2019
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Sherritt International Corporation
Nickel market outlook is strong
Nickel, like most commodities, experienced large fluctuations in price, supply and demand in 2019. Geopolitical
factors have had a significant impact on nickel price, including China-U.S. trade relations, large global inventory
swings, an ore export ban in Indonesia and, most recently, coronavirus. Despite these external influences, the
fundaments of the nickel (and cobalt) market continues to be positive. With projected continued long-term
growth in stainless steel, exponential growth in the number of electric vehicles produced, and a continued supply
deficit, the future of nickel has rarely looked brighter.
As a low-cost, high purity producer of Class 1 nickel, Sherritt is poised to take advantage of growing
demand as it continues to capitalize on its operational excellence initiatives and produce nickel and
cobalt to feed the expanding stainless steel and EV battery markets.
2019 Operational Highlights
Sherritt’s focus is nickel and cobalt, and we also have a long history of oil production in Cuba. In 2019, our
production results for nickel at the Moa Joint Venture, oil production in Cuba, and power production either
exceeded or were within guidance.
Nickel and Cobalt(1)
(tonnes)
15,354
16,554
1,617
1,688
Oil
(NWI, boepd(2))
4,839
4,175
Power
(Gigawatt hours)
781
736
FY2018
FY2019
FY2018
FY2019
FY2018
FY2019
FY2018
FY2019
Nickel operating costs
Sherritt continuously strives to keep its operating costs low and is among the world’s lowest cost nickel
producers. As the table below shows, changes in the Moa Joint Venture’s net direct cash cost are, in large part,
a function of the impact of the price of cobalt which, as by-product of the refining process, reduces NDCC.
Mining, refining and processing costs (MPR) are relatively constant. They fluctuate,
in part, with input
commodity prices such as sulphur and natural gas.
$6.00
l
i
e
k
c
n
f
o
b
l
/
$
S
U
$5.00
$4.00
$3.00
$2.00
$1.00
$0.00
Q1 18 Q2 18 Q3 18 Q4 18 Q1 19 Q2 19 Q3 19 Q4 19
MPR
Cobalt Credit
NDCC
1. Moa Joint Venture, Sherritt’s share = 50% basis.
2. NWI = Net working-interest; barrels of oil equivalent per day.
Strong Operational Performance Drives Sherritt’s Q4 2019 Results
CEO COMMENTARY
“Sherritt ended 2019 meeting or exceeding our production guidance for operations in Cuba despite a number of challenges we
faced during the year, including the adverse effects of increased U.S. sanctions against Cuba, reduced availability of diesel fuel
supply at Moa, rail service disruption in Canada, and increased volatility of input commodity prices,” said David Pathe, President
and CEO of Sherritt International. “Our ability to reach our guidance targets is indicative of the effectiveness that operational
excellence initiatives implemented over the past 18 months as well as targeted mitigation strategies had on our results.”
Mr. Pathe added, “We have been advised by our Cuban partners that we will receive an incremental US$5.0 million per month
to fund Energas operations and apply to overdue receivables in addition to the approximate US$2.5 million per month payment
under last year’s receivables agreement, which will continue. With greater visibility on expected cash flow from Cuba, today we
are launching a balance sheet initiative that benefits all stakeholders by strengthening our capital structure, reducing annual
cash interest expenses by approximately $19 million, and providing a resolution to the legacy of debt from Ambatovy.”
SUMMARY OF KEY Q4 DEVELOPMENTS
Sherritt’s share of finished nickel and cobalt production at the Moa Venture (Moa JV) in Q4 2019 were 4,049 tonnes
and 411 tonnes, respectively. The totals, which enabled Sherritt to meet or exceed its finished nickel and cobalt
production guidance for the year at the Moa JV, reflect the success of strategies implemented during the quarter to
offset the negative impact that the CN rail strike had on the transportation of mixed sulphides in Canada and the reduced
availability of diesel fuel supply in Cuba had on Moa operations.
Excluding $79.8 million of cash and cash equivalents held by Energas, Sherritt ended Q4 2019 with cash and cash
equivalents of $86.3 million. Sherritt’s consolidated cash position of $166.1 million at the end of Q4 was down from
$169.3 million at the end of Q3 2019. The change in Sherritt’s liquidity was due to a combination of factors, including
interest paid on outstanding debentures and the lower receipt of Cuban energy payments.
Received $14.9 million in dividend distributions from the Moa JV despite softening nickel and cobalt prices in the
quarter.
Received US$13.4 million in Cuban energy payments, including US$5.9 million related to the overdue receivables
agreement ratified in June and US$7.5 million attributable to Sherritt’s Oil and Gas operations.
Adjusted EBITDA(1) was $17.9 million, up 67% from $12.4 million in Q4 2018. The year-over-year improvement was
driven primarily by stronger realized nickel prices but offset by lower cobalt prices.
Net loss included $132.8 million of non-cash impairment losses related to investments in the Ambatovy Joint Venture
and the Power business assets in addition to revaluations of allowances for expected credit losses on the Ambatovy
Joint Venture loans receivable.
Sherritt and the General Nickel Company S.A. celebrated the 25-year anniversary of the formation of the Moa Joint
Venture on December 1, 2019.
SUMMARY OF KEY 2019 DEVELOPMENTS
Sherritt’s share of dividend distributions from the Moa JV totaled $43.3 million (US$32.5 million), indicative of higher
nickel prices and operational performance for 2019. Sherritt’s share of dividends in 2018 totaled $11.9 million.
Excluding the impact of stock-based compensation and depreciation, administrative expenses in 2019 declined by 5%
to $39.0 million, down from $41.2 million in 2018. Since 2014, Sherritt has reduced its administration expenses by
30%.
Sherritt’s Cuban partners ratified an overdue receivables agreement for the repayment of US$150 million from Energas
S.A., and made US$21.1 million in payments under the plan through December 31, 2019.
Filed a National Instrument 43-101 technical report on SEDAR that confirmed the Moa JV’s current Mineral Reserves
and outlined increased Mineral Resources with the potential to extend Moa’s mine life beyond its current 15 years.
Implemented a number of austerity measures, including the elimination of discretionary expenditures, the deferral of
non-critical projects and limiting the number of new hires, aimed at preserving liquidity.
Sherritt International Corporation
1
DEVELOPMENTS SUBSEQUENT TO THE QUARTER END
Announced a transaction aimed at improving the Corporation’s liquidity, reducing debt levels and building balance sheet
strength. Pending approval by the requisite debtholders, court approval and the satisfaction or waiver of the other
conditions to the transaction, the transaction will reduce Sherritt’s total debt by approximately $414 million and reduce
annual cash interest payments by approximately by $19 million by, among other things, exchanging the Corporation’s
existing note obligations in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $588 million, plus all accrued and unpaid
interest thereon until the closing of the transaction, for new second lien notes of approximately $319 million (assuming
completion of the transaction at the end of April 2020), and exchanging Sherritt’s partner loans relating to the Ambatovy
Joint Venture for its 12% interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture and related subordinated obligations owing to Sherritt
by the Ambatovy Joint Venture or amended loans with no recourse against Sherritt. The transaction will also result in
an extension of the maturity of the Corporation’s note obligations from 2021, 2023 and 2025, respectively, under its
existing notes to April 2027 under the new second lien notes.
In addition to the payments of US$2.5 million per month Sherritt is receiving following ratification of the overdue
receivables agreement with its Cuban partners in June 2019, Sherritt received a commitment from its Cuban partners,
subsequent to the end of Q4 2019, for an incremental US$5 million per month, which will be used to fund Energas
operations and reduce overdue amounts owed to Sherritt.
Sherritt completed drilling on Block 10 in December 2019, reaching the target depth of approximately 5,700 meters.
Preliminary testing, which began late in 2019, is expected to resume in the coming days now that additional work on
the well and recertification of specific pieces of equipment have been completed. Sherritt will provide an update on
progress as material developments occur.
Sherritt’s operations and partners in Cuba continue to be negatively affected by the increasing number of sanctions
and restrictions that the U.S. government has imposed against the country since May 2019. These sanctions have
included enforcement of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, restrictions on travel to Cuba by U.S. citizens, bans on cruise
ships from porting in Cuba, restrictions on commercial vessels entering Cuba, bans on U.S. flights to Cuba except
Havana, limits on the amount of U.S. content in supplies that can enter the country, restrictions on certain types of
financial transactions, limits on family remittances to Cuba to US$1,000 per quarter, and sanctions against Cuban
medical missions abroad.
(1)
For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section of the MD&A.
2
Sherritt International Corporation
Q4 2019 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(1)
$ millions, except per share amount
For the three months ended
2018
December 31
2019
December 31
2019
Change December 31
For the years ended
2018
December 31
Revenue
Combined revenue(2)
Net earnings (loss) for the period
Adjusted EBITDA(2)
Cash provided (used) by continuing operations
Combined adjusted operating cash flow(2)
Combined free cash flow(2)
Average exchange rate (CAD/US$)
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations per
share
(1)
share
31.4
143.4
(185.5)
17.9
7.3
(3.4)
28.1
1.320
(0.46)
37.1
142.6
(53.1)
12.4
12.6
(9.8)
12.4
1.320
(0.17)
(15%) $
1%
(249%)
44%
(42%)
65%
127%
-
(171%)
137.6 $
546.2
(367.7)
47.3
(10.9)
(6.1)
(24.2)
1.327
(0.92)
152.9
600.7
(64.2)
126.2
7.4
29.9
6.6
1.296
(0.21)
Change
(10%)
(9%)
(473%)
(63%)
(247%)
(120%)
(467%)
-
(338%)
The financial results for the Ambatovy JV are only discussed as part of share of earnings in associate based on financial statement amounts. Prior period non-GAAP
measures have been revised to exclude the Ambatovy JV performance.
For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section of the MD&A.
(2)
$ millions, as at December 31
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
Loans and borrowings
Adjusted net earnings (loss)(1)
For the three months ended December 31
2019
2018
Change
166.1
713.6
207.0
705.7
(20%)
1%
$ millions
2019
$/share
$ millions
2018
$/share
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations
(182.5)
(0.46)
(69.1)
(0.17)
Adjusting items:
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss
Ambatovy impairment and ACL revaluation
Power impairment of intangible assets
Other
Adjusted net loss from continuing operations
8.4
112.5
20.3
10.4
(30.9)
0.02
0.28
0.05
0.03
(0.08)
(20.7)
44.1
-
24.9
(20.8)
(0.05)
0.11
-
0.06
(0.05)
For the years ended December 31
$ millions
2019
$/share
$ millions
2018
$/share
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations
(364.7)
(0.92)
(80.2)
(0.21)
Adjusting items:
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss
Ambatovy impairment and ACL revaluation
Power impairment of intangible assets
Other
Adjusted net loss from continuing operations
(1)
For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section of the MD&A.
14.5
169.5
20.3
1.3
(159.1)
0.05
0.43
0.05
(0.01)
(0.40)
(33.3)
47.4
-
15.6
(50.5)
(0.09)
0.12
-
0.05
(0.13)
Adjusted net loss from continuing operations was $30.9 million, or $0.08 per share, for the three months ended December 31,
2019 compared to an adjusted net loss from continuing operations of $20.8 million, or $0.05 per share, for Q4 2018. For FY2019.
Adjusted net loss from continuing operations for FY2019 was $159.1 million, or $0.40 per share, compared to an adjusted net
loss from continuing operations of $50.5 million, or $0.13 per share for the prior year. Significant adjustments to net loss in Q4
2019 and FY2019 include non-cash adjustments of $112.5 million and $169.5 million, respectively, related to revaluation of
allowances for expected credit loss (“ACL”) on Ambatovy Joint Venture loans receivable under IFRS 9 and impairment on
Ambatovy. In addition, Sherritt recognized an impairment of $20.3 million on Power intangible assets in the three- and 12-month
periods ended December 31, 2019.
Sherritt International Corporation
3
Management’s discussion and analysis
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION
AND ANALYSIS
For the year ended December 31, 2019
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) is intended to help the reader understand Sherritt International
Corporation’s operations, financial performance and the present and future business environment. This MD&A, which
has been prepared as of February 25, 2020, should be read in conjunction with Sherritt’s audited consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2019. Additional information related to the Corporation, including the
Corporation’s Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or on the Corporation’s website at
www.sherritt.com.
References to “Sherritt” or the “Corporation” refer to Sherritt International Corporation and its share of consolidated
subsidiaries, joint operations, joint ventures and associate, unless the context indicates otherwise. All amounts are in
Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. References to “US$” are to United States dollars.
Securities regulators encourage companies to disclose forward-looking information to help investors understand a
company’s future prospects. This MD&A 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
Outlook
Significant factors influencing operations
Review of operations
Moa Joint Venture and Fort Site
Oil and Gas
Power
Investment in Ambatovy Joint Venture
Liquidity and capital resources
Managing risk
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
Non-GAAP measures
Forward-looking statements
5
9
10
13
19
20
21
21
25
29
31
33
39
49
53
57
58
59
59
60
61
61
62
71
4
Sherritt International Corporation
Overview of the business
Sherritt is a world leader in the mining and refining of nickel and cobalt from lateritic ores with projects, operations and investments
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 common shares of the Corporation are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the
symbol “S”.
Sherritt International
Moa Joint
Venture
and Fort Site
Oil and Gas
Power
Corporate
(Head Office),
Technologies
and Other
Investment in
Ambatovy
Joint Venture
MOA JOINT VENTURE AND FORT SITE
Sherritt has a 50/50 partnership with General Nickel Company S.A. (GNC) of Cuba (the Moa Joint Venture) and a wholly-owned
fertilizer business and sulphuric acid, utilities and fertilizer storage facilities in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada (Fort Site) that
provides 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 is a vertically-integrated joint venture that mines lateritic ore by open pit methods and processes them at its facilities
at Moa, Cuba into mixed sulphides containing nickel and cobalt. The mixed sulphides are transported to the refining facilities in
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. The resulting nickel and cobalt products are sold to various markets, primarily in Europe, Japan and
China. At current depletion rates, the concessions of the Moa Joint Venture are planned to be mined until at least 2034. In Q2
2019, the Moa Joint Venture filed an updated National Instrument 43-101 technical report on SEDAR that confirmed the current
mineral reserves and outlined increased mineral resources with the potential to extend Moa’s mine life.
The Fort Site facilities provides inputs (ammonia, sulphuric acid and utilities) for the Moa Joint Venture metals refinery, produces
agriculture fertilizer for sale in Western Canada and provides additional fertilizer storage and administrative facilities. The metals
refinery facilities in Fort Saskatchewan have an annual production capacity of approximately 35,000 (100% basis) tonnes of nickel
and approximately 3,800 (100% basis) tonnes of cobalt.
OIL AND GAS
Sherritt’s Oil and Gas division explores for and produces oil and gas primarily from reservoirs located offshore, but in close
proximity to the coastline along the north coast of Cuba. Specialized long reach directional drilling methods are being used to
economically exploit these reserves from land-based drilling locations.
Under the terms of its production-sharing contracts (PSCs), 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 U.S. Gulf Coast High
Sulphur Fuel Oil (USGC HSFO) reference prices.
Sherritt currently has an interest in four PSCs, one PSC which is developed and at the production stage and the remaining three
PSCs in the exploration phase.
Sherritt International Corporation
5
Management’s discussion and analysis
In addition, Sherritt holds working-interests in several oil fields and the related production platform located in the Gulf of Valencia
in Spain.
During Q3 2019, Sherritt sold its working interest in a natural gas field in Pakistan for cash proceeds of $0.7M, which did not differ
materially from the carrying value of the assets sold. The sale was consistent with the Corporation’s strategy to focus its Oil and
Gas business on Cuban operations.
POWER
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 Unión
Eléctrica (UNE) and Unión Cubapetróleo (CUPET) hold the remaining two-thirds interest in Energas.
Raw natural gas 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 or a Cuban
entity providing natural gas to the City of Havana at market based prices. Sherritt provided the financing for the construction of
the Energas facilities and is being repaid from the cash flows generated by the facilities.
The Energas facilities, which are comprised of the two combined cycle plants at Varadero and Boca de Jaruco, produce electricity
using natural gas and steam generated from the waste heat captured from the gas turbines. Energas’ electrical generating capacity
is 506 MW.
CORPORATE, TECHNOLOGIES AND OTHER
Sherritt’s Technologies group provides technical support, process optimization and technology development services to Sherritt’s
operating divisions, and identifies opportunities for the Corporation as a result of its research and development activities. Its
activities include the internally focused development of technologies that provide strategic advantages to the Corporation;
evaluating, developing and commercializing process technologies for natural resource based industries, in particular for the
hydrometallurgical recovery of non-ferrous metals; and providing technical support for Sherritt’s operations, marketing and
business development arms.
INVESTMENT IN AMBATOVY JOINT VENTURE
Sherritt has a 12% interest in Ambatovy Minerals S.A. (AMSA) and Dynatec Madagascar S.A. (DMSA). Together AMSA and
DMSA form the Ambatovy Joint Venture which owns a significant nickel operation in Madagascar. The Ambatovy Joint Venture
is one of the world’s largest, vertically integrated, nickel mining, processing and refining operations utilizing lateritic ore. Subject
to the terms of the Ambatovy Operating Agreement and the direction of the Ambatovy Executive Committee, Sherritt is the operator
of the mine and refining facilities and has as its principal partners Sumitomo Corporation (Sumitomo) and Korea Resources
Corporation (KORES) (collectively, the Ambatovy Partners). The Ambatovy Joint Venture has two nickel deposits located near
Moramanga (eastern-central Madagascar) which is expected to operate until at least 2043.
6
Sherritt International Corporation
ACCOUNTING PRESENTATION
Sherritt manages its mining, oil & gas, power and technologies operations through different legal structures including 100%
owned subsidiaries, joint arrangements, an associate 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 for accounting
purposes that Sherritt has with these operations and the economic interest recognized in the Corporation’s financial statements
are as follows:
Moa Joint Venture
Oil and Gas
Power
Technologies
Ambatovy Joint Venture
Relationship for
accounting purposes
Interest
Basis of
accounting
Joint venture
Subsidiary
Joint operation
Subsidiary
Associate
50%
100%
33⅓%
100%
12%
Equity method
Consolidation
Share of assets, liabilities
revenues and expenses
Consolidation
Equity method
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 the joint venture and associate, respectively.
The financial results and review of operations sections in this MD&A presents amounts by reporting segment, based on the
Corporation’s economic interest.
Moa Joint Venture and Fort Site: Includes the Corporation’s 50% interest in the Moa Joint Venture and 100% interest in the
utility and fertilizer operations at Fort Site.
Metals Other: Includes the Corporation’s 100% interests in wholly-owned subsidiaries established to buy, market and sell certain
Moa Joint Venture’s nickel and cobalt production.
Oil and Gas: Includes the Corporation’s 100% interest in its Oil and Gas business.
Power: Includes the Corporation’s 33⅓% interest in its Power business.
Corporate and Other: Includes the Corporation’s head office activities and the operations of its Technologies business.
Operating and financial results presented in this MD&A for reporting segments can be reconciled to note 5 of the consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019.
INVESTMENT IN AMBATOVY JOINT VENTURE
In March 2019, as a result of management’s decision not to fund a cash call by the Ambatovy Joint Venture, Sherritt became a
defaulting shareholder. Management is not expecting to resume funding of the Ambatovy Joint Venture, and therefore this
condition will likely persist. With the loss of voting rights at the board level, limitation of operational and financial influence, and
the continued decision not to provide cash funding to the Ambatovy Joint Venture, the Corporation’s chief operating decision
makers no longer consider the Ambatovy Joint Venture a reportable segment of the business for accounting purposes. Despite
becoming a defaulting shareholder, Sherritt will continue to use the equity method of accounting for the Ambatovy Joint Venture.
As a result of this change, the Ambatovy Joint venture is excluded from combined results, Adjusted EBITDA and combined cash
flow metrics. For comparative purposes, the Ambatovy Joint Venture’s results have been excluded from comparative periods.
Net direct cash costs (NDCC) which is presented in this MD&A for the Ambatovy Joint Venture can be reconciled to note 8 of
the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Sherritt International Corporation
7
Management’s discussion and analysis
NON-GAAP MEASURES
Management uses the following non-GAAP financial performance measures in this MD&A:
combined results,
adjusted EBITDA,
average-realized price,
unit operating cost/NDCC,
adjusted earnings/loss,
adjusted operating cash flow, and
free cash flow.
Management uses non-GAAP measures 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/or evaluate the results of its underlying business. These measures are intended to provide additional information, not to
replace IFRS measures. Non-GAAP 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 non-GAAP measures are reconciled to the most directly comparable IFRS measure in the non-GAAP measures section
starting on page 62.
8
Sherritt International Corporation
Strategic priorities
The table below summarizes how the Corporation performed against its strategic priorities for 2019.
Strategic Priorities
2019 Actions
Status
PRESERVE LIQUIDITY AND BUILD
BALANCE SHEET STRENGTH
Continue to emphasize de-leveraging of the
balance sheet within the context of a low
commodity price environment.
Optimize working capital and receivables
collection
Operate the Metals business to maintain a
leadership position as a low-cost producer
of finished nickel and cobalt while
maximizing Free Cash Flow
UPHOLD GLOBAL OPERATIONAL
LEADERSHIP IN FINISHED NICKEL
LATERITE PRODUCTION
Further reduce NDCC towards the goal of
being consistently in the lowest cost
quartile.
Maximize production of finished nickel and
cobalt and improve predictability over 2018
results
Achieve peer leading performance in
environmental, health, safety and
sustainability
OPTIMIZE OPPORTUNITIES IN
CUBAN ENERGY BUSINESS
Successfully execute Block 10 drilling
program
Sherritt’s efforts to preserve liquidity were reflected by a
number of austerity measures implemented throughout 2019,
including the elimination of discretionary expenditures, the
deferral of non-critical projects and limiting the number of new
hires, in response to volatile commodity prices and increased
U.S. sanctions against Cuba. These austerity measures
contributed to a 5% reduction administration expenses in 2019
from last year (excluding stock-based compensation).
In Q2 2019, Sherritt’s Cuban partners ratified an agreement
on US$150 million of Energas receivables comprising monthly
payments and a 100% share of Moa JV dividends once a
minimum threshold amount is exceeded (US$68 million for
2019). Sherritt received US$21.1 million (average of US$2.6
million per month) of Cuban energy payments as a result of
the agreement in 2019. Total overdue receivables at the end
of 2019 were US$158.4 million, indicative of the negative
impact that U.S. sanctions against Cuba had on the country’s
access to foreign currency and Sherritt’s inability to repatriate
cash held in Cuba. Subsequent to quarter end, Sherritt
received a commitment from its Cuban partners for an
incremental US$5.0 million per month, which will be used to
fund Energas operations and apply to overdue amounts. The
US$2.5 million per month payment from last year will continue.
The Moa JV and Fort Site met or exceeded its production and
unit cost guidance for 2019 generated $66.3 million of
adjusted operating cash flow year-to-date in 2019, despite the
61% decline in realized cobalt prices from last year and the
impact of the CN rail strike and diesel fuel supply shortages in
Cuba.
Despite the positive effects that operational excellence
initiatives had on driving increasing production in FY2019,
NDCC rose in the year to US$4.14/lb, reflecting the dramatic
61% year-over-year decline in cobalt prices.
Finished nickel production at the Moa JV in 2019 was 33,108
tonnes (100% basis), exceeding guidance for the year.
Finished cobalt production at the Moa JV in 2019 was 3,376
tonnes (100% basis) in line with guidance for the year.
Higher production has been driven by initiatives aimed at
improving operational effectiveness, ore access and mining
equipment reliability.
Sherritt’s operations at Moa, Fort Site, Oil & Gas and Power
had zero work-related fatalities in 2019. In Q4 there were zero
lost time incidents across all of Sherritt’s operations.
In Q4 2019, Moa/Fort Site had a recordable injury frequency
rate of 0.45 and a lost time injury frequency rate of 0.09; the
Oil and Gas business had a recordable injury frequency rate
of 0.47 and a lost time injury rate of 0.00; and the Power
business had a recordable injury frequency rate of 0.74 and a
lost time injury frequency rate of 0.00.
Overall Sherritt had a recordable injury frequency rate of 0.47
and a lost time injury frequency rate of 0.07. Sherritt remains
in the lowest quartile of its benchmark peer set of data.
Sherritt completed approximately 5,700 meters to reach the
target drilling depth. Preliminary testing is on hold pending re-
certification of specific pieces of equipment and completion of
additional work on the well. Preliminary testing is expected to
re-start in February.
Sherritt International Corporation
9
Management’s discussion and analysis
Highlights
MOA JOINT VENTURE OPERATIONS UPDATE
For the year ended December 31, 2019, finished nickel and cobalt production increased by 8% and 4%, respectively, when
compared to the same period in the prior year reflecting higher mixed sulphide feed availability at the refinery. Finished nickel
production at the Moa Joint Venture exceeded guidance for the year while finished cobalt production was in line with guidance.
Sherritt’s share of finished nickel production at the Moa Joint Venture for the three months ended December 31, 2019 was 4,049
tonnes, down 6% from last year, while finished cobalt production of 411 tonnes was down 4% from last year. The decrease in
finished production was primarily due to Canadian rail transportation issues. The Moa Joint Venture implemented a mitigation
plan in advance of the Canadian rail transportation issues which partly offset the impact it had on production. This plan included
arranging for ground transportation from the Halifax port to the refinery.
Net direct cash cost of nickel (NDCC) for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 was higher compared to the same
period in the prior year primarily as a result of lower cobalt credits due to lower cobalt prices, partially offset by lower sulphur and
fuel oil prices. NDCC for the three months ended December 31, 2019 was also negatively impacted by lower sales volume
compared to the same period in the prior year. NDCC for the year ended December 31, 2019 was also positively impacted by
lower third party feed costs compared to the same period in the prior year.
Strong operational performance in 2019 has contributed to the Moa Joint Venture’s ability to increase distributions in the current
year over the prior year. During the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, the Moa Joint Venture paid distributions
to Sherritt of $14.9 million and $43.3 million, respectively, compared to $6.7 million and $11.9 million in the prior year periods.
Sherritt and the General Nickel Company S.A. celebrated the 25-year anniversary of the formation of the Moa Joint Venture on
December 1, 2019.
U.S. GOVERNMENT POLICY TOWARDS CUBA
As previously disclosed in the Corporation’s MD&A for the three months ended March 31, 2019, the U.S. State Department,
effective May 2, 2019, implemented Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, allowing U.S. citizens to bring lawsuits against foreign
companies for using property that was nationalized by the Cuban government beginning in 1959.
At the same time, the U.S. administration continues to increase its sanctions against Cuba and its trading partners. These
sanctions have included restrictions on commercial vessels entering Cuba, restrictions on travel to Cuba by U.S. citizens, bans
on cruise ships from porting in Cuba, bans on U.S. flights to Cuba except Havana, limits on the amount of U.S. content in supplies
that can enter the country, restrictions on certain types of financial transactions, limits on family remittances to Cuba to US$1,000
per quarter, and sanctions against Cuban medical missions abroad. These sanctions continue to adversely affect Cuba’s
economy, its ability to access U.S. currency to repay overdue receivables and its ability to conduct international trade, including
the sourcing of key diesel supplies in the prior quarter which impacted mixed sulphide production for the Moa Joint Venture as
discussed in the Review of operations section of this MD&A.
More details on Title III and its potential risks and uncertainties can be found in the Managing risk section of this MD&A. See “Risk
Factors- Risks Related to U.S. Government Policy Towards Cuba” for additional information.
OIL AND GAS BLOCK 10 UPDATE
Sherritt completed drilling on Block 10 in December 2019, reaching the target depth of approximately 5,700 meters. Preliminary
testing, which began late in 2019, is expected to resume in the coming days now that additional work on the well and recertification
of specific pieces of equipment have been completed. Sherritt will provide an update on progress as material developments occur.
CUBAN OVERDUE RECEIVABLES AGREEMENT
During 2019, Sherritt’s Cuban partners ratified an overdue receivables agreement (the Agreement) under which Sherritt will
receive Cuban energy payments from Energas averaging US$2.5 million per month effective May 2019. For the three and twelve
months ended December 31, 2019, Sherritt received Cuban energy payments of US$5.9 million and US$21.1 million under this
agreement, respectively.
Subsequent to year end, Sherritt received a commitment from its Cuban partners for an incremental US$5.0 million per month,
which will be used to fund Energas operations and reduce amounts owed to Sherritt.
10 Sherritt International Corporation
WORKING CAPITAL UPDATE
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at December 31, 2019 were $166.1 million, down from $169.3 million at
September 30, 2019 and down from $207.0 million at the end of 2018. As at December 31, 2019, $79.8 million of Sherritt’s cash
and cash equivalents were held by Energas in Cuba, up from $77.3 million at September 30, 2019. Excluding the cash and cash
equivalents held by Energas in Cuba, Sherritt’s cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were $86.3 million and $92.0
million as at December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2019, respectively.
There were a number of factors impacting cash during the quarter, including lower cash generated from consolidated operations,
$15.1 million in interest payments on outstanding debentures and $6.6 million in capital expenditures primarily related to drilling
on Block 10. These uses of cash were partly offset by the receipt of $14.9 million in distributions from the Moa Joint Venture and
$17.9 million in positive working capital changes primarily due to the receipt of Cuban energy payments.
During the quarter, US$13.4 million of Cuban energy payments were received compared to US$18.8 million in Q3 2019. Cuban
energy payments received during the quarter included US$5.9 million received in accordance with the Agreement, which is cited
in the Cuban overdue receivables agreement section above, and US$7.5 million from Oil and Gas. At December 31, 2019, total
overdue scheduled receivables were US$158.4 million, up from US$154.8 million at September 30, 2019 and US$152.5 million
at December 31, 2018.
PRESERVING LIQUIDITY AND MANAGING COSTS
During the year, the terms of Sherritt’s syndicated revolving-term credit facility were amended to lower the minimum cash balance
requirement from $100.0 million, less undrawn credit, to $60.0 million, less undrawn credit, for the period of September 30, 2019
up to but excluding December 31, 2019. The minimum cash balance requirement increased to $70.0 million, less undrawn credit,
on December 31, 2019 and remains in effect through the end of the credit facility’s maturity on April 30, 2020. More details can
be found in the Liquidity and capital resources section of this MD&A.
Given the challenging commodity price environment and uncertainty on the timing of collections on our Cuban energy receivables,
the Corporation implemented a number of austerity measures in 2019, including the elimination of discretionary expenditures and
limiting the number of new hires. Excluding the non-cash impacts of share-based compensation and depreciation, administrative
expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $39.0 million, which is 5% lower than the prior year. Total administrative
expenses for 2019 were $42.5 million and include savings of $1.8 million in employee costs when compared to the prior year.
These savings are largely a result of the austerity measures mentioned above coupled with additional cost saving initiatives that
were implemented in 2018.
These measures support the Corporation’s efforts to preserve liquidity and manage costs.
DEBT EXCHANGE
In February 2020, the Corporation announced a transaction (the Transaction) that proposes exchanging the Corporation’s existing
senior unsecured debentures due in 2021, 2023 and 2025 (the Existing Notes) in the aggregate principal amount of $588 million,
together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon up to but excluding the implementation date of the Transaction (the Effective
Date), for new secured debentures due in 2027 (the New Secured Notes) in an aggregate principal amount equal to 50% of the
principal amount of the Existing Notes plus all accrued and unpaid interest in respect of the Existing Notes up to but excluding the
Effective Date, and certain early cash consent considerations. Assuming an anticipated Effective Date of April 30, 2020, the
aggregate principal amount of the New Secured Notes would be approximately $319 million. If completed, the Transaction would
result in a reduction of loans and borrowings in respect of the Existing Notes of approximately $269 million and an extension of
the 2021, 2023 and 2025 maturities under the Existing Notes to a maturity of 2027 under the New Secured Notes.
The Transaction also proposes exchanging the Corporation’s Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans held by the Ambatovy Joint
Venture partners (together with the holders of the Existing Notes, the Debtholders) in the aggregate principal amount of
approximately $145 million, plus all accrued and unpaid interest, for, at the election of each Ambatovy Joint Venture partner, either
(i) the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner’s pro rata share of the Corporation’s 12% interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture and its
loans receivable from the Ambatovy Joint Venture (collectively, the Ambatovy Joint Venture assets) or (ii) amended loans with no
further recourse against the Corporation. This would result in a further reduction of recourse loans and borrowings of
approximately $145 million using the January 31, 2020 foreign exchange rates.
A meeting of Debtholders to vote on the Transaction is scheduled for April 9, 2020 (the Debtholders’ Meeting). The Transaction
is subject to, among other conditions precedent, approval by an affirmative vote of at least 66⅔% of the votes cast by the
Corporation’s Debtholders present in person or by proxy at the Debtholders’ Meeting, and subject to approval by the Ontario
Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List).
Sherritt International Corporation
11
Management’s discussion and analysis
Upon implementation, the Transaction would result in a total reduction of loans and borrowings of approximately $414 million.
IMPAIRMENT
As at December 31, 2019, the Corporation tested its investment in an associate for impairment and determined its recoverable
amount to be $39.3 million, resulting in a non-cash impairment loss of $31.0 million for the three months and year ended December
31, 2019. In arriving at the recoverable amount, the Corporation consider all available information that provides evidence of the
fair value of the investment in an associate including the effects of the Transaction cited in the debt exchange section above. The
Corporation also assessed the allowance for expected credit losses (ACL) on the Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated and post
financial completion loans receivable, based on probability-weighted scenarios which included the impact of the Transaction,
resulting in non-cash revaluation losses of $81.5 million and $138.5 million for the three months and year ended December 31,
2019, respectively. In recognizing the impairment losses, the carrying value of the Ambatovy Joint Venture assets held by the
Corporation are fairly consistent with the principal amount and accrued interest of the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans.
As at December 31, 2019, the Corporation tested the Boca de Jaruco power generation facility, within the Power segment, for
impairment and recognized a non-cash impairment loss of $20.3 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019.
The impairment was the result of a forecasted decline in gas supply.
12 Sherritt International Corporation
Financial results(1)
$ millions, except as otherwise noted
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Revenue
Combined revenue(2)
Loss from operations, joint venture and associate
Net loss from continuing operations
Net loss for the period
Adjusted net loss(2)
Adjusted EBITDA(2)
Net loss per share from continuing operations
(basic and diluted) ($ per share)
Net loss per share for the period
(basic and diluted) ($ per share)
CASH
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
Cash (used) provided by continuing operating activities
Combined adjusted operating cash flow(2)
Combined free cash flow(2)
Distributions and repayments to Sherritt from the Moa JV
OPERATIONAL DATA
For the three months ended
2018
December 31
2019
December 31
2019
Change December 31
For the years ended
2018
December 31
Change
$
$
31.4
143.4
(76.3)
(182.5)
(185.5)
(30.9)
17.9
37.1
142.6
(43.9)
(69.1)
(53.1)
(20.8)
12.4
(15%) $
1%
(74%)
(164%)
(249%)
(49%)
44%
$
137.6
546.2
(180.6)
(364.7)
(367.7)
(159.1)
47.3
152.9
600.7
(60.6)
(80.2)
(64.2)
(50.5)
126.2
(10%)
(9%)
(198%)
(355%)
(473%)
(215%)
(63%)
$
(0.46) $
(0.17)
(171%) $
(0.92) $
(0.21)
(338%)
(0.47)
(0.13)
(262%)
(0.93)
(0.16)
(481%)
$
$
166.1
7.3
(3.4)
28.1
14.9
207.0
12.6
(9.8)
12.4
6.7
(20%) $
(42%)
65%
127%
122%
$
166.1
(10.9)
(6.1)
(24.2)
43.3
207.0
7.4
29.9
6.6
47.7
(20%)
(247%)
(120%)
(467%)
(9%)
SPENDING ON CAPITAL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS(4)
14.3
$
20.3
(30%) $
63.8
$
66.0
(3%)
PRODUCTION VOLUMES
Moa JV finished nickel (50% basis, tonnes)
Moa JV finished cobalt (50% basis, tonnes)
Oil (boepd, net working-interest production)(3)
Electricity (gigawatt hours) (33⅓% basis)
AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (CAD/US$)
AVERAGE-REALIZED PRICES(2)
Moa JV nickel ($ per pound)
Moa JV cobalt ($ per pound)
Oil ($ per boe, NWI)(3)
Electricity ($ per megawatt hour)
UNIT OPERATING COSTS(2)
Moa JV - Nickel (US$ per pound)(NDCC)
Oil ($ per boe, GWI)(3)
Electricity ($ per megawatt hour)
4,049
411
1,182
186
1.320
9.38
19.69
49.14
55.73
3.75
34.58
22.15
$
$
4,294
428
1,597
184
1.320
6.84
38.43
50.47
55.34
2.94
31.32
21.09
(6%)
(4%)
(26%)
1%
16,554
1,688
1,417
736
15,354
1,617
2,209
781
8%
4%
(36%)
(6%)
-
1.327
1.296
2%
37% $
(49%)
(3%)
1%
28% $
10%
5%
$
$
8.37
17.80
48.77
55.78
4.14
24.87
18.22
7.75
46.23
50.74
54.31
2.24
22.54
20.28
8%
(61%)
(4%)
3%
85%
10%
(10%)
$
$
(1)
The amounts for the periods ended December 31, 2019 have been prepared in accordance with IFRS 16; prior year period amounts have not been restated. Refer
to note 4 in the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 for additional information.
