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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004

 

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission file number: 1-8520

 


 

TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Maryland   52-1145429

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

Terra Centre

P.O. Box 6000

600 Fourth Street

Sioux City, Iowa

  51102-6000
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (712) 277-1340

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

As of March 31, 2004, the following shares of the registrant’s stock were outstanding:

 

Common Shares, without par value

 

  75,623,647 shares

 



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     March 31,
2004


    December 31,
2003


    March 31,
2003


 

ASSETS

                        

Cash and short-term investments

   $ 160,092     $ 87,334     $ 14,958  

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $580, $87 and $151

     106,088       133,480       102,176  

Inventories

     113,986       90,869       128,963  

Other current assets

     36,656       43,319       40,977  
    


 


 


Total current assets

     416,822       355,002       287,074  
    


 


 


Property, plant and equipment, net

     697,741       707,665       778,161  

Deferred plant turnaround costs

     22,425       28,103       23,919  

Other assets

     32,596       34,292       32,774  
    


 


 


Total assets

   $ 1,169,584     $ 1,125,062     $ 1,121,928  
    


 


 


LIABILITIES

                        

Debt due within one year

   $ 154     $ 153     $ 147  

Accounts payable

     77,545       79,563       120,637  

Accrued and other liabilities

     165,473       142,338       107,685  
    


 


 


Total current liabilities

     243,172       222,054       228,469  
    


 


 


Long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     402,164       402,206       400,319  

Deferred income taxes

     28,736       17,831       54,348  

Pension liabilities

     63,453       63,453       62,865  

Other liabilities

     50,444       65,325       46,057  

Minority interest

     90,842       89,062       95,961  
    


 


 


Total liabilities and minority interest

     878,811       859,931       888,019  
    


 


 


STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                        

Capital stock

                        

Common Shares, authorized 133,500 shares; outstanding 77,624, 77,563 and 76,853 shares

     129,029       128,968       128,888  

Paid-in capital

     555,604       555,529       555,456  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (37,320 )     (44,596 )     (73,804 )

Retained deficit

     (356,540 )     (374,770 )     (376,631 )
    


 


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     290,773       265,131       233,909  
    


 


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,169,584     $ 1,125,062     $ 1,121,928  
    


 


 


 

See Accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

2


TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per-share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 

REVENUES

                

Net sales

   $ 360,461     $ 279,655  

Other income, net

     568       488  
    


 


Total revenues

     361,029       280,143  
    


 


COSTS AND EXPENSES

                

Cost of sales

     323,647       284,074  

Recovery of product claim costs

     (15,514 )     —    

Selling, general and administrative expense

     7,309       9,327  
    


 


       315,442       293,401  
    


 


Income (loss) from operations

     45,587       (13,258 )

Interest income

     377       189  

Interest expense

     (13,501 )     (12,552 )

Minority interest

     (2,933 )     1,718  
    


 


Income (loss) from operations before income taxes

     29,530       (23,903 )

Income tax (provision) benefit

     (11,300 )     9,561  
    


 


NET INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 18,230     $ (14,342 )
    


 


Basic and diluted income (loss) per share:

                

Basic

   $ 0.24     $ (0.19 )

Diluted

   $ 0.23     $ (0.19 )

Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding

                

Basic

     75,814       75,624  

Diluted

     77,776       75,624  

 

See Accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3


TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                

Net income (loss)

   $ 18,230     $ (14,342 )

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from operations to net cash flows from operating activities:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     25,578       27,617  

Deferred income taxes

     11,323       (11,843 )

Minority interest in earnings (loss)

     2,933       (1,718 )

Recovery of product claim costs

     (12,874 )     —    

Changes in current assets and liabilities:

                

Accounts receivable

     28,588       (908 )

Inventories

     (22,273 )     (39,807 )

Other current assets

     7,875       (10,168 )

Accounts payable

     (3,214 )     14,392  

Accrued and other liabilities

     19,713       9,858  

Other

     (71 )     518  
    


 


Net cash flows from operating activities

     75,808       (26,401 )
    


 


INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

     (1,075 )     (3,578 )

Plant turnaround costs

     (150 )     (12,318 )

Other

     (861 )     (76 )
    


 


Net cash flows from investing activities

     (2,086 )     (15,972 )
    


 


FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                

Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     (41 )     (35 )

Stock issuance-net

     136       —    

Distributions to minority interests

     (1,153 )     (1,153 )
    


 


Net cash flows from financing activities

     (1,058 )     (1,188 )
    


 


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     94       40  
    


 


Increase (decrease) to cash and short-term investments

     72,758       (43,521 )

Cash and short-term investments at beginning of period

     87,334       58,479  
    


 


Cash and short-term investments at end of period

   $ 160,092     $ 14,958  
    


 


 

See Accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4


TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2004 AND 2003

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Capital
Stock


   Paid-In
Capital


  

Accumulated

Other
Comprehensive
Loss


    Retained
Deficit


    Total

 

Balance at January 1, 2004

   $ 128,968    $ 555,529    $ (44,596 )   $ (374,770 )   $ 265,131  

Comprehensive income:

                                      

Net income

     —        —        —         18,230       18,230  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —        —        8,095       —         8,095  

Change in fair value of derivatives, net of taxes of $(973)

     —        —        (819 )     —         (819 )
                                  


Comprehensive income

                                   25,506  

Stock issuance

     61      75      —         —         136  
    

  

  


 


 


Balance at March 31, 2004

   $ 129,029    $ 555,604    $ (37,320 )   $ (356,540 )   $ 290,773  
    

  

  


 


 


     Capital
Stock


   Paid-In
Capital


   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss


    Retained
Deficit


    Total

 

Balance at January 1, 2003

   $ 128,654    $ 555,167    $ (63,668 )   $ (362,289 )   $ 257,864  

Comprehensive loss:

                                      

