Sherritt Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2017 Results

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Sherritt International Corporation :

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR
DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Sherritt International Corporation (“Sherritt” or the “Corporation”)
(TSX: S), a world leader in the mining and hydrometallurgical refining
of nickel and cobalt from lateritic ores, today reported its financial
results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2017. All
amounts are in Canadian currency unless noted.

CEO COMMENTARY
“Sherritt ended 2017 with a significantly
strengthened balance sheet and a much improved outlook as a result of a
number of key developments over the past year,” said David Pathe,
President and CEO of Sherritt International. “Most notably, we completed
the restructuring of the Ambatovy Joint Venture, achieved our nickel and
cobalt production as well as our unit cost targets at the Moa Joint
Venture, and benefitted from higher realized prices for each of the
primary commodities that we produce.”

Mr. Pathe added, “We have sustained this momentum since the start of
2018 with our first equity financing in more than a decade, and are
currently conducting a modified Dutch auction tender process to reduce
our debt even further. With the strong outlook for Class 1 nickel and
cobalt given electric vehicle market trends and the maturities on our
outstanding debentures not due until the fourth quarter of 2021, we are
particularly encouraged by our prospects in 2018 and beyond.”

Q4 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Sherritt and its partners successfully completed the restructuring of
    the Ambatovy Joint Venture. Following the restructuring, Sherritt
    eliminated $1.4 billion in debt from its balance sheet, retained a 12%
    ownership interest in Ambatovy and continues to serve as operator.
  • Net direct cash cost (NDCC)(1) at the Moa Joint Venture
    (“Moa JV”) was US$1.80 per pound of finished nickel sold, the lowest
    total since the third quarter of 2004. The decline was primarily
    driven by higher cobalt prices and the US$0.50 per pound cost savings
    achieved with the commissioning of the third acid plant at Moa in the
    fourth quarter of 2016.
  • Sherritt’s share of finished nickel production at the Moa JV was 4,134
    tonnes, up 9% from Q4 2016, while its share of finished cobalt was 465
    tonnes, up 22% from Q4 2016. Production increased on a year-over-year
    basis despite the negative impact heavy rains had on lowering mixed
    sulphide production in November and December 2017.
  • Received $19.9 million from the Moa JV as repayment on its working
    capital facility and US$7.5 million in Cuban energy payments.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $49.6 million, up 33% from Q4 2016.
  • Including a gain of $629.0 million related to the Ambatovy
    restructuring, earnings were $537.8 million, or $1.80 per share
    outstanding, up from a net loss of $106.7 million, or $0.36 per share
    outstanding, in Q4 2016.

2017 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Sherritt ended the year with cash, cash equivalents and short-term
    investments of $203.0 million after reflecting payments related to the
    Ambatovy JV restructuring, interest payments related to outstanding
    debentures and the $35.0 million repayment of a syndicated
    revolving-term loan.
  • Sherritt’s share of finished nickel and finished cobalt production at
    the Moa JV were 15,762 tonnes and 1,801 tonnes, respectively. The
    production totals were in line with guidance for the year.
  • NDCC at the Moa Joint Venture was US$2.35 per pound of finished
    nickel, below the US$2.80 – $3.30 per pound guidance that the Company
    provided for the year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $149.8 million, up from $40.0 million in 2016.
  • Including the gain related to the Ambatovy JV restructuring, net
    earnings were $293.8 million, or $0.99 per share outstanding, up from
    a net loss of $378.9 million, or $1.29 per share outstanding, in 2016.
  • Sherritt’s efforts to strengthen its balance sheet were reflected in a
    number of improved financial ratios at year end. Net debt to Adjusted
    EBITDA reduced from 48.9 at the end 2016 to 4.4 at December 31, 2017
    while total debt to shareholders’ equity improved from 2.1 at the end
    of 2016 to 0.8 at December 31, 2017.(2)

HIGHLIGHTS SUBSEQUENT TO YEAR END

  • Closed a unit offering financing transaction that generated gross
    proceeds of $132.0 million. Net proceeds will be used to reduce
    Sherritt’s outstanding indebtedness, for general corporate purposes
    and to fund future growth initiatives.
  • Launched a modified Dutch Auction tender offer to repurchase up to
    $75.0 million of outstanding unsecured debentures. The tender offering
    is expected to close on February 16, 2017.
  • Executed a three-year extension of the Puerto Escondido/Yumuri
    production sharing contract to 2021.
  • Although facilities at the Ambatovy Joint Venture in Madagascar were
    impacted by Tropical Cyclone Ava, a Category 2 hurricane equivalent
    storm, all personnel were unhurt and safely accounted for. Damage to
    equipment and the acid production facilities resulted in a temporary
    halt in production. Repairs have since been completed and partial
    production has resumed. A ramp up in production is expected through
    the end of Q2 2018.

(1) For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section of this
press release.
(2) Net debt is defined as debt due within one year
plus the book value of long-term debt, less cash, cash equivalents and
short-term investments, as shown in Sherritt’s consolidated statement of
financial position. Total debt is defined as debt due within one year
plus the book value of long-term debt plus the non-recourse debt.