For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section.
(2)
(3) Net working-interest (NWI); gross working-interest (GWI); barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd); barrels of oil equivalent (boe).
(4)
Spending on capital for the year ended December 31, 2019 excludes right of use assets recognized on adoption of IFRS 16. Refer to note 4 of the audited consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 for additional information.
Sherritt International Corporation
13
Management’s discussion and analysis
Revenue for accounting purposes, which excludes revenue from the Moa and Ambatovy joint ventures as they are accounted
for under the equity method, was lower for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively, compared to the
same periods in the prior year primarily due to lower oil production and sales volume and lower realized oil prices. Revenue for
the three months ended December 31, 2019 was also negatively impacted by lower realized fertilizer prices compared to the
same period in the prior year. Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 was also positively impacted by higher realized
fertilizer prices compared to the same period in the prior year.
Total combined revenue(1) was $143.4 million and $546.2 million, respectively, for the three months and year ended December
31, 2019 compared to $142.6 million and $600.7 million for the same periods in the prior year. Higher total combined revenue
for the three months ended December 31, 2019 was primarily due to higher nickel revenue, partially offset by lower cobalt
revenue compared to the same period in the prior year. Lower total combined revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019
was primarily due to lower cobalt revenue and lower oil and gas revenue, partially offset by higher nickel revenue compared to
the same period in the prior year.
Combined revenue is composed of the following:
For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section.
(1)
(2) Q4 2019 Other includes - Other Metals - $2.8 million and Corporate and other - $ (0.5) million. (Q4 2018 Other includes - Other Metals - $2.9 million and Corporate
(3)
and other - $ - million).
YTD 2019 Other includes - Other Metals - $11.3 million and Corporate and other - $ (1.1) million. (YTD 2018 Other includes - Other Metals - $11.0 million and
Corporate and other - $ (0.5) million).
For the three months ended December 31, 2019, the net loss from continuing operations was $182.5 million, or $0.46 per share,
compared to losses of $69.1 million, or $0.17 per share in the same period in the prior year. For the year ended December 31,
2019, the net loss from continuing operations was $364.7 million, or $0.92 per share, compared to losses of $80.2 million, or
$0.21 per share in the prior year.
Adjusted net loss from continuing operations(1)(2) of $30.9 million, or $0.08 per share, and $159.1 million, or $0.40 per share for
the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively, compared to an adjusted net loss from continuing operations
of $20.8 million, or $0.05 per share, and $50.5 million, or $0.13 per share for the same periods in the prior year, respectively.
For the three months ended December 31, 2019, the net loss of $185.5 million, or $0.47 per share, compared to net loss of
$53.1 million, or $0.13 per share in the same period in the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2019, net loss was
$367.7 million, or $0.93 per share, compared to net loss of $64.2 million, or $0.16 per share in the prior year. The net loss in the
prior year periods includes earnings from discontinued operations of $16.0 million related to insurance proceeds received in
respect to the Corporation’s previous Coal operations.
The change in net loss from continuing operations(1) is detailed below:
14 Sherritt International Corporation
(1)
The amounts for the periods ended December 31, 2019 have been prepared in accordance with IFRS 16; prior period amounts have not been restated. Refer to note
4 in the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 for additional information.
Reference prices for nickel were 35% and 6% higher, respectively, for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019,
compared to the same periods in the prior year. Reference cobalt prices were 48% and 56% lower, respectively, for the three
months and year ended December 31, 2019, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The average reference prices for
U.S. Gulf Coast High Sulphur Fuel Oil (USGC HSFO) were 35% and 13% lower, respectively, for the three months and year ended
December 31, 2019.
At the Moa Joint Venture, revenue for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 was 3% higher and 7% lower,
respectively, than the same periods in the prior year. For the three months ended December 31, 2019, the positive impact of
higher realized nickel prices and higher cobalt sales volume offset the impacted lower nickel sales volume and lower realized
cobalt and fertilizer prices. Lower nickel sales volume for the three months ended December 31, 2019 was primarily due to a
Canadian rail transportation issue. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the negative impact of lower realized cobalt prices
offset the positive impact of higher realized nickel and fertilizer prices and higher nickel and cobalt sales volume. Higher sales
volume for the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily due to higher mixed sulphide feed available at the refinery compared
to the same period in the prior year.
At Oil and Gas, revenue for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 was 26% and 34% lower, respectively, than
the same periods in the prior year primarily due to lower NWI production volume and lower realized prices. For the three months
ended December 31, 2019, lower NWI production was primarily due to natural reservoir declines and the sale of a natural gas
field in Pakistan in Q3 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2019, lower NWI production was also due to a reduction in profit
oil percentage starting in Q2 2018 per the terms of the renewal of the Puerto Escondido/Yumuri profit sharing contract (PSC). In
addition, one of the Spain wells has been off-line since Q2 2018, which negatively impacted NWI production for the year ended
December 31, 2019 compared to the same period in the prior year; a workover plan is being developed and the well is expected
to be back on-line in early 2022.
Sherritt International Corporation
15
Management’s discussion and analysis
Administrative expenses in the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 were higher, compared to the same periods in
the prior year primarily due to share-based compensation revaluations, which experienced a large recovery in the prior year, and
the increase of depreciation expense within Administrative expenses as a result of the adoption of IFRS 16 at the beginning of
the year. Please refer to note 4 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 for more
information on IFRS 16 and its impact. Administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 were positively impacted
by lower employee costs as a result of austerity measures implemented by the Corporation in Q2 2019 and the impact of various
other cost saving initiatives which included the relocation of the Toronto corporate office in 2018. Excluding the impact of share-
based compensation revaluations and depreciation, administrative expenses for the three months and year ended December 31,
2019 were both 5% lower compared to the same periods in the prior year.
During the three months ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recognized an impairment loss of $20.3 million for the write-
down of the Boca de Jaruco power generation facility, within the Power segment, to its recoverable amount. The impairment was
the result of a forecasted decline in gas supply. The recoverable amount of the power generating facility was based on the present
value of expected future cash flows.
As discussed in the Highlights section of this MD&A, subsequent to year end, the Corporation announced a Transaction which, if
approved, could result in the Ambatovy Joint Venture assets being exchanged for the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans or
an amended loan with no further recourse against the Corporation. As a result, the Corporation tested its investment in an
associate for impairment and determined its recoverable amount to be $39.3 million, resulting in an impairment loss of $31.0
million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019. Furthermore, the Corporation assessed the allowance for
expected credit losses (ACL) on the Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated and post financial completion loans receivable. The
Corporation calculated probability-weighted scenarios of expected credit losses, which included the impact of the Transaction, for
the Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable and Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable – post
financial completion, resulting in non-cash revaluation losses of $81.5 million and $138.5 million for the three months and year
ended December 31, 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2019 the revaluation of the ACL also includes the impact of changes
in expected debt to equity conversions at the Ambatovy Joint Venture throughout 2019. In recognizing the impairment losses, the
carrying value of the Ambatovy Joint Venture assets held by the Corporation are fairly consistent with the principal amount and
accrued interest of the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans.
Lower share of loss of the Ambatovy Joint Venture for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the
same periods in the prior year is primarily due to $15.7 million of losses recorded in Q4 2018 following a fixed asset physical
verification, useful life review and long-term ore stockpile re-valuation. Share of loss of the Ambatovy Joint Venture for the three
months and year ended December 31, 2019 were positively impacted by higher realized nickel prices and negatively impacted by
lower realized cobalt prices compared to the prior year periods.
Other includes a net income tax expense of $3.9 million and $7.5 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019,
respectively, compared to a net income tax recovery of $1.4 million and an expense of $19.9 million for the same periods in the
prior year. This was primarily due to one of the Moa Joint Venture entities having higher and lower taxable income for the three
months and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. Other also includes a
loss on revaluation of the Moa Joint Venture expected credit loss allowance of $6.8 million for the three months and year ended
December 31, 2019, which resulted from a change in the estimated future cash flows of the loan due to the consideration of
potential future interest suspensions or changes to loan documentation. In addition, Other also includes transaction costs of $2.0
million and $2.4 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 related to the Transaction discussed in the
Highlights section of this MD&A.
16 Sherritt International Corporation
ADJUSTED EBITDA
Total Adjusted EBITDA(1) for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 was $17.9 million and $47.3 million,
respectively, compared to $12.4 million and $126.2 million, respectively, in the same periods in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA
by business segment is as follows:
For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section.
(1)
(2) Q4 2019 Other includes - Other Metals - $0.7 million and Corporate and other - $(9.3) million. (Q4 2018 Other includes - Other Metals - $0.1 million and Corporate
(3)
and other - $(4.4) million).
YTD 2019 Other includes - Other Metals - $1.2 million and Corporate and other - $(38.0) million. (YTD 2018 Other includes - Other Metals - $0.8 million and Corporate
and other - $(25.1) million).
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL POSITION
The following table summarizes the significant items as derived from the consolidated statements of financial position(1):
$ millions, except as otherwise noted, as at December 31
2019
2018
Change
Current assets
Current liabilities
Working capital
Current ratio
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
Non-current advances, loans receivable and other financial assets(2)
Investment in a joint venture
Investment in an associate(2)
Property, plant and equipment
Total assets
Loans and borrowings(2)
Provisions
Total liabilities
Deficit
Shareholders' equity
$
377.7
$
330.7
47.0
1.14:1
$
166.1
$
588.0
382.9
39.3
208.6
1,738.1
713.6
104.4
1,016.0
(2,902.3)
722.1
498.2
232.3
265.9
2.14:1
207.0
720.5
438.0
148.1
227.9
2,194.4
705.7
117.2
1,063.5
(2,534.6)
1,130.9
(24%)
42%
(82%)
(47%)
(20%)
(18%)
(13%)
(73%)
(8%)
(21%)
1%
(11%)
(4%)
(15%)
(36%)
(1)
(2)
The amounts for the periods ended December 31, 2019 have been prepared in accordance with IFRS 16; prior period amounts have not been restated. Refer to note
4 in the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 for additional information.
The Corporation announced a Transaction subsequent to year end which, if approved, will reduce Sherritt’s total recourse debt by approximately $414 million by
exchanging the Corporation’s Existing Notes in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $588 million, together with accrued and unpaid interest, for New
Secured Notes of approximately $319 million and exchanging the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans for either the Ambatovy Joint Venture assets, or for amended
partner loans with the same principal but without recourse to Sherritt. The Transaction will also result in an extension of the maturity of the Corporation’s note obligations
from 2021, 2023 and 2025, respectively, under its Existing Notes to 2027 under the New Secured Notes.
Sherritt International Corporation
17
Management’s discussion and analysis
LIQUIDITY
At December 31, 2019, total available liquidity was $182.8 million which is composed of cash, cash equivalents, short-term
investments and $16.7 million of available credit facilities. The total liquidity excludes restricted cash of $5.5 million.
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at December 31, 2019 decreased by $40.9 million from December 31, 2018.
The components of this change are shown below:
(1)
Excludes debenture interest.
The change in consolidated cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments is primarily due to:
negative adjusted operating cash flow at Corporate and Oil and Gas, partially offset by positive adjusted operating cash
flow at Power and Fort Site;
positive working capital change primarily due to collections of Cuban energy receivables, partially offset by the timing of
fertilizer pre-sale deliveries and payments and the timing of working capital payments;
$43.3 million in distributions received from the Moa Joint Venture;
insurance proceeds of $16.0 million on obligations retained by the Corporation after the disposition of the Coal operations
in 2014;
capital expenditures which primarily relate to drilling activities on Block 10; and
$2.1 million of transaction costs related to the Transaction are included in Other.
18 Sherritt International Corporation
Outlook
2019 PRODUCTION, OPERATING COST AND CAPITAL SPENDING GUIDANCE
Production volumes, unit operating costs and spending on capital
Production volumes
Moa Joint Venture (tonnes, 100% basis)
Nickel, finished
Cobalt, finished
Ambatovy Joint Venture (tonnes, 100% basis)
Nickel, finished
Cobalt, finished
Oil – Cuba (gross working-interest, bopd)
Oil and Gas – All operations (net working-interest, boepd)
Electricity (GWh, 33⅓% basis)
Unit operating costs
NDCC (US$ per pound)
Moa Joint Venture
Ambatovy Joint Venture
Oil and Gas - Cuba (unit operating costs, $ per barrel)
Electricity (unit operating cost, $ per MWh)
Spending on capital (US$ millions)(3)
Moa Joint Venture (50% basis), Fort Site (100% basis)(4)
Ambatovy Joint Venture (12% basis)
Oil and Gas
Power (33⅓% basis)
Spending on capital (excluding Corporate)
Year-to-date
actual to
Guidance December 31, 2019
2019
2020
Guidance
31,000 - 33,000
3,300 - 3,600
34,000 - 36,000(1)
2,800 - 3,000(1)
3,800 - 4,100
1,600 - 1,800(2)
650 - 700
$4.00 - $4.50(2)
$4.80 - $5.30(2)
$23.00 - $24.50(2)
$20.00 - $23.75(2)
33,108
3,376
33,733
2,900
4,175
1,417
736
$4.14
$5.30
$21.60
$18.22
32,000 - 34,000
3,300 - 3,600
n/a
n/a
3,000 - 3,300
1,900 - 2,100
500 - 550
$4.00 - $4.50
n/a
$28.00 - $29.50
$28.00 - $29.50
US$30 (CDN$39)(2)
US$10 (CDN$14)
US$21 (CDN$28)
US$1 (CDN$1)
US$26 (CDN$34)
US$10 (CDN$13)
US$23 (CDN$30)
US$0 (CDN$0)
US$34 (CDN$45)
n/a
US$6 (CDN$8)
US$1 (CDN$1.3)
US$62 (CDN$82)
US$59 (CDN$77)
US$41 (CDN$54)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
2019 guidance was updated September 30, 2019.
2019 guidance was updated June 30, 2019.
Spending on capital for the year ended December 31, 2019 excludes right of use assets recognized on adoption of IFRS 16. Refer to note 4 of the audited consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 for additional information.
Spending is 50% of US$ expenditures for the Moa JV and 100% expenditures for Fort Site fertilizer and utilities.
Sherritt International Corporation
19
Management’s discussion and analysis
Significant factors influencing operations
As a commodity-based, geographically diverse company, Sherritt’s operating results are primarily influenced by the price of nickel
and cobalt.
Nickel
The nickel market was marked by considerable volatility in the fourth quarter. A combination of geopolitical developments,
including renewed concerns about the impact of a global trade war on China’s economy and its prospects for lower stainless
steel production and a re-assessment of the potential effects of Indonesia’s ore export ban on supply conditions, contributed
to a softening of prices and increased inventory levels by the end of the period.
Nickel prices on the London Metals Exchange (LME) whipsawed for much of Q4 as a result of changing market sentiment.
Nickel prices started at US$7.97/lb, climbed to a peak of US$8.16/lb on October 11 and then dropped to a low of US$5.93 on
December 10 before closing up at US$6.35/lb on December 31. By the end of the fourth quarter, nickel prices had declined
by 20%, reversing the positive momentum enjoyed for much of 2019. Despite the price decrease in Q4, nickel remained the
best performing metal in 2019, climbing 34% from US$4.74/lb on January 1, 2019.
The price volatility experienced in Q4 was matched by swings in inventory levels on the London Metals Exchange (LME) and
the Shanghai Future Exchange (SHFE). News that Indonesia would implement a nickel ore ban effective with the start of
2020 triggered a considerable de-stocking of inventory, dropping inventories in October to their lowest levels since the start of
the financial crisis in 2007. Inventory levels declined almost 50% from 174,000 tonnes to 91,000 tonnes during the month
largely because Chinese stainless steel suppliers looked to lock in supply and traders hoped to take advantage of anticipated
price increases. But as market conditions weakened and carrying costs rose, inventory began to flow back to the LME and
SHFE through much of December. Combined inventory levels on December 31 totaled approximately 190,000 tonnes, up
almost 8% from the start of the quarter.
The price volatility and significant shifts in inventory levels experienced in Q4 2019 are expected to be short lived as underlying
nickel market fundamentals remain strong. Demand for nickel through 2025 is expected to grow by approximately 3% per year
to 2.8 million tonnes, driven largely by the continued growth of the stainless steel sector according to market research by Wood
Mackenzie. Over the longer term, demand for nickel is expected to accelerate with the increased adoption of electric vehicles
since nickel – along with cobalt – is a key metal needed to manufacture assorted energy storage batteries.
A shortage of nickel is anticipated over the coming years since current market prices are below incentive levels needed to
develop new nickel projects. As a result, no new nickel supply is expected to come on stream in the near term.
Cobalt
Cobalt prices decreased by approximately 13% in Q4, reversing the upward trend experienced in the third quarter of 2019
when news emerged that Mutanda, a large, cobalt-producing mine in the Democratic Republic Congo, was to be placed on
care and maintenance. News of the mine shutdown triggered an immediate lift in cobalt prices by more than US$4 per pound
in August.
Standard grade cobalt prices on December 31 closed at US$15.53/lb, down from $17.85/lb at the start of the quarter according
to data collected by Fastmarkets MB. Prices at the beginning of 2019 were $US27.25/lb.
Cobalt prices in 2019 were significantly lower than the highs reached in 2018. The average reference price for standard grade
cobalt in Q4 2019 was US$16.90/lb, down 48% from US$32.23/lb in Q4 2018 according to Fastmarkets MB.
The year-over-year decline was driven by a combination of factors that has resulted in increased available supply and
decreased demand. Contributing factors included increased supply of intermediate product from the Democratic Republic of
Congo, increased available supply of processed cobalt from China, continued de-stocking of inventory by Chinese consumers
and the deferral of purchases by consumers waiting for prices to reach floor levels. Just as significant, China’s reduction of
electric vehicle purchase subsidies has curbed sales and slowed penetration of the world’s fastest growth market.
20 Sherritt International Corporation
Review of operations
MOA JOINT VENTURE AND FORT SITE
$ millions, except as otherwise noted
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Revenue
Earnings from operations
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
CASH FLOW
Cash provided by operations
Adjusted operating cash flow(1)
Free cash flow(1)
PRODUCTION VOLUMES (tonnes)
Mixed Sulphides
Finished Nickel
Finished Cobalt
Fertilizer
NICKEL RECOVERY (%)
SALES VOLUMES (tonnes)
Finished Nickel
Finished Cobalt
Fertilizer
AVERAGE REFERENCE PRICES (US$ per pound)
Nickel
Cobalt(2)
AVERAGE REALIZED PRICE(1)
Nickel ($ per pound)
Cobalt ($ per pound)
Fertilizer ($ per tonne)
UNIT OPERATING COST(1) (US$ per pound)
Nickel - net direct cash cost
SPENDING ON CAPITAL(3)
Sustaining
For the three months ended
2018
2019
December 31
2019
December 31 Change December 31
For the years ended
2018
December 31 Change
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
123.4
8.7
26.2
51.6
24.0
44.7
4,203
4,049
411
56,284
$
$
120.0
5.4
17.4
50.2
13.4
39.3
3% $
61%
51%
461.0
11.0
70.1
3% $
79%
14%
59.6
66.3
33.7
$
$
498.1
78.9
128.4
(7%)
(86%)
(45%)
90.7
106.3
57.8
(34%)
(38%)
(42%)
4,594
4,294
428
64,573
(9%)
(6%)
(4%)
(13%)
17,010
16,554
1,688
249,207
17,563
15,354
1,617
226,989
(3%)
8%
4%
10%
80%
84%
(5%)
84%
83%
1%
4,089
437
46,467
4,291
392
46,924
(5%)
11%
(1%)
16,698
1,766
165,162
15,273
1,572
163,698
9%
12%
1%
$
$
7.01
16.90
9.38
19.69
351
5.20
32.23
35% $
(48%)
6.32
16.57
6.84
38.43
384
37% $
(49%)
(9%)
8.37
17.80
417
$
$
5.95
37.35
6%
(56%)
7.75
46.23
388
8%
(61%)
8%
3.75
$
2.94
28% $
4.14
$
2.24
85%
6.9
6.9
$
$
10.5
10.5
(34%) $
(34%) $
33.6
33.6
$
$
37.0
37.0
(9%)
(9%)
(1)
(2)
(3)
For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section.
Average standard-grade cobalt published price per Fastmarkets MB.
Spending on capital for the year ended December 31, 2019 excludes right of use assets recognized on adoption of IFRS 16. Refer to note 4 of the audited consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 for additional information.
Sherritt International Corporation
21
Management’s discussion and analysis
Revenue, cost of sales and NDCC are composed of the following:
$ millions, except as otherwise noted
December 31
December 31 Change
December 31
December 31
Change
For the three months ended
2019
2018
For the years ended
2019
2018
REVENUE
Nickel
Cobalt
Fertilizers
Other
COST OF SALES(1)
Mining, processing and refining (MPR)
Third-party feed costs
Fertilizers
Selling costs
Other
NET DIRECT CASH COST(2) (US$ per pound of nickel)
Mining, processing and refining costs
Third-party feed costs
Cobalt by-product credits
Other(3)
$
$
$
$
$
$
84.6
19.0
16.2
3.6
123.4
66.0
5.5
12.8
4.7
8.5
97.5
5.31
0.45
(1.59)
(0.42)
3.75
$
$
$
$
$
$
64.7
33.2
18.1
4.0
120.0
31% $
(43%)
(10%)
(10%)
3% $
66.3
5.7
13.4
4.4
9.7
99.5
- $
(4%)
(4%)
7%
(12%)
(2%) $
308.0
69.3
68.9
14.8
461.0
271.6
19.5
50.6
16.5
26.0
384.2
5.34
0.43
(2.65)
(0.18)
2.94
(1%) $
5%
40%
(133%)
28% $
5.46
0.40
(1.42)
(0.30)
4.14
$
$
$
$
$
$
260.8
160.2
63.6
13.5
498.1
231.8
27.6
52.5
16.4
33.4
361.7
18%
(57%)
8%
10%
(7%)
17%
(29%)
(4%)
1%
(22%)
6%
5.37
0.63
(3.67)
(0.09)
2.24
2%
(37%)
61%
(233%)
85%
(1)
(2)
(3)
Excludes depletion, depreciation and amortization
For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section.
Includes the Moa Joint Venture and Fort Site refinery fertilizer by-product profit or loss and marketing costs, discounts, and other by-product credits.
22 Sherritt International Corporation
The change in earnings from operations is detailed below:
Reference prices for nickel were 35% and 6% higher for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively,
compared to the same periods in the prior year while cobalt reference prices were 48% and 56% lower than in the comparable
prior year periods. Realized prices for the year ended December 31, 2019 were positively impacted by a weaker Canadian dollar
relative to the U.S. dollar compared to the same period in the prior year. Realized cobalt prices for the year ended December 31,
2019 were impacted by mark-to-mark adjustments in Q1 2019 on Q4 2018 provisionally priced sales due to a significant decline
in cobalt reference prices.
Mixed sulphide production was lower for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the same periods in
the prior year as a result of reduced diesel availability during the third and fourth quarters, caused by economic and trade sanctions
imposed on Venezuela, Cuba’s largest oil supplier. The impact of this on mixed sulphide production was partly offset by the draw
down of ore stockpiles at Moa. The impact of limited diesel availability on mixed sulphide production for the year ended December
31, 2019 was partly offset by the deployment of new mining equipment in 2018 and Q1 2019, which significantly improved mining
activities and increased ore stockpile capacity. The same period in the prior year was also impacted by the highest level of rainfall
at Moa in more than 20 years which limited access to planned mining areas in the first half of 2018.
Sherritt International Corporation
23
Management’s discussion and analysis
Nickel recovery rates were lower and higher for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively, compared to
the same periods in the prior year. Nickel recovery rates were also negatively impacted by reduced diesel availability in Q3 2019.
Nickel recovery rates for the prior year were negatively impacted by poor mining fleet availability and weather-related ore access
issues in the first half of 2018.
Finished nickel and cobalt production was lower for the three months ended December 31, 2019 due to Canadian rail
transportation issues. The Moa Joint Venture implemented a mitigation plan in advance of the Canadian rail transportation issues
which partly offset the impact it had on production. This plan included increasing stockpiles of mixed sulphides inventory and
arranging for ground transportation from the Halifax port to the refinery. The ratio of finished nickel to cobalt production was
relatively unchanged in the three months ended December 31, 2019 compared to the same period in the prior year.
Finished nickel and cobalt production was higher for the year ended December 31, 2019 reflecting higher mixed sulphide feed
available at the refinery compared to the same period in the prior year. The ratio of finished nickel production to cobalt production
was higher for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the same period in the prior year as a result of a higher nickel to
cobalt ratio in mixed sulphides produced at Moa.
Mining, processing and refining (MPR) costs for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 were 1% lower and 2%
higher compared to the same periods in the prior year, respectively. While MPR costs for the year ended December 31, 2019
benefitted from operational efficiencies implemented over the past 18 months, the prior year period was positively impacted by
lower opening inventory costs, primarily resulting from lower sulphur and fuel oil prices in 2017 as well as lower 2017 maintenance
spending.
NDCC for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 was higher compared to the same periods in the prior year
primarily as a result of lower cobalt credits due to lower cobalt realized prices, partially offset by lower sulphur and fuel oil prices.
NDCC for the three months ended December 31, 2019 was also negatively impacted by lower sales volume compared to the
same period in the prior year. NDCC for the year ended December 31, 2019 was also negatively impacted by higher MPR costs,
as discussed above, and positively impacted by higher fertilizer by-product contributions and lower third party feed costs.
Fertilizer’s contribution to operating earnings for the three months ended December 31, 2019 was lower compared to the same
periods in the prior year primarily as a result of lower realized prices. Fertilizer’s contribution to operating earnings for the year
ended December 31, 2019 was higher compared to the same periods in the prior year primarily as a result of higher realized
prices. Other costs for the year ended December 31, 2019 includes lower royalties primarily as a result of lower cobalt reference
prices.
Sustaining capital spending for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 was lower than the same periods in the
prior year, reflecting austerity measures that were implemented during Q2 2019 in response to volatile commodity prices, which
reduced planned spending for the balance of the year.
24 Sherritt International Corporation
OIL AND GAS
$ millions, except as otherwise noted
December 31
December 31 Change December 31
December 31 Change
For the three months ended
2019
2018
For the years ended
2019
2018
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Revenue
Loss from operations
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
CASH FLOW
Cash provided by operations
Adjusted operating cash flow(1)
Free cash flow(1)
PRODUCTION AND SALES(2)
Gross working-interest (GWI) - Cuba
Total net working-interest (NWI)
AVERAGE REFERENCE PRICES (US$ per barrel)
West Texas Intermediate (WTI)
U.S. Gulf Coast High Sulphur Fuel Oil (USGC HSFO)
Brent
AVERAGE-REALIZED PRICES(1)(2) (per NWI)
Cuba ($ per barrel)
Spain ($ per barrel)
Pakistan ($ per boe)(3)
Weighted-average ($ per boe)
UNIT OPERATING COSTS(1)(2) (per GWI)
Cuba ($ per barrel)
Spain ($ per barrel)
Pakistan ($ per boe)(3)
Weighted-average ($ per boe)
SPENDING ON CAPITAL(4)
Development, facilities and other
Exploration
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
6.3
(8.1)
(6.2)
5.2
(8.0)
(1.2)
8.5
(10.4)
(7.2)
(26%) $
22%
14%
13.1
(5.4)
3.1
(60%) $
(48%)
(139%)
$
$
29.7
(25.7)
(15.4)
9.5
(19.6)
(18.6)
44.9
(17.0)
(5.9)
(34%)
(51%)
(161%)
31.7
(19.9)
3.7
(70%)
2%
(603%)
3,785
1,182
4,443
1,597
(15%)
(26%)
4,175
1,417
4,839
2,209
(14%)
(36%)
$
56.82
40.76
64.29
59.98
62.33
68.13
(5%) $
(35%)
(6%)
$
56.97
53.58
64.70
65.20
61.45
71.16
(13%)
(13%)
(9%)
$
$
42.07
89.66
-
49.14
24.23
264.54
-
34.58
62.72
94.47
10.90
50.47
(33%) $
(5%)
(100%)
(3%)
53.67
80.67
10.64
48.77
25.16
251.53
8.80
31.32
(4%) $
5%
(100%)
10%
21.60
218.40
3.62
24.87
$
$
56.47
92.25
10.59
50.74
20.21
96.43
7.11
22.54
(5%)
(13%)
-
(4%)
7%
126%
(49%)
10%
(0.8) $
8.6
7.8
$
-
8.4
8.4
- $
2%
(7%) $
-
29.7
29.7
$
$
1.4
25.0
26.4
(100%)
19%
13%
For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section.
(1)
(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) During Q3 2019, Sherritt sold its working interest in a natural gas field in Pakistan.
(4)
Spending on capital for the year ended December 31, 2019 excludes right of use assets recognized on adoption of IFRS 16. Refer to note 4 of the audited consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 for additional information.
Sherritt International Corporation
25
Management’s discussion and analysis
$ millions, except as otherwise noted
REVENUE
Cuba
Spain
Pakistan(5)
Processing
For the three months ended
2018
2019
December 31
2019
December 31 Change December 31
For the years ended
2018
December 31 Change
$
$
3.9
1.4
-
1.0
6.3
$
$
5.8
1.2
0.4
1.1
8.5
(33%) $
17%
(100%)
(9%)
(26%) $
21.2
3.1
0.9
4.5
29.7
$
$
31.9
7.3
1.7
4.0
44.9
(34%)
(58%)
(47%)
13%
(34%)
DAILY PRODUCTION AND SALES VOLUMES (boepd)(1)(2)
Gross working-interest (GWI) oil production in Cuba (3)
3,785
4,443
(15%)
4,175
4,839
(14%)
Net working-interest (NWI) oil production (4)
Cuba (heavy oil)
Cost recovery
Profit oil
Total
Spain (light oil)
Pakistan (natural gas)(5)
800
206
1,006
176
-
1,182
743
256
999
137
461
1,597
8%
(20%)
1%
28%
(100%)
(26%)
856
226
1,082
107
228
1,417
947
598
1,545
218
446
2,209
(10%)
(62%)
(30%)
(51%)
(49%)
(36%)
(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.
In Cuba, Oil and Gas delivered all of its gross working-interest oil production to CUPET at the time of production.
(2)
(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.
(5) During Q3 2019, Sherritt sold its working interest in a natural gas field in Pakistan.
26 Sherritt International Corporation
The change in (loss) earnings from operations is detailed below:
Realized prices in Cuba for the three months ended December 31, 2019 were lower than the same period in the prior year
reflecting lower USGC HSFO reference prices. Realized prices in Cuba for the year ended December 31, 2019 were lower than
the same period in the prior year reflecting lower USGC HSFO reference prices, partially offset by a weaker Canadian dollar
relative to the U.S. dollar for the same period.
GWI production in Cuba was lower for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 primarily due to natural reservoir
declines and the absence of new development drilling. Cuba cost recovery oil production for the three months ended December
31, 2019 was higher than the same period in the prior year as the impact of lower oil prices offset the impact of lower GWI
production and lower recoverable costs. Cuba cost recovery oil production for the year ended December 31, 2019 was lower
than the same period in the prior year reflecting lower GWI production and lower recoverable costs. Profit oil production, which
represents Sherritt's share of production after cost recovery volume is deducted from GWI volume, was lower in Q4 2019
compared to Q4 2018 reflecting the higher cost recovery oil production allocation as discussed above. Profit oil production was
lower for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the same period in the prior year as Sherritt's profit oil percentage was
reduced to 6% from 45% starting in Q2 2018 per the terms of the renewal of the Puerto Escondido/Yumuri (PE/YU) PSC. Renewal
of this PSC allowed Sherritt to retain access to equipment and personnel, some of which is being used to support drilling in Block
10.
Sherritt International Corporation
27
Management’s discussion and analysis
Overall operating costs were lower for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019; however, unit operating costs for
the year ended December 31, 2019 in Cuba were higher primarily as a result of the impact of lower production compared to the
same periods in the prior year. Unit operating costs in Spain were higher for the three months ended December 31, 2019 compared
to the same period in the prior year due to higher workover costs, partially offset by higher production. Unit operating costs in
Spain were higher for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the same period in the prior year due to lower production
and higher workover costs. One of the Spain wells has been off-line since Q2 2018; a workover plan is being developed and the
well is expected to be back on-line in early 2022. Overall costs were negatively impacted by a weaker Canadian dollar relative to
the U.S. dollar in the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the same period in the prior year.
Exploration spending was higher for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the same periods in the
prior year due to the timing of expenditures on drilling activities on Block 10. Negative capital spending for development, facilities
and other reflects the reversal of accruals.
Sherritt completed drilling on Block 10 in December 2019, reaching the target depth of approximately 5,700 meters. Preliminary
testing, which began late in 2019, is expected to resume in the coming days now that additional work on the well and recertification
of specific pieces of equipment have been completed. Sherritt will provide an update on progress as material developments occur.
During Q3 2019, Sherritt sold its working interest in a natural gas field in Pakistan for cash proceeds of $0.7M, which did not differ
materially from the carrying value of the assets sold. The sale was consistent with the Corporation’s strategy to focus its Oil and
Gas business on Cuban operations.
28 Sherritt International Corporation
POWER
$ millions (33⅓% basis), except as otherwise noted
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Revenue
(Loss) earnings from operations
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
CASH FLOW
Cash provided by operations
Adjusted operating cash flow(1)
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)
SPENDING ON CAPITAL(4)
Sustaining
For the three months ended
2018
2019
December 31
2019
December 31 Change December 31
For the years ended
2018
$
$
11.4
(22.0)
6.5
8.3
6.3
8.7
11.2
(0.3)
6.5
2% $
nm(5)
-
45.3
(18.5)
29.4
5.0
6.4
4.6
66% $
(2%)
89%
39.4
30.8
39.0
December 31 Change
$
$
47.2
2.8
28.0
(4%)
(761%)
5%
34.3
26.9
33.4
15%
14%
17%
186
184
1%
736
781
(6%)
55.73
$
55.34
1% $
55.78
$
54.31
3%
$
18.02
4.13
22.15
19.19
1.90
21.09
(6%) $
117%
5%
$
16.89
1.33
18.22
16.59
3.69
20.28
2%
(64%)
(10%)
(0.4) $
(0.4) $
0.4
0.4
(200%) $
(200%) $
0.4
0.4
$
$
0.9
0.9
(56%)
(56%)
$
$
$
$
$
$
For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section.
(1)
(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
(4)
concession arrangements.
Spending on capital for the year ended December 31, 2019 excludes right of use assets recognized on adoption of IFRS 16. Refer to note 4 of the audited consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 for additional information.
(5) Not meaningful (nm).
Sherritt International Corporation
29
Management’s discussion and analysis
Power revenue is composed of the following:
$ millions (33⅓% basis)
Electricity sales
By-products and other
For the three months ended
2018
2019
December 31
2019
December 31 Change December 31
For the years ended
2018
December 31 Change
$
$
10.4
1.0
11.4
$
$
10.2
1.0
11.2
2% $
-
2% $
41.1
4.2
45.3
$
$
42.4
4.8
47.2
(3%)
(13%)
(4%)
Electricity production and sales volume were comparable for the three months ended December 31, 2019. Electricity production
and sales volume were lower for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the same period in the prior year primarily as
a result of lower gas supply. The average-realized price of electricity was relatively unchanged for the three months ended
December 31, 2019 compared to the same period in the prior year. The change in average-realized price of electricity for the year
ended December 31, 2019 compared to the same period in the prior year was due to the weaker Canadian dollar relative to the
U.S. dollar.