Net loss

     —        —        —         (14,342 )     (14,342 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —        —        (820 )     —         (820 )

Change in fair value of derivatives, net of taxes of $7,801

     —        —        (8,138 )     —         (8,138 )

Minimum pension liability, net of taxes of $580

     —        —        (1,178 )     —         (1,178 )
                                  


Comprehensive loss

                                   (24,478 )

Stock incentive plan

     234      289      —         —         523  
    

  

  


 


 


Balance at March 31, 2003

   $ 128,888    $ 555,456    $ (73,804 )   $ (376,631 )   $ 233,909  
    

  

  


 


 


 

See Accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5


TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

1. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and condensed notes thereto contain all adjustments necessary, in the opinion of management, to summarize fairly the financial position of Terra Industries Inc. and all majority-owned subsidiaries (“Terra”, “we” and “our”) and the results of operations for the periods presented. Because of the seasonal nature of our operations and effects of weather-related conditions in several of its marketing areas, results of any interim reporting period should not be considered as indicative of results for a full year. These statements should be read in conjunction with our 2003 Annual Report to Stockholders.

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share data are based on the weighted-average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share data are based on the weighted-average number of Common Shares outstanding and the effect of all dilutive potential common shares including stock options, restricted shares and contingent shares.

 

Inventories consisted of the following:

 

(in thousands)


   March 31,
2004


   December 31,
2003


   March 31,
2003


Raw materials

   $ 19,252    $ 22,937    $ 27,044

Supplies

     26,091      26,058      26,753

Finished goods

     68,643      41,874      75,166
    

  

  

Total

   $ 113,986    $ 90,869    $ 128,963
    

  

  

 

Revenue is recognized when title to finished product passes to the customer. Revenue is recognized as the net amount to be received after deducting estimated amounts for discounts and trade allowances. Revenues include amounts paid by customers for shipping and handling.

 

Realized gains and losses from hedging activities and premiums paid for option contracts are deferred and recognized in the month in which the hedged transactions closed. Swaps, options and other derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment are marked to fair value each accounting period. Costs associated with settlement of natural gas purchase contracts and costs for shipping and handling are included in cost of sales.

 

6


We account for our employee stock-based compensation plans in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and the related interpretations, which utilize the intrinsic value method. The pro forma impact on net income (loss) and diluted income (loss) per share of accounting for stock-based compensation using the fair value method required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31


 

(in thousands, except per-share amounts)


   2004

   2003

 

Basic and diluted net income (loss) – as reported

   $ 18,230    $ (14,342 )

Basic and diluted net income (loss) – pro forma

     18,230      (14,342 )

Basic net income (loss) per share – as reported

   $ 0.24    $ (0.19 )

Basic net income (loss) per share – pro forma

     0.24      (0.19 )

Diluted net income (loss) per share – as reported

   $ 0.23    $ (0.19 )

Diluted net income (loss) per share – pro forma

     0.23      (0.19 )

 

We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized based on the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset.

 

We commenced a review to determine if the Blytheville facility’s carrying value was impaired during the second quarter of 2003. This review led us to conclude that future market conditions may not justify the ongoing investment in maintenance and replacement capital necessary to extend operations for the remainder of the facility’s useful life. Accordingly, a $53.1 million charge was recorded as an “Impairment of long-lived assets”. Although we resumed production in October 2003, we plan to discontinue production on or about May 31, 2004 and prepare the site for permanent closure. No decision has yet been made regarding the sale or demolition of the facility’s production plants. We expect to operate the facility’s storage and distribution assets as a terminal for ammonia produced at our Verdigris facility or obtained from other sources. We anticipate $3.0 to $4.0 million of spending, primarily for employee severance and decommissioning costs, will be required when the facility is permanently idled.

 

2. Product Claim Costs

 

Appeals of a Federal court decision ordering our insurer to pay all of our past and future judgments, settlements and other associated costs arising from a 1998 recall of carbonated beverages containing carbon dioxide tainted with benzene were exhausted in our favor during the 2004 first quarter. Accordingly, we recorded the recovery of product claim costs totaling $15.5 million through the elimination of remaining reserves originally established for these claims and the recognition of a receivable for additional amounts due from the insurer for claims previously paid by us.

 

We are involved in various other legal actions and claims, including environmental matters, arising from the normal course of business. While it is not feasible to predict with certainty the final outcome of these proceedings, management does not believe that these matters will have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial position or net cash flows.

 

3. Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Natural gas is the principal raw material used in our production of nitrogen products and methanol. Natural gas prices are volatile and we manage this volatility through the use of derivative commodity instruments. Our current policy is to hedge 20-80% of our natural gas requirements for the upcoming 12 months and up to 50% of the requirements for the following 24-month period, provided that such arrangements would not result in costs greater than expected selling prices for our finished products.

 

7


We notify the Board of Directors when we deviate from this policy. The financial derivatives are traded in months forward and settlement dates are scheduled to coincide with gas purchases during those future periods. These contracts reference physical natural gas prices or appropriate NYMEX futures contract prices. Contract prices are frequently based on prices at the most common and financially liquid location of reference for financial derivatives related to natural gas. However, natural gas supplies for our facilities are purchased for each plant at locations other than reference points, which often creates a location basis differential between the contract price and the physical price of natural gas. Accordingly, the use of financial derivatives may not exactly offset the change in the price of physical gas.

 

We have entered into forward pricing positions for a portion of its natural gas requirements for the remainder of 2004, consistent with its policy. As a result of its policies, we have reduced the potential adverse financial impact of natural gas price increases during the forward pricing period, but conversely, if natural gas prices were to fall, we will incur higher costs. Contracts were in place at March 31, 2004 to cover 21% of natural gas requirements for the succeeding twelve months. We also use basis swaps to manage some of the basis risk.

 

Unrealized gains from forward pricing positions in North America totaled $4.4 million as of March 31, 2004. We also had $.4 million of realized gains on closed North America contracts relating to future periods that have been deferred to the respective period.

