DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/9c0eb6/development_coope) has announced the addition of the "Development Co-operation Report 2009" report to their offering.
This edition of OECD's annual Development Co-operation Report provides key statistics and analysis on the latest trends in international aid.
Eckhard Deutscher, who recently took over as Chairman of the Development Assistance Committee, reports back on the Accra High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness and the need to step up our efforts to make aid work better for developing countries in this time of economic crisis. The report also addresses fragmentation, a major problem when aid comes in too many small slices from too many directions and - drawing on case studies from number of countries - offers five lessons on how the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness can be used to make the link between development policy and human rights, environmental sustainability and gender equality.
The title of the Development Co-operation Report has traditionally carried the date of the year preceding its publication. We would like to alert readers to the fact that, as of this issue, the title will reflect the actual year of publication. This issue will, therefore, be entitled Development Co-operation Report 2009. Please note that this Report incorporates data submitted to the OECD up to 15 November 2008; these data correspond to flows in 2007..
Key Topics Covered:
1. Globalisation: A Shifting Context for Development Policy
2. How Fragmented is Aid?
3. How Predictable is Aid?
4. What the Reports are Saying
5. The Bigger Picture: The Paris Declaration and Broader Development Goals
6. Efforts and Policies of Bilateral Donors
-- Introduction
-- DAC Members
-- Other OECD Donors
-- Other Providers of Development Assistance
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/9c0eb6/development_coope
Source: Research and Markets
DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/4bbc14/macular_oedema_d) has announced the addition of GlobalData 's new report "Macular Oedema - Drug Pipeline Analysis and Market Forecasts to 2016" to their offering.
Macular Oedema - Drug Pipeline Analysis and Market Forecasts to 2016
GlobalData, the industry analysis specialists new report, Macular Oedema - Drug Pipeline Analysis and Market Forecasts to 2016 is an essential source of information and analysis on the global macular oedema market. The report identifies the key trends shaping and driving the market, and provides insight on the prevalent competitive landscape and the emerging players expected to bring a significant shift in the market positioning of the existing market leaders. Most importantly, the report provides valuable insight on the pipeline products within the global macular oedema sector.
The Macular Oedema Market is Forecast to Show Modest Growth to 2016
GlobalData valued the global macular oedema market at $3.8 billion in 2009. It is expected to grow to $5.3 billion with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5% by 2016. This growth is primarily attributed to the increased prevalence and incidence rates of diabetes across the world. Macular oedema is a slowly progressing disease and diabetes is cited as the main cause of such ocular diseases. The growth will be supported by the increased competition between the traditionally used off label products and the newly approved drugs and is expected to continue in the future.
Global Macular Oedema Market Forecast 2009-2016
Macular Oedema Market Set To Witness Intense Competition Between Off Label and Recently Approved Products
GlobalData has found the current competition in the macular oedema market is set to become more intense due to the increased usage of off label products by physicians. This is the result of the lack of an approved drug in the market, thereby forcing physicians to use off label drugs to treat patients. Unlike the other back-of-the-eye disease markets where there are approved drugs with which new entrants have to compete; this market will have no approved drugs available until late 2009. The only approved product, Ozurdex, is relatively new in the market and the competition scenario in this case is reversed as the newly approved products have to compete with products that have been used off label for many years. This is likely to intensify the market competition in the next few years.
Scope
The scope of the report includes:
-- Annualized global macular oedema market revenues data from 2000 to 2009,
forecast forward for 7 years to 2016.
-- Geographic markets covered in this report include the US (United
States), the UK (United Kingdom), Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and
Japan.
-- Pipeline analysis data providing a split across different phases,
mechanism of action being developed and emerging trends.
-- Analysis of the current and future market competition in the global
macular oedema market.
-- Insightful review of the key industry drivers, restraints and
challenges. Each trend is independently researched to provide
qualitative analysis of its implications.
-- Key topics covered include strategic competitor assessment, market
characterization, unmet needs and implications for future market
associated with macular oedema. Key market players discussed include
pSivida Corp, Genentech, Pfizer, Bausch and Lomb, and i-Co Therapeutics.
Reasons to buy
The report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner.
It will allow you to:
-- Develop and design your in-licensing and out-licensing strategies
through review of pipeline products and technologies and by identifying
companies with the most robust pipeline.
-- Develop business strategies by understanding the trends shaping and
driving the global macular oedema market.
-- Drive revenues by understanding key trends, innovative products and
technologies, market segments and companies likely to impact the global
macular oedema market in future.
-- Formulate effective sales and marketing strategies by understanding the
competitive landscape and by analyzing the performance of various
competitors.
-- Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolio and
create effective counter-strategies to gain competitive advantage.
-- Organize your sales and marketing efforts by identifying the market
categories and segments that present maximum opportunities for
consolidations, investments and strategic partnerships.
-- What's the next big thing in the global macular oedema market landscape?
- Identify, understand and capitalize.
Key Topics Covered:
1 Table of contents
2 Macular Oedema Market: Market Characterization
3 Opportunity and Unmet Need
4 Macular Oedema Market: Competitive Assessment
5 Macular Oedema Market: Pipeline Assessment
6 Macular Oedema Market: Implications for Future Market Competition
7 Macular Oedema Market: Future Players in the Macular Oedema Market
8 Macular Oedema Market: Appendix
Companies Mentioned:
-- pSivida Corp
-- Genentech
-- I co Therapeutics
-- Pfizer
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/4bbc14/macular_oedema_d
Source: Research and Markets
CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Feb. 9, 2010) -
ALL AMOUNTS ARE STATED IN U.S.$
Agrium Inc. (TSX: AGU) (NYSE: AGU) announced today net earnings of $30-million ($0.19 diluted earnings per share) for the fourth quarter of 2009, compared with the net earnings of $124-million in the fourth quarter of 2008 ($0.79 diluted earnings per share). On an annual basis, 2009 net earnings were $366-million ($2.33 diluted earnings per share) as compared to net earnings of $1.3-billion ($8.34 diluted earnings per share) in 2008.