Unit operating costs for the three months ended December 31, 2019 were higher than the same period in the prior year primarily
due to the timing of maintenance activities. Unit operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2019 were lower than the same
period in the prior year primarily due to the Corporation limiting operational spending to levels required to maintain certain plant
operations as the Corporation continues to work with its Cuban partners to collect on Cuban energy receivables. Unit operating
costs for the year ended December 31, 2019 were also negatively impacted by lower sales volume.
Capital spending decreased for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the same periods in the prior
year. Negative capital spending for sustaining reflects the reversal of accruals.
During the three months ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recognized an impairment loss of $20.3 million on the Boca
de Jaruco power generation facility, within the Power segment, to its recoverable amount. The impairment was the result of a
forecasted decline in gas supply. The recoverable amount of the power generating facility was based on the present value of
expected future cash flows.
30 Sherritt International Corporation
Investment in the Ambatovy Joint Venture
In March 2019, as a result of management’s decision not to fund a cash call by the Ambatovy Joint Venture, Sherritt became a
defaulting shareholder. Management is not expecting to resume funding of the Ambatovy Joint Venture, and therefore this
condition will likely persist. With the loss of voting rights at the board level, limitation of operational and financial influence, and
the continued decision not to provide cash funding to the Ambatovy Joint Venture, the Corporation’s chief operating decision
makers no longer consider the Ambatovy Joint Venture an operating segment of the business for accounting purposes.
The following operational information is presented for information purposes. For additional information on Sherritt’s investment in
the Ambatovy Joint Venture, see note 8 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019.
For the three months ended
2018
2019
December 31
2019
December 31 Change December 31
For the years ended
2018
December 31 Change
PRODUCTION VOLUMES (tonnes)
Mixed Sulphides
Finished Nickel
Finished Cobalt
Fertilizer
NET DIRECT CASH COST(1) (US$ per pound of nickel)
Mining, processing and refining (MPR) costs
Cobalt by-product credits
Other(2)
SPENDING ON CAPITAL(3) ($ millions)
Sustaining
970
1,018
89
2,402
6.44
(0.93)
(0.32)
5.19
4.9
4.9
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,316
1,253
106
3,187
(26%)
(19%)
(16%)
(25%)
4,420
4,048
348
11,027
4,331
3,982
342
11,321
2%
2%
2%
(3%)
5.76
(2.00)
(0.10)
3.66
12% $
54%
(220%)
42% $
6.06
(1.02)
0.26
5.30
5.1
5.1
(4%) $
(4%) $
12.5
12.5
$
$
$
$
6.79
(2.98)
0.10
3.91
(11%)
66%
160%
36%
15.3
15.3
(18%)
(18%)
(1)
(2)
(3)
For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section.
Includes selling costs, discounts and other by-product credits.
Spending on capital for the year ended December 31, 2019 excludes right of use assets recognized on adoption of IFRS 16. Refer to note 4 of the audited consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 for additional information.
Finished nickel and cobalt production were lower for the three months ended December 31, 2019 compared to the same period
in the prior year. For Q4 2019, production was primarily impacted by a major shutdown and a delay in re-starting operations due
to several operational failures. For the year ended December 31, 2019, production was also impacted by an incident in the
hydrogen plant in Q1 2019, which was followed by an unplanned 10-day shutdown of the plant, limited acid availability due to
unplanned maintenance on the acid plant, replacement of a critical process line and reliability issues in the lime and limestone
plants. Production for the same periods in the prior year was impacted by equipment reliability issues during the year and Cyclone
Ava, in Q1 2018, which necessitated a plant shutdown of approximately one month due to damage to equipment and facilities.
Net direct cash cost of nickel (NDCC) was higher for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the same
periods in the prior year primarily due to lower cobalt credits resulting from lower cobalt prices. For the year ended December 31,
2019, the impact of lower cobalt credits on NDCC offset the impact of higher nickel and cobalt sales volumes compared to the
same period in the prior year.
Spending on sustaining capital was lower for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the same periods
in the prior year. Capital spending in the current year periods is primarily related to replacing rubber lined pipes, addressing
corrosion issues, replacement of critical plant equipment and general improvement initiatives.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, Sherritt did not fund cash calls received from the Ambatovy Joint Venture totalling
US$27.0 million based on its 12% share of total cash calls to the Ambatovy Joint Venture partners. As a result, Sherritt is a
defaulting shareholder and does not hold Ambatovy Joint Venture voting rights.
In September 2019, the Ambatovy Joint Venture financing lenders agreed to a three-year principal deferral and an extension to
June 2027. In conjunction with this deferral, Sumitomo and KORES have committed up to US$335.0 million of funding to the
Ambatovy Joint Venture during the deferral period.
Sherritt International Corporation
31
Management’s discussion and analysis
As discussed in the Highlights section of this MD&A, subsequent to year end, the Corporation announced a Transaction that
would, among other things, exchange the Ambatovy Joint Venture assets for the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans, or
exchange the partner loans for amended loans with the same principal but without recourse to Sherritt. If approved, and Sherritt
exchanges its Ambatovy Joint Venture assets, Sherritt would no longer have an ownership interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture.
Refer to the Highlights section for further details.
32 Sherritt International Corporation
Liquidity and capital resources
Total available liquidity at December 31, 2019 was $182.8 million, which is composed of available cash, cash equivalents, short
term investments and $16.7 million available on the syndicated revolving-term credit facility. The total liquidity excludes restricted
cash of $5.5 million.
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 Cuba that are not rated.
$ millions, as at December 31, 2019
Canada
Cuba
Other
Cash equivalents
and
short-term
investments
Cash
$
$
60.1 $
85.3
4.9
150.3 $
15.8 $
-
-
15.8 $
Total
75.9
85.3
4.9
166.1
Sherritt's share of cash in the Moa Joint Venture, not included in the above balances:
$
40.5
Sherritt International Corporation
33
Management’s discussion and analysis
SOURCES 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.
$ millions
Cash provided (used) by operating activities
Oil and Gas operating cash flow
Power operating cash flow
Fort Site operating cash flow
Distributions received from the Moa Joint Venture
Interest paid on debentures
Corporate, Metals Other, and other operating cash flow
Cash (used) provided by operations
Cash provided (used) by discontinued operations(1)
Cash provided (used) by investing and financing activities
Property, plant, equipment and intangible expenditures
Receipts of advances, loans receivable and other
financial assets
(Repayment of) Increase in loans, borrowings and other
financial liabilities
Repurchase of senior unsecured debentures
Issuance of Units
Fees paid on debenture repurchase and Unit offer
Issuance of common shares
Other
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments:
Beginning of the period
End of the period
For the three months ended
For the years ended
2019
December 31
2018
2019
December 31 Change December 31
2018
December 31 Change
$
$
$
$
$
5.2
8.3
3.0
14.9
(15.1)
(9.0)
7.3
(1.4)
5.9
$
$
13.1
5.0
21.4
6.7
(15.5)
(18.1)
12.6
(0.7)
11.9
(60%) $
66%
(86%)
122%
3%
50%
(42%)
(100%)
(50%) $
$
9.5
39.4
(24.9)
43.3
(45.8)
(32.4)
(10.9)
9.4
(1.5) $
31.7
34.3
16.1
11.9
(49.4)
(37.2)
7.4
(8.5)
(1.1)
(70%)
15%
(255%)
264%
7%
13%
(247%)
211%
(36%)
(6.6) $
(13.9)
53% $
(32.0) $
(39.5)
19%
0.1
-
-
0.6
35.8
(98%)
(1.0)
-
-
-
-
(1.6)
(9.1) $
(3.2)
(2.0)
-
-
-
-
3.9
(12.0)
(0.1)
50%
-
-
-
-
(141%)
24% $
nm(2)
(3.3)
-
-
-
-
(4.7)
(39.4) $
(40.9)
-
(120.3)
132.3
(9.5)
0.8
5.5
5.1
4.0
-
100%
(100%)
100%
(100%)
(185%)
(873%)
nm(2)
169.3
166.1
$
207.1
207.0
(18%)
(20%) $
207.0
166.1
$
203.0
207.0
2%
(20%)
(1) Cash provided (used) by discontinued operations relates to insurance proceeds received, or payments made, in respect of a provision retained by the Corporation
following the sale of its Coal operations in 2014.
(2) Not meaningful (nm).
The following significant items affected the sources and uses of cash:
the receipt of distributions from the Moa Joint Venture of $14.9 million and $43.3 million for the three months and year
ended December 31, 2019;
lower interest payments on the secured debentures for the year ended December 31, 2019 as a result of the partial
repurchase of debentures in the first half of 2018;
cash from operating activities at Power was higher for the three months ended December 31, 2019 compared to the prior
year periods primarily due to higher Cuban energy receipts;
cash from operating activities at Power was higher for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the prior year
periods primarily due to the timing of working capital payments, partially offset by lower Cuban energy receipts and higher
taxes paid;
cash from operating activities at Oil and Gas was lower for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019
compared to the prior year periods primarily due to lower Cuban energy receipts, partially offset by lower taxes paid;
cash from operating activities at Fort Site was lower for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 compared
to the prior year periods primarily due to lower fertilizer customer prepayments and the timing of working capital
payments;
cash used by Corporate, Metals Other and other operating activities were primarily due to the timing of working capital
payments;
cash used by Corporate also includes transaction costs of $1.7 million and $2.1 million, respectively, for the three months
and year ended December 31, 2019, which are related to the Transaction discussed in the Highlights section of this
MD&A; and
34 Sherritt International Corporation
cash from discontinued operations includes insurance proceeds of $16.0 million received in Q1 2019 on obligations
retained by the Corporation after the disposition of its Coal operations.
Included in investing and financing activities are expenditures on property, plant and equipment and intangibles primarily related
to Block 10 and sustaining activities.
The Corporation’s Adjusted EBITDA(1) reconciles to the decrease in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as follows
for the year ended December 31, 2019:
$ millions, for the year ended December 31
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
Add (deduct):
Moa Joint Venture Adjusted EBITDA
Distributions from the Moa Joint Venture
Interest paid on debentures
Net change in non-cash working capital
Other
Cash used by continuing operations per financial statements
Add (deduct):
Capital expenditures
Other
Change in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
(1)
For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section.
2019
$
47.3
(62.2)
43.3
(45.8)
8.3
(1.8)
(10.9)
(32.0)
2.0
(40.9)
$
Sherritt International Corporation
35
Management’s discussion and analysis
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, 2019
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 Partner loans
Syndicated revolving-term credit facility
Provisions
Deferred income taxes
Lease liabilities
Capital commitments
Other
Total
DEBT EXCHANGE
$
148.1 $
148.1 $
1.3
778.9
158.3
8.2
145.3
10.7
19.2
5.8
1.3
45.8
-
8.2
5.0
-
4.2
5.8
- $
-
- $
-
- $
-
- $
-
-
-
17.4
238.1
215.4
32.2
-
-
3.5
10.7
2.3
-
-
-
-
-
2.2
-
230.0
158.3
-
-
-
2.1
-
-
-
50.1
-
1.8
-
1.3
1,277.1 $
$
0.1
218.5 $
0.1
232.0 $
0.1
34.5 $
0.4
390.8 $
0.1
69.4 $
-
-
86.7
-
6.6
-
0.5
331.9
Subsequent to year end, the Corporation announced a Transaction aimed at improving the Corporation’s liquidity, reducing debt
levels and building balance sheet strength. Pending approval by the requisite Debtholders, court approval and the satisfaction
or waiver of the other conditions to the Transaction, the Transaction will reduce Sherritt’s total debt by approximately $414 million
and reduce annual cash interest payments by approximately $19 million by, among other things, exchanging the Corporation’s
Existing Notes in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $588 million, plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon up
to but excluding the Effective Date, for New Secured Notes of approximately $319 million, and exchanging Sherritt’s Ambatovy
Joint Venture partner loans for its Ambatovy Joint Venture assets or amended loans with no recourse against Sherritt. The
transaction will also result in an extension of the 2021, 2023 and 2025 maturities under the Existing Notes to a maturity of 2027
under the New Secured Notes.
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, 2019, there are no events of default on the Corporation’s debentures or syndicated revolving-term credit
facility. The Corporation did not meet the financial ratios required to remove limitations on the incurrence of debt or certain
distributions under the senior unsecured debentures indenture agreement.
Syndicated revolving-term credit facility
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the maturity of the syndicated revolving-term credit facility was extended to April 30,
2020 and the maximum credit available increased to $70.0 million. The total available draw is based on eligible receivables and
inventories, which are pledged as collateral. Certain cash held in banks in Canada is also pledged as collateral. The interest rates
decreased to prime plus 3.00% or bankers’ acceptance plus 4.00%.
The facility is subject to the following financial covenants and restrictions as of December 31, 2019:
EBITDA, as defined in the agreement, equal to or greater than $70.0 million, a decrease from $100.0 million as at
December 31, 2018;
EBITDA-to-interest expense covenant of not less than 1.35:1, a decrease from 1.75:1 as at December 31, 2018;
Limits on capital expenditures and funding of the Moa Joint Venture and Ambatovy Joint Venture, which remained
unchanged during the year; and
36 Sherritt International Corporation
Minimum cash covenant balance, as defined in the agreement, of $70.0 million, less undrawn credit, a decrease from
$100.0 million, less undrawn credit, as at December 31, 2018. This amount is comprised of cash and cash equivalents
and short-term investments of the Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries held in Canada. The required
minimum cash covenant balance as at December 31, 2019 is calculated to be $53.3 million (December 31, 2018 -
$84.9 million).
As at December 31, 2019, the Corporation has $45.3 million of letters of credit outstanding pursuant to this facility (December 31,
2018 - $46.9 million). As at December 31, 2019, $8.0 million has been drawn on this facility (December 31, 2018 - $8.0 million).
Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans
As at December 31, 2019, the Corporation is a defaulting shareholder of the Ambatovy Joint Venture (note 8), which results in the
Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans also being in default and being classified as current liabilities. Despite being in default on
the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans, the Ambatovy Joint Venture partners’ recourse against the Corporation is limited to the
Corporation’s ownership interest in, and future distributions to be paid by, the Ambatovy Joint Venture. These loans accrue interest
at six-month LIBOR plus 1.125%. Given the limited recourse nature of these loans, the Corporation will not make cash payments
on these loans prior to their 2023 maturity date. At maturity, Sherritt can elect to: (i) repay the loans in cash, (ii) repay the loans in
shares or a combination of cash and shares at 105% of the amount then due, or (iii) repay in 10 equal semi-annual principal
installments (plus interest) commencing in December 2024, at an interest rate of LIBOR + 5% applied from the original August
2023 maturity date.
The default of the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans would have also resulted in an event of default on the syndicated
revolving-term credit facility; however, this potential default was waived prior to its occurrence through to the maturity of this facility
on April 30, 2020.
The principal amount outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2019 was $142.5 million, including accrued interest
(December 31, 2018 - $144.0 million). The Corporation’s ability to draw additional amounts on the facility expired on August 22,
2014.
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 $91.3 million, with no significant payments due in the next five years;
Other contractual commitments of $8.1 million; and
Advances and loans payable of $232.4 million. Included within this advances and loans payable balance is a $213.3
million loan payable to the entity holding the remaining 50% interest in the Moa Joint Venture.
Ambatovy Joint Venture
As a result of the Corporation’s 12% interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture, its proportionate share of significant commitments of
the joint venture includes the following:
Environmental rehabilitation commitments of $116.1 million, with no significant payments due in the next five years;
Other contractual commitments of $17.5 million;
Ambatovy revolving credit facilities of $10.6 million;
The Ambatovy Joint Venture senior debt financing of US$192.1 million ($249.5 million) which is non-recourse to the Joint
Venture partners. In September 2019, the Ambatovy Joint Venture financing lenders agreed to defer principal
repayments until June 2022 and extend maturity to June 2027; and
If the Transaction is approved subsequent to year end, and the Ambatovy Joint Venture assets are exchanged for the
Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans, the Corporation would no longer have a proportionate share of the above
commitments.
Sherritt International Corporation
37
Management’s discussion and analysis
CAPITAL STRUCTURE
$ millions, except as otherwise noted
Loans and borrowings
Other financial liabilities
Total debt
Shareholders' equity
Total debt-to-capital (1)
Common shares outstanding
Stock options outstanding
Common Share Warrants outstanding
2019
December 31
2018
December 31
$
$
713.6 $
22.8
736.4 $
722.1
50%
705.7
13.1
718.8
1,130.9
39%
Change
1%
74%
2%
(36%)
30%
397,282,785
9,432,219
57,610,455
397,281,686
9,897,219
57,611,554
-
(5%)
-
(1) Calculated as total debt divided by the sum of total debt and shareholders’ equity.
Debt Exchange
Subsequent to year end, the Corporation announced a Transaction that would, pending approval by the requisite debtholders,
court approval and the satisfaction or waiver of the other conditions of the transaction, reduce Sherritt’s total debt by
approximately $414 million. The impact of this reduction in total debt would have decreased Sherritt’s total debt-to-capital ratio
as at December 31, 2019 from 50% to 31%, which would bring this ratio closer to Sherritt’s peers.
Common Share Warrants
Common Share Warrants were issued as part of the debenture extension in 2016 when 19.1 million warrants with a fair value of
$0.43 were granted to the Noteholders that elected to accept warrants. Warrants are exercisable at any time at an exercise
price of $0.74 per share and had an original term of 5 years. They are not listed on any exchange. During 2019, nil warrants
were exercised for total proceeds of nil (2018 – 0.9 million warrants were exercised for total proceeds of $0.6 million).
Issue of Units
In January 2018, the Corporation completed an equity offering and issued units consisting of 94.5 million common shares and
47.2 million cobalt-linked warrants at $1.40 per unit, for gross proceeds of $132.3 million, less transaction costs of $7.2 million.
The cobalt-linked warrants have an exercise price of $1.95. Each cobalt-linked warrant is exercisable to acquire between 1.00
and 1.25 common shares, determined based on a prescribed cobalt reference price. No cobalt-linked warrants were exercised
during the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 or during the same periods in the prior year.
COMMON SHARES
As at February 25, 2020, the Corporation had 397,284,433 common shares outstanding. An additional 9,432,219 common shares
are issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options granted to employees and directors pursuant to the Corporation’s stock
option plan, a maximum of 47,232,200 on the issue of Cobalt-Linked Warrants and 10,376,607 common shares issuable on the
exercise of other common share warrants.
38 Sherritt International Corporation
Managing risk
For the purposes of this section, all capitalized terms that are not specifically defined herein, have the meaning ascribed to them
in the 2018 AIF.
Sherritt manages a number of risks in each of its businesses in order to achieve an acceptable level of risk without appreciably
hindering its ability to maximize returns. Management has procedures to identify and manage significant operational and financial
risks. Significant risks include, amongst others:
Liquidity and Access to Capital
Commodity Risk
Securities Market Fluctuations and Price Volatility
Restrictions in Debt Instruments, Debt Covenants and Mandatory Repayments
Risks Related to Sherritt’s Investment in the Ambatovy Joint Venture
Risks Related to Sherritt’s Operations in Cuba
Risks Related to U.S. Government Policy Towards Cuba
Identification and Management of Growth Opportunities
Depletion of Reserves
Reliance on Partners
Mining, Processing and Refining Risks
Operating Risks
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, and fertilizers 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, fertilizer and other
commodities, which are volatile. Significant 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. The prices for commodities
produced by the Corporation 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, international trade dynamics and
disputes, political and economic conditions, global health emergencies (such as the recent outbreak of the corona virus) and
production costs in major producing regions. The prices for these commodities have fluctuated widely in recent years. Forecasts
of commodity prices can prove to be inaccurate as factors such as supply and demand fundamentals (including the potential
growth in the electric vehicle market), speculative market participation by financial entities, and structural and economic changes
may not behave as predicted.
Sherritt’s current businesses are dependent upon commodity inputs such as natural gas, sulphur, sulphuric acid, coal, electricity,
fuel oil, diesel, limestone and related products, and materials 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.
SECURITIES MARKET FLUCTUATIONS AND PRICE VOLATILITY
The securities markets in Canada and elsewhere can experience significant price and volume volatility which can affect the prices
of Sherritt’s securities. The prices of Sherritt’s securities have been, and may continue to be, affected by this market volatility, 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; political and macro-economic factors; 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; and
changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by research analysts who trade the Shares or the shares of other companies
in the resource sector.
Sherritt International Corporation
39
Management’s discussion and analysis
Securities of the Corporation listed on these markets or traded over the counter can experience wide fluctuations which are not
necessarily related to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of the Corporation. Such securities can be
affected by a number of factors outside the Corporation’s control and which affect the price and value of securities more generally,
these factors may include, but are not limited to: changes in interest rates, tax policy, international trade dynamics and disputes,
political and macro-economic factors and economic growth rates. As such, the Corporation’s securities have been, and could
continue to be, subject to significant volatility in trading volumes and market prices. There can be no assurance that the market
price of the Corporation’s securities will accurately reflect the value of the Corporation’s underlying assets and future business
prospects at any time (including the value of its interests in commodities and their current and forecasted market prices).
LIQUIDITY AND ACCESS TO CAPITAL
Sherritt’s ability to fund its capital and operating expenses and to meet its financial obligations depends on being able to generate
sufficient cash flow from its operations and its ability to 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. Depending upon commodity prices in particular, 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. There can be no assurance that Sherritt will have sufficient funds to repay its Debentures at maturity, nor
can there be any assurance that Sherritt will be able to refinance its Debentures or raise funds in the equity capital markets on
terms and conditions that would be acceptable. Failure to provide adequate funds to its operations, execute growth strategies,
replace depleted reserves or meet or refinance 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, the Syndicated Facility. The total available draw under the Syndicated
Facility is based on eligible receivables and inventory. If prices for nickel and cobalt decline, this could result in a material reduction
in the amount of funding available under the Syndicated Facility. Certain debt covenants under the Syndicated Facility are based
on ratios involving the Corporation’s EBITDA and/or interest expense and other covenants require the maintenance of minimum
cash balances. The Corporation’s ability to satisfy these covenants could also be negatively affected by decreases in commodity
prices. As a result, there can be no assurance that this Syndicated Facility can be extended or renewed at any time, or otherwise
replaced with a different credit facility on similar terms, or that required consent or waivers under the Syndicated Facility will be
provided without concessions on the part of the Corporation or at all.
Agencies of the Cuban government have significant payment obligations to the Corporation in connection with the Corporation’s
Oil and Gas, Moa Joint Venture and Power operations in Cuba. This exposure to the Cuban government and its potential inability
to timely or fully pay such amounts could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of
operations. Please see the risk factor entitled “Risks Related to Sherritt’s Operations in Cuba” for additional information.
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.
RISKS RELATED TO NON-IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TRANSACTION
As disclosed in the Highlights section of this MD&A, subsequent to year end, the Corporation announced a Transaction aimed at
improving the Corporation’s liquidity, reducing debt levels and building balance sheet strength. The Corporation cautions that it
can make no assurances as to whether the Transaction will be completed and if not, whether an agreement with respect to an
alternative transaction may be reached, or the terms or timing of any such potential transaction.
Future liquidity and operations of the Corporation are dependent on the ability of the Corporation to repay its debt obligations and
to generate sufficient operating cash flows to fund its on-going operations. If the Corporation does not complete the reduction of
debt contemplated by the Transaction, it may be necessary to pursue other options or alternatives that could have a negative
effect on the Corporation. Certain risk factors relating to the non-implementation of the Transaction include: (a) the Corporation
may have limited ability to raise additional capital on market terms with its current capital structure, (b) the Corporation’s existing
capital structure with existing maturities may limit the options and alternatives for the Corporation to maximize value to all
stakeholders or to pursue various operational improvements or other strategic initiatives, and (c) the Corporation may incur a
number of significant costs related to the Transaction, including professional fees, regardless of whether or not the Transaction is
consummated.
In the event that the Transaction is not implemented, the Corporation’s total debt would not be reduced by approximately $414
million, the associated reduction in debt service costs would not be achieved and the Corporation would need to evaluate all of its
options related to any future court proceedings or other alternatives to address liquidity and leverage issues which exist today. In
the event the Transaction is not completed, the value available to stakeholders may be significantly reduced.
40 Sherritt International Corporation
Additional details of risks associated with non-implementation of the Transaction will be included in a management information
circular in relation to the Transaction to be filed by the Corporation on SEDAR.
RESTRICTIONS IN DEBT INSTRUMENTS, DEBT COVENANTS AND MANDATORY REPAYMENTS
Sherritt is a party to certain agreements in connection with the Syndicated Facility, as well as the trust indenture governing the
Debentures (collectively, the “Indenture”). Sherritt is also a party to various agreements with the Ambatovy Senior Lenders relating
to the Ambatovy Financing Agreements. In addition, Sherritt is a debtor under the Initial Partner Loans that were used to fund part
of 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 any of the covenants contained in the Indenture, the Syndicated Facility, the Ambatovy Financing Agreements, the
Initial 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 Initial Partner Loans ($142.5 million, in principal, as at December 31, 2019) are generally repayable by Sherritt at maturity in
August 2023 and are secured by Sherritt’s interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture, which is subordinate to the security interests
therein held by the Ambatovy Senior Lenders. Certain events under the Initial Partner Loans trigger a mandatory prepayment of
the loans within 30 trading days of such event, including an enforcement by the Ambatovy Senior Lenders of their security interests
over the Ambatovy Joint Venture shares following a default under the Ambatovy Financing Agreement. In such cases, Sherritt
has the option to prepay in cash or in Shares, provided its Shares are trading on the TSX at the time of payment and subject to
applicable TSX rules (including applicable shareholder approval requirements) or with a mix of cash and Shares. The Initial Partner
Loans can be repaid in cash at any time through to maturity. At maturity, Sherritt can elect to: (i) repay the loans in cash, (ii) repay
the loans in shares or a combination of cash and shares at 105% of the amount then due, or (iii) repay in 10 equal semi-annual
principal installments (plus interest) commencing in December 2024, at an interest rate of LIBOR +5% applied from the original
August 2023 maturity date.
Should the Ambatovy Joint Venture not be able to make the required interest or principal payments under, or is otherwise in
default of, the Ambatovy Financing Agreements and the Ambatovy Senior Lenders elect to enforce any of their security interests
over the Ambatovy Joint Venture shares, this would trigger the mandatory pre-payment of the Initial Partner Loans and otherwise
potentially give rise to an event of default under the Initial Partner Loans with the resulting obligation to repay any outstanding
Initial Partner Loans. In such a circumstance, Sherritt has the option to repay in cash or, provided its Shares are trading on the
TSX at the time of payment and subject to applicable TSX rules, including shareholder approval requirements, in Shares. Unless
the lenders otherwise agree, the Initial 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 or a corporate restructuring
of Sherritt. Repayment of the Initial Partner Loans in cash could have significant consequences for Sherritt’s liquidity and would
materially adversely affect the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial performance. In those cases where it
has the option, if Sherritt repays all or any portion of the Initial Partner Loans in Shares this could result in significant dilution to
existing shareholders depending on the prevailing Share price at the time of payment.
The Ambatovy Senior Lenders’ recourse under the Ambatovy Joint Venture Financing Agreements, including for repayment of
semi-annual principal and interest, is limited to the Ambatovy Joint Venture and Sherritt’s and the other Ambatovy Partners’
interests therein.
Under the terms of the Initial Partner Loans, if Sherritt becomes a defaulting shareholder under the terms of the Ambatovy Joint
Venture Shareholders Agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”), for example, by failing to fund a cash call, a cross default to
the Initial Partner Loans would be triggered and the lenders under such loans could, among other things, elect to accelerate
repayment. In March 2019, as a result of management’s decision not to fund a cash call by the Ambatovy Joint Venture, Sherritt
became a defaulting shareholder under the Ambatovy Shareholders Agreement and it has remained a defaulting shareholder
thereafter. Due to the limited recourse nature of the Initial Partner Loans in such circumstances, any acceleration as a result of
this default will not require Sherritt to repay the loans until maturity 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 until that time.
As at the date hereof, the Initial Partner Loan lenders have not accelerated the Initial Partner Loans or indicated any intention to
do so. However, there can be no assurance that they will not do so in the future.
Sherritt International Corporation
41
Management’s discussion and analysis
Furthermore, if Sherritt is a defaulting shareholder under the terms of the Shareholders Agreement, triggering a cross default to
the Initial Partner Loans, this could trigger a cross default under the Syndicated Facility. Similarly, a cross default under the
Syndicated Facility could also be triggered if there was an event of default under the Initial Partner Loans or Ambatovy Financing
Agreements. As noted above, Sherritt has become a defaulting shareholder under the Shareholders Agreement, triggering a
cross-default to the Initial Partner Loans. This could trigger a cross-default under the Syndicated Facility, however, the Corporation
has obtained a waiver under the Syndicated Facility, to the maturity thereof, from all cross-defaults under the Initial Partner Loans
and the Syndicated Facility that could be triggered by Sherritt having become a defaulting shareholder under the Shareholders
Agreement. However, a cross-default under the Syndicated Facility could also be triggered if there was another event of default
under the Initial Partner Loans or an event of default under the Ambatovy Financing Agreements.
If a cross default to the Initial Partner Loans is triggered by a breach of the Shareholders’ Agreement, and the lenders under those
loans were to accelerate repayment, although generally such acceleration would not require repayment by Sherritt until after
maturity, it could in turn trigger a cross default under the Indenture. An event of default under the Initial Partner Loans, including
the failure to make a mandatory prepayment, would also 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 Initial Partners Loans or
is waived in accordance with the Indenture. Sherritt may 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, $588.1 million principal
amount as at December 31, 2019) and there can be no assurance that Sherritt could refinance such amounts. An acceleration of
the Debentures would, in turn, trigger an event of default under the Syndicated Facility. Accordingly, acceleration of any one or
more series of Debentures could materially adversely affect the Corporation’s business, results of operations, and financial
performance.
RISKS RELATED TO SHERRITT’S INVESTMENT IN THE AMBATOVY JOINT VENTURE
In March 2019, as a result of management’s decision not to fund a cash call by the Ambatovy Joint Venture, Sherritt became a
defaulting shareholder under the Ambatovy Shareholders Agreement. As a result of such default, among other things, the
following: (a) Sherritt is not receiving any Ambatovy Joint Venture distributions; (b) Sherritt has lost its voting rights at the Ambatovy
Joint Venture’s Executive Committee, its corporate boards of directors and its shareholder meetings; (c) Sherritt has lost its right
to attend and be represented at meetings of the Ambatovy Joint Venture’s Executive Committee and its corporate boards of
directors (although as a matter of fact, it presently continues to be invited to such meetings); (d) Sherritt may be required to offer
its 12% shareholder interest pro rata to the other Ambatovy Partners who have the right to purchase at the lower of fair market
value and book value; (e) 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; (f) the other Ambatovy
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; and (g) the other Ambatovy Partners can elect to fund Preferred Debt. In
the event that any of the other Ambatovy Partners elect to purchase the Corporation’s interest pursuant to paragraph (d), there
can be no assurance that the Corporation will receive any proceeds once such purchase price is offset against amounts
outstanding under the Initial Partner Loans. Preferred Debt lenders under paragraph (g) can also elect to exercise an enhanced
dilution remedy entitling them to an equivalent amount of subordinated shareholder loans (and to the extent such loans are not
available, equity) held by the defaulting shareholder for nil consideration. This enhanced dilution mechanism may not alter the
defaulting shareholder’s equity interest, but could have a significant adverse effect on other shareholders’ future distributions from
the Ambatovy Joint Venture and its effective economic interest therein. Although Sherritt remains Operator of the Ambatovy Joint
Venture through an operating agreement, its role is subject to the provisions of that agreement and the direction of the Ambatovy
Executive Committee, and as a result Sherritt’s operational and financial influence at Ambatovy is now limited. Sherritt is not
expecting to resume funding of the Ambatovy Joint Venture, and therefore, subject to discussions and agreement to the contrary
with the other Ambatovy partners, it is expected that Sherritt will continue to be a defaulting shareholder under the Shareholders
Agreement. During the 12 months ended December 31, 2019, Sherritt did not fund cash calls received from the Ambatovy Joint
Venture totalling US$27.0 million based on its 12% share of total cash calls to the Ambatovy Joint Venture partners. Please see
the risk factor entitled “Restrictions in Debt Instruments, Debt Covenants and Mandatory Repayments” for more information about
other risks associated with Sherritt’s non-funding of the Ambatovy Joint Venture.
42 Sherritt International Corporation
The Ambatovy Joint Venture borrowed US$2.1 billion (US$1.6 billion as at December 31, 2019) 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. In September 2019, the Ambatovy Joint Venture financing lenders agreed to a
three-year principal deferral and an extension to June 2027. In conjunction with this deferral, Sumitomo and KORES have
committed up to US$335.0 million of funding to the Ambatovy Joint Venture during the deferral period. Nevertheless, there can
be no assurance that the Ambatovy Joint Venture will not require additional financing in the future. 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 could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and
financial performance.
Due to the Ambatovy Joint Venture’s current and projected funding requirements, in a persistently low nickel price environment
there can be no certainty that Sherritt will receive any distributions from the Ambatovy Joint Venture. Whether as a result of Sherritt
not funding future cash calls or otherwise, Sherritt’s 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 12% interest or entitlement to future
distributions, which could have a materially adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations, and financial
performance.
As a result of Sherritt’s indirect 12% interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture Sherritt is indirectly subject to the political, economic
and social risks related to Ambatovy’s operations in Madagascar.
In 2002, the government of Madagascar passed the 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. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Malagasy Mining Code will not be amended in a manner which could
adversely affect the Ambatovy Joint Venture.
Madagascar has a history of political instability and there is no assurance that continuing political stability will be achieved. The
Malagasy 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’s 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.
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.
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.
Please see the risk factors entitled “Market Conditions - Commodity Risk”, “Depletion of Reserves”, “Mining, Processing and
Refining Risks”, “Operating Risks”, “Transportation”, “Reliance on Key Personnel and Skilled Workers”, Equipment Failure and
Other Unexpected Failures”, “Uncertainty of Resources and Reserve Estimates”, “Environmental Risks and Liabilities”, “Project
Operations”, “Foreign Exchange and Pricing Risks”, “Environment, Health and Safety”, “Climate Change/Greenhouse Gas
Emissions”, Community Relations and Social License to Grow and Operate”, “Shortage of Equipment and Supplies”, “Competition
in Product Markets”, Future Market Access”, “Interest Rate Changes”, “Insurable Risk”, “Labour Relations”, “Legal Rights”, “Legal
Contingencies”, “Accounting Policies”, “Government Permits”, “Risks to Information Technologies Systems and Cybersecurity”,
“Government Regulation”, which are risks that are also applicable to the Ambatovy Joint Venture, other than as they relate to oil
and gas or Cuban operations.
Sherritt International Corporation
43
Management’s discussion and analysis
RISKS RELATED TO SHERRITT’S OPERATIONS IN CUBA
The Corporation directly or indirectly holds 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, access to
foreign exchange, and high rates of inflation. In addition, the incumbent U.S. administration has increased its sanctions against
Cuba and its trading partners and these measures have had an adverse impact on Cuba and its economy, as well as its ability to
conduct international trade. Changes in regulations and 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.
There is increased demand from downstream customers that electronics, automotive and other manufactures demonstrate that
their product supply chains are ethical and responsible. Such responsible sourcing requirements are affecting the metals sector
broadly. Requests for assurance of a responsible cobalt supply chain from the refinery to the mine site are increasingly being
received by downstream customers of the Corporation. The Corporation believes that its supply of minerals is ethical and
responsible and in order to demonstrate this the Corporation is engaged in activities to implement policies and due diligence
systems to independently verify that its mineral supply chain conforms with internationally accepted best practices. While the
corporation is committed to demonstrating a responsible supply of minerals, the Corporation has no control over the purchasing
decisions of its customers or the factors on which they are based and there is no guarantee that the Corporation’s efforts will
mitigate this potential risk. Please see also the Risk Factor entitled “Risks Related to U.S. Government Policy Towards Cuba –
The U.S. Embargo”.The Cuban government has allowed, for more than two decades, foreign entities to repatriate profits out of
Cuba. However, there can be no assurance that 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.