 

For the period ending March 31, 2004, recording the fair value of natural gas derivatives resulted in a $2.4 million decrease to other current assets, a $.6 million charge to cost of sales and a $.8 million decrease, before deferred taxes of $1.0 million to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, which reflected the effective portion of the derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. The decrease to other current assets was to recognize the value of open natural gas contracts and the increase to other current liabilities was to reclassify deferred gains on closed contracts relating to future periods.

 

4. Industry Segment Data

 

We classify our continuing operations into two business segments: nitrogen products and methanol. The nitrogen products business produces and distributes ammonia, urea, nitrogen solutions, ammonium nitrate and other products to farm distributors and industrial users. The methanol business manufactures and distributes methanol which is used in the production of a variety of chemical derivatives and in the production of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), an oxygenate and an octane enhancer for gasoline. We do not allocate interest, income taxes or infrequent items to continuing business segments. Included in Other are general corporate activities not attributable to a specific industry segment.

 

8


The following summarizes operating results by business segment:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31


 

(in thousands)


   2004

    2003

 

Revenues - Nitrogen Products

   $ 317,557     $ 228,541  

- Methanol

     42,904       51,114  

- Other

     568       488  
    


 


Total revenues

   $ 361,029     $ 280,143  
    


 


Income (loss) from operations

                

- Nitrogen Products

   $ 49,418     $ (13,558 )

- Methanol

     (2,046 )     1,633  

- Other

     (1,785 )     (1,333 )
    


 


Total income (loss) from operations

   $ 45,587     $ (13,258 )
    


 


 

5. We maintain defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all salaried and hourly employees. Benefits are based on a pay formula. The defined benefit plans’ assets consist principally of equity securities and corporate and government debt securities. We also have certain non-qualified pension plans covering executives, which are unfunded. We accrue pension costs based upon annual actuarial valuations for each plan and fund these costs in accordance with statutory requirements.

 

The estimated components of net periodic pension expense for the three months ending March 31 follow:

 

(in thousands)


   2004

    2003

 

Service cost

   $ 502     $ 1,024  

Interest cost

     3,754       2,733  

Expected return on plan assets

     (3,065 )     (2,537 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     7       19  

Amortization of actuarial loss

     1,191       1,022  

Amortization of net assets

     (29 )     (77 )

Termination charge

     385       —    
    


 


Pension Expense

   $ 2,361     $ 2,568  
    


 


 

Our cash contributions to the defined benefit pension plans for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 were $1.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

 

We also sponsor defined contribution savings plans covering most full-time employees. Contributions made by participating employees are matched based on a specified percentage of employee contributions. The cost of our contributions to these plans for the period ending March 31, 2004 and 2003 totaled $.8 million and $.3 million, respectively.

 

We provide health care benefits for certain U.S. employees who retired on or before January 1, 2002. Participant contributions and co-payments are subject to escalation. The plan pays a stated percentage of most medical expenses reduced for any deductible and payments made by government programs. These costs are funded as paid.

 

9


6. Guarantor Subsidiaries

 

Condensed consolidating financial statements of Terra Industries Inc. (the “Parent”), Terra Capital, Inc. (“TCAPI”), the Guarantor Subsidiaries and subsidiaries of the Parent that are not guarantors of the Senior Secured Notes due 2008 for March 31, 2004, December 31 and March 31, 2003 and condensed statements of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 are presented below for purposes of complying with the reporting requirements of the Guarantor Subsidiaries.

 

Guarantor subsidiaries include subsidiaries that own the Woodward, Oklahoma, Port Neal, Iowa and Beaumont, Texas plants as well as the corporate headquarters facility in Sioux City, Iowa. All other company facilities are owned by non-guarantor subsidiaries.

 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Position as of March 31, 2004:

 

(in thousands)


   Parent

    TCAPI

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

    Consolidated

 

Assets

                                                

Cash and short-term investments

   $ —       $ 157,680     $ 589     $ 1,823     $ —       $ 160,092  

Accounts receivable, net

     —         10       29,625       76,453       —         106,088  

Inventories

     —         —         40,451       73,535       —         113,986  

Other current assets

     6,652       9,586       5,069       11,961       3,388       36,656  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total current assets

     6,652       167,276       75,734       163,772       3,388       416,822  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Property, plant and equipment, net

     —         —         333,032       366,505       (1,796 )     697,741  

Investments in and advanced to (from) affiliates

     408,856       384,989       1,296,586       119,449       (2,209,880 )     —    

Other assets and deferred plant turnaround costs

     (453 )     17,602       7,829       29,750       293       55,021  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total assets

   $ 415,055     $ 569,867     $ 1,713,181     $ 679,476     $ (2,207,995 )   $ 1,169,584  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Liabilities

                                                

Debt due within one year

   $ —       $ —       $ 94     $ 60     $ —       $ 154  

Accounts payable

     137       —         30,285       47,123       —         77,545  

Accrued and other liabilities

     (6,881 )     39,606       50,161       79,199       3,388       165,473  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total current liabilities

     (6,744 )     39,606       80,540       126,382       3,388       243,172  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     —         402,000       105       59       —         402,164  

Deferred income taxes

     41,201       —         —         (12,465 )     —         28,736  

Pension and other liabilities

     89,825       (4,105 )     21,946       6,231       —         113,897  

Minority interest

     —         17,769       73,073       —         —         90,842  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total liabilities

     124,282       455,270       175,664       120,207       3,388       878,811  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Stockholders’ Equity

                                                

Common stock

     129,029       —         72       49,709       (49,781 )     129,029  

Paid-in capital

     555,604       150,218       1,778,916       685,556       (2,614,690 )     555,604  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (37,320 )     (37,320 )     —         17,484       19,836       (37,320 )

Retained earnings (deficit)