The 2009 fourth quarter results included losses of $35-million ($0.17 diluted earnings per share) on gas and other hedge positions and a $34-million expense ($0.17 diluted earnings per share) in stock-based compensation. Net earnings calculated on the same basis as our fourth quarter guidance would have been $84-million ($0.53 diluted earnings per share) for the fourth quarter of 2009, compared to our guidance range for the quarter of $0.14 to $0.44 diluted earnings per share.(1)
"The fourth quarter of 2009 saw the initial stages of recovery in the crop input sector. We have seen increasing demand for domestic potash and a tight supply situation for nitrogen and phosphate products. Wholesale sales volumes were substantially higher this quarter across all products than the fourth quarter of last year, despite the shortened fall application season." said Mike Wilson, Agrium President and CEO.
"We are seeing increasing signs that demand for crop nutrients and other crop inputs will be strong in the coming spring, despite some recent weakening in crop prices following the revised yield estimates from the USDA. Agrium is looking forward to a significant recovery in the crop input markets in 2010."
KEY RESULTS AND DEVELOPMENTS
Cash flow from operating activities for the fourth quarter of 2009 contributed $904-million, compared to $671-million in the prior year. Furthermore, our net-debt to net-debt plus equity continued to decline in the fourth quarter, reaching 16 percent compared to 26 percent at the end of the third quarter of 2009. A $25-million tax recovery in the fourth quarter of 2009 was primarily due to the higher than expected proportion of income earned in lower taxed jurisdictions and a loss incurred in a higher taxed (U.S.) jurisdiction.
Agrium acquired 57 farm centers in the United States and Canada over the past several months. The combined annual sales for these acquisitions, including a limited number of independent U.S. outlets obtained earlier in 2009, is projected at approximately $350-million and the combined purchase price was approximately $100-million, including working capital.
(1) 2009 annual effective tax rate used for adjusted diluted earnings per
share calculations.
Wholesale sales volumes increased significantly in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to 2008, as both grower and retailer demand rebounded from last year, even with the shortened application window this fall. Wholesale sales volumes in the fourth quarter of 2009 were 35 percent, 69 percent, and 25 percent higher than the same period last year for nitrogen, phosphate, and potash, respectively.
In December 2009, Agrium announced that Egyptian Nitrogen Products Company S.A.E. ("ENPC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of MISR Fertilizer Production Company S.A.E. ("MOPCO"), had secured $1.05-billion of non-recourse project financing from a syndicate of Egyptian and regional banks. This will allow ENPC to proceed with tripling of the existing MOPCO nitrogen facility in Damietta, Egypt by 2012 (1), bringing Agrium's 26 percent equity interest in production from 176,000 tonnes to 546,000 tonnes of production. Under the financing plan, Agrium will not be required to put any further equity into the project. Agrium reported equity earnings of $6-million for its interest in MOPCO in the fourth quarter of 2009, bringing total equity earnings for 2009 to $20-million.
Agrium continues to be fully committed to acquiring CF Industries, Inc. ("CF"), and intends to continue to press the board of directors of CF to engage in negotiations with Agrium to execute a mutually beneficial merger agreement for our respective shareholders. On January 14, 2010, Agrium notified CF that Agrium will nominate two independent and highly qualified directors for election to CF's board of directors at CF's 2010 annual meeting of stockholders.
2009 Fourth Quarter Operating Results
NET EARNINGS
Agrium's fourth quarter consolidated net earnings were $30-million, or $0.19 diluted earnings per share, compared with net earnings of $124-million, or $0.79 diluted earnings per share, for the same quarter of 2008. Net earnings before interest expense and income taxes ("EBIT") were $31-million for the fourth quarter of 2009 compared with EBIT of $172-million for the fourth quarter of 2008. A reconciliation of EBIT to net earnings is provided in the section "Non-GAAP Measures". Consolidated gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2009 was $383-million, a $139-million decrease compared with the fourth quarter of 2008. The decreases in quarter-over-quarter gross profit and EBIT were primarily driven by lower selling prices for our products, partially offset by an increase in sales volumes and lower cost of production. For discussion on the performance of each business unit, see section "Business Segment Performance".
Expenses were $47-million lower in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared with the same period last year largely due to a combination of the following items:
- an $87-million write-down in our EAgrium investment in the fourth quarter of 2008 (net to Agrium of $45-million after elimination of non-controlling interests);
- a $41-million reduction in potash profit taxes; and,
- a $22-million reduction in selling expenses.
(1) See disclosure in the section "Outlook, Key Risks and Uncertainties" in
this press release.
These favorable changes were partially offset by a $95-million change in other expenses as outlined in the table below:
Below is summary of our other expense (income) for the fourth quarter of
2009 and 2008:
Three months ended December 31, 2009 2008
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock-based compensation 34 (35)
Loss on derivative financial instruments 35 87
Interest income (11) (11)
Foreign exchange (gain) loss - (98)
Other (2) 18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
56 (39)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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The tax recovery in the fourth quarter of 2009 was primarily due to the higher than expected proportion of income earned in lower taxed jurisdictions and a loss incurred in higher taxed (U.S.) jurisdiction. The effective tax rate was 22 percent for 2009, compared with 31 percent for 2008. The lower annual tax rate was due to a higher proportion of income earned in lower taxed jurisdictions in 2009, partially offset by Canadian income tax on the foreign exchange gains related to our U.S. dollar-denominated debt.
BUSINESS SEGMENT PERFORMANCE Retail
Retail's 2009 fourth quarter net sales were $738-million, compared to $1.0-billion in the fourth quarter of 2008. Gross profit was $189-million in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared to $228-million for the same period last year. Retail EBIT was a loss of $57-million in the fourth quarter of 2009, versus a loss of $54-million in the fourth quarter of 2008.(1)
Crop nutrient net sales were $431-million this quarter compared to $631-million in the same quarter last year. Lower crop nutrient prices for the primary nutrients more than offset an increase in sales volumes this quarter compared to the same period last year. While crop nutrient sales volumes were above last year's levels, they were still 20 percent below expected volumes due to the shortened fall application season. Gross profit for crop nutrients was $46-million this quarter compared to the fourth quarter results of $60-million achieved in 2008. This quarter over quarter variance in gross profit also reflects a $93-million write-down in nutrient inventory valuation in the fourth quarter of 2008. Crop nutrient margins averaged 11 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009, slightly higher than the third quarter of 2009 and slightly higher than the fourth quarter of 2008 including the write-down. The reduction in gross profit compared to last year was due to the decline in overall crop nutrient prices, both from the fourth quarter of 2008 and during 2009, therefore reducing the realizable margin, while the shortened fall application season limited the typically higher margin, full-service ammonia market. We anticipate crop nutrient margins to improve significantly in 2010 as demand is expected to be strong and inventory costs are below current replacement costs.(2) Sales volumes at our South American operations were also higher this quarter when compared to the same period last year as rain has returned to the region, ending the worst drought in approximately 100 years. Gross profit from our South American retail operations was $10-million this quarter, compared to $7-million last year which included an $8-million write-down in inventory in the fourth quarter of 2008.