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 to the extent possible.
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. Notwithstanding efforts by Sherritt, overdue receivables owed by Cuban
entities to Sherritt increased from US$152.5 million at the beginning of 2019 to US$158.4 million as at December 31, 2019. In
addition, 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.
44 Sherritt International Corporation
RISKS 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.
The U.S. Embargo
In its current form, apart from the Helms Burton Act, the embargo applies to most transactions involving Cuba, Cuban enterprises,
and Cuban nationals and it bars all persons “subject to the jurisdiction of the United States” from participating in such transactions
unless such persons have general or specific licenses from the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“U.S. Treasury”) authorizing
their participation in the transactions. Persons “subject to the jurisdiction of the United States” 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 targets
dealings directly or indirectly involving entities deemed to be owned or controlled by Cuba and listed as specially designated
nationals (“SDNs”). The three entities constituting the Moa Joint Venture in which Sherritt holds an indirect 50% interest have
been deemed SDNs by U.S. Treasury. Sherritt, however, is not an SDN. The U.S. embargo generally prohibits persons subject
to the jurisdiction of the United States from engaging in transactions involving the Cuban related businesses of the Corporation.
Furthermore, generally U.S. origin technology, U.S. origin goods, and many goods produced from U.S. origin components or with
U.S. origin technology cannot under U.S. law be transferred to Cuba or used in the Corporation’s operations in Cuba. Additionally,
the embargo also prohibits imports into the United States of Cuban origin goods, or of foreign goods made or derived, in whole or
in part, of Cuban origin goods, including Cuban nickel. 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. However, the general embargo limits Sherritt’s access to U.S. capital, financing sources, customers, and suppliers.
The Helms Burton Act
Separately from the general provisions of the embargo summarized above, the Helms Burton Act authorizes sanctions on non
U.S. 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. All Presidents of the United States in office since the enactment of the Helms Burton Act have
suspended the right of claimants for successive six month periods until the incumbent U.S. administration ceased such
suspensions and allowed Title III to come into effect on May 2, 2019. Since that time a number of lawsuits have been filed pursuant
to Title III in the United States against companies in the U.S., Canada and elsewhere. The Corporation has received letters in the
past from U.S. nationals claiming ownership of certain Cuban properties or rights in which the Corporation has an indirect interest,
including in relation to claims certified by the U.S. Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. However, no lawsuits against Sherritt
have been initiated or threatened. In the event that any such lawsuits were to be filed, Sherritt does not believe that its operations
would be materially affected 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 Canada or in any country in which Sherritt has material assets would enforce a Helms Burton
Act judgment against it.
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 and certain other countries implemented
“blocking statutes” at that time. The amendments to the Canadian statute 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 (i.e., a claimant under the Helms Burton Act) 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 company incorporated under the laws of Canada or a province.
The Government of Canada 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.
Sherritt International Corporation
45
Management’s discussion and analysis
Nevertheless, the threat of potential litigation creates a distraction from constructive business operations and may discourage
some potential investors, lenders, suppliers and customers from doing business with Sherritt and there can be no assurance that
any litigation against Sherritt pursuant to the Helms Burton Act would not ultimately be successful or have a material adverse
effect on Sherritt’s business, results of operations or financial performance.
In 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 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 determined by the Secretary
of the Treasury to be a specially designated national”.
The embargo has been, and may be, amended from time to time, including 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. The incumbent U.S. administration has increased its sanctions against Cuba and its trading partners and these measures
have had an adverse impact on Cuba and its economy, as well as its ability to conduct international trade. The pace and extent
of any future 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.
IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
In order to manage its current operations and any future growth effectively, Sherritt must examine 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.
Additionally, the future viability of the Corporation will also depend on its ability 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 a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
46 Sherritt International Corporation
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 or new 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 supplies
and environmental protection. Even if the Corporation identifies and acquires 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 facilities, drill wells and construct oil and gas processing facilities.
In November 2017 the PSC for Block II (Varadero West) reverted to the Cuban Government. Furthermore, the PSC for the PE-
Yumuri Block will revert to the Cuban Government on March 20, 2021 and there is no assurance that this PSC can be further
extended or replaced. The majority of future oil and gas production will depend on new reserves in Blocks 10, 8A and 6A and/or
the ability to obtain and develop additional PSCs. 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 increase current reserves.
Failure to obtain significant oil production on Blocks 10, 8A and 6A to replace Sherritt’s currently declining and expiring production
volumes could have a material adverse effect on Sherritt’s financial condition and operations.
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, a breakdown in relations with its partners or the decision of a partner to adopt a competing strategy 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 and geo-political 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. In addition, failure to maintain high levels of safety, health and security could adversely affect the Corporation’s
operations, financial performance, reputation and social license to operate.
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.
The Corporation’s business is also inherently subject to the risk of disruptive successful technological change in nickel and cobalt
processing or otherwise and to market shifts to substitute products.
Sherritt International Corporation
47
Management’s discussion and analysis
OPERATING RISKS
Variability in production at Sherritt’s operations in Cuba is most likely to arise from the 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); (ii) Operational Risk – production is directly affected by the performance of core operators and maintenance teams; (iii)
Weather and Natural Disasters – risks related to increased frequency of severe weather events, including hurricanes in Cuba,
and other natural disasters that can impede operations before, during and after such events; and (iv) Supply of Critical
Commodities – production may be impacted by the availability of critical commodities to operate the facility.
Please see the Risk Factors entitled “Risks Related to Sherritt’s Operations in Cuba” and “Climate Change/Greenhouse Gas
Emissions” for additional information.
OTHER RISKS
Below is a list of the other significant business risks as presented in the Corporation’s 2018 AIF. Further detail of these and other
risks and the strategies designed to manage them can be found in the Corporation’s 2018 AIF to the extent not included herein.
Transportation
Uncertainty of gas supply to Energas
Reliance on key personnel and skilled workers
Equipment failure and other unexpected failures
Uncertainty of resources and reserves estimates
Environmental risks and liabilities
Risks related to Sherritt’s corporate structure
Political, economic, and other risks of foreign
operations
Project operations
o Generally
o Capital and operating cost estimates
Foreign exchange and pricing risks
Environment, health and safety
Climate change/greenhouse gas emissions
Community relations and social license to grow
and operate
Credit risk
Shortage of equipment and supplies
Competition in product markets
Future market access
Interest rate changes
Insurable risk
Labour relations
Legal rights
Legal contingencies
Accounting policies
Government permits
Risks to information technologies systems and
cybersecurity
Government regulations
Anti-corruption and bribery
Controls Relating to Corporate Structure Risk
48 Sherritt International Corporation
Critical accounting estimates and judgments
For the purposes of this section, all capitalized terms that are not specifically defined herein, have the meaning ascribed to them
in the December 31, 2019 consolidated financial statements.
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
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 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 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.
Financial Instruments
Forward-looking information
The measurement of the expected credit loss (ECL) for each stage and the assessment of significant increases in credit risk
considers information about past events and current conditions as well as reasonable and supportable forecasts of future events
and economic conditions. The estimation and application of forward-looking information requires significant judgment.
Multiple forward-looking scenarios
The Corporation estimates an allowance for credit losses (ACL) using probability-weighted forward-looking scenarios. The
Corporation considers both internal and external sources of information in order to achieve an unbiased measure of the scenarios
used. The Corporation determines an ECL in each scenario and uses external sources and judgment to apply a probability-
weighting to each scenario. The ACL is measured as the present value of the probability-weighted ECL in each scenario,
discounted using the original effective interest rate of the instrument.
Property, plant and equipment
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 unit-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.
Sherritt International Corporation
49
Management’s discussion and analysis
Asset useful lives and residual values are re-evaluated at each reporting date.
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 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.
Environmental rehabilitation provisions
The Corporation’s environmental rehabilitation provisions are subject to environmental regulations in Canada, Cuba 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.
Leases
Incremental borrowing rate used to determine the present value of the Corporation’s lease liabilities
The measurement of the Corporation’s lease liabilities depends on the interest rate implicit in the lease used to discount the
remaining lease payments. If the interest rate implicit in the lease cannot be readily determined, the lease payments are
discounted using the incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that the lessee would
have to pay to borrow over a similar term, and with a similar security, the funds necessary to obtain an asset of a similar value
to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment. Significant assumptions are required to be made on the basis for
which the rate is derived. These assumptions are considered to be a key source of estimation uncertainty as relatively small
changes in the assumptions used may have a significant effect on the Corporation’s financial statements.
50 Sherritt International Corporation
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS
Going Concern
The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, under the historical cost convention, except for
certain financial assets and liabilities and cash-settled share-based payments, which have been measured at fair value.
Ongoing volatility in commodity prices and continued geopolitical uncertainties affecting Cuba have adversely impacted the
Corporation’s financial position. While these factors have created liquidity challenges, the Corporation believes it has adequate
liquidity to support its operations and meet its financial obligations for at least twelve months. In making this determination, the
Corporation applies judgment around the following factors which directly impact the Corporation’s financial position: future
commodity prices, timing of collections of Cuban receivables, continued access to short-term financing and potential cross-
defaults arising from the current event of default under the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans. The Corporation has and will
undertake numerous initiatives available to it to continue to strengthen its financial position and enhance liquidity. Among the
initiatives undertaken, subsequent to year-end, the Corporation agreed to a new payment commitment with its Cuban partners
which will improve the timing of Cuban receivable collections and increase the Corporation’s liquidity.
After considering the factors that have caused the liquidity challenges faced by the Corporation, the judgments made surrounding
these factors, and the initiatives the Corporation has taken and will undertake, the Corporation believes it will have sufficient
liquidity to support its operations and meet its financial obligations for at least twelve months. Management has therefore
concluded that there are no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt upon the
Corporation’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Interests in other entities
The Corporation applies judgment in determining the classification of its interest in other entities, 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
an 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”.
Measuring the recoverable amount of the Corporation’s investment in a joint venture and
investment in an associate
The Corporation accounts for its investment in a joint venture and investment in an associate using the equity method. The
Corporation assesses the carrying amount of its investments at each reporting date to determine whether there are any indicators
that the carrying amount of the investments may be impaired.
For purposes of determining the recoverable amount, management calculates the net present value of expected future cash
flows. Projections of future cash flows are based on factors relevant to the investment’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 the investment’s life of
mine model and the determination of 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 these investments. Where necessary, management engages qualified third-party professionals to assist
in the determination of recoverable amounts.
Sherritt International Corporation
51
Management’s discussion and analysis
Reportable segments
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. 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.
Investment in an associate
It is the Corporation’s judgment that the Ambatovy Joint Venture continues to be an associate given the Corporation’s ability to
cure its event of default and reinstate its Ambatovy Joint Venture voting rights and representation at any time.
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.
Financial Instruments
Business model assessment
The Corporation applies judgment in determining whether financial assets are managed in order to generate cash flows
from the collection of contractual cash flows, selling financial assets or both. For the assessment of business models,
the Corporation takes into consideration whether the financial asset is held for trading purposes and the frequency and
volume of sales in prior periods and expectations about future sales activity.
Cash flow characteristics assessment
The Corporation applies judgment in assessing the contractual features of an instrument to determine if they give rise
to cash flows that are consistent with a basic lending arrangement. Contractual cash flows are consistent with a basic
lending arrangement if they represent cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI).
In performing this assessment, the Corporation takes into consideration contractual features that could change the
amount or timing of contractual cash flows, such that the cash flows are no longer consistent with a basic lending
arrangement. If the Corporation identifies any contractual features that could modify the cash flows of the instrument
such that they are no longer consistent with a basic lending arrangement, the related financial asset is classified and
measured at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL).
Exploration and evaluation (E&E)
Management must make judgments 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 judgments as to future events and circumstances, in particular whether an economically viable
operation can be established. Any such judgments 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).
52 Sherritt International Corporation
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.
Commercial viability
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.
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.
Impairment of non-financial assets
The Corporation assesses the carrying amount of non-financial assets including 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.
Accounting Pronouncements
ADOPTION OF NEW AND AMENDED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
IFRS 16 – Leases
In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 Leases which replaced IAS 17, IFRIC 4, SIC 15 Operating Leases – Incentives and
SIC 27 Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal Form of a Lease effective January 1, 2019.
IFRS 16 introduces a single, on-balance sheet accounting model for lessees and requires a lessee to recognize assets and
liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low-value. A lessee is required to
recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying leased asset and a lease liability representing its
obligation to make lease payments.
The Corporation elected to apply the standard on a modified retrospective basis using certain practical expedients and
transitional provisions described below. Under this approach, the 2018 comparative period was not restated and no cumulative
transitional adjustment to the opening balance of deficit was recognized on January 1, 2019, given that the right-of-use assets
were measured at an amount equal to the lease liabilities.
Definition of a lease
Sherritt International Corporation
53
Management’s discussion and analysis
Previously, the Corporation determined at contract inception whether an arrangement is or contains a lease under IAS 17/IFRIC
4. Under IFRS 16, the Corporation assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease based on the definition of a lease.
On transition to IFRS 16, the Corporation elected to not apply the practical expedient to grandfather the assessment of which
transactions are leases. The Corporation applied IFRS 16 to all contracts that may contain a lease. Therefore, the definition of
a lease under IFRS 16 was applied to all contracts in effect on or after January 1, 2019.
The Corporation as a lessee
As a lessee, the Corporation previously classified leases as operating or finance leases based on its assessment of whether the
lease transferred significantly all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the underlying asset to the Corporation.
Under IFRS 16, the Corporation recognizes right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for substantially all of its leases.
The Corporation, as a lessee, has elected not to apply IFRS 16 to leases of intangible assets.
The Corporation elected to apply recognition exemptions to short-term leases and leases of low-value assets. For leases of
other assets, which were classified as operating leases under IAS 17, the Corporation recognized right-of-use assets and lease
liabilities.
Leases previously classified as operating leases under IAS 17
At transition, lease liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted at the lessee’s
incremental borrowing rate as at January 1, 2019. Right-of-use assets were measured at an amount equal to the lease liability,
adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments, with no impact to the opening balance of deficit.
The Corporation used the following practical expedients when applying IFRS 16 to leases previously classified as operating
leases under IAS 17:
Applied a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics;
Applied the exemption not to recognize right-of-use assets and liabilities for leases with a remaining lease term of less
than 12 months as at January 1, 2019; and
Excluded initial direct costs from measuring the right-of-use asset at the date of initial application.
Leases previously classified as finance leases under IAS 17
For leases previously classified as finance leases, the carrying amount of the right-of-use assets and the lease liabilities at the
date of initial application was equal to the carrying amount of the lease assets and lease liabilities immediately before initial
application measured applying IAS 17.
The Corporation as a lessor
There was no impact to lessor accounting upon the adoption of IFRS 16, except for sub-leases. Under IFRS 16, the Corporation
is required to assess the classification of a sub-lease with reference to the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease, not
the underlying asset. On transition, the Corporation reassessed the classification of sub-lease contracts previously classified as
operating leases under IAS 17. The Corporation concluded that the sub-lease is a finance lease under IFRS 16.
The Corporation applied IFRS 15 to allocate consideration in the contract to each lease and non-lease component.
Impact on financial statements
On transition to IFRS 16, the Corporation recognized finance lease receivables, right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in the
consolidated statements of financial position as at January 1, 2019, with no impact to shareholders’ equity.
When measuring lease liabilities, the Corporation discounted lease payments using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate as
at January 1, 2019. The Corporation’s weighted-average rate applied was 6.32%.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recognized an increase in depreciation expense and interest
expense and a decrease in operating lease expense, with no material impact on net (loss) earnings from continuing operations
in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
54 Sherritt International Corporation
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the change in presentation of operating lease expenses resulted in an increase in
cash provided by operating activities and a decrease in cash provided by financing activities within the consolidated statements
of cash flow, as the principal repayments on lease liabilities previously included in cash used by operating activities are included
in cash used by financing activities in accordance with IAS 7.
Measurement reconciliation table:
The following table reconciles the impact of transitioning from IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 to IFRS 16 on the consolidated statements of
financial position at the date of initial application, January 1, 2019. The impact consists of adjustments primarily related to the
measurement of finance lease receivables, right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.
Canadian $ millions, as at
Current assets
Advances, loans receivable and other financial assets
Prepaid expenses
Non-current assets
Advances, loans receivable and other financial assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investment in a joint venture(1)
Investment in an associate(1)
Total assets impacted by transition
Current liabilities
Other financial liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Other financial liabilities
Total liabilities impacted by transition
Shareholders' equity(2)
Total equity impacted by transition
Total liabilities and equity impacted by transition
2018
December 31
IAS 17/IFRIC 4
Carrying
value
IFRS 16
Initial
Application
2019
January 1
IFRS 16
Carrying
value
$
$
$
$
$
$
24.6 $
2.7
0.6 $
(0.6)
25.2
2.1
720.5
227.9
438.0
148.1
1,561.8 $
5.2
10.7
-
-
15.9 $
725.7
238.6
438.0
148.1
1,577.7
7.4 $
3.0 $
10.4
5.7
13.1 $
1,130.9 $
1,130.9
1,144.0 $
12.9
15.9 $
- $
-
15.9 $
18.6
29.0
1,130.9
1,130.9
1,159.9
(1)
The impact of initial application of IFRS 16 resulted in no change to the investment in a joint venture and the investment in an associate as the Moa Joint Venture and the
Ambatovy Joint Venture measured the right-of-use assets at an amount equal to the lease liabilities, respectively, resulting in no change to net assets.
(2) On transition to IFRS 16, no cumulative transitional adjustment to the opening balance of deficit was recognized on January 1, 2019, as the Corporation’s right-of-use
assets were measured at an amount equal to the lease liabilities.
Commitment reconciliation table:
The following table reconciles the Corporation’s operating lease commitment at December 31, 2018 as disclosed in the
Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and the lease liabilities recognized as at January 1, 2019.
Sherritt International Corporation
55
Management’s discussion and analysis
Canadian $ millions, as at
Operating lease commitment as at December 31, 2018, as disclosed in the Corporation’s consolidated
financial statements
Discounted using incremental borrowing rates as at January 1, 2019
Recognition exemption for:
Short-term leases
Leases of low-value assets
Lease liabilities recognized on January 1, 2019
Finance lease liabilities recognized as at December 31, 2018
Total lease liabilities recognized as at January 1, 2019
2019
January 1
21.9
16.9
(0.9)
(0.1)
15.9
0.8
16.7
$
$
$
$
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS ISSUED BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE
The Corporation has not early adopted any standard, interpretation or amendment that has been issued but is not yet effective
and no material impact is expected on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.
56 Sherritt International Corporation
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
2019
2018
2017
Revenue
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
(Loss) earnings from operations, joint venture and associate
Net (loss) earnings from continuing operations
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net (loss) earnings for the year
(Loss) earnings per common share (basic)($ per share):
Net (loss) earnings from continuing operations
Net (loss) earnings for the year
(Loss) earnings per common share (diluted)($ per share):
Net (loss) earnings from continuing operations
Net (loss) earnings for the year
PRODUCTION VOLUMES
Moa Joint Venture (50% basis)
Finished nickel (tonnes)
Finished cobalt (tonnes)
Ambatovy Joint Venture (12% basis) (2)
Finished nickel (tonnes)
Finished cobalt (tonnes)
Oil (boepd, net working-interest production)
Electricity (gigawatt hours) (331/3% basis)
$
$
137.6
47.3
(180.6)
(364.7)
(3.0)
(367.7)
(0.92)
(0.93)
(0.92)
(0.93)
16,554
1,688
4,048
348
1,417
736
$
152.9
126.2
(60.6)
(80.2)
16.0
(64.2)
(0.21)
(0.16)
(0.21)
(0.16)
267.3
123.8
440.8
308.9
(15.1)
293.8
1.04
0.99
1.02
0.97
15,354
1,617
15,762
1,801
3,982
342
2,209
781
4,257
366
7,856
848
(1)
(2)
For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section.
Sherritt’s share of financial results for the Ambatovy Joint Venture reflects its interest of 12%.
In each year, the primary factors affecting on-going operating results are production and sales volumes, commodity prices,
primarily nickel, cobalt and oil; changes in input commodity prices; maintenance and operating costs, which are discussed in the
Review of operations sections; and the exchange relationship between the Canadian and U.S. dollars. Other impacts such as
impairments, gains and losses on sale of assets, among others, are recognized periodically as events occur.
In addition to the impacts of production volumes, commodity prices and input commodity prices, the following factors impacted
operating results:
In 2019, the net loss from continuing operations was negatively impacted by $138.5 million of losses on the revaluation of the
expected credit loss allowances for the Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated and post-financial completion loans receivable, a
$6.8 million loss on revaluation of the Moa Joint Venture expansion loans receivable expected credit loss allowance, impairment
losses of $31.0 million and $20.3 million on the investment in an associate and intangible assets, respectively, and $14.5 million
of unrealized foreign exchange losses primarily as a result of the change in U.S. dollar denominated net assets.
In 2018, the loss from continuing operations was negatively impacted by a $47.4 million loss on revaluation of the expected credit
loss allowance for the Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable, partially offset by $33.3 million of unrealized foreign
exchange gains primarily as a result of the change in U.S. dollar denominated net assets.
In 2017, the net earnings from continuing operations was positively impacted by the gain of $629.0 million on the Ambatovy Joint
Venture restructuring and the recognition of $7.7 million of unrealized foreign exchange losses primarily as a result of the change
in U.S. dollar denominated net assets.
Sherritt International Corporation
57
Management’s discussion and analysis
Summary of quarterly results(1)
The following table presents selected amounts derived from the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements:
$ millions, except per share amounts,
for the three months ended
2019
Dec 31(1)
2019
Sep 30(1)
2019
Jun 30(1)
2019
Mar 31(1)
2018
Dec 31(1)
2018
Sep 30(1)
2018
Jun 30(1)
2018
Mar 31(1)
Revenue per financial statements
$
31.4 $
27.8 $
46.5 $
31.9 $
37.1 $
29.9 $
46.5 $
39.4
Share of earnings (loss) of a joint
venture, net of tax
Share of loss of an associate, net of tax
Net (loss) earnings from continuing
operations
(Loss) earnings from discontinued
operations, net of tax(2)
Net (loss) earnings for the period
3.5
(8.6)
7.0
(17.5)
(1.3)
(12.1)
(8.9)
(26.8)
6.2
(32.1)
24.7
(17.4)
21.4
(9.0)
11.9
(13.9)
(182.5)
(30.0)
(90.4)
(61.8)
(69.1)
(13.3)
2.8
(0.6)
(3.0)
(185.5) $
$
-
(30.0) $
-
(90.4) $
-
(61.8) $
16.0
(53.1) $
-
(13.3) $
-
2.8 $
-
(0.6)
Net (loss) earnings per share, basic ($ per share)
Net (loss) earnings from continuing
operations
Net (loss) earnings for the period
$
(0.46) $
(0.47)
(0.08) $
(0.23) $
(0.16) $
(0.17) $
(0.03) $
0.01 $
(0.08)
(0.23)
(0.16)
(0.13)
(0.03)
0.01
0.00
0.00
(1)
(2)
The amounts for periods ended after December 31, 2018 have been prepared in accordance with IFRS 16; amounts for the periods December 31, 2018 and prior
have not been restated. Refer to note 4 in the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 for additional information.
Expenses relate to additional costs and penalties in respect of the Corporation’s previous Coal operations, the liability for which was retained by the Corporation
following the sale of the Coal operations in 2014. Earnings relate to insurance recoveries recognized by the Corporation.
In general, net loss or earnings for the Corporation are primarily affected by production and sales volumes, commodity prices,
maintenance and operating costs, and exchange rates. The average Canadian dollar cost to purchase one U.S. dollar for the
above quarters ranged from $1.26 (Q1 2018) to $1.34 (Q2 2019) and period-end rates ranged between $1.29 (Q1 2018) to $1.36
(Q4 2018).
In addition to the impact of commodity prices and sales volumes, the net losses/earnings in the eight quarters were impacted by
the following significant items (pre-tax):
The fourth quarter of 2019 includes $81.5 million of losses on the revaluation of the expected credit loss allowances for
the Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated and post-financial completion loans receivable, a $6.8 million loss on
revaluation of the Moa Joint Venture expansion loans receivable expected credit loss allowance, impairment losses of
$31.0 million and $20.3 million on the investment in an associate and intangible assets, respectively, the recognition of
$8.4 million of unrealized foreign exchange losses;
The third quarter of 2019 includes the recognition of $7.7 million of unrealized foreign exchange gains;
the second quarter of 2019 includes a $53.6 million loss on the revaluation of the Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated
loans receivable ECL allowance within Corporate and Other, the recognition of $8.0 million of unrealized foreign
exchange losses and a $9.6 million gain recognized within the share of loss of an associate on the revaluation of financial
assets measured at fair value through profit or loss;
the first quarter of 2019 includes the recognition of $5.8 million of unrealized foreign exchange losses;
the fourth quarter of 2018 includes an unrealized foreign exchange gain of $20.7 million, a $44.1 million loss on the
revaluation of the Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable ECL allowance within Corporate and Other and
$15.7 million in losses on write-down of long-lived assets in the Ambatovy Joint Venture;
the third quarter of 2018 includes an unrealized foreign exchange loss of $6.1 million and $8.1 million lower earnings as
a result of the reduced profit oil percentage at Oil and Gas on the Puerto Escondido/Yumuri PSC;
the second quarter of 2018 includes $11.0 million of unrealized foreign exchange gains and approximately $5.8 million
lower earnings as a result of the reduced profit oil percentage at Oil and Gas on the Puerto Escondido/Yumuri PSC;
the first quarter of 2018 includes the recognition of $7.7 million of unrealized foreign exchange gains and the impact on
net earnings as a result of the expiry of the Varadero West PSC in Oil and Gas in November 2017;
58 Sherritt International Corporation
Off-balance sheet arrangements
The Corporation has no foreign exchange or commodity options, futures or forward contracts.
Transactions with related parties
The Corporation enters into transactions related to its investment in joint arrangements and an associate. For further detail, refer
to Notes 7, 8 and 22 of the Corporation’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019.
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.
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 venture
Net financing income from joint operations
Net financing income from joint venture
Net financing income from associate
2019
2018
$
14.0 $
240.6
1.9
681.0
14.4
8.7
18.9
14.9
246.4
2.4
800.8
14.4
8.8
20.9
Canadian $ millions, as at December 31
2019
2018
Accounts receivable from joint operations
Accounts receivable from joint venture
Accounts receivable from associate
Accounts payable to joint venture
Accounts payable to associate
Advances and loans receivable from joint operations
Advances and loans receivable from joint venture
Advances, loans and other receivable from associate
$
0.1 $
15.8
11.8
68.8
5.1
228.4
252.2
115.3
0.1
16.4
10.2
94.8
5.5
221.1
269.2
238.7
Goods and services provided to joint venture primarily relates to services provided by Fort Site to the Moa Joint Venture. Net
financing income from associate relates to interest income recognized by the Corporation on the Ambatovy loans receivable.
Sherritt International Corporation
59
Management’s discussion and analysis
KEY 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, for the years ended December 31
Short-term benefits
Post-employment benefits(1)
Share-based payments
2019
2018
$
$
9.1 $
0.4
5.2
14.7 $
6.9
0.4
5.2
12.5
(1) Post-employment benefits include a non-registered defined contribution executive supplemental pension plan. The total cash pension contribution for key management
personnel was $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 ($0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018). The total pension expense that is attributable to
key management personnel was nil for the year ended December 31, 2019 (nil for the year ended December 31, 2018).
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, 2019,
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 2019 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, 2019, 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, 2019.
60 Sherritt International Corporation
Supplementary 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 year ended December 31, 2019 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)
Exchange rate
Strengthening 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)
Approximate
change in annual
Approximate
net earnings
change in annual
(CDN$ millions)
Increase/
(decrease)
basic EPS
Increase/
(decrease)
Increase
US$
US$
1.00 $
5.00
53 $
26
0.13
0.07
$
0.05
$
US$
1.00
25.00
(7)
(3)
(7)
(0.02)
(0.01)
(0.02)
(1) 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 12% interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture.
Sherritt International Corporation
61
Management’s discussion and analysis
NON-GAAP MEASURES
Management uses the following non-GAAP financial performance measures in this MD&A and/or press release:
combined results,
adjusted EBITDA,
average-realized price,
unit operating cost/NDCC,
adjusted earnings,
adjusted operating cash flow, and
free cash flow.
Management uses non-GAAP measures 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/or evaluate the results of its underlying business. These measures are intended to provide additional information, not to
replace IFRS measures. Non-GAAP 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.
As discussed in the Business we manage section, the Ambatovy Joint Venture is no longer considered a reporting segment for
accounting purposes; therefore, this MD&A does not present the financial results of the Ambatovy Joint Venture as part of its
combined financial results, nor assess its financial performance. Certain operational information is presented for information
purposes only. As a result of the change in accounting, the Ambatovy Joint venture is excluded from combined results, Adjusted
EBITDA and combined cash flow metrics. For comparative purposes, the Ambatovy Joint Venture’s results have been excluded
from comparative periods.
The non-GAAP measures are reconciled to the most directly comparable IFRS measure in the sections below.
Combined results
The Corporation uses combined revenue (along with other combined measures, not used in this current MD&A) as a measure to
help management assess the Corporation’s financial performance across its operating divisions. The combined results include
the Corporation’s consolidated financial results and the results of its 50% share of the Moa Joint Venture, which is accounted for
using the equity method for accounting purposes. Management uses these measures to reflect the Corporation’s economic
interest in its operating divisions prior to the application of equity accounting to help allocate financial resources and provide
investors with information that it believes is useful in understanding the scope of Sherritt’s business, based on its economic
interest, irrespective of the accounting treatment.
The table below reconciles Combined revenue to financial statement revenue:
For the three months ended
2018
For the years ended
2018
2019
2019
$ millions
December 31
December 31
Change
December 31
December 31
Change
Revenue by operations
Moa Joint Venture and Fort Site
Oil and Gas
Power
Other(1)(2)
Combined revenue
Adjust joint venture
Financial statement revenue
$
$
$
123.4
6.3
11.4
2.3
143.4
(112.0)
31.4
$
$
$
120.0
8.5
11.2
2.9
142.6
(105.5)
37.1
3%
(26%)
2%
(21%)
1%
(15%)
$
$
$
461.0
29.7
45.3
10.2
546.2
(408.6)
137.6
$
$
$
498.1
44.9
47.2
10.5
600.7
(447.8)
152.9
(7%)
(34%)
(4%)
(3%)
(9%)
(10%)
(1) Other Q4 2019 revenue includes - Other Metals - $2.8 million and Corporate and other - $ (0.5) million. (Other Q4 2018 revenue includes - Other Metals - $2.9
million and Corporate and other - $ - million).
(2) Other YTD 2019 revenue includes - Other Metals - $11.3 million and Corporate and other - $ (1.1) million. (Other YTD 2018 revenue includes - Other Metals - $11.0
million and Corporate and other - $ (0.5) million).
62 Sherritt International Corporation
Adjusted EBITDA
The Corporation defines Adjusted EBITDA as earnings (loss) from operations, joint venture and associate as reported in the
financial statements for the period adjusted for share of loss of an associate; depletion, depreciation and amortization; impairment
charges for long lived assets, intangible assets, goodwill and investments; gain or loss on disposal of property, plant and
equipment of the Corporation or joint venture; and gain or loss on disposition of an interest in investment in associate or joint
venture of the Corporation. The exclusion of impairment charges eliminates the non-cash impact. Management uses Adjusted
EBITDA internally to evaluate Sherritt’s operating divisions on a combined and individual basis as an indicator of ability to fund
working capital needs, service debt and fund capital expenditure as well as provide a level of comparability to similar entities,
Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors in evaluating our operating results in the
same manner as management and the board of directors.
The tables below reconcile Adjusted EBITDA to net earnings (loss) from operations, joint venture and associate:
$ millions, for the three months ended December 31
(Loss) earnings from operations and joint venture
per financial statements
Add (deduct):
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
Impairment of assets
Impairment of investment in an associate
Impairment of intangible assets
Share of loss of an associate
Adjustments for share of joint venture:
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
Impairment of assets
Net finance expense
Income tax expense
Adjusted EBITDA
Loss from operations, joint venture and associate
Net finance expense
Income tax expense
Net loss from continuing operations
$ millions, for the three months ended December 31
(Loss) earnings from operations and joint venture
per financial statements
Add (deduct):
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
Impairment of assets
Share of loss of an associate
Adjustments for share of joint venture:
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
Net finance expense
Income tax expense
Adjusted EBITDA
Loss from operations, joint venture and associate
Net finance expense
Income tax expense
Net loss from continuing operations
Moa JV and
Fort Site
Metals
Other
Oil and
Gas
Adjustment
for Joint
Corporate Venture and
Power and Other Associate
2019
Total
$
8.7 $
0.5 $
(8.1) $
(22.0) $
(40.5) $
(14.9) $
(76.3)
2.5
0.9
-
-
-
12.3
1.8
-
-
0.2
1.9
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6.8
1.4
-
20.3
-
-
-
-
-
0.2
-
31.0
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8.6
-
-
2.8
3.5
11.6
2.3
31.0
20.3
8.6
12.3
1.8
2.8
3.5
$
26.2 $
0.7 $
(6.2) $
6.5 $
(9.3) $
- $
17.9
$
(76.3)
(105.9)
(0.3)
$
(182.5)
Moa JV and
Fort Site
Metals
Other
Oil and
Gas
Adjustment
for Joint
Corporate Venture and
Power and Other Associate
2018
Total
$
5.4 $
0.1 $
(10.4) $
(0.3) $
(6.3) $
(32.4) $
(43.9)
2.0
-
-
-
-
-
3.2
-
-
6.8
-
-
0.2
1.7
-
10.0
-
-
17.4 $
-
-
-
0.1 $
-
-
-
(7.2) $
-
-
-
6.5 $
-
-
-
(4.4) $
$
-
-
32.1
-
2.3
(2.0)
- $
$
$
12.2
1.7
32.1
10.0
2.3
(2.0)
12.4
(43.9)
(24.5)
(0.7)
(69.1)
Sherritt International Corporation
63
Management’s discussion and analysis
$ millions, for the year ended December 31
(Loss) earnings from operations and joint venture
per financial statements
Add (deduct):
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
Impairment of assets
Impairment of investment in an associate
Impairment of intangible assets
Share of loss of an associate
Adjustments for share of joint venture:
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
Impairment of assets
Net finance expense
Income tax expense
Adjusted EBITDA
Loss from operations, joint venture and associate
Net finance expense
Income tax expense
Net loss from continuing operations
$ millions, for the year ended December 31
(Loss) earnings from operations and joint venture
per financial statements
Add (deduct):
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
Impairment of assets
Share of loss of an associate
Adjustments for share of joint venture:
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
Net finance expense
Income tax expense
Adjusted EBITDA
Loss from operations, joint venture and associate
Net finance expense
Income tax expense
Net loss from continuing operations
Average-realized price
Moa JV and
Fort Site
Metals
Other
Oil and
Gas
Adjustment
for Joint
Corporate Venture and
Power and Other Associate
2019
Total
$
11.0 $
1.0 $
(25.7) $
(18.5) $
(70.2) $
(78.2) $
(180.6)
9.6
0.9
-
-
-
46.8
1.8
-
-
0.2
10.3
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
26.2
1.4
-
20.3
-
-
-
-
-
1.2
-
31.0
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
65.0
-
-
9.0
4.2
47.5
2.3
31.0
20.3
65.0
46.8
1.8
9.0
4.2
$
70.1 $
1.2 $
(15.4) $
29.4 $
(38.0) $
- $
47.3
$
(180.6)
(180.9)
(3.2)
$
(364.7)
Moa JV and
Fort Site
Metals
Other
Oil and
Gas
Adjustment
for Joint
Corporate Venture and
Power and Other Associate
2018
Total
$
78.9 $
0.8 $
(17.0) $
2.8 $
(27.7) $
(98.4) $
(60.6)
9.1
2.3
-
-
-
-
11.1
-
-
25.2
-
-
0.9
1.7
-
38.1
-
-
128.4 $
$
-
-
-
0.8 $
-
-
-
(5.9) $
-
-
-
28.0 $
-
-
-
(25.1) $
-
-
72.4
-
9.4
16.6
- $
$
$
46.3
4.0
72.4
38.1
9.4
16.6
126.2
(60.6)
(16.2)
(3.4)
(80.2)
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. Transactions by the metals
marketing company, included in other revenue, are excluded. 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. Management uses this measure, and believes investors
use this measure, to compare the relationship between the revenue and direct costs on a per unit basis in each reporting period
for nickel, cobalt, fertilizer, oil and gas, and power and provide comparability with other similar external operations.