     (356,540 )     1,699       (241,471 )     (193,480 )     433,252       (356,540 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     290,773       114,597       1,537,517       559,269       (2,211,383 )     290,773  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total liabilities and stockholders equity

   $ 415,055     $ 569,867     $ 1,713,181     $ 679,476     $ (2,207,995 )   $ 1,169,584  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

10


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2004:

 

(in thousands)


   Parent

    TCAPI

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


   

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

    Consolidated

 

Revenues

                                                

Net sales

   $ —       $ —       $ 112,488     $ 246,309     $ 1,664     $ 360,461  

Other income, net

     —         —         2,127       105       (1,664 )     568  
    


 


 


 


 


 


       —         —         114,615       246,414       —         361,029  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Cost and Expenses

                                                

Cost of sales

     —         —         110,849       212,177       621       323,647  

Product claim costs

     —         —         —         (15,514 )     —         (15,514 )

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     906       (491 )     4,719       2,600       (425 )     7,309  

Equity in the (earnings) loss of subsidiaries

     (25,669 )     (38,112 )     (860 )     —         64,641       —    
    


 


 


 


 


 


       (24,763 )     (38,603 )     114,708       199,263       64,837       315,442  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) from operations

     24,763       38,603       (93 )     47,151       (64,837 )     45,587  

Interest income

     —         361       972       173       (1,129 )     377  

Interest expense

     (769 )     (12,721 )     (8 )     (1,148 )     1,145       (13,501 )

Minority interest

     —         (574 )     (2,359 )     —         —         (2,933 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income (loss) from operations before income taxes

     23,994       25,669       (1,488 )     46,176       (64,821 )     29,530  

Income tax benefit (provision)

     (5,764 )     —         —         (5,535 )     (1 )     (11,300 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net Income (Loss)

   $ 18,230     $ 25,669     $ (1,488 )   $ 40,641     $ (64,822 )   $ 18,230  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

11


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2004:

 

(in thousands)


   Parent

    TCAPI

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


   

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

    Consolidated

 

Operating Activities

                                                

Net income (loss)

   $ 18,230     $ 25,669     $ (1,488 )   $ 40,641     $ (64,822 )   $ 18,230  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows from operating activities:

                                                

Depreciation and amortization

     —         1,048       11,755       12,775       —         25,578  

Deferred income taxes

     10,922       —         —         (17 )     418       11,323  

Minority interest in earnings

     —         574       2,359       —         —         2,933  

Recovery of product claim costs

     —         —         —         (12,874 )     —         (12,874 )

Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries

     25,669       38,112       860       —         (64,641 )     —    

Change in operating assets and liabilities

     (8,238 )     8,395       26,405       (9,842 )     13,969       30,689  

Other

     —         —         —         12,874       (71 )     (71 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities

     46,583       73,798       39,891       43,557       (128,021 )     75,808  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Investing Activities

                                                

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

     —         —         (80 )     (995 )     —         (1,075 )

Plant turnaround costs

     —         —         (3 )     (147 )     —         (150 )

Other

     453       (1 )     883       (6,047 )     3,851       (861 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net Cash Flows from Investing Activities

     453       (1 )     800       (7,189 )     3,851       (2,086 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Financing Activities

                                                

Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     —         —         (26 )     (15 )     —         (41 )

Change in investments and advances from (to) affiliates

     (47,172 )     9,477       (44,887 )     (41,494 )     124,076       —    

Stock issuance, net

     136       —         —         —         —         136  

Distributions to minority interests

     —         (225 )     (928 )     —         —         (1,153 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net Cash Flows from Financing Activities

     (47,036 )     9,252       (45,841 )     (41,509 )     124,076       (1,058 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Effect of Foreign Exchange Rate on Cash

     —         —         —         —         94       94  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Increase (decrease) in Cash and Short-term Investments

     —         83,049       (5,150 )     (5,141 )     —         72,758  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Cash and Short-term Investments at Beginning of Year

     —         74,631       5,739       6,964       —         87,334  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Cash and Short-term Investments at End of Year

   $ —       $ 157,680     $ 589     $ 1,823     $ —       $ 160,092  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

12


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Position for the Year Ended December 31, 2003:

 

(in thousands)


   Parent

    TCAPI

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


   

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

    Consolidated

 

Assets

                                                

Cash and short-term investments

   $ —       $ 74,631     $ 5,739     $ 6,964     $ —       $ 87,334  

Accounts receivable

     —         —         49,642       83,838       —         133,480  

Inventories

     —         —         26,337       64,532       —         90,869  

Other current assets

     7,541       6,267       16,836       12,221       454       43,319  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total current assets

     7,541       80,898       98,554       167,555       454       355,002  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Property, plant and equipment, net

     —         —         343,379       366,321       (2,035 )     707,665  

Investment in and advanced to (from) affiliates

     380,076       425,301       1,257,814       82,676       (2,145,867 )     —    

Other assets and deferred plant turnaround costs

     —         18,650       10,037       34,126       (418 )     62,395  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total Assets

   $ 387,617     $ 524,849     $ 1,709,784     $ 650,678     $ (2,147,866 )   $ 1,125,062  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Liabilities

                                                

Debt due within one year

   $ —       $ —       $ 95     $ 58     $ —       $ 153  

Accounts payable

     669       —         29,426       49,468       —         79,563  

Accrued and other liabilities

     851       27,456       41,213       72,818       —         142,338  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total current liabilities

     1,520       27,456       70,734       122,344       —         222,054  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     —         402,000       130       76       —         402,206  

Deferred income taxes

     30,279       —         —         (12,448 )     —         17,831  

Pension and other liabilities

     90,687       (3,680 )     23,019       18,750       2       128,778  

Minority interest

     —         17,421       71,641       —         —         89,062  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total liabilities and minority interest

     122,486       443,197       165,524       128,722       2       859,931  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Stockholders’ Equity

