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China XLX Reports Third Quarter and Nine Months 2008 Financial Results

Posted on: Friday, 31 October 2008, 03:00 CDT

Highlights (for nine months ended 30/9/2008): -- Revenue increased by 42.7% YoY to RMB1,620.5 million -- Net profit increased by 23.1% YoY to RMB300.7 million -- Gross profit margin was 25.0% compared to 25.6% in 9M2007 -- Basic earnings per share were RMB30.07 cents

SINGAPORE, Oct. 31 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- China XLX Fertiliser Limited ("China XLX" or the "Group"; stock code: CXLX.SG), one of the largest and most cost efficient coal-based producers of urea and compound fertiliser in the PRC, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended 30 September 2008.

Performance Overview

Revenue for 9M2008 increased by 42.7% YoY to RMB1,620.5 million from RMB1,135.4 million for 9M2007 due to higher average selling prices for urea, methanol and compound fertiliser and increased sales volumes of urea and compound fertiliser.

Net profit attributable to shareholders increased by RMB56.4 million or 23.1% to RMB300.7 million in 9M2008 compared to RMB244.3 million in 9M2007. This was primarily due to higher average selling prices, reduction in the amount of coal used for urea and methanol production and higher sales volume of compound fertiliser. Additionally, in anticipation of potential coal price hikes in 3Q2008, we increased coal inventory level during 1Q2008 and 2Q2008 to minimize raw material cost.

The average selling price of urea increased by 12.1% from RMB1,536/ton in 9M2007 to RMB1,722/ton in 9M2008 due to higher raw material prices and tighter urea supply. Average selling prices of methanol and compound fertiliser for 9M2008 increased by 33.0% and 60.6% respectively compared to that in 9M2007. In addition, sales volume of urea and compound fertiliser increased by 4.0% and 29.0% respectively in 9M2008 as compared to that in 9M2007. To capitalize the increased prices in compound fertiliser, we enhanced our sales efforts both in Henan and Northeast China. As a result, sales volume for compound fertiliser increased sharply during 3Q2008.

Commenting on the 3Q2008 results, China XLX Chairman and CEO Mr. Liu Xingxu said, "We are extremely satisfied with the results achieved in 3Q2008 despite many uncertainties we faced under such a challenging and difficult market environment. These encouraging results again proved that China XLX has the strengths to maintain its industry leadership and is capable of delivering consistent results to our shareholders."

Gross Margin

Gross profit margin was 25.0% in 9M2008 as compared to 25.6% in 9M2007. Gross profit margin of urea eased by 5.2 percentage points from 30.6% in 9M2007 to 25.4% in 9M2008. Although average anthracite coal prices increased by 40.8% in 9M2008 due to closure of small coal mines during the Beijing Olympics, the average cost of urea per ton only increased 20.6% in 9M2008 as compared to 9M2007. The increase in coal prices was partially offset by improvement in cost efficiency and increased coal inventory level during 1Q2008 and 2Q2008 in anticipation of potential coal price hikes. We were able to produce each ton of urea using 31kg less coal in 9M2008, a reduction of 3.1%, compared to 9M2007 due to technical upgrades. Gross margin for urea was also supported by high international urea prices this year that drove domestic urea prices up by 12.1% in 9M2008 as compared to 9M2007.

Gross profit margin of compound fertiliser increased by 9.3 percentage points from 14.7% in 9M2007 to 24.0% in 9M2008. This was attributable to higher average selling prices of compound fertiliser that increased by 60.6%, fueled by higher phosphorous and potassium prices. However, due to our effective cost control measures, the average unit cost of compound fertiliser only increased 43.1% in 9M2008 as compared to 9M2007.

Gross profit margin of methanol increased by 2.1 percentage points from 26.5% in 9M2007 to 28.6% in 9M2008, mainly due to higher average selling prices that increased by 33.0% from RMB2,007/ton in 9M2007 to RMB2,670/ton in 9M2008. Although anthracite coal prices also affected methanol production costs, the average unit cost of methanol only increased by 29.2%. Similar to urea, our technical upgrades helped lower the amount of coal used for methanol production.

Financial Position

The carrying amount of property, plant and equipment as at 30 September 2008 increased by RMB317.9 million or 32.6% from RMB974.3 million as at 31 December 2007. The increase was mainly due to the construction of the third urea plant and upgrades of existing production machinery.

Current assets increased by RMB33.4 million to RMB843.1 million. The increase was due principally to the increase in prepayment of RMB228.6 million, including an increase of RMB220.6 million for plant and equipment and RMB4.2 million for raw materials. Inventory level increased by RMB107.4 million due to higher coal and phosphorous inventory levels. The higher inventories for coal and phosphorous were used to protect against the rising costs of raw materials and to ensure sufficient supply of coal and phosphorous for the upcoming winter season.