(1) In the second quarter of 2009, a forward-looking statement indicated
that 2009 Retail EBITDA was expected to be approximately $400-million,
the realized EBITDA was $266-million with the reduction primarily
related to lower than expected crop nutrient margins and sales volumes
in the fall season.
(2) See disclosure in the section "Outlook, Key Risks and Uncertainties" in
this press release.
Crop protection net sales were $234-million in the fourth quarter of 2009, a 19 percent decrease from the $288-million in sales for the same period last year. This was mainly due to lower sales prices for glyphosate, which was partially offset by an 83 percent increase in glyphosate volumes this quarter compared to the same period last year. Gross profit this quarter was $98-million, a decrease of $35-million over last year's $133-million, due primarily to timing differences in the recognition of volume rebates. On an annual basis, 2009 rebates exceeded 2008. Crop protection product margins as a percentage of net sales were 42 percent for the fourth quarter of 2009, as compared to 46 percent in the same period last year.
Net sales for seed, services and other decreased by 29 percent to $73-million this quarter, from $103-million in the fourth quarter of 2008. Gross profit was $45-million in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared to $35-million for the same period last year. Seed sales were $16-million in the fourth quarter of 2009, a decrease of 65 percent over the same period last year due primarily to less wheat acres being planted.
Gross profit from seed sales was $16-million this quarter compared to $7-million in the fourth quarter of 2008, due to timing of seed rebates recognition this year. Application services revenues were $32-million and gross profit was $24-million this quarter, both marginally higher than results from the same period last year. The relative strength in earnings from this product line in a difficult agricultural environment illustrates the benefits of the diversity in our Retail business.
Retail selling expenses for the fourth quarter of 2009 were $211-million, a 13 percent decline over last year's level, primarily due to reduced fuel and maintenance costs and to lower salaries and performance incentives earned. Selling expenses as a percentage of net sales in the fourth quarter of 2009 was 29 percent, up significantly from the 24 percent in the same period last year. The 51 percent decrease in nutrient unit prices compared to the prior period was the primary contributor to the higher expense as a percent of sales.
Wholesale
Wholesale's net sales were $716-million for the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to $982-million for the fourth quarter of 2008. Gross profit was $180-million in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared with the $283-million in the fourth quarter for 2008, due primarily to lower average sales prices across all three nutrients. The resulting reduction in quarter over quarter selling prices more than offset a 44 percent increase in sales volumes in the fourth quarter of 2009 when compared to the same period last year. The key factor driving the higher volumes during the quarter was a return to stronger demand from North American customers for all three nutrients, despite the shortened application season this fall. Cost of product sold for the fourth quarter of 2009 was $237 per tonne, $209 per tonne lower than the same quarter in 2008 due primarily to lower natural gas costs on nitrogen and $121-million of inventory write-downs in the fourth quarter of 2008. EBIT of $140-million in the fourth quarter of 2009 was $34-million higher than the fourth quarter of 2008 due primarily to lower potash profit taxes and derivative losses. Prior year EBIT was also impacted by a $45-million impairment, after non-controlling interest, of our former investment in EAgrium.
Nitrogen gross profit was $95-million this quarter, compared to $136-million in the same quarter last year. Benchmark prices and Agrium's realized prices were lower than last year across all nitrogen products. Domestic and international ammonia and urea volumes were up significantly in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to the same period last year. Nitrogen cost of product sold was $214 per tonne this quarter, significantly lower than the $317 per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2008. The lower production cost was primarily a result of lower North American gas prices. Agrium's nitrogen margins averaged $102 per tonne this quarter, compared with $197 per tonne in the fourth quarter of last year.
Agrium's overall natural gas cost was $4.82/MMBtu (including gas hedging) in the fourth quarter of 2009 versus $7.41/MMBtu in the fourth quarter of 2008. The U.S. benchmark (NYMEX) natural gas price for the fourth quarter of 2009 was $4.27/MMBtu, versus $6.82/MMBtu in the same quarter last year and $3.41/MMBtu in the third quarter of 2009. The AECO (Alberta) basis narrowed to $0.28/MMBtu in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared to $0.98/MMBtu in same period of 2008.
Potash gross profit was $74-million ($210 per tonne) in the fourth quarter of 2009 versus $159-million ($562 per tonne) in the fourth quarter of 2008. The average realized sales price was $382 per tonne this quarter, down from $678 per tonne for the same period last year. Sales volumes were 353,000 tonnes, an increase of 25 percent from the same period last year. Domestic demand was up 81 percent compared to the same period last year; while international sales remained significantly lower than the fourth quarter of 2008 due to continued uncertainty in international markets given the negotiations for a new supply contract with China were not complete. Cost of product sold on a per tonne basis was $172 per tonne or $56 per tonne higher than for the same quarter last year, partly due to the stronger Canadian dollar and lower operating rates at our Vanscoy facility.
Phosphate gross profit was $1-million this quarter, compared to $86-million in the same quarter last year. Realized sales prices averaged $392 per tonne, down $725 per tonne when compared to the record $1,117 per tonne price achieved in the same quarter last year. Sales volume this quarter was 232,000 tonnes, representing a 69 percent increase as compared to the same quarter in 2008. Phosphate cost of product sold was $388 per tonne or $101 per tonne lower than the fourth quarter of 2008, primarily due to lower ammonia and sulphur costs. The phosphate market experienced improvement in benchmark prices in the fourth quarter from the previous quarter in 2009. When compared to the third quarter of this year, average realized sales prices for the fourth quarter of 2009 were $24 per tonne higher and benchmark prices have continued to climb into 2010.
