Yara fourth-quarter EBITDA approximately NOK 3.0 billion

3.0 billion for fourth quarter 2010, a strong increase from NOK 1,394 million a
year earlier as fertilizer prices have increased substantially during 2010. The
result will be the best fourth quarter so far for Yara.
Even with the strong earnings improvement, Yara's fourth-quarter results are
below financial market expectations due to Burrup write-downs, delays in
deliveries, phasing of sales within the quarter and somewhat higher fixed costs
than in third quarter.
In light of the positive market development globally and in Europe, Yara has
deferred some sales into 2011 to benefit from the positive price trend. Sales
volumes towards the end of the quarter were lower than in the beginning of the
quarter, and realized price increases in Europe were thus lower than the average
list price increase from third to fourth quarter. This price effect is estimated
to be NOK 200 million compared with a situation with stable volumes through the
quarter.
Own produced nitrate sales were approximately 240,000 tons lower than in the
third quarter, due to higher sales from inventory in the third quarter and the
previously communicated maintenance stop in Yara's Ambes plant. The reduced
nitrate volume has an EBITDA effect of approximately NOK 250 million compared
with third quarter 2010. Yara has during January increased nitrate fertilizer
prices substantially, and deliveries are running well.
The fourth-quarter results will be charged with an estimated NOK 165 million in
write-downs related to balance sheet items in Burrup Fertilisers Pty Ltd (BFL)
following findings in the ongoing Yara-initiated investigations of financial
irregularities in the JV. The remaining asset value for Yara's stake in BFL is
approximately NOK 1.7 billion.
Fixed costs excluding performance-related pay are in line with fourth quarter
2009, however costs are normally slightly higher in the fourth quarter than in
the third quarter. Costs related to environmental accruals, higher maintenance
activity, restructuring and other non-recurring items are approximately NOK 150
million higher than in third quarter 2010.
The global fertilizer market is tight as global agricultural prices are at all-
time high levels and all fertilizer capacity outside China, which has
implemented high export taxes, aim to run at full capacity.
No further details of Yara's fourth-quarter financial results will be released
before the scheduled publication on 15 February.
Contact
Torgeir Kvidal, Investor Relations
Telephone (+47) 24 15 72 95
Cellular (+47) 91 339 832
E-mailtorgeir.kvidal@yara.com
Yara International ASA is the world's leading chemical company that converts
energy, natural minerals and nitrogen from the air into essential products for
farmers and industrial customers. As the number one global supplier of mineral
fertilizers, we help provide food for a growing world population. Our industrial
product portfolio includes environmental protection agents that prevent air
pollution. Yara's global workforce of 7,600 employees represents the great
diversity and knowledge that enables Yara to remain a leading performer in the
industry.
www.yara.com
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(Norwegian Securities Trading Act)
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Source: Yara International ASA via Thomson Reuters ONE
[HUG#1485057]
Unternehmen: Yara International ASA - ISIN: NO0010208051