Current liabilities decreased by 10.5% to RMB 511.5 million from RMB 571.2 million as at 30 Sep 2008 due to the discharge of interest-bearing borrowings amounting to RMB147.0 million. The increase in other payables of RMB29.0 million was due to an increase in advances from customers and increases in bills payable to banks (RMB44.1 million) and trade payables (about 14.1 million).

Non-current liabilities increased by RMB166.3 million due to a loan obtained from Henan Xin Lian Xin Chemicals Co., Ltd, amounting to RMB90.0 million and an increase in loans from China Construction Bank amounting to RMB100.0 million.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by RMB337.2 million in 9M2008 mainly due to purchase of property, plant and equipment of RMB610.5 million, dividend payment of RMB71.5 million and repayment of loans and borrowings of RMB327.0 million. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was partially offset by cash generated from operations of approximately RMB342.8 million and proceeds from bank borrowings and related party loans of RMB330.0 million.

Syndicated Loan Facility

Despite the current financial crisis, we were able to secure a 3-year USD- denominated syndicated loan of US$45.0 million with a floating rate at USD LIBOR + 2.25%. This syndicated loan will be used for the construction of our 3rd plant expected to be in full production by 3Q2009.

Update on the 3rd Plant

Currently, 95% of the building for the 3rd plant has been completed while 95% of the equipment is ready to be installed. Our target production time of 3Q2009 still remains on schedule.

Outlook -- Urea:

Urea average selling prices have been near or at the PRC government price ceiling since 1Q2008. We anticipate potential price pressure due to lower international urea prices, increase in domestic supply arising from lower export due to higher export tax and seasonality. However, a few factors may ease such price pressure. First, shut-down of small urea plants with capacity of lower than 300,000 tons/year may reduce overall urea production; second, the Chinese government has increased off-peak urea storage from 6 million tons to 8 million tons for 2008 winter. Finally, we also expect that the recent increase in farmer's subsidies may give farmers more incentive to purchase fertiliser.

-- Compound Fertiliser

Compound Fertiliser prices might also start declining as its peak season, the third quarter is over.

-- Methanol:

Methanol prices have experienced greater volatility this year as compared to last year. We also expect methanol prices to be under pressure due to lower commodity prices. Furthermore, the formaldehyde industry is also facing a downturn led by a decline in the construction industry as a result of the liquidity crisis. However, since some small methanol plants have started to shut down due to high cost, it may stabilise the demand and supply in the near future. Nonetheless, the price pressure will have limited impact on us since methanol is a by product, accounting for only 10% of our overall revenue and gross profit.

-- Raw material:

Although we expect possible decline in average selling prices for urea, compound fertiliser and methanol, we also see declined trends for raw materials, including coal and phosphorous

"Looking ahead, industry consolidation will present many opportunities for China XLX. Our high cost efficiency, coupled with strong industry experience and expertise, and backed by our healthy financial position demonstrated by solid working capital, low gearing and sufficient credit facilities will not only help us weather through the current difficult period but will help us emerge as an even stronger leader in China's fertiliser industry," concluded Chairman Liu.

Income statements for the 9 months ended 30 September 2008 together with comparative statements for the corresponding period of the immediately preceding financial year.

Group Unaudited Unaudited 3 months ended Increase/ 9 months ended Increase/ 30/9/ 30/9/ (Decrease) 30/9/ 30/9/ (Decrease) 2008 2007 2008 2007 RMB'000 RMB'000 % RMB'000 RMB'000 % Revenue 628,523 400,139 57.1% 1,620,490 1,135,424 42.7% Cost of sales (495,735)(312,456) 58.7% (1,215,151) (844,553) 43.9% Gross profit 132,788 87,683 51.4% 405,339 290,871 39.4% Other operating income/(expenses) 1,684 8,673 -80.6% 1,570 12,927 -87.9% Selling and distribution expenses (4,582) (3,885) 17.9% (14,820) (11,839) 25.2% General and administrative expenses (21,684) (13,960) 55.3% (61,438) (37,296) 64.7% Profit from operations 108,206 78,511 37. 8% 330,651 254,663 29.8% Financial income 293 3,918 -92.5% 3,821 5,307 -28.0% Financial expenses (6,595) (2,524) 161.3% (18,086) (15,311) 18.1% Profit before tax 101,904 79,905 27.5% 316,386 244,659 29.3% Income tax (5,302) (350) 1414.9% (15,659) (350) 4374.0% Net profit attributable to shareholders 96,602 79,555 21.4% 300,727 244,309 23.1% Profit before tax is arrived at after charging/ (crediting) the following: Group Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited 3 months 3 months 9 months 9 months ended ended ended ended 30/9/2008 30/9/2007 30/9/2008 30/9/2007 RMB'000 RMB'000 RMB'000 RMB'000 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 19,512 8,564 57,834 29,429 Amortisation of land use rights 266 -- 798 -- Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment -- 8 348 6 Net fair value gain on derivative (1,781) -- (1,781) -- Foreign exchange loss/(gain) 2,101 (7,643) 3,119 (10,836) Interest income (293) (3,918) (3,821) (5,307) Interest expenses 6,595 2,524 18,086 15,311 Inventories written down 3,000 -- 3,000 -- Bad debt written off -- 252 -- 252

Balance sheets (for the issuer and group), together with a comparative statement as at the end of the immediately preceding financial year.

