. INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in NI 52–109. Internal control over financial reporting means a process designed by or under the supervision of the CEO and CFO, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. The internal controls are not expected to prevent and detect all misstatements due to error or fraud. Management advises that there have been no changes in the Corporation’s internal controls over financial reporting during 2015 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. Management, with the participation of the certifying officers, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal controls over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2015, using the Internal Control-Integrated Framework published in 2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO 2013 Framework). Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2015. 68 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTSupplementary information SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS The following table shows the approximate impact on the Corporation’s net earnings and earnings per share from continuing operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 from a change in selected key variables. The impact is measured changing one variable at a time and may not necessarily be indicative of sensitivities on future results. Factor PRICES Nickel – LME price per pound(1) Cobalt – Metal Bulletin price per pound(1) Oil – U.S. Gulf Coast Fuel Oil No. 6 price per barrel EXCHANGE RATE Weakening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar OPERATING COSTS(1) Natural gas – per gigajoule (Moa Joint Venture) Sulphur – per tonne (Moa Joint Venture and Ambatovy) Sulphuric acid – per tonne (Moa Joint Venture) Coal – per tonne (Ambatovy) Limestone – per tonne (Ambatovy) Approximate change in annual net earnings ($ millions) Increase/ (decrease) Approximate change in annual basic EPS Increase/ (decrease) $ 45 4 15 0.15 0.02 0.05 Increase 0.50 $ 0.50 5.00 0.05 (38) (0.13) 1.00 25.00 25.00 20.00 5.00 (4) (7) (4) (4) (3) (0.02) (0.04) (0.02) (0.02) (0.01) US$ US$ US$ $ $ US$ US$ US$ US$ (1) Variable changes are applied at the operating level with the approximate change in net earnings and basic EPS representing the Corporation’s 50% interest in the Moa Joint Venture and 40% interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture. 69 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTOIL AND GAS PRODUCTION AND SALES VOLUME The following table provides further detail about the Corporation’s oil and gas production and determination of sales volumes. Daily production volumes(1) December 31 December 31 Change December 31 December 31 Change GROSS WORKING-INTEREST OIL PRODUCTION IN CUBA(2)(3) NET WORKING-INTEREST OIL PRODUCTION(4) 17,045 18,701 (9%) 18,257 19,456 (6%) For the three months ended 2014 2015 For the years ended 2014 2015 Cuba (heavy oil) Cost recovery Profit oil Total Spain (light oil)(4) Pakistan (natural gas)(4) 4,580 5,565 10,145 292 290 4,311 5,493 9,804 257 308 10,727 10,369 6% 1% 3% 14% (6%) 3% 4,059 6,378 10,437 426 295 3,395 6,975 10,370 280 310 11,158 10,960 20% (9%) 1% 52% (5%) 2% (1) Oil production is stated in barrels of oil per day (bopd). Natural gas production is stated in barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), which is converted at 6,000 cubic feet per barrel. Collectively, oil and natural gas production are referred to as boepd. (2) In Cuba, Oil and Gas delivered all of its gross working-interest oil production to CUPET at the time of production. (3) Gross working-interest oil production is allocated between Oil and Gas and CUPET in accordance with production-sharing contracts. The Corporation’s share, referred to as net working-interest production, includes (i) cost recovery oil (based upon the recoverable capital and operating costs incurred by Oil and Gas under each production-sharing contract) and (ii) a percentage of profit oil (gross working-interest production remaining after cost recovery oil is allocated to Oil and Gas). Cost recovery pools for each production-sharing contract include cumulative recoverable costs, subject to certification by CUPET, less cumulative proceeds from cost recovery oil allocated to Oil and Gas. Cost recovery revenue equals capital and operating costs eligible for recovery under the production-sharing contracts. (4) Net working-interest production (equivalent to net sales volume) represents the Corporation’s share of gross working-interest production. NON-GAAP MEASURES Management uses combined results, Adjusted EBITDA, average-realized price, unit operating cost, adjusted earnings, adjusted operating cash flow per share and free cash flow to monitor the financial performance of the Corporation and its operating divisions and believes these measures enable investors and analysts to compare the Corporation’s financial performance with its competitors and evaluate the results of its underlying business. These measures do not have a standard definition under IFRS and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. As these measures do not have a standardized meaning, they may not be comparable to similar measures provided by other companies. The Ambatovy Joint Venture achieved commercial production on January 22, 2014 and commenced recognizing revenues and costs within the statement of comprehensive income (loss) effective February 1, 2014. The non-GAAP measures reflect Ambatovy operating results for the post-commercial production period. Combined results The Corporation presents combined revenue, combined cost of sales, combined administrative expenses, combined net finance expense, and combined income taxes (together, combined results) as measures which help management assess the Corporation’s financial performance across its business units. The combined results include the Corporation’s consolidated financial results, and the results of its 50% share of the Moa Joint Venture and its 40% share of the Ambatovy Joint Venture, both of which are accounted for using the equity method for accounting purposes. Management uses these measures to reflect the Corporation’s economic interest in its business units prior to the application of equity accounting. Refer to pages 18 – 20 for the reconciliations of the combined results. Adjusted EBITDA The Corporation defines Adjusted EBITDA as earnings (loss) from operations, associate and joint venture as reported in the financial statements for the period adjusted for depletion, depreciation and amortization; impairment charges for long lived assets, intangible assets, goodwill and investments; and gain or loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment of the Corporation, associate and joint venture. The exclusion of impairment charges eliminates the non-cash impact. 70 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTThe tables below reconcile Adjusted EBITDA to net earnings (loss) from operations, associate and joint venture: $ millions, for the three months ended December 31 Metals Moa JV and Fort Site Ambatovy JV Other Total Oil and Gas Corporate and Other Power Adjustment for Joint Venture and Associate 2015 Total Earnings (loss) from operations, associate and joint venture per financial statements Add (deduct): Depletion, depreciation and amortization Impairment of assets Adjustments for share of associate and joint venture: $ (6.8) $ (1,785.5) $ (0.6) $ (1,792.9) $ (1.2) $ (3.3) $ (7.9) $ 83.4 $ (1,721.9) Depletion, depreciation and amortization 10.3 53.5 0.5 64.3 Net finance expense Income tax recovery Adjusted EBITDA – – – – $ 7.6 $ (9.5) $ – – – $ millions, for the three months ended December 31 – – 2.7 1.4 – 1,722.5 0.1 – 2.8 10.9 1,723.9 8.8 – – – – 0.7 – – – – – – 23.2 1,723.9 29.8 64.3 29.8 (113.2) (113.2) – – – – $ (1.9) $ 9.7 $ 5.5 $ (7.2) $ – $ 6.1 Metals Moa JV and Ambatovy JV Fort Site Other Total Oil and Gas Power Adjustment for Joint Corporate Venture and Associate and Other 2014 Total Earnings (loss) from operations, associate and joint venture per financial statements Add (deduct): $ 9.9 $ (51.6) $ 0.5 $ (41.2) $ (4.9) $ (0.1) $ (11.8) $ (16.9) $ (74.9) Depletion, depreciation and amortization 3.1 Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangibles Gain on property, plant and equipment and intangibles – – – – – (0.1) 3.0 – – – – Adjustments for share of associate and joint venture: Depletion, depreciation and amortization 8.2 44.1 (0.5) 51.8 Net finance expense Income tax recovery Adjusted EBITDA – – – – – – – – 17.6 13.6 – – – – 5.5 – – – – – 1.2 – (3.3) – – – – – – – 23.2 (6.3) 27.3 13.6 (3.3) 51.8 23.2 (6.3) $ 21.2 $ (7.5) $ (0.1) $ 13.6 $ 26.3 $ 5.4 $ (13.9) $ – $ 31.4 71 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT$ millions, for the year ended December 31 Metals Moa JV and Fort Site Ambatovy JV Other Total Oil and Gas Power Adjustment for Joint Corporate Venture and Associate and Other 2015 Total Depletion, depreciation and amortization 35.5 202.2 (Loss) earnings from operations, associate and joint venture per financial statements Add (deduct): Depletion, depreciation and amortization Impairment of assets Gain on property, plant and equipment and intangibles Adjustments for share of associate and joint venture: Net finance expense Income tax recovery Adjusted EBITDA $ millions, for the year ended December 31 Earnings (loss) from operations, associate and joint venture per financial statements Add (deduct): $ (4.4) $(1,934.1) $ 0.5 $(1,938.0) $ (71.6) $ (3.7) $ (15.9) $ 50.6 $(1,978.6) 9.7 1.4 – – 1,722.5 – – – – – – – – – – – 9.7 1,723.9 – 237.7 – – 72.9 80.6 – – – – 33.7 – – – – – 2.9 – (19.1) – – – 119.2 1,804.5 (19.1) – – – 85.5 237.7 85.5 (136.1) (136.1) $ 42.2 $ (9.4) $ 0.5 $ 33.3 $ 81.9 $ 30.0 $ (32.1) $ – $ 113.1 Metals Moa JV and Ambatovy JV Fort Site Other Total Oil and Gas Adjustment for Joint Corporate Venture and Associate Power and Other 2014 Total $ 39.0 $ (158.4) $ 1.3 $ (118.1) $ 110.7 $ 4.3 $ (37.2) $ (71.6) $ (111.9) Depletion, depreciation and amortization 10.4 Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangibles Gain on property, plant and equipment and intangibles – – – – – (0.1) 10.3 – – – – Adjustments for share of associate and joint venture: Depletion, depreciation and amortization 28.7 152.9 (0.5) 181.1 – – – – – – – – 66.6 14.4 – – – – 20.5 – – – – – 3.9 – (3.3) – – – – – – – 80.7 (9.1) 101.3 14.4 (3.3) 181.1 80.7 (9.1) $ 78.1 $ (5.5) $ 0.7 $ 73.3 $ 191.7 $ 24.8 $ (36.6) $ – $ 253.2 Net finance expense Income tax recovery Adjusted EBITDA 72 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTAverage-realized price Average-realized price is generally calculated by dividing revenue by sales volume for the given product in a given division. The average-realized price for nickel, cobalt, and fertilizer excludes the impact of by-product revenue and the metals marketing company. The average-realized price for oil and gas is based on net working-interest oil plus natural gas production stated in barrels of oil equivalent. The tables below reconcile average-realized price to revenue as per the financial statements: $ millions, except average-realized price and sales volume, for the three months ended December 31 2015 Metals Nickel Cobalt Fertilizer Other revenue Total Oil and Gas Power Revenue per financial statements $ 111.6 $ 27.6 $ 27.9 $ 16.7 $ 183.8 $ 30.5 $ 13.7 Adjustments to revenue: By-product revenue Processing revenue Service concession arrangement revenue Revenue for purposes of average-realized price calculation Sales volume for the period Volume units Average-realized price(2)(3) – – – 111.6 19.6 – – – 27.6 2.1 – – – 27.9 75.3 Millions of pounds Millions of pounds Thousands of tonnes $ 5.54 $ 12.91 $ 371 – (1.4) – 29.1 1.0 (1.0) – 0.2 12.9 226 Millions of barrels(1) Gigawatts $ 29.53 $ 56.53 $ millions, except average-realized price and sales volume, for the three months ended December 31 2014 Metals Nickel Cobalt Fertilizer Other revenue Total Oil and Gas Power Revenue per financial statements $ 140.2 $ 23.3 $ 32.2 $ 20.8 $ 216.5 $ 49.6 $ 11.7 Adjustments to revenue: By-product revenue Processing revenue Revenue for purposes of average-realized price calculation Sales volume for the period Volume units Average-realized price(2)(3) – – 140.2 17.8 – – 23.3 1.6 – – 32.2 87.2 Millions of pounds Millions of pounds Thousands of tonnes $ 7.89 $ 15.34 $ 370 – (2.4) 47.2 1.0 (1.4) – 10.3 214 Millions of barrels(1) Gigawatts $ 49.58 $ 48.38 $ millions, except average-realized price and sales volume, for the year ended December 31 2015 Metals Nickel Cobalt Fertilizer Other revenue Total Oil and Gas Power Revenue per financial statements $ 530.8 $ 108.8 $ 88.4 $ 77.1 $ 805.1 $ 162.6 $ 52.7 Adjustments to revenue: By-product revenue Processing revenue Service concession arrangement revenue Other Revenue for purposes of average-realized price calculation Sales volume for the period Volume units Average-realized price(2)(3) – – – – – – – – – – – – 530.8 79.0 108.8 7.2 88.4 238.1 Millions of pounds Millions of pounds Thousands of tonnes $ 6.68 $ 15.20 $ 371 – (4.9) – – 157.7 4.1 (4.0) – 0.3 – 49.0 902 Millions of barrels(1) Gigawatts $ 38.73 $ 54.26 73 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT$ millions, except average-realized price and sales volume, for the year ended December 31 2014 Metals Nickel Cobalt Fertilizer Other revenue Total Oil and Gas Power Revenue per financial statements $ 551.3 $ 89.6 $ 90.1 $ 82.8 $ 813.8 $ 269.3 $ 49.0 Adjustments to revenue: By-product revenue Processing revenue Service concession arrangement revenue Revenue for purposes of average-realized price calculation Sales volume for the period Volume units Average-realized price(2)(3) – – – 551.3 66.5 – – – 89.6 6.0 – – – 90.1 251.1 Millions of pounds Millions of pounds Thousands of tonnes $ 8.29 $ 15.10 $ 359 For purposes of average-realized price tables, above: (1) Net working-interest oil production. For additional discussion see Oil and Gas Production and Sales Volume section. (2) Average-realized price may not calculate based on amounts presented due to foreign exchange and rounding. (3) Power, average-realized price per MWh. – (6.5) – 262.8 4.0 (7.3) – (2.1) 39.6 847 Millions of barrels(1) Gigawatts $ 65.69 $ 46.81 Unit operating cost With the exception of Metals, which uses net direct cash cost, unit operating cost is generally calculated by dividing cost of sales as reported in the financial statements, less depreciation, depletion and amortization in cost of sales, the impact of impairment, gains and losses on property, plant, and equipment and exploration and evaluation assets and certain other non-production related costs by the number of units sold. The Moa Joint Venture’s and Ambatovy Joint Venture’s net direct cash cost is calculated by dividing cost of sales, as reported in the financial statements, adjusted for the following: depreciation, depletion and amortization in cost of sales; cobalt by-product, fertilizer and other revenue; and other costs primarily related to the impact of opening and closing inventory values, by the number of finished nickel pounds sold in the period, and expressed in U.S. dollars. Average unit operating costs for oil and gas is based on gross working-interest oil plus natural gas production stated in barrels of oil equivalent. The tables below reconcile unit operating cost to cost of sales per the financial statements: $ millions, except unit cost and sales volume, for the three months ended December 31 Metals Moa JV and Fort Site Ambatovy JV Other Total Oil and Gas 2015 Power Cost of sales per financial statements $ 106.3 $ 165.6 $ 13.0 $ 284.9 $ 30.2 $ 16.7 Less: Depletion, depreciation and amortization in cost of sales Adjustments to cost of sales: Cobalt by-product, fertilizer and other revenue Impact of opening/closing inventory and other Service concession arrangements – Cost of construction Impairments Cost of sales for purposes of unit cost calculation Sales volume for the period Volume units Unit operating cost(2)(3) Unit operating cost (U.S. dollars) (13.0) 93.3 (46.3) (10.6) – – 36.4 9.3 (53.4) 112.2 (15.2) (0.7) – (39.4) 57.0 10.3 Millions of pounds Millions of pounds $ $ 3.90 2.90 5.54 4.07 (0.6) 12.4 (67.0) 217.9 (10.9) 19.3 (8.7) 8.0 – – – – 19.3 1.6 – – 0.2 – 8.2 226 Millions of barrels(1) Gigawatts $ 11.64 $ 33.88 74 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT$ millions, except unit cost and sales volume, for the three months ended December 31 Metals Moa JV and Fort Site Ambatovy JV Other Total Oil and Gas 2014 Power Cost of sales per financial statements $ 113.2 $ 116.4 $ 15.1 $ 244.7 $ 52.9 $ 10.3 (43.7) 72.7 0.5 15.6 (54.5) 190.2 (17.5) 35.4 (5.5) 4.8 Less: Depletion, depreciation and amortization in cost of sales Adjustments to cost of sales: Cobalt by-product, fertilizer and other revenue Impact of opening/closing inventory and other Service concession arrangements – Cost of construction Impairments Cost of sales for purposes of unit cost calculation Sales volume for the period Volume units Unit operating cost(2)(3) Unit operating cost (U.S. dollars) (11.3) 101.9 (50.3) (2.7) – – 48.9 9.7 (9.6) 1.1 – – 64.2 8.1 Millions of pounds Millions of pounds $ $ 5.04 4.44 7.96 6.98 – – – (13.6) 21.8 1.8 – – – – 4.8 214 Millions of barrels(1) Gigawatts $ 12.25 $ 22.82 $ millions, except unit cost and sales volume, for the year ended December 31 Metals Moa JV and Fort Site Ambatovy JV Other Total Oil and Gas 2015 Power Cost of sales per financial statements $ 410.9 $ 558.4 $ 58.8 $ 1,028.1 $ 146.9 $ 52.6 Less: Depletion, depreciation and amortization in cost of sales (45.1) (201.7) – (246.8) (72.7) 365.8 356.7 58.8 781.3 74.2 Adjustments to cost of sales: Cobalt by-product, fertilizer and other revenue Impact of opening/closing inventory and other Service concession arrangements – Cost of construction Impairments Cost of sales for purposes of unit cost calculation Sales volume for the period Volume units Unit operating cost(2)(3) Unit operating cost (U.S. dollars) (158.1) (22.0) – – 185.7 37.4 (58.3) 0.1 – (39.4) 259.1 41.6 Millions of pounds Millions of pounds $ $ 4.96 3.88 6.23 4.83 (33.6) 19.0 – – 0.3 – 19.3 902 – – – – 74.2 6.9 Millions of barrels(1) Gigawatts $ 10.69 $ 21.00 75 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT$ millions, except unit cost and sales volume, for the year ended December 31 Metals Moa JV and Fort Site Ambatovy JV Other Total Oil and Gas 2014 Power Cost of sales per financial statements $ 408.0 $ 424.3 $ 62.2 $ 894.5 $ 150.0 $ 37.1 Less: Depletion, depreciation and amortization in cost of sales Adjustments to cost of sales: Cobalt by-product, fertilizer and other revenue Impact of opening/closing inventory and other Service concession arrangements – Cost of construction Impairments Cost of sales for purposes of unit cost calculation Sales volume for the period Volume units Unit operating cost(2)(3) Unit operating cost (U.S. dollars) (39.0) 369.0 (152.5) 271.8 0.5 62.7 (191.0) (66.3) (20.4) 703.5 83.7 16.7 (156.0) (12.2) – – 200.8 36.6 (41.5) 3.3 – – 233.6 29.9 Millions of pounds Millions of pounds $ $ 5.49 4.99 7.81 7.04 – – – (14.4) 69.3 7.3 – – (2.1) – 14.6 847 Millions of barrels(1) Gigawatts $ 9.45 $ 17.25 For purposes of unit operating cost tables, above: (1) Gross working-interest oil production. For additional discussion, see Oil and Gas Production and Sales Volume section. (2) Unit operating costs may not calculate based on amounts presented due to rounding. (3) Power, unit operating cost per MWh. 76 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTAdjusted earnings from continuing operations The Corporation defines adjusted earnings from continuing operations as earnings from continuing operations less items not reflective of operational performance. These adjusting items include, but are not limited to, the Ambatovy call option fair value adjustment, impairment of assets, gains and losses on the acquisition or disposition of assets, gains and losses on unrealized foreign exchange, and other one-time adjustments. While some adjustments are recurring (such as the Ambatovy call option fair value adjustment), management believes that they do not reflect the Corporation’s operational performance or future operational performance. Management believes that these measures, which are used internally to monitor operational performance, provide investors the ability to better assess the Corporation’s operations. The table below reconciles adjusted earnings net earnings (loss) per the financial statements: $ millions For the three months ended 2014 2015 December 31 2015 December 31 December 31 For the years ended 2014 December 31 Net (loss) earnings from continuing operations $ (1,757.3) $ (147.7) $ (2,071.7) $ (318.5) Adjusting items: Sherritt – Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss – Continuing Corporate – Call option fair value adjustment Corporate – Restructuring and other Severance Corporate – Sale of Corporate Assets and Arbitration Settlement Corporate – Refinancing of Debentures Ambatovy – Impairment of assets (net of tax) Ambatovy – VAT discounting adjustment Ambatovy – Arbitration Awards Oil and Gas – Impairment on oil assets and exploration license impairment Oil and Gas – Obsolete inventory and asset impairment Oil and Gas – Revenue adjustment Power – Interest adjustment Moa JV – Obsolete inventory and equipment impairment Other TOTAL ADJUSTMENTS, BEFORE TAX Tax adjustments(1) ADJUSTED NET (LOSS) EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 18.3 – – – – 1,619.6 – – – 1.7 – – 2.9 – 5.7 4.6 8.5 (4.6) 33.6 – – – 12.3 3.6 4.5 3.0 – – 44.3 17.7 2.2 (19.1) – 1,619.6 (4.5) 4.5 80.6 1.7 – – 2.9 7.4 1,642.5 $ 71.2 $ 1,757.3 $ 1.0 (3.5) (36.9) 15.0 8.5 8.5 (17.4) 33.6 – – – 12.3 4.3 4.5 3.0 – – 72.3 (0.3) (113.8) $ (80.0) $ (351.3) $ (246.5) $ $ (1) Year to date period includes tax recoveries of $43.3 million related to changes in tax rates in Cuba. See Income taxes on page 20 for further details. 77 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTCombined adjusted operating cash flow per share The Corporation defines combined adjusted operating cash flow per share as cash provided (used) by continuing operations adjusted for dividends received from joint venture and associate and before net changes in non-cash working capital divided by the weighted average number of outstanding shares during the period. The tables below reconcile combined adjusted operating cash flow per share to the consolidated statement of cash flow: $ millions, except per share amounts, for the three months ended December 31 Metals Moa JV and Fort Site Ambatovy JV Other Total Oil and Gas Corporate Combined total Power and Other Adjustment for Joint Venture and Associate 2015 Total derived from financial statements Cash provided (used) by continuing operations Adjust: net change in non-cash working capital Adjusted continuing operating cash flow Combined adjusted operating cash flow per share(1) $ 21.1 $ (22.3) $ 1.4 $ 0.2 $ 30.2 $ 6.5 $ (28.5) $ 8.4 $ 2.4 $ 10.8 (12.4) (4.9) (1.5) (18.9) (22.6) 2.3 1.3 (37.9) 22.4 (15.4) 8.7 (27.2) (0.1) (18.7) 7.6 8.8 (27.2) (29.5) 24.8 (4.6) $ 0.03 $ (0.09) $ – $ (0.06) $ 0.03 $ 0.03 $ (0.09) $ (0.09) $ 0.08 $ (0.01) (1) The weighted average number of common shares for the quarter was 293.9 million shares. $ millions, except per share amounts, for the three months ended December 31 Metals Moa JV and Fort Site Ambatovy JV Other Total Oil and Gas Corporate Combined and Other total Power Adjustment for Joint Venture and Associate 2014 Total derived from financial statements Cash provided (used) by continuing operations Adjust: net change in non-cash working capital Adjusted continuing operating cash flow Combined adjusted operating cash flow per share(1) $ 30.0 $ (16.8) $ 2.4 $ 15.6 $ 58.3 $ 18.5 $ (55.0) $ 37.4 $ 2.0 $ 39.4 (16.0) (9.6) (2.4) (28.0) (31.3) (1.4) (18.0) (78.7) 15.9 (62.8) 14.0 (26.4) – (12.4) 27.0 17.1 (73.0) (41.3) 17.9 (23.4) $ 0.05 $ (0.09) $ – $ (0.04) $ 0.09 $ 0.06 $ (0.25) $ (0.14) $ 0.06 $ (0.08) (1) The weighted average number of common shares for the quarter was 297.2 million shares. $ millions, except per share amounts, for the year ended December 31 Metals Moa JV and Fort Site Ambatovy JV Other Total Oil and Gas Adjustment for Joint Corporate Combined Venture and Associate total Power and Other 2015 Total derived from financial statements Cash provided (used) by continuing operations Adjust: net change in non-cash working capital Adjusted continuing operating cash flow Combined adjusted operating cash flow per share(1) $ 53.4 $ (24.3) $ 4.1 $ 33.2 $ 80.7 $ 61.4 $ (108.6) $ 66.7 $ (2.2) $ 64.5 (22.9) (5.1) (3.7) (31.7) (6.8) 6.7 28.2 (3.6) 24.7 30.5 (29.4) 0.4 1.5 73.9 68.1 (80.4) 63.1 22.5 21.1 85.6 $ 0.10 $ (0.10) $ – $ – $ 0.25 $ 0.23 $ (0.27) $ 0.21 $ 0.08 $ 0.29 (1) The weighted average number of common shares for the year was 293.7 million shares. 