                                                

Common stock

     128,968       —         72       49,709       (49,781 )     128,968  

Paid in capital

     555,529       150,218       1,819,036       725,546       (2,694,800 )     555,529  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (44,596 )     (44,596 )     —         16,090       28,506       (44,596 )

Retained earnings (deficit)

     (374,770 )     (23,970 )     (274,848 )     (269,389 )     568,207       (374,770 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     265,131       81,652       1,544,260       521,956       (2,147,868 )     265,131  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 387,617     $ 524,849     $ 1,709,784     $ 650,678     $ (2,147,866 )   $ 1,125,062  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

13


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Position as of March 31, 2003:

 

(in thousands)


   Parent

    TCAPI

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

    Consolidated

 

Assets

                                                

Cash

   $ —       $ 9,039     $ 1,132     $ 4,787     $ —       $ 14,958  

Accounts Receivable

     —         (2 )     38,818       63,360       —         102,176  

Inventories

     —         —         46,947       82,016       —         128,963  

Other current assets

     4,057       12,193       13,250       11,477       —         40,977  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total current assets

     4,057       21,230       100,147       161,640       —         287,074  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Property, plant and equipment, net

     —         —         393,049       388,611       (3,499 )     778,161  

Investments in and advanced to (from) affiliates

     596,654       374,004       1,340,320       11,169       (2,322,147 )     —    

Other assets and deferred plant turnaround costs

     (479 )     13,188       10,241       33,743       —         56,693  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total assets

   $ 600,232     $ 408,422     $ 1,843,757     $ 595,163     $ (2,325,646 )   $ 1,121,928  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Liabilities

                                                

Debt due within one year

   $ —       $ —       $ 91     $ 56     $ —       $ 147  

Accounts payable

     18       —         55,171       65,448       —         120,637  

Accrued and other liabilities

     35,468       11,455       37,895       34,394       —         119,212  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total current liabilities

     35,486       11,455       93,157       99,898       —         239,996  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Long-term debt

     200,000       200,000       200       119       —         400,319  

Deferred income taxes

     54,356       19,422       —         (19,430 )     —         54,348  

Pension and other liabilities

     76,481       12,865       2,245       5,803       1       97,395  

Minority interest

     —         18,770       77,191       —         —         95,961  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total liabilities

     366,323       262,512       172,793       86,390       1       888,019  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Stockholders’ Equity

                                                

Common stock

     128,888       —         73       49,709       (49,782 )     128,888  

Paid in capital

     555,456       150,218       1,812,918       719,365       (2,682,501 )     555,456  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (73,804 )     (41,846 )     —         (21,983 )     63,829       (73,804 )

Retained earnings (deficit)

     (376,631 )     37,538       (142,027 )     (238,318 )     342,807       (376,631 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     233,909       145,910       1,670,964       508,773       (2,325,647 )     233,909  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total liabilities and stockholders equity

   $ 600,232     $ 408,422     $ 1,843,757     $ 595,163     $ (2,325,646 )   $ 1,121,928  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

14


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2003:

 

(in thousands)


   Parent

    TCAPI

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

    Consolidated

 

Revenues

                                                

Net sales

   $ —       $ —       $ 105,852     $ 172,548     $ 1,255     $ 279,655  

Other income, net

     —         —         1,625       118       (1,255 )     488  
    


 


 


 


 


 


       —         —         107,477       172,666       —         280,143  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Cost and Expenses

                                                

Cost of sales

     —         —         109,853       175,176       (955 )     284,074  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     1,365       (518 )     5,385       2,498       597       9,327  

Equity in the (earnings) loss of subsidiaries

     16,689       11,465       11,264       (82 )     (39,336 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


 


       18,054       10,947       126,502       177,592       (39,694 )     293,401  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Loss from operations

     (18,054 )     (10,947 )     (19,025 )     (4,926 )     39,694       (13,258 )

Interest income

     14       720       1,001       55       (1,601 )     189  

Interest expense

     (5,740 )     (6,798 )     (12 )     (1,778 )     1,776       (12,552 )

Minority interest

     —         336       1,382       —         —         1,718  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Loss from operations before income taxes

     (23,780 )     (16,689 )     (16,654 )     (6,649 )     39,869       (23,903 )

Income tax benefit

     9,438       —         —         123       —         9,561  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net loss

   $ (14,342 )   $ (16,689 )   $ (16,654 )   $ (6,526 )   $ 39,869     $ (14,342 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

15


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2003:

 

(in thousands)


   Parent

    TCAPI

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

    Consolidated

 

Operating Activities

                                                

Net income (loss)

   $ (14,342 )   $ (16,689 )   $ (16,654 )   $ (6,526 )   $ 39,869     $ (14,342 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities:

                                                

Depreciation and amortization

     —         697       12,826       14,094       —         27,617  

Deferred income taxes

     (15,798 )     —         —         (2,603 )     6,558       (11,843 )

Minority interest in earnings

     —         (336 )     (1,382 )     —         —         (1,718 )

Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries

     16,689       11,465       11,264       (82 )     (39,336 )     —    

Change in operating assets and liabilities

     15,698       (7,274 )     (78,292 )     (7,920 )     51,155       (26,633 )

Other

     —         —         —         —         518       518  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities

     2,247       (12,137 )     (72,238 )     (3,037 )     58,764       (26,401 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Investing Activities

                                                

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

     —         —         (1,456 )     (2,122 )     —         (3,578 )

Plant turnaround costs

     —         —         (5,814 )     (6,504 )     —         (12,318 )

Other

     —         —         —         —         (76 )     (76 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net Cash Flows from Investing Activities

     —         —         (7,270 )     (8,626 )     (76 )     (15,972 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Financing Activities

                                                

Principal payments on long-term debt

     —         —         (22 )     (13 )     —         (35 )

