UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of April 2015.
Commission File Number 33-65728
CHEMICAL AND MINING COMPANY OF CHILE INC.
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
El Trovador 4285, Santiago, Chile (562) 2425-2000
(Address of principal executive office)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F: x Form 40-F ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ____
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ____
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted to furnish a report or other document that the registrant foreign private issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally organized (the registrant’s “home country”), or under the rules of the home country exchange on which the registrant’s securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is not a press release, is not required to be and has not been distributed to the registrant’s security holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K submission or other Commission filing on EDGAR.
Santiago, Chile, April 6, 2015 – Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM), reports the translation of its 2014 annual report that was filed with the Chilean Securities and Insurance Commission (Superintendencia de Valores y Seguros de Chile).
Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A.
Annual Report 2014
1) Index
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2) Identification of the Entity
2) a) Identification of the Entity: Basic Identification
Company Name: Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A.
Abbreviated Company Name: SQM
Legal Address: El Trovador 4285, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
Chilean Taxpayer ID: 93.007.000-9
Type of Entity: Open stock corporation
2) b) Identification of the Entity: Legal Constitution
SQM was organized under the laws of the Republic of Chile. The Company was constituted by public deed issued on June 17, 1968 by Mr. Sergio Rodríguez Garcés, Notary Public of Santiago. Its existence was approved by Decree No. 1,164 of June 22, 1968, of the Ministry of Finance, and it was registered on June 29, 1968, in the Business Registry of Santiago, on page 4,537 No. 1,992.
2) c) Identification of the Entity: Contact Information
Corporate Headquarters:
Address: El Trovador 4285, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
Telephone: +56 2 24252000
Fax: +56 2 24252268
Website: www.sqm.com
To contact our investor relations team:
Gerardo Illanes
Vice President of Finance and Investor Relations
gerardo.illanes@sqm.com
Telephone: +56 2 24252485
Kelly O’Brien
Head of Investor Relations
kelly.obrien@sqm.com
Telephone: +56 2 24252074
Carolyn McKenzie
Investor Relations
carolyn.mckenzie@sqm.com
Telephone: +56 2 24252280
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3) Description of Business Environment
3) a) Description of Business Environment: Historical Information
Commercial exploitation of the caliche ore deposits in northern Chile began in the 1830s, when sodium nitrate was extracted from the ore for use in the manufacturing of explosives and fertilizers. By the end of the nineteenth century, nitrate production had become the leading industry in Chile, and the country was the world’s leading supplier of nitrates. The accelerated commercial development of synthetic nitrates in the 1920s and the global economic depression in the 1930s caused a serious contraction of the Chilean nitrate business, which did not recover significantly until shortly before the Second World War. After the war, the widespread commercial production of synthetic nitrates resulted in a further contraction of the natural nitrate industry in Chile, which continued to operate at depressed levels into the 1960s.
We were formed in 1968 through a joint venture between Compañía Salitrera Anglo Lautaro S.A. (“Anglo Lautaro”) and the Production Development Corporation (Corporación de Fomento de la Producción or “Corfo”), a Chilean government entity. Three years after our formation, in 1971, Anglo Lautaro sold all of its shares to Corfo, and we were wholly owned by the Chilean Government until 1983. In 1983, Corfo began a process of privatization by selling our shares to the public and subsequently listing such shares on the Santiago Stock Exchange. By 1988, all of our shares were publicly owned. Our Series B ADSs have traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “SQM” since 1993. We accessed international capital markets again for the issuance of additional ADSs in 1995 and 1999. On December 21, 2006, two groups of shareholders, the “Pampa Group” (which includes the company Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A. and its related companies, Inversiones Global Mining Chile Limitada and Potasios de Chile S.A.) and Kowa Group (which includes the companies Kowa Company Ltd., Inversiones La Esperanza (Chile) Limitada, Kochi S.A and La Esperanza Delaware Corporation) signed a joint agreement and became the controlling group of SQM.
Since our inception, we have produced nitrates and iodine, which are obtained from the caliche ore deposits in northern Chile. In 1985, we began to use heap leaching processes to extract nitrates and iodine, and in 1986 we started to produce potassium nitrate at our Coya Sur facility. Between 1994 and 1999, we invested approximately US$300 million in the development of the Salar de Atacama project in northern Chile, which enabled us to produce potassium chloride, lithium carbonate, potassium sulfate and boric acid.
In 2001, we signed a commercial distribution agreement with the Norwegian company Yara International ASA, in order to take advantage of cost synergies in the Specialty Plant Nutrition business line.
Starting in 2005, we began strengthening our leadership position in our core businesses through a combination of capital expenditures and advantageous acquisitions and divestitures. Our acquisitions have included the Kemira Emirates Fertiliser Company (“Kefco”) in Dubai in 2005 and the iodine business of Royal DSM N.V. (“DSM”) in 2006. We also entered into a number of joint ventures, including a joint venture with Migao Corporation (“Migao”), signed in 2008, for the production of potassium nitrate, and SQM VITAS, our joint venture with the French Roullier Group. Pursuant to the latter joint venture, in 2010, we launched a new line of soluble phosphate products, and in 2012 we built new plants for the production of water-soluble fertilizers in Brazil (Candeias), Peru and South Africa (Durban). We have also sold: (i) Fertilizantes Olmeca, our former Mexican subsidiary, in 2006, (ii) our stake in Impronta S.R.L., our former Italian subsidiary, in 2007, and (iii) our former butyllithium plant located in Houston, Texas, in 2008. These sales allowed us to concentrate our efforts on our core products.
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3) Description of Business Environment
The capital expenditure program has allowed us to add new products to our product line and increase the production capacity of our existing products. In 2005, we started production of lithium hydroxide at a plant in the Salar del Carmen, near the city of Antofagasta in the north of Chile. In 2007, we completed the construction of a new prilling and granulating plant. In 2011, we completed expansions of our lithium carbonate capacity, achieving 48,000 metric tons per year. Since 2010, we have continued to expand our production capacity of potassium products in our operations in the Salar de Atacama. In 2011, we completed the construction of a new potassium nitrate facility in Coya Sur, increasing our overall production capacity of potassium nitrate by 300,000 metric tons per year. In 2013, we completed expansions in the production capacity of our iodine plants in Nueva Victoria. Our capital expenditure program also includes exploration for metallic minerals. Our exploration efforts have led to discoveries that in some cases may result in sales of the discovery and the generation of royalty income in the future. Within this context, in 2013 we sold our royalty rights to the Antucoya mining project to Antofagasta Minerals. In 2013 we also opened a trading office in Thailand.
In 2014, we invested in the development of new extraction sectors and production increases in both nitrates and iodine at Nueva Victoria, reaching an approximate production capacity of 6,500 metric tons per year of iodine at the facility. We also issued a bond in the international capital markets for US$250 million, primarily to refinance existing indebtedness.
3) b) Description of Business Environment: Industrial Sector
i) Products and Services
SQM is an integrated producer and seller of specialty plant nutrients, iodine, lithium, potassium fertilizers, and industrial chemicals. Our products are based on the development of high quality natural resources that make us a cost leader, supported by an international trading network specialized in sales in over 110 countries. SQM’s development strategy aims to maintain and enhance our global leadership in all of our business lines.
For further information, see section 3) c) Description of Business Environment: Activities and Businesses.
ii) Competition and Market Share
See section 3) c) Description of Business Environment: Activities and Businesses.
iii) Legal Framework
Government Regulations
Regulations in Chile Generally
We are subject to the full range of government regulations and supervision generally applicable to companies engaged in business in Chile, including labor laws, social security laws, public health laws, consumer protection laws, tax laws, environmental laws, securities laws and anti-trust laws. These include regulations to ensure sanitary and safety conditions in manufacturing plants.
We conduct our mining operations pursuant to exploration concessions and exploitation concessions granted pursuant to applicable Chilean law. Exploitation concessions essentially grant a perpetual right (with the exception of the Salar de Atacama rights, which have been leased to us until 2030) to conduct mining operations in the areas covered by such concessions, provided that annual concession fees are paid. Exploration concessions permit us to explore for mineral resources on the land covered thereby for a specified period of time, and to subsequently request a corresponding exploitation concession.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Under Law No. 16,319 that created the Chilean Nuclear Energy Commission (Comisión Chilena de Energía Nuclear or “CCHEN”), we have an obligation to the CCHEN regarding the exploitation and sale of lithium from the Salar de Atacama. Pursuant to such obligation, we are subject to annual quotas that limit the total tonnage of lithium authorized to be sold.
We also hold water rights obtained from the Chilean water regulatory authority for the supply of water from rivers or wells near our production facilities sufficient to meet our current operating requirements. See section 3) e) Description of Business Environment: Risk Factors. The Water Code is subject to changes, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, Law No. 20,017, published in 2005, modified the Chilean laws relating to water rights and established that, under certain conditions, permanent water rights of up to two liters per second for each well built prior to June 30, 2004, may be constituted in the areas where we conduct our mining operations. In constituting these new water rights, the law does not consider the availability of water, or how the new rights may affect holders of existing rights. Therefore, the amount of water we can effectively extract based on our existing rights could be reduced if these additional rights are exercised. These and other potential future changes to Chilean laws relating to water rights could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We operate port facilities at Tocopilla, Chile for the shipment of products and the delivery of raw materials pursuant to maritime concessions, which have been granted under applicable Chilean laws and are normally renewable on application, provided that such facilities are used as authorized and annual concession fees are paid.
In 2005, the Chilean Congress approved Law No. 20,026 known as the Law to Establish a Specific Tax on Mining Activity” (Ley que Establece un Impuesto Específico a la Actividad Minera or the “Royalty Law”), establishing a royalty tax to be applied to mining activities developed in Chile. In 2010, modifications were made to the law and taxes were increased. In 2012, new modifications to the tax laws were enacted to set the corporate tax rate at 20% for companies like SQM.
On September 29, 2014, Law No. 20,780 was published (the “Tax Reform”), introducing significant changes to the Chilean taxation system and strengthening the powers of the Chilean IRS to control and prevent tax avoidance. The Tax Reform contemplates, among other matters, changes to the corporate tax regime to create two tax regimes. Starting on January 1, 2017, Chilean companies will be able to opt between two tax regimes: (i) the partially integrated regime (sistema parcialmente integrado) or (ii) the attributable taxation regime (sistema de renta atribuida). In both regimes, the corporate tax rate will be increased to 21% in 2014, 22.5% in 2015 and 24% in 2016. On or after January 1, 2017, and depending on the tax regime chosen by the company, tax rates may be increased to a maximum rate of 25% in 2017, in the case of the attributable taxation regime, or to a rate of 25.5% in 2017 and subsequently to a maximum rate of 27% in 2018, in the case of the partially integrated regime.
As a sociedad anónima abierta, the default regime that applies to us is the partially integrated regime, unless at a future shareholders’ meeting our shareholders agree to opt for the attributable taxation regime. The increase in the tax rate gave rise to an increase of US$52.3 million in our deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2014. In accordance with the instructions of the Chilean Superintendence of Securities and Insurance (Superintendencia de Valores y Seguros or “SVS”), we reflected the effect of this adjustment as a reduction in net equity in our statement of financial position as of December 31, 2014. In addition, given the potential difference in accounting treatments between IFRS and the instructions of the SVS, we will continue to analyze the effects of the Tax Reform on our financial statements and reporting obligations, and we cannot predict how our future financial statements will reflect these changes.
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3) Description of Business Environment
The Chilean government may again decide to levy additional taxes on mining companies or other corporations in Chile, and such taxes could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In 2006, the Chilean Congress amended the Labor Code, and effective January 15, 2007, changes were made affecting companies that hire subcontractors to provide certain services. This new law, known as the Subcontracting Law (Ley de Subcontratación), further amends the Labor Accidents Law No. 16,744 to provide that when a serious accident in the workplace occurs, a company must halt work at the site where the accident took place until authorities from the National Geology and Mining Service (Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería or “Sernageomin”), the Labor Board, or the National Health Service inspect the site and prescribe the measures such company must take to minimize the risk of similar accidents taking place in the future. Work may not be resumed until said company has taken the prescribed measures, and the period of time before work may be resumed may last for a number of hours, days, or longer. The effects of this law could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
On December 2, 2009, Law No. 20,393 went into effect, establishing criminal liability for legal entities, for the crimes of (a) asset laundering, (b) financing terrorism and (c) bribery. Such criminal liability applies to legal entities for the aforementioned crimes where such crimes are committed directly or indirectly in benefit of such legal entity, by the legal entity’s owners, controllers, representatives or principal executives, to the extent to which the commission of the crime is a consequence of the legal entity’s failure to fulfill its management and supervisory obligations. The law establishes that the company has fulfilled such obligations when it has adopted and implemented a prevention model for such crimes.
On January 1, 2010, Law No. 20,382 went into effect, introducing modifications to the Securities Law and Law No. 18,046 on Corporations (Ley de Sociedades Anónimas or the “Chilean Corporations Act”). The new law regulates corporate governance and, in general, seeks to improve such matters as the professionalization of senior management at corporations, the transparency of information, and the detection and resolution of possible conflicts of interest. The law establishes the requirement of at least one independent director for certain corporations, including SQM. Such director must be a member of the Directors’ Committee, a position which, in turn, grants the director further supervisory powers. The independent director may be proposed by any shareholder with an ownership interest of 1% or more in a company and must satisfy a series of independence requirements with respect to the company and the company’s competition, providers, customers and majority shareholders. The new law also defines the regulations regarding the information that companies must provide to the general public and to the SVS, as well as regulations relating to the use of inside information, the independence of external auditors, and procedures for the analysis of transactions with related parties.
In 2010, the Chilean Congress amended the Environmental Law to create the Ministry of Environment, the Environmental Evaluation Service (Servicio de Evaluación Ambiental) and the Superintendence for the Environment (Superintendencia del Medio Ambiente or “Superintendence for the Environment”). These changes introduced important amendments to environmental regulations by setting up new agencies and introducing new provisions and procedures applicable to projects whose operations bear an impact on the environment. The new Ministry designs and implements environmental policies relating to environmental conservation, sustainable growth and the protection of Chile’s renewable energy resources. In addition, the Ministry is responsible for enacting emission and quality standard regulations, as well as recovery and decontamination plans. The Environmental Evaluation Service plays an active role in the procedures of the Environmental Impact Evaluation System, pursuant to which projects are approved or rejected from an environmental standpoint. In procedures for obtaining an environmental license, any person, including legal entities and companies, will be allowed to file oppositions and comments. Summary procedures, such as Environmental Impact Statements, allow comments in support or opposition under certain circumstances. Technical reports from governmental agencies are considered to be final. The Superintendence for the Environment is an independent agency which coordinates with other governmental agencies in charge of supervision of suspended projects and projects requiring environmental approval. Likewise, it receives, investigates and rules on complaints concerning the infringement of environmental regulations and sanctions violators, delivers injunction orders and levies relevant fines. The Environmental Enforcement Superintendence had its powers suspended until the First Environmental Court was installed in Santiago on December 28, 2012.
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3) Description of Business Environment
There are currently no material legal or administrative proceedings pending against us except as discussed in Note 19.1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements and below under “Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations in Chile,” and we believe we are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable statutory and administrative regulations with respect to our business.
Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations in Chile
Our operations in Chile are subject to both national and local regulations related to safety, health and environmental protection. In Chile, the main regulations on these matters that are applicable to SQM are the Mine Health and Safety Act of 1989 (Reglamento de Seguridad Minera or the “Mine Health and Safety Act”), the Health Code (Código Sanitario), the Health and Basic Conditions Act of 1999 (Reglamento sobre Condiciones Sanitarias y Ambientales Básicas en los Lugares de Trabajo or the “Health and Basic Conditions Act”), the Subcontracting Law and the Environmental Law of 1994, amended in 2010 (Ley sobre Bases Generales del Medio Ambiente or the “Environmental Law”).
Health and safety at work are fundamental aspects in the management of mining operations, which is why SQM has made constant efforts to maintain good health and safety conditions for the people working at its mining sites and facilities. In addition to the role played by us in this important matter, the Chilean government has a regulatory role, enacting and enforcing regulations in order to protect and ensure the health and safety of workers. The Chilean government, acting through the Ministry of Health and the Sernageomin, performs health and safety inspections at the mining sites and oversees mining projects, among other tasks, and it has exclusive powers to enforce standards related to environmental conditions and the health and safety of the people performing activities related to mining.
The Mine Health and Safety Act protects workers and nearby communities against health and safety hazards, and it provides for enforcement of the law where compliance has not been achieved. SQM’s Internal Mining Standards (Reglamentos Internos Mineros) establish our obligation to maintain a workplace where safety and health risks are managed appropriately. We must comply with the general provisions of the Health and Basic Conditions Act, our own internal standards and the provisions of the Mine Health and Safety Act. In the event of non-compliance, the Ministry of Health and particularly the Sernageomin are entitled to use their enforcement powers to ensure compliance with the law.
In November 2011, the Ministry of Mining enacted Law No. 20,551 that Regulates the Closure of Mining Sites and Facilities (Ley que Regula el Cierre de Faenas e Instalaciones Mineras). This new statute entered in force in November 2012 and required all mining sites to present or update their closure plans as of November 2014. SQM has fulfilled this requirement for all of its mining sites and facilities. The main requirements of the law are related to disclosures to the Sernageomin regarding decommissioning plans for each mining site and its facilities, along with the estimated cost to implement such plans. There is a requirement to provide a form of financial assurance to the Sernageomin to ensure compliance with the decommissioning plans. There are various types of financial assurance that satisfy the requirement. The mining site closure plans must be approved by the Sernageomin, and the corresponding financial assurances are subject to approval by the SVS.
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3) Description of Business Environment
The Environmental Law was subjected to several important modifications that entered into effect in January 2010, including the creation of the Ministry of the Environment, the Environmental Evaluation Service and the Superintendence for the Environment. The Superintendence for the Environment began operations on December 28, 2012. The new and modified Environmental Law replaced the National Commission for the Environment of Chile (Comisión Nacional del Medio Ambiente or “CONAMA”) with both the Ministry of the Environment, which is currently the governmental agency responsible for coordinating and supervising environmental issues and the Environmental Evaluation Service. Under the new Environmental Law, we will continue to be required to conduct environmental impact studies or statements of any future projects or activities (or their significant modifications) that may affect the environment. The Superintendence for the Environment is responsible for supervising environmental performance during the construction, operation and closure of the projects that have been evaluated for environmental purposes, and it is also responsible for enforcing compliance with prevention and atmospheric decontamination plans. The Environmental Law also promotes citizen participation in project evaluation and implementation, providing more opportunities for observations or objections to be made during the environmental evaluation process. Annually, the Superintendence for the Environment audits a sample of approved projects to verify compliance with the environmental permits, and it may pursue fines or sanctions if applicable, which can be challenged in the Environmental Court.
On August 10, 1993, the Ministry of Health published in the Official Gazette a resolution establishing that atmospheric particulate levels at our production facilities in María Elena and Pedro de Valdivia exceeded air quality standards, affecting the nearby towns. The high particulate matter levels came principally from dust produced during the processing of caliche ore, particularly the crushing of the ore before leaching. Residents of the town of Pedro de Valdivia were relocated to the town of María Elena, practically removing Pedro de Valdivia from the scope of the determination of the Ministry of Health. In 1998, authorities approved a plan to reduce the atmospheric particulate levels later modified by Decree No. 37/2004 in March 2004, which called for an 80% reduction of the emissions of atmospheric particulate material. This was achieved by 2008 through the implementation of a project that modified the milling and screening systems used in the processing of the caliche ore at the María Elena facilities. Due to international market conditions, this project suspended its operation in March 2010, and today the milling and screening systems used in the processing of the caliche ore at the María Elena facilities have been suspended. Air quality in the area has improved significantly, and therefore compliance of air quality standards is expected to be achieved. When the compliance with the Chilean air quality standard has been achieved for three consecutive years (2012 to 2014), the resolution of 1993 of the Ministry of Health may be reviewed.
On March 16, 2007, the Ministry of Health published in the Official Gazette a resolution establishing that atmospheric particulate levels exceeded air quality standards in the coastal town of Tocopilla, where we have our port operations. The high particulate matter levels are caused mainly by two thermoelectric power plants that use coal and fuel oil and are located next to our port operations. Our contribution to particulate matter emissions is very small (less than 0.20% of the total). However, the environmental authority included SQM’s operations in the decontamination plan that it developed, and implementation of the plan began in October 2010. During 2008 and 2009, earlier than required, SQM implemented control measures for mitigating particulate matter emissions in its port operations according to the requirements of this plan. We do not expect any additional measures to be required of SQM following the implementation of the plan.
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3) Description of Business Environment
We continuously monitor the impact of our operations on the environment and on the health of our employees and other persons who may be affected by such operations. We have made modifications to our facilities in an effort to eliminate any adverse impacts. Also, over time, new environmental standards and regulations have been enacted, which have required minor adjustments or modifications of our operations for full compliance. We anticipate that additional laws and regulations will be enacted over time with respect to environmental matters. While we believe we will continue to be in compliance with all applicable environmental regulations of which we are now aware, there can be no assurance that future legislative or regulatory developments will not impose new restrictions on our operations. We are committed to both complying with all applicable environmental regulations and to continuously improving our environmental performance through our Environmental Management System (“EMS”) and international certifications, such as the Responsible Conduct certification from the Chilean Industrial Chemicals Association, which applies to our operations at Nueva Victoria.
We have submitted and will continue to submit several environmental impact assessment studies related to our projects to the governmental authorities. We require the authorization of these submissions in order to maintain and to increase our production capacity.
International Regulations
SQM employs its best efforts to ensure compliance with the complex regulatory environments in which it operates.
In October 2014, the European Food Safety Authority (“EFSA”) released a scientific opinion on the risks to public health related to the presence of perchlorate in food, particularly fruits and vegetables. The scientific opinion concluded, among other things, that the use of natural fertilizers and perchlorate contaminated irrigation water may lead to substantial concentrations in food, particularly fruits and vegetables. The EFSA scientific opinion recommended that additional data gathering be undertaken to improve risk assessment. The review of the provisional limits established by the European Commission in July 2013 was carried out in March 2015, and new, lower provisional limits were established for perchlorate presence in fruits and vegetables. The fertilizers sold by SQM contain less than 0.01% of perchlorate, and agronomical perchlorate uptake studies performed on target crops have shown that the uptake rates are well within the above mentioned provisional limits. Therefore, we do not anticipate difficulties with compliance. The European Commission defined a program to monitor perchlorate content in food and drinking water that will last at least one year, and therefore, the limits are not expected to be reviewed or definitively established during the next 18 months.
In September 2014, Regulation No. 98/2013 went into effect in the European Community, relating to the marketing and use of explosives precursors. The regulation includes the obligation to report to authorities any suspicious transactions of different products that may be used illegally in the production of explosives, including potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate produced by SQM. The regulation covers products for agricultural use and for industrial use indistinctly and does not establish ranges of concentration to which the standard applies. Therefore, the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European Commission developed Implementation Guidelines, which contemplate the definition of ranges of concentration for fertilizer products, within a public-private Committee set up by the European Commission for this purpose. During 2015, we will improve the existing control procedures and carry out an awareness program for SQM Europe employees, as well as carrying out internal audit programs in order to appropriately handle inspections by the competent authorities, with a focus on Belgium and Spain.
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3) Description of Business Environment
SQM has complied with the implementation requirements for the new Hazard Communication Standard of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), for the classification and updating of labels and safety data sheets before June 2015. In 2014 the employees of SQM North America were trained on this new standard.
3) c) Description of Business Environment: Activities and Businesses
The Company
We believe that we are the world’s largest producer of potassium nitrate and iodine chemicals. We also produce specialty plant nutrients, iodine and its derivatives, lithium and its derivatives, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate and certain industrial chemicals (including industrial nitrates and solar salts). Our products are sold in over 110 countries through our worldwide distribution network, with 89% of our sales in 2014 derived from countries outside Chile.
Our products are mainly derived from mineral deposits found in northern Chile. We mine and process caliche ore and brine deposits. The caliche ore in northern Chile contains the only known nitrate and iodine deposits in the world and is the world’s largest commercially exploited source of natural nitrates. The brine deposits of the Salar de Atacama, a salt-encrusted depression in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, contain high concentrations of lithium and potassium as well as significant concentrations of sulfate and boron.
From our caliche ore deposits, we produce a wide range of nitrate-based products used for specialty plant nutrients and industrial applications, as well as iodine and iodine derivatives. At the Salar de Atacama, we extract brines rich in potassium, lithium, sulfate and boron in order to produce potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, lithium solutions, boric acid and bischofite (magnesium chloride). We produce lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide at our plant near the city of Antofagasta, Chile, from the solutions brought from the Salar de Atacama. We market all of these products through an established worldwide distribution network.
Our products are divided into six categories: specialty plant nutrients; iodine and its derivatives; lithium and its derivatives; potassium chloride and potassium sulfate; industrial chemicals and other commodity fertilizers. Specialty plant nutrients are premium fertilizers that enable farmers to improve yields and the quality of certain crops. Iodine and its derivatives are mainly used in the X-ray contrast media and biocides industries and in the production of polarizing film, which is an important component in LCD screens. Lithium and its derivatives are mainly used in batteries, greases and frits for production of ceramics. Potassium chloride is a commodity fertilizer that is produced and sold by us worldwide. Potassium sulfate is a specialty fertilizer used primarily in crops such as vegetables, fruits and industrial crops. Industrial chemicals have a wide range of applications in certain chemical processes such as the manufacturing of glass, explosives and ceramics, and, more recently, industrial nitrates are being used in concentrated solar power plants as a means for energy storage. In addition, we complement our portfolio of plant nutrients through the buying and selling of other commodity fertilizers for use mainly in Chile.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, we had revenues of US$2,014.2 million, gross profit of US$583.0 million and profit attributable to controlling interests of US$296.4 million. Our worldwide market capitalization as of December 31, 2014 was approximately US$6.3 billion.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Specialty Plant Nutrition: We produce four main types of specialty plant nutrients: potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, sodium potassium nitrate and specialty blends. Furthermore, we sell other specialty fertilizers including trading of third party products. All of these specialty plant nutrients are used in either solid or liquid form mainly on high value crops such as vegetables, fruits and flowers. They are widely used in crops that employ modern agricultural techniques such as hydroponics, greenhousing, fertigation (where fertilizer is dissolved in water prior to irrigation) and foliar application. According to the type of use or application, our products are primarily marketed under the following brands: Ultrasol™ (fertigation), Qrop™ (open field application), Speedfol™ (foliar application) and Allganic™ (organic farming). Specialty plant nutrients have certain advantages over commodity fertilizers, such as rapid and effective absorption (without requiring nitrification), superior water solubility, increased soil pH (which reduces soil acidity) and low chloride content. One of the most important products in this business line is potassium nitrate, which is available in crystalline and prill form, allowing for multiple application methods. Crystalline potassium nitrate products are ideal for application by fertigation and foliar sprays, and potassium nitrate prills are suitable for soil applications.
The needs of more sophisticated customers are causing the industry to provide solutions rather than individual products. The advantages of our products, plus customized specialty blends that meet specific needs along with the agronomic service provided, allow us to create plant nutrition solutions that add value to crops through higher yields and better quality production. Because our products are derived from natural nitrate compounds or natural potassium brines, they have certain advantages over synthetically produced fertilizers, including the presence of certain beneficial trace elements, which makes them more attractive to customers who prefer products of natural origin. As a result, specialty plant nutrients are sold at a premium price compared to commodity fertilizers.
Iodine and its Derivatives: We believe that we are the world’s leading producer of iodine and iodine derivatives, which are used in a wide range of medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial applications, including x-ray contrast media, polarizing films for LCD, antiseptics, biocides and disinfectants, in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, herbicides, electronics, pigments and dye components. We market iodine using the brand QIodine™.
Lithium and its Derivatives: We are a leading producer of lithium carbonate, which is used in a variety of applications, including electrochemical materials for batteries, frits for the ceramic and enamel industries, heat-resistant glass (ceramic glass), air conditioning chemicals, continuous casting powder for steel extrusion, primary aluminum smelting process, pharmaceuticals and lithium derivatives. We are also a leading supplier of lithium hydroxide, which is primarily used as an input for the lubricating greases industry and for certain cathodes for batteries. We market lithium using the following brands: QLithiumCarbonate™, QLithiumHydroxide™ and QLubelith™.
Potassium: We produce potassium chloride and potassium sulfate from brines extracted from the Salar de Atacama. Potassium chloride is a commodity fertilizer used to fertilize a variety of crops including corn, rice, sugar, soybean and wheat. Potassium sulfate is a specialty fertilizer used mainly in crops such as vegetables, fruits and industrial crops. We market potassium chloride using the brand Qrop™.
Industrial Chemicals: We produce four industrial chemicals: sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, boric acid and potassium chloride. Sodium nitrate is used primarily in the production of glass, explosives, charcoal briquettes and metal treatment. Potassium nitrate is used in the manufacturing of specialty glass, and it is also an important raw material for the production of frits for the ceramics and enamel industries. Solar salts, a combination of potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate, are used as a thermal storage medium in concentrated solar power plants. Boric acid is used in the manufacture of frits for the ceramics and enamel industries, LCDs, glass and fiberglass. Potassium chloride is a basic chemical used to produce potassium hydroxide, and it is also used as an additive in oil drilling as well as in food processing, among other uses. We market our industrial chemicals using the following brands: QSodiumNitrate™, QPotassiumNitrate™, QPotassiumChloride™, QBoricAcid™ and Ultrasol™.
Other Products and Services: We also sell other fertilizers and blends, some of which we do not produce. We are the only company that produces and distributes the three main potassium sources: potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate and potassium chloride.
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3) Description of Business Environment
The following table shows the percentage breakdown of our revenues for 2014, 2013 and 2012 according to our product lines:
| 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
| Specialty Plant Nutrition | 35 | % | 31 | % | 28 | % | ||||||
| Iodine and Derivatives | 17 | % | 21 | % | 24 | % | ||||||
| Lithium and Derivatives | 10 | % | 9 | % | 9 | % | ||||||
| Potassium | 29 | % | 28 | % | 25 | % | ||||||
| Industrial Chemicals | 5 | % | 7 | % | 10 | % | ||||||
| Other | 4 | % | 4 | % | 4 | % | ||||||
| Total | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||||||
Business Strategy
Our general business strategy is to:
| · | maintain leadership in specialty plant nutrients, iodine, lithium and industrial nitrates, in terms of production capacity, competitive pricing and the development of new products; |
| · | maintain our competitiveness through the continued increase in the efficiency of our production processes and cost reduction; |
| · | evaluate and execute acquisitions, joint ventures or commercial alliances which have concrete synergies with our current core businesses or provide sustainable competitive advantages and |
| · | maintain a solid, conservative financial position and investment grade ratings for our debt securities. |
We have identified market demand in each of our major product lines, both within our existing customer base and in new markets, for existing products and for additional products that can be produced from our natural resources. In order to take advantage of these opportunities, we have developed specific strategies for each of our product lines.
Specialty Plant Nutrition
Our strategy in our specialty plant nutrition business is to: (i) continue expanding our sales of natural nitrates by continuing to leverage the advantages of our specialty products over commodity-type fertilizers; (ii) selectively expand by increasing our sales of higher margin specialty plant nutrients based on potassium and natural nitrates, particularly soluble potassium nitrate and NPK blends; (iii) pursue investment opportunities in complementary businesses to enhance our product portfolio, increase production, reduce costs, and add value to and improve the marketing of our products; (iv) develop new specialty nutrient blends produced in our mixing plants that are strategically located in or near our principal markets in order to meet specific customer needs; (v) focus primarily on the markets for plant nutrients in soluble and foliar applications in order to establish a leadership position; (vi) further develop our global distribution and marketing system directly and through strategic alliances with other producers and global or local distributors; (vii) reduce our production costs through improved processes and higher labor productivity so as to compete more effectively and (viii) supply a product with consistent quality according to the requirements of our customers.
Iodine and its Derivatives
Our strategy in our iodine business is to: (i) increase or at least maintain our market share in the iodine market in order to optimize the use of our available production capacity; (ii) encourage demand growth and promote new iodine uses; (iii) participate in iodine recycling projects through the Ajay-SQM Group (“ASG”); (iv) reduce our production costs through improved processes and higher productivity in order to compete more effectively and (v) supply a product with consistent quality according to the requirements of our customers.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Lithium and its Derivatives
Our strategy in our lithium business is to: (i) strategically allocate our lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide sales; (ii) encourage demand growth and promote new lithium uses; (iii) selectively pursue opportunities in the lithium derivatives business by creating new lithium compounds; (iv) reduce our production costs through improved processes and higher productivity in order to compete more effectively and (v) supply a product with consistent quality according to the requirements of our customers.
Potassium
Our strategy in our potassium business is to: (i) offer a portfolio of potassium products, including potassium sulfate, potassium chloride and other fertilizers, to our traditional markets; (ii) create flexibility to offer crystalized (standard) or granular (compacted) form products according to market requirements; (iii) focus on markets where we have logistical advantages and synergies with our specialty plant nutrition business and (iv) supply a product with consistent quality according to the requirements of our customers.
Industrial Chemicals
Our strategy in our industrial chemical business is to: (i) maintain our leadership position in the industrial nitrates market as well as increase our supply of potassium chloride in markets where we have natural advantages; (ii) encourage demand growth in different applications; (iii) become a long-term, reliable supplier for the thermal storage industry; (iv) reduce our production costs through improved processes and higher productivity in order to compete more effectively and (v) supply a product with consistent quality according to the requirements of our customers.
New Business Ventures
From time to time we evaluate opportunities to expand in our current core businesses or within new businesses in which we believe we may have sustainable competitive advantages, both within and outside Chile, and we expect to continue to do so in the future.
We are continuously exploring the possibility of acquiring controlling interests in companies that have mining properties in our core business areas and are in early stages of development. Consistent with our business strategy, we will continue to evaluate acquisitions, joint ventures and alliances in our core businesses and, depending on all facts and circumstances, may seek to acquire controlling stakes or other interests related to our core businesses both inside and outside of Chile, including other emerging markets.
In addition, we are actively conducting exploration for metallic minerals in the mining properties we own, through the generation of prospects and the progressive exploration of such prospects. If such minerals are found, we may decide to exploit, sell or enter into an association to extract these resources. We have already identified several areas in which we are conducting more targeted exploration, which may lead us to carry out further studies in order to finally decide how to proceed with any prospect or prospects of interest. We have flexibility in determining which strategy we consider appropriate, depending on the characteristics of each prospect. We may also decide not to move forward with any potential metallic prospects discovered from our exploration operations. Between 2011 and 2014, exploration expenses have averaged US$8.5 million per year, while for 2015 expenses are not expected to exceed US$5 million as a result of a new strategy to optimize our exploration plan.
In parallel to our own exploration operations, as of March 2015, we had 12 option agreements in effect with third parties and mining companies related to metallic mineral exploration. In all these agreements, we retain the rights over the caliche ore, which contains nitrates, iodine and potassium, among others. We continue to develop our program of exploration alliances with third parties through option contracts, in particular through minority participation and maintaining royalties on sales if the prospect is exploited. These alliances have enabled us to finance the metallic exploration efforts carried out by SQM. Our current plan is to achieve and maintain close to one million hectares under exploration alliances and maintain exploration investment of approximately US$20 million per year by our current and future partners in these exploration alliances.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Main Business Lines
Specialty Plant Nutrition
We believe we are the world’s largest producer of potassium nitrate. We estimate that our sales accounted for approximately 46% of global potassium nitrate sales by volume in 2014. This estimate does not include potassium nitrate produced and sold locally in China, only net imports/exports. During 2014, the potassium nitrate market grew around 10% (considering only agricultural use of potassium nitrate, and excluding sales by Chinese producers to the domestic Chinese market), with global sales exceeding one million metric tons. This was due in part to the substitution of potassium nitrate for potassium sulfate and also to the more competitive pricing between these chloride-free sources of potassium. We also produce the following specialty plant nutrients: sodium nitrate, sodium potassium nitrate and specialty blends (containing various combinations of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium and generally known as “NPK blends”).
These specialty plant nutrients have specific characteristics that increase productivity and enhance quality when used on certain crops and soils. Our specialty plant nutrients have significant advantages for certain applications over commodity fertilizers based on nitrogen and potassium, such as urea and potassium chloride.
In particular, our specialty plant nutrients:
| · | are fully water soluble, allowing their use in hydroponics, fertigation, foliar applications and other advanced agricultural techniques; |
| · | improve the water use efficiency of crops and help conserve water; |
| · | are chloride-free, which prevents chloride toxicity in certain crops associated with high levels of chlorine in plant nutrients; |
| · | provide nitrogen in nitric form, thereby allowing crops to absorb nutrients faster than they absorb urea or ammonium-based fertilizers; |
| · | do not release hydrogen after application, thereby avoiding increased soil acidity; |
| · | possess trace elements, which promote disease resistance in plants and |
| · | are more attractive to customers who prefer products of natural origin. |
In 2014, our specialty plant nutrients sales increased to US$708.0 million, representing 35% of our total sales for that year and a 3.0% increase from US$687.5 million specialty plant nutrients sales in 2013. This increase was a result of higher sales volumes, which increased 3.6% in 2014.
Specialty Plant Nutrition: Market
The target market for our specialty plant nutrients includes producers of high-value crops such as vegetables, fruits, industrial crops, flowers, cotton and others. Furthermore, we sell specialty plant nutrients to producers of chloride-sensitive crops. Since 1990, the international market for specialty plant nutrients has grown at a faster rate than the international market for commodity-type fertilizers. This is mostly due to: (i) the application of new agricultural technologies such as fertigation and hydroponics, and the increasing use of greenhouses; (ii) the increase in the cost of land and the scarcity of water, which has forced farmers to improve their yields and reduce water use; and (iii) the increase in demand for higher quality crops, such as fruits and vegetables.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Over the last 10 years, the compound annual growth rate for vegetable production per capita was 3.0% while the compound annual growth rate for the world population was only 1.5%.
Worldwide scarcity of water and arable land drives the development of new agricultural techniques to maximize the use of these resources. Irrigation has grown at an average annual rate of 1.5% during the last 20 years (a pace equal with population growth). However, micro-irrigation has grown at 10% per year over the same period. Microirrigation systems, which include drip-irrigation and micro-sprinklers, are the most efficient forms of technical irrigation. These applications require fully water-soluble plant nutrients. Our nitrate-based specialty plant nutrients provide nitrogen in nitric form, which helps crops absorb these nutrients faster than they absorb urea- or ammonium-based fertilizers, facilitating a more efficient application of nutrients to the plant and thereby increasing the crop’s yield and improving its quality.
Asia is the region with the lowest ratio (micro-irrigation/total irrigated hectares) in the world, reaching around 3%. This represents a high potential for this technology, which is reflected in the high growth rates in recent years. For example, the growth rate of hectares under micro-irrigation in China is estimated to have exceeded 6% in 2014.
The market for potassium nitrate in China is 385,000 to 400,000 metric tons, of which approximately 150,000 is related to the tobacco industry and 75,000 to 80,000 is related to the horticulture business. Of the total, between 40,000 and 50,000 metric tons are imports.
Specialty Plant Nutrition: Our Products
Potassium nitrate, sodium potassium nitrate and specialty blends are higher margin products derived from, or consisting of, sodium nitrate, and they are all produced in crystallized or prilled form. Specialty blends are produced using our own specialty plant nutrients and other components at blending plants operated by us or our affiliates and related companies in Chile, the United States, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Turkey, China, India, Thailand, Brazil and Peru.
The following table shows our sales volumes of and revenues from specialty plant nutrients for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
| 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume (Th. MT) | ||||||||||||
| Sodium nitrate | 15.8 | 26.2 | 24.4 | |||||||||
| Potassium nitrate and sodium potassium nitrate | 531.6 | 512.6 | 469.3 | |||||||||
| Specialty blends(1) | 228.0 | 208.1 | 197.5 | |||||||||
| Other specialty plant nutrients(2) | 102.5 | 100.8 | 89.0 | |||||||||
| Total Revenues (in US$ millions) | 708.0 | 687.5 | 675.3 | |||||||||
| (1) | Includes Yara’s products sold pursuant to our commercial agreement. |
| (2) | Includes trading of other specialty fertilizers. |
Depending on the systems used to apply specialty nutrients, fertilizers can be classified as specialty field fertilizers or water-soluble fertilizers.
Specialty field fertilizers are applied directly to the soil, manually or in a mechanized fashion. Their high solubility levels, lack of harmful chlorine and absence of acidic reactions make them particularly advantageous for tobacco, potatoes, coffee, cotton and a wide range of fruits and vegetables.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Water-soluble fertilizers are specialty nutrients that are delivered to the crops using modern irrigation systems. As these systems feature refined technology, the products used in them must be highly soluble, rich in nutrients, free of impurities and insoluble substances, and with a low salinity index. The leading nutrient in this segment is potassium nitrate, whose optimal balance of nitric nitrogen and chlorine-free potassium (the two macronutrients most needed by plants) make it an indispensable source of nutrition for crops that use modern irrigation systems.
In addition, potassium nitrate is widely known to be a vital component in foliar feeding applications, where usage is recommended in order to stave off nutritional deficiencies before the first symptoms appear, correct any deficiencies that arise, and prevent physiological stress. This nutrient also helps promote a suitable balance between fruit production and/or growth, and plant development, particularly in crops with physiological disorders.
Foliar feeding with potassium nitrate can have beneficial effects:
| · | when soil chemistry limits nutrient solubility and availability (pH, organic matter, type and percentage of clay); |
| · | when nutrient absorption through the roots is limited as a result of conditions that hamper root growth (temperature, moisture, oxygen and loss of soil structure); |
| · | when the plant’s local internal demand may surpass real internal nutrient redistribution capacity, leaving the demand unsatisfied; |
| · | when nutrient mobility is limited, when plants flower before the leaf growth phase, imposing limiting factors on xylem nutrient transport and |
| · | to promote rapid recovery from leaf stress caused by climatic conditions, soil conditions and irrigation management. |
In addition to these products, SQM has consolidated a product portfolio of over 200 specialty fertilizer blends, including top brands such as UltrasolTM, for fertigation; QropTM, for application to the soil; SpeedfolTM, for foliar feeding and AllganicTM, for organic crops.
Specialty Plant Nutrition: Marketing and Customers
In 2014, we sold our specialty plant nutrients in over 85 countries. During the same year, sales of our specialty plant nutrients were as per the table below. No single customer represented more than 10% of our specialty plant nutrient sales during 2014, and we estimate that our 10 largest customers accounted in the aggregate for approximately 34% of sales during that period. No supplier accounted for more than 10% of the costs of sales for this business line.
| Sales Breakdown | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||
| North America | 30 | % | 27 | % | 27 | % | ||||||
| Europe | 21 | % | 20 | % | 17 | % | ||||||
| Central and South America | 31 | % | 32 | % | 38 | % | ||||||
| Asia and Others | 18 | % | 21 | % | 18 | % | ||||||
We sell our specialty plant nutrition products outside Chile mainly through our own worldwide network of representative offices and through our distribution affiliates.
We maintain stocks of our specialty plant nutrients in the main markets of the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa in order to facilitate prompt deliveries to customers. In addition, we sell specialty plant nutrients directly to some of our large customers. Sales are made pursuant to spot purchase orders and short-term contracts.
In connection with our marketing efforts, we provide technical and agronomical assistance and support to some of our customers. By working closely with our customers, we are able to identify new, higher-value-added products and markets. Our specialty plant nutrients are used on a wide variety of crops, particularly value-added crops, where the use of our products enables our customers to increase yields and command a premium price.
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3) Description of Business Environment
In 2013, we launched the global Speedfol™ Crop SP project in order to promote a range of crop-specific, predominantly potassium nitrate-based, locally-produced, water-soluble NPK formulations for foliar spray applications. The Speedfol™ Crop SP project has a duration of five years and targets a variety of crops such as cereals, grains, citrus, mango, cotton, soybean and coffee, in countries such as Brazil, China, India, Mexico, South Africa and the United States of America. Scientifically proven benefits of Speedfol™ Crop SP applications include increased yields, better quality (such as larger-sized fruits) and reduced crop losses (such as less premature fruit drop and less lodging incidence in cereals).
Our customers are located in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Consequently, we do not believe there are any seasonal or cyclical factors that can materially affect the sales of our specialty plant nutrients.
Specialty Plant Nutrition: Joint Ventures and Agreements
Consistent with our business strategy, from time to time we evaluate opportunities to expand in our current core businesses, including our specialty plant nutrition business, or within new businesses in which we believe we may have sustainable competitive advantages. We evaluate potential acquisitions, joint ventures and alliances with companies both within and outside of Chile, including in other emerging markets.
In May 2008, we signed a commitment letter for a joint venture with Migao Corporation (“Migao”) for the production and distribution of specialty plant nutrients in China. Through the joint venture, we constructed a potassium nitrate plant with a production capacity of 40,000 metric tons per year. The plant began operating in January 2011, and has allowed us to increase our presence in China, which is one of the most important and fastest growing markets for the fertilizer industry.
In May 2009, our subsidiary Soquimich European Holdings entered into an agreement with Coromandel Fertilizers Ltd. to create a joint venture for the production and distribution of water soluble fertilizers in India. The agreement established a 50⁄50 contribution to the joint venture. As part of the agreement, a new 15,000 metric ton facility was constructed in the city of Kakinada to produce water soluble NPK grade fertilizers. This new facility began operating in January 2012.
In December 2009, we signed an agreement with the French Roullier Group to form the joint venture SQM Vitas. This agreement joins two of the largest companies in the businesses of specialty plant nutrition, specialty animal nutrition and professional hygiene. Peru, Brazil and South Africa are the main focus markets of this joint venture, and Dubai is the main productive unit. As part of the agreement, our phosphate plant located in Dubai became part of this joint venture.
In 2012, SQM Vitas started the construction of new plants in Brazil (Candeias), Peru and South Africa (Durban) for the production of water soluble fertilizers containing different relative amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and at times, smaller amounts of other chemicals. The Candeias Industrial Complex plant in Brazil began operating in March 2012 and has a production capacity of 25,000 metric tons per year.
Between 2010 and 2012, we continued to expand our production capacity of potassium products in our operations in the Salar de Atacama. In 2011, we completed the construction of a new potassium nitrate facility in Coya Sur, increasing our overall production capacity of potassium nitrate by 300,000 metric tons.
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3) Description of Business Environment
In 2013, the operations of SQM Vitas in Spain began with a water soluble NPK fertilizer plant that has a production capacity of 15,000 metric tons per year.
During 2013, the marketing activities of our joint ventures integrated in SQM (Beijing). This change aims to enhance the efficiency of distribution channels for fertilizer products by consolidating marketing into a unified brand and management team, thus reducing costs. In addition, our strategy in this segment is to increase production of water soluble fertilizers and extend our technologies and their applications in order to increase popularity and expand the use of these products.
On March 8, 2013, SQM VITAS acquired the Controlled Release Fertilizer (“CRF”) Technology and Plantacote® business and brand name from AGLUKON. Plantacote® is highly efficient in nutrient utilization and is environmentally friendly due to prevention of leaching, volatilization and fixation of nutrients in the soils as well as the degradation of the coating by microorganisms after complete nutrient release. The unique coating technology and quality standards make Plantacote® very reliable for growing high-quality plants. This new global facility will produce both premium and standard CRFs under the Plantacote® brand name in order to supply worldwide customers that are active in horticulture, agriculture, turf, growing media and consumer markets. Due to this acquisition, SQM VITAS will be able to further expand its current product portfolio of specialty plant nutrition solutions for the benefit of its customers.
In December 2014, an asset transfer agreement was signed between Plantacote BV and Plantacote NV (a new company that is 99.99% owned by Doctor Tarsa, which is a company that was created in 2000 in which SQM holds a 50% stake). As a result of this agreement, the business and Plantacote® brand were transferred to the new company Plantacote NV, but with no changes to the business or the CRF project. SQM continues to hold a 50% ownership stake in the company.
Specialty Plant Nutrition: Fertilizer Sales in Chile
We market specialty plant nutrients in Chile through our subsidiary Soquimich Comercial S.A. (SQMC).
SQMC is currently one of the main players in the Chilean market, offering a wide range of products developed specifically for the crops grown in the country. As specialty plant nutrients have differentiating qualities with respect to traditional fertilizers, they play a key role in this market.
SQMC sells local products as well as products imported from different countries around the world, including China, Mexico and Venezuela.
All contracts and agreements between Soquimich Comercial S.A. and its foreign suppliers of fertilizers generally contain standard and customary commercial terms and conditions. SQMC has been able to obtain adequate supplies of these products with good pricing conditions.
Soquimich Comercial S.A.’s sales of fertilizers represented approximately 30% of total fertilizer sales in Chile during 2014. Soquimich Comercial S.A.’s consolidated revenues were approximately US$214 million and US$230 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Specialty Plant Nutrition: Competition
We believe we are the world’s largest producer of sodium and potassium nitrate for agricultural use. Our sodium nitrate products compete indirectly with specialty and commodity-type substitutes, which may be used by some customers instead of sodium nitrate depending on the type of soil and crop to which the product will be applied. Such substitute products include calcium nitrate, ammonium nitrate and calcium ammonium nitrate.
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3) Description of Business Environment
In the potassium nitrate market our largest competitor is Haifa Chemicals Ltd. (“Haifa”), in Israel, which is a subsidiary of Trans Resources International Inc. We estimate that sales of potassium nitrate by Haifa accounted for approximately 31% of total world sales during 2014 (excluding sales by Chinese producers to the domestic Chinese market), compared to our share of the market which accounted for approximately 46% of global potassium nitrate sales by volume for the period.
ACF, another Chilean producer, mainly oriented to iodine production, has produced potassium nitrate from caliche ore and potassium chloride since 2005. Kemapco, a Jordanian producer owned by Arab Potash, produces potassium nitrate in a plant located close to the Port of Aqaba, Jordan. In addition, there are several potassium nitrate producers in China, the largest of which are Yuantong (Qinghai Salt Lake 75.5% and Wentong 24.5%) and Migao. Most of the Chinese production is consumed by the Chinese domestic market.
The principal means of competition in the sale of potassium nitrate are product quality, customer service, location, logistics, agronomic expertise and price.
In Chile, our products mainly compete with imported fertilizer blends that use calcium ammonium nitrate or potassium magnesium sulfate. Our specialty plant nutrients also compete indirectly with lower-priced synthetic commodity-type fertilizers such as ammonia and urea, which are produced by many producers in a highly price-competitive market. Our products compete on the basis of advantages that make them more suitable for certain applications as described above.
Iodine and its Derivatives
We believe we are the world’s largest producer of iodine. In 2014, our revenues from iodine and iodine derivatives amounted to US$335.4 million, representing 17% of our total revenues in that year. We estimate that our sales accounted for approximately 26% of world iodine sales by volume in 2014.
Iodine: Market
Iodine and iodine derivatives are used in a wide range of medical, agricultural and industrial applications as well as in human and animal nutrition products. Iodine and iodine derivatives are used as raw materials or catalysts in the formulation of products such as X-ray contrast media, biocides, antiseptics and disinfectants, pharmaceutical intermediates, polarizing films for LCDs, chemicals, herbicides, organic compounds and pigments. Iodine is also added in the form of potassium iodate or potassium iodide to edible salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorders.
X-ray contrast media is the leading application of iodine, accounting for 22% of demand. Iodine’s high atomic number and density make it ideally suited for this application, as its presence in the body can help to increase contrast between tissues, organs, and blood vessels with similar X-ray densities. Other applications include pharmaceuticals, which account for 13% of demand; iodophors and povidone-iodine, 12%; LCD screens, 12%; animal nutrition, 8%; fluoride derivatives, 7%; biocides, 5%; nylon, 4% and human nutrition, 3%.
We have seen consistent growth in the iodine market over the last ten years, with the exception of 2009, which was affected by the global financial crisis, with demand being led by uses related to X-ray contrast media and pharmaceuticals. During 2014, iodine demand grew moderately compared to 2013 as a result of inertia following the high prices observed in the industry from 2011 to 2013. However, the lower prices observed during 2014 have continued, which could have a positive effect on demand growth in 2015. We estimate that the global market size in 2014 was approximately 31,600 metric tons, with around 56% of supply coming from Chilean producers, including us.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Iodine: Our Products
We produce iodine in our Nueva Victoria plant, near Iquique, and our Pedro de Valdivia plant, close to María Elena. We have a total production capacity of approximately 13,300 metric tons per year of iodine, including the Iris plant, which is located next to the Nueva Victoria plant.
Through ASG, we produce organic and inorganic iodine derivatives. ASG was established in the mid-1990s and has production plants in the United States, Chile and France. ASG is the world’s leading inorganic and organic iodine derivatives producer.
Consistent with our business strategy, we are constantly working on the development of new applications for our iodine-based products, pursuing a continuing expansion of our businesses and maintaining our market leadership.
We manufacture our iodine and iodine derivatives in accordance with international quality standards and have qualified our iodine facilities and production processes under the ISO-9001:2008 program, providing third party certification of the quality management system and international quality control standards that we have implemented.
The following table shows our total sales and revenues from iodine and iodine derivatives for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
| 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume (Th. MT) | ||||||||||||
| Iodine and derivatives | 8.8 | 9.3 | 11.0 | |||||||||
| Revenues (in US$ millions) | 335.4 | 461.0 | 578.1 | |||||||||
Our sales revenues decreased from US$461.0 million in 2013 to US$335.4 million in 2014. This decrease was primarily attributable to the decrease in iodine prices during 2014. Average iodine prices were more than 20% lower in 2014 when compared to 2013.
Iodine: Marketing and Customers
In 2014, we sold our iodine products to approximately 260 customers in over 60 countries, and most of our sales were exports: 31% was sold to customers in North America, 35% to customers in Europe, 4% to customers in Central and South America and 30% to customers in Asia and other regions. Only two customers accounted for more than 10% of our iodine sales in 2014. Together these two customers accounted for approximately 31% of sales, and we estimate that our 10 largest customers accounted in the aggregate for approximately 61% of sales. No supplier accounted for more than 10% of the cost of sales of this business line.
The following table shows the geographical breakdown of our sales for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
| Sales Breakdown | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||
| North America | 31 | % | 35 | % | 36 | % | ||||||
| Europe | 35 | % | 36 | % | 30 | % | ||||||
| Central & South America | 4 | % | 4 | % | 3 | % | ||||||
| Asia and Others | 30 | % | 25 | % | 31 | % | ||||||
We sell iodine through our own worldwide network of representative offices and through our sales, support and distribution affiliates. We maintain inventories of iodine at our facilities throughout the world to facilitate prompt delivery to customers. Iodine sales are made pursuant to spot purchase orders or within the framework of supply agreements. Supply agreements generally specify annual minimum and maximum purchase commitments, and prices are adjusted periodically, according to prevailing market prices.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Iodine: Competition
The world’s main iodine producers are based in Chile, Japan and the United States. Iodine is also produced in Russia, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Indonesia and China.
Iodine is produced in Chile using a unique mineral known as caliche ore, whereas in Japan, the United States, Russia, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Indonesia, producers extract iodine from underground brines that are mainly obtained together with the extraction of natural gas and petroleum. In China, iodine is extracted from seaweed.
Six Chilean companies accounted for approximately 56% of total global sales of iodine in 2014, including SQM, with approximately 26%, and five other producers, accounting for the remaining 30%. The other Chilean producers are: Atacama Chemical S.A. (Cosayach), controlled by the Chilean holding Inverraz S.A.; ACF Minera S.A. owned by the Chilean family De Urruticoechea; Algorta Norte S.A., a joint venture between ACF Minera S.A. and Toyota Tsusho; SCM Bullmine and RB Energy (a Canadian company previously known as Sirocco Mining Inc. or as Atacama Minerals).
We estimate that eight Japanese iodine producers accounted for approximately 31% of global iodine sales in 2014, including recycled iodine.
We estimate that iodine producers in the United States (one of which is owned by Ise Chemicals Ltd., a Japanese company) accounted for 5% of world iodine sales in 2014.
Iodine recycling is a growing trend worldwide. Several Japanese producers have recycling facilities where they recover iodine and iodine derivatives from iodine waste streams. Iodine recycling, mainly related to LCD consumption, has increased over the past few years and currently represents approximately 17% of world iodine sales. It is estimated that approximately 74% of total world iodine recycling was done by Japanese iodine producers.
We, through ASG or alone, are also actively participating in the iodine recycling business using iodinated side-streams from a variety of chemical processes in Europe and the United States.
The prices of iodine and iodine derivative products are determined by market conditions. World iodine prices vary depending upon, among other things, the relationship between supply and demand at any given time. Iodine supply varies primarily as a result of the production levels of the iodine producers (including us) and their respective business strategies. Our annual average iodine sales prices decreased to approximately US$38 per kilogram in 2014, as a result of supply growth outpacing demand growth.
Demand for iodine varies depending upon overall levels of economic activity and the level of demand in the medical, pharmaceutical, industrial and other sectors that are the main users of iodine and iodine-derivative products. Certain substitutes for iodine are available for certain applications, such as antiseptics and disinfectants, which could represent a cost-effective alternative to iodine depending on prevailing prices.
The main factors of competition in the sale of iodine and iodine derivative products are reliability, price, quality, customer service and the price and availability of substitutes. We believe we have competitive advantages compared to other producers due to the size and quality of our mining reserves and the available production capacity. We believe our iodine is competitive with that produced by other manufacturers in certain advanced industrial processes. We also believe we benefit competitively from the long-term relationships we have established with our largest customers.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Lithium and its Derivatives
We believe we are one of the world’s largest producers of lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide. In 2014, our revenues from lithium sales amounted to US$206.8 million, representing 10% of our total revenues. We estimate that our sales accounted for approximately 27% of the sale of global lithium chemicals sales by volume.
Lithium: Market
Lithium is mainly marketed as lithium carbonate. The next most traded compound is lithium hydroxide. Both of these compounds are used to produce the cathodes for rechargeable batteries, taking advantage of lithium’s extreme electrochemical potential and low density. Batteries are the leading application for lithium, accounting for 46% of total demand. Lithium carbonate is also used in applications such as ceramic and enamel frits (5% of demand), heat resistant glass (ceramic glass) (5% of demand), air conditioning chemicals (4% of demand), continuous casting powder for steel extrusion (2% of demand), primary aluminum smelting process (1% of demand), and others, including the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and lithium derivatives.
Lithium hydroxide is primarily used as a raw material in the lubricating grease industry (11% of demand), as well as in the dyes and the battery industries.
Lithium’s main properties, which facilitate its use in this range of applications, are:
| · | it is the lightest solid element at room temperature; |
| · | it has a low coefficient of thermal expansion; |
| · | it has high electrochemical potential and low density and |
| · | it is the solid with the highest specific heat capacity. |
During 2014, lithium chemicals demand increased by approximately 9%, reaching approximately 142,000 metric tons, with close to 50% supplied by Chilean producers. We expect applications related to energy storage to continue driving demand in the coming years.
Lithium: Our Products
We produce lithium carbonate at our Salar del Carmen facilities, near Antofagasta, Chile, from solutions with high concentrations of lithium, in the form of lithium chloride, coming from the potassium chloride production at the Salar de Atacama. The annual production capacity of our lithium carbonate plant is 48,000 metric tons per year. We believe that the technologies we use, together with the high concentrations of lithium and unique characteristics of the Salar de Atacama, such as high evaporation rate and concentration of other minerals, allow us to be one of the lowest cost producers worldwide.
We also produce lithium hydroxide at our facilities at the Salar del Carmen, next to the lithium carbonate operation. The lithium hydroxide facility has a production capacity of 6,000 metric tons per year and is one of the largest plants in the world.
The following table shows our total sales and revenues from lithium carbonate and its derivatives for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
| 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume (Th. MT) | ||||||||||||
| Lithium and derivatives | 39.5 | 36.1 | 45.7 | |||||||||
| Revenues (in US$ millions) | 206.8 | 196.5 | 222.2 | |||||||||
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3) Description of Business Environment
Our revenues in 2014 were US$206.8 million, a 5.3% increase from US$196.5 million in 2013, due to higher sales volumes supported by strong demand growth.
Lithium: Marketing and Customers
In 2014, we sold our lithium products to over 220 customers in around 50 countries. Only one customer accounted for more than 10% of our lithium sales in 2014, accounting for approximately 11% of lithium sales. We estimate that our 10 largest customers accounted in aggregate for approximately 58% of sales. Only one supplier accounted for over 10% of the cost of sales of this business line, accounting for approximately 13% of the cost of sales.
The following table shows the geographical breakdown of our sales for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
| Sales Breakdown | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||
| North America | 11 | % | 12 | % | 10 | % | ||||||
| Europe | 22 | % | 25 | % | 22 | % | ||||||
| Central & South America | 1 | % | 2 | % | 2 | % | ||||||
| Asia and Others | 66 | % | 62 | % | 66 | % | ||||||
We sell lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide through our own worldwide network of representative offices and through our sales, support and distribution affiliates. We maintain inventories of these products at our facilities throughout the world to facilitate prompt delivery to customers. Sales of lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide are made pursuant to spot purchase orders or within the framework of supply agreements. Supply agreements generally specify annual minimum and maximum purchase commitments, and prices are adjusted periodically, according to prevailing market prices.
Lithium: Competition
Our main competitors in the lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide businesses are Rockwood Lithium (“Rockwood”), which was recently acquired by Albemarle and which, according to our estimates, has a market share of approximately 22%, and FMC Corporation (“FMC”), which has an estimated market share of approximately 12%. In addition, a number of Chinese producers together accounted for approximately 37% of the world market in 2014, by volume. Rockwood produces lithium carbonate at its operations in Chile and in Nevada, United States. Its production of downstream lithium products is mostly performed in the United States, Germany and Taiwan. Rockwood and Tianqi are 49%/51% partners in Talison Lithium Pty Ltd., an Australian company that produces lithium mineral concentrate in Western Australia. Tianqi is in the process of purchasing Galaxy, an Australian company that has a lithium carbonate plant in China. FMC has production facilities in Argentina through Minera del Altiplano S.A., where it produces lithium chloride and lithium carbonate. Production of its downstream lithium products is mostly performed in the United States and the United Kingdom.
We believe that lithium production will increase in the near future, balancing the expected growth in demand. Recently, Orocobre began operating in Argentina, and a number of new projects to develop lithium deposits have been announced recently. Some of these projects are already under advanced development and others could materialize in the medium term.
Potassium
We produce potassium chloride and potassium sulfate by extracting brines from the Salar de Atacama that are rich in potassium chloride and other salts.
Since 2009, our end product capacity has increased to over 2 million metric tons per year, granting us improved flexibility and market coverage.
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3) Description of Business Environment
In 2014, our potassium chloride and potassium sulfate revenues amounted to US$584.3 million, representing 29% of our total revenues and a 3.6% decrease compared to 2013.
Potassium is one of the three macronutrients that a plant needs to develop. Although potassium does not form part of a plant’s structure, it is essential to the development of its basic functions. Potassium chloride is the most commonly used potassium-based fertilizer. It is used to fertilize crops that can tolerate relatively high levels of chloride, and to fertilize crops that are grown under conditions with sufficient rainfall or irrigation practices that prevent chloride from accumulating to excess levels in the rooting systems of the plant.
Some benefits that may be obtained through the use of potassium are:
| · | increased yield and quality; |
| · | increased production of proteins; |
| · | increased photosynthesis; |
| · | intensified transport and storage of assimilates; |
| · | prolonged and more intense assimilation period; |
| · | improved water efficiency; |
| · | regulated opening and closure of stomata and |
| · | synthesis of lycopene. |
Potassium chloride is also an important component for our specialty plant nutrition product line, where it is used as a raw material to produce potassium nitrate.
Potassium: Market
During the last decade, the potassium chloride market has experienced rapid growth due to several key factors such as a growing world population, higher demand for protein-based diets and less arable land. All of these factors have contributed to growing demand for fertilizers and, in particular, potassium chloride, as efforts are being made to maximize crop yields and use resources more efficiently. For the last 10 years, the compound annual growth for the global potassium chloride market was approximately 2.3%.
According to the most recent studies prepared by the International Fertilizer Industry Association from 2010 to 2011, cereals received 10.3 MT K2O, (i.e., 37.4% of world K consumption, with a low contribution of wheat (6.2%) compared to rice (12.6%) and maize (14.9%)). In contrast, oilseeds represented 19.8% of the total (5.4 MT K2O), with more than four fifths being applied to soybean (9.0%) and oil palm (7.2%) together. K fertilizer use on fibre crops and roots and tubers was modest (2.8 and 3.8%, respectively) compared to sugar crops (7.7%) and fruits and vegetables (16.6%). The remaining 11.8% were applied to other crops.
Demand in the potassium chloride market increased in 2014. We estimate that demand reached between 61 and 62 million metric tons for potassium chloride during 2014, an increase of approximately 15% as compared to 2013, with record levels of shipments from the producers Uralkali, in Russia, and Belaruskali, in Belarus. Demand was affected by the economic uncertainty from the previous year, as some customers pushed their purchases back from the second half of 2013 to 2014. We do not expect to see demand growth in 2015.
Average prices in the potassium market decreased significantly during 2013 and the first quarter of 2014 due to unusual events. Uralkali, a leading company in the potash market, abandoned the business arrangement that it held with BPC and generated market uncertainty which affected the commodity’s price levels. Beginning in the second quarter of 2014, the price slowly began to recover, but prices did not return to the levels prevailing prior to these events.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Potassium: Our Products
Potassium chloride differs from our specialty plant nutrition products because it is a commodity fertilizer and contains chloride. We offer potassium chloride in two grades: standard and compacted. Potassium sulfate is considered a specialty fertilizer and we offer three grades: standard, compacted and soluble.
The following table shows our sales volumes of and revenues from potassium chloride and potassium sulfate for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
| 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume (Th. MT) | ||||||||||||
| Potassium chloride & potassium sulfate | 1,556.2 | 1,434.9 | 1,209.5 | |||||||||
| Revenues (in US$ millions) | 584.3 | 606.3 | 605.1 | |||||||||
Potassium: Marketing and Customers
In 2014, we sold potassium chloride and potassium sulfate in over 60 countries. No single customer accounted for more than 11% of our sales of potassium chloride and potassium sulfate in 2014, and we estimate that our 10 largest customers accounted in the aggregate for approximately 47% of such sales. One supplier accounted for more than 10% of the cost of sales of this business line, accounting for approximately 12% of the cost of sales for the business line.
The following table shows the geographical breakdown of our sales for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
| Sales Breakdown | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||
| North America | 23 | % | 17 | % | 15 | % | ||||||
| Europe | 13 | % | 16 | % | 21 | % | ||||||
| Central & South America | 45 | % | 44 | % | 47 | % | ||||||
| Asia and Others | 19 | % | 23 | % | 17 | % | ||||||
Potassium: Competition
We estimate that we accounted for less than 3% of global sales of potassium chloride in 2014. Our main competitors are Uralkali, PCS, Belaruskali and Mosaic. We estimate that in 2014, Uralkali accounted for approximately 18% of global sales, PCS around 15%, Mosaic around 14%, and Belaruskali approximately 13% of global sales.
In the potassium sulfate market, we have several competitors, of which the most important are K+S KALI GmbH (Germany), Tessenderlo Chemie (Belgium) and Great Salt Lake Minerals Corp. (United States). We estimate that these three producers account for approximately 30% of the worldwide production of potassium sulfate. SQM accounts for less than 2% of global production.
Industrial Chemicals
In addition to producing sodium and potassium nitrate for agricultural applications, we produce different grades of these products for industrial applications. The different grades differ mainly in their chemical purity. We enjoy certain operational flexibility when producing industrial nitrates, because they are produced from the same process as their equivalent agricultural grades, needing only an additional step of purification. We may, with certain constraints, shift production from one grade to the other depending on market conditions. This flexibility allows us to maximize yields and to reduce commercial risk.
In addition to producing industrial nitrates, we produce and market other industrial chemicals such as industrial-grade potassium chloride and boric acid, a by-product of the production of potassium sulfate.
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3) Description of Business Environment
In 2014, our revenues from industrial chemicals were US$101.9 million, representing approximately 5% of our total revenues for that year.
Industrial Chemicals: Market
Industrial sodium and potassium nitrates are used in a wide range of industrial applications, including the production of glass, ceramics, explosives, charcoal briquettes, metal treatments and various chemical processes.
In addition, this product line has also experienced growth from the use of industrial nitrates as thermal storage in concentrated solar power plants (commonly known as “CSP”). Solar salts for this specific application contain a blend of 60% sodium nitrate and 40% potassium nitrate by weight ratio used as a storage and heat transfer medium. Unlike traditional photovoltaic plants, these new plants use a “battery” or tank that contains molten nitrate salts, which store energy as heat. The salts are kept hot during the day, and release the solar energy that they have captured during the night, allowing the plant to operate even during hours of darkness. Another difference with the photovoltaic technology is that CSP plants are of large scale and only take a few years between the development stage and the commercial operation date. Their development is mainly driven by implementation of renewable programs deployed by different governments worldwide, along with demand for electricity generation. This market fluctuates according to these factors and is based on long-term agreements. In 2014 and 2015, the supply of solar salts has been lower than the previous years because of the delay of some large projects. However, demand is recovering and we have closed agreements for some deliveries in 2015, with larger volumes in 2016 and 2017.
Industrial-grade potassium chloride is a basic chemical used to produce potassium hydroxide, and is used as an additive in oil drilling as well as in food processing, among other applications.
Boric acid is primarily used as raw material in the manufacturing of glass, fiberglass, ceramic and enamel frits and LCD flat panel displays.
Industrial Chemicals: Our Products
The following table shows our sales volumes of industrial chemicals and total revenues for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
| 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
| Sales Volume (Th. MT) | ||||||||||||
| Industrial nitrates | 124.7 | 173.5 | 277.7 | |||||||||
| Boric Acid | 0.8 | 2.0 | 1.8 | |||||||||
| Revenues (in US$ millions) | 101.9 | 154.0 | 245.2 | |||||||||
Sales of industrial chemicals decreased from US$154.0 million in 2013 to US$101.9 million in 2014, primarily as a result of a decrease in sales volumes of solar salts.
Industrial Chemicals: Marketing and Customers
We sold our industrial nitrate products in over 70 countries in 2014, with 32% percent of our sales of industrial chemicals to customers in North America, 37% to customers in Europe, 14% to customers in Central and South America and 17% to customers in Asia and other regions. One customer accounted for more than 10% of our sales of industrial chemicals in 2014, accounting for approximately 19%, and we estimate that our 10 largest customers accounted in the aggregate for approximately 49% of such sales. No supplier accounted for more than 10% of the cost of sales of this business line.
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3) Description of Business Environment
The following table shows the geographical breakdown of our sales for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
| Sales Breakdown | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||
| North America | 32 | % | 45 | % | 49 | % | ||||||
| Europe | 37 | % | 34 | % | 35 | % | ||||||
| Central & South America | 14 | % | 12 | % | 10 | % | ||||||
| Asia and Others | 17 | % | 9 | % | 6 | % | ||||||
We sell our industrial chemical products mainly through our own worldwide network of representative offices and through our sales and distribution affiliates. We maintain inventories of our different grades of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate products at our facilities in Europe, North America, South Africa, Asia and South America to achieve prompt deliveries to customers. Our Research and Development department, together with our foreign affiliates, provides technical support to our customers and continuously works with them to develop new products or applications for our products.
Industrial Chemicals: Competition
We believe we are the world’s largest producer of industrial sodium and potassium nitrate. In the case of industrial sodium nitrate, we estimate that our sales represented close to 45% of world demand in 2014 (excluding internal demand for China and India, for which we believe reliable estimates are not available). Our competitors are mainly based in Europe and Asia, producing sodium nitrate as a by-product of other production processes. In refined grade sodium nitrate, BASF AG, a German corporation and several producers in China and Eastern Europe are highly competitive in the European and Asian markets. Our industrial sodium nitrate products also compete indirectly with substitute chemicals, including sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, calcium nitrate and ammonium nitrate, which may be used in certain applications instead of sodium nitrate and are available from a large number of producers worldwide.
Our main competitor in the industrial potassium nitrate business is Haifa, which we estimate had a market share of 23%. We estimate that our market share was approximately 25% for 2014.
Producers compete in the market for industrial sodium and potassium nitrate based on reliability, product quality, price and customer service. We believe that we are a low cost producer of both products and are able to produce high quality products.
In the potassium chloride and boric acid markets, we are a relatively small producer, mainly supplying regional needs.
Other Products
A large part of our other revenue is related to fertilizer trading, usually commodities. These fertilizers are traded in large volumes worldwide. We have developed a trade, supply and inventory management business that allows us to respond quickly and effectively to the changing fertilizer market in which we operate and profit on these trades.
Production Process
Our integrated production process can be classified according to our natural resources:
| · | caliche ore deposits, which contain nitrates, iodine and potassium; and |
| · | brines from the Salar de Atacama, which contain potassium, lithium, sulfate, boron and magnesium. |
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3) Description of Business Environment
Caliche Ore Deposits
Caliche ore deposits are located in northern Chile. During 2014, we operated two mines in this region: Pedro de Valdivia and Nueva Victoria. Operations at the Pampa Blanca site and the El Toco mine (which is part of the María Elena site) were temporarily suspended in an effort to optimize our production facilities with lower production costs.
Caliche ore is found under a layer of barren overburden in seams with variable thickness from 20 centimeters to five meters, and with the overburden varying in thickness between 50 centimeters and 1.5 meters.
Before proper mining begins, the exploration stage is carried out, including complete geological reconnaissance, sampling and drilling caliche ore to determine the quality and characteristics of each deposit. Drill-hole samples are properly identified and tested at our chemical laboratories. With the exploration information on a closed grid pattern of drill holes, the ore evaluation stage provides information for mine planning purposes. Mine planning is done on a long-term basis (10 years), medium-term basis (three years) and short-term basis (one year). Once all of this information has been compiled, detailed planning for the exploitation of the mine takes place.
The mining process generally begins with bulldozers first ripping and removing the overburden in the mining area. This process is followed by production drilling and blasting to break the caliche seams. Front-end loaders load the ore onto off-road trucks, which take it to be processed.
At the Pedro de Valdivia mine, trucks deliver the ore to stockpiles next to rail loading stations. The stockpiled ore is later loaded onto railcars that take the mineral to the processing facilities, where it is crushed and leached in vats in order to produce concentrated solutions containing nitrate and iodine.
At the Nueva Victoria site, the run of mine ore is loaded in heaps and leached with water to produce concentrated solutions containing nitrate, iodine and potassium. These solutions are then sent to plants where iodine is extracted through both solvent-extraction and blow out processes. The remaining solutions are subsequently sent to solar evaporation ponds where the solutions are evaporated and rich nitrate salts are produced. These concentrated nitrate salts are then sent to Coya Sur where they are used to produce potassium nitrate.
Caliche Ore-Derived Products
Caliche ore-derived products are: sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium potassium nitrate, iodine, and iodine derivatives.
Sodium Nitrate
During 2014, sodium nitrate for both agricultural and industrial applications was produced at the Pedro de Valdivia facility and subsequently processed at the Coya Sur plants. At the Pedro de Valdivia facility, the caliche ore is crushed, creating two products: a coarse fraction and a fine fraction. The coarse fraction is processed using the Guggenheim method, which was originally patented in 1921 and is based on a closed-circuit method of leaching vats. This process uses heated brines to leach the crushed caliche in vats and selectively dissolve the contents. The concentrated solution is then cooled, producing sodium nitrate crystals, which can then be separated from the brine using basket centrifuges. After the crystallization and separation processes, the nitrate crystals are sent to the processing plant, and the brine is pumped to the iodine facilities, where the iodide is separated in a solvent extraction plant. Finally, the brine is returned to the vat leaching process.
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3) Description of Business Environment
The fine fraction from the caliche crushing process is leached at ambient temperature with water, producing a solution that is pumped to a fines pond. After going through a separation process, the solution is pumped to the iodine facilities. After a solvent extraction process, the brine is pumped to solar evaporation ponds in Coya Sur, 15 km south of María Elena, for the concentration of nitrates.
Our total current crystallized sodium nitrate production capacity at the Pedro de Valdivia facility is approximately 500,000 metric tons per year. Crystallized sodium nitrate is an intermediate product that is subsequently processed further at the Coya Sur and María Elena production plants to produce sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate and sodium potassium nitrate in different chemical and physical qualities, including crystallized and prilled products. Finally, the products are transported by railway to our port facilities in Tocopilla for shipping to customers and distributors worldwide.
Potassium Nitrate
Potassium nitrate is produced at our Coya Sur facility using a production process developed by us. The brine leached using the fine fraction of the crushed caliche at Pedro de Valdivia and the brines produced by the heap leaching process at María Elena are pumped to Coya Sur’s solar evaporation ponds for a nitrate concentration process. After the nitrate concentration process, the brine is pumped to a conversion plant where salts with lower potassium content, produced at Nueva Victoria or Coya Sur, are added. A chemical reaction begins, producing brine with dissolved potassium nitrate. This brine is pumped to a crystallization plant, which crystallizes the potassium nitrate by cooling it and separating it from the liquid by centrifuge.
Our current potassium nitrate production capacity at Coya Sur is approximately 1,000,000 metric tons per year. In March 2011, a new potassium nitrate production plant (NPT3) started operations. This plant has been gradually increasing its annual production, reaching approximately 283,000 tons in 2014. This new plant was designed to use raw material salts harvested at Nueva Victoria (nitrate salts) and the Salar de Atacama (potassium salts).
The potassium nitrate produced in crystallized or prilled form at Coya Sur has been certified by TÜV-Rheiland under the quality standard ISO 9001:2008. The potassium nitrate produced at Coya Sur is transported to Tocopilla for shipping and delivery to customers and distributors.
Sodium Potassium Nitrate
Sodium potassium nitrate is a mixture of approximately two parts sodium nitrate per one part potassium nitrate. We produce sodium potassium nitrate at our Coya Sur and María Elena prilling facilities using standard, non-patented production methods we have developed. Crystallized sodium nitrate is mixed with the crystallized potassium nitrate to make sodium potassium nitrate, which is then prilled. The prilled sodium potassium nitrate is transported to Tocopilla for bulk shipment to customers.
The production process for sodium potassium nitrate is basically the same as that for sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate. With certain production restraints and following market conditions, we may supply sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate or sodium potassium nitrate, either in prilled or crystallized form.
Iodine and Iodine Derivatives
During 2014, we produced iodine at our Pedro de Valdivia, María Elena, and Nueva Victoria facilities (including the Iris facility, which is part of the Nueva Victoria facility). At the María Elena and Nueva Victoria facilities, iodine is extracted from solutions produced by heap leaching caliche ore. At the Pedro de Valdivia facility, iodine is produced from the vat leaching of caliche ore. In August 2014, iodine production operations at the Iris plant were restarted after being temporarily suspended in October 2013.
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3) Description of Business Environment
As in the case of nitrates, the process of extracting iodine from the caliche ore is well established, but variations in the iodine and other chemical contents of the treated ore and other operating parameters require a high level of know-how to manage the process effectively and efficiently.
The solutions resulting from the leaching of caliche carry iodine in iodate form. Part of the iodate solution is reduced to iodide using sulfur dioxide, which is produced by burning sulfur. The resulting iodide is combined with the rest of the untreated iodate solution to release elemental iodine in low concentrations. The iodine is then extracted from the aqueous solutions and concentrated as iodide form using a solvent extraction and stripping plant in the Pedro de Valdivia and Nueva Victoria facilities and using a blow out plant in Iris. The concentrated iodide is oxidized to solid iodine, which is then refined through a smelting process and prilled. We have obtained patents in the United States and Chile (Chilean patent number 47,080) for our iodine prilling process.
Prilled iodine is tested for quality control purposes, using international standard procedures that we have implemented. It is then packed in 20 to 50 kilogram drums or 350 to 700 kilogram maxibags and transported by truck to Antofagasta, Mejillones, or Iquique for export. Our iodine and iodine derivatives production facilities have qualified under the ISO-9001:2008 program, providing third-party certification—by TÜV-Rheiland—of the quality management system. The last recertification process was approved in February 2011. Iodine from the Iris plant was certified under ISO-9001:2008 in April 2012.