The tables below reconcile average-realized price to revenue as per the financial statements:
64 Sherritt International Corporation
$ millions, except average-realized price and sales volume, for the three months ended December 31
2019
Moa Joint Venture
Nickel
Cobalt
Fertilizer
Other
revenue
Total Oil and Gas
Power
$
84.6 $
19.0 $
16.2 $
3.6 $
123.4 $
6.3 $
11.4
Moa Joint Venture
Nickel
Cobalt
Fertilizer
Other
revenue
Total Oil and Gas
Power
$
64.7 $
33.2 $
18.1 $
4.0 $
120.0 $
8.5 $
11.2
Revenue per financial statements
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)
-
-
84.6
9.0
Millions of
pounds
$
9.38 $
-
-
19.0
-
-
16.2
46.5
1.0
Millions of
pounds
19.69 $
Thousands
of tonnes
351
$ millions, except average-realized price and sales volume, for the three months ended December 31
Revenue per financial statements
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)
-
-
64.7
9.5
Millions of
pounds
$
6.84 $
-
-
33.2
-
-
18.1
46.9
0.9
Millions of
pounds
38.43 $
Thousands
of tonnes
384
$ millions, except average-realized price and sales volume, for the year ended December 31
Revenue per financial statements
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)
-
-
308.0
36.8
Millions of
pounds
$
8.37 $
-
-
69.3
-
-
68.9
3.9
Millions of
pounds
17.80 $
165.2
Thousands
of tonnes
417
$ millions, except average-realized price and sales volume, for the year ended December 31
Revenue per financial statements
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)
-
-
260.8
33.7
Millions of
pounds
$
7.75 $
-
-
160.2
-
-
63.6
163.7
3.5
Millions of
pounds
46.23 $
Thousands
of tonnes
388
(1) Net working-interest oil production.
(2)
(3)
Average-realized price may not calculate based on amounts presented due to foreign exchange and rounding.
Power, average-realized price per MWh.
Moa Joint Venture
Nickel
Cobalt
Fertilizer
Other
revenue
Total Oil and Gas
Power
$
308.0 $
69.3 $
68.9 $
14.8 $
461.0 $
29.7 $
45.3
Moa Joint Venture
Nickel
Cobalt
Fertilizer
Other
revenue
Total Oil and Gas
Power
$
260.8 $
160.2 $
63.6 $
13.5 $
498.1 $
44.9 $
47.2
-
(1.0)
5.3
0.11
Millions of
barrels(1)
$
49.14 $
(1.0)
-
10.4
186
Gigawatt
hours
55.73
2018
-
(1.1)
7.4
0.15
Millions of
barrels(1)
$
50.47 $
(1.0)
-
10.2
184
Gigawatt
hours
55.34
2019
-
(4.5)
25.2
0.52
Millions of
barrels(1)
$
48.77 $
(4.2)
-
41.1
736
Gigawatt
hours
55.78
2018
-
(4.0)
40.9
0.81
Millions of
barrels(1)
$
50.74 $
(4.8)
-
42.4
781
Gigawatt
hours
54.31
Sherritt International Corporation
65
Management’s discussion and analysis
Unit operating cost/NDCC
With the exception of the Moa and Ambatovy joint ventures, which use NDCC, 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 NDCC 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.
For NDCC reconciliation for the Ambatovy Joint Venture, see Ambatovy Joint Venture – NDCC non-GAAP reconciliation.
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.
Unit operating costs for nickel, oil, and electricity are key measures that management and investors uses to monitor performance.
NDCC of nickel is a widely used performance measure for nickel producers. Management uses unit operating costs/NDCC to
assess how well the Corporation’s producing mines, oil wells and power facilities are performing and to assess overall production
efficiency and effectiveness internally across periods and compared to its competitors.
The tables below reconcile unit operating cost/NDCC to cost of sales per the financial statements:
$ millions, except unit cost and sales volume, for the three months ended December 31
2019
Moa JV and
Fort Site
Oil and
Gas
Moa JV and
Fort Site
Power
Oil and
Gas
2018
Power
$
112.1 $
12.8 $
12.4 $
111.5 $
17.7 $
10.7
Cost of sales per financial statements
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
Impairment on assets
Other
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) (NDCC)
(14.6)
97.5
(38.8)
(8.3)
(5.2)
-
45.2
(1.4)
11.4
-
-
-
1.4
12.8
(6.8)
5.6
-
-
(1.4)
-
4.2
(12.0)
99.5
(55.3)
(7.1)
-
-
37.1
(3.1)
14.6
-
-
-
14.6
9.0
0.37
Millions of Millions of
barrels(1)
pounds
$
$
5.01 $
34.58 $
3.75
hours
22.15 $
$
186
0.46
Gigawatt Millions of Millions of
barrels(1)
pounds
9.5
3.92 $
31.32 $
21.09
2.94
(6.7)
4.0
-
-
-
-
4.0
184
Gigawatt
hours
$ millions, except unit cost and sales volume, for the year ended December 31
2019
Moa JV and
Fort Site
Oil and
Gas
Moa JV and
Fort Site
Power
Oil and
Gas
2018
Power
Cost of sales per financial statements
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
Impairment on assets
Other
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) (NDCC)
$
440.4 $
47.9 $
41.0 $
408.7 $
55.8 $
41.0
(56.2)
384.2
(153.0)
(23.8)
(5.2)
-
202.2
(8.3)
39.6
-
-
-
1.4
41.0
(26.2)
14.8
-
-
(1.4)
-
13.4
(47.0)
361.7
(237.3)
(23.8)
(2.3)
-
98.3
(11.0)
44.8
-
-
-
-
44.8
36.8
2.01
Millions of Millions of Gigawatt Millions of Millions of
barrels(1)
pounds
barrels(1)
pounds
33.7
1.65
736
$
$
5.49 $
24.87 $
4.14
2.92 $
22.54 $
2.24
hours
18.22 $
$
(25.1)
15.9
-
-
-
-
15.9
781
Gigawatt
hours
20.28
(1) Gross working-interest oil production.
(2) Unit operating cost/NDCC may not calculate based on amounts presented due to foreign exchange and rounding.
(3)
Power, unit operating cost price per MWh.
66 Sherritt International Corporation
Adjusted earnings/loss from continuing operations
The Corporation defines adjusted earnings/loss from continuing operations as earnings/loss from continuing operations less items
not reflective of operational performance. These adjusting items include, but are not limited to, impairment of assets, gains and
losses on the acquisition or disposition of assets, gains and losses on unrealized foreign exchange, gains and losses on
revaluation of allowances for credit losses, and other one-time adjustments. While some adjustments are recurring (such as
unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss), management believes that they do not reflect the Corporation’s operational performance
or future operational performance.
Management uses this measure internally and believes that it provides investors with a performance measure with which to assess
the Corporation’s core operations by adjusting for items or transactions that are not reflective of its core operating activities.
The table below reconciles adjusted net loss to net loss from continuing operations per the financial statements:
$ millions
For the three months ended
2018
2019
For the years ended
2019
2018
December 31
December 31 December 31
December 31
Net loss from continuing operations
$
(182.5) $
(69.1) $
(364.7) $
(80.2)
Adjusting items:
Sherritt - Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) - Continuing
Corporate - Gain on repurchase of debentures, net of transaction costs
Corporate - Cobalt linked Warrants - Fair value revaluation
Corporate - Ambatovy impairment and ECL revaluation
Corporate - Moa Joint Venture expansion loans ECL revaluation
Corporate - Fair value of Ambatovy operating fee
Corporate - Revaluation of Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans
Moa JV - Inventory obsolescence
Moa JV - Impairment of assets
Fort Site - Impairment of assets
Oil and Gas - Inventory obsolescence
Oil and Gas and Power - Revaluation of allowance for expected credit losses
Power - Impairment of intangible assets
Power - Impairment of assets
Ambatovy adjustments(1)
Other
Total adjustments, before tax
Tax adjustments
Adjusted net loss from continuing operations
Adjusted net loss per share ($ per share)
$
$
$
8.4
-
(0.4)
112.5
6.8
(3.4)
2.5
2.5
1.8
0.9
1.1
1.7
20.3
1.4
(8.6)
4.1
151.6 $
-
(30.9) $
(0.08) $
(20.7)
-
(2.8)
44.1
-
4.1
-
1.6
-
-
1.8
0.5
-
-
15.7
4.0
48.3 $
-
(20.8) $
(0.05) $
14.5
-
(2.1)
169.5
6.8
(2.7)
2.5
2.5
1.8
0.9
1.1
2.2
20.3
1.4
(16.9)
3.8
205.6 $
-
(159.1) $
(0.40) $
(33.3)
(1.0)
(13.2)
47.4
-
3.4
-
1.6
-
2.3
1.8
1.9
-
-
15.7
3.1
29.7
-
(50.5)
(0.13)
(1) Ambatovy adjustments include long-term bond revaluations, senior debt modification losses and asset impairments included within share of loss of an associate.
Sherritt International Corporation
67
Management’s discussion and analysis
Combined adjusted operating cash flow
The Corporation defines combined adjusted operating cash flow as cash provided (used) by continuing operations adjusted for
distributions received from joint venture and associate before net changes in non-cash working capital.
Combined adjusted operating cash flow is used by management, and management believes this information is used by investors,
to assess its ability to generate cash from its operations in each period without the impact of working capital changes.
The tables below reconcile combined adjusted operating cash flow to the consolidated statement of cash flow:
$ millions, for the three months ended December 31
Moa JV and
Fort Site
Metals
Other
Oil and
Gas
Corporate Combined
total
Power and Other
Adjustment
for joint
venture
2019
Total
derived
from
financial
statements
Cash provided (used) by continuing operations
Adjust: net change in non-cash working capital
Adjusted operating cash flow
$
$
51.6 $
3.1 $
5.2 $
8.3 $
(27.2) $
41.0 $
(33.7) $
(27.6)
(2.6)
(13.2)
(2.0)
1.0
(44.4)
26.5
24.0 $
0.5 $
(8.0) $
6.3 $
(26.2) $
(3.4) $
(7.2) $
$ millions, for the three months ended December 31
7.3
(17.9)
(10.6)
2018
Moa JV and
Fort Site
Metals
Other
Oil and
Gas
Corporate Combined
total
Power and Other
Adjustment
for joint
venture
Total
derived
from
financial
statements
Cash provided (used) by continuing operations
Adjust: net change in non-cash working capital
Adjusted operating cash flow
$
$
50.2 $
(0.5) $
13.1 $
5.0 $
(33.1) $
34.7 $
(22.1) $
(36.8)
13.4 $
1.1
0.6 $
(18.5)
(5.4) $
1.4
6.4 $
8.3
(24.8) $
(44.5)
(9.8) $
14.4
(7.7) $
$ millions, for the year ended December 31
12.6
(30.1)
(17.5)
2019
Moa JV and
Fort Site
Metals
Other
Oil and
Gas
Corporate Combined
total
Power and Other
Total
derived
Adjustment
from
for joint
financial
venture statements
Cash (used) provided by continuing operations
Adjust: net change in non-cash working capital
Adjusted operating cash flow
$
$
59.6 $
5.2 $
9.5 $
39.4 $
(83.4) $
30.3 $
(41.2) $
6.7
(4.0)
(29.1)
(8.6)
(1.4)
(36.4)
28.1
66.3 $
1.2 $
(19.6) $
30.8 $
(84.8) $
(6.1) $
(13.1) $
$ millions, for the year ended December 31
(10.9)
(8.3)
(19.2)
2018
Moa JV and
Fort Site
Metals
Other
Oil and
Gas
Corporate Combined
total
Power and Other
Total
derived
Adjustment
from
for joint
financial
venture statements
Cash (used) provided by continuing operations
Adjust: net change in non-cash working capital
Adjusted operating cash flow
$
$
90.7 $
(0.3) $
31.7 $
34.3 $
(86.3) $
70.1 $
(62.7) $
15.6
106.3 $
1.5
1.2 $
(51.6)
(19.9) $
(7.4)
26.9 $
1.7
(84.6) $
(40.2)
29.9 $
(33.1)
(95.8) $
7.4
(73.3)
(65.9)
68 Sherritt International Corporation
Combined free cash flow
The Corporation defines combined free cash flow as cash flow provided (used) by continuing operations adjusted for distributions
received from joint venture and associate less cash spending on property plant and equipment, exploration and evaluation, and
intangible expenditures.
Free cash flow is used by management, and management believes this information is used by investors as a non-GAAP measure
to analyze cash flows generated from operations and assess its operations’ ability to provide cash or its use of cash, after funding
cash capital requirements, to service current and future working capital need and service debt.
The tables below reconcile combined free cash flow to the consolidated statement of cash flow:
$ millions, for the three months ended December 31
2019
Moa JV and
Fort Site
Metals
Other
Oil and
Gas
Corporate Combined
total
Power and Other
Total
derived
from
financial
venture statements
Adjustment
for joint
Cash provided (used) by continuing operations
$
51.6 $
3.1 $
5.2 $
8.3 $
(27.2) $
41.0 $
(33.7) $
7.3
Less:
Property, plant and equipment expenditures
Intangible expenditures
Free cash flow
$ millions, for the three months ended December 31
(6.9)
-
-
-
(0.7)
(5.7)
0.4
-
-
-
(7.2)
(5.7)
6.3
-
$
44.7 $
3.1 $
(1.2) $
8.7 $
(27.2) $
28.1 $
(27.4) $
(0.9)
(5.7)
0.7
2018
Moa JV and
Fort Site
Metals
Other
Oil and
Gas
Corporate Combined
Power and Other
total
Total
derived
Adjustment
from
for joint
financial
venture statements
Cash provided (used) by continuing operations
$
50.2 $
(0.5) $
13.1 $
5.0 $
(33.1) $
34.7 $
(22.1) $
12.6
Less:
Property, plant and equipment expenditures
Intangible expenditures
Free cash flow
$ millions, for the year ended December 31
(10.9)
-
-
-
(3.6)
(6.4)
(0.4)
-
(1.0)
-
(15.9)
(6.4)
8.4
-
$
39.3 $
(0.5) $
3.1 $
4.6 $
(34.1) $
12.4 $
(13.7) $
(7.5)
(6.4)
(1.3)
2019
Moa JV and
Fort Site
Metals
Other
Oil and
Gas
Corporate Combined
total
Power and Other
Total
derived
Adjustment
from
for joint
financial
venture statements
Cash (used) provided by continuing operations
$
59.6 $
5.2 $
9.5 $
39.4 $
(83.4) $
30.3 $
(41.2) $
(10.9)
Less:
Property, plant and equipment expenditures
Intangible expenditures
Free cash flow
$ millions, for the year ended December 31
(25.9)
-
-
-
(9.0)
(19.1)
(0.4)
-
(0.1)
-
(35.4)
(19.1)
22.5
-
$
33.7 $
5.2 $
(18.6) $
39.0 $
(83.5) $
(24.2) $
(18.7) $
(12.9)
(19.1)
(42.9)
2018
Moa JV and
Fort Site
Metals
Other
Oil and
Gas
Corporate Combined
Power and Other
total
Total
derived
Adjustment
from
for joint
financial
venture statements
Cash (used) provided by continuing operations
$
90.7 $
(0.3) $
31.7 $
34.3 $
(86.3) $
70.1 $
(62.7) $
7.4
Less:
Property, plant and equipment expenditures
Intangible expenditures
Free cash flow
(32.9)
-
-
-
(11.7)
(16.3)
(0.9)
-
(1.7)
-
(47.2)
(16.3)
24.0
-
$
57.8 $
(0.3) $
3.7 $
33.4 $
(88.0) $
6.6 $
(38.7) $
(23.2)
(16.3)
(32.1)
Sherritt International Corporation
69
Management’s discussion and analysis
Ambatovy Joint Venture – NDCC non-GAAP reconciliation
Net Direct Cash Cost
The Ambatovy Joint Venture’s NDCC is calculated by dividing cost of sales, as reported in the financial statement Investment in
associate note (note 8) 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.
$ millions, except unit cost and sales volume(1)
Cost of sales
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
Cost of sales for purposes of unit cost calculation
Sales volume for the period
Volume units
Unit operating cost(2)
Unit operating cost (U.S. dollars) (NDCC)(2)
For the three months ended
2018
For the years ended
2018
2019
December 31 December 31 December 31 December 31
2019
$
255.3 $
252.3 $
1,043.4 $
1,044.1
(102.9)
152.4
(35.8)
4.7
121.3
(100.8)
151.5
(55.0)
(10.8)
85.7
(424.0)
619.4
(137.5)
39.8
521.7
17.5
Millions of
pounds
19.2
Millions of
pounds
74.2
Millions of
pounds
$
$
6.93 $
5.19 $
4.38 $
3.66 $
7.03 $
5.30 $
(358.5)
685.6
(282.5)
(35.0)
368.1
72.5
Millions of
pounds
5.07
3.91
For purposes of these reconciliations, all amounts and sales volume information is on a 100% basis.
(1)
(2) NDCC amount may not calculate based on amounts presented due to foreign exchange and rounding.
70 Sherritt International Corporation
FORWARD-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”, “potential”, “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” section of this MD&A and certain expectations regarding
production volumes, operating costs and capital spending; supply, demand and pricing outlook in the nickel and cobalt markets;
anticipated payments of outstanding receivables; funding of future Ambatovy Joint Venture cash calls; strengthening the Corporation’s
capital structure and reducing annual interest expenses; drill plans and results on exploration wells; the impact of Title III of the Helms-
Burton Act on operations; and amounts of certain other commitments.
Forward looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations, assumptions and projections about
future events, including commodity and product prices and demand; the level of liquidity and access to funding; share price volatility;
production results; realized prices for production; earnings and revenues; development and exploration wells and enhanced oil recovery
in Cuba; environmental rehabilitation provisions; availability of regulatory and creditor approvals and waivers; compliance with applicable
environmental laws and regulations; debt repayments; collection of accounts receivable; and certain corporate objectives, goals and
plans. 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. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, changes in the
global price for nickel, cobalt, oil and gas, fertilizers or certain other commodities; security market fluctuations and price volatility; level of
liquidity; access to capital; access to financing; risks related to Sherritt’s investment in the Ambatovy Joint Venture; the risk to Sherritt’s
entitlements to future distributions from the Moa and Ambatovy joint ventures; risk of future non-compliance with debt restrictions and
covenants and mandatory repayments; uncertainty of exploration results and Sherritt’s ability to replace depleted mineral and oil and gas
reserves; risks associated with the Corporation’s joint venture partners; variability in production at Sherritt’s operations in Cuba; risks
related to Sherritt’s operations in Cuba; risks related to the U.S. government policy toward Cuba, including the U.S. embargo on Cuba
and the Helms-Burton legislation; potential interruptions in transportation; uncertainty of gas supply for electrical generation; the
Corporation’s reliance on key personnel and skilled workers; the possibility of equipment and other failures; risks associated with mining,
processing and refining activities; uncertainty of resources and reserve estimates; the potential for shortages of equipment and supplies,
including diesel; supplies quality issues; risks related to environmental liabilities including liability for reclamation costs, tailings facility
failures and toxic gas releases; risks related to the Corporation’s corporate structure; political, economic and other risks of foreign
operations; risks associated with Sherritt’s operation of large projects generally; risks related to the accuracy of capital and operating cost
estimates; foreign exchange and pricing risks; compliance with applicable environment, health and safety legislation and other associated
matters; risks associated with governmental regulations regarding climate change and greenhouse gas emissions; risks relating to
community relations and maintaining the Corporation’s social license to grow and operate; credit risks; 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; identification and management of growth
opportunities; uncertainty in the ability of the Corporation to obtain government permits; risks to information technologies systems and
cybersecurity; 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; the ability to accomplish corporate
objectives, goals and plans for 2020; 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 press release and in the Corporation’s other documents filed with the Canadian securities
authorities, including without limitation the Annual Information Form of the Corporation dated February 13, 2019 for the period ending
December 31, 2018, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
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.
Sherritt International Corporation
71
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
As at and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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 – Subsequent events
Note 4 – Accounting pronouncements
Note 5 – Segmented information
Note 6 – Expenses
Note 7 – Joint arrangements
Note 8 – Investment in an associate
Note 9 – Net finance expense
Note 10 – Income taxes
Note 11 – Loss per share
Note 12 – Financial instruments
Note 13 – Advances, loans receivable and other financial assets
Note 14 – Inventories
Note 15 – Non-financial assets
Note 16 – Loans, borrowings and other financial liabilities
Note 17 – Provisions, contingencies and guarantees
Note 18 – Shareholders’ equity
Note 19 – Share-based compensation plans
Note 20 – Supplemental cash flow information
Note 21 – Financial risk and capital risk management
Note 22 – Related party transactions
Note 23 – Leases
Note 24 – Commitments for expenditures
73
74
77
78
79
80
81
81
85
86
89
93
94
96
99
100
103
104
109
111
111
118
120
123
124
128
129
133
134
137
72 Sherritt International Corporation
Management’s report
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of Sherritt International Corporation’s (“Sherritt” or the
“Corporation”) 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 Corporation’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 independent auditor’s report for 2019 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.
/s/ David V. Pathe
David V. Pathe
President and Chief Executive Officer
February 25, 2020
/s/ Andrew Snowden
Andrew Snowden
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Sherritt International Corporation 73
Consolidated financial statements
Deloitte LLP
Bay Adelaide East
8 Adelaide Street West
Suite 200
Toronto ON M5H 0A9
Canada
Tel: 416-601-6150
Fax: 416-601-6151
www.deloitte.ca
Independent Auditor’s Report
To the Shareholders of Sherritt International Corporation
Opinion
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Sherritt International Corporation (the
“Corporation”), which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2019 and
2018, and the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity and
cash flows for the years then ended, and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary
of significant accounting policies (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”).
In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of the Corporation as at December 31, 2019 and 2018, and its financial performance and its cash
flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards (“Canadian
GAAS”). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for
the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Corporation in
accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Canada,
and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that
the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Other Information
Management is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises:
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
The information, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon, in the Annual
Report.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not and will not
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements,
our responsibility is to read the other information identified above and, in doing so, consider whether the other
information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or
otherwise appears to be materially misstated.
We obtained Management’s Discussion and Analysis prior to the date of this auditor’s report. If, based on the
work we have performed on this other information, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this
other information, we are required to report that fact in this auditor’s report. We have nothing to report in this
regard.
74 Sherritt International Corporation
The Annual Report is expected to be made available to us after the date of the auditor’s report. If, based on
the work we will perform on this other information, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this
other information, we are required to report that fact to those charged with governance.
Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Financial
Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance
with IFRS, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of
financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Corporation’s ability to
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going
concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Corporation or to cease
operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Corporation’s financial reporting process.
Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our
opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in
accordance with Canadian GAAS will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can
arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably
be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian GAAS, we exercise professional judgment and maintain
professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or
error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is
sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material
misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve
collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit 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 Corporation’s internal control.
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates
and related disclosures made by management.
Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and,
based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or
conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Corporation’s ability to continue as a going concern. If
we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to
the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our
opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report.
However, future events or conditions may cause the Corporation to cease to continue as a going concern.
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the
disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a
manner that achieves fair presentation.
Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business
activities within the Corporation to express an opinion on the financial statements. We are responsible for
the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit
opinion.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and
timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that
we identify during our audit.
We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical
requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that
may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.
Sherritt International Corporation
75
Consolidated financial statements
The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is Eric Leopold.
/s/ Deloitte LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
Licensed Public Accountants
February 25, 2020
76 Sherritt International Corporation
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income
(loss)
Canadian $ millions, except per share amounts, for the years ended December 31
Note
2019
2018
Revenue
Cost of sales
Administrative expenses
Impairment of investment in an associate
Impairment of intangible assets
Share of earnings of a joint venture, net of tax
Share of loss of an associate, net of tax
Loss from operations, joint venture and associate
Interest income on financial assets measured at amortized cost
Revaluation of allowances for expected credit losses on
Ambatovy Joint Venture loans receivable
Revaluation of other allowances for expected credit losses
Other financing items
Financing expense
Net finance expense
Loss before tax
Income tax expense
Net loss from continuing operations
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net loss for the year
Other comprehensive income (loss)
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 on pension plans, net of tax
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Total comprehensive (loss) income
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.
5 $
6
6
3
15
7
8
9
3, 9
9
9
9
10
17
$
18
18
$
137.6 $
(159.7)
(42.5)
(31.0)
(20.3)
0.3
(65.0)
(180.6)
43.9
(138.5)
(9.0)
-
(77.3)
(180.9)
(361.5)
(3.2)
(364.7)
(3.0)
(367.7) $
(40.9)
(0.5)
(41.4)
(409.1) $
152.9
(174.3)
(31.0)
-
-
64.2
(72.4)
(60.6)
45.9
(47.4)
(1.9)
18.5
(31.3)
(16.2)
(76.8)
(3.4)
(80.2)
16.0
(64.2)
70.9
(0.2)
70.7
6.5
11 $
(0.92) $
(0.21)
11 $
(0.93) $
(0.16)
Sherritt International Corporation 77
Consolidated financial statements
Consolidated statements of financial position
Canadian $ millions, as at
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Restricted cash
Advances, loans receivable and other financial assets
Trade accounts receivable, net, and unbilled revenue
Inventories
Prepaid expenses
Non-current assets
Advances, loans receivable and other financial assets
Other non-financial assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investment in a joint venture
Investment in an associate
Intangible assets
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
Other non-financial liabilities
Provisions
Deferred income taxes
Total liabilities
Shareholders' equity
Capital stock
Deficit
Reserves
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
Note
December 31
December 31
2019
2018
12 $
12
8, 12
4, 13
12
14
4
166.1 $
-
5.5
13.0
154.9
35.3
2.9
377.7
3, 4, 13
4, 15
4, 7
3, 4, 8
15
588.0
-
208.6
382.9
39.3
141.6
1,360.4
-
$
1,738.1 $
16 $
4, 16
5
17
16
4, 16
17
10
159.5 $
148.1
1.3
9.3
7.5
5.0
330.7
554.1
13.5
2.8
99.4
15.5
685.3
1,016.0
206.9
0.1
2.8
24.6
227.5
33.6
2.7
498.2
720.5
0.3
227.9
438.0
148.1
160.5
1,695.3
0.9
2,194.4
8.0
183.2
0.6
7.4
24.5
8.6
232.3
697.7
5.7
3.0
108.6
16.2
831.2
1,063.5
18
18
18
$
2,894.9
(2,902.3)
233.7
495.8
722.1
1,738.1 $
2,894.9
(2,534.6)
233.4
537.2
1,130.9
2,194.4
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Approved by the Board of Directors,
/s/ Lisa Pankratz
Lisa Pankratz
Director
78 Sherritt International Corporation
/s/ Sir Richard Lapthorne
Sir Richard Lapthorne
Director
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 earnings of a joint venture, net of tax
Share of loss of an associate, net of tax
Impairment of investment in an associate
Impairment of intangible assets
Net finance expense (net of accretion expense)
Income tax expense
Net change in non-cash working capital
Interest received
Interest paid
Income tax paid
Distributions received from joint venture
Other operating items
Cash (used) provided by continuing operations
Cash provided (used) by discontinued operations
Cash used by operating activities
Investing activities
Property, plant and equipment expenditures
Intangible asset expenditures
Receipts of advances, loans receivable and other financial assets
Proceeds from short-term investments
Cash (used) provided by continuing operations
Cash (used) provided by investing activities
Financing activities
Repayment of other financial liabilities
Repurchase of senior unsecured debentures
Issuance of units
Fees paid on repurchase of senior unsecured debentures and
issuance of units
Issuance of common shares
Cash (used) provided by continuing operations
Cash (used) provided by financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Note
2019
2018
$
(364.7) $
(80.2)
6
7
8
3
15
9
10
20
20
20
7
20
17
5
5
16
16
18
47.5
(0.3)
65.0
31.0
20.3
180.6
3.2
8.3
5.7
(47.5)
(2.3)
43.3
(1.0)
(10.9)
9.4
(1.5)
(12.9)
(19.1)
0.6
0.1
(31.3)
(31.3)
(3.3)
-
-
-
-
(3.3)
(3.3)
(4.7)
(40.8)
206.9
166.1 $
12 $
46.3
(64.2)
72.4
-
-
15.5
3.4
73.3
4.1
(50.9)
(15.1)
11.9
(9.1)
7.4
(8.5)
(1.1)
(23.2)
(16.3)
35.8
17.9
14.2
14.2
-
(120.3)
132.3
(9.5)
0.8
3.3
3.3
5.5
21.9
185.0
206.9
Sherritt International Corporation 79
Consolidated financial statements
Consolidated statements of changes in
shareholders’ equity
Canadian $ millions
Note
Capital
stock
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
Deficit
Reserves
income (loss)
Total
Balance as at December 31, 2017
$ 2,784.6 $ (2,427.7) $
232.9 $
466.5 $ 1,056.3
Cumulative transitional adjustment on initial application of IFRS 9
Total comprehensive (loss) income:
Net loss for the year
Foreign currency translation differences on foreign operations
Actuarial losses on pension plans, net of tax
Shares issued for:
Stock options exercised
Equity issuance, net of transaction costs - 2018 unit offering
Warrants exercised - 2016 debenture extension
Stock option plan expense
Balance as at December 31, 2018
Total comprehensive loss:
Net loss for the year
Foreign currency translation differences on foreign operations
Actuarial losses on pension plans, net of tax
Stock option plan expense
Balance as at December 31, 2019
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
-
-
-
-
-
(42.7)
(64.2)
-
-
(64.2)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(42.7)
-
70.9
(0.2)
70.7
(64.2)
70.9
(0.2)
6.5
0.2
109.0
1.1
-
-
-
(0.1)
-
(0.4)
-
-
-
0.1
109.0
0.7
-
2,894.9
-
(2,534.6)
1.0
233.4
-
537.2
1.0
1,130.9
-
-
-
-
-
(367.7)
-
-
(367.7)
-
$ 2,894.9 $ (2,902.3) $
-
-
-
-
-
(40.9)
(0.5)
(41.4)
(367.7)
(40.9)
(0.5)
(409.1)
0.3
233.7 $
-
495.8 $
0.3
722.1
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
80 Sherritt International Corporation
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, operations and investments 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 22 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5H
4E3. These consolidated financial statements were approved and authorized for issuance by the Board of Directors of Sherritt
on February 25, 2020. The Corporation is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
2.1 Basis of presentation and going concern
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). All financial information is presented in
Canadian dollars rounded to the nearest hundred thousand, except as otherwise noted.
The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, under the historical cost convention, except for
certain financial assets and liabilities and cash-settled share-based payments, which have been measured at fair value.
Ongoing volatility in commodity prices and continued geopolitical uncertainties affecting Cuba have adversely impacted the
Corporation’s financial position. While these factors have created liquidity challenges, the Corporation believes it has adequate
liquidity to support its operations and meet its financial obligations for at least twelve months. In making this determination, the
Corporation applies judgment around the following factors which directly impact the Corporation’s financial position: future
commodity prices, timing of collections of Cuban receivables, continued access to short-term financing and potential cross-
defaults arising from the current event of default under the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans. The Corporation has and will
undertake numerous initiatives available to it to continue to strengthen its financial position and enhance liquidity. Among the
initiatives undertaken, subsequent to year-end, the Corporation agreed to a new payment commitment with its Cuban partners
which will improve the timing of Cuban receivable collections and increase the Corporation’s liquidity.
After considering the factors that have caused the liquidity challenges faced by the Corporation, the judgments made surrounding
these factors, and the initiatives the Corporation has taken and will undertake, the Corporation believes it will have sufficient
liquidity to support its operations and meet its financial obligations for at least twelve months. Management has therefore
concluded that there are no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt upon the
Corporation’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The Corporation has consistently applied the same accounting policies and methods of computation to all periods presented,
with the exception of the adoption of IFRS 16 Leases (IFRS 16). The Corporation adopted IFRS 16 using a transition method
that did not require the comparative periods to be restated and therefore comparative information is presented as previously
reported under IAS 17 Leases (IAS 17) and IFRIC 4 Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease (IFRIC 4).
The adoption of IFRS 16 required the Corporation to adopt new accounting policies, as well as modify methods of computation
and presentation of leases. The adoption of IFRS 16 also resulted in the Corporation identifying new critical accounting estimates
and judgments related to leases as described in note 23. The Corporation’s accounting policies for leases are described in note
23 and the effects of adoption of IFRS 16 are described in note 4.
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. These estimates and judgments are continuously evaluated
and are based on management’s experience and knowledge of relevant facts and circumstances. Actual results may differ from
estimates.
Sherritt International Corporation 81
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
Certain of the Corporation’s accounting policies that relate to the financial statements as a whole, as well as estimates and
judgments it has made and how they affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements, are incorporated in
this section. To facilitate a better understanding of the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements, significant accounting
policies and critical accounting estimates and judgments (with the exception of those identified in this note 2) are disclosed
throughout the following notes:
Note
Topic
5
5
7
8
10
12
14
15
15
15
17
19
20
23
Reportable segments
Revenue recognition
Joint arrangements
Investment in an associate
Income taxes
Financial instruments
Inventories
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Impairment of non-financial assets
Provisions
Share-based compensation
Statement of cash flows
Leases
2.2 Principles of consolidation
Accounting
policies
Critical accounting
estimates and
judgments
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Page
89
89
94
96
100
104
111
111
111
111
120
124
128
134
These consolidated financial statements include the financial position, financial performance and cash flows of the Corporation,
its subsidiaries, its interest in a joint venture, its interest in an associate 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.
The Corporation’s significant subsidiaries, joint arrangements and interest in an associate are as follows:
Relationship
Economic
interest
Basis of
accounting
Joint venture
50%
Equity method
Associate
12%
Equity method
Subsidiary
Subsidiary
100%
100%
Consolidation
Consolidation
Joint operation
33⅓%
Share of assets, liabilities,
revenues and expenses
Moa Joint Venture
Composed of the following operating companies:
International Cobalt Company Inc.
Moa Nickel S.A.
The Cobalt Refinery Company Inc.
Ambatovy Joint Venture
Composed of the following operating companies:
Ambatovy Minerals S.A.
Dynatec Madagascar S.A.
Oil and Gas
Composed of the following operating companies:
Sherritt International (Cuba) Oil and Gas Ltd.
Sherritt International Oil and Gas Ltd.
Power
Energas S.A. (Energas)
82 Sherritt International Corporation
Subsidiaries
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 have joint control. Joint control is considered to be when all
parties to the joint arrangement, which share control, 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: a joint
venture and joint operations. See note 7 for details.
Associate
An associate is an entity over which the Corporation has significant influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in
operating and financial decisions of the investee, but is not control or joint control over those policies. 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 or if significant influence can be clearly demonstrated. The Corporation has one associate. See note 8 for details.
Impairment of the investment in a joint venture and investment in an associate
At each reporting date, the Corporation assesses whether there is any indication that the carrying amounts of the Corporation’s
investment in a joint venture and investment in an associate may be impaired.
The investment is impaired if, and only if, there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more loss events and
that loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows from the investment that can be reliably estimated.
Objective evidence that the investment is impaired includes observable data that comes to the attention of the entity about the
following loss events: (a) significant financial difficulty of the joint venture or associate; (b) a breach of contract, such as a default
or delinquency in payments by the joint venture or associate; (c) the entity, for economic or legal reasons relating to its joint
venture’s or associate’s financial difficulty, granting to the joint venture or associate a concession that the entity would not
otherwise consider; (d) it becoming probable that the joint venture or associate will enter bankruptcy or other financial
reorganization; or (e) the disappearance of an active market for the investment because of financial difficulties of the joint venture
or associate.
If there is an indication of impairment, then the impairment test applied follows the principles of impairment for non-financial
assets described in note 15.