Q4 AND 2017 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
For the three months ended     For the years ended  
  2017   2016 2017   2016
$ millions, except per share amount

December 31

December 31

Change

 

December 31

December 31

Change
 
Revenue

54.8

 

70.5

(22%)

 

$

267.3

$

262.3

2%
Combined Revenue(1)

223.8

240.3

(7%)

917.5

820.2

12%
Net earnings (loss) for the period

537.8

(106.7)

604%

293.8

(378.9)

178%
Adjusted EBITDA(1)

49.6

37.4

33%

149.8

40.0

275%
Cash provided (used) by continuing operations

(33.9)

(22.6)

(50%)

 

(9.6)

1.6

(700%)

Combined free cash flow (1)

(41.2)

(45.5)

9%

(62.1)

(111.9)

45%
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations per share   1.85  

(0.37)

600%   1.04  

(1.3)

180%
(1) For additional information, see the Non-GAAP measures section of
this release.
$ millions, except as otherwise noted, as at December 31  

 

2017

 

2016

Change
 
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

203.0

308.6

(34%)

 

Non-recourse loans and borrowings –

1,367.5

(100%)

Other loans and borrowings          

824.1

 

860.7

(4%)

In Q4 2017, Sherritt generated negative cash flow from operations of
$33.9 million. The consolidated total included $32.5 million in positive
cash flow contributions from the Moa JV and Fort Site and $5.4 million
in positive cash flow contributions from the Power division. Total
transaction costs of $11.3 million related to the restructuring of the
Ambatovy JV contributed negatively to the consolidated total.

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at year end were
$203.0 million, down from $290.3 million at September 30, 2017. The
decrease was primarily driven by payments related to the restructuring
of the Ambatovy JV, lower Cuban energy payments received and the
repayment of $8.0 million in Q4 on the Company’s syndicated
revolving-term loan and partly offset by a $19.9 million repayment from
the Moa JV on its working capital facility to Sherritt.

During Q4, US$7.5 million of Cuban energy payments were received
compared to US$32.6 million in the third quarter of 2017. Total Cuban
overdue receivables were US$132.6 million at December 31, 2017 compared
to US$100.5 million at September 30, 2017. The increase in overdue
receivables was attributable to a number of factors, including the
impact of Hurricane Irma and resulting recovery costs on Cuba’s economy.
Sherritt has experienced variability in its Cuban receivables over the
years but has not incurred any losses related to any Cuban receivables.

Adjusted earnings (loss) from continuing operations(1)

    2017     2016
For the three months ended December 31 $ millions   $/share $ millions   $/share
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations 552.9   1.85 (109.6)   (0.37)
 
Adjusting items, net of tax:
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss 24.1 0.08 25.7 0.09
Gain on Ambatovy restructuring (629.0) (2.11) – –
Other   1.8   0.01   2.6   0.01
Adjusted net earnings (loss) from continuing operations   (50.2)   (0.17)   (81.3)   (0.28)
2017 2016
For the year ended December 31 $ millions $/share $ millions $/share
Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations 308.9 1.04 (381.8) (1.30)
 
Adjusting items, net of tax:
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss 7.7 0.03 (35.9) (0.12)
Gain on Ambatovy restructuring (629.0) (2.12) – –
Other   (4.7)   (0.02)   (10.2)   (0.03)
Adjusted net earnings (loss) from continuing operations   (317.1)   (1.07)   (427.9)   (1.46)

(1) For additional information, see the Non-GAAP
measures section of this release.

Excluding the gain from the restructuring of the Ambatovy JV, Sherritt
incurred an adjusted net loss from operations of $50.2 million, or $0.17
per share outstanding, in Q4 2017. These compare to an adjusted net loss
of $81.3 million, or $0.28 per share, for the same period of 2016.

Sherritt’s adjusted net loss for the 12-month period of 2017 was $317.1
million or $1.07 per share outstanding. These compare to an adjusted net
loss of $427.9 million, or $1.46 per share outstanding, for 2016.

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS

METALS

$ millions except as otherwise noted, for the three months ended
December 31 		      2017                       2016    
  Moa JV &   Ambatovy     Moa JV and   Ambatovy    
Fort Site(1) JV(2) Total Fort Site(1) JV(2)
    (50%)   (12%)   Other(3)       (50%)   (40%)   Other(3)   Total Change
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Revenue $ 122.9 $ 58.1 $ 3.0 $ 184.0 $ 92.5 $ 88.2 $ 14.9 $ 195.6 (6%)
Earnings (loss) from operations 19.9 (7.7) – 12.2 (7.6) (15.0) 0.2 (22.4) 154%
Adjusted EBITDA(4) 32.1 18.1 – 50.2 5.6 24.4 0.2 30.2 66%
Cash provided (used) by operations 32.5 (3.4) (0.5) 28.6 (6.1) (0.8) 3.3 (3.6) 894%
Free cash flow(4) 24.9 (20.7) (0.5) 3.7 (9.8) (10.6) 3.3 (17.1) 122%
 
PRODUCTION VOLUMES (tonnes)
Mixed Sulphides 4,090 3,329 – 7,419 3,674 6,036 – 9,710 (24%)
Finished Nickel 4,134 3,111 – 7,245 3,782 5,111 – 8,893 (19%)
Finished Cobalt 465 245 – 710 382 404 – 786 (10%)
Fertilizer 61,923 10,011 – 71,934 61,460 16,650 – 78,110 (8%)
 
NICKEL RECOVERY (%) 79% 84% 85% 87%
 
SALES VOLUMES (tonnes)
Finished Nickel 4,129 2,602 – 6,731 3,975 4,935 – 8,910 (24%)
Finished Cobalt 480 225 – 705 487 360 – 847 (17%)
Fertilizer 51,141 8,114 – 59,255 45,698 15,485 – 61,183 (3%)
 
AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (CAD/US) 1.271 1.334 (5%)
 
AVERAGE REFERENCE PRICES (US$ per pound)
Nickel $ 5.25 $ 4.90 7%
Cobalt 31.60 13.51 134%
 
AVERAGE-REALIZED PRICES(4)
Nickel ($ per pound) $ 6.72 $ 6.56 $ – $ 6.66 $ 6.39 $ 6.50 $ – $ 6.45 3%
Cobalt ($ per pound) 38.78 39.03 – 38.86 16.85 18.73 – 17.68 120%
Fertilizer ($ per tonne) 348 173 – 324 326 160 – 284 14%
 
UNIT OPERATING COSTS(4) (US$ per pound)
Nickel – net direct cash cost $ 1.80 $ 3.27 – 2.37 $ 3.80 $ 3.10 – 3.41 (31%)
 
SPENDING ON CAPITAL
Sustaining $ 7.7 $ 10.0 $ – $ 17.7 $ 4.7 $ 19.0 $ – $ 23.7 (25%)
Expansion   –   –   –   –   (2.1)   –   –   (2.1) 100%
  $ 7.7 $ 10.0 $ – $ 17.7 $ 2.6 $ 19.0 $ – $ 21.6 (15%)

(1) Includes results for certain 100% owned assets at Fort Saskatchewan
plant.
(2) Sherritt’s share for Ambatovy Joint Venture reflects its
interest at 40% to December 10, 2017 and 12% thereafter.
(3)
Includes results for Sherritt’s marketing organizations for certain
Ambatovy and Moa Joint Venture sales.
(4) For additional
information, see the Non-GAAP measures section of this release.

$ millions, except as otherwise noted, for the years ended December
31 		    2017                       2016    
  Moa JV and   Ambatovy     Moa JV and   Ambatovy    
Fort Site(1) JV(2) Fort Site(1) JV(2)
    (50%) (12%)   Other(3)   Total   (50%)   (40%)   Other(3)   Total Change
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Revenue $ 417.0 $ 279.2 $ 43.1 $ 739.3 $ 339.3 $ 264.8 $ 48.0 $ 652.1 13%
Earnings (loss) from operations 31.3 (109.5) 0.9 (77.3) (28.4) (150.9) 0.8 (178.5) 57%
Adjusted EBITDA(4) 80.5 26.0 0.9 107.4 19.6 (7.0) 0.8 13.4 701%
Cash provided (used) by operations 58.3 (26.7) 3.0 34.6 (2.7) (34.6) 3.1 (34.2) 201%
Free cash flow(4) 37.4 (55.6) 3.0 (15.2) (33.9) (55.9) 3.1 (86.7) 82%
 
PRODUCTION VOLUMES (tonnes)
Mixed Sulphides 17,297 14,836 – 32,133 16,923 18,271 – 35,194 (9%)
Finished Nickel 15,762 13,618 – 29,380 16,464 16,842 – 33,306 (12%)
Finished Cobalt 1,801 1,173 – 2,974 1,847 1,309 – 3,156 (6%)
Fertilizer 243,682 43,118 – 286,800 256,812 53,908 – 310,720 (8%)
 
NICKEL RECOVERY (%) 85% 85% 87% 86%
 
SALES VOLUMES (tonnes)
Finished Nickel 15,679 13,694 – 29,373 16,402 16,844 – 33,246 (12%)
Finished Cobalt 1,783 1,220 – 3,003 1,846 1,281 – 3,127 (4%)
Fertilizer 178,491 42,016 – 220,507 167,525 52,482 – 220,007 –
 
AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (CAD/USD) 1.299 1.325 (2%)
 
AVERAGE REFERENCE PRICES (US$ per pound)
Nickel $ 4.72 $ 4.36 8%
Cobalt 26.53 11.77 125%
 
AVERAGE-REALIZED PRICES(4)
Nickel ($ per pound) $ 6.14 $ 6.05 $ – $ 6.10 $ 5.63 $ 5.66 $ – $ 5.65 8%
Cobalt ($ per pound) 32.98 33.35 – 33.13 14.82 16.08 – 15.33 116%
Fertilizer ($ per tonne) 361 168 – 325 377 164 – 326 –
 
UNIT OPERATING COSTS (US$ per pound)(4)
Nickel – net direct cash cost $ 2.35 $ 3.83 $ – $ 3.04 $ 3.42 $ 4.27 $ – $ 3.85 (21%)
 
SPENDING ON CAPITAL
Sustaining $ 20.9 $ 44.2 $ – $ 65.1 $ 22.6 $ 33.1 $ – $ 55.7 17%
Expansion   – –   –   –   10.3   –   –   10.3 (100%)
  $ 20.9 $ 44.2 $ – $ 65.1 $ 32.9 $ 33.1 $ – $ 66.0 (25%)

(1) Includes results for certain 100% owned assets at Fort Saskatchewan
plant.
(2) Sherritt’s share for Ambatovy Joint Venture reflects its
interest at 40% to December 10, 2017 and 12% thereafter.
(3)
Includes results for Sherritt’s marketing organizations for certain
Ambatovy and Moa Joint Venture sales.
(4) For additional
information, see the Non-GAAP measures section of this release.

METAL MARKETS

Nickel

Nickel prices rallied in the second half of 2017 after experiencing
considerable volatility in the first six months of the year. The average
nickel reference price in the fourth quarter was US$5.25 per pound, up
7% from US$4.90 for Q4 2016. The average nickel reference price for the
12-months of 2017 was US$4.72 per pound, up 8% from US$4.36 per pound
for 2016.