78 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT$ millions, except per share amounts, for the year ended December 31 Metals Moa JV and Ambatovy JV Fort Site Other Total Oil and Gas Power Adjustment 2014 Total for Joint derived from financial statements Corporate Combined Venture and Associate and Other total Cash provided (used) by continuing operations Adjust: net change in non-cash working capital Adjusted continuing operating cash flow Combined adjusted operating cash flow per share(1) $ 34.5 $ (52.6) $ 0.9 $ (17.2) $ 193.8 $ 49.8 $ (148.6) $ 77.8 $ 31.8 $ 109.6 23.7 30.9 (0.2) 54.4 (42.4) (1.9) 7.2 17.3 (51.6) (34.3) 58.2 (21.7) 0.7 37.2 151.4 47.9 (141.4) 95.1 (19.8) 75.3 $ 0.20 $ (0.07) $ – $ 0.13 $ 0.51 $ 0.16 $ (0.48) $ 0.32 $ (0.07) $ 0.25 (1) The weighted average number of common shares for the year was 297.0 million shares. Combined free cash flow The Corporation defines combined free cash flow as cash flow provided (used) by continuing operations adjusted for dividends received from joint venture and associate less cash spending on property plant and equipment, exploration and evaluation, and intangible expenditures. The tables below reconciled free cash flow to the consolidated statement of cash flow. $ millions, for the three months ended December 31 Metals Moa JV and Fort Site Ambatovy JV Other Total Oil and Gas Corporate Combined and Other total Power Adjustment for Joint Venture and Associate 2015 Total derived from financial statements $ 21.1 $ (22.3) $ 1.4 $ 0.2 $ 30.2 $ 6.5 $ (28.5) $ 8.4 $ 2.4 $ 10.8 Cash provided (used) by continuing operations Less: Property, plant and equipment expenditures Intangible Expenditures (19.8) (4.3) – – – – (24.1) – (6.4) (0.5) (2.1) (0.1) (32.7) – – (0.5) 22.0 – Free Cash Flow $ 1.3 $ (26.6) $ 1.4 $ (23.9) $ 23.3 $ 4.4 $ (28.6) (24.8) $ 24.4 $ (10.7) (0.5) (0.4) $ millions, for the three months ended December 31 Metals Moa JV and Fort Site Ambatovy JV Other Total Oil and Gas Corporate Combined and Other total Power Adjustment for Joint Venture and Associate 2014 Total derived from financial statements Cash provided (used) by continuing operations Less: Property, plant and equipment expenditures Intangible expenditures $ 30.0 $ (16.8) $ 2.4 $ 15.6 $ 58.3 $ 18.5 $ (55.0) $ 37.4 $ 2.0 $ 39.4 (21.0) (12.3) – – – – (33.3) (16.6) (2.2) – (0.1) – 0.1 (0.1) (52.0) (0.2) 26.8 – (25.2) (0.2) Free Cash Flow $ 9.0 $ (29.1) $ 2.4 $ (17.7) $ 41.6 $ 16.3 $ (55.0) (14.8) $ 28.8 $ 14.0 79 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTCash provided (used) by continuing operations Less: Property, plant and equipment expenditures Intangible Expenditures $ millions, for the year ended December 31 Metals Moa JV and Fort Site Ambatovy JV Other Total Oil and Gas Power Corporate and Other Combined total 2015 Adjustment for Joint Venture and Associate Total derived from financial statements $ 53.4 $ (24.3) $ 4.1 $ 33.2 $ 80.7 $ 61.4 $ (108.6) $ 66.7 $ (2.2) $ 64.5 (62.4) (36.1) – – – – (98.5) – (57.9) (1.4) (4.4) (3.3) (164.1) – – (1.4) 85.1 – Free Cash Flow $ (9.0) $ (60.4) $ 4.1 $ (65.3) $ 21.4 $ 57.0 $ (111.9) (98.8) $ 82.9 $ (79.0) (1.4) (15.9) $ millions, for the year ended December 31 Metals Moa JV and Fort Site Ambatovy JV Other Total Oil and Gas Power Corporate Combined and Other total Adjustment for Joint Venture and Associate 2014 Total derived from financial statements Cash provided (used) by continuing operations Less: $ 34.5 $ (52.6) $ 0.9 $ (17.2) $ 193.8 $ 49.8 $ (148.6) $ 77.8 $ 31.8 $ 109.6 Property, plant and equipment expenditures (41.4) (50.3) Intangible expenditures – – – – (91.7) (62.0) – (0.8) (3.7) (0.7) (0.6) (158.0) – (1.5) 77.2 – (80.8) (1.5) Free Cash Flow $ (6.9) $ (102.9) $ 0.9 $ (108.9) $ 131.0 $ 45.4 $ (149.2) (81.7) $ 109.0 $ 27.3 80 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTFORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This MD&A contains certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of statements that include such words as “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “forecast”, “likely”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “suspect”, “outlook”, “projected”, “continue” or other similar words or phrases. Specifically, forward-looking statements in this document include, but are not limited to, statements set out in the “Outlook” sections of this MD&A and certain expectations about capital costs and expenditures; capital project completion dates; future price of key commodities; sales volumes; revenue, costs, and earnings; sufficiency of working capital and capital project funding; completion of development and exploration wells; and amounts of certain joint venture commitments. Forward-looking statements are not based on historic facts, but rather on current expectations, assumptions and projections about future events. By their nature, forward-looking statements require the Corporation to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. There is significant risk that predictions, forecasts, conclusions or projections will not prove to be accurate, that those assumptions may not be correct and that actual results may differ materially from such predictions, forecasts, conclusions or projections. The Corporation cautions readers of this MD&A not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement as a number of factors could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from the targets, expectations, estimates or intentions expressed in the forward-looking statements. This risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to changes in the global price for nickel, cobalt, oil and gas or certain other commodities (ammonium sulphate), share-price volatility, level of liquidity and access to capital resources, access to financing, compliance with financial covenants, risks associated with the Corporation’s joint venture partners; discrepancies between actual and estimated production; variability in production at Sherritt’s operations in Madagascar and Cuba; risks associated with the completion of Moa Joint Venture Acid Plant; potential interruptions in transportation; uncertainty of gas supply for electrical generation; uncertainty of exploration results and Sherritt’s ability to replace depleted mineral and oil and gas reserves; the Corporation’s reliance on key personnel and skilled workers; the possibility of equipment and other failures; the potential for shortages of equipment and supplies; risks associated with mining, processing and refining activities; uncertainty of resources and reserve estimates; uncertainties in environmental rehabilitation provisions estimates; risks related to the Corporation’s corporate structure; political, economic and other risks of foreign operations; risks related to Sherritt’s operations in Madagascar and Cuba; risks related to the U.S. government policy toward Cuba, including the U.S. embargo on Cuba and the Helms-Burton legislation; risks related to the accuracy of capital and operating cost estimates; reliance on significant customers; foreign exchange and pricing risks; compliance with applicable environment, health and safety legislation and other associated matters; risks associated with governmental regulations regarding greenhouse gas emissions; maintaining the Corporation’s social license to grow and operate; risks relating to community relations; credit risks; shortage of equipment and supplies; competition in product markets; future market access; interest rate changes; risks in obtaining insurance; uncertainties in labour relations; uncertainty in the ability of the Corporation to enforce legal rights in foreign jurisdictions; uncertainty regarding the interpretation and/or application of the applicable laws in foreign jurisdictions; legal contingencies; risks related to the Corporation’s accounting policies; risks associated with future acquisitions; uncertainty in the ability of the Corporation to obtain government permits; failure to comply with, or changes to, applicable government regulations; bribery and corruption risks, including failure to comply with the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act or applicable local anti-corruption law; uncertainties in growth management; and certain corporate objectives, goals and plans for 2016; and the Corporation’s ability to meet other factors listed from time to time in the Corporation’s continuous disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and should be considered in conjunction with the risk factors described in this MD&A and in the Corporation’s other documents filed with the Canadian securities authorities. The Corporation may, from time to time, make oral forward-looking statements. The Corporation advises that the above paragraph and the risk factors described in this MD&A and in the Corporation’s other documents filed with the Canadian securities authorities should be read for a description of certain factors that could cause the actual results of the Corporation to differ materially from those in the oral forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this MD&A are made as of the date hereof and the Corporation undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any oral or written forward-looking information or statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information and statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. 81 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As at and for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 11 – Net finance expense 115 116 119 121 122 122 Note 12 – Income taxes Note 13 – Discontinued operations Note 14 – Assets held for sale Note 15 – Loss per share Note 16 – Financial instruments Note 17 – Advances, loans receivable and other financial assets 125 Note 18 – Inventories Note 19 – Property, plant and equipment Note 20 – Intangible assets Note 21 – Loans and borrowings Note 22 – Provisions, contingencies and guarantees Note 23 – Shareholders’ equity Note 24 – Stock-based compensation plans Note 25 – Cash flows Note 26 – Financial risk and capital risk management Note 27 – Related party transactions Note 28 – Operating lease arrangements Note 29 – Commitments for expenditures 126 126 128 129 131 133 134 138 139 142 143 143 Management’s report Independent auditor’s report Consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) Consolidated statements of financial position Consolidated statements of cash flow Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1 – Nature of operations and corporate information Note 2 – Basis of presentation Note 3 – Critical accounting estimates and judgments Note 4 – Accounting pronouncements Note 5 – Segmented information Note 6 – Expenses Note 7 – Investment in an associate Note 8 – Joint arrangements Note 9 – Gain on arbitration settlement Note 10 – Restructuring expense 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 89 101 104 106 109 109 113 115 115 82 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Management’s report The accompanying consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of Sherritt International Corporation’s (“Sherritt”) management. They have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and include amounts based on estimates and judgments. Management has determined such amounts on a reasonable basis in order to ensure that the consolidated financial statements are presented fairly, in all material respects. Management has developed and maintains a system of internal control to provide reasonable assurance that the Company’s assets are safeguarded, transactions are authorized and the consolidated financial statements are complete and accurate. The consolidated financial statements are approved by the Board of Directors on the recommendation of the audit committee. The audit committee of the Board of Directors is composed entirely of independent directors. Sherritt’s consolidated financial statements are reviewed by the audit committee with management before the consolidated financial statements are approved by the Board of Directors. In addition, the audit committee has the duty to review the accounting principles and practices applied and followed by the Corporation during the fiscal year, including critical accounting policies and significant estimates and judgments underlying the consolidated financial statements as presented by management. Deloitte LLP (“Deloitte”) performs an audit of the consolidated financial statements, the results of which are reflected in their report for 2015 included on the next page. Deloitte has full and independent access to the audit committee to discuss their audit and related matters. In addition, Sherritt has an internal audit function that evaluates and formally reports to management and the audit committee on the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls specified in the approved annual internal audit plan. David V. Pathe President and Chief Executive Officer February 10, 2016 Dean Chambers Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 83 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Independent Auditor’s Report To the Shareholders of Sherritt International Corporation We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Sherritt International Corporation, which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity and consolidated statements of cash flow for the years then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Auditor’s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. Opinion In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sherritt International Corporation as at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. Chartered Professional Accountants Licensed Public Accountants February 10, 2016 Toronto, Canada 84 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTConsolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) Canadian $ millions, except per share amounts, for the years ended December 31 REVENUE Cost of sales Administrative expenses Impairment of Oil assets Gain on sale of Corporate assets Gain on arbitration settlement Restructuring expense Share of loss of an associate, net of tax, including impairment Share of (loss) earnings of a joint venture, net of tax LOSS FROM OPERATIONS, ASSOCIATE AND JOINT VENTURE Financing income Financing expense NET FINANCE EXPENSE LOSS BEFORE TAX Income tax recovery (expense) NET LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS (Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax NET LOSS FOR THE YEAR OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss: Foreign currency translation differences on foreign operations Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss: Actuarial (losses) gains on pension plans, net of tax Continuing operations Discontinued operations OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS NET LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS PER COMMON SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Note 2015 $ 335.9 $ 2014 455.6 (318.0) (63.4) – 3.3 14.1 (7.5) (205.4) 9.4 (111.9) 67.7 (228.9) (161.2) (273.1) (45.4) (318.5) 28.5 (318.1) (46.4) (80.6) 19.1 – – (1,876.7) (11.8) (1,978.6) 75.5 (204.5) (129.0) (2,107.6) 35.9 (2,071.7) (5.0) $ (2,076.7) $ (290.0) 579.2 260.8 (0.2) – 579.0 (1.1) 0.6 260.3 6 6 19 14 9 10 7 8 11 11 12 13 23 23 23 $ (1,497.7) $ (29.7) 15 $ 15 $ (7.05) $ (7.07) $ (1.07) (0.97) 85 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Consolidated statements of financial position Canadian $ millions, as at ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Short-term investments Advances, loans receivable and other financial assets Trade accounts receivable, net Inventories Prepaid expenses NON-CURRENT ASSETS Advances, loans receivable and other financial assets Other non-financial assets Property, plant and equipment Investment in an associate Investment in a joint venture Intangible assets Deferred income taxes Assets held for sale TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Loans and borrowings Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities Income taxes payable Other financial liabilities Deferred revenue Provisions NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Loans and borrowings Other financial liabilities Deferred revenue Provisions Deferred income taxes TOTAL LIABILITIES SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital stock Deficit Reserves Accumulated other comprehensive income 2015 Note December 31 2014 December 31 16 $ 16 17 16 18 17 19 7 8 20 12 14 $ 230.6 204.8 82.7 258.3 38.0 6.0 820.4 1,600.5 0.8 351.1 757.3 404.2 154.8 – 3,268.7 0.9 161.6 315.6 75.6 264.9 30.6 6.8 855.1 1,922.4 1.2 422.1 1,548.5 380.1 149.4 2.3 4,426.0 2.1 $ 4,090.0 $ 5,283.2 21 $ 22 21 22 12 23 23 23 $ 91.2 73.6 2.4 1.5 24.6 18.8 212.1 1.6 131.6 22.0 3.2 17.2 18.0 193.6 2,171.9 1,858.3 1.9 3.8 107.8 35.4 2,320.8 2,532.9 2,775.3 (2,342.6) 224.9 899.5 1,557.1 4.2 4.0 108.8 55.6 2,030.9 2,224.5 2,772.9 (259.9) 225.2 320.5 3,058.7 5,283.2 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 4,090.0 $ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Approved by the Board, Harold (Hap) Stephen Director 86 David V. Pathe Director CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Consolidated statements of cash flow Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net loss from continuing operations Add (deduct): Depletion, depreciation and amortization Share of loss of an associate, net of tax, including impairment Share of loss (earnings) of a joint venture, net of tax Loss on impairment of assets Finance costs (less accretion expense) Income tax (recovery) expense Service concession arrangements Gain on sale of Corporate assets Net change in non-cash working capital Interest received Interest paid Premium paid on redemption of debentures Income tax paid Dividends received from joint venture Other operating items Cash provided by continuing operations Cash (used) provided by discontinued operations CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES INVESTING ACTIVITIES Property, plant and equipment expenditures Intangible asset expenditures Increase in advances, loans receivable and other financial assets Receipts of advances, loans receivable and other financial assets Proceeds from investments Loans to an associate Net proceeds from sale of Corporate assets Net proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment Net proceeds from sale of Coal operations, net of cash disposed Proceeds from short-term investments Cash (used) provided by continuing operations Cash used by discontinued operations CASH (USED) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES FINANCING ACTIVITIES Repayment of loans and borrowings and other financial liabilities Increase in loans and borrowings and other financial liabilities Repayment of senior unsecured debentures Issuance of senior unsecured debentures, net of financing costs Issuance of common shares Share repurchase Dividends paid on common shares Cash provided (used) by continuing operations Cash used by discontinued operations CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF THE YEAR 6 7 8 6, 19 11 12 14 25 8 25 13 5 5 17 14 13 13 23 13 2015 2014 $ (2,071.7) $ (318.5) 119.2 1,876.7 11.8 80.6 127.9 (35.9) – (19.1) (21.1) 49.8 (58.9) – (10.6) 12.5 3.3 64.5 (16.0) 48.5 (79.0) (1.4) (17.1) 38.5 – 101.4 205.4 (9.4) 14.8 159.8 45.4 (2.1) (3.3) 34.2 46.0 (93.2) (33.6) (41.8) – 4.5 109.6 18.6 128.2 (80.8) (1.5) (1.1) 10.7 6.2 (135.7) (191.2) 21.2 0.1 – 110.8 (62.6) – (62.6) (1.6) 90.0 – – 0.7 – (9.0) 80.1 – 80.1 3.0 69.0 161.6 2.1 0.4 804.3 12.0 561.1 (13.5) 547.6 (365.3) – (675.0) 239.0 1.0 (10.0) (21.9) (832.2) (9.5) (841.7) 2.3 (163.6) 325.2 161.6 87 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE YEAR 16 $ 230.6 $ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTConsolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity Canadian $ millions BALANCE AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2013 Total comprehensive income (loss): Net loss for the year Foreign currency translation differences on foreign operations Actuarial loss on defined benefit obligations, net of tax Shares issued for: Restricted stock plan (vested) Employee share purchase plan (vested) Share repurchase Restricted stock plan expense Employee share purchase plan expense Stock option plan expense Reclassification on settlement of pension obligation Dividends declared to common shareholders BALANCE AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 Total comprehensive income (loss): Net loss for the year Foreign currency translation differences on foreign operations Actuarial loss on defined benefit obligations, net of tax Shares issued for: Restricted stock plan (vested) Employee share purchase plan (vested) Restricted stock plan expense Stock option plan expense Dividends declared to common shareholders BALANCE AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2015 Note Capital stock Retained earnings (deficit) Reserves Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Total $ 2,808.5 $ 40.2 $ 196.5 $ 62.0 $ 3,107.2 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 – – – – (290.0) – – (290.0) 0.7 1.2 (37.5) – – – – – 2,772.9 – – – – 1.6 0.8 – – – – – – – – – 1.8 (11.9) (259.9) (2,076.7) – – (2,076.7) – – – – (6.0) – – – – (0.7) (0.2) 27.5 0.7 0.1 1.3 – – – (290.0) 260.8 (0.5) 260.3 – – – – – – (1.8) – 260.8 (0.5) (29.7) – 1.0 (10.0) 0.7 0.1 1.3 – (11.9) 225.2 320.5 3,058.7 – – – – (1.6) (0.1) 0.1 1.3 – – (2,076.7) 579.2 (0.2) 579.2 (0.2) 579.0 (1,497.7) – – – – – – 0.7 0.1 1.3 (6.0) $ 2,775.3 $ (2,342.6) $ 224.9 $ 899.5 $ 1,557.1 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 88 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Notes to the consolidated financial statements (All dollar amounts presented in tables are expressed in millions of Canadian dollars except share and per share amounts) 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND CORPORATE INFORMATION Sherritt International Corporation (“Sherritt” or the “Corporation”) is a world leader in the mining and refining of nickel from lateritic ores with projects and operations in Canada, Cuba, and Madagascar. The Corporation is the largest independent energy producer in Cuba, with extensive oil and power operations across the island. Sherritt licenses its proprietary technologies and provides metallurgical services to mining and refining operations worldwide. The Corporation is domiciled in Ontario, Canada and its registered office is 181 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2T3. These consolidated financial statements were approved and authorized for issuance by the Board of Directors of Sherritt on February 10, 2016. The Corporation is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. 2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION 2.1 Basis of presentation The consolidated financial statements of the Corporation are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, under the historical cost convention except for certain financial assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value. All financial information is presented in Canadian dollars rounded to the nearest hundred thousand, except as otherwise noted. The significant accounting policies described below are consistently applied to all the periods presented. The preparation of financial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in applying the Corporation’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 disclosed in note 3. 2.2 Principles of consolidation These consolidated financial statements include the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Corporation, its subsidiaries, its interest in an associate, its interest in a joint venture, and its share of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses related to its interests in joint operations. Intercompany balances, transactions, income and expenses, profits and losses, including gains and losses relating to subsidiaries and joint operations have been eliminated on consolidation. 89 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTThe Corporation’s significant subsidiaries, joint arrangements and interest in an associate are as follows: Relationship Geographic location Economic interest Basis of accounting METALS Moa Joint Venture Composed of the following operating companies: International Cobalt Company Inc. Moa Nickel S.A. The Cobalt Refinery Company Inc. Joint venture Ambatovy Joint Venture Associate Composed of the following operating companies: Ambatovy Minerals S.A. Dynatec Madagascar S.A. OIL AND GAS 50% 50% 50% 50% 40% 40% 40% Bahamas Cuba Canada Madagascar Madagascar Equity method Equity method Sherritt International (Cuba) Oil and Gas Ltd. Sherritt International Oil and Gas Ltd. Subsidiary Subsidiary Cuba Canada 100% 100% Full consolidation Full consolidation POWER Energas S.A. (Energas) Subsidiaries Joint operation Cuba 331/3% Economic interest recognized Subsidiaries are entities over which the Corporation has control. Control is defined as when the Corporation is exposed or has rights to the variable returns from the subsidiary and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the subsidiary. Power is defined as existing rights that give the Corporation the ability to direct the relevant activities of the subsidiary. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date control is transferred to the Corporation and are de-consolidated from the date control ceases. Joint arrangements A joint arrangement is an arrangement whereby two or more parties are subject to joint control. Joint control is considered to be when all parties to the joint arrangement are required to reach unanimous consent over decisions about relevant business activities pertaining to the contractual arrangement. The Corporation has two types of joint arrangements: (i) Joint ventures A joint venture is a contractual arrangement whereby two or more parties undertake an economic activity that is subject to joint control and whereby each party has rights to the net assets of the arrangement. Interests in joint ventures are recognized as an investment and accounted for using the equity method of accounting. • The Corporation recognizes its share of earnings (loss), net of tax in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), which is adjusted against the carrying amount of its interest in a joint venture; • The Corporation recognizes its share of other comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity, which is adjusted against the carrying amount of its interest in a joint venture; • If the Corporation’s share of losses equals or exceeds the carrying value of its investment in joint venture in the future, the Corporation does not recognize further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the entity; • Gains and losses on transactions between the Corporation and its joint venture are eliminated to the extent of the Corporation’s interest in this entity. Losses are eliminated only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment; and • Interest revenue on a loan receivable from a joint venture is recognized to the extent of Sherritt’s economic interest. (ii) Joint operations A joint operation is a contractual arrangement whereby two or more parties undertake an economic activity that is subject to joint control and whereby each party has rights to the assets and obligations for liabilities relating to the arrangement. Interests in joint operations are accounted for by recognizing the Corporation’s share of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. 90 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Associate An associate is an entity over which the Corporation has significant influence. The Corporation is presumed to have significant influence over an entity if it holds, directly or indirectly, 20 percent or more of the voting power of the entity. • The Corporation recognizes its share of earnings (loss), net of tax in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), which is adjusted against the carrying amount of its investment in the associate; • The Corporation recognizes its share of other comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity, which is adjusted against the carrying amount of its interest in the associate; • If the Corporation’s share of losses equals or exceeds the carrying value of its investment in an associate in the future, the Corporation does not recognize further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the entity; • Gains and losses on transactions between the Corporation and its associate are eliminated to the extent of the Corporation’s interest in this entity. Losses are eliminated only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment; and • Prior to Commercial Production, interest revenue on a loan receivable from an associate is fully eliminated. Subsequent to commercial production, interest revenue on a loan receivable from an associate is recognized to the extent of Sherritt’s economic interest. 2.3 Held for sale and discontinued operations Individual non-current assets or disposal groups (i.e. groups of assets and liabilities to be disposed of, by sale or otherwise) are classified as held for sale, if the following criteria are met: • The assets (or disposal groups) must be available for immediate sale, in their present condition, subject to terms that are usual and customary of such assets (or disposal groups); and • The sale is highly probable. Individual non-current assets or disposal groups are classified, and presented, as discontinued operations if the assets or disposal groups are disposed of or classified as held for sale and if the first and second or third of the following criteria are met: • The assets or disposal groups represent a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations; • The assets or disposal groups are part of a single coordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations; or • The assets or disposal groups are a subsidiary acquired solely for the purpose of resale. Assets or disposal groups that meet these criteria are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. The assets and liabilities of the disposal group are presented separately on the face of the consolidated statements of financial position as a single asset and a single liability, respectively. The comparative period consolidated statements of financial position are not restated. When the fair value less costs to sell of a disposal group is lower than the carrying amount at the time of classification as held for sale, the resulting impairment is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) in that period. A gain for any subsequent increase in fair value less costs to sell of a disposal group is recognized, but not in excess of the cumulative impairment loss. Non-current assets held for sale are not depreciated or amortized. Interest and other expenses attributable to the liabilities of a disposal group are recognized. The results of discontinued operations are shown separately in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and cash flow, and comparative figures are restated. When the sale is expected to occur beyond one year, the costs to sell are measured at their present value. Any increase in the present value of the costs to sell arising from the passage of time is presented as a financing expense. 2.4 Statements of cash flow The Corporation presents interest paid and received as an operating activity in the consolidated statements of cash flow. Dividends paid are presented as a financing activity and dividends received are presented as an operating activity in the consolidated statements of cash flow. The Corporation presents the consolidated statements of cash flow using the indirect method. 91 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT2.5 Basis of segmented disclosure When determining its reportable segments, the Corporation considers qualitative factors, such as operations that offer distinct products and services and are considered to be significant by the Chief Operating Decision Maker, identified as the senior executive team. The Corporation also considers quantitative thresholds when determining reportable segments, such as if revenue, earnings (loss) or assets are greater than 10% of the total consolidated revenue, net earnings (loss), or assets of all the reportable segments, respectively. Operating segments that share similar economic characteristics are aggregated to form a single reportable segment. The reportable segments’ financial results are reviewed by the senior executive team. • The Moa JV and Fort Site segment is comprised of mining, processing and refining activities of nickel and cobalt at the Moa Joint Venture in Cuba and Canada and includes the production and sale of agricultural fertilizers at its operations in Fort Saskatchewan; • The Ambatovy JV segment represents the Ambatovy Joint Venture’s integrated nickel and cobalt facility in Madagascar; • The Metals Other segment is comprised of businesses established to buy, market and sell certain of Ambatovy Joint Venture’s and Moa Joint Venture’s nickel production; • The Oil and Gas segment includes the oil and gas operations in Cuba as well as the exploration and development of oil and gas in Cuba, Spain and Pakistan; • The Power segment includes the operations in Cuba, which construct and operate electricity generating plants that provide electricity in Cuba, and includes an electricity generating plant in Madagascar; and • The Corporate and Other segment is comprised of the metallurgical technology business, management of cash and short-term investments, general corporate activities and wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Corporation established to finance the Ambatovy Joint Venture. 