Gross profit for the Purchase for Resale business in the fourth quarter of 2009 was $2-million versus a loss of $108-million for the same period last year. The majority of the variance was due to an inventory write-down of $121-million taken in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Wholesale expenses were $137-million lower in the fourth quarter of 2009 than the same period last year. This was primarily due to a $45-million impairment (after non-controlling interest) booked in the fourth quarter of 2008 of our former investment in EAgrium and a $51-million reduction in hedging losses on our natural gas, power and foreign exchange derivatives. The remainder of reduction in expenses was due to lower potash profit taxes in the fourth quarter of 2009 primarily as a result of lower quarter-over-quarter margins.
Advanced Technologies
Advanced Technologies' fourth quarter 2009 net sales were $95-million compared to $76-million in the fourth quarter of 2008. The increase was primarily attributed to the inclusion of the new turf and ornamental business that was transferred from Retail to Advanced Technologies in 2009. Although ESN sales volumes were up 88 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008, net sales were impacted by lower average realized sales prices in ESN and other controlled release products versus the fourth quarter of 2008, as a result of a decline in the price of urea.
Gross profit for Advanced Technologies was $16-million for the quarter, compared with $17-million for the same period last year. EBITDA was $8-million lower this quarter versus the comparable period in 2008 due to lower average realized sales prices and margins for products sold and higher selling, general and administrative costs. Selling, general and administrative costs for Advanced Technologies were $10-million higher in the fourth quarter of 2009 than the same period last year due primarily to the relocation of the segment's corporate offices to Loveland, Colorado and the inclusion of costs related to the new turf and ornamental operations transferred from Retail.
Other
EBIT for our other non-operating business unit for the fourth quarter of 2009 was a loss of $46-million, a decrease of $160-million compared with earnings of $114-million for the fourth quarter of 2008. The decrease reflected the absence of foreign exchange gains which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2008, and an increase in stock-based compensation expense driven by an increase in our share price in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared with a decrease in the comparative period of 2008.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash provided by operating activities was $904-million in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared with $671-million in the same period of 2008. This $233-million increase in cash provided by operating activities was due to:
- a $69-million increase in non-cash stock-based compensation expense; and,
- a $610-million increase in non-cash working capital.
The increase in non-cash working capital is primarily driven by the increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities partially offset by the change in accounts receivable.
The favorable cash inflow provided by operating activities were partially offset by:
- a $94-million decrease in net earnings;
- lower non-cash inventory and purchase commitment write-downs, and,
- a $180-million non-cash decrease in the net future income tax liabilities.
Cash used in investing activities increased by $48-million due to higher capital expenditures in the fourth quarter of 2009. Capital expenditures for 2009 were $313-million compared with our forecast previously disclosed in our third quarter MD&A(1), as we chose to defer several projects and initiatives into 2010 to conserve cash while we have an outstanding offer for CF Industries Holdings, Inc.
Cash used in financing activities was $24-million in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared with $381-million in the same period of 2008. The change reflected the pay-down of our bank indebtedness and long-term debt, and funds used for shares repurchased in the fourth quarter of 2008.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-term credit facilities available
at December 31, 2009 (a) Total Unutilized Utilized
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(millions of U.S. dollars)
North American revolving credit
facilities expiring 2010 and 2012 (b) 835 835 -
European credit facilities expiring
in 2010 (c) (d) 450 376 74
South American credit facilities
expiring 2010 to 2012 121 89 32
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1,406 1,300 106
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(a) As of December 31, 2009, a total of $200-million was available from our
accounts receivable securitization facility. For further information,
see discussion under the section "Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements" on
page 75 of our 2008 Annual Report.
(b) Outstanding letters of credit issued under the Company's revolving
credit facilities at December 31, 2009 were $74-million, reducing
credit available under the facilities to $761-million.
(c) Of the total, $137-million is secured. Security pledged for the
utilized balance includes inventory, accounts receivable and other
items with a total carrying value of $87-million. The utilized
balance includes Euro-denominated debt of $31-million.
(d) In December 2009, the Company entered into a multi-currency revolving
facility for Euro-denominated debt of $172-million to replace
$160-million of existing credit facilities. The facility expires in
2011.
(1) In the third quarter of 2009, a forward-looking statement indicated
that we expected our total capital expenditures for 2009 to be in
excess of 10 percent lower than the $450-million previously disclosed
in our 2008 annual MD&A.
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA
The number of outstanding shares as at December 31, 2009 was 157 million. As at December 31, 2009, there were approximately 0.9 million stock options outstanding and issuable assuming full conversion, where each option granted can be exercised for one common share.
SELECTED QUARTERLY INFORMATION
(Unaudited, in millions of U.S. dollars, except per share information)
2009 2008 2007
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Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4
Net sales $ 1,442 1,844 4,090 1,753 1,941 3,113 3,870 1,107 1,426
Gross profit 383 397 890 273 522 1,048 1,261 392 533
Net earnings
(loss) 30 26 370 (60) 124 367 636 195 172
Earnings
(loss) per
share
-basic $0.19 0.16 2.36 (0.38) 0.79 2.32 4.03 1.24 1.25
-diluted $0.19 0.16 2.35 (0.38) 0.79 2.31 4.00 1.23 1.24
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The agricultural products business is seasonal in nature. Consequently, quarter-to-quarter results are not directly comparable. Sales are concentrated in the spring and fall planting seasons, while produced inventories are accumulated throughout the year. Cash collections generally occur after the planting seasons in North and South America.
NON-GAAP MEASURES
In the discussion of our performance for the quarter, in addition to the primary measures of earnings and earnings per share, we make reference to EBIT (net earnings before interest expense and income taxes) and EBITDA (net earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and asset impairment). We consider EBIT and EBITDA to be useful measures of performance because income tax jurisdictions and business segments are not synonymous and we believe that allocation of income tax charges distorts the comparability of historical performance for the different business segments. Similarly, financing and related interest charges cannot be allocated to all business units on a basis that is meaningful for comparison with other companies.