The year-over-year price improvements were largely driven by the growing
understanding of the important role that Class 1 nickel will play in the
burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market. Class 1 nickel, along with
cobalt, are key elements needed to manufacture EV batteries. Demand for
Class 1 nickel and cobalt are expected to grow significantly beginning
in 2019 when China expects to begin production quotas requiring that 10%
of all vehicles manufactured be electric.

During Q4, the nickel price was supported by news that nickel pig iron
(NPI) producers in China were asked to reduce production to alleviate
pollution with China’s largest NPI-only producer ordered to halve
production from November 2017 to March 2018. Actual and anticipated
reductions from existing nickel producers also continued to help
underpin the nickel price, with nickel supply expected to be in a
deficit for 2018 and 2019.

Nickel reference price improvements in the second half were also driven
by the decline in inventories. Combined LME and SHFE nickel inventories
at year-end declined to 410,828 tonnes (from 464,696 tonnes at the
beginning of the year). Any further decline in visible inventories could
give momentum to nickel price increases in the future.

Cobalt

Cobalt prices strengthened considerably in 2017. The average reference
price in the fourth quarter was US$31.60 per pound for 2017, up 134%
from Q4 2016. The average reference cobalt price for the 12-month period
of 2017 was US$26.53, up 125% from US$11.77 per pound for 2016.

The price increase is primarily linked to the growing strong demand
emanating from the EV battery market. The double-digit price growth
experienced over the past year was also driven by geopolitical and
supply risk concerns given that the Democratic Republic of Congo is
currently the world’s largest source of cobalt.

As cobalt prices have a limited impact on overall battery pack costs,
high prices are not expected to cause supply-chain disruptions or delay
EV market growth. As a result, the risk of cobalt substitution in EV
battery production in the near term is relatively low given cobalt’s
unique energy transference properties. While battery manufacturers
continue to explore alternatives to cobalt, the likely beneficiary of
any substitution is expected to be Class 1 nickel.

Cobalt supply deficits are expected to continue over the next few years.
In addition to demand from industrial end users, speculative investors
are also driving up cobalt prices by stockpiling inventory, further
exacerbating supply deficit concerns.

Moa Joint Venture (50% interest) and Fort Site (100%)

The Moa JV produced 4,134 tonnes of finished nickel in Q4 2017, up from
3,782 tonnes produced in Q4 2016, despite mixed sulphides production
being negatively impacted by abnormally heavy rainfalls in November and
December 2017. Finished nickel production on a 12-month basis was 15,679
tonnes in 2017, in line with expectations for the year.

Q4 2017 revenue for the Moa JV and the Fort Site totaled $123.0 million,
up 32% from $92.5 million last year. The growth was driven by higher
production and higher realized prices for nickel, cobalt and fertilizer.
Nickel sales represented 50% of total Q4 2017 revenue while cobalt sales
represented 33%. Fertilizer sales in Q4 2017 were up 19% from last year,
reflecting stronger demand and higher realized prices.

Mining, processing and refining (MPR) costs for Q4 2017 were US$4.89 per
pound, down from US$4.93 per pound for Q4 2016. The decline was largely
due to higher production volumes in Q4 2017. MPR costs on the full-year
basis were US$4.80 per pound for 2017, up from US$4.63 per pound for
2016. The US$0.17 increase per pound in 2017 was attributable to higher
energy costs, although partly offset by cost savings of approximately
US$0.50 per pound achieved with the commissioning of the third acid
plant at Moa in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Despite higher energy and sulphur input costs, Moa’s NDCC of US$1.80/lb
of finished nickel in Q4 2017 was the lowest experienced since Q3 2004.
The cobalt credit of US$3.54/lb reflects Moa’s high cobalt to nickel
production ratio as well as the 125% growth in cobalt prices since Q4
2016. NDCC improvement also benefited from the commissioning of a third
sulphuric acid plant at Moa in 2016 that generated approximate savings
of US$0.50/lb. NDCC on a 12-month basis was $2.35/lb, down from $3.42/lb
for 2016. NDCC for 2017 was significantly lower than expectations for
the year, due largely to higher cobalt by-product credits.

Cash provided by operations in Q4 2017 totaled $32.5 million, up from a
loss in Q4 2016 when Hurricane Matthew and the subsequent collapse of
bridge infrastructure negatively impacted production. Cash flow from
operations in Q4 2017 was also positively impacted higher realized
nickel and cobalt prices..

Moa’s sustaining capital spending in Q4 2017 was $7.7 million, up from
$4.7 million in Q4 last year. The increase was attributable to the
timing of expenditures.

Ambatovy Joint Venture (12% interest effective December 11, 2017)

Along with its partners, Sherritt completed the restructuring of the
Ambatovy Joint Venture on December 11, 2017. The restructuring led to
Sherritt’s ownership interest being reduced to 12% in exchange for the
elimination of $1.4 billion of debt. Sherritt’s financial and
operational results at Ambatovy are presented on a 40% basis to December
10, 2017 and on a 12% basis effective December 11, 2017. Sherritt will
continue to serve as operator of Ambatovy at least through 2024,
however, as a result of the reduction in its ownership interest,
Sherritt’s ability to direct local decision-making at Ambatovy has
diminished.