2.6 Revenue recognition Revenue from the sale of goods is recognized when the Corporation has transferred to the buyer the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods, the Corporation retains neither continuing managerial involvement nor effective control over the goods sold, the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Corporation, and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably. Revenue from a contract to provide services is recognized by reference to the stage of completion of the contract. Metals In Metals, these criteria are generally met when the transfer of ownership, as specified in the sales contract, is fulfilled, which is upon shipment or delivery to destination. Certain Metals product sales are provisionally priced, with the selling price subject to final adjustment at the end of a quotation period, in accordance with the terms of the sale. The quotation period is normally within 90 days after shipment to the customer, and final pricing is based on a reference price established at the end of the quotation period. Revenue from provisionally priced sales is initially recorded at the estimated fair value of the consideration that is expected to be ultimately received based on forecast reference prices. At each reporting date, all outstanding receivables originating from provisionally priced sales are marked-to-market based on a forecast of reference prices at that time. The adjustment to accounts receivable is recorded as an adjustment to sales revenue. Provisional pricing is only used in the pricing of nickel and cobalt sales for which reference prices are established in a freely traded and active market. Oil and Gas In Oil and Gas, these criteria are met at the time of production based on the Corporation’s working interest. In Cuba, all oil production is sold to the Cuban government and, accordingly, delivery coincides with production. The Corporation is allocated a share of Cuban oil production pursuant to its production-sharing contracts. Revenue from cost recovery oil, up to the total recoverable costs incurred in connection with oil activities, is recognized when entitlement to the cost recovery oil component of production is established. The production-sharing contracts limit cost recovery oil to a maximum percentage of total production in a calendar quarter, ranging generally between 50% and 60% of total production. Revenue from profit oil represents the Corporation’s share of oil production after cost recovery oil production is deducted. Recoverable costs that do not provide cost recovery oil entitlements in the current period are included in the determination of cost recovery oil entitlements, and thus revenue, in future periods. 92 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTPower Substantially all of Power’s revenue is from agencies of the Government of Cuba, with the revenue recognition criteria met at the time electricity is delivered or services are performed. The facilities located in Boca de Jaruco and Puerto Escondido, Cuba operate under a service concession arrangement. In accordance with the accounting guidance for service concession arrangements, Power revenue on operational facilities is recognized at the time electricity is delivered or services are performed, and construction revenue is recorded during periods of new construction, enhancement or upgrade activities. The construction revenue relates to the exchange transaction whereby the Corporation provides design, construction and operating services at Boca de Jaruco or Puerto Escondido in return for the right to charge the Government of Cuba for the future supply of electricity. The facilities located in Varadero, Cuba and in Madagascar operate under lease arrangements, whereby the Corporation is the lessor. All operating lease revenue related to the Varadero facility is contingent on the amount of electricity produced or services rendered and is recognized when lease payments become due. 2.7 Foreign currency translation The consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, the Corporation’s functional and presentation currency. Translation of foreign entities The functional currency for each of the Corporation’s subsidiaries, joint arrangements and associate is the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates. Operations with foreign functional currencies are translated into the Corporation’s presentation currency in the following manner: • Monetary and non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the spot exchange rate in effect at the reporting date; • Revenue and expense items (including depletion, depreciation and amortization) are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the period, which approximate the exchange rates on the transaction dates; • Impairment of assets are translated at the prevailing rate of exchange on the date of the impairment recognition; and • Exchange gains and losses that result from translation are recognized as a foreign currency translation adjustment in accumulated foreign currency translation reserve. Translation of transactions and balances Operations with transactions in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency are recognized at the rates of exchange prevailing at the date of the transaction as follows: • Monetary assets and liabilities are translated at current rates of exchange with the resulting gains or losses recognized within financing expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss); • Non-monetary items are translated at historical exchange rates; and • Revenue and expense items are translated at the average rates of exchange, except depletion, depreciation and amortization, which are translated at the rates of exchange applicable to the related assets, with any gains or losses recognized within financing expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). 2.8 Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment include acquisition costs, capitalized development costs and pre-production expenditures that are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Costs of property, plant and equipment are incurred while construction is in progress and before the commencement of commercial production. Once the construction of an asset is substantially complete, and the asset is ready for its intended use, these costs are depreciated. 93 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTPlant and equipment Plant and equipment include assets under construction, equipment and processing, refining, power generation and other manufacturing facilities. The Corporation recognizes major long-term spare parts and standby equipment as plant and equipment when the parts and equipment are significant and are expected to be used over a period greater than a year. Major inspections and overhauls required at regular intervals over the useful life of an item of plant and equipment are recognized in the carrying amount of the related item if the inspection or overhaul provides benefit exceeding one year. Plant and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives, once the assets are available for use. Plant and equipment may have components with different useful lives. Depreciation is calculated based on each individual component’s useful life. New components are capitalized to the extent that they meet the recognition criteria of an asset. The carrying amount of the replaced component is derecognized, and any gain/loss is included in net earnings (loss). If the carrying amount of the replaced component is not known, it is estimated based on the cost of the new component less estimated depreciation. The useful lives of the Corporation’s plant and equipment are as follows: Buildings and refineries Machinery and equipment Office equipment Fixtures and fittings Assets under construction Oil and Gas properties 5 to 40 years 3 to 50 years 3 to 35 years 3 to 35 years not depreciated during development period Oil and Gas properties include acquisition costs and development costs related to properties in production, under development and held for future development. Ongoing pre-development costs relating to properties held for future development are capitalized as incurred. Development costs incurred to access reserves at producing properties and properties under development are capitalized and are depreciated on a unit-of-production basis over the life of such reserves. Reserves are measured based on proven and probable reserves. Capitalization of borrowing costs Borrowing costs on funds directly attributable to finance the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are capitalized until such time as substantially all the activities necessary to prepare the qualifying asset for its intended use or sale are complete. A qualifying asset is one that takes a substantial period of time to prepare the asset for its intended use. Where money borrowed specifically to finance a project is invested to earn interest income, the income generated is also capitalized to reduce the total capitalized borrowing costs. Where the funds used to finance a project form part of general borrowings, interest is capitalized based on the weighted-average interest rate applicable to the general borrowings outstanding during the period of construction. Derecognition An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the item) is included in net earnings (loss) in the period the item is derecognized. 2.9 Leases Leases of property, plant and equipment are classified as finance leases when the lessee retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership. Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. 94 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTCorporation as a lessee Finance leases are recognized at the lower of the fair value of the leased property and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The corresponding lease obligations, net of finance charges, are recorded as interest-bearing liabilities. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance cost when paid. Operating lease payments (net of any amortization of incentives) are expensed as incurred. Incentives received from the lessor to enter into an operating lease are capitalized and depreciated over the life of the lease. Corporation as a lessor Rental Income from operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Contingent rental income is recognised as revenue in the period in which it is earned. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised over the lease term on the same basis as rental income. Determining whether an arrangement contains a lease The Corporation determines whether a lease exists at the inception of an arrangement. A lease exists when one party is effectively granted control of a specific asset over the term of the arrangement. At inception or upon reassessment of arrangements containing leases, the Corporation separates payments and other consideration required related to lease payments from those related to other goods or services using relative fair value or other estimation techniques. 2.10 Overburden removal costs The costs of removing overburden to access mineral reserves at producing mines, referred to as stripping costs, are accounted for as variable production costs to be included in the cost of inventory, unless overburden removal creates economic benefit beyond providing access to the underlying reserve, in which case these costs are capitalized and depreciated using the units-of-production basis to cost of sales over the life of the related mineral reserves. 2.11 Intangible assets Intangible assets are developed internally or acquired as part of a business combination. Internally generated assets are recognized at cost and primarily arise as a result of exploration and evaluation activity and service concession arrangements. Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination are recognized separately from goodwill, if the asset is separable or arises from contractual or legal rights, and are initially recorded at their acquisition date fair value. The useful lives of intangible assets are assessed as either finite or indefinite. Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over their useful economic lives on a straight-line or units-of-production basis, as appropriate. The amortization expense is included in cost of sales unless otherwise noted. Intangible assets that are not yet ready for use are not amortized until put into use. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested for impairment annually, either individually or at the cash-generating unit level. The Corporation has no identifiable intangible assets for which the expected useful life is indefinite. Exploration and evaluation Exploration and evaluation (E&E) expenditures are measured using the cost model and generally include the costs of licenses, technical services and studies, seismic studies, exploration drilling and testing, and directly attributable overhead and administration expenses including remuneration of operating personnel and supervisory management. These costs do not include general prospecting or evaluation costs incurred prior to having obtained the rights to explore an area, which are expensed as they are incurred. E&E expenditures related to Oil and Gas properties are capitalized and carried forward until technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting the resource is established. The technical feasibility and commercial viability is established when economic quantities of proven and/or probable reserves are determined to exist, at which point the E&E assets attributable to those reserves are reviewed for impairment before being transferred to property, plant and equipment. 95 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTService concession arrangements Service concession arrangements are contracts between private sector and government entities and can involve the construction, operation or upgrading of public infrastructure. Service concession arrangements can be classified as financial assets (where the operator has an unconditional right to receive a specified amount of cash or other financial asset over the life of the arrangement) or intangible assets (where the operator’s future cash flows are not specified). Through its interest in Energas, the Corporation has been contracted to design, construct and operate electrical generating facilities at Boca de Jaruco and Puerto Escondido, Cuba, on behalf of the Cuban government. The sale price of electricity is contractually fixed, but decreases after loans provided by the Corporation to fund the construction are fully repaid. Ownership of these facilities will be transferred to the Cuban government for nil consideration at the end of the contract term which ends in 2023. Energas bears the demand risk on revenues related to assets covered under service concession arrangements as receipts are based on usage rather than an unconditional right to receive cash. As a result, the Boca de Jaruco and Puerto Escondido assets have been classified as intangible assets and represent the Corporation’s right to charge the Government of Cuba for future electricity and by-products delivered. During periods of new construction, enhancement or upgrade activities, the Corporation records a new intangible asset and a corresponding construction revenue amount to reflect the right to charge the Cuban government for an incremental future supply of electricity. The construction expenses relating to the new construction activity are expensed as incurred. The net result of the construction activity is a nil impact to net earnings. Once operational, the carrying amount of the new service concession intangible asset, including capitalized interest, is amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining contract term. Repair, maintenance and replacement costs incurred in relation to service concession intangible assets are expensed as incurred. Amortization The following intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives: Service concession arrangements Exploration and evaluation 12 years not amortized during development period 2.12 Impairment of non-financial assets The Corporation assesses the carrying amount of non-financial assets including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. Internal factors, such as budgets and forecasts, as well as external factors, such as expected future prices, costs and other market factors are also monitored to determine if indications of impairment exist. An impairment loss is the amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount takes into account a market participant’s ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in its highest and best use. To achieve this, the recoverable amount is the higher of value in use (being the net present value of expected pre-tax future cash flows of the relevant asset) and fair value less costs to sell the asset(s). Impairment is assessed at the cash-generating unit (CGU) level. A CGU is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or group of assets. The assets of the corporate head office are allocated on a reasonable and consistent basis to CGUs or groups of CGUs. If, after the Corporation has previously recognized an impairment loss, circumstances indicate that the recoverable amount of the impaired assets is greater than the carrying amount, the Corporation reverses the impairment loss by the amount the revised recoverable amount exceeds its carrying amount, to a maximum of the previous impairment loss. In no case shall the revised carrying amount exceed the original carrying amount, after depreciation or amortization, that would have been determined if no impairment loss had been recognized. An impairment loss or a reversal of an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), depending on the nature of the asset. Exploration and evaluation expenditures at Oil and Gas Upon determination of proven and probable reserves, the related E&E assets attributable to those reserves are tested for impairment prior to being transferred to property, plant and equipment. Capitalized E&E costs are reviewed and evaluated for impairment at each reporting date for events or changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable from future cash flows of the property. 96 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT2.13 Impairment of the investment in an associate and investment in a joint venture At each reporting date, the Corporation assesses whether there is any indication that the carrying amount of the Corporation’s investment in an associate and investment in a joint venture, including related mineral rights, may be impaired. Significant changes in commodity price forecasts, reserve estimates and production forecasts are examples of factors that could indicate impairment. Impairment is determined as the excess of the carrying amount of the investment in an associate and investment in a joint venture over the recoverable amount (higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell). The recoverable amount is based on estimated future recoverable production, expected commodity or contracted prices (considering current and historical prices, price trends and related factors), foreign exchange rates, production levels, cash costs of production and environmental rehabilitation costs over the life of mine. Cash flow projections are based on detailed mine plans and independent estimates of critical commodity prices. 2.14 Provisions Provisions are recognized when the Corporation has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Where appropriate, the future cash flow estimates are adjusted to reflect risks specific to the obligation. Where the Corporation expects some or all of a provision to be reimbursed, for example, under an insurance contract, the reimbursement is recognized as a separate asset, but only when the reimbursement is virtually certain. The expense relating to any provision is presented in cost of sales or administrative expenses, depending on the nature of the provision. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as financing expense. A contingent liability is disclosed where the existence of an obligation will only be confirmed by future events or where the amount of the obligation cannot be measured with reasonable reliability. Contingent assets are not recognized, but are disclosed where an inflow of economic benefits is probable. Environmental rehabilitation Provisions for environmental rehabilitation include decommissioning and restoration costs when the Corporation has an obligation to dismantle and remove infrastructure and residual materials as well as to restore the disturbed area. Estimated decommissioning and restoration costs are provided for in the accounting period when the obligation arising from the disturbance occurs, whether this occurs during mine development or during the production phase, based on the net present value of estimated future costs. The provision for environmental rehabilitation is reviewed and adjusted each period to reflect developments which could include changes in closure dates, legislation, discount rate or estimated future costs. The amount recognized as a liability for environmental rehabilitation is calculated as the present value of the estimated future costs determined in accordance with local conditions and requirements. An amount corresponding to the provision is capitalized as part of property, plant and equipment and is depreciated over the life of the corresponding asset. The impact of amortization or unwinding of the discount rate applied in establishing the net present value of the provision is recognized in financing expense. The applicable discount rate is a pre-tax rate that reflects the current market assessment of the time value of money which is determined based on government bond interest rates and inflation rates. Changes to estimated future costs are recognized in the consolidated statements of financial position by either increasing or decreasing the rehabilitation liability and rehabilitation asset if the initial estimate was originally recognized as part of an asset measured in accordance with IAS 16, “Property, Plant and Equipment”. Any reduction in the rehabilitation liability and therefore any deduction from the rehabilitation asset may not exceed the carrying amount of that asset. If it does, any excess over the carrying amount is taken immediately to cost of sales. If the change in estimate results in an increase in the rehabilitation provision and therefore an addition to the carrying amount of the asset, the entity is required to consider whether the new carrying amount is recoverable, and whether this is an indication of impairment of the asset as a whole. If indication of impairment of the asset as a whole exists, the Corporation tests for impairment in accordance with IAS 36, “Impairment of Assets”. If the carrying amount of the revised mine assets, net of rehabilitation provisions, exceeds the recoverable value, that portion of the increase is charged directly to cost of sales. For closed sites, changes to estimated costs are recognized immediately in cost of sales. Also, rehabilitation obligations that arise as a result of the production phase of a mine are expensed as incurred. Where rehabilitation is conducted systematically over the life of the operation, rather than at the time of closure, provision is made for the estimated cost of outstanding rehabilitation work at each statement of financial position date and any increase in overall cost is expensed. 97 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT2.15 Income taxes The income tax expense or benefit for the reporting period consists of two components: current and deferred taxes. The current income tax payable or recoverable is calculated using the tax rates and legislation that have been enacted or substantively enacted at each reporting date in each of the jurisdictions and includes any adjustments for taxes payable or recoverable in respect of prior periods. Current tax assets and liabilities are offset when they relate to the same jurisdiction, the entity has a legally enforceable right to offset and intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined using the statement of financial position liability method based on temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their tax bases. In calculating the deferred tax assets and liabilities, the tax rates used are those that have been enacted or substantively enacted by each reporting date in each of the jurisdictions and that are expected to apply when the assets are recovered or the liabilities are settled. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are presented as non-current. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized on all taxable temporary differences, and deferred tax assets are recognized on all deductible temporary differences, carryforward of unused tax losses and carryforward of unused tax credits, with the exception of the following items: • Temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and interests in joint ventures where the Corporation is able to control the timing of the reversal of temporary differences and such reversals are not probable in the foreseeable future; • Temporary differences that arise on the initial recognition of assets and liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and has no impact on either accounting profit or taxable profit; and • Deferred tax assets are only recognized to the extent that it is probable that sufficient taxable profits exist in future periods against which the deductible temporary differences can be utilized. The probability that sufficient taxable profits exist in future periods against which the deferred tax assets can be utilized is reassessed at each reporting date. The amount of deferred tax assets recognized is adjusted accordingly. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities where they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on the same taxable entity and where the Corporation has the legal right to offset them. Current and deferred taxes that relate to items recognized directly in equity are also recognized in equity. All other taxes are recognized in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). 2.16 Stock-based compensation The Corporation operates a number of equity-settled and cash-settled share-based compensation plans under which it issues equity instruments of the Corporation or makes cash payments based on the value of the underlying equity instrument of the Corporation to directors, officers and employees in exchange for services. The Corporation’s equity-settled compensation plans include the stock options plan and the Restricted Stock Plan (RSP). RSP obligations are settled by the purchase of shares on the open market. Equity-settled stock options obligations are settled by the issuance of shares from treasury. The fair value of the RSP obligation is measured as the value at which the shares are purchased on the market. The fair value of grants issued under the stock options plan are determined at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. They are only re-measured if there is a modification to the terms of the option, such as a change in exercise price or legal life. The fair value of the equity-settled compensation plans is recognized as an expense over the expected vesting period with a corresponding entry to shareholders’ equity. The Corporation’s cash-settled share plans, including stock options with tandem stock appreciation rights (Options with Tandem SARs), Restricted Share Units (RSUs) and Deferred Share Units (DSUs) are recognized as liabilities at the date of grant. The fair value of the liability of the Options with Tandem SARs is determined based on the application of the Black-Scholes option valuation model at the date granted and expensed over the vesting period of the awards based on management’s estimate of the number of shares expected to vest. Projections are reviewed at each reporting date up to the vesting date to reflect management’s best estimates and adjusted as required. Movements in the liability between reporting dates are recognized as an adjustment to the liability and an offsetting expense or recovery. At each reporting date until settlement, the fair value of the awards is re-measured based on revised pricing parameters of the model based on market conditions at the reporting date and estimates of forfeiture rates. Options with Tandem SARs permit awards to be settled in shares. If this occurs, the liability is transferred directly to equity as part of the consideration for the equity instruments issued. 