Critical accounting judgments
Interests in other entities
The Corporation applies judgment in determining the classification of its interest in other entities, 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
an 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”.
Measuring the recoverable amount of the Corporation’s investment in a joint venture and investment in an associate
The Corporation accounts for its investment in a joint venture and investment in an associate using the equity method. The
Corporation assesses the carrying amount of its investments at each reporting date to determine whether there are any indicators
that the carrying amount of the investments may be impaired.
Sherritt International Corporation 83
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For purposes of determining the recoverable amount, management calculates the net present value of expected future cash
flows. Projections of future cash flows are based on factors relevant to the investment’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 the investment’s life of
mine model and the determination of 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 these investments. Where necessary, management engages qualified third-party professionals to assist
in the determination of recoverable amounts.
2.3 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 foreign currency translation differences on
foreign operations in accumulated other comprehensive income.
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).
84 Sherritt International Corporation
3. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Exchange of senior unsecured debentures and Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans
In February 2020, the Corporation announced a transaction (the “Transaction”) that proposes exchanging the Corporation’s
existing senior unsecured debentures due in 2021, 2023 and 2025 (the “Existing Notes”) in the aggregate principal amount of
$588 million, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon up to but excluding the implementation date of the Transaction
(the “Effective Date”), for new secured debentures due in 2027 (the “New Secured Notes”) in an aggregate principal amount
equal to 50% of the principal amount of the Existing Notes plus all accrued and unpaid interest in respect of the Existing Notes
up to but excluding the Effective Date, and certain early cash consent considerations. Assuming an anticipated Effective Date
of April 30, 2020, the aggregate principal amount of the New Secured Notes would be approximately $319 million. If completed,
the Transaction would result in a reduction of loans and borrowings in respect of the Existing Notes of approximately $269 million
and an extension of the 2021, 2023 and 2025 maturities under the Existing Notes to a maturity of 2027 under the New Secured
Notes.
The Transaction also proposes exchanging the Corporation’s Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans held by the Ambatovy Joint
Venture partners (together with the holders of the Existing Notes, the “Debtholders”) in the aggregate principal amount of
approximately $145 million, plus all accrued and unpaid interest, for, at the election of each Ambatovy Joint Venture partner,
either (i) the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner’s pro rata share of the Corporation’s 12% interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture
and its loans receivable from the Ambatovy Joint Venture (collectively, the “Ambatovy Joint Venture assets”) or (ii) amended
loans with no further recourse against the Corporation. This would result in a further reduction of recourse loans and borrowings
of approximately $145 million using the January 31, 2020 foreign exchange rates.
A meeting of Debtholders to vote on the Transaction is scheduled for April 9, 2020 (the “Debtholders’ Meeting”). The Transaction
is subject to, among other conditions precedent, approval by an affirmative vote of at least 66⅔% of the votes cast by the
Corporation’s Debtholders present in person or by proxy at the Debtholders’ Meeting, and subject to approval by the Ontario
Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List).
Upon implementation, the Transaction would result in a total reduction of loans and borrowings of approximately $414 million.
The exchange of the Existing Notes for New Secured Notes and the exchange of the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans for
the Ambatovy Joint Venture assets, or amended loans with no further recourse against the Corporation, will be recognized in
the consolidated financial statements if the Transaction is approved in accordance with IFRS 9 Financial Instruments.
Impairment of Ambatovy Joint Venture assets
As at December 31, 2019, the Corporation tested its investment in an associate for impairment and determined its recoverable
amount to be $39.3 million, resulting in an impairment loss of $31.0 million. In arriving at the recoverable amount, the Corporation
considered all available information that provides evidence of the fair value of the investment in an associate, inclusive of the
effects of the Transaction.
Furthermore, the Corporation assessed the allowance for expected credit losses required for the Ambatovy Joint Venture
subordinated loans receivable and Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable – post financial completion. The
Corporation calculated probability-weighted scenarios of expected credit losses for these loans, inclusive of the effects of the
Transaction, which resulted in a revaluation loss of $81.5 million. This loss is included in the Corporation’s revaluation losses of
$138.5 million on the Ambatovy Joint Venture loans receivable for the year ended December 31, 2019. In recognizing the
impairment losses, the carrying value of the Ambatovy Joint Venture assets held by the Corporation are fairly consistent with
the principal amount and accrued interest of the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans. A summary of impairment losses
recognized on the Ambatovy Joint Venture assets is presented below:
Canadian $ millions, for the year ended December 31
Impairment of investment in an associate
Revaluation of allowances for expected credit losses on Ambatovy Joint Venture loans receivable
Impairment of Ambatovy Joint Venture assets
Note
2019
8 $
9
$
31.0
138.5
169.5
Sherritt International Corporation 85
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
4. ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Adoption of new and amended accounting pronouncements
Effective January 1, 2019, the Corporation adopted the requirements of IFRS 16. The effects of adoption of IFRS 16 are described
below. There has been no change to the Corporation’s accounting policies or critical accounting estimates and judgments related
to IFRS 16 subsequent to adoption.
IFRS 16 – Leases
In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 Leases which replaced IAS 17, IFRIC 4, SIC 15 Operating Leases – Incentives and
SIC 27 Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal Form of a Lease effective January 1, 2019.
IFRS 16 introduces a single, on-balance sheet accounting model for lessees and requires a lessee to recognize assets and
liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low-value. A lessee is required to
recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying leased asset and a lease liability representing its
obligation to make lease payments.
The Corporation elected to apply the standard on a modified retrospective basis using certain practical expedients and
transitional provisions described below. Under this approach, the 2018 comparative period was not restated and no cumulative
transitional adjustment to the opening balance of deficit was recognized on January 1, 2019, given that the right-of-use assets
were measured at an amount equal to the lease liabilities.
Definition of a lease
Previously, the Corporation determined at contract inception whether an arrangement is or contains a lease under IAS 17/IFRIC
4. Under IFRS 16, the Corporation assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease based on the definition of a lease, as
explained in note 23.
On transition to IFRS 16, the Corporation elected to not apply the practical expedient to grandfather the assessment of which
transactions are leases. The Corporation applied IFRS 16 to all contracts that may contain a lease. Therefore, the definition of
a lease under IFRS 16 was applied to all contracts in effect on or after January 1, 2019.
The Corporation as a lessee
As a lessee, the Corporation previously classified leases as operating or finance leases based on its assessment of whether the
lease transferred significantly all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the underlying asset to the Corporation.
Under IFRS 16, the Corporation recognizes right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for substantially all of its leases.
The Corporation, as a lessee, has elected not to apply IFRS 16 to leases of intangible assets (note 23).
The Corporation elected to apply recognition exemptions to short-term leases and leases of low-value assets (note 23). For
leases of other assets, which were classified as operating leases under IAS 17, the Corporation recognized right-of-use assets
and lease liabilities.
Leases previously classified as operating leases under IAS 17
At transition, lease liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted at the lessee’s
incremental borrowing rate as at January 1, 2019. Right-of-use assets were measured at an amount equal to the lease liability,
adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments, with no impact to the opening balance of deficit.
The Corporation used the following practical expedients when applying IFRS 16 to leases previously classified as operating
leases under IAS 17:
Applied a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics;
Applied the exemption not to recognize right-of-use assets and liabilities for leases with a remaining lease term of less
than 12 months as at January 1, 2019; and
Excluded initial direct costs from measuring the right-of-use asset at the date of initial application.
86 Sherritt International Corporation
Leases previously classified as finance leases under IAS 17
For leases previously classified as finance leases, the carrying amount of the right-of-use assets and the lease liabilities at the
date of initial application was equal to the carrying amount of the lease assets and lease liabilities immediately before initial
application measured applying IAS 17.
The Corporation as a lessor
There was no impact to lessor accounting upon the adoption of IFRS 16, except for sub-leases. Under IFRS 16, the Corporation
is required to assess the classification of a sub-lease with reference to the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease, not
the underlying asset. On transition, the Corporation reassessed the classification of sub-lease contracts previously classified as
operating leases under IAS 17. The Corporation concluded that the sub-lease is a finance lease under IFRS 16.
The Corporation applied IFRS 15 to allocate consideration in the contract to each lease and non-lease component.
Impact on financial statements
On transition to IFRS 16, the Corporation recognized finance lease receivables, right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in the
consolidated statements of financial position as at January 1, 2019, with no impact to shareholders’ equity.
When measuring lease liabilities, the Corporation discounted lease payments using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate as
at January 1, 2019. The Corporation’s weighted-average rate applied was 6.32%.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recognized an increase in depreciation expense and interest
expense and a decrease in operating lease expense, with no material impact on net (loss) earnings from continuing operations
in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the change in presentation of operating lease expenses resulted in an increase in
cash provided by operating activities and a decrease in cash provided by financing activities within the consolidated statements
of cash flow, as the principal repayments on lease liabilities previously included in cash used by operating activities are included
in cash used by financing activities in accordance with IAS 7.
Sherritt International Corporation 87
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
Measurement reconciliation table:
The following table reconciles the impact of transitioning from IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 to IFRS 16 on the consolidated statements of
financial position at the date of initial application, January 1, 2019. The impact consists of adjustments primarily related to the
measurement of finance lease receivables, right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.
Canadian $ millions, as at
Current assets
Advances, loans receivable and other financial assets
Prepaid expenses
Non-current assets
Advances, loans receivable and other financial assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investment in a joint venture(1)
Investment in an associate(1)
Total assets impacted by transition
Current liabilities
Other financial liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Other financial liabilities
Total liabilities impacted by transition
Shareholders' equity(2)
Total equity impacted by transition
Total liabilities and equity impacted by transition
2018
December 31
IAS 17/IFRIC 4
Carrying
value
IFRS 16
Initial
Application
2019
January 1
IFRS 16
Carrying
value
$
$
$
$
$
$
24.6 $
2.7
0.6 $
(0.6)
25.2
2.1
720.5
227.9
438.0
148.1
1,561.8 $
5.2
10.7
-
-
15.9 $
725.7
238.6
438.0
148.1
1,577.7
7.4 $
3.0 $
10.4
5.7
13.1 $
1,130.9 $
1,130.9
1,144.0 $
12.9
15.9 $
- $
-
15.9 $
18.6
29.0
1,130.9
1,130.9
1,159.9
(1)
The impact of initial application of IFRS 16 resulted in no change to the investment in a joint venture and the investment in an associate as the Moa Joint Venture and the
Ambatovy Joint Venture measured the right-of-use assets at an amount equal to the lease liabilities, respectively, resulting in no change to net assets.
(2) On transition to IFRS 16, no cumulative transitional adjustment to the opening balance of deficit was recognized on January 1, 2019, as the Corporation’s right-of-use
assets were measured at an amount equal to the lease liabilities.
Commitment reconciliation table:
The following table reconciles the Corporation’s operating lease commitment at December 31, 2018 as disclosed in the
Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and the lease liabilities recognized as at January 1, 2019.
Canadian $ millions, as at
Operating lease commitment as at December 31, 2018, as disclosed in the Corporation’s consolidated
financial statements
Discounted using incremental borrowing rates as at January 1, 2019
Recognition exemption for:
Short-term leases
Leases of low-value assets
Lease liabilities recognized on January 1, 2019
Finance lease liabilities recognized as at December 31, 2018
Total lease liabilities recognized as at January 1, 2019
2019
January 1
21.9
16.9
(0.9)
(0.1)
15.9
0.8
16.7
$
$
$
$
The Corporation’s accounting policy for leases in accordance with IFRS 16 is described in note 23. In 2019, there have been
no other 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
The Corporation has not early adopted any standard, interpretation or amendment that has been issued but is not yet effective
and no material impact is expected on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.
88 Sherritt International Corporation
5. SEGMENTED INFORMATION
Accounting policies
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described throughout the notes to the financial statements and
are measured in a manner consistent with that of the consolidated financial statements.
Reportable segments
The Corporation has determined the following to be reportable segments based on qualitative and quantitative considerations
discussed within the critical accounting estimates and judgments sections below:
The Moa JV and Fort Site segment is comprised of mining, processing and refining activities of nickel and cobalt for
the Corporation’s 50% interest in the Moa Joint Venture in Cuba and Canada and the production and sale of agricultural
fertilizers for its 100% interest in the utility and fertilizer operations in Fort Saskatchewan;
The Metals Other segment is comprised of the Corporation’s two wholly-owned subsidiaries established to buy, market
and sell certain of Moa Joint Venture’s nickel and cobalt production;
The Oil and Gas segment is comprised of the oil and gas operations in Cuba, Spain and Pakistan (sold during the year
ended December 31, 2019), as well as the exploration and development of oil and gas in Cuba;
The Power segment represents the power operations in Cuba, which construct and operate power generation facilities
that provide electricity in Cuba; and,
The Corporate and Other segment is comprised of the Corporation’s metallurgical technology business, Technologies;
management of cash and short-term investments; general corporate activities; and wholly-owned subsidiaries of the
Corporation established to finance the Ambatovy Joint Venture.
Revenue recognition
Revenue from the sale of goods and services is recognized when the Corporation transfers control of the good or service to the
customer, reflecting the amount of consideration to which the Corporation expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or
services. Control generally transfers to the customer upon shipment or delivery to the destination, as specified in the sales
contract.
Moa JV and Fort Site and Ambatovy JV
Certain product sales at the Moa JV and Ambatovy JV 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 revalued based on a forecast of reference prices at that time. The adjustment to trade accounts
receivable, net, is recorded as an adjustment to 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.
Payment for fertilizer sales at Fort Site is generally received before shipment and recognized as deferred revenue until shipment.
Oil and Gas
Revenue from Oil and Gas is recognized when control transfers at the time of production and the amount of revenue recognized
is determined based on the Corporation’s working interest. In Cuba, all oil production is sold to an agency of the Government of
Cuba and 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, which is 60% of total production for the Puerto
Escondido/Yumuri production-sharing contract. 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.
Sherritt International Corporation 89
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
Revenue from profit oil represents the Corporation’s share of oil production after cost recovery oil production is deducted.
Payment terms for oil sales to an agency of the Cuban government are based on U.S. Gulf Coast High Sulphur Fuel Oil (USGC
HSFO) reference prices and range from 90 days to 180 days from the date of invoice.
Power
Substantially all of Power’s revenue is from agencies of the Government of Cuba.
The facilities located in Boca de Jaruco and Puerto Escondido, Cuba operate under a service concession arrangement. Revenue
from Power on operational facilities is recognized at the time electricity is delivered or services are performed. The consideration
to be received is subject to variability as the quantity of power to be generated is not fixed and the rate for the power generated
declines once construction costs are repaid. Management estimates the transaction price based on expected power generation
and the forecasted repayment schedule for construction costs and reassesses this estimate each reporting period.
In the comparative periods, the facilities located in Varadero, Cuba operated under lease arrangements, whereby the Corporation
acted as the lessor. All operating lease revenue related to the Varadero facility was contingent on the amount of electricity
produced or services provided and were recognized when lease payments become due. Upon the adoption of IFRS 16 (note
4), revenue from the power generation facilities does not meet the definition of a lease and is recognized in accordance with
IFRS 15.
Payment terms for electricity and by-product sales to agencies of the Government of Cuba are 60 days from the date of invoice.
Critical accounting judgments
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. 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.
90 Sherritt International Corporation
Supporting information
The Corporation revised the presentation of its segments during the year ended December 31, 2019 to exclude the Ambatovy
Joint Venture in the current and comparative periods. The Corporation’s Share of loss of an associate, net of tax, and Investment
in an associate are presented within Adjustments for Joint Venture and Associate. This revision is the result of Sherritt losing its
voting rights at the Ambatovy Joint Venture (note 8) subsequent to becoming a defaulting shareholder and the impact this had on
information reviewed by the chief operating decision maker.
Moa JV and
Fort Site
Metals
Other
Oil and
Gas
Power
Corporate
and Other
Adjustments for
Joint Venture
and Associate(1)
$
461.0
$
(440.4)
(9.6)
-
-
-
-
11.0
11.3
$
(10.5)
0.2
-
-
-
-
1.0
29.7
$
(47.9)
(7.5)
-
-
-
-
(25.7)
45.3
$
(41.0)
(2.5)
-
(20.3)
-
-
(18.5)
(1.1) $
(9.9)
(28.2)
(31.0)
-
-
-
(70.2)
(408.6) $
390.0
5.1
-
-
0.3
(65.0)
(78.2)
Canadian $ millions, for the year ended December 31
Revenue(2)
Cost of sales
Administrative expenses
Impairment of investment in an associate (note 3)
Impairment of intangible assets (note 15)
Share of earnings of a joint venture, net of tax
Share of loss of an associate, net of tax
Earnings (loss) from operations, joint venture and associate
Interest income on financial assets measured at amortized
cost
Revaluation of allowances for expected credit losses on
Ambatovy Joint Venture loans receivable
Revaluation of other allowances for expected credit losses
Other financing items
Financing expense
Net finance expense
Loss before tax
Income tax expense
Net loss from continuing operations
Loss from discontinued operations,
net of tax (note 17)
Net loss for the year
2019
Total
137.6
(159.7)
(42.5)
(31.0)
(20.3)
0.3
(65.0)
(180.6)
43.9
(138.5)
(9.0)
-
(77.3)
(180.9)
(361.5)
(3.2)
(364.7)
(3.0)
(367.7)
Supplementary information
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
Property, plant and equipment expenditures
Intangible asset expenditures
Canadian $ millions, as at December 31
Non-current assets(3)
Total assets
$
$
$
56.4
25.9
-
$
0.2
-
-
$
10.3
9.0
19.1
$
26.2
0.4
-
$
1.2
0.1
-
$
679.5
953.7
$
0.7
73.5
$
133.2
176.8
$
65.2
410.0
$
9.1
462.7
(46.8) $
(22.5)
-
47.5
12.9
19.1
2019
(537.5) $
350.2
(338.6) 1,738.1
Sherritt International Corporation 91
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
Canadian $ millions, for the year ended December 31
2018
(Restated)
Revenue(2)
Cost of sales
Administrative expenses
Share of earnings of a joint venture, net of tax
Share of loss of an associate, net of tax
Earnings (loss) from operations, joint venture and associate
Interest income on financial assets measured at amortized
cost
Revaluation of allowances for expected credit losses on
Ambatovy Joint Venture loans receivable
Revaluation of other allowances for expected credit losses
Other financing items
Financing expense
Net finance expense
Loss before tax
Income tax expense
Net loss from continuing operations
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax (note 17)
Net loss for the year
Moa JV and
Fort Site
Metals
Other
Oil and
Gas
Power
Corporate
and Other
Adjustments for
Joint Venture
and Associate(1)
$
498.1
$
(408.7)
(10.5)
-
-
78.9
11.0
$
(10.4)
0.2
-
-
0.8
$
44.9
(55.8)
(6.1)
-
-
(17.0)
47.2
$
(41.0)
(3.4)
-
-
2.8
(0.5) $
(10.1)
(17.1)
-
-
(27.7)
(447.8) $
351.7
5.9
64.2
(72.4)
(98.4)
Total
152.9
(174.3)
(31.0)
64.2
(72.4)
(60.6)
45.9
(47.4)
(1.9)
18.5
(31.3)
(16.2)
(76.8)
(3.4)
(80.2)
16.0
(64.2)
Supplementary information
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
Property, plant and equipment expenditures
Intangible asset expenditures
Canadian $ millions, as at December 31
Non-current assets(3)
Total assets
$
$
$
47.2
32.9
-
$
-
-
-
$
11.1
11.7
16.3
$
25.2
0.9
-
$
0.9
1.7
-
$
699.7
998.8
$
-
98.1
$
126.0
201.1
$
117.2
462.3
$
4.1
659.0
(38.1) $
(24.0)
-
46.3
23.2
16.3
2018
(Restated)
(558.6) $
388.4
(224.9) 2,194.4
The Adjustments for Joint Venture and Associate reflect the adjustments for equity-accounted investments in the Moa Joint Venture and Ambatovy Joint Venture.
Revenue in the Metals Other segment includes $6.9 million of intersegment revenue with the Moa JV and Fort Site segment related to marketing of nickel and cobalt for the year
ended December 31, 2019 ($6.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018).
Non-current assets are composed of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.
Geographic information
Canadian $ millions, as at
North America
Cuba
Madagascar
Europe
Asia
Other
2019
December 31
Non-current
assets(1)
Total
assets(2)
Non-current
assets(1)
2018
December 31
Total
assets(2)
$
$
156.3 $
193.8
-
0.1
-
-
350.2 $
416.8 $
1,041.3
173.4
34.5
25.9
46.2
1,738.1 $
148.7 $
227.6
-
11.9
0.2
-
388.4 $
491.1
1,162.8
377.6
62.1
33.7
67.1
2,194.4
(1) Non-current assets are composed of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets and exclude the non-current assets of equity-accounted investments.
(2)
For its geographic information, the Corporation has allocated assets based on their physical location or location of the customer/payer.
Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31
North America
Cuba
Madagascar
Europe
Asia
Other
2019
Total
revenue(1)
2018
Total
revenue(1)
$
$
60.9 $
71.0
1.7
3.1
0.9
-
137.6 $
58.6
83.2
2.0
7.2
1.7
0.2
152.9
(1)
For its geographic information, the Corporation has allocated revenue based on the location of the customer. Revenue excludes the revenue of equity-accounted
investments.
92 Sherritt International Corporation
Disaggregation of revenue by product type
Revenue in the below table excludes the revenue of equity-accounted investments in the Moa Joint Venture and Ambatovy Joint
Venture:
Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31
Fertilizer
Oil and gas(1)
Power generation(2)
Other
2019
Total
2018
Total
revenue
revenue
$
$
54.1 $
25.2
41.1
17.2
137.6 $
53.0
40.9
42.4
16.6
152.9
(1) Oil and gas revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 decreased compared to the comparative period primarily as a result of the reduction in profit oil percentage
from 45% to 6% upon the extension of the Puerto Escondido/Yumuri production-sharing contract during the year ended December 31, 2018.
(2) All of the revenue in the table above is revenue recognized from contracts with customers in accordance with IFRS 15, except for lease revenue related to power generation
facilities in 2018, which is recognized in accordance with IAS 17 Leases. Upon the adoption of IFRS 16 (note 4), the power generation facilities do not meet the definition
of a lease. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the revenue related to power generation facilities is recognized in accordance with IFRS 15. Included in power
generation revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 is $41.1 million of revenue from service concession arrangements ($28.8 million of revenue from service
concession arrangements and $13.6 million of lease revenue related to power generation facilities for the year ended December 31, 2018, respectively).
Deferred revenue relates to payments for fertilizer sales received before shipment in the Moa JV and Fort Site segment. All of
the deferred revenue as at December 31, 2018 was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2019.
Significant customers
The Oil and Gas segment derived $25.1 million of its revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 ($35.9 million for the year
ended December 31, 2018) directly and indirectly from agencies of the Government of Cuba.
The Power segment derived $45.3 million of its revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 ($47.2 million for the year ended
December 31, 2018) directly and indirectly from agencies of the Government of Cuba.
The Moa JV and Fort Site segment derived $16.6 million of its revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 ($14.4 million for
the year ended December 31, 2018) from a Fort Site customer that purchases and sells agriculture products.
No other single customer contributed 10% or more to the Corporation’s revenue in 2019 or 2018.
6. EXPENSES
Cost of sales includes the following:
Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31
2019
2018
Employee costs
Severance
Depletion, depreciation and amortization of property,
plant and equipment and intangible assets
Raw materials and consumables
Repairs and maintenance
Shipping and treatment costs
Inventory obsolescence
Share-based compensation expense (recovery)
Changes in inventories and other
$
$
60.5 $
1.8
44.3
39.6
44.8
4.2
1.4
0.3
(37.2)
159.7 $
62.7
3.3
45.4
39.6
43.2
4.6
3.5
(0.7)
(27.3)
174.3
Sherritt International Corporation 93
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
Administrative expenses include the following:
Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31
Employee costs
Severance
Depreciation
Share-based compensation expense (recovery)
Consulting services and audit fees
Other
2019
2018
27.2 $
1.4
3.2
0.3
6.2
4.2
42.5 $
29.0
0.7
0.9
(11.1)
5.2
6.3
31.0
$
$
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation revised the presentation of severance to separate amounts included
in cost of sales and administrative expense. In the prior year, these amounts were presented entirely within administrative
expenses. The Corporation revised its presentation to better allow the users of the financial statements to identify trends within
the expenses note disclosure. For consistency with the current period presented, the comparative amounts have been
reclassified. For the year ended December 31, 2018, employee costs and severance included within cost of sales have
decreased by $3.3 million and increased by $3.3 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2018, employee costs
and severance included within administrative expenses have increased by $3.3 million and decreased by $3.3 million,
respectively.
7. JOINT ARRANGEMENTS
Investment in a joint venture
Accounting policies
The Moa Joint Venture is recognized as an investment in a joint venture and accounted for using the equity method as follows:
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;
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.
Supporting information
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, Canada; and
International Cobalt Company Inc., incorporated in Bahamas, 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.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Moa Joint Venture paid distributions of $86.6 million, of which $43.3 million were
paid to the Corporation representing its 50% ownership interest ($23.8 million and $11.9 million, respectively, for the year ended
December 31, 2018). Of the $86.6 million in distributions paid by the Moa Joint Venture, $76.7 million were in the form of
dividends and $9.9 million were in the form of advances repayable to the Moa Joint Venture until declaration as dividends (for
the year ended December 31, 2018 - $17.1 million were in the form of dividends and $6.7 million were in the form of advances
repayable to the Moa Joint Venture until declaration as dividends).
94 Sherritt International Corporation
The following provides additional information relating to the Corporation’s investment in the Moa Joint Venture:
Statements of financial position
Canadian $ millions, 100% basis, as at
Current assets(1)
Non-current assets
Current liabilities(2)
Non-current liabilities(3)(4)
Net assets of Moa Joint Venture
Proportion of Sherritt's ownership interest
Total
Intercompany capitalized interest elimination
Investment in a joint venture
2019
2018
December 31
December 31
$
$
$
441.8 $
1,169.3
81.9
674.6
854.6 $
50%
427.3
(44.4)
382.9 $
499.5
1,217.3
78.0
668.1
970.7
50%
485.4
(47.4)
438.0
(1)
(2)
(3)
Included in current assets is $80.9 million of cash and cash equivalents (December 31, 2018 - $55.3 million).
Included in current liabilities is $21.6 million of financial liabilities (December 31, 2018 - $8.2 million), including lease liabilities of $8.5 million (December 31, 2018 - $0.3
million) and a $7.9 million loan for the purchase of mining equipment (December 31, 2018 - $3.1 million). For the year ended December 31, 2018, the current portion of
financial liabilities included a $2.3 million loan for the construction of the Moa Joint Venture acid plant, which accrued interest at a rate of 10% per annum and was payable
monthly. The loan was fully repaid during the year ended December 31, 2019.
Included in non-current liabilities is $551.9 million of financial liabilities (December 31, 2018 - $557.3 million), including lease liabilities of $7.1 million (December 31, 2018
- $0.6 million), a $7.7 million loan for the purchase of mining equipment (December 31, 2018 - $4.7 million) and $518.0 million in expansion loans, of which $259.0 million
are with the Corporation (December 31, 2018 - $538.4 million, $269.2 million of which are with the Corporation) (note 13).
(4) During the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2019, interest was suspended on the expansion loans for two years and an additional 10 months,
respectively, which resulted in decreases to the Moa Joint Venture expansion loans payable of $64.8 million and $28.6 million, respectively. During the year ended
December 31, 2019, the Moa Joint Venture expansion loans payable increased $34.1 million due to accretion (for the year ended December 31, 2018 - $32.2 million).
Subsequent to December 31, 2019, the accrual of interest will resume.
Statements of comprehensive income (loss)
Canadian $ millions, 100% basis, for the years ended December 31
2019
2018
Earnings from operations(1)(2)
Financing income
Financing expense(3)
Net finance expense
(Loss) earnings before tax
Income tax expense(4)
Net (loss) earnings and comprehensive (loss) income of Moa Joint Venture
Proportion of Sherritt's ownership interest
Total
Intercompany elimination
Share of earnings of a joint venture, net of tax
$
$
$
27.2 $
0.8
(45.1)
(44.3)
(17.1)
(8.5)
(25.6) $
50%
(12.8)
13.1
0.3 $
180.8
0.9
(45.3)
(44.4)
136.4
(33.1)
103.3
50%
51.7
12.5
64.2
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Included in earnings from operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 is revenue of $817.3 million (for the year ended December 31, 2018 - $895.8 million).
Included in earnings from operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 is depreciation and amortization within cost of sales of $93.5 million (for the year ended
December 31, 2018 - $76.3 million).
Included in financing expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 is accretion of $34.1 million on the Moa Joint Venture expansion loans (for the year ended December
31, 2018 - $32.2 million).
Included in income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 is a recovery of $2.6 million reflecting a remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities as a result of the
decrease in Alberta’s general corporate income tax rate. Effective July 1, 2019, the corporate tax rate decreased from 12% to 11%, with a further decrease to 10% on
January 1, 2020, 9% on January 1, 2021 and 8% on January 1, 2022. Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 decreased since the comparative period
primarily due to lower taxable income at one of the operating companies in the Moa Joint Venture.
Joint operations
Accounting policies
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.
Sherritt International Corporation 95
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
Supporting information
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.
The following provides information relating to the Corporation’s one-third interest in Energas S.A. (Energas):
Canadian $ millions, 33⅓% basis, as at
Current assets(1)
Non-current assets(2)
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Net assets
2019
2018
December 31
December 31
$
$
99.0 $
58.2
10.4
112.0
34.8 $
89.4
108.0
13.3
108.4
75.7
(1)
Included in current assets is $79.8 million of cash and cash equivalents (December 31, 2018 - $68.2 million).
(2) During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recognized an impairment of $20.3 million on the Boca de Jaruco power generation facility included in non-
current assets (note 15).
Canadian $ millions, 33⅓% basis, for the years ended December 31
Revenue
Expenses(1)
Net (loss) earnings
2019
2018
$
$
45.3 $
(73.1)
(27.8) $
47.2
(38.1)
9.1
(1) During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recognized an impairment of $20.3 million on the Boca de Jaruco power generation facility (note 15).
8. INVESTMENT IN AN ASSOCIATE
Accounting policies
The Ambatovy Joint Venture is recognized as an investment in an associate and accounted for using the equity method as
follows:
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 an 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
Interest revenue on a loan receivable from an associate is recognized to the extent of the Corporation’s economic
interest.
Critical accounting judgments
It is the Corporation’s judgment that the Ambatovy Joint Venture continues to be an associate given the Corporation’s ability to
cure its event of default and reinstate its Ambatovy Joint Venture voting rights and representation at any time.
Supporting information
The Corporation indirectly holds a 12% interest in Ambatovy Minerals S.A. and Dynatec Madagascar S.A. (collectively, the
Ambatovy Joint Venture).
96 Sherritt International Corporation
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.
Deferral of principal repayment on Ambatovy Joint Venture financing
In September 2019, the Ambatovy Joint Venture financing lenders agreed to defer principal repayments until June 2022 and
extend maturity of the financing to June 2027.
The principal repayment deferrals resulted in a modification of the financial liability and a loss of US$30.7 million (100% basis)
recognized in net financing expense at the Ambatovy Joint Venture. Transaction costs of US$18.7 million (100% basis) were
capitalized within non-current liabilities at the Ambatovy Joint Venture during the year ended December 31, 2019.
Total interest payments of US$81.3 million were made to the lenders during the year ended December 31, 2019 (US$76.2 million
for the year ended December 31, 2018).
Ambatovy Joint Venture funding
Ambatovy cash calls due during the year ended December 31, 2019 amounted to US$224.7 million (100% basis), with funding of
US$197.7 million provided by Ambatovy Joint Venture partners Sumitomo and KORES. Sherritt did not fund its 12% share of cash
calls of US$27.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2019. As a result, Sherritt is a defaulting shareholder and does not
hold Ambatovy Joint Venture voting rights.
Sherritt’s 12% share of the Ambatovy Joint Venture cash calls that have not been funded (US$27.0 million) will remain due from
Sherritt to the Ambatovy Joint Venture. If a non-defaulting shareholder elects to fund on behalf of Sherritt, that shareholder will
have the option to elect to collect the amount funded as a receivable from Sherritt, an equivalent amount of Sherritt’s ownership
interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture, or an equivalent amount of Sherritt’s loans receivable due from the Ambatovy Joint
Venture. The Ambatovy Joint Venture will also have the option to elect to set off the outstanding cash call amount due against
any loan payable due to Sherritt while it is a defaulting shareholder.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, US$9.6 million ($12.2 million), of post-financial completion funding was provided to the
Ambatovy Joint Venture at the Corporation’s 12% interest. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Corporation’s funding
obligations were satisfied through use of the escrow account classified within restricted cash on the Corporation’s consolidated
statements of financial position and post-financial completion funding was presented within advances, loans receivable and other
financial assets (note 13) on the Corporation’s consolidated statements of financial position.
Sherritt International Corporation 97
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
The following provides additional information relating to the Corporation’s interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture on a 100%
basis:
Statements of financial position
Canadian $ millions, 100% basis, as at
Current assets(1)
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities(2)
Net assets of Ambatovy Joint Venture
Proportion of Sherritt's ownership interest
Total
Impairment of investment in associate
Intercompany elimination(2)
Investment in an associate
Note
December 31
December 31
2019
2018
$
$
3
$
669.7 $
5,781.6
477.8
4,283.6
1,689.9 $
12%
202.8
(31.0)
(132.5)
39.3 $
624.9
6,210.9
743.6
4,395.1
1,697.1
12%
203.7
-
(55.6)
148.1
(1)
Included in current assets is $100.2 million of cash and cash equivalents (December 31, 2018 - $56.8 million).
(2) During the year ended December 31, 2019, US$484.7 million ($640.3 million) of the Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans payable was converted to equity. The
Corporation has recorded its share of the related subordinated loans receivable within advances, loans receivable and other financial assets (note 13). There was no
change to the Corporation’s ownership interest as a result of the conversion.
Statements of comprehensive income (loss)
Canadian $ millions, 100% basis, for the years ended December 31
2019
2018
Loss from operations(1)(2)(3)
Financing income
Financing expense(4)
Net financing expense
Loss before tax
Income tax expense
Net loss and comprehensive loss of Ambatovy Joint Venture
Proportion of Sherritt's ownership interest
Total
Intercompany elimination
Share of loss of an associate, net of tax
$
$
$
(279.5) $
2.3
(286.4)
(284.1)
(563.6)
(4.4)
(568.0) $
12%
(68.2)
3.2
(65.0) $
(340.5)
5.2
(284.4)
(279.2)
(619.7)
(5.4)
(625.1)
12%
(75.0)
2.6
(72.4)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Included in loss from operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 is revenue of $726.8 million (for the year ended December 31, 2018 - $843.0 million).
Included in loss from operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 is cost of sales of $1,043.4 million (for year ended December 31, 2018 - $1,044.1 million).
Included in loss from operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 is depreciation and amortization within cost of sales of $424.0 million (for the year ended December
31, 2018 - $358.5 million).
Included in financing expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 is a gain on the revaluation of long-term bonds of $83.7 million ($6.9 million gain for the year ended
December 31, 2018).
98 Sherritt International Corporation
9. NET FINANCE EXPENSE
Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31
Interest income on trade accounts receivable, net
Interest income on advances and loans receivable
Interest income on accretion of advances and loans receivable(1)
Interest income on financial assets measured at amortized cost
Revaluation of allowance for expected credit losses:
Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable
Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable -
post-financial completion
Revaluation of allowances for expected credit losses on
Ambatovy Joint Venture loans receivable
Revaluation of allowance for expected credit losses:
Trade accounts receivable, net
Moa Joint Venture expansion loans receivable
Revaluation of other allowances for expected credit losses
Revaluation of cobalt-linked warrants
Revaluation of financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss
Revaluation of Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans
Other unrealized (losses) gains on financial instruments
Interest income on short-term investments
Interest income on finance lease receivables
Gain on repurchase of debentures
Other financing items
Interest expense and accretion on loans and borrowings
Interest expense on other liabilities
Interest expense on lease liabilities
Unrealized foreign exchange (loss) gain
Realized foreign exchange gain
Other finance charges
Accretion expense on environmental rehabilitation provisions
Financing expense
Net finance expense
Note
2019
2018
$
1.8 $
33.6
8.5
43.9
3, 12
3, 12
(105.3)
(33.2)
1.7
36.1
8.1
45.9
(47.4)
-
(138.5)
(47.4)
12
12, 21
16
16
20
17, 20
$
(2.2)
(6.8)
(9.0)
2.1
2.7
(2.5)
(4.1)
1.5
0.3
-
-
(58.5)
(0.1)
(1.0)
(14.5)
(1.0)
(1.9)
(0.3)
(77.3)
(180.9) $
(1.9)
-
(1.9)
13.2
(3.4)
-
4.2
2.2
-
2.3
18.5
(59.9)
-
-
33.3
0.1
(4.1)
(0.7)
(31.3)
(16.2)
(1)
Interest income on accretion of advances and loan receivable relates to the Moa Joint Venture expansion loans receivable, which is recognized to the extent of Sherritt’s
economic interest (note 13).