Finished nickel production at Ambatovy in Q4 2017 was 3,111 tonnes, down
from 5,111 tonnes for the comparable period of 2016, which represented
Ambatovy’s highest ever production total. The year-over-year decline was
due to a number of developments that impacted plant reliability. Most
notably, the failure of an economizer in one of the acid plants reduced
production capacity to approximately 50% during November and December of
2017.

Finished nickel production on a 12-month basis for 2017 was 13,618
tonnes, down from 16,842 tonnes for 2016. The year-over-year decline was
primarily due to equipment failures that reduced the reliability of
Ambatovy’s acid plant and pressure acid leach circuit. Maintenance
activities and replacement of equipment completed in 2017 are expected
to improve plant reliability and production stability over time.

Finished cobalt production in Q4 2017 was 245 tonnes, down from 404
tonnes for the same period of 2016. The decrease was tied to plant
reliability issues previously cited that lowered production. Cobalt
production for 2017 was 1,173 tonnes, down from 1,309 tonnes for 2016.

MPR costs for Q4 2017 were US$5.76 per pound, up from US$3.97 per pound
in Q4 2016. MPR costs on a full-year basis were US$6.01 per pound in
2017, up from US$4.89 per pound in 2016. The year-over-year increases
were largely due to higher input costs as well as lower production
volumes in 2017.

NDCC for finished nickel at Ambatovy in Q4 2017 was $3.26/lb, up from
the $3.10/lb for Q4 2016. The increase was due to lower production,
higher maintenance costs, higher energy and sulphur input costs offset
by higher cobalt by-product credits. NDCC on a 12-month basis $3.83/lb
for 2017, down from $4.27/lb for 2016. Ambatovy’s NDCC for 2017 places
it slightly above the 50th percentile of industry average
cost.

Subsequent to year end, facilities at the Ambatovy Joint Venture were
impacted by Tropical Cyclone Ava, a Category 2 hurricane equivalent
storm. Damage to equipment and the acid production facilities resulted
in a temporary halt in production. Repairs have since been completed and
partial production has resumed. A ramp up in production is expected
through the end of Q2 2018.

OIL AND GAS

  For the three months ended     For the years ended  
2017   2016 2017   2016
$ millions, except as otherwise noted December 31 December 31 Change December 31 December 31 Change
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Revenue $ 27.7 $ 30.6 (9%) $ 127.0 $ 108.6 17%
Earnings (loss) from operations 7.9 2.8 182% 33.6 (16.3) 306%
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 10.5 11.6 (9%) 61.9 35.6 74%
Cash provided by operations (2.3) 11.4 (120%) 30.8 76.4 (60%)
Free cash flow(1) (9.9) 3.3 (400%) 8.9 50.4 (82%)
 
PRODUCTION AND SALES (bopd)
Gross working-interest (GWI) – Cuba 10,378 14,470 (28%) 13,479 15,452 (13%)
Total net working-interest (NWI) 6,101 8,163 (25%) 7,856 9,483 (17%)
 
AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (CAD/USD) 1.271 1.334 (5%) 1.299 1.325 (2%)
 
AVERAGE REFERENCE PRICE (US$ per barrel)
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) $ 55.19 $ 49.21 12% $ 50.78 $ 43.37 17%
Gulf Coast Fuel Oil No. 6 52.81 41.12 28% 47.02 32.13 46%
Brent 61.77 48.53 27% 54.18 43.31 25%
 
AVERAGE-REALIZED PRICE(1) (NWI)
Cuba ($ per barrel) $ 48.82 $ 39.75 23% $ 43.81 $ 29.93 46%
 
UNIT OPERATING COSTS(1) (GWI)
Cuba ($ per barrel) $ 12.24 $ 10.95 12% $ 9.78 $ 9.75 –
 
SPENDING ON CAPITAL(2)
Development, facilities and other $ (1.4) $ 0.4 (450%) $ (1.7) $ 8.9 (119%)
Exploration   8.6   7.8 10%   21.1   17.0 24%
$ 7.2 $ 8.2 (12%) $ 19.4 $ 25.9 (25%)

(1) For additional information, see the Non-GAAP measures section of
this release.
(2) Spending on capital includes accruals.

Gross working-interest oil production in Q4 2017 in Cuba was 10,378
barrels of oil per day (bopd), down from 14,470 bopd for the comparable
period of 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the expiration of the
Varadero West Production Sharing Contract (PSC) in November 2017 and
natural reservoir declines. Gross working-interest oil production on a
12-month basis for 2017 was 13,479 bopd, in line with guidance for the
year.

Revenue in Q4 2017 was $27.7 million, down 9% from $30.6 million for
last year. The decline was due to lowered production, partially offset
by an increase in realized prices of 23% to $48.82 per barrel in Cuba,
though partially offset by the negative impact of a stronger Canadian
dollar. Revenue on a full-year basis was $127.0 million, up 17%. The
increase was driven largely by higher realized prices.

Total net working interest production for Q4 2017 was 6,101 barrels of
oil equivalent per day, down from 8,163 barrels in the same period of
2016. The decline was due to lower cost-recovery spending, the impact of
the expiration of the Varadero West PSC already cited and the impact of
higher oil prices in the current year period.

Unit operating costs in Q4 2017 in Cuba were $12.24 per barrel, up 12%
from $10.95 in Q4 2016, driven largely by reduced production. On a
full-year basis, unit costs in Cuba were $9.78 in line with 2017
guidance.

Capital spending in Q4 2017 totaled $7.2 million and was largely focused
on Block 10 drilling activities. Drilling of the second development well
began in August and was temporarily suspended in December 2017. Drilling
results for the second well on Block 10 are expected in Q3 of 2018.