98 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTThe fair value of the RSU liability at the date of grant and at each subsequent reporting date until settlement is based on the market value of the Corporation’s shares. If the Corporation’s share price changes between reporting dates then the fair value of the RSU liability is adjusted and an offsetting expense or recovery is recognized in the statement of comprehensive income (loss). The adjusted fair value of the RSU liability is then amortized over the remaining vesting period. For RSUs issued with performance requirements, the fair value at the date of grant and at each subsequent reporting date until settlement is based on performance metrics which are defined at the time of issuance and on the market value of the Corporation’s shares with the liability expensed over the vesting period. Adjustments recorded are amortized over the remaining vesting period. The fair value of DSUs at the date of grant and at each subsequent reporting date until settlement is based on the market value of the shares with the liability expensed over the vesting period. Movements in the liability between reporting dates are recognized as an adjustment to the liability and an offsetting expense or recovery. The adjustment amount is amortized over the remaining vesting period. 2.17 Financial instruments Management determines the classification of financial assets and financial liabilities at initial recognition and, except in very limited circumstances, the classification is not changed subsequent to initial recognition. The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial instruments were acquired, their characteristics and/or management’s intent. Transaction costs with respect to instruments not classified as fair value through profit or loss are recognized as an adjustment to the cost of the underlying instruments and amortized using the effective interest method. The Corporation’s financial instruments were classified in the following categories: Financial assets Financial assets, measured at fair value through profit or loss: • Restricted cash; cash equivalents; short-term investments; provisionally priced sales. Loans and receivables, measured at amortized cost: • Cash on hand and balances at bank; advances and loans receivable; other financial assets; trade accounts receivable. Financial liabilities Other financial liabilities, measured at amortized cost: • Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities; loans and borrowings; other financial liabilities. Financial assets, measured at fair value through profit or loss An instrument is classified as fair value through profit or loss if it is held for trading or is designated as such upon initial recognition. A financial asset is classified as fair value through profit or loss if acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term or if so designated by management. Financial instruments included in this category are initially recognized at fair value and transaction costs are taken directly to earnings along with gains and losses arising from changes in fair value. Derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives, are recorded at fair value unless exempted from derivative treatment as normal purchase and sale. All changes in their fair value are recorded in net earnings. Financial assets and liabilities, measured at amortized cost Trade accounts receivable are initially recognized at fair value including direct and incremental transaction costs and are subsequently measured at amortized cost reduced for any impairment losses. An allowance for impairment of trade accounts receivable is established when there is objective evidence that an amount will not be collectible or, in the case of long-term receivables, if there is evidence that the amount will not be collectible in accordance with payment terms. Advances and loans receivable are initially recognized at fair value including direct and incremental transaction costs and are subsequently measured at amortized cost. Interest revenue on advances and loans receivable are recognized using the effective interest method. Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities are initially recognized at fair value including direct and incremental transaction costs and are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. 99 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTLoans and borrowings include short-term loans and long-term loans. These liabilities are initially recognized at fair value net of transaction costs and are subsequently measured at amortized cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption amount is recorded in financing expense or financing income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. Loans and borrowings are classified as a current liability unless the Corporation has an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least 12 months after the consolidated statements of financial position date. Other financial assets primarily include other loans and receivables. Other financial liabilities primarily include other loans and payables. Other financial assets are initially recognized at fair value net of transaction costs and are subsequently measured at amortized cost. Other financial liabilities are initially recognized at fair value net of transaction costs and are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities A financial asset is derecognized when its contractual rights to the cash flows that compose the financial asset expire or substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset are transferred. A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged, cancelled or expired. Gains and losses on derecognition are recognized within financing income and financing expense respectively. Impairment of financial assets, carried at amortized costs At each reporting date, the Corporation assesses whether there is any objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired if there is objective evidence that the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or the group of financial assets have been negatively impacted. Evidence of impairment may include indications that debtors are experiencing financial difficulty, default or delinquency in interest or principal payments, or other observable data which indicates that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows. If an impairment loss has occurred, the loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future expected credit losses that have not yet been incurred). The present value of the estimated future cash flows is discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. If a financial asset has a variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective interest rate. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance account, and the loss is recognized in financing expense. Interest income continues to be accrued on the reduced carrying amount using the rate of interest used to discount the future cash flows for the purpose of measuring the impairment loss. The interest income is recorded as part of financing income. Loans together with the associated allowance are written off when there is no realistic prospect of future recovery and all collateral has been realized or has been transferred to the Corporation. If, in a subsequent year, the amount of the estimated impairment loss increases or decreases because of an event occurring after the impairment was recognized, the previously recognized impairment loss is increased or reduced by adjusting the allowance account. If an impairment is later recovered, the recovery is credited to financing income. Financial instrument measurement hierarchy All financial instruments are required to be measured at fair value on initial recognition. For those financial assets or liabilities measured at fair value at each reporting date, financial instruments and liquidity risk disclosures require a three-level hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the fair value measurements. These levels are defined below: Level 1: Level 2: determined by reference to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date; valuations using inputs other than the quoted prices for which all significant inputs are based on observable market data, either directly or indirectly; and Level 3: valuations using inputs that are not based on observable market data. The Corporation’s financial instruments subject to the measurement hierarchy are provided in note 16. 100 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT 2.18 Inventories Raw materials, materials in process and finished products are valued at the lower of average production cost and net realizable value, with cost determined on a moving weighted-average basis. Spare parts and operating materials within inventory are valued at the lower of average cost and net realizable value, and recognized as cost of sales when used. The cost of inventory includes all costs related to bringing the inventory to its current condition, including mining and processing costs, labour costs, supplies, direct and allocated indirect operating overhead and depreciation expense, where applicable, including allocation of fixed and variable costs. Write-downs to net realizable value may be reversed, up to the amount previously written down when circumstances support an increased inventory value. 2.19 Government grants Government grants are not recognized until there is reasonable assurance that the Corporation has complied with the conditions required to receive the grant. Government grants that are contingent on the Corporation purchasing, constructing or otherwise acquiring non-current assets are recognized as a reduction in the carrying amount of the assets and recognized as a reduction of depreciation within cost of sales or administrative expenses, depending on the nature of the asset, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) on a rational basis over the useful lives of the related assets. Other government grants are recognized as a reduction in the related expense over the periods necessary to match them with the costs for which they are intended to compensate, on a systematic basis. Government grants that are receivable as compensation for expenses or losses already incurred, or for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the Corporation with no future related costs, are recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) in the period in which they become receivable. 3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS The preparation of financial statements requires the Corporation’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses reported each period. Each of these estimates varies with respect to the level of judgment involved and the potential impact on the Corporation’s reported financial results. Estimates are deemed critical when the Corporation’s financial condition, change in financial condition or results of operations would be materially impacted by a different estimate or a change in estimate from period to period. By their nature, these estimates are subject to measurement uncertainty, and changes in these estimates may affect the consolidated financial statements of future periods. 3.1 Critical accounting estimates Environmental rehabilitation provisions The Corporation’s operations are subject to environmental regulations in Canada, Cuba, Madagascar and other countries in which the Corporation operates. Many factors such as future changes to environmental laws and regulations, life of mine estimates, the cost and time it will take to rehabilitate the property and discount rates, all affect the carrying amount of environmental rehabilitation provisions. As a result, the actual cost of environmental rehabilitation could be higher than the amounts the Corporation has estimated. For certain operations, actual costs will ultimately be determined after site closure in agreement with predecessor companies. The environmental rehabilitation provision is assessed quarterly and measured by discounting the expected cash flows. The applicable discount rate is a pre-tax rate that reflects the current market assessment of the time value of money which is determined based on government bond interest rates and inflation rates. The actual rate depends on a number of factors, including the timing of rehabilitation activities that can extend decades into the future and the location of the property. Reserves for Oil and Gas properties Reserves are estimates of the amount of product that can be economically and legally extracted from the Corporation’s oil and gas properties. Reserve estimates are an integral component in the determination of the commercial viability of a site, depletion amounts charged to the cost of sales and any impairment analysis. In calculating reserves, estimates and assumptions are required about a range of geological, technical and economic factors, including quantities, production techniques, production decline rates, production costs, commodity prices and exchange rates. In addition, future changes in regulatory environments, including government levies or changes in the Corporation’s rights to exploit the resource imposed over the producing life of the reserves may also significantly impact estimates. 101 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTAll of the oil and gas reserves have been evaluated in accordance with National Instrument 51 – 101, Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities. Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment is the largest component of the Corporation’s assets and, as such, the capitalization of costs, the determination of estimated recoverable amounts and the depletion and depreciation of these assets have a significant impact on the Corporation’s financial results. Certain assets are depreciated using a units-of-production basis, which involves the estimation of recoverable reserves in determining the depletion and/or depreciation rates of the specific assets. Each item’s life, which is assessed annually, is assessed for both its physical life limitations and the economic recoverable reserves of the property at which the asset is located. For those assets depreciated on a straight-line basis, management estimates the useful life of the assets and their components, which in certain cases may be based on an estimate of the producing life of the property. These assessments require the use of estimates and assumptions including market conditions at the end of the asset’s useful life, costs of decommissioning the asset and the amount of recoverable reserves. Asset useful lives and residual values are re-evaluated at each reporting date. Income taxes The Corporation operates in a number of industries in several tax jurisdictions and, consequently, its income is subject to various rates and rules of taxation. As a result, the Corporation’s effective tax rate may vary significantly from the Canadian statutory tax rate depending upon the profitability of operations in the different jurisdictions. The Corporation calculates deferred income taxes based upon temporary differences between the assets and liabilities that are reported in its consolidated financial statements and their tax bases as determined under applicable tax legislation. The Corporation records deferred income tax assets when it determines that it is probable that such assets will be realized. The future realization of deferred tax assets can be affected by many factors, including current and future economic conditions, net realizable sale prices, production rates and production costs, and can either be increased or decreased where, in the view of management, such change is warranted. 3.2 Critical accounting judgments Interests in other entities As part of its process in determining the classification of its interests in other entities, the Corporation applies judgment in interpreting these interests such as: (i) the determination of the level of control or significant influence held by the Corporation; (ii) the legal structure and contractual terms of the arrangement; (iii) concluding whether the Corporation has rights to assets and liabilities or to net assets of the arrangement; and (iv) when relevant, other facts and circumstances. The Corporation has determined that Energas S.A. and its Oil and Gas production-sharing contracts represent joint operations while the Moa Joint Venture represents a joint venture as described in IFRS 11, “Joint Arrangements”. The Corporation has concluded that the Ambatovy Joint Venture represents an investment in associate as described in IAS 28, “Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures”. All other interests in other entities have been determined to be subsidiaries as described in IFRS 10, “Consolidated Financial Statements”. 102 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTAggregation of segments The Corporation applies judgment in aggregating operating segments into a reportable segment. Aggregation occurs when the operating segments have similar economic characteristics, and have similar (a) products and services; (b) production processes; (c) type or class of customer for their products and services; (d) methods used to distribute their products or provide their services; and (e) nature of the regulatory environment, if applicable. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Corporation changed its approach of aggregating the Ambatovy Joint Venture operating segment, including a wholly-owned subsidiary (“Metals Other”) established to buy, market and sell certain Ambatovy nickel production, and the Moa Joint Venture operating segment, including operations in Fort Saskatchewan. The Corporation now discloses the Ambatovy Joint Venture, the Moa Joint Venture and Fort Saskatchewan, and the Metals Other operating segments as three separate reportable segments. This new segment disclosure is aligned with current information reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker. The Corporation has revised the December 31, 2014 comparative information in note 5 to be consistent with this new segment presentation. This change does not impact the aggregated total within note 5 for the year ended December 31, 2014. Property, plant and equipment Management uses the best available information to determine when a development project reaches commercial viability which is generally based on management’s assessment of when economic quantities of proven and/or probable reserves are determined to exist and the point at which future costs incurred to develop a mine on the property are capitalized. Management also uses the best available information to determine when a project achieves commercial production, the stage at which pre-production costs cease to be capitalized. Commercial production at the Ambatovy Joint Venture was defined as 70% of ore throughput of nameplate capacity in the Pressure Acid Leach (PAL) circuit on average over a thirty-day period. The Corporation declared commercial production at the Ambatovy Joint Venture in January 2014 and began recognizing its share of earnings (losses) from Ambatovy beginning February 1, 2014. For assets under construction, management assesses the stage of each construction project to determine when a project is commercially viable. The criteria used to assess commercial viability are dependent upon the nature of each construction project and include factors such as the asset purpose, complexity of a project and its location, the level of capital expenditure compared to the construction cost estimates, completion of a reasonable period of testing of the mine plant and equipment, ability to produce the commodity in saleable form (within specifications), and ability to sustain ongoing production of the commodity. Asset impairment The Corporation assesses the carrying amount of non-financial assets including investment in a joint venture, property, plant and equipment and intangible assets subject to depreciation and amortization at each reporting date to determine whether there are any indicators that the carrying amount of the assets may be impaired or require a reversal of impairment. Impairment is assessed at the CGU level and the determination of CGUs is an area of judgment. For purposes of determining fair value, management assesses the recoverable amount of the asset using the net present value of expected future cash flows. Projections of future cash flows are based on factors relevant to the asset and could include estimated recoverable production, commodity or contracted prices, foreign exchange rates, production levels, cash costs of production, capital and reclamation costs. Projections inherently require assumptions and judgments to be made about each of the factors affecting future cash flows. Changes in any of these assumptions or judgments could result in a significant difference between the carrying amount and fair value of these assets. Where necessary, management engages qualified third-party professionals to assist in the determination of fair values. Measuring the recoverable amount of the Corporation’s interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture The Corporation accounts for its interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture using the equity method. The Corporation assesses the carrying amount of its investment at each reporting date to determine whether there are any indicators that the carrying amount of the investment may be impaired. For purposes of determining the recoverable amount of its interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture, management calculates the net present value of expected future cash flows. Projections of future cash flows are based on factors relevant to Ambatovy’s operations and could include estimated recoverable production, commodity or contracted prices, foreign exchange rates, production levels, cash costs of production, capital and reclamation costs. Projections inherently require assumptions and judgments to be made about each of the factors affecting future cash flows. The determination of the recoverable amount involves a detailed review of Ambatovy’s life of mine model and the determination of a weighted average cost of capital among other critical factors. Changes in any of these assumptions or judgments could result in a significant difference between the carrying amount and the recoverable amount of this asset. Where necessary, management engages qualified third-party professionals to assist in the determination of recoverable amounts. 103 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTOverburden removal costs Overburden removal costs are capitalized and depreciated over the useful lives when the overburden removal activity can be shown to create value beyond providing access to the underlying reserve. In many cases, this determination is a matter of judgment. Exploration and evaluation Management must make estimates and assumptions when determining when to transfer E&E expenditures from intangible asset to property, plant and equipment, which is normally at the time when commercial viability is achieved. Assessing commercial viability requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions as to future events and circumstances, in particular whether an economically viable operation can be established. Any such estimates and assumptions may change as new information becomes available. If after having capitalized the expenditure, a decision is made that recovery of the expenditure is unlikely, the amount capitalized is recognized in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Income taxes In determining whether it is probable that a deferred tax asset will be realized, management reviews the timing of expected reversals of taxable temporary differences, the estimates of future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning that could be implemented. Significant judgment may be involved in determining the timing of expected reversals of temporary differences. Arrangements containing a lease The Corporation determined that the Power facilities in Varadero, Cuba and Madagascar are subject to operating lease arrangements. The Corporation applies judgment in interpreting these arrangements such as determining which assets are specified in an arrangement, determining whether a right to use a specified asset has been conveyed and if relative fair value or another estimation technique to separate lease payments from payments for other goods or services should be used. The Corporation also uses judgment in applying accounting guidance to determine whether these leases are operating or finance leases. Service concession arrangements The Corporation determined that the contract terms regarding the Boca de Jaruco and Puerto Escondido, Cuba, facilities operated by Energas represent service concession arrangements as described in IFRIC 12, “Service concession arrangements” (IFRIC 12). The Corporation uses judgment to determine whether the grantor sets elements of the services provided by the operator, whether the grantor retains any significant ownership interest in the infrastructure at the end of the agreement, and to determine the classification of the service concession asset as either a financial asset or intangible asset. 4. ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS 4.1 Adoption of new and amended accounting pronouncements In fiscal 2015, there have been no new or amended accounting pronouncements that have had a material impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements. 104 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT4.2 Accounting pronouncements issued but not yet effective IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments IFRS 9, “Financial Instruments” (IFRS 9) was issued by the IASB on July 24, 2014 and will replace IAS 39, “Financial Instruments: recognition and measurement” (IAS 39). IFRS 9 utilizes a single approach to determine whether a financial asset is measured at amortized cost or fair value and a new mixed measurement model for debt instruments having only two categories: amortized cost and fair value. The approach in IFRS 9 is based on how an entity manages its financial instruments in the context of its business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets. Final amendments released on July 24, 2014 also introduce a new expected loss impairment model and limited changes to the classification and measurement requirements for financial assets. IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact of this standard and amendments on its consolidated financial statements. IFRS 11 – Joint Arrangements IFRS 11, “Joint Arrangements” (IFRS 11) was amended by the IASB on May 6, 2014. The amendments add new guidance on how to account for the acquisition of an interest in a joint operation that constitutes a business. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements. IFRS 15 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers IFRS 15, “Revenue from Contracts and Customers” (IFRS 15) was issued by the IASB on May 28, 2014, and will replace IAS 18, “Revenue”, IAS 11, “Construction Contracts”, and related interpretations on revenue. IFRS 15 sets out the requirements for recognizing revenue that apply to all contracts with customers, except for contracts that are within the scope of the standards on leases, insurance contracts and financial instruments. IFRS 15 uses a control based approach to recognize revenue which is a change from the risk and reward approach under the current standard. Companies can elect to use either a full or modified retrospective approach when adopting this standard and it is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact of IFRS 15 on its consolidated financial statements. IFRS 16 – Leases IFRS 16, “Leases” (IFRS 16) was issued by the IASB on January 13, 2016, and will replace IAS 17, “Leases”. IFRS 16 will bring most leases on-balance sheet for lessees under a single model, eliminating the distinction between operating and financing leases. Lessor accounting however remains largely unchanged and the distinction between operating and finance leases is retained. The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted if IFRS 15 has also been applied. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact of IFRS 16 on its consolidated financial statements. IAS 1 – Presentation of Financial Statements IAS 1, “Presentation of Financial Statements” (IAS 1) was amended by the IASB on December 18, 2014. The amendments to IAS 1 give guidance on how to apply the concept of materiality in practice. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements. IAS 16 – Property, Plant and Equipment IAS 16, “Property, Plant, and Equipment” (IAS 16) was amended by the IASB on May 12, 2014. The amendments to IAS 16 clarify that the use of revenue-based methods to determine the depreciation of an asset is not appropriate. However, the amendments provide limited circumstances when a revenue-based method can be an appropriate basis for amortization. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have an impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements. IAS 38 – Intangible Assets IAS 38, “Intangible Assets” (IAS 38) was amended by the IASB on May 12, 2014. The amendments to IAS 38 clarify that an amortization method based on revenue is generally presumed to be an inappropriate basis for measuring the consumption of the economic benefits embodied in an intangible asset. However, the amendments provide limited circumstances when a revenue-based method can be an appropriate basis for amortization. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The adoption of these amendments is not expected to have an impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements. 105 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT5. SEGMENTED INFORMATION Business segments Canadian $ millions, for the year ended December 31 Moa JV and Fort Site(1) Metals Ambatovy JV(2) Other(3) Oil and Gas Power Corporate and Other(4) Adjustments for Joint Venture and Associate(5) 2015 Total REVENUE Cost of sales Administrative expenses (6.1) (24.6) (1.2) (6.7) (410.9) (558.4) (58.8) (146.9) $ 412.6 $ 332.0 $ 60.5 $ 162.6 $ 52.7 $ 2.3 $ (686.8) $ 335.9 – – – – – (1,683.1) – – – – – – – – – – (80.6) – – – (52.6) (3.8) (5.2) (32.1) – – – – – – – 19.1 – – 914.7 28.1 1,683.1 – – (318.1) (46.4) – (80.6) 19.1 (1,876.7) (1,876.7) (11.8) (11.8) (4.4) (1,934.1) 0.5 (71.6) (3.7) (15.9) 50.6 (1,978.6) 75.5 (204.5) (129.0) (2,107.6) 35.9 (2,071.7) (5.0) (2,076.7) Impairment of Ambatovy JV assets(7) Impairment of Oil assets Gain on sale of Corporate assets Share of loss of an associate, net of tax Share of loss of a joint venture, net of tax (LOSS) EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS, ASSOCIATE AND JOINT VENTURE Financing income Financing expense NET FINANCE EXPENSE Loss before tax Income tax recovery NET LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (note 13) NET LOSS FOR THE YEAR SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Depletion, depreciation and amortization $ 45.2 $ 202.2 $ Property, plant and equipment expenditures Intangible asset expenditures 62.4 – 36.1 – – – – Canadian $ millions, as at December 31 $ 72.9 $ 33.7 $ 2.9 $ (237.7) $ 119.2 57.9 1.4 4.4 – 3.3 – (85.1) – 79.0 1.4 2015 Non-current assets(6) Total assets $ 772.0 $ 2,815.9 $ – $ 147.6 $ 199.6 $ 11.0 $ (3,440.2) $ 505.9 1,039.8 3,044.1 12.2 1,219.5 548.6 913.8 (2,688.0) 4,090.0 106 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTCanadian $ millions, for the year ended December 31 Moa JV and Fort Site(1) Metals Ambatovy JV(2) Other(3) Oil and Gas Power Corporate and Other(4) Adjustments for Joint Venture and Associate(5) 2014 Total REVENUE Cost of sales Administrative expenses (9.3) (25.9) (0.5) (7.8) (407.4) (424.3) (62.8) (150.0) $ 457.4 $ 291.8 $ 64.6 $ 269.3 $ 49.0 $ 4.2 $ (680.7) $ 455.6 – – (1.7) – – – – – – – – – – – – (37.1) (7.3) – – – – (0.8) (0.3) – – – – (9.5) (43.6) 3.3 14.1 (5.7) – – 773.1 31.0 – – 1.0 (318.0) (63.4) 3.3 14.1 (7.5) (205.4) (205.4) 9.4 9.4 39.0 (158.4) 1.3 110.7 4.3 (37.2) (71.6) (111.9) 67.7 (228.9) (161.2) (273.1) (45.4) (318.5) 28.5 (290.0) Gain on sale of Corporate assets Gain on arbitration settlement Restructuring expense Share of loss of an associate, net of tax Share of earnings of a joint venture, net of tax EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS, ASSOCIATE AND JOINT VENTURE Financing income Financing expense NET FINANCE EXPENSE Loss before tax Income tax expense NET LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax (note 13) NET LOSS FOR THE YEAR SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Depletion, depreciation and amortization $ 39.1 $ 152.9 $ (0.6) $ 66.6 $ 20.5 $ 3.9 $ (181.0) $ 101.4 Property, plant and equipment expenditures Intangible asset expenditures Canadian $ millions, as at December 31 Non-current assets(6) Total assets 41.4 – 50.3 – – – 62.0 0.8 3.7 0.7 0.6 – (77.2) – 80.8 1.5 2014 $ 675.2 $ 3,927.6 $ – $ 210.6 $ 199.2 $ 11.1 $ (4,452.2) $ 571.5 965.4 4,184.1 17.3 1,264.9 484.5 1,330.4 (2,963.4) 5,283.2 (1) Included in the Moa JV and Fort Site segment are the operations of the Corporation’s 50% interest in the Moa Joint Venture and its 100% interest in the utility and fertilizer operations in Fort Saskatchewan. (2) Included in the Ambatovy JV segment are the operations of the Corporation’s 40% interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture. (3) Included in the Metals Other segment are the operations of two wholly-owned subsidiaries of the corporation established to buy, market and sell certain Ambatovy and Moa Joint Venture nickel production. (4) Revenues from Corporate and Other primarily relate to sales from the Corporation’s metallurgical technologies business. Also included in the Corporate and Other segment are the operations of wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Corporation established to finance the Ambatovy Joint Venture. (5) The adjustments for Joint Venture and Associate reflect the adjustments for equity-accounted investments in the Moa and Ambatovy Joint Ventures. (6) Non-current assets are composed of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. (7) The impairment of Ambatovy JV assets includes the impairment of property, plant and equipment of $1.2 billion and impairment of mineral rights, before deferred tax adjustments, of $0.5 billion (note 7). 107 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTGeographic segments Canadian $ millions, as at North America Cuba Madagascar Europe Asia Other 2015 December 31 2014 December 31 Non-current assets(1) Total assets(2) Non-current assets(1) $ 165.0 $ 1,070.8 $ 169.8 $ 324.4 1.3 14.2 1.0 – 1,002.0 1,975.4 20.4 2.6 18.8 382.3 1.7 16.8 0.9 – Total assets(2) 1,114.2 1,019.4 3,044.3 36.3 2.3 66.7 $ 505.9 $ 4,090.0 $ 571.5 $ 5,283.2 (1) Non-current assets are composed of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. (2) For its geographic segments, the Corporation has allocated assets based on their physical location. Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 North America Cuba Madagascar Europe Asia Other (1) For its geographic segments, the Corporation has allocated revenue based on the location of the customer. Revenue components Revenue includes the following significant categories: Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 Commodity and electricity Other 2015 Total revenue(1) 2014 Total revenue(1) $ 115.9 $ 203.3 1.7 11.3 2.3 1.4 132.1 305.7 1.3 11.5 2.2 2.8 $ 335.9 $ 455.6 2015 325.4 $ 10.5 335.9 $ 2014 438.1 17.5 455.6 $ $ Significant customers Oil and Gas derived $150.6 million of its revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015 ($256.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014) directly and indirectly from agencies of the Government of Cuba. Power derived $48.7 million of its revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015 ($41.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014) directly and indirectly from agencies of the Government of Cuba. Metals Other derived $54.1 million of its revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015 ($59.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014) from a customer who markets and sells nickel production. No other single customer contributed 10% or more to the Corporation’s revenue for both 2015 and 2014. 108 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT6. EXPENSES Cost of sales includes the following: Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 Employee costs Depletion, depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets Raw materials and consumables Repairs and maintenance Exploration and evaluation expenses(1) Impairment losses and inventory obsolescence (2)(3) Freight and shipping costs Other 2015 $ 59.1 $ 2014 62.8 116.5 48.4 56.6 – 2.1 17.8 17.6 98.4 60.6 41.0 3.3 14.8 14.9 22.2 $ 318.1 $ 318.0 (1) In 2014, the exploration and evaluation expenses incurred by the Corporation related to the Sulawesi Project in Indonesia. As the Corporation terminated its earn-in and shareholders’ agreement for the Sulawesi project, effective February 1, 2014, there were no further funding requirements after this date. (2) In the third quarter of 2015, the Corporation recognized an impairment loss of $80.6 million (note 19) representing the write-down of certain Oil assets in the Oil and Gas segment to their recoverable amount. Due to the significance of this impairment loss, the amount has been presented separately from cost of sales as impairment of Oil assets in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss). (3) In 2014, impairment losses were primarily comprised of an impairment of Oil and Gas exploration and evaluation licenses of $12.3 million (note 20) and an impairment of Oil and Gas property, plant and equipment assets of $2.1 million (note 19). Administrative expenses include the following: Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 Employee costs Severance(1) Depreciation Stock-based compensation (recovery) expense Annual general meetings costs and other Shareholder related costs Consulting services and audit fees Other 2015 $ 32.9 $ 2014 41.1 2.2 2.7 (1.0) 0.2 5.2 4.2 – 3.0 4.0 4.4 7.4 3.5 $ 46.4 $ 63.4 (1) In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Corporation recognized a restructuring charge of $7.5 million (note 10) related to severance and other termination benefits for employees whose positions were terminated. Due to the significance of this restructuring charge, the 2014 amount had been presented separately from administrative expenses as restructuring expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). 7. INVESTMENT IN AN ASSOCIATE The Corporation indirectly holds a 40% interest in Ambatovy Minerals S.A. and Dynatec Madagascar S.A. (collectively the Ambatovy Joint Venture). Sherritt is the operator of the Ambatovy Joint Venture and has as its partners, Sumitomo Corporation (Sumitomo) and Korea Resources Corporation (Kores). The Ambatovy Joint Venture has two nickel deposits located near Moramanga, Madagascar. The ore from these deposits is delivered via pipeline to a processing plant and refinery located near the Port of Toamasina. Financial completion In September 2015, the Ambatovy Joint Venture filed the final two remaining certificates and made a deposit of US$115 million (100% basis) in the Senior Debt Reserve Account to achieve financial completion under the Ambatovy Joint Venture financing. Upon achieving financial completion, the US$1.6 billion (100% basis, balance as at December 31, 2015) Ambatovy Joint Venture financing became non-recourse to the Ambatovy partners and the interest rate increased from approximately LIBOR plus 1.4% to LIBOR plus 2.5%. 109 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTArbitration In September and October of 2015, the Ambatovy Joint Venture received notice of final awards in three commercial arbitrations. Two of these decisions, related to the construction of a power plant and the refinery, resulted in rulings against the Ambatovy Joint Venture and resulted in a cash outflow of US$65 million (100% basis). The third, which related to the construction of a pipeline, resulted in a ruling in favour of the Ambatovy Joint Venture and will have a positive cash flow impact if and when collected. Arbitration and interest costs have been expensed and resulted in a net impact of US$11.2 million (100% basis) in the share of loss of an associate, net of tax, within the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The remainder of the costs awarded relate to construction costs and resulted in US$44.5 million (100% basis) being capitalized to investment in an associate within the consolidated statements of financial position, of which US$35 million (100% basis) had been previously accrued. Impairment In the fourth quarter of 2015, an impairment indicator was identified at the Ambatovy Joint Venture reflecting the expectation of a sustained reduction in long-term nickel prices. The recoverable amount was based on value in use and was determined to be $7.1 billion (100% basis) as at December 31, 2015. In determining value in use for the Ambatovy Joint Venture, a long-term nickel price of US$8.50/lb and a discount rate of 9.0% were used in the discounted cash flow calculation. The Corporation has identified the Ambatovy Joint Venture operation as one cash-generating unit (“CGU”), which constitutes the Ambatovy Joint Venture reportable segment. The Corporation recognized a total impairment of $1.6 billion (40% basis), after tax, within the Corporation’s share of loss of an associate, net of tax, in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss). The total impairment consists of the Corporation’s 40% share of the Ambatovy Joint Venture impairment, a deferred tax asset write-down, an inventory write-down and an incremental impairment of the Corporation’s mineral rights, net of deferred tax adjustments, as discussed further below. Impairment of Ambatovy Joint Venture The loss on impairment of Ambatovy Joint Venture of $3.0 billion (100% basis) represents the write-down of Ambatovy Joint Venture property, plant and equipment to its recoverable amount. The impairment resulted in an expense of $1.2 billion (40% basis) recognized within the Corporation’s share of loss of an associate, net of tax, in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss). Deferred tax asset write-down The Ambatovy Joint Venture concluded that its deferred tax asset was not recoverable due to the expectation of a sustained reduction in long-term nickel prices, which resulted in a deferred tax asset write-down of $120.6 million (100% basis). This write-down resulted in an expense of $48.2 million (40% basis) recognized within the Corporation’s share of loss of an associate, net of tax, in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss). Inventory write-down The Ambatovy Joint Venture wrote down its spare parts and operating materials to its net realizable value, which resulted in an inventory write-down of $98.4 million (100% basis). This write-down resulted in an expense of $39.4 million (40% basis) recognized within the Corporation’s share of loss of an associate, net of tax, in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss). Loss on impairment of mineral rights and deferred tax liability An additional impairment of $0.3 billion (40% basis), net of deferred tax of $0.2 billion, was recognized representing the incremental carrying value of Sherritt’s investment in an associate, primarily related to mineral rights acquired from Dynatec in 2007. This impairment was recognized within the Corporation’s share of loss of an associate, net of tax, in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss). Ambatovy funding Pursuant to cash calls due in January 2016, an additional US$30 million was provided to the Ambatovy Joint Venture by Sumitomo and Kores. Total cash calls of US$50 million were made, with Sherritt not funding its 40% pro-rata share (US$20 million). By agreement amongst the Ambatovy Joint Venture partners, Sherritt’s unfunded amounts accrue interest at LIBOR plus 3.0%. These amounts will be subtracted from future Ambatovy Joint Venture distributions, or may be set off by the Ambatovy Joint Venture against other amounts owed to Sherritt. Sherritt also has the option to pay the amounts at any time, at Sherritt’s election. Until the funding deficit is cured, and subject to continued discussions with the Ambatovy Joint Venture partners, Sherritt will not be exercising its Ambatovy Joint Venture voting rights. 110 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTStatement of financial position The following provides additional information relating to the Corporation’s investment in the Ambatovy Joint Venture: Canadian $ millions, 100% basis, as at ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents(1) Other current assets Trade accounts receivable, net Inventories(6) Deferred income taxes(2) Other non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Total assets LIABILITIES Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities Other current financial liabilities Current portion of loans and borrowings: Ambatovy Joint Venture financing(3) Ambatovy revolving credit facility(4) Non-current portion of loans and borrowings: Ambatovy Joint Venture financing(3) Ambatovy Subordinated loan payable(5) Environmental rehabilitation provision Other non-current liabilities Deferred income taxes Total liabilities NET ASSETS 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 $ 39.6 $ 12.9 89.6 426.2 – 5.8 7,036.5 7,610.6 317.5 15.8 260.7 60.6 1,927.9 3,009.1 117.6 8.2 – 47.7 23.1 67.9 456.3 46.4 4.7 10,575.8 11,221.9 332.2 12.0 218.5 44.7 1,829.0 3,724.8 100.7 0.7 327.4 5,717.4 6,590.0 $ 1,893.2 $ 4,631.9 (1) In accordance with La loi établissant un régime special pour les grands investissements dans le secteur minier malagasy (LGIM), Madagascar’s large scale mining investment act, the Ambatovy Joint Venture is required to (a) maintain foreign currency in local bank accounts sufficient to pay 90 days of local expenses, or (b) repatriate all revenue from export sales of mining products, less authorized debt service costs, to local bank accounts within 90 days of receipt. The Ambatovy Joint Venture is currently electing to repatriate revenue from export sales, less authorized debt service costs, in compliance with the requirements of the LGIM. (2) As at December 31, 2015, the Ambatovy Joint Venture has fully written-off its deferred tax asset. As at December 31, 2015, the Ambatovy Joint Venture has earned investment tax credits which management has estimated to be $713.7 million (December 31, 2014 – $595.0 million), operating losses of $652.1 million (December 31, 2014 – $272.2 million) and $4,117.8 million of deductible temporary differences for which a deferred tax asset has not been recognized since the realization of any related tax benefit through future taxable profits is not probable. The investment tax credits have an indefinite carry forward period and may be used to partially offset Malagasy income tax otherwise payable by the Ambatovy Joint Venture in subsequent years. The operating losses have a 5-year expiry period. (3) The Ambatovy Joint Venture financing of $2,188.6 million, net of financing costs, is project financing with a group of international lenders that matures on June 15, 2024. For the year ended December 31, 2015, total principal repayments were US$188.4 million. The project financing became non-recourse to the partners in September 2015 when the project filed the remaining completion certificates and is now solely secured by the project assets. Interest is payable based on LIBOR rates plus 2.5%. As at December 31, 2015, the Ambatovy Joint Venture had borrowed US$1,601.1 million (December 31, 2014 – US$1,789.5 million) under the project financing. (4) The Ambatovy revolving credit facility is comprised of a Malagasy Ariary (MGA) 140 billion ($60.6 million) revolving and MGA 20 billion ($8.7 million) overdraft credit facility agreement with local financial institutions and bear interest rates between 9.00% and 11.85%. The revolving credit facility matures on February 29, 2016 and the overdraft credit facility matured on January 20, 2016. The facilities are subordinated to the Ambatovy Joint Venture financing. As at December 31, 2015, MGA 140 billion ($60.6 million) and nil were drawn on the revolving and overdraft credit facilities, respectively (December 31, 2014 – MGA 100 billion ($44.7 million) and MGA nil, respectively). (5) The subordinated loan payable is comprised of pro-rata contributions provided by the Ambatovy Joint Venture partners. The debt bears interest at LIBOR plus 6%. Repayments of principal or interest will not be made prior to certain conditions of the finance agreements being satisfied. Unpaid interest is accrued monthly and capitalized to the principal balance semi-annually. In December 2015, US$1.5 billion of the Ambatovy Joint Venture Subordinated loan payable was converted to equity which, at the Corporation’s 40% share, resulted in a US$618.0 million ($840.0 million) decrease in the Corporation’s subordinated loans receivable. The Corporation has recorded its share of the related subordinated loan receivable within advances, loans receivable and other financial assets (note 17). There was no change to the Corporation’s ownership interest as a result of the conversion. (6) The Ambatovy Joint Venture wrote its major spare parts and operating material down to its net realizable value as at December 31, 2015. This resulted in the recognition of an inventory write-down of $98.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2015. 111 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Reconciliation of Ambatovy Joint Venture’s net assets to the carrying value of investment in an associate recognized in the consolidated statements of financial position: Canadian $ millions, as at Net assets of Ambatovy Joint Venture Proportion of Sherritt’s ownership interest Total Intercompany capitalized interest elimination(1) CARRYING VALUE OF INVESTMENT IN AN ASSOCIATE 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 $ 1,893.2 $ 4,631.9 40% 757.3 – $ 757.3 $ 40% 1,852.8 (304.3) 1,548.5 (1) In December 2015, the Ambatovy Joint Venture wrote the carrying amount of its property, plant and equipment down to its recoverable amount. Included within the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment is capitalized intercompany interest, which the Corporation eliminates to reconcile the Ambatovy Joint Venture net assets to its investment in an associate. This elimination is no longer required as at December 31, 2015 as a result of the impairment. Results of operations Canadian $ millions, 100% basis, for the years ended December 31 REVENUE(1) Cost of sales(2) Administrative expenses Loss on impairment of property, plant and equipment LOSS FROM OPERATIONS Financing income Financing expense NET FINANCING EXPENSE LOSS BEFORE TAX Income tax (expense) recovery(3) 2015 $ 830.0 $ 2014 729.5 (1,395.9) (1,060.6) (61.4) (3,044.1) (3,671.4) 0.2 (295.3) (295.1) (3,966.5) (48.3) (64.8) – (395.9) 0.1 (246.5) (246.4) (642.3) 54.1 NET LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS FOR THE YEAR $ (4,014.8) $ (588.2) (1) Commercial production, the point at which Ambatovy began to recognize operating revenues and costs for accounting purposes, commenced on February 1, 2014. The Ambatovy Joint Venture generated pre-commercial production revenue of $42.5 million ($17.0 million – 40% basis) for the month ended January 31, 2014. (2) Included in cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 is depreciation and amortization of $504.2 million ($381.5 for the year ended December 31, 2014). A $101.3 million inventory write-down has also been included in cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2015, which includes the inventory write-down of $98.4 million recognized in the fourth quarter as part of the impairment. (3) Included in income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 is the $120.6 million write-down of the Ambatovy Joint Venture deferred tax asset. Reconciliation of Ambatovy Joint Venture’s net loss and comprehensive loss to the share of loss of an associate recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss): Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 Net loss and comprehensive loss for the year of Ambatovy Joint Venture Proportion of Sherritt’s ownership interest Total Intercompany interest expense elimination Impairment of mineral rights, net of deferred tax 2015 2014 $ (4,014.8) $ (588.2) 40% (1,605.9) 43.7 (314.5) 40% (235.3) 29.9 – SHARE OF LOSS OF AN ASSOCIATE, NET OF TAX, INCLUDING IMPAIRMENT $ (1,876.7) $ (205.4) 112 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT8. JOINT ARRANGEMENTS Investment in a joint venture The Corporation indirectly holds a 50% interest in the Moa Joint Venture. The operations of the Moa Joint Venture are currently conducted among three companies. Moa Nickel S.A. owns and operates the mining and processing facilities located in Moa, Cuba; The Cobalt Refinery Company Inc. owns and operates the metals refinery located at Fort Saskatchewan; and International Cobalt Company Inc. acquires mixed-sulphides from Moa Nickel S.A. and third parties, contracts the refining of such purchased materials and then markets finished nickel and cobalt. The following provides additional information relating to the Corporation’s investment in the Moa Joint Venture: Statement of financial position Canadian $ millions, 100% basis, as at ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Income taxes receivable Other current assets Trade accounts receivable, net Inventories Other non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Deferred income taxes(1) Total assets LIABILITIES Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities Other current financial liabilities Other current liabilities Loans and borrowings Environmental rehabilitation provision Other long-term financial liabilities Deferred income taxes Total liabilities NET ASSETS 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 $ 43.7 $ – 11.8 72.2 208.4 13.9 1,349.5 12.1 1,711.6 68.3 59.0 2.9 43.9 80.6 519.9 27.6 802.2 $ 909.4 $ 48.3 3.7 2.8 107.7 197.4 4.4 1,135.1 1.3 1,500.7 81.9 73.1 – 13.7 65.9 396.7 23.4 654.7 846.0 (1) As at December 31, 2015, the Moa Joint Venture had taxable losses of $53.8 million (December 31, 2014 – nil) which may be carried forward and used to reduce future taxable income for the five years following the year in which the loss was incurred. The Moa Joint Venture has recognized a deferred income tax asset of $12.1 million on the full amount of the losses, since the realization of a tax benefit through future taxable profits is probable based on the Moa Joint Venture’s forecasted future earnings. The taxable losses are located in Cuba. Reconciliation of Moa Joint Venture’s net assets to the carrying value of investment in a joint venture recognized in the consolidated statements of financial position: Canadian $ millions, as at Net assets of Moa Joint Venture Proportion of Sherritt’s ownership interest Total Intercompany capitalized interest elimination CARRYING VALUE OF INVESTMENT IN A JOINT VENTURE 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 $ $ 909.4 $ 50% 454.7 (50.5) 404.2 $ 846.0 50% 423.0 (42.9) 380.1 113 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Results of operations Canadian $ millions, 100% basis, for the years ended December 31 REVENUE Cost of sales(1) Administrative expenses (LOSS) PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS Financing income Financing expense NET FINANCE EXPENSE (LOSS) EARNINGS BEFORE TAX Income tax recovery (expense)(2) 2015 $ 709.5 $ (712.8) (7.0) (10.3) 0.5 (41.4) (40.9) (51.2) 8.7 NET (LOSS) EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME FOR THE YEAR $ (42.5) $ 2014 777.9 (698.8) (12.2) 66.9 0.6 (39.8) (39.2) 27.7 (25.1) 2.6 (1) Included in cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 is depreciation and amortization of $71.1 million (for the year ended December 31, 2014 – $57.4 million). (2) Due to a new foreign investment law, statutory tax rates for Cuba have been reduced, resulting in tax rate reductions at the Moa Joint Venture (note 12). Reconciliation of Moa Joint Venture’s net (loss) earnings and comprehensive (loss) income to the share of (loss) earnings of a joint venture recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss): Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 Net (loss) earnings and comprehensive (loss) income for the year of Moa Joint Venture Proportion of Sherritt’s ownership interest Total Intercompany interest expense elimination SHARE OF (LOSS) EARNINGS OF A JOINT VENTURE, NET OF TAX 2015 (42.5) $ 50% (21.3) 9.5 (11.8) $ 2014 2.6 50% 1.3 8.1 9.4 $ $ For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Moa Joint Venture (50% basis) paid $12.5 million of dividends (nil for the year ended December 31, 2014). Joint operations The following is a summary of the Corporation’s economic interests in joint operations, all of which have a December 31 reporting date: As at ENTITY Energas Principal activities Power generation 2015 December 31 2014 December 31 Economic Interest 33⅓% 33⅓% The Corporation recognizes all applicable assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses relating to its interest in the above noted joint operations in accordance with IFRS. The following tables present a summary of the Corporation’s interests in its joint operations: Canadian $ millions, as at December 31 Current assets Non-current assets Current liabilities Non-current liabilities NET ASSETS 114 2015 Energas 331/3% 25.6 $ 176.2 21.4 79.8 100.6 $ 2014 Energas 331/3% 27.7 167.1 14.1 112.7 68.0 $ $ NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTCanadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 Revenue Expense NET EARNINGS Government grants 2015 Energas 331/3% 52.2 (28.8) 23.4 $ $ $ $ 2014 Energas 331/3% 48.7 (35.0) 13.7 For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Corporation recognized government grants relating to Energas re-investment credits of $0.2 million ($1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014). Re-investment credits are earned as a result of providing financing for construction projects approved by the Cuban government. Receipt of these credits is contingent on Energas generating taxable income, and therefore re-investment credits are included in income only as Energas accrues income tax. 9. GAIN ON ARBITRATION SETTLEMENT On August 1, 2014, the Corporation received a favourable arbitration settlement ruling related to a contract dispute with a port operator that arose during the time the Corporation operated Coal Valley Resources Inc. As a result of the decision, the Corporation recognized a gain on settlement of $14.