Sherritt International Corporation 99
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
10. INCOME TAXES
Accounting policies
The income tax expense or recovery 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
at 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 when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on the same taxable entity and when 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).
Critical accounting estimates
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 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 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.
100Sherritt International Corporation
Critical accounting judgments
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.
Supporting information
Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31
Current income tax expense
Current period
Deferred income tax (recovery) expense
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Non-recognition of tax assets
Income tax expense
2019
2018
3.2 $
3.2
3.7
3.7
(23.7)
23.7
-
3.2 $
(11.0)
10.7
(0.3)
3.4
$
$
The following table reconciles income taxes calculated at a combined Canadian federal/provincial income tax rate with the income
tax expense (recovery) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss):
Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31
2019
2018
Loss before tax from continuing operations
Add: share of loss of equity accounted investments
Parent companies and subsidiaries loss before tax
Income tax (recovery) expense at the combined basic rate of 26.5% (2018 - 27.0%)
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
Difference between Canadian and foreign tax rates
Non-deductible expenses and losses
Non-recognition of tax assets
Other items
$
$
(361.5) $
64.7
(296.8)
(78.7)
45.7
11.5
23.7
1.0
3.2 $
(76.8)
8.2
(68.6)
(18.5)
(0.1)
11.1
10.7
0.2
3.4
The change in the basic tax rate to 26.5% from 27% in 2018 is due to the decrease in Alberta’s tax rate that was enacted in 2019.
Effective July 1, 2019, the corporate tax rate decreased from 12% to 11% with a further decrease to 10% on January 1, 2020, 9%
on January 1, 2021 and 8% on January 1, 2022.
Sherritt International Corporation 101
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) relate to the following temporary differences and loss carry forwards:
Canadian $ millions, for the year ended December 31, 2019
Deferred tax assets
Property, plant and equipment
Other financial reserves
Deferred tax assets
Set off against deferred tax liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Cuban tax contingency reserve
Other financial reserves
Deferred tax liabilities
Set off against deferred tax assets
Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets
Canadian $ millions, for the year ended December 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets
Property, plant and equipment
Other financial reserves
Deferred tax assets
Set off against deferred tax liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Cuban tax contingency reserve
Other financial reserves
Deferred tax liabilities
Set off against deferred tax assets
Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets
Opening
Balance
Recognized
in net
income
Recognized
in total
comp-
rehensive
income
$
$
$
$
0.1 $
0.6
0.7
(0.7)
-
(4.7) $
(12.1)
(0.1)
(16.9)
0.7
(16.2) $
0.5 $
0.1
0.6
1.0 $
(0.1)
(1.5)
(0.6)
0.1 $
-
0.1
$
0.1 $
0.5
-
0.6
- $
0.7 $
Opening
Balance
Recognized
in
deficit(1)
Recognized
in net
income
Recognized
in total
comp-
rehensive
income
$
$
$
$
0.5 $
-
0.5
(0.5)
-
(5.2) $
(11.0)
(0.1)
(16.3)
0.5
(15.8) $
- $
0.5
0.5
(0.4) $
0.1
(0.3)
- $
-
-
$
- $
-
-
-
0.8 $
(0.2)
-
0.6
(0.3) $
(0.9)
-
(1.2)
0.5 $
0.3 $
(1.2) $
Closing
Balance
0.7
0.7
1.4
(1.4)
-
(3.6)
(11.7)
(1.6)
(16.9)
1.4
(15.5)
Closing
Balance
0.1
0.6
0.7
(0.7)
-
(4.7)
(12.1)
(0.1)
(16.9)
0.7
(16.2)
(1)
The reduction in the net deferred tax liabilities relates to the cumulative tax impact of the initial application of IFRS 9.
102Sherritt International Corporation
As at December 31, 2019, the Corporation had temporary differences of $730.5 million (December 31, 2018 - $843.7 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, 2019, the Corporation had non-capital losses of $876.2 million (December 31, 2018 - $735.5 million) and
capital losses of $1,166.7 million (December 31, 2018 - $1,169.8 million) which may be used to reduce future taxable income.
The Corporation has not recognized a deferred income tax asset on $876.2 million of non-capital losses, $1,166.7 million of
capital losses and $191.6 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 the following countries and expire as follows:
Canadian $ millions, as at December 31, 2019
Canada
Other jurisdictions
11. LOSS PER SHARE
Non-capital
Expiry
losses
2026-2039 $
Various
707.0
169.2
Canadian $ millions, except share amounts in millions and per share amounts in dollars, for the years ended December 31
2019
2018
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
$
$
(364.7) $
(3.0)
(367.7) $
(80.2)
16.0
(64.2)
397.3
391.0
$
$
$
(0.92) $
(0.21)
(0.01) $
0.04
(0.93) $
(0.16)
(1)
The determination of the weighted-average number of common shares - diluted excludes 9.4 million shares related to stock options, 10.4 million shares related to the
warrants from the 2016 debenture extension (note 18) and 47.2 million shares related to the cobalt-linked warrants (note 16) that were anti-dilutive for the year ended
December 31, 2019 (9.9 million, 10.4 million and 47.2 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2018).
Sherritt International Corporation 103
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
12. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Accounting policy
Classification and measurement of financial instruments
Management determines the classification of financial assets and financial liabilities at initial recognition and, except in limited
circumstances, the classification is not changed subsequent to initial recognition. The classification of financial assets is based
on the Corporation’s business models for managing these financial assets and their contractual cash flow characteristics.
Transaction costs with respect to financial 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 assets are classified into one of the following three measurement categories:
Financial assets held within a business model for the purpose of collecting contractual cash flows (“held to collect”) that
represent solely payments of principal and interest (“SPPI”) are measured at amortized cost.
Financial assets held within a business model where assets are both held for the purpose of collecting contractual cash
flows or sold prior to maturity and the contractual cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest are
measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (loss) (“FVOCI”).
Financial assets held within another business model or assets that do not have contractual cash flow characteristics
that are solely payments of principal and interest will be measured at fair value through profit or loss (“FVPL”).
The Corporation’s financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost, except for financial liabilities measured at FVPL.
Financial assets measured at amortized cost:
Cash held in banks; restricted cash; advances, loans receivable and other financial assets; trade accounts receivable,
net, and unbilled revenue
Financial assets measured at FVOCI:
Cash equivalents; short-term investments
Financial assets measured at FVPL:
Ambatovy Joint Venture operator fee receivable
Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost:
Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities; loans and borrowings
Financial liabilities measured at FVPL:
Cobalt-linked warrant liability
Financial assets and liabilities, measured at amortized cost
Financial assets and liabilities included in this category are initially recognized at fair value (net of transaction costs, if applicable)
and are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method less allowances for expected credit losses
(“ACL”).
Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (loss)
Financial assets included in this category are initially recognized at fair value and transaction costs are recognized in net earnings
(loss). Subsequent to initial recognition, unrealized gains and losses on these instruments are recognized in other
comprehensive income (loss). Upon derecognition, realized gains and losses are reclassified from other comprehensive income
(loss) and recognized in net earnings (loss). Interest income and dividends from these instruments are recognized in net
earnings (loss).
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss
Financial instruments included in this category are initially recognized at fair value and transaction costs are recognized in net
earnings (loss), along with gains and losses arising from changes in fair value.
Derivative instruments are recorded at fair value unless exempted from derivative treatment as a normal purchase and sale. All
changes in their fair value are recognized in net earnings (loss).
104Sherritt International Corporation
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.
Modifications of financial instruments
When the Corporation modifies a financial instrument and that modification does not result in derecognition, the Corporation
revises the gross carrying value of the financial instrument and recognizes a modification gain or loss in net earnings (loss).
Impairment of financial assets
The Corporation applies a three-stage approach to measure an ACL, using an expected credit loss (“ECL”) approach as required
under IFRS 9 for financial assets measured at amortized cost.
The ECL approach reflects the present value of all cash shortfalls related to default events either (i) over the following twelve
months or (ii) over the expected life of a financial instrument depending on the credit deterioration from inception. The ACL
reflects an unbiased, probability-weighted outcome which considers multiple scenarios based on reasonable and supportable
forecasts.
Stage 1 – Where there has not been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition of a financial instrument,
an amount equal to twelve months expected credit loss is recorded. The ECL is computed using a probability of default
occurring over the next twelve months. For instruments with a remaining maturity of less than twelve months, a
probability of default corresponding to the remaining term to maturity is used.
Stage 2 – When a financial instrument experiences a significant increase in credit risk subsequent to origination but is
not considered to be in default, it is included in Stage 2. The ECL is computed using a probability of default occurring
over the remaining life of the financial instrument. When contractual payments are more than 30 days past due, it is
presumed that credit risk has increased significantly subsequent to origination unless the Corporation has reasonable
and supportable information that demonstrates that the credit risk has not increased significantly since origination.
Stage 3 – Financial instruments that are considered to be in default are included in this stage. The Corporation
considers a financial instrument to be in default as a result of one or more loss events that occurred after the date of
initial recognition of the instrument and the loss event has a negative impact on the estimated future cash flows of the
instrument that can be reliably estimated. Similar to Stage 2, the ACL captures the lifetime ECL. When contractual
payments are more than 90 days past due, it is presumed that default has occurred unless the Corporation has
reasonable and supportable information that demonstrates that a more lagging default criterion is more appropriate.
The Corporation assesses whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition of a financial
instrument and its ACL measurement at each reporting date. Increases or decreases in the ACL are recognized as impairment
gains or losses within net finance expense (income) in net earnings (loss).
For trade receivables and contract assets that result from transactions that are within the scope of IFRS 15 and finance lease
receivables that result from transactions that are within the scope of IFRS 16, IFRS 9 allows the Corporation to take a simplified
approach where the ACL is always measured at the lifetime ECL.
The Corporation’s financial assets measured at amortized cost are presented net of the ACL in the consolidated statements of
financial position.
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: Determined by reference to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that the entity
can access at the measurement date;
Level 2: 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.
Sherritt International Corporation 105
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
Critical accounting estimates
Forward-looking information
The measurement of the ECL for each stage and the assessment of significant increases in credit risk considers information
about past events and current conditions as well as reasonable and supportable forecasts of future events and economic
conditions. The estimation and application of forward-looking information requires significant judgment.
Multiple forward-looking scenarios
The Corporation estimates an ACL using probability-weighted forward-looking scenarios. The Corporation considers both
internal and external sources of information in order to achieve an unbiased measure of the scenarios used. The Corporation
determines an ECL in each scenario and uses external sources and judgment to apply a probability-weighting to each scenario.
The ACL is measured as the present value of the probability-weighted ECL in each scenario, discounted using the original
effective interest rate of the instrument.
Critical accounting judgments
Business model assessment
The Corporation applies judgment in determining whether financial assets are managed in order to generate cash flows from
the collection of contractual cash flows, selling financial assets or both. For the assessment of business models, the Corporation
takes into consideration whether the financial asset is held for trading purposes and the frequency and volume of sales in prior
periods and expectations about future sales activity.
Cash flow characteristics assessment
The Corporation applies judgment in assessing the contractual features of an instrument to determine if they give rise to cash
flows that are consistent with a basic lending arrangement. Contractual cash flows are consistent with a basic lending
arrangement if they represent cash flows that are SPPI.
In performing this assessment, the Corporation takes into consideration contractual features that could change the amount or
timing of contractual cash flows, such that the cash flows are no longer consistent with a basic lending arrangement. If the
Corporation identifies any contractual features that could modify the cash flows of the instrument such that they are no longer
consistent with a basic lending arrangement, the related financial asset is classified and measured at FVPL.
Supporting information
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments
Cash and cash equivalents consist of:
Canadian $ millions, as at
Cash equivalents
Cash held in banks
2019
December 31
2018
December 31
$
$
15.8 $
150.3
166.1 $
41.4
165.5
206.9
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 and Cuba that are not rated. The total cash held in Madagascan and Cuban bank deposit
accounts was $0.2 million and $85.3 million, respectively, as at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 – $0.3 million and
$79.1 million, respectively).
As at December 31, 2019, $79.8 million of the Corporation’s cash and cash equivalents was held by Energas (December 31,
2018 – $68.2 million). These funds are for use locally by the joint operation and will be transferred to the Corporation upon
foreign exchange approval.
106Sherritt International Corporation
The Corporation’s cash equivalents consist of Government of Canada treasury bills, term deposits with maturities of 90 days or
less and demand deposits redeemable upon 31 days request. The term deposits and demand deposits are with major financial
institutions. As at December 31, 2019, the Corporation had nil Government of Canada treasury bills, nil term deposits and $15.8
million in demand deposits (December 31, 2018 - $25.9 million, nil and $15.5 million, respectively) included in cash and cash
equivalents and nil Government of Canada treasury bills included in short-term investments (December 31, 2018 - $0.1 million).
Fair value measurement
As at December 31, 2019, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents; short-term investments; restricted cash; trade
accounts receivable, net, and unbilled revenue; current portion of advances, loans receivable and other financial assets; current
portion of loans and borrowings; current portion of other financial liabilities; and 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 non-current financial assets and liabilities approximate their
carrying amount except as indicated in the below 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 following table presents financial instruments with carrying amounts different from their fair values(1):
Canadian $ millions, as at
Liabilities:
8.00% senior unsecured debentures due 2021(2)
7.50% senior unsecured debentures due 2023(2)
7.875% senior unsecured debentures due 2025(2)
Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans(3)
Assets:
Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable(4)
Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable -
post-financial completion(4)
Note
16
16
16
16
3, 13
3, 13
2019
December 31
Hierarchy
level
Carrying
value
Fair
value
Carrying
value
2018
December 31
Fair
value
1 $
1
1
3
3
3
164.4 $
187.8
201.9
151.5
61.0
41.3
74.6 $
57.4
66.2
18.6
61.0
41.3
162.1 $
185.8
199.6
150.2
158.2
71.2
127.2
132.5
136.8
65.4
134.7
69.4
(1)
The carrying values are net of financing costs and the fair values exclude financing costs.
(2)
The fair values of the senior unsecured debentures are based on market closing prices.
(3)
The fair value of the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans is calculated by discounting future cash flows using rates that are based on market rates adjusted for the
borrowers’ credit quality for instruments with similar maturity horizons.
(4) As at December 31, 2019, the fair value of the Ambatovy subordinated loans receivable and the Ambatovy subordinated loans receivable - post-financial completion are
calculated based on their pro-rata value of the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans as a result of the Transaction (note 3). In the comparative period, the fair values of
the Ambatovy subordinated loans receivable and Ambatovy subordinated loans receivable - post-financial completion were calculated by discounting future cash flows
using rates that are based on market rates adjusted for the borrowers’ credit quality.
The following table presents financial instruments, measured at fair value through profit or loss and fair value through other
comprehensive income (loss), on a recurring basis:
Canadian $ millions, as at
Fair value through profit or loss
Assets:
Ambatovy Joint Venture operator fee receivable(1)
Liabilities:
Cobalt-linked warrant liability(1)(2)
Fair value through other comprehensive income (loss)
Cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Hierarchy
2019
2018
level
December 31
December 31
3 $
12.7 $
1
1
1
0.7
15.8
-
8.6
2.8
41.4
0.1
(1) Changes in fair value are recognized within other financing items within net finance expense (note 9).
(2)
The cobalt-linked warrants are measured at fair value using the closing market price as at each reporting date. As at December 31, 2019, the closing price of the cobalt-
linked warrants was $0.015 per warrant (December 31, 2018 - $0.06 per warrant).
Sherritt International Corporation 107
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
The following is a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balance for the Ambatovy Joint Venture operator fee receivable
included in Level 3:
Canadian $ millions
Balance, beginning of the year
Additions
Revaluation included within revaluation of financial assets measured at fair value
through profit or loss within net finance expense(1)
Effect of movements in exchange rates
Balance, end of the year
For the
For the
year ended
year ended
December 31
December 31
2019
8.6 $
1.5
3.0
(0.4)
12.7 $
$
$
2018
9.7
2.0
(3.9)
0.8
8.6
(1)
The fair value of the Ambatovy Joint Venture operator fee receivable is calculated by discounting future cash flows using a rate that is based on a market rate adjusted for
the borrowers’ credit quality.
Trade accounts receivable, net, and unbilled revenue
Trade accounts receivable, net, and unbilled revenue consist of:
Canadian $ millions, as at
Trade accounts receivable, net
Unbilled revenue
Aging of trade accounts receivable, net
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
Trade accounts receivable, net
Canadian $ millions, as at
Trade accounts receivable
Allowance for expected credit losses
Accounts receivable from joint operations
Accounts receivable from joint venture
Accounts receivable from associate
Other
108Sherritt International Corporation
2019
December 31
2018
December 31
154.9 $
-
154.9 $
226.9
0.6
227.5
2019
2018
December 31
December 31
125.7 $
7.9
0.8
20.5
154.9 $
171.4
9.0
1.0
45.5
226.9
2019
December 31
2018
December 31
128.4 $
(19.1)
0.1
15.8
11.8
17.9
154.9 $
192.5
(17.9)
0.1
16.4
10.2
25.6
226.9
$
$
$
$
$
$
Allowance for expected credit losses
Financial assets measured at amortized cost are presented net of their ACL within the consolidated statements of financial
position.
Canadian $ millions
Lifetime expected credit losses
Trade accounts receivable, net
Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable(1)(2)
Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable -
post-financial completion(2)
Moa Joint Venture expansion loans receivable (3)
For the year ended December 31, 2019
As at
2018
December 31
Revaluation
(notes 3 and
9)
Debt-to-equity
conversion
(note 13)
Foreign
exchange and
other non-
cash items
As at
2019
December 31
$
(17.9) $
(44.9)
(2.2) $
(105.3)
- $
76.8
1.0 $
2.2
-
-
(33.2)
(6.8)
-
-
-
-
(19.1)
(71.2)
(33.2)
(6.8)
(1)
(2)
(3)
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Ambatovy Joint Venture converted US$484.7 million of its subordinated loans payable to equity (note 8) which, at the
Corporation’s 12% share, resulted in a US$58.2 million ($76.8 million) decrease in the Corporation’s subordinated loans receivable and corresponding decrease in the
Corporation’s ACL.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation’s probability weighted ECL scenarios for the loans receivables from the Ambatovy Joint Venture include the
impact of the Transaction (note 3). The net carrying value of these assets, including their ACLs, are fairly consistent with their pro-rata value of the principal amount and
accrued interest of the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the ECL stage of the Moa Joint Venture expansion loans receivable was reassessed from stage 1 to stage 2, indicating that the
credit risk of the loan had increased significantly subsequent to origination but is not considered to be in default. The Corporation has considered a combination of factors
that are expected to adversely impact the borrower’s ability to meet its debt obligation, which include past and potential future interest suspensions as well as potential
changes to loan documentation. The ACL revaluation reflects the probability-weighted impact that the present value of these factors could have on the net carrying value
of these loans.
Canadian $ millions
January 1
Revaluation
As at
2018
Debt-to-equity
conversion
Foreign
exchange and
other non-cash
items
As at
2018
December 31
Lifetime expected credit losses
Trade accounts receivable, net
Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable
$
(16.3) $
(50.4)
(1.9) $
(47.4)
- $
55.6
0.3 $
(2.7)
(17.9)
(44.9)
For the year ended December 31, 2018
13. ADVANCES, LOANS RECEIVABLE AND OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS
Canadian $ millions, as at
Advances and loans receivable
Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable(1)
Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable - post-financial completion(1)
Ambatovy Joint Venture operator fee receivable
Energas conditional sales agreement(1)
Moa Joint Venture expansion loans receivable(1)
Other financial assets
Current portion of advances, loans receivable and other financial assets
Note
2019
December 31
2018
December 31
3, 12 $
3, 12
12
$
$
61.0
41.3
12.7
228.4
252.2
5.4
601.0
(13.0)
588.0
$
158.2
71.2
8.6
221.1
269.2
16.8
745.1
(24.6)
720.5
(1) As at December 31, 2019, the non-current portions of the Ambatovy subordinated loans receivable, Ambatovy subordinated loans receivable – post-financial completion,
Energas conditional sales agreement and the Moa Joint Venture expansion loans receivable are $61.0 million, $41.3 million, $216.0 million and $252.2 million, respectively
(December 31, 2018 – $158.2 million, $71.2 million, $212.5 million and $269.2 million, respectively).
Sherritt International Corporation 109
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
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 6.0%. Repayments of principal or interest will not be made
prior to certain conditions of the Ambatovy Joint Venture financing agreements being satisfied. Unpaid interest is accrued
monthly and capitalized to the principal balance semi-annually. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Ambatovy Joint
Venture converted US$484.7 million of its subordinated loans payable to equity (note 8) which, at the Corporation’s 12% share,
resulted in a US$58.2 million ($76.8 million) decrease in the Corporation’s subordinated loans receivable. During the year ended
December 31, 2018, the Ambatovy Joint Venture converted US$355.0 million of its subordinated loans payable to equity (note
8) which, at the Corporation’s 12% share, resulted in a US$42.6 million ($55.6 million) decrease in the Corporation’s subordinated
loans receivable. There was no change to the Corporation’s ownership interest as a result of the conversions.
The Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable decreased by $50.4 million on January 1, 2018 upon initial
application of IFRS 9. As at December 31, 2019, the Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable is presented net of
an ACL of $71.2 million within the consolidated statements of financial position (December 31, 2018 - $44.9 million) (notes 3
and 12).
Ambatovy subordinated loans receivable – post-financial completion
The Ambatovy subordinated loans receivable – post-financial completion is comprised of funding from the Corporation to the
Ambatovy Joint Venture as part of the Ambatovy Joint Venture restructuring. The facility bears interest at rates from six-month
LIBOR plus 4.5% to six-month LIBOR plus 8.0%. 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, 2019, no post-financial completion cash funding was
provided to the Ambatovy Joint Venture (US$9.6 million ($12.2 million) for the year ended December 31, 2018). As at December
31, 2019, the Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable – post-financial completion is presented net of an ACL of
$33.2 million within the consolidated statements of financial position (December 31, 2018 - nil) (notes 3 and 12).
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 8.0%. 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 33⅓%
proportionately consolidated intercompany balances.
Moa Joint Venture expansion loans receivable
The Moa Joint Venture expansion loans receivable is a funding agreement entered into by the Corporation in prior years to
finance expansion. This loans receivable has a fixed interest rate of 6.5%. In June 2015, the maturity date of this agreement
was extended to December 31, 2026. Repayments are to be made from available distributable cash flows from the Moa Joint
Venture. During the year ended December 31, 2017, interest was suspended for two years on the expansion loans, which
resulted in a modification and decrease to the Moa Joint Venture expansion loans receivable of $32.4 million. The interest
suspension was an equity contribution to the joint venture and is accreted using the effective interest rate method in financing
income. During the year ended December 31, 2019, interest was suspended for an additional 10 months on the expansion
loans, which resulted in a decrease to the Moa Joint Venture expansion loans receivable of $14.3 million. During the year ended
December 31, 2019, the Moa Joint Venture expansion loans receivable increased $17.0 million due to accretion ($16.1 million
for the year ended December 31, 2018). As at December 31, 2019, the Moa Joint Venture expansion loans receivable is
presented net of an ACL of $6.8 million within the consolidated statements of financial position (December 31, 2018 - nil) (note
12). Subsequent to December 31, 2019, the accrual of interest will resume.
Moa Joint Venture working capital facility
The Moa Joint Venture working capital facility is a working capital facility for use by the Moa Joint Venture. In January 2018, the
maturity of the Moa Joint Venture working capital facility was extended to January 30, 2019 and the maximum credit available
was increased from $38.6 million to $45.0 million. The interest rates were prime plus 3.50% or bankers’ acceptance plus 4.50%.
110Sherritt International Corporation
On December 21, 2018, the maturity of the Moa Joint Venture working capital facility was extended to April 30, 2020 and the
maximum credit available remains at $45.0 million. The interest rates decreased to prime plus 3.00% or bankers’ acceptance
plus 4.00%. As at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, no amounts were drawn on the facility.
Other financial assets
As at December 31, 2019, included in other financial assets is $5.1 million related to finance lease receivables recognized on
adoption of IFRS 16 (notes 4 and 23) (December 31, 2018 - nil). As at December 31, 2018, included in other financial assets is
$16.0 million related to an insurance claim reimbursement related to the Corporation’s previous Coal operations that was
received during the year ended December 31, 2019 (note 17).
14. INVENTORIES
Accounting policies
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.
Supporting information
Canadian $ millions, as at
Raw materials
Materials in process
Finished products
Spare parts and operating materials
2019
2018
December 31
December 31
$
$
- $
-
10.8
10.8
24.5
35.3 $
0.1
0.1
6.3
6.5
27.1
33.6
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the cost of inventories included in cost of sales was $53.1 million ($58.7 million for the
year ended December 31, 2018).
15. NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS
Accounting policies
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.
Plant 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.
Sherritt International Corporation 111
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
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
Right-of-use assets – Plant and equipment
5 to 40 years
3 to 50 years
3 to 35 years
3 to 35 years
not depreciated during development period
The Corporation recognizes a right-of-use asset if a contract is or contains a lease based on the definition of a lease. Right-of-
use assets – plant and equipment include the underlying assets in leases for office space; machinery and equipment; and
computer and telecommunications hardware. The Corporation’s accounting policy for leases in accordance with IFRS 16 is
described in note 23.
Oil and Gas properties
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.
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.
112Sherritt International Corporation
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.
Service 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
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 estimated
reserves, 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.
Sherritt International Corporation 113
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
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).
Impairment of 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.
Critical accounting estimates
Property, plant and equipment
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 unit-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.
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 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.
114Sherritt International Corporation
Critical accounting judgments
Exploration and evaluation
Management must make judgments 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 judgments as to future events and circumstances, in particular whether an economically viable
operation can be established. Any such judgments 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).
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.
Commercial viability
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.
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.
Impairment of non-financial assets
The Corporation assesses the carrying amount of non-financial assets including 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.
Sherritt International Corporation 115
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
Supporting information
Property, plant and equipment
Canadian $ millions, for the year ended December 31
Cost
Balance, beginning of the year
Reclassified from plant, equipment and land to right-of-use assets - plant,
equipment and land(1)
Additions
Additions and changes in estimates to environmental rehabilitation
provisions
Disposals and derecognition
Effect of movements in exchange rates
Reclassified from assets held for sale
Balance, end of the year
Depletion, depreciation and impairment losses
Balance, beginning of the year
Reclassified from plant, equipment and land to right-of-use assets - plant,
equipment and land(1)
Depletion and depreciation
Impairments
Disposals and derecognition
Effect of movements in exchange rates
Reclassified from assets held for sale
Balance, end of the year
Net book value
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
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
Balance, end of the year
Net book value
Right-of-use
Plant,
assets - Plant,
2019
Oil and Gas
equipment
equipment
properties
and land
and land
Total
$
192.3 $
692.4 $
- $
884.7
-
8.1
(12.7)
(14.2)
(8.8)
-
164.7 $
(1.4)
4.4
10.2
(8.0)
(19.4)
4.0
682.2 $
1.4
11.3
-
-
0.6
-
13.3 $
-
23.8
(2.5)
(22.2)
(27.6)
4.0
860.2
180.7 $
476.1 $
- $
656.8
-
(0.2)
0.2
1.1
-
(7.9)
(9.5)
-
164.4 $
0.3 $
23.7
2.3
(5.0)
(16.1)
3.1
483.9 $
198.3 $
3.1
-
-
-
-
3.3 $
10.0 $
$
$
$
$
-
27.9
2.3
(12.9)
(25.6)
3.1
651.6
208.6
2018
Oil and Gas
equipment
Plant,
properties
and land
Total
$
$
$
$
$
176.0 $
1.0
6.0
-
9.3
192.3 $
169.5 $
2.5
-
-
8.7
180.7 $
11.6 $
654.5 $
23.3
3.1
(21.2)
32.7
692.4 $
432.5 $
23.8
2.3
(9.5)
27.0
476.1 $
216.3 $
830.5
24.3
9.1
(21.2)
42.0
884.7
602.0
26.3
2.3
(9.5)
35.7
656.8
227.9
(1)
The reclassification from plant, equipment and land to right-of-use assets - plant, equipment and land relates to the initial application of IFRS 16 (note 4).
Extension of the Puerto Escondido/Yumuri production-sharing contract
In January 2018, a three-year extension of the Puerto Escondido/Yumuri production-sharing contract to March 2021 was
executed with an agency of the Government of Cuba. As a result, the useful life of property, plant and equipment related to the
Puerto Escondido/Yumuri production-sharing contract was extended from March 2018 to March 2021 and the environmental
rehabilitation provision was reclassified from current to non-current.
116Sherritt International Corporation
Canadian $ millions
Assets under construction, included in above
As at December 31, 2019
As at December 31, 2018
Intangible assets
Canadian $ millions, for the year ended December 31
Cost
Balance, beginning of the year
Additions through internal development
Effects of movements in exchange rates
Balance, end of the year
Amortization and impairment losses
Balance, beginning of the year
Amortization
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
Effect of movements in exchange rates
Balance, end of the year
Amortization
Balance, beginning of the year
Amortization
Effect of movements in exchange rates
Balance, end of the year
Net book value
Exploration and evaluation
Plant,
equipment
and land
$
9.6
11.0
2019
Contractual
Exploration
concession
arrange-
and
arrange-
Service
ments
Evaluation
ments
Other
Total
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
27.0 $
-
-
27.0 $
82.0 $
29.7
(4.0)
107.7 $
236.8 $
-
(11.1)
225.7 $
25.4 $
0.5
-
-
25.9 $
1.1 $
12.3 $
-
-
-
12.3 $
95.4 $
147.6 $
20.4
20.3
(7.7)
180.6 $
45.1 $
Service
Contractual
Exploration
concession
arrange-
and
ments
Evaluation
arrange-
ments
27.0 $
-
-
27.0 $
25.1 $
0.3
-
25.4 $
1.6 $
52.3 $
25.1
4.6
82.0 $
218.2 $
-
18.6
236.8 $
12.3 $
-
-
12.3 $
69.7 $
117.2 $
19.5
10.9
147.6 $
89.2 $
9.1 $
-
-
9.1 $
9.1 $
-
-
-
9.1 $
- $
354.9
29.7
(15.1)
369.5
194.4
20.9
20.3
(7.7)
227.9
141.6
2018
Other
Total
9.1 $
-
-
9.1 $
9.1 $
-
-
9.1 $
- $
306.6
25.1
23.2
354.9
163.7
19.8
10.9
194.4
160.5
Exploration and evaluation assets include three production-sharing contracts (PSCs) with the Government of Cuba, respectively
referred to as Block 6A, Block 8A and Block 10. The three PSCs have terms of 25 years. Exploration and evaluation assets
include capitalized expenditures on these three blocks, and primarily consist of exploration drilling performed on Block 10.
Service concession arrangements
Service concession arrangements include the Puerto Escondido/Yumuri pipeline and the Energas Boca de Jaruco power
generation facility.
Sherritt International Corporation 117
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recognized an impairment of $20.3 million on the Boca de Jaruco
power generation facility, a cash-generating unit in the Power segment, as a result of a forecasted decline in gas supply. The
impairment was determined by calculating the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit based on value in use using the
present value of expected future cash flows. A discount rate of 7.2% was used to discount cash flows in the valuation model
and the recoverable amount was calculated to be $48.1 million. Key assumptions in the valuation model included operating
cash flows, capital expenditures, available gas supply and discount rate.
16. LOANS, BORROWINGS AND OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Loans and borrowings
Canadian $ millions
8.00% senior unsecured debentures due 2021(1)
7.50% senior unsecured debentures due 2023(1)
7.875% senior unsecured debentures due 2025(1)
Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans(2)
Syndicated revolving-term credit facility
Current portion of loans and borrowings
For the year ended December 31,
2019
Non-cash changes
As at
2018
Note
December 31
Effect of
movement in
exchange
rates
As at
2019
Other
December 31
12 $
12
12
12
$
$
162.1 $
185.8
199.6
150.2
8.0
705.7 $
(8.0)
697.7
- $
-
-
(7.0)
-
(7.0) $
2.3 $
2.0
2.3
8.3
-
14.9 $
$
164.4
187.8
201.9
151.5
8.0
713.6
(159.5)
554.1
(1) As at December 31, 2019, the outstanding principal amounts of the 8.00% senior unsecured debentures due 2021, 7.50% senior unsecured debentures due 2023 and
7.875% senior unsecured debentures due 2025 are $169.6 million, $197.8 million and $220.7 million, respectively. Other non-cash changes consists of accretion.
(2) As at December 31, 2019, the outstanding principal amount of the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans is $142.5 million, including accrued interest. Other non-cash
changes on the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans consists of accretion, accrued interest and a revaluation loss of $2.5 million (note 9). Accrued and unpaid interest
on these loans is capitalized to the loan balance semi-annually in June and December.
For the year ended December 31, 2018
Cash flows
Non-cash changes
Canadian $ millions
December 31
Repurchase
As at
2017
Effect of
movement in
exchange
rates
As at
2018
Other
December 31
8.00% senior unsecured debentures due 2021
7.50% senior unsecured debentures due 2023
7.875% senior unsecured debentures due 2025
Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans
Syndicated revolving-term credit facility
Current portion of loans and borrowings
Senior unsecured debentures
$
$
$
213.2 $
240.7
234.4
127.8
8.0
824.1 $
(8.0)
816.1
(47.9) $
(46.9)
(25.5)
-
-
(120.3) $
- $
-
-
11.3
-
11.3 $
(3.2) $
(8.0)
(9.3)
11.1
-
(9.4) $
$
162.1
185.8
199.6
150.2
8.0
705.7
(8.0)
697.7
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Corporation repurchased $131.9 million total principal amount of the senior
unsecured debentures at a total cost of $120.3 million. A gain on repurchase of debentures of $2.3 million, net of $9.4 million
related to deferred financing costs and the impact of the adoption of IFRS 9, was recognized during the year ended December
31, 2018. The gain was recognized within net finance expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss)
(note 9). The Corporation also paid accrued interest of $3.2 million on these repurchased debentures during the year ended
December 31, 2018.
Transaction costs for the repurchase of the senior unsecured debentures totalled $1.3 million for the year ended December 31,
2018, of which $1.3 million were paid during the year ended December 31, 2018.
118Sherritt International Corporation
Under the Corporation’s indenture agreement, the Corporation is subject to restrictions, often referred to as “baskets”, which limit
the incurrence of indebtedness and the ability to make certain distributions, unless certain financial ratios are met. If earnings
before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”)-to-interest expense, both as defined in the agreement, is above
2:1, debt can be incurred without the use of a basket and an additional basket for restricted payments becomes available.
Similarly, if indebtedness-to-EBITDA is below 3:1, distributions and other restricted payments are no longer limited.
Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans
In 2008, the Ambatovy Joint Venture partners finalized agreements to provide Sherritt with loans to be used to fund Sherritt’s
contributions for the project.
As at December 31, 2019, the Corporation is a defaulting shareholder of the Ambatovy Joint Venture (note 8), which results in
the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans also being in default and being classified as current liabilities. Despite being in default
on the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans, the Ambatovy Joint Venture partners’ current recourse against the Corporation is
limited to the Corporation’s ownership interest in, and future distributions to be paid by, the Ambatovy Joint Venture. These loans
accrue interest at six-month LIBOR plus 1.125%. Given the limited recourse nature of these loans, the Corporation will not make
cash payments on these loans prior to their 2023 maturity date. At maturity, Sherritt can elect to: (i) repay the loans in cash, (ii)
repay the loans in shares or a combination of cash and shares at 105% of the amount then due, or (iii) repay in 10 equal semi-
annual principal installments (plus interest) commencing in December 2024, at an interest rate of LIBOR + 5% applied from the
original August 2023 maturity date.