Our total iodine production in 2014 was approximately 9,602 metric tons: approximately 5,987 metric tons from Nueva Victoria and Iris; 3,242 metric tons from Pedro de Valdivia; and 373 metric tons from María Elena. The Nueva Victoria facility is also used for recycling iodine from the potassium iodide contained in the LCD waste solutions imported mainly from Korea. Nueva Victoria is also equipped to toll iodine from iodide delivered from other SQM facilities. We have the flexibility to adjust our production according to market conditions. Our total current production capacity at our iodine production plants is approximately 13,300 metric tons per year.
We use a portion of the iodine we produce to manufacture inorganic iodine derivatives, which are intermediate products used for manufacturing agricultural and nutritional applications, at facilities located near Santiago, Chile. We also produce inorganic and organic iodine derivative products together with Ajay, which purchases iodine from us. In the past, we have primarily sold our iodine derivative products in South America, Africa and Asia, while Ajay and its affiliates have primarily sold their iodine derivative products in North America and Europe.
In September 2010, CONAMA, currently known as the Environmental Evaluation Service, approved the environmental study of our Pampa Hermosa project in the Tarapacá Region of Chile. This approval allows us to increase the production capacity of our Nueva Victoria operations to 11,000 metric tons of iodine per year and to produce up to 1.2 million metric tons of nitrates, mine up to 33 million metric tons of caliche per year and use new water rights of up to 570.8 liters per second. In recent years, we have made investments in order to increase the water capacity in the Nueva Victoria operations from two water sources approved by the environmental study of Pampa Hermosa, expand the capacity of solar evaporation ponds, and implement new areas of mining and collection of solutions. Our current production capacity at Nueva Victoria is approximately 8,500 metric tons per year of iodine (including the Iris operations) and 700,000 metric tons per year of nitrates. Additional expansions may be done from time to time in the future, depending on market conditions.
In October 2013, the Environmental Evaluation Service approved the Pampa Blanca Environmental Impact Study, to increase our caliche ore extraction in the Antofagasta Region in order to increase production capacity of iodine by 10,000 tons and nitrates by 1.3 million tons. The project also requested permission to build a pipeline from the Pacific Ocean to the mining site. Operations at Pampa Blanca were temporarily suspended in March 2010.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Salar de Atacama Brine Deposits
The Salar de Atacama, located approximately 250 kilometers east of Antofagasta, is a salt-encrusted depression in the Atacama Desert, within which lies an underground deposit of brines contained in porous sodium chloride rock fed by an underground inflow from the Andes mountains. The brines are estimated to cover a surface of approximately 2,800 square kilometers and contain commercially exploitable deposits of potassium, lithium, sulfates and boron. Concentrations vary at different locations throughout the Salar de Atacama. Our production rights to the Salar de Atacama are pursuant to a lease agreement between Corfo and our subsidiary SQM Salar S.A. (the “Lease Agreement”), which expires in 2030. The Lease Agreement permits the CCHEN to establish a total accumulated extraction limit of 180,100 tons of lithium (958,672 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent) in the aggregate for all periods.
Brines are pumped from depths of 1.5 to 60 meters below surface, through a field of wells that are located in areas of the Salar de Atacama that contain relatively high concentrations of potassium, lithium, sulfate, boron and other minerals.
Products Derived from the Salar de Atacama Brines
The products derived from the Salar de Atacama brines are: potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, lithium chloride, boric acid and bischofite (magnesium chloride).
Potassium Chloride
We use potassium chloride in the production of potassium nitrate. Production of our own supplies of potassium chloride provides us with substantial raw material cost savings. We also sell potassium chloride to third parties, primarily as a commodity fertilizer.
In order to produce potassium chloride, brines from the Salar de Atacama are pumped to solar evaporation ponds. Evaporation of the brines results in a complex crystallized mixture of salts of potassium, sodium and magnesium. Waste sodium chloride salts are removed by precipitation. After further evaporation, the sodium and potassium salts are harvested and sent for treatment at one of the potassium chloride plants where potassium chloride is separated by a grinding, flotation, and filtering process. Potassium salts also containing magnesium are harvested and sent for treatment at one of the cold leach plants where magnesium is removed. Potassium chloride is transported approximately 300 kilometers to our Coya Sur facilities via a dedicated truck transport system, where it is used in the production of potassium nitrate. We sell potassium chloride produced at the Salar de Atacama in excess of our needs to third parties. All of our potassium-related plants in the Salar de Atacama currently have a production capacity in excess of up to 2.6 million metric tons per year. Actual production capacity depends on volume, metallurgical recovery rates and quality of the mining resources pumped from the Salar de Atacama.
The by-products of the potassium chloride production process are (i) brines remaining after removal of the potassium chloride, which are used to produce lithium carbonate as described below, with the excess amount being reinjected into the Salar de Atacama; (ii) sodium chloride, which is similar to the surface material of the Salar de Atacama and is deposited at sites near the production facility and (iii) other salts containing magnesium chloride.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Lithium Carbonate and Lithium Chloride
After the production of potassium chloride, a portion of the brines remaining is sent to additional solar concentration ponds adjacent to the potassium chloride production facility. Following further evaporation, the remaining concentrated solution of lithium chloride is transported by truck to a production facility located near Antofagasta, approximately 230 kilometers from the Salar de Atacama. At the production facility, the solution is purified and treated with sodium carbonate to produce lithium carbonate, which is dried and then, if necessary, compacted and finally packaged for shipment. A portion of this purified lithium chloride solution is packaged and shipped to customers. The production capacity of our lithium carbonate facility is approximately 48,000 metric tons per year. Future production will depend on the actual volumes and quality of the lithium solutions sent by the Salar de Atacama operations, as well as prevailing market conditions. Our future production is also subject to the extraction limit of 180,100 tons of lithium (958,672 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent) in the aggregate for all periods of the Lease Agreement mentioned above.
Our lithium carbonate production quality assurance program has been certified by TÜV-Rheiland under ISO 9001:2000 since 2005 and under ISO 9001:2008 since October 2009.
Lithium Hydroxide
Lithium carbonate is sold to customers, and we also use it as a raw material for our lithium hydroxide facility, which started operations at the end of 2005. This facility has a production capacity of 6,000 metric tons per year and is located in the Salar del Carmen, adjacent to our lithium carbonate operations. In the production process, lithium carbonate is reacted with a lime solution to produce lithium hydroxide brine and calcium carbonate salt, which is filtered and piled in reservoirs. The brine is evaporated in a multiple effect evaporator and crystallized to produce the lithium hydroxide, which is dried and packaged for shipment to customers.
The lithium hydroxide production quality assurance program has been certified by TÜV-Rheiland under ISO 9001:2000 since 2007 and under ISO 9001:2008 since October 2009.
Potassium Sulfate and Boric Acid
Approximately 12 kilometers northeast of the potassium chloride facilities at the Salar de Atacama, we use the brines from the Salar de Atacama to produce potassium sulfate, potassium chloride (as a by-product of the potassium sulfate process) and boric acid. The plant is located in an area of the Salar de Atacama where high sulfate and potassium concentrations are found in the brines. Brines are pumped to pre-concentration solar evaporation ponds where waste sodium chloride salts are removed by precipitation. After further evaporation, the sulfate and potassium salts are harvested and sent for treatment at the potassium sulfate plant. Potassium sulfate is produced using flotation, concentration and reaction processes, after which it is crystallized, dried and packaged for shipment.
Production capacity for the potassium sulfate plant is approximately 340,000 metric tons per year, of which approximately 95,000 metric tons correspond to potassium chloride production as by product of the potassium sulfate process. This capacity is part of the total plant capacity of 2.6 million metric tons per year. In our dual plant complex we may switch, to some extent, between potassium chloride and potassium sulfate production. Part of the pond system in this area is also used to process potassium chloride brines extracted from the low sulfate concentration areas found in the salar.
The principal by-products of the production of potassium sulfate are: (i) non-commercial sodium chloride, which is deposited at sites near the production facility and (ii) remaining solutions, which are re-injected into the Salar de Atacama or returned to the evaporation ponds. The principal by-products of the boric acid production process are remaining solutions that are treated with sodium carbonate to neutralize acidity and then are reinjected into the Salar de Atacama.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Raw Materials
The main raw material that we require in the production of nitrate and iodine is caliche ore, which is obtained from our surface mines. The main raw material in the production of potassium chloride, lithium carbonate and potassium sulfate is the brine extracted from our operations at the Salar de Atacama.
Other important raw materials are sodium carbonate (used for lithium carbonate production and for the neutralization of iodine solutions), sulfur, sulfuric acid, kerosene, anti-caking and anti-dust agents, ammonium nitrate (used for the preparation of explosives in the mining operations), woven bags for packaging our final products, electricity acquired from electric utilities, and liquefied natural gas and fuel oil for heat generation. Our raw material costs (excluding caliche ore and salar brines and including energy) represented approximately 15% of our cost of sales in 2014.
We have several electricity supply agreements signed with major producers in Chile which are expected to cover our electricity needs until 2030. We have been connected to the northern power grid in Chile, which currently supplies electricity to most cities and industrial facilities in northern Chile, since April 2000.
For the supply of liquefied natural gas, in 2013 and 2014 we had a contract with Solgas. For 2015, we executed a supply contract with Endesa, primarily to serve our operations at the Salar del Carmen and Coya Sur.
We obtain ammonium nitrate, sulfur, sulfuric acid, kerosene and soda ash from several large suppliers, mainly in Chile and the United States, under long-term contracts or general agreements, some of which contain provisions for annual revisions of prices, quantities and deliveries. Diesel fuel is obtained under contracts that provide fuel at international market prices.
We believe that all of our contracts and agreements with third-party suppliers with respect to our main raw materials contain standard and customary commercial terms and conditions.
Water Supply
We hold water rights for the supply of surface and subterranean water near our production facilities. The main sources of water for our nitrate and iodine facilities at Pedro de Valdivia, María Elena and Coya Sur are the Loa and San Salvador rivers, which run near our production facilities. Water for our Nueva Victoria and Salar de Atacama facilities is obtained from wells near the production facilities. In addition, we buy water from third parties for our production processes at the Salar del Carmen lithium carbonate plant, and we also purchase potable water from local utility companies. We have not experienced significant difficulties obtaining the necessary water to conduct our operations.
Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.
One of the main objectives of our research and development team is to develop new processes and products in order to maximize the returns obtained from the resources that we exploit. Our research is performed by four different units whose research topics include chemical process design, phase chemistry, chemical analysis methodologies and physical properties of finished products.
Our research and development policy emphasizes the following: (i) optimization of current processes in order to decrease costs and improve product quality through the implementation of new technology and (ii) development of higher-margin products from current products through vertical integration or different product specifications.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Our research and development activities have been instrumental in improving our production processes and developing new value-added products. As a result of research and development activities, new methods of extraction, crystallization and finishing products have been developed. Technological advances in recent years have enabled us to improve process efficiency for the nitrate, potassium and lithium operations, improve the physical quality of our prilled products and reduce dust emissions and caking by applying specially designed additives to our products handled in bulk. Our research and development efforts have also resulted in new, value-added markets for our products. One example is the use of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate as thermal storage in solar power plants.
We have patented several production processes for nitrate, iodine and lithium products. These patents have been filed mainly in the United States, Chile and in other countries when necessary. The patents used in our production processes include Chilean patent No. 47,080 for iodine (production of spherical granules of chemicals that sublime), Japanese patent No. 4,889,848 for nitrates (granular fertilizers) and patent Nos. 41,838 from Chile, 5393-B and 5391-B from Bolivia, AR001918B1 and AR001916B1 from Argentina and 5,676,916 and 5,939,038 from the U.S. for lithium (removal of boron from brines).
For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we invested US$7.4 million, US$ 9.2 million and US$10.4 million, respectively, in research and development activities.
Licenses, Franchises, and Royalties
We do not have contracts that give rise to an obligation for the Company to make payments for licenses, franchises or royalties in any of our business lines.
The Company has subscribed purchase option contracts for mining concessions such that, in the event that third parties exercise the respective option, SQM has the right to receive royalty payments as a result of the exploitation of such concessions.
See section 3)d) Description of Business Environment: Property and Facilities for information about our concessions.
3) d) Description of Business Environment: Property and Facilities
We carry out our operations through the use of mining rights, production facilities and transportation and storage facilities. Discussion of our mining rights is organized below according to the geographic location of our mining operations. Our caliche ore mining interests are located throughout the valley of the Tarapacá and Antofagasta regions of northern Chile (in a part of the country known as “el Norte Grande”). From caliche ore, we produce products based on nitrates and iodine, and caliche also contains concentrations of potassium. Our mining interests in the brine deposits of the Salar de Atacama are found within the Atacama Desert, in the eastern region of el Norte Grande. From these brines we produce products based on potassium, sulfate, lithium and boron.
The map below shows the location of our principal mining operations and the exploitation and exploration mining concessions that have been granted to us, as well as the mining properties that we lease from Corfo:
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3) Description of Business Environment
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3) Description of Business Environment
Mining Concessions
Mining Concessions for the Exploration and Exploitation of Caliche Ore Mining Resources
We hold our mining rights pursuant to mining concessions for exploration and exploitation of mining resources that have been granted pursuant to applicable law in Chile:
| (1) | “Mining Exploitation Concessions”: entitle us to use the land in order to exploit the mineral resources contained therein on a perpetual basis, subject to annual payments to the Chilean government. |
| (2) | “Mining Exploration Concessions”: entitle us to use the land in order to explore for and verify the existence of mineral resources for a period of two years, at the expiration of which the concession may be extended one time only for two additional years, if the area covered by the concession is reduced by half. We may alternatively request an exploitation concession in respect of the area covered by the original exploration concession, which must be made within the timeframe established by the original exploration concession. |
A Mining Exploration Concession is generally obtained for purposes of evaluating the mineral resources in a defined area. If the holder of the Mining Exploration Concession determines that the area does not contain commercially exploitable mineral resources, the Mining Exploration Concession is usually allowed to lapse. An application also can be made for a Mining Exploitation Concession without first having obtained a Mining Exploration Concession for the area involved.
As of December 31, 2014, the surface area covered by Mining Exploitation Concessions that have been granted in relation to the caliche resources of SQM S.A.’s mining sites corresponds to approximately 554,447 hectares. In addition, as of December 31, 2014, the surface area covered by Mining Exploration Concessions in relation to the caliche resources of SQM S.A.’s mining sites corresponds to approximately 9,900 hectares. We have not requested additional mining rights.
Mining Concessions for the Exploitation of Brines at the Salar de Atacama
As of December 31, 2014, our subsidiary SQM Salar S.A. (“SQM Salar”) held exclusive rights to exploit the mineral resources in an area covering approximately 140,000 hectares of land in the Salar de Atacama in northern Chile, of which SQM Salar is only entitled to exploit the mineral resources of 81,920 hectares. These rights are owned by Corfo and leased to SQM Salar pursuant to the Lease Agreement. Corfo cannot unilaterally modify the Lease Agreement, and the rights to exploit the resources cannot be transferred. The Lease Agreement establishes that SQM Salar is responsible for making quarterly lease payments to Corfo according to specified percentages of the value of production of minerals extracted from the Salar de Atacama brines, maintaining Corfo’s rights over the mining exploitation concessions and making annual payments to the Chilean government for such concession rights. The Lease Agreement expires on December 31, 2030.
Under the terms of the Salar de Atacama project agreement between Corfo and SQM Salar (the “Project Agreement”), Corfo has agreed that it will not permit any other person to explore, exploit or mine any mineral resources in the approximately 140,000 hectares area of the Salar de Atacama mentioned above. The Project Agreement expires on December 31, 2030.
SQM Salar holds an additional 254,026 hectares of constituted Mining Exploitation Concessions in areas near the Salar de Atacama, which correspond to mining reserves that have not been exploited. SQM Salar also holds Mining Exploitation Concessions that are in the process of being granted covering 78,530 hectares in areas near the Salar de Atacama.
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3) Description of Business Environment
In addition, as of December 31, 2014, SQM Salar held constituted Mining Exploration Concessions covering approximately 102,300 hectares and had applied for additional Mining Exploration Concessions covering approximately 46,800 hectares. Exploration rights are valid for a period of two years, after which we can (i) request a Mining Exploitation Concession for the land, (ii) request an extension of the Mining Exploration Concession for an additional two years (the extension only applies to a reduced surface area equal to 50% of the initial area) or (iii) allow the concession to expire.
According to the terms of the Lease Agreement, with respect to lithium production, the CCHEN has established a total accumulated extraction limit set at 180,100 tons of lithium (958,672 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent) in the aggregate for all periods while the Lease Agreement is in force. More than halfway through the term of the Lease Agreement, we have extracted approximately half of the total accumulated extraction limit of lithium.
Corfo has initiated arbitration proceedings in connection with the Lease Agreement. For more information, see section 3) e) Description of Business Environment: Risk Factors.
Concessions Generally
As of December 31, 2014, approximately 93% of SQM’s mining interests were held pursuant to Mining Exploitation Concessions and 7% pursuant to Mining Exploration Concessions. Of the Mining Exploitation Concessions, approximately 90% already have been granted pursuant to applicable Chilean law, and approximately 10% are in the process of being granted. Of the Mining Exploration Concessions, approximately 66% already have been granted pursuant to applicable Chilean law, and approximately 34% are in the process of being granted.
In 2014, we made payments of approximately US$8.2 million to the Chilean government for Mining Exploration and Exploitation Concessions, including the concessions we lease from Corfo. These payments do not include the quarterly payments we made directly to Corfo pursuant to the Lease Agreement, according to the percentages of the sales price of products produced using brines from the Salar de Atacama.
The following table shows the constituted Mining Exploitation and Exploration Concessions held by SQM S.A., including the mining properties we lease from Corfo, as of December 31, 2014:
| Exploitation Concessions | Exploration Concessions | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Region of Chile | Total Number | Hectares | Total Number | Hectares | Total Number | Hectares | ||||||||||||||||||
| Region I | 2,233 | 446,280 | 33 | 8,400 | 2,266 | 454,680 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Region II | 8,539 | 2,255,109 | 269 | 122,400 | 8,808 | 2,377,509 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Region III and others | 261 | 61,393 | 123 | 29,500 | 384 | 90,893 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 11,033 | 2,762,782 | 425 | 160,300 | 11,458 | 2,923,082 | ||||||||||||||||||
The majority of the Mining Exploitation Concessions held by SQM were requested primarily for non-metallic mining purposes. However, a small percentage of our Mining Concessions were requested for metallic mining purposes. The annual payment to the Chilean government for this group of concessions is higher.
Geological studies over mining properties that were requested primarily for non-metallic mining purposes may show that the concession area is of interest for metallic mining purposes, in which case we must inform the Sernageomin, indicating that the type of substance contained by such Mining Concessions has changed, for purposes of the annual payment for these rights.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Caliche: Facilities and Reserves
Caliche: Facilities
Currently, our Nueva Victoria and Pedro de Valdivia mines are being exploited. Operations at the Pampa Blanca site were temporarily suspended in 2010, and operations at the María Elena site were temporarily suspended in October 2013.
María Elena
The María Elena mine and facilities, named El Toco, are located 220 kilometers northeast of Antofagasta and are accessible by highway. Until February 2010, caliche was used at this facility to produce nitrates and iodine through vat leaching. Subsequently, these facilities were equipped to produce nitrates and iodine through the use of heap leaching and solar evaporation ponds. Heap leaching operations at this site were temporarily suspended in October 2013. The main production facilities at this site include the operations center located at El Toco and the iodide plant located at María Elena. The area mined until operations were suspended is located approximately 14 kilometers north of the María Elena production facilities. Electricity and fuel oil are the primary sources of power for this operation.
Nueva Victoria
The Nueva Victoria mine and facilities are located 180 kilometers north of María Elena and are accessible by highway. Since 2007, the Nueva Victoria mine includes the mining properties Soronal, Mapocho and Iris. At this site, we use caliche to produce nitrates and iodine, through heap leaching and the use of solar evaporation ponds. The main production facilities at this site include the operation centers for the heap leaching process, the iodide and iodine plants at Nueva Victoria and Iris and the evaporation ponds at the Sur Viejo sector of the site. The areas currently being mined are located approximately 4 kilometers northeast of Nueva Victoria. Solar energy and electricity are the primary sources of power for this operation.
Pampa Blanca
The mining facilities at Pampa Blanca, which is located 100 kilometers northeast of Antofagasta, have been suspended since March 2010. At this site, we used caliche to produce nitrates and iodine through heap leaching and the use of solar evaporation ponds. The main production facilities at this site included the operation centers for the heap leaching system and the iodide plant. Electricity was the primary source of power for this operation.
Pedro de Valdivia
The mine and facilities that we operate in Pedro de Valdivia are located 170 kilometers northeast of Antofagasta and are accessible by highway. At this site, we use caliche to produce nitrates and iodine through vat and heap leaching and solar evaporation ponds. The main production facilities at this site include the crushing, vat leaching, fines processing, iodide and iodine plants. The areas currently being mined are located approximately 32 kilometers southeast of the Pedro de Valdivia production facilities. Electricity, natural gas and fuel oil are the primary sources of power for this operation.
Caliche: Reserves
Our in-house staff of geologists and mining engineers prepares our estimates of caliche ore reserves. The Proven and Probable Reserve figures presented below are estimates, and may be subject to modifications due to natural factors that affect the distribution of mineral grades, which would, in turn, modify the recovery of nitrate and iodine. Therefore, no assurance can be given that the indicated levels of recovery of nitrates and iodine will be realized.
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3) Description of Business Environment
We estimate ore reserves based on evaluations, performed by engineers and geologists, of assay values derived from sampling of drill-holes and other openings. Drill-holes have been made at different space intervals in order to recognize mining resources. Normally, we start with 400x400 meters and then we reduce spacing to 200x200 meters, 100x100 meters and 50x50 meters. The geological occurrence of caliche ore is unique and different from other metallic and non-metallic minerals. Caliche ore is found in large horizontal layers at depths ranging from one to four meters and has an overburden between zero and two meters. This horizontal layering is a natural geological condition and allows the Company to estimate the continuity of the caliche bed based on surface geological reconnaissance and analysis of samples and trenches. Mineral resources can be calculated using the information from the drill-hole sampling.
A Mineral Resource is a concentration or occurrence of natural, solid, inorganic or fossilized organic material in or on the Earth’s crust in such form or quantity and of such grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a mineral resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological, metallurgical and technological evidence.
A Measured Resource is the part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage, densities, shape, physical characteristics, grade and mineral content can be estimated with a high level of confidence. The estimate is based on detailed exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate sampling techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, and exploratory drill holes.
An Indicated Mineral Resource is the part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage, densities, shape, physical characteristics grade and mineral content can be estimated with a reasonable level of confidence. The estimate is based on detailed exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate sampling techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches and exploratory drill holes.
According to our experience in caliche ore, the grid pattern drill-holes with spacing equal to or less than 100 meters produce data on the caliche resources that is sufficiently defined to consider them Measured Resources and then, adjusting for technical, economic and legal aspects, as Proven Reserves. These reserves are obtained using the Kriging Method and the application of operating parameters to obtain economically profitable reserves.
Similarly, the information obtained from detailed geologic work and samples taken from grid pattern drill-holes with spacing equal to or less than 200 meters can be used to determine Indicated Resources. By adjusting such Indicated Resources to account for technical, economic and legal factors, it is possible to calculate Probable Reserves. Probable Reserves are calculated by using a polygon-based methodology and have an uncertainty or margin of error greater than that of Proven Reserves. However, the degree of certainty of Probable Reserves is high enough to assume continuity between points of observation.
Proven Reserves are the economically mineable part of a Measured Resource. The calculation of the reserves includes the application of mining parameters including maximum overburden, minimum thickness of caliche ore, stripping ratio, cutoff grade and application of dilution factors to the grade values. Appropriate assessments, including pre-feasibility studies or feasibility studies, have been carried out and include consideration of metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors. These assessments demonstrate at the time of reporting that extraction is reasonably justified.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Probable Reserves are the economically mineable part of an Indicated Resource and in some cases a Measured Resource. The calculation of the reserves includes the application of mining parameters including maximum overburden, minimum thickness of caliche ore, stripping ratio, cutoff grade and application of dilution factors to the grade values. Appropriate assessments, including pre-feasibility studies, have been carried out or are in process and include consideration of metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors. These assessments demonstrate at the time of reporting that extraction is reasonably justified.
The estimates of Proven Reserves of caliche ore at each of our mines as of December 31, 2014 are set forth below. The Company holds 100% of the concession rights for each of these mines.
| Mine | Proven Reserves (1) (millions of metric tons) | Nitrate Average Grade (percentage by weight) | Iodine Average Grade (parts per million) | Cutoff Grade Average for Mine (3) | ||||||||||
| Pedro de Valdivia | 186.3 | 7.1 | % | 369 | Nitrate 6.0 % | |||||||||
| María Elena | 98.3 | 7.1 | % | 434 | Iodine 300 ppm | |||||||||
| Pampa Blanca | 54.7 | 5.7 | % | 538 | Iodine 300 ppm | |||||||||
| Nueva Victoria (4) | 348.1 | 5.7 | % | 435 | Iodine 300 ppm | |||||||||
In addition, the estimates of our Probable Reserves of caliche ore at each of our principal mines as of December 31, 2014, are as follows:
| Mine | Probable Reserves (2) (millions of metric tons) | Nitrate Average Grade (percentage by weight) | Iodine Average Grade (parts per million) | Cutoff Grade (3) | ||||||||||
| Pedro de Valdivia (5) | 264.6 | 7.8 | % | 438 | Nitrate 6.0 % | |||||||||
| María Elena | 133.8 | 7.3 | % | 377 | Iodine 300 ppm | |||||||||
| Pampa Blanca | 464.6 | 5.7 | % | 540 | Iodine 300 ppm | |||||||||
| Nueva Victoria (6) | 1,093.7 | 5.6 | % | 420 | Iodine 300 ppm | |||||||||
Notes on Reserves:
| (1) | The Proven Reserves set forth in the table above are shown before losses related to exploitation and mineral treatment. Proven Reserves are affected by mining exploitation methods, which result in differences between the estimated reserves that are available for exploitation in the mining plan and the recoverable material that is finally transferred to the leaching vats or heaps. The average mining exploitation factor for each of our different mines ranges between 80% and 90%, whereas the average global metallurgical recoveries of processes for nitrate and iodine contained in the recovered material vary between 55% and 65%. |
| (2) | Probable Reserves can be expressed as Proven Reserves using a conversion factor, only for purposes of obtaining a projection to be used for long-term planning purposes. On average, this conversion factor is higher than 60%, depending on geological conditions and caliche ore continuity, which vary from mine to mine. |
| (3) | The cutoff grades for the Proven and Probable Reserves vary according to the objectives of each mine. These amounts correspond to the averages of the different sectors. |
| (4) | The 3.3% increase in the Proven Reserves at Nueva Victoria is the result of the recategorization of resources within the western sector of the mine from Indicated Resources to Measured Resources. |
| (5) | The increase of 145.9 million tons in the Probable Reserves at Pedro de Valdivia is the result of the recategorization of resources within the Algorta section of the mine to Indicated Resources. |
| (6) | The increase in the Probable Reserves at Nueva Victoria is the result of the recategorization of resources within the Soronal (692.1 million tons) and Pampa Orcoma (326.1 million tons) sectors of the mine to Indicated Resources. |
The complete technical supporting documentation for the information set forth in the table above is contained in the report “Methodology, Procedure, and Classification of SQM’s Nitrate and Iodine Resources and Reserves for the Year 2014,” which was prepared by the geologist Vladimir Tejerina and other engineering professionals employed by SQM and validated by Mrs. Marta Aguilera and Mr. Orlando Rojas.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Mrs. Marta Aguilera is a geologist with more than 20 years of experience in the field. She is currently employed by SQM as Manager of Exploration and Mining Development. Mrs. Aguilera is a Competent Person (Persona Competente), as that term is defined under Chilean Law No. 20,235, known as the Law that Regulates the Position of Competent Person and Creates the Qualifying Committee for Competencies in Mining Resources and Reserves (Ley que Regula la Figura de las Personas Competentes y Crea la Comisión Calificadora de Competencias de Recursos y Reservas Mineras or “Competent Person Law”). She is registered under No. 163 in the Public Registry of Competent Persons in Mining Resources and Reserves in accordance with the Competent Person Law and related regulations. She has worked as a geologist with both metallic and non-metallic deposits, with vast experience in the latter.
Mr. Orlando Rojas is a civil mining engineer and independent consultant. He is Partner and Chief Executive Officer of the company EMI-Ingenieros y Consultores S.A., whose offices are located at Renato Sánchez No. 3357, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile. He is a member of the Institute of Mining Engineers and is registered under No. 118 in the Public Registry of Competent Persons in Mining Resources and Reserves in accordance with the Competent Person Law and related regulations. He has worked as a mining engineer for 35 years since graduating from university, including more than 30 years working on estimates for reserves and resources.
Copies of the certificates of qualified competency issued by the Chilean Mining Commission are presented below:
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3) Description of Business Environment
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3) Description of Business Environment
The proven and probable reserves shown above are the result of the evaluation of approximately 19.2% of the total caliche-related mining property of our Company. However, we have explored the areas in which we believe there is a higher potential of finding high-grade caliche ore minerals. The remaining 80.8% of this area has not been explored or has had limited reconnaissance, which is not sufficient to determine the sources of potential and hypothetical resources. The reserves shown in these tables are calculated based on properties that are not involved in any legal disputes between SQM and other parties.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Caliche ore is the key raw material used in the production of iodine, specialty plant nutrients and industrial chemicals. The following gross margins for the business lines specified were calculated on the same basis as cut off grades used to estimate our reserves. We expect costs to remain relatively stable in the near future.
| 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross
Margin | Price | Gross
Margin | Price | Gross
Margin | Price | |||||||||||||||||||
| Iodine and Derivatives | 42 | % | US$ | 38/kg | 56 | % | US$ | 50/kg | 63 | % | US$ | 53/kg | ||||||||||||
| Specialty Plant Nutrition | 21 | % | US$ | 806/ton | 22 | % | US$ | 811/ton | 32 | % | US$ | 866/ton | ||||||||||||
| Industrial Chemicals | 40 | % | US$ | 812/ton | 28 | % | US$ | 877/ton | 34 | % | US$ | 877/ton | ||||||||||||
We maintain an ongoing program of exploration and resource evaluation on the land surrounding the mines at Nueva Victoria, Pedro de Valdivia, María Elena, Pampa Blanca and other sites for which we have the appropriate concessions. In 2014, we continued a basic reconnaissance program on new mining properties including a geological mapping of the surface and spaced drill-hole campaign covering approximately 7,143 hectares. We did not carry out detailed explorations during 2014. For 2015 we have an exploration and recategorization program covering 1,609 hectares in Region I of Chile.
Brines from the Salar de Atacama: Facilities and Reserves
Salar de Atacama: Facilities
Salar de Atacama
Our facilities at the Salar de Atacama are located 208 kilometers to the east of the city of Antofagasta and 188 kilometers to the southeast of the city of María Elena. At this site we use brines extracted from the salar to produce potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, boric acid, magnesium chloride salts and lithium solutions, which are subsequently sent to our lithium carbonate plant at the Salar del Carmen for processing. The main production plants at this site include the potassium chloride flotation plants (MOP-H I and II), potassium sulfate flotation plant (SOP-H), boric acid plant (ABO), potassium chloride drying plant (MOP-S) potassium chloride compacting plant (MOP-G) potassium sulfate drying plant (SOP-S) and potassium sulfate compacting plant (SOP-G). Solar energy is the primary energy source used for the Salar de Atacama operations.
Salar de Atacama: Reserves
Our in-house staff of hydro-geologists and mining engineers prepares our estimates of potassium, sulfate, lithium and boron reserves at the Salar de Atacama. We have exploitation concessions covering an area of approximately 81,920 hectares, in which we have carried out geological exploitation, brine sampling and geostatistical analysis. We estimate that our proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2014, based on economic restrictions, geological exploitation, brine sampling and geostatistical analysis up to a depth of 100 meters of our total exploitation concessions, and additionally, up to a depth of 300 meters over approximately 47% of the same total area, are as follows:
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3) Description of Business Environment
| Proven Reserves (1) | Probable Reserves (1) | Total Reserves | ||||||||||
| (millions of metric tons) | (millions of metric tons) | (millions of metric tons) | ||||||||||
| Potassium (K+) (2) | 50.2 | 21.8 | 72.0 | |||||||||
| Sulfate (SO4-2) (3) | 40.1 | 19.1 | 59.2 | |||||||||
| Lithium (Li+) (4) | 3.7 | 2.3 | 6.0 | |||||||||
| Boron (B3+) (5) | 0.9 | 0.3 | 1.2 | |||||||||
Notes on reserves:
| (1) | Metric tons of potassium, sulfate, lithium and boron considered in the proven and probable reserves are shown before losses from evaporation processes and metallurgical treatment. The recoveries of each ion depend on both brine composition and the process applied to produce the desired commercial products. |
| (2) | Recoveries for potassium vary from 47% to 77%. |
| (3) | Recoveries for sulfate vary from 27% to 45%. |
| (4) | Recoveries for lithium vary from 28% to 40%. |
| (5) | Recoveries for boron vary from 28% to 32%. |
The information set forth in the table above was validated in March 2015 by Messrs. Álvaro Henríquez and Orlando Rojas using information that was prepared by geologists, SQM’s engineers and external advisors.
Mr. Henríquez is a geologist with more than 10 years of experience in the field of hydrogeology. He is currently employed by SQM as Superintendent of Hydrogeology, in the Salar Hydrogeology department. He is a Competent Person and is registered under No. 226 in the Public Registry of Competent Persons in Mining Resources and Reserves, in accordance with the Competent Person Law. As a hydrogeologist he has evaluated multiple brine-based projects and has experience evaluating resources and reserves.
Mr. Orlando Rojas is a civil mining engineer and independent consultant. He is Partner and Chief Executive Officer of the company EMI-Ingenieros y Consultores S.A., whose offices are located at Renato Sánchez No. 3357, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile. He is a member of the Institute of Mining Engineers and is registered under No. 118 in the Public Registry of Competent Persons in Mining Resources and Reserves in accordance with the Competent Person Law and related regulations. He has worked as a mining engineer for 35 years since graduating from university, including more than 30 years working on estimates for reserves and resources.
A copy of the certificate of qualified competency issued by the Chilean Mining Commission for Mr. Rojas is provided in the previous section. A copy of the certificate of qualified competency issued by the Chilean Mining Commission for Mr. Henríquez is provided below:
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3) Description of Business Environment
A cutoff grade of 1% K is used in the calculation, considering a low margin scenario using only MOP-S as and using diluted brine with higher levels of contaminants as the raw material and with recovery yields of approximately 47%, which is on the lower end of the range. In this scenario, considering current market conditions and market conditions from recent years, the production cost of MOP production is still competitive.
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3) Description of Business Environment
The cutoff grade for lithium extraction is set at 0.05% Li. The cost of the process is competitive in the market despite a small cost increase due to the expansions in the evaporation area (to reach the required Li concentration) and to the use of additives to maintain the quality of the brine that is used to feed the plant.
The proven and probable reserves are based on production experience, drilling, brine sampling and geo-statistic reservoir modeling in order to estimate brine volumes and their composition. We calculate the volume of brine effectively drainable or exploitable in each evaluation unit. We consider chemical parameters to determine the process to be applied to the brines. Based on the chemical characteristics, the volume of brine and drainable porosity, we determine the number of metric tons for each of the chemical ions being evaluated.
Reserves are defined as those geographical blocks which belong to properly identified hydrogeological units with proven historical brine yield production, and a quality and piezometric brine monitoring network to control brine evolution over time. Reserve classification is finally achieved by using the geostatistical estimation error and the search volume, as an indicator between proven and probable reserves. This criterion applies to all hydrogeological units shallower than 100 meters deep.
For deeper (below 100 meters) and unexploited units, blocks within the first search volume were estimated and considered in the evaluation as probable reserves and indicated resources. Blocks within the second and third search volumes were classified as inferred resources until further exploration is performed. This exploration includes systematic packer testing, chemical brine sampling and long-term pilot production pumping tests.
This procedure is used to estimate potential restrictions on production yields, and the economic feasibility of producing such commercial products as potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, lithium carbonate and boric acid is determined on the basis of the evaluation.
Complementing the reserves information, SQM has an environmental impact assessment (RCA 226/06) which defines a maximum brine extraction per year until the end of the Lease Agreement (in the year 2030). Considering the maximum brine production rates, and including reinjection factors, we have performed several hydrogeological numeric simulations to estimate changes in the volume and quality of the brine during the life of the project. This procedure allows us to estimate an amount of 26.5 million metric tons of potassium out of our environmentally approved reserves, which is considered to be a fraction of the proven and probable reserves previously defined.
Brines from the Salar de Atacama are the key raw material used in the production of potassium chloride and potassium sulfate, and lithium and its derivatives. The following gross margins for the business lines specified were calculated on the same basis as cut off grades used to estimate our reserves. We expect costs to remain relatively stable in the near future.
| 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Margin | Price | Gross
Margin | Price | Gross
Margin | Price | |||||||||||||||||||
| Potassium Chloride and Potassium Sulfate | 28 | % | US$ | 375/ton | 27 | % | US$ | 423/ton | 41 | % | US$ | 500/ton | ||||||||||||
| Lithium and Derivatives | 42 | % | US$ | 5,235/ton | 49 | % | US$ | 5,444/ton | 50 | % | US$ | 4,863/ton | ||||||||||||
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3) Description of Business Environment
Other Production Facilities
Coya Sur
The Coya Sur site is located approximately 15 kilometers south of María Elena, and production activities undertaken there are associated with the production of potassium nitrate and finished products. The main production plants at this site include four potassium nitrate plants with a total capacity of 1,000,000 metric tons per year. There are also five production lines for crystallized nitrates, with a total capacity of 1,200,000 metric tons per year, and a prilling plant with a capacity of 320,000 metric tons per year. The potassium nitrate produced at Coya Sur is an intermediate product that is used as a raw material for the production of finished products (crystallized nitrates and prilled nitrates). Therefore, the production capacities listed above are not independent of one another and cannot be added together to obtain an overall total capacity. Natural gas is the main source of energy for our Coya Sur operation.
Salar del Carmen
The Salar del Carmen site is located approximately 14 kilometers to the east of Antofagasta. The production plants at this facility include the lithium carbonate plant, with a production capacity of 48,000 metric tons per year, and the lithium hydroxide plant, with a production capacity of 6,000 metric tons per year. Electricity and natural gas are the main sources of energy for our Salar del Carmen operation.
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3) Description of Business Environment
The following table provides a summary of our production facilities as of December 31, 2014;
| Facility | Type of Facility | Approximate Size (hectares) (1) | Production Capacity (thousands of metric tons/year) | Weighted Average Age (years) (2) | Gross Book Value (millions of US$) (2) | |||||||||||
| Coya Sur (3) (4) | Nitrates production | 1.518 | Potassium nitrate: 1,000 Crystallized nitrates: 1,200 Prilled nitrates: 320 | 7.4 | 463.1 | |||||||||||
| María Elena (5) (6) | Nitrates and iodine production | 35.830 | Nitrates: 250 Iodine: 1.6 | 11.6 | 427.2 | |||||||||||
| Nueva Victoria (5) (7) | Concentrated nitrate salts and iodine production | 47.492 | Iodine: 8.5 | 7.2 | 372.2 | |||||||||||
| Pampa Blanca (5) (8) | Concentrated nitrate salts and iodide production | 10.441 | Nitrates: n/a Iodine: n/a | 6.8 | 12.1 | |||||||||||
| Pedro de Valdivia (3) | Nitrates and iodine production | 253.880 | Nitrates: 500 Iodine: 3.2 | 11.2 | 203.2 | |||||||||||
| Salar de Atacama (3) (9) | Potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, lithium chloride, and boric acid production | 35.911 | Potassium chloride: 2,600 Potassium sulfate: 240 Boric acid: 15 | 10.6 | 1,444.1 | |||||||||||
| Salar del Carmen, Antofagasta (3) | Lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide production | 126 | Lithium carbonate: 48 Lithium hydroxide: 6 | 11.2 | 170.5 | |||||||||||
| Tocopilla (9) | Port facilities | 22 | - | 11.1 | 155.2 | |||||||||||
| (1) | Approximate size considers both the production facilities and the mine for María Elena, Nueva Victoria, Pampa Blanca, Pedro de Valdivia and the Salar de Atacama. Mining areas are those authorized for exploitation by the environmental authority and/or Sernageomin. |
| (2) | Weighted average age and gross book value correspond to production facilities, excluding the mine, for María Elena, Nueva Victoria, Pampa Blanca, Pedro de Valdivia and the Salar de Atacama. |
| (3) | Includes production facilities and solar evaporation ponds. |
| (4) | The potassium nitrate produced at Coya Sur is an intermediate product that is used as a raw material for the production of finished products (crystallized nitrates and prilled nitrates). Therefore, the production capacities listed above are not independent of one another and cannot be added together to obtain an overall total capacity. |
| (5) | Includes production facilities, solar evaporation ponds and leaching heaps. |
| (6) | Operations at the El Toco mine at María Elena were temporarily suspended in November 2013. |
| (7) | Operations at the Iris plant were temporarily suspended in October 2013 and restarted in August 2014. |
| (8) | Operations at Pampa Blanca were temporarily suspended in March 2010. |
| (9) | Potassium chloride and potassium sulfate are produced in a dual plant, and the production capacity for each of these products depends on the production mix. Therefore, the production capacities for these two products are not independent of one another and cannot be added together to obtain an overall total capacity. |
| (10) | The Tocopilla port facilities were originally constructed in 1961 and have been refurbished and expanded since that time. |
Our railroad line between our production facilities and Tocopilla was originally constructed in 1890, but the rails, locomotives, and rolling stock have been replaced and refurbished as needed. We consider the condition of our principal plant and equipment to be good.
We own, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries, all of the facilities free of any material liens, pledges or encumbrances, and believe they are suitable and adequate for the business we conduct in them.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Extraction Yields
The following table shows certain operating data relating to each of our mines for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
| (in thousands, unless otherwise stated) | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||
| Pedro de Valdivia | ||||||||||||
| Metric tons of ore mined | 11,401 | 11,571 | 12,027 | |||||||||
| Average grade nitrate (% by weight) | 8.1 | 7.5 | 7.3 | |||||||||
| Iodine (parts per million (ppm)) | 418 | 415 | 406 | |||||||||
| Metric tons of crystallized nitrate produced | 453 | 445 | 466 | |||||||||
| Metric tons of iodine produced | 3.2 | 3.2 | 3.2 | |||||||||
| Maria Elena(1) | ||||||||||||
| Metric tons of ore mined | - | 5,870 | 6,787 | |||||||||
| Average grade nitrate (% by weight) | - | 6.6 | 6.2 | |||||||||
| Iodine (ppm) | - | 484 | 454 | |||||||||
| Metric tons of crystallized nitrate produced | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Metric tons of iodine produced | 0.4 | 1.5 | 1.7 | |||||||||
| Coya Sur(2) | ||||||||||||
| Metric tons of crystallized nitrate produced | 519 | 429 | 487 | |||||||||
| Pampa Blanca(1) | ||||||||||||
| Metric tons of ore mined | – | – | - | |||||||||
| Iodine (ppm) | – | – | - | |||||||||
| Metric tons of iodine produced | – | – | - | |||||||||
| Nueva Victoria(3) | ||||||||||||
| Metric tons of ore mined | 19,792 | 23,515 | 23,937 | |||||||||
| Iodine (ppm) | 467 | 462 | 465 | |||||||||
| Metric tons of iodine produced | 6.0 | 6.1 | 6.0 | |||||||||
| Salar de Atacama (4) | ||||||||||||
| Metric tons of lithium carbonate produced | 30 | 33 | 41 | |||||||||
| Metric tons of potassium chloride and potassium sulfate and potassium salts produced | 1,993 | 1,922 | 1,979 | |||||||||
| (1) | Operations at the El Toco and Pampa Blanca mines were temporarily suspended in November 2013 and March 2010, respectively. During 2014, María Elena obtained production from caliche ore exploited in prior years. |
| (2) | Includes production at Coya Sur from treatment of nitrates solutions from María Elena and fines from Pedro de Valdivia, nitrates from pile treatment at Nueva Victoria, and net production from NPT, or technical grade potassium nitrate, plants. |
| (3) | Operations at the Iris iodine plant were temporarily suspended in October 2013 and restarted in August 2014. |
| (4) | Lithium carbonate is extracted at the Salar de Atacama and processed at our facilities at the Salar del Carmen. Potassium salts include synthetic sylvinite produced in the plant and other harvested potassium salts (natural sylvinite, carnalites and harvests from plant ponds) that are sent to Coya Sur for the production of crystallized nitrates. |
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3) Description of Business Environment
Transportation and Storage Facilities
We own and operate railway lines and equipment, as well as port and storage facilities, for the transport and handling of finished products and consumable materials.
Our main center for production and storage of raw materials is the hub composed of the facilities in Coya Sur, Pedro de Valdivia and the Salar de Atacama. Other facilities include Nueva Victoria and the lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide finishing plants at the Salar del Carmen site. The Tocopilla port terminal (“Tocopilla Port Terminal”), which we own, is the main facility for storage and shipment of our products.
Nitrate raw materials are produced and initially stored at our Pedro de Valdivia mine, and subsequently transported by trucks to the plants described in the next paragraph, for further processing. Nitrate raw material is also produced at Nueva Victoria, from where it is transported by trucks to Coya Sur for further processing.
Nitrate finished products are produced at our facilities in Coya Sur and then transported by our rail system to Tocopilla Port Terminal, where they are stored and shipped, either bagged or in bulk. Potassium chloride is produced at our facilities in the Salar de Atacama and transported either to Tocopilla Port Terminal or Coya Sur by truck owned by a third-party dedicated contractor. Products transported to Coya Sur are used as a raw material for the production of potassium nitrate. Potassium sulfate and boric acid are both produced at our facilities in the Salar de Atacama and are then transported by trucks to the Tocopilla Port Terminal.
Lithium solutions, produced at our facilities in the Salar de Atacama, are transported to the lithium carbonate facility at the Salar del Carmen site, where finished lithium carbonate is produced. Part of the lithium carbonate is fed to the adjacent lithium hydroxide plant, where finished lithium hydroxide is produced. These two products are bagged and stored on the premises and are subsequently transported by truck to the Tocopilla Port Terminal or to the container terminals, mainly Antofagasta and Mejillones, for shipment on charter vessels or container vessels.
Iodine raw material, obtained from the same mines as the nitrates, is processed, packed in bags or drums, and stored exclusively in the facilities of Pedro de Valdivia and Nueva Victoria, and then shipped by truck to container terminals, mainly Antofagasta, Mejillones or Iquique, where they are subsequently shipped to different markets by container vessel or by truck to Santiago, where iodine derivatives are produced.
The facilities at Tocopilla Port Terminal are located approximately 186 kilometers north of Antofagasta and approximately 124 kilometers west of Pedro de Valdivia, 84 kilometers west of María Elena and Coya Sur and 372 kilometers west of the Salar de Atacama. Our subsidiary, Servicios Integrales de Tránsitos y Transferencias S.A. (SIT) operates the facilities under maritime concessions granted pursuant to applicable Chilean laws. The port also complies with ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code) regulation. The Tocopilla Port Terminal facilities include a railcar dumper to transfer bulk product into the conveyor belt system used to store and ship bulk product.
Storage facilities consist of a six silo system, with a total storage capacity of 55,000 metric tons, and an open storage area for approximately 250,000 metric tons. Additionally, to meet future storage needs, we will continue to make investments in accordance with the investment plan outlined by management. Products are also bagged at port facilities in Tocopilla, where the nominal bagging capacity is approximately 300,000 metric tons per year.
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3) Description of Business Environment
For transporting bulk product, the conveyor belt system extends over the coast line to deliver product directly inside bulk carrier hatches. Using this system, the loading capacity is 1,200 tons per hour. Bags are loaded to bulk vessels using barges that are loaded in the Tocopilla Port Terminal dock and unloaded by vessel cranes into the corresponding warehouses. Both bulk and bagged trucks are loaded in Tocopilla Port Terminal for transferring product directly to customers or for transport on container vessels shipping from other ports, mainly Antofagasta, Mejillones and Iquique.
Bulk carrier loading in the Tocopilla Port Terminal is mostly contracted to transfer product to our hubs around the world or for shipping to customers, which in some cases use their own contracted vessels for delivery. Trucking is provided by a mix of spot, contracted and customer-owned equipment.
Tocopilla processes related to the reception, handling, storage and shipment of bulk/packaged nitrates produced at Coya Sur are certified by the third party organization TÜV-Rheiland under the quality standard ISO 9001:2008.
Water Rights
We hold water rights for the supply of surface and subterranean water near our production facilities. The main sources of water for our nitrate and iodine facilities at Pedro de Valdivia, María Elena, and Coya Sur are the Loa and San Salvador rivers, which run near our production facilities. Water for our Nueva Victoria and Salar de Atacama facilities is obtained from wells near the production facilities. In addition, we buy water from third parties for our production processes at the Salar del Carmen lithium carbonate plant, and we also purchase potable water from local utility companies. We have not experienced significant difficulties obtaining the necessary water to conduct our operations.
Computer System
In addition to the above-listed facilities, we operate a computer and information system linking our principal subsidiaries to our operating facilities throughout Chile via a local area network. The computer and information system is used mainly for accounting, monitoring of supplies and inventories, billing, quality control and research activities. The system’s mainframe computer equipment is located at our offices in Santiago.
3) e) Description of Business Environment: Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Our operations are subject to certain risk factors that may affect SQM’s business financial condition or results of operations. In addition to other information contained in this Annual Report, you should carefully consider the risks described below. These risks are not the only ones we face. Additional risks not currently known to us or that are known but we currently believe are not significant may also affect our business operations. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially affected by any of these risks.
Risks Relating to our Business
Volatility of world fertilizer and chemical prices and changes in production capacities could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations
The prices of our products are determined principally by world prices, which, in some cases, have been subject to substantial volatility in recent years. World fertilizer and chemical prices vary depending upon the relationship between supply and demand at any given time. Supply and demand dynamics for our products are tied to a certain extent to global economic cycles, and have been impacted by circumstances related to such cycles. Furthermore, the supply of certain fertilizers or chemical products, including certain products that we provide, varies principally depending on the production of the major producers, (including us) and their respective business strategies.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Since 2008, world prices of potassium-based fertilizers (including some of our specialty plant nutrients and potassium chloride) have fluctuated as a result of the broader global economic and financial conditions. Although prices of potassium-based fertilizers stabilized in 2009 after the conclusion of important contract negotiations between major producers and buyers, during the second half of 2013, potassium prices declined as a result of an unexpected announcement made by the Russian company OAO Uralkali (“Uralkali”) that it was terminating its participation in Belarus Potash Corporation (“BPC”). As a result of the termination of Uralkali’s participation in BPC, there was increased price competition in the market. In addition, during the first half of 2014, we observed lower pricing of contracts between Chinese purchasers and major potash producers, which increased volatility in the price of fertilizers. The average price for our potassium chloride and potassium sulfate business line was approximately 11% lower in 2014 compared to 2013. We cannot assure you that potassium-based fertilizer prices and sales volumes will not decline in the future.
Iodine prices followed an upward trend beginning at the end of 2008 and continuing through 2012, reaching an average price of approximately US$53 per kilogram in 2012, over 40% higher than average prices in 2011. During 2013, even though iodine demand reached record highs, demand growth softened, and supply increased, causing a decline in iodine prices. The average price of iodine seen by SQM was approximately US$38 per kilogram in 2014, approximately 23% less than average prices seen by the Company in 2013. We cannot assure you that iodine prices or sales volumes will not continue to decline in the future.
As a result of events in global markets during 2009, demand for lithium carbonate declined, causing a decrease in lithium prices and sales volumes. In September 2009, we announced a 20% reduction in lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide prices as a means of stimulating demand. As a result, in 2010 we observed demand recovery in the lithium carbonate market, which continued in 2011 and 2012. In 2013, we continued to see strong market growth, driven mostly by an increase in demand related to battery use. Nevertheless, demand growth was accompanied by an increase in supply from existing competitors. In 2014, prices remained at similar levels averaging US$5,235 per metric ton in 2014 for this business line, which was 4% lower compared to 2013. We cannot assure you that lithium prices and sales volumes will not decline in the future.
We expect that prices for the products we manufacture will continue to be influenced, among other things, by worldwide supply and demand and the business strategies of major producers. Some of the major producers (including us) have increased or have the ability to increase production. As a result, the prices of our products may be subject to substantial volatility. High volatility or a substantial decline in the prices or sales volumes of one or more of our products could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our sales to emerging markets and expansion strategy expose us to risks related to economic conditions and trends in those countries
We sell our products in more than 110 countries around the world. In 2014, approximately 46% of our sales were made in emerging market countries: 18% in Central and South America (excluding Chile); 7% in Africa and the Middle East; 11% in Chile and 10% in Asia and Oceania (excluding Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Singapore). We expect to expand our sales in these and other emerging markets in the future. In addition, we may carry out acquisitions or joint ventures in jurisdictions in which we currently do not operate, relating to any of our businesses or to new businesses in which we believe we may have sustainable competitive advantages. The results of our operations and our prospects in other countries in which we establish operations will depend, in part, on the general level of political stability and economic activity and policies in those countries. Future developments in the political systems or economies of these countries or the implementation of future governmental policies in those countries, including the imposition of withholding and other taxes, restrictions on the payment of dividends or repatriation of capital, the imposition of import duties or other restrictions, the imposition of new environmental regulations or price controls or changes in relevant laws or regulations, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations in those countries.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Our inventory levels may increase because of the global economic slowdown
In general, world economic conditions can affect our inventory levels. At the end of 2014, our inventory levels were relatively high compared to prior years. Higher inventories carry a financial risk due to increased need for cash to fund working capital and could imply increased risk of loss of product. We cannot assure you that inventory levels will not continue to remain high or increase further in the future. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our level of and exposure to unrecoverable accounts receivable may significantly increase
Potentially negative effects of adverse global economic conditions on the financial condition of our customers may include the extension of the payment terms of our accounts receivable and may increase our exposure to bad debt. While we have implemented certain safeguards, such as using credit insurance, letters of credit and prepayment for a portion of sales, to minimize this risk, the increase in our accounts receivable coupled with the financial condition of customers may result in losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
New production of iodine or lithium carbonate from current or new competitors in the markets in which we operate could adversely affect prices
In recent years, new and existing competitors have increased the supply of iodine and lithium carbonate, which has affected prices for both products. Further production increases could negatively impact prices. There is limited information on the status of new iodine or lithium carbonate production capacity expansion projects being developed by current and potential competitors and, as such, we cannot make accurate projections regarding the capacities of possible new entrants into the market and the dates on which they could become operational. If these potential projects are completed in the short term, they could adversely affect market prices and our market share, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have a capital expenditure program that is subject to significant risks and uncertainties
Our business is capital intensive. Specifically, the exploration and exploitation of reserves, mining and processing costs, the maintenance of machinery and equipment and compliance with applicable laws and regulations require substantial capital expenditures. We must continue to invest capital to maintain or to increase our exploitation levels and the amount of finished products we produce.
In addition, we require environmental permits for our new projects. Obtaining permits in certain cases may cause significant delays in the execution and implementation of new projects and, consequently, may require us to reassess the related risks and economic incentives. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain our production levels or generate sufficient cash flow, or that we will have access to sufficient investments, loans or other financing alternatives, to continue our activities at or above present levels, or that we will be able to implement our projects or receive the necessary permits required for them in time. Any or all of these factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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3) Description of Business Environment
High raw materials and energy prices could increase our production costs and cost of sales, and energy may become unavailable at any price
We rely on certain raw materials and various energy sources (diesel, electricity, liquified natural gas, fuel oil and others) to manufacture our products. Purchases of energy and raw materials we do not produce constitute an important part of our cost of sales, approximately 15% in 2014. In addition, we may not be able to obtain energy at any price if supplies are curtailed or otherwise become unavailable. To the extent we are unable to pass on increases in the prices of energy and raw materials to our customers or we are unable to obtain energy, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Our reserves estimates could be subject to significant changes
Our caliche ore mining reserves estimates are prepared by our own geologists and were most recently validated in January 2015 by Mrs. Marta Aguilera and Mr. Orlando Rojas. Mrs. Aguilera is a geologist with over 20 years of experience in the field. She is currently employed by SQM as Manager of Geology and Mining Development. Mrs. Aguilera is a Competent Person, as that term is defined under the Competent Person Law, and she is registered under No. 163 in the Public Registry of Competent Persons in Mining Resources and Reserves in accordance with such law and related regulations. Mr. Orlando Rojas is a civil mining engineer and independent consultant. He is Partner and Chief Executive Officer of the company EMI-Ingenieros y Consultores S.A., whose offices are located at Renato Sánchez No. 3357, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile. He is a member of the Institute of Mining Engineers and is registered under No. 118 in the Public Registry of Competent Persons in Mining Resources and Reserves in accordance with the Competent Person Law and related regulations. He has worked as a mining engineer for 35 years since graduating from university, including more than 30 years working on estimates for reserves and resources.
Our Salar de Atacama brine mining reserve estimates are prepared by our own geologists and were most recently validated in March 2015 by Mr. Álvaro Henríquez and Mr. Orlando Rojas. Mr. Henríquez is a geologist with more than 10 years of experience in the field of hydrogeology. He is currently employed by SQM as Superintendent of Hydrogeology, in the Salar Hydrogeology department. He is a Competent Person and is registered under No. 226 in the Public Registry of Competent Persons in Mining Resources and Reserves, in accordance with the Competent Person Law and related regulations. As a hydrogeologist he has evaluated multiple brine-based projects and has experience evaluating resources and reserves.
Estimation methods involve numerous uncertainties as to the quantity and quality of the reserves, and reserve estimates could change upwards or downwards. In addition, our reserve estimates are not subject to review by external geologists or an external auditing firm. A downward change in the quantity and/or quality of our reserves could affect future volumes and costs of production and therefore have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Quality standards in markets in which we sell our products could become stricter over time
In the markets in which we do business, customers may impose quality standards on our products and/or governments may enact stricter regulations for the distribution and/or use of our products. As a result, if we cannot meet such new standards or regulations, we may not be able to sell our products. In addition, our cost of production may increase in order to meet any such newly imposed or enacted standards. Failure to sell our products in one or more markets or to important customers could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Chemical and physical properties of our products could adversely affect their commercialization
Since our products are derived from natural resources, they contain inorganic impurities that may not meet certain customer or government standards. As a result, we may not be able to sell our products if we cannot meet such requirements. In addition, our cost of production may increase in order to meet such standards. Failure to meet such standards could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations if we are unable to sell our products in one or more markets or to important customers in such markets.
Our business is subject to many operating and other risks for which we may not be fully covered under our insurance policies
Our facilities and business operations in Chile and abroad are insured against losses, damage or other risks by insurance policies that are standard for the industry and that would reasonably be expected to be sufficient by prudent and experienced persons engaged in businesses similar to ours.
We may be subject to certain events that may not be covered under our insurance policies, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, as a result of recent major earthquakes in Chile and other natural disasters worldwide, conditions in the insurance market have changed and may continue to change in the future, and as a result, we may face higher premiums and reduced coverage, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in technology or other developments could result in preferences for substitute products
Our products, particularly iodine, lithium, and their derivatives, are preferred raw materials for certain industrial applications, such as rechargeable batteries and LCDs. Changes in technology, the development of substitute raw materials or other developments could adversely affect demand for these and other products which we produce. In addition, other alternatives to our products may become more economically attractive as global commodity prices shift. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are exposed to labor strikes and labor liabilities that could impact our production levels and costs
Over 96% of our employees are employed in Chile, of which approximately 68% were represented by 25 labor unions as of December 31, 2014. As in previous years, during 2014 we renegotiated collective labor contracts with individual unions one year before the expiration of such contracts. As of December 31, 2014, we had concluded negotiations with 21 labor unions, which represent 91.9% of our total unionized workers, signing new agreements with each for the next three years. In January of 2015, we concluded negotiations with two additional unions, covering a total of 99.7% of our unionized workers. In order to finalize the current collective bargaining cycle, we need to conduct negotiations with the remaining two unions.
We are exposed to labor strikes and illegal work stoppages that could impact our production levels. If a strike or illegal work stoppage occurs and continues for a sustained period of time, we could be faced with increased costs and even disruption in our product flow that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Subcontracting Law provides that when a serious workplace accident occurs, a company must halt work at the site where the accident took place until authorities from either the Sernageomin, the Labor Board (Dirección del Trabajo or “Labor Board”), or the National Health Service (Servicio Nacional de Salud), inspect the site and prescribe the measures such company must take to minimize the risk of similar accidents taking place in the future. Work may not be resumed until such company has taken the prescribed measures, and the period of time before work may be resumed may last for a number of hours, days, or longer. The effects of this law could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Lawsuits and arbitrations could adversely impact us
We are party to a range of lawsuits and arbitrations involving different matters as described in Note 19.1 of our Consolidated Financial Statements. Although we intend to defend our positions vigorously, our defense of these actions may not be successful. Judgments or settlements in these lawsuits may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our strategy of being a world leader includes entering into commercial and production alliances, joint ventures and acquisitions to improve our global competitive position. As these operations increase in complexity and are carried out in different jurisdictions, we might be subject to legal proceedings that, if settled against us, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Chilean labor code (Código del Trabajo or “Labor Code”) has recently established new procedures for labor matters which include oral trials conducted by specialized judges. The information available indicates that the majority of these oral trials have found in favor of the employee. These new procedures could increase the probability of adverse judgments in labor lawsuits which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our market reputation could be adversely affected by the negative outcome of certain proceedings against certain members of our Board and certain other named defendants
On September 10, 2013, the SVS issued a press release disclosing it had instituted certain administrative proceedings (the “Cascading Companies Proceedings”) against (i) Mr. Julio Ponce Lerou, who is Chairman of the Board of the Company, (ii) Mr. Patricio Contesse Fica, who is a director of the Company and the son of Mr. Patricio Contesse González (who was the Company’s CEO until March 16, 2015) and (iii) other named defendants. The Company has been informed that Mr. Ponce and related persons beneficially owned 29.94% of SQM’s total shares as of December 31, 2014. See section 5) Ownership and Shares. The SVS alleged breaches of Chilean corporate and securities laws in connection with acts performed by entities with direct or indirect share ownership interests in SQM (the “Cascading Companies”). The allegations made in connection with the Cascading Companies Proceedings do not relate to any acts or omissions of the Company or any of its directors, officers or employees in their capacities as such.
In connection with the Cascading Companies Proceedings, the SVS alleged the existence of a scheme involving the named defendants whereby, through a number of transactions occurring between 2009 and 2011, the Cascading Companies allegedly sold securities of various companies, including securities of SQM, at below-market prices to companies related to Mr. Ponce and other named defendants. These companies allegedly subsequently sold such securities after a lapse of time, in most cases back to the Cascading Companies, at prices higher than the purchase price. The SVS alleged violation by the defendants of a number of Chilean corporate and securities laws in furtherance of the alleged scheme.
On January 31, 2014, the SVS added a number of Chilean financial institutions and asset managers, and certain of their controlling persons, executives or other principals, as named defendants to the Cascading Companies Proceedings. On September 2, 2014, the SVS issued a decision imposing an aggregate fine against all of the defendants of UF 4,0110,000 (approximately US$162.8 million as of December 31, 2014. The UF, or unidad de fomento, is an inflation-indexed, peso-denominated unit that is linked to, and adjusted daily to reflect changes in, the previous month’s Chilean consumer price index.), including a fine against Mr. Ponce of UF 1,700,000 (approximately US$69.0 million as of December 31, 2014) and a fine against Mr. Contesse Fica of UF 60,000 (approximately US$2.4 million as of December 31, 2014). The defendants are currently challenging the SVS administrative decision before a Chilean Civil Court.
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3) Description of Business Environment
The High Complexity Crimes Unit (Unidad de Delitos de Alta Complejidad) of the Metropolitan District Central Northern Attorney’s Office (Fiscalía Metropolitana Centro Norte) is also investigating various criminal complaints filed against various parties to the Cascading Companies Proceedings. In addition, the Chilean Internal Revenue Service (Servicio de Impuestos Internos) announced an investigation of the transactions alleged to have occurred in the Cascading Companies Proceedings in order to determine whether the individuals or companies involved violated Chilean tax laws or filed false returns for the purpose of evading taxes.
In accordance with Chilean corporate law, the two directors of SQM affected by the Cascading Companies Proceedings or by the investigations described above may continue to be members of the Company’s Board and continue to participate in Board matters until, and depending on, the final and non-appealable ruling of the courts of any criminal complaints made against them in the Cascading Companies Proceedings.
If, for any reason, the Company is unable to differentiate itself from the named defendants, such failure could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s market reputation and commercial dealings. In addition, during the course of the Cascading Companies Proceedings, Mr. Ponce and Mr. Contesse Fica may devote time and energy to defending their case. Furthermore, we cannot assure you that a non-appealable ruling in connection with the current Cascading Companies Proceedings or the investigations of the High Complexity Crimes Unit or the Chilean IRS that is adverse to Mr. Ponce or Mr. Contesse Fica will not have a material adverse effect on our market reputation, commercial dealings and the price of our securities, or that the Cascading Companies will not sell shares of the Company or vote to increase the dividends we pay to our shareholders.
Arbitration proceedings under the Lease Agreement for the Salar de Atacama, if determined adversely to us, would materially adversely affect our business and operations
Our subsidiary SQM Salar SQM Salar holds exclusive exploitation rights to mineral resources in 81,920 hectares in the Salar de Atacama pursuant to the 1993 Lease Agreement between SQM Salar and Corfo. The mining exploitation concessions related to such rights are owned by Corfo and leased to SQM Salar in exchange for quarterly lease payments to Corfo based on specified percentages associated to the value of the products resulting from the minerals extracted from such concessions. For the year ended December 31, 2014, revenue related to products originating from the Salar de Atacama represented 39% of our consolidated revenues, which corresponded to revenues from our potassium product line and our lithium and derivatives product line for the period. All of our products originating from the Salar de Atacama are derived from our extraction operations under the Lease Agreement.
In May 2014, Corfo initiated an arbitration proceeding against SQM Salar alleging (i) SQM Salar had incorrectly applied the formulas to determine lease payments resulting in an underpayment to Corfo of at least US$8.9 million for 2009 through 2013 and (ii) SQM Salar had not complied with its obligation to protect the mining rights of Corfo by failing place markers to delineate the property lines. Based on the alleged breaches of the Lease Agreement, Corfo sought (i) at least US$8.9 million plus any other amount that may be due in respect of periods after 2013, (ii) early termination of the Lease Agreement, (iii) lease payments that would have been paid through 2030 as compensation for the early termination of the Lease Agreement and (iv) punitive damages (daño moral) equal to 30% of the contractual damages awarded. SQM Salar contested the claim, asserting that both parties have applied formulas for the calculation and payment of lease payments for more than 20 years without conflict, in accordance with the terms of the Lease Agreement and their mutual understanding of the agreements by the parties during the term of the Lease Agreement. SQM Salar also asserted that the alleged breaches would be technical breaches and that Corfo may terminate the Lease Agreement solely for a material breach. SQM Salar in consultation with external counsel believes that it is likely it will prevail in the arbitration proceeding. However, an adverse ruling awarding damages sought by Corfo or permitting early termination of the Lease Agreement would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We cannot assure you that Corfo will not use this arbitration proceeding to seek to renegotiate the terms of the Lease Agreement in a manner that is not favorable to SQM Salar. See “Business—Legal proceedings—Corfo arbitral claims.” In addition, we cannot assure you that Corfo will not take other actions in the future in relation to the Lease Agreement that are contrary to our interests.
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3) Description of Business Environment
We could be subject to risks as a result of ongoing investigations by the Chilean Internal Revenue Service and the Chilean Public Prosecutor in relation to certain payments of invoices made by SQM between the years 2009 and 2014
The Chilean Internal Revenue Service (Servicio de Impuestos Internos or the “SII”) has been conducting tax investigations related to the payment of invoices by companies, including SQM, for services that have not been properly supported. The Chilean Public Prosecutor (Ministerio Público) has been conducting related inquiries to determine whether such payments may be linked with alleged violations of political contribution laws involving a variety of Chilean companies, including SQM, and government officials.
On February 26, 2015, SQM’s board of directors resolved to establish an ad-hoc committee composed of three board members (the “ad-hoc Committee”) and authorized the ad-hoc Committee to conduct an internal investigation relating to the referred issues and to retain such independent external advice as it deems appropriate. On March 12, one of the members of the ad-hoc Committee resigned and was subsequently replaced, on March 19, by another board member. The members of the ad-hoc Committee are Hernán Büchi B., Juan Antonio Guzmán M., and Wolf von Appen.
The Committee has engaged its own lawyers from Chile and the United States to assist it as it proceeds with its internal review. At the present time the Company cannot predict with precision when the ad-hoc Committee’s work will be complete. The board is hopeful that it will receive a preliminary progress report before the shareholder meeting scheduled for April 24, 2015.
With regard to the SII investigations, SQM cooperated with the SII and voluntarily provided information for the years 2009-2014 related to the tax investigation. On March 20, 2015, the Company identified to the SII approximately US$11 million in payments that originated from the office of our former CEO during the six-year period from 2009-2014 that may not meet the requirements to be qualified as tax expenses under the Chilean tax code because of insufficient supporting documentation. The Company also submitted amendments to its tax returns and has paid taxes and interests relating to such amended returns. The SII has however filed criminal claims against the Company’s former CEO, current CEO and CFO relating to the payments that were the subject of the amended tax returns. The Public Prosecutor has obtained books and records of the Company and has interviewed Company personnel as part of its broader investigation into potential violations of political contribution laws.
On March 16, 2015, the board of directors decided to terminate the employment contract of our former CEO, Patricio Contesse. This followed Mr. Contesse’s failure to cooperate with the ad-hoc Committee’s investigation. On March 17, 2015, three members of the board of directors resigned, all of whom had been nominated by Potash Corp., one of SQM’s two principal shareholder groups. Potash Corp. has issued a press release stating that the directors resigned because of their concern that they could not ensure that the Company was conducting an appropriate investigation and collaborating effectively with the Public Prosecutor. As stated above, the Company has created the ad-hoc Committee with its own independent advisors to conduct an appropriate investigation, and that investigation is on-going.
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3) Description of Business Environment
On March 31, 2015, the SVS filed an administrative claim against the five current directors of the Company alleging that they did not provide timely release of information relating to the payments that are subject to the tax claim.
Class action complaints have been filed in the United States against the Company, our former CEO and various officers alleging violations of U.S. securities laws based on the failure to timely disclose matters related to the subject matter of the various Chilean investigations.
The investigation and the inquiries by the Chilean regulatory authorities have not been completed. We cannot predict the outcome or the duration of these investigations or of our internal investigation. We could be subject to civil, criminal or regulatory proceedings in Chile and we could be subject to civil, criminal or regulatory proceedings outside of Chile, including in the United States. Responding to regulatory inquiries and any future civil, criminal or regulatory inquiries or proceedings could divert our management’s attention from our day-to-day operations. Additionally, expenses that may arise from responding to such inquiries or proceedings, our review of responsive materials, any related litigation or other associated activities may be significant. Current and former employees, officers and directors may seek indemnification, advancement or reimbursement of expenses from us, including attorneys’ fees, with respect to the current inquiry or future proceedings related to this matter. In addition, we may be required to pay material damages or penalties or have other remedies imposed upon us. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and the prices of our securities.
We have operations in multiple jurisdictions with differing regulatory, tax and other regimes
We operate in multiple jurisdictions with complex regulatory environments that are subject to different interpretations by companies and respective governmental authorities. These jurisdictions may have different tax codes, environmental regulations, labor codes and legal framework, which adds complexity to our compliance with these regulations. Any failure to comply with such regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Environmental laws and regulations could expose us to higher costs, liabilities, claims and failure to meet current and future production targets
Our operations in Chile are subject to national and local regulations relating to environmental protection. In accordance with such regulations, we are required to conduct environmental impact studies or statements before we conduct any new projects or activities or significant modifications of existing projects that could impact the environment or the health of people in the surrounding areas. We are also required to obtain an environmental license for certain projects and activities. The Environmental Evaluation Service evaluates environmental impact studies submitted for its approval. The public, government agencies or local authorities may review and challenge projects that may adversely affect the environment, either before these projects are executed or once they are operating, if they fail to comply with applicable regulations. In order to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, Chilean authorities may impose fines up to approximately US$10 million, revoke environmental permits or temporarily or permanently close facilities, among other enforcement measures.
Chilean environmental regulations have become increasingly stringent in recent years, both with respect to the approval of new projects and in connection with the implementation and development of projects already approved, and we believe that this trend is likely to continue. Given public interest in environmental enforcement matters, these regulations or their application may also be subject to political considerations that are beyond our control.
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3) Description of Business Environment
We regularly monitor the impact of our operations on the environment and on the health of people in the surrounding areas and have, from time to time, made modifications to our facilities to minimize any adverse impact. Future developments in the creation or implementation of environmental requirements or their interpretation could result in substantially increased capital, operation or compliance costs or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The success of our current investments at the Salar de Atacama and Nueva Victoria is dependent on the behavior of the ecosystem variables being monitored over time. If the behavior of these variables in future years does not meet environmental requirements, our operation may be subject to important restrictions by the authorities on the maximum allowable amounts of brine and water extraction.
Our future development depends on our ability to sustain future production levels, which requires additional investments and the submission of the corresponding environmental impact studies or statements. If we fail to obtain approval or required environmental licenses, our ability to maintain production at specified levels will be seriously impaired, thus having a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, our worldwide operations are subject to international and other local environmental regulations. Since environmental laws and regulations in the different jurisdictions in which we operate may change, we cannot guarantee that future environmental laws, or changes to existing environmental laws, will not materially adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our water supply could be affected by geological changes or climate change
Our access to water may be impacted by changes in geology, climate change or other natural factors, such as wells drying up or reductions in the amount of water available in the wells or rivers from which we obtain water, that we cannot control. Any such change may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Any loss of key personnel may materially and adversely affect our business
Our success depends in large part on the skills, experience and efforts of our senior management team and other key personnel. The loss of the services of key members of our senior management or employees with critical skills could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we are not able to attract or retain highly skilled, talented and qualified senior managers or other key personnel, our ability to fully implement our business objectives may be materially and adversely affected.
Risks Relating to Financial Markets
Currency fluctuations may have a negative effect on our financial performance
We transact a significant portion of our business in U.S. dollars, and the U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which we operate. In addition, the U.S. dollar is our functional currency for financial statement reporting purposes. A significant portion of our costs, however, is related to the Chilean peso. Therefore, an increase or decrease in the exchange rate between the Chilean peso and the U.S. dollar would affect our costs of production. The Chilean peso has been subject to large devaluations and revaluations in the past and may be subject to significant fluctuations in the future. As of December 31, 2014, the Chilean peso exchange rate was Ch$606.75 per U.S. dollar, while as of December 31, 2013, the Chilean peso exchange rate was Ch$524.61 per U.S. dollar. The Chilean peso therefore depreciated against the U.S. dollar by 16% in 2014. As of March 16, 2015, the Observed Exchange Rate was Ch$639.02 per U.S. dollar.
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3) Description of Business Environment
As an international company operating in several other countries, we also transact business and have assets and liabilities in other non-U.S. dollar currencies, such as, among others, the euro, the South African rand, the Mexican peso, the Chinese yuan, the Thai baht and the Brazilian real. As a result, fluctuations in the exchange rates of such foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Interest rate fluctuations may have a material impact on our financial performance
We have outstanding short and long-term debt that bears interest based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), plus a spread. Since we are currently hedging only a portion of these liabilities into fixed rates, we are exposed to interest rate risk relating to LIBOR fluctuations. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 14% our financial debt had LIBOR-based pricing that was not hedged into fixed rates. A relative increase in the rate could materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Relating to Chile
As we are a company based in Chile, we are exposed to Chilean political risks
Our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects could be affected by changes in policies of the Chilean government, other political developments in or affecting Chile, legal changes in the standards or administrative practices of Chilean authorities or the interpretation of such standards and practices, over which we have no control.
Changes in regulations regarding, or any revocation or suspension of our concessions could negatively affect our business
Any changes to regulations to which we are subject or adverse changes to our concession rights, or a revocation or suspension of our concessions, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in mining or port concessions could affect our operating costs
We conduct our mining operations, including brine extraction, under exploitation and exploration concessions granted in accordance with provisions of the Chilean constitution and related laws and statutes. Our exploitation concessions essentially grant a perpetual right (with the exception of the Salar de Atacama rights, which have been leased to us until 2030) to conduct mining operations in the areas covered by the concessions, provided that we pay annual concession fees. Our exploration concessions permit us to explore for mineral resources on the land covered thereby for a specified period of time and to subsequently request a corresponding exploitation concession. Our subsidiary SQM Salar, as leaseholder, holds exclusive and temporary rights over the mineral resources in an area covering approximately 140,000 hectares of land in the Salar de Atacama in northern Chile, of which SQM Salar is entitled to exploit the mineral resources of 81,920 hectares. These rights are owned by Corfo and leased to SQM Salar pursuant to the Lease Agreement between Corfo and SQM Salar. Corfo may not unilaterally modify the Lease Agreement, and the rights to exploit the mineral substances cannot be transferred. The Lease Agreement establishes that SQM Salar is responsible for making quarterly lease payments to Corfo, maintaining Corfo’s rights over the mining exploitation concessions and making annual payments to the Chilean government for such concession rights. The Lease Agreement expires on December 31, 2030. Furthermore, under the regulations of the CCHEN, we are limited to 180,100 tons of total lithium (958,672 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent) in the aggregate for all periods. We are over halfway through the term of the Lease Agreement and have extracted approximately half of the total accumulated extraction limit of lithium. However, there can be no assurance that we will not reach the lithium extraction limit prior to the term of the lease agreement. In addition, we cannot assure you that Corfo will not take other actions in the future in respect of the Lease Agreement that are contrary to our interests. See section 3) e) Description of Business Environment: Risk Factors.
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3) Description of Business Environment
We also operate port facilities at Tocopilla, Chile for the shipment of products and the delivery of raw materials pursuant to maritime concessions, which have been granted under applicable Chilean laws and are normally renewable on application, provided that such facilities are used as authorized and annual concession fees are paid.
Any significant changes to any of these concessions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in water rights laws and other regulations could affect our operating costs
We hold water rights that are key to our operations. These rights were obtained from the Chilean Water Authority (Dirección General de Aguas) for supply of water from rivers and wells near our production facilities, which we believe are sufficient to meet current operating requirements. However, the Chilean water rights code (Código de Aguas or the “Water Code”) is subject to changes, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, an amendment published on June 16, 2005 modified the Water Code, allowing, under certain conditions, the granting of permanent water rights of up to two liters per second for each well built prior to June 30, 2004, in the areas where we conduct our mining operations, without considering the availability of water, or how the new rights may affect holders of existing rights. Therefore, the amount of water we can effectively extract based on our existing rights could be reduced if these additional rights are exercised. In addition, we must pay annual fees to maintain water rights that have been granted to us and that we are not exercising. These and potential future changes to the Water Code or other relevant regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Chilean government could levy additional taxes on corporations operating in Chile
In 2005, the Chilean Congress approved the Royalty Law, establishing a royalty tax to be applied to mining activities developed in Chile.
Following the earthquake and tsunami in February 2010, the Chilean government raised the corporate income tax rate in order to pay for reconstruction. Such legislation increased the general corporate tax rate from its historic rate of 17.0% to 20.0% for the income accrued in 2011, which was declared and paid in 2012. On September 27, 2012, Law No. 20,630 introduced new amendments to existing tax legislation. Among the amendments introduced, the corporate income tax was maintained at 20% beginning in the 2013 calendar year.