POWER   For the three months ended     For the years ended  
2017   2016 2017   2016
$ millions (33 ⅓% basis), except as otherwise noted December 31 December 31 Change December 31 December 31 Change
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Revenue $ 12.0 $ 13.7 (12%) $ 51.2 $ 58.6 (13%)
Earnings (loss) from operations (0.6) (1.3) 54% 5.2 (5.3) 198%
Adjusted EBITDA(1) 5.5 7.4 (26%) 30.1 29.5 2%
Cash provided by operations 5.4 (3.3) 264% 44.5 8.0 456%
Free cash flow(1) 5.3 (3.7) 243% 43.0 7.0 514%
 
PRODUCTION AND SALES
Electricity (GWh) 201 224 (10%) 848 894 (5%)
 
AVERAGE-REALIZED PRICE(1)
Electricity ($/MWh) $ 54.01 $ 56.24 (4%) $ 55.15 $ 56.10 (2%)
 
UNIT OPERATING COSTS(1) ($/MWh)
Base 20.66 22.39 (8%) 16.48 17.70 (7%)
Non-base(2)   2.77   2.34 18%   2.81   5.24 (46%)
23.43 24.73 (5%) 19.29 22.94 (16%)
 
NET CAPACITY FACTOR (%) 62 66 (6%) 67 70 (4%)
 
SPENDING ON CAPITAL AND SERVICE CONCESSION ARRANGEMENTS(3)
Sustaining $ 0.1 $ 0.4 (75%) $ 1.5 $ 1.0 50%
Service concession arrangements   –   0.1 (100%)   –   4.6 (100%)
  $ 0.1 $ 0.5 (80%) $ 1.5 $ 5.6 (73%)

(1) For additional information see the Non-GAAP measures section of this
release.
(2) Costs incurred at the Boca de Jaruco and Puerto
Escondido facilities that otherwise would have been capitalized if these
facilities were not accounted for as service concession arrangements.
(3)
Spending on capital includes accruals.

Power production in Q4 2017 was 201 gigawatt hours (“GWh”) of
electricity, down 10% from 224 GWh for the comparable period of 2016.
The decline was largely due to reduced gas supply. Power production on a
12-month basis was 848 GWh for 2017, down from 894 GWh for 2016.

Average realized prices in Q4 2017 declined to $54.01 per Megawatt hour
(“MWh’) of electricity from $56.24 per MWh in Q4 2016. The decline was
due to the appreciation of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S.
currency.

Revenue in Q4 2017 totaled $12.0 million, down 15% from $13.7 million
for Q4 2016. The decrease is attributable to lower production and lower
realized prices. Revenue on a full-year basis was $51.2 million, down
from $58.6 million for 2016.

Cash flow from operations in Q4 2017 grew by 264% to $5.3 million due to
changes in working capital in the quarter.

Unit operating cost in Q4 2017 was $23.43 per MWh of electricity, down
5% from $24.73 per MWh for Q4 2016. The decrease was due principally to
reduced maintenance activities at the Boca and Puerto Escondido
facilities this year.

Total capital spending in Q4 2017 was $0.1 million, down from $0.4
million for the comparable period of last year. For the full year, the
decline in capital spending was primarily due to the absence of service
concession spending this year.

2017 REVIEW OF STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

The table below lists Sherritt’s Strategic Priorities in 2017, and
summarizes how the Corporation performed against those priorities in
2017.

Strategic Priorities   2017 Actions   Status

PRESERVE LIQUIDITY AND BUILD BALANCE SHEET STRENGTH

Finalize long-term Ambatovy equity and funding structure Restructuring of the Ambatovy Joint Venture was completed on
December 11, 2017 and resulted in the elimination of $1.4 billion of
debt and reduction of Sherritt’s ownership interest to 12% from 40%.
 
Optimize working capital and receivables collection Management continues to take action to expedite Cuban energy
receipts. Outstanding receivables at year end were US$132.6 million.
The year-over-year growth was due to Cuba’s reduced liquidity,
including the impact of Hurricane Irma and resulting recovery costs
had on the country’s economy.
 
Operate Metals and Power businesses to be free cash flow neutral or
better 		The Oil and Gas and Power divisions generated positive free cash
flow in 2017. The Moa JV generated sufficient operating cash flow to
repay $31.7 million on its working capital facility.
 

OPTIMIZE OPPORTUNITIES IN CUBAN ENERGY BUSINESS

Determine future capital allocation based on results from first two
wells drilled on Block 10 		The results from the first well have provided constructive data to
optimize the drilling of the second well, again targeting the Lower
Veloz formation. Drilling on the second well at Block 10 has been
temporarily suspended to determine the best option to reach the
target reservoir. Drilling results from the second well are expected
in Q3 2018.
 

UPHOLD GLOBAL OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN FINISHED NICKEL
LATERITE PRODUCTION

Further reduce NDCC at Moa and Ambatovy towards the goal of
achieving or remaining in the lowest quartile of global nickel cash
costs 		Q4 NDCC of US$1.80/lb at the Moa JV is the lowest since Q3 2004.
Moa’s NDCC ranked it within the lowest cost quartile for the third
consecutive quarter. Ambatovy’s NDCC of US$3.83/lb for 2017 marked
an improvement from last year, but was below expectations due to
lower production and higher maintenance costs.
 
Increase Ambatovy production and predictability over 2016 Ambatovy production in 2017 experienced a number of unanticipated
challenges and resulted in several unplanned maintenance activities.
Initiatives, such as replacing certain equipment, are being
implemented to improve asset reliability.
 