EBIT and EBITDA are not recognized measures under GAAP, and our methods of calculation may not be comparable to other companies. Similarly, EBITDA should not be used as an alternative to cash provided by (used in) operating activities as determined in accordance with GAAP.
The following is a reconciliation of EBITDA and EBIT to net earnings as calculated in accordance with GAAP:
Three Months Ended December 31
(millions of 2009
U.S. dollars) --------------------------------------------------------------
Advanced
Retail Wholesale Technologies Other Consolidated
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA (30) 169 - (44) 95
Depreciation
and
amortization 27 29 6 2 64
Asset impairment - - - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBIT (57) 140 (6) (46) 31
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest expense (26)
Income taxes 25
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings 30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended December 31
(millions of 2008
U.S. dollars) --------------------------------------------------------------
Advanced
Retail Wholesale Technologies Other Consolidated
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA (32) 214 8 116 306
Depreciation
and
amortization 22 21 2 2 47
Asset impairment - 87 - - 87
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBIT (54) 106 6 114 172
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest expense (35)
Income taxes (13)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings 124
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OUTLOOK, KEY RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
Grain and oilseed prices increased through the fourth quarter of 2009, driven by the latest U.S. corn harvest on record, positive global economic momentum and weakness in the U.S. dollar. Grain and oilseed futures prices declined somewhat in early January in response to higher than expected U.S. corn yield and production estimates released by the USDA. Despite historically strong production, record global demand for grains and oilseeds and overall improvement in the global economy has maintained grain and oilseed prices above historical averages.
This strength in grain and oilseed prices has continued to support crop input expenditures. Looking to 2010, we see continued improvement in the seed market due to the trend in adoption of new seed varieties, and a stronger crop protection market compared to last year due to increased usage of glyphosates, crop health products and increased weed resistance resulting in expanded use of alternative crop protection products.
North American demand was hampered in the fall application season due to a delayed U.S. harvest, which analysts anticipate will lead to greater demand for all three nutrients in the first half of 2010. In addition, record corn yields in the U.S. in the 2009 growing season means a large draw on soil reserves, which will need to be replenished in the upcoming year.
Between the start and end of the fourth quarter, benchmark U.S. Gulf urea prices increased 20 percent. U.S. demand began to show strength in December, after a delayed harvest. Most analysts expect U.S. nitrogen demand to continue to be strong in the first half of 2010 due to a combination of a slow fall season and forecasts of increased corn area. The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) reported that December 2009 urea inventories in North America were 42 percent below December 2008 levels and 9 percent below the five-year average. An additional factor supporting the nitrogen market is anticipated increases in the formula-based natural gas prices paid by Ukrainian nitrogen producers. Currently, Ukrainian nitrogen producers are paying a significantly lower price than the prevailing formula price at the Russia/Ukraine border but this is expected to change after the first quarter of 2010.
Phosphate fundamentals improved significantly in the second half of 2009, but the market was slow to react to a tighter supply and demand balance which contributed to increased volatility in the last month of the year. Phosphate prices increased by over 30 percent between mid-November and the end of December, as the market was ignited by Chinese import purchases, which was followed by improved demand from many destinations. Going forward, the supply situation appears tight heading into the spring. U.S. December DAP and MAP inventories were reported by TFI to be 38 percent below five-year average levels and 60 percent below December 2008. Phosphate production is also running at a significantly higher rate on a global scale, resulting in increased demand and pricing for raw materials such as sulphur and ammonia. Non-integrated producer costs have increased as a result of higher input costs, including higher phosphate rock and phosphoric acid costs. Going forward, analysts expect India and Latin America to import more phosphate in 2010 versus 2009.
Demand in the potash market showed significant signs of recovery at the beginning of 2010. Analysts report that there is considerable pent-up demand in the potash market as importers have been waiting for a Chinese potash contract to be agreed upon. North American purchases for spring applications increased in late December, and demand continued early in 2010. In addition, Brazilian potash inventories are reportedly tight and import demand is expected to rebound. India imported large volumes of potash in late 2009 but there is uncertainty on the timing of new 2010 purchases due to changes in global potash prices. In addition, the timing and impact of changes in Indian fertilizer subsidies to a proposed Nutrient Based Subsidy is an uncertainty in the potash and phosphate markets.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including those referred to in the MD&A section of the Corporation's most recent annual report to shareholders, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, CF's failure to accept Agrium's proposal and enter into a definitive agreement to effect the transaction, timing and final terms of completion of the proposed CF acquisition, Agrium common shares issued in connection with the proposed acquisition may have a market value lower than expected, the businesses of Agrium and CF, or any other recent business acquisitions, may not be integrated successfully or such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected, the expected combination benefits and synergies and costs savings from the Agrium/CF transaction may not be fully realized or not realized within the expected time frame, the possible delay in the completion of the steps required to be taken for the eventual combination of the two companies, weather conditions, crop prices, the future supply, demand, price and cost level for our major products, capital costs being significantly different than projected, including costs associated with major projects, future gas prices and gas availability in key markets, future operating rates and production costs at Agrium's facilities, the exchange and tax rates for U.S., Canada and Argentina and any changes in government policy in key agriculture markets, including the application of price controls and tariffs on fertilizers and the availability of subsidies or changes in their amounts, the ongoing global financial conditions and changes in credit markets; failure of the Egyptian government to issue all necessary approvals to complete the MOPCO expansion as planned and any potential delay in completing planned expansion projects, Egyptian and Argentinean governmental and regulatory requirements and actions by governmental authorities, including changes in government policy, changes in environmental, tax and other laws or regulations and the interpretation thereof and other risk factors detailed from time to time in Agrium and CF's reports filed with the SEC. Except as required by law, Agrium disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information as a result of new information or future events.