On September 29, 2014, Law No. 20,780 was published (the “Tax Reform”), introducing significant changes to the Chilean taxation system and strengthening the powers of the Chilean IRS to control and prevent tax avoidance. The Tax Reform contemplates, among other matters, changes to the corporate tax regime to create two tax regimes. Starting on January 1, 2017, Chilean companies will be able to opt between two tax regimes: (i) the partially integrated regime (sistema parcialmente integrado) or (ii) the attributable taxation regime (sistema de renta atribuida). In both regimes, the corporate tax rate will be increased to 21% in 2014, 22.5% in 2015 and 24% by 2016. On or after January 1, 2017, and depending on the tax regime chosen by the company, tax rates may be increased to a maximum rate of 25% in 2017 for the attributable taxation regime or to a rate of 25.5% in 2017 and subsequently to a maximum rate of 27% in 2018 for the partially integrated regime.
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3) Description of Business Environment
As a sociedad anónima abierta, the default regime that applies to us is the partially integrated regime, unless at a future shareholders’ meeting our shareholders agree to opt for the attributable taxation regime. The tax increase prompted a US$52.3 million increase in our deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2014. In accordance with the instructions of the SVS, we reflected the effect of this adjustment as a reduction in net equity in our statement of financial position as of December 31, 2014. In addition, given the potential difference in accounting treatments between IFRS and the instructions of the SVS, we will continue to analyze the effects of the Tax Reform on our financial statements and reporting obligations, and we cannot predict how our future financial statements will reflect these changes.
In addition, the Tax Reform may have other material adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Likewise, we cannot assure you that the manner in which the Royalty Law or the corporate tax rate are interpreted and applied will not change in the future. The Chilean government may decide to levy additional taxes on mining companies or other corporations in Chile. Such changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Ratification of the International Labor Organization’s Convention 169 concerning indigenous and tribal peoples might affect our development plans
Chile, a member of the International Labor Organization (“ILO”), has ratified the ILO’s Convention 169 (the “Indigenous Rights Convention”) concerning indigenous and tribal people. The Indigenous Rights Convention established several rights for indigenous people and communities. Among other rights, the Indigenous Rights Convention states that (i) indigenous groups should be notified and consulted prior to the development of any project on land deemed indigenous, although veto rights are not mentioned and (ii) indigenous groups have, to the extent possible, a stake in benefits resulting from the exploitation of natural resources in indigenous land. The extent of these benefits has not been defined by the Chilean government. To the extent that the new rights outlined in the Indigenous Rights Convention become laws or regulations in Chile, they could affect the development of our investment projects in lands that have been defined as indigenous which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Chile is located in a seismically active region
Chile is prone to earthquakes because it is located along major fault lines. The most recent major earthquake in Chile occurred offshore in April 2014 and had a magnitude of 8.2 on the Richter scale. This earthquake followed another one in February 2010, which caused substantial damage to some areas of the country. Chile has also experienced volcanic activity. A major earthquake or a volcanic eruption could have significant negative consequences for our operations and for the general infrastructure, such as roads, rail, and access to goods, in Chile. Although we maintain industry standard insurance policies that include earthquake coverage, we cannot assure you that a future seismic or volcanic event will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
3) f) Description of Business Environment: Capital Expenditure Program
We regularly review different opportunities to improve our production methods, reduce costs, increase production capacity of existing products and develop new products and markets. Additionally, significant capital expenditures are required every year in order to sustain our production capacity. We are focused on developing new products in response to identified customer demand, as well as new products that can be derived as part of our existing production or other products that could fit our long-term development strategy. Our capital expenditures during the past five years were mainly related to the organic growth and sustainability of our business, including the construction of new facilities and the renovation of plants and equipment. These investments were carried out with internal financing through our capital expenditure program for investments in Chile.
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3) Description of Business Environment
Our capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
| (in millions of U.S. dollars) | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||
| Capital Expenditures | 112.1 | 386.5 | 450.0 | |||||||||
During 2014, we had total capital expenditures of US$112.1 million, primarily related to:
| · | development of new extraction sectors and production increases for both nitrates and iodine at Nueva Victoria; |
| · | investments aimed at maintaining and improving the quality of finished nitrate products; |
| · | exploration and construction of wells to sustain long-term production at the Salar de Atacama; |
| · | consolidation of our corporate enterprise resource planning into SAP and |
| · | maintenance across all production units in order to ensure fulfillment of production targets. |
During 2013, we had total capital expenditures of US$386.5 million, primarily related to:
| · | improvement of nitrate-based products at Coya Sur; |
| · | investment relating to increasing production capacity of potassium-based products at the Salar de Atacama; |
| · | ongoing investment relating to increasing production capacity and efficiency in our nitrate and iodine facilities; |
| · | optimization of our potassium chloride facility at the Salar de Atacama; |
| · | projects to increase the efficiency of our human resources and logistics departments and |
| · | various projects designed to maintain production capacity, increase yields, and reduce costs. |
During 2012, we had total capital expenditures of US$450.0 million, primarily related to:
| · | projects to increase capacity and efficiencies at nitrate and iodine facilities in the Tarapacá region; |
| · | continued investments related to increasing production capacity of potassium-based products at the Salar de Atacama, including several projects related to production of finished products and |
| · | various projects designed to maintain production capacity, increase yields and reduce costs. |
The Board of Directors has approved a capital expenditures plan for 2015 of US$182 million primarily focused on the maintenance of our production facilities. Our 2015 capital investment program will not require any external financing; however, we reserve the right to access capital markets in order to optimize our financial position.
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4) Ownership and Shares
4) a) Ownership and Shares: Ownership
i) Ownership Control Situation
At December 31, 2014, SQM has a “controlling group” as such term is defined in Title XV of the Law No. 18,045. SQM has been informed that, as of December 31, 2014, Mr. Julio Ponce Lerou (ID No. 4.250.719-9) and related persons control 100% of Inversiones SQYA Ltda. (“SQYA”) and 100% of Inversiones SQ Ltda. These two companies control indirectly 29.94% of all shares of SQM (consisting of 71,785,716 Series A shares and 7,007,688 Series B shares), as follows: (i) Inversiones SQ Ltda. controls 0.0258% of Norte Grande S.A. (“Norte Grande”) and SQYA controls 67.53% of Norte Grande, which controls 76.49% of Sociedad de Inversiones Oro Blanco S.A., which controls 88.64% of Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A. (“Pampa Calichera”), which controls 19.69% of SQM; (ii) Pampa Calichera controls 99.99% of Inversiones Global Mining Chile Limitada, which controls 3.34% of SQM and (iii) Norte Grande controls 76.34% of Nitratos de Chile S.A., which controls 98.89% of Potasios de Chile S.A., which controls 10.07% of Pampa Calichera and 6.91% of SQM. Thus, Pampa Calichera and its related companies, Inversiones Global Mining Chile Limitada and Potasios de Chile S.A. (together, “Pampa Group”), control 29.94% of SQM. In addition, Pampa Group has also informed SQM that, as of December 31, 2014, it owns an additional 4,499 shares of SQM, included in the 29.94% and currently held under custody at “EuroAmerica Corredores de Bolsa S.A.”.
Kowa Company Ltd., Inversiones La Esperanza (Chile) Limitada, Kochi S.A., and La Esperanza Delaware Corporation (together, “Kowa Group”) are owners of 2.09% of all shares in SQM. On December 21, 2006, Pampa Group and Kowa Group entered into a Joint Operation Agreement which, together, allows them to control 32% of all shares in SQM. Therefore, Pampa Group, together with Kowa Group, indirectly control 32% of all shares in SQM, giving them the status of “controlling group” of the Company. The aforementioned Joint Operation Agreement refers to the essential fact that was filed by Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A. on December 21, 2006.
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4) Ownership and Shares
Ownership Control Situation
ii) Identification of Non-Controlling Majority Shareholders
As of December 31, 2014, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (“PCS”) owns 100% of Inversiones El Boldo Limitada, 100% of Inversiones RAC Chile Ltda. and 100% of Inversiones PCS Chile Limitada, and, accordingly, is the beneficial owner of 84,222,887 of SQM’s shares, or 32.00% of SQM’s total shares.
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4) Ownership and Shares
iii) Identification of 12 Largest Shareholders
As of December 31, 2014, the 12 largest shareholders including both Series A and Series B shares were:
| Series A + Series B | Taxpayer ID | Number of Shares | % Ownership | |||||||
| THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON ADRS* | 59.030.820-K | 61,894,725 | 23.52 | % | ||||||
| SOCIEDAD DE INVERSIONES PAMPA CALICHERA SA** | 96.511.530-7 | 51,811,219 | 19.69 | % | ||||||
| INVERSIONES EL BOLDO LIMITADA | 77.633.940-7 | 47,293,872 | 17.97 | % | ||||||
| INVERSIONES RAC CHILE LIMITADA | 79.744.950-4 | 21,403,015 | 8.13 | % | ||||||
| POTASIOS DE CHILE SA** | 76.165.311-3 | 18,179,147 | 6.91 | % | ||||||
| INVERSIONES PCS CHILE LIMITADA | 77.297.720-4 | 15,526,000 | 5.90 | % | ||||||
| INVERSIONES GLOBAL MINING CHILE LIMITADA** | 96.863.960-9 | 8,798,539 | 3.34 | % | ||||||
| BANCO DE CHILE POR CUENTA DE TERCEROS NO RESIDENTES | 97.004.000-5 | 5,795,818 | 2.20 | % | ||||||
| BANCO ITAU POR CUENTA DE INVERSIONISTAS | 76.645.030-K | 5,433,026 | 2.06 | % | ||||||
| INVERSIONES LA ESPERANZA CHILE LIMITADA** | 79.798.650-K | 3,711,598 | 1.41 | % | ||||||
| BANCO SANTANDER POR CUENTA DE INVERSIONISTAS EXTRANJEROS | 97.036.000-K | 2,912,604 | 1.11 | % | ||||||
| EUROAMERICA CORREDORES DE BOLSA S.A. | 96.899.230-9 | 2,073,517 | 0.79 | % | ||||||
| Subtotal 12 Largest Shareholders, Series A and B | 244,833,080 | 93.02 | % | |||||||
| Total Shares, Series A and B | 263,196,524 | 100 | % | |||||||
| * | The Bank of New York Mellon is the depositary bank for the Company’s ADSs traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Information about ADS holders is provided at the end of this section. | |
| ** | Indicates shareholder belongs to Controlling Group. |
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4) Ownership and Shares
As of December 31, 2014, the 12 largest shareholders of Series A shares were:
| Series A | R.U.T. | Number of Shares | % Ownership | |||||||
| SOCIEDAD DE INVERSIONES PAMPA CALICHERA SA** | 96.511.530-7 | 44,803,531 | 31.37 | % | ||||||
| INVERSIONES EL BOLDO LIMITADA | 77.633.940-7 | 29,330,326 | 20.54 | % | ||||||
| INVERSIONES RAC CHILE LIMITADA | 79.744.950-4 | 19,200,242 | 13.44 | % | ||||||
| POTASIOS DE CHILE SA** | 76.165.311-3 | 18,179,147 | 12.73 | % | ||||||
| INVERSIONES PCS CHILE LIMITADA | 77.297.720-4 | 15,526,000 | 10.87 | % | ||||||
| INVERSIONES GLOBAL MINING CHILE LTDA** | 96.863.960-9 | 8,798,539 | 6.16 | % | ||||||
| INVERSIONES LA ESPERANZA CHILE LIMITADA** | 79.798.650-K | 3,711,598 | 2.60 | % | ||||||
| KOWA CO LTD** | 59.046.730-8 | 781,429 | 0.55 | % | ||||||
| KOCHI SA** | 96.518.570-4 | 737,057 | 0.52 | % | ||||||
| LA ESPERANZA DELAWARE CORPORATION** | 59.023.690-K | 227,550 | 0.16 | % | ||||||
| INVERSIONES RENTAMAX LIMITADA | 76.056.187-8 | 154,000 | 0.11 | % | ||||||
EUROAMERICA CORREDORES DE BOLSA S.A. | 96.899.230-9 | 138,321 | 0.10 | % | ||||||
| Subtotal 12 Largest Shareholders, Series A | 141,587,740 | 99.14 | % | |||||||
| Total Shares, Series A | 142,819,552 | 100 | % | |||||||
** Indicates shareholder belongs to Controlling Group.
| 72 |
4) Ownership and Shares
As of December 31, 2014, the 12 largest shareholders of Series B shares were:
| Series B | R.U.T. | Number of Shares | % Ownership | |||||||
| THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON ADRS* | 59.030.820-K | 61,894,725 | 51.42 | % | ||||||
| INVERSIONES EL BOLDO LIMITADA | 77.633.940-7 | 17,963,546 | 14.92 | % | ||||||
| SOCIEDAD DE INVERSIONES PAMPA CALICHERA SA** | 96.511.530-7 | 7,007,688 | 5.82 | % | ||||||
| BANCO DE CHILE POR CUENTA DE TERCEROS NO RESIDENTES | 97.004.000-5 | 5,795,818 | 4.81 | % | ||||||
| BANCO ITAU POR CUENTA DE INVERSIONISTAS | 76.645.030-K | 5,412,076 | 4.50 | % | ||||||
| BANCO SANTANDER POR CUENTA DE INVERSIONISTAS EXTRANJEROS | 97.036.000-K | 2,912,604 | 2.42 | % | ||||||
| INVERSIONES RAC CHILE LIMITADA | 79.744.950-4 | 2,202,773 | 1.83 | % | ||||||
| EUROAMERICA CORREDORES DE BOLSA S.A. | 96.899.230-9 | 1,935,196 | 1.61 | % | ||||||
| BANCHILE CORREDORES DE BOLSA S A | 96.571.220-8 | 1,799,359 | 1.49 | % | ||||||
| AFP PROVIDA S A PARA FDO PENSION C | 98.000.400-7 | 1,469,493 | 1.22 | % | ||||||
| AFP HABITAT S A PARA FDO PENSION C | 98.000.100-8 | 1,016,920 | 0.84 | % | ||||||
| AFP CAPITAL S A FONDO DE PENSION TIPO C | 98.000.000-1 | 818,499 | 0.68 | % | ||||||
| Subtotal 12 Largest Shareholders, Series B | 110,228,697 | 91.57 | % | |||||||
| Total Shares, Series B | 120,376,972 | 100 | % | |||||||
| * | The Bank of New York Mellon is the depositary bank for the Company’s ADSs traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Information about ADS holders is provided at the end of this section. | |
| ** | Indicates shareholder belongs to Controlling Group. |
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4) Ownership and Shares
The Bank of New York Mellon is the depositary bank for the Company’s ADSs traded on the New York Stock Exchange. According to public 13F filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the 12 largest ADS holders as of December 31, 2014 were:
| ADSs (Series B) | R.U.T. | Number of ADSs | % Ownership Series B | % Ownership Total Shares | ||||||||||
| Sailingstone Capital Partners, LLC | N/A | 16,157,531 | 13.42 | % | 6.14 | % | ||||||||
| Baillie Gifford & Company, LTD | N/A | 5,333,418 | 4.43 | % | 2.03 | % | ||||||||
| Manning & Napier Advisors, LLC | N/A | 3,565,095 | 2.96 | % | 1.35 | % | ||||||||
| Fiduciary Management, Inc. | N/A | 3,385,360 | 2.81 | % | 1.29 | % | ||||||||
| Sarasin & Partners, LLP | N/A | 2,238,879 | 1.86 | % | 0.85 | % | ||||||||
| Aberdeen Asset Managers, LTD (U.K.) | N/A | 2,084,050 | 1.73 | % | 0.79 | % | ||||||||
| Delaware Investments | N/A | 2,072,407 | 1.72 | % | 0.79 | % | ||||||||
| The Vanguard Group, Inc. | N/A | 1,333,393 | 1.11 | % | 0.51 | % | ||||||||
| Fidelity Management & Research Company | N/A | 1,171,019 | 0.97 | % | 0.44 | % | ||||||||
| Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC | N/A | 1,123,860 | 0.93 | % | 0.43 | % | ||||||||
| Templeton Asset Management (Singapore), LTD | N/A | 852,217 | 0.71 | % | 0.32 | % | ||||||||
| State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio | N/A | 770,000 | 0.64 | % | 0.29 | % | ||||||||
| Subtotal 12 Largest ADS Holders | 40,087,229 | 33.30 | % | 15.23 | % | |||||||||
| Total ADSs as of December 31, 2014 | 61,894,725 | 51.42 | % | 23.52 | % | |||||||||
iv) Total Number of Shareholders
| Shareholders Registry | ADS Holders Registry | Total Holders | ||||||||||
| Total Number of Shareholders, Series A and B | 1,285 | 61 | 1,346 | |||||||||
| Total Number of Shareholders, Series A | 415 | - | 415 | |||||||||
| Total Number of Shareholders, Series B | 1,190 | 61 | 1,251 | |||||||||
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4) Ownership and Shares
v) Significant Changes in SHARE Ownership
There have not been any major changes in SQM’s share ownership during the year 2014.
4) b) OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE AND SHARES: SHARES AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS AND RIGHTS
i) DescripTION OF SERIES OF SHARES
Dividends are annually distributed to the Series A and Series B shareholders of record on the fifth business day prior to the date for payment of the dividends. The By-laws do not specify a time limit after which dividend entitlement elapses but Chilean regulations establish that after 5 years, unclaimed dividends are to be donated to the Chilean Fire Department.
Article 5 of the Company’s By-laws establishes that Series B shares may in no case exceed fifty percent of the issued, outstanding and paid shares of SQM. Series B shares have a restricted right to vote as they can only elect one Director of the Company, regardless of their capital stock’s share. Series B shares have the right to call for an Ordinary or Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting when the shareholders of at least 5% of the Series B issued shares request so and for an Extraordinary Board of Directors Meeting without the Chairman’s authorization when it is requested by the Director elected by the shareholders of the Series B shares. Series A shares have the option to exclude the Director elected by Series B shareholders from the voting process in which the Chairman of the Board is to be elected, if there is a tie in the first voting process. However, articles 31 and 31 bis of the Company’s By-laws establish that in General Shareholders’ Meetings each shareholder will have a right to one vote for each share he owns or represents and (a) that no shareholder will have the right to vote for himself or on behalf of other shareholders of the same Series A or Series B shares representing more than 37.5% of the total outstanding shares with right to vote of each Series and (b) that no shareholder will have the right to vote for himself or on behalf of other shareholders representing more than 32% of the total outstanding shares with a right to vote. In calculating a single shareholder’s ownership of Series A or B shares, the shareholder’s stock and those pertaining to third parties related to them are to be added.
Article 5 bis of the Company’s By-laws establishes that no person may directly or by means of related third persons concentrate more than 32% of the Company’s total shares with right to vote.
Each Series A share and Series B share is entitled to share equally in the Company’s profits, i.e., they have the same rights on any dividends declared on the outstanding shares of SQM.
The Company By-laws do not contain any provision relating to (a) redemption provisions (b) sinking funds or (c) liability to capital calls by the Company.
As established in article 103 of Law No. 18,046, a company subject to the supervision of the
SVS may be liquidated in the following cases:
| (a) | Expiration of the duration term, if any, as established in its By-laws; |
| (b) | All the shares end up in the possession of one individual for more than ten continuous days; |
| (c) | By agreement of an Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting; |
| (d) | By abolition, pursuant to applicable laws, of the decree that authorized its existence; |
| (e) | Any other reason contemplated in its By-laws. |
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4) Ownership and Shares
Article 40 of the Company’s By-laws states that in the event of liquidation, the Shareholders’ Meeting will appoint a three-member receiver committee that will have the authority to carry out the liquidation process. Any surplus will be distributed equally among the shareholders.
The only way to change the rights of the holders of the SQM shares is by modifying its By-laws, which can only be carried out by an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting, as established in article
28 of the Company By-laws.
Total number of shares:
| · | Series A: 142,819,552 |
| · | Series B: 120,376,972 |
ii) DIVIDEND POLICY
SQM’s dividend policy for 2014, which was approved at the General Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting on April 25, 2014, states that the Company will pay and distribute to its shareholders 50% of the distributable net income obtained during the 2014 fiscal year.
iii) (1) STATISTICAL INFORMATION: DIVIDENDS
All series A and series B shares carry equal rights to share in any dividend declared on SQM’s shareholder capital in circulation. During the past three years, the Company has paid out the following dividends:
| Payout Year | US$ Total (in millions) | US$/Share | ||||||
| 2012 | 79.9 | 0.30350 | ||||||
| 2012 (Provisional) | 250.0 | 0.94986 | ||||||
| 2013 | 74.6 | 0.28337 | ||||||
| 2013 (Provisional) | 199.0 | 0.75609 | ||||||
| 2014 | 34.6 | 0.13129 | ||||||
| 2014 (“Eventual”) | 230.0 | 0.87387 | ||||||
| 2014 (Provisional) | 109.2 | 0.41493 | ||||||
iii) (2) STATISTICAL INFORMATION: SHARE TRANSACTIONS
SQM’s Series A and Series B shares are traded on the Santiago Stock Exchange, the Santiago Electronic Stock Exchange and the Valparaíso Stock Exchange. The Company’s Series B shares are traded as ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange. As of December 31, 2014, the Series B shares had a stock market presence (presencia bursátil) in the Santiago Stock Exchange of 100%, and the Series A shares did not have a stock market presence.
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4) Ownership and Shares
Information on SQM’s shares on the Santiago Stock Exchange:
| Average Price (Ch$/Share) | Number of Shares Traded | Amount Traded (Millions of Ch$) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM-A | SQM-B | SQM-A | SQM-B | SQM-A | SQM-B | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I Quarter | 26,793 | 28,260 | 18,256 | 12,806,955 | 489 | 361,927 | ||||||||||||||||||
| II Quarter | 27,774 | 27,332 | 17,994 | 13,974,466 | 500 | 381,952 | ||||||||||||||||||
| III Quarter | 29,442 | 29,217 | 113,626 | 15,279,934 | 3,345 | 446,428 | ||||||||||||||||||
| IV Quarter | 28,285 | 27,574 | 91,538 | 14,502,171 | 2,589 | 399,883 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I Quarter | 26,905 | 26,707 | 76,387 | 15,702,209 | 2,055 | 419,365 | ||||||||||||||||||
| II Quarter | 22,709 | 22,877 | 10,506 | 17,121,263 | 239 | 391,675 | ||||||||||||||||||
| III Quarter | 17,960 | 16,165 | 194,979 | 24,919,516 | 3,502 | 402,812 | ||||||||||||||||||
| IV Quarter | 17,658 | 13,644 | 15,663,149 | 13,267,894 | 276,576 | 181,031 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I Quarter | 17,938 | 15,716 | 76,762 | 11,753,129 | 1,377 | 184,718 | ||||||||||||||||||
| II Quarter | 17,553 | 16,631 | 32,135 | 8,861,831 | 564 | 147,379 | ||||||||||||||||||
| III Quarter | 16,068 | 16,191 | 38,992 | 5,258,285 | 627 | 85,138 | ||||||||||||||||||
| IV Quarter | 16,225 | 14,669 | 27,581 | 6,731,941 | 447 | 98,749 | ||||||||||||||||||
Source: Bloomberg, Composite Exchange
Information on SQM’s shares on the New York Stock Exchange:
| Average Price (US$/ADS) | Number of Shares Traded | Amount Traded (Millions of US$) | ||||||||||
| SQM-B | SQM-B | SQM-B | ||||||||||
| 2012 | ||||||||||||
| I Quarter | 57.74 | 22,559,886 | 1,303 | |||||||||
| II Quarter | 55.09 | 22,891,125 | 1,261 | |||||||||
| III Quarter | 60.89 | 27,450,076 | 1,671 | |||||||||
| IV Quarter | 57.67 | 20,718,423 | 1,195 | |||||||||
| 2013 | ||||||||||||
| I Quarter | 56.47 | 25,898,128 | 1,462 | |||||||||
| II Quarter | 46.39 | 38,173,920 | 1,771 | |||||||||
| III Quarter | 30.80 | 72,002,917 | 2,218 | |||||||||
| IV Quarter | 26.34 | 46,257,192 | 1,218 | |||||||||
| 2014 | ||||||||||||
| I Quarter | 28.92 | 59,614,226 | 1,724 | |||||||||
| II Quarter | 30.38 | 34,367,580 | 1,044 | |||||||||
| III Quarter | 28.01 | 23,737,815 | 665 | |||||||||
| IV Quarter | 24.17 | 24,540,528 | 593 | |||||||||
Source: Bloomberg, Composite Exchange
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5) Management and Personnel
5) a) MANAGEMENT AND PERSONNEL: ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Organizational Chart
| (1) | On March 16, 2015, Mr. Patricio Contesse G.’s employment contract with SQM was terminated. |
| (2) | On March 16, 2015, Mr. Patricio de Solminihac T. was named as Chief Executive Officer of SQM. |
5) b) MANAGEMENT AND PERSONNEL: INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
i) GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SQM’s Board of Directors comprises 8 members, none of which are alternate directors. The entire Board of Directors is regularly elected every three years at our ordinary shareholders’ meeting. The Board of Directors may appoint replacements to fill any vacancies that occur during periods between elections. If a vacancy occurs, the entire Board must be elected or re-elected at the next regularly scheduled meeting of shareholders. The last election of the Board of Directors took place at the ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on April 25, 2013.
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5) Management and Personnel
ii) IDENTIFICATION OF THE BOARD MEMBERS
Directors as of December 31, 2014:
| Name | Title | Profession | Chilean Taxpayer ID |
Date of Original Election |
Date of Last Reelection | |||||
| Julio Ponce Lerou | Chairman | Forestry Engineer | 4.250.719-9 | Sept. 1987 | Apr. 2013 | |||||
| Wayne R. Brownlee (1) | Vice Chairman | Economist | Canadian Passport No. BD108168 | Dec. 2001 | Apr. 2013 | |||||
| Hernán Büchi Buc | Director | Civil Engineer | 5.718.666-6 | Apr. 1993 | Apr. 2013 | |||||
| Patricio Contesse Fica | Director | Lawyer | 15.315.085-0 | Apr. 2013 | N/A | |||||
| José María Eyzaguirre Baeza (1) | Director | Lawyer | 7.011.679-0 | Dec. 2001 | Apr. 2013 | |||||
| Juan Antonio Guzmán Molinari | Director | Chemical and Industrial Engineer | 5.123.918-0 | Apr. 2013 | N/A | |||||
| Alejandro Montero Purviance (1) | Director | Bachelor of Business Administration | 6.939.458-2 | Apr. 2013 | N/A | |||||
| Wolf Von Appen Behrmann | Director | Entrepreneur | 2.884.455-7 | May 2005 | Apr. 2013 |
| (1) | On March 17, 2015, Messrs. Wayne R. Brownlee, José María Eyzaguirre Baeza and Alejandro Montero Purviance resigned from the Board of Directors of SQM S.A. |
Directors not on the Board as of December 31, 2014 but who were on the Board within the last two years:
| Name | Title | Profession | Chilean Taxpayer ID |
Date of Original Election |
Date of Last Reelection |
Date
Left Board | ||||||
| Eduardo Novoa Castellón | Director | Bachelor of Business Administration | 7.836.212-K | Apr. 2008 | Apr. 2011 | Apr. 2013 | ||||||
| Kendrik T. Wallace | Director | Lawyer | U.S. Passport No. 71298876 | Dec. 2001 | Apr. 2011 | Apr. 2013 | ||||||
| Daniel Yarur Elsaca | Director | IT Engineer | 6.022.573-7 | Apr. 2003 | Apr. 2011 | Apr. 2013 |
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5) Management and Personnel
iii) REMUNERATIONS OF THE DIRECTORS
Summary of remunerations paid to members of the Board of Directors between January and December 2014 (in Ch$):
| SQM S.A. | SQMC S.A. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Board of Directors | Directors’ Committee | Safety, Health and Environment Committee (1) | Board of Directors | Directors’ Committee | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Directors | Fixed | Variable | Other | Fixed | Variable | Fixed | Variable | Total | Fixed | Fixed | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Julio Ponce Lerou | 79,048,392 | 915,002,244 | - | - | - | - | - | 994,050,636 | 86,438,001 | - | 86,438,001 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wayne R. Brownlee | 27,027,920 | 104,571,541 | - | - | - | 5,075,089 | - | 136,674,550 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hernán Buchi Buc | 28,189,750 | 104,571,541 | - | 15,082,529 | 33,985,961 | - | - | 181,829,781 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Patricio Contesse Fica | 24,673,770 | 104,571,541 | - | - | - | 5,074,789 | - | 134,320,100 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| José María Eyzaguirre Baeza | 27,027,913 | 104,571,541 | - | - | - | 5,075,089 | - | 136,674,543 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Juan Antonio Guzmán Molinari | 27,027,919 | 104,571,541 | - | 14,687,506 | 33,985,961 | - | - | 180,272,927 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alejandro Montero Purviance | 27,030,623 | 104,571,541 | - | - | - | - | - | 131,602,164 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wolf Von Appen Behrman | 28,189,752 | 104,571,541 | - | 15,082,530 | 33,985,961 | - | - | 181,829,784 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 268,216,039 | 1,647,003,031 | - | 44,852,565 | 101,957,883 | 15,224,967 | - | 2,077,254,485 | 86,438,001 | - | 86,438,001 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | The Safety, Health and Environment Committee was created at the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 25, 2014. |
| 80 |
5) Management and Personnel
Summary of remunerations paid to members of the Board of Directors between January and December 2013 (in Ch$):
| SQM S.A. | SQMC S.A. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Board of Directors | Directors’ Committee | Board of Directors | Directors’ Committee | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Directors | Fixed | Variable | Other | Fixed | Variable | Total | Fixed | Variable | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Julio Ponce Lerou | 96,518,550 | 1,078,877,316 | - | - | - | 1,175,395,866 | 82,791,807 | - | 82,791,807 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wayne R. Brownlee | 21,706,484 | 123,300,278 | - | - | - | 145,006,762 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hernán Büchi Buc | 13,003,357 | 123,300,278 | - | 3,900,827 | 40,072,697 | 180,277,159 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Patricio Contesse Fica | 9,227,566 | - | - | - | - | 9,227,566 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| José María Eyzaguirre Baeza | 13,776,898 | 123,300,278 | - | - | - | 137,077,176 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Juan Antonio Guzmán Molinari | 8,062,089 | - | - | 2,741,109 | - | 10,803,198 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alejandro Montero Purviance | 8,062,089 | - | - | - | - | 8,062,089 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wolf Von Appen Behrman | 21,708,378 | 123,300,278 | - | 3,900,827 | 40,072,697 | 188,982,180 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Eduardo Novoa Castellón | 4,572,771 | 123,300,278 | - | 1,554,741 | 40,072,697 | 169,500,487 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kendrik T. Wallace | 13,644,395 | 123,300,278 | - | - | - | 136,944,673 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Daniel Yarur Elsaca | 4,572,771 | 123,300,278 | - | - | - | 127,873,049 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TOTAL | 214,855,348 | 1,941,979,262 | - | 12,097,504 | 120,218,091 | 2,289,150,205 | 82,791,807 | - | 82,791,807 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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5) Management and Personnel
iv) ADVISORY SERVICES CONTRACTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
During 2014, the Company incurred audit expenses amounting to 32,400 UF (approximately US$1.3 million as of December 31, 2014).
5) c) MANAGEMENT AND PERSONNEL: INFORMATION ABOUT THE DIRECTORS’ COMMITTEE
i) DIRECTORS’ COMMITTEE FORMED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 50 PART TWO OF LAW NO. 18,046
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had a Directors’ Committee to carry out the functions established under Article 50, part two, of Law No. 18,046.
ii) IDENTIFICATION OF MEMBERS OF THE DIRECTORS’ COMMITTEE
As of December 31, 2014, the company’s Directors’ Committee comprised Hernán Büchi B., Juan Antonio Guzmán and Wolf von Appen B. Under the regulations in force as of December 31, 2014, Juan Antonio Guzmán held and continues to hold the position of Independent Director and Chairman of the Directors’ Committee.
The members of this Directors’ Committee were elected at the shareholders’ meeting held on April 25, 2013. On that date Juan Antonio Guzmán M was elected as a new member of the Directors’ Committee, replacing Eduardo Novoa C. The Directors’ Committee had previously remained unchanged since April 28, 2011.
iii) REMUNERATIONS OF THE DIRECTORS’ COMMITTEE
On April 25, 2014, it was agreed at the SQM S.A. Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting that each Director sitting on the Directors’ Committee would receive monthly remunerations of 75 UF, and annual remunerations equivalent to 0.02% of the Company’s liquid net earnings for the 2014 financial year. This compensation package is fixed regardless of the number of sessions held by the Committee during the period, and separate to the remunerations received by the members in their capacity as members of the Company’s Board of Directors. At the same Shareholders’ Meeting, an operating budget for the Directors’ Committee equivalent to the sum of the aforementioned remunerations was agreed.
On April 25, 2013, it was agreed at the SQM S.A. Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting that each Director sitting on the Directors’ Committee would receive monthly remunerations of 17 UF, and annual remunerations equivalent to 0.013% of the Company’s liquid net earnings for the 2013 financial year. This compensation package is fixed regardless of the number of sessions held by the Committee during the period, and separate to the remunerations received by the members in their capacity as members of the Company’s Board of Directors. At the same Shareholders’ Meeting, an operating budget for the Directors’ Committee equivalent to the sum of the aforementioned remunerations was agreed.
For further information about remunerations paid to the members of the Directors’ Committee during 2014 and 2013, see section 5)b)iii) Remunerations of the Directors.
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5) Management and Personnel
iv) ACTIVITIES OF THE DIRECTORS’ COMMITTEE
During 2014, the Directors’ Committee of SQM (the “Committee”) essentially analyzed -one- the Company’s Unaudited Financial Statements and Reports -two- the Company’s Audited Financial Statements and Reports -three- the Reports and proposals of External Auditors, Accounts Inspectors, and Independent Risk Rating Agencies for the Company -four- the proposal to SQM’s Board of Directors about the External Auditors and Independent Rating Agencies that the Board could recommend to the respective Shareholders’ Meeting for their subsequent appointment - five- the tax and other services, other than audit services, provided by the Company’s External Auditors for the Company and its subsidiaries in Chile and abroad -six- the remuneration and compensation plans for the Company’s main executives -seven- the information related to the Company’s operations as referred to in Title XVI of the Corporations Act -eight- the Report on Internal Control of the Company and -nine- the various matters referred to in the "Directors Committee" section of SQM’s Financial Statements as of December 31, 2014.
In this context and regarding the above, the Committee:
| (a) | Examined the information regarding the Financial Statements of SQM for the 2013 business year and the Report issued thereon by the External Auditors of SQM.- Similarly, it also examined the Company’s Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for the 2014business year. |
| (b) | Examined –i– during its Meeting N°88 on January 07, 2014 the subscription of two “Maritime Transport Contracts” between the “SQM Group” and the “Ultramar Group” –linked to Mr. Wolf von Appen B., Director of SQM S.A.–. The Company’s Directors’ Committee approved said subscriptions and the Board of Directors of SQM S.A., subsequently, in its Board of Directors Meeting N°680 on January 21, 2014, was informed in a timely manner about said approvals and, in turn, also confirmed that said Contracts were agreed upon with the prices, terms, and other conditions similar to those prevailing in the respective markets at the pertinent time and, consequently, the Directors present unanimously approved their subscription with the sole abstention of the Director Mr. Von Appen– and declared that the latter does not constitute an Essential fact for to Company –ii– the two “Maritime Transport Contracts” between the “SQM Group” and the “Ultramar Group” –linked to Mr. Wolf von Appen B., Director of SQM S.A.– and which the Board of Directors SQM S.A., during its Board of Directors Meeting N°690 on September 16, 2014, confirmed that said contracts were agreed upon with the prices, terms, and other conditions similar to those prevailing in the respective markets at the pertinent time and, consequently, the Directors present unanimously approved their subscription with the sole abstention of the Director Mr. Von Appen – and declared that the latter does not constitute an Essential Fact for to Company –iii– during its Meeting N°94 on December 16, 2014 the three “Legal Services Provision Agreements” between the “SQM Group” and the Law Firm, “Estudio de Abogados Claro y Cía.”, –Linked to Messieurs Wayne R. Brownlee and José María Eyzaguirre B., Directors of SQM–. The Company’s Directors Committee approved said Agreements and the Board of Directors of SQM S.A., subsequently, in its Board of Directors Meeting N°694 on December 16, 2014, was informed in a timely manner about said approvals and, in turn, also confirmed that said Contracts were agreed upon with the prices, terms, and other conditions similar to those prevailing in the respective markets at the pertinent time and, consequently, unanimously approved the latter–by the Directors present with the sole abstention of the Directors Messieurs Wayne R. Brownlee and José María Eyzaguirre B.– and declared that the latter does not constitute an Essential Fact for the Company, and –iv– during its Meeting N°94 on December 16, 2014 the subscription of a “Maritime Transport Contract” between the “SQM Group” and the “Ultramar Group” –linked to Mr. Wolf von Appen B., Director of SQM S.A. The Company’s Directors’ Committee approved said subscription and the Board of Directors of SQM S.A., subsequently, in its Board of Directors Meeting N°694 on December 16, 2014, was informed in a timely manner about said approval and, in turn, also confirmed that said Contract was agreed upon with the prices, terms, and other conditions similar to those prevailing in the respective markets at the pertinent time and, consequently, the Directors present unanimously approved this subscription with the sole abstention of the Director Mr. Von Appen – and declared that the latter does not constitute an Essential Fact for to Company. |
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5) Management and Personnel
| (c) | Proposed to the Company’s Board of Directors the names of the External Auditors and the Independent Risk Rating Agencies for SQM and the Company’s Board of Directors, in turn, suggested their appointment to the respective Annual Ordinary Shareholders Meeting of SQM. The Company’s Board of Directors approved said suggestions and the Shareholders’ Meeting also ratified them. |
| (d) | Examined the remuneration system and the compensation plans for the Company’s employees and Top Executives. |
Finally, the Directors’ Committee issued the Annual Management Report referred to in Law 18,046.
v) ADVISORY SERVICES CONTRACTED BY THE DIRECTORS’ COMMITTEE
During 2014 the Directors’ Committee did not incur expenses for advisory services.
5) d) MANAGEMENT AND PERSONNEL: MAIN EXECUTIVES
i) IDENTIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
As of December 31, 2014, the following executives served on the Company’s executive management team:
| Name | Position | Profession | Chilean Taxpayer ID |
In Position Since |
Years of Service at SQM (1) | |||||
| Patricio Contesse G. (2) | Chief Executive Officer | Forestry Engineer | 6.356.264-5 | Mar. 1990 | 25 years | |||||
| Patricio de Solminihac T. (3) | Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer | Industrial Civil Engineer | 6.263.302-6 | Jan. 2000 | 27 years | |||||
| Matías Astaburuaga S. | General Counsel | Lawyer | 7.080.469-7 | Feb. 1989 | 26 years | |||||
| Juan Carlos Barrera P. | Senior Vice President of Operations, Potassium and Lithium | Industrial Civil Engineer | 10.528.182-K | Jan. 2007 | 24 years | |||||
| Macarena Briseño C. | Head of Risk Management and Compliance | Civil Engineer | 8.402.701-4 | Aug. 2013 | 21 years | |||||
| Pauline De Vidts S. | Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Sustainability | Industrial Civil Engineer | 9.668.138-0 | Aug. 2013 | 19 years | |||||
| Carlos Díaz O. | Senior Vice President of Operations, Nitrates and Iodine | Industrial Civil Engineer | 10.476.287-5 | Oct. 2012 | 19 years | |||||
| Daniel Jiménez Sch. | Senior Vice President of Exploration | Industrial Civil Engineer | 6.362.533-7 | Aug. 2013 | 24 years | |||||
| Eugenio Ponce L. | Senior Commercial Vice President | Mechanical Engineer | 5.370.715-7 | Mar. 1999 | 34 years | |||||
| Ricardo Ramos R. | Senior Vice President of Finance and Development | Industrial Civil Engineer | 8.037.690-1 | Nov. 1994 | 26 years |
| (1) | Years of service at SQM includes SQM S.A. and its subsidiaries. |
| (2) | On March 16, 2015, Mr. Patricio Contesse G.’s employment contract with SQM was terminated. |
| (3) | On March 16, 2015, Mr. Patricio de Solminihac T. was named as Chief Executive Officer of SQM. |
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5) Management and Personnel
ii) REMUNERATIONS OF MAIN EXECUTIVES
Remunerations for the main executives for 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
| Year | Number of Executives (1) | Fixed Salary (Millions of Ch$) | Variable Salary (Millions of Ch$) | Total Salary (MMCh$) | ||||||||||||
| 2013 | 117 | 10,723 | 1,946 | 12,669 | ||||||||||||
| 2014 | 108 | 11,394 | 4,179 | 15,573 | ||||||||||||
(1) Considers the average number of executives during the period.
iii) COMPENSATION PLANS
Executive incentive plans: The organization’s goal is to create value for its interest groups, and to this end SQM S.A. has developed a variable incentives system that recognizes people’s commitment to the organization and its operating results.
Directors: The only remunerations assigned to the Board of Directors are disclosed in section 5)b)iii) Remunerations of the Directors. The Company has not implemented any incentive plans for its Directors.
SQM Executive Officers: The Company provides annual and biennial bonus plans for its executives, taking into account achievement of targets and individual contribution to the Company’s operating results. These incentives are based on the following variables: a) Short term (annual): the Company’s operating results and safety indices; b) Long term (biennial): the Company’s after-tax return on equity. SQM also operates a compensation plan designed to retain its executives by providing bonuses linked to the Company’s share price. For more information, see Note 3.35 – Compensation plans in SQM’s Financial Statements.
5) e) MANAGEMENT AND PERSONNEL: NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2014, SQM and its subsidiaries had 4,800 employees, detailed as follows:
| Employee Type | Parent | Subsidiaries | Total | |||||||||
| Executives | 29 | 76 | 105 | |||||||||
| Professionals | 108 | 884 | 992 | |||||||||
| Technicians and operators | 266 | 3,247 | 3,513 | |||||||||
| Foreigners | 190 | 190 | ||||||||||
| Total | 403 | 4,397 | 4,800 | |||||||||
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5) Management and Personnel
5) f) MANAGEMENT AND PERSONNEL: SHARE OWNERSHIP OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS
We have been informed that the following Directors own shares of SQM as of December 31, 2014:
| Name | Position | Percentage of Shares in SQM | ||||
| Julio Ponce Lerou | Chairman | 0 | % | |||
| Wayne R. Brownlee (1) | Vice Chairman | 0 | % | |||
| Hernán Büchi Buc | Director | 0 | % | |||
| Patricio Contesse Fica | Director | 0 | % | |||
| José María Eyzaguirre Baeza (1) | Director | 0 | % | |||
| Juan Antonio Guzmán Molinari | Director | 0 | % | |||
| Alejandro Montero Purviance (1) | Director | <1 | % | |||
| Wolf Von Appen Behrmann | Director | 0 | % | |||
| (1) | On March 17, 2015, Messrs. Wayne R. Brownlee, José María Eyzaguirre Baeza and Alejandro Montero Purviance resigned from the Board of Directors of SQM S.A. |
We have been informed that the following executive officers own shares of SQM as of December 31, 2014:
| Name | Position | Percentage of Shares in SQM | ||||
| Patricio Contesse G. (1) | Chief Executive Officer | <1 | % | |||
| Patricio de Solminihac T. | Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer | 0 | % | |||
| Matías Astaburuaga S. | General Counsel | 0 | % | |||
| Juan Carlos Barrera P. | Senior Vice President of Operations, Potassium and Lithium | <1 | % | |||
| Macarena Briseño C. | Head of Risk Management and Compliance | 0 | % | |||
| Pauline De Vidts S. | Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Sustainability | 0 | % | |||
| Carlos Díaz O. | Senior Vice President of Operations, Nitrates and Iodine | 0 | % | |||
| Daniel Jiménez Sch. | Senior Vice President of Exploration | 0 | % | |||
| Eugenio Ponce L. | Senior Commercial Vice President | 0 | % | |||
| Ricardo Ramos R. | Senior Vice President of Finance and Development | 0 | % | |||
| (2) | On March 16, 2015, Mr. Patricio Contesse G.’s employment contract with SQM was terminated. |
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6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
6) a) INFORMATION ABOUT SUBSIDIARIES AND ASSOCIATES: SUBSIDIARIES AND ASSOCIATES
Subsidiaries in Chile
| AGRORAMA S.A.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$165,000 | |
| Ownership: | 99.999% SQMC S.A. | |
| 0.001% minority interest | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0008028% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Sales and distribution of fertilizers, pesticides and agricultural inputs | |
| Board of Directors: | Carlos Ríos | |
| Christian Izarnotegui | ||
| Claudio Morales | ||
| CEO: | Christian Izarnotegui L. | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | El Trovador 4285, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile | |
| Telephone: | (56) 2 2425 2000 | |
| Fax: | (56) 2 2425 2068 | |
| AJAY-SQM CHILE S.A.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$5,313,794 | |
| Ownership: | 51% SQM S.A. | |
| 49% Non-related parties | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.2055468% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Iodine processing | |
| Board of Directors: | Eugenio Ponce L.* | |
| Felipe Smith de A.* | ||
| Alan Shipp | ||
| Charles Pittard | ||
| CEO: | Patricio Covarrubias G. | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Production | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Address: | Avda Pdte. Eduardo Frei N° 4900, Santiago, Chile | |
| Telephone: | (56) 2 2443 7110 | |
| Fax: | (56) 2 2443 7114 | |
| ALMACENES Y DEPOSITOS LTDA.: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$1,281,810 | |
| Ownership: | 99% SQM Potasio S.A. | |
| 1% SQM S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0082692% | |
| Corporate purpose: | General deposit activities | |
| Board of Directors: | None | |
| CEO: | Patricio Contesse G.* | |
| Address: | El Trovador 4285, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Telephone: | (56) 2 2425 2000 | |
| Fax: | (56) 2 2425 2268 |
* Employee of SQM S.A.
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6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| COMERCIAL AGRORAMA LTDA | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$1,320,000 | |
| Ownership: | 70% SQMC S.A. | |
| 30% Non-related parties | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0110921% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Sales and distribution of fertilizers, pesticides and agricultural inputs | |
| Board of Directors: | Carlos Ríos | |
| Christian Izarnotegui | ||
| Tullio Callegari | ||
| Alejandro Bitrán | ||
| CEO: | Christian Izarnotegui L. | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | El Trovador 4285, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile | |
| Telephone: | (56) 2 2425 2000 | |
| Fax: | (56) 2 2425 2068 | |
| COMERCIAL HYDRO S.A.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$4,818,186 | |
| Ownership: | 99.9999% SQMC S.A. | |
| 0.0001% SQMC Internacional Ltda. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.1199918% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Import and marketing of fertilizers | |
| CEO: | Claudio Morales* | |
| Board of Directors: | Eugenio Ponce | |
| Ricardo Ramos | ||
| Claudio Morales | ||
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | None | |
| Address: | El Trovador 4285, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile | |
| Telephone: | (56) 2 2425 2525 | |
| Fax: | (56) 2 2425 2268 | |
| EXPLORACIONES MINERAS S.A.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$30,100,000 | |
| Ownership: | 0.269103% SQM S.A. | |
| 99.730897% SQM Potasio S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.6278822% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Operation of other mines and quarries | |
| Board of Directors: | Patricio de Solminihac T.* | |
| Ricardo Ramos R.* | ||
| Patricio Contesse G.* | ||
| CEO: | Patricio Contesse G.* | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | El Trovador 4285, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile | |
| Telephone: | (56) 2 2425 2000 | |
| Fax: | (56) 2 2425 2434 |
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6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| INSTITUCION DE SALUD PREVISIONAL NORTE GRANDE LTDA.: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US $82,500 | |
| Ownership: | 99% SQM Industrial S.A. | |
| 1% SQM S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0131239% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Administration of health matters for SQM S.A. | |
| Board of Directors: | Not applicable | |
| CEO: | Humberto Riquelme | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Support | |
| Address: | Aníbal Pinto N° 3228, Antofagasta, Chile | |
| Telephone: | (55) 412621 | |
| Fax: | (55) 412632 | |
| ORCOMA ESTUDIOS SPA: | ||
| Type of company: | Joint stock company | |
| Capital: | US$1,500 | |
| Ownership: | 51% SQM S.A. | |
| 49% Non-related parties | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0548844% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Exploration, measurement, prospection and research of mineral deposits for extraction, production and mineral processing | |
| Legal representative: | Patricio de Solminihac* | |
| Ricardo Ramos* | ||
| Relationship with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Contracts with parent company: | None | |
| Address: | Apoquindo 3721, office 131, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile | |
| Telephone: | (56) 2 367 3000 | |
| ORCOMA SPA: | ||
| Type of company: | Joint stock company | |
| Capital: | US$2,357,731 | |
| Ownership: | 100% SQM S.A. | |
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0547025% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Exploration, measurement, prospection, Research, development and operation of mineral deposits for extraction, production and processing | |
| Legal representative: | Patricio de Solminihac* | |
| Ricardo Ramos* | ||
| Relationship with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Contracts with parent company: | None | |
| Address: | Apoquindo 3721, office 131, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile | |
| Telephone: | (56) 2 367 3000 | |
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6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| PROINSA LTDA.: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$67,743 | |
| Ownership: | 99.9% SQMC S.A. | |
| 0.1% Non-related parties | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0024625% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Production and marketing of fertilizers | |
| Board of Directors: | None | |
| CEO: | Claudio Morales | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | El Trovador 4285, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile | |
| Telephone: | (56) 2 2425 2525 | |
| Fax: | (56) 2 2425 2268 | |
| SERVICIOS INTEGRALES DE TRANSITOS Y TRANSFERENCIAS S.A.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$9,873,573 | |
| Ownership: | 99.99966% SQM Industrial S.A. | |
| 0.00034% SQM S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.9701733% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Transport and storage of merchandise | |
| Board of Directors: | Eugenio Ponce L.* | |
| Ricardo Ramos R.* | ||
| Patricio de Solminihac T.* | ||
| Daniel Jiménez Sch.* | ||
| Carlos Diaz O. * | ||
| CEO: | Patricio Contesse G.* | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Arturo Prat N° 1060, Tocopilla, Chile | |
| Telephone: | (55) 414452 | |
| Fax: | (55) 414488 | |
| SOCIEDAD PRESTADORA DE SERVICIOS DE SALUD CRUZ DEL NORTE S.A.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$82,500 | |
| Ownership: | 99% SQM Industrial S.A. | |
| 1% SQM Potasio S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0010917% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Provision of health-related services | |
| Board of Directors: | None | |
| CEO: | Not applicable | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Support | |
| Address: | El Trovador 4285, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile | |
| Telephone: | (56) 2 2425 2000 | |
| Fax: | (56) 2 2425 2068 | |
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6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| SOQUIMICH COMERCIAL S.A.: | ||
| Type of company: | Open stock corporation | |
| Capital: | US$61,745,898 | |
| Ownership: | 60.6383212% SQM Industrial S.A. | |
| 0.0000004% SQM S.A. | ||
| 39.3616784% Non-related parties | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 1.7447198% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Production and marketing of fertilizers | |
| Board of Directors: | Julio Ponce L. | |
| Eugenio Ponce L.* | ||
| Radomiro Blas Tomic E. | ||
| Patricio de Solminihac T.* | ||
| Patricio Contesse G.* | ||
| Julio Ponce P. | ||
| Ricardo Ramos R.* | ||
| CEO: | Claudio Morales* | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Supply | |
| Address: | El Trovador 4285, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile | |
| Telephone: | (56) 2 2425 2525 | |
| Fax: | (56) 2 2425 2268 | |
| SQM INDUSTRIAL S.A.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$715,066,287 | |
| Ownership: | 99.047043% SQM S.A. | |
| 0.952957% SQM Potasio S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 21.0575254% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Operation of extraction plants, holdings and transfer of minerl substances and raw materials | |
| CEO: | Patricio Contesse G.* | |
| Board of Directors: | Patricio de Solminihac T.* | |
| Ricardo Ramos* | ||
| Carlos Diaz O.* | ||
| Relationship with parent company: | Production | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | El Trovador 4285, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile | |
| Telephone: | (56) 2 2425 2525 | |
| Fax: | (56) 2 2425 2268 | |
| SQM NITRATOS S.A.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$30,349,981 | |
| Ownership: | 99.99999782% SQM S.A. | |
| 0.00000218% SQM Potasio S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 1.0801125% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Production and sale of fertilizers | |
| Board of Directors: | Patricio Contesse G.* | |
| Patricio de Solminihac T.* | ||
| Ricardo Ramos R.* | ||
| Daniel Jiménez Sch.* | ||
| Carlos Diaz O.* | ||
| CEO: | Patricio Contesse G.* | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Production | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | El Trovador 4285, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile | |
| Telephone: | (56) 2 2425 2000 | |
| Fax: | (56) 2 2425 2268 |
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6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| SQM POTASIO S.A.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$257,010,492 | |
| Ownership: | 99.999999% SQM S.A. | |
| 0.000001% Non-related parties | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 25.0252995% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Extraction of minerals for fertilizer and chemical production | |
| Board of Directors: | Patricio de Solminihac T.* | |
| Ricardo Ramos R.* | ||
| Carlos Diaz O.* | ||
| Patricio Contesse G.* | ||
| Daniel Jiménez Sch.* | ||
| CEO: | Patricio Contesse G.* | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Production | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | El Trovador 4285, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile | |
| Telephone: | (56) 2 2425 2000 | |
| Fax: | (56) 2 2425 2268 | |
| SQM SALAR S.A.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$38,000,000 | |
| Ownership: | 81.82% SQM Potasio S.A. | |
| 18.18% SQM S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 22.4524501% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Exploitation and marketing of potassium, lithium and other products | |
| Board of Directors: | Patricio De Solminihac T.* | |
| Daniel Jiménez Sch.* | ||
| Ricardo Ramos R.* | ||
| Carlos Diaz O.* | ||
| Patricio Contesse G.* | ||
| CEO: | Patricio Contesse G.* | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Production | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | El Trovador 4285, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile | |
| Telephone: | (56) 2 2425 2000 | |
| Fax: | (56) 2 2425 2268 | |
| SQMC INTERNACIONAL LTDA.: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$957,105 | |
| Ownership: | 99.7423% SQMC S.A. | |
| 0.2577% Proinsa Ltda. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0032255% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Marketing, import and export of fertilizers | |
| Board of Directors: | None | |
| CEO: | Claudio Morales | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Soporte | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | El Trovador 4285, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile | |
| Telephone: | (56) 2 2425 2525 | |
| Fax: | (56) 2 2425 2268 |
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6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| Associates in Chile | ||
| SALES DE MAGNESIO LTDA.: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$188,100 | |
| Ownership: | 50% SQM Salar S.A. | |
| 50% Non-related parties | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0269099% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Marketing of magnesium salts | |
| Board of Directors: | None | |
| CEO: | José Tomás Ovalle | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Office rental | |
| Address: | El Trovador 4285, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile | |
| Telephone: | (56) 2 2425 2428 | |
| Fax: | (56) 2 2425 2434 | |
| International Subsidiaries | ||
| ADMINISTRACION Y SERVICIOS SANTIAGO S.A. DE C.V.: | ||
| Type of company: | Variable capital corporation | |
| Capital: | US$6,612 | |
| Ownership: | 99.998% SQM Industrial S.A. | |
| 0.002% SQM North America Corporation | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | -0.0144944% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Services | |
| Board of Directors: | Christian Lüders M.* | |
| Ricardo Ramos R.* | ||
| Eugenio Ponce L.* | ||
| Gerardo Illanes G.* | ||
| Patricio de Solminihac T.* | ||
| Enrique Olivares C.* | ||
| Francisco Sanchez V.* | ||
| CEO: | Christian Lüders M.* | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Av. Moctezuma 144-4, Ciudad del Sol. CP 45050, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico | |
| Telephone: | (52 33) 35401100 | |
| Fax: | (52 33) 35401100 | |
| 93 |
6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| COMERCIAL CAIMÁN INTERNACIONAL S.A.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$1,000 | |
| Ownership: | 100% SQM Investment Corporation N.V. | |
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | -0.0198834% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Marketing, importing and exporting | |
| Board of Directors: | Christian Lüders M.* | |
| Gerardo Illanes G.* | ||
| Francisco Sánchez V. | ||
| CEO: | Christian Lüders M.* | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Edificio Plaza Bancomer, Calle 50, Panama, Republic of Panama | |
| Telephone: | (52 33) 35101100 | |
| Fax: | (52 33) 35101100 | |
| NITRATOS NATURAIS DO CHILE SERVICIOS LTDA.: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$202,567 | |
| Ownership: | 99.9999% SQM Industrial S.A. | |
| 0.0001% SQM Brasil Ltda. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | -0.0978837% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Marketing advisory services, representation of other foreign and local companies, administrative support in general | |
| Board of Directors: | None | |
| Legal representative: | Martim de Almeida Sampaio | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Calçada das Margaridas, nº 163, sala 02, Centro Comercial de Alphaville, Alphaville, Barueri, CEP 06453-038, Sao Paulo, Brazil. | |
| Telephone: | (55 11) 4195 6315 | |
| NORTH AMERICAN TRADING COMPANY: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$338,124 | |
| Ownership: | 100% SQM North America Corporation | |
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0061787% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Investment company | |
| Board of Directors: | Ricardo Ramos* | |
| Daniel Jiménez* | ||
| President: | Sebastián Sánchez | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | 2727 Paces Ferry Road, Building Two, Suite 1425, Atlanta, GA 30339 | |
| Telephone: | (1 770) 916 9400 | |
| Fax: | (1 770) 916 9401 | |
| 94 |
6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| ROYAL SEED TRADING A.V.V.: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$6,000 | |
| Ownership: | 1.67% SQM S.A. | |
| 98.33% SQM Potasio S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | -0.4022432% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Investment and marketing of moveable property and real estate | |
| Board of Directors: | IMC International Management & Trust Company N.V | |
| CEO: | IMC International Management & Trust Company N.V | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | L. G. Smith Blv 62 Miramar Building, Suite 304, Orangestad, Aruba | |
| Telephone: | 297 582 3301 | |
| Fax: | 297 583 6454 | |
| RS AGRO CHEMICAL TRADING CORP. A.V.V.: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$6,000 | |
| Ownership: | 98.3333% SQM S.A. | |
| 1.6667% SQM Potasio S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.1208100% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Investment and marketing of moveable property and real estate | |
| Board of Directors: | IMC International Management & Trust Company N.V | |
| CEO: | IMC International Management & Trust Company N.V | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | L. G. Smith Blv 62 Miramar Building, Suite 304, Orangestad, Aruba | |
| Telephone: | 297 582 3301 | |
| Fax: | 297 583 6454 | |
| SOQUIMICH EUROPEAN HOLDINGS B.V.: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$15,815,547 | |
| Ownership: | 100% SQM Corporation N.V. | |
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 2.4509728% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Investment company | |
| Board of Directors: | Frank Biot | |
| Patrick Vanbeneden | ||
| Paul van Duuren | ||
| Dennis Beets | ||
| CEO: | None | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Luna ArenA, Herikerbergweg 238, 1101 CM Amsterdam Zuid-Oost, Netherlands | |
| Telephone: | (31 20) 5755600 | |
| Fax: | (31 20) 6730016 | |
| 95 |
6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| SOQUIMICH S.L.R. ARGENTINA: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | S$1,656,500 | |
| Ownership: | 99.99906% SQM Investment Corporation | |
| 0.00094% SQM Industrial S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0041579% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Import, export, sales and marketing of fertilizers, sodium nitrate, iodine, iodine salts, sodium sulfate, potassium nitrate and all classes of agricultural and industrial inputs | |
| Board of Directors: | None | |
| CEO: | Carlos Balter | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Espejo 65 – Oficina 6 – 5500 Mendoza, Argentina | |
| Telephone: | (54 261) 434 0301 | |
| Fax: | (54 261) 434 0301 | |
| SQI CORPORATION N.V.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$6,300 | |
| Ownership: | 99.98413% SQM Potasio S.A. | |
| 0.01587% SQM S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | -0.0015331% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Investment in moveable goods and real estate | |
| Board of Directors: | TMF Group | |
| CEO: | TMF Group | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Pietermaai 15, Curacao | |
| Telephone: | (59) (99) 4612544 | |
| Fax: | (59) (99) 4612647 | |
| SQM AFRICA (PTY) LTDA.: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$70,699 | |
| Ownership: | 100% Soquimich European Holdings B.V. | |
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.2179504% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Marketing of specialty plant nutrients and industrial products | |
| Board of Directors: | Frank Biot | |
| Patrick Vanbeneden | ||
| CEO: | Ettianne Strydom | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Building 33 Waterford Office Park, Waterford Drive, 2191 Fourways, Johannesburg, South Africa | |
| Telephone: | (27 11) 6588640 | |
| Fax: | (27 11) 6581101 | |
| 96 |
6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| SQM AGRO INDIA PVT LTD: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$81,509 | |
| Ownership: | 100% Soquimich European Holdings B.V. | |
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0000929% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Agent and distributor of specialty plant nutrients in India | |
| Board of Directors: | Patrick Vanbeneden | |
| Alex Nijo | ||
| Olaf Rietveld | ||
| CEO: | Not applicable | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | C 30 Chiragh Enclave, New Dehli, 110048 India | |
| Telephone: | (91 11) 26 44 24 98 | |
| Fax: | (91 11) 26 23 82 73 | |
| SQM (BEIJING) COMMERCIAL CO. LTDA.: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$1,600,000 | |
| Ownership: | 100% SQM Industrial S.A. | |
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0535411% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Commission agent and marketing of chemical products | |
| Board of Directors: | Patricio de Solminihac T.* | |
| Eugenio Ponce L.* | ||
| Ricardo Ramos R.* | ||
| CEO: | Olaf Rietveld | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Commercial agency agreement | |
| Address: | Room 1502, CBD International Mansion No. 16 Yong An Dong Li, Jian Wai Ave Beijing, 100022, P.R. China. | |
| Telephone: | (86 10) 6461 8950 | |
| Fax: | (86 10) 8454 0885 | |
| SQM BRASIL SERVICIOS LTDA.: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$2,190,000 | |
| Ownership: | 98.91% SQM Industrial | |
| 1.09% SQM S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0020673% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Marketing advisory services, representation of other foreign and domestic companies, administrative support in general | |
| Board of Directors: | None | |
| Representante legal: | Martim de Almeida Sampaio | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Calçada das Margaridas, nº 163, sala 02, Centro Comercial de Alphaville, Alphaville, Barueri, CEP 06453-038, Sao Paulo, Brazil | |
| Telephone: | (55 11) 4195 6315 | |
| 97 |
6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| SQM COMERCIAL DE MEXICO S.A. de C.V.: | ||
| Type of company: | Variable capital corporation | |
| Capital: | US$22,044,533 | |
| Ownership: | 99.9459% SQM Industrial S.A. | |
| 0.0536% SQM Potasio S.A. | ||
| 0.0005% SQM S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.6752445% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Import, export and marketing of fertilizers | |
| Board of Directors: | Christian Lüders M.* | |
| Ricardo Ramos R.* | ||
| Eugenio Ponce L.* | ||
| Gerardo Illanes G.* | ||
| Patricio de Solminihac T.* | ||
| Enrique Olivares C.* | ||
| Francisco Sanchez V.* | ||
| CEO: | Christian Lüders M.* | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Av. Moctezuma 144-4, Ciudad del Sol. CP 45050, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico | |
| Telephone: | (52 33) 35401100 | |
| Fax: | (52 33) 35401100 | |
| SQM CORPORATION N.V.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$12,939,718 | |
| Ownership: | 99.9794% SQM Industrial S.A. | |
| 0.0204% SQI Corporation N.V. | ||
| 0.0002% SQM S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 2.1284624% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Investment in moveable goods and real estate | |
| Board of Directors: | TMF Group | |
| CEO: | TMF Group | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Pietermaai 15, Curacao | |
| Telephone: | (59) (99) 4335119 | |
| Fax: | (59) (99) 4335119 | |
| SQM ECUADOR S.A.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$416,900 | |
| Ownership: | 99.996% SQM Industrial S.A. | |
| 0.004% SQM S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0091287% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Wholesale fertilizer sales | |
| Board of Directors: | None | |
| CEO: | Andrés Yaksic* | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Av. José Orrantia y Av. Juan Tanca Marengo, Edificio Executive Center, Piso 3 Oficina 304-305, Guayaquil, Ecuador | |
| Telephone: | (593 4) 2158639 | |
| Fax: | (593 4) 2158639 ext 11 | |
| 98 |
6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| SQM EUROPE N.V.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$21,736,572 | |
| Ownership: | 99.42% Soquimich European Holdings B.V. | |
| 0.58% SQM S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 1.1577180% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Distribution and marketing of specialty plant nutrients and industrial products in Europe, Northern Africa and the Middle and Far East | |
| Board of Directors: | Ricardo Ramos R.* | |
| Eugenio Ponce L.* | ||
| Patricio de Solminihac T.* | ||
| Daniel Jiménez S.* | ||
| Enrique Olivares* | ||
| CEO: | Frank Biot | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support and Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Houtkok-Noordkaai 25a, 2030. Antwerp, Belgium | |
| Telephone: | (32 3) 2039700 | |
| Fax: | (32 3) 2312782 | |
| SQM FRANCE S.A. | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$204,061 | |
| Ownership: | 100% Soquimich European Holdings NV | |
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0055051% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Distribution | |
| Board of Directors: | ||
| Representante Legal: | Oliver Lecaplain | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Zac Des Pommiers, 27930 Fauville, France | |
| Telephone: | None | |
| SQM IBERIAN S.A. | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$133,127 | |
| Ownership: | 100% Soquimich European Holdings B.V. | |
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.1254324% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Distribution and marketing of specialty plant nutrients and technical products in Spain | |
| Board of Directors: | Frank Biot | |
| Jorge Lütken | ||
| Erik Borghys | ||
| Andrés Yaksic* | ||
| Gerencia: | José Andrés Cayuela | |
| Enrique Torras | ||
| Erik Lütken | ||
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Provenza 251 Principal 1a CP 08008 Barcelona, Spain | |
| Telephone: | (34 93) 4877806 | |
| Fax: | (34 93) 4872344 | |
| 99 |
6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| SQM INDONESIA S.A.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$35,629 | |
| Ownership: | 80% Soquimich European Holding B.V. | |
| 20% Non-related parties | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0000557% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Import trading and distribution services | |
| Board of Directors: | Frank Biot (President) | |
| Patrick Vanbeneden | ||
| Marnix Van Hyfte | ||
| Rudy Ismanto | ||
| CEO: | Not applicable | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Puri Sentra Niaga Blok B 25, JL. Wiraloka, Kalimalang, Jakarta, 13620 | |
| Telephone: | (62 21) 86607760 | |
| Fax: | (62 21) 86607761 | |
| SQM INVESTMENT CORPORATION N.V.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$50,000 | |
| Ownership: | 99.00% SQM Potasio S.A. | |
| 1.00% SQM S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.722570% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Investment and marketing of moveable goods and real estate | |
| Board of Directors: | TMF Group | |
| CEO: | TMF Group | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Pietermaai 15, Curacao | |
| Telephone: | (59) (99) 4335119 | |
| Fax: | (59) (99) 4335119 | |
| SQM ITALIA SRL: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$308,652 | |
| Ownership: | 100% Soquimich European Holdings NV | |
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0286172% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Distribution | |
| Board of Directors: | ||
| CEO: | Silvio Maria Parri | |
| Frank Biot | ||
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Via A. Meucci, N°5, 50012 – Bagno A Ripoli –Firenze, Italy | |
| Telephone: | +39 055 644 418 | |
| Fax: | None | |
| 100 |
6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| SQM JAPAN CO. LTD.: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$87,413 | |
| Ownership: | 99% SQM Potasio S.A. | |
| 1% SQM S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0382104% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Marketing of products in Asia/Oceania and marketing assistance | |
| Board of Directors: | Patricio Contesse* | |
| Eugenio Ponce* | ||
| Mayo Shibazaki | ||
| CEO: | Mayo Shibazaki | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution and marketing | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Commercial agency agreement | |
| Address: | From 1st Bldg 207, 5-3-10 Minami- Aoyama, Minatoku, Tokyo, Japan 107-0062 | |
| Telephone: | (81 3) 5778 3311 | |
| Fax: | (81 3) 5778 3312 | |
| SQM LITHIUM SPECIALTIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, L.L.P: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability partnership | |
| Capital: | US$33,712,430 | |
| Ownership: | 99% SQM Virginia LLC | |
| 1% North American Trading Co. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.3370880% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Production and marketing of lithium derivatives | |
| Board of Directors: | None | |
| President: | Sebastian Sanchez | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Soporte | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | 2727 Paces Ferry Road, Building Two, Suite 1425, Atlanta, GA 30339 | |
| Telephone: | 1 (770) 916 9400 | |
| Fax: | 1 (770) 916 9401 | |
| SQM NITRATOS MEXICO S.A. de C.V.: | ||
| Type of company: | Variable capital corporation | |
| Capital: | US$5,636 | |
| Ownership: | 99.998% SQM Industrial S.A. | |
| 0.002% SQM North America Corporation | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0002091% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Services | |
| Board of Directors: | Christian Lüders M.* | |
| Ricardo Ramos R.* | ||
| Eugenio Ponce L.* | ||
| Gerardo Illanes G.* | ||
| Patricio de Solminihac T.* | ||
| Enrique Olivares C.* | ||
| Francisco Sanchez V.* | ||
| CEO: | Christian Lüders M.* | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Av. Moctezuma 144-4, Ciudad del Sol. CP 45050, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico | |
| Telephone: | (52 33) 35401100 | |
| Fax: | (52 33) 35401100 | |
| 101 |
6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| SQM NORTH AMERICA CORPORATION: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$30.140.100 | |
| Ownership: | 51% SQM Industrial S.A. | |
| 40% SQM S.A. | ||
| 9% Soquimich European Holdings B.V. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.7050464% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Marketing of nitrates, fertilizers, iodine and lithium in North America | |
| Board of Directors: | Patricio Contesse G.* | |
| Patricio de Solminihac T.* | ||
| Eugenio Ponce L.* | ||
| Ricardo Ramos R.* | ||
| Daniel Jiménez S. * | ||
| President: | Sebastian Sanchez | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | 2727 Paces Ferry Road, Building Two, Suite 1425, Atlanta, GA 30339 | |
| Telephone: | (1 770) 916 9400 | |
| Fax: | (1 770) 916 9401 | |
| SQM OCEANIA PTY LIMITED: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$1 | |
| Ownership: | 100% SQM Soquimich European Holdings B.V. | |
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0489651% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Import, export and distribution of fertilizers and industrial products | |
| Board of Directors: | Frank Biot | |
| Patrick Vanbeneden | ||
| Gerardo Illanes G.* | ||
| Carlos Díaz O.* | ||
| Geoffrey Walker | ||
| CEO: | None | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | LEVEL 16 201 ELIZABETH STREET SYDNEY NSW 2000 | |
| Telephone: | (61 412) 558911 | |
| Fax: | (61 293) 479221 |
| 102 |
6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| SQM PERÚ S.A.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$17,427 | |
| Ownership: | 99.02% SQM Industrial S.A. | |
| 0.98% SQM S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | -0.0150983% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Marketing of agricultural and industrial inputs | |
| Board of Directors: | Ricardo Ramos* | |
| Enrique Olivares” | ||
| Andrés Yaksic* | ||
| CEO: | Andrés Yaksic* | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Avenida Camino Real Nº 390 of 801, San Isidro, Lima, Peru | |
| Telephone: | (511) 6112121 | |
| Fax: | (511) 6112122 | |
| SQM (THAILAND) LIMITED: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$3,364,341 | |
| Ownership: | 99.996% SQM European Holdings NV | |
| 0.004% Non-related parties | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0645719% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Marketing of fertilizers and industrial chemicals | |
| Board of Directors: | Andrés Yaksic* | |
| Patrick Vanbeneden | ||
| Bert Desmet | ||
| Pattamakan Suparp | ||
| Representante legal: | Bert Desmet | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Unit 2962, Level 29, No. 388, Exchange Tower, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey District, Bangkok, Thailand | |
| Telephone: | (66) 2104 9136 | |
| SQM VIRGINIA L.L.C.: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US $33,375,305 | |
| Ownership: | 100% SQM North America Corporation | |
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.3337199% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Investment company | |
| Board of Directors: | Eugenio Ponce L.* | |
| Gerardo Illanes G.* | ||
| President: | Sebastián Sánchez | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | 2727 Paces Ferry Road, Building Two, Suite 1425, Atlanta, GA 30339 | |
| Telephone: | (1 770) 916 9400 | |
| Fax: | (1 770) 916 9401 |
| 103 |
6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| SQMC HOLDING CORPORATION: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$3,000,000 | |
| Ownership: | 99.9% SQM Potasio S.A. | |
| 0.1% SQM S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.7434891% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Investment company | |
| Board of Directors: | Eugenio Ponce L.* | |
| Felipe Smith* | ||
| President: | Sebastián Sánchez | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | 2727 Paces Ferry Road, Building Two, Suite 1425, Atlanta, GA 30339 | |
| Telephone: | (1 770) 916 9400 | |
| Fax: | (1 770) 916 9401 | |
| International Associates | ||
| ABU DHABI FERTILIZER INDUSTRIES CO. W.L.L.: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$1,440,217 | |
| Ownership: | 37% SQM Corporation N.V. | |
| 63% Non-related parties | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.2385560% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Distribution and marketing of specialty plant nutrients | |
| Board of Directors: | Yousef Al Tawil | |
| Patrick Vanbeneden | ||
| Frank Biot | ||
| CEO: | Yousef Al Tawil | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | PO Box 71871, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | |
| Telephone: | (971) 25511700 | |
| Fax: | (971) 25511702 | |
| AJAY EUROPE SARL: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$4,206,847 | |
| Ownership: | 50% Soquimich European Holdings B.V. | |
| 50% Non-related parties | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.1859303% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Production and distribution of iodine | |
| Board of Directors: | Eugenio Ponce* | |
| Alan Shipp | ||
| Felipe Smith* | ||
| Alec Poitevint | ||
| CEO: | Alan Shipp | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Production | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Supply | |
| Address: | Z.I. du Grand Verger BP 227 53602, Evron Cedex, France | |
| Telephone: | (33 24) 3013535 | |
| Fax: | (33 24) 3017618 | |
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6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| AJAY NORTH AMERICA L.L.C.: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$10,383,786 | |
| Ownership: | 49% SQMC Holding Corporation | |
| 51% Non-related parties | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.3142865% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Production and marketing of iodine derivatives | |
| Board of Directors: | Eugenio Ponce* | |
| Felipe Smith* | ||
| Alan Shipp | ||
| Alec Poitevint | ||
| CEO: | Alan Shipp | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Production | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Supply | |
| Address: | 1400 Industry Road, Power Springs, GA 30129 | |
| Telephone: | 1 (770) 943 6202 | |
| Fax: | 1 (770) 439 0369 | |
| CHARLEE SQM THAILAND: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$2,432,000 | |
| Ownership: | 40% Soquimich European Holdings B.V. | |
| 60% Non-related parties | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0419316% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Distribution and marketing of specialty plant nutrients | |
| Board of Directors: | Patrick Vanbeneden | |
| Olaf Rietveld | ||
| Chali Arjananont | ||
| Vashirasak Arjananont | ||
| Wachirachai Utjananont | ||
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | 31 Soi 138 (Meesuk) Ladpraw Road, Bangkapi, 10240 Bangkok, Thailand | |
| Telephone: | (662) 3778668 | |
| Fax: | (662) 3773578 |
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6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| DOKTOR TARSA TARIM SANAYI A.S.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$17,680,795 | |
| Ownership: | 50% Soquimich European Holdings B.V. | |
| 50% Non-related parties | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.3454689% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Distribution, marketing and production of specialty fertilizers | |
| Board of Directors: | Frank Biot | |
| Ali B. Ozman | ||
| Fahri Harmansah | ||
| CEO: | Ali B. Ozman | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Organize Sanayi Bolgesi, Ikinci Kisim, 22 cadde TR07100 Antalya, Turkey. | |
| Telephone: | (90 2) 422494646 | |
| Fax: | (90 2) 422494600 | |
| SQM MED TARIM SANAYI VE TICARET A.S.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$283.906 | |
| Ownership: | 50% Soquimich European Holdings B.V. | |
| 50% Non-related parties | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0020441% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Production and marketing of specialty products | |
| Board of Directors: | Patrick Vanbeneden | |
| Ali B. Özman | ||
| CEO: | Ali B. Özman | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | None | |
| Address: | Organize Sanayi Bolgesi, Ikinci,Kisim, 22 cadde TR07100 Antalya, Turkey | |
| Telephone: | (90 2) 422494646 | |
| Fax: | (90 2) 422494600 |
There were no significant changes in the ownership structure of SQM’s subsidiaries and associates during 2014.
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6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| 107 |
6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| 108 |
6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| SQM VITAS BRASIL: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$5,373,325 | |
| Ownership: | 99.99% SQM Vitas FZCO | |
| 0.01% Non-related parties | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0658389 % | |
| Corporate purpose: | Production, distribution and marketing of specialty plant nutrients | |
| Board of directors: | Frank Biot | |
| Karina Kuzmak-Bourdet | ||
| Alfredo Doberti | ||
| CEO: | Leandro Ries | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Production and distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Via Candeias, Km. 01, Sem Numero, Lote 4, Bairro Cia Norte, Candeias, Bahia – Brazil CEP 43.805 – 190, Caixa Postal 138 | |
| Telephone: | (55) 71 3602 3056 | |
| Fax: | None | |
| SQM VITAS B.V. | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$121,040 | |
| Ownership: | 50% Soquimich European Holdings NV | |
| 50% Non-related parties | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0307890% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Investment company | |
| Board of directors: | Frank Biot | |
| Patrick Vanbeneden | ||
| Paul van Duuren | ||
| Dennis Beets | ||
| CEO: | Not applicable | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Support | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Luna ArenA, Herikerbergweg 238, 1101 CM Amsterdam Zuid-Oost, Netherlands | |
| Telephone: | (31 20) 5755600 | |
| Fax: | (31 20) 6730016 |
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6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| SQM VITAS FZCO: | ||
| Type of company: | Free zone company | |
| Capital: | US$1.415.440 | |
| Ownership: | 49.5% SQM Industrial S.A. | |
| 0.5% SQM S.A. | ||
| 50% Non-related parties | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.2134326% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Production, distribution and marketing of specialty plant nutrients | |
| Board of directors: | Patrick Vanbeneden | |
| Karina Kuzmak-Bourdet | ||
| Frank Biot | ||
| CEO: | Patrick Vanbeneden | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Production and distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Jebel Ali Free Zone, PO Box 18222, Dubai, United Arab Emirates | |
| Telephone: | (971 4) 8838506 | |
| Fax: | (971 4) 8838507 | |
| SQM VITAS PERÚ S.A.C.: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$4.420.440 | |
| Ownership: | 99.99999% SQM Vitas FZCO | |
| 0.00001% SQM Industrial S.A. | ||
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0580009% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Production, distribution and marketing of specialty plant nutrients | |
| Board of directors: | Frank Biot | |
| Karina Kuzmak-Bourdet | ||
| Alfredo Doberti | ||
| CEO: | Carlos Arredondo | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Production and distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Av. Juan de Arona N°151 Of. 303, Torre B, San Isidro, Lima, Peru | |
| Telephone: | (511) 611 2121 | |
| Fax: | (511) 611 2121 |
| SQM VITAS PLANTACOTE BV: | ||
| Type of company: | Limited liability corporation | |
| Capital: | US$1,815,600 | |
| Ownership: | 100% SQM Vitas BV | |
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0131704% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Production, distribution and marketing of specialty plant nutrients | |
| Board of directors: | Patrick Vanbeneden | |
| Frank Biot | ||
| Karina Kuzmak-Bourdet | ||
| CEO: | Toon Vanderhallen | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Production and distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | Luna ArenA, Herikerbergweg 238, 1101 CM Ambsterdam Zuid-Oost, Netherlands | |
| Telephone: | (32) 471 953405 | |
| Fax: | None |
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6) Information about Subsidiaries and Associates
| SQM VITAS SOUTHERN AFRICA PTY: | ||
| Type of company: | Proprietary company | |
| Capital: | US$1,180,814 | |
| Ownership: | 100% SQM Vitas FZCO | |
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0020905% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Production, distribution and marketing of specialty plant nutrients | |
| Board of directors: | Patrick Vanbeneden | |
| Frank Biot | ||
| Karina Kuzmak-Bourdet | ||
| CEO: | Adriaan Boersma | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Production and distribution | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | 33, Waterford Office Park, Waterford Drive, Fourways 2162, Johannesburg, South Africa | |
| Telephone: | (27) 11 658 0018 | |
| Fax: | None | |
| SQM VITAS SPAIN: | ||
| Type of company: | Corporation | |
| Capital: | US$1,210,400 | |
| Ownership: | 100% SQM Vitas BV | |
| Investment as % of SQM S.A.’s | ||
| individual assets: | 0.0118812% | |
| Corporate purpose: | Production of specialty plant nutrients | |
| Board of directors: | Patrick Vanbenden | |
| Frank Biot | ||
| Karina Kuzmak-Bourdet | ||
| CEO: | Juan Carlos García | |
| Relationship with parent company: | Production | |
| Contracts with parent company: | Not applicable | |
| Address: | 11510-Puerto Real, calle Manuel Echeverría, Manzana 2, Muelle de la Cabezuela, Cádiz, Spain | |
| Telephone: | (34) 956567946 | |
| Fax: | (34) 956479059 |
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7) Information about Relevant or Essential Facts
7) INFORMATION ABOUT RELEVANT OR ESSENTIAL FACTS
Relevant or Essential Facts Pertaining to SQM S.A.