Change in investments and advances from (to) affiliates

     (2,248 )     6,013       82,155       (92,282 )     6,362       —    

Distributions to minority interests

     —         (225 )     (928 )     —         —         (1,153 )

Other

     —         —         (565 )     (435 )     1,000       —    
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net Cash Flows from Financing Activities

     (2,248 )     5,788       80,640       (92,730 )     7,362       (1,188 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Effect of Foreign Exchange Rate on Cash

     —         —         —         —         40       40  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Increase (decrease) in Cash and Short-term Investments

     (1 )     (6,349 )     1,132       (104,393 )     66,090       (43,521 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Cash and Short-term Investments at Beginning of Year

     1       15,388       —         109,180       (66,090 )     58,479  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Cash and Short-term Investments at End of Year

   $ —       $ 9,039     $ 1,132     $ 4,787     $ —       $ 14,958  
    


 


 


 


 


 


 

16


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Introduction

 

We produce and market nitrogen products for agricultural and industrial markets with production facilities located in North America and the United Kingdom. Nitrogen products are commodity chemicals that are sold at prices reflecting global supply and demand conditions. The nitrogen products industry has cycles of oversupply, resulting in lower prices and idled capacity, followed by supply shortages, resulting in high selling prices and higher industry-wide production rates. In order to be viable in this industry, a producer must be among the low-cost suppliers in the markets it serves and have a financial position that can sustain it during periods of oversupply.

 

Natural gas is the most significant raw material in the production of nitrogen products. North American natural gas costs have increased substantially since 1999. Since we compete with nitrogen products imported from regions with lower natural gas costs, the oversupply situation during most of the three years ending December 31, 2003 did not allow us and other North American producers to increase selling prices to levels necessary to cover the natural gas cost increases. This resulted in curtailments of North American nitrogen production by us and other producers that have contributed to higher nitrogen product prices through reductions to global supplies. Our United Kingdom operations have benefited from higher nitrogen product prices, but incurred natural gas costs lower than those in North America.

 

Imports, most of which are produced at facilities with access to fixed-price natural gas supplies, account for a significant portion of U.S. nitrogen product supply. Imported products’ natural gas costs have been and could continue to be substantially lower than the delivered cost of natural gas to our facilities. Off-shore producers are most competitive in regions close to the point of entry for imports, including the Gulf Coast and East Coast of North America. Our sales volumes depend primarily on our plants’ operating rates. We may purchase product from other manufacturers or importers for resale, but gross margins on those volumes are rarely significant. Profitability and cash flows from our nitrogen products business are affected by our ability to manage our costs and expenses (other than natural gas), most of which do not materially change for different levels of production or sales. Other factors affecting our nitrogen products results include the level of planted acres, transportation costs, weather conditions (particularly during the planting season), grain prices and other variables described in Items 1 and 2 “Business and Properties” section of our most recent Form 10-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

We also produce methanol in the U.S. Like nitrogen products, methanol is a commodity chemical manufactured from natural gas. Consequently, natural gas costs and the supply/demand balance for methanol significantly affect methanol earnings and cash flows. A significant portion of U.S. methanol demand is met by imports from regions with natural gas costs lower than those available to U.S. producers. Industry analysts have identified approximately 7.0 million metric tonnes of new methanol capacity (20% of current global demand) that should start up from 2004 through 2006 in regions with low natural gas costs. U.S. methanol demand has declined over the past year and is expected to continue to decline due to reduced U.S. consumption of MTBE, a gasoline oxygenate and octane enhancer that uses methanol as a feedstock.

 

In December 2003, we entered into contracts with the Methanex Corporation (“Methanex”) assigning it our sales contracts and providing it exclusive rights to all methanol production at the Beaumont facility for five years as more fully described in Items 1 and 2 “Business and Properties” most recent Form 10-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under those contracts, Methanex has the right to terminate Beaumont production and we would be responsible for costs of shutting down the facility, which we estimate at $5 million to $7 million.

 

17


Critical Accounting Policies

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for reporting purposes. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the amount of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that reflect significant judgments and uncertainties, and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. Our critical accounting policies are described below.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

We will record impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicated that the assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount of these items. Our cash flow estimates are based on historical results adjusted to reflect our best estimate of future market and operating conditions. The net carrying value of assets not recoverable is reduced to fair value. Our estimates of fair value represent our best estimate based on industry trends and reference to market rates and transactions. Estimates of future cash flows are subject to significant uncertainties and assumptions. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates.

 

Pension Assets and Liabilities

 

Pension assets and liabilities are affected by the estimated market value of plan assets, estimates of the expected return on plan assets and discount rates. Actual changes in the fair market value of plan assets and differences between the actual return on plan assets and the expected return on plan assets will affect the amount of pension expense ultimately recognized.

 

Post-Retirement Benefits

 

Post-retirement benefits are determined on an actuarial basis and are affected by assumptions including the discount rate and expected trends in health care costs. Changes in the discount rate and differences between actual and expected health care costs will affect the recorded amount of post-retirement benefits expense ultimately recognized.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue is recognized when title to finished product passes to the customer. Revenue is recognized as the net amount to be received after deducting estimated amounts for discounts and trade allowances. Revenue includes amounts paid by customers for shipping and handling.

 

Deferred Income Taxes

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflect (a) differences between financial statement carrying amounts and corresponding tax bases and (b) temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. Deferred tax assets also include the expected benefits of carrying forward our net operating losses. We regularly review deferred tax assets for recoverability and reduce them if we can not sufficiently determine that they will be realized. We base this determination on projected future taxable income and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. We do not expect to recognize additional U.S. tax benefits for future losses until we realize

 

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taxable income or generate additional deferred tax liabilities from U.S. operations. If there is a material change in the effective tax rates or time period when temporary difference become taxable or deductible, we may have to additionally reduce all or a significant portion of our deferred tax assets.