Important Information
This press release does not constitute an offer to exchange, or a solicitation of an offer to exchange, common stock of CF Industries Holdings, Inc. ("CF"), nor is it a substitute for the Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO or the Prospectus/Offer to Exchange included in the Registration Statement on Form F-4 (including the Letter of Transmittal and related documents) (collectively, as amended from time to time, the "Exchange Offer Documents") filed by Agrium Inc. ("Agrium") with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on March 16, 2009, as amended. The Registration Statement on Form F-4 has not yet become effective. The offer to exchange is made only through the Exchange Offer Documents. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF AGRIUM AND CF ARE URGED TO READ THE EXCHANGE OFFER DOCUMENTS AND OTHER RELEVANT MATERIALS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE OFFER TO EXCHANGE. Such documents are available free of charge through the web site maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov, by calling the SEC at telephone number 800-SEC-0330 or by directing a request to the Agrium Investor Relations/Media Department, Agrium Inc, 13131 Lake Fraser Drive S.E., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2J 7E8.
Agrium and its directors and executive officers and other persons are deemed to be participants in any solicitation of proxies from CF's stockholders in respect of the proposed transaction with CF. Information regarding Agrium's directors and executive officers is available in its management proxy circular dated March 23, 2009, relating to the annual general meeting of its shareholders held on May 13, 2009. Other information regarding potential participants in such proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in any proxy statement filed in connection with the proposed transaction.
All information in this press release concerning CF, including its business, operations and financial results, was obtained from public sources. While Agrium has no knowledge that any such information is inaccurate or incomplete, Agrium has not had the opportunity to verify any of that information.
OTHER
Agrium Inc. is a major Retail supplier of agricultural products and services in North and South America, a leading global Wholesale producer and marketer of all three major agricultural nutrients and the premier supplier of specialty fertilizers in North America through our Advanced Technologies business unit. Agrium's strategy is to grow across the value chain through acquisition, incremental expansion of its existing operations and through the development, commercialization and marketing of new products and international opportunities. Our strategy places particular emphasis on growth opportunities that both increase and stabilize our earnings profile in the continuing transformation of Agrium.
A WEBSITE SIMULCAST of the 2009 4th Quarter Conference Call will be available in a listen-only mode beginning Tuesday, February 9th at 9:30 a.m. MT (11:30 a.m. ET). Please visit the following website: www.agrium.com.
CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2009
AGRIUM INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Twelve
months ended months ended
December 31, December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2009 2008 2009 2008
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales 1,501 1,985 9,328 10,268
Direct freight 59 44 199 237
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales 1,442 1,941 9,129 10,031
Cost of product 1,055 1,203 7,123 6,592
Inventory and purchase commitment
write-down 4 216 63 216
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 383 522 1,943 3,223
Expenses
Selling 227 249 918 815
General and administrative 50 40 202 192
Depreciation and amortization 32 27 124 110
Potash profit and capital tax (4) 37 4 162
Earnings from equity investees (8) (1) (27) (4)
Asset impairment - 87 - 87
Other expenses (income) 56 (39) 142 (125)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before interest, income taxes
and non-controlling interests 30 122 580 1,986
Interest on long-term debt 22 28 91 82
Other interest 4 7 19 23
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before income taxes and
non-controlling-interests 4 87 470 1,881
Income taxes (25) 13 105 589
Non-controlling interests (1) (50) (1) (30)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings 30 124 366 1,322
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic 0.19 0.79 2.33 8.39
Diluted 0.19 0.79 2.33 8.34
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average number of shares
outstanding (millions)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic 157 157 157 158
Diluted 158 158 157 159
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGRIUM INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)
Three Twelve
months ended months ended
December 31, December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2009 2008 2009 2008
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating
Net earnings 30 124 366 1,322
Items not affecting cash
Inventory and purchase commitment
write-down 4 216 63 216
Depreciation and amortization 64 47 242 218
Earnings from equity investees (8) (1) (27) (4)
Asset impairment - 87 - 87
Stock-based compensation 34 (35) 73 (25)
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative
financial instruments 17 49 (39) 77
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss (5) 9 62 (6)
Future income taxes (89) 91 (309) 363
Non-controlling interests (1) (50) (1) (30)
Other 10 (104) 24 (77)
Net changes in non-cash working capital 848 238 950 (1,097)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by operating activities 904 671 1,404 1,044
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investing
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired - - (15) (2,740)
Capital expenditures (131) (91) (313) (506)
Proceeds from disposal of property,
plant and equipment, and investments 7 4 14 27
Purchase of CF Industries Holdings,
Inc. shares - - (65) -
Other (48) (37) (134) (156)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash used in investing activities (172) (124) (513) (3,375)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing
Bank indebtedness (61) (292) (381) 261
Long-term debt issued 32 - 78 1,620
Transaction costs on long-term debt (1) - (1) (12)
Repayment of long-term debt - (58) (1) (795)
Contributions from non-controlling
interests - - - 171
Dividends paid - - (17) (18)
Shares issued, net of issuance costs 6 - 7 4
Shares repurchased - (35) - (35)
Other - 4 - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash (used in) provided by financing
activities (24) (381) (315) 1,196
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents 708 166 576 (1,135)
Cash and cash equivalents -- beginning
of period 225 208 374 1,509
Deconsolidation of EAgrium subsidiary - - (17) -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents -- end of
period 933 374 933 374
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGRIUM INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Millions of U.S. dollars)
(Unaudited)
As at December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2009 2008
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 933 374
Accounts receivable 1,324 1,242
Inventories 2,137 3,047
Prepaid expenses and deposits 612 475
Marketable securities 114 -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
5,120 5,138
Property, plant and equipment 1,782 2,036
Intangibles 617 653
Goodwill 1,801 1,783
Investment in equity investees 370 71
Other assets 95 156
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
9,785 9,837
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Bank indebtedness 106 610
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 2,475 2,200
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,581 2,810
Long-term debt 1,699 1,622
Other liabilities 381 328
Future income tax liabilities 521 725
Non-controlling interests 11 242
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
5,193 5,727
Shareholders' equity 4,592 4,110
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
9,785 9,837
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGRIUM INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Shareholders' Equity
(Millions of U.S. dollars, except share data)
(Unaudited)
Millions Accumulated
of other Total
common Share Contributed Retained comprehensive shareholders'
shares capital surplus earnings income equity
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31,
2007 158 1,972 8 1,024 84 3,088
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transition
Adjustment(a) 4 4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
158 1,972 8 1,028 84 3,092
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings 1,322 1,322
Cash flow
hedges (b) (14) (14)
Foreign
currency
translation (242) (242)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive
income 1,066
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends (17) (17)
Shares
repurchased (1) (15) (20) (35)
Stock options
exercised 4 4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31,
2008 157 1,961 8 2,313 (172) 4,110
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings 366 366
Cash flow
hedges (c) (4) (4)
Available for
sale financial
instruments (d) 29 29
Foreign
currency
translation 100 100
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive
income 491
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends (17) (17)
Stock options
exercised 8 8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31,
2009 157 1,969 8 2,662 (47) 4,592
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Adjustment at January 1, 2008 for adoption of accounting standards for
inventory. Net of tax of $1-million.