On March 4, 2014, SQM informed that its Board of Directors, who met in an Ordinary Meeting on March 4th, 2014, unanimously agreed to recommend at the next Annual General Shareholders' Meeting of SQM to distribute and pay, by way of final dividend, 50% of the distributable net income obtained by SQM during the exercise of the fiscal year 2013. This recommendation implies maintaining SQM’s current "Dividend Policy for the Exercise of the Business Year 2013" which was informed to SQM’s Annual General Shareholders' Meeting held on April 25th, 2013. Therefore, and subject to the approval of SQM’s shareholder at the next Annual Meeting on April 25th of this year, the Company shall pay a final dividend of US$ 0.88738 per share as a consequence of the distributable net income obtained during the 2013 fiscal year. Nevertheless, the amount of US$ 0.75609 must be deducted from said definitive dividend, which was already paid as an provisional dividend, and the balance, in the amount of US$ 0.13129 per share, shall be paid and distributed to SQM Shareholders who are registered in the respective Registry by the fifth business day before the day on which the same shall be paid. Said amount, if applicable, shall be paid in the equivalent in Chilean national currency according to the value of the "Observed Dollar” or "US Dollar” that appears published in the Official Gazette on April 25, 2014. This shall be paid to the corresponding 7) Information about Relevant or Essential Facts shareholders, in person or through their duly authorized representatives, as of 9:00am on Thursday, May 8th this year.
On May 20, 2014, SQM informed that its Board of Directors met in an Ordinary Board Meeting, where they were informed about the law suit that the Economic Development Corporation (CORFO) filed against SQM Salar S.A. (SQMS) –and also against SQM, as guarantor and securing co-debtor for SQMS – and about the law suit that SQMS filed against CORFO. Both law suits involve the Leasing Contract that CORFO and SQMS signed on November 12, 1993 (CONTRACT) in relation to certain OMA Mining Deposits of CORFO which are constituted on part of the area of the Salar de Atacama in the Antofagasta Region (DEPOSITS). In addition the Directors of SQM were informed and agreed upon the following:
| 1. | Said two law suits were filed on Friday, May 16, 2014 in the presence of a “mixed” arbitrator – or arbitrator regarding the procedure and the law in terms of the ruling- who was appointed by the Santiago Arbitration and Mediation Center of the Santiago Chamber of Commerce and the law suits were reciprocally notified to the parties on May 19, 2014. |
| 2. | The effective period of the CONTRACT runs from November 12, 1993 to December 31, 2030 and the latter, therefore, has been in force for more than 21 continuous and uninterrupted years without there ever being any legal or arbitral conflict between the parties or concerns that have not been immediately clarified by SQMS. During this period, SQMS has always provided to CORFO, every three calendar months, the respective “payments and it has also fully paid CORFO the corresponding “quarterly lease payments”. SQMS has issued a total of 81 payments which have contained all necessary information to sustain each one of said payments and the consequent calculation and payment of the corresponding “quarterly payments”. |
| 3. | Notwithstanding the above, SQM’s Board of Directors, in relation to CORFO’s lawsuit, were informed about the principal terms and modalities of the latter and by means of which CORFO is basically requesting that the Arbiter –i- declare that SQMS has not fully paid the quarterly payments in a timely manner that it had to pay to CORFO since the year 2009 thereinafter, and which amount to a total of US$8,940,829 plus the pertinent interests –ii- declare that SQMS has not fulfilled its obligation to conserve, maintain and replace the Measured Landmarks of the MINING DEPOSITS –iii- declare the early termination of the CONTRACT as a consequence of that set forth in paragraph –i- or, alternatively, that expressed in above paragraph –ii- -iv- declare that SQMS must pay a compensation to CORFO equivalent to the lease payment that CORFO must receive until December 31, 2030 – date of the conventional termination of the CONTRACT- -v- declare that SQMS must pay to CORFO, for concept of non-material damage, the amount equivalent to 30% of the material damages that are determined in the arbitration proceedings, and –vi- declare that SQMS must return the MINING DEPOSITS to CORFO with their permits paid. The law suit, alternatively, and in the case that the arbitrator rejects said request for early termination of the CONTRACT, partially reproduces the above and basically requests, and in that corresponding to the arbitrator, that he declare that SQMS must pay the amount of US$8,940,829 plus interests to CORFO, that SQMS must maintain and replace the Measured Landmarks of the DEPOSITS and that SQMS must pay to CORFO, for the concept of non-material damage, the amount equivalent to 30% of the material damages as determined in the trial. |
| 4. | In addition, SQM’s Board of Directors, in relation to the lawsuit of SQMS, was informed in detail about the reason for which SQMS sustains that it does not owe any amount to CORFO pursuant to the CONTRACT, and, consequently, requests it to declare that the payments that SQMS delivered to CORFO and the payments made by SQMS to CORFO have fully complied with that set forth in the CONTRACT and the agreements made by the parties.To approve the salaries to be paid to the Directors of SQM S.A. |
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7) Information about Relevant or Essential Facts
| 5. | The lawyers of SQMS and of SQM has informed them that the lawsuit of CORFO has no prospect for success since it is plainly contradictory to the uniform interpretation and application that the parties granted to the CONTRACT for more than 21 uninterrupted years, and that SQMS has fully complied with its obligation to protect the DEPOSITS and that the latter, as a result of the above, are currently totally in force and legally protected. |
On June 6, 2014, SQM informed that its Board of Directors met today in an extraordinary Board meeting to discuss the following:
| 1. | Partially modify the current “Dividend Policy for the 2014 fiscal year” that was approved at the Company’s Annual General Shareholder meeting that took place on April 25, 2014, with the essential purpose of incorporating in said “Policy” an eventual dividend payment of US$230 million – equivalent to approximately US$0.87387 per share. This dividend will be distributed during 2014 and charged to SQM’s retained earnings. |
| 2. | To convene an Extraordinary General Shareholder meeting at 10:00am on July 7, 2014, with the purpose of presenting the dividend payment presented above. |
On October 15, 2014, SQM informed that it is subject to the obligations of the Chilean Income Tax Law (Ley sobre Impuesto a la Renta), including, when applicable, the payment of the corporate income taxes (Impuesto de Primera Categoria, or “First Category Tax”) established by such law. On September 29, 2014, Law 20,780 was published in the Official Gazette. This law modified the Chilean Income Tax Law and introduced a progressive increase in the First Category Tax, which will reach a rate of 25% beginning in 2017, subject to the application of the Attributed Income System (sistema de renta atribuida), or a rate of 27% beginning in 2018, subject to the application of the Semi-Integrated System (sistema parcialmente integrado). SQM S.A. will be affected by these modifications to the Chilean Income Tax Law, regardless of which of the two systems it chooses to apply. In accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), SQM S.A. must immediately recognize, in its consolidated statements of income, the effect that this increase in the First Category Tax will have on its deferred tax liabilities. SQM S.A. estimates that the effect, under the Semi-Integrated System, will be between US$55 million and US$60 million. Notwithstanding the foregoing, once the final amount has been determined, it will be recognized and charged to profit in SQM S.A.’s interim consolidated financial statements for the third quarter of 2014, which will be published during the month of November 2014.
On October 23, 2014, SQM informed that is subject to the obligations of the Chilean Income Tax Law (Ley sobre Impuesto a la Renta) and, when applicable, the payment of the corporate income taxes (Impuestos de Primera Categoria) or “First Category Tax” established by such law.
On October 15, 2014, by means of an Essential Fact and a 6-K, SQM announced the effects that Law N° 20,780 would have on its consolidated statements of income due to deferred tax liabilities as a result of the increase in the First Category Tax. SQM estimated that the effect, under the Semi-Integrated System would be between US$55 million and US$60 million. Notwithstanding the foregoing, once the final amount was determined, it would be recognized and charged to profit in SQM S.A.’s interim consolidated financial statements for the third quarter 2014. On October 17, 2014, by means of Bulletin N° 856, the Chilean Securities and Insurance Commission (Superintendencia de Valores y Seguros, or “SVS”) informed that these effects should be accounted for against equity. Thus, the application of Law N° 20,780 will not impact the consolidated statement of income or the determination of the distributable net income of SQM. According to Bulletin N°856, SQM would generate, then, a direct charge against equity for an amount ranging between US$55 and US$60 million that will be finally accounted for in the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements of SQM for the third quarter of 2014, of which the Company shall inform its shareholders and the relevant authorities in November.
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7) Information about Relevant or Essential Facts
On October 23, 2014, SQM informed that that it has priced today a US$250 million aggregate principal amount of 4.375% Notes due 2025 (equivalent to a spread of 215 basis points over the US treasury). The notes were offered to investors at a price of 99.410% of principal amount. The notes will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or under any U.S. state securities laws. The notes are being offered solely (1) to qualified institutional buyers (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) and (2) to persons outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The notes will not be registered with the Chilean Securities and Insurance Commission (Superintendencia de Valores y Seguros) under Law 18,045, as amended, and accordingly, may not be offered to persons in Chile other than in circumstances that do not constitute a public offering under Chilean law.
On October 28, 2014, SQM informed that it issued today, in the international markets, US$250 million 4.375% unsecured notes due 2025, which will be used to refinance existing indebtedness. The Company filed today the information below with the Chilean Securities and Insurance Commission (Superintendencia de Valores y Seguros or “SVS”) in compliance with the Official Notice No.1072 issued by the SVS, and as a material event in compliance with articles 9 and 10 of Law No.18,045 and SVS Rule No. 30 and in response to the Letter – Material Event dated October 23, 2014.
On November 19, 2014, SQM informed that its Board of Directors, who met in an Ordinary Board of Director Meeting on November 18, 2014, unanimously agreed to pay and distribute a provisional dividend. This payment is referred to in the current “SQM’s 2014 Dividend Policy " that was reported at the SQM Annual General Shareholders Meeting held on April 25th of this year. SQM shall pay and distribute, on of December 12, 2014, a provisional dividend of US$ 0.41493 per share, which is approximately equivalent to the total amount of US$ 109 million and, the latter, to 50% of the distributable net income of the fiscal year 2014, accumulated as of September 30 of this year. This shall be charged against the net income of said fiscal year, in favor of the Shareholders who appear in SQM’s Registry of Shareholders on the fifth business day prior to December 12, 2014, and in its equivalent in national currency (Chilean pesos) according to the value of the "Observed Dollar" or "United States of America Dollar" as published in the Official Gazette on December 5, 2014.
Relevant or Essential Facts Pertaining to Soquimich Comercial S.A.
On March 17, 2014, SQM’s subsidiary Soquimich Comercial informed the SVS of an essential fact, in which the Board of Directors of Soquimich Comercial S.A. unanimously agreed, at a session held on that date, to propose a definitive dividend payment for a sum of Chilean pesos, the national legal tender currency, equivalent at the observed dollar exchange rate on the date of approval at the company’s Ordinary General Shareholders Meeting to US$0.01892 per share, payable to the shareholders registered in the corresponding Registry on the fifth working day in advance of the payment date. This proposition, following approval at the company’s Ordinary General Shareholders Meeting to be held on April 24, 2014, will allow the company to distribute an annual dividend equivalent to 50% of its liquid net earnings from the 2013 business year. The corresponding sum shall be paid to eligible shareholders, in person or through duly authorized representatives, starting at 09:00 am on Monday, May 19 of this year.
For information about relevant or essential facts that have taken place prior to the period covered by this Annual Report but that during the current period have had a significant effect or influence on our business, financial statements or securities, or could have such effect or influence in the future, see sections 3) a) Historical Information, 3) c) Activities and Businesses and 3) e) Risk Factors.
8) SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND PROPOSALS BY SHAREHOLDERS AND THE DIRECTORS’ COMMITTEE
According to Chilean Law No. 18,046, section 3, article 74, there have been no comments or proposals from SQM’s shareholders or Directors’ Committee regarding the Company’s business.
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9) Financial Reports
9) a) FINANCIAL REPORTS OF THE REPORTING ENTITY
Report of Independent Auditors
| 115 |
9) Financial Reports
| 116 |
9) Financial Reports
| 117 |
9) Financial Reports
| 118 |
9) Financial Reports
| 119 |
9) Financial Reports
| 120 |
9) Financial Reports
| Consolidated Classified Statements of Financial Position |
| Assets | Note | As of December 31, 2014 ThUS$ | As of December 31, 2013 ThUS$ | |||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 7.1 | 354,566 | 476,622 | |||||||
| Other current financial assets | 10.1 | 670,602 | 460,173 | |||||||
| Other current non-financial assets | 25 | 43,736 | 44,230 | |||||||
| Trade and other receivables, current | 10.2 | 340,830 | 330,992 | |||||||
| Trade receivables due from related parties, current | 9.5 | 134,506 | 128,026 | |||||||
| Current inventories | 8 | 919,603 | 955,530 | |||||||
| Current tax assets | 28.1 | 47,975 | 59,476 | |||||||
| Total current assets | 2,511,818 | 2,455,049 | ||||||||
| Non-current assets | ||||||||||
| Other non-current financial assets | 10.1 | 427 | 95 | |||||||
| Other non-current non-financial assets | 25 | 32,171 | 36,505 | |||||||
| Trade receivables, non-current | 10.2 | 2,044 | 1,282 | |||||||
| Investments in associates | 11.1 | 49,723 | 51,075 | |||||||
| Investments in joint ventures | 12.3 | 26,055 | 25,943 | |||||||
| Intangible assets other than goodwill | 13.1 | 114,735 | 104,363 | |||||||
| Goodwill | 13.1 | 38,388 | 38,388 | |||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 14.1 | 1,887,954 | 2,054,377 | |||||||
| Deferred tax assets | 28.4 | 340 | 531 | |||||||
| Total non-current assets | 2,151,837 | 2,312,559 | ||||||||
| Total assets | 4,663,655 | 4,767,608 | ||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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9) Financial Reports
| Consolidated Classified Statements of Financial Position (continued) |
| Liabilities and Equity | Note | As of December 31, 2014 ThUS$ | As of December 31, 2013 ThUS$ | |||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Other current financial liabilities | 10.4 | 213,172 | 401,426 | |||||||||
| Trade and other payables, current | 10.5 | 145,160 | 150,960 | |||||||||
| Trade payables due to related parties, current | 9.6 | 231 | - | |||||||||
| Other current provisions | 18.1 | 27,747 | 17,953 | |||||||||
| Current tax liabilities | 28.2 | 28,983 | 31,707 | |||||||||
| Provisions for employee benefits, current | 15.1 | 18,384 | 25,236 | |||||||||
| Other current non-financial liabilities | 18.3 | 90,010 | 95,353 | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 523,687 | 722,635 | ||||||||||
| Non-current liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Other non-current financial liabilities | 10.4 | 1,574,225 | 1,417,390 | |||||||||
| Other non-current provisions | 18.1 | 8,890 | 8,633 | |||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | 28.4 | 223,349 | 154,295 | |||||||||
| Provisions for employee benefits, non-current | 15.1 | 33,801 | 32,414 | |||||||||
| Total non-current liabilities | 1,840,265 | 1,612,732 | ||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 2,363,952 | 2,335,367 | ||||||||||
| Equity | 17 | |||||||||||
| Share capital | 477,386 | 477,386 | ||||||||||
| Retained earnings | 1,775,612 | 1,909,725 | ||||||||||
| Other reserves | (13,162 | ) | (10,491 | ) | ||||||||
| Equity attributable to owners of the Parent | 2,239,836 | 2,376,620 | ||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 59,867 | 55,621 | ||||||||||
| Total equity | 2,299,703 | 2,432,241 | ||||||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | 4,663,655 | 4,767,608 | ||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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9) Financial Reports
| Consolidated Statements of Income by Function |
| January to December | ||||||||||
| Note | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||
| Revenue | 20 | 2,014,214 | 2,203,140 | |||||||
| Cost of sales | 27.2 | (1,431,242 | ) | (1,481,690 | ) | |||||
| Gross profit | 582,972 | 721,450 | ||||||||
| Other income | 27.3 | 24,055 | 96,716 | |||||||
| Administrative expenses | 27.4 | (96,532 | ) | (105,189 | ) | |||||
| Other expenses by function | 27.5 | (57,107 | ) | (49,397 | ) | |||||
| Other gains (losses) | 27.6 | 4,424 | (11,391 | ) | ||||||
| Profit (loss) from operating activities | 457,812 | 652,189 | ||||||||
| Finance income | 16,142 | 12,696 | ||||||||
| Finance costs | 22 | (63,373 | ) | (58,608 | ) | |||||
| Share of profit of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method | 18,116 | 18,786 | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation differences | 23 | (16,545 | ) | (11,954 | ) | |||||
| Profit (loss) before taxes | 412,152 | 613,109 | ||||||||
| Income tax expense, continuing operations | 28.4 | (108,382 | ) | (138,539 | ) | |||||
| Profit (loss) from continuing operations | 303,770 | 474,570 | ||||||||
| Profit for the year | 303,770 | 474,570 | ||||||||
| Profit attributable to | ||||||||||
| Owners of the Parent | 296,381 | 467,113 | ||||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 7,389 | 7,457 | ||||||||
| Profit for the year | 303,770 | 474,570 | ||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| 123 |
| 9) Financial Reports |
| Consolidated Statements of Income by Function (continued) |
| January to December | ||||||||||
| Note | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||
| US$ | US$ | |||||||||
| Earnings per share | ||||||||||
| Common shares | ||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share (US$ per share) | 21 | 1.1261 | 1.7748 | |||||||
| Basic earnings per share (US$ per share) from continuing operations | 1.1261 | 1.7748 | ||||||||
| Diluted common shares | ||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share (US$ per share) | 21 | 1.1261 | 1.7748 | |||||||
| Diluted earnings per share (US$ per share) from continuing operations | 1.1261 | 1.7748 | ||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| 124 |
9) Financial Reports
| Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income |
| January to December | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Consolidated Statements of comprehensive income | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||
| Profit for the year | 303,770 | 474,570 | ||||||
| Components of other comprehensive income before taxes and foreign currency translation differences | ||||||||
| Gain (loss) from foreign currency translation differences, before taxes | (4,016 | ) | (3,559 | ) | ||||
| Other comprehensive income before taxes and foreign currency translation differences | (4,016 | ) | (3,559 | ) | ||||
| Cash flow hedges | ||||||||
| (Gain) loss from cash flow hedges before taxes | 2,196 | 15,779 | ||||||
| Other comprehensive income before taxes and cash flow hedges | 2,196 | 15,779 | ||||||
| Other comprehensive income before taxes and actuarial gains (losses) from defined benefit plans | (672 | ) | 1,012 | |||||
| Other miscellaneous reserves | - | - | ||||||
| Other components of other comprehensive income before taxes | (2,492 | ) | 13,231 | |||||
| Income taxes associated with components of other comprehensive income | ||||||||
| Income taxes associated with cash flow hedges in other comprehensive income | (311 | ) | (3,023 | ) | ||||
| Income taxes associated with components of other comprehensive income | (311 | ) | (3,023 | ) | ||||
| Other comprehensive income | (2,803 | ) | 10,209 | |||||
| Total comprehensive income | 300,967 | 484,779 | ||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to | ||||||||
| Owners of the Parent | 293,710 | 477,394 | ||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 7,257 | 7,385 | ||||||
| Total comprehensive income | 300,967 | 484,779 | ||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| 125 |
9) Financial Reports
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
| Consolidated Statements of cash flows | Note | January to December | ||||||||||
| 2014 ThUS$ | 2013 ThUS$ | |||||||||||
| Cash flows from (used in) operating activities | ||||||||||||
| Types of receipts from operating activities | ||||||||||||
| Cash receipts from sales of goods and rendering of services | 1,944,072 | 2,392,696 | ||||||||||
| Types of payments | ||||||||||||
| Cash payments to suppliers for the provision of goods and services | (1,179,413 | ) | (1,496,053 | ) | ||||||||
| Cash payments to and on behalf of employees | (42,218 | ) | (48,033 | ) | ||||||||
| Other payments related to operating activities | (9,770 | ) | (24,774 | ) | ||||||||
| Dividends received | 11,817 | 16,423 | ||||||||||
| Interest paid | (83,592 | ) | (87,018 | ) | ||||||||
| Interest received | 16,142 | 12,696 | ||||||||||
| Reimbursed (paid) income taxes | (76,810 | ) | (119,107 | ) | ||||||||
| Other incomes (outflows) of cash | 10,816 | 4,883 | ||||||||||
| Net cash generated from (used in) operating activities | 591,044 | 651,713 | ||||||||||
| Cash flows from (used in) investing activities | ||||||||||||
| Cash receipts from the loss of control of subsidiaries and other businesses | 5,000 | - | ||||||||||
| Other cash payments made to acquire interest in joint ventures | 4,223 | (69 | ) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment | 156 | 216 | ||||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of intangible assets | 15,431 | 86,157 | ||||||||||
| Acquisition of intangible assets | - | - | ||||||||||
| Acquisition of property, plant and equipment | (112,143 | ) | (386,495 | ) | ||||||||
| Cash advances and loans granted to third parties | (2,470 | ) | 528 | |||||||||
| Other incomes (outflows) of cash (*) | (221,561 | ) | (187,722 | ) | ||||||||
| Net cash generated from (used in) investing activities | (311,364 | ) | (487,385 | ) | ||||||||
(*) Includes other cash receipts (payments), investments and redemptions of time deposits and other financial instruments, which do not qualify as cash and cash equivalents in accordance with IAS 7.7 as they record a maturity date from their date of origin greater than 90 days.
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| 126 |
9) Financial Reports
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued) |
| Note | January to December | |||||||||
| 2014 ThUS$ | 2013 ThUS$ | |||||||||
| Cash flows from (used in) financing activities | ||||||||||
| Proceeds from long-term borrowings | 250,000 | 300,000 | ||||||||
| Proceeds from short-term borrowings | 180,000 | 160,000 | ||||||||
| Total proceeds from borrowings | 430,000 | 460,000 | ||||||||
| Repayment of borrowings | (230,000 | ) | (176,485 | ) | ||||||
| Dividends paid | (379,044 | ) | (279,668 | ) | ||||||
| Other cash receipts (payments) | (208,991 | ) | (6,132 | ) | ||||||
| Net cash generated from (used in) financing activities | (388,035 | ) | (2,285 | ) | ||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents before the effect of changes in the exchange rate | (108,355 | ) | 162,043 | |||||||
| Effects of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held | (13,701 | ) | (9,774 | ) | ||||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (122,056 | ) | 152,269 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 476,622 | 324,353 | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 354,566 | 476,622 | ||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| 127 |
9) Financial Reports
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
| 2014 | Share
capital | Foreign
currency translation difference reserves | Cash
flow hedge reserves | Actuarial
gains (losses) from defined benefit plans | Other
miscellaneous reserves | Other
reserves | Retained
earnings | Equity
attributable to owners of the Parent | Non-controlling
interests | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity at beginning of the year | 477,386 | (3,817 | ) | (3,766 | ) | (1,231 | ) | (1,677 | ) | (10,491 | ) | 1,909,725 | 2,376,620 | 55,621 | 2,432,241 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year) | - | - | - | - | - | - | 296,381 | 296,381 | 7,389 | 303,770 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | - | (3,884 | ) | 1,885 | (672 | ) | - | (2,671 | ) | - | (2,671 | ) | (132 | ) | (2,803 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | - | (3,884 | ) | 1,885 | (672 | ) | - | (2,671 | ) | 296,381 | 293,710 | 7,257 | 300,967 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends | - | - | - | - | - | - | (378,190 | ) | (378,190 | ) | (5,280 | ) | (383,470 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in transfers and other changes (*) | - | - | - | - | - | - | (52,304 | ) | (52,304 | ) | - | (52,304 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) due to changes in interests in subsidiaries | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 2,269 | 2,269 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in equity | - | (3,884 | ) | 1,885 | (672 | ) | - | (2,671 | ) | (134,113 | ) | (136,784 | ) | 4,246 | (132,538 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity as of December 31, 2014 | 477,386 | (7,701 | ) | (1,881 | ) | (1,903 | ) | (1,677 | ) | (13,162 | ) | 1,775,612 | 2,239,836 | 59,867 | 2,299,703 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(*) Mainly corresponds to the effect of tax rate (see note 28).
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| 128 |
9) Financial Reports
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
| 2013 | Share
capital | Foreign
currency translation difference reserves | Cash
flow hedge reserves | Actuarial
gains (losses) from defined benefit plans | Other miscellaneous reserves | Other
reserves | Retained
earnings | Equity
attributable to owners of the Parent | Non-controlling
interests | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity at beginning of the year | 477,386 | (330 | ) | (16,522 | ) | (2,243 | ) | (1,677 | ) | (20,772 | ) | 1,676,169 | 2,132,783 | 54,663 | 2,187,446 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year) | - | - | - | - | - | - | 467,113 | 467,113 | 7,457 | 474,570 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | - | (3,487 | ) | 12,756 | 1,012 | - | 10,281 | - | 10,281 | (72 | ) | 10,209 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | - | (3,487 | ) | 12,756 | 1,012 | - | 10,281 | 467,113 | 477,394 | 7,385 | 484,779 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends | - | - | - | - | - | - | (233,557 | ) | (233,557 | ) | (6,427 | ) | (239,984 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in transfers and other changes (*) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in equity | - | (3,487 | ) | 12,756 | 1,012 | - | 10,281 | 233,556 | 243,837 | 958 | 244,795 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity as of December 31, 2013 | 477,386 | (3,817 | ) | (3,766 | ) | (1,231 | ) | (1,677 | ) | (10,491 | ) | 1,909,725 | 2,376,620 | 55,621 | 2,432,241 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(*) Mainly corresponds to the effect of tax rate (see note 28).
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| 129 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 1 | Identification and activities of the Company and Subsidiaries |
| 1.1 | Historical background |
Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. "SQM" is an open stock corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of Chile, Tax Identification No. 93.007.000-9.
The Company was incorporated through a public deed dated June 17, 1968 by the notary public of Santiago Mr. Sergio Rodríguez Garcés. Its existence was approved by Decree No. 1,164 of June 22, 1968 of the Ministry of Finance, and it was registered on June 29, 1968 in the Registry of Commerce of Santiago, on page 4,537 No. 1,992. SQM's headquarters are located at El Trovador 4285, Fl. 6, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile. The Company's telephone number is +56 2 2425-2000.
The Company is registered with the Securities Registry of the Chilean Superintendence of Securities and Insurance (SVS) under No. 0184 dated March 18. 1983 and is subject to the inspection of the SVS.
| 1.2 | Main domicile where the Company performs its production activities |
The Company’s main domiciles are: Calle Dos Sur plot No. 5 - Antofagasta; Arturo Prat 1060 - Tocopilla; Administración Building w/n - Maria Elena; Administración Building w/n Pedro de Valdivia - María Elena, Anibal Pinto 3228 - Antofagasta, Kilometer 1378 Ruta 5 Norte Highway - Antofagasta, Coya Sur Plant w/n - Maria Elena, kilometer 1760 Ruta 5 Norte Highway - Pozo Almonte, Salar de Atacama (Atacama Saltpeter deposit) potassium chloride plant s/n - San Pedro de Atacama, potassium sulfate plant at Salar de Atacama s/n – San Pedro de Atacama, mining works at Salar de Ascotán Region II of Chile, Minsal Mining Camp s/n CL Plant CL, Potassium– San Pedro de Atacama.
| 1.3 | Codes of main activities |
The codes of the main activities as established by the Chilean Superintendence of Securities and Insurance are as follows:
| - | 1700 (Mining) |
| - | 2200 (Chemical products) |
| - | 1300 (Investment) |
| 1.4 | Description of the nature of operations and main activities |
Our products are mainly derived from mineral deposits found in northern Chile. We mine and process caliche ore and brine deposits. The caliche ore in northern Chile contains the only known nitrate and iodine deposits in the world and is the world’s largest commercially exploited source of natural nitrates. The brine deposits of the Salar de Atacama, a salt-encrusted depression within the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, contain high concentrations of lithium and potassium as well as significant concentrations of sulfate and boron.
| 130 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 1 | Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries (continued) |
| 1.4 | Description of the nature of operations and main activities, continued |
From our caliche ore deposits located in the north of Chile, we produce a wide range of nitrate-based products used for specialty plant nutrients and industrial applications, as well as iodine and iodine derivatives. At the Salar de Atacama, we extract brines rich in potassium, lithium, sulfate and boron in order to produce potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, lithium solutions, boric acid and bischofite (magnesium chloride). We produce lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide at our plant near the city of Antofagasta, Chile, from the solutions brought from the Salar de Atacama. We market all of these products through an established worldwide distribution network.
We sell our products in over 100 countries worldwide through our global distribution network and generate our revenue mainly from abroad.
Our products are divided into six categories: specialty plant nutrition, iodine and its derivatives, lithium and its derivatives, industrial chemicals, potassium and other products and services, described as follows:
Specialty plant nutrition: SQM produces and sells four types of specialty plant nutrition in this line of business: potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, sodium potassium nitrate, and specialty blends. This business is characterized by being closely related to its customers for which it has specialized staff who provide expert advisory in best practices for fertilization according to each type of crop, soil and climate. Within this type of business, potassium derivative products and especially potassium nitrate have had a leading role given the contribution they make to develop crops ensuring longer post-harvest crop duration, in addition to improving fruit quality, flavor and color. Potassium nitrate, which is sold in multiple formats and as a part of other specialty blends, is complemented by sodium nitrate, potassium sodium nitrate, and more than 200 fertilizer blends.
Iodine: The Company is a major producer of iodine at worldwide level. Iodine is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, technology and nutrition. Additionally, iodine is used as X ray contrast media and polarizing film for LCD displays.
Lithium: the Company’s lithium is mainly used for manufacturing rechargeable batteries for cell phones, cameras and notebooks. Through the manufacturing of lithium-based products, SQM provides significant materials to face great challenges such as the efficient use of energy and raw materials. Lithium is not only used for rechargeable batteries and in new technologies for vehicles propelled by electricity, but is also used in industrial applications to lower melting temperature and to help saving costs and energy.
Industrial Chemicals: Industrial chemicals are products used as supplies for a number of production processes. SQM has operated in this market for more than 30 years producing sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, boric acid and potassium chloride. Industrial nitrates have increased their importance over the last few years due to their use as storage means for thermal energy at solar energy plants, which are used in countries such as Spain and the United States, which seek to decrease their CO2 emissions.
Potassium: Potassium is one of the three macronutrients that a plant needs to develop. Although potassium does not form part of a plant’s structure, it is essential to the development of its basic functions, validating the quality of a crop, increasing post-crop life, improving the crop’s flavor, vitamin content and physical appearance. Within this business line, SQM sells potassium chloride and potassium sulfate, both extracted from the Salar de Atacama.
Other products and services: This business line includes revenue from commodities, services, interests, royalties and dividends.
| 131 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 1 | Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries (continued) |
| 1.5 | Other background |
Staff
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, staff was detailed as follows:
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| Permanent Staff | 4,800 | 4,792 |
Main shareholders
The table below establishes certain information about the beneficial property of Series A and Series B shares of SQM as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. In respect to each shareholder which has interest of more than 5% of outstanding Series A or B shares. The information below is taken from our records and reports controlled in the Central Securities Depository and reported to the Superintendence of Securities and Insurance (SVS) and the Chilean Stock Exchange, whose main shareholders are as follows:
| Shareholder as of December 31, 2014 | No. of Series A shares owned | % of Series A shares | No. of Series B shares owned | % of Series B shares | % of total shares | |||||||||||||||
| The Bank of New York Mellon, ADRs | - | - | 61,894,725 | 51.42 | % | 23,52 | % | |||||||||||||
| Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A.(*) | 44,803,531 | 31.37 | % | 7,007,688 | 5.82 | % | 19,69 | % | ||||||||||||
| Inversiones El Boldo Limitada | 29,330,326 | 20.54 | % | 17,963,546 | 14.92 | % | 17,97 | % | ||||||||||||
| Inversiones RAC Chile Limitada | 19,200,242 | 13.44 | % | 2,202,773 | 1.83 | % | 8,13 | % | ||||||||||||
| Potasios de Chile S.A.(*) | 18,179,147 | 12.73 | % | - | - | 6,91 | % | |||||||||||||
| Inversiones PCS Chile Limitada | 15,526,000 | 10.87 | % | - | - | 5,90 | % | |||||||||||||
| Inversiones Global Mining (Chile) Limitada (*) | 8,798,539 | 6.16 | % | - | - | 3,34 | % | |||||||||||||
| Banco de Chile on behalf of non-resident third parties | - | - | 5,795,818 | 4.81 | % | 2,20 | % | |||||||||||||
| Banco Itau on behalf of investors | 20,950 | 0.01 | % | 5,412,076 | 4.50 | % | 2,06 | % | ||||||||||||
| Inversiones La Esperanza Limitada | 3,711,598 | 2.60 | % | - | - | 1,41 | % | |||||||||||||
(*) Total Pampa Group 29.94%
| Shareholder as of December 31, 2013 | No. of Series A shares owned | % of Series A shares | No. of Series B shares owned | % of Series B shares | % of total shares | |||||||||||||||
| The Bank of New York Mellon, ADRs | - | - | 56,302,367 | 46.77 | % | 21.39 | % | |||||||||||||
| Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A.(*) | 44,758,830 | 31.34 | % | 6,971,799 | 5.79 | % | 19.65 | % | ||||||||||||
| Inversiones El Boldo Limitada | 29,225,196 | 20.46 | % | 18,028,676 | 14.98 | % | 17.95 | % | ||||||||||||
| Inversiones RAC Chile Limitada | 19,200,242 | 13.44 | % | 2,202,773 | 1.83 | % | 8.13 | % | ||||||||||||
| Potasios de Chile S.A.(*) | 18,179,147 | 12.73 | % | - | - | 6.91 | % | |||||||||||||
| BTG Pactual Chile S.A. C de B | 15,593,709 | 10.92 | % | 797,393 | 0.66 | % | 6.23 | % | ||||||||||||
| Inversiones Global Mining (Chile) Limitada (*) | 8,798,539 | 6.16 | % | - | - | 3.34 | % | |||||||||||||
| Banco Itau on behalf of investors | 20,950 | 0.01 | % | 5,428,234 | 4.51 | % | 2.07 | % | ||||||||||||
| Banco de Chile on behalf of non-resident third parties | - | - | 5,234,823 | 4.35 | % | 1.99 | % | |||||||||||||
| Inversiones La Esperanza Limitada | 3,693,977 | 2.59 | % | - | - | 1.40 | % | |||||||||||||
(*) Total Pampa Group 29.90%
On December 31, 2014 the total number of shareholders was 1,285.
| 132 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 2 | Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements |
| 2.1 | Accounting period |
These consolidated financial statements cover the following periods:
| - | Consolidated Statements of Financial Position for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. |
| - | Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. |
| - | Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the periods between January and December 31, 2014 and 2013. |
| - | Statements of Direct-Method Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. |
| 2.2 | Financial statements |
The consolidated financial statements of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and Subsidiaries, have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (hereinafter “IFRS”) and represent the full, explicit and unreserved application of the aforementioned international standards issued by the International Accounting Oversight Board (IASB). As of September the only instruction issued by the Chilean Superintendence of Securities and Insurance that contravenes IFRS refers to the particular recognition of the effect of deferred taxes.
On September 26, 2014, Law No. 20.780 was enacted and published on September 29, 2014, which introduces amendments to the tax system in Chile referred to income taxes, among other matters. On October 17, 2014, the Chilean Superintendence of Securities and Insurance issued Circular No. 856 which required that the adjustment of deferred tax assets and liabilities generated as a direct effect of an increase in the corporate income tax rate provided by Law 20.780 (the Tax Reform) will be made against equity and not as required by IAS 12. Notes 3.38 and 28.5 provide a detail of criteria used and impacts related to the recording of the effects resulting from such tax reform and the application of the aforementioned Circular.
These consolidated financial statements reflect fairly the Company’s equity and financial position and the results of its operations, changes in the statement of recognized revenue and expenses and cash flows, which have occurred during the periods then ended.
IFRS establish certain alternatives for their application. Those applied by the Company and its subsidiaries are included in detail in this Note.
The accounting policies used in the preparation of these consolidated annual and interim accounts comply with each IFRS in force at their date of presentation. Certain reclassifications have been made for comparative purposes.
| 2.3 | Basis of measurement |
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for the following material items:
| - | Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable value. |
| - | Other current and non-current asset and financial liabilities at amortized cost. |
| - | Financial derivatives at fair value; and |
| - | Staff severance indemnities and pension commitments at actuarial value. |
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9) Financial Reports
| Note 2 | Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements (continued) |
| 2.4 | Accounting pronouncements |
New accounting pronouncements
a) The following standards, interpretations and amendments are mandatory for the first time for annual periods beginning on January 1, 2014:
| Standards and interpretations | Mandatory
for annual periods beginning on | |
| IFRIC 21 “Levies”-Issued in May 2013. Indicates the accounting treatment for a liability to pay a levy if such levy falls within the scope of IAS 37. It proposes that the liability be recognized when the obligation triggering event occurs and payment cannot be avoided. The obligation triggering event will be established in the related legislation and may occur at a given date or gradually over time. Early adoption is permitted. | 01/01/2014 |
| Amendments | Mandatory
for annual periods beginning on | |
| Amendment to IAS 32 “Financial Instruments: Presentation”- On the offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities. Issued in December 2011. It clarifies the requirements for the offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities in the Statement of financial position. Early adoption is permitted. | 01/01/2014 | |
| Amendment to IAS 27 “Separate Financial Statements”, IFRS 10 “Consolidated Financial Statements” and IFRS 12 “Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities”-Issued in October 2012. The amendments include the definition of an investment entity and provide an exception for the consolidation of certain subsidiaries of entities meeting the definition for an “investment entity”. The amendments also introduce new disclosure requirements relative to investment entities in IFRS 12 and IAS 27. | 01/01/2014 | |
| Amendment to IAS 36 “Impairment of assets”- Issued in May 2013. It amends the disclosure of the recoverable amount of non-financial assets aligning them to the requirements of IFRS 13. Early adoption is permitted. | 01/01/2014 | |
| Amendment to IAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” – on the novation of derivatives and hedge accounting – Published in June 2013. It establishes certain conditions that must be met for the novation of derivatives to allow the continuance of hedge accounting; this in order to avoid novations that are the result of laws and regulations affecting the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted. | 01/01/2014 |
The adoption of the standards, amendments and interpretations described above have no significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
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9) Financial Reports
| Note 2 | Basis of presentation of the consolidated financial statements (continued) |
| 2.4 | Accounting pronouncements, continued |
b) New amendments, interpretations and amendments issued, not effective for 2014, which the Company has not adopted early are as follows:
| Standards and interpretations | Mandatory for annual periods beginning on | |
| IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments”- Published in July 2014. The IASB has issued the full version of IFRS 9, which supersedes the application guidance in IAS 39. This final version includes requirements on the classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities and an expected credit losses model that replaces the incurred loss impairment model used today. The final hedging part of IFRS 9 was issued in November 2013. Early adoption is permitted. | 01/01/2018 | |
| IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”-Published in May 2014. This standard establishes the principles that an entity shall apply to report useful information to users of financial statements about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from a contract with a customer. For such purposes, the basic principle is that an entity will recognize revenue representing the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for such goods or services. The application of this standard will replace IAS 11 Construction Contracts and IAS 18 Revenue, as well as IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes, IFRIC 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate, IFRIC 18 Transfers of Assets from Customers and SIC 31 Revenue-Barter Transactions Involving Advertising Services. Early application is permitted. |
01/01/2017
|
| Amendments and improvements | Mandatory
for annual periods beginning on | |
| Amendment of IAS 19 “Employee Benefits” on defined benefit plans – Issued in November 2013. This amendment applies to employee or third party contributions in defined benefit plans. Amendments are intended to simplify the accounting for contributions that are independent of the number of years of service of employees; e.g., contributions by employees that are calculated in accordance with a fixed percentage of the employee’s salary. | 01/07/2014 | |
| Amendment to IFRS 11 “Joint Arrangements” – on the acquisition of interest in a joint operation – Issued in May 2014. This amendment includes guidance relates to the method for accounting for an acquisition of an interest in a joint operation in which the activity constitutes a business, specifying the proper treatment for such acquisitions. | 01/01/2016 | |
| Amendment to IAS 16 “Property, Plant and Equipment” and IAS 38 “Intangible Assets” on depreciation and amortization – Issued in May 2014. The amendments clarify that a depreciation method that is based on revenue that is generated by an activity that includes the use of an asset is not appropriate because revenue generated by such an activity in general reflects other factors other than the use of the economic benefits embedded in the asset. Likewise, the amendments clarify that a revenue-based amortization method is inappropriate to measure the use of the economic benefits embedded in the intangible asset. | 01/01/2016 | |
| Amendments to IAS 16 “Property, Plant and Equipment” and IAS 41 “Agriculture” on bearer plants – Issued in June 2014. These amendments modify the financial information for “bearer plants”, such as vineyards, rubber wood tree and oil palm. The amendments define the concept of “bearer plant” and establish that they should be accounted for in the same way as property, plant and equipment because their operation is similar to that of manufacturing. Consequently, the amendments include them within the scope of IAS 16, instead of IAS 41. The produce growing on bearer plants will remain within the scope of IAS 41. Early adoption is permitted. | 01/01/2016 | |
| Amendments to IFRS 10 “Consolidated Financial Statements” and IAS 28 “Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures”- Issued in September 2014. This amendment addresses an inconsistency between the requirements of IFRS 10 and IAS 28 for the treatment of a sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture. The main consequence of this amendment is the recognition of a full gain or loss when the transaction involves a business (whether or not in a subsidiary) and a partial gain or loss when the transaction involves assets that are not a business, even if such assets are in a subsidiary | 01/01/2016 |
| 135 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 2 | Basis of presentation of the consolidated financial statements (continued) |
| 2.4 | Accounting pronouncements, continued |
| Amendments and improvements | Mandatory
for annual periods beginning on | |
| Amendment to IFRS 10 “Consolidated Financial Statements” and IAS 28 “Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures” - Issued in December 2014. The amendment clarifies the application of the exception from consolidation for investment entities and its subsidiaries. The amendment to IFRS 10 clarifies on the exception on consolidation available for entities in group structures that include investment entities. The amendment to IAS 28 allows an entity that is not an investment entity, but has an interest in an associated or joint venture that is an investment entity, an option of accounting policy in the application of the equity method. The entity may opt for maintaining measurement at fair value applied by the associate or joint venture that is an investment entity or, consolidating at investment entity level (associate or joint venture). Early adoption is permitted. |
01/01/2016 | |
| Amendment to IAS 1 “Presentation of Financial Statements”- Issued in December 2014. This amendment clarifies the application guidance of IAS 1 on materiality and aggregation, presentation of subtotals, structure of the financial statements and disclosure of accounting policies. The amendments are part of the IASB’s Initiative on Disclosures. Early adoption is permitted. | 01/01/2016 |
Improvements to Information Financial Reporting Standards (2012) Issued in December 2013
|
Mandatory
for annual periods beginning on | |
IFRS 2 “Share-based Payment” – It clarifies the definition of “vesting conditions and “market conditions” and defines separately “performance conditions” and “service conditions.” Such an amendment should be applied prospectively on share-based payment transactions whose grant date is July 1, 2014 or after. Early adoption is permitted.
|
07/01/2014 | |
IFRS 3, "Business Combinations" – The standard is modified to clarify that the obligation to pay a contingent consideration that meets the definition of a financial instrument is classified as a financial liability or equity, on the basis of the definitions in IAS 32, "Financial Instruments: Presentation." The standard was additionally amended to clarify that all non-equity contingent consideration, both financial and non-financial, is measured at its fair value at each reporting date recognizing changes in fair value in profit or loss. Consequently, there are also changes to IFRS 9, IAS 37 and IAS 39. The amendment is applicable prospectively for business combinations the acquisition date of which is July 1, 2014 or after. Early adoption is permitted provided that amendments to IFRS 9 and IAS 37 also issued as part of the 2012 improvements plan are also applied.
|
||
| IFRS 8 “Operating Segments” – The standard is amended to include the requirement to disclose the judgments made by management in the aggregation of operating segments. The standard was additionally modified to require a reconciliation of assets of the segments to assets of an entity, when assets are reported by segment. Early adoption is permitted. | ||
| IFRS 13 "Fair Value Measurement” – IASB has modified the basis for conclusions of IFRS 13 to clarify that it did not intend to eliminate the ability to measure short-term receivables and payables at nominal amounts if the effect of not adjusting is not significant. | 07/01/2014 | |
| IAS 16 "Property, Plant and Equipment" and IAS 38, "Intangible Assets" – Both standards are amended to clarify the treatment of the gross carrying amount and accumulated depreciation when an entity uses the revaluation model. Early adoption is permitted. | ||
| IAS 24 "Related party Disclosures" – The standard is modified to include, as related party, an entity that provides key management personnel services to the reporting entity of the Parent of the reporting entity (“the managing entity”). Early adoption is permitted. |
| 136 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 2 | Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements (continued) |
| 2.4 | Accounting pronouncements, continued |
Improvements to International Financial Reporting Standards (2013) Issued in December 2013
|
Mandatory
for annual periods beginning on | |
| IFRS 1 “First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards” – It clarifies that when a new version of a standard is not yet mandatory but is available for early adoption, a first-time adopter of IFRS may opt to apply the older or new version of the standard, provided that the same standard is applied to all periods presented. | ||
| IFRS 3 “Business Combinations” – The standard is modified to clarify that IFRS 3 is not applicable to the accounting recognition of the formation of a new joint arrangement under IFRS 11. This amendment also clarifies that only the scope exemption is applied to the financial statements of the joint arrangement. | 07/01/2014 | |
| IFRS 13 “Fair Value Measurement” – It clarifies that the portfolio exception in IFRS 13, that allows an entity to measure the fair value of a group of financial assets and financial liabilities as at their net amount, applies to all contracts (including non-financial contracts) within the scope of IAS 39 or IFRS 9. An entity must apply the amendments prospectively from the start of the first annual period in which IFRS 13 is applied. |
Improvements to International Financial Reporting Standards (2014) Issued in September 2014
|
Mandatory
for annual periods beginning on | |
IFRS 7 "Financial Instruments: Disclosures-"This includes two amendments of IFRS 7. (1) Service contracts: If an entity transfers a financial asset to a third party in conditions that allow the transferor to derecognize the asset, IFRS 7 requires the disclosure of any type of continuing involvement that the entity may still have in the transferred assets. IFRS 7 provides guidance on what is understood as continuing involvement within this context. The amendment is prospective and can be applied retrospectively. This also affects IFRS 1 to provide the same option to the first-time adopters of IFRS. (2) Interim financial statements. The amendment clarifies that the additional disclosure required by amendments of IFRS 7 "Offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities” is not specifically required for all interim periods unless required by IAS 34. Such amendment is retrospective.
IAS 19 "Employee Benefits" – This amendment clarifies that in order to determine the discount rate for post-employment benefit obligations, the important aspect is the currency in which liabilities are denominated, not the country where they generate. The evaluation of whether a deep market exists for high-quality corporate bonds is based on corporate bonds in such currency, not in corporate bonds of a particular country. Likewise, where there is no deep market for high-quality corporate bonuses in such currency, government bonds in the related currency have to be used, Such amendment is retrospective but limited at the beginning of the first period presented. |
01/01/2016 |
The Company's management believes that the adoption of standards, amendments and interpretations described above are under evaluation and it is expected that they will not have a significant impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.
| 137 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 2 | Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements (continued) |
| 2.5 | Basis of consolidation |
(a) Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries include all the entities over which Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. has control, defined as when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those variable returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries apply the same accounting policies of their Parent.
To account for acquisitions, the Company uses the acquisition method. Under this method the acquisition cost is the fair value of assets delivered, equity securities issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange, plus costs directly attributable to the acquisition. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingencies assumed in a business combination are measured initially at fair value at the acquisition date. For each business combination, the Company will measure non-controlling interest of the acquiree either at fair value or as proportional share of net identifiable assets of the acquiree.
Companies included in consolidation:
| Country of | Ownership interest | |||||||||||||||||||||
| TAX ID No. | Foreign subsidiaries | origin | Functional currency | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||
| Direct | Indirect | Total | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign | Nitratos Naturais Do Chile Ltda. | Brazil | US$ | 0.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | Nitrate Corporation Of Chile Ltd. | United Kingdom | US$ | 0.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM North America Corp. | USA | US$ | 40.0000 | 60.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Europe N.V. | Belgium | US$ | 0.5800 | 99.4200 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | Soquimich S.R.L. Argentina | Argentina | US$ | 0.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | Soquimich European Holding B.V. | Netherlands | US$ | 0.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Corporation N.V. | Dutch Antilles | US$ | 0.0002 | 99.9998 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQI Corporation N.V. | Dutch Antilles | US$ | 0.0159 | 99.9841 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Comercial De México S.A. de C.V. | Mexico | US$ | 0.0013 | 99.9987 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | North American Trading Company | USA | US$ | 0.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | Administración Y Servicios Santiago S.A. de C.V. | Mexico | US$ | 0.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Peru S.A. | Peru | US$ | 0.9800 | 99.0200 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Ecuador S.A. | Ecuador | US$ | 0.0040 | 99.9960 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Nitratos Mexico S.A. de C.V. | Mexico | US$ | 0.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQMC Holding Corporation L.L.P. | USA. | US$ | 0.1000 | 99.9000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Investment Corporation N.V. | Dutch Antilles | US$ | 1.0000 | 99.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Brasil Limitada | Brazil | US$ | 1.0900 | 98.9100 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM France S.A. | France | US$ | 0.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Japan Co. Ltd. | Japan | US$ | 1.0000 | 99.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | US$ | 1.6700 | 98.3300 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Oceania Pty Limited | Australia | US$ | 0.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | Rs Agro-Chemical Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | US$ | 98.3333 | 1.6667 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Indonesia S.A. | Indonesia | US$ | 0.0000 | 80.0000 | 80.0000 | 80.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Virginia L.L.C. | USA | US$ | 0.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Italia SRL | Italy | US$ | 0.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | Comercial Caimán Internacional S.A. | Panama | US$ | 0.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Africa Pty. | South Africa | US$ | 0.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Lithium Specialties LLC | USA | US$ | 0.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Iberian S.A. | Spain | US$ | 0.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Agro India Pvt.Ltd. | India | US$ | 0.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Beijing Commercial Co. Ltd. | China | US$ | 0.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Thailand Limited | Thailand | US$ | 0.0000 | 99.996 | 99.996 | 99.996 | |||||||||||||||
| 138 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 2 | Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements (continued) |
| 2.5 | Basis of consolidation, continued |
| Country | Functional | Ownership interest | ||||||||||||||||||||
| TAX ID No. | Domestic subsidiaries | of origin | currency | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||
| Direct | Indirect | Total | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| 96.801.610-5 | Comercial Hydro S.A. | Chile | US$ | 0.0000 | 60.6383 | 60.6383 | 60.6383 | |||||||||||||||
| 96.651.060-9 | SQM Potasio S.A. | Chile | US$ | 99.9999 | 0.0000 | 99.9999 | 99.9999 | |||||||||||||||
| 96.592.190-7 | SQM Nitratos S.A. | Chile | US$ | 99.9999 | 0.0001 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| 96.592.180-K | Ajay SQM Chile S.A. | Chile | US$ | 51.0000 | 0.0000 | 51.0000 | 51.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| 86.630.200-6 | SQMC Internacional Ltda. | Chile | Ch$ | 0.0000 | 60.6381 | 60.6381 | 60.6381 | |||||||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Chile | US$ | 99.0470 | 0.9530 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| 79.906.120-1 | Isapre Norte Grande Ltda. | Chile | Ch$ | 1.0000 | 99.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| 79.876.080-7 | Almacenes y Depósitos Ltda. | Chile | Ch$ | 1.0000 | 99.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| 79.770.780-5 | Servicios Integrales de Tránsitos y Transferencias S.A. | Chile | US$ | 0.0003 | 99.9997 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| 79.768.170-9 | Soquimich Comercial S.A. | Chile | US$ | 0.0000 | 60.6383 | 60.6383 | 60.6383 | |||||||||||||||
| 79.626.800-K | SQM Salar S.A. | Chile | US$ | 18.1800 | 81.8200 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| 78.053.910-0 | Proinsa Ltda. | Chile | Ch$ | 0.0000 | 60.5800 | 60.5800 | 60.5800 | |||||||||||||||
| 76.534.490-5 | Sociedad Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz del Norte S.A. | Chile | Ch$ | 0.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| 76.425.380-9 | Exploraciones Mineras S.A. | Chile | US$ | 0.2691 | 99.7309 | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| 76.064.419-6 | Comercial Agrorama Ltda. | Chile | Ch$ | 0.0000 | 42.4468 | 42.4468 | 42.4468 | |||||||||||||||
| 76.145.229-0 | Agrorama S.A. | Chile | Ch$ | 0.0000 | 60.6377 | 60.6377 | 60.6377 | |||||||||||||||
| 76.359.919-1 | Orcoma Estudios SPA | Chile | US$ | 51.0000 | - | 51.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
| 76.360.575-2 | Orcoma SPA | Chile | US$ | 100.0000 | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||||
Subsidiaries are consolidated using the line-by-line method, adding the items that represent assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses of similar content, and eliminating those related to intragroup transactions.
Profit or loss of depending companies acquired or disposed of during the year are included in profit or loss accounts consolidated from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as applicable.
Non-controlling interest represents the equity of a subsidiary not directly or indirectly attributable to the Parent.
| 2.6 | Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions |
Management of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and its subsidiaries is responsible for the information contained in these consolidated financial statements, which expressly indicate that all the principles and criteria included in IFRSs, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), have been applied in full (with the exception of SVS Bulletin No. 856).
In preparing the consolidated financial statements of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and its subsidiaries, Management has made judgments and estimates to quantify certain assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and commitments included therein. Basically, these estimates refer to:
| - | The useful lives of property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets and their residual value; |
| - | Impairment losses of certain assets, including trade receivables; |
| - | Assumptions used in calculating the actuarial amount of pension-related and severance indemnity payment benefit commitments; |
| - | Provisions for commitments assumed with third parties and contingent liabilities; |
| - | Provisions on the basis of technical studies that cover the different variables affecting products in stock (density and moist, among others), and allowance for slow-moving spare-parts in stock; |
| - | Future cost for closure of mining sites; |
| - | The determination of the fair value of certain financial assets and derivative instruments; |
| - | The determination and assignment of fair values in business combinations. |
| 139 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 2 | Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements (continued) |
| 2.6 | Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions, continued |
Despite the fact that these estimates have been made on the basis of the best information available on the date of preparation of these consolidated financial statements, certain events may occur in the future and oblige their amendment (upwards or downwards) over the next few years, which would be made prospectively, recognizing the effects of the change in estimates in the related future consolidated financial statements.
| Note 3 | Significant accounting policies |
| 3.1 | Classification of balances as current and non-current |
In the attached consolidated statement of financial position, balances are classified in consideration of their remaining recovery (maturity) dates; i.e., those maturing on a date equal to or lower than twelve months are classified as current and those with maturity dates exceeding the aforementioned period are classified as non-current.
The exception to the foregoing relates to deferred taxes, which are classified as non-current, regardless of the maturity they have.
| 3.2 | Functional and presentation currency |
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars (“U.S. dollars” or “US$”), which is the Company’s functional and presentation currency and is the currency of the main economic environment in which it operates.
Consequently, the term foreign currency is defined as any currency other than the U.S. dollar.
The consolidated financial statements are presented in thousands of United States dollars without decimals.
| 3.3 | Foreign currency translation |
| (a) | Domestic entities: |
Assets and liabilities denominated in Chilean pesos and other currencies other than the functional currency (U.S. dollar) as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 have been translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rates prevailing at those dates. The corresponding Chilean pesos were converted at Ch$606.75 per US$1.00 as of December 31, 2014, and Ch$524.61 per US$1.00 as of December 31, 2013.
The values of the UF (a Chilean peso-denominated, inflation-indexed monetary unit) used to convert the UF-denominated assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 amounted to Ch$24,627.1 (US$40.59), and as of December 31, 2013 amounted to Ch$23,309.56 (US$44.43).
| 140 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 3 | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
| 3.3 | Foreign currency translation, continued |
| (b) | Foreign entities: |
The conversion of the financial statements of foreign companies with functional currency other than U.S. dollars is performed as follows:
| - | Assets and liabilities using the exchange rate prevailing on the closing date of the consolidated financial statements. |
| - | Statement of income account items using the average exchange rate for the year. |
| - | Equity accounts are stated at the historical exchange rate prevailing at the acquisition date. |
Foreign currency translation differences which arise from the conversion of financial statements are recorded in the account “Foreign currency translation differences," within equity.
The exchange rates used to translate the monetary assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currency at the closing date of each period in respect to the U.S. dollar are detailed as follows:
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| US$ | US$ | |||||||
| Brazilian real | 2.65 | 2.34 | ||||||
| New Peruvian sol | 2.97 | 2.75 | ||||||
| Argentine peso | 8.45 | 6.48 | ||||||
| Japanese yen | 120.55 | 105.39 | ||||||
| Euro | 0.82 | 0.73 | ||||||
| Mexican peso | 14.74 | 13.07 | ||||||
| Australian dollar | 0.82 | 1.12 | ||||||
| Pound Sterling | 0.64 | 0.61 | ||||||
| South African rand | 11.55 | 10.56 | ||||||
| Ecuadorian dollar | 1.00 | 1.00 | ||||||
| Chilean peso | 606.75 | 524.61 | ||||||
| UF | 40.59 | 44.43 | ||||||
| (c) | Transactions and balances |
Non-monetary transactions in currencies other than the functional currency (U.S. dollar) foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of Group entities at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are retranslated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at that date. All differences are recorded in the statement of income except for all monetary items that provide effective hedge for a net investment in a foreign operation. These items are recognized in other comprehensive income on the disposal of the investment; at the time they are recognized in the statement of income. Charges and credits attributable to foreign currency translation differences on those hedge monetary items are also recognized in other comprehensive income.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured at historical cost in a foreign currency are retranslated to the functional currency at the historical exchange rate of the transaction. Non-monetary items that are measured based on fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date on which the fair value is determined.
| 141 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 3 | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
| 3.3 | Foreign currency translation, continued |
| (d) | Group entities |
The revenue, expenses, assets and liabilities of all entities that have a functional currency other than the presentation currency are converted to the presentation currency as follows:
- Assets and liabilities are converted at the closing exchange rate prevailing on the reporting date.
- Revenues and expenses of each profit or loss account are converted at monthly average exchange rates.
- All resulting foreign currency translation gains and losses are recognized as a separate component in translation reserves.
In consolidation, foreign currency differences arising from the translation of a net investment in foreign entities are recorded in equity (other reserves). At the date of disposal, such foreign currency translation differences are recognized in the statement of income as part of the gain or loss from the sale.
| 3.4 | Subsidiaries |
SQM S.A. establishes, as basis, the control exercised in subsidiaries, to determine their share in the consolidated financial statements. Control consists of the Company’s ability to exercise power in the subsidiary, exposure, or right, to variable performance from its share in the investee and the ability to use its power on the investee to have an influence on the amount of the investor’s performance.
The Company prepares the consolidated financial statements using consistent accounting policies for the entire Group, the consolidation of a subsidiary commences when the Company has control over the subsidiary and stops when control ceases.
| 3.5 | Consolidated statement of cash flows |
Cash equivalents correspond to highly-liquid short-term investments that are easily convertible in known amounts of cash. They are subject to insignificant risk of changes in their value and mature in less than three months from the date of acquisition of the instrument.
For purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and cash equivalents as defined above.
The statement of cash flows includes movements in cash performed during the year, determined using the direct method.
| 3.6 | Financial assets |
Management determines the classification of its financial assets at the time of initial recognition, (on the basis of the business model) for the management of financial assets and the characteristics of contractual cash flows from the financial assets. In accordance with IFRS 9, financial assets are measured initially at fair value plus transaction costs that may have been incurred and are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Subsequently, financial assets are measured at amortized cost or fair value.
The Company assesses, at each reporting date, whether there is objective evidence that an asset or group of assets is impaired. An asset or group of financial assets is impaired if and only if there is evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events occurring after the initial recognition of the asset or group of assets. For the recognition of impairment, the loss event has to have an impact on the estimate of future cash flows from the asset or groups of financial assets.
| 142 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 3 | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
| 3.7 | Financial liabilities |
Management determines the classification of its financial liabilities at the time of initial recognition. As established in IFRS 9, financial liabilities at the time of initial recognition are measured at fair value, less transaction costs that may have been incurred and are directly attributable to the issue of the financial liability. Subsequently, these are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. For financial liabilities that have been initially recognized at fair value through profit or loss, these will be measured subsequently at fair value.
| 3.8 | Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss |
Management will irrevocably determine, at the time of initial recognition, the designation of a financial instrument at fair value through profit or loss. By doing so, this eliminates and/or significantly reduces measurement or recognition inconsistency that would otherwise haven arisen from the measurement of assets or liabilities or from the recognition of gains and losses from them on different bases.
| 3.9 | Financial instrument offsetting |
The Company offsets an asset and liability if and only if it presently has a legally enforceable right of setting off the amounts recognized and has the intent of settling for the net amount of realizing the asset and settling the liability simultaneously.
| 3.10 | Reclassification of financial instruments |
At the time when the Company changes its business model for managing financial assets, it will reclassify the financial assets affected by the new business model.
For financial liabilities these could not be reclassified.
| 3.11 | Derivative and hedging financial instruments |
Derivatives are recognized initially at fair value as of the date on which the derivatives contract is signed and, subsequently, are assessed at fair value. The method for recognizing the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative has been designated as an accounting hedge instrument and, if so, it depends on the type of hedging, which may be as follows:
| (a) | Fair value hedge of assets and liabilities recognized (fair value hedges); |
| (b) | Hedging of a single risk associated with an asset or liability recognized or a highly possible foreseen transaction (cash flow hedge). |
At the beginning of the transaction, the Company documents the relationship existing between hedging instruments and those items hedged, as well as their objectives for risk management purposes and the strategy to conduct different hedging operations.
The Company also documents its evaluation both at the beginning and at the end of each period if derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective to offset changes in the fair value or in cash flows of hedged items.
The fair value of derivative instruments used for hedging purposes is shown in Note 10.3 (hedging assets and liabilities). Changes in the cash flow hedge reserve are classified as a non-current asset or liability if the remaining expiration period of the hedged item is higher than 12 months, and as a current asset or liability if the remaining expiration period of the entry is lower than 12 months.
Investing derivatives are classified as a current asset or liability, and the change in their fair value is recognized directly in profit or loss.
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| Note 3 | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
| 3.11 | Derivative and hedging financial instruments, continued |
| (a) | Fair value hedge |
The change in the fair value of a derivative is recognized with a debit or credit to profit or loss, as applicable. The change in the fair value of the hedged entry attributable to hedged risk is recognized as part of the carrying value of the hedged entry and is also recognized with a debit or credit to profit or loss.
For fair value hedges related to items recorded at amortized cost, the adjustment of the fair value is amortized against profit or loss during the period, through maturity. Any adjustment to the carrying value of a hedged financial instrument, for which the effective rate is used, is amortized with a debit or credit to profit or loss at its fair value, attributable to the risk being covered.
If the hedged entry is derecognized, the fair value not amortized is immediately recognized with a debit or credit to profit or loss.
| (b) | Cash flow hedges |
The effective portion of gains or losses from the hedge instrument is initially recognized with a debit or credit to other comprehensive income, whereas any ineffective portion is immediately recognized with a debit or credit to profit or loss, as applicable.
Amounts taken to equity are transferred to profit or loss when the hedged transaction affects profit or loss, as when the hedged interest income or expense is recognized when a projected sale occurs. When the hedged entry is the cost of a non-financial asset or liability, amounts taken to other reserves are transferred to the initial carrying value of the non-financial asset or liability.
Should the expected firm transaction or commitment no longer be expected to occur, the amounts previously recognized in equity are transferred to profit or loss. If a hedge instrument expires, is sold, finished, or exercised without any replacement, or if a rollover is performed or if its designation as hedging is revoked, the amounts previously recognized in other reserves are maintained in equity until the expected firm transaction or commitment occurs.
| 3.12 | Derecognition of financial instruments |
In accordance with IFRS 9, the Company derecognizes a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows in a transaction in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred; and the control of the financial assets has not been retained.
The Company derecognizes a financial liability when its contractual obligations or a part of these are discharged, paying to the creditor or its legally extinguished entity the primary responsibility for the liability.
| 3.13 | Derivative financial instruments |
The Company maintains derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to foreign currencies. Derivative financial instruments are recognized initially at fair value; attributable transaction costs are recognized when incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, changes in fair value of such derivatives are recognized in profit or loss as part of gains and losses.
The Company permanently assesses the existence of embedded derivatives, both in its contracts and financial instruments. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there are no embedded derivatives.
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| Note 3 | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
| 3.14 | Fair value measurements |
From the initial recognition, the Company measures its assets and liabilities at fair value plus or minus transaction costs incurred that are directly attributable to the acquisition of a financial asset or issuance of a financial liability.
| 3.15 | Leases |
| (a) | Lease - Finance lease |
Leases are classified as finance leases when the Company holds substantially all the risks and rewards derived from the ownership of the asset. Finance leases are capitalized at the beginning of the lease, at the lower of the fair value of the leased asset or the present value of minimum lease payments.
Each lease payment is distributed between the liability and the interest expenses to obtain ongoing interest on the pending balance of debt. The respective lease obligations, net of interest expense, are included in other non-current liabilities. The interest element of finance cost is debited in the consolidated statement of income during the lease period so that a regular ongoing interest rate is obtained on the remaining balance of the liability for each year.
| (b) | Lease – Operating lease |
Leases in which the lesser maintains a significant part of the risks and rewards derived from the ownership are classified as operating leases. Operating lease payments (net of any incentive received from the lesser) are debited to the statement of income or capitalized (as applicable) on a straight-line basis over the lease period.
| 3.16 | Deferred acquisition costs from insurance contracts |
Acquisition costs from insurance contracts are classified as prepayments and correspond to insurance contracts in force, recognized using the straight-line method and on an accrual basis, and are recognized under other non-financial assets.
These are expensed considering the proportional period of time they cover, regardless of the related payment dates.
| 3.17 | Trade and other receivables |
Trade and other receivables relate to non-derivative financial assets with fixed and determinable payments and are not quoted in any active market. These arise from sales operations involving the products and/or services, of which the Company commercializes directly to its customers.
These assets are initially recognized at their fair value and subsequently at amortized cost according to the effective interest rate method, less a provision for impairment loss. An allowance for impairment loss is established for trade receivables when there is objective evidence that the Company will not be able to collect all the amounts which are owed to it, according to the original terms of receivables.
Implicit interest in installment sales is recognized as interest income when interest is accrued over the term of the operation.
| 145 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 3 | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
| 3.18 | Inventory measurement |
The Company states inventories for the lower of cost and net realizable value. The cost price of finished products and products in progress includes the direct cost of materials and, when applicable, labor costs, indirect costs incurred to transform raw materials into finished products, and general expenses incurred in carrying inventories to their current location and conditions. The method used to determine the cost of inventories is weighted average cost.
Commercial discounts, rebates obtained, and other similar entries are deducted in the determination of the acquisition price.
The net realizable value represents the estimate of the sales price, less all finishing estimated costs and costs which will be incurred in commercialization, sales, and distribution processes.
The Company conducts an evaluation of the net realizable value of inventories at the end of each year, recording an estimate with a charge to income when these are overstated. When a situation arises whereby the circumstances, which previously caused the rebate to cease to exist, or when there is clear evidence of an increase in the net realizable value due to a change in the economic circumstances or prices of main raw materials, the estimate made previously is modified.
The valuation of obsolete, impaired or slow-moving products relates to their net estimated, net realizable value.
Provisions on the Company's inventories have been made based on a technical study which covers the different variables which affect products in stock (density and humidity, among others).
Raw materials, supplies and materials are recorded at the lower of acquisition cost or market value. Acquisition cost is calculated according to the average price method.
| 3.19 | Investments in associates and joint ventures |
Interests in companies on which joint control is exercised (joint venture) or where an entity has significant influence (associates) are recognized using the equity method of accounting. Significant influence is presumed to exist when interest greater than 20% is held in the capital of an investee.
Under this method, the investment is recognized in the statement of financial position at cost plus changes, subsequent to the acquisition, and considering the proportional share in the equity of the associate. For such purposes, the interest percentage in the ownership of the associate is used. The associated goodwill acquired is included in the carrying amount of the investee and is not amortized. The debit or credit to profit or loss reflects the proportional share in the profit or loss of the associate.
Unrealized gains for transactions with affiliates or associates are eliminated considering the interest percentage the Company has on such entities. Unrealized losses are also eliminated, except if the transaction provides evidence of impairment loss of the transferred asset.
Changes in the equity of associates are recognized considering the proportional amounts with a charge or credit to “Other reserves” and classified considering their origin.
Reporting dates of the associate, the Company and related policies are similar for equivalent transactions and events under similar circumstances.
In the event that the significant influence is lost or the investment is sold or is held as available for sale, the equity method is discontinued, suspending the recognition of proportional share of profit or loss.
| 146 |
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| Note 3 | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
| 3.19 | Investments in associates and joint ventures, continued |
If the resulting amount according to the equity method is negative, the share of profit or loss is reflected at zero value in the consolidated financial statements, unless a commitment exists by the Company to reinstate the Company’s equity position, in which case the related provision for risks and expenses is recorded.
Dividends received by these companies are recorded by reducing the equity value, and the proportional share of profit or loss recognized in conformity with the share of equity are included in the consolidated profit or loss accounts in the caption “Equity share of profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures that are accounted for using the equity method of accounting”.
| 3.20 | Transactions with non-controlling interests |
Non-controlling interests are recorded in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity separate from equity attributable to the owners of the Parent.
| 3.21 | Related party transactions |
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries are part of the Company’s normal operations within its scope of business activities. Conditions for such transactions are those normally effective for those types of operations with regard to terms and market prices. Also, these transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Expiration conditions for each case vary by virtue of the originating transaction.
| 3.22 | Property, plant and equipment |
Tangible property, plant and equipment assets are stated at acquisition cost, net of the related accumulated depreciation, amortization and impairment losses that they might have experienced.
In addition to the price paid for the acquisition of tangible property, plant and equipment, the Company has considered the following concepts as part of the acquisition cost, as applicable:
1. Accrued interest expenses during the construction period which are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are those that require a substantial period prior to being ready for use. The interest rate used is that related to the project’s specific financing or, should this not exist, the average financing rate of the investor company.
2. The future costs that the Company will have to experience, related to the closure of its facilities at the end of their useful life, are included at the present value of disbursements expected to be required to settle the obligation.
Construction-in-progress is transferred to property, plant and equipment in operation once the assets are available for use and the related depreciation and amortization begins on that date.
Extension, modernization or improvement costs that represent an increase in productivity, ability or efficiency or an extension of the useful lives of property, plant and equipment are capitalized as a higher cost of the related assets. All the remaining maintenance, preservation and repair expenses are charged to expense as incurred.
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| Note 3 | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
| 3.22 | Property, plant and equipment, continued |
The replacement of full assets, which increase the asset’s useful life or its economic capacity, are recorded as a higher value of property, plant and equipment with the related derecognition of replaced or renewed elements.
Based on the impairment analysis conducted by the Company’s management, it has been considered that the carrying value of assets does not exceed the net recoverable value of such assets.
Gains or losses which are generated from the sale or disposal of property, plant and equipment are recognized as income (or loss) in the period, and calculated as the difference between the asset’s sales value and its net carrying value.
Costs derived from daily maintenance of property, plant and equipment are recognized when incurred.
| 3.23 | Depreciation of property, plant and equipment |
Property, plant and equipment are depreciated through the straight-line distribution of cost over the estimated technical useful life of the asset which is the period in which the Company expects to use the asset. When components of one item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are recorded as separate assets. Useful lives are reviewed on an annual basis.
The useful lives used for the depreciation and amortization of assets included in property, plant and equipment are presented below.
| Types of property, plant and equipment | Minimum life or rate | Maximum life or rate | ||||||
| Buildings | 3 | 60 | ||||||
| Plant and equipment | 3 | 35 | ||||||
| Information technology equipment | 3 | 10 | ||||||
| Fixtures and fittings | 3 | 35 | ||||||
| Motor vehicles | 5 | 10 | ||||||
| Other property, plant and equipment | 2 | 30 | ||||||
| 3.24 | Goodwill |
Goodwill acquired represents the excess in acquisition cost on the fair value of the Company's ownership of the net identifiable assets of the subsidiary on the acquisition date. Goodwill acquired related to the acquisition of subsidiaries is included in goodwill, which is subject to impairment tests every time consolidated financial statements are issued, and is stated at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Gains and losses related to the sale of an entity include the carrying value of goodwill related to the entity sold.
This intangible asset is assigned to cash-generating units with the purpose of testing impairment losses. It is allocated based on cash-generating units expected to obtain benefits from the business combination from which the aforementioned goodwill acquired arose.
| 3.25 | Intangible assets other than goodwill |
Intangible assets mainly relate to water rights, trademarks, and rights of way related to electric lines, development expenses, and computer software licenses.
| (a) | Water rights |
Water rights acquired by the Company relate to water from natural sources and are recorded at acquisition cost. Given that these assets represent legal rights granted in perpetuity to the Company, they are not amortized, but are subject to annual impairment tests.
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| Note 3 | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
| 3.25 | Intangible assets other than goodwill, continued |
| (b) | Right of way for electric lines |
As required for the operation of industrial plants, the Company has paid rights of way in order to install wires for the different electric lines in third party land. These rights are presented under intangible assets. Amounts paid are capitalized at the date of the agreement and charged to income, according to the life of the right of way.
| (c) | Computer software |
Licenses for IT programs acquired are capitalized based on costs that have been incurred to acquire them and prepare them to use the specific program. These costs are amortized over their estimated useful lives.
Expenses related to the development or maintenance of IT programs are recognized as an expense as and when incurred. Costs directly related to the production of unique and identifiable IT programs controlled by the Group, and which will probably generate economic benefits that are higher than costs during more than a year, are recognized as intangible assets. Direct costs include expenses incurred for employees who develop IT programs and an adequate percentage of general expenses.
The costs of development for IT programs recognized as assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives.
| (d) | Mining property and concession rights |
The Company holds mining property and concession rights from the Chilean Government. Property rights are usually obtained with no initial cost (other than the payment of mining patents and minor recording expenses) and upon obtaining rights on these concessions, these are retained by the Company while annual patents are paid. Such patents, which are paid annually, are recorded as prepaid assets and amortized over the following twelve months. Amounts attributable to mining concessions acquired from third parties that are not from the Chilean Government are recorded at acquisition cost within intangible assets.
No impairment of intangible assets exists as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
| 3.26 | Research and development expenses |
Research and development expenses are charged to profit or loss in the period in which the disbursement was made.
| 3.27 | Prospecting expenses |
The Company has mining property and concession rights from the Chilean Government and acquired from third parties other than the Chilean Government, destined to the exploitation of caliche ore and saltpeter deposits and also the exploration of this type of deposits.
Upon obtaining these rights, the Company initially records disbursements directly associated with the exploration and evaluation of deposits (associated with small deposits with trading feasibility) as asset at cost. Such disbursements include the following concepts:
| - | Disbursements for geological reconnaissance evaluation |
| - | Disbursements for drilling |
| - | Disbursements for drilling work and sampling |
| - | Disbursements for activities related to technical assessment and trading feasibility of drilling work |
| - | And any disbursement directly related to specific projects where its objective is finding mining resources. |
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9) Financial Reports
| Note 3 | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
| 3.27 | Prospecting expenses, continued |
Subsequently, the Company distinguishes exploration and evaluation projects according to the economic feasibility of the mineral extracted in the area or exploration, among those that finally will deliver future benefits to the Company (profitable projects) and those projects for which it is not probable that economic benefit will flow to the Company in the future (i.e., when the mine site has low ore grade and its exploitation is not economically profitable).
If technical studies determine that the ore grade is not economically suitable for exploitation, the asset is directly expensed. Otherwise, it is held in the caption “other non-current assets”, reclassifying the portion related to the area to be exploited in the year in the caption inventories and such amount is amortized as production cost on the basis of estimated tons to be extracted.
The technical reasons for this classification correspond to the fact that this is an identifiable non-monetary asset that is owned to be used in the production of our processes as a main raw material.
Paragraph 17 of IFRS 6 establishes that an asset for exploitation and evaluation should be classified as such when it loses the technical feasibility and trading feasibility for extraction and, therefore, must be impaired. For this reason and because our disbursements correspond to proven reserves with a trading feasibility and used as main raw material in our production processes, these are presented as inventories that will be exploited within the commercial year and the remainder as development expenses for small deposits and prospecting expenses in the caption “other non-current assets”.
| 3.28 | Impairment of non-financial assets |
Assets subject to depreciation and amortization are subject to impairment testing, provided that an event or change in the circumstances indicates that the amounts in the accounting records may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized for the excess of the book value of the asset over its recoverable amount.
The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher between the fair value of an asset or cash generating unit (“CGU”) less costs of sales and its value in use, and is determined for an individual asset unless the asset does not generate any cash inflows that are clearly independent from other assets or groups of assets.
When the carrying value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered an impaired asset and is reduced to its net recoverable amount.
In evaluating value in use, estimated future cash flows are discounted using a discount rate before taxes which reflects current market evaluation on the time value of money and specific asset risks.
An appropriate valuation model is used to determine the fair value less selling costs. These calculations are confirmed by valuation multiples, quoted share prices for subsidiaries quoted publicly or other available fair value indicators.
Impairment losses from continuing operations are recognized with a debit to profit or loss in the categories of expenses associated with the impaired asset function, except for properties reevaluated previously where the revaluation was taken to equity.
As of December 31, 2013, the Company was unaware of any indication of impairment with respect to its assets.
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9) Financial Reports
| Note 3 | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
| 3.28 | Impairment of non-financial assets, continued |
For assets other than acquired goodwill, an annual evaluation is conducted of whether there are impairment loss indicators recognized previously that might have already decreased or ceased to exist. The recoverable amount is estimated if such indicators exist. An impairment loss previously recognized is reversed only if there have been changes in estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount from the last time in which an impairment loss was recognized. If this is the case, the carrying value of the asset is increased to its recoverable amount. This increased amount cannot exceed the carrying value that would have been determined net of depreciation if an asset impairment loss would have not been recognized in prior years. This reversal is recognized with a credit to profit or loss unless an asset is recorded at the revalued amount. Should this be the case, the reversal is treated as an increase in revaluation.
| 3.29 | Minimum dividend |
As required by the Shareholders’ Corporations Act, unless decided otherwise by the unanimous vote by the shareholders of subscribed and paid shares, a public company must distribute dividends as agreed by the shareholders at the General Shareholders’ Meeting held each year with a minimum of 30% of its profit for the year ended December 31, 2014, except when the Company records unabsorbed losses from prior years.