 

Inventory Valuation

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and estimated net realizable value. The average cost of inventories is determined by using the first-in, first-out method. The nitrogen and methanol industries are characterized by rapid change in both demand and pricing. Rapid declines in demand could result in temporary or permanent curtailment of production, while rapid declines in price could result in a lower cost or market adjustment.

 

Derivative and Financial Instruments

 

We account for derivatives in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. SFAS No. 133 requires the recognition of derivatives in the balance sheet and the measurement of these instruments at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in earnings unless the normal purchase or sale exception applies or hedge accounting is elected.

 

We enter into derivative instruments including future contracts, swap agreements, and purchased options to cap or fix prices for a portion of natural gas production requirements. Terra has designated, documented and assessed accounting hedge relationships, which mostly resulted in cash flow hedges that require the recording of the derivative assets or liabilities at their fair value on the balance sheet with an offset in other comprehensive income. Amounts are removed from other comprehensive income as the underlying transactions occur and realized gains or losses are recorded.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2004 COMPARED WITH

QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2003

 

Consolidated Results

 

We reported net income of $18.2 million for the 2004 first quarter compared with a 2003 loss from operations of $14.3 million. The increase in 2004 income was primarily related to higher margins on nitrogen product sales and recovery of product claim costs.

 

We classify our operations into two business segments: nitrogen products and methanol. The nitrogen products segment represents operations directly related to the wholesale sales of nitrogen products from our ammonia production and upgrading facilities. The methanol segment represents wholesale sales of methanol produced by Terra’s two methanol manufacturing plants.

 

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Total revenues and operating income (loss) by segment for the three-month period ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 follow:

 

(in thousands)


   2004

    2003

 

REVENUES:

                

Nitrogen Products

   $ 317,557     $ 228,541  

Methanol

     42,904       51,114  

Other

     568       488  
    


 


     $ 361,029     $ 280,143  
    


 


OPERATING INCOME (LOSS):

                

Nitrogen Products

   $ 49,418     $ (13,558 )

Methanol

     (2,046 )     1,633  

Other income - net

     (1,785 )     (1,333 )
    


 


     $ 45,587     $ (13,258 )
    


 


 

Nitrogen Products

 

Volumes and prices for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 follow:

 

VOLUMES AND PRICES

 

     2004

   2003

(quantities in thousands of tons)


   Sales
Volumes


   Average
Unit Price*


   Sales
Volumes


   Average
Unit Price*


Ammonia

   310    $ 270    277    $ 210

Nitrogen solutions

   877      113    756      86

Urea

   157      188    152      157

Ammonium nitrate

   247      188    248      126

* After deducting outbound freight costs

 

Nitrogen products segment revenues increased $89.0 million to $317.6 million in the 2004 first quarter compared with $228.5 million in the 2003 first quarter primarily as a result of higher sales prices. Sales prices were higher as the result of increased demand and lower supplies caused by curtailments to North American production in response to high natural gas costs.

 

The nitrogen products segment had operating income of $49.4 million for the first quarter of 2004 compared with an operating loss of $13.6 million for the 2003 first quarter. As compared to the 2003 first quarter, higher selling prices contributed almost $57.2 million to 2004 gross profits. In addition, recovery of product claim costs contributed $15.5 million to 2004 first quarter operating income. First quarter natural gas costs increased about $ 9.8 million from the 2003 first quarter as unit costs, net of forward pricing gains and losses, were $5.22/MMBtu during the 2004 first quarter compared to $4.87/MMBtu during the same 2003 period. As a result of forward price contracts, first quarter 2004 natural gas costs for the nitrogen products segment were $6.8 million lower than spot prices.

 

Methanol

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 the Methanol segment had revenues of $42.9 million and $51.1 million, respectively. Sales volumes declined 5% from prior year levels and selling prices declined from $.76/gallon in 2003 to $.65/gallon in 2004. Sales volumes declined in 2004 due to fewer opportunities to profitably sell product purchased from other manufacturers. Selling prices declined in response to increased industry supplies.

 

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The methanol segment had an operating loss of $2.0 million for the 2004 first quarter compared to operating income of $1.6 million for the 2003 first quarter. The decrease to operating income reflected lower sales prices that were only partially offset by reduced natural gas costs. Natural gas costs, net of forward pricing gains and losses, were $5.37/MMBtu during the 2004 first quarter compared to $5.54/MMBtu during the 2003 period. As a result of forward pricing contracts, first quarter 2004 natural gas costs for the methanol were $.7 million lower than spot prices.

 

Other Income – Net

 

We had other operating losses of $1.8 million in the 2004 first quarter compared to $1.3 million operating loss in the 2003 first quarter. The increase to expenses relates primarily to legal and administrative expenses related to corporate activities not assignable to either business segment.

 

Interest Expense - Net

 

Interest expense, net of interest income, totaled $13.1 million during the 2004 first quarter compared with $12.4 million for the prior year period. The increased interest expense primarily related to higher interest rates paid on the 2003 refinancing of Senior Notes.

 

Minority Interest

 

Minority interest represents third-party interests in the earnings of the publicly held common units of Terra Nitrogen Company, L.P. (TNCLP). The 2004 first quarter minority interest charge of $2.9 million reflected nitrogen earnings for TNCLP, which were included in their entirety in consolidated operating results. Minority interest benefits of $1.7 million were recorded in the 2003 as the result of TNCLP losses, which were included in their entirety in consolidated operating results. These amounts are directly related to TNCLP earnings and losses.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes for the first quarter 2004 were recorded based on the estimated annual effective tax rate for the individual jurisdictions in which we operate. In addition, the first quarter tax provisions were increased by $1.6 million to provide a valuation allowance on first quarter losses for U.S. operations.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Our primary uses of funds are to fund our working capital requirements, make payments on our debt and other obligations and make plant turnarounds and capital expenditures. The principle sources of funds will be cash flow from operations and borrowings under available bank facilities.