(b) Net of tax of $2-million and non-controlling interest of $7-million.
(c) Net of tax of $2-million.
(d) Net of tax of $19-million.
AGRIUM INC.
Results by Segment
(Unaudited - millions of U.S. dollars)
Schedule 1
Three months ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------
Advanced
Retail Wholesale Technologies
--------------------------------------------------
2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008
--------------------------------------------------
Net Sales - external 736 1,021 621 857 85 63
- inter-segment 2 1 95 125 10 13
--------------------------------------------------
Total net sales 738 1,022 716 982 95 76
Cost of product 549 701 534 578 77 57
Inventory and purchase
commitment write-down - 93 2 121 2 2
--------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 189 228 180 283 16 17
--------------------------------------------------
Gross profit (%) 26 22 25 29 17 22
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Selling expenses 211 242 8 7 9 2
EBITDA (1) (30) (32) 169 214 - 8
EBIT (2) (57) (54) 140 106 (6) 6
Three months ended December 31,
-------------------------------
Other Total
-------------------------------
2009 2008 2009 2008
-------------------------------
Net Sales - external - - 1,442 1,941
- inter-segment (107) (139) - -
-------------------------------
Total net sales (107) (139) 1,442 1,941
Cost of product (105) (133) 1,055 1,203
Inventory and purchase
commitment write-down - - 4 216
-------------------------------
Gross profit (2) (6) 383 522
-------------------------------
Gross profit (%) 27 27
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
Selling expenses (1) (2) 227 249
EBITDA (1) (44) 116 95 306
EBIT (2) (46) 114 31 172
Twelve months ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------------
Advanced
Retail Wholesale Technologies
---------------------------------------------------
2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008
---------------------------------------------------
Net Sales - external 6,160 5,511 2,708 4,227 261 293
- inter-segment 4 5 311 459 43 59
---------------------------------------------------
Total net sales 6,164 5,516 3,019 4,686 304 352
Cost of product 4,982 3,997 2,316 2,774 248 271
Inventory and purchase
commitment write-down - 93 61 121 2 2
---------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 1,182 1,426 642 1,791 54 79
---------------------------------------------------
Gross profit (%) 19 26 21 38 18 22
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Selling expenses 882 788 34 29 13 6
EBITDA (1) 266 560 607 1,670 22 50
EBIT (2) 163 480 495 1,478 3 33
Twelve months ended December 31,
---------------------------------
Other Total
---------------------------------
2009 2008 2009 2008
---------------------------------
Net Sales - external - - 9,129 10,031
- inter-segment (358) (523) - -
---------------------------------
Total net sales (358) (523) 9,129 10,031
Cost of product (423) (450) 7,123 6,592
Inventory and purchase
commitment write-down - - 63 216
---------------------------------
Gross profit 65 (73) 1,943 3,223
---------------------------------
Gross profit (%) 21 32
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
Selling expenses (11) (8) 918 815
EBITDA (1) (72) 41 823 2,321
EBIT (2) (80) 25 581 2,016
(1) Net earnings (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation,
amortization and asset impairment.
(2) Net earnings (loss) before interest expense and income taxes.
AGRIUM INC.
Product Lines
Three months ended December 31
(Unaudited - millions of U.S. dollars)
Schedule 2a
2009
-------------------------------------------------------------
Cost of Sales Selling Cost of
Net Product Gross Tonnes Price Product Margin
Sales (1)(2) Profit (000's) ($/Tonne) ($/Tonne) ($/Tonne)
-------------------------------------------------------------
Wholesale
Nitrogen 294 199 95 930 316 214 102
Potash 135 61 74 353 382 172 210
Phosphate 91 90 1 232 392 388 4
Product
purchased for
resale 161 159 2 598 269 266 3
Other 35 27 8 146
-------------------------------------------------------------
716 536 180 2,259 317 237 80
-------------------------------------------------------------
Retail (3)
Crop nutrients 431 385 46
Crop
protection
products 234 136 98
Seed, services
and other 73 28 45
----------------------
738 549 189
----------------------
Advanced
Technologies(4)
Turf and
ornamental 75 64 11
Agriculture 20 15 5
----------------------
95 79 16
----------------------
Other
inter-segment
eliminations (107) (105) (2)
----------------------
Total 1,442 1,059 383
----------------------
----------------------
2008
--------------------------------------------------------------
Cost of Sales Selling Cost of
Net Product Gross Tonnes Price Product Margin
Sales (1)(2) Profit (000's) ($/Tonne) ($/Tonne)($/Tonne)
--------------------------------------------------------------
Wholesale
Nitrogen 355 219 136 691 514 317 197
Potash 192 33 159 283 678 116 562
Phosphate 153 67 86 137 1,117 489 628
Product
purchased for
resale 251 359 (108) 388 647 925 (278)
Other 31 21 10 69
--------------------------------------------------------------
982 699 283 1,568 626 446 180
--------------------------------------------------------------
Retail (3)
Crop nutrients 631 571 60
Crop
protection
products 288 155 133
Seed, services
and other 103 68 35
------------------------
1,022 794 228
------------------------
Advanced
Technologies(4)
Turf and
ornamental 57 48 9
Agriculture 19 11 8
------------------------
76 59 17
------------------------
Other
inter-segment
eliminations (139) (133) (6)
------------------------
Total 1,941 1,419 522
------------------------
------------------------
(1) Includes inventory and purchase commitment write-down of $4-million
(2008 - $216-million):
(a) Wholesale has $2-million for product purchased for resale (2008 -
$121-million)
(b) Retail has nil for crop nutrients (2008 - $93-million)
(c) Advanced Technologies has $2-million (2008 - $2-million)
(2) Includes depreciation of $32-milion (2008 - $20-million):
(a) Wholesale has $28-million (2008 - $18-million): $14-million for
nitrogen (2008 - $9-million), $3-million for potash (2008 - $4-million),
$10-million for phosphate (2008 - $4-million) and $1-million for other
(2008 - $1-million)
(b) Advanced Technologies has $4-million (2008 - $2-million)
(3) International Retail net sales were $76-million (2008 -
$106-million) and gross profit was $11-million (2008 - $6-million)
(4) Comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current
year's revised categories.