However, the Company defines as policy the distribution of 50% of its profit for the year ended December 31, 2014.
| 3.30 | Earnings per share |
The net basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing profit for the year attributable to ordinary owners of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.
The Company has not conducted any type of operation of potential dilutive effect that assumes diluted earnings per share other than the basic earnings per share.
| 3.31 | Trade and other payables |
Trade and other payables are measured at fair value plus all costs associated with the transaction. Subsequently, these are carried at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.
| 3.32 | Interest-bearing borrowings |
At initial recognition, interest-bearing borrowings are measured at fair value. Subsequently, they are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. Amortized cost is calculated considering any premium or discount from the acquisition and includes costs of transactions which are an integral part of the effective interest rate.
These are recorded as non-current when their expiration period exceeds twelve months and as current when the term is lower than such term. Interest expense is calculated in the year in which they are accrued following a financial criterion.
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| Note 3 | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
| 3.33 | Other provisions |
Provisions are recognized when:
| - | The Company has a present obligation as the result of a past event. |
| - | It is more likely than not that certain resources must be used, including benefits, to settle the obligation. |
| - | A reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. |
In the event that the provision or a portion of it is reimbursed, the reimbursement is recognized as a separate asset solely if there is certainty of income.
In the consolidated statement of income, the expense for any provision is presented net of any reimbursement.
Should the effect of the time value of money be significant, provisions are discounted using a discount rate before tax that reflects the liability’s specific risks. When a discount rate is used, the increase in the provision over time is recognized as a finance cost.
The Company’s policy is maintaining provisions to cover risks and expenses based on a better estimate to deal with possible or certain and quantifiable responsibilities from current litigation, compensations or obligations, pending expenses for which the amount has not yet been determined, collaterals and other similar guarantees for which the Company is responsible. These are recorded at the time the responsibility or the obligation that determines the compensation or payment is generated.
| 3.34 | Obligations related to employee termination benefits and pension commitments |
Obligations with the Company’s employees are in accordance with that established in the collective bargaining agreements in force, formalized through collective employment agreements and individual employment contracts, except for the United States that is regulated in accordance with employment plans in force up to 2002.
These obligations are valued using actuarial calculations, according to the projected unit credit method which considers such assumptions as the mortality rate, employee turnover, interest rates, retirement dates, effects related to increases in employees’ salaries, as well as the effects on variations in services derived from variations in the inflation rate. This, considering criteria in force contained in the revised IAS 19.
Actuarial gains and losses that may be generated by variations in defined, pre-established obligations are directly recorded in profit or loss for the year and not within “other comprehensive income,” considering their insignificant amount.
Actuarial losses and gains have their origin in departures between the estimate and the actual behavior of actuarial assumptions or in the reformulation of established actuarial assumptions.
The discount rate used by the Company for calculating the obligation was 5.5% for the periods ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
The Company’s subsidiary SQM North America has established pension plans for its retired employees that are calculated by measuring the projected obligation using a net salary progressive rate net of adjustments for inflation, mortality and turnover assumptions, deducting the resulting amounts at present value using a 6.5% interest rate for 2014 and 2013. The net balance of this obligation is presented under the non-current provisions for employee benefits.
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| Note 3 | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
| 3.35 | Compensation plans |
Compensation plans implemented through benefits in share-based payments settled in cash, which have been provided, are recognized in the financial statements at their fair value, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards No. 2 "Share-based Payments.” Changes in the fair value of options granted are recognized with a charge to payroll on a straight-line basis during the period between the date on which these options are granted and the payment date (see Note 16).
| 3.36 | Revenue recognition |
Revenue includes the fair value of considerations received or receivable for the sale of goods and services during performance of the Company's activities. Revenue is presented net of value added tax, estimated returns, rebates and discounts and after the elimination of sales among subsidiaries.
Revenue is recognized when its amount can be stated reliably. It is possible that the future economic rewards will flow to the entity and the specific conditions for each type of activity related revenue are complied with, as follows:
| (a) | Sale of goods |
The sale of goods is recognized when the Company has delivered products to the customer, and there is no obligation pending compliance that could affect the acceptance of products by the customer. The delivery does not occur until products have been shipped to the customer or confirmed as received by customers. When the related risks of obsolescence and loss have been transferred to the customer and the customer has accepted products in accordance with the conditions established in the sale, when the acceptance period has ended, or when there is objective evidence that those criteria required for acceptance have been met.
Sales are recognized in consideration of the price set in the sales agreement, net of volume discounts and estimated returns at the date of the sale. Volume discounts are evaluated in consideration of annual foreseen purchases and in accordance with the criteria defined in agreements.
| (b) | Sale of services |
Revenue associated with the rendering of services is recognized considering the degree of completion of the service as of the date of presentation of the consolidated classified statement of financial position, provided that the result from the transaction can be estimated reliably.
| (c) | Interest income |
Interest income is recognized when interest is accrued in consideration of the principal pending payment using the effective interest rate method.
| (d) | Income from dividends |
Income from dividends is recognized when the right to receive the payment is established.
| 3.37 | Finance income and finance costs |
Finance income is mainly composed of interest income in financial instruments such as term deposits and mutual fund deposits. Interest income is recognized in profit or loss at amortized cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Finance costs are mainly composed of interest on bank borrowing expenses, interest on bonds issued and interest capitalized for borrowing costs for the acquisition, construction or production or qualifying assets.
Borrowing costs and bonds issued are recognized in profit or loss using the effective interest rate method.
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| Note 3 | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
| 3.37 | Finance income and finance costs, continued |
For finance costs accrued during the construction period that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, the effective interest rate related to the project’s specific financing is used. If none exist, the average financing rate of the subsidiary that makes the investment is utilized.
Borrowing and financing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset are capitalized as part of that asset’s cost.
| 3.38 | Income tax and deferred taxes |
Corporate income tax for the year is determined as the sum of current taxes from the different consolidated companies.
Current taxes are based on the application of the various types of taxes attributable to taxable income for the year.
Differences between the book value of assets and liabilities and their tax basis generate the balance of deferred tax assets or liabilities, which are calculated using the tax rates expected to be applicable when the assets and liabilities are realized.
In conformity with current Chilean tax regulations, the provision for corporate income tax and taxes on mining activity is recognized on an accrual basis, presenting the net balances of accumulated monthly tax provisional payments for the fiscal period and associated credits. The balances of these accounts are presented in current income taxes recoverable or current taxes payable, as applicable.
Tax on companies and variations in deferred tax assets or liabilities that are not the result of business combinations are recorded in statement of income accounts or equity accounts in the consolidated statement of financial position, considering the origin of the gains or losses which have generated them.
At each reporting period, the carrying amount of deferred tax assets has been reviewed and reduced to the extent there will not be sufficient taxable income to allow the recovery of all or a portion of the deferred tax assets. Likewise, as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, deferred tax assets that are not recognized were evaluated and not recognized as it was more likely than not that future taxable income will allow for recovery of the deferred tax asset.
With respect to deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associated companies and interest in joint ventures, deferred tax assets are recognized solely provided that it is more likely than not that the temporary differences will be reversed in the near future and that there will be taxable income with which they may be used.
The deferred income tax related to entries directly recognized in equity is recognized with an effect on equity and not with an effect on profit or loss.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally receivable right of offsetting tax assets against tax liabilities and the deferred tax is related to the same tax entity and authority.
In accordance with the instructions issued by the Chilean Superintendence of Securities and Insurance in its Circular No. 856 of October 17, 2014, the effects generated by the change in the income tax rate approved by Law No. 20.780 (the Tax Reform) on income and deferred taxes, which in accordance with IAS 12 should be charged to profit or loss for the period, have been accounted for as retained earnings. Subsequent amendments will be recognized in profit or loss for the period in accordance with IAS 12.
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| Note 3 | Significant accounting policies (continued) |
| 3.39 | Segment reporting |
IFRS 8 requires that companies adopt a “management approach” to disclose information on the operations generated by its operating segments. In general, this is the information that management uses internally for the evaluation of segment performance and making the decision on how to allocate resources for this purpose.
An operating segment is a group of assets and operations responsible for providing products or services subject to risks and performance different from those of other business segments. A geographical segment is responsible for providing products or services in a given economic environment subject to risks and performance different from those of other segments that operate in other economic environments.
For assets and liabilities the allocation to each segment is not possible given that these are associated with more than one segment, except for depreciation, amortization and impairment of assets, which are directly allocated to the applicable segments, in accordance with the criteria established in the costing process for product inventories.
The following operating segments have been identified by the Company:
| - | Specialty plant nutrients |
| - | Industrial chemicals |
| - | Iodine and derivatives |
| - | Lithium and derivatives |
| - | Potassium |
| - | Other products and services |
| 3.40 | Environment |
In general, the Company follows the criteria of considering amounts used in environmental protection and improvement as environmental expenses. However, the cost of facilities, machinery and equipment used for the same purpose are considered property, plant and equipment, as the case may be.
| Note 4 | Financial risk management |
| 4.1 | Financial risk management policy |
The Company’s financial risk management policy is focused on safeguarding the stability and sustainability of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and its subsidiaries with regard to all such relevant financial uncertainty components.
The Company’s operations are subject to certain financial risk factors that may affect its financial position or results. The most significant risk exposures are market risk, liquidity risk, currency risk, doubtful accounts risk, and interest rate risk, among others.
Potentially, additional known or unknown risks may exist, of which we currently deem not to be significant, which could also affect the Company’s business operations, its business, financial position, or profit or loss.
The financial risk management structure includes identifying, determining, analyzing, quantifying, measuring and controlling these events. Management and, in particular, Finance Management, is responsible for constantly assessing the financial risk. The Company uses derivatives to hedge a significant portion of those risks.
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| Note 4 | Financial risk management, continued |
| 4.2 | Risk factors |
| 4.2.1 | Market risk |
Market risk refers to the uncertainty associated with fluctuations in market variables affecting the Company’s assets and liabilities, including:
| a) | Country risk: The economic situation of the countries where the Company operates may affect its financial position. For example, sales conducted in emerging markets expose SQM to risks related to economic conditions and trends in those countries. In addition, inventories may also be affected by the economic scenario in such countries and/or the global economy, among other probable economic impacts. |
| b) | Price risk: The Company’s product prices are affected by the fluctuations in international prices of fertilizers and chemicals, as well as changes in productive capacities or market demand, all of which might affect the Company’s business, financial position and results of operations. |
| c) | Commodity price risk: The Company is exposed to changes in commodity prices and energy which may have an impact on its production costs that may cause unstable results. |
As of to-date, the SQM Group incurs an annual expenditure of approximately US$140 million associated with fuel, gas and equivalents, including approximately US$54 million related to direct electrical supply consumption. A change of 10% in the prices of energy required for the Company’s operations may involve costs of approximately US$14 million in short-term movements.
As stated in the Company’s annual report, the markets in which the Company operates are unpredictable, exposed to significant fluctuations in supply and demand, and price volatility. Additionally, the supply of certain fertilizers or chemicals, including certain products which the Company trades, vary mainly depending on the production of top producers and their respective business strategies. Accordingly, the Company cannot forecast with certainty changes in demand, responses from competitors or fluctuations in the final price of its products. These factors can lead to significant impacts on the Company’s product sales volumes, financial position and share price.
| d) | Quality standards: In the markets in which we operate, customers might impose quality standards on our products and/or governments could enact more stringent standards for the distribution and/or use of our products. Consequently, we might not be able to sell our products if we are not able to meet those new standards. In addition, our production costs might increase to meet such new standards. Not being able to sell our products in one or more markets or to key customers might significantly affect our business, financial position or the results of our operations. |
| 4.2.2 | Doubtful accounts risk |
A contraction of the global economy and the potentially adverse effects in the financial position of our customers may extend the receivables recovery period for SQM, increasing its exposure to doubtful account risk. While measures have been taken to minimize such risk, the global economic situation may result in losses that might have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position or results of operations.
To mitigate these risks, SQM actively controls debt collection and has established certain safeguards which include loan insurance, letters of credit, and prepayments for a portion of receivables.
| 156 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 4 | Financial risk management, continued |
| 4.2.3 | Currency risk |
As a result of its influence on price level determination as well as its relationship with cost of sales, and since a significant portion of the Company’s business transactions are performed in that foreign currency, the functional currency of SQM is the United States dollar. However, the global business activities of the Company expose it to the foreign exchange fluctuations of several currencies with respect to the value of the U.S. dollar. Accordingly, SQM has entered into hedge contracts to mitigate the exposure generated by its main mismatches (assets, net of liabilities) in currencies other than the U.S. dollar against the foreign exchange fluctuation. These contracts are periodically updated depending on the mismatch amount to be hedged in such currencies. Occasionally, and subject to the Board of Directors’ approval, in the short-term the Company insures cash flows from certain specific items in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
A significant portion of the Company’s costs, particularly payroll, is denominated in Chilean pesos. Accordingly, an increase or decrease in the exchange rate against the U.S. dollar would affect the Company’s profit for the period. Approximately US$ 470 million of the Company’s costs are denominated in Chilean pesos. A significant portion of the effect of such obligations on the statement of financial position is hedged by derivative instrument transactions on the balance mismatch in such currency.
As of December 31, 2013, the Company recorded derivative instruments classified as currency and interest rate hedges associated with all the bonds payable, denominated both in Chilean pesos and UF, with a fair value of US$23.6 million in favor of SQM. As of December 31, 2014, this amounts to US$37 million against SQM.
As of December 31, 2014, the Chilean peso to U.S. dollar exchange rate was Ch$606.75 per US$1.00 (Ch$ 524.61 per US$ 1.00 as of December 31, 2013).
| 4.2.4 | Interest rate risk |
Interest rate fluctuations, primarily due to the uncertain future behavior of markets, may have a material impact on the financial results of the Company.
The Company has current and non-current debts valued at LIBOR, plus a spread. The Company is partially exposed to fluctuations in such rate, as SQM currently holds hedging derivative instruments to hedge a portion of its liabilities subject to the LIBOR rate fluctuations.
As of December 31, 2014, approximately 14% of the Company’s financial liabilities are measured at LIBOR. Accordingly, any significant increase in this rate may have an impact on the Company’s financial position. A 100 basic point variation in this rate may trigger variations in financial expenses of close to US$ 0.6 million. However, this effect is significantly counterbalanced by the returns of the Company’s investments that are also strongly related to LIBOR.
In addition, as of December 31, 2014, the Company's financial liabilities are mainly concentrated in the long-term and approximately 9% have maturities of less than 12 months, decreasing in the process the exposure to changes in interest rates.
| 157 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 4 | Financial risk management, continued |
| 4.2.5 | Liquidity risk |
Liquidity risk relates to the funds needed to comply with payment obligations. The Company’s objective is to maintain financial flexibility through a comfortable balance between fund requirements and cash flows from regular business operations, bank borrowings, bonds, short term investments, and marketable securities, among others.
The Company has an important capital expense program which is subject to change over time.
On the other hand, world financial markets go through periods of contraction and expansion that are unforeseeable in the long-term and may affect SQM’s access to financial resources. Such factors may have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial position and results of operations.
SQM constantly monitors the matching of its obligations with its investments, taking due care of maturities of both, from a conservative perspective, as part of this financial risk management strategy. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had unused, available revolving credit facilities with banks, for a total of approximately US$546 million.
The position in other cash and cash equivalents generated by the Company are invested in highly liquid mutual funds with an AAA risk rating.
| 4.3 | Risk measurement |
The Company has methods to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of financial risk hedging strategies, both prospectively and retrospectively. These methods are consistent with the risk management profile of the Group.
| Note 5 | Changes in accounting estimates and policies (consistent presentation) |
| 5.1 | Changes in accounting estimates |
There are no changes in accounting estimates as of the closing date of the consolidated financial statements.
| 5.2 | Changes in accounting policies |
As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s consolidated financial statements present no changes in accounting policies or estimates compared to the prior period.
The consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and statements of the comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) except for that indicated in Note 2.2. and the principles and criteria have been applied consistently.
| Note 6 | Background of companies included in consolidation |
| 6.1 | Parent’s stand-alone assets and liabilities |
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Assets | 4,305,107 | 4,269,749 | ||||||
| Liabilities | (2,065,271 | ) | (1,893,129 | ) | ||||
| Equity | 2,239,836 | 2,376,620 | ||||||
| 158 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 6 | Background of companies included in consolidation (continued) |
| 6.2 | Parent entity |
As provided in the Company’s by-laws, no shareholder can concentrate more than 32% of the Company’s voting right shares and therefore there is no controlling entity.
| 6.3 | Joint arrangements of controlling interest |
Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A., Potasios de Chile S.A., and Inversiones Global Mining (Chile) Limitada, collectively the Pampa Group, are the owners of a number of shares that are equivalent to 29.94% as of December 31, 2014 of the current total amount of shares issued, subscribed and fully-paid of the Company. In addition, Kowa Company Ltd., Inversiones La Esperanza (Chile) Limitada, Kochi S.A. and La Esperanza Delaware Corporation, collectively the Kowa Group, are the owners of a number of shares equivalent to 2.10% of the total amount of issued, subscribed and fully-paid shares of SQM S.A..
The Pampa Group and the Kowa Group have informed SQM S.A., the Chilean SVS and the relevant stock exchanges in Chile and abroad that they are not and have never been related parties between them. In addition, this is regardless of the fact that both Groups on December 21, 2006 have entered into a Joint Action Agreement (JAA) related to those shares. Consequently, the Pampa Group, by itself, does not concentrate more than 32% of the voting right capital of SQM S.A., and the Kowa Group does not concentrate by itself more than 32% of the voting right capital of SQM S.A..
Likewise, the Joint Action Agreement has not transformed the Pampa and Kowa Groups into related parties between them. The Joint Action Agreement has only transformed the current controller of SQM S.A., composed of the Pampa Group, and the Kowa Group into related parties of SQM S.A..
Detail of effective concentration
| Tax ID No. | Name | Ownership interest % | ||||
| 96.511.530-7 | Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A. | 19.69 | ||||
| 96.863.960-9 | Inversiones Global Mining (Chile) Limitada | 3.34 | ||||
| 76.165.311-5 | Potasios de Chile S.A. | 6.91 | ||||
| Total Pampa Group | 29.94 | |||||
| 79.798.650-k | Inversiones la Esperanza (Chile) Ltda. | 1.41 | ||||
| 59.046.730-8 | Kowa Co Ltd. | 0.30 | ||||
| 96.518.570-4 | Kochi S.A. | 0.30 | ||||
| 59.023.690-k | La Esperanza Delaware Corporation | 0.09 | ||||
| Total Kowa Group | 2.10 | |||||
| 159 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 6 | Background of companies included in consolidation (continued) |
| 6.4 | General information on consolidated subsidiaries |
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the general information of the companies on which the Company exercises control and significant influence is as follows:
| Ownership interest | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary | Tax ID | Address | Country of incorporation | Functional currency | Direct | Indirect | Total | |||||||||||||
| SQM Nitratos S.A. | 96.592.190-7 | El Trovador 4285 Las Condes | Chile | US$ | 99.9999 | 0.0001 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| Proinsa Ltda. | 78.053.910-0 | El Trovador 4285 Las Condes | Chile | Ch$ | - | 60.5800 | 60.5800 | |||||||||||||
| SQMC Internacional Ltda. | 86.630.200-6 | El Trovador 4285 Las Condes | Chile | Ch$ | - | 60.6381 | 60.6381 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Potasio S.A. | 96.651.060-9 | El Trovador 4285 Las Condes | Chile | US$ | 99.9999 | - | 99.9999 | |||||||||||||
| Serv. Integrales de Tránsito y Transf. S.A. | 79.770.780-5 | Arturo Prat 1060, Tocopilla | Chile | US$ | 0.0003 | 99.9997 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| Isapre Norte Grande Ltda. | 79.906.120-1 | Anibal Pinto 3228, Antofagasta | Chile | Ch$ | 1.0000 | 99.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| Ajay SQM Chile S.A. | 96.592.180-K | Av. Pdte. Eduardo Frei 4900, Santiago | Chile | US$ | 51.0000 | - | 51.0000 | |||||||||||||
| Almacenes y Depósitos Ltda. | 79.876.080-7 | El Trovador 4285 Las Condes | Chile | Ch$ | 1.0000 | 99.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Salar S.A. | 79.626.800-K | El Trovador 4285 Las Condes | Chile | US$ | 18.1800 | 81.8200 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | 79.947.100-0 | El Trovador 4285 Las Condes | Chile | US$ | 99.0470 | 0.9530 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| Exploraciones Mineras S.A. | 76.425.380-9 | Los Militares 4290 Las Condes | Chile | US$ | 0.2691 | 99.7309 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| Sociedad Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz del Norte S.A. | 76.534.490-5 | Anibal Pinto 3228, Antofagasta | Chile | Ch$ | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| Soquimich Comercial S.A. | 79.768.170-9 | El Trovador 4285 Las Condes | Chile | US$ | - | 60.6383 | 60.6383 | |||||||||||||
| Comercial Agrorama Ltda. | 76.064.419-6 | El Trovador 4285 Las Condes | Chile | Ch$ | - | 42.4468 | 42.4468 | |||||||||||||
| Comercial Hydro S.A. | 96.801.610-5 | El Trovador 4285 Las Condes | Chile | Ch$ | - | 60.6383 | 60.6383 | |||||||||||||
| Agrorama S.A. | 76.145.229-0 | El Trovador 4285 Las Condes | Chile | Ch$ | - | 60.6377 | 60.6377 | |||||||||||||
| Orcoma Estudios SPA | 76.359.919-1 | Apoquindo 3721 Of.131 Las Condes | Chile | US$ | 51.0000 | - | 51.0000 | |||||||||||||
| Orcoma SPA | 76.360.575-2 | Apoquindo 3721 Of.131 Las Condes | Chile | US$ | 100.0000 | - | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM North America Corp. | Foreign | 2727 Paces Ferry Road, Building Two, Suite 1425, Atlanta, GA | United States | US$ | 40.0000 | 60.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| RS Agro Chemical Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Foreign | Caya Ernesto O. Petronia 17, Orangestad | Aruba | US$ | 98.3333 | 1.6667 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| Nitratos Naturais do Chile Ltda. | Foreign | Al. Tocantis 75, 6° Andar, Conunto 608 Edif. West Gate, Alphaville Barureri, CEP 06455-020, Sao Paulo | Brazil | US$ | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| Nitrate Corporation of Chile Ltd. | Foreign | 1 More London Place London SE1 2AF | United Kingdom | US$ | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Corporation N.V. | Foreign | Pietermaai 123, P.O. Box 897, Willemstad, Curacao | Dutch Antilles | US$ | 0.0002 | 99.9998 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Peru S.A. | Foreign | Avenida Camino Real N° 348 of. 702, San Isidro, Lima | Peru | US$ | 0.9800 | 99.0200 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Ecuador S.A. | Foreign | Av. José Orrantia y Av. Juan Tanca Marengo Edificio Executive Center Piso 2 Oficina 211 | Ecuador | US$ | 0.0040 | 99.9960 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Brasil Ltda. | Foreign | Al. Tocantis 75, 6° Andar, Conunto 608 Edif. West Gate, Alphaville Barureri, CEP 06455-020, Sao Paulo | Brazil | US$ | 1.0900 | 98.9100 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| 160 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 6 | Background of companies included in consolidation (continued) |
| 6.4 | General information on consolidated subsidiaries, continued |
| Ownership interest | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary | Tax ID | Address | Country of incorporation | Functional currency | Direct | Indirect | Total | |||||||||||||
| SQI Corporation N.V. | Foreign | Pietermaai 123, P.O. Box 897, Willemstad, Curacao | Dutch Antilles | US$ | 0.0159 | 99.9841 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQMC Holding Corporation L.L.P. | Foreign | 2727 Paces Ferry Road, Building Two, Suite 1425, Atlanta | United States | US$ | 0.1000 | 99.9000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Japan Co. Ltd. | Foreign | From 1st Bldg 207, 5-3-10 Minami- Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo | Japan | US$ | 1.0000 | 99.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Europe N.V. | Foreign | Houtdok-Noordkaai 25a B-2030 Amberes Bélgica | Belgium | US$ | 0.5800 | 99.4200 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Italia SRL | Foreign | Via A. Meucci, 5 500 15 Grassina Firenze | Italy | US$ | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Indonesia S.A. | Foreign | Perumahan Bumi Dirgantara Permai, Jl Suryadarma Blok Aw No 15 Rt 01/09 17436 Jatisari Pondok Gede | Indonesia | US$ | - | 80.0000 | 80.0000 | |||||||||||||
| North American Trading Company | Foreign | 2727 Paces Ferry Road, Building Two, Suite 1425, Atlanta, GA | United States | US$ | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Virginia LLC | Foreign | 2727 Paces Ferry Road, Building Two, Suite 1425, Atlanta, GA | United States | US$ | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V. | Foreign | Av. Moctezuma 144-4 Ciudad del Sol. CP 45050, Zapopan, Jalisco México | Mexico | US$ | 0.0010 | 99.9900 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Investment Corporation N.V. | Foreign | Pietermaai 123, P.O. Box 897, Willemstad, Curacao | Dutch Antilles | US$ | 1.0000 | 99.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Foreign | Caya Ernesto O. Petronia 17, Orangestad | Aruba | US$ | 1.6700 | 98.3300 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Lithium Specialties LLP | Foreign | 2727 Paces Ferry Road, Building Two, Suite 1425, Atlanta, GA | United States | US$ | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| Soquimich SRL Argentina | Foreign | Espejo 65 Oficina 6 – 5500 Mendoza | Argentina | US$ | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| Comercial Caimán Internacional S.A. | Foreign | Edificio Plaza Bancomer Calle 50 | Panama | US$ | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM France S.A. | Foreign | ZAC des Pommiers 27930 FAUVILLE | France | US$ | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| Administración y Servicios Santiago S.A. de C.V. | Foreign | Av. Moctezuma 144-4 Ciudad del Sol. CP 45050, Zapopan, Jalisco México | Mexico | US$ | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Nitratos México S.A. de C.V. | Foreign | Av. Moctezuma 144-4 Ciudad del Sol. CP 45050, Zapopan, Jalisco México | Mexico | US$ | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| 161 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 6 | Background of companies included in consolidation (continued) |
| 6.4 | General information on consolidated subsidiaries, continued |
| Ownership interest | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary | Tax ID | Address | Country of incorporation | Functional currency | Direct | Indirect | Total | |||||||||||||
| Soquimich European Holding B.V. | Foreign | Loacalellikade 1 Parnassustoren 1076 AZ Amsterdan | Netherlands | US$ | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Iberian S.A | Foreign | Provenza 251 Principal 1a CP 08008, Barcelona | Spain | US$ | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Africa Pty Ltd. | Foreign | Tramore House, 3 Wterford Office Park, Waterford Drive, 2191 Fourways, Johannesburg | South Africa | US$ | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Oceania Pty Ltd. | Foreign | Level 9, 50 Park Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Sydney | Australia | US$ | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Agro India Pvt. Ltd. | Foreign | C 30 Chiragh Enclave New Dehli, 110048 | India | US$ | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Beijing Commercial Co. Ltd. | Foreign | Room 1001C, CBD International Mansion N 16 Yong An Dong Li, Jian Wai Ave Beijing 100022, P.R. | China | US$ | - | 100.0000 | 100.0000 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Thailand Limited | Foreign | Unit 2962, Level 29, N° 388, Exchange Tower Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey Bangkok | Thailand | US$ | - | 99.996 | 99.996 | |||||||||||||
| 6.5 | Information attributable to non-controlling interests |
| Subsidiary | % of interests in the ownership held by non-controlling interests. | Profit (loss) attributable
to non-controlling interests | Equity, non-controlling
interests | Dividends paid to non- controlling interests | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proinsa Ltda. | 0,1 | % | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Potasio S.A. | 0,0000001 | % | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Ajay SQM Chile S.A. | 49 | % | (2,595 | ) | (3,389 | ) | 8,502 | 8,806 | (2,899 | ) | 4,400 | |||||||||||||||||
| SQM Indonesia S.A. | 20 | % | - | - | 1 | 16 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Soquimich Comercial S.A. | 39,3616784 | % | (4,763 | ) | (4,051 | ) | 48,757 | 46,448 | (2,381 | ) | 2,026 | |||||||||||||||||
| Comercial Agrorama Ltda. | 30 | % | (30 | ) | (18 | ) | 337 | 351 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Agrorama S.A. | 0,001 | % | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Orcoma Estudios SPA | 49 | % | (1 | ) | - | 2,270 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM (Thailand) Limited. | 0.004 | % | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | (7,389 | ) | (7,458 | ) | 59,867 | 55,621 | (5,280 | ) | 6,426 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 162 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 6 | Background of companies included in consolidation (continued) |
| 6.6 | Information on consolidated subsidiaries |
| 12/31/2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary | Assets | Liabilities | Comprehensive | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current | Non-current | Current | Non-current | Revenue | Profit (loss) | income (loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Nitratos S.A. | 638,071 | 109,356 | 679,642 | 21,285 | 123,390 | (529 | ) | (529 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Proinsa Ltda. | 174 | 1 | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQMC Internacional Ltda. | 229 | - | - | - | - | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Potasio S.A. | 167,134 | 934,783 | 3,703 | 20,847 | 2,379 | 166,673 | 167,019 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Serv. Integrales de Tránsito y Transf. S.A. | 430,047 | 82,657 | 459,844 | 11,093 | 48,747 | 7,008 | 7,008 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Isapre Norte Grande Ltda. | 698 | 767 | 702 | 198 | 4,577 | 41 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Ajay SQM Chile S.A. | 18,198 | 1,126 | 1,135 | 839 | 57,305 | 5,296 | 5,296 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Almacenes y Depósitos Ltda. | 311 | 46 | 1 | - | - | (20 | ) | (30 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Salar S.A. | 563,756 | 938,389 | 353,808 | 181,732 | 771,133 | 171,406 | 171,253 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | 1,183,420 | 803,100 | 987,048 | 92,923 | 719,384 | 73,289 | 69,116 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploraciones Mineras S.A. | 478 | 31,713 | 5,160 | - | - | (219 | ) | (219 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sociedad Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz del Norte S.A. | 507 | 506 | 430 | 537 | 2,547 | (63 | ) | (65 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Soquimich Comercial S.A. | 132,805 | 22,271 | 30,261 | 943 | 199,367 | 12,100 | 11,902 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comercial Agrorama Ltda. | 12,048 | 1,815 | 12,632 | 106 | 14,724 | 102 | 103 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comercial Hydro S.A. | 8,663 | 105 | 148 | 101 | 61 | 281 | 281 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Agrorama S.A. | 13,577 | 487 | 13,990 | 18 | 13,404 | (103 | ) | (103 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Orcoma SpA | 3 | 2,356 | 4 | - | - | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Orcoma Estudio SpA | 4,630 | 1,375 | 1,372 | - | - | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM North America Corp. | 177,628 | 16,494 | 161,988 | 1,781 | 322,671 | (1,622 | ) | (2,294 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| RS Agro Chemical Trading Corporation A.V.V. | 5,201 | - | - | - | - | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Nitratos Naturais do Chile Ltda. | 4 | 233 | 4,452 | - | - | 223 | 223 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Nitrate Corporation of Chile Ltd. | 5,076 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Corporation N.V. | 669 | 116,031 | 3,722 | - | - | 25,082 | 21,908 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Peru S.A. | 520 | 1 | 1,172 | - | - | (40 | ) | (40 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Ecuador S.A. | 11,101 | 69 | 10,720 | 56 | 16,737 | 194 | 194 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Brasil Ltda. | 724 | 1 | 636 | - | 453 | 220 | 220 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQI Corporation N.V. | - | 23 | 89 | - | - | 5 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQMC Holding Corporation L.L.P. | 17,552 | 15,481 | 1,024 | - | - | 3,944 | 3,944 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Japan Co. Ltd. | 2,472 | 243 | 621 | 449 | 3,493 | 163 | 163 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 163 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 6 | Background of companies included in consolidation (continued) |
| 6.6 | Information on consolidated subsidiaries, continued |
| 12/31/2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | Liabilities | Comprehensive | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary | Current | Non-current | Current | Non-current | Revenue | Profit (loss) | income (loss) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Europe N.V. | 313,336 | 1,265 | 264,760 | - | 552,444 | 12,966 | 12,966 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Italia SRL | 1,247 | - | 16 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Indonesia S.A. | 4 | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| North American Trading Company | 159 | 145 | 39 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Virginia LLC | 14,821 | 14,367 | 14,821 | - | - | (7 | ) | (7 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V. | 81,196 | 1,302 | 53,428 | - | 178,243 | 916 | 916 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Investment Corporation N.V. | 73,432 | 265 | 39,164 | 856 | 20 | 8,552 | 8,552 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | 165,908 | 162 | 103,387 | 80,000 | - | (4,941 | ) | (4,384 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Lithium Specialties LLP | 15,774 | 3 | 1,264 | - | - | (7 | ) | (7 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Soquimich SRL Argentina | 396 | - | 217 | - | - | (17 | ) | (17 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Comercial Caimán Internacional S.A. | 266 | - | 1,122 | - | - | (5 | ) | (5 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM France S.A. | 345 | 6 | 114 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Administración y Servicios Santiago S.A. de C.V. | 177 | - | 689 | 111 | 3,562 | 145 | 145 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Nitratos México S.A. de C.V. | 38 | 4 | 29 | 4 | 262 | 6 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Soquimich European Holding B.V. | 77,712 | 117,371 | 89,566 | - | - | 26,368 | 23,180 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Iberian S.A. | 54,332 | 72 | 49,004 | - | 132,270 | 5,781 | 5,782 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Africa Pty Ltd. | 66,427 | 752 | 57,796 | - | 92,462 | 952 | 952 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Oceanía Pty Ltd. | 3,257 | - | 1,149 | - | 3,550 | (1,016 | ) | (1,016 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Agro India Pvt. Ltd. | 4 | - | 1 | - | - | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Beijing Commercial Co. Ltd. | 5,491 | 31 | 3,217 | - | 7,764 | 143 | 143 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Thailand Limited | 15,424 | 35 | 12,679 | - | 11,042 | 228 | 228 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 4,285,442 | 3,215,209 | 3,426,767 | 413,879 | 3,281,991 | 513,490 | 502,783 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 164 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 6 | Background of companies included in consolidation (continued) |
| 6.6 | Information on consolidated subsidiaries, continued |
| 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary | Assets | Liabilities | Comprehensive | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current | Non-current | Current | Non-current | Revenue | Profit (loss) | income (loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Nitratos S.A. | 490.084 | 124.966 | 525.924 | 15.545 | 184.487 | 18.434 | 18.434 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Proinsa Ltda. | 200 | 1 | - | - | - | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQMC Internacional Ltda. | 266 | - | - | - | - | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Potasio S.A. | 109.408 | 1.049.628 | 3.411 | 15.749 | 2.052 | 184.948 | 185.458 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Serv. Integrales de Tránsito y Transf. S.A. | 348.685 | 86.935 | 389.980 | 8.423 | 50.135 | 6.149 | 6.149 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Isapre Norte Grande Ltda. | 916 | 829 | 924 | 192 | 4.192 | 28 | 334 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Ajay SQM Chile S.A. | 22.720 | 1.232 | 5.226 | 755 | 67.413 | 6.916 | 6.916 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Almacenes y Depósitos Ltda. | 362 | 50 | 1 | - | - | (11 | ) | (40 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Salar S.A. | 678.215 | 1.000.954 | 453.864 | 216.110 | 792.109 | 206.745 | 206.679 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | 1.110.303 | 820.831 | 872.216 | 79.021 | 925.167 | 64.602 | 61.547 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploraciones Mineras S.A. | 477 | 31.537 | 4.765 | - | - | (312 | ) | (312 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sociedad Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz del Norte S.A. | 762 | 243 | 322 | 556 | 2.276 | 31 | 46 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Soquimich Comercial S.A. | 143.515 | 22.582 | 47.121 | 973 | 214.350 | 10.291 | 10.162 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comercial Agrorama Ltda. | 15.450 | 2.148 | 16.314 | 114 | 16.009 | 61 | 62 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comercial Hydro S.A. | 8.302 | 134 | 124 | 72 | 109 | 370 | 370 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Agrorama S.A. | 15.722 | 568 | 16.074 | 36 | 16.122 | 37 | 37 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Orcoma SpA | 2 | 2.356 | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Orcoma Estudio SpA | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM North America Corp. | 214.359 | 17.058 | 197.077 | 1.781 | 365.691 | (4.763 | ) | (3.751 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| RS Agro Chemical Trading Corporation A.V.V. | 5.204 | - | - | - | - | (9 | ) | (9 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Nitratos Naturais do Chile Ltda. | 3 | 254 | 4.695 | - | - | 278 | 278 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Nitrate Corporation of Chile Ltd. | 5.076 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Corporation N.V. | 669 | 93.936 | 3.725 | - | - | 10.441 | 7.377 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Peru S.A. | 578 | 1 | 1.190 | - | 1 | (191 | ) | (191 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Ecuador S.A. | 10.644 | 81 | 10.533 | 42 | 25.475 | (1.224 | ) | (1.224 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Brasil Ltda. | 680 | 40 | 851 | - | 802 | 88 | 88 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQI Corporation N.V. | - | 19 | 62 | - | - | (1 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQMC Holding Corporation L.L.P. | 11.978 | 16.394 | 1.000 | - | - | 5.267 | 5.267 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Japan Co. Ltd. | 1.948 | 263 | 234 | 494 | 2.468 | (283 | ) | (283 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 165 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 6 | Background of companies included in consolidation (continued) |
| 6.6 | Information on consolidated subsidiaries, continued |
| 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | Liabilities | Comprehensive | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary | Current | Non-current | Current | Non-current | Revenue | Profit (loss) | income (loss) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Europe N.V. | 316,396 | 383 | 280,092 | - | 677,497 | 1,608 | 1,608 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Italia SRL | 1,421 | - | 18 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Indonesia S.A. | 4 | - | (76 | ) | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| North American Trading Company | 160 | 145 | 39 | - | - | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Virginia LLC | 14,828 | 14,374 | 14,828 | - | - | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V. | 88,252 | 1,427 | 61,534 | - | 178,180 | 4,724 | 4,724 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Investment Corporation N.V. | 62,496 | 282 | 36,805 | 851 | 50 | 1,097 | 1,097 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | 240,231 | 442 | 83,606 | 170,000 | - | (2,537 | ) | (1,904 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Lithium Specialties LLP | 15,781 | 3 | 1,264 | - | - | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Soquimich SRL Argentina | 414 | - | 218 | - | - | (49 | ) | (49 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Comercial Caimán Internacional S.A. | 271 | - | 1,122 | - | - | (38 | ) | (38 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM France S.A. | 345 | 6 | 114 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Administración y Servicios Santiago S.A. de C.V. | 153 | - | 795 | 127 | 3,243 | (7 | ) | (7 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Nitratos México S.A. de C.V. | 26 | 4 | 23 | 4 | 186 | (7 | ) | (7 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Soquimich European Holding B.V. | 79,966 | 96,670 | 93,496 | 987 | - | 8,849 | 5,785 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Iberian S.A. | 101,299 | 70 | 101,757 | - | 166,087 | 66 | 66 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Africa Pty Ltd. | 55,635 | 729 | 47,932 | - | 109,968 | 1,611 | 1,611 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Oceanía Pty Ltd. | 4,251 | - | 811 | - | 3,542 | 51 | 51 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Agro India Pvt. Ltd. | 7 | - | 2 | - | - | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Beijing Commercial Co. Ltd. | 2,415 | 80 | 301 | - | 9,915 | (1,164 | ) | (1,164 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Thailand Limited | 7,052 | 36 | 4,510 | - | 4,379 | (787 | ) | (787 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 4,187,933 | 3,387,691 | 3,284,824 | 511,832 | 3,821,905 | 521,301 | 514,370 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 166 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 6 | Background of companies included in consolidation (continued) |
| 6.7 | Detail of transactions between consolidated companies |
| a) | Transactions conducted in 2014 |
At the Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting of the subsidiary Orcoma Estudios SPA held on November 21, 2014, the shareholders agreed to increase capital by US$ 1,500, divided into 150,000 single-series shares with no par value. SQM S.A. was not involved in such increase decreasing its ownership in this company to 51%.
At the General Shareholders’ Meeting of the subsidiary SQM Ecuador S.A., the shareholders agreed to absorb the accumulated losses of the company of ThUS$ 455.
Transactions conducted in 2013
On December 31, 2013, the subsidiary Orcoma Estudios SPA was incorporated where Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. made a capital contribution of US$ 1,500.
On December 31, 2013, the subsidiary Orcoma SPA was incorporated where Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. made a capital contribution of ThUS$ 2,358.
On March 25, 2013, SQM Industrial S.A. increased by ThUS$ 1,500 the capital of its subsidiary SQM Beijing Commercial Co. Ltd.
During the first half of 2013 Iodine Minera was absorbed into Soquimich European Holdings.
During the first half of 2013 Soquimich European Holdings B.V. purchased shares of SQM Thailand Limited, acquiring 99.996% of this company.
| Note 7 | Cash and cash equivalents |
| 7.1 | Types of cash and cash equivalents |
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, cash and cash equivalents are detailed as follows:
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/20131 | |||||||
| a) Cash | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||
| Cash on hand | 88 | 119 | ||||||
| Cash in banks | 29,404 | 29,671 | ||||||
| Other demand deposits | - | 3,625 | ||||||
| Total cash | 29,492 | 33,415 | ||||||
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| b) Cash equivalents | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||
| Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents | 29,492 | 158,208 | ||||||
| Short-term investments, classified as cash equivalents | 295,582 | 284,999 | ||||||
| Total cash equivalents | 325,074 | 443,207 | ||||||
| Total cash and cash equivalents | 354,566 | 476,622 | ||||||
| 167 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 7 | Cash and cash equivalents (continued) |
| 7.2 | Short-term investments, classified as cash equivalents |
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, short-term investments, classified as cash and cash equivalents relate to mutual funds (investment liquidity funds) for investments in:
| Institution | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Legg Mason - Western Asset Institutional Cash Reserves | 100,988 | 95,941 | ||||||
| BlackRock - Institutional US Dollar Liquidity Fund | 97,351 | 94,726 | ||||||
| JP Morgan US dollar Liquidity Fund Institutional | 97,243 | 94,332 | ||||||
| Total | 295,582 | 284,999 | ||||||
Short-term investments are highly liquid fund manager accounts that are basically invested in short-term fixed rate notes in the U.S. market.
| 7.3 | Information on cash and cash equivalents by currency |
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, information on cash and cash equivalents by currency is detailed as follows:
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| Original currency | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||
| Chilean Peso (*) | 6,355 | 25,391 | ||||||
| US Dollar | 328,392 | 430,263 | ||||||
| Euro | 10,449 | 9,230 | ||||||
| Mexican Peso | 736 | 429 | ||||||
| South African Rand | 4,046 | 7,229 | ||||||
| Japanese Yen | 1,701 | 1,435 | ||||||
| Peruvian Sol | 1 | 2 | ||||||
| Brazilian Real | 29 | 73 | ||||||
| Chinese Yuan | 769 | 384 | ||||||
| Indonesian Rupiah | 4 | 4 | ||||||
| Indian Rupee | 12 | 7 | ||||||
| Thai Baht | 2,055 | 2,161 | ||||||
| Argentine Peso | 12 | - | ||||||
| Pound Sterling | 5 | 14 | ||||||
| Total | 354,566 | 476,622 | ||||||
(*) The Company maintains financial derivative policies which allow dollarizing these term deposits in Chilean pesos.
| 7.4 | Amount of significant restricted (unavailable) cash balances |
Cash on hand and in current bank accounts are available resources, and their carrying value is equal to their fair value.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company has no significant cash balances with any type of restriction.
| 168 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 7 Cash and cash equivalents (continued)
7.5 Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents
The detail at the end of each period is as follows:
| 2014 Receiver of the deposit | Type of deposit | Original Currency | Interest rate | Placement date | Expiration date | Principal ThUS$ | Interest accrued to-date ThUS$ | 31/12/2014 ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||
| Banco Estado | Fixed term | Ch$ | 0.24 | 12/30/2014 | 01/08/2015 | 4,121 | - | 4,121 | ||||||||||||||||
| Banco Crédito e Inversiones | Fixed term | Ch$ | 0.23 | 12/30/2014 | 01/08/2015 | 824 | - | 824 | ||||||||||||||||
| Banco BBVA Chile | Fixed term | US$ | 0.45 | 10/29/2014 | 01/06/2015 | 20,000 | 16 | 20,016 | ||||||||||||||||
| BBVA Banco Francés | Fixed term | US$ | 18.5 | 12/29/2014 | 01/28/2015 | 362 | - | 362 | ||||||||||||||||
| ABN Amro Bank | Fixed term | Euro | - | 12/31/2014 | 01/31/2015 | 4,169 | - | 4,169 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | 29,476 | 16 | 29,492 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 Receiver of the deposit | Type of deposit | Original Currency | Interest rate | Placement date | Expiration date | Principal ThUS$ | Interest accrued to- date ThUS$ | 31/12/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||
| Banco BBVA Chile | Fixed term | US$ | 0.50 | 12/20/2013 | 01/09/2014 | 10,000 | 2 | 10,002 | ||||||||||||||||
| Banco BBVA Chile | Fixed term | US$ | 0.50 | 12/20/2013 | 01/09/2014 | 10,000 | 2 | 10,002 | ||||||||||||||||
| Banco BBVA Chile | Fixed term | US$ | 0.50 | 12/20/2013 | 01/09/2014 | 10,000 | 2 | 10,002 | ||||||||||||||||
| Banco Crédito e Inversiones | Fixed term | US$ | 0.40 | 12/16/2013 | 01/16/2014 | 20,000 | 3 | 20,003 | ||||||||||||||||
| Banco Crédito e Inversiones | Fixed term | US$ | 0.48 | 12/16/2013 | 02/06/2014 | 20,000 | 4 | 20,004 | ||||||||||||||||
| Banco Crédito e Inversiones | Fixed term | US$ | 0.50 | 10/17/2013 | 01/03/2014 | 10,093 | 10 | 10,103 | ||||||||||||||||
| Banco Crédito e Inversiones | Fixed term | US$ | 0.58 | 12/16/2013 | 03/11/2014 | 20,000 | 5 | 20,005 | ||||||||||||||||
| Banco Crédito e Inversiones | Fixed term | Ch$ | 0.37 | 12/30/2013 | 01/13/2014 | 4,384 | - | 4,384 | ||||||||||||||||
| Banco Crédito e Inversiones | Fixed term | Ch$ | 0.38 | 12/27/2013 | 01/09/2014 | 4,193 | 2 | 4,195 | ||||||||||||||||
| Banco Santander - Santiago | Fixed term | US$ | 0.48 | 12/09/2013 | 01/23/2014 | 20,314 | 6 | 20,320 | ||||||||||||||||
| Banco Santander - Santiago | Fixed term | US$ | 0.52 | 12/04/2013 | 01/03/2014 | 10,104 | 4 | 10,108 | ||||||||||||||||
| Banco Santander - Santiago | Fixed term | Ch$ | 0.43 | 10/21/2013 | 01/03/2014 | 14,352 | 148 | 14,500 | ||||||||||||||||
| IDBI Bank | Fixed term | Indian rupee | - | 12/31/2013 | 6/30/2014 | 2 | - | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
| Citibank New York | Overnight | US$ | 0.01 | 12/31/2013 | 01/02/2014 | 444 | - | 444 | ||||||||||||||||
| Citibank New York | Overnight | US$ | 0.01 | 12/31/2013 | 01/02/2014 | 640 | - | 640 | ||||||||||||||||
| Citibank New York | Overnight | US$ | 0.01 | 12/31/2013 | 01/02/2014 | 1,301 | - | 1,301 | ||||||||||||||||
| ABN Amro Bank | Fixed term | Euro | - | 12/31/2013 | 01/31/2014 | 2,193 | - | 2,193 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | 158,020 | 188 | 158,208 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 169 |
9) Financial Reports
The composition of inventory at each period-end is as follows:
| Type of inventory | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Raw materials | 9,540 | 8,552 | ||||||
| Supplies for production | 30,398 | 42,366 | ||||||
| Products-in-progress | 453,816 | 400,824 | ||||||
| Finished product | 425,849 | 503,788 | ||||||
| Total | 919,603 | 955,530 | ||||||
Inventory provisions recognized as of December 31, 2014 amount to ThUS$82,966, and ThUS$97,248 as of December 31, 2013. Inventory provisions have been made based on a technical study that covers the different variables affecting products in stock (density and humidity, among others). Additionally, provisions are recognized if goods are sold cheaper than the related cost, and for differences that arise from inventory counts.
As of December 31, 2014, the sum registered as cost of sale related to inventory in the statement of income amounts to ThUS$1,259,983 and to ThUS$1,314,276 as of December 31, 2013.
The breakdown of inventory reserves is detailed as follows:
| Type of inventory | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Raw material provisions | 93 | 93 | ||||||
| Supplies for production provisions | 500 | 500 | ||||||
| Products-in-progress provisions | 55,994 | 65,768 | ||||||
| Finished product provisions | 26,379 | 30,887 | ||||||
| Total | 82,966 | 97,248 | ||||||
The Company has not delivered inventory as collateral for the periods indicated above.
| Note 9 | Related party disclosures |
| 9.1 | Related party disclosures |
Balances pending at period-end are not guaranteed, accrue no interest and are settled in cash. No guarantees have been delivered or received for trade and other receivables due from related parties or trade and other payables due to related parties. For the period ended December 31, 2014, the Company has not recorded any impairment in accounts receivable related to amounts owed by related parties. This evaluation is conducted every year through an examination of the financial position of the related party in the market in which it operates.
| 9.2 | Relationships between the parent and the entity |
According to the Company’s by-laws, no shareholder can own more than 32% of the Company’s voting right shares.
Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A., Potasios de Chile S.A., and Inversiones Global Mining (Chile) Ltda., collectively the Pampa Group, are the owners of a number of shares that are equivalent to 29.94% as of December 31, 2014 of the current total amount of shares issued, subscribed and fully-paid of the Company. In addition, Kowa Company Ltd., Inversiones La Esperanza (Chile) Limitada, Kochi S.A. and La Esperanza Delaware Corporation, collectively the Kowa Group, are the owners of a number of shares equivalent to 2.10% of the total amount of shares of SQM S.A. issued, subscribed and fully-paid.
| 170 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 9 | Related party disclosures (continued) |
| 9.2 | Relationships between the parent and the entity, continued |
The Pampa Group and the Kowa Group have informed SQM S.A., the Chilean SVS and the relevant stock exchanges in Chile and abroad that they are not and have never been related parties between them. In addition, this is regardless of the fact that both Groups on December 21, 2006 have entered into a Joint Action Agreement (JAA) related to those shares. Consequently, the Pampa Group, by itself, does not concentrate more than 32% of the voting right capital of SQM S.A., and the Kowa Group does not concentrate by itself more than 32% of the voting right capital of SQM S.A.
Likewise, the Joint Action Agreement has not transformed the Pampa and Kowa Groups into related parties between them. The Joint Action Agreement has only transformed the current controller of SQM S.A., composed of the Pampa Group, and the Kowa Group into related parties of SQM S.A.
Detail of effective concentration
| Tax ID No. | Name | Ownership interest % | ||||
| 96.511.530-7 | Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A. | 19.69 | ||||
| 96.863.960-9 | Inversiones Global Mining (Chile) Ltda. | 3.34 | ||||
| 76.165.311-5 | Potasios de Chile S.A. | 6.91 | ||||
| Total Pampa Group | 29.94 | |||||
| 79.798.650-k | Inversiones la Esperanza (Chile) Ltda. | 1.41 | ||||
| 59.046.730-8 | Kowa Co Ltd. | 0.30 | ||||
| 96.518.570-4 | Kochi S.A. | 0.30 | ||||
| 59.023.690-k | La Esperanza Delaware Corporation | 0.09 | ||||
| Total Kowa Group | 2.10 | |||||
| 9.3 | Detailed identification of the link between the Parent and subsidiary |
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the detail of entities that are related parties of the SQM S.A. Group is as follows:
| Tax ID No. | Name | Country of origin | Functional currency | Nature | ||||
| Foreign | Nitratos Naturais Do\ Chile Ltda. | Brazil | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | Nitrate Corporation Of Chile Ltd. | United Kingdom | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM North America Corp. | United States | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Europe N.V. | Belgium | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | Soquimich S.R.L. Argentina | Argentina | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | Soquimich European Holding B.V. | The Netherlands | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Corporation N.V. | Dutch Antilles | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQI Corporation N.V. | Dutch Antilles | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Comercial De México S.A. de C.V. | Mexico | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | North American Trading Company | United States | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | Administración y Servicios Santiago S.A. de C.V. | Mexico | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Peru S.A. | Peru | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Ecuador S.A. | Ecuador | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Nitratos Mexico S.A. de C.V. | Mexico | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQMC Holding Corporation L.L.P. | United States | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Investment Corporation N.V. | Dutch Antilles | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Brasil Limitada | Brazil | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM France S.A. | France | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Japan Co. Ltd. | Japan | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Oceania Pty Limited | Australia | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | Rs Agro-Chemical Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Indonesia S.A. | Indonesia | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Virginia L.L.C. | United States | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Italia SRL | Italy | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | Comercial Caiman Internacional S.A. | Panamá | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Africa Pty. Ltd. | South Africa | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Lithium Specialties LLC | United States | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Iberian S.A. | Spain | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Agro India Pvt. Ltd. | India | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Beijing Commercial Co. Ltd. | China | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Thailand Limited | Thailand | US$ | Subsidiary |
| 171 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 9 | Related party disclosures (continued) |
| 9.3 | Detailed identification of the link between the Parent and subsidiary, continued |
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the detail of entities that are a related parties of the SQM S.A: Group is as follows:
| Tax ID No. | Name | Country of origin | Functional currency | Nature | ||||
| 96.801.610-5 | Comercial Hydro S.A. | Chile | Chilean peso | Subsidiary | ||||
| 96.651.060-9 | SQM Potasio S.A. | Chile | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| 96.592.190-7 | SQM Nitratos S.A. | Chile | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| 96.592.180-K | Ajay SQM Chile S.A. | Chile | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| 86.630.200-6 | SQMC Internacional Ltda. | Chile | Chilean peso | Subsidiary | ||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Chile | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| 79.906.120-1 | Isapre Norte Grande Ltda. | Chile | Chilean peso | Subsidiary | ||||
| 79.876.080-7 | Almacenes y Depósitos Ltda. | Chile | Chilean peso | Subsidiary | ||||
| 79.770.780-5 | Servicios Integrales de Tránsitos y Transferencias S.A. | Chile | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| 79.768.170-9 | Soquimich Comercial S.A. | Chile | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| 79.626.800-K | SQM Salar S.A. | Chile | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| 78.053.910-0 | Proinsa Ltda. | Chile | Chilean peso | Subsidiary | ||||
| 76.534.490-5 | Sociedad Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz del Norte S.A. | Chile | Chilean peso | Subsidiary | ||||
| 76.425.380-9 | Exploraciones Mineras S.A. | Chile | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| 76.064.419-6 | Comercial Agrorama Ltda. | Chile | Chilean peso | Subsidiary | ||||
| 76.145.229-0 | Agrorama S.A. | Chile | Chilean peso | Subsidiary | ||||
| 76.359.919-1 | Orcoma Estudios SPA | Chile | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| 76.360.575-2 | Orcoma SPA | Chile | US$ | Subsidiary | ||||
| 77.557.430-5 | Sales de Magnesio Ltda. | Chile | Chilean peso | Associate | ||||
| Foreign | Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL | United Arab Emirates | Arab Emirates dirham | Associate | ||||
| Foreign | Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS | Turkey | Turkish lira | Associate | ||||
| Foreign | Ajay North America | United States | US$ | Associate | ||||
| Foreign | Ajay Europe SARL | France | Euro | Associate | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Eastmed Turkey | Turkey | Euro | Associate | ||||
| Foreign | Charlee SQM Thailand Co. Ltd. | Thailand | Thai baht | Associate | ||||
| Foreign | Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltda. | China | US$ | Joint venture | ||||
| Foreign | Coromandel SQM | India | Indian rupee | Joint venture | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Fzco. | Arab Emirates | Arab Emirates dirham | Joint venture | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd. | China | US$ | Joint venture | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Spain | Spain | Euro | Joint control or significant influence | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Holland | Dutch Antilles | Euro | Joint venture | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V | Dutch Antilles | Euro | Joint control or significant influence | ||||
| Foreign | Kowa Company Ltd. | Japan | US$ | Joint control | ||||
| 96.511.530-7 | Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera | Chile | US$ | Joint control | ||||
| 96.529.340-k | Norte Grande S.A. | Chile | Chilean peso | Other related parties | ||||
| 79.049.778-9 | Callegari Agricola S.A. | Chile | Chilean peso | Other related parties | ||||
| Foreign | Coromandel Internacional | India | Indian rupee | Other related parties | ||||
| Foreign | Vitas Roullier SAS | France | Euro | Other related parties | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria | Brazil | US$ | Joint control or significant influence | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Peru S.A.C. | Peru | US$ | Joint control or significant influence | ||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Southern Africa Pty. | South Africa | US$ | Joint control or significant influence |
| 172 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 9 | Related party disclosures (continued) |
| 9.4 | Detail of related parties and related party transactions |
Transactions between the Parent and its subsidiaries are part of the Company's common transactions. Their conditions are those customary for this type of transactions in respect of terms and market prices. In addition, these have been eliminated in consolidation and are not detailed in this note.
Maturity terms for each case vary by virtue of the transaction giving rise to them.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there are no allowances for doubtful accounts related to balances pending of transactions with related parties as there is no impairment in them.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the detail of transactions with related parties is as follows:
| Tax ID No. | Company | Nature | Country of origin | Transaction | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi As | Associate | Turkey | Sale of products | 26,806 | 13,844 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi As | Associate | Turkey | Other Transactions | - | 740 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Ajay Europe S.A.R.L. | Associate | France | Sale of products | 28,566 | 35,884 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Ajay Europe S.A.R.L. | Associate | France | Dividends | 2,728 | 5,093 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Ajay North America LLC. | Associate | United States | Sale of products | 23,533 | 40,605 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Ajay North America LLC. | Associate | United States | Dividends | 7,139 | 10,437 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Ajay North America LLC. | Associate | United States | Sale of services | 90 | - | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL | Associate | United Arab Emirates | Sale of products | 8,535 | 7,908 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Charlee SQM Thailand Co. Ltd. | Associate | Thailand | Sale of products | 6,852 | 5,669 | ||||||||||
| 77.557.430-5 | Sales de Magnesio Ltda. | Associate | Chile | Sale of products | 1,112 | 1,186 | ||||||||||
| 77.557.430-5 | Sales de Magnesio Ltda. | Associate | Chile | Dividends | 1,245 | 892 | ||||||||||
| 77.557.430-5 | Sales de Magnesio Ltda. | Associate | Chile | Sale of services | 35 | - | ||||||||||
| 96.529.340-k | Norte Grande S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | Sale of services | - | 140 | ||||||||||
| 79.049.778-9 | Callegari Agrícola S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | Other Transactions | 47 | - | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Kowa Company Ltd. | Other related parties | Japan | Sale of products | 76,714 | 77,176 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Kowa Company Ltd. | Other related parties | Japan | Services received | 1,546 | 702 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria | Joint control or significant influence | Brazil | Sale of products | 51,841 | 52,901 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Peru S.A.C. | Joint control or significant influence | Peru | Sale of products | 30,978 | 21,255 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Southern Africa Pty. | Joint control or significant influence | South Africa | Sale of products | 13,975 | 17,908 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Fzco. | Joint venture | United Arab Emirates | Sale of products | 1,681 | 289 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Fzco. | Joint venture | United Arab Emirates | Sale of services | - | 98 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltda. | Joint venture | China | Sale of products | 53,763 | 56,254 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltda. | Joint venture | China | Sale of services | - | 282 | ||||||||||
| 173 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 9 | Related party disclosures (continued) |
| 9.4 | Detail of related parties and related party transactions, continued |
| Tax ID No. | Company | Nature | Country of origin | Transaction | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Coromandel SQM India | Joint venture | India | Sale of products | 4,930 | 5,242 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd. | Joint venture | China | Sale of services | - | 148 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Spain | Joint venture | Spain | Sale of products | 7,700 | 1,624 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V. | Joint venture | Netherlands | Sale of products | 4 | - | ||||||||||
| 9.5 | Trade receivables due from related parties, current: |
| Tax ID N° | Company | Nature | Country of origin | Currency | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||
| 77.557.430-5 | Sales de Magnesio Ltda. | Associate | Chile | Ch$ | 340 | 147 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Charlee SQM Thailand Co. Ltd. | Associate | Thailand | US$ | 2.559 | 331 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS | Associate | Turkey | US$ | - | 11 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Ajay Europe S.A.R.L. | Associate | France | Euro | 3.674 | 4,974 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Ajay North America LLC. | Associate | United States | US$ | 2.793 | 4,166 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL | Associate | United Arab Emirates | Arab Emirates dirham | 3.596 | 2,958 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Kowa Company Ltd. | Jointly controlled entity | Japan | US$ | 19.445 | 22,960 | ||||||||||
| 96.511.530-7 | Soc.de Inversiones Pampa Calichera | Jointly controlled entity | Chile | US$ | 7 | 8 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria | Joint venture | Brazil | US$ | 29.425 | 18,205 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Peru S.A.C. | Joint venture | Peru | US$ | 20.716 | 17,840 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Southern Africa PTY | Joint venture | South Africa | US$ | 3.772 | 4,553 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Coromandel SQM India | Joint venture | India | Indian rupee | 2.534 | 2,271 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltda. | Joint venture | China | US$ | 43.900 | 47,910 | ||||||||||
| 79.049.778-9 | Callegari Agrícola S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | Ch$ | 87 | 363 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Fzco. | Joint venture | United Arab Emirates | Arab Emirates dirham | 523 | 436 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Spain | Joint venture | Spain | Euro | 1.099 | 760 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V. | Joint venture | Holland | Euro | - | 133 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd. | Joint venture | China | US$ | 36 | |||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Holland | Joint venture | Holland | Euro | - | - | ||||||||||
| Total | 134,506 | 128,016 | ||||||||||||||
| 9.6 | Trade payables due to related parties, current: |
| Tax ID No. | Company. | Nature | Country of origin | Currency | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS | Associate | Turkey | Turkish lira | 71 | - | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V. | Joint venture | Holland | Euro | 160 | - | ||||||||||
| Total as of to-date | 231 | - | ||||||||||||||
| 174 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 9 | Related party disclosures (continued) |
| 9.7 | Board of Directors and Senior Management |
| 1) | Board of directors |
The Company is managed by a Board of Directors which is composed of eight regular directors who are elected for a three-year period. The present Board of Directors was elected by the shareholders at the Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting of April 25, 2013.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company has an Audit Committee made up of three members of the Board of Directors. This Committee performs those duties provided in Article 50 bis of Law No. 18,046 on Shareholders Company, the Shareholders’ Corporations Act.
During the periods covered by these financial statements, there are no pending balances receivable and payable between the Company, its directors or members of Senior Management other than those related to remuneration, fee allowances and profit-sharing. In addition, there were no transactions conducted between the Company, its directors or members of Senior Management.
| 2) | Directors’ Compensation |
| 2.1.1 | Board of Directors |
Directors’ compensation is detailed as follows:
| a) | A payment of a monthly fixed gross amount of UF 300 in favor of the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors and UF 125 in favor of the seven remaining board members regardless of their attendance at Board meetings or the number of meetings attended during the respective month. |
| b) | A payment in domestic currency in favor of the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors consisting of a variable and gross amount equivalent to 0.35% of profit for the period effectively earned by the Company during fiscal year 2014. |
| c) | A payment in domestic currency in favor of each Company’s directors excluding the Chairman of the Board, consisting of a variable and gross amount equivalent to 0.05% of profit for the period effectively earned by the Company during fiscal years 2014. |
| d) | The fixed and variable amounts indicated above will not be subject to any charge between them, and those expressed as a percentage will be paid immediately after the shareholders at the respective Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting of the Company approve the statement of financial position (balance sheet), the financial statements, the annual report, the report by the account inspectors and the report of external auditors for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2014. |
| 175 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 9 | Related party disclosures (continued) |
| 9.7 | Board of Directors and Senior Management, continued |
| e) | Therefore, the remunerations and profit sharing paid to members of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee during 2014 amount to ThUS$3,424 (ThUS$ 4,827 as of December 31, 2013). |
| 3) | Audit Committee |
The remuneration of Directors Committee is composed of:
| a) | A payment of a monthly, fixed and gross amount of UF 17 in favor of each of the three Directors who are a part of the Company’s Audit Committee, regardless of the number of meetings conducted during the respective month. |
| b) | A payment in domestic currency and in favor of each of the three Directors of a variable and gross amount equivalent to 0.013% of the Company’s profit for the period effectively earned by the Company during fiscal years 2014 and 2013. |
| 4) | No guarantees have been constituted in favor of the directors. |
| 5) | Senior management compensation: |
As of December 31, 2014, the global compensation paid to the 108 main executives amounts to ThUS$25,666 (ThUS$32,888 as of December 31, 2013). This includes monthly fixed salary and variable performance bonuses.
The Company has a bonuses intermediate and bi-intermediate plan for compliance target and level of individual contribution to the Company’s profit or loss. These benefits are structured in a minimum and maximum of gross remunerations which are paid once a year or every two years.
| 6) | Additionally, the Company has retention bonuses for the Company’s executives. The amount of these bonuses is linked to the price of the Company’s share and is payable in cash between 2012 and 2016 (see Note 16). |
| 7) | No guarantees have been constituted in favor of the Company’s management. |
| 8) | The Company’s Managers and Directors do not receive or have not received any benefit during the period ended December 31, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013 or compensation for the concept of pensions, life insurance, paid time off, profit sharing, incentives, or benefits due to disability other than those mentioned in the preceding points. |
| 9) | In accordance with IAS 24, we should report that the Company's Director Mr. Wolf Von Appen B. is also a member of the Ultramar Group. As of December 31, 2014, the amount of transactions with this Group is approximately ThUS$12,287 (ThUS$16,850 as of December 31, 2013). In addition, Director José María Eyzaguirre is also a partner of Claro y Compañía. As of December 31, 2014, the amount of transactions with this Group is approximately ThUS$242 (ThUS$85 as of December 31, 2013). |
| 9.8 | Key management personnel compensation |
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Key management personnel compensation | 25,666 | 24,150 | ||||||
| 176 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments |
Financial assets in conformity with IAS 39 are detailed as follows:
| 10.1 | Types of other financial assets |
| Description of other financial assets | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Other current financial assets (1) | 653,442 | 431,883 | ||||||
| Derivatives (2) | 17,160 | 3,283 | ||||||
| Hedging assets, current | - | 25,007 | ||||||
| Total other current financial assets | 670,602 | 460,173 | ||||||
| Other non-current financial assets | 427 | 95 | ||||||
| Hedging assets, non-current | - | - | ||||||
| Total other non-current financial assets | 427 | 95 | ||||||
| (1) | Relates to term deposits with maturities exceeding 90 days and less than 360 days from the investment date. |
| (2) | Relate to forwards and options that were not classified as hedging instruments (see detail in Note 10.3). |
Detail of other current financial assets
| Institution | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Banco Santander | 141,914 | 131,534 | ||||||
| BBVA | 91,718 | 80,206 | ||||||
| Banco de Crédito e Inversiones | 140,216 | 79,530 | ||||||
| Banco de Chile | 60,153 | 42,095 | ||||||
| Corpbanca | 91,372 | 61,244 | ||||||
| Banco Itaú | 100,136 | 30,207 | ||||||
| Banco Security | 24,683 | 7,067 | ||||||
| Morgan Stanley | 3,250 | - | ||||||
| Total | 653,442 | 431,883 | ||||||
| 177 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 10 Financial instruments (continued)
| 10.2 | Trade and other receivables, current and non-current |
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current | Non-current | Total | Current | Non-current | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trade receivables | 322,231 | - | 322,231 | 314,151 | - | 314,151 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Prepayments | 11,378 | - | 11,378 | 12,127 | - | 12,127 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other receivables | 7,221 | 2,044 | 9,265 | 4,714 | 1,282 | 5,996 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total trade and other receivables | 340,830 | 2,044 | 342,874 | 330,992 | 1,282 | 332,274 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets before allowances | Allowance for doubtful trade receivables | Assets for trade receivables, net | Assets before allowances | Allowance for doubtful trade receivables | Assets for trade receivables, net | |||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Receivables related to credit operations, current | 337,296 | (15,065 | ) | 322,231 | 330,052 | (15,901 | ) | 314,151 | ||||||||||||||||
| Trade receivables, current | 337,296 | (15,065 | ) | 322,231 | 330,052 | (15,901 | ) | 314,151 | ||||||||||||||||
| Prepayments, current | 14,178 | (2,800 | ) | 11,378 | 14,927 | (2,800 | ) | 12,127 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other receivables, current | 9,184 | (1,963 | ) | 7,221 | 6,663 | (1,949 | ) | 4,714 | ||||||||||||||||
| Current trade and other receivables | 360,658 | (19,828 | ) | 340,830 | 351,642 | (20,650 | ) | 330,992 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other receivables, non-current | 2,044 | - | 2,044 | 1,282 | - | 1,282 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current receivables | 2,044 | - | 2,044 | 1,282 | - | 1,282 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total trade and other receivables | 362,702 | (19,828 | ) | 342,874 | 352,924 | (20,650 | ) | 332,274 | ||||||||||||||||
| 178 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments (continued) |
| 10.2 | Trade and other receivables, continued |
Portfolio stratification, continued
The Company’s policy is to require guarantees (such as letters of credit, guarantee clauses and others) and/or maintain insurance policies for certain accounts as deemed necessary by management.
Unsecuritized portfolio
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the detail of the unsecuritized portfolio is as follows:
| 12/31/2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Not overdue | 1 - 30 days | 31 - 60 days | 61 - 90 days | 91 - 120 days | 121 - 150 days | 151 - 180 days | 181 - 210 days | 211 - 250 days | Over 250 days | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of customers, portfolio under no renegotiated terms | 2,997 | 574 | 533 | 90 | 305 | 297 | 15 | 269 | 283 | 1,779 | 7,142 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Portfolio under no renegotiated terms | 243,255 | 51,738 | 21,425 | 5,883 | 718 | 1,062 | 127 | 520 | 162 | 6,659 | 331,549 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of customers under renegotiated terms portfolio | 49 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 81 | 147 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Portfolio under renegotiated terms, gross | 1,027 | 55 | 20 | 1,052 | 412 | 958 | 22 | 6 | 15 | 2,180 | 5,747 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total gross portfolio | 244,282 | 51,793 | 21,445 | 6,935 | 1,130 | 2,020 | 149 | 526 | 177 | 8,839 | 337,296 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Not overdue | 1 - 30 days | 31 - 60 days | 61 - 90 days | 91 - 120 days | 121 - 150 days | 151 - 180 days | 181 - 210 days | 211 - 250 days | Over 250 days | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of customers, portfolio under no renegotiated terms | 3,175 | 1,055 | 515 | 395 | 332 | 304 | 303 | 294 | 312 | 1,817 | 8,502 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Portfolio under no renegotiated terms | 269,970 | 29,722 | 4,144 | 432 | 572 | 210 | 1,138 | 118 | 8,955 | 8,371 | 323,632 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of customers under renegotiated terms portfolio | 42 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 12 | 113 | 194 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Portfolio under renegotiated terms, gross | 2,964 | 79 | 15 | 69 | 42 | 13 | 87 | 85 | 447 | 2,619 | 6,420 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total gross portfolio | 272,934 | 29,801 | 4,159 | 501 | 614 | 223 | 1,225 | 203 | 9,402 | 10,990 | 330,052 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 179 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments (continued) |
| 10.2 | Trade and other receivables, continued |
The detail of allowances is as follows:
| Provision and write-offs | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Allowance for portfolio under no renegotiated terms | 16,585 | 16,711 | ||||||
| Allowance for portfolio with renegotiated terms | 3,717 | 4,459 | ||||||
| Write-offs for the period | (474 | ) | (520 | ) | ||||
| Total | 19,828 | 20,650 | ||||||
| a) | Credit risk concentration |
Credit risk concentration with respect to trade receivables is reduced due to the great number of entities included in the Company’s client database and their distribution throughout the world.
| 10.3 | Hedging assets and liabilities |
The balance represents derivative instruments measured at fair value which have been classified as hedges from exchange and interest rate risks related to the total obligations associated with bonds of the Company in Chilean pesos and UF (and the exchange risk in Chilean pesos of the Company’s investment plans). As of December 31, 2014, the face value of cash flows in Cross Currency Swap contracts agreed upon in US dollars amounted to ThUS$368,017 and as of December 31, 2013 such contracts amounted to ThUS$555,303.
| Hedging liabilities | Derivative instruments (CCS) | Effect on profit or loss
for the period Derivative instruments | Hedging reserve in gross equity | Deferred tax hedging reserve in equity | Hedging reserve in equity | |||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2014 | 37,034 | (43,236 | ) | 1,638 | (311 | ) | 1,327 | |||||||||||||
| Hedging assets | Derivative instruments (CCS) | Effect on profit or loss
for the period Derivative instruments | Hedging reserve in gross equity | Deferred tax hedging reserve in equity | Hedging reserve in equity | |||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2013 | 23,602 | (45,312 | ) | (3,307 | ) | 661 | (2,646 | ) | ||||||||||||
| 180 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments (continued) |
| 10.3 | Hedging assets and liabilities, continued |
| Hedging liabilities | Derivative instruments (IRS) | Effect on profit or loss
for the period derivative instruments | Hedging reserve in gross equity | Deferred tax hedging reserve in equity | Hedging reserve in equity | |||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2014 | 736 | (1,050 | ) | (596 | ) | - | (596 | ) | ||||||||||||
| December 31, 2013 | 1,339 | (93 | ) | (1,153 | ) | - | (1,153 | ) | ||||||||||||
The balances in the “effect on profit or loss” column consider the interim effects of the contracts in force as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
Derivative contract maturities are detailed as follows:
| Series | Contract amount ThUS$ | Currency | Maturity date | |||||
| C | 73,059 | UF | 12/01/2026 | |||||
| H | 162,353 | UF | 01/05/2018 | |||||
| M | 40,588 | UF | 02/01/2017 | |||||
| O | 60,882 | UF | 02/01/2017 | |||||
The Company uses cross currency swap derivative instruments to hedge the possible financial risk associated with the volatility of the exchange rate associated with Chilean pesos and UF. The objective is to hedge the exchange rate financial risks associated with bonds payable. Hedges are documented and tested to measure their effectiveness.
Based on a comparison of critical terms, hedging is highly effective, given that the hedged amount is consistent with obligations maintained for bonds denominated in Chilean pesos and UF. Likewise, hedging contracts are denominated in the same currencies and have the same expiration dates of bond principal and interest payments.
Hedge Accounting
The Company classifies derivative instruments as hedging that may include derivative or embedded derivatives either as fair value hedge derivative instruments, cash flow hedge derivative instruments, or hedge derivative instruments for net investment in a business abroad.
a) Fair value hedge
Changes in fair values of derivative instruments classified as fair value hedge derivative instruments are accounted for in gains and losses immediately along with any change in the fair value of the hedged item that is attributable to the risk being hedged.