 

During the first three months of 2004, cash and short-term investments increased $72.8 million, most of which was provided through $45.2 million from operating activities and $33.6 million from seasonal reductions to working capital. At March 31, 2004, we had $80.8 million in customer prepayments that we anticipate will be used during our second quarter.

 

During the first three months, we funded plant and equipment purchases of $1.1 million primarily for replacement or stay-in-business capital needs. We expect 2004 plant and equipment purchases to be less than $20 million consisting primarily of expenditures for replacement of equipment at manufacturing facilities.

 

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Plant turnaround costs represent cash used for the periodic scheduled major maintenance of our continuous process production facilities that is performed at each plant generally every two years. We funded $.2 million of plant turnaround costs in the first three months of 2004. We estimate 2004 plant turnaround costs will approximate $30 million.

 

We have a $175 million revolving credit facility that expires in June 2005. Borrowing availability under the credit facility is generally based on eligible cash balances, 85% of eligible accounts receivable and 60% of eligible inventory, less outstanding letters of credit. There were no revolving credit borrowings and there were $31.0 million in outstanding letters of credit, resulting in remaining borrowing availability of approximately $144.0 million under the facility. We are required to maintain a minimum unused borrowing availability of $30 million. The credit facility also requires that we adhere to certain limitations on additional debt, capital expenditures, acquisitions, liens, asset sales, investments, prepayments of subordinated indebtedness, changes in lines of business and transactions with affiliates. In addition, if our borrowing availability falls below $60 million, we are required to have generated $60 million of operating cash flows, or earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and other non-cash items (as defined in the credit facility) for the preceding four quarters. The amount of operating cash flows to measure credit facility compliance is different than amounts that can be derived from our financial statements. For the 12 months ended March 31, 2004, operating cash flows as defined in the credit facility was $170.7 million.

 

Our ability to meet credit facility covenants will depend on future operating cash flows, working capital needs, receipt of customer prepayments and trade credit terms. Failure to meet these covenants could result in additional costs and fees to amend the credit facility or could result in termination of the facility. Access to adequate bank facilities is critical to funding our operating cash needs. Based on current market conditions for our finished products and natural gas, we anticipate that we will be able to meet our covenants through 2004. Nevertheless, if product margins were to be as depressed as during portions of the 2003 first half or if there were to be any adverse changes in the factors discussed above, we may need a waiver of our credit facility covenants and there is no assurance we could receive such waivers.

 

Our cash contributions to pension plans are estimated at $20 million in 2004, $15 million in 2005 and $7 million in 2006. Actual contributions could vary from these estimates depending on actual returns for plan assets, legislative changes to pension funding requirements and/or plan amendments.

 

We have a contract with Methanex that provides it with exclusive rights to all methanol production at the Beaumont facility through 2008. During that time, Methanex has the right to terminate Beaumont production and we would be responsible for costs of shutting down the facility, which we estimate at $5 million to $7 million.

 

Distributions paid to the minority TNCLP common unitholders in the first three months of 2004 and 2003 were $1.2 million. TNCLP distributions are based on “Available Cash” (as defined in the Partnership Agreement).

 

Cash balances at March 31, 2004 were $160.1 million, all of which is unrestricted.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We are exposed to the risk of loss that may impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows due to adverse changes in financial and commodity market prices and rates. We use derivative financial instruments to manage risk in the areas of natural gas prices, foreign currency fluctuations and interest rates. For more information about how we manage specific risk exposures, refer to our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K (which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission), Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” and Note 13 – Derivative Financial Instruments contained in Item 8.

 

Our operations are significantly affected by the price of natural gas. We employ derivative commodity instruments related to a portion of our natural gas requirements (primarily futures, swaps and options) for the purpose of managing our exposure to commodity price risk in the purchase of natural gas. Changes in the market value of these derivative instruments have a high correlation to changes in the spot price of natural gas. The volume of natural gas hedged varies from time to time based on management’s judgment of market conditions, particularly natural gas prices and prices for nitrogen products and methanol. Contracts were in place at March 31, 2004 to cover 21% of our natural gas requirements for the succeeding twelve months (see Note 3). Our future ability to manage our exposure to commodity price risk in the purchase of natural gas through the use of financial derivatives may be affected by limitations imposed by our bank agreement covenants.

 

At March 31, 2004, we had no forward positions in any foreign currency.

 

Our only debt facility with floating rates at March 31, 2004 is borrowings under our bank lines. No borrowings were outstanding at September 30, 2003. There were no interest rate derivatives outstanding at March 31, 2004.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by the report, that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

POTENTIAL CHANGE OF CONTROL

 

Anglo American plc, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, owns 48.4% of Terra Industries’ outstanding shares. Anglo American has made public its intention to dispose of its interest in Terra Industries with the timing based on market and other conditions.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING PRECAUTIONS

 

Information contained in this report, other than historical information, may be considered forward looking. Forward-looking information reflects management’s current views of future events and financial performance that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the following: changes in financial markets, general economic conditions within the agricultural industry, competitive factors and price changes (principally, sales prices of nitrogen and methanol products and natural gas costs), changes in product mix, changes in the seasonality of demand patterns, changes in weather conditions, changes in agricultural regulations, and other risks detailed in the “Factors that Affect Operating Results” section of our most recent Form 10-K.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

 

(a)   Exhibits
    Exhibit 31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
    Exhibit 31.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
    Exhibit 32   Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(b)   Reports on Form 8-K
    Form 8-K dated January 29, 2004 furnishing under Item 12 Terra’s fourth quarter 2003 earnings.
    Form 8-K dated March 31, 2004 reporting under Item 5 Terra’s plan to close its Blytheville, Arkansas manufacturing facility.

 

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SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

   

TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.

Date: April 30, 2004

 

/s/ Francis G. Meyer


   

Francis G. Meyer

   

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial

Officer and a duly authorized signatory

 

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