Achieve peer leading performance in environmental, health, safety
and sustainability 		In 2017, Sherritt joined the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) and
began implementing MAC’s Towards Sustainable Mining program, an
internationally recognized sustainability standard. In safety,
Sherritt met its recordable incident frequency target, but exceeded
its injury frequency target for the year. No significant
environmental or community-related incidents were recorded in 2017.
The company received five distinct honours for leadership in
sustainability management and reporting during the year.

2018 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

The table below lists Sherritt’s Strategic Priorities for 2018. As we
execute on our 2018 Strategic Priorities, protecting the health and
safety of our employees, contractors and communities will continue to be
our top priority. Sherritt’s purpose is to be a leader in the
low-cost production of finished nickel and cobalt that creates
sustainable prosperity for our employees, investors and communities.

 
Strategic Priorities 2018 Actions

PRESERVE LIQUIDITY AND BUILD
BALANCE SHEET STRENGTH

Continue to emphasize de-leveraging of the balance sheet

Optimize working capital and maximize receivables collection

Operate Metals businesses to maintain a leadership position as a
low-cost producer of finished nickel and cobalt while maximizing
Free Cash Flow

 
 

OPTIMIZE OPPORTUNITIES IN
CUBAN ENERGY BUSINESS

Successfully execute Block 10 drilling program

Review opportunities to leverage Oil and Gas experience and
relationships

Continue to maintain strong relationships in Cuba

 
 

UPHOLD GLOBAL OPERATIONAL
LEADERSHIP IN FINISHED
NICKEL
PRODUCTION FROM LATERITES

Protect the health and safety of all employees in all operations

Achieve peer-leading performance in environmental, health, safety
and sustainability


Maximize production of finished nickel and cobalt and improve
predictability over 2017 results

Continue to maintain strong relationships with battery
manufacturers


Further reduce NDCC towards the goal of being consistently in the
lowest cost quartile

Leverage technical innovation for the purposes of reducing
operating costs and identifying new market opportunities

 

OUTLOOK
2018 PRODUCTION, UNIT OPERATING COST AND CAPITAL
SPENDING GUIDANCE

The guidance for 2018 reflects Sherritt’s targets for production, unit
costs and capital spending announced on January 12, 2018.

  Guidance at   Actual   Guidance for
2017 2017 2018
Production volumes, unit operating costs and spending on capital      
 
Production volumes
Nickel, finished (tonnes, 100% basis)
Moa Joint Venture 31,500-32,500 31,524 31,500-32,500
Ambatovy Joint Venture 36,000-39,000 35,474 40,000-43,000
Cobalt, finished (tonnes, 100% basis)
Moa Joint Venture 3,500-3,800 3,601 3,500-3,800
Ambatovy Joint Venture 3,300-3,600 3,053 3,900-4,200
Oil – Cuba (gross working-interest, bopd) 13,000-14,000 13,479 4,300-4,800
Oil and Gas – All operations (net working-interest, boepd) 7,500-8,000 7,855 1,900-2,100
Electricity (GWh, 33⅓% basis) 850-900 848 750-800
 
Unit operating costs
NDCC (US$ per pound)
Moa Joint Venture 2.80-3.30 2.35 2.50-3,00
Ambatovy Joint Venture 3.10-3.70 3.83 3.00-3.50
Oil and Gas – Cuba (unit operating costs, $ per barrel) 11.00-12.00 9.78 22.00-23.50
Electricity (unit operating cost, $ per MWh) 18.75-19.50 19.29 20.75-21.50
 
Spending on capital (US$ millions)
Metals – Moa Joint Venture (50% basis), Fort Site (100% basis)(1) US$28 (CDN$38) US$17 (CDN$21) US$41 (CDN$52)
Metals – Ambatovy Joint Venture (40% basis then 12% basis)(2) US$45 (CDN$61) US$35 (CDN$44) US$13 (CDN$17)
Oil and Gas US$35 (CDN$47) US$15 (CDN$19) US$39 (CDN$50)
Power (33⅓% basis) US$1 (CDN$2) US$1 (CDN$2) US$1 (CDN$1)
Spending on capital (excluding Corporate) US$109 ($CDN148) US$68 (CDN$86) US$94 (CDN$120)

(1) Spending is 50% of US$ expenditures for Moa JV and
100% expenditures for Fort Site fertilizer and utilities.
(2)
Sherritt’s share for Ambatovy Joint Venture reflects its interest
at 40% to December 10, 2017 and 12% thereafter.

NON-GAAP MEASURES

The Corporation uses combined results, Adjusted EBITDA, average-realized
price, unit operating cost, and adjusted operating cash flow, and free
cash flow to monitor the performance of the Corporation and its
operating divisions and believes these measures enable investors and
analysts to compare the Corporation’s financial performance with its
competitors and evaluate the results of its underlying business. These
measures do not have a standard definition under IFRS and should not be
considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance
prepared in accordance with IFRS. As these measures do not have a
standardized meaning, they may not be comparable to similar measures
provided by other companies. See Sherritt’s Management’s Discussion and
Analysis for the period ended December 31, 2017 for further information.

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

Sherritt will hold its conference call and webcast today at 10:30 a.m.
Eastern Time to review its Q4 and 2017 results.