The Company documents the relationship between hedge instruments and the hedged item along with the objectives of its risk management and strategy to carry out different hedging transactions. In addition, upon commencement of the period hedged and then on a quarterly basis the Company documents whether hedge instruments have been efficient and met the objective of hedging market fluctuations for the purpose of which we use the effectiveness test. A hedge instrument is deemed effective if the effectiveness test result is between 80% to 120%.
| 181 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments (continued) |
| 10.3 | Hedging assets and liabilities, continued |
The hedge instruments are classified as effective or not effective on the basis of the effectiveness test results. As of to date, hedges are classified as effective on the basis of the effectiveness tests. This note includes the detail of fair values of derivatives classified as hedging instruments.
b) Cash flow hedges
Cash flow hedges cover exposure to the cash flow variations attributable to a risk associated with a specific transaction that is very likely to be executed, that may have material effects on the results of the Company.
| 10.4 | Financial liabilities |
Other current and non-current financial liabilities
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the detail is as follows:
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current | Non-current | Total | Current | Non-current | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Bank borrowings | 191,116 | 219,838 | 410,954 | 171,347 | 309,489 | 480,836 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Obligations with the public | 19,453 | 1,317,429 | 1,336,882 | 227,652 | 1,106,496 | 1,334,148 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives | 1,791 | - | 1,791 | 1,088 | - | 1,088 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Hedging liabilities | 812 | 36,958 | 37,770 | 1,339 | 1,405 | 2,744 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 213,172 | 1,574,225 | 1,787,397 | 401,426 | 1,417,390 | 1,818,816 | ||||||||||||||||||
Current and non-current borrowings
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the detail is as follows:
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Long-term borrowings | 219,838 | 309,489 | ||||||
| Short-term borrowings | 100,057 | 100,135 | ||||||
| Current portion of long-term borrowings | 91,059 | 71,212 | ||||||
| Short-term loans and current portion of long-term borrowings | 191,116 | 171,347 | ||||||
| Total borrowings assumed | 410,954 | 480,836 | ||||||
| 182 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments (continued) |
| 10.4 | Financial liabilities, continued |
| a) | Bank loans, current: |
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the detail of this caption is as follows:
| Debtor | Creditor | Currency or | Effective | Nominal | ||||||||||||||||||
| Tax ID No | Subsidiary | Country | Tax ID No. | Financial institution | Country | adjustment index | Repayment | rate | rate | |||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM.S.A. | Chile | 97.018.000-1 | Scotiabank Sud Americano | Chile | US$ | Upon maturity | 0.59 | % | 0.59 | % | |||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM.S.A. | Chile | 97.018.000-1 | Scotiabank Sud Americano | Chile | US$ | Upon maturity | 0.46 | % | 0.46 | % | |||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM.S.A. | Chile | 97.030.000-7 | Banco Estado | Chile | US$ | Upon maturity | 0.59 | % | 0.59 | % | |||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | Foreign | Banco Estado NY Branch | United States | US$ | Upon maturity | 3.56 | % | 2.33 | % | |||||||||||
| 79.626.800-K | SQM Salar S.A. | Chile | 97.018.000-1 | Scotiabank Sud Americano | Chile | US$ | Upon maturity | 0.38 | % | 0.38 | % | |||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Chile | 97.030.000-7 | Banco Estado | Chile | US$ | Upon maturity | 0.41 | % | 0.41 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | Foreign | Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd. | Cayman Islands | US$ | Upon maturity | 2.27 | % | 1.37 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | Foreign | Bank of America | United States | US$ | Upon maturity | 2.70 | % | 2.33 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | Foreign | Export Development Canada | Canada | US$ | Upon maturity | 2.45 | % | 1.29 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | Foreign | The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Lda. (New York) | United States | US$ | Upon maturity | 2.12 | % | 0.97 | % | |||||||||||
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debtor | Creditor | Nominal amounts | Current amounts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary | Financial institution | Up to 90 days ThUS$ | 90 days to 1 year ThUS$ | Total ThUS$ | Up to 90 days ThUS$ | 90 days to 1 year ThUS$ | Subtotal ThUS$ | Borrowing costs ThUS$ | Total ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM.S.A. | Scotiabank Sud Americano | - | 20,000 | 20,000 | 5 | 20,000 | 20,005 | - | 20,005 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM.S.A. | Scotiabank Sud Americano | - | 20,000 | 20,000 | 9 | 20,000 | 20,009 | - | 20,009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM.S.A. | Banco Estado | - | 20,000 | 20,000 | - | 20,026 | 20,026 | - | 20,026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Banco Estado NY Branch | - | - | - | 988 | - | 988 | - | 988 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Salar S.A. | Scotiabank Sud Americano | - | 20,000 | 20,000 | 9 | 20,000 | 20,009 | - | 20,009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | Banco Estado | 20,000 | - | 20,000 | 20,008 | - | 20,008 | - | 20,008 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd. | - | 50,000 | 50,000 | - | 50,137 | 50,137 | (85 | ) | 50,052 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Bank of America | - | - | - | - | 117 | 117 | (66 | ) | 51 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Export Development Canada | - | 20,000 | 20,000 | - | 20,013 | 20,013 | (60 | ) | 19,953 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Lda. (New York) | - | 20,000 | 20,000 | - | 20,084 | 20,084 | (69 | ) | 20,015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 20,000 | 170,000 | 190,000 | 21,019 | 170,377 | 191,396 | (280 | ) | 191,116 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 183 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 10 Financial instruments (continued)
10.4 Financial liabilities, continued
| Debtor | Creditor | Currency or adjustment | Repayment | Effective | Nominal | |||||||||||||||||
| Tax ID No | Subsidiary | Country | Tax ID No. | Financial institution | Country | index | rate | rate | ||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM.S.A. | Chile | 97.018.000-1 | Scotiabank Sud Americano | Chile | USD | Upon maturity | 0.65 | % | 0.65 | % | |||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM.S.A. | Chile | 97.018.000-1 | Scotiabank Sud Americano | Chile | USD | Upon maturity | 0.47 | % | 0.47 | % | |||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | Foreign | Banco Estado NY Branch | United States | USD | Upon maturity | 3.10 | % | 2.39 | % | |||||||||||
| 79.626.800-K | SQM Salar S.A. | Chile | 97.030.000-7 | Banco Estado | Chile | USD | Upon maturity | 0.61 | % | 0.61 | % | |||||||||||
| 79.626.800-K | SQM Salar S.A. | Chile | 97.018.000-1 | Scotiabank Sud Americano | Chile | USD | Upon maturity | 0.59 | % | 0.59 | % | |||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Chile | 97.030.000-7 | Banco Estado | Chile | USD | Upon maturity | 0.75 | % | 0.75 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | Foreign | Bank of America | United States | USD | Upon maturity | 1.75 | % | 1.27 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | Foreign | Export Development Canada | Canada | USD | Upon maturity | 1.69 | % | 1.30 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | Foreign | Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd. | Cayman Islands | USD | Upon maturity | 1.35 | % | 1.24 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | Foreign | Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd. | Cayman Islands | USD | Upon maturity | 1.73 | % | 1.41 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | Foreign | The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Lda. (New York) | United States | USD | Upon maturity | 1.37 | % | 1.01 | % | |||||||||||
| 12/31//2013 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debtor | Creditor | Nominal amounts | Current amounts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Filial | Financial institution | Up to 90 days ThUS$ | 90 days to 1 year ThUS$ | Total ThUS$ | Up to 90 days ThUS$ | 90 days to 1 year ThUS$ | Subtotal ThUS$ | Borrowing costs ThUS$ | Total ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM.S.A. | Scotiabank Sud Americano | - | 20,000 | 20,000 | 3 | 20,000 | 20,003 | - | 20,003 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM.S.A. | Scotiabank Sud Americano | - | 20,000 | 20,000 | 7 | 20,000 | 20,007 | - | 20,007 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Banco Estado NY Branch | - | - | - | 1,012 | - | 1,012 | (26 | ) | 986 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Salar S.A. | Banco Estado | 20,000 | - | 20,000 | 20,033 | - | 20,033 | - | 20,033 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Salar S.A. | Scotiabank Sud Americano | - | 20,000 | 20,000 | 11 | 20,000 | 20,011 | - | 20,011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | Banco Estado | - | 20,000 | 20,000 | - | 20,081 | 20,081 | - | 20,081 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Bank of America | - | - | - | - | 120 | 120 | (65 | ) | 55 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Export Development Canada | - | 10,000 | 10,000 | - | 10,014 | 10,014 | (60 | ) | 9,954 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd. | - | 50,000 | 50,000 | 189 | 50,000 | 50,189 | (43 | ) | 50,146 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd. | - | - | - | - | 139 | 139 | (106 | ) | 33 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Lda. (New York) | - | 10,000 | 10,000 | - | 10,108 | 10,108 | (70 | ) | 10,038 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 20,000 | 150,000 | 170,000 | 21,255 | 150,462 | 171,717 | (370 | ) | 171,347 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 184 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments (continued) |
| 10.4 | Financial liabilities, continued |
| b) | Unsecured obligations, current: |
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the detail of current unsecured interest-bearing obligations is composed of promissory notes and bonds, as follows:
Bonds
| Debtor | Number of | Currency or | Periodicity | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax ID No. | Subsidiary | País | registration or ID of the instrument | Series | Maturity date | adjustment index | Payment of interest | Repayment | Effective rate | Nominal rate | ||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | - | ThUS$200,000 | 04/15/2015 | US$ | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 6.25 | % | 6.13 | % | ||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | - | ThUS$250,000 | 04/21/2015 | US$ | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 5.67 | % | 5.50 | % | ||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | - | ThUS$250,000 | 01/28/2015 | US$ | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 4.46 | % | 5.50 | % | ||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | - | ThUS$300,000 | 04/03/2015 | US$ | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 3.86 | % | 4.38 | % | ||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 446 | C | 06/01/2015 | UF | Semiannual | Semiannual | 6.34 | % | 4.00 | % | ||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 564 | H | 01/05/2015 | UF | Semiannual | Semiannual | 4.23 | % | 4.90 | % | ||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 700 | M | 02/01/2015 | UF | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 3.20 | % | 3.30 | % | ||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 699 | O | 02/01/2015 | UF | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 3.74 | % | 3.80 | % | ||||||||||||
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nominal maturities | Current maturities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Up to 90 days | 91 days to 1 year | Total | Up to 90 days | 91 days to 1 year | Subtotal | Bond issuance costs | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary | Country | Series | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Chile | ThUS$200,000 | - | - | - | - | 2.586 | 2.586 | (293 | ) | 2.293 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Chile | ThUS$250,000 | - | - | - | - | 2.674 | 2.674 | (384 | ) | 2.290 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Chile | ThUS$250,000 | - | - | - | 1.914 | - | 1.914 | (433 | ) | 1.481 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Chile | ThUS$300,000 | - | - | - | - | 2.658 | 2.658 | (614 | ) | 2.044 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Chile | C | - | 6.088 | 6.088 | - | 6.329 | 6.329 | - | 6.329 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Chile | H | - | - | - | 3.843 | - | 3.843 | (139 | ) | 3.704 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Chile | M | - | - | - | 554 | - | 554 | (130 | ) | 424 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Chile | O | - | - | - | 955 | - | 955 | (67 | ) | 888 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | - | 6.088 | 6.088 | 7.266 | 14.247 | 21.513 | (2.060 | ) | 19.453 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effective rates of bonds in Chilean pesos and UF are expressed and calculated in U.S. dollars based on the flows agreed in Cross Currency Swap Agreements.
| 185 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments (continued) |
| 10.4 | Financial liabilities, continued |
| Debtor | Number of | Currency or | Periodicity | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax ID No. | Subsidiary | Country | registration or ID of the instrument | Series | Maturity date | adjustment index | Payment of interest | Repayment | Effective rate | Nominal rate | ||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | - | ThUS$200,000 | 04/15/2014 | US$ | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 6.32 | % | 6.13 | % | ||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | - | ThUS$250,000 | 04/21/2014 | US$ | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 5.70 | % | 5.50 | % | ||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | - | ThUS$300,000 | 04/03/2014 | US$ | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 3.87 | % | 3.63 | % | ||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 446 | C | 06/01/2014 | UF | Semiannual | Semiannual | 4.44 | % | 4.00 | % | ||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 563 | G | 01/05/2014 | Ch$ | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 7.50 | % | 7.00 | % | ||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 564 | H | 01/05/2014 | UF | Semiannual | Semiannual | 5.10 | % | 4.90 | % | ||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 563 | I | 04/01/2014 | UF | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 3.35 | % | 3.00 | % | ||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 563 | J | 04/01/2014 | Ch$ | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 6.23 | % | 5.50 | % | ||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 700 | M | 02/01/2014 | UF | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 3.62 | % | 3.30 | % | ||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 699 | O | 02/01/2014 | UF | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 3.95 | % | 3.80 | % | ||||||||||||
| 12/31/2013 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nominal maturities | Current maturities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Up to 90 days | 91 days to 1 year | Total | Up to 90 days | 91 days to 1 year | Subtotal | Bond issuance costs | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary | Country | Series | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Chile | ThUS$200,000 | - | - | - | - | 2,586 | 2,586 | (293 | ) | 2,293 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Chile | ThUS$250,000 | - | - | - | - | 2,674 | 2,674 | (384 | ) | 2,290 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Chile | ThUS$300,000 | - | - | - | - | 2,658 | 2,658 | (614 | ) | 2,044 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Chile | C | - | 6,665 | 6,665 | - | 6,951 | 6,951 | (210 | ) | 6,741 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Chile | G | 40,030 | - | 40,030 | 41,377 | - | 41,377 | - | 41,377 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Chile | H | - | - | - | 4,207 | - | 4,207 | (139 | ) | 4,068 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Chile | I | 66,648 | - | 66,648 | - | 67,144 | 67,144 | (87 | ) | 67,057 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Chile | J | 99,121 | - | 99,121 | - | 100,466 | 100,466 | (139 | ) | 100,327 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Chile | M | - | - | - | 606 | - | 606 | (130 | ) | 476 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Chile | O | - | - | - | 1,045 | - | 1,045 | (66 | ) | 979 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 205,799 | 6,665 | 212,464 | 47,235 | 182,479 | 229,714 | (2,062 | ) | 227,652 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Effective rates of bonds in Chilean pesos and UF are expressed and calculated in U.S. dollars based on the flows agreed in Cross Currency Swap Agreements.
| 186 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments (continued) |
| 10.4 | Financial liabilities, continued |
| c) | Types of interest-bearing borrowings, non-current |
Non-current interest-bearing borrowings as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are detailed as follows:
| Debtor | Creditor | Currency or adjustment | Effective | Nominal | ||||||||||||||||||
| Tax ID No. | Subsidiary | Country | Tax ID No. | Financial institution | Country | index | Repayment | rate | rate | |||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | Foreign | Banco Estado NY Branch | United States | US$ | Upon maturity | 3.56 | % | 2.33 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | Foreign | Scotiabank & Trust (Caimán) Ltd. | Cayman Islands | US$ | Upon maturity | 2.27 | % | 1.37 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | Foreign | Bank of America | United States | US$ | Upon maturity | 2.70 | % | 1.23 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | Foreign | Export Development Canada | Canada | US$ | Upon maturity | 2.12 | % | 1.27 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | Foreign | The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd (New York) | United States | US$ | Upon maturity | 2.45 | % | 0.97 | % | |||||||||||
| Nominal non-current maturities | Non-current maturities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 31/12/2014 | 31/12/2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary | Financial institution | Over 1 years to 2 | Over 2 years to 3 | Over 3 years to 4 | Total | Over 1 years to 2 | Over 2 years to 3 | Over 3 years to 4 | Subtotal | Borrowings costs | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Banco Estado NY Branch | - | 140,000 | - | 140,000 | - | 140,000 | - | 140,000 | - | 140,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Bank of America | - | 40,000 | - | 40,000 | - | 40,000 | - | 40,000 | (49 | ) | 39,951 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Export Development Canada | - | 20,000 | - | 20,000 | - | 20,000 | - | 20,000 | (59 | ) | 19,941 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd (New York) | - | 20,000 | - | 20,000 | - | 20,000 | - | 20,000 | (54 | ) | 19,946 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | - | 220,000 | - | 220,000 | - | 220,000 | - | 220,000 | (162 | ) | 219,838 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 187 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments (continued) |
| 10.4 | Financial liabilities, continued |
| Debtor | Creditor | Currency or adjustment | Effective | Nominal | ||||||||||||||||||
| Tax ID No. | Subsidiary | Country | Tax ID No. | Financial institution | Country | index | Repayment | rate | rate | |||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | Foreign | Banco Estado NY Branch | United States | USD | Upon maturity | 3.10 | % | 2.39 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | Foreign | Scotiabank & Trust (Caimán) Ltd. | Islas Caimán | USD | Upon maturity | 1.35 | % | 1.41 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | Foreign | Bank of America | United States | USD | Upon maturity | 1.75 | % | 1.27 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | Foreign | Export Development Canada | Canada | USD | Upon maturity | 1.69 | % | 1.30 | % | |||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Aruba | Foreign | The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd (New York) | United States | USD | Upon maturity | 1.37 | % | 1.01 | % | |||||||||||
| Nominal non-current maturities | Non-current maturities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12/31/2013 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subsidiary | Financial institution | Over 1 years to 2 | Over 2 years to 3 | Over 3 years to 4 | Total | Over 1 years to 2 | Over 2 years to 3 | Over 3 years to 4 | Subtotal | Borrowings costs | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM S.A. | Banco Estado NY Branch | - | - | 140,000 | 140,000 | - | - | 140,000 | 140,000 | (70 | ) | 139,930 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Scotiabank & Trust (Caimán) Ltd. | 50,000 | - | - | 50,000 | 50,000 | - | - | 50,000 | (85 | ) | 49,915 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Bank of America | - | 40,000 | - | 40,000 | - | 40,000 | - | 40,000 | (114 | ) | 39,886 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | Export Development Canada | - | 40,000 | - | 40,000 | - | - | 40,000 | 40,000 | (119 | ) | 39,881 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V. | The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd (New York) | - | 40,000 | - | 40,000 | - | 40,000 | - | 40,000 | (123 | ) | 39,877 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 50,000 | 120,000 | 140,000 | 310,000 | 50,000 | 80,000 | 180,000 | 310,000 | (511 | ) | 309,489 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 188 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments (continued) |
| 10.4 | Financial liabilities, continued |
| d) | Non-current unsecured interest-bearing bonds |
The breakdown of non-current unsecured interest-bearing bonds as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is detailed as follows:
| Periodicity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax ID No. | Subsidiary | Country | Number of registration or ID of the instrument | Series | Maturity date | Currency or adjustment index | Payment of interest | Repayment | Effective rate | Nominal rate | ||||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | - | ThUS$200,000 | 04/15/2016 | US$ | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 6.25 | % | 6.13 | % | ||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | - | ThUS$250,000 | 04/21/2020 | US$ | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 5.67 | % | 5.50 | % | ||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | - | ThUS$250,000 | 01/28/2025 | US$ | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 4.46 | % | 4.38 | % | ||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | - | ThUS$300,000 | 04/03/2023 | US$ | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 3.86 | % | 3.63 | % | ||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 446 | C | 12/01/2026 | UF | Semiannual | Semiannual | 6.34 | % | 4.00 | % | ||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 564 | H | 01/05/2030 | UF | Semiannual | Semiannual | 4.23 | % | 4.90 | % | ||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 700 | M | 02/01/2017 | UF | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 3.20 | % | 3.30 | % | ||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 699 | O | 02/01/2033 | UF | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 3.74 | % | 3.80 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Nominal non-current maturities
12/31/2014 | Non-current maturities
12/31/2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series | Over 1 year to 2 | Over 2 years to 3 | Over 3 Years to 4 | Over 4 Years to 5 | Over 5 years | Total | Over 1 year to 2 | Over 2 years to 3 | Over 3 Years to 4 | Over 4 Years to 5 | Over 5 years | Subtotal | Bond issuance costs | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$200,000 | 200,000 | - | - | - | - | 200,000 | 200,000 | - | - | - | - | 200,000 | (73 | ) | 199,927 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$250,000 | - | - | - | - | 250,000 | 250,000 | - | - | - | - | 250,000 | 250,000 | (1,655 | ) | 248,345 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$250,000 | - | - | - | - | 250,000 | 250,000 | - | - | - | - | 250,000 | 250,000 | (3,935 | ) | 246,065 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$300,000 | - | - | - | - | 300,000 | 300,000 | - | - | - | - | 300,000 | 300,000 | (4,456 | ) | 295,544 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C | 6,088 | 6,088 | 6,088 | 6,088 | 42,619 | 66,971 | 6,088 | 6,088 | 6,088 | 6,088 | 42,619 | 66,971 | - | 66,971 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| H | - | - | - | - | 162,354 | 162,354 | - | - | - | - | 162,354 | 162,354 | (1,949 | ) | 160,405 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M | - | 40,588 | - | - | - | 40,588 | - | 40,588 | - | - | - | 40,588 | (153 | ) | 40,435 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| O | - | - | - | - | 60,883 | 60,883 | - | - | - | - | 60,883 | 60,883 | (1,146 | ) | 59,737 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 206,088 | 46,676 | 6,088 | 6,088 | 1,065,856 | 1,330,796 | 206,088 | 46,676 | 6,088 | 6,088 | 1,065,856 | 1,330,796 | (13,367 | ) | 1,317,429 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 189 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments (continued) |
| 10.4 | Financial liabilities, continued |
| d) | Unsecured interest-bearing liabilities, non-current, continued |
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the breakdown of unsecured interest-bearing liabilities, non-current is as follows:
| Number of registration or ID of | Currency or | Periodicity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax ID No. | Subsidiary | Country | the instrument | Series | Maturity date | adjustment index | Payment of interest | Repayment | Effective rate | Nominal rate | ||||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | - | ThUS$200,000 | 04/15/2016 | US$ | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 6.32 | % | 6.13 | % | ||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | - | ThUS$250,000 | 04/21/2020 | US$ | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 5.70 | % | 5.50 | % | ||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | - | ThUS$300,000 | 04/03/2023 | US$ | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 3.87 | % | 3.63 | % | ||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 446 | C | 12/01/2026 | UF | Semiannual | Semiannual | 4.44 | % | 4.00 | % | ||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 564 | H | 01/05/2030 | UF | Semiannual | Semiannual | 5.10 | % | 4.90 | % | ||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 700 | M | 02/01/2017 | UF | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 3.62 | % | 3.30 | % | ||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Chile | 699 | O | 02/01/2033 | UF | Semiannual | Upon maturity | 3.95 | % | 3.80 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Nominal non-current maturities
12/31/2013 | Non-current maturities
12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series | Over 1 year to 2 | Over 2 years to 3 | Over 3 Years to 4 | Over 4 Years to 5 | Over 5 years | Total | Over 1 year to 2 | Over 2 years to 3 | Over 3 Years to 4 | Over 4 Years to 5 | Over 5 years | Subtotal | Bond issuance costs | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$200,000 | - | 200,000 | - | - | - | 200,000 | - | 200,000 | - | - | - | 200,000 | (366 | ) | 199,634 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$250,000 | - | - | - | - | 250,000 | 250,000 | - | - | - | - | 250,000 | 250,000 | (2,039 | ) | 247,961 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$300,000 | - | - | - | - | 300,000 | 300,000 | - | - | - | - | 300,000 | 300,000 | (5,068 | ) | 294,932 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C | 6,665 | 6,665 | 6,665 | 6,665 | 53,318 | 79,978 | 6,665 | 6,665 | 6,665 | 6,665 | 53,318 | 79,978 | (1,228 | ) | 78,750 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| H | - | - | - | - | 177,729 | 177,729 | - | - | - | - | 177,729 | 177,729 | (2,088 | ) | 175,641 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M | - | - | 44,432 | - | - | 44,432 | - | - | 44,432 | - | - | 44,432 | (288 | ) | 44,144 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| O | - | - | - | - | 66,648 | 66,648 | - | - | - | - | 66,648 | 66,648 | (1,214 | ) | 65,434 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 6,665 | 206,665 | 51,097 | 6,665 | 847,695 | 1,118,787 | 6,665 | 206,665 | 51,097 | 6,665 | 847,695 | 1,118,787 | (12,291 | ) | 1,106,496 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 190 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments (continued) |
| 10.4 | Financial liabilities, continued |
| e) | Additional information |
Bonds
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, bonds of ThUS$19,453 and ThUS$227,652 respectively were classified as short-term, consisting of the current portion due plus accrued interest to date, excluding bond issue costs. The non-current portion consisted of ThUS$1,317,429 as of December 31, 2014 and ThUS$1,106,496 as of December 31, 2013, corresponding to the issuance of series C bonds, Single series bonds (ThUS$200), series H bonds second issue single series bonds (ThUS$250), series M bonds, series O bonds, third issue single series bonds (ThUS$300) and fourth issue single series bonds (ThUS$250) excluding debt issue costs.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the details of each issuance are as follows:
Series “C” bonds
On January 24, 2006, the Company placed Series C bonds for UF 3,000,000 (ThUS$101,918) at an annual rate of 4.00%.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company has made the following payments with a charge to the Series C bonds:
| Payments made | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Principal payment | 6.301 | 6.858 | ||||||
| Interest payment | 3.184 | 4.004 | ||||||
Single series first issue ThUS$200,000
On April 5, 2006, the Company placed Single Series bonds for ThUS$200,000 at an annual rate of 6.125% under "Rule 144 and regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933."
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company has made the following payments with a charge to the Single Series bonds:
| Payments made | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Payments of interest | 12,250 | 12,250 | ||||||
| 191 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 10 Financial instruments (continued)
10.4 Financial liabilities, continued
Series “G” and “H” bonds
On January 13, 2009, the Company placed two bond series in the domestic market. Series H for UF 4,000,000 (ThUS$139,216) at an annual interest rate of 4.9% at a term of 21 years with payment of principal beginning in 2019 and Series G for ThCh$ 21,000,000 (ThUS$34,146), which was placed at a term of 5 years with a single payment at the maturity of the term and an annual interest rate of 7%.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company has made the following payments with a charge to the Series G and H bonds:
| Payments made | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Payment of principal of Series G bonds | 39,713 | - | ||||||
| Payments of interest, Series G bonds | 1,366 | 2,845 | ||||||
| Payments of interest, Series H bonds | 8,496 | 8,565 | ||||||
Series “J” and “I” bonds
On May 8, 2009, the Company placed two bond series in the domestic market. Series J for ThCh$52,000,000 (ThUS$92,456) which was placed at a term of 5 years with single payment at the expiration date of the term and annual interest rate of 5.5% and Series I for UF 1,500,000 (ThUS$56,051) which was placed at a term of 5 years with single payment at the maturity of the term and annual interest rate of 3.00%.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company has made the following payments with a charge to the Series J and I bonds:
| Payments made | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Payments of principal Series J bonds | 94,454 | - | ||||||
| Payment of interest, Series J bonds | 2,563 | 5,879 | ||||||
| Payments of principal Series I bonds | 64,083 | - | ||||||
| Payment of interest, Series I bonds | 1,206 | 2,100 | ||||||
Single series bonds, second issue ThUS$250,000
On April 21, 2010, the Company informed the Chilean Superintendence of Securities and Insurance of its placement in international markets of an unsecured bond of ThUS$250,000 with a maturity of 10 years beginning on the aforementioned date with an annual interest rate of 5.5% and destined to refinance long-term liabilities.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the detail of payments charged to the line of single series bonds, second issue is as follows:
| Payments made | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Interest payment | 13,750 | 13,750 | ||||||
| 192 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments (continued) |
| 10.4 | Financial liabilities, continued |
Series “M” and “O” bonds
On April 4, 2012, the Company placed two bond series in the domestic market. Series M for UF 1,000,000 (ThUS$46,601) was placed at a term of 5 years with a single payment at the maturity of the term and an annual interest rate of 3.3%, and Series O for UF 1,500,000 (ThUS$69,901) was placed at a term of 21 years with a single payment at the maturity of the term and an annual interest rate of 3.80%
As of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013 the Company has made the following payments with a charge to the Series M and O bonds:
| Payments made | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Payment of interest, Series M bonds | 1,380 | 765 | ||||||
| Payment of interest, Series O bonds | 2,381 | 1,320 | ||||||
Single series bonds, third issue ThUS$300,000
On April 3, 2013 in the United States, the Company issued a non-guaranteed bond with a value of US$ 300 million. The bond is for a 10 year term with an annual coupon rate of 3.625% and an annual yield of 3.716%. This rate equates to a difference of 180 basis points to comparable US Treasury bonds. The funds raised will be used to refinance long term liabilities and finance general corporate objectives.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the following payments have been made with a debit to the line of single-series bonds, third issue:
| Payments made | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Payment of interest | 10,875 | 5,438 | ||||||
Single series bonds, fourth issuance ThUS$ 250
On October 23, 2014, the Company informed the Chilean Superintendence of Securities and Insurance that Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. agreed to issue and place unsecured bonds of ThUS$ 250,000 in international markets. This, essentially, maturing in 2025 with a cover annual interest rate of 4.375% equivalent to a spread of 215 basis points on comparable US Treasury bonds, which were offered to the investors at a price of 99.410% with respect to capital. The aforementioned agreement was agreed on October 23, 2014 and the issuance and placement of such bonds was performed in conformity with the provisions of Rule 144A of the US Securities Act of 1933 and these bonds will not be publicly offered in Chile.
As of December 31, 2014, no payments have been made.
| 193 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments (continued) |
| 10.5 | Trade and other payables |
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current | Non- current | Total | Current | Non- current | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | 144,998 | - | 144,998 | 150,322 | - | 150,322 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Retained (or accrued) | 162 | - | 162 | 638 | - | 638 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 145,160 | - | 145,160 | 150,960 | - | 150,960 | ||||||||||||||||||
Purchase commitments held by the Company are recognized as liabilities when the goods and services are received by the Company. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has purchase orders amounting to ThUS$15,966 (ThUS$29,395 as of December 31, 2013).
| 10.6 | Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss |
This balance relates to derivative instruments measured at their fair value, which has generated balances against the Company. The detail of this type of instrument is as follows:
| Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | Effect on profit or loss as of 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | Effect on profit or loss as of 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||
| Current | ||||||||||||||||
| Derivative instruments (forward) | - | - | 423 | 5,100 | ||||||||||||
| Derivative instruments (options) | - | - | 665 | 1,827 | ||||||||||||
| Derivative instruments (IRS) | 736 | 1,637 | 1,339 | 251 | ||||||||||||
| 736 | 1,637 | 2,427 | 7,178 | |||||||||||||
Balances in the column effect on profit or loss consider the effects of agreements which were in force as of December 31, 2014, including derivates, received during the year.
| 194 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments (continued) |
| 10.7 | Financial asset and liability categories |
| a) | Financial Assets |
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current | Non-current | Total | Current | Non-current | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Description of financial assets | Amount ThUS$ | Amount ThUS$ | Amount ThUS$ | Amount ThUS$ | Amount ThUS$ | Amount ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Financial assets measured at amortized cost | 653,442 | - | 653,442 | 431,883 | - | 431,883 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Investments held-to-maturity measured at amortized cost | - | 427 | 427 | - | 95 | 95 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Loans and receivables measured at amortized cost | 340,830 | 2,044 | 342,874 | 330,992 | 1,282 | 332,274 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total financial assets measured at amortized cost | 994,272 | 2,471 | 996,743 | 762,875 | 1,377 | 764,252 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss | 17,160 | - | 17,160 | 3,283 | - | 3,283 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income | - | - | - | 25,007 | - | 25,007 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total financial assets at fair value | 17,160 | - | 17,160 | 28,290 | - | 28,290 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total financial assets | 1,011,432 | 2,471 | 1,013,903 | 791,165 | 1,377 | 792,542 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 195 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 10 Financial instruments (continued)
| 10.7 | Financial asset and liability categories (continued) |
b) Financial liabilities
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current | Non-current | Total | Current | Non-current | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Description of financial liabilities | Amount ThUS$ | Amount ThUS$ | Amount ThUS$ | Amount ThUS$ | Amount ThUS$ | Amount ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss | 2,603 | 36,958 | 39,561 | 2,427 | 1,405 | 3,832 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss | 2,603 | 36,958 | 39,561 | 2,427 | 1,405 | 3,832 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost | 355,729 | 1,537,267 | 1,892,996 | 549,959 | 1,415,985 | 1,965,944 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total financial liabilities measured at amortized cost | 355,729 | 1,537,267 | 1,892,996 | 549,959 | 1,415,985 | 1,965,944 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total financial liabilities | 358,332 | 1,574,225 | 1,932,557 | 552,386 | 1,417,390 | 1,969,776 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 196 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments (continued) |
| 10.8 | Fair value measurement of assets and liabilities |
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value consist of Options and Forwards hedging the mismatch in the balance sheet and cash flows, Cross Currency Swaps (CCS) to hedge bonds issued in local currency ($/UF), and Interest Rate Swaps (IRS) to hedge LIBOR rate debt issued.
The value of the Company’s assets and liabilities recognized by CCS contracts is calculated as the difference between the present value of discounted cash flows of the asset (pesos/UF) and liability (US$) parts of the derivative. In the case of the IRS, the asset value recognized is calculated as the difference between the discounted cash flows of the asset (variable rate) and liability (fixed rate) parts of the derivative. Forwards: Are calculated as the difference between the strike price of the contract and the spot price plus the forwards points at the date of the contract. Options: The value recognized is calculated using the Black-Scholes method.
In the case of CCS, the entry data used for the valuation models are UF, peso, and basis swap rates. In the case of fair value calculations for IRS, the FRA (Forward Rate Agreement) rate and ICVS 23 Curve (Bloomberg: cash/deposits rates, futures, swaps). In the case of forwards, the forwards curve for the currency in question is used. Finally, with options, the spot price, risk-free rate and volatility of exchange rate are used, all in accordance with the currencies used in each valuation. The financial information used as entry data for the Company’s valuation models is obtained from Bloomberg, the well-known financial software company. Conversely, the fair value provided by the counterparties of derivatives contracts is used only as a control and not for valuation.
The effects on profit or loss of movements in these amounts may be recognized in the caption Finance costs, foreign currency translation gain (loss) or cash flow hedges in the statement of comprehensive income, depending on each particular case.
The fair value measurement of debt is only performed to determine the actual market value of guaranteed and non-guaranteed long-term obligations; bonds denominated in local currency ($/UF) and foreign currency (US$), credits denominated in foreign currency (US$).
The value of the Company’s reported liabilities is calculated as the present value of discounted cash flows at market rates at the time of valuation, taking into account the maturity date and exchange rate. The entry data used for the model includes the UF and peso rates, which are obtained using Bloomberg, the well-known financial software company and the ‘Asociación de Bancos e Instituciones Financieras’ (ABIF) (Association of Banks and Financial Institutions’).
| 10.9 | Financial assets pledged as guarantee |
On November 4, 2004, Isapre Norte Grande maintains a guarantee equivalent to the total amount owed to its members and healthcare providers, which is managed and maintained by Banco de Chile.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, assets pledged as guarantees are as follows:
| Restricted cash | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Isapre Norte Grande Ltda. | 682 | 708 | ||||||
| Total | 682 | 708 | ||||||
| 197 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments (continued) |
| 10.10 | Estimated fair value of financial instruments and financial derivatives |
As required by IFRS 7, the following information is presented for the disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial assets and liabilities.
Although inputs represent Management's best estimate, they are subjective and involve significant estimates related to the current economic and market conditions, as well as risk features.
Methodologies and assumptions used depend on the risk terms and characteristics of instruments and include the following as a summary:
| - | Cash equivalent approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. |
| - | Other current financial liabilities are considered at fair value equal to their carrying values. |
| - | For interest-bearing liabilities with original maturity of more than a year, fair values are calculated at discounting contractual cash flows at their original current market with similar terms. |
| - | For forward and swap contracts, fair value is determined using quoted market prices of financial instruments with similar characteristics. |
The detail of the Company’s instruments at carrying value and estimated fair value is as follows:
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||
| Carrying value | Fair value | Carrying value | Fair value | |||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 354,566 | 354,566 | 476,622 | 476,622 | ||||||||||||
| Current trade and other receivables | 340,830 | 340,830 | 330,992 | 330,992 | ||||||||||||
| Other financial assets, current: | ||||||||||||||||
| - Time deposits | 653,442 | 653,442 | 431,883 | 431,883 | ||||||||||||
| - Derivative instruments | 17,160 | 17,160 | 3,283 | 3,283 | ||||||||||||
| - Current hedging assets | - | - | 25,007 | 25,007 | ||||||||||||
| Total other current financial assets | 670,602 | 670,602 | 460,173 | 460,173 | ||||||||||||
| Non-Current Trade Receivables | 2,044 | 2,044 | 1,282 | 1,282 | ||||||||||||
| Other non-current financial assets: | 427 | 427 | 95 | 95 | ||||||||||||
| Other non-current financial assets: | 427 | 427 | 95 | 95 | ||||||||||||
| Other financial liabilities, current: | ||||||||||||||||
| - Bank loans | 191,116 | 191,116 | 171,347 | 171,347 | ||||||||||||
| - Derivative instruments | 1,791 | 1,791 | 1,088 | 1,088 | ||||||||||||
| - Hedging liabilities | 812 | 812 | 1,339 | 1,339 | ||||||||||||
| - Unsecured obligations | 19,453 | 19,453 | 227,652 | 227,652 | ||||||||||||
| Other financial liabilities, current | 213,172 | 213,172 | 401,426 | 401,426 | ||||||||||||
| Current and non-current accounts payable | 145,160 | 145,160 | 150,960 | 150,960 | ||||||||||||
| Other non-current financial liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
| - Bank loans | 219,838 | 180,756 | 309,489 | 324,246 | ||||||||||||
| - Unsecured obligations | 1,317,429 | 1,584,237 | 1,106,496 | 1,077,049 | ||||||||||||
| - Non-current hedging liabilities | 36,958 | 36,958 | 1,405 | 1,405 | ||||||||||||
| Other non-current financial liabilities: | 1,574,225 | 1,801,951 | 1,417,390 | 1,402,700 | ||||||||||||
Fair value hierarchy
Fair value hierarchies are as follows:
| a) | Level 1: When only quoted (unadjusted) prices have been used in active markets. |
| b) | Level 2: When in a phase in the valuation process variable other than prices quoted in Level 1 have been used which are directly observable in markets. |
| c) | Level 3: When in a phase in the valuation process variable which are not based in observable market data have been used. |
| 198 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 10 | Financial instruments (continued) |
| 10.10 | Estimated fair value of financial instruments and financial derivatives, continued |
The valuation techniques used to determine the fair value of our hedging instruments, bank loans, and unsecurable obligations are level 2 fair value instruments, based on discounted cash flows using market based rates as of year-end.
| 10.11 | Nature and scope of risks arising from financing instruments |
As indicated in paragraphs 33 to 42 of IFRS 7 the disclosure of information associated with the nature and scope of risks arising from financial instruments is presented in Note 4 - Financial Risk Management.
| 199 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 11 | Equity-accounted investees |
| 11.1 | Investments in associates recognized according to the equity method of accounting |
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, in accordance with criteria established in Note 3.19, investment in associates recognized according to the equity method of accounting and joint ventures are as follows:
| Associates | Equity-accounted investees | Share on profit (loss) of
associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method | Share on other comprehensive
income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method, net of tax | Share on total other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales de Magnesio Ltda. | 1,159 | 1,649 | 942 | 1,005 | - | - | 942 | 1.005 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL | 10,269 | 11,453 | 1,783 | 1,596 | - | - | 1,783 | 1.596 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS | 14,869 | 15,193 | 4,138 | 2,192 | - | - | 4,138 | 2.192 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ajay North America | 13,530 | 13,125 | 6,188 | 7,919 | - | - | 6,188 | 7.919 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ajay Europe SARL | 8,004 | 7,924 | 2,570 | 3,825 | (30 | ) | - | 2,540 | 3.825 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Eastmed Turkey | 88 | 142 | (21 | ) | 132 | - | - | (21 | ) | 132 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Charlee SQM Thailand Co. Ltd. | 1,804 | 1,589 | 158 | 237 | - | - | 158 | 237 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 49,723 | 51,075 | 15,758 | 16,906 | (30 | ) | - | 15,728 | 16.906 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Country of | Share of ownership | Dividends received | ||||||||||||||||
| Associate | Description of the nature of the relationship | Domicile | incorporation | in associates | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||
| Sales de Magnesio Ltda. | Commercialization of magnesium salts. | El Trovador 4285, Las Condes | Chile | 50 | % | 1,245 | 892 | |||||||||||
| Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL | Distribution and commercialization of specialty plant nutrients in the Middle East. | PO Box 71871, Abu Dhabi | United Arab Emirates | 37 | % | - | - | |||||||||||
| Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS | Distribution and commercialization of specialty plant nutrients in Turkey. | Organize Sanayi Bolgesi, Ikinci Kisim, 22 cadde TR07100 Antalya | Turkey | 50 | % | - | - | |||||||||||
| Ajay North America | Production and commercialization of iodine derivatives. | 1400 Industry RD Power Springs GA 30129 | United States | 49 | % | 7,139 | 10,437 | |||||||||||
| Ajay Europe SARL | Production and commercialization of iodine derivatives. | Z.I. du Grand Verger BP 227 53602 Evron Cedex | France | 50 | % | 2,728 | 5,093 | |||||||||||
| SQM Eastmed Turkey | Production and commercialization of specialty products. | Organize Sanayi Bolgesi, Ikinci Kisim, 22 cadde TR07100 Antalya | Turkey | 50 | % | - | - | |||||||||||
| Charlee SQM Thailand Co. Ltd. | Distribution and commercialization of specialty plant nutrients. | 31 Soi 138 (Meesuk) LLapdrawrd, Bangkapi, 10240 Bangkok | Thailand | 40 | % | - | - | |||||||||||
| 200 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 11 Equity-accounted investees (continued)
| 11.2 | Assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses of associates |
| 12/31/2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) from | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | Liabilities | continuing | comprehensive | Comprehensive | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current | Non-current | Current | Non-current | Revenue | operations | income | income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales de Magnesio Ltda. | 3,957 | 481 | 2,099 | 22 | 12,750 | 1,883 | - | 1,883 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL | 31,010 | 2,795 | 6,048 | - | 53,186 | 4,819 | - | 4,819 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS | 75,497 | 10,099 | 39,515 | 16,344 | 83,397 | 8,275 | - | 8,275 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ajay North America | 20,912 | 10,269 | 3,568 | - | 60,101 | 12,628 | - | 12,628 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ajay Europe SARL | 21,929 | 2,103 | 8,023 | - | 51,687 | 5,142 | (59 | ) | 5,083 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Eastmed Turkey | 10 | 228 | 62 | - | - | (42 | ) | - | (42 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Charlee SQM Thailand Co. Ltd. | 8,279 | 669 | 4,435 | - | 12,968 | 394 | - | 394 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 161,594 | 26,644 | 63,750 | 16,366 | 274,089 | 33,099 | (59 | ) | 33,040 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) from | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | Liabilities | continuing | comprehensive | Comprehensive | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current | Non-current | Current | Non-current | Revenue | operations | income | income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales de Magnesio Ltda. | 4,519 | 309 | 1,512 | 18 | 14,370 | 2,009 | - | 2,009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL | 26,645 | 2,321 | 6,059 | - | 44,689 | 3,192 | - | 3,192 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS | 67,603 | 6,563 | 37,696 | 6,082 | 73,905 | 4,385 | - | 4,385 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ajay North America | 23,728 | 9,289 | 6,230 | - | 72,297 | 16,161 | - | 16,161 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ajay Europe SARL | 22,247 | 2,370 | 8,770 | - | 67,361 | 7,649 | - | 7,649 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Eastmed Turkey | 149 | 305 | 169 | - | 139 | 265 | - | 265 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Charlee SQM Thailand Co. Ltd. | 6,104 | 572 | 2,706 | - | 19,179 | 593 | - | 593 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 150,995 | 21,729 | 63,142 | 6,100 | 291,940 | 34,254 | - | 34,254 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 201 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 11 Investment in Associates (continued)
| 11.3 | Other information |
The Company has no participation in unrecognized losses in investments in associates.
The Company presents no investments unaccounted for according to the equity method of accounting.
The equity method was applied to the Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
The basis of preparation of the financial information of associates corresponds to the amounts included in the financial statements in conformity with the entity’s IFRS.
| 12.1 | Policy for the accounting of equity accounted investment in joint ventures |
The method for the recognition of joint ventures is that in which participation is initially recorded at cost, and subsequently adjusted, considering changes after the acquisition in the portion of the entity’s net assets of the entity which correspond to the investor. Profit or loss for the period of the investor will collect the portion which belongs to it in the results of the controlled entity as a whole.
| 12.2 | Disclosures of interest in joint ventures |
| a) | Operations conducted in 2014 |
During the second quarter of 2014, SQM Industrial S.A. received a reimbursement of capital amounting to ThUS$2,011 from SQM Vitas Fzco., resulting in a decrease capital, and maintaining the interest in this Company.
| b) | Operations conducted in 2013 |
As of December 31, there are no changes in the breakdown of interests in joint ventures.
| 202 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 12 Joint Ventures (continued)
| 12.3 | Investment in joint ventures accounted for under the equity method of accounting |
| Country of | Share of interest in | Dividends received | ||||||||||||||||
| Joint venture | Description of the nature of the relationship | Domicile | Incorporation | ownership | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||
| Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co. Ltda. | Production and distribution of soluble fertilizers. | Huangjing Road, Dawan Town, Qingbaijiang District, Chengdu Municipality, Sichuan Province | China | 50 | % | - | - | |||||||||||
| Coromandel SQM India | Production and distribution of potassium nitrate. | 1-2-10, Sardar Patel Road, Secunderabad – 500003 Andhra Pradesh | India | 50 | % | - | - | |||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Fzco. | Production and commercialization of specialty plant and animal nutrition and industrial hygiene. | Jebel ALI Free Zone P.O. Box 18222, Dubai | United Arab Emirates | 50 | % | - | - | |||||||||||
| SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition. Co. Ltd. | Production and distribution of nutrient plant solutions with specialties NPK soluble | Longquan Town, Jimo City, Qingdao Municipality, Shangdong Province | China | 50 | % | - | - | |||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Brazil Agroindustria | Production and commercialization of specialty plant and animal nutrition and industrial hygiene. | Via Cndeias, Km. 01 Sem Numero, Lote 4, Bairro Cia Norte, Candeias, Bahia. | Brazil | 49.99 | % | - | - | |||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Peru S.A.C. | Production and commercialization of specialty plant and animal nutrition and industrial hygiene | Av. Juan de Arona 187, Torre B, Oficina 301-II, San Isidro, Lima | Peru | 50 | % | - | - | |||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Southern Africa Pty. | Production and commercialization of specialty plant and animal nutrition and industrial hygiene | 33 Waterford Office Park Waterford Drive Fourways, 2055 South Africa | South Africa | 50 | % | - | - | |||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Spain | Production and commercialization of specialty plant nutrition | C/Manuel Echeverria Manzana 2 Muelle de la Cab ( Puerto Real ) | Spain | 50 | % | - | - | |||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Holland | Without information | Herikerbergweg 238, 1101 CM Amsterdam Zuidoost | Holland | 50 | % | - | - | |||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V. | Production and commercialization of controlled-released fertilizers | Herikerbergweg 238, 1101 CM Amsterdam Zuidoost | Holland | 50 | % | - | - | |||||||||||
| 203 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 12 Joint Ventures (continued)
| 12.3 | Investment in joint ventures accounted for under the equity method of accounting, continued: |
| Joint Venture | Equity-accounted investees | Share on profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method | Share on other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method, net of tax | Share on total other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co. Ltd. | 12,819 | 11,504 | (414 | ) | 255 | (1 | ) | 13 | (415 | ) | 267 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Coromandel SQM India | 754 | 801 | 128 | 90 | - | - | 128 | 89 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Fzco. | 9,189 | 12,762 | 2,049 | 1,807 | (457 | ) | (339 | ) | 1,592 | 1,467 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Star Qingdao Corp. Nutrition Co. Ltd. | 1,969 | 1,475 | 494 | 396 | - | - | 494 | 395 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Holland | 1,324 | (599 | ) | 101 | - | - | - | 101 | (667 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 26,055 | 25,943 | 2,358 | 2,548 | (458 | ) | (326 | ) | 1,900 | 1,551 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The following companies are subsidiaries of
| (1) | SQM Vitas Fzco. |
| (2) | SQM Vitas Holland |
| Joint Venture | Equity-accounted investees | Share on profit (loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method | Share on other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method, net of tax | Share on total other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Brazil (1) | 5,670 | 4,747 | 1,045 | 2,538 | - | - | 522 | 1,152 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Peru (1) | 4,993 | 4,314 | 948 | (224 | ) | - | - | 474 | 93 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Southern Africa (1) | 180 | 1,096 | (907 | ) | 55 | - | - | (453 | ) | 102 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Spain (2) | 1,023 | - | 291 | - | - | - | 145 | (177 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V. (2) | 1,135 | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | (385 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 13,001 | 10,157 | 1,378 | 2,369 | - | - | 688 | 785 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 204 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 12 Joint Ventures (continued)
| 12.4 | Assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses from joint ventures: |
| 12/31/2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | Liabilities | Gain (loss) from | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Joint Venture | Current | Non-current | Current | Non-current | Revenue | Continuing operations | comprehensive income | Comprehensive income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co. Ltda. | 61,381 | 8,734 | 44,478 | - | 95,292 | (829 | ) | (2 | ) | (831 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Coromandel SQM India | 4,820 | 1,043 | 4,294 | 63 | 6,723 | 256 | - | 256 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Fzco. | 6,366 | 13,611 | 1,600 | - | 25,485 | 4,098 | (913 | ) | 3,185 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Star Qingdao Corp. Nutrition Co. Ltd. | 4,363 | 229 | 634 | 20 | 9,496 | 988 | - | 988 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Brazil | 39,006 | 8,644 | 41,980 | - | 83,022 | 1,046 | - | 1,046 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Peru | 25,346 | 3,146 | 23,463 | 35 | 39,321 | 949 | - | 949 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Southern Africa | 3,703 | 720 | 4,243 | - | 17,117 | (907 | ) | - | (907 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Spain | 2,066 | 808 | 1,851 | - | 10,969 | 252 | - | 252 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Holland | 512 | 2,158 | 19 | - | - | 204 | - | 204 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V. | 1,529 | 6 | 401 | - | 4,010 | 1 | - | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 149,092 | 39,099 | 122,963 | 118 | 291,435 | 6,058 | (915 | ) | 5,143 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | Liabilities | Gain (loss) from | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Joint Venture | Current | Non-current | Current | Non-current | Revenue | continuing operations | comprehensive income | Comprehensive income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co. Ltda. | 68,241 | 9,414 | 54,650 | - | 41,744 | 509 | 26 | 535 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coromandel SQM India | 4,545 | 1,158 | 4,037 | 63 | 7,842 | 179 | - | 179 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Fzco. | 12,790 | 13,772 | 1,039 | - | 18,779 | 3,614 | (679 | ) | 2,935 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Star Qingdao Corp. Nutrition Co. Ltd. | 3,570 | 228 | 838 | 10 | 7,649 | 791 | - | 791 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Brazil | 31,243 | 7,158 | 25,615 | 8,039 | 87,927 | 2,305 | - | 2,305 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Peru | 21,481 | 1,722 | 18,890 | - | 35,267 | 185 | - | 185 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Southern Africa | 5,164 | 829 | 4,896 | - | 21,234 | 204 | - | 204 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Spain | 1,318 | 949 | 2,492 | - | 1,854 | (355 | ) | - | (355 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Holland | 95 | - | 316 | 977 | - | (1,335 | ) | - | (1,335 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V. | 1,323 | 6,548 | 8,623 | - | 2,157 | (770 | ) | - | (770 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 149,770 | 41,778 | 121,396 | 9,089 | 224,453 | 5,327 | (653 | ) | 4,674 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 205 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 12 Joint Ventures (continued)
| 12.5 | Other Joint Venture disclosures: |
| Cash and cash equivalents | Other current financial liabilities | Other non-current financial liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$$ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co. Ltda. | 234 | 8,049 | - | 7,660 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Coromandel SQM India | 69 | 197 | 158 | 880 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Fzco. | 12,043 | 10,605 | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Star Qingdao Corp. Nutrition Co. Ltd. | 2,487 | 1,988 | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Brazil | 1,312 | 854 | 8,488 | - | - | 8,600 | ||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Peru | 605 | 1,166 | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Southern Africa | 448 | 351 | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Spain | 34 | 310 | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Holland | 149 | 26 | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V. | 458 | 109 | - | 5,567 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 17,839 | 23,655 | 8,646 | 14,107 | - | 8,600 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | Interest expense | Income tax expense, continuing operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co. Ltda. | (680 | ) | (549 | ) | (831 | ) | (813 | ) | 212 | (12 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Coromandel SQM India | (70 | ) | (2 | ) | (47 | ) | (87 | ) | (122 | ) | (92 | ) | ||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Fzco. | (1,032 | ) | (1,001 | ) | (38 | ) | (16 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||
| SQM Star Qingdao Corp. Nutrition Co. Ltd. | (60 | ) | (71 | ) | (1 | ) | - | (331 | ) | (242 | ) | |||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Brazil | (405 | ) | (328 | ) | (1,310 | ) | (931 | ) | 220 | - | ||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Peru | (136 | ) | (82 | ) | (15 | ) | (445 | ) | (243 | ) | 91 | |||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Southern Africa | (82 | ) | (67 | ) | (44 | ) | (104 | ) | (156 | ) | - | |||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Spain | (113 | ) | - | (17 | ) | (14 | ) | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Holland | - | - | (6 | ) | (2 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
| SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V. | (2 | ) | - | (181 | ) | (176 | ) | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| Total | (2,580 | ) | (2,100 | ) | (2,490 | ) | (2,588 | ) | (420 | ) | (255 | ) | ||||||||||||
The basis of preparation of the financial information of joint ventures corresponds to the amounts included in the financial statements in conformity with the entity’s IFRS.
| 206 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 13 Intangible assets and goodwill
| 13.1 | Balances |
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Intangible assets other than goodwill | 114,735 | 104,363 | ||||||
| Goodwill | 38,388 | 38,388 | ||||||
| Total | 153,123 | 142,751 | ||||||
| 13.2 | Disclosures on intangible assets and goodwill |
Intangible assets relate to goodwill, water rights, trademarks, industrial patents, rights of way, software, and mining claims which correspond to exploitation rights acquired from third-parties.
Balances and movements in the main classes of intangible assets as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are detailed as follows:
| 12/31/2014 | ||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets and goodwill | Useful life | Gross amount ThUS$ | Accumulated Amortization ThUS$ | Net Value ThUS$ | ||||||||||
| Trademarks | Finite | 3,821 | (3,821 | ) | - | |||||||||
| Software | Finite | 23,062 | (9,996 | ) | 13,066 | |||||||||
| Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation rights | Finite | 1,524 | (939 | ) | 585 | |||||||||
| Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation rights | Indefinite | 97,386 | - | 97,386 | ||||||||||
| Other intangible assets | Indefinite | 3,698 | - | 3,698 | ||||||||||
| Intangible assets other than goodwill | 129,491 | (14,756 | ) | 114,735 | ||||||||||
| Goodwill | Indefinite | 38,388 | - | 38,388 | ||||||||||
| Total intangible assets and goodwill | 167,879 | (14,756 | ) | 153,123 | ||||||||||
| 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets and goodwill | Useful life | Gross amount ThUS$ | Accumulated Amortization ThUS$ | Net Value ThUS$ | ||||||||||
| Trademarks | Finite | 3,821 | (3,821 | ) | - | |||||||||
| Software | Finite | 5,342 | (3,146 | ) | 2,196 | |||||||||
| Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation rights | Finite | 1,576 | (882 | ) | 694 | |||||||||
| Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation rights | Indefinite | 97,392 | - | 97,392 | ||||||||||
| Other intangible assets | Indefinite | 4,081 | - | 4,081 | ||||||||||
| Intangible assets other than goodwill | 112,212 | (7,849 | ) | 104,363 | ||||||||||
| Goodwill | Indefinite | 38,388 | - | 38,388 | ||||||||||
| Total intangible assets and goodwill | 150,600 | (7,849 | ) | 142,751 | ||||||||||
| 207 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 13 Intangible assets and goodwill (continued)
| 13.2 | Disclosures on intangible assets and goodwill, continued |
| a) | Estimated useful lives or amortization rates used for finite identifiable intangible assets |
Finite useful life measures the lifetime or the number of productive units or other similar variables which constitute its useful life.
The estimated useful life for software is 3 years, for other finite useful life assets the period in which they are amortized relates to periods defined by contracts or rights which generate them.
Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation rights, mainly relate to water rights and are obtained as indefinite.
| b) | Method used to express the amortization of identifiable intangible assets (life or rate) |
The method used to express the amortization is useful life, and estimated tons to be extracted in the case of mining claims.
| c) | Minimum and maximum amortization lives or rates of intangible assets: |
| Estimated useful lives or amortization rate | Minimum life or rate | Maximum life or rate |
| Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation rights | Indefinite | Indefinite |
| Intangible assets other than goodwill | Indefinite | Indefinite |
| Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation rights | 1 year | 16 years |
| Trademarks | 1 year | 5 years |
| Software | 2 years | 3 years |
| d) | Information to be disclosed on assets generated internally |
The Company has no intangible assets generated internally.
| e) | Other information to disclose on intangible assets |
SQM has property rights and mining concessions of the Chilean Government, intended for the exploration and exploitation of saltpeter and brine. Such rights, have had no initial cost over registration costs, which are insignificant.
Also, SQM has acquired from third-parties other than the Chilean Government, mining concessions, which have been recognized at acquisition cost, which are amortized as the corresponding area is exploited based on the tons estimated to be extracted.
Expenses prior to obtaining the mining concessions are recognized in profit or loss for the year as incurred.
| 208 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 13 Intangible assets and goodwill (continued)
| 13.2 | Disclosures on intangible assets and goodwill, continued |
| f) | Movements in identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2014: |
| Movements in identifiable intangible assets, gross | Trademarks | Software | Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation right, rights of way | Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation right, rights of way | Other intangible assets | Goodwill | Identifiable intangible assets | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opening balance | 3,821 | 5,342 | 1,576 | 97,392 | 4,081 | 38,388 | 150,600 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | - | 14,462 | - | - | - | - | 14,462 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other increases (decreases) | - | 3,258 | (52 | ) | (6 | ) | (383 | ) | - | 2,817 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Final balance | 3,821 | 23,062 | 1,524 | 97,386 | 3,698 | 38,388 | 167,879 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Movements in identifiable intangible assets, accumulated amortization | Trademarks | Software | Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation right, rights of way | Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation right, rights of way | Other intangible assets | Goodwill | Identifiable intangible assets | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opening balance | (3,821 | ) | (3,146 | ) | (882 | ) | - | - | - | (7,849 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Additions | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization | - | (3,547 | ) | (58 | ) | - | - | - | (3,605 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other increases (decreases) | - | (3,303 | ) | 1 | - | - | - | (3,302 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Final balance | (3,821 | ) | (9,996 | ) | (939 | ) | - | - | - | (14,756 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| 209 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 13 Intangible assets and goodwill (continued)
| 13.2 | Disclosures on intangible assets and goodwill, continued |
| f) | Movements in identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2014, continued |
| Movements in identifiable intangible assets, net | Trademarks | Software | Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation right, rights of way | Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation right, rights of way | Other intangible assets | Goodwill | Identifiable intangible assets | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opening balance | - | 2,196 | 694 | 97,392 | 4,081 | 38,388 | 142,751 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | - | 14,462 | - | - | - | - | 14,462 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization | - | (3,547 | ) | (58 | ) | - | - | - | (3,605 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other increases (decreases) | - | (45 | ) | (51 | ) | (6 | ) | (383 | ) | - | (485 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Final balance | - | 13,066 | 585 | 97,386 | 3,698 | 38,388 | 153,123 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| g) | Movements in identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2013: |
| Movements in identifiable intangible assets, gross | Trademarks | Software | Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation right, rights of way | Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation right, rights of way | Other intangible assets | Goodwill | Identifiable intangible assets | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opening balance | 3,821 | 3,446 | 5,340 | 93,996 | 1,360 | 38,388 | 146,351 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | - | 1,576 | 377 | 3,396 | 2,721 | - | 8,070 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other increases (decreases) | - | 320 | (4,141 | ) | - | - | - | (3,821 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Final balance | 3,821 | 5,342 | 1,576 | 97,392 | 4,081 | 38,388 | 150,600 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 210 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 13 Intangible assets and goodwill (continued)
| 13.2 | Disclosures on intangible assets and goodwill, continued |
| g) | Movements in identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2013: |
| Movements in identifiable intangible assets, accumulated amortization | Trademarks | Software | Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation right, rights of way | Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation right, rights of way | Other intangible assets | Goodwill | Identifiable intangible assets | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opening balance | (3,821 | ) | (1,796 | ) | (4,962 | ) | - | - | - | (10,579 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Additions | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization | - | (1,019 | ) | (61 | ) | - | - | - | (1,080 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other increases (decreases) | - | (331 | ) | 4,141 | - | - | - | 3,810 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Final balance | (3,821 | ) | (3,146 | ) | (882 | ) | - | - | - | (7,849 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Movements in identifiable intangible assets, net | Trademarks | Software | Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation right, rights of way | Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and exploitation right, rights of way | Other intangible assets | Goodwill | Identifiable intangible assets | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opening balance | - | 2,196 | 694 | 97,392 | 4,081 | 38,388 | 142,751 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | - | 764 | - | - | - | - | 764 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization | - | (1,019 | ) | (61 | ) | - | - | - | (1,080 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other increases (decreases) | - | 41 | (32 | ) | (6 | ) | - | - | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Final balance | - | 1,982 | 601 | 97,386 | 4,081 | 38,388 | 142,438 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 211 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 14 Property, plant and equipment
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the detail of property, plant and equipment is as follows:
| 14.1 | Types of property, plant and equipment |
| Description of types of property, plant and equipment | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | ||||||||
| Land | 34,622 | 33,812 | ||||||
| Buildings | 233,175 | 190,529 | ||||||
| Machinery | 361,882 | 465,327 | ||||||
| Transport equipment | 81,673 | 105,979 | ||||||
| Furniture and fixtures | 9,016 | 9,534 | ||||||
| Office equipment | 6,365 | 6,062 | ||||||
| Constructions in progress | 237,321 | 415,740 | ||||||
| Other property, plant and equipment (1) | 923,900 | 827,394 | ||||||
| Total | 1,887,954 | 2,054,377 | ||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, gross | ||||||||
| Land | 34,622 | 33,812 | ||||||
| Buildings | 411,633 | 364,695 | ||||||
| Machinery | 1,168,018 | 1,179,860 | ||||||
| Transport equipment | 261,394 | 263,268 | ||||||
| Furniture and fixtures | 32,082 | 27,575 | ||||||
| Office equipment | 35,512 | 39,142 | ||||||
| Constructions in progress | 237,321 | 415,740 | ||||||
| Other property, plant and equipment | 1,731,599 | 1,506,708 | ||||||
| Total | 3,912,181 | 3,830,800 | ||||||
| Accumulated depreciation and value impairment of property, plant and equipment, total | ||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation and value impairment of buildings | 178,458 | 174,166 | ||||||
| Accumulated depreciation and value impairment of machinery | 806,136 | 714,533 | ||||||
| Accumulated depreciation and value impairment of transport equipment | 179,721 | 157,289 | ||||||
| Accumulated depreciation and value impairment of furniture and fixtures | 23,066 | 18,041 | ||||||
| Accumulated depreciation and value impairment of office equipment | 29,147 | 33,080 | ||||||
| Accumulated depreciation and value impairment of other property, plant and equipment | 807,699 | 679,314 | ||||||
| Total | 2,024,227 | 1,776,423 | ||||||
| (1) | The detail of other property, plant and equipment is as follows: |
31/12/2014 ThUS$ | 31/12/2013 ThUS$ | |||||||
| Other property, plant and equipment, net | ||||||||
| Conveyor belt | 53,648 | 53,783 | ||||||
| Tank (TK) | 36,236 | 25,781 | ||||||
| Geomembrane/liner | 158,839 | 169,255 | ||||||
| Electric facilities | 61,795 | 21,889 | ||||||
| Lights | 3,648 | 28,748 | ||||||
| Other constructions | 122,287 | 62,390 | ||||||
| Piping | 27,637 | 22,499 | ||||||
| Pool | 168,469 | 181,844 | ||||||
| Well (water) | 49,818 | 39,963 | ||||||
| Pipes/HD lines | 148,590 | 101,886 | ||||||
| Railroad track | 25,314 | 21,628 | ||||||
| Other property, plant and equipment | 65,619 | 97,728 | ||||||
| Total | 923,900 | 827,394 | ||||||
| 212 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 14 Property, plant and equipment (continued)
| 14.2 | Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by type: |
| Reconciliation entries of changes in property, plant and equipment by type as of December 31, 2014, gross | Land | Buildings | Machinery | Transport equipment | Furniture and fixtures | Office equipment | Constructions in progress | Other property, plant and equipment | Property, plant and equipment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opening balance | 33.812 | 364.695 | 1.179.860 | 263.268 | 27.575 | 39.142 | 415.740 | 1.506.708 | 3.830.800 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | - | 72 | 370 | - | 71 | 1.514 | 134.663 | 287 | 136.977 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Divestitures | - | - | (93 | ) | (85 | ) | (86 | ) | (58 | ) | (2.235 | ) | (1 | ) | (2.558 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase(decrease) in foreign currency exchange | (87 | ) | (6 | ) | (56 | ) | (33 | ) | - | (65 | ) | 4 | (193 | ) | (436 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification | 812 | 46.872 | (12.083 | ) | (1.742 | ) | 4.522 | (4.983 | ) | (256.528 | ) | 223.130 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other increases (decreases) (*) | 85 | - | 20 | (14 | ) | - | (38 | ) | (54.323 | ) | 1.668 | (52.602 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total changes | 810 | 46.938 | (11.842 | ) | (1.874 | ) | 4.507 | (3.630 | ) | (178.419 | ) | 224.891 | 81.381 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Final balance | 34.622 | 411.633 | 1.168.018 | 261.394 | 32.082 | 35.512 | 237.321 | 1.731.599 | 3.912.181 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation entries of changes in property, plant and equipment by type as of December 31, 2014, Accumulated depreciation | Land | Buildings | Machinery | Transport equipment | Furniture and fixtures | Office equipment | Constructions in progress | Other property, plant and equipment | Property, plant and equipment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opening balance | - | (174.166 | ) | (714.533 | ) | (157.289 | ) | (18.041 | ) | (33.080 | ) | - | (679.314 | ) | (1.776.423 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Divestitures | - | - | 11 | 54 | 16 | 125 | - | - | 206 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | - | (19.669 | ) | (88.242 | ) | (29.417 | ) | (2.772 | ) | (2.811 | ) | - | (108.380 | ) | (251.291 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase(decrease) in foreign currency exchange | - | 1 | 40 | 17 | - | 25 | - | 21 | 104 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification | - | 15.375 | (3.414 | ) | 6.899 | (2.269 | ) | 6.561 | - | (23.152 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other increases (decreases) (*) | - | 1 | 2 | 15 | - | 33 | - | 3.126 | 3.177 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total changes | - | (4.292 | ) | (91.603 | ) | (22.432 | ) | (5.025 | ) | 3.933 | - | (128.385 | ) | (247.804 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Final balance | - | (178.458 | ) | (806.136 | ) | (179.721 | ) | (23.066 | ) | (29.147 | ) | - | (807.699 | ) | (2.024.227 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 213 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 14 Property, plant and equipment (continued)
| 14.2 | Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by type, continued: |
| Reconciliation entries of changes in property, plant and equipment by type as of December 31, 2014, net | Land | Buildings | Machinery | Transport equipment | Furniture and fixtures | Office equipment | Constructions in progress | Other property, plant and equipment | Property, plant and equipment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opening balance | 33.812 | 190.529 | 465.327 | 105.979 | 9.534 | 6.062 | 415.740 | 827.394 | 2.054.377 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | - | 72 | 370 | - | 71 | 1.514 | 134.663 | 287 | 136.977 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Divestitures | - | - | (82 | ) | (31 | ) | (70 | ) | 67 | (2.235 | ) | (1 | ) | (2.352 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | - | (19.669 | ) | (88.242 | ) | (29.417 | ) | (2.772 | ) | (2.811 | ) | - | (108.380 | ) | (251.291 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase(decrease) in foreign currency exchange | (87 | ) | (5 | ) | (17 | ) | (16 | ) | - | (40 | ) | 4 | (172 | ) | (333 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification | 812 | 62.248 | (15.496 | ) | 5.158 | 2.253 | 1.577 | (256.528 | ) | 199.976 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other increases (decreases) (*) | 85 | - | 22 | - | - | (4 | ) | (54.323 | ) | 4.796 | (49.424 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total changes | 810 | 42.646 | (103.445 | ) | (24.306 | ) | (518 | ) | 303 | (178.419 | ) | 96.506 | (166.423 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Final balance | 34.622 | 233.175 | 361.882 | 81.673 | 9.016 | 6.365 | 237.321 | 923.900 | 1.887.954 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(*) The net balance of other increases (decreases) corresponds to: 1) investment plan expenses which are expensed to profit or loss (forming part of cost of sales and other expenses per function, as appropriate), 2) the variation representing the purchase and use of materials and spare parts and 3) projects corresponding mainly to exploration expenditures and stain development.
| 214 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 14 Property, plant and equipment (continued)
| 14.2 | Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by type, continued: |
| Reconciliation entries of changes in property, plant and equipment by type as of December 31 2013, gross | Land | Buildings | Machinery | Transport equipment | Furniture and fixtures | Office equipment | Constructions in progress | Other property, plant and equipment | Property, plant and equipment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opening balance | 33.320 | 329.397 | 1.065.641 | 224.462 | 22.665 | 36.215 | 423.184 | 1.336.991 | 3.471.875 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | 778 | 47 | 2.100 | 3 | 60 | 835 | 416.471 | 3.327 | 423.621 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Divestitures | - | (38 | ) | (521 | ) | (35 | ) | - | (2 | ) | (5.045 | ) | (24 | ) | (5.665 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase(decrease) in foreign currency exchange | (36 | ) | (8 | ) | (39 | ) | (24 | ) | - | (43 | ) | - | (98 | ) | (248 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification | - | 35.700 | 115.281 | 38.847 | 4.874 | 2.154 | (366.516 | ) | 169.660 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other increases (decreases) (*) | (250 | ) | (403 | ) | (2.602 | ) | 15 | (24 | ) | (17 | ) | (52.354 | ) | (3.148 | ) | (58.783 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total changes | 492 | 35.298 | 114.219 | 38.806 | 4.910 | 2.927 | (7.444 | ) | 169.717 | 358.925 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Final balance | 33.812 | 364.695 | 1.179.860 | 263.268 | 27.575 | 39.142 | 415.740 | 1.506.708 | 3.830.800 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation entries of changes in property, plant and equipment by type as of December 31, 2013, Accumulated depreciation | Land | Buildings | Machinery | Transport equipment | Furniture and fixtures | Office equipment | Constructions in progress | Other property, plant and equipment | Property, plant and equipment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opening balance | - | (159.666 | ) | (627.310 | ) | (135.508 | ) | (15.929 | ) | (30.966 | ) | - | (589.947 | ) | (1.559.326 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | - | - | - | - | - | 10 | - | - | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Divestitures | - | 24 | 472 | - | - | 2 | - | - | 498 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | - | (14.520 | ) | (87.989 | ) | (21.787 | ) | (2.112 | ) | (2.055 | ) | - | (88.358 | ) | (216.821 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase(decrease) in foreign currency exchange | - | (4 | ) | 27 | 9 | - | 7 | - | 12 | 51 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification | - | - | - | (2 | ) | - | 2 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other increases (decreases) (*) | - | - | 267 | (1 | ) | - | (80 | ) | - | (1.021 | ) | (835 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total changes | - | (14.500 | ) | (87.223 | ) | (21.781 | ) | (2.112 | ) | (2.114 | ) | - | (89.367 | ) | (217.097 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Final balance | - | (174.166 | ) | (714.533 | ) | (157.289 | ) | (18.041 | ) | (33.080 | ) | - | (679.314 | ) | (1.776.423 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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9) Financial Reports
Note 14 Property, plant and equipment (continued)
| 14.2 | Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by type, continued: |
| Reconciliation entries of changes in property, plant and equipment by type as of December 31, 2013, net | Land | Buildings | Machinery | Transport equipment | Furniture and fixtures | Office equipment | Constructions in progress | Other property, plant and equipment | Property, plant and equipment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opening balance | 33.320 | 169.731 | 438.331 | 88.954 | 6.736 | 5.249 | 423.184 | 747.044 | 1.912.549 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | 778 | 47 | 2.100 | 3 | 60 | 845 | 416.471 | 3.327 | 423.631 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Divestitures | - | (14 | ) | (49 | ) | (35 | ) | - | - | (5.045 | ) | (24 | ) | (5.167 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | - | (14.520 | ) | (87.989 | ) | (21.787 | ) | (2.112 | ) | (2.055 | ) | - | (88.358 | ) | (216.821 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase(decrease) in foreign currency exchange | (36 | ) | (12 | ) | (12 | ) | (15 | ) | - | (36 | ) | - | (86 | ) | (197 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification | - | 35.700 | 115.281 | 38.845 | 4.874 | 2.156 | (366.516 | ) | 169.660 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other increases (decreases) (*) | (250 | ) | (403 | ) | (2.335 | ) | 14 | (24 | ) | (97 | ) | (52.354 | ) | (4.169 | ) | (59.618 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total changes | 492 | 20.798 | 26.996 | 17.025 | 2.798 | 813 | (7.444 | ) | 80.350 | 141.828 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Final balance | 33.812 | 190.529 | 465.327 | 105.979 | 9.534 | 6.062 | 415.740 | 827.394 | 2.054.377 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(*) The net balance of other increases (decreases) corresponds to: 1) investment plan expenses which are expensed to profit or loss (forming part of cost of sales and other expenses per function, as appropriate), 2) the variation representing the purchase and use of materials and spare parts and 3) projects corresponding mainly to exploration expenditures and stain development.
| 216 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 14 Property, plant and equipment (continued)
| 14.3 | Detail of property, plant and equipment pledged as guarantee |
There are no restrictions in title or guarantees for the compliance with obligations which affect property, plant and equipment.
| 14.4 | Additional information |
Interest capitalized in construction-in-progress:
The amount capitalized for this concept amounted to ThUS$7,732 as of December 31, 2014 and ThUS$ 17,232 as of December 31, 2013.
Financing costs are not capitalized for periods which exceed the normal term of acquisition, construction or installation of the asset, such as the case of delays, interruptions or temporary suspension of the project due to technical, financial or other issues, which prevent that the asset is maintained in good conditions for its use.
| 14.5 | Impairment of assets |
As stated in Note 3.28, the recoverable amount of property, plant and equipment is measured whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired. As of December 31, 2013, certain assets have suffered impairment for which a provision has been recognized for an amount of ThUS$10,085. As of December 31, 2014, no impairment adjustments were generated.
| 15.1 | Provisions for employee benefits |
| Classes of employee benefits and expenses | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Current | ||||||||
| Profit sharing and bonuses | 18.384 | 25.236 | ||||||
| Total | 18.384 | 25.236 | ||||||
| Non-current | ||||||||
| Profit sharing and bonuses | 2.849 | 277 | ||||||
| Severance indemnity payments | 30.952 | 32.137 | ||||||
| Total | 33.801 | 32.414 | ||||||
| 15.2 | Policies on defined benefit plan |
This policy is applied to all benefits received for services provided by the Company's employees.
Short-term benefits for active employees are represented by salaries, social welfare benefits, paid time-off, sickness leaves and other leaves, profit sharing and incentives and non-monetary benefits; e.g., healthcare service, housing, subsidized or free goods or services. These will be paid in a term which does not exceed twelve months.
The Company only provides compensation and benefits to active employees, with the exemption of SQM North America which applies the definitions under 15.4 below.
SQM maintains incentive programs for its employees based on the personal performance, the Company’s performance and other short-term, mid-term and long-term indicators.
| 217 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 15 Employee benefits (continued)
| 15.2 | Policies on defined benefit plan, continued |
For each incentive bonus delivered to the Company’s employees, there will be a disbursement in the first quarter of the following year and this will be calculated based on profit for the period at the end of each period applying a factor obtained subsequent to the employee appraisal process.
Employee benefits include retention bonuses for the Company’s executives, which are linked to the Company’s share price and it is paid in cash. The short-term portion is presented as provision for current employee benefits and the long-term portion as non-current.
The bonus provided to the Company’s directors is calculated based on Profit for the period at each year-end and will consider the application of a percentage factor.
The benefit related to vacations (short-term benefits to employees, current), which is provided in the Labor Code which indicates that employees with more than a year of service will be entitled to annual holidays for a period not lower than fifteen paid business days. The Company provides the benefit of two additional vacation days.
Staff severance indemnities are agreed and payable based on the last salary for each year of service for the Company or with certain maximum limits in respect to the number of years to be considered or in respect to monetary terms. In general, this benefit is payable when the employee or worker ceases to provide his/her services to the Company and the right for its collection can be acquired because of different causes, as indicated in the respective agreements; e.g., retirement, dismissal, voluntary retirement, incapacity or disability, death, etc..
Law No. 19,728 published on May 14, 2001 which became effective on October 1, 2002 required “Compulsory Unemployment Insurance” in favor of all depending employees regulated by the Chilean Labor Code. Article 5 of this law provided the financing of this insurance through monthly contribution payments by both the employee and the employer.
| 15.3 | Other long-term benefits |
The other long-term benefits relate to staff severance indemnities and are recorded at their actuarial value.
| Staff severance indemnities at actuarial value | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Staff severance indemnities, Chile | 30.336 | 31.470 | ||||||
| Other obligations in companies elsewhere | 616 | 667 | ||||||
| Total other non-current liabilities | 30.952 | 32.137 | ||||||
Staff severance indemnities have been calculated under the actuarial assessment method of the Company’s obligations with respect to staff severance indemnities, which relate to defined benefit plans which consist of days of remuneration per year served at the time of retirement under conditions agreed in the respective agreements established between the Company and its employees.
Under this benefit plan, the Company retains the obligation for the payment of staff severance indemnities related to retirements, without establishing a separate fund with specific assets, which is referred to as not funded. The discount interest rate of expected flows to be used was 5.5%.
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9) Financial Reports
Note 15 Employee benefits (continued)
15.3 Other long-term benefits, continued
Benefit payment conditions
The staff severance indemnity benefit relates to remuneration days for year worked for the Company with no limit of salary or years of services for the Company, when employees cease to work for the Company due to turnover or death. In this case, the maximum age for men is 65 years and 60 years old for women, which are the usual ages for retirement due to achieving the senior citizen age according to the Chilean pensions system provided in Decree Law 3.500 of 1980.
Methodology
The determination of the obligation for benefits under IAS 19 Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) is described as follows:
To determine the Company's total liability, we used a mathematical simulation model which was programmed using a computer and which processed the situation of each employee on an individual basis.
This model considered months as discrete time; i.e. the Company determined the age of each person and his/her salary on a monthly basis according to the growth rate. Thus, information on each person was simulated from the beginning of the life of his/her employment contract or when he/she started earning benefits up to the month in which it reaches the normal retirement age, generating in each period the possible retirement according to the Company’s turnover rate and the mortality rate according to the age reached. When he/she reaches the retirement age, the employee finishes his/her service for the Company and receives indemnity related to retirement due to old age.
The methodology followed to determine the accrual for all the employees adhered to agreements has considered turnover rates and the mortality rate RV-2010 established by the Chilean Superintendence of Securities and Insurance to calculate pension-related life insurance reserves in Chile according to the Accumulated Benefit Valuation or Accrued Cost of Benefit Method. This methodology is established in IAS 19 on Retirement Benefit Costs.
| 15.4 | Post-employment benefit obligations |
Our subsidiary SQM North America, has established with its employees, a pension plan until 2002 called “SQM North America Retirement Income Plan”, whereby obligation is calculated measuring the expected future forecasted staff severance indemnity obligation using a net salary gradual rate of restatements for inflation, mortality and turnover assumptions discounting the resulting amounts at present value using the interest rate defined by the authorities.
Since 2003, SQM North America offers to its employee benefits related to pension plans based on the 401-K system, which do not generate obligations for the Company.
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9) Financial Reports
Note 15 Employee benefits (continued)
| 15.4 | Post-employment benefit obligations, continued |
The table below shows the plan financing status and the amounts recognized in the consolidated Statement of Financial Position.
| Reconciliation table | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||
| Variation in the benefit obligation | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||
| Benefit obligation at January 1 | 6,922 | 6,482 | ||||||
| Service cost | 2 | 2 | ||||||
| Interest cost | 403 | 412 | ||||||
| Actuarial gain (loss) | 361 | 386 | ||||||
| Benefits paid | (364 | ) | (360 | ) | ||||
| Benefit obligation at December 31 | 7,324 | 6,922 | ||||||
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| Variation in plan assets: | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||
| Fair value of plan assets as of January 1 | 7,909 | 6,073 | ||||||
| Employer contributions | 173 | 453 | ||||||
| Actual return (loss) on plan assets | 249 | 1,743 | ||||||
| Benefits paid | (364 | ) | (360 | ) | ||||
| Fair value of plan assets as of December 31 | 7,967 | 7,909 | ||||||
| Financing status | 643 | 987 | ||||||
| Items not yet recognized as net periodical pension and healthcare cost elements: | ||||||||
| Net actuarial loss at the beginning of the period | (1,231 | ) | (2,243 | ) | ||||
| Amortization during the period | 30 | 109 | ||||||
| Net profit or loss expected to occur during the period | (702 | ) | 903 | |||||
| Adjustment to recognize a minimum pension and healthcare obligation | (1,903 | ) | (1,231 | ) | ||||
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the net periodical pension and healthcare expense comprised the following elements.
| Reconciliation | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Cost of benefits from services obtained during the period | 2 | 2 | ||||||
| Interest cost on benefit obligation | 403 | 412 | ||||||
| Actual return on plan assets | 249 | 1,743 | ||||||
| Amortization for prior period losses | 30 | 109 | ||||||
| Net loss during the period | 340 | (1,290 | ) | |||||
| Net periodic provisional expense | (155 | ) | 69 | |||||
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9) Financial Reports
Note 15 Employee benefits (continued)
| 15.5 | Staff severance indemnities |
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, severance indemnities calculated at the actuarial value are as follows:
| 2014 ThUS$ | 2013 ThUS$ | |||||||
| Opening balance | (32,137 | ) | (34,431 | ) | ||||
| Current cost of service | (1,294 | ) | (107 | ) | ||||
| Interest cost | (2,020 | ) | (2,248 | ) | ||||
| Actuarial gain/loss | (665 | ) | (127 | ) | ||||
| Exchange rate difference | 4,450 | 2,946 | ||||||
| Benefits paid during the year | 714 | 1,830 | ||||||
| Balance | (30,952 | ) | (32,137 | ) | ||||
a) Actuarial assumptions
The liability recorded for staff severance indemnity is valued at the actuarial value method, using the following actuarial assumptions:
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||
| Mortality rate | RV - 2009 | RV - 2009 | ||||||||
| Actual annual interest rate | 5.5 | % | 6 | % | ||||||
| Voluntary retirement rotation rate: | ||||||||||
| Men | 1.71 | % | 0.9 | % | annual | |||||
| Women | 1.96 | % | 1.53 | % | annual | |||||
| Salary increase | 3.0 | % | 3.0 | % | annual | |||||
| Retirement age: | ||||||||||
| Men | 65 | 65 | years | |||||||
| Women | 60 | 60 | years | |||||||
| b) | Sensitivity analysis of assumptions |
As of December 31, 2014, the sensitivity analysis of the main assumptions is as follows:
| Effect + 100 basis points | Effect - 100 basis points | |||||||
| Sensitivity analysis | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||
| Discount rate | (1,960 | ) | (2,181 | ) | ||||
| Employee turnover rate | (112 | ) | (130 | ) | ||||
Sensitivity relates to an increase/decrease of 100 basis points.
| 221 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 16 Executive compensation plan
The Company has established two compensation plans to motivate the Company’s executives and encourage them to stay in the Company, by granting payments based on the change in price of SQM’s shares.
| 1) | Shares |
Liquidated in cash, executives are able to exercise their rights until 2016.
Characteristics of the plan
This compensation plan is related with the company performance through the price of the Series B SQM share (Santiago Stock Exchange).
Participants in this plan
This compensation plan includes 10 executives of the Company, who are entitled to this benefit, provided they stay with the Company during the dates these options are exercised. The dates for exercising the options will be the first 7 calendar days of May of the year in which the options are exercised.