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. 10. RESTRUCTURING EXPENSE On October 28, 2014, the Corporation initiated a restructuring plan that resulted in a company-wide headcount reduction, excluding Ambatovy. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Corporation recognized a restructuring charge of $7.5 million related to severance and other termination benefits for employees whose positions were terminated. In 2015, the Corporation recognized $2.2 million in restructuring charges which have been presented in administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). 11. NET FINANCE EXPENSE Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 Revaluation on financial instruments(1) Interest income on cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments Interest income on investments Interest income on advances and loans receivable Total financing income Note 2015 16 $ (17.7) $ 2.7 – 90.5 75.5 2014 (8.5) 6.3 1.4 68.5 67.7 Interest expense and accretion on loans and borrowings 149.9 166.2 Unrealized foreign exchange loss Realized foreign exchange (gain) loss Premium on debenture redemption Other finance charges Accretion expense on environmental rehabilitation provisions Total financing expense NET FINANCE EXPENSE 44.4 (1.5) – 10.6 1.1 21 22,25 204.5 129.0 $ $ 15.0 0.2 33.6 12.5 1.4 228.9 161.2 (1) Included in revaluation on financial instruments for the year ended December 31, 2015 is the Corporation’s realized loss on the extinguishment of the Ambatovy call option of $13.7 million which expired on September 30, 2015. 115 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Included in interest income on advances and loans receivable in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) is interest on the Energas conditional sales agreement of $16.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 ($15.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014). Additionally, included in interest received in the consolidated statements of cash flow is interest of $37.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 ($26.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014). In the prior periods, these amounts were netted against interest expense and accretion on loans and borrowings and interest paid, respectively. For consistency of presentation with the current periods presented, the comparative amounts have been reclassified to interest income and interest received, respectively. 12. INCOME TAXES Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 CURRENT INCOME TAX (RECOVERY) EXPENSE Current period Tax rate changes DEFERRED INCOME TAX (RECOVERY) EXPENSE Origination and reversal of temporary differences Reduction in tax rate Non-recognition of tax assets 2015 2014 $ 16.2 $ (27.2) (11.0) (55.9) (13.5) 44.5 (24.9) 47.2 – 47.2 (53.7) (0.1) 52.0 (1.8) 45.4 INCOME TAX (RECOVERY) EXPENSE $ (35.9) $ Tax rate changes Cuba In 2015, clarification was received from the Cuban government regarding the application of tax rate reductions in Cuba due to a new foreign investment law. As a result, the tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 includes a tax recovery of $40.7 million in Oil and Gas. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2015 a tax recovery of $2.6 million (50% basis) was recognized at the Moa Joint Venture, the impact of which is included in the Corporation’s share of (loss) earnings of a joint venture. The new foreign investment law in Cuba resulted in the following rate changes: Operation Oil and Gas Power Metals – Moa Joint Venture Prior Statutory Tax Rate 30.0% 30.0% 45.0% Revised Statutory Tax Rate 22.5% 15.0% 22.5% 116 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTAlberta In 2015, a 2% increase in Alberta’s corporate income tax rate was enacted. As a result, the tax expense at the Moa Joint Venture includes a non-cash adjustment of $1.0 million (50% basis) for the year ended December 31, 2015, reflecting a re-measurement of deferred tax liabilities. The impact of this adjustment is included in the Corporation’s share of (loss) earnings of a joint venture (note 8). The following table reconciles income taxes calculated at a combined Canadian federal/provincial income tax rate with the income tax expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31: Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 Loss before tax from continuing operations Add share of loss of equity accounted investments Parent companies and subsidiaries loss before tax Income tax recovery at the combined basic rate of 26.06% (2014 – 25.20%) Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from: Difference between Canadian and foreign tax rates Reduction in income tax rates Non-deductible losses and write-downs Non-recognition of tax assets Other items Deferred tax assets (liabilities) relate to the following temporary differences and loss carry forwards: Canadian $ millions, for the year ended December 31, 2015 2015 2014 $ (2,107.6) $ (273.1) 1,888.5 (219.1) (57.1) (16.5) (40.7) 36.4 44.5 (2.5) $ (35.9) $ DEFERRED TAX ASSETS Environmental rehabilitation obligations Property, plant and equipment Set off of deferred tax liabilities Deferred tax assets DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES Property, plant and equipment Cuban tax contingency reserve Pension and other benefit plans and reserves Set off of deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets Recovery recognized in continuing operations Opening Balance Recognized in net loss Recognized in other comp- rehensive income (loss) $ $ $ 0.3 $ (0.3) $ – $ 16.4 16.7 (14.4) (14.9) (15.2) – 2.2 2.2 – 2.3 $ (15.2) $ 2.2 $ (44.3) $ 33.1 $ (5.7) $ (22.0) (3.7) (70.0) 14.4 (55.6) $ (53.3) $ (3.0) (0.5) (9.2) – (9.2) $ (7.0) $ 4.8 2.2 40.1 – 40.1 24.9 24.9 196.0 (77.1) (19.4) (13.6) (0.1) 25.9 52.0 0.6 45.4 Closing Balance – 3.7 3.7 (3.7) – (16.9) (20.2) (2.0) (39.1) 3.7 (35.4) (35.4) 117 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTCanadian $ millions, for the year ended December 31, 2014 DEFERRED TAX ASSETS Environmental rehabilitation obligations Property, plant and equipment Set off of deferred tax liabilities Deferred tax assets DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES Property, plant and equipment Cuban tax contingency reserve Pension and other benefit plans and reserves Set off of deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Net deferred tax liabilities Recovery recognized in discontinued operations Recovery recognized in continuing operations Opening Balance Recognized in net loss Recognized in other comp- rehensive income (loss) $ $ $ 0.8 $ (0.5) $ – $ 12.0 12.8 (9.1) 3.5 3.0 – 0.9 0.9 – 3.7 $ 3.0 $ 0.9 $ (35.9) $ (4.9) $ (3.5) $ (19.8) (5.1) (60.8) 9.1 (51.7) (0.5) 1.8 (3.6) – (3.6) (1.7) (0.4) (5.6) – (5.6) $ (48.0) $ (0.6) $ (4.7) $ 2.4 1.8 Closing Balance 0.3 16.4 16.7 (14.4) 2.3 (44.3) (22.0) (3.7) (70.0) 14.4 (55.6) (53.3) As at December 31, 2015, the Corporation had temporary differences of $838.2 million (December 31, 2014 – $878.3 million) associated with investments in subsidiaries, associated entities and interests in joint ventures for which no deferred tax liabilities have been recognized, as the Corporation is able to control the timing of the reversal of these temporary differences and it is not probable that these temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future. As at December 31, 2015, the Corporation had non-capital losses of $439.2 million (December 31, 2014 – $350.0 million) and capital losses of $1,054.0 million (December 31, 2014 – $994.1 million) which may be used to reduce future taxable income. The Corporation has not recognized a deferred income tax asset on $439.2 million of non-capital losses, $1,054.0 million of capital losses and $165.3 million of other deductible temporary differences since the realization of any related tax benefit through future taxable profits is not probable. The capital losses have no expiry dates and the other deductible temporary differences do not expire under current tax legislation. The non-capital losses are located in Canada and expire as follows: Canadian $ millions, for the year ended December 31, 2015 EXPIRATION DATE 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 TOTAL 118 Unrecognized losses $ $ 0.1 1.8 2.2 1.0 4.1 43.3 67.5 90.8 112.0 116.4 439.2 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT13. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS On April 28, 2014, the Corporation completed the sale of its Coal operations, receiving $793.0 million in cash proceeds. In addition, a net post-closing adjustment of $21.4 million was received in June 2014. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, (loss) earnings from Coal are reported in (loss) earnings from discontinued operations and cash used by Coal is reported in cash (used) provided by discontinued operations. For the year ended December 31, 2015, loss from discontinued operations relates to an increase in the obligations retained by the Corporation post-disposition (note 22). The net (loss) earnings from Coal for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 REVENUE Cost of sales Administrative expenses (LOSS) EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS Financing income Financing expense NET FINANCE EXPENSE (LOSS) EARNINGS BEFORE TAX Income tax expense NET (LOSS) EARNINGS FOR THE YEAR Gain on disposal of Coal operations (LOSS) EARNINGS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Gain on disposal of Coal operations The gain on disposal of the Coal operations is calculated as: Canadian $ millions, as at Consideration received in cash Post-closing adjustments Total consideration received Net assets disposed of Gain on disposal 2015 $ – $ (5.0) – (5.0) – – – (5.0) – (5.0) $ – (5.0) $ $ $ 2014 242.8 (211.2) (7.2) 24.4 4.8 (9.6) (4.8) 19.6 (4.1) 15.5 13.0 28.5 2014 December 31 $ $ $ 793.0 21.4 814.4 801.4 13.0 119 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTThe major classes of assets and liabilities of the Coal segment are as follows: Canadian $ millions, as at ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Advances, loans receivable and other financial assets Finance lease receivable Trade accounts receivable, net Income taxes receivable Inventories Prepaid expenses NON-CURRENT ASSETS Advances, loans receivable and other financial assets Other non-financial assets Finance lease receivable Property, plant and equipment Intangible assets ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities Other financial liabilities Other non-financial liabilities Environmental rehabilitation provisions NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Other financial liabilities Other non-financial liabilities Environmental rehabilitation provisions Deferred income taxes LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS NET ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 2014 April 28 10.1 3.9 15.6 58.2 1.6 148.3 1.7 239.4 24.4 2.0 154.6 473.8 417.2 1,072.0 1,311.4 79.4 40.0 0.1 19.4 138.9 95.2 0.6 152.9 122.4 371.1 510.0 801.4 $ $ $ $ $ 120 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTThe following table provides details of the operating, investing and financing activities of the Coal operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014: Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net (loss) earnings from discontinued operations Add (deduct): Finance costs (less accretion expense) Income tax expense Loss on settlement of environmental rehabilitation provisions Change in provision Net change in non-cash working capital Interest received Interest paid Liabilities settled for environmental rehabilitation provisions Other operating items CASH (USED) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES INVESTING ACTIVITIES Property, plant and equipment expenditures Increase in advances, loans receivable and other financial assets Repayment of advances, loans receivable and other financial assets Net proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES FINANCING ACTIVITIES Repayment of other financial liabilities Increase in finance lease receivables Repayment of finance lease receivables CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 14. ASSETS HELD FOR SALE Gain on sale of Corporate assets 2015 2014 $ (5.0) $ 15.5 – – – (6.3) (4.7) – – – – (16.0) – – – – – – – – – $ (16.0) $ 3.8 4.1 1.2 (16.2) 3.2 3.8 (6.3) (4.2) 13.7 18.6 (14.2) (0.6) 1.2 0.1 (13.5) (14.2) (1.0) 5.7 (9.5) (4.4) On December 31, 2014, the Corporation completed the sale of certain corporate assets for $3.3 million. As those assets were fully amortized at the time of sale, the entire amount was recognized as a gain. On May 29, 2015, the Corporation completed the sale of its corporate office in Toronto for $21.5 million. On the sale of the property, the Corporation recognized a gain of $19.1 million, which represents the difference between the proceeds, net of transaction costs of $0.3 million, and the net book value of $2.1 million. Assets held for sale During the second quarter of 2015, the Corporation approved the sale of the Technologies property located in Fort Saskatchewan. In classifying the land and building as held for sale, the Corporation is required to measure the assets at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less cost to sell. The expected purchase consideration was used as the basis for determining the fair value. In performing this assessment, the Corporation concluded that the fair value less cost to sell of the assets exceeded the carrying amount. As a result, no adjustment was required. The transaction is expected to be completed in 2016. 121 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT15. LOSS PER SHARE The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share: Canadian $ millions, except share amounts in millions and per share amounts in dollars, for the years ended December 31 Net loss from continuing operations (Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax NET LOSS – BASIC AND DILUTED WEIGHTED-AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES – BASIC AND DILUTED(1) NET LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS PER COMMON SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED (LOSS) EARNINGS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS PER COMMON SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED 2015 2014 (2,071.7) $ (318.5) (5.0) 28.5 (2,076.7) $ (290.0) 293.7 297.0 (7.05) $ (1.07) (0.02) $ 0.10 (7.07) $ (0.97) $ $ $ $ $ (1) The determination of the weighted-average number of common shares – diluted excludes 6.2 million shares related to stock options that were anti- dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2015 (5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014). There were nil shares related to the employee share purchase plan that were anti-dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2015 (0.3 million shares for the year ended December 31, 2014). There were nil shares related to the restricted stock plan that were anti-dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2015 (0.3 million shares for the year ended December 31, 2014). 16. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments Cash and cash equivalents consist of: Canadian $ millions, as at Cash equivalents Cash on hand and balances with banks Restricted cash 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 $ $ 118.9 $ 110.7 1.0 230.6 $ 112.8 47.8 1.0 161.6 The Corporation’s cash balances are deposited with major financial institutions rated A- or higher by Standard and Poor’s except for institutions located in Madagascar (BB or higher) and with banks in Cuba that are not rated. The total cash held in Cuban bank deposit accounts was $3.8 million at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – $11.7 million). As at December 31, 2015, $0.8 million of cash on the Corporation’s consolidated statements of financial position was held by Energas (December 31, 2014 – $7.5 million). These funds are for the use of the joint operation. The Corporation’s cash equivalents consist of Government of Canada treasury bills and term deposits with a major financial institution with maturities of 90 days or less. As at December 31, 2015, the Corporation had $118.9 million in Government of Canada treasury bills and term deposits (December 31, 2014 – $112.8 million) included in cash and cash equivalents and $204.8 million in short-term investments (December 31, 2014 – $315.6 million). 122 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTFinancial instrument hierarchy Canadian $ millions, as at Recurring financial assets, measured at fair value through profit or loss: Cash equivalents Short-term investments Restricted cash Provisionally priced sales(1) Ambatovy call option Hierarchy 2014 2015 level December 31 December 31 Note 1 $ 118.9 $ 1 1 2 3 204.8 1.0 5.2 – 112.8 315.6 1.0 – 15.5 17 (1) Revenue from provisionally priced sales is initially recorded at the estimated fair value of the consideration that is ultimately expected to be received based on forecast reference prices. At each reporting date all outstanding receivables originating from provisionally priced sales are marked to market based on a forecast of reference prices at that time. The adjustment to accounts receivable is recorded as an adjustment to sales revenue. Provisional pricing is only used in the pricing of nickel and cobalt sales for which reference prices are established in a freely traded and active market. The following is a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balance for the Ambatovy call option included in Level 3: Canadian $ millions Balance, beginning of the year Revaluation on financial instruments in net finance expense Effect of movements in exchange rates Balance, end of the year For the year ended December 31 2015 For the year ended December 31 2014 15.5 $ (17.7) 2.2 – $ 22.1 (8.5) 1.9 15.5 Note 11 $ $ Upon achieving financial completion on September 21, 2015, the Corporation’s Ambatovy call option became exercisable for a two-year period or until SNC-Lavalin exercised its put option. The Ambatovy call option relates to the right of the Corporation and Sumitomo Corporation to acquire SNC-Lavalin’s 5% equity interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture. SNC-Lavalin’s put option relates to the right to divest of its 5% equity interest to the Corporation and Sumitomo Corporation. The Corporation had the right to decline such an offer. On September 30, 2015, SNC-Lavalin exercised its put option. The Corporation declined its option to acquire its share of SNC-Lavalin’s interest. As a result, the Ambatovy call option expired and the Corporation realized a loss of $13.7 million on the extinguishment of this financial instrument through net finance expense (note 11). Fair values Financial instruments with carrying amounts different from their fair values include the following(1): Canadian $ millions, as at Note 2015 December 31 2014 December 31 Liabilities: 8.00% senior unsecured debentures due 2018 7.50% senior unsecured debentures due 2020 7.875% senior unsecured debentures due 2022 Ambatovy Joint Venture Additional Partner loans(2) Ambatovy Joint Venture Partner loans(2) Assets: Ambatovy subordinated loans receivable(3) Energas conditional sales agreement(3) Moa Joint Venture loans receivable(3) 21 21 21 21 21 17 17 17 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 Hierarchy value Carrying value Fair value Carrying value 1 $ 247.3 $ 140.0 $ 246.5 $ 246.5 240.3 1,303.2 134.6 135.0 130.0 106.4 20.1 246.0 239.2 1,014.3 111.0 Fair Value 247.5 237.5 235.0 970.9 93.5 1,187.2 1,308.7 1,489.9 1,294.2 157.5 255.9 167.7 225.7 221.8 193.9 188.3 209.5 (1) The carrying values are net of financing costs. Fair values exclude financing costs and are based on market closing prices. (2) The fair value for the Ambatovy Partner loans and Ambatovy Additional Partner loans is calculated by discounting future cash flows using rates that are based on market rates adjusted for the Corporation’s credit quality for instruments with similar maturity horizons. (3) The fair value for the Ambatovy subordinated loans receivable, Energas conditional sales agreement and Moa Joint Venture loans receivable is calculated by discounting future cash flows using rates that are based on market rates adjusted for the Corporation’s credit quality. 123 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT As at December 31, 2015, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, trade accounts receivable, current portion of advances and loans receivable, current portion of other financial assets, current portion of loans and borrowings, current portion of other financial liabilities, trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities are at fair value or approximate fair value due to their immediate or short terms to maturity. The fair values of non-current loans and borrowings and other financial liabilities approximate their carrying amount except as indicated in the above table. Due to the use of judgment and uncertainties in the determination of the estimated fair values, these values should not be interpreted as being realizable in the immediate term. The Corporation’s 2022 notes include an option for the Corporation to redeem all or part of the notes outstanding prior to the expiration date at a determinable price. The fair value of the embedded derivative was insignificant at December 31, 2015. As at December 31, 2015, the carrying amount of the lenders’ conversion option under the Ambatovy Joint Venture additional partner loan agreements is approximately equal to its fair value. Trade accounts receivable, net The Corporation’s trade accounts receivable are composed of the following: Canadian $ millions, as at Trade accounts receivable Allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts receivable from joint operations Accounts receivable from joint venture Accounts receivable from associate Other Aging of receivables not impaired: Canadian $ millions, as at Not past due Past due no more than 30 days Past due for more than 30 days but no more than 60 days Past due for more than 60 days 2014 2015 Note December 31 December 31 $ 186.6 $ (11.8) 196.4 (12.2) 27 27 27 0.7 20.2 33.8 28.8 0.1 20.6 37.5 22.5 $ 258.3 $ 264.9 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 $ $ 170.6 $ 250.8 26.9 11.8 49.0 5.1 0.8 8.2 258.3 $ 264.9 Payment terms for oil sales to an agency of the Cuban government are based on Gulf Coast No. 6 Fuel Oil (FO#6) reference prices. If the FO#6 price is greater than US$29.50, payment terms are 180 days from the date of invoice. If FO#6 price is between US$24.76 and US$29.50, payment terms are 150 days from the date of invoice. If FO#6 price is between US$20.01 and US$24.75, payment terms are 120 days from the date of invoice. If FO#6 price is less than US$20.00, payment terms are 90 days from the date of invoice. Payment terms for electricity and by-product sales to Cuban state enterprises are 60 days from the date of invoice. 124 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT17. ADVANCES, LOANS RECEIVABLE AND OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS Advances, loans receivable and other financial assets Canadian $ millions, as at ADVANCES AND LOANS RECEIVABLE Ambatovy subordinated loans receivable(1) Energas conditional sales agreement(1) Moa Joint Venture loans receivable(1) Other OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS Ambatovy call option Current portion of advances, loans receivable and other financial assets Note 2015 December 31 2014 December 31 27 $ 1,187.2 $ 1,489.9 27 27 16 182.0 312.8 1.2 – 1,683.2 (82.7) $ 1,600.5 $ 239.3 250.3 3.0 15.5 1,998.0 (75.6) 1,922.4 (1) As at December 31, 2015, the non-current portions of the Ambatovy subordinated loans receivable, Energas conditional sales agreement and the Moa Joint Venture loans receivable are $1,187.2 million, $157.5 million and $255.9 million, respectively (December 31, 2014 – $1,489.9 million, $221.8 million and $193.9 million, respectively). Ambatovy subordinated loans receivable A funding agreement was entered into by the Corporation with the Ambatovy Joint Venture to finance the development of the Ambatovy Project. The facility bears interest at six-month LIBOR plus 6%. Repayments of principal or interest will not be made prior to certain conditions of the Ambatovy Joint Venture senior debt finance agreements being satisfied. Unpaid interest is accrued monthly and capitalized to the principal balance semi-annually. For the year ended December 31, 2015, $135.7 million of loans were provided to the Ambatovy Joint Venture. In December 2015, US$1.5 billion of Ambatovy subordinated loans were converted to equity which, at the Corporation’s 40% share, resulted in a US$618.0 million ($840.0 million) decrease in Ambatovy subordinated loans receivable. Energas conditional sales agreement A conditional sales agreement was entered into by the Corporation with Energas to finance construction activity on specific power generating assets in Cuba. The agreement directs the Corporation to arrange for the performance of certain construction activity on behalf of Energas, and contains design specifications for each new construction phase. The Corporation retains title to the constructed assets until the loan is fully repaid. The facility bears interest at 8%. Income generated by the constructed assets will be used to repay the facilities. Until the loan is fully repaid, all of the income generated by these assets is paid to the Corporation. The amount of advances and loans receivable from Energas are presented net of the elimination of the 331/3% proportionately consolidated intercompany balances. Moa Joint Venture loans receivable The Moa Joint Venture loans receivable consists of two funding arrangements with certain Moa Joint Venture entities. The first is a funding agreement entered into by the Corporation in prior years to finance expansion. This loan receivable has a fixed interest rate of 6.5% and a balance outstanding as at December 31, 2015 of $255.9 million (December 31, 2014 – $207.4 million). In June 2015, the maturity date of this agreement was extended to December 31, 2026. Repayments are being made from available distributable cash flows from the Moa Joint Venture. The second loan receivable is a working capital facility totaling $56.9 million as at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – $42.9 million). In September 2015, the terms of this facility were amended to extend the maturity date to November 2016 and increase the maximum credit available from $65.0 million to $90.0 million. The facility bears interest at prime plus 2.25% per annum or bankers’ acceptances plus 3.25%. 125 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT18. INVENTORIES Canadian $ millions, as at Materials in process Finished products Spare parts and operating materials 2015 2014 December 31 December 31 0.1 – $ $ 7.7 7.7 30.3 38.0 $ 4.9 5.0 25.6 30.6 $ For the year ended December 31, 2015, the cost of inventories included in cost of sales was $65.1 million ($67.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014). 19. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Canadian $ millions, for the year ended December 31 COST Balance, beginning of the year Additions Additions and changes in estimates to environmental rehabilitation provisions Disposals and derecognition Effect of movements in exchange rates and other Reclassified to assets held for sale BALANCE, END OF THE YEAR DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND IMPAIRMENT LOSSES Balance, beginning of the year Depletion and depreciation Impairments Disposals and derecognition Effect of movements in exchange rates and other Reclassified to assets held for sale BALANCE, END OF THE YEAR NET BOOK VALUE Oil and Gas properties Note Plant, equipment and land 2015 Total $ 1,303.6 $ 649.9 $ 1,953.5 32.1 6.7 (1.3) 222.9 – 42.1 (5.8) (27.4) 62.1 (4.0) 74.2 0.9 (28.7) 285.0 (4.0) 1,564.0 $ 716.9 $ 2,280.9 1,227.5 $ 303.9 $ 1,531.4 59.8 78.5 (1.3) 143.3 – 1,507.8 38.5 2.1 (26.0) 106.6 (3.1) 422.0 98.3 80.6 (27.3) 249.9 (3.1) 1,929.8 14 $ $ 14 $ 56.2 $ 294.9 $ 351.1 126 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTCanadian $ millions, for the year ended December 31 COST Balance, beginning of the year Additions Additions and changes in estimates to environmental rehabilitation provisions Disposals and derecognition Effect of movements in exchange rates and other Reclassified to assets held for sale BALANCE, END OF THE YEAR DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND IMPAIRMENT LOSSES Balance, beginning of the year Depletion and depreciation Impairments Disposals and derecognition Effect of movements in exchange rates and other Reclassified to assets held for sale BALANCE, END OF THE YEAR NET BOOK VALUE Canadian $ millions ASSETS UNDER CONSTRUCTION, INCLUDED IN ABOVE As at December 31, 2015 As at December 31, 2014 Impairment of Oil assets Note Oil and Gas properties Plant, equipment and land 2014 Total $ 1,176.0 $ 581.9 $ 1,757.9 42.2 6.3 – 79.1 – 41.1 12.4 (2.0) 25.8 (9.3) 83.3 18.7 (2.0) 104.9 (9.3) 1,303.6 $ 649.9 $ 1,953.5 1,091.6 $ 273.5 $ 1,365.1 59.8 – – 76.1 – 23.6 2.1 (1.2) 13.1 (7.2) 83.4 2.1 (1.2) 89.2 (7.2) 1,227.5 $ 76.1 $ 303.9 346.0 $ $ 1,531.4 422.1 14 14 $ $ $ $ Plant, equipment and land $ 18.3 17.5 In the third quarter of 2015, the Corporation recognized an impairment loss of $80.6 million representing the write-down of certain Oil assets in the Oil and Gas segment to their recoverable amount as a result of lower oil price forecasts and drilling results from development wells at the Puerto Escondido/Yumuri extension that were below expectations. This impairment was recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) as Impairment of Oil assets. The Corporation has four cash-generating units (“CGUs”) within its Oil and Gas segment. These CGUs are determined by geographical area or production-sharing contract (“PSC”). The impaired CGUs consisted of Puerto Escondido/Yumuri, Puerto Escondido/Yumuri extension and Spain. The recoverable amounts of the impaired CGUs were based on value in use and were $54.4 million as at September 30, 2015. In determining value in use for the CGU, the cash flows were discounted at a rate of 10%. The drilling results used in the value in use were derived from internal estimates. In the fourth quarter of 2015, an independent qualified reserve analysis was received. Based on the Corporation’s review of this report, no additional impairment was recognized. 127 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT20. INTANGIBLE ASSETS Canadian $ millions, for the year ended December 31 COST Balance, beginning of the year Additions through internal development Disposals Effects of movements in exchange rates BALANCE, END OF THE YEAR AMORTIZATION AND IMPAIRMENT LOSSES Balance, beginning of the year Amortization Disposals Impairments Effect of movements in exchange rates BALANCE, END OF THE YEAR NET BOOK VALUE Canadian $ millions, for the year ended December 31 COST Balance, beginning of the year Additions through internal development Disposals Effect of movements in exchange rates BALANCE, END OF THE YEAR AMORTIZATION AND IMPAIRMENT LOSSES Balance, beginning of the year Amortization Disposals Impairments Effect of movements in exchange rates BALANCE, END OF THE YEAR NET BOOK VALUE Contractual arrangements Service Contractual Exploration concession arrange- ments and Evaluation arrange- ments 2015 Other Total $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Note 6 27.0 $ 12.3 $ 198.5 $ 9.1 $ 246.9 – – – 1.4 – 0.1 – – 37.0 – – – 27.0 $ 13.8 $ 235.5 $ 9.1 $ 21.2 $ 12.3 $ 57.1 $ 1.8 – – – – – – – 18.7 – – 12.4 6.9 $ 0.2 – – – 23.0 $ 4.0 $ 12.3 $ 88.2 $ 1.5 $ 147.3 $ 7.1 $ 2.0 $ 1.4 – 37.1 285.4 97.5 20.7 – – 12.4 130.6 154.8 2014 Contractual Exploration and Evaluation arrange- ments Service concession arrange- ments Other Total 27.0 $ 11.9 $ 179.5 $ 9.1 $ 227.5 – – – 0.5 – (0.1) 2.8 – 16.2 – – – 27.0 $ 12.3 $ 198.5 $ 9.1 $ 19.4 $ 1.8 – – – 21.2 $ 5.8 $ – – – 12.3 – 12.3 – $ 38.4 $ 14.8 – – 3.9 6.0 $ 0.9 – – – $ $ 57.1 $ 141.4 $ 6.9 $ 2.2 $ 3.3 – 16.1 246.9 63.8 17.5 – 12.3 3.9 97.5 149.4 In 2003, in connection with the acquisition of outside interests in Sherritt Power Corporation, the Corporation acquired significant long-term contractual arrangements. Exploration and evaluation For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Corporation recognized an impairment of $12.3 million related to Oil and Gas exploration assets in the North Sea and Alboran Sea. 128 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Service concession arrangements Construction at the Energas Boca de Jaruco facility was completed in February 2014. Construction revenues and expenses relating to the construction activity for the year ended December 31, 2015 is nil (December 31, 2014 – $2.1 million). Expenses incurred in relation to the construction activity are included in cost of sales on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The amount of interest expense capitalized was nil as at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – $0.7 million at a weighted-average capitalization rate of 8.0%). Other In 2007, the Corporation acquired scientific and technical knowledge related primarily to hydrometallurgical technologies for the treatment and recovery of non-ferrous metals. 21. LOANS AND BORROWINGS Loans and borrowings Canadian $ millions, as at LONG-TERM LOANS 8.00% senior unsecured debentures due 2018 7.50% senior unsecured debentures due 2020 7.875% senior unsecured debentures due 2022 Ambatovy Joint Venture Additional Partner loans Ambatovy Joint Venture Partner loans Syndicated revolving-term credit facility Line of credit Vendor financing Current portion of loans and borrowings Senior unsecured debentures Note 2015 2014 December 31 December 31 16 $ 247.3 $ 16 16 16 16 246.5 240.3 1,303.2 134.6 55.0 35.0 1.2 2,263.1 (91.2) 246.5 246.0 239.2 1,014.3 111.0 – – 2.9 1,859.9 (1.6) $ 2,171.9 $ 1,858.3 On October 10, 2014 the Corporation completed the purchase of $150.0 million of 8.00% Senior Unsecured Debentures due November 15, 2018 (2018 Debentures) and $250.0 million of 7.50% Senior Unsecured Debentures due September 24, 2020 (2020 Debentures) related to the previously announced offers of solicitation. Net of deferred financing costs, the Corporation’s outstanding 2018 Debentures decreased by $147.8 million and the outstanding 2020 Debentures decreased by $245.8 million. The tender of the 2018 Debentures and 2020 Debentures and the receipt of consents required the Corporation to pay tender, consent and dealer fees of $19.0 million plus accrued interest to the date of repurchase of $5.6 million in October 2014. Additionally, on October 10, 2014, the Corporation completed an issuance of $250.0 million of 7.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due in 2022. The net proceeds of approximately $239.0 million (after the deduction of expenses and discounts) were used with cash on hand to fund the repurchase and redemption of the Corporation’s outstanding 7.75% Senior Unsecured Debentures due October 15, 2015 (2015 Debentures). In connection with the repurchase and redemption of the 2015 Debentures, the Corporation was required to pay an early redemption premium on the principal amount of $14.6 million plus accrued interest of $1.5 million. During the third quarter of 2014, the Corporation received consent to amend the Corporation’s indentures. Under the new indenture agreement the Corporation is subject to certain covenants, including financial covenants which, if exceeded, limit or prohibit the incurrence of indebtedness and the ability to make certain distributions. The financial covenants are as follows; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)-to-interest expense ratio of no less than 2:1 and total indebtedness-to-EBITDA ratio not to exceed 3:1. The amendments were adopted for all outstanding debentures of the Corporation on October 10, 2014. 129 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTThe 8.00% senior unsecured debentures, due 2018, are net of financing costs of $2.7 million at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – $3.5 million). The 7.50% senior unsecured debentures, due 2020, are net of financing costs of $3.5 million at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – $4.0 million). The 7.875% senior unsecured debentures, due 2022, are net of financing costs of $9.7 million at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – $10.8 million). Ambatovy Joint Venture additional partner loans Sherritt has arrangements with its Ambatovy Joint Venture partners, Sumitomo and Kores, for a mechanism through which the joint venture partners would finance the Corporation’s pro-rata share of shareholder funding requirements for the Ambatovy Joint Venture up to US$600.9 million plus accrued interest. These loans, which are fully drawn, are non-recourse to the Corporation except in circumstances where there is a direct breach by the Corporation of restrictions in the loan documents, which limit the activities of certain subsidiaries and the use of proceeds from the loans to the development of the Ambatovy mine. Interest and principal on these loans will be repaid solely through the Corporation’s share of the distributions from the Ambatovy Joint Venture. However, the Corporation has the right to prepay some or all of the loans at its option. Until the Ambatovy Joint Venture additional partner loans and the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans, as described below, are fully repaid, 45% of the Corporation’s share of distributions will be applied to repay the Ambatovy Joint Venture additional partner loans, 25% will be applied to repay the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans and the remaining 30% will be payable to the Corporation. When one loan has been repaid in full, 70% of such distributions will be applied to repay the loan that remains outstanding and the Corporation will receive the balance of the distributions until such time as both loans have been repaid in full and the Corporation will be entitled to receive all of its distributions. Each lender individually has the right to exchange some or all of its Ambatovy Joint Venture additional partner loan for up to a maximum 15% equity interest, in aggregate, at any time. Exercise of these rights in full would reduce Sherritt’s interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture to 25%. This right is subject to senior project lender consent and Sherritt’s right to repay such loans and avoid the reduction in its equity interest. The lenders’ conversion option incorporated in these loan agreements is an embedded derivative. The lenders’ conversion option has been bifurcated from the loan and ascribed a nominal value. These loans carry interest at a rate of six-month LIBOR plus 7.0% per annum. The principal amount outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2015 was $1,303.2 million, including accrued interest (December 31, 2014 – $1,014.3 million). This amount is net of financing costs of $2.2 million at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – $2.5 million). Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans In 2008, the Ambatovy Joint Venture partners finalized agreements to provide Sherritt with loans of up to US$236.0 million to be used to fund Sherritt’s contributions for the project. The loans are provided at an interest rate based on a six-month LIBOR plus 1.125% with a 15-year term. Should Ambatovy distributions be insufficient to repay the loans in full, the Corporation will have the option to repay any outstanding balance in either cash or its common shares. As a condition for providing funding under the Ambatovy Joint Venture additional partner loan agreements (described above), the Corporation was required to repay from the proceeds of these loans US$50.0 million of the existing Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans such that the principal amount of the original loans is US$85.4 million. The principal amount outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2015 was $134.6 million, including accrued interest (December 31, 2014 – $111.0 million). This amount is net of financing costs of $0.5 million at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – $0.6 million). The advances continue to bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.125%. The Corporation’s ability to draw additional amounts on the facility expired on August 22, 2014. 130 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTSyndicated revolving-term credit facility In September 2015, the Corporation amended the terms of the syndicated revolving-term credit facility to extend the maturity date to November 30, 2016 and increase the maximum credit available from $90.0 to $115.0 million. The total available draw is based on eligible receivables and inventory. The interest rate on the facility remains unchanged at prime plus 2.25% per annum or bankers’ acceptances plus 3.25%. The facility is subject to the following financial covenants: net financial debt-to-EBITDA covenant of 3.75:1, financial debt-to-equity covenant of 0.55:1 and EBITDA-to-interest expense covenant of not less than 3:1. As at December 31, 2015, the Corporation had $47.5 million of letters of credit outstanding on this facility (December 31, 2014 – $56.6 million). As at December 31, 2015, $55.0 million has been drawn on this facility (December 31, 2014 – nil). Line of credit In September 2015, the Corporation amended the terms of the line of credit to extend the maturity date to November 30, 2016 and increase the maximum credit available from $20.0 to $35.0 million. The interest rate on the facility increased from prime plus 2.25% or bankers’ acceptance plus 3.25% per annum to prime plus 2.75% or bankers’ acceptances plus 3.75% per annum. This facility is subject to the same financial covenants as the syndicated revolving-term credit facility. As at December 31, 2015, $35.0 million was drawn on this line of credit (December 31, 2014 – nil). Interest and accretion Interest and accretion expense on loans and borrowings was $149.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 ($150.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014). Interest has been capitalized at the rate of interest applicable to the specific borrowings financing the assets under construction, exploration and evaluation efforts and the service concession agreement. Where these assets have been financed through general borrowings, interest has been capitalized at a rate representing the average interest rate on such borrowings. The amount of interest expense capitalized was nil for the year ended December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – $0.7 million at a weighted-average capitalization rate of 8.0%). Covenants As at December 31, 2015, the Corporation exceeded the financial debt to equity covenant of the Syndicated revolving-term credit facility and line of credit as a result of impairment charges recognized on the assets of the Ambatovy Joint Venture. Exceeding this covenant gives the lender the option to accelerate the repayment terms of this facility. Subsequent to year end, the Corporation received a waiver for this covenant on the Syndicated revolving-term credit facility as at December 31, 2015. In addition, a waiver was also received for this covenant on the line of credit. This waiver is temporary while discussions are ongoing with the line of credit lender. 22. PROVISIONS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES Canadian $ millions, as at Environmental rehabilitation provisions Other provisions Current portion of provisions 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 $ 107.8 $ 18.8 126.6 (18.8) $ 107.8 $ 101.7 25.1 126.8 (18.0) 108.8 Environmental rehabilitation provisions Provisions for environmental rehabilitation obligations are recognized in respect of Oil and Gas, Power and mining operations and include associated infrastructure and buildings, such as oil and gas production facilities, refinery, fertilizer and utilities facilities. The obligations normally take place at the end of the asset’s useful life. 131 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT The following is a reconciliation of the environmental rehabilitation provisions: Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 Note 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of the year Additions Change in estimates Utilized during the year Accretion Effect of movement in exchange rates Balance, end of the year $ 101.7 $ 0.2 0.7 (0.1) 1.1 4.2 $ 107.8 $ 11 83.6 0.3 18.3 – 1.4 (1.9) 101.7 The 2015 change in estimates is primarily the result of discount rates increasing by approximately 0.3% during the year due to higher government bond yields and updates on remediation estimates. The Corporation has estimated that it will require approximately $141.9 million in undiscounted cash flows to settle these obligations. The payments are expected to be funded by cash generated from operations. Discount rates from 1.78% to 10.12% were applied to expected future cash flows to determine the carrying value of the environmental rehabilitation provision. Other provisions The following is a reconciliation of other provisions: Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 Balance, beginning of the year Additions Change in estimates Utilized during the year Balance, end of the year 2015 25.1 $ 5.0 – (11.3) 18.8 $ $ $ 2014 41.3 – 9.7 (25.9) 25.1 On October 31, 2013 a breach of an onsite water containment pond occurred at the Coal operations’ Obed Mountain mine near Hinton, Alberta. The release consisted of 670,000 cubic metres of process water, containing water mixed with clay, mud, slate and coal particles. The Corporation continues to be subject to financial obligations relating to the Obed breach subsequent to the sale of the Coal operations (note 13). Other provisions includes additions of $5.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 for financial obligations relating to the Obed breach reflecting management’s best estimate of penalties arising from regulatory charges, including the provincial charges laid in October 2015 by the Alberta Crown Prosecutor. As the Obed breach occurred within the Coal operations, the $5.0 million change in estimate recognized in the current year has been included within discontinued operations (note 13). Contingencies A number of the Corporation’s subsidiaries and affiliates have operations located in Cuba. The Corporation will continue to be affected by the difficult political relationship between the United States and Cuba. The Corporation has received letters from U.S. citizens claiming ownership of certain Cuban properties or rights in which the Corporation has an indirect interest, and explicitly or implicitly threatening litigation. Having regard to legal and other developments in the United States, and remedies available in Canada and in Europe, the Corporation believes that the impact of any claims against it will not be material. In addition to the above matter, the Corporation and its subsidiaries are also subject to routine legal proceedings and tax audits. The Corporation does not believe that the outcome of any of these matters, individually or in aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on its consolidated net earnings, cash flow or financial position. 132 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT23. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Normal Course Issuer Bid On October 29, 2014, the Corporation received approval from the TSX to commence a normal course issuer bid (NCIB) to purchase for cancellation up to 14,875,944 common shares, representing approximately 5% of its issued and outstanding common shares until November 2, 2015. Based on the average daily trading volumes, daily purchases were limited to 300,404 common shares, other than block purchase exceptions. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Corporation purchased and cancelled 3,960,300 under the NCIB at an average cost of $2.52 per share, for an aggregate cost of $10.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Corporation did not purchase or cancel any common shares under the NCIB. The Corporation’s NCIB expired on November 2, 2015 and was not renewed. Capital Stock The Corporation’s common shares have no par value and the authorized share capital is composed of an unlimited number of common shares. The changes in the Corporation’s outstanding common shares were as follows: Canadian $ millions, except share amounts, for the years ended December 31 Balance, beginning of the year Restricted stock plan (vested) Employee share purchase plan (vested) Share repurchase Balance, end of the year Note Number 2015 Capital stock 2014 Capital stock Number 293,271,191 $ 2,772.9 296,939,426 $ 2,808.5 24 24 260,400 321,410 – 1.6 0.8 – 73,500 218,565 0.7 1.2 (3,960,300) (37.5) 293,853,001 $ 2,775.3 293,271,191 $ 2,772.9 The following dividends were paid or were declared but unpaid: Canadian $ millions, except per share amounts Dividends paid during the year Dividends declared but unpaid For the year ended December 31 2015 For the year ended December 31 2014 Per share Total Per share $ 0.030 $ 9.0 $ 0.074 $ – – 0.010 Total 21.9 3.0 On September 17, 2015, the Corporation’s Board of Directors suspended its quarterly dividend of $0.01 per common share. Reserves Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 STATED CAPITAL RESERVE BALANCE, BEGINNING OF THE YEAR Share repurchase BALANCE, END OF THE YEAR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION RESERVE(1) Balance, beginning of the year Restricted stock plan (vested) Restricted stock plan expense Employee share purchase plan (vested) Employee share purchase plan expense Stock option plan expense BALANCE, END OF THE YEAR TOTAL RESERVES, END OF THE YEAR Note 2015 $ 217.8 $ – 217.8 $ 7.4 $ 24 24 24 24 24 (1.6) 0.1 (0.1) – 1.3 7.1 2014 190.3 27.5 217.8 6.2 (0.7) 0.7 (0.2) 0.1 1.3 7.4 $ 224.9 $ 225.2 (1) Stock-based compensation reserve relates to equity-settled compensation plans issued by the Corporation to its directors, officers and employees. 133 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTAccumulated other comprehensive income Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION RESERVE Balance, beginning of the year Foreign currency translation differences on foreign operations BALANCE, END OF THE YEAR ACTUARIAL (LOSSES) GAINS ON DEFINED BENEFIT OBLIGATION Balance, beginning of the year Actuarial (losses) gains on defined benefit obligation, net of tax Continuing operations Discontinued operations Reclassification due to settlement of pension obligation BALANCE, END OF THE YEAR TOTAL ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Accumulated foreign currency translation reserve Note 2015 $ 323.8 $ 579.2 903.0 2014 63.0 260.8 323.8 $ (3.3) $ (1.0) (0.2) – – (3.5) $ (1.1) 0.6 (1.8) (3.3) 899.5 $ 320.5 13 $ $ Accumulated other comprehensive income includes a reserve pertaining to the accumulated foreign currency translation adjustment which relates to deferred exchange gains and losses arising from the translation of the financial statements of the Corporation’s foreign operations which have a foreign dollar functional currency. Accumulated actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit obligations reserve Accumulated other comprehensive income also includes a reserve relating to changes in defined benefit obligations and plan assets. In 2014, the Corporation elected to reclassify actuarial losses, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), to retained earnings upon settlement of a pension obligation triggered by the sale of its coal business. 24. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS Stock options and options with tandem stock appreciation rights The Corporation maintains a stock option plan, pursuant to which securities of the Corporation may be issued as compensation. Eligible participants are those persons designated from time to time by the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors (the Committee) from among the executive officers and certain senior employees of the Corporation or its subsidiaries who occupy responsible managerial or professional positions and who have the capacity to contribute to the success of the Corporation. Under the Corporation’s stock option plan, the Committee has the discretion to attach Tandem SARs to options, which entitles the holder to a cash payment of the difference between the option’s exercise price and the volume-weighted average trading price of a share on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the five trading days preceding the exercise date. Options with Tandem SARs have not been issued since March 2010. The maximum number of stock options issuable is 17,500,000. The remaining number of options which may be issued under the stock option plan is 4,617,958 at December 31, 2015. Under the stock option plan, the exercise price of each option equals the volume-weighted average trading price over the five days prior to the date the option is granted. An option’s maximum term is 10 years. Options vest on such terms as the Committee determines, generally in three equal instalments on the annual anniversary date of the grant of the options. When options with or without Tandem SARs are exercised, the related options are cancelled and the shares underlying such options are cancelled and are no longer available for issuance under the stock option plan. 134 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT The following is a summary of stock option activity: Canadian $, except number of options, for the years ended December 31 Outstanding, beginning of the year Granted Forfeited Expired Outstanding, end of the year Options exercisable, end of the year 2015 Weighted- average exercise price 7.52 2.07 5.40 11.97 5.80 8.22 Number of options 5,518,752 $ 2,075,600 (1,090,003) (355,000) 6,149,349 3,497,447 $ $ 2014 Weighted- average exercise price 8.70 3.02 7.85 – 7.52 9.46 Number of options 4,868,249 $ 1,233,200 (582,697) – 5,518,752 3,604,288 $ $ The following table summarizes information on stock options outstanding and exercisable: As at December 31 Range of exercise prices $2.11 – $5.05 $5.06 – $9.77 $9.78 – $11.64 $11.65 – $15.23 TOTAL Weighted- average Weighted- average exercise price remaining contractual life (years) 8.8 $ 5.0 0.2 1.9 6.2 $ 2.49 6.55 10.46 14.98 5.80 Number outstanding 2,836,800 2,344,216 283,333 685,000 6,149,349 2015 Exercisable weighted- average exercise price 3.09 6.68 10.46 14.98 8.22 Number exercisable 379,032 $ 2,150,082 283,333 685,000 3,497,447 $ As at December 31, 2015, 2,023,549 options with tandem SARs (December 31, 2014 – 2,575,552) and 4,125,800 options without tandem SARs (December 31, 2014 – 2,943,200) remained outstanding for which the Corporation has recognized a compensation expense of $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 (compensation expense of $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 of which a compensation recovery of $0.1 million is included in earnings from discontinued operations). The carrying amount of liabilities associated with cash-settled stock option compensation arrangements is nil as at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – $0.5 million). Inputs for measurement of grant date fair values The fair value at the grant date of the stock options was measured using Black-Scholes. The following summarizes the weighted average fair value measurement factors for options granted during the year: Canadian $, except as noted, for the years ended December 31 Share price at grant date Exercise price Risk-free interest rates (based on 10-year Government of Canada bonds) Expected volatility Expected dividend yield Expected life of options Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year 2015 2.07 $ 2.07 $ $ $ 1.50% 51.78% 1.74% 10 years 2014 3.04 3.02 2.39% 49.10% 1.41% 10 years $ 1.00 $ 1.55 Expected volatility is estimated based on the average historical share price volatility for a period equal to the expected life of the option. The expected life of the option is estimated to equal its legal life at the time of grant. The expected dividend yield is determined by comparing the most recent dividend payment to the share price at grant date. 135 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Other stock-based compensation Restricted Share Units (RSUs) Under the terms of the Executive Share Unit Plan, the RSUs are available to be granted to executives and employees. The RSUs represent a right to receive a cash amount payable by the Corporation to a participant at the end of the vesting period for RSUs determined by reference to the market price of the common shares multiplied by the number of RSUs held by the participant as adjusted for dividend equivalents credited. RSUs are issued subject to vesting conditions, including performance criteria, if any, which are set by the Committee. The RSUs vest at the sole discretion of