AGRIUM INC. Product Lines
Twelve months ended December 31
(Unaudited - millions of U.S. dollars)
Schedule 2b
2009
-------------------------------------------------------------
Cost of Sales Selling Cost of
Net Product Gross Tonnes Price Product Margin
Sales (1)(2) Profit (000's) ($/Tonne) ($/Tonne) ($/Tonne)
-------------------------------------------------------------
Wholesale
Nitrogen 1,247 835 412 3,766 331
MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 02/09/10 -- Triple-S Salud, Inc. of Puerto Rico (Triple-S) has become the first health plan on the island of Puerto Rico to embrace the patient-centered medication therapy management (MTM) solutions provided by Medication Management Systems Puerto Rico, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Medication Management Systems, Inc. (MMS).
"We are pleased that Triple-S selected us to deliver an innovative MTM service designed to improve health outcomes," said Nathan Schultz, Pharm.D.,president and COO of MMS. "This partnership continues Triple-S's commitment to innovative solutions which improve patient care. The program we have developed with Triple-S places an emphasis on coordination of care with physicians and integrates the patient care service provided by pharmacists."
In Puerto Rico, MMS's Pharmaceutical Care Practice Network includes specially trained community pharmacists. Launched in January, under the name "FarmaOrienta," the network provides Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services to Triple S's members which includes assessment of all of their medications as well as guidance to ensure that the medications are appropriate, working properly, safe and can be taken as intended. Additionally, and when appropriate, pharmacists will refer patients to physicians for follow-up care.
"We selected MMS to administer our MTM program because of the patient-centered, results-driven, and evidence-based service they will manage for us," said Socorro Rivas, president of Triple-S. "They have a tremendous amount of experience in training pharmacists to provide a consistent level of patient care. This results in reproducible outcomes and effective communication between patients, pharmacists and physicians. MMS was also able to launch 'FarmaOrienta' quickly and efficiently. We could not have hoped for a more flexible and accommodating solution." Rivas added, "We feel very proud of the commitment shown by the pharmacists in being active participants in reducing the exposure to the damage caused by the inappropriate use of medications."
This initiative is aligned with the educational campaign recently launched by Triple-S, in all media, about the adequate use of the medications.
"Our common goal is to deliver and demonstrate improved patient outcomes through a quality MTM service," added Schultz. "MMS' technology and services help Medicare Part D plans to immediately meet Federal government program requirements and perfectly positions them to exceed what are sure to be increasing demands for demonstration of patient care improvement in the future."
Medication Management Systems, Inc. is a leader in designing, delivering and implementing successful, standards-driven medication therapy management (MTM) programs. MMS employs a proven patient-centered pharmaceutical care approach supported by the Assurance System™ to improve medication efficacy, safety, and adherence for patients with complex drug therapies. www.medsmanagement.com
Triple-S Salud, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Association, is the leading health insurance company in Puerto Rico and serves approximately 1.3 million members. The Company has the exclusive rights to use the Blue Cross/ Blue Shield name and brand for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Triple-S Salud is part of Grupo Triple-S.
Media Contact: Tom Albers, R.Ph. Vice President Sales & Marketing 952-746-8185 talbers1@medsmanagement.com
NEW YORK, NY -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 02/09/10 -- Thomson Reuters today announced that it has acquired the assets and business of Aegisoft, a US-based provider of electronic trading solutions and testing tools.
Aegisoft has built its business on the Athena product line, a multi-asset trading platform which provides order and execution management, exchange connectivity and foreign exchange aggregation, as well as client and exchange simulators.
This high-performance, flexible, multi-asset trading platform is designed to support diverse trading requirements, from buy-side quantitative funds and hedge funds engaged in algorithmic and statistical-arbitrage, to sell-side firms engaged in agency and proprietary trading.
The acquisition of Aegisoft strengthens Thomson Reuters desktop transactions capability across exchange traded markets and is a significant step forward in its strategy to offer clients, broker sponsored direct market access (DMA) through both its terminals and order routing networks. Thomson Reuters desktop customers will now have direct access to both exchanges and alternative trading systems.
By providing direct market connectivity through Thomson Reuters Trading for Exchanges (TRTEx) from a desktop or through a FIX interface via Thomson Reuters Order Routing Networks, the company will significantly broaden its global transactions offering for broker dealers, investment firms and hedge funds. This further reinforces Thomson Reuters continued investment and commitment to providing the premier information and trading desktop across exchange traded markets.
"Thomson Reuters acquisition of Aegisoft helps take our transactions platform for exchange traded markets to the next level to meet the growing demand for clients seeking DMA and more sophisticated trading support tools. Consolidating our complete transactions workflow into a simple, powerful trading platform within the desktop will bring greater efficiencies and improve trading opportunities for our clients. We are excited about the capabilities this acquisition brings for our customers and look forward to bringing further workflow propositions to market through 2010," said Stephen Wilson, Global Head of Exchange Traded Instruments, Thomson Reuters.
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, healthcare and science and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs more than 50,000 people and operates in over 100 countries. For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com.
CONTACTS Harold Reid Thomson Reuters PR Specialist, Financial Services Tel : 646.223.7842 harold.reid@thomsonreuters.com Ian Villiers Thomson Reuters PR Director, Sales & Trading Tel : +44(0) 207 542 5953 Ian.villiers@thomsonreuters.com
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