Compensation
The compensation for each executive is the differential between the average prices of the share during April of each year compared to the base price established by Company’s management. The base price fixed by the Company for this compensation plan amounts to US$50 per share. The Company reserves the right to exchange that benefit by shares or share options.
The movement of the options in effect for the period, the average prices for the fiscal year of the options and the average contractual life of the options in effect as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are the following:
| Movement for the period | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
| In effect as of January 1 | 1.536.000 | 2.200.500 | ||||||
| Granted during the fiscal year | - | 45.000 | ||||||
| Redundant workers | - | (187.500 | ) | |||||
| Exercised during the fiscal year | ||||||||
| Changes in benefit plan | - | (522.000 | ) | |||||
| In circulation | 1.536.000 | 1.536.000 | ||||||
| Average contractual life | 16 months | 25 months | ||||||
| Executives | 10 | 10 | ||||||
The amounts accrued by the plan, as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, amount to:
| Effect on profit or loss | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Effect on profit or loss | (553 | ) | 8.200 | |||||
| 2) | Average Share Price Spread |
Plan characteristics
This compensation plan is also related to the Company’s performance through the SQM Series B share price (Santiago Stock Exchange).
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9) Financial Reports
Note 16 Executive compensation plan (continued)
Plan participants
This compensation plan includes 30 of the Company’s executives, who obtain this benefit, provided they remain in the Company at the payment dates. The payments dates, if any, will be the first week of January 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Compensation
The compensation for each executive is the differential between the average share price during each of the months of December 2015, December 2016 and December 2017, respectively, in its equivalent in US dollars and the reference prices. The latter represents the value between US$23.48 and the average weighted price of the trading of SQM Series B shares in the Santiago Stock Exchange during December 2014. The differential cannot exceed US$15.00 and will be multiplied by 5,000. If the amount calculated is negative or zero, no bonus will be paid during that period, but in such case, the bonus or benefit payable in the following period to the employee will be equal to the product of multiplying the difference by 10,000. If the value was negative or zero in December 2015 and also in December 2016, for calculating the bonus of December 2017, the differential will be multiplied by 15,000.
The movement of the options in effect for the period, the average prices for the fiscal year of the options and the average contractual life of the options in effect as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are the following:
| Movement for the period | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
| In effect as of January 1 | 450.000 | 450.000 | ||||||
| Redundant workers | 60.000 | - | ||||||
| In circulation | 390.000 | 450.000 | ||||||
| Average weighted contractual life | 36 months | 48 months | ||||||
| Executives | 26 | 30 | ||||||
The detail and movements in the funds of equity accounts are shown in the consolidated statement of changes in equity.
| 17.1 | Capital management |
The main object of capital management relative to the administration of the Company’s financial debt and equity is to ensure the regular conduct of operations and business continuity in the long term, with the constant intention of maintaining an adequate level of liquidity and in compliance with the financial safeguards established in the debt contracts in force. Within this framework, decisions are made in order to maximize the value of SQM.
Capital management must comply with, among others, the limits contemplated in the Financing Policy approved Board of Directors, which establish a maximum consolidated indebtedness level of 1.5 times the debt/equity. This limit can be exceeded only if the Company’s management has a written and previously granted authorization issued at the Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting.
In addition, capital management must comply with the external capital requirements imposed (or covenants) in its financial obligations, which regulate the indebtedness level by 1.2 times, in its more strict level.
| 223 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 17 Disclosures on equity (continued)
| 17.1 | Capital management, continued |
In conjunction with the level of indebtedness, it is also important for the Company to maintain a comfortable profile of maturities for its financial obligations, in order to oversee the relation between its short-term financial obligations and the long-term maturities, and the relation they have with the Company’s asset distribution. Consequently, the Company has maintained a liquidity level of 3 times during the last periods.
The Company’s management controls capital management based on the following ratios:
| CAPITAL MANAGEMENT | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | Description (1) | Calculation (1) | ||||||||
| Net Financial Debt ThUS$ | 762,229 | 882,020 | Financial Debt – Financial Resources | Other current Financial Liabilities + Other Non-Current Financial Liabilities – Cash and Cash Equivalents – Other Current Financial Assets – Hedging Assets, non-current | ||||||||
| Liquidity | 4.80 | 3.40 | Current Asset divided by Current Liability | Total Current Assets / Total Current Liabilities | ||||||||
| Net Debt / Capitalization | 0.25 | 0.27 | Net Financial Debt divided by Total Equity | Net financial debt / ( Net financial debt + Total Equity) | ||||||||
| ROE | 13.2 | % | 19.5 | % | Income divided by Total Equity | Total Income / Equity (UH 12 months) | ||||||
| ROA | 13.7 | % | 16.4 | % | EBITDA – Depreciation divided by Net Total Assets of financial resources less related parties investments | (Gross Income – Administrative Expenses)/ (Total Assets – Cash and Cash Equivalents – Other Current Financial Assets – Other Non-Current Financial Assets – Equity-accounted Investees) (UH 12 months) | ||||||
| Indebtedness | 1.03 | 0.96 | Total Liability on Equity | Total Liabilities / Total Equity | ||||||||
| (1) Assumes the absolute value of the accounting records | ||||||||||||
The Company’s capital requirements change depending on variables such as working capital requirements, new investment financing and dividends, among others. The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments on the basis of the prevailing economic conditions so as to mitigate the risks associated with adverse market conditions and take advantage of the opportunities there may be to improve the liquidity position.
There have been no changes in the capital management objectives or policy within the years reported in this document. No breaches of external requirements of capital imposed (or covenants) have been recorded.
| 17.2 | Disclosures on preferred share capital |
Issued share capital is divided into 263,196,524 fully paid and subscribed shares with no par value composed of 142,819,552 Series "A" shares and 120,376,972 Series “B” shares, where both series are preferred shares.
The preferential voting rights for each series are detailed as follows:
Series “A”:
If the election of the Company’s President results in a tie vote, the Company's directors may vote once again, without the vote of the director elected by the Series B shareholders.
| 224 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 17 Disclosures on equity (continued)
| 17.2 | Disclosures on preferred share capital, continued |
Series “B”:
| 1) | A general or extraordinary shareholders' meeting may be called at the request of shareholders representing 5% of the Company's Series B shares. |
| 2) | An extraordinary meeting of the Board of Directors may be called with or without the agreement of the Company's President, at the request of the director elected by Series B shareholders. |
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Group does not maintain shares in the parent either directly or through its companies in which it has investments.
Detail of types of capital in preference shares:
| Type of capital in preferred shares | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||||
| Description of type of capital in preferred shares | Series A | Series B | Series A | Series B | ||||||||||||
| Number of authorized shares | 142,819,552 | 120,376,972 | 142,819,552 | 120,376,972 | ||||||||||||
| Number of fully subscribed and paid shares | 142,819,552 | 120,376,972 | 142,819,552 | 120,376,972 | ||||||||||||
| Number of subscribed, partially paid shares | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Par value of shares in ThUS$ | 0.9435 | 2.8464 | 0.9435 | 2.8464 | ||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in the number of current shares | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Number of current shares | 142,819,552 | 120,376,972 | 142,819,552 | 120,376,972 | ||||||||||||
| Number of shares owned by the entity or its subsidiaries or associates | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Number of shares whose issuance is reserved due to the existence of options or agreements to dispose shares | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Capital amount in shares ThUS$ | 134,750 | 342,636 | 134,750 | 342,636 | ||||||||||||
| Amount of premium issuance ThUS$ | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Amount of reserves ThUS$ | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Total number of subscribed shares, total | 142,819,552 | 120,376,972 | 142,819,552 | 120,376,972 | ||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company has not placed any new issuances of shares on the market.
| 17.3 | Disclosures on reserves in equity |
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2014, reserves in equity are detailed as follows:
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Reserve for currency exchange conversion | (7,701 | ) | (3,817 | ) | ||||
| Reserve for cash flow hedges | (1,881 | ) | (3,766 | ) | ||||
| Reserve for actuarial gains or losses in defined benefit plans | (1,903 | ) | (1,231 | ) | ||||
| Other reserves | (1,677 | ) | (1,677 | ) | ||||
| Total other reserves | (13,162 | ) | (10,491 | ) | ||||
| 225 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 17 Disclosures on equity (continued)
| 17.3 | Disclosures on reserves in equity, continued |
Reserves for currency exchange conversion
This balance reflects retained earnings for changes in the exchange rate when converting financial statements of subsidiaries whose functional currency is that of each company’s country of origin and the presentation currency is the US dollar.
Reserve for cash flow hedges
The Company maintains, as hedge instruments, financial derivatives related to obligations with the public issued in Unidades de Fomento and Chilean pesos. Changes from the fair value of derivatives designated and classified as hedges are recognized under this classification.
Reserve for actuarial gains or losses in defined benefit plans
Our subsidiary SQM North America has established pension plans for its retired employees that are calculated by measuring the projected obligation of IAS using a net salary progressive rate net of adjustments to inflation, mortality and turnover assumptions, deducting the resulting amounts at present value using a 6.5% interest rate for 2014 and 2013.
Other reserves
Corresponds to the acquisition of the subsidiary SQM Iberian S.A., which was already under ownership of the Company at the acquisition date (IAS 27 R).
| 17.4 | Dividend policies |
As required by Article 79 of the Chilean Companies Act, unless otherwise decided by unanimous vote of the holders of issued and subscribed shares, we must distribute a cash dividend in an amount equal to at least 30% of our consolidated Profit for the period for year ended as of December 31, unless and except to the extent it has a deficit in retained earnings (losses not absorbed in prior years).
The Company’s dividend policy for 2014 is as follows:
| - | Distribution and payment in favor of each shareholder of a final dividend which will be equivalent to 50% of Profit for the period obtained in 2014. |
| - | Distribution and payment, if possible during 2014, of a provisional dividend which will be recorded against the aforementioned final dividend. This provisional dividend will be paid probably during the last quarter of 2014 and its amount could not exceed 50% of the retained earnings for distribution obtained during 2014, which are reflected in the Company’s financial statements as of December 31, 2014. |
| - | The distribution and payment by the Company of the remaining balance of the final dividend related to Profit for the period for the 2014 commercial year in up to two installments, which will have to be effectively paid and distributed prior to June 30, 2014. |
| - | An amount equivalent to the remaining 50% of the Company’s Profit for the period for 2014 will be retained and destined to the financing of operations of one or more of the Company’s investment projects with no prejudice of the possible future capitalization of the entirety or a portion of this. |
| - | The Board of Directors does not consider the payment of any additional and interim dividends. |
| 226 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 17 - Disclosures on equity (continued)
| 17.4 | Dividend policies, continued |
| - | The Board of Directors considers as necessary to indicate that the aforementioned dividends policy corresponds to the intention or expectation of the Board regarding this matter. Consequently, the enforcement of such dividends policy is necessarily conditioned to net incomes finally obtained, to the results indicating the Company’s regular forecasts or the existence of certain conditions that could affect them. Notwithstanding the above and to the extent that such dividend policy undergoes a significant change, SQM S.A. will inform its shareholders in a timely manner. |
| 17.5 | Provisional dividends |
At the Extraordinary Board of Directors’ Meeting of November 18, 2014, the directors unanimously agreed to pay and distribute a provisional dividend as contained in SQM’s “Dividend Policy for the Commercial Year 2014.”
It was agreed that beginning on December 12, 2014, SQM would pay and distribute a provisional dividend of US$0.41493 per share, which is equivalent to a total amount of approximately ThUS$102,208 or 50% of net profit for distribution in the commercial year 2014, accumulated as of September 30, 2014. This dividend is charged to profit for such the commercial year, in favor of the shareholders registered with SQM’s Shareholder’s Register on the fifth business day prior to December 12, 2014. It is paid in its equivalent amount in Chilean pesos per the “Observed U.S. dollar” exchange rate or “U.S. dollar” exchange rate, as published in the Official Gazette on December 5, 2014.
On July 7, 2014, at the Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting, the shareholders agreed to partially modify the current “2014 Dividends Policy of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A.”. This was informed at the General Annual Ordinary Shareholders Meeting held on April 25, 2014 with the main purpose of incorporating in such “Policy” the payment of a possible dividend of ThCh$230,000 equivalent to US$0.87387 per share. This will be distributed during the course of 2014 with a charge to retained earnings and, if applicable, it will be paid in its equivalent amount in Chilean pesos per “Observed U.S. dollar” exchange rate or “U.S. dollar” exchange rate, as published in the Official Gazette on such date.
At the Extraordinary Meeting held on June 6, 2014, the following was agreed by simple majority:
| 1. | To partially amend the current “2014 Dividends Policy of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A.”, informed at the General Annual Ordinary Shareholders Meeting held on April 25, 2014, with the main purpose of incorporating in such “Policy” the payment of a possible dividend of ThCh$230,000 equivalent to US$0.87387 per share that will be distributed during 2014 and charged to the caption retained earnings. |
| 2. | To call for an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting on Monday July 7, 2014 at 10:00, to communicate and resolve the payment of the aforementioned dividend. |
On April 25, 2014 at the 39th General Shareholders' meeting, the payment of a final dividend of US$0.88738 per share was agreed in relation to the net profit for 2013. US$0.75609 per share was already paid as an interim dividend, and it was agreed that this amount should be subtracted from the final dividend detailed above. In line with this, the balance, amounting to US$0.13129 per share it is to be paid and distributed among shareholders of the Company who are registered with their respective shareholders’ registry as of the fifth business day prior to the day in which this dividend is to be paid. Such amount, if applicable, is to be paid in its equivalent amount in Chilean pesos per the value of the “Observed U.S. dollar” or “U.S. dollar” that appears published in the Official Gazette on April 25, 2014.
| 227 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 17 Disclosures on equity (continued)
17.5 Provisional dividends, continued
On November 19, 2013, the Board of Directors of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A, agreed to pay and distribute to the Company’s shareholders, starting from December 12, 2013, a provisional dividend of US$0.75609 per share, equivalent, approximately, to ThUS$199,000 or 49.9% of the net distributable profit for the commercial year 2013, accumulated at December 31 of such year. The latter is also charged against income of said commercial year, in favor of the Shareholders who appeared registered in SQM’s Shareholders Registry by the 5th working day prior to December 12, and in its equivalent in Chilean pesos according to the value of the “Observed US Dollar” or “US Dollar” that appears published in the Official Gazette on December 6, 2013.
On April 25th, 2013, at the 38th Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting, a definitive dividend payment of US$1.23323 per share was approved, based on the net profit earned during the commercial year 2012. US$0.94986 per share that was already paid as provisional dividend should be discounted from the abovementioned dividend, and the balance, amounting to US$0.28337 per share will be paid and distributed in favor of the Shareholders who appeared registered in SQM’s Shareholders Registry by the 5th working day prior the day in which the dividend will be paid. The last amount, if corresponds, will be paid in its equivalent in Chilean pesos according to the value of the “Observed US Dollar” or “US Dollar” that appears published in the Official Gazette on April 25, 2013.
Dividends presented deducted from equity are:
| 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | |||||||
| Dividends attributable to owners of the parent | 114,487 | 203,401 | ||||||
| Possible provisional dividend | 230,000 | - | ||||||
| Dividends payable | 38,983 | 36,583 | ||||||
| Total | 383,470 | 239,984 | ||||||
| 228 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 18 Provisions and other non-financial liabilities
| 18.1 | Types of provisions |
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current | Non-current | Total | Current | Non-current | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for legal complaints (*) | 17,067 | 3,000 | 20,067 | 8,567 | 3,000 | 11,567 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for dismantling, restoration and rehabilitation cost | - | 5,890 | 5,890 | - | 5,633 | 5,633 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other provisions | 10,680 | - | 10,680 | 9,386 | - | 9,386 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 27,747 | 8,890 | 36,637 | 17,953 | 8,633 | 26,586 | ||||||||||||||||||
(*) Provisions for legal complaints relate to legal expenses for lawsuits whose resolution are pending, and correspond to funds estimated necessary to make the disbursement of expenses incurred for this purpose. This provision relates mainly to the litigation of its subsidiaries located in Brazil and the United States (see note 19.1) and other litigations.
| 229 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 18 Provisions and other non-financial liabilities (continued)
| 18.2 | Description of other provisions |
| Current provisions, other short-term provisions | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Provision for tax loss in fiscal litigation | 1,235 | 1,401 | ||||||
| Royalties, agreement with CORFO (the Chilean Economic Development Agency) | 6,178 | 4,782 | ||||||
| Fine to Brazil | 2,500 | 2,500 | ||||||
| Miscellaneous provisions | 767 | 703 | ||||||
| Total | 10,680 | 9,386 | ||||||
| Other long-term provisions | ||||||||
| Mine closure | 5,890 | 5,633 | ||||||
| Total | 5,890 | 5,633 | ||||||
| 18.3 | Other non-financial liabilities, current |
| Description of other liabilities | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Tax withholdings | 7,305 | 12,334 | ||||||
| VAT payable | 2,267 | 2,531 | ||||||
| Guarantees received | 746 | 1,000 | ||||||
| Accrual for dividend | 41,364 | 36,583 | ||||||
| Monthly tax provisional payments | 8,549 | 6,601 | ||||||
| Deferred income | 8,218 | 13,475 | ||||||
| Withholdings from employees and salaries payable | 3,764 | 4,087 | ||||||
| Accrued vacations | 17,369 | 18,652 | ||||||
| Other current liabilities | 428 | 90 | ||||||
| Total | 90,010 | 95,353 | ||||||
| 230 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 18 Provisions and other non-financial liabilities (continued)
| 18.4 | Changes in provisions |
| 12/31/2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Description of items that gave rise to variations | Guarantee | Restructuring | Legal complaints | Onerous contracts | Provision for dismantling, restoration and rehabilitation cost | Other provisions | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total provisions, initial balance | - | - | 11,567 | - | 5,633 | 9,386 | 26,586 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes in provisions: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional provisions | - | - | 8,500 | - | 257 | 2,583 | 11,340 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision used | - | - | - | - | - | (1,107 | ) | (1,107 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Increase(decrease) in foreign currency exchange | - | - | - | - | - | (182 | ) | (182 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total provisions, final balance | - | - | 20,067 | - | 5,890 | 10,680 | 36,637 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Description of items that gave rise to variations | Guarantee | Restructuring | Legal complaints | Onerous contracts | Provision for dismantling, restoration and rehabilitation cost | Other provisions | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total provisions, initial balance | - | - | 8,567 | - | 4,357 | 12,922 | 25,846 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes in provisions: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional provisions | - | - | 3,000 | - | 1,276 | 12,608 | 16,884 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision used | - | - | - | - | - | (15,943 | ) | (15,943 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in foreign currency exchange | - | - | - | - | - | (201 | ) | (201 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total provisions, final balance | - | - | 11,567 | - | 5,633 | 9,386 | 26,586 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 231 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 18 Provisions and other non-financial liabilities (continued)
| 18.5 | Detail of main types of provisions |
Legal expenses: This provision depends on the pending resolution of a legal lawsuit, to pay the expenses associated to and incurred during such lawsuit (incurred mainly in Brazil and the United States).
Tax accrual in tax litigation: This accrual relates to lawsuits pending resolution related to taxes in Brazil for two of our subsidiaries, SQM Brazil and NNC.
CORFO (Economic Development Agency) Royalties agreement: Relates to the commercialization of mining properties that SQM Salar S.A. pays the Economic Development Agency for on a quarterly basis. The amount of the lease payable is calculated based on sales of products extracted from the Salar de Atacama.
The settlement of the aforementioned amounts is performed on a quarterly basis.
To date, the Company and its subsidiaries have no significant uncertainties about the timing and amount of one class of provision.
Note 19 Contingencies and restrictions
According to note 18.1 the Company has only registered a provision for the lawsuits in which the probability to lose is “more likely than not”. The Company is party to lawsuits and other relevant legal actions that are detailed as follows:
| 19.1 | Lawsuits and other relevant events |
| 1. | Plaintiff | : | JB Comércio de Fertilizantes and Defensivos Agrícolas Ltda. (JB) |
| Defendant | : | Nitratos Naturais do Chile Ltda. (NNC) | |
| Date | : | December 1995 | |
| Court | : | MM 1ª, Vara Civel de Comarca de Barueri, Brazil. | |
| Reason | : | Compensation claim filed by JB against NNC for having appointed a | |
| distributor in a territory of Brazil for which JB had an exclusive contract. | |||
| Status | : | Lower court ruling against Nitratos Naturais do Chile Ltda. and recourse of appeal pending resolution. | |
| Nominal value | : | ThUS$1,800 | |
| 2. | Plaintiff | : | Nancy Erika Urra Muñoz |
| Defendants | : | Fresia Flores Zamorano, Duratec-Vinilit S.A. and SQM S.A. and their insurers | |
| Date | : | December 2008 | |
| Court | : | 1st Civil Court of Santiago | |
| Reason | : | Labor Accident | |
| Status | : | Evidence | |
| Nominal value | : | ThUS$550 |
| 232 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 19 Contingencies and restrictions (continued)
19.1 Lawsuits and other relevant events, continued
| 3. | Plaintiff | : | City of Pomona, California USA |
| Defendant | : | SQM North America Corporation | |
| Date | : | December 2010 | |
| Court | : | United States District Court Central District of California | |
| Reason | : | Payment of expenses and other amount related to the treatment of groundwater to allow for consumption by removing the existing perchlorate in such groundwater and that supposedly come from Chilean fertilizer. | |
| Status | : | The Ninth Court of Appeals revocated the resolution of the District Judge that had invoked the Daubert Doctrine to prevent the declaration in the legal process of a supposed expert from the plaintiff. SQMNA has resorted to writ of certiorari with the US Supreme Court for this to unify the application of the Daubert Doctrine by the Courts of Appeals. This process has been suspended awaiting the resolution of such Supreme Court. | |
| Nominal value | : | ThUS$20,000 | |
| 4. | Plaintiff | : | City of Lindsay, California USA |
| Defendant | : | SQM North America Corporation | |
| The lawsuit also was filed against Sociedad Química y | |||
| Minera de Chile S.A. this lawsuit has not yet been notified to the Company | |||
| Date | : | December 2010 | |
| Court | : | United States District Court Eastern District of California | |
| Reason | : | Payment of expenses and other amount related to the treatment of groundwater to allow for consumption by removing the existing perchlorate in such groundwater and that supposedly come from Chilean fertilizer. | |
| Status | : | Claim. Processing suspended | |
| Nominal value | : | Not possible to determine | |
| 5. | Plaintiff | : | María Angélica Alday Fuentes |
| Defendant | : | Vladimir Roco Alvarez, Compass Catering S.A. and SQM S.A. | |
| Date | : | August 2012 | |
| Court | : | 1st Civil Court in Antofagasta | |
| Reason | : | Compensation for moral damages for attempt to sexual abuse. | |
| Status | : | Replay to claim. | |
| Nominal value | : | ThUS$200 | |
| 6. | Plaintiff | : | H&V Van Mele N.V. |
| Defendant | : | SQM Europe N.V. and its insurance companies | |
| Date | : | July 2013 | |
| Court | : | Commercial Court | |
| Reason | : | Alleged indirect responsibility for the absence of adequate specification for the SOP–WS by the Belgian distributor | |
| Status | : | Evidence | |
| Nominal value | : | ThUS$430 |
| 233 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 19 Contingencies and restrictions (continued)
19.1 Lawsuits and other relevant events, continued
| 7. | Plaintiff | : | E-CL S.A |
| Defendant | : | Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. | |
| Date | : | September 2013 | |
| Court | : | Arbitration | |
| Reason | : | Early termination of the Power Supply Contract entered into on February 12, 1999 (which matures in March 2016), on the basis of the alleged incompliance of a prior sentence between both parties that was resolved in favor of SQM S.A.. | |
| Status | : | Evidentiary stage | |
| Nominal value | : | ThUS$5,100 | |
| 8. | Plaintiff | : | Carlos Aravena Carrizo et al. |
| Defendant | : | SQM Nitratos S.A. and its insurers | |
| Date | : | May 2014 | |
| Court | : | 18th Civil Court of Santiago | |
| Reason | : | Compensation claim for alleged civil liability under tort as a result of a explosion that occurred on September 6, 2010 near Baquedano, causing the death of 6 workers. | |
| Status | : | Claim | |
| Nominal value | : | ThUS$8.200 | |
| 9. | Plaintiff | : | Corporación de Fomento de la Producción (CORFO) |
| Defendant | : | SQM Salar S.A. and Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. | |
| Date | : | May 2014 | |
| Court | : | Arbitral court | |
| Reason | : | Early termination of lease agreement entered into on November 12, 1993 expiring in December 2030 -i- because of alleged noncompliance of the full payment of quarterly income related to certain products between 2009-2013 and -ii- and alleged lack of demarcation of certain mining properties owned by CORFO for which a demarcation was never required in such agreement, and in addition, compensation for damages. | |
| Status | : | Settlement | |
| Nominal value | : | ThUS$9,000 | |
| 10 | Plaintiff | : | Evt Consulting SpA |
| Defendant | : | SQM Nitratos S.A. | |
| Date | : | October 2014 | |
| Court | : | 23th Civil Court of Santiago | |
| Reason | : | Claim requesting compensation for damages for purchase and sale of metallic structures contract termination. | |
| Status | : | Rejoinder | |
| Nominal value | : | ThUS$835 |
| 234 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 19 Contingencies and restrictions (continued)
19.1 Lawsuits and other relevant events, continued
The Company and its subsidiaries have been involved and will probably continue to be involved either as plaintiffs or defendants in certain judicial proceedings that have been and will be heard by the Arbitral or Ordinary Courts of Justice that will make the final decision. Those proceedings that are regulated by the appropriate legal regulations are intended to exercise or oppose certain actions or exceptions related to certain mining claims either granted or to be granted and that do not or will not affect in an essential manner the development of the Company and its subsidiaries.
Soquimich Comercial S.A. has been involved and will probably continue being involved either as plaintiff or defendant in certain judicial proceedings through which it intends to collect and receive the amounts owed, the total nominal value of which is approximately ThUS$700.
The Company has made efforts and continues making efforts to obtain payment of certain amounts that are still owed it on occasion of their activities. Such amounts will continue to be required using judicial or non-judicial means by the plaintiffs, and the actions and exercise related to these are currently in full force and effect.
The Company and its subsidiaries have not received legal notice of any claims other than those mentioned in paragraph I above. The claims detailed above seek to annul certain mining claims that were purchased by SQM S.A. and Subsidiaries, the proportional purchase value of which, with respect to the portion affected by the superimposition, exceeds the nominal and approximate amount of ThUS$150. The claims seek payment of certain amounts allegedly owed by the Company due to its own activities, which exceed the approximate, nominal and individual amount of ThUS$150.
| 19.2 | Restrictions to management or financial limits |
Credit contracts subscribed by the SQM Group with domestic and foreign banks and the issuance of bonuses in the local and international market require that the Company comply with the following level of consolidated financial indicators, calculated for a moving period which considers the last twelve months:
| - | To maintain a minimum equity of ThUS$1,000,000. |
| - | To maintain a Net Financial Debt to EBITDA ratio not higher than 3 times. |
| - | To maintain a total Indebtedness Ratio not higher than 1.2 times. The total Indebtedness Ratio is defined as total liabilities divided by total equity. |
| - | To maintain a ratio between the financial debt of the operating subsidiaries SQM Industrial S.A. and SQM Salar S.A., or their respective legal successors, and the Issuer’s total consolidated current assets not higher than 0.3 times. |
As of December 31, 2014, the aforementioned financial indicators are as follows:
| Indicator | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||
| Equity ThUS$ | 2,299,703 | 2,432,241 | ||||||
| Net Financial Debt/EBITDA | 1.03 | 1.06 | ||||||
| Indebtedness | 1.03 | 0.96 | ||||||
| SQM Industrial and SQM Salar debt/Current assets | 0.02 | 0.02 | ||||||
| 235 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 19 Contingencies and restrictions (continued)
| 19.2 | Restrictions to management or financial limits, continued |
Issuance contracts for bonds issued abroad does not require that the Company merge or dispose at any title the asset as a whole or as a substantial part of it, unless the following copulative conditions are met: (i) the legal successor company is an entity subject to Chilean or American laws, and assumes under a complimentary contract the Company’s obligations, (ii) the Issuer does not fail to comply immediately after the merge or disposal, and (iii) the Issuer delivers a legal opinion stating the merge or disposal and the complimentary contract meet the requirements described in the original contract.
In addition, SQM S.A. is committed to disclose financial information on quarterly basis.
The Company and its subsidiaries have complied and are fully complying with all aforementioned limitations, restrictions and obligations.
| 19.3 | Commitments |
The subsidiary SQM Salar S.A. has signed a rental contract with the Economic Development Agency (CORFO), which establishes that the subsidiary will pay rent to CORFO for the concept of commercialization of certain mining properties owned by CORFO and for the products resulting from the commercialization. The annual rent stated in the aforementioned contract is calculated on the basis of sales of each type of product. The contract is in force until 2030, and rent began being paid in 1996 reflecting an expense amount of ThUS$ 21,070 as of December 31, 2014 (ThUS$ 22,885 as of December 31, 2013).
On 15 November 2013, Corporación de Fomento de la Producción (CORFO) sent a letter to SQM Salar S.A. (SQMS) stating its intention to a) collect the amount of Ch$2,530,298,919 (ThUS$4,823) that in CORFO’s opinion, SQMS would owe to it for the calculation and payment of rental payments according to the “Lease Agreement of OMA Mining Claims located in the Salar de Atacama” entered into between CORFO and SQMS on November 12, 1993 (the AGREEMENT) and b) require the constitution of an instance of arbitrage stated in the AGREEMENT with the purpose that the arbitrator appointed by the “Arbitration Center of the Santiago Chamber of Commerce” determines if other alleged lease payment obligations may exist that SQMS could owe to CORFO under the AGREEMENT. SQMS differs completely form CORFO’s claims. In fact, the AGREEMENT has been in force for more than 20 years and during all this time, SQMS has paid to CORFO more than 80 quarterly payments in their entirety and on a timely basis that CORFO has received satisfactorily. Each of the parties, CORFO and SQMS, have requested the formation of an appropriate arbitration and such processes have not yet began.
CORFO’s total claimed amount is of at least US$8,940,829 - plus interest and expenses. The SQM Salar S.A. v. CORFO, and CORFO v. SQM Salar S.A. lawsuits have been compiled into a single proceeding which is soon to reach the evidence stage. CORFO and SQM waived all appeal procedures against the arbitrator’s sentence. However, it is not possible to rule out the filing of a new appeal against a complaint proceeding or extraordinary appeal arbitration ruling due to incompetence or ultra petita, invoking jurisprudence of the courts of justice indicating that both appeals cannot be waived.
During 2014, income related to products from the Salar de Atacama represented 38.7% of total consolidated revenues of the Company for the same period. This corresponds to revenue from the Potassium and Lithium product business lines.
Additionally, during the same period, SQM Salar, a SQM subsidiary which operates plants located in the Atacama saltpeter deposit, sold potassium salts (sylvinite) and moist potassium chloride amounting to ThUS$88,872 to SQM Industrial, a SQM subsidiary, to use as supplies in the production of potassium nitrate.
| 236 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 19 Contingencies and restrictions (continued)
| 19.4 | Restricted or pledged cash |
The subsidiary Isapre Norte Grande Ltda., in compliance with that established by the Chilean Superintendence of Healthcare which regulates the running of pension-related health institutions, maintains a guarantee in financial instruments delivered in deposits, custody and administration to Banco de Chile.
This guarantee, according to the regulations issued by the Chilean Superintendence of Healthcare is equivalent to the total sum owed to its members and medical providers Banco de Chile reports the present value of the guarantee to the Chilean Superintendence of Healthcare and Isapre Norte Grande Ltda. on a daily basis. As of December 31, 2014, the guarantee amounts to ThUS$682.
SQM S.A. maintains funds with Morgan Stanley for margin call, which provide collateral for the exposure by the bank with respect to the Company.
Such collateral hedges the fair value of the Cross Currency Swap that SQM SA has entered into to hedge a portion of the Series H Bond.
Through the present date, SQM S.A. has delivered ThUS$ 3,250 to Morgan Stanley, which will be released when one of the following conditions occurs:
| 1. | The market value of the Cross Currency Swap is lower than the sum delivered ThUS$ 3,250 and the collateral threshold ThUS$ 5,000. |
| 2. | The Cross Currency Swap associated with the Series H Bond expires on January 5, 2018. |
| 237 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 19 Contingencies and restrictions (continued)
| 19.5 | Securities obtained from third parties |
The main security received from third parties to guarantee Soquimich Comercial S.A.’s compliance with obligations in contracts of commercial mandates for the distribution and sale of fertilizers amounted to ThUS$9,176 and ThUS$14,178 on December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 respectively; which is detailed as follows:
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||
| Grantor | Relationship | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Agrícola Lobert Ltda. | Unrelated third party | 837 | 1,271 | |||||||
| Agroc Patricio Bornand L. Eirl | Unrelated third party | 363 | 392 | |||||||
| Agrocomercial Bornand Ltda. | Unrelated third party | - | 344 | |||||||
| Agroindustrial Orzonaga Ltda. | Unrelated third party | - | 133 | |||||||
| Bernardo Guzman Schmidt | Unrelated third party | 129 | 139 | |||||||
| Bioleche Comercial Ltda. | Unrelated third party | - | 3,431 | |||||||
| Comercial Agrosal Ltda. | Unrelated third party | 108 | 116 | |||||||
| Contador Frutos S.A. | Unrelated third party | 1,623 | 1,447 | |||||||
| Llanos Y Wannes Soc. Com. Ltda | Unrelated third party | 1,633 | 953 | |||||||
| Dante Hauri Gomez | Unrelated third party | 109 | 126 | |||||||
| Gilberto Rivas Y Cia. Ltda. | Unrelated third party | 129 | 136 | |||||||
| Hortofruticola La Serena | Unrelated third party | 301 | 323 | |||||||
| Jose Antonio Gonzalez | Unrelated third party | - | 118 | |||||||
| Johannes Epple Davanzo | Unrelated third party | 691 | 935 | |||||||
| Juan Luis Gaete Chesta | Unrelated third party | 266 | 425 | |||||||
| Lemp Martin Julian | Unrelated third party | 115 | 124 | |||||||
| Neyib Farran Y Cia. Ltda. | Unrelated third party | 124 | 133 | |||||||
| Patricio Meneses Saglieto | Unrelated third party | - | 953 | |||||||
| Sebastian Urrutia Araya | Unrelated third party | 117 | 116 | |||||||
| Soc.Agr. Huifquenco Cia Ltda. | Unrelated third party | 108 | 117 | |||||||
| Soc. Agrocom. Julio Polanco | Unrelated third party | 296 | 132 | |||||||
| Tattersall Agroinsumos S.A. | Unrelated third party | 2,000 | 1,789 | |||||||
| Vicente Oyarce Castro | Unrelated third party | 227 | 525 | |||||||
| Total | 9,176 | 14,178 | ||||||||
| 238 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 19 Contingencies and restrictions (continued)
Guarantees in which there is no pending balance indirectly reflect that the respective guarantees are in force and approved by the Company's Board of Directors and have not been used by the respective subsidiary.
| Debtor | Balances as of the closing date of the financial statements | |||||||||||||
| Creditor of the guarantee | Name | Relationship | Type of guarantee | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | |||||||||
| Australian and New Zealand Bank | SQM North America Corp | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| Australian and New Zealand Bank | SQM Europe N.V. | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| Generale Bank | SQM North America Corp | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| Generale Bank | SQM Europe N.V. | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| Kredietbank | SQM North America Corp | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| Kredietbank | SQM Europe N.V. | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| Banks and financial institutions | SQM Investment Corp. N.V. | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| Banks and financial institutions | SQM Europe N.V. | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| Banks and financial institutions | SQM North America Corp | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| Banks and financial institutions | Nitratos Naturais do Chile Ltda. | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| Banks and financial institutions | SQM México S.A. de C.V. | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| Banks and financial institutions | SQM Brasil Ltda. | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| “BNP” | SQM Investment Corp. N.V. | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| Sociedad Nacional de Mineria A.G. | SQM Potasio S.A. | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| JP Morgan Chase Bank | SQM Industrial S.A. | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| The Bank of Nova Scotia | SQM Investment Corp. N.V. | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| Morgan Stanley Capital Services | SQM Investment Corp. N.V. | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd. | SQM Investment Corp. N.V. | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| HSBC | SQM Investment Corp. N.V. | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| Deutsche Bank AG | SQM Investment Corp. N.V. | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| Credit Suisse International | SQM Investment Corp. N.V. | Subsidiary | Bond | - | - | |||||||||
| 239 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 19 Contingencies and restrictions (continued)
19.6 Indirect guarantees, continued
The bonds which disclose a balance as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are detailed below:
| Debtor | Pending balances as of the closing date of the financial statements | |||||||||||||
| Creditor of the guarantee | Name | Relationship | Type of guarantee | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | |||||||||
| Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd. | Royal Seed Trading A.V.V. | Subsidiary | Bond | - | 50,189 | |||||||||
| Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd. | Royal Seed Trading A.V.V. | Subsidiary | Bond | 50,137 | 50,139 | |||||||||
| Bank of America | Royal Seed Trading A.V.V. | Subsidiary | Bond | 40,117 | 40,120 | |||||||||
| Export Development Canada | Royal Seed Trading A.V.V. | Subsidiary | Bond | 40,012 | 50,014 | |||||||||
| The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd. | Royal Seed Trading A.V.V. | Subsidiary | Bond | 40,084 | 50,108 | |||||||||
| 240 |
9) Financial Reports
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, revenue is detailed as follows:
| Types of revenue | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Sales of goods | 2,006,452 | 2,191,650 | ||||||
| Provision of services | 7,762 | 11,490 | ||||||
| Total | 2,014,214 | 2,203,140 | ||||||
Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income attributable to the Company’s shareholders by the weighted average of the number of shares in circulation during that period.
As expressed, earnings per share are detailed as follows:
| Basic earnings per share | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Earnings (losses) attributable to owners of the parent | 296,381 | 467,113 | ||||||
12/31/2014 Units | 12/31/2013 Units | |||||||
| Number of common shares in circulation | 263,196,524 | 263,196,524 | ||||||
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| Basic earnings per share (US$ per share) | 1.1261 | 1.7748 | ||||||
The Company has not made any operations with a potential dilutive effect that assumes diluted earnings per share are different from the basic earnings per share.
| 241 |
9) Financial Reports
The cost of interest is recognized as expenses in the year in which it is incurred, except for interest that is directly related to the acquisition and construction of tangible property, plant and equipment assets and that complies with the requirements of IAS 23. As of December 31, 2014, total interest expenses incurred amount to ThUS$63,373 (ThUS$58,608 as of December 31, 2013).
The Company capitalizes all interest costs directly related to the construction or to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, which require a substantial time to be suitable for use.
| 22.1 | Costs of capitalized interest, property, plant and equipment |
The cost of capitalized interest is determined by applying the average or weighted average of all financing costs incurred by the Company to the monthly end balances of works-in-progress meeting the requirements of IAS 23.
The rates and costs for capitalized interest of property, plant and equipment are detailed as follows:
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| Capitalization rate of costs for capitalized interest, property, plant and equipment | 7 | % | 7 | % | ||||
| Amount of costs for interest capitalized in ThUS$ | 7,732 | 17,232 | ||||||
Note 23 Effect of fluctuations on foreign currency exchange rates
| a) | Foreign currency exchange differences recognized in profit or loss except for financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss: |
| 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | |||||||
| Conversion foreign exchange gains (losses) recognized in the result of the year. | (16,545 | ) | (11,954 | ) | ||||
| Conversion foreign exchange reserves attributable to the owners of the controlling entity | (3,884 | ) | (3,487 | ) | ||||
| Conversion foreign exchange reserves attributable to the non-controlling entity | (132 | ) | (72 | ) | ||||
| 242 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 23 Effect of fluctuations on foreign currency exchange rates (continued)
b) Reserves for foreign currency exchange differences:
As of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, foreign currency exchange differences are detailed as follows:
| Detail | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Changes in equity generated by conversion of equity value: | ||||||||
| Comercial Hydro S.A. | 1,004 | 1,004 | ||||||
| SQMC Internacional Ltda. | - | 22 | ||||||
| Proinsa Ltda. | - | 16 | ||||||
| Comercial Agrorama Ltda. | (31 | ) | 36 | |||||
| Isapre Norte Grande Ltda. | (91 | ) | 15 | |||||
| Almacenes y Depósitos Ltda. | 42 | 69 | ||||||
| Sales de Magnesio Ltda. | 2 | 103 | ||||||
| Sociedad Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz del Norte S.A. | (8 | ) | 9 | |||||
| Agrorama S.A. | (30 | ) | (16 | ) | ||||
| Doktor Tarsa | (5,076 | ) | (3,647 | ) | ||||
| SQM Vitas Fzco. | (1,084 | ) | (657 | ) | ||||
| Ajay Europe | (809 | ) | 146 | |||||
| SQM Eastmed Turkey | (69 | ) | (42 | ) | ||||
| Charlee SQM (Thailand) Co. Ltd. | (176 | ) | (129 | ) | ||||
| Coromandel SQM India | (253 | ) | (231 | ) | ||||
| SQM Italia SRL | (128 | ) | 89 | |||||
| SQM Oceanía Pty Ltd. | (634 | ) | (619 | ) | ||||
| SQM Indonesia S.A. | (123 | ) | 15 | |||||
| Abu Dhabi Fertillizers Industries WWL. | 20 | - | ||||||
| SQM Vitas Holland | (189 | ) | - | |||||
| SQM Thailand Limited | (68 | ) | - | |||||
| Total | (7,701 | ) | (3,817 | ) | ||||
| c) | Functional and presentation currency |
The functional currency in these companies corresponds to the currency of the country of origin of each entity, and its presentation currency is the U.S. dollar.
| d) | Reasons to use one presentation currency and a different functional currency |
| - | The total revenues of these subsidiaries are associated with the local currency. |
| - | The commercialization cost structure of these companies is affected by the local currency. |
| - | The equities of these companies are expressed in local currency (Chilean peso). |
| 24.1 | Disclosures of disbursements related to the environment |
The Company is continuously concerned with protecting the environment both in its production processes and with respect to products manufactured. This commitment is supported by the principles indicated in the Company’s Sustainable Development Policy. The Company is currently operating under an Environmental Management System (EMS) that has allowed it to strengthen its environmental performance through the effective application of the Company’s Sustainable Development Policy.
| 243 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 24 Environment (continued)
| 24.1 | Disclosures of disbursements related to the environment, continued |
Operations that use caliche as a raw material are carried out in desert areas with climatic conditions that are favorable for drying solids and evaporating liquids using solar energy. Operations involving the open-pit extraction of minerals, due to their low waste-to-mineral ratio, generate remaining deposits that slightly alter the environment. A portion of the ore extracted is crushed, a process in which particle emissions occur. Currently this operation is conducted only at the Pedro de Valdivia worksite and no ore crushing process is conducted in the María Elena sector.
Many of the Company’s products are shipped in bulk at the Port of Tocopilla. In 2007, the city of Tocopilla was declared a zone saturated with MP10 Particles mainly due to the emissions from the electric power plants that operate in that city. In October 2010, the Decontamination Plan for Tocopilla was put in place. Accordingly, the Company has committed to taking several measures to mitigate the effects derived from bulk product movements in the port. These measures have been successfully implemented since 2007.
The Company carries out environmental follow-up and monitoring plans based on specialized scientific studies. Within this context, the Company entered into a contract with the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) aimed at researching the activities of flamingo groups that live in the Salar de Atacama lagoons. Such research includes a population count of the birds, as well as breeding research. Environmental monitoring activities carried out by the Company at the Salar de Atacama and other systems in which it operates are supported by a number of studies that have integrated diverse scientific efforts from prestigious research centers, including Dictuc from the Pontificia Universidad Católica in Santiago and the School of Agricultural Science of the Universidad de Chile.
Furthermore, within the framework of the environmental studies which the Company is conducting, the Company performs significant activities in relation to the recording of Pre-Columbian and historical cultural heritage, as well as the protection of heritage sites, in accordance with current Chilean laws. These activities have been especially performed in the areas surrounding Maria Elena and the Nueva Victoria plants. This effort is being accompanied by cultural initiatives within the community and the organization of exhibits in local and regional museums.
As emphasized in its Sustainable Development Policy, the Company strives to maintain positive relationships with the communities surrounding the locations in which it carries out its operations, as well as to participate in communities’ development by supporting joint projects and activities which help to improve the quality of life for residents. For this purpose, the Company has focused its efforts on activities involving the rescue of historical heritage, education and culture, as well as development.
In order to do so, it acts both individually and in conjunction with private and public entities.
| 24.2 | Detail of information on disbursements related to the environment |
The accumulated disbursements in which the Company incurred as of December 31, 2014 for the concept of investments in production processes, verification and control of compliance with ordinances and laws relative to industrial processes and facilities, including prior year disbursements related to these projects amounted to ThUS$13,267 and are detailed as follows:
| 244 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 24 Environment (continued)
| 24.2 | Detail of information on disbursements related to the environment, continued |
Accumulated expenses as of 12/31/2014
| Identification of the Parent or subsidiary | Name of the project with which expenditure is associated | Concept for which the expenditure was made or will be made | Asset / Expense | Description of the asset or expense Item | Amount of expenditure | Actual or estimated date on which expenditure was or will be made | ||||||||
| Miscellaneous | Environmental-operational area | Not classified | Expense | Not classified | 1,709 | 12/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | IQWZ - Normalization TK NV liquid fuels | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 31 | 12/01/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | MP5W - Normalization TK´s Fuels | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 2,512 | 12/31/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | MQBM - Archaeological Digging Deployment Maria Elena - Toco | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 26 | 12/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | MQK2 – Elimination of PCBs I | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 17 | 12/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | PPZU - Standardize and Certify Plant Fuel Tanks | Environmental processing | Asset | Not classified | 2,708 | 12/01/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | PQLV – Pedro de Valdivia mine site DIA | Environmental processing | Asset | Not classified | 271 | 12/01/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | TQA2 - Drainage Improvement Villa Prat | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 22 | 12/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | PQXM – Elaboration DIA Operation with batteries in PV | Environmental processing | Asset | Not classified | 116 | 12/01/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | 04-I0002 - Nueva Iris TAS | Sustainability | Asset | Not classified | 47 | 12/31/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IPFT - Cultural Heritage Region I | Sustainability | Expense | Not classified | 174 | 12/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQ1M - PSA Re-injection of water to Puquios Llamara | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 2,443 | 12/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQ3S- Hazardous Materials Management Standardization | Sustainability | Asset-Expense | Not classified | 385 | 12/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQOW- Deposit authorization for Humberstone heritage | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 2 | 12/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQWS - Mine Area equity measures Stage II | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 102 | 10/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQX6 – Environmental management plan of Tamarugos Pampa del Tamarugal 2013-2014 | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 518 | 04/01/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQXB – Environmental management plan of Tamarugos Salar de Llamara 2013-2014 | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 344 | 04/01/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | I0042 – Mine are equity measures Stage III | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 149 | 03/31/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | 01-I0046 – Cultural heritage Pampa Hermosa 2014 - 2015 | Sustainability | Expense | Not classified | 15 | 03/31/2016 | ||||||||
| 245 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 24 Environment (continued)
| 24.2 | Detail of information on disbursements related to the environment, continued |
Accumulated expenses as of 12/31/2014, continued
| Identification of the Parent or subsidiary | Name of the project with which expenditure is associated | Concept for which the expenditure was made or will be made | Asset / Expense | Description of the asset or expense Item | Amount of expenditure | Actual or estimated date on which expenditure was or will be made | ||||||||
| SQM Salar S.A. | LQDM – Certification of tanks | Sustainability: Replacement of equipment | Asset | Not classified | 256 | 12/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM Salar S.A. | LQI6 - EIA Operating maintenance at Salar de Atacama | Environmental processing | Asset | Not classified | 677 | 12/31/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM Salar S.A. | LQXW – White water | Environmental processing | Asset | Not classified | 55 | 12/31/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM Nitratos S.A. | IQMH - Normalization Mine NV area operation | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 246 | 12/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SIT S.A. | TQQ5 - Environmental curtains Field No. 8 | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 221 | 06/30/2015 | ||||||||
| SIT S.A. | 03-T0013 – Improvement of sewerage system, Villa Prat 2014 | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 115 | 12/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SIT S.A. | 03-T0008 – Mobile belt protections 2, 5 and 7 | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 106 | 12/31/2014 | ||||||||
| Total | 13,267 | |||||||||||||
| 246 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 24 Environment (continued)
| 24.2 | Detail of information on disbursements related to the environment, continued |
Future expenses as of 12/31/2014
| Identification of the Parent or subsidiary | Name of the project with which expenditure is associated | Concept for which the expenditure was made or will be made | Asset / Expense | Description of the asset or expense Item | Amount of expenditure | Actual or estimated date on which expenditure was or will be made | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | IQWZ - Normalization TK NV liquid fuels | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 402 | 12/01/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | MP5W - Normalization TK´s Fuels | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 101 | 12/31/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | MQBM - Archaeological Digging Deployment Maria Elena - Toco | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 12 | 12/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | MQK2 – Elimination of PCBs I | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 33 | 12/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | PPZU - Standardize and Certify Plant Fuel Tanks | Environmental processing | Asset | Not classified | 596 | 12/01/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | PQXM - Elaboration DIA Operation with batteries in PV | Environmental processing | Asset | Not classified | 184 | 12/01/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | J0006 – NPT III boiler gas scrubbing system | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 250 | 03/31/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | I0002 – Nueva Iris TAS | Sustainability and Environment | Asset | Not classified | 13 | 12/31/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | M0006 – Significant maintenance of ME town streets and ME garbage dumps | Sustainability | Asset | Not classified | 98 | 12/31/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | 04-I0023 – Acquisition of leak detection equipment | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 35 | 03/31/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQWS - Mine Area equity measures Stage II | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 4 | 10/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQX6 – Environmental management plan of Tamarugos Pampa del Tamarugal 2013-2014 | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 209 | 04/01/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQXB – Environmental management plan of Tamarugos Salar de Llamara 2013-2014 | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 41 | 04/01/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | I0032- Hazardous Materials Standardization | Sustainability | Asset | Not classified | 100 | 12/31/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | I0042 - Mine Area equity measures Stage III | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 131 | 03/31/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | 01-I0046 - Cultural heritage Pampa Hermosa 2014 – 2015 | Sustainability | Expense | Not classified | 5 | 03/31/2016 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | 01-IQWP - 01-J0011 - DIA Expansion of NV Mine Zone | Environmental processing | Expense | Not classified | 22 | 04/02/2016 | ||||||||
| SQM Salar S.A. | LQI6 - EIA Operating maintenance at Salar de Atacama | Environmental processing | Asset | Not classified | 48 | 12/31/2015 | ||||||||
| SIT S.A. | TQQ5 - Environmental curtains Field No. 8 | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 9 | 06/30/2015 | ||||||||
| Total | 2,293 | |||||||||||||
| 247 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 24 Environment (continued)
| 24.2 | Detail of information on disbursements related to the environment, continued |
Accumulated expenses as of 12/31/2013
| Identification of the Parent or subsidiary | Name of the project with which expenditure is associated | Concept for which the expenditure was made or will be made | Asset / Expense | Description of the asset or expense Item | Amount of expenditure | Actual or estimated date on which expenditure was or will be made | ||||||||
| Miscellaneous | Environmental-operational area | Not classified | Expense | Not classified | 1,753 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | CQLX – Hazardous waste yard S Carmen and Lagarto | Sustainability | Asset/Expense | Not classified | 98 | 12/31/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | FP55 - FPXA-EIA Pampa Blanca Expansion | Environmental Processing | Asset | Not classified | 1,493 | 12/30/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | IQWZ - Normalization TK NV liquid fuels | Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention | Asset | Not classified | 24 | 04/01/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | JQ8K – DIA Line 4 Floor Drying, Coya Sur | Environmental Processing | Asset | Not classified | 32 | 09/01/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | JQB6 - DIA Plant NPT4, Coya Sur | Environmental Processing | Asset | Not classified | 84 | 04/30/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | JQH9 – Purchase of Bertrams Boiler | Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention | Asset | Development | 612 | 08/01/2013 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | MNYS - Measures of Technological Change Cultural Heritage Dissemination Maria Elena | Environmental Processing | Expense | Not classified | 37 | 12/31/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | MP5W - Normalization TK´s Fuels | Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention | Asset | Not classified | 2,114 | 06/30/2008 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | MPQU - Construction of Hazardous Chemical Supplies warehouse | Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention | Asset | Development | 449 | 12/15/2010 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | MQA8- Normalization gas system, external cafeterias (Stage 1: projects) | Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention | Asset/Expense | Not classified | 139 | 12/31/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | MQBM-Archaeological Digging Deployment Maria Elena - Toco | Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention | Expense | Not classified | 14 | 12/31/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | MQHF -Sustaining of batteries ME | Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention | Asset-Expense | Not classified | 310 | 08/01/2013 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | MQK2-Elimination of PCBs I | Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention | Expense | Not classified | 17 | 03/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | PPC1-Remove switches park PCB sub 3 and 1/12 Pedro de Valdivia | Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention | Expense | Not classified | 147 | 05/31/2009 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | PPZU - Standardize and certify Plant Fuel Tanks | Environmental Processing | Asset | Not classified | 2,644 | 07/01/2011 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | PQLV-DIA Pedro de Valdivia Mine | Environmental Processing | Asset | Not classified | 271 | 06/01/2013 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | SQ7X - Reach 2011-2013 | Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention | Expense | Not classified | 341 | 01/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | TQA2 - Drainage Improvement Villa Prat | Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention | Expense | Not classified | 17 | 12/31/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | PQXM – Elaboration DIA Operation with batteries in PV | Environmental Processing | Asset | Not classified | 89 | 12/01/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IP83-DIA Expansion TLN-15 | Environmental Processing | Asset | Not classified | 23 | 12/31/2009 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IPFT-Cultural Heritage Region I | Sustainability | Expense | Not classified | 174 | 12/31/2012 | ||||||||
| 248 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 24 Environment (continued)
| 24.2 | Detail of information on disbursements related to the environment, continued |
Accumulated expenses as of 12/31/2013 (continued)
| Identification of the Parent or subsidiary | Name of the project with which expenditure is associated | Concept for which the expenditure was made or will be made | Asset / Expense | Description of the asset or expense item | Amount of expenditure | Actual or estimated date on which expenditure was or will be made | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IPXE – Environmental monitoring plan Salar de Llamara | Cost reduction | Expense | Not classified | 1,013 | 12/31/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IPXF-Environmental monitoring plan Pampa del Tamarugal | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 951 | 12/31/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQ1M-PSA Re-injection of water to Puquíos Llamara | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 2,320 | 03/31/2013 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQ3S-Hazardous Materials Management Standardization | Sustainability | Asset-Expense | Not classified | 378 | 12/30/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQ54-Cultural heritage Pampa Hermosa | Minor projects (between ThUS$50 and ThUS$299) | Asset | Not classified | 506 | 12/31/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQOW-Deposit authorization for Humberstone heritage | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 1 | 12/31/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQPJ-Mine Area equity measures Stage I | Sustainability | Expense | Not classified | 110 | 03/31/2013 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQWS - Mine Area equity measures Stage II | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 79 | 04/30/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQX6 – Environmental management plan of Tamarugos Pampa del Tamarugal 2013-2014 | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 193 | 04/01/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQXB - Environmental management plan of Tamarugos Llamara Salt Flat 2013-2014 | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 141 | 04/01/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | MQLQ- Gas scrubbing system | Not Classified | Asset | Development | 468 | 01/01/2013 | ||||||||
| SQM Salar S.A | LQG8 – Waste room Toconao Campsite | Sustainability: Natural Resources | Expense | Not classified | 15 | 12/31/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM Salar S.A. | LQDM – Certification of tanks | Sustainability: Replacement of equipment | Asset | Not classified | 256 | 03/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM Salar S.A. | LQI6-EIA Operating maintenance at Salar de Atacama | Environmental Processing | Asset | Not classified | 466 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||
| SQM Salar S.A. | LQNI-DIA KCI Floor Drying and compacting expansion | Environmental Processing | Asset | Not classified | 59 | 03/30/2014 | ||||||||
| SIT S.A. | TPYX - Enabling the dust collector of the crib and court seal 3 Tocopilla | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset - Expense | Development | 1,708 | 12/31/2011 | ||||||||
| SIT S.A. | TQAV - Paving paths IV | Sustainability | Asset | Development | 3 | 12/01/2011 | ||||||||
| SIT S.A. | TQQ5 – Environmental curtains field No.8 | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 221 | 04/27/2013 | ||||||||
| SQM Nitratos S.A. | IQMH – Normalization Mine NV area operation | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 222 | 12/31/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM Nitratos S.A. | PQI9 – Mine waste water treatment plant | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 51 | 08/01/2013 | ||||||||
| Total | 20,043 | |||||||||||||
| 249 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 24 Environment (continued)
| 24.2 | Detail of information on disbursements related to the environment, continued |
Future expenses as of 12/31/2013
| Identification of the Parent or subsidiary | Name of the project with which expenditure is associated | Concept for which the expenditure was made or will be made | Asset / Expense | Description of the asset or expense item | Amount of expenditure | Actual or estimated date on which expenditure was or will be made | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | FP55 - FPXA - EIA Pampa Blanca Expansion | Environmental processing | Asset | Not classified | 1 | 12/30/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | IQWZ - Normalization TK NV liquid fuels | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 800 | 04/01/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | MP5W - Normalization TK´s Fuels | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 795 | 06/30/2008 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | MQBM-Archaeological Digging Deployment Maria Elena - Toco | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 63 | 12/31/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | MQK2-Elimination of PCBs I | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 33 | 03/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | PPZU - Standardize and Certify Plant Fuel Tanks | Environmental processing | Asset | Not classified | 533 | 07/02/2011 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | PQLV-DIA Pedro de Valdivia Mine | Environmental processing | Asset | Not classified | 103 | 06/02/2013 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IP83-DIA Expansion TLN-15 | Environmental processing | Asset | Not classified | 0 | 12/31/2009 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IPFT-Cultural Heritage Region I | Sustainability | Expense | Not classified | 1 | 12/31/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQ1M-PSA Re-injection of water to Puquíos Llamara | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 300 | 03/31/2013 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQ3S-Hazardous Materials Management Standardization | Sustainability | Asset-Expense | Not classified | 12 | 12/30/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQOW-Deposit authorization for Humberstone heritage | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 10 | 12/31/2012 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQWS - Mine Area equity measures Stage II | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 29 | 04/30/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQX6 – Environmental management plan of Tamarugos Pampa del Tamarugal 2013-2014 | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 595 | 04/01/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM S.A. | IQXB - Environmental management plan of Tamarugos Salar de Llamara 2013-2014 | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Asset | Not classified | 266 | 04/01/2015 | ||||||||
| SQM Salar S.A. | LQDM – Certification of tanks | Sustainability: Replacement of equipment | Asset | Not classified | 94 | 03/31/2014 | ||||||||
| SQM Salar S.A. | LQI6-EIA Operating Maintenance at Salar de Atacama | Environmental processing | Asset | Not classified | 59 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||
| SIT S.A. | TQQ5- Environmental curtains Field No. 8 | Sustainability: Environment and Risk Prevention | Expense | Not classified | 90 | 04/27/2013 | ||||||||
| SQM Industrial S.A. | PQXM – Elaboration DIA Operation with batteries in PV | Environmental processing | Asset | Not classified | 212 | 12/01/2014 | ||||||||
| Total | 3,996 | |||||||||||||
| 250 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 24 Environment (continued)
| 24.3 | Description of each project, indicating whether these are in process or have been finished |
SQM Industrial S.A.
IQWZ: Performing an analysis of the tank facilities (civil works, mechanical work, piping, electrical work and instruments) by a company specialized in liquid fuels and that is a Certifying Entity. After that, performance of the detail engineering and then implementation of the modifications required to normalize the TKs facilities and leave them in conditions to be declared and filed with the SEC. The budget of ThUS$123 only covers expenses related to the analysis and detail engineering. The project is in process.
I0002: The project involves a new waste water treatment plant, for the supervisor role area in the Iris campsite. The project is pending.
J0006: This project is intended to design a rapidly-implemented gas scrubbing system that complies with the standard on the emission of gases involved. This project is in process.
MP5W: Normalization of the fuel storage and distribution system in SQM installations. This project is in process.
MQBM: Implementing archeological measures in María Elena – Toco site, such as the archeological registry, analysis of lithic materials, and generation of reports. This project is in process.
MQK2: The project involves the decontamination of equipment and items contaminated with PCBs and/or final disposal in accordance with applicable regulations. This project is in process.
M0006: The project involves the enhancement of the bischofite layer in main streets of the town ME. This project is in process.
PPZU: The necessary actions to normalize and certify fuel tanks in the plants in Maria Elena, Coya Sur and Pedro de Valdivia were performed. This project is in process.
PQLV: Preparation and filing of EID Pedro de Valdivia. This project is in process.
PQXM: Elaborate a project to enter into the Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA), with the intention of obtaining the environmental approval for the operation of Batteries in Pedro de Valdivia. This project is in process.
TQA2: This project aims to improve the sewerage system of Villa Prat. The project is in the closure stage.
I0023: This project is aimed at acquiring leak detection equipment to ensure that evaporation ponds are not damaged and no solution is lost, avoiding the pollution of the environment. This project is in process.
SQM S.A.
IPFT: The project considers the implementation of measures committed in projects in the area of the Nueva Victoria mine, update of operations in Nueva Victoria, evaporation ducts and pits in Iris. The project is at the closure stage.
IQ1M: Implementing environmental commitments included in the EIS of project “Pampa Hermosa” to safeguard the puquíos zone that is in the Salar de Llamara water reservoir. The project is in the closure stage.
IQ3S: Improvements in the storage facilities of hazardous raw materials in Nueva Victoria. This project is in process.
| 251 |
9) Financial Reports
| Note 24 | Environment (continued) |
| 24.3 | Description of each project, indicating whether these are in process or have been finished, continued |
IQOW: Enabling a deposit in Humberstone Saltpeter to store material of heritage interest recovered in land campaigns of Project ZMNV (performed and to be performed). The project is in the closure stage.
IQWS: Implementation of heritage-related environmental commitments, to make available mining areas in 2013, required to develop the mining exploitation of the VPONV, in compliance with the commitments agreed through the Environmental Assessment System (SEA). The project is in process.
IQWP: This project consists of reclassifying geological resources measured. The project is in process.
IQX6: Implementation of environmental commitments of the Pampa Hermosa Project at Pampa del Tamarugal considered for the years 2013-2014. The project is in process.
IQXB: Implementation of environmental commitments of the Pampa Hermosa Project at Llamara Saltpeter deposit considered for the years 2013-2014. The project is in process.
I00032: Presenting departures from the standard currently in force with respect to storage of hazardous substances and provisions of SD 78/2010. This project is in process.
I0042: The project involves the implementation of equity measures under the Environmental Assessment for the mining area. It comprises the implementation of a fence in the exclusion and archaeological working area in the mining areas, required for the exploitation in 2014. This project is in process.
I0046: The project consists of the implementation of equity measures committed in the Environmental Assessment of the Pintados sector (geoglyphs and former railway station) and for the Sur Viejo sector the implementation of development activities and archeological works are contemplated. This project is in progress.
SQM Salar S.A.
LQDM: Certification of the liquid fuel storage tanks. This project is in process.
LQI6: Preparation and processing of the EIA Update Operations in the Atacama Saltpeter Deposit. This project is in process.
LQXW: Increasing the availability of brine ponds. The greater capacity of water wells implies the possibility of re-injecting more water to the saltpeter deposit, resulting in an increase in brine extraction. The expense considered only includes environmental processing. The project is in process.
SIT S.A.
TQQ5: This project aims to contain emissions of particulate material to prevent contamination to adjacent communities. The project is in process.
T0013: This project is intended to address sectors where sewage chambers have exceeded their capacity, the replacement of sewage collectors and sewage system chambers is proposed. The project is in progress.
T0008: This project consists of reducing pollution issues in the bulk loading process and increasing port safety. This project is in process.
SQM Nitratos S.A.
IQMH: Creation of an area allowing storing hazardous substances. This project is in process.
| 252 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 25 Other current and non-current non-financial assets
As of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the detail of other current and non-current assets is as follows:
| Other non-financial assets, current | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Domestic Value Added Tax | 15,149 | 21,263 | ||||||
| Foreign Value Added Tax | 7,388 | 5,842 | ||||||
| Prepaid mining licenses | 1,275 | 1,522 | ||||||
| Prepaid insurance | 7,916 | 9,767 | ||||||
| Other prepayments | 533 | 623 | ||||||
| Refund of Value Added Tax to exporters | 8,966 | - | ||||||
| Other assets | 2,509 | 5,213 | ||||||
| Total | 43,736 | 44,230 | ||||||
| Other non-financial assets, non-current | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Stain development expenses and prospecting expenses (1) | 29,569 | 33,388 | ||||||
| Guarantee deposits | 682 | 708 | ||||||
| Pension plan | 647 | 987 | ||||||
| Other assets | 1,273 | 1,422 | ||||||
| Total | 32,171 | 36,505 | ||||||
| 1) | Reconciliation of changes in assets for exploration and mineral resource evaluation, by type |
Movements in assets for the exploration and evaluation of mineral resources as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013:
| Reconciliation | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Opening balance | 33,388 | 22,496 | ||||||
| Changes | ||||||||
| Additions, other than business combinations | 2,695 | 13,064 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | (2,092 | ) | (2,059 | ) | ||||
| Increase (decrease) due to transfers and other charges | (4,422 | ) | (113 | ) | ||||
| Total changes | (3,819 | ) | 10,892 | |||||
| Total | 29,569 | 33,388 | ||||||
| - | As of the presentation date, no reevaluations of assets for exploration and assessment of mineral resources have been conducted. |
| 253 |
9) Financial Reports
| 26.1 | Operating segments |
General information:
The amount of each item presented in each operating segment is equal to that reported to the maximum authority that makes decisions regarding the operation, in order to decide on the allocation of resources to the defined segments and to assess its performance.
Factors used to identify segments on which a report should be presented:
Segments reported are strategic business units that offer different products and services. These are managed separately because each business requires different technology and marketing strategies.
Description of the types of products and services on which each reportable segment obtain its income from ordinary activities
The operating segments, through which incomes of ordinary activities are obtained, that generate expenses and whose operating results are reviewed on a regular basis by the maximum authority who makes decisions regarding operations, relate to the following groups of products:
| 1. | Specialty plant nutrients |
| 2. | Iodine and its derivatives |
| 3. | Lithium and its derivatives |
| 4. | Industrial chemicals |
| 5. | Potassium |
| 6. | Other products and services |
Description of income sources for all the other segments
Information relative to assets, liabilities, profit and expenses that cannot be assigned to the segments indicated above, due to the nature of production processes, is included under "Unassigned amounts” category of the disclosed information.
Basis of accounting for transactions between reportable segments
Sales between segments are made in the same conditions as those made to third parties, and are consistently measures as presented in the income statement.
Description of the nature of the differences between measurements of results of reportable segments and the result of the entity before the expense or income tax expense of incomes and discontinued operations.
The information reported in the segments is extracted from the Company’s consolidated financial statements and therefore is not required to prepare reconciliations between the data mentioned above and those reported in the respective segments, according to what is stated in paragraph 28 of IFRS 8, "Operating Segments".
| 254 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 26 Operating segments (continued)
| 26.1 | Operating segments, continued |
Description of the nature of the differences between measurements of assets of reportable segments and the Company´s assets
Assets are not shown classified by segments, as this information is not readily available. Some of these assets are not separable by the type of activity by which they are affected since this information is not used by management in decision-making with respect to resources to be allocated to each defined segment. All assets are disclosed in the "unallocated amounts" category.
Description of the nature of the differences between measurements of liabilities of reportable segments and the Company’s liabilities
Liabilities are not shown classified by segments, as this information is not readily available. Some of these liabilities are not separable by the type of activity by which they are affected, since this information is not used by management in decisions making regarding resources to be allocated to each defined segment. All liabilities are disclosed in the "unallocated amounts" category.
| 255 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 26 Operating segments (continued)
| 26.2 | Operating segment disclosures: |
| 12/31/2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty
plant nutrients | Iodine and
its derivatives | Lithium and
its derivatives | Industrial
chemicals | Potassium | Other products and services | Reportable
segments | Operating
segments | Elimination
of inter-segments amounts | Unallocated
amounts | Significant
reconciliation entries | Total 12/31/2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating segment items | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | 708,023 | 335,433 | 206,849 | 101,933 | 584,268 | 77,708 | 2,014,214 | 2,014,214 | - | - | - | 2,014,214 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues from transactions with other operating segments of the same entity | 69,686 | 560,051 | 119,900 | 311,188 | 358,089 | 238,614 | 1,657,528 | 1,657,528 | (1,657,528 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues from external customers and transactions with other operating segments of the same entity | 777,709 | 895,484 | 326,749 | 413,121 | 942,357 | 316,322 | 3,671,742 | 3,671,742 | (1,657,528 | ) | - | - | 2,014,214 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Costs of sales | (564,151 | ) | (196,535 | ) | (118,432 | ) | (60,451 | ) | (423,488 | ) | (68,185 | ) | (1,431,242 | ) | (1,431,242 | ) | - | - | - | (1,431,242 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Administrative expenses | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7,865 | (104,397 | ) | - | (96,532 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 191,811 | (255,184 | ) | - | (63,373 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| depreciation and amortization expense | (97,037 | ) | (33,805 | ) | (20,371 | ) | (10,399 | ) | (72,842 | ) | (11,726 | ) | (246,180 | ) | (246,180 | ) | - | (5,111 | ) | - | (251,291 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The entity’s interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (973 | ) | 19,089 | - | 18,116 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| income tax expense, continuing operations | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (108,382 | ) | - | (108,382 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other items other than significant cash | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | 143,872 | 138,898 | 88,417 | 41,482 | 160,780 | 9,523 | 582,972 | 582,972 | (542,355 | ) | 371,535 | - | 412,152 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) from continuing operations | 143,872 | 138,898 | 88,417 | 41,482 | 160,780 | 9,523 | 582,972 | 582,972 | (542,355 | ) | 263,153 | - | 303,770 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) from discontinued operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 143,872 | 138,898 | 88,417 | 41,482 | 160,780 | 9,523 | 582,972 | 582,972 | (542,355 | ) | 263,153 | - | 303,770 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (7,142,103 | ) | 11,805,758 | - | 4,663,655 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-accounted investees | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (3,291,962 | ) | 3,367,740 | - | 75,778 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase of non-current assets | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (161,624 | ) | - | (161,624 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (3,541,966 | ) | 5,905,918 | - | 2,363,952 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss | - | - | (989 | ) | - | (164 | ) | (111 | ) | (1,264 | ) | (1,264 | ) | - | (349 | ) | - | (1,613 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for the period | 10,487 | 979 | - | 2,993 | - | - | 14,459 | 14,459 | - | - | - | 14,459 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from (used in) operating activities | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 591,044 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from (used in) investing activities | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (311,364 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from (used in) financing activities | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (388,035 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 256 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 26 Operating segments (continued)
| 26.2 | Operating segment disclosures, continued |
| 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty
plant nutrients | Iodine and
its derivatives | Lithium and
its derivatives | Industrial
chemicals | Potassium | Other products and services | Reportable
segments | Operating
segments | Elimination
of inter-segments amounts | Unallocated
amounts | Significant
reconciliation entries | Total 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating segment items | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | 687,455 | 461,015 | 196,492 | 153,963 | 606,315 | 97,900 | 2,203,140 | 2,203,140 | - | - | - | 2,203,140 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues from transactions with other operating segments of the same entity | 121,735 | 723,801 | 122,616 | 309,127 | 462,565 | 337,690 | 2,077,534 | 2,077,534 | (2,077,534 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues from external customers and transactions with other operating segments of the same entity | 809,190 | 1,184,816 | 319,108 | 463,090 | 1,068,880 | 435,590 | 4,280,674 | 4,280,674 | (2,077,534 | ) | - | - | 2,203,140 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Costs of sales | (536,067 | ) | (202,650 | ) | (99,244 | ) | (110,921 | ) | (443,988 | ) | (88,820 | ) | (1,481,690 | ) | (1,481,690 | ) | - | - | - | (1,481,690 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Administrative expenses | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (105,189 | ) | - | (105,189 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 195,404 | (254,012 | ) | - | (58,608 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| depreciation and amortization expense | (67,656 | ) | (45,371 | ) | (19,338 | ) | (15,152 | ) | (59,670 | ) | (9,634 | ) | (216,821 | ) | (216,821 | ) | - | - | - | (216,821 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The entity’s interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 18,786 | - | 18,786 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| income tax expense, continuing operations | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (2,377 | ) | (136,162 | ) | - | (138,539 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before taxes | 151,388 | 258,366 | 97,248 | 43,042 | 162,327 | 93,079 | 805,450 | 805,450 | (567,919 | ) | 375,578 | - | 613,109 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) from continuing operations | 151,388 | 258,366 | 97,248 | 43,042 | 162,327 | 93,079 | 805,450 | 805,450 | (570,296 | ) | 239,416 | - | 474,570 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) from discontinued operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 151,388 | 258,366 | 97,248 | 43,042 | 162,327 | 93,079 | 805,450 | 805,450 | (570,296 | ) | 239,416 | - | 474,570 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (7,077,766 | ) | 11,845,374 | - | 4,767,608 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-accounted investees | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (3,353,672 | ) | 3,430,690 | - | 77,018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase of non-current assets | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 171,980 | - | 171,980 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (3,354,422 | ) | 5,689,789 | - | 2,335,367 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 2,432,241 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities and Equity | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4,767,608 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss | (15,985 | ) | (1,832 | ) | (783 | ) | (3,733 | ) | (2,509 | ) | (352 | ) | (25,195 | ) | (25,195 | ) | - | (5,732 | ) | - | (30,927 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from (used in) operating activities | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 651,713 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from (used in) investing activities | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (487,385 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from (used in) financing activities | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (2,285 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 257 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 26 Operating segments (continued)
| 26.3 | Statement of comprehensive income classified by operating segments based on groups of products |
| 12/31/2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Items in the statement of comprehensive income | Specialty plant nutrients ThUS$ | Iodine and its derivatives ThUS$ | Lithium and its derivatives ThUS$ | Industrial chemicals ThUS$ | Potassium ThUS$ | Other products and services ThUS$ | Corporate Unit ThUS$ | Total segments and Corporate unit ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | 708,023 | 335,433 | 206,849 | 101,933 | 584,268 | 77,708 | - | 2,014,214 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | (564,151 | ) | (196,535 | ) | (118,432 | ) | (60,451 | ) | (423,488 | ) | (68,185 | ) | - | (1,431,242 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 143,872 | 138,898 | 88,417 | 41,482 | 160,780 | 9,523 | - | 582,972 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other incomes by function | - | - | - | - | - | - | 24,055 | 24,055 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Administrative expenses | - | - | - | - | - | - | (96,532 | ) | (96,532 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other expenses by function | - | - | - | - | - | - | (57,107 | ) | (57,107 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other gains (losses) | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4,424 | 4,424 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial income | - | - | - | - | - | - | 16,142 | 16,142 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial costs | - | - | - | - | - | - | (63,373 | ) | (63,373 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method | - | - | - | - | - | - | 18,116 | 18,116 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exchange differences | - | - | - | - | - | - | (16,545 | ) | (16,545 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit (loss) before taxes | 143,872 | 138,898 | 88,417 | 41,482 | 160,780 | 9,523 | (170,820 | ) | 412,152 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | - | - | - | - | - | - | (108,382 | ) | (108,382 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit (loss) from continuing operations | 143,872 | 138,898 | 88,417 | 41,482 | 160,780 | 9,523 | (279,202 | ) | 303,770 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit (loss) from discontinued operations | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit (loss) | 143,872 | 138,898 | 88,417 | 41,482 | 160,780 | 9,523 | (279,202 | ) | 303,770 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit (loss), attributable to | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit (loss) attributable to the controller´s owners | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 296,381 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit (loss) attributable to the non-controllers | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7,389 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit (loss) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 303,770 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 258 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 26 Operating segments (continued)
26.3 Statement of comprehensive income classified by operating segments based on groups of products, continued
| 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Items in the statement of comprehensive income | Specialty plant nutrients ThUS$ | Iodine and its derivatives ThUS$ | Lithium and its derivatives ThUS$ | Industrial chemicals ThUS$ | Potassium ThUS$ | Other products and services ThUS$ | Corporate Unit ThUS$ | Total segments and Corporate unit ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | 687,455 | 461,015 | 196,492 | 153,963 | 606,315 | 97,900 | - | 2,203,140 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of sales | (536,067 | ) | (202,650 | ) | (99,244 | ) | (110,921 | ) | (443,988 | ) | (88,820 | ) | - | (1,481,690 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 151,388 | 258,365 | 97,248 | 43,042 | 162,327 | 9,080 | - | 721,450 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other incomes by function | - | - | - | - | - | 84,000 | 12,716 | 96,716 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Administrative expenses | - | - | - | - | - | - | (105,189 | ) | (105,189 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other expenses by function | - | - | - | - | - | - | (49,397 | ) | (49,397 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other gains (losses) | - | - | - | - | - | - | (11,391 | ) | (11,391 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial income | - | - | - | - | - | - | 12,696 | 12,696 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial costs | - | - | - | - | - | - | (58,608 | ) | (58,608 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method | - | - | - | - | - | - | 18,786 | 18,786 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exchange differences | - | - | - | - | - | - | (11,954 | ) | (11,954 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit (loss) before taxes | 151,388 | 258,365 | 97,248 | 43,042 | 162,327 | 93,080 | (192,341 | ) | 613,109 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | - | - | - | - | - | - | (138,539 | ) | (138,539 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit (loss) from continuing operations | 151,388 | 258,365 | 97,248 | 43,042 | 162,327 | 93,080 | (330,880 | ) | 474,570 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit (loss) from discontinued operations | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit (loss) | 151,388 | 258,365 | 97,248 | 43,042 | 162,327 | 93,080 | (330,880 | ) | 474,570 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit (loss), attributable to | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit (loss) attributable to the controller´s owners | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 467,113 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit (loss) attributable to the non controllers | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7,457 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profit (loss) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 474,570 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 259 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 26 Operating segments (continued)
| 26.4 | Revenue from transactions with other operating segments of the Company as of December 31, 2014 |
| 12/31/2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Items in the statement of comprehensive income | Specialty plant nutrients ThUS$ | Iodine and its derivatives ThUS$ | Lithium and its derivatives ThUS$ | Industrial chemicals ThUS$ | Potassium ThUS$ | Other products and services ThUS$ | Total segments and Corporate unit ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | 708,023 | 335,433 | 206,849 | 101,933 | 584,268 | 77,708 | 2,014,214 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Items in the statement of comprehensive income | Specialty plant nutrients ThUS$ | Iodine and its derivatives ThUS$ | Lithium and its derivatives ThUS$ | Industrial chemicals ThUS$ | Potassium ThUS$ | Other products and services ThUS$ | Total segments and Corporate unit ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | 687,455 | 461,015 | 196,492 | 153,963 | 606,315 | 97,900 | 2,203,140 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 26.5 | Disclosures on geographical areas |
As indicated in paragraph 33 of IFRS 8, the entity discloses geographical information on its revenue from operating activities with external customers and from non-current assets that are not financial instruments, deferred income tax assets, assets related to post-employment benefits or rights derived from insurance contracts.
| 26.6 | Disclosures on main customers |
With respect to the degree of dependency of the Company on its customers, in accordance with paragraph N° 34 of IFRS N° 8, the Company has no external customers who individually represent 10% or more of its revenue. Credit risk concentrations with respect to trade and other accounts receivable are limited due to the significant number of entities in the Company’s portfolio and its worldwide distribution. The Company’s policy requires guarantees (such as letters of credit, guarantee clauses and others) and/or to maintain insurance policies for certain accounts as deemed necessary by the Company's Management.
| 260 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 26 Operating segments (continued)
| 26.7 | Segments by geographical areas as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 |
| 12/31/2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Items | Chile ThUS$ | Latin America and the Caribbean ThUS$ | Europe ThUS$ | North America ThUS$ | Asia and others ThUS$ | Total ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | 227,261 | 356,867 | 428,538 | 503,891 | 497,657 | 2,014,214 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Investment accounted for under the equity method | 1,159 | - | 25,588 | 13,530 | 35,501 | 75,778 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets other than goodwill | 114,476 | - | - | 258 | 1 | 114,735 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 26,929 | 86 | 11,373 | - | - | 38,388 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 1,883,534 | 133 | 1,343 | 2,109 | 835 | 1,887,954 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Investment property | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other non-current assets | 31,354 | 170 | - | 647 | - | 32,171 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current assets | 2,057,452 | 389 | 38,304 | 16,544 | 36,337 | 2,149,026 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Items | Chile ThUS$ | Latin America and the Caribbean ThUS$ | Europe ThUS$ | North America ThUS$ | Asia and others ThUS$ | Total ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | 242,373 | 379,063 | 504,043 | 546,075 | 531,586 | 2,203,140 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Investment accounted for under the equity method | 1,649 | - | 24,847 | 13,126 | 37,396 | 77,018 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets other than goodwill | 104,043 | - | - | 317 | 3 | 104,363 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 26,929 | 86 | 11,373 | - | - | 38,388 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 2,050,684 | 157 | 460 | 2,205 | 871 | 2,054,377 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Investment property | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other non-current assets | 35,326 | 191 | - | 988 | - | 36,505 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current assets | 2,218,631 | 434 | 36,680 | 16,636 | 38,270 | 2,310,651 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 261 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 26 Operating segments (continued)
| 26.8 | Property, plant and equipment classified by geographical areas |
The company's main productive facilities are located near their mines and extraction facilities in northern Chile. The following table presents the main production facilities as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
| Location | Products | ||
| - | Pedro de Valdivia | : | Production of iodine and nitrate salts |
| - | María Elena | : | Production of iodine and nitrate salts |
| - | Coya Sur | : | Production of nitrate salts |
| - | Nueva Victoria | : | Production of iodine and nitrate salts |
| - | Salar de Atacama | : | Potassium chloride, lithium chloride, boric acid potassium sulfate |
| - | Salar del Carmen | : | Production of lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide |
| - | Tocopilla | : | Port facilities |
Nota 27 Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income by function of expenses, included according to their nature
| 27.1 | Revenue |
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Products | 2,006,452 | 2,191,650 | ||||||
| Services | 7,762 | 11,490 | ||||||
| Total | 2,014,214 | 2,203,140 | ||||||
| 27.2 | Cost of sales |
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Raw material and supplies | (593,126 | ) | (811,518 | ) | ||||
| Types of employee benefits expenses | ||||||||
| Salaries and wages | (107,917 | ) | (138,937 | ) | ||||
| Other short-term employee benefits | (61,525 | ) | (44,601 | ) | ||||
| Termination benefit expenses | (7,971 | ) | (10,811 | ) | ||||
| Total employee benefits expenses | (177,413 | ) | (194,349 | ) | ||||
| Depreciation expense | (246,180 | ) | (216,388 | ) | ||||
| Impairment loss (review of impairment losses) recognized in profit or loss for the year | 13,195 | (25,195 | ) | |||||
| Changes in inventories for the period | 116,300 | 416,398 | ||||||
| Other expenses, by nature | (544,018 | ) | (650,638 | ) | ||||
| Total | (1,431,242 | ) | (1,481,690 | ) | ||||
| 262 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 27 Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income by function of expenses, included according to their nature (continued)
| 27.3 | Other income | |
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Discounts obtained from suppliers | 705 | 1,349 | ||||||
| Compensation received and insurance claim recovery | 645 | 5,306 | ||||||
| Penalties charged to suppliers | 255 | 374 | ||||||
| Tax recoveries | 40 | 9 | ||||||
| Excess in the provision for liabilities with 3rd parties | 1,690 | 712 | ||||||
| Excess in allowance for doubtful accounts | 296 | - | ||||||
| Sale of property, plant and equipment | 39 | 107 | ||||||
| Sale of materials, spare parts and supplies | 1,241 | 1,392 | ||||||
| Sale de scrap | 69 | 27 | ||||||
| Sale of mining concessions | 13,000 | 86,157 | ||||||
| Options on mining properties | 921 | - | ||||||
| Reimbursement of mining patents and notarial expenses | 1,510 | - | ||||||
| Overstated provision for indemnity, Yara South Africa | - | 272 | ||||||
| Non-conventional renewable energy | 2,255 | - | ||||||
| Goodwill paid in acquisition of portfolio | - | 337 | ||||||
| Unrealized gain from acquisition of goodwill | - | 248 | ||||||
| Other operating income | 1,389 | 426 | ||||||
| Total | 24,055 | 96,716 | ||||||
| 27.4 | Administrative expenses | |
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Employee benefit expenses by nature | ||||||||
| Salaries and wages | (42,218 | ) | (48,033 | ) | ||||
| Other short-term benefits to employees | (4,710 | ) | (3,176 | ) | ||||
| Total employee benefit expenses | (46,928 | ) | (51,209 | ) | ||||
| Other expenses, by nature | (49,604 | ) | (53,980 | ) | ||||
| Total | (96,532 | ) | (105,189 | ) | ||||
| 263 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 27 Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income by function of expenses, included according to their nature (continued)
| 27.5 | Other expenses by function |
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Employee benefit expenses by nature | ||||||||
| Other short-term benefits to employees | - | (6 | ) | |||||
| Depreciation and amortization expenses | ||||||||
| Depreciation of stopped assets | (284 | ) | (433 | ) | ||||
| Depreciation of residual value | (4,827 | ) | - | |||||
| Impairment loss (reversals of impairment losses) recognized in profit or loss for the year | ||||||||
| Impairment of allowance for doubtful accounts | (349 | ) | (732 | ) | ||||
| Subtotal to date | (349 | ) | (732 | ) | ||||
| Other expenses, by nature | ||||||||
| Legal Expenses | (5,465 | ) | (3,791 | ) | ||||
| Worksite stoppage expenses | (257 | ) | (75 | ) | ||||
| VAT and other unrecoverable tax | (1,164 | ) | (1,196 | ) | ||||
| Fines paid | (162 | ) | (444 | ) | ||||
| Advisory services | (2 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||
| Provisions, investment plan expenses, materials and closing sales | (41,505 | ) | (19,397 | ) | ||||
| Donations rejected as expense | (1,514 | ) | (5,253 | ) | ||||
| Provision for work closing | - | (1,276 | ) | |||||
| Adjustment to realization amount of property, plant and equipment | - | (10,085 | ) | |||||
| Indemnities paid | - | (146 | ) | |||||
| Other operating expenses | (1,578 | ) | (6,555 | ) | ||||
| Subtotal to date | (51,647 | ) | (48,226 | ) | ||||
| Total | (57,107 | ) | (49,397 | ) | ||||
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Provision for restructuring | - | (11,545 | ) | |||||
| Prior year adjustment, application of equity method of accounting | (2,935 | ) | 22 | |||||
| Sale of investments in associates | 5,000 | - | ||||||
| Gain (loss) for no involvement in capital contribution | 2,359 | - | ||||||
| Other | - | 132 | ||||||
| Total | 4,424 | (11,391 | ) | |||||
| 264 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 27 Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income by function of expenses, included according to their nature (continued)
| 27.7 | Summary of expenses by nature | |
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Raw material and supplies used | (593,126 | ) | (811,518 | ) | ||||
| Types of employee benefits expenses | ||||||||
| Salaries and wages | (150,135 | ) | (186,970 | ) | ||||
| Other short-term employee benefits | (66,235 | ) | (47,783 | ) | ||||
| Termination benefit expenses | (7,971 | ) | (10,811 | ) | ||||
| Total employee benefit expenses | (224,341 | ) | (245,564 | ) | ||||
| Depreciation expense | (246,464 | ) | (216,821 | ) | ||||
| Depreciation of residual value | (4,827 | ) | - | |||||
| Impairment loss (reversal of impairment losses) recognized in profit or loss for the year | 12,846 | (25,927 | ) | |||||
| Other expenses, by nature | (528,969 | ) | (347,837 | ) | ||||
| Total | (1,584,881 | ) | (1,647,667 | ) | ||||
This table corresponds to the summary from Note 27.2 to 27.6 required by the Chilean Superintendence of Securities and Insurance
| 27.8 | Finance expenses | |
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Interest expense from bonds | (61,714 | ) | (65,763 | ) | ||||
| Interest expense from loans | (8,268 | ) | (9,080 | ) | ||||
| Capitalized interest expenses | 7,732 | 17,232 | ||||||
| Other finance costs | (1,123 | ) | (997 | ) | ||||
| Total | (63,373 | ) | (58,608 | ) | ||||
| 265 |
9) Financial Reports
Nota 28 Income tax and deferred taxes
Accounts receivable from taxes as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, are as follows:
| 28.1 | Current tax assets |
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Monthly provisional income tax payments, Chilean companies current year | 39,551 | 44,018 | ||||||
| Monthly provisional payment Royalty | 4,586 | 10,417 | ||||||
| Monthly provisional income tax payments, foreign companies | 2,093 | 1,444 | ||||||
| Corporate tax credits (1) | 1,729 | 2,025 | ||||||
| Corporate tax absorbed by tax losses (2) | 16 | 1,572 | ||||||
| Total | 47,975 | 59,476 | ||||||
| (1) | These credits are available to companies and relate to the corporate tax payment in April of the following year. These credits include, amongst others, training expense credits (SENCE) and property, plant and equipment acquisition credits that are equivalent to 4% of the property, plant and equipment purchases made during the year. In addition, some credits relate to the donations the Group has made during 2014 and 2013. |
| (2) | This concept corresponds to the absorption of non-operating losses (NOL’s) determined by the company at year end, which must be imputed or recorded in the Retained Taxable Profits Registry (FUT). |
In accordance with the laws in force and as provided by article 31 No. 3 of the Income Tax Law, when profits recorded in the FUT that have not been withdrawn or distributed are totally or partially absorbed by NOL’s, the corporate tax paid on such profits (21%, 20% or 17%, depending on the year in which profits were generated) will be considered to be a provisional payment with respect to the portion representing the absorbed accumulated tax profits.