Group Company Unaudited Unaudited 30/9/2008 31/12/2007 30/9/2008 31/12/2007 RMB'000 RMB'000 RMB'000 RMB'000 ASSETS Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 1,292,170 974,266 -- -- Land use rights 47,790 48,474 -- -- Investment in subsidiary -- -- 800,000 400,000 1,339,960 1,022,740 800,000 400,000 Current assets Inventories 285,888 178,525 -- -- Prepayments 335,859 107,269 -- -- Trade receivables 18,656 1,793 -- -- Bills receivable from banks 6,253 5,528 -- -- Derivatives 14,773 -- 14,773 -- Other receivables 4,773 4,303 222 551 Due from related parties 1,142 1,998 -- -- Cash and bank balances 119,395 56,789 31,796 5,254 Fixed deposits 56,321 453,529 2,520 435,078 843,060 809,734 49,311 440,883 TOTAL ASSETS 2,183,020 1,832,474 849,311 840,883 Current liabilities Deferred grants 8,490 8,240 -- -- Income tax payable 290 930 290 930 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 140,000 287,000 -- -- Trade payables 41,737 27,685 -- -- Bills payable to bank 49,050 5,000 -- -- Other payables 208,491 179,501 7,415 -- Due to related parties 629 1,682 -- -- Accruals and other liabilities 62,797 61,195 -- 4,078 511,484 571,233 7,705 5,008 NET CURRENT ASSETS 331,576 238,501 41,606 435,875 Group Company Unaudited Unaudited 30/9/2008 31/12/2007 30/9/2008 31/12/2007 RMB'000 RMB'000 RMB'000 RMB'000 Non-current liabilities Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 150,312 90,348 -- -- Loan from related party 90,000 -- -- -- Deferred tax liabilities 31,024 14,725 -- -- 271,336 105,073 -- -- TOTAL LIABILITIES 782,820 676,306 7,705 5,008 NET ASSETS 1,400,200 1,156,168 841,606 835,875 Equity attributable to equity holder of the Company Share capital 772,328 772,328 772,328 772,328 Statutory reserve fund 40,514 40,514 -- -- Hedging reserve 14,773 -- 14,773 -- Accumulated profits 572,585 343,326 54,505 63,547 Total shareholders' equity 1,400,200 1,156,168 841,606 835,875 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 2,183,020 1,832,474 849,311 840,883 Company Profile

China XLX Fertiliser Limited is listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange under stock code "CXLX". The Company is the 6th largest coal-based producer of urea in terms of production capacity in the PRC. Headquartered in Xinxiang, Henan Province, its manufacturing plants are equipped with advanced technologies for optimal production efficiency, making them the 4th lowest cost coal-based producer of urea in the PRC. For more information, please visit the Company's website: http://www.chinaxlx.com.sg/ .

Teleconference Call

China XLX's management will host a global conference call at 7 p.m. Singapore Time on October 31, 2008 (11:00 a.m. London Time or 7:00 a.m. New York Time) to discuss the Company's perspective on the results and answer questions.

To access the teleconference, please dial: -- 852 3005 2050 (International) -- 800 852 3576 (Singapore Toll Free) -- 800 701 1223 (China Toll Free) Pass Code: 541356# Disclaimer

This press release includes forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that China XLX expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements. China XLX's actual results or developments may differ materially from those indicated by these forward- looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties. In addition, China XLX makes the forward-looking statements referred to herein as of today and undertakes no obligation to update these statements

For more information, please contact: Investor and media enquiries: China XLX Fertiliser Limited Jeremy Cheah Tel: +65-9635-5441 Email: jeremy@chinaxlx.com.sg PRChina Limited Jane Liu Tel: +852-2522-1838 Email: jliu@prchina.com.hk PRChina Limited Henry Chik Tel: +852-2522-1838 Email: hchik@prchina.com.hk

China XLX Fertiliser Limited

CONTACT: Jeremy Cheah of China XLX Fertiliser Limited, +65-9635-5441, orjeremy@chinaxlx.com.sg; Or Jane Liu, +852-2522-1838, or jliu@prchina.com.hk;Or Henry Chik, +852-2522-1838, or hchik@prchina.com.hk, both of PRChinaLimited for China XLX Fertiliser Limited

Web site: http://www.chinaxlx.com.sg/

Source: PRNewswire

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