The default of the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans would have also resulted in an event of default on the syndicated
revolving-term credit facility; however, this potential default of the credit facility was waived prior to its occurrence through to the
maturity of the credit facility on April 30, 2020.
The principal amount outstanding of the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans as at December 31, 2019 was $142.5 million,
including accrued interest (December 31, 2018 - $144.0 million). The Corporation’s ability to draw additional amounts on the
facility expired on August 22, 2014.
Syndicated revolving-term credit facility
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the maturity of the syndicated revolving-term credit facility was extended to April 30,
2020 and the maximum credit available increased to $70.0 million. The total available draw is based on eligible receivables and
inventories, which are pledged as collateral. Certain cash held in banks in Canada is also pledged as collateral. The interest
rates decreased to prime plus 3.00% or bankers’ acceptance plus 4.00%.
The facility is subject to the following financial covenants and restrictions as of December 31, 2019:
EBITDA, as defined in the agreement, equal to or greater than $70.0 million, a decrease from $100.0 million as at
December 31, 2018;
EBITDA-to-interest expense covenant of not less than 1.35:1, a decrease from 1.75:1 as at December 31, 2018;
Limits on capital expenditures and funding of the Moa Joint Venture and Ambatovy Joint Venture, which remained
unchanged during the year; and
Minimum cash covenant balance, as defined in the agreement, of $70.0 million, less undrawn credit, a decrease from
$100.0 million, less undrawn credit, as at December 31, 2018. This amount is comprised of cash and cash equivalents
and short-term investments of the Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries held in Canada. The required
minimum cash covenant balance as at December 31, 2019 is calculated to be $53.3 million (December 31, 2018 -
$84.9 million).
As at December 31, 2019, the Corporation has $45.3 million of letters of credit outstanding pursuant to this facility (December
31, 2018 - $46.9 million). As at December 31, 2019, $8.0 million has been drawn on this facility (December 31, 2018 - $8.0
million).
Covenants
As at December 31, 2019, there are no events of default on the Corporation’s debentures or syndicated revolving-term credit
facility. The Corporation did not meet the financial ratios required to remove limitations on the incurrence of debt or certain
distributions under the senior unsecured debentures indenture agreement.
Sherritt International Corporation 119
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
Other financial liabilities
Canadian $ millions, as at
Lease liabilities
Cobalt-linked warrant liability
Share-based compensation liability
Other financial liabilities
Current portion of other financial liabilities
Lease liabilities
2019
2018
December 31
December 31
$
$
14.8 $
0.7
2.2
5.1
22.8
(9.3)
13.5 $
For the year ended December 31, 2019
Cash flows
Non-cash changes
0.8
2.8
5.7
3.8
13.1
(7.4)
5.7
As at
2019
Canadian $ millions
Lease liabilities
As at
2018
December 31
Principal
repayments
(note 23)
Interest paid
(notes 20 and
23)
Effect of
movement in
exchange
rates
Other(1)
December 31
$
0.8 $
(3.3) $
(1.0) $
- $
18.3 $
14.8
(1) Other non-cash changes consists of the effect of initial application of IFRS 16 on January 1, 2019 (note 4), initial recognition of lease liabilities during the year and interest
expense.
Cobalt-linked warrant liability
In January 2018, the Corporation issued 47.2 million cobalt-linked warrants as part of a unit offering that also included common
shares (note 18). The cobalt-linked warrants have an exercise price of $1.95 for a period of 36 months, effective January 25,
2018, and are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. As at December 31, 2019, 47.2 million cobalt-linked warrants related to
the 2018 unit offering were outstanding (December 31, 2018 - 47.2 million).
17. PROVISIONS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES
Accounting policies
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.
120Sherritt International Corporation
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.
Critical accounting estimates
The Corporation’s environmental rehabilitation provisions are subject to environmental regulations in Canada, Cuba 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.
Supporting information
Canadian $ millions, as at
Environmental rehabilitation provisions
Other provisions
Current portion of provisions
2019
2018
December 31
December 31
$
$
97.9 $
6.5
104.4
(5.0)
99.4 $
107.7
9.5
117.2
(8.6)
108.6
Sherritt International Corporation 121
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
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.
The following is a reconciliation of the environmental rehabilitation provisions:
Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31
Note
2019
2018
Balance, beginning of the year
Change in estimates
Gain on settlement of environmental rehabilitation provision
Accretion
Effect of movement in exchange rates
Balance, end of the year
$
9
$
107.7 $
(2.5)
(0.7)
0.3
(6.9)
97.9 $
95.3
9.1
-
0.7
2.6
107.7
The Corporation has estimated that it will require approximately $138.8 million in undiscounted cash flows to settle these
obligations. The payments are expected to be funded by cash generated from operations. Discount rates from 0.97% to 7.09%
were applied to expected future cash flows to determine the carrying value of the environmental rehabilitation provisions.
Other provisions
The following is a reconciliation of other provisions:
Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31
Balance, beginning of the year
Change in estimates
Reclassified to trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Utilized during the year
Balance, end of the year
2019
2018
9.5 $
3.6
-
(6.6)
6.5 $
15.0
-
(0.3)
(5.2)
9.5
$
$
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recognized $9.4 million in cash provided by discontinued operations in
the consolidated statements of cash flow, which represents an insurance claim reimbursement net of cash paid to settle
obligations retained by the Corporation after the disposition of the Coal operations in 2014 ($8.5 million in cash used by
discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2018). In December 2018, the Corporation recognized $16.0 million
in income within earnings (loss) from discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss)
related to this insurance claim reimbursement. The corresponding receivable was included within other financial assets in the
consolidated statements of financial position in the comparative period. The Corporation received the insurance claim
reimbursement in January 2019.
Contingencies
A number of the Corporation’s subsidiaries have operations located in Cuba. The Corporation will continue to be affected by the
difficult political relationship between the United States and Cuba. The incumbent U.S. administration has announced that it will
no longer suspend the right of claimants to bring lawsuits under Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, effective May 2, 2019. The
Corporation has received letters in the past from U.S. nationals claiming ownership of certain Cuban properties or rights in which
the Corporation has an indirect interest, and explicitly or implicitly threatening litigation. However, 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. The Corporation believes it unlikely that a court in any country in which Sherritt has material assets
would enforce a Helms-Burton Act judgment.
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.
122Sherritt International Corporation
18. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Capital stock
In January 2018, the Corporation completed a unit offering and issued units consisting of 94.5 million common shares and 47.2
million cobalt-linked warrants (note 16) at $1.40 per unit for gross proceeds of $132.3 million. The value of the common shares
was determined to be $1.23 per common share which totaled $116.2 million after measuring the fair value of the cobalt-linked
warrants. Transaction costs of $7.2 million were allocated to the common shares based on the relative fair values of the common
shares and cobalt-linked warrants and were deducted from equity, resulting in a net increase to equity of $109.0 million.
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
Number
2019
Capital stock
Number
Capital stock
2018
Balance, beginning of the year
Equity issuance, net of transaction costs - 2018 unit offering
Stock options exercised
Warrants exercised - 2016 debenture extension
Balance, end of the year
397,281,686
-
-
1,099
397,282,785
$
$
2,894.9
-
-
-
2,894.9
301,758,665 $
94,464,400
193,800
864,821
397,281,686 $
2,784.6
109.0
0.2
1.1
2,894.9
During the year ended December 31, 2016, 19.1 million warrants were granted to Noteholders of the senior unsecured
debentures that elected to extend the maturity dates with a fair value of $0.43 per warrant which totaled $8.2 million. As at
December 31, 2019, 10.4 million warrants related to the 2016 debenture extension were outstanding (December 31, 2018 –
10.4 million).
Reserves
Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31
Stated capital reserve
Balance, beginning of the year
Warrants exercised - 2016 debenture extension
Balance, end of the year
Share-based compensation reserve(1)
Balance, beginning of the year
Stock options exercised
Stock option plan expense
Balance, end of the year
Total reserves, end of the year
2019
2018
$
222.2 $
-
222.2
11.2 $
-
0.3
11.5
233.7 $
$
$
222.6
(0.4)
222.2
10.3
(0.1)
1.0
11.2
233.4
(1) Share-based compensation reserve relates to equity-settled compensation plans issued by the Corporation to its directors, officers and employees.
Accumulated 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 on pension plans
Balance, beginning of the year
Actuarial losses on pension plans, net of tax
Balance, end of the year
Total accumulated other comprehensive income
2019
2018
541.8 $
(40.9)
500.9
470.9
70.9
541.8
(4.6)
(0.5)
(5.1)
495.8 $
(4.4)
(0.2)
(4.6)
537.2
$
$
Sherritt International Corporation 123
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
19. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
Accounting policies
The Corporation operates cash-settled and equity-settled share-based compensation plans under which it makes cash payments
based on the value of the underlying equity instrument of the Corporation, or issues equity instruments of the Corporation, to
directors, officers and employees in exchange for services.
The Corporation’s cash-settled share plans, including stock options with tandem stock appreciation rights (“Options with Tandem
SARs”), Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”), Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) 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 subsequently re-measured each reporting date based on the market value of the
Corporation’s shares and 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.
The 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 the PSU liability 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. If the Corporation’s share price or the expected achievement of the performance
requirements changes between reporting dates then the fair value of the PSU liability is adjusted and an offsetting expense or
recovery is recognized in the statement of comprehensive income (loss). 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.
The Corporation has one equity-settled compensation plan that is comprised of its stock option plan. Stock option obligations
are settled by the issuance of shares from treasury. The fair value of grants issued under the stock option 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 stock option plan is recognized as an
expense over the expected vesting period with a corresponding entry to shareholders’ equity.
124Sherritt International Corporation
Supporting information
Cash-settled share-based compensation plans
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. RSUs are issued subject to vesting conditions, including performance criteria, if any, which are set by the Human
Resources Committee of the Board of Directors (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 based on the Corporation’s total shareholder return relative to a benchmark index comprised of mining
and oil and gas companies. The number of RSUs subject to a performance condition based solely on the Corporation’s relative
total shareholder return outstanding at December 31, 2019 was nil (December 31, 2018 – 10,044,510).
Beginning in 2017, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved the grant of RSUs to certain employees with a 3-year vesting
period with no performance conditions. The number of RSUs subject to no performance conditions outstanding at December
31, 2019 was 12,469,485 (December 31, 2018 – 4,896,136).
Performance Share Units (PSUs)
Beginning in 2017, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved the grant of PSUs to certain employees. The PSUs represent
a right to receive a cash amount payable by the Corporation to a participant at the end of the vesting period determined by
reference to the market price of the common shares multiplied by the number of PSUs held by the participant as adjusted for
dividend equivalents credited, if any. A liability is accrued related to the units awarded and a compensation expense is
recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) over the 3-year service period required for employees
to become fully entitled to the award. The PSUs are issued subject to vesting conditions, including performance conditions,
which are set by the Human Resources Committee. The vesting of PSUs will be subject to the achievement of two equally-
weighted performance conditions measured over the 3-year vesting period: (i) the Corporation’s total shareholder return relative
to benchmark indices comprised of mining and oil and gas companies (a market condition); and (ii) unit cost of production
compared to budget (a non-market condition). The value of PSUs that vest will vary from 0% to 200% based on the achievement
of the market and non-market performance conditions. The number of PSUs subject to these performance conditions
outstanding at December 31, 2019 was 14,567,709 (December 31, 2018 – 6,994,360).
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.
Sherritt International Corporation 125
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
A summary of the RSU, PSU and DSU units outstanding as at December 31, 2019 and 2018 and changes during the year ended
is as follows:
For the year ended December 31
Outstanding, beginning of the year
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Outstanding, end of the year
Units exercisable, end of the year
For the year ended December 31
Outstanding, beginning of the year
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Outstanding, end of the year
Units exercisable, end of the year
RSU
PSU
2019
DSU
14,940,646
8,006,947
(8,035,608)
(2,442,500)
12,469,485
n/a
6,994,360
8,006,947
-
(433,598)
14,567,709
n/a
2,029,748
1,622,917
(601,336)
-
3,051,329
3,051,329
RSU
PSU
2018
DSU
16,091,772
2,687,978
(2,604,303)
(1,234,801)
14,940,646
n/a
3,761,449
3,559,578
-
(326,667)
6,994,360
n/a
2,302,539
565,689
(838,480)
-
2,029,748
2,029,748
For cash-settled share-based compensation plans, the Corporation recorded a compensation expense of $0.3 million for the
year ended December 31, 2019 (compensation recovery of $12.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018). The carrying
amount of liabilities associated with cash-settled share-based compensation plans is $2.2 million as at December 31, 2019
(December 31, 2018 - $5.7 million).
Measurement of fair values at grant date
The fair value of the RSUs, PSUs and DSUs are determined by reference to the market value and performance conditions, as
applicable, of the shares at the time of grant. The following summarizes the weighted-average grant date fair values for the RSU,
PSU and DSU units granted during the period:
Canadian $, for the years ended December 31
RSU
PSU
DSU
2019
2018
$
0.49 $
0.49
0.32
1.18
1.20
1.06
The intrinsic value of cash-settled share-based compensation awards vested and outstanding as at December 31, 2019 was
$2.7 million (December 31, 2018 - $5.4 million).
Equity-settled stock option plan 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 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.
126Sherritt International Corporation
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 1,658,985 at December 31, 2019. 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 issued and are no longer available for issuance under the stock option
plan.
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
Exercised for shares
Forfeited
Expired
Outstanding, end of the year
Options exercisable, end of the year
2019
Weighted-
average
exercise
price
Number of
options
2.31
-
-
-
5.16
2.17
2.27
10,435,061 $
758,139
(193,800)
(802,181)
(300,000)
9,897,219 $
7,222,991 $
2018
Weighted-
average
exercise
price
2.77
1.25
0.68
3.63
13.20
2.31
2.80
Number of
options
9,897,219 $
-
-
-
(465,000)
9,432,219 $
8,569,533 $
The following table summarizes information on stock options outstanding and exercisable:
As at December 31
Range of exercise prices
$0.68 - $0.94
$0.95 - $1.68
$1.69 - $2.55
$2.56 - $5.15
$5.16 - $9.10
Total
Weighted-
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)
Weighted-
average
exercise
price
6.2 $
7.6
5.3
4.0
1.3
5.5 $
0.68
1.22
2.11
3.72
7.61
2.17
2019
Exercisable
weighted-
average
exercise
price
0.68
1.21
2.11
3.72
7.61
2.27
Number
exercisable
3,511,700 $
1,060,244
1,545,000
1,591,500
861,089
8,569,533 $
Number
outstanding
3,511,700
1,922,930
1,545,000
1,591,500
861,089
9,432,219
As at December 31, 2019, 310,389 options with tandem SARs (December 31, 2018 – 775,389) and 9,121,830 options without
tandem SARs (December 31, 2018 – 9,121,830) remained outstanding for which the Corporation has recognized a
compensation expense of $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 (compensation expense of $1.0 million for the
year ended December 31, 2018). The carrying amount of liabilities associated with stock options with tandem SARs is nil as at
December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 – nil).
Sherritt International Corporation 127
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
20. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Accounting policies
The Corporation presents the consolidated statements of cash flow using the indirect method. The Corporation presents interest
received and interest paid as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flow. Dividends paid are presented as
a financing activity, while distributions received are presented as an operating activity in the consolidated statements of cash
flow.
Supporting information
Net change in non-cash working capital includes the following:
Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31
Trade accounts receivable, net, and unbilled revenue
Inventories
Prepaid expenses
Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Deferred revenue
Interest received includes the following:
Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31
Interest received on finance lease receivables(1)
Interest received on the Energas conditional sales agreement
Interest received on the Moa Joint Venture working capital facility
Other interest received
2019
2018
65.8 $
(2.7)
(0.2)
(37.3)
(17.3)
8.3 $
76.1
0.7
0.2
(11.2)
7.5
73.3
2019
2018
0.3 $
2.9
-
2.5
5.7 $
-
-
0.9
3.2
4.1
$
$
$
$
(1)
In the comparative period, leases were accounted for under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 and lease receipts were recognized in net change in non-cash working capital (notes 4
and 23).
Interest paid includes the following:
Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31
Interest paid on lease liabilities(1)
Interest paid on senior unsecured debentures
Other interest paid
Note
2019
2018
16, 23 $
$
(1.0) $
(45.8)
(0.7)
(47.5) $
-
(49.4)
(1.5)
(50.9)
(1)
In the comparative period, leases were accounted for under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 and lease payments were recognized in net change in non-cash working capital (notes 4
and 23).
Other operating items includes the following:
Canadian $ millions, for the years ended December 31
Note
2019
2018
Add (deduct) non-cash items:
Accretion expense on environmental rehabilitation provisions
Share-based compensation expense (recovery)
Other items
Cash flows arising from changes in:
Other finance charges
Realized foreign exchange (loss) gain
9, 17 $
6
9
$
0.3 $
0.6
1.0
(1.9)
(1.0)
(1.0) $
0.7
(11.8)
3.7
(1.8)
0.1
(9.1)
128Sherritt International Corporation
21. FINANCIAL RISK AND CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Risk management policies and hedging activities
The Corporation is sensitive to changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange rates 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. The Corporation
discloses further information regarding credit risk and the material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt upon the
Corporation’s ability to continue as a going concern in note 2.1.
Cuba
The Corporation has credit risk exposure related to its share of cash, trade accounts receivable, net, and unbilled revenue and
advances and loans receivable 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, and unbilled revenue
Advances and loans receivable
Total
2019
2018
December 31
December 31
$
$
89.8 $
43.0
594.8
727.6 $
89.0
71.4
600.9
761.3
The table above reflects the Corporation’s maximum credit exposure to Cuban counterparties which may differ from balances in
the consolidated results due to accounting principles for subsidiaries and joint ventures.
Madagascar
The Corporation has credit risk exposure in Madagascar related to its share (12% basis) of net accounts receivable of $10.3
million (December 31, 2018 - $16.5 million) associated with the Ambatovy Joint Venture including value added tax (VAT)
receivables of $2.3 million (December 31, 2018 - $4.5 million) from the government of Madagascar.
The Corporation also has credit risk exposure in Madagascar related to its share of advances and loans receivable due from the
Ambatovy Joint Venture.
Allowance for expected credit losses
The Corporation uses a three-stage approach to measure an ACL, using an ECL approach as required under IFRS 9 for financial
assets measured at amortized cost as described in note 12.
Sherritt International Corporation 129
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
The following table presents the Corporation’s financial assets measured at amortized cost, the stage that they are in for ACL
measurement and the balance of the ACL as at December 31, 2019. The gross carrying value of the financial asset best
represents the maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date:
Canadian $ millions
Trade accounts receivable, net(2)
Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable(3)
Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable
- post-financial completion(3)
Energas conditional sales agreement(4)
Moa Joint Venture expansion loans receivable(5)
Other financial assets(2)
Note
ECL stage(1)
Gross
carrying value
ACL
Net
carrying value
12
13
13
13
13
13
n/a $
2
174.0 $
132.2
(19.1) $
(71.2)
2
2
2
1
74.5
228.4
259.0
5.4
(33.2)
-
(6.8)
-
154.9
61.0
41.3
228.4
252.2
5.4
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
The Corporation’s financial assets that are in stage 2 have experienced significant increases in credit risk since initial recognition. The Corporation’s assessment that a
significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition has occurred is based on a combination of factors that are expected to adversely impact the borrower’s ability to
meet its debt obligations, which include but are not limited to changes in: the business of the borrower, market and economic conditions, financial and regulatory
environment, loan documentation and past due information.
For trade accounts receivable, net, and finance lease receivables included in other financial assets, the Corporation has applied the simplified approach in IFRS 9 to
measure the ACL at lifetime ECL. The Corporation determines the ACL based on the past due status of the debtors, adjusted as appropriate to reflect current and estimated
future economic conditions.
For the Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable and Ambatovy Joint Venture subordinated loans receivable – post-financial completion, the Corporation
calculated probability-weighted scenarios of expected credit losses, these scenarios included the impact of the Transaction (note 3). In recognizing the impairment losses,
the net carrying values of these assets, including ACLs, are fairly consistent with their pro-rata value of the principal amount and accrued interest of the Ambatovy Joint
Venture partner loans.
For the Energas conditional sales agreement, contractual payments on this financial asset are more than 90 days past due. However, based on historical experience with
the borrower repaying similarly structured agreements with similar past due status and the Corporation’s current estimate of forecasted cash flows indicating full repayment
is expected to occur, this financial asset is in stage 2 with an ACL of nil.
For the Moa Joint Venture expansion loans receivable, the ECL stage was reassessed from stage 1 to stage 2 during the year ended December 31, 2019, indicating that
the credit risk of the loan had increased significantly subsequent to origination but is not considered to be in default. The Corporation has considered a combination of
factors that are expected to adversely impact the borrower’s ability to meet its debt obligation in order to conclude on a stage 2 ECL approach, which included past and
potential future interest suspensions as well as potential changes to loan documentation. The ACL reflects the probability-weighted impact that the present value of these
factors could have on the net carrying value of these loans.
Liquidity 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 non-current obligations
and to meet its capital commitments in a cost-effective manner.
The main factors that affect liquidity include realized sales prices, collection of receivables, production levels, cash production
costs, working capital requirements, capital expenditure requirements, scheduled repayments of non-current 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.
Based on management’s assessment of its financial position and liquidity profile as at December 31, 2019, the Corporation will
be able to satisfy its current and non-current obligations as they come due. The Corporation discloses further information
regarding liquidity risk and the material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt upon the Corporation’s ability to continue as
a going concern in note 2.1.
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.
130Sherritt International Corporation
Financial obligation maturity analysis
The Corporation’s significant contractual commitments, obligations, and interest and principal repayments in respect of its
financial liabilities and provisions are presented in the following table:
Canadian $ millions, as at December 31, 2019
Total
1 year
Falling
due within
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
4-5 years
5 years
Trade accounts payable and
accrued liabilities
Income taxes payable
Senior unsecured debentures(1)
Ambatovy Joint Venture
partner loans(2)
Syndicated revolving-term credit
facility
Provisions
Deferred income taxes
Lease liabilities
Other
Total
$
148.1 $
148.1 $
- $
- $
- $
- $
-
1.3
778.9
158.3
8.2
1.3
45.8
-
8.2
-
215.4
-
-
-
32.2
-
-
-
230.0
158.3
-
145.3
10.7
19.2
1.3
1,271.3 $
$
5.0
-
4.2
0.1
212.7 $
3.5
10.7
2.3
0.1
232.0 $
-
-
2.2
0.1
34.5 $
-
-
2.1
0.4
390.8 $
-
17.4
-
-
50.1
-
1.8
0.1
69.4 $
-
238.1
-
-
86.7
-
6.6
0.5
331.9
(1) Subsequent to December 31, 2019, the Corporation proposed a Transaction that, if approved, would result in the Corporation exchanging its existing senior unsecured
debentures due in 2021, 2023 and 2025 for new secured debentures due in 2027 (note 3).
(2) Ambatovy Joint Venture 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 six-month LIBOR plus a margin of 1.125%. The partner loans are to be repaid from the Corporation’s share of cash distributions from the
Ambatovy Joint Venture (note 16). 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 maturity analysis table includes an estimate of interest repayments. The Ambatovy
Joint Venture partner loans are limited recourse and the Corporation will not make payments on these loans prior to their 2023 maturity date (note 16). Subsequent to
December 31, 2019, the Corporation proposed a Transaction that, if approved, would result in either (i) the extinguishment of the Ambatovy Joint Venture partner loans in
exchange for the Corporation’s 12% interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture and its loans receivable from the Ambatovy Joint Venture or (ii) amended loans with no further
recourse against the Corporation (note 3).
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 $30.1 million, income taxes payable of nil, advances and loans
payable of $232.4 million, environmental rehabilitation commitments of $91.3 million and other commitments of $8.1 million.
As a result of the Corporation’s 12% interest in the Ambatovy Joint Venture, its proportionate share of significant undiscounted
commitments of the joint venture include accounts payable of $37.3 million, income taxes payable of $5.0 million, environmental
rehabilitation commitments of $116.1 million, other contractual commitments of $17.5 million and Ambatovy Joint Venture
financing and revolving credit facility of $326.1 million.
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 share-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, 2019, a weakening or strengthening 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 $5.5
million, respectively, on net (loss) earnings.
Based on financial instrument balances as at December 31, 2019, a weakening or strengthening 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 $9.8
million, respectively, on other comprehensive income (loss).
Sherritt International Corporation 131
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
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, future and forward
contracts, but has not entered into such arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. 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 to the Ambatovy Joint Venture or Moa Joint Venture.
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 current and non-current loans and borrowings, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and current
and non-current advances and loans receivable at December 31, 2019, 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 loss by approximately $0.5
million, respectively. The Corporation does not engage in hedging activities to mitigate its interest rate risk.
Share-based compensation risk
The Corporation is exposed to financial risk related to share-based compensation costs.
Potential fluctuations in the price of Sherritt’s common shares would have an impact on share-based compensation expense.
Based on balances at December 31, 2019, a strengthening or weakening of $0.50 in the price of the Corporation’s common
shares would not have had a material impact on the Corporation’s net loss.
Capital risk management
In the definition of capital, the Corporation includes, as disclosed in its consolidated financial statements and notes: capital stock,
deficit, loans and borrowings, other financial liabilities and available credit facilities.
Canadian $ millions, as at
Capital stock
Deficit
Loans and borrowings
Other financial liabilities
Available credit facilities
2019
December 31
2018
December 31
$
2,894.9 $
(2,902.3)
713.6
22.8
16.7
2,894.9
(2,534.6)
705.7
13.1
15.1
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 periodic basis.
Refer to note 16 for the Corporation’s compliance with financial covenants as at December 31, 2019.
132Sherritt International Corporation
22. 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 jointly controlled entities and its interest in an associate 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 venture
Net financing income from joint operations
Net financing income from joint venture
Net financing income from associate
Canadian $ millions, as at
Accounts receivable from joint operations
Accounts receivable from joint venture
Accounts receivable from associate
Accounts payable to joint venture
Accounts payable to associate
Advances and loans receivable from joint operations
Advances and loans receivable from joint venture
Advances, loans and other receivables from associate
2019
2018
$
14.0 $
240.6
1.9
681.0
14.4
8.7
18.9
14.9
246.4
2.4
800.8
14.4
8.8
20.9
2019
2018
Note
December 31
December 31
12 $
12
12
13
13
13
0.1 $
15.8
11.8
68.8
5.1
228.4
252.2
115.3
0.1
16.4
10.2
94.8
5.5
221.1
269.2
238.7
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.
Sherritt International Corporation 133
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
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
2019
2018
$
$
9.1 $
0.4
5.2
14.7 $
6.9
0.4
5.2
12.5
(1) Post-employment benefits include a non-registered defined contribution executive supplemental pension plan. The total cash pension contribution for key management
personnel was $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 ($0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018). The total pension expense that is attributable to
key management personnel was nil for the year ended December 31, 2019 (nil for the year ended December 31, 2018).
23. LEASES
Accounting policies
Policies applicable before January 1, 2019
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.
Corporation 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 over the term of the lease. 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 recognized 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 recognized 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.
Policies applicable as of January 1, 2019
At inception of a contract, the Corporation assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease based on the definition of a lease.
A contract is, or contains a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in
exchange for consideration.
134Sherritt International Corporation
Corporation as a lessee
The Corporation recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset is
initially measured at cost, which comprises: the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or
before the commencement date; less, any lease incentives received; plus, any initial direct costs incurred; plus, an estimate of
costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the site on which it is located, unless
those costs are incurred to produce inventories.
The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the earlier of
the end of the useful life of the underlying asset or the end of the lease term. The estimated useful life of the underlying asset is
determined on the same basis as that of property, plant and equipment. The lease term is the non-cancellable period of a lease,
including periods covered by an option to extend the lease if the Corporation is reasonably certain to exercise that option and
periods covered by an option to terminate the lease if the Corporation is reasonably certain not to exercise that option. The
carrying amount of the right-of-use asset is periodically reduced by impairment losses when an impairment indicator is present
and an impairment loss is identified, if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability, if any.
The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of future lease payments not paid at the commencement date,
discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, or if that rate cannot be readily determined, the lessee’s incremental
borrowing rate. Generally, the Corporation uses the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate.
The lease liability is subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there
is a lease modification, a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, if there is a change in the
Corporation’s estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, or if the Corporation changes
its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension, or termination option, upon the occurrence of either a significant
event or a significant change in circumstances that is within the control of the Corporation. When the lease liability is remeasured
in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset, or is recorded in the
consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset is zero. When a lease
modification results in a decrease in scope, the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset is reduced on remeasurement and any
gains or losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
The Corporation presents right-of-use assets in property, plant and equipment and lease liabilities in other financial liabilities in
the consolidated statements of financial position.
Non-lease components
The Corporation has elected not to separate non-lease components and account for the lease and non-lease components as a
single lease component for all classes of assets.
Leases of intangible assets
The Corporation, as a lessee, elected not to apply IFRS 16 to leases of intangible assets. Intangible assets are accounted for in
accordance with IAS 38 Intangible Assets.
Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets
The Corporation has elected not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases with a lease term of
12 months or less and leases of low-value assets. The Corporation recognizes the lease payments associated with these leases
as an expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Corporation as a lessor
When the Corporation acts a lessor, it determines at lease inception whether each lease is a finance lease or an operating lease.
To classify each lease, the Corporation makes an overall assessment of whether the lease transfers substantially all of the risks
and rewards incidental to ownership of the underlying asset. If this is the case, then the lease is a finance lease; if not, then it is
an operating lease. As part of this assessment, the Corporation considers certain indicators such as whether the lease is for a
major part of the economic life of the asset.
When the Corporation is an intermediate lessor, it accounts for its interest in the head lease and sub-lease separately. It assesses
the lease classification of a sub-lease with reference to the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease, not with reference to
the underlying asset. If a head lease is a short-term lease to which the Corporation applies the exemption described above, then
it classifies the sub-lease as an operating lease.
If an arrangement contains lease and non-lease components, the Corporation applies IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with
customers (IFRS 15) to allocate the consideration in the contract.
Sherritt International Corporation 135
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
The Corporation recognizes lease payments received under operating leases as income on a straight-line basis over the lease
term as part of other revenue presented in revenue in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
Revenue is recognized over the lease term of a finance lease. The present value of the lease payments is recognized as a
finance lease receivable presented in advances, loans receivable and other financial assets in the consolidated statements of
financial position. The difference between the gross finance lease receivable and the present value of the lease payments is
initially recognized as unearned interest and presented as a deduction to the gross finance lease receivable. Interest income is
recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) over the lease term to reflect a constant periodic rate
of return on the Corporation’s net investment in the lease.
Critical accounting estimates
Incremental borrowing rate used to determine the present value of the Corporation’s lease liabilities
The measurement of the Corporation’s lease liabilities depends on the interest rate implicit in the lease used to discount the
remaining lease payments. If the interest rate implicit in the lease cannot be readily determined, the lease payments are
discounted using the incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that the lessee would
have to pay to borrow over a similar term, and with a similar security, the funds necessary to obtain an asset of a similar value
to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment. Significant assumptions are required to be made on the basis for
which the rate is derived. These assumptions are considered to be a key source of estimation uncertainty as relatively small
changes in the assumptions used may have a significant effect on the Corporation’s financial statements.
Supporting information
Corporation as a lessee
The Corporation’s portfolio of leases primarily consists of office space, machinery and equipment and computer and
telecommunications hardware. The Corporation’s lease liabilities are disclosed in notes 16 and 21.
Amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss)
Canadian $ millions, for the year ended December 31
Expenses for variable lease payments not included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Expenses relating to short-term leases
Expenses relating to leases of low-value assets, excluding short-term leases of low-value assets
$
2019
1.7
6.0
0.2
136Sherritt International Corporation
Amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of cash flows
Canadian $ millions, for the year ended December 31
Interest paid on lease liabilities
Principal repayments on lease liabilities
Included in net change in non-cash working capital:
Variable lease payments not included in initial measurement of lease liability
Payments for short-term leases (for which no lease liability is recognized)
Payments for low-value asset leases (for which no lease liability is recognized)
Note
16, 20 $
16
$
2019
1.0
3.3
1.7
6.0
0.2
12.2
Corporation as a lessor
The Corporation acts as a lessor in an operating lease of office space and in finance sub-leases of office and storage
space. The Corporation’s finance lease receivables are disclosed in note 13. For the year ended December 31, 2018,
the Corporation acted as a lessor in operating leases related to the Power facilities in Varadero, Cuba. All operating
lease payments related to the Varadero facility are contingent on power generation. For the year ended December
31, 2018, contingent revenue was $15.6 million. Upon the adoption of IFRS 16 (note 4), the power generation facilities
do not meet the definition of a lease. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the revenue related to power generation
facilities is recognized in accordance with IFRS 15 (note 5).
The Corporation’s undiscounted lease payments to be received on finance lease receivables are presented in the
following table:
Canadian $ millions, as at December 31, 2019
1 year
1-2 years
2-3 years
3-4 years
4-5 years
5 years
Total
income
(note 13)
Receivable Receivable Receivable Receivable Receivable Receivable
Unearned
investment
in
in
in
in
in
in
finance in the lease
Net
Undiscounted lease receipts on
finance leases
$
1.0 $
1.1 $
1.0 $
1.0 $
1.0 $
1.0 $
6.1 $
1.0 $
5.1
24. COMMITMENTS FOR EXPENDITURES
Canadian $ millions, as at December 31
Property, plant and equipment commitments
Joint venture:
Property, plant and equipment commitments
$
2019
5.8
12.0
Sherritt International Corporation 137
Focused on liquidity preservation
Sherritt remains solidly focused on preserving liquidity. This has resulted in a number initiatives aimed at lowering
debt and operating costs. In 2019, as increased U.S. sanctions on Cuba impacted our Cuban partners’ access to
foreign currency, Sherritt, in cooperation with the Moa Joint Venture, established and agreement which provided
consistent and orderly payment of Energas overdue receivables. In 2020, this minimum monthly payment amount
under the agreement will be tripled to $7.5 million. Also in early 2020, Sherritt announced a series of balance sheet
initiatives that will significantly reduce its debt and annual interest cost as well as eliminate its legacy debt from its
investment in the Ambatovy Joint Venture.
Sherritt has a long and successful relationship with Cuba. In 2019, Sherritt and the General Nickel Company
S.A. celebrated the 25-year anniversary of the formation of the Moa Joint Venture.
2019 Cash usage
2020 Guidance
Moa JV
Oil and Gas
Power
Finished nickel production
32,000 – 34,000 tonnes
Finished cobalt production
3,300 – 3,600 tonnes
Net direct cash cost:
US$4.00 - $4.50/lb
Capital Spending
US$34M
Shareholder Information
INVESTOR INQUIRIES
Investor Relations
Sherritt International Corporation
22 Adelaide St. West
Suite 42nd Floor
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5H 4E3
Gross Working Interest Cuba
3,000 – 3,300 BOPD
Electricity production
500 – 550 GWh
Unit Cost Cuba
$28.00 - $29.50/bbl
Unit Cost
$28.00 - $29.50/MWh
Capital Spending
US$6M
Capital Spending
US$1M
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
AST Trust Company (Canada)
P.O Box 700 Station B
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
H3B 3K3
AUDITORS
Deloitte LLP, Toronto
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING
Toronto Stock Exchange – TSX:S
Common Shares - S
Telephone: 416-935-2451
Toll-free: 1-800-704-6698
Fax: 416-935-2283
Email: Investor@sherritt.com
Website: www.sherritt.com
Telephone: 416-682-3860
Toll-free (North America) :1-800-387-0825
Fax: 1-888-249-6189
Email: inquiries@astfinancial.com
Website: www.astfinancial.com/ca-en
Sherritt International Corporation
22 Adelaide Street West, Suite 4220
Toronto, ON M5H 4E3
For further investor information contact:
Telephone: 416.935.2451
Toll-free: 1.800.704.6698
www.sherritt.com