the Committee. RSUs vest not later than the earlier of (a) the earlier of: (i) December 31 of the third calendar year following the calendar year in respect of which the RSUs were granted or (ii) the date set out in the RSU grant agreement; and (b) the date of death of a participant. The vesting date set out in the grant agreement is typically the third anniversary of the grant date. The Corporation shall redeem all of a participant’s vested RSUs on the vesting date and may, at the discretion of the Committee, redeem all or any part of a participant’s unvested RSUs prior to the vesting date. Beginning in 2013, the Corporation began issuing performance based RSUs to certain employees, which vest at the end of three years. Under the plan, each unit awarded is equivalent to a common share. A liability is accrued related to the units awarded and a compensation expense is recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) over the service period required for employees to become fully entitled to the award. At the maturity date, the participant receives cash representing the value of the units. The final number of units that vest will vary from 80% to 120% of the number of outstanding units on the vesting date (initial number awarded plus additional units for dividend equivalents) based on the Corporation’s total shareholder return relative to a benchmark index comprised of mining and oil and gas companies. Deferred Share Units (DSUs) Under the terms of the Non-executive Directors’ Deferred Share Unit Plan, the DSUs are available to be granted to non-executive directors. The DSUs represent a right to receive a cash amount payable by the Corporation to a participant following departure from the Board of Directors. The value payable is determined by reference to the market price of the common shares multiplied by the number of DSUs held by the participant as adjusted for dividend equivalents credited. DSUs vest on the later of (a) the grant date or (b) the date that any terms of vesting conditions attached to the DSUs are satisfied. DSUs generally vest on the grant date. DSUs are redeemed by the Corporation at the election of the participant by filing a notice of redemption not earlier than the participant’s termination date and not later than December 1st of the calendar year following the termination date. Restricted Stock Plan (RSP) The Corporation has a Restricted Stock Plan intended for senior executives, under which the Committee may grant restricted shares to employees of the Corporation. Under the terms of the plan, shares that are issued are subject to vesting conditions, which are set by the Committee for each grant of restricted stock. The shares granted under this plan are purchased on the open market by a trustee and held in each participant’s custodial account until the vesting conditions have been met, or the shares are forfeited. The participant owns the restricted shares but cannot dispose or otherwise transfer ownership of them until the restrictions and performance conditions, if any, specified by the Committee at the time of grant have been satisfied. For accounting purposes, these shares are excluded from the number of outstanding common shares of the Corporation and reduce the capital stock of the Corporation. As the shares vest, the shares are included in the number of outstanding common shares of the Corporation and the capital stock of the Corporation is increased accordingly. The Corporation purchased nil common shares during the year ended December 31, 2015 (for the year ended December 31, 2014 the Corporation purchased nil common shares). These shares are excluded from the calculation of the weighted-average number of common shares used for the purposes of calculating basic earnings per share. Employee Share Purchase Plan The Employee Share Purchase Plan (Share Purchase Plan) was intended to allow eligible employees of the Corporation to purchase shares of the Corporation by means of automatic payroll deductions. Employees of the Corporation were typically eligible to participate in the Share Purchase Plan after one year of continuous service. Under the terms of the Share Purchase Plan, participating employees were able to purchase shares by electing to have an amount (up to 5% of their previous year’s earnings) withheld by payroll deduction over a two-year period (Purchase Period). The purchase price of the shares was the lower of the share price at the beginning of the two-year Purchase Period and the share price at the end of the Purchase Period. On June 30, 2015, this two-year Purchase Period ended and the Share Purchase Plan was closed. The Corporation was authorized to issue up to 3,300,000 shares under the Share Purchase Plan. The Corporation issued 326,875 common shares to employees during the year ended December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – 218,565) under the Share Purchase Plan for total consideration of $0.7 million (December 31, 2014 – $1.0 million) and has, since its inception in 1996, issued an aggregate of 2,701,480 common shares to employees. 136 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTA summary of the Share Purchase Plan units, RSUs, DSUs and RSP units outstanding as at December 31, 2015 and 2014 and changes during the year ended is as follows: For the year ended December 31 Outstanding, beginning of the year Issued Dividends credited Exercised Forfeited Adjusted on settlement Vested OUTSTANDING, END OF THE YEAR UNITS EXERCISABLE, END OF THE YEAR For the year ended December 31 Outstanding, beginning of the year Issued Dividends credited Exercised Forfeited Adjusted on settlement Vested OUTSTANDING, END OF THE YEAR UNITS EXERCISABLE, END OF THE YEAR Share Purchase Plan 293,280 – – RSU 4,696,518 3,568,505 87,802 (326,875) – (133,940) (445,577) 167,535 – DSU 375,314 455,155 6,267 – – – 2015 RSP 287,400 – – – – – (698,311) (98,037) (260,400) – – n/a 7,208,937 n/a 738,699 738,699 27,000 n/a 2014 RSP 360,900 – – – – – Share Purchase Plan 774,560 58,595 – (218,565) (355,590) 34,280 RSU 2,838,197 2,534,277 73,886 – (43,612) – DSU 422,961 189,040 9,235 – – – – (706,230) (245,922) (73,500) 293,280 4,696,518 n/a n/a 375,314 375,314 287,400 n/a For other stock-based compensation plans the Corporation recorded a compensation recovery of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 (compensation expense of $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 of which $0.6 million is included in loss from discontinued operations). The carrying amount of liabilities associated with cash-settled compensation arrangements is $3.1 million as at December 31, 2015 (December 31, 2014 – $6.3 million). Measurement of fair values at grant date The fair value of the RSUs, DSUs and RSPs are determined by reference to the market value and performance conditions, as applicable, of the shares at the time of grant. The number of units subject to the RSU performance conditions outstanding at December 31, 2015 was 7,132,981 (December 31, 2014 – 3,924,456). 137 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTThe following summarizes the grant date fair values for the Share Purchase Plan, RSU and DSU units granted: Canadian $, for the years ended December 31 Share Purchase Plan RSU DSU 2015 $ – $ 2.05 1.70 2014 3.31 3.04 3.70 The intrinsic value of cash-settled stock-based compensation awards vested and outstanding as at December 31, 2015 was $3.1 million (December 31, 2014 – $7.0 million). Employee share ownership plan The Corporation offers an employee share ownership plan (ESOP) for eligible employees. Under the ESOP, contributions by the Corporation and eligible employees will be used by the plan administrator to make purchases of common shares of the Corporation on the open market. Each eligible employee may contribute up to 10% of the employee’s salary to the ESOP. The Corporation will match 50% of employee contributions to the plan, up to a maximum annual contribution. Employer contributions will be used by the plan administrator to purchase additional common shares in the Corporation. These additional shares cannot be sold or withdrawn until the employee has participated in the plan for a continuous 24 month period. Shareholder approval is not required for this plan or any amendments to this plan. The Corporation accounts for its contributions as compensation and benefits expense when the amounts are contributed to the plan. Compensation and benefits expense related to this plan was $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 ($0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014). 25. CASH FLOWS Other operating items Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 Add (deduct) non-cash items: Accretion expense on environmental rehabilitation provisions Stock-based compensation (recovery) expense, net Other items Cash flow arising from changes in: Other finance charges Realized foreign exchange gain (loss) Net change in non-cash working capital Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 Trade accounts receivable Inventories Prepaid expenses Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities Deferred revenue 138 Note 2015 2014 11, 22 $ 1.1 $ (1.0) 12.3 1.4 4.0 11.8 (10.6) 1.5 3.3 $ (12.5) (0.2) 4.5 24 11 11 $ 2015 $ 38.1 $ (3.6) (7.5) (55.3) 7.2 $ (21.1) $ 2014 7.8 6.0 (7.4) 38.5 (10.7) 34.2 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT26. FINANCIAL RISK AND CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT Risk management policies and hedging activities The Corporation is sensitive to changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange and interest rates. The Corporation’s Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Corporation’s risk management framework. Although the Corporation has the ability to address its price-related exposures through the use of options, futures and forward contracts, it does not generally enter into such arrangements. The Corporation reduces the business-cycle risks inherent in its commodity operations through industry diversification. Credit risk Sherritt’s sales of nickel, cobalt, oil, gas and electricity expose the Corporation to the risk of non-payment by customers. Sherritt manages this risk by monitoring the creditworthiness of its customers, covering some exposure through receivables insurance, documentary credit and seeking prepayment or other forms of payment security from customers with an unacceptable level of credit risk. In addition, there are certain credit risks that arise due to the fact that all sales of oil and electricity in Cuba are made to agencies of the Cuban government. Although Sherritt seeks to manage its credit risk exposure, there can be no assurance that the Corporation will be successful in eliminating the potential material adverse impacts of such risks. Cuba The Corporation has credit risk exposure related to its share of cash, accounts receivable, advances and loans receivable and certificates of deposit associated with its businesses located in Cuba or businesses which have Cuban joint venture partners as follows: Canadian $ millions, as at Cash Trade accounts receivable, net Advances and loans receivable TOTAL 2015 December 31 2014 December 31 $ $ 9.8 $ 155.8 585.7 751.3 $ 19.0 140.7 609.3 769.0 The table above reflects the Corporation’s maximum credit exposure to Cuban counterparties which may differ from balances in the consolidated results due to eliminations in accordance with accounting principles for subsidiaries and joint ventures. Madagascar The Corporation has credit risk exposure in Madagascar related to its share (40% basis) of net accounts receivable of $35.8 million associated with the Ambatovy Joint Venture including value added tax (VAT) receivables of $6.2 million from the government of Madagascar. The VAT receivable is net of a provision of $100.5 million (40% basis) reflecting the diminished likelihood of receipt of these amounts. As at December 31, 2015, total overdue VAT receivable (net of provision) for the Ambatovy Joint Venture amount to $5.5 million (40% basis). 139 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTLiquidity risk Liquidity risk is the risk that the Corporation will not be able to meet its obligations associated with financial liabilities. Liquidity risk arises from the Corporation’s financial obligations and in the management of its assets, liabilities and capital structure. The Corporation manages this risk by regularly evaluating its liquid financial resources to fund current and long-term obligations and to meet its capital commitments in a cost-effective manner. The main factors that affect liquidity include realized sales prices, production levels, cash production costs, working capital requirements, capital-expenditure requirements, scheduled repayments of long-term loans and borrowing obligations, credit capacity and debt and equity capital market conditions. The Corporation’s liquidity requirements are met through a variety of sources, including cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations, existing credit facilities, leases, and debt and equity capital markets. At December 31, 2015, considering the Corporation’s financial position, the Corporation currently does not expect to access public debt and equity capital markets for financing over the next 12 months. However, the Corporation may access these markets. Based on management’s assessment of its financial position and liquidity profile at December 31, 2015, the Corporation will be able to satisfy its current and long-term obligations as they come due. The agreements establishing certain jointly controlled entities require the unanimous consent of shareholders to pay dividends. It is not expected that this restriction will have a material impact on the ability of the Corporation to meet its obligations. Financial obligation maturity analysis The Corporation’s significant contractual commitments, obligations, and interest and principal repayments in respect of its financial liabilities are presented in the following table: Canadian $ millions, as at December 31, 2015 Total Falling due within 1 year Falling due between 1 – 2 years Falling due between 2 – 3 years Falling due between 3 – 4 years Falling due Falling due in between more than 5 years 4 – 5 years Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities Income taxes payable Senior unsecured debentures Ambatovy Joint Venture Additional Partner Loans (non-recourse)(1) Ambatovy Joint Venture Partner Loans(1) Other loans and borrowings Provisions Operating leases TOTAL $ 73.6 $ 73.6 $ – $ 2.4 1,041.4 4,985.2 168.1 95.2 160.7 20.0 2.4 58.4 – – 95.2 19.1 2.9 – 58.4 – – – 4.2 2.9 – $ – 308.4 – $ – 38.4 – $ – – – 288.4 289.4 – – – 4.4 3.0 – – – – 3.0 – – – 0.4 3.0 4,985.2 168.1 – 132.6 5.2 $ 6,546.6 $ 251.6 $ 65.5 $ 315.8 $ 41.4 $ 291.8 $ 5,580.5 (1) Ambatovy Joint Venture Additional Partner loans and Partner loans are loans provided by the Ambatovy Joint Venture partners to finance Sherritt’s portion of the funding requirements of the Joint Venture, bearing interest of LIBOR plus a margin of 7.0% and 1.125%, respectively. These partner loans are to be repaid from the Corporation’s share of cash distributions from the Ambatovy Joint Venture (note 21). The amounts above are based on management’s best estimate of future cash flows including estimating assumptions such as commodity prices, production levels, cash costs of production, capital and reclamation costs. The Ambatovy Joint Venture Additional Partner loans are non-recourse to Sherritt unless there is a direct breach of certain restrictions stipulated in the loan documents. The maturity analysis table includes an estimate of interest repayments. As a result of the Corporation’s 40% interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture, its proportionate share of significant undiscounted commitments of the joint venture include accounts payable of $127.0 million, income taxable payable of $6.4 million, environmental rehabilitation commitments of $227.5 million, other contractual commitments of $29.5 million and senior debt financing of $1,066.8 million. As a result of the Corporation’s 50% interest in the Moa Joint Venture, its proportionate share of significant undiscounted commitments of the joint venture include accounts payable of $34.2 million, income taxes payable of $1.5 million, advances and loans payable of $218.2 million, environmental rehabilitation commitments of $87.6 million and other commitments of $0.9 million. 140 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Market risk Market risk is the potential for financial loss from adverse changes in underlying market factors, including foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, interest rates and stock-based compensation costs. Foreign exchange risk Many of Sherritt’s businesses transact in currencies other than the Canadian dollar. The Corporation is sensitive to foreign exchange exposure when commitments are made to deliver products quoted in foreign currencies or when the contract currency is different from the product price currency. Derivative financial instruments are not used to reduce exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The Corporation is also sensitive to foreign exchange risk arising from the translation of the financial statements of subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the Canadian dollar impacting other comprehensive income (loss). Based on financial instrument balances as at December 31, 2015, a strengthening or weakening of $0.05 of the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar with all other variables held constant could have an unfavourable or favourable impact of approximately $43.1 million, respectively, on net loss. Based on financial instrument balances as at December 31, 2015, a strengthening or weakening of $0.05 of the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar with all other variables held constant could have a favourable or unfavourable impact of approximately $41.9 million, respectively, on other comprehensive income. Commodity price risk The Corporation is exposed to fluctuations in certain commodity prices. Realized prices for finished products and for input commodities are the most significant factors affecting the Corporation’s revenue and earnings. Revenue, earnings and cash flows from the sale of nickel, cobalt and oil are sensitive to changes in market prices over which the Corporation has little or no control. The Corporation has the ability to address its price-related exposures through the limited use of options and future and forward contracts, but generally does not enter into such arrangements. Sherritt reduces the business-cycle risks inherent in its commodity operations through industry diversification. The Corporation has certain provisional pricing agreements in Metals. These provisionally priced transactions are periodically adjusted to actual as prices are confirmed as the settlement occurs within a short period of time. In periods of volatile price movements, adjustments may be material. Interest rate risk The Corporation is exposed to interest rate risk based on its outstanding loans and borrowings, and short-term and other investments. A change in interest rates could affect future cash flows or the fair value of financial instruments. Based on the balance of short-term and long-term loans and borrowings, cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments, and advances and loans receivable at December 31, 2015, excluding interest capitalized to project costs, a 1.0% decrease or increase in the market interest rate could decrease or increase the Corporation’s net earnings by approximately $3.5 million, respectively. The Corporation does not engage in hedging activities to mitigate its interest rate risk. Stock-based compensation risk The Corporation is exposed to a financial risk related to stock-based compensation costs. Potential fluctuations in the price of Sherritt’s common shares would have an impact on the stock-based compensation expense. Based on balances at December 31, 2015, a strengthening or weakening of $0.50 in the price of the Corporation’s common shares would have had an unfavourable or favourable impact of approximately $2.1 million on annual net earnings, respectively. 141 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Capital risk management In the definition of capital, the Corporation includes, as disclosed in its consolidated financial statements and notes: capital stock, deficit and available credit facilities. Canadian $ millions, as at Capital stock Deficit Available credit facilities 2014 December 31 December 31 2015 $ 2,775.3 $ 2,772.9 (2,342.6) (259.9) 2.6 53.4 The Corporation’s objectives, when managing capital, are to maintain financial liquidity and flexibility in order to preserve its ability to meet financial obligations throughout the various resource cycles with sufficient capital and capacity to manage unforeseen operational and industry developments and to ensure the Corporation has the capital and capacity to allow for business growth opportunities and/or to support the growth of its existing businesses. In order to maintain or adjust its capital structure, the Corporation may purchase shares for cancellation pursuant to normal course issuer bids, issue new shares, repay outstanding debt, issue new debt (secured, unsecured, convertible and/or other types of available debt instruments), refinance existing debt with different characteristics, acquire or dispose of assets or adjust the amount of cash and short-term investment balances. Certain of the Corporation’s credit facilities, loans and debentures have financial tests and other covenants with which the Corporation and its affiliates must comply. Non-compliance with such covenants could result in accelerated repayment of the related debt or credit facilities and reclassification of the amounts to current liabilities. The Corporation monitors its covenants on an ongoing basis and reports on its compliance with the covenants to its lenders on a quarterly basis. Refer to note 21 for the Corporation’s compliance with financial covenants as at December 31, 2015. 27. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS The Corporation and subsidiaries provide goods, labour, advisory and other administrative services to jointly controlled entities and an associate at fair value. The Corporation and its subsidiaries also market, pursuant to sales agreements, a portion of the nickel, cobalt and certain by-products produced by certain jointly controlled entities and an associate in the Metals business. Balances and transactions between the Corporation and its subsidiaries, which are related parties of the Corporation, have been eliminated and are not disclosed in this note. A listing of the Corporation’s subsidiaries is included in note 2.2. A description of the Corporation’s interests in an associate and its interest in jointly controlled entities are included in notes 7 and 8, respectively. Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 Total value of goods and services: Provided to joint operations Provided to joint venture Provided to associate Purchased from joint operations Purchased from joint venture Purchased from associate Net financing income from joint operations Net financing income from associate Net financing income from joint venture 2015 2014 $ 33.2 $ 169.4 2.9 – 141.0 53.8 16.1 65.6 8.6 20.2 165.1 2.2 1.0 192.0 58.5 15.5 45.5 7.4 142 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTCanadian $ millions, as at Accounts receivable from joint operations Accounts receivable from joint venture Accounts receivable from associate Accounts payable to joint operations Accounts payable to joint venture Accounts payable to associate Advances and loans receivable from associate Advances and loans receivable from joint operations Advances and loans receivable from joint venture Note 16 $ 16 16 2015 2014 December 31 December 31 0.7 $ 20.2 33.8 0.2 5.2 0.5 0.1 20.6 37.5 0.1 34.2 2.5 17 17 17 1,187.2 1,489.9 182.0 312.8 239.3 250.3 Transactions between related parties are generally based on standard commercial terms. All amounts outstanding are unsecured and will be settled in cash. No guarantees have been given or received on the outstanding amounts. No expense has been recognized in the current or prior periods for bad debts in respect of amounts owed by related parties. Key management personnel Key management personnel are composed of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice Presidents of the Corporation. The following is a summary of key management personnel compensation: Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31 Short-term benefits Post-employment benefits(1) Share-based payments 2015 7.5 $ 1.8 6.3 15.6 $ 2014 7.8 1.4 5.7 14.9 $ $ (1) Post-employment benefits include a non-registered defined contribution executive supplemental pension plan. The total cash pension contribution for key management personnel was $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 ($0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014). The total pension expense that is attributable to key management personnel was $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 ($0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014). 28. OPERATING LEASE ARRANGEMENTS Corporation acts as a lessor The Corporation acts as a lessor in operating leases related to the Power facilities in Madagascar and in Varadero, Cuba. During 2013, the Corporation recorded an impairment related to its electricity generating facility located in Madagascar. Accordingly, the future minimum lease payments have been determined to be nil as at December 31, 2015 and as at December 31, 2014. All operating lease payments related to the Varadero facility are contingent on power generation. The terms of the leases are for 20 years, ending in February 2017 and March 2018. For the year ended December 31, 2015, contingent revenue was $14.1 million ($13.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014). Corporation acts as a lessee Operating lease payments recognized as an expense in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $2.6 million ($2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014). 29. COMMITMENTS FOR EXPENDITURES Canadian $ millions, as at December 31 Property, plant and equipment commitments Joint venture: Property, plant and equipment commitments Other commitments $ 2015 11.5 9.8 0.3 143 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTCorporate Governance DEMONSTRATING LEADERSHIP At Sherritt, we believe that sound corporate governance is critical to earning and retaining the trust of our shareholders. Our governance practices reflect the vision and priorities that we promote as a company and are critical to improve overall company performance. This includes promoting ethical behaviour and high performance standards throughout the organization. The Board of Directors (the “Board”) oversees Sherritt International Corporation’s (the “Corporation”) governance system, in part through the work of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The mandate of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities in relation to all matters relating to corporate governance. The fundamental responsibility of the Board is to oversee the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation in accordance with lawful and ethical standards, and the best interests of the Corporation. The Board promotes fair reporting, including financial reporting, to shareholders of the Corporation and other interested persons, as well as ethical and legal corporate conduct, through an appropriate system of corporate governance, internal controls and disclosure controls. Reflecting the Corporation’s commitment to the highest standards of corporate governance and the importance of independent management oversight, all of the directors are independent, except for one, and each of the following Board committees consists entirely of independent directors (and, in the case of the Audit Committee, financially literate): the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Human Resources Committee, the Reserves Committee, and the Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews the Board and Committee mandates annually (or more often if required) and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to each mandate. The Board and Committee mandates are available at www.sherritt.com. Additional information on the Board’s corporate governance practices can be found in the Corporation’s annual management information circulars, which are available at www.sherritt.com or www.sedar.com. 144 SHERRITT 2015 ANNUAL REPORTPhotography: JAMES HODGINS (cover, p.8, p.11 – 12) NEW PARAMOUNT STUDIOS (p.2 – 3 headshots) RIX RAFAHELY (p.1 – 2, 6 – 7, 10) Concept and Design: FUSION DESIGN GROUP www.fusiondg.ca Sherritt International Corporation 181 Bay Street, 26th Floor, Brookfield Place Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2T3 www.sherritt.com

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