Conference Call and Webcast:   February 12, 2018, 10:30 a.m. ET
 
North American callers, please dial: 1-800-281-7829
 
International callers, please dial: 647-794-1827
 
Live webcast:

www.sherritt.com

An archive of the webcast will also be available on the website. The
conference call will be available for replay until February 17, 2018 by
calling 647-436-0148 or 1-888-203-1112, access code 4489193#.

COMPLETE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Sherritt’s complete audited consolidated financial statements and MD&A
for the year ended December 31, 2017 are available at www.sherritt.com
and should be read in conjunction with this news release. Financial and
operating data can also viewed in the investor relations section of
Sherritt’s website.

ABOUT SHERRITT

Sherritt is a world leader in the mining and refining of nickel and
cobalt from lateritic ores with projects and operations in Canada, Cuba
and Madagascar. The Corporation is the largest independent energy
producer in Cuba, with extensive oil and power operations across the
island. Sherritt licenses its proprietary technologies and provides
metallurgical services to mining and refining operations worldwide. The
Corporation’s common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange
under the symbol “S”.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of
statements that include such words as “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”,
“intend”, “plan”, “forecast”, “likely”, “may”, “will”, “could”,
“should”, “suspect”, “outlook”, “potential”, “projected”, “continue” or
other similar words or phrases. Specifically, forward-looking statements
in this document include, but are not limited to, statements set out in
the “Outlook” sections of this press release and certain expectations
regarding production volumes, operating costs and capital spending;
supply, demand and pricing outlook in the nickel and cobalt markets;
Ambatovy plant reliability and production stability; strategic
priorities and 2018 actions; and drill results for the second well on
Block 10.

Forward looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather
on current expectations, assumptions and projections about future
events, including commodity and product prices and demand; the level of
liquidity and access to funding; share price volatility; production
results; realized prices for production; earnings and revenues;
development and exploration wells and enhanced oil recovery in Cuba;
environmental rehabilitation provisions; availability of regulatory
approvals; compliance with applicable environmental laws and
regulations; debt repayments; collection of accounts receivable; and
certain corporate objectives, goals and plans. By their nature, forward
looking statements require the Corporation to make assumptions and are
subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. There is significant risk
that predictions, forecasts, conclusions or projections will not prove
to be accurate, that those assumptions may not be correct and that
actual results may differ materially from such predictions, forecasts,
conclusions or projections.

The Corporation cautions readers of this press release not to place
undue reliance on any forward looking statement as a number of factors
could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to
differ materially from the targets, expectations, estimates or
intentions expressed in the forward looking statements. These risks,
uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, changes
in the global price for nickel, cobalt, oil and gas or certain other
commodities; share price volatility; level of liquidity; access to
capital; access to financing; risks related to the liquidity of the
Ambatovy Joint Venture; the risk to Sherritt’s entitlements to future
distributions from the Ambatovy Joint Venture; risk of future
non-compliance with debt restrictions and covenants; risks associated
with the Corporation’s joint venture partners; variability in production
at Sherritt’s operations in Madagascar and Cuba; potential interruptions
in transportation; uncertainty of gas supply for electrical generation;
uncertainty of exploration results and Sherritt’s ability to replace
depleted mineral and oil and gas reserves; the Corporation’s reliance on
key personnel and skilled workers; the possibility of equipment and
other failures; the potential for shortages of equipment and supplies;
risks associated with mining, processing and refining activities;
uncertainty of resources and reserve estimates; uncertainties in
environmental rehabilitation provisions estimates; risks related to the
Corporation’s corporate structure; political, economic and other risks
of foreign operations; risks related to Sherritt’s operations in Cuba;
risks related to the U.S. government policy toward Cuba, including the
U.S. embargo on Cuba and the Helms-Burton legislation; risks related to
Sherritt’s operations in Madagascar; risks associated with Sherritt’s
development, construction and operation of large projects generally;
risks related to the accuracy of capital and operating cost estimates;
reliance on significant customers; foreign exchange and pricing risks;
compliance with applicable environment, health and safety legislation
and other associated matters; risks associated with governmental
regulations regarding greenhouse gas emissions; maintaining the
Corporation’s social license to grow and operate; risks relating to
community relations; credit risks; shortage of equipment and supplies;
competition in product markets; future market access; interest rate
changes; risks in obtaining insurance; uncertainties in labour
relations; uncertainty in the ability of the Corporation to enforce
legal rights in foreign jurisdictions; uncertainty regarding the
interpretation and/or application of the applicable laws in foreign
jurisdictions; legal contingencies; risks related to the Corporation’s
accounting policies; risks associated with future acquisitions;
uncertainty in the ability of the Corporation to obtain government
permits; risks to information technologies systems and cybersecurity;
failure to comply with, or changes to, applicable government
regulations; bribery and corruption risks, including failure to comply
with the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act or applicable local
anti-corruption law; uncertainties in growth management.

The Corporation may, from time to time, make oral forward-looking
statements. The Corporation advises that the above paragraph and the
risk factors described in this press release and in the Corporation’s
other documents filed with the Canadian securities authorities should be
read for a description of certain factors that could cause the actual
results of the Corporation to differ materially from those in the oral
forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information and
statements contained in this press release are made as of the date
hereof and the Corporation undertakes no obligation to update publicly
or revise any oral or written forward-looking information or statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise,
except as required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking
information and statements contained herein are expressly qualified in
their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Source: Sherritt International Corporation

Sherritt international Corporation

Joe Racanelli, Director of
Investor Relations

Telephone: 416.935.2451

Toll-free:
1.800.704.6698

E-mail: investor@sherritt.com

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