Tax payers are entitled to apply for a refund of this monthly provisional income tax payments on the absorbed profits recorded in the FUT registry via their tax returns (Form 22).
Therefore, the provisional payment for absorbed profits (PPAP) recorded in the FUT is in effect a recoverable tax, and as such the Company records it as an asset.
| 28.2 | Current tax liabilities | |
| Current tax liabilities | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| 1st Category income tax | 2,425 | 21,466 | ||||||
| Foreign company income tax | 26,539 | 10,113 | ||||||
| Article 21 single tax | 19 | 128 | ||||||
| Total | 28,983 | 31,707 | ||||||
Income tax is calculated based on the profit or loss for tax purposes that is applied to the effective tax rate applicable in Chile. As established by Law No.20.780, an income tax rate of 21% was set starting from 2014, a rate of 22.5% for 2015 and a rate of 24% for 2016; beginning in 2017, the rate will range between 25% and 27% depending on the taxation system selected by the system, Attributed Income System or Partially-Integrated Taxation System.
| 266 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 28 Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)
28.2 Current tax liabilities, continued
The provision for royalty is determined by applying the tax rate determined for the net operating income (NOI).
In conclusion, both concepts represent the estimated amount the Company will have to pay for income tax and specific tax on mining.
| 28.3 | Tax earnings |
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company and its subsidiaries have recorded the following consolidated balances for retained tax earnings, income not constituting revenue subject to income tax, accumulated tax losses and credit for shareholders:
| 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | |||||||
| Taxable profits with credit rights (1) | 1,160,329 | 1,321,643 | ||||||
| Taxable profits without credit right(1) | 62,621 | 90,628 | ||||||
| Taxable loss | 7,396 | 7,425 | ||||||
| Credit for shareholders | 268,901 | 321,006 | ||||||
The Retained Taxable Profits Registry (FUT) is a chronological registry where the profits generated and distributed by the company are recorded. The object of the FUT is to control the accumulated tax profits of the company that may be distributed, withdrawn or remitted to the owners, shareholders or partners, and the final taxes that must be imposed, called in Chile Global Aggregate Tax (that levies persons resident or domiciled in Chile), or Withholding Tax (that levies persons “not” resident or domiciled in Chile).
The FUT Register contains profits with credit rights and profits without credit rights, which arise out of the inclusion of the net taxable income determined by the company or the profits received by the company that may be dividends received or withdrawals made during the period.
Profits without credit rights represent the tax payable by the company within the year and filed the following year, therefore they will be deducted from the FUT Registry the following year.
Profits with credit rights may be used to reduce the final tax burden of owners, shareholders or partners, which upon withdrawal are entitled to use the credits associated with the relevant profits.
In summary, companies use the FUT Registry to maintain control over the profits they generate that have not been distributed to the owners and the relevant credits associated with such profits.
28.4 Income tax and deferred taxes
Assets and liabilities recognized in the statement of financial position are offset if and only if:
| 1 | The Company has legally recognized before the right the tax authority to offset the amounts recognized in these entries; and |
| 2 | Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are derived from income tax related to the same tax authority on: |
| (i) | the same entity or tax subject; or |
| (ii) | different entities or tax subjects who intend either to settle current fiscal assets and liabilities for their net amount, or to realize assets and pay liabilities simultaneously in each of the future periods in which the Company expects to settle or recover significant amounts of deferred tax assets or liabilities. |
| 267 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 28 Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)
28.4 Income tax and deferred taxes, continued
Deferred income tax assets recognized are the income taxes that are to be recovered in future periods, related to:
| a) | deductible temporary differences; |
| b) | the offset of losses obtained in prior periods and not yet subject to tax deduction; and |
| c) | the offset of unused credits from prior periods. |
The Company recognizes a deferred tax asset when there is certainty that these can be offset with tax income from subsequent periods, losses or fiscal credits not yet used, but solely as long as it is more likely than not that there will be tax earnings in the future against which to charge to these losses or unused fiscal credits.
Deferred tax liabilities recognized refer to the amounts of income taxes payable in future periods related to taxable temporary differences.
| d.1 | Income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 are detailed as follows: |
| Net position, assets | Net position, liabilities | |||||||||||||||
| Assets | Liabilities | Assets | Liabilities | |||||||||||||
| Description of deferred income tax assets and liabilities | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation | 27 | - | - | 233,889 | ||||||||||||
| Doubtful accounts impairment | 40 | - | 6,715 | - | ||||||||||||
| Accrued vacations | - | - | 3,735 | - | ||||||||||||
| Manufacturing expenses | - | - | - | 81,650 | ||||||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) from sales of products | - | - | 83,355 | - | ||||||||||||
| Fair value of bonds | - | - | 350 | - | ||||||||||||
| Severance indemnity | - | - | - | 5,950 | ||||||||||||
| Hedging | - | - | 5,512 | - | ||||||||||||
| Inventory of products, spare parts and supplies | 49 | - | 24,583 | - | ||||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | - | - | - | 4,285 | ||||||||||||
| Tax losses | - | - | 715 | - | ||||||||||||
| Capitalized interest | - | - | - | 26,904 | ||||||||||||
| Expenses in assumption of bank loans | - | - | - | 4,011 | ||||||||||||
| Unaccrued interest | - | - | 150 | - | ||||||||||||
| Fair value of property, plant and equipment | - | - | 70 | - | ||||||||||||
| Employee benefits | - | - | 2,450 | - | ||||||||||||
| Royalty deferred income taxes | - | - | - | 7,791 | ||||||||||||
| Acquisition of intangible assets | - | - | - | 235 | ||||||||||||
| Provision for lawsuits and legal expenses | - | - | 3,663 | - | ||||||||||||
| Provision for investment plan | - | - | 8,946 | - | ||||||||||||
| Provision of fines and crushing site closure | - | - | 1,654 | - | ||||||||||||
| Other | 224 | - | - | 532 | ||||||||||||
| Balance to date | 340 | - | 141,898 | 365,247 | ||||||||||||
| Net balance | 340 | - | - | 223,349 | ||||||||||||
| 268 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 28 Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)
| 28.4 | Income tax and deferred taxes, continued |
| d.2 | Income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013 are detailed as follows |
| Net position, assets | Net position, liabilities | |||||||||||||||
| Assets | Liabilities | Assets | Liabilities | |||||||||||||
| Description of deferred income tax assets and liabilities | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation | - | - | - | 162,378 | ||||||||||||
| Doubtful accounts impairment | - | - | 7,030 | - | ||||||||||||
| Accrued vacations | - | - | 3,566 | - | ||||||||||||
| Manufacturing expenses | - | - | - | 66,759 | ||||||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) from sales of products | - | - | 84,711 | - | ||||||||||||
| Fair value of bonds | - | - | 661 | - | ||||||||||||
| Severance indemnity | - | - | - | 4,628 | ||||||||||||
| Hedging | - | - | - | 5,261 | ||||||||||||
| Inventory of products, spare parts and supplies | 1 | - | 20,828 | - | ||||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | - | - | - | 7,018 | ||||||||||||
| Tax losses | - | - | 468 | - | ||||||||||||
| Capitalized interest | - | - | - | 21,759 | ||||||||||||
| Expenses in assumption of bank loans | - | - | - | 2,917 | ||||||||||||
| Unaccrued interest | - | - | 39 | - | ||||||||||||
| Fair value of property, plant and equipment | - | - | - | 603 | ||||||||||||
| Employee benefits | - | - | 381 | - | ||||||||||||
| Royalty deferred income taxes | - | - | - | 7,923 | ||||||||||||
| Purchase of intangible assets | - | - | - | 235 | ||||||||||||
| Provision for lawsuits and legal expenses | - | - | 1,878 | - | ||||||||||||
| Provision for investment plan | - | - | 4,225 | - | ||||||||||||
| Provision of fines and crushing site closure | - | - | 1,600 | - | ||||||||||||
| Other | 530 | - | - | 201 | ||||||||||||
| Balance to date | 531 | - | 125,387 | 279,682 | ||||||||||||
| Net balance | 531 | - | - | 154,295 | ||||||||||||
| 269 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 28 Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)
| 28.4 | Income tax and deferred taxes, continued |
| d.3 | Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liabilities (assets) as of December 31, 2014 |
| Deferred tax liabilities (assets) at the beginning of the period | Deferred tax expense (income) recognized in profit or loss | Deferred tax related to items credited (debited) directly to equity | Total increase (decrease) of deferred tax liabilities (assets) | Deferred tax liabilities (assets) at the end of the period | ||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation | 162,378 | 18,037 | 53,447 | 71,484 | 233,862 | |||||||||||||||
| Doubtful accounts impairment | (7,030 | ) | 2,534 | (2,259 | ) | 275 | (6,755 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Accrued vacations | (3,566 | ) | 239 | (408 | ) | (169 | ) | (3,735 | ) | |||||||||||
| Manufacturing expenses | 66,759 | 6,630 | 8,261 | 14,891 | 81,650 | |||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) from sales of products | (84,711 | ) | 11,007 | (9,651 | ) | 1,356 | (83,355 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Fair value of bonds | (661 | ) | - | 311 | 311 | (350 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Severance indemnity | 4,628 | (214 | ) | 1,536 | 1,322 | 5,950 | ||||||||||||||
| Hedging | 5,261 | (11,038 | ) | 265 | (10,773 | ) | (5,512 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Inventory of products, spare parts and supplies | (20,829 | ) | 1,155 | (4,958 | ) | (3,803 | ) | (24,632 | ) | |||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | 7,018 | (2,808 | ) | 75 | (2,733 | ) | 4,285 | |||||||||||||
| Capitalized interest | 21,759 | (2,032 | ) | 7,177 | 5,145 | 26,904 | ||||||||||||||
| Expenses in assumption of bank loans | 2,917 | 206 | 888 | 1,094 | 4,011 | |||||||||||||||
| Unaccrued interest | (39 | ) | (111 | ) | - | (111 | ) | (150 | ) | |||||||||||
| Fair value of property, plant and equipment | 603 | (86 | ) | (587 | ) | (673 | ) | (70 | ) | |||||||||||
| Employee benefits | (381 | ) | (1,901 | ) | (168 | ) | (2,069 | ) | (2,450 | ) | ||||||||||
| Royalty deferred income taxes | 7,923 | (132 | ) | - | (132 | ) | 7,791 | |||||||||||||
| Unused tax losses | (468 | ) | (247 | ) | - | (247 | ) | (715 | ) | |||||||||||
| Purchase of intangible assets | 235 | - | - | - | 235 | |||||||||||||||
| Provision for lawsuits and legal expenses | (1,878 | ) | (1,785 | ) | - | (1,785 | ) | (3,663 | ) | |||||||||||
| Provision for investment plan | (4,225 | ) | (2,532 | ) | (2,189 | ) | (4,721 | ) | (8,946 | ) | ||||||||||
| Provision of fines and crushing site closure | (1,600 | ) | (54 | ) | - | (54 | ) | (1,654 | ) | |||||||||||
| Other ID | (329 | ) | (239 | ) | 876 | 637 | 308 | |||||||||||||
| Total temporary differences, losses and unused fiscal credits | 153,764 | 16,629 | 52,616 | 69,245 | 223,009 | |||||||||||||||
During the period ended December 31, 2014, the Company calculated and accounted for taxable income considering a rate of 21% for commercial year 2014 in conformity with Law No. 20.780, Tax Reform, published in the Official Gazette on September 29, 2014.
The main amendments include a gradual increase in the corporate income tax rate up to 27% starting from 2018 for taxpayers who apply the “partially-integrated taxation system.” The maximum rate would be 25% starting from 2017 if the Company opts to use the “Attributed Income Taxation System.”
Such Law establishes that because SQM S.A. is openly-held shareholders’ corporations, in general the “Partially-integrated taxation system” is applicable, unless the Company opts to use the “Attributed Income Taxation System” as agreed by the shareholders at an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting in the future.
With respect to deferred taxes, the Company considered the provisions of Circular No. 856 issued by the Chilean Superintendence of Securities and Insurance, which requires that differences associated with deferred tax assets and liabilities generated as direct effect of an increase in the corporate income tax rate, should be accounted for in the related period against equity. The amount charged to equity for such concept was ThUS$52,304.
| 270 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 28 Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)
| 28.4 | Income tax and deferred taxes, continued |
| d.4 | Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liabilities (assets) as of December 31, 2013 |
| Deferred tax liabilities (assets) at the beginning of the period | Deferred tax expense (income) recognized in profit or loss | Deferred tax related to items credited (debited) directly to equity | Total increase (decrease) of deferred tax liabilities (assets) | Deferred tax liabilities (assets) at the end of the period | ||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation | 145,251 | 17,127 | - | 17,127 | 162,378 | |||||||||||||||
| Doubtful accounts impairment | (5,807 | ) | (1,223 | ) | - | (1,223 | ) | (7,030 | ) | |||||||||||
| Accrued vacations | (3,971 | ) | 405 | - | 405 | (3,566 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Manufacturing expenses | 60,160 | 6,599 | - | 6,599 | 66,759 | |||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) from sales of products | (105,879 | ) | 21,168 | - | 21,168 | (84,711 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Fair value of bonds | (3,684 | ) | - | 3,023 | 3,023 | (661 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Severance indemnity | 4,483 | 145 | - | 145 | 4,628 | |||||||||||||||
| Hedging | 22,890 | (17,629 | ) | - | (17,629 | ) | 5,261 | |||||||||||||
| Inventory of products, spare parts and supplies | (15,027 | ) | (5,802 | ) | - | (5,802 | ) | (20,829 | ) | |||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | 4,917 | 2,101 | - | 2,101 | 7,018 | |||||||||||||||
| Capitalized interest | 20,449 | 1,310 | - | 1,310 | 21,759 | |||||||||||||||
| Expenses in assumption of bank loans | 2,243 | 674 | - | 674 | 2,917 | |||||||||||||||
| Unaccrued interest | (215 | ) | 176 | - | 176 | (39 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Fair value of property, plant and equipment | 2,743 | (2,140 | ) | - | (2,140 | ) | 603 | |||||||||||||
| Employee benefits | (2,027 | ) | 1,646 | - | 1,646 | (381 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Royalty deferred income taxes | 8,430 | (507 | ) | - | (507 | ) | 7,923 | |||||||||||||
| Unused tax losses | (1,509 | ) | 1,041 | - | 1,041 | (468 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Purchase of intangible assets | - | 235 | - | 235 | 235 | |||||||||||||||
| Provision for lawsuits and legal expenses | (1,823 | ) | (55 | ) | - | (55 | ) | (1,878 | ) | |||||||||||
| Provision for investment plan | (2,487 | ) | (1,738 | ) | - | (1,738 | ) | (4,225 | ) | |||||||||||
| Provision of fines and crushing site closure | (745 | ) | (855 | ) | - | (855 | ) | (1,600 | ) | |||||||||||
| Other | (3,170 | ) | 2,841 | - | 2,841 | (329 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Total temporary differences, losses and unused fiscal credits | 125,222 | 25,519 | 3,023 | 28,542 | 153,764 | |||||||||||||||
| d.5 | Deferred taxes related to benefits for tax losses |
The Company’s tax loss carryforwards (NOL carryforwards) were mainly generated by losses in Chile, which in accordance with current Chilean tax regulations have no expiration date.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, tax loss carryforwards (NOL carryforwards) are detailed as follows:
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Chile | 715 | 468 | ||||||
| Total | 715 | 468 | ||||||
Tax losses as of December 31, correspond mainly to Servicios Integrales de Tránsitos y Transferencias S.A., Exploraciones Mineras S.A. and Isapre Norte Grande Ltda.
| 271 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 28 Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)
| 28.4 | Income tax and deferred taxes, continued |
| d.6 | Unrecognized deferred income tax assets and liabilities |
Unrecognized deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Assets (liabilities) | Assets (liabilities) | |||||||
| Tax losses (NOL’s) | 139 | 139 | ||||||
| Doubtful accounts impairment | 81 | 81 | ||||||
| Inventory impairment | 1,020 | 1,020 | ||||||
| Pensions plan | (536 | ) | (536 | ) | ||||
| Accrued vacations | 29 | 29 | ||||||
| Depreciation | (57 | ) | (57 | ) | ||||
| Other | (19 | ) | (19 | ) | ||||
| Balances to date | 657 | 657 | ||||||
Tax losses mainly relate to the United States, and they expire in 20 years.
| d.7 | Movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities |
Movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are detailed as follows:
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Liabilities (assets) | Liabilities (assets) | |||||||
| Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance | 153,764 | 125,222 | ||||||
| Increase (decrease) in deferred taxes in profit or loss | 16,629 | 25,519 | ||||||
| Increase (decrease) in deferred taxes in equity | 52,616 | 3,023 | ||||||
| Balances to date | 223,009 | 153,764 | ||||||
| 272 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 28 Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)
| 28.4 | Income tax and deferred taxes, continued |
| d.8 | Disclosures on income tax expense (income) |
The Company recognizes current tax and deferred taxes as income or expenses, and they are included in profit or loss, unless they arise from:
| (a) | a transaction or event recognized in the same period or in a different period, outside profit or loss either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity; or |
| (b) | a business combination |
Current and deferred tax expenses (income) are detailed as follows:
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Income (expenses) | Income (expenses) | |||||||
| Current income tax expense | ||||||||
| Current income tax expense | (94,796 | ) | (113,326 | ) | ||||
| Adjustments to prior year current income tax | 3,043 | 305 | ||||||
| Current income tax expense, net, total | (91,753 | ) | (113,021 | ) | ||||
| Deferred tax expense | ||||||||
| Deferred tax expense (income) relating to the creation and reversal of temporary differences | (16,629 | ) | (25,518 | ) | ||||
| Deferred tax expense, net, total | (16,629 | ) | (25,518 | ) | ||||
| Tax expense (income) | (108,382 | ) | (138,539 | ) | ||||
Tax expenses (income) for foreign and domestic parties are detailed as follows:
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Income (expenses) | Income (expenses) | |||||||
| Current income tax expense by foreign and domestic parties, net | ||||||||
| Current income tax expense, foreign parties, net | (7,761 | ) | (8,267 | ) | ||||
| Current income tax expense, domestic, net | (83,992 | ) | (104,769 | ) | ||||
| Current income tax expense, net, total | (91,753 | ) | (113,036 | ) | ||||
| Deferred tax expense by foreign and domestic parties, net | ||||||||
| Deferred tax expense, foreign parties, net | (138 | ) | 492 | |||||
| Deferred tax expense, domestic, net | (16,491 | ) | (25,995 | ) | ||||
| Deferred tax expense, net, total | (16,629 | ) | (25,503 | ) | ||||
| Income tax expense | (108,382 | ) | (138,539 | ) | ||||
| 273 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 28 Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)
| 28.4 | Income tax and deferred taxes, continued |
| d.9 | Equity interest in taxation attributable to equity-accounted investees |
The Company does not recognize any deferred tax liability in all cases of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, branches and associated companies or interest in joint ventures, because as indicated in the standard, the following two conditions are jointly met:
| (a) | the parent, investor or interest holder is able to control the time for reversal of the temporary difference; and |
| (b) | It is more likely than not that the temporary difference is not reversed in the foreseeable future. |
In addition, the Company does not recognize deferred income tax assets for all deductible temporary differences from investments in subsidiaries, branches and associated companies or interests in joint ventures because it is not possible to meet for the following requirements:
(a) Temporary differences are reversed in a foreseeable future; and
(b) The Company has tax earnings, against which temporary differences can be used.
| d.10 | Disclosures on the tax effects of other comprehensive income components: |
| Income tax related to other income and expense components with a charge or credit to net equity | Amount before taxes (expense) gain | (Expense) income for income taxes | Amount after taxes | |||||||||
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2014 | ||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||
| Cash flow hedge | 1,638 | (311 | ) | 1,327 | ||||||||
| Total | 1,638 | (311 | ) | 1,327 | ||||||||
| Income tax related to components of other income and expense with a charge or credit to net equity | Amount before taxes (expense) gain | (Expense) income for income taxes | Amount after taxes | |||||||||
| 12/31/2014 | 31/12/2013 | 31/12/2013 | ||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||
| Cash flow hedge | 15,113 | (3,023 | ) | 12,090 | ||||||||
| Total | 15,113 | (3,023 | ) | 12,090 | ||||||||
| d.11 | Explanation of the relationship between expense (income) for tax purposes and accounting income. |
In accordance with paragraph No. 81, letter c) of IAS 12, the Company has estimated that the method that discloses more significant information for the users of its financial statements is the reconciliation of tax expense (income) to the result of multiplying income for accounting purposes by the tax rate in force in Chile. This option is based on the fact that the Parent and its subsidiaries incorporated in Chile generate almost the total amount of tax expense (income) and the fact that amounts of subsidiaries incorporated in foreign countries have no relevant significance within the context of the total amount of tax expense (income).
| 274 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 28 Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)
| 28.4 | Income tax and deferred taxes, continued |
Reconciliation of numbers in income tax expenses (income) and the result of multiplying financial gain by the rate prevailing in Chile.
| Income (expense) | ||||||||
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Consolidated income before taxes | 412,152 | 613,109 | ||||||
| Income tax rate in force in Chile | 21 | % | 20 | % | ||||
| Tax expense using the legal rate | (86,552 | ) | (122,622 | ) | ||||
| Effect of royalty tax expense | (7,583 | ) | (10,277 | ) | ||||
| Tax effect of non-taxable revenue | 5,420 | 5,669 | ||||||
| Effect of taxable rate of non-deductible expenses for determination of taxable income (loss) | (1,897 | ) | (1,955 | ) | ||||
| Tax effect of tax rates supported abroad | (4,050 | ) | (2,268 | ) | ||||
| Other tax effects from the reconciliation between the accounting income and tax expense (income) | (13,720 | ) | (7,086 | ) | ||||
| Tax expense using the effective rate | (108,382 | ) | (138,539 | ) | ||||
| d.12 | Tax periods potentially subject to verification: |
The Group’s Companies are potentially subject to income tax audits by tax authorities in each country. These audits are limited to a number of interim tax periods, which, in general, when they elapse, give rise to the expiration of these inspections.
Tax audits, due to their nature, are often complex and may require several years. Below, we provide a summary of tax periods that are potentially subject to verification, in accordance with tax regulations in force in the country of origin:
Chile
According to article 200 of Decree Law No. 830, the tax authority shall review for any deficiencies in its settlement and taxes turn giving rise, by applying a requirement of 3 years term from the expiration of the legal deadline when payment should have been made. Besides, this requirement was extended to 6 years term for the revision of taxes subject to declaration, when such declaration was not been filed or has been presented maliciously false.
United States
In the United States, the tax authority may review tax returns for up to 3 years from the expiration date of the tax return. In the event that an omission or error is detected in the tax return of sales or cost of sales, the review can be extended for a period of up to 6 years.
Mexico:
In Mexico, the tax authority can review tax returns up to 5 years from the expiration date of the tax return.
Spain:
In Spain, the tax authority can review tax returns up to 4 years from the expiration date of the tax return.
| 275 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 28 Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)
| 28.4 | Income tax and deferred taxes, continued |
Belgium:
In Belgium, the tax authority may review tax returns for up to 3 years from the expiration date of the tax return if no tax losses exist. In the event of detecting an omission or error in the tax return, the review can be extended for a period of up to 5 years.
South Africa:
In South Africa, the tax authority may review tax returns for up to 3 years from the expiration date of the tax return. In the event an omission or error in the tax return is detected, the review can be extended for a period of up to 5 years.
| 276 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 29 Disclosures on the effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates
Assets held in foreign currency subject to fluctuations in exchange rates are detailed as follows:
| Class of assets | Currency | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | |||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | ARS | 12 | - | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | BRL | 29 | 73 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | CLP | 6,355 | 25,391 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | CNY | 769 | 384 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | EUR | 10,449 | 9,230 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | GBP | 5 | 14 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | IDR | 4 | 4 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | INR | 12 | 7 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | MXN | 736 | 428 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | PEN | 1 | 2 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | THB | 2,055 | 2,161 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | YEN | 1,701 | 1,435 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | ZAR | 4,046 | 7,229 | |||||||
| Subtotal cash and cash equivalents | 26,174 | 46,358 | ||||||||
| Other current financial assets | CLF | 60,153 | - | |||||||
| Other current financial assets | CLP | 255,045 | 108,892 | |||||||
| Subtotal other current financial assets | 315,198 | 108,892 | ||||||||
| Other current non-financial assets | ARS | 22 | 21 | |||||||
| Other current non-financial assets | AUD | - | 95 | |||||||
| Other current non-financial assets | BRL | 2 | 1 | |||||||
| Other current non-financial assets | CLF | 59 | 75 | |||||||
| Other current non-financial assets | CLP | 20,985 | 25,814 | |||||||
| Other current non-financial assets | CNY | 101 | 33 | |||||||
| Other current non-financial assets | EUR | 5,594 | 5,383 | |||||||
| Other current non-financial assets | AED | - | - | |||||||
| Other current non-financial assets | INR | - | - | |||||||
| Other current non-financial assets | MXN | 1,503 | 793 | |||||||
| Other current non-financial assets | PEN | - | 3 | |||||||
| Other current non-financial assets | THB | 42 | 13 | |||||||
| Other current non-financial assets | ZAR | 972 | 801 | |||||||
| Subtotal other current non-financial assets | 29,280 | 33,032 | ||||||||
| Trade and other receivables | ARS | - | - | |||||||
| Trade and other receivables | AUD | - | - | |||||||
| Trade and other receivables | BRL | 29 | 32 | |||||||
| Trade and other receivables | CLF | 1,174 | 507 | |||||||
| Trade and other receivables | CLP | 80,240 | 50,112 | |||||||
| Trade and other receivables | CNY | 2,368 | 9 | |||||||
| Trade and other receivables | EUR | 24,496 | 31,975 | |||||||
| Trade and other receivables | GBP | 269 | 261 | |||||||
| Trade and other receivables | MXN | 322 | 240 | |||||||
| Trade and other receivables | PEN | 88 | 92 | |||||||
| Trade and other receivables | THB | 4,713 | 1,823 | |||||||
| Trade and other receivables | INR | - | - | |||||||
| Trade and other receivables | ZAR | 18,162 | 14,742 | |||||||
| Subtotal trade and other receivables | 131,861 | 99,793 | ||||||||
| Receivables from related parties | AED | 379 | 379 | |||||||
| Receivables from related parties | CLP | 87 | 517 | |||||||
| Receivables from related parties | EUR | 1,360 | 845 | |||||||
| Receivables from related parties | THB | 1,506 | - | |||||||
| Receivables from related parties | CNY | 105 | - | |||||||
| Receivables from related parties | YEN | 206 | 197 | |||||||
| Receivables from related parties | ZAR | 3,771 | 9,157 | |||||||
| Subtotal receivables from related parties | 7,414 | 11,095 | ||||||||
| 277 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 29 Disclosures on the effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (continued)
| Class of assets | Currency | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | |||||||
| Current tax assets | AUD | - | - | |||||||
| Current tax assets | CLP | 1,803 | 1,033 | |||||||
| Current tax assets | EUR | 68 | 75 | |||||||
| Current tax assets | ZAR | - | - | |||||||
| Current tax assets | MXN | 1,122 | 230 | |||||||
| Current tax assets | PEN | 253 | 267 | |||||||
| Subtotal current tax assets | 3,246 | 1,605 | ||||||||
| Non-current assets | ||||||||||
| Other non-current financial assets | BRL | - | 27 | |||||||
| Other non-current financial assets | CLP | 20 | 20 | |||||||
| Other non-current financial assets | YEN | 39 | 45 | |||||||
| Subtotal other non-current financial assets | 59 | 92 | ||||||||
| Other non-current non-financial assets | BRL | 170 | 191 | |||||||
| Other non-current non-financial assets | CLP | 727 | 758 | |||||||
| Subtotal other non-current non-financial assets | 897 | 949 | ||||||||
| Non-current right receivable | CLF | 1,028 | 465 | |||||||
| Non-current right receivable | CLP | 1,016 | 818 | |||||||
| Subtotal non-current rights receivable | 2,044 | 1,283 | ||||||||
| Equity-accounted investees | AED | 19,459 | 24,215 | |||||||
| Equity-accounted investees | CLP | 1,159 | 1,649 | |||||||
| Equity-accounted investees | IDR | - | 802 | |||||||
| Equity-accounted investees | EUR | 8,004 | 7,924 | |||||||
| Equity-accounted investees | INR | 754 | - | |||||||
| Equity-accounted investees | THB | 2,038 | 1,876 | |||||||
| Equity-accounted investees | TRY | 14,956 | 15,336 | |||||||
| Subtotal equity-accounted investees | 46,370 | 51,802 | ||||||||
| Intangible assets other than goodwill | CLP | 402 | 507 | |||||||
| Intangible assets other than goodwill | CNY | 1 | 3 | |||||||
| Subtotal intangible assets other than goodwill | 403 | 510 | ||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | CLP | 4,240 | 5,633 | |||||||
| Subtotal property, plant and equipment | 4,240 | 5,633 | ||||||||
| Total non-current assets | 54,013 | 60,269 | ||||||||
| Total assets | 567,186 | 361,044 | ||||||||
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Note 29 Disclosures on the effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (continued)
Liabilities held in foreign currencies are detailed as follows:
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class of liability | Currency | Up to90 days
ThUS$ | 91 days to
1 year ThUS$ | Total ThUS$ | Up to90 days
ThUS$ | 91 days to 1 year ThUS$ | Total ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other current financial liabilities | CLF | 4,822 | 6,329 | 11,151 | 1,455 | 77,866 | 79,321 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other current financial liabilities | CLP | - | - | - | - | 141,704 | 141,704 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal other current financial liabilities | 4,822 | 6,329 | 11,151 | 1,455 | 219,570 | 221,025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables | ARS | - | - | - | 3 | - | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables | BRL | 52 | - | 52 | 64 | - | 64 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables | CHF | 1 | - | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables | CLP | 67,326 | 3,163 | 70,489 | 55,785 | 26,224 | 82,009 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables | CNY | 2,622 | - | 2,622 | 117 | - | 117 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables | EUR | 10,442 | - | 10,442 | 18,654 | - | 18,654 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables | GBP | 14 | - | 14 | 6 | - | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables | INR | 1 | - | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables | MXN | 20 | - | 20 | 485 | - | 485 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables | PEN | 6 | - | 6 | 3 | - | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trade and other payables | ZAR | 1,470 | - | 1,470 | 2,517 | - | 2,517 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal trade and other payables | 81,954 | 3,163 | 85,117 | 77,636 | 26,224 | 103,860 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other current provisions | ARS | - | - | - | 62 | - | 62 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other current provisions | BRL | 524 | 13 | 537 | 821 | 595 | 1,416 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other current provisions | CLP | 9 | - | 9 | 6 | - | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other current provisions | EUR | 6 | - | 6 | 7 | - | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other current provisions | INR | - | - | - | 1 | - | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal other current provisions | 539 | 13 | 552 | 897 | 595 | 1,492 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Current tax liabilities | CLP | - | - | - | - | 33 | 33 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Current tax liabilities | EUR | - | 1,544 | 1,544 | - | 1,553 | 1,553 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Current tax liabilities | MXN | - | 896 | 896 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal current tax liabilities | - | 2,440 | 2,440 | - | 1,586 | 1,586 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Current provisions for employee benefits | CLP | - | - | - | 24,172 | - | 24,172 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Current provisions for employee benefits | MXN | - | - | - | 156 | - | 156 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal current provisions for employee benefits | - | - | - | 24,328 | - | 24,328 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Note 29 Disclosures on the effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (continued)
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class of liability | Currency | Up to 90 days ThUS$ | over 90 days to 1 year ThUS$ | Total ThUS$ | Up to90 days
ThUS$ | Over 90 days to 1 year ThUS$ | Total ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other current non-financial liabilities | BRL | 18 | - | 18 | 55 | - | 55 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other current non-financial liabilities | CLP | 5,557 | 2,158 | 7,715 | 7,055 | 19,922 | 26,977 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other current non-financial liabilities | CNY | - | - | - | 18 | - | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other current non-financial liabilities | EUR | 546 | - | 546 | 2,442 | - | 2,442 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other current non-financial liabilities | MXN | 1,479 | 62 | 1,541 | 720 | 62 | 782 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other current non-financial liabilities | AUD | 70 | - | 70 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other current non-financial liabilities | PEN | - | - | - | 70 | - | 70 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other current non-financial liabilities | THD | 4 | - | 4 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other current non-financial liabilities | ZAR | 37 | - | 37 | 8 | - | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal other current non-financial liabilities | 7,711 | 2,220 | 9,931 | 10,368 | 19,984 | 30,352 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 95,026 | 14,165 | 109,191 | 114,684 | 267,959 | 382,643 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Note 29 Disclosures on the effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (continued)
| 12/31/2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class of liability | Currency | 1 to 2 years ThUS$ | 2 to 3 years ThUS$ | 3 to 4 years ThUS$ | 4 to 5 years
ThUS$ | Over 5 years ThUS$ | Total ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other non-current financial liabilities | CLF | 6,088 | 46,524 | 6,088 | 6,088 | 262,761 | 327,549 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other non-current financial liabilities | CLP | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal other non-current financial liabilities | 6,088 | 46,524 | 6,088 | 6,088 | 262,761 | 327,549 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | CLP | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | MXN | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal deferred tax liabilities | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current provisions for employee benefits | CLP | - | - | - | - | 1,793 | 1,793 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current provisions for employee benefits | MXN | - | - | - | - | 115 | 115 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current provisions for employee benefits | YEN | - | - | - | - | 449 | 449 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal non-current provisions for employee benefits | - | - | - | - | 2,357 | 2,357 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total non-current liabilities | 6,088 | 46,524 | 6,088 | 6,088 | 265,118 | 329,906 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class of liability | Currency | 1 to 2 years ThUS$ | 2 to 3 years ThUS$ | 3 to 4 years ThUS$ | 4 to 5 years
ThUS$ | Over 5 years ThUS$ | Total ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other non-current financial liabilities | CLF | 6,471 | 6,488 | 50,648 | 6,521 | 293,841 | 363,969 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other non-current financial liabilities | CLP | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal other non-current financial liabilities | 6,471 | 6,488 | 50,648 | 6,521 | 293,841 | 363,969 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | CLP | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | MXN | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal deferred tax liabilities | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current provisions for employee benefits | CLP | - | - | - | - | 28,532 | 28,532 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current provisions for employee benefits | MXN | - | - | - | - | 131 | 131 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current provisions for employee benefits | YEN | - | - | - | - | 494 | 494 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Subtotal non-current provisions for employee benefits | - | - | - | - | 29,157 | 29,157 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total non-current liabilities | 6,471 | 6,488 | 50,648 | 6,521 | 322,998 | 393,126 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 281 |
9) Financial Reports
Note 30 Mineral resource exploration and evaluation expenditure
Because of the nature of the operations of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and its subsidiaries and the type of exploration they conduct (which is different than other mining businesses where the exploration process results in significant time), the exploration and process and the definition of the economic feasibility occurs normally within the year. Accordingly, although expenditure is initially capitalized, it could be recognized in profit or loss for the same year should there be no technical and commercial feasibility. This results in having no significant expenditure that have no feasibility study at the end of the year.
Prospecting expenditure can be found in 4 different stages: execution, economically feasible, not economically feasible and under exploitation:
1. Execution: prospecting expenditure which are under execution and accordingly there is no yet a definition as to its economic feasibility are classified in the caption property, plant and equipment. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the balance amounts to ThUS$28,401 and ThUS$ 28,568, respectively.
2. Economically feasible: prospecting expenditure, which upon completion, has been concluded to be economically feasible is classified in the caption non-current assets in other non-current non-financial assets. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the balance amounts to ThUS$ 29,569 and ThUS$ 33,388 respectively.
3. Not economically feasible: Prospecting expenditure, which upon completion it has been concluded that are not economically feasible are recorded in profit or loss: as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the balance amounts to ThUS$2,352 and ThUS$7,064, respectively.
4. Under exploitation: Prospecting expenditure under exploitation is classified in the caption current assets in current inventories. These are amortized considering the exploited material. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the balance amounts to ThUS$2,207 and ThUS$ 630, respectively.
For the amount of capitalized expenditure, the total amount disbursed in exploration and evaluation of mineral resources for the six months ended December 31, 2014 ThUS$9,910, and correspond to non-metallic projects. Such expenditure mainly correspond to studies, either topographical, geological, exploratory drilling, sampling, among others.
With respect to this expenditure, the Company has defined classifying it in accordance with IFRS 6.9:
For exploration expenditure where the mineral has low ore grade that is not economically exploitable, it is debited directly to profit or loss.
If studies determine that the ore grade is economically exploitable, it is classified in other non-current assets in the caption stain development and prospecting expenses and at the time of making the decision for exploiting the zone it is classified in the caption inventories as part of the cost of raw materials required for production purposes.
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9) Financial Reports
Note 31 Events occurred after the reporting date
| 31.1 | Authorization of the financial statements |
The consolidated financial statements of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and subsidiaries prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards for the period ended December 31, 2014 were approved and authorized for issuance by the Board of Directors at their meeting held on March 3, 2015.
| 31.2 | Disclosures on events occurring after the reporting date |
The Company’s Board of Directors held an Extraordinary Meeting on February 26, 2015 to analyze the issues that had been disclosed by the press over the previous few weeks in relation to the investigation performed by the Chilean IRS (Servicio de Impuestos Internos) and the Public Prosecutor's Office. At said Meeting, the Board of Directors agreed to form an ad-hoc committee composed of the directors José María Eyzaguirre B., Juan Antonio Guzmán M. and Wolf von Appen B in order to conduct the appropiate investigation. In said committee, the Board of Directors delegated all the necessary authority to carry out its mandate. The Board authorized the committee to request any external, independent advice they deemed appropriate (in other words, at its discretion). Furthermore, the Directors instructed the committee to, upon the completion of the task, report its conclusions and possible courses of action to the SQM S.A. Directory.
Management was not aware of any other significant events, occurred between December 31, 2014 and the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements, that may affect them significantly.
| 31.3 | Detail of dividends declared after the reporting date |
At the date of these financial statements, there are no dividends declared after the reporting date.
| 283 |
9) Financial Reports
Report of Accounting Inspectors
| 284 |
9) Financial Reports
Reasoned Analysis of the Financial Situation
| 1. | Analysis of the Financial Statements |
| Statement of Financial Position | ||||||||
| (In millions of US$) | As of Dec. 31, | As of Dec. 31, | ||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Total current assets | 2,511.8 | 2,455.0 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 354.6 | 476.6 | ||||||
| Other current financial assets | 670.6 | 460.2 | ||||||
| Accounts receivable(1) | 475.3 | 459.0 | ||||||
| Inventories, current | 919.6 | 955.5 | ||||||
| Other | 91.7 | 103.7 | ||||||
| Total non-current assets | 2,151.8 | 2,312.6 | ||||||
| Other non-current financial assets | 0.4 | 0.1 | ||||||
| Investments in related companies | 75.8 | 77.0 | ||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 1,888.0 | 2,054.4 | ||||||
| Other non-current assets | 187.7 | 181.1 | ||||||
| Total Assets | 4,663.7 | 4,767.6 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 523.7 | 722.6 | ||||||
| Other current financial liabilities | 213.2 | 401.4 | ||||||
| Other | 310.5 | 321.2 | ||||||
| Total non-current liabilities | 1,840.3 | 1,612.7 | ||||||
| Other non-current financial liabilities | 1,574.2 | 1,417.4 | ||||||
| Other | 266.0 | 195.3 | ||||||
| Equity before minority interest | 2,239.8 | 2,376.6 | ||||||
| Minority interest | 59.9 | 55.6 | ||||||
| Total Equity | 2,299.7 | 2,432.2 | ||||||
| Total Liabilities and Equity | 4,663.7 | 4,767.6 | ||||||
| Liquidity (2) | 4.8 | 3.4 | ||||||
| (1) | Trade and other receivables, current + Trade receivables due from related parties, current |
| (2) | Current assets / current liabilities |
| 285 |
9) Financial Reports
| 1.1 | Analysis of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position |
As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s total assets amount to ThUS$4,663,700, representing a decrease of approximately 2% compared with ThUS$4,767,600 as of December 31, 2013. This difference between both periods is mainly due to changes in the following line items:
An increase of approximately 2% in current assets from ThUS$2,455,000 as of December 31, 2013 to ThUS$2,512,000 as of December 31, 2014.
| · | Cash and cash equivalents decreased by ThUS$122,000 (26%) with a closing balance as of December 31, 2014 of ThUS$355,000. The composition of this account is disclosed in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. |
| · | Accounts receivable increased ThUS$16,000 (4%) with a closing balance as of December 31, 2014 of ThUS$475,000. The composition of this account is disclosed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. |
| · | Other current financial assets increased by ThUS$210,000 (46%) with a closing balance as of December 31, 2014 of ThUS$671,000. The composition of this account is disclosed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. |
| · | Inventories, current decreased by ThUS$36,000 (4%) with a closing balance as of December 31 of ThUS$920,000. The composition of this account is disclosed in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. |
Non-current assets decreased by approximately 7% from ThUS$2,312,000 recognized at the end of the prior year to ThUS$2,151,000 for the current quarter.
| · | Property, plant and equipment decreased by ThUS$166.000 (8%) with a closing balance as of December 31 of ThUS$1,888,000. The composition of this account is disclosed in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. |
As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s total liabilities amounted to ThU$2,364,000, representing an increase of approximately 1% compared with ThUS$2,335,000 as of December 31, 2013. Such difference between periods is mainly due to changes in the following line items:
Current liabilities decreased by approximately 28% from ThUS$723,000 recognized at the end of December of the prior year to ThUS$524,000 for the current quarter.
| · | Other current financial liabilities decreased by ThUS$188,000 (47%) with a closing balance as of December 31 of ThUS$213,000. The composition of this account is disclosed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. |
| · | Other current non-financial liabilities decreased by ThUS$5,000 (6%) with a closing balance as of December 31 of ThUS$90,000. The composition of this account is disclosed in Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. |
Non-current liabilities increased by approximately 14% from ThUS$1,613,000 recognized at the prior year-end to ThUS$1,840,000 for the current quarter.
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9) Financial Reports
| · | Other non-current financial liabilities increased by ThUS$157,000 (11%), with a closing balance as of December 31 of ThUS$1,574,000. |
The consolidated financial statements of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and Subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (hereinafter “IFRS”) and represent the full, explicit and unreserved application of IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB). Should there be any discrepancies between IFRS and the standards issued by the Chilean Superintendence of Securities and Insurance (SVS), the latter shall prevail. As of December 31, 2014, the only instruction issued by the SVS which contravenes IFRS refers to the particular recognition of the effect of deferred taxes.
The consolidated financial statements fairly reflect the equity and financial position of the Company and the results of its operations, changes in the statement of profit or loss recognized and cash flows occurred during the year then ended.
The measurement of main assets and liabilities has been performed as follows:
Inventories: The Company measures inventories at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The cost price of finished products and products in progress includes direct costs of materials and; as applicable, labor costs, indirect costs incurred to transform raw materials into finished products and general expenses incurred in carrying inventories to their current location and conditions. The method used to determine the cost of inventories is weighted average cost.
Commercial discounts, rebates obtained and other similar entries are deducted in the determination of the acquisition price.
The net realizable value represents the estimate of the sales price less all finishing estimated costs and costs which will be incurred in commercialization, sales and distribution processes.
The Company conducts an evaluation of the net realizable value of inventories at the end of each year recording an estimate with a charge to income when these are overstated. When the circumstances, which previously caused the rebate ceased to exist, or when there is clear evidence of an increase in the net realizable value due to a change in the economic circumstances or prices of main raw materials, the estimate made previously is modified.
The valuation of obsolete, impaired or slow-moving products relates to their net estimated net realizable value.
Provisions on the Company's inventories have been made based on a technical study which covers the different variables which affect products in stock (density, humidity, among others.)
Raw materials, supplies and materials are recorded at the lower of acquisition cost or market value. Acquisition cost is calculated according to the annual average price method.
Property, plant and equipment: Tangible property, plant and equipment assets are stated at acquisition cost, net of the related accumulated depreciation, amortization and impairment losses that they might have experienced.
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9) Financial Reports
| 1.2 | Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income |
Statement of Comprehensive Income
| (In millions of US$) | Fourth Quarter | Accumulated at Dec. 31 | ||||||||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||
| Revenue | 491.4 | 492.2 | 2,014.2 | 2,203.1 | ||||||||||||
| Specialty plant nutrients | 174.2 | 154.1 | 708.0 | 687.5 | ||||||||||||
| Iodine and derivatives | 72.4 | 102.6 | 335.4 | 461.0 | ||||||||||||
| Lithium and derivatives | 52.4 | 48.1 | 206.8 | 196.5 | ||||||||||||
| Industrial chemicals | 18.9 | 24.6 | 101.9 | 154.0 | ||||||||||||
| Potassium chloride and potassium sulfate | 149.3 | 134.0 | 584.3 | 606.3 | ||||||||||||
| Other revenues | 24.2 | 28.7 | 77.7 | 97.9 | ||||||||||||
| Cost of Sales | (281.3 | ) | (288.4 | ) | (1,179.9 | ) | (1,264.9 | ) | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | (69.7 | ) | (57.5 | ) | (251.3 | ) | (216.8 | ) | ||||||||
| Gross profit | 140.4 | 146.3 | 583.0 | 721.5 | ||||||||||||
| Administrative expenses | (28.7 | ) | (29.1 | ) | (96.5 | ) | (105.2 | ) | ||||||||
| Finance costs | (17.7 | ) | (14.5 | ) | (63.4 | ) | (58.6 | ) | ||||||||
| Finance income | 4.5 | 2.9 | 16.1 | 12.7 | ||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation differences | (4.5 | ) | (0.6 | ) | (16.5 | ) | (12.0 | ) | ||||||||
| Other | 8.4 | (11.4 | ) | (10.5 | ) | 54.7 | ||||||||||
| Profit (loss) for the year before taxes | 102.4 | 93.5 | 412.2 | 613.1 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | (21.3 | ) | (21.5 | ) | (108.4 | ) | (138.5 | ) | ||||||||
| Profit (loss) before minority interest | 81.0 | 72.1 | 303.8 | 474.6 | ||||||||||||
| Minority interest | (3.1 | ) | (3.1 | ) | (7.4 | ) | (7.5 | ) | ||||||||
| Profit for the year | 78.0 | 69.0 | 296.4 | 467.1 | ||||||||||||
| Earnings per share (US$) | 0.30 | 0.26 | 1.13 | 1.77 | ||||||||||||
*Includes other specialty plant nutrients
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9) Financial Reports
1.2.1 Analysis by business area and market changes
Specialty plant nutrition (SPN)
Revenue from the SPN business line for 2014 totaled US$708.0 million representing an increase of 3.0% compared with US$687.5 million for 2013.
Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2014 amounted to US$174.2 million representing a decrease of 3.3% compared with US$154.1 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2013.
The SPN market had a strong growth in demand during 2014 compared with 2013. Such growth in the demand for potassium nitrate for agricultural use exceeded 5% due to growth in North America. We expect demand for potassium nitrate to continue to grow over 5% in 2015.
During 2014, our sales volumes in the specialty plant nutrition line of business increased by 3.6% compared with the sales volume in 2013. Potassium nitrate, our most significant product in this business line grew approximately 5%. In general, potassium nitrate prices are less volatile than prices of other commodity fertilizers such as potassium chloride. Prices in the line of business basically remained unchanged in 2014 compared with 2013.
Gross profit for the SPN segment accounted for approximately 25% of SQM’s consolidated gross profit for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014.
Iodine and derivatives
Revenue from iodine and derivatives in 2014 amounted to US$335.4 million, representing a decrease of 27.2% from US$461.0 million generated in 2013.
Revenues from iodine and derivatives for the fourth quarter of 2014 amounted to US$72.4 million representing a decrease of 29.4% compared with US$102.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2013.
Growth in the iodine market amounted to approximately 3% in 2014, and we believe total market demand amounted to approximately 31,600 metric tons of which SQM had market share of approximately 26%. Demand was led by growth in X ray contrast media and pharmaceutical industry. We expect demand growth of more than 3% in 2015, partly due to lower prices. As expected, iodine market prices experienced significant pressure during 2014 compared with the last few years.
SQM was not immune to such pressure and our prices dropped slightly over 23% in 2014 compared with 2013. Average prices are expected to continue to decrease throughout 2015. We believe we are the lowest cost producer in Chile and, accordingly, the Company is well positioned to deal with this challenging environment.
Our sales volumes in the iodine business line decreased by approximately 5% during the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 compared with the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2013. We expect our sales volumes to increase while we work to recover our share in this market.
Gross profit from the iodine and derivatives segment accounted for approximately 24% of the Company’s consolidated gross profit for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014.
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Lithium and derivatives
Revenues from lithium and derivatives totaled US$206.8 million in 2014 representing an increase of 5.3% compared with US$196.5 million for 2013.
Revenues from lithium and derivatives increased by approximately 8.9% during the fourth quarter of 2014 compared with the fourth quarter of 2013. Total revenues amounted to US$52.4 million during the fourth quarter of 2014 compared with US$48.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2013.
The lithium market continued to grow in 2014, attributable mainly to growth in the rechargeable batteries market. Demand growth reached more than 9%, whereas growth in demand for batteries grew over 14%. During 2014, we continued to be a major player in the lithium carbonate market where our market share was approximately 27%.
During 2014, market prices for lithium carbonate reduced slightly, which was reflected in average prices in this business line, which were almost 4% lower in 2014 compared with 2013. Existing competition is expected to add new supply in 2015, but the demand growth should exceed such new supply and, accordingly, we expect average prices to increase in 2015.
In 2014, our sales volumes in the lithium business line increased by almost 10% compared with 2013. We noted particularly strong sales volumes in the fourth quarter, which was the highest quarter in 2014. In 2015, we expect our sales volumes to remain relatively stable compared with 2014, with sales volumes totaling just below 40,000 metric tons.
Gross profit from the lithium and derivatives segment accounted for approximately 15% of the Company’s consolidated gross profit for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014.
Potassium: Potassium chloride and potassium sulfate (MOP & SOP)
Revenues from potassium chloride and potassium sulfate for 2014 totaled US$584.3 million, an increase of 0.2% compared with US$606.3 million reported in 2013.
Revenues from potassium chloride and potassium sulfate increased by 11.4% in the fourth quarter of 2014 reaching US$149.3 million compared with US$134.0 million reported for the fourth quarter of 2013.
The potassium chloride market had a strong demand in 2014, where it has been estimated that demand reached levels close to 60 million metric tons. We do not expect greater growth in the market during 2015. Market prices increased during the second half of 2014.
We continue to take advantage of our developed distribution network, distributing potassium chloride to customers all over the world. Our main market continues to be Brazil which, in 2014, accounted for approximately one third of our sales of potassium chloride. While certain uncertainty exists with regard to the commodity fertilizers market in 2015, we expect our sales volumes in the potassium chloride market and potassium sulfate market to remain relatively flat in 2015 compared with 2014.
Gross profit from the potassium chloride and potassium sulfate segment accounted for approximately 28% of SQM’s consolidated gross profit for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014.
Industrial chemicals
Revenues from industrial chemicals for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 amounted to US$101.9 million representing a decrease of 33.8% compared with US$154.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.
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Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2014 totaled US$18.9 million representing a decrease of 23.3% compared with US$24.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2013.
The demand for industrial chemicals for traditional applications gas remained relatively stable compared with 2013. Sales volumes of solar salts for the year amounted to slightly more than 22,000 metric tons representing a significant decrease compared with 2013.
With respect to the future, SQM has closed supply agreements of solar salts for over 200,000 metric tons, which will be supplied to four new projects in Africa and Latin America between 2015 and 2017. It is expected that the majority of these volumes be recorded over the last two years of such period. We will continue to pursue new solar salt business in an effort to increase volumes to more than the 200,000 metric tons mentioned above. Prospects in the solar salt market remain positive, and in 2015 sales volumes in this business line are expected to be higher than sales volumes seen in 2014.
Gross profit in the industrial chemicals segment accounted for approximately 7% of SQM’s consolidated gross profit for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014.
Other commodity fertilizers and other revenue
Sales revenues from other commodity fertilizers and other revenues amounted to US$77.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, representing a decrease compared with US$97.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.
Metallic exploration
As part of our ongoing metals exploration program, which takes place within our caliche mining concessions, we continue to develop a program of exploration alliances with third parties, through option contracts. The contracts consider a participation mechanism for us through a minority shareholding and/or royalties on metals sales. We finished the year with 12 contracts in place, two of which were signed during the fourth quarter. Our exploration alliance objectives are to achieve and maintain close to 1 million hectares under option contracts and establish a minimum projected exploration investment of $20 million per year through existing and future exploration alliances.
Direct investment by SQM in the metal exploration program between 2011 and 2013 was approximately US$29 million, including exploration in greenfield areas and other more advanced areas of interest, while a total investment of US$5 million was made in 2014.
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1.2.2 Cost of sales
Cost of sales amounted to ThUS$1,431,242 (71% of revenues) for the period ended December 31, 2014 compared with ThUS$1,481,690 (67% of revenues) recorded during the same period of 2013.
1.2.3 Administrative expenses
Administrative expenses totaled US$96.5 million (4.8% of revenues) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 compared with US$105.2 million (4.8% of revenues) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.
1.2.4 Net finance costs
Net finance costs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 amounted to US$47.2 million compared with US$45.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.
1.2.5 Income tax expense
Durante 2014, income tax expense amounted to US$108.5 million, representing an effective tax rate of 26.3% compared with income tax expense of US$138.5 million during 2013. The corporate income tax rate in Chile was 20% during 2013 and 21% during 2014.
1.2.6 Sources of financing
The financing of capital expenses and working capital requirements has been obtained from net cash from operating activities, corporate loans under revolving credit facilities and issuance of bonds in both the domestic and international markets.
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9) Financial Reports
2. Financial Ratios
| 12-31-2014 | 12-31-2013 | |||
| Liquidity | ||||
| Current ratio | Times | 4.80 | 3.40 | Current assets |
| Current liabilities | ||||
| Acid ratio | Times | 3.04 | 2.08 | (Current assets - Inventories) |
| Current liabilities |
| 12-31-2014 | 12-31-2013 | |||
| Indebtedness | ||||
| Indebtedness ratio | % | 1.06 | 0.98 | Liabilities |
| Equity attributable to owners of the Parent | ||||
| Percentage of short-term debt | % | 22.2 | 30.9 | Current liabilities |
| Total debt | ||||
| Percentage of long-term debt | % | 77.8 | 69.1 | Non-current liabilities |
| Total debt |
| 12-31-2014 | 12-31-2013 | |||
| Assets and Turnover | ||||
| Total assets | MUS$ | 4,664 | 4,767 | |
| Inventory turnover ratio | Times | 1.56 | 1.55 | Cost of salesLTM |
| Inventory | ||||
| Days sales of inventory | Days | 231 | 232 | 360 days |
| Inventory turnover |
| 12-31-2014 | 12-31-2013 | |||
| Profitability | ||||
| Earnings per share | Times | 1.15 | 1.8 | Net incomeLTM |
| Total shares subscribed | ||||
| Return on equity | % | 13.2 | 19.5 | Net incomeLTM |
| Equity | ||||
| Return on assets | % | 13.7 | 16.4 | Net incomeLTM |
| assets |
| 293 |
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3. Analysis of the Statement of Cash Flows
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the composition of cash and cash equivalents is as follows:
| Statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents | 12/31/2014 ThUS$ | 12/31/2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Net cash generated from operating activities | 591,044 | 651,713 | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (311,364 | ) | (487,385 | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (388,035 | ) | (2,285 | ) | ||||
| Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (13,701 | ) | (9,774 | ) | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period | 476,622 | 324,353 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period | 354,566 | 476,622 | ||||||
4. Analysis of market risk
Interest rate: As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s interest-bearing financial liabilities, current and non-current amount to ThUS$1,787,000 and include the following types of financing:
| i. | Interest-bearing bank borrowings at variable interest rate (LIBOR) plus a spread (considering principal owed only): bilateral loans of ThUS$150,000. |
| ii. | Non-current interest-bearing bank borrowings (considering principal owed only): a bilateral loan of ThUS$140,000 at variable interest rate (LIBOR) plus a spread and four bilateral loans of ThUS$120,000 at LIBOR rate plus a spread, the majority of which is at fixed rate through interest rate swap contracts. |
| iii. | Unsecured interest-bearing liabilities, current and non-current (considering principal owed only): a bond denominated in U.S. dollar of ThUS$300,000 at a fixed interest rate of 3.625%, a bond denominated in U.S. dollars of ThUS$ 250,000 at a fixed interest rate of 5.5%, a bond denominated in U.S. dollar of ThUS$250,000 at a fixed interest rate of 4.375%, a bond denominated in U.S. dollar of ThUS$200,000 at a fixed interest rate of 6.125%; a bond denominated in UF (inflation-adjusted unit) for the amount equivalent to ThUS$ 73,100 at a fixed rate in U.S. dollars through a Cross Currency Swap of 5.84%; a bond denominated in UF for the amount equivalent to ThUS$162,400 at fixed rate in U.S. dollars through a Cross Currency Swap, of 4.03%; a bond denominated in UF for the amount equivalent to ThUS$40,600 at fixed rate in U.S. dollars through a Cross Currency Swap of 2.9%; and a bond of UF for the amount equivalent to ThUS$60,900 at a fixed rate in U.S. dollars through a Cross Currency Swap of 3.56%. |
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Despite the fact that approximately 21% of dollarized financial liabilities are at variable rates, approximately 14% is subject to changes and risks that are inherent of international interest rates, particularly the LIBOR rate.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company records ThUS$213,170 as other current financial liabilities and ThUS$1,574,220 as other non-current financial liabilities.
Currency risk: The currency of the Company’s main economic environment is U.S. dollar. However, the global business activities of the Company expose it to the foreign exchange fluctuations of several currencies with respect to the value of the U.S. dollar. Accordingly, SQM has entered into hedge contracts to mitigate the exposure generated by its main mismatches (assets, net of liabilities) in currencies other than the U.S. dollar against the foreign exchange fluctuation. These contracts are updated on a weekly basis depending on the amount of assets and liabilities required to hedge in such currencies.
As of December 31, 2014, to hedge the difference between its assets and liabilities the Company held the following derivative contracts (as the amount of the absolute value of its notional amounts): US$89.5 million in Ch$/US$ derivative contracts, US$31.7 million Euro/US$ derivative contracts, US$25.3 million in South African rand/US$ derivative contracts and US$11.4 million in other currencies.
In addition, the Company held US$334.3 million in derivative contracts to hedge its time deposits investments in Chilean pesos and US$26.8 million in Euro/US$ forward contracts to hedge contract sales price.
To hedge its expected net cash flows in Chilean pesos related to the fertilizer trading business in Chile, as of December 31, 2014 the Company did not hold Ch$/US$ derivative contracts. As of December 31, 2014, to cover its expected net cash flows in euros, the Company held ThUS$65.3 million in euro/US$ derivative contracts.
Commodity price risk: The main commodity consumed by the Company is oil in all its forms. As of the present date, the Company has no hedging contracts for international price changes but it has entered into long-term contracts for energy supply.
The markets in which the Company operates are unpredictable, exposed to significant fluctuations in supply and demand, and high price volatility. Additionally, the supply of certain fertilizers or chemicals, including certain products which the Company trades, varies mainly depending on the production of top producers and their respective business strategies. Accordingly, the Company cannot forecast with certainty changes in demand, responses from competitors or fluctuations in the final price of its products. These factors can lead to significant impacts on the Company’s product sales volumes, financial position and share price.
Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements includes a detailed analysis of risks associated with the Company’s businesses.
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9) b) SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The summary consolidated or individual financial statements of all companies mentioned in SVS General Rule No. 346, Section I, No. 2.1, Letter a.4.2 are provided below. The complete financial statements of such companies are available to the public in our offices and at the offices of the SVS.
SQM Potasio S.A. and Subsidiaries: Summary Consolidated Classified Statements of Financial Position
| Assets | As of December 31, 2014 ThUS$ | As of December 31, 2013 ThUS$ | ||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 130,883 | 183,562 | ||||||
| Trade receivables due from related parties, current | 430,697 | 587,273 | ||||||
| Current inventories | 195,044 | 213,466 | ||||||
| Other current assets | 67,283 | 90,983 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 823,907 | 1,075,284 | ||||||
| Non-current assets | ||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 951,669 | 1,017,578 | ||||||
| Other non-current assets | 83,254 | 86,597 | ||||||
| Total non-current assets | 1,034,923 | 1,104,175 | ||||||
| Total assets | 1,858,830 | 2,179,459 | ||||||
| Liabilities and Equity | ||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||
| Other current financial liabilities | 112,226 | 112,618 | ||||||
| Trade payables due to related parties, current | 160,503 | 381,986 | ||||||
| Other current liabilities | 67,772 | 59,969 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 340,501 | 554,573 | ||||||
| Non-current liabilities | ||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | 182,550 | 129,621 | ||||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 82,511 | 171,762 | ||||||
| Total non-current liabilities | 265,061 | 301,383 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 605,562 | 855,956 | ||||||
| Equity | ||||||||
| Equity attributable to owners of the Parent | 1,077,367 | 1,139,876 | ||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 175,901 | 183,627 | ||||||
| Total equity | 1,253,268 | 1,323,503 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | 1,858,830 | 2,179,459 | ||||||
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SQM Potasio S.A. and Subsidiaries: Summary Consolidated Statements of Income by Function
| January to December | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Revenue | 775,819 | 795,963 | ||||||
| Cost of sales | (514,118 | ) | (492,435 | ) | ||||
| Gross profit | 261,701 | 303,528 | ||||||
| Profit (loss) from operating activities | 258,989 | 290,644 | ||||||
| Profit (loss) before taxes | 259,472 | 290,658 | ||||||
| Income tax expense, continuing operations | (61,629 | ) | (68,154 | ) | ||||
| Profit for the year | 197,843 | 222,504 | ||||||
| Profit attributable to | ||||||||
| Owners of the Parent | 166,673 | 184,948 | ||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 31,170 | 37,556 | ||||||
| Profit for the year | 197,843 | 222,504 | ||||||
| January to December | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| US$ | US$ | |||||||
| Earnings per share | ||||||||
| Common shares | ||||||||
| Basic earnings per share (US$ per share) | 0.1654 | 0.1835 | ||||||
| Basic earnings per share (US$ per share) from continuing operations | 0.1654 | 0.1835 | ||||||
| Diluted common shares | ||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share (US$ per share) | 0.1654 | 0.1835 | ||||||
| Diluted earnings per share (US$ per share) from continuing operations | 0.1654 | 0.1835 | ||||||
SQM Potasio S.A. and Subsidiaries: Summary Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
| January to December | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Profit for the year | 197,843 | 222,504 | ||||||
| Other comprehensive income | (6,476 | ) | 514 | |||||
| Total comprehensive income | 191,367 | 223,018 | ||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to | ||||||||
| Owners of the Parent | 167,020 | 185,465 | ||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 24,347 | 37,553 | ||||||
| Total comprehensive income | 191,367 | 223,018 | ||||||
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SQM Potasio S.A. and Subsidiaries: Summary Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Net cash generated from (used in) operating activities | 304,173 | 406,025 | ||||||
| Net cash generated from (used in) investing activities | (35,360 | ) | (210,100 | ) | ||||
| Net cash generated from (used in) financing activities | (320,117 | ) | (100,000 | ) | ||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents before the effect of changes in the exchange rate | (51,304 | ) | 95,925 | |||||
| Effects of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held | (1,375 | ) | (25 | ) | ||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (52,679 | ) | 95,900 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 183,562 | 87,662 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 130,883 | 183,562 | ||||||
SQM Potasio S.A. and Subsidiaries: Summary Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
| 2014 | Share capital | Other reserves | Retained earnings | Equity attributable to owners of the Parent | Non-controlling interests | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity at beginning of the year | 257,010 | 7,491 | 875,375 | 1,139,876 | 183,627 | 1,323,503 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year | - | - | 166,673 | 166,673 | 31,170 | 197,843 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | - | 347 | - | 347 | (6,823 | ) | (6,476 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | - | 347 | 166,673 | 167,020 | 24,347 | 191,367 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends | - | - | (229,529 | ) | (229,529 | ) | (32,073 | ) | (261,602 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Equity As of December 31, 2014 | 257,010 | 7,838 | 812,519 | 1,077,367 | 175,901 | 1,253,268 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | Share capital | Other reserves | Retained earnings | Equity attributable to owners of the Parent | Non-controlling interests | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity at beginning of the year | 257,010 | 6,974 | 871,427 | 1,135,411 | 208,616 | 1,344,027 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year | - | - | 184,948 | 184,948 | 37,556 | 222,504 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | - | 517 | - | 517 | (3 | ) | 514 | |||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | - | 517 | 184,948 | 185,465 | 37,553 | 223,018 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends | - | - | (181,000 | ) | (181,000 | ) | (62,543 | ) | (243,543 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Equity As of December 31, 2013 | 257,010 | 7,491 | 875,375 | 1,139,876 | 183,627 | 1,323,503 | ||||||||||||||||||
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SQM Potasio S.A. and Subsidiaries: Detail of related parties and related party transactions
Transactions between the Parent and its subsidiaries are part of the Company's common transactions. Their conditions are those customary for this type of transactions in respect of terms and market prices. In addition, these have been eliminated in consolidation and are not detailed in this note.
Maturity terms for each case vary by virtue of the transaction giving rise to them.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there are no allowances for doubtful accounts related to balances pending of transactions with related parties as there is no impairment in them.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the detail of transactions with related parties is as follows:
| Tax ID No. | Company | Nature | Country
of origin | Transaction | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Africa Pty. Ltd.. | Other related parties | South Africa | Sale of products | 46,718 | 34,135 | ||||||||||
| 77.557.430-5 | Sales de Magnesio Ltda. | Associate | Chile | Sale of products | 1,078 | 1,144 | ||||||||||
| 77.557.430-5 | Sales de Magnesio Ltda. | Associate | Chile | Dividends | 1,245 | 892 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Ecuador S.A. | Other related parties | Ecuador | Sale of products | 7,142 | 8,205 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Europe N.V. | Other related parties | Belgium | Sale of products | 170,632 | 226,530 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Europe N.V. | Other related parties | Belgium | Services received | - | 124 | ||||||||||
| 96.592.190-7 | SQM Nitratos S.A. | Associate | Chile | Current account interest | 643 | 342 | ||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Sale of products | 88,917 | 112,392 | ||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Purchase fixed asset | - | 608 | ||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Sale of fixed asset | 118 | 1,986 | ||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Current account interest | 10,275 | 10,860 | ||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Services received | 3,491 | - | ||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Rental service | 304 | - | ||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Services provided | 3,669 | - | ||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Dividends | 1,270 | - | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Current account interest | 151 | 1,820 | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Current account interest | 4,316 | 13,364 | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Purchase fixed asset | - | 367 | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Sale of fixed asset | - | 53 | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Services provided | 1,588 | - | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Services received | 2,378 | 2,151 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.. | Other related parties | Aruba | Current account interest | - | 2,363 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM North America Corp. | Other related parties | United States | Sale of products | 64,624 | 46,565 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM North America Corp. | Other related parties | United States | Current account interest | - | - | ||||||||||
| 79.768.170-9 | Soquimich Comercial S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | Sale of products | 35,751 | 28,897 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Ajay North America | Associate | United States United States | Dividends | 7,139 | 10,437 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Kowa Company Ltd. | Other related parties | Japan | Sale of products | 41,272 | 22,760 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Kowa Company Ltd. | Other related parties | Japan | Commissions | 1,274 | - | ||||||||||
| 79.770.780-5 | SIT S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | Current account interest | 8,003 | 6,330 | ||||||||||
| 79.770.780-5 | SIT S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | Services received | 14,037 | - | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V. | Other related parties | México | Sale of products | 40,356 | 44,712 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Iberian S.A. | Other related parties | Spain | Sale of products | 12,752 | 34,624 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria | Other related parties | Brazil | Sale of products | 40,653 | 38,524 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical | Other related parties | China | Sale of products s | 33,760 | 38,402 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C. | Other related parties | Perú | Sale of products | 17,924 | 9,810 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Charlle SQM Thailandia | Other related parties | Tailand | Sale of products | 335 | - | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Thailand Limited | Other related parties | Tailand | Sale of products | 6,110 | - | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Beijing Commercial Co. Ltd. | Other related parties | China | Sale of products | 327 | - | ||||||||||
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SQM Potasio S.A. and Subsidiaries: Trade receivables due from related parties, current:
| Country of | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||||
| Tax ID N° | Company | Nature | origin | Currency | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Nitratos Naturais Do Chile Ltda. | Other related parties | Brazil | US$ | 2,358 | 2.358 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SEH | Other related parties | Holanda | US$ | 88,173 | 91.331 | ||||||||||
| 79.770.780-5 | SIT S.A. | Associate | Chile | US$ | 106 | - | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM ( thailand ) Limited | Other related parties | Thailand | US$ | 5,977 | - | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQm Africa Ltd | Other related parties | South Africa | US$ | 36,673 | 32.952 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Corporation N.V | Other related parties | Dutch Antille | US$ | 3,533 | 3.533 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Ecuador S.A | Other related parties | Ecuador | US$ | 6,109 | 7.148 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Europe N.V | Other related parties | Belgium | US$ | 63,710 | 95.759 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Iberian S.A. | Other related parties | Spain | US$ | 10,588 | 37.745 | ||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A | Common parent | Chile | US$ | 17,564 | 101.588 | ||||||||||
| 96.592.190-7 | SQM Nitratos S.A. | Associate | Chile | US$ | 11,587 | 7.024 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM North America Corp. | Associate | United States | US$ | 68,391 | 108.555 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Perú | Other related parties | Perú | US$ | 1,080 | 1.080 | ||||||||||
| 79.768.170-9 | SQMC S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | US$ | 6,305 | 22.313 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQMC de México S.A. | Other related parties | México | US$ | 14,687 | 10.875 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Kowa ( Japón ) | Other related parties | Japan | US$ | 14,880 | 12.467 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Ajay North America llc | Other related parties | United States | US$ | 23 | - | ||||||||||
| 77.557.430-5 | Sales de Magnesio Ltda | Associate | Chile | US$ | 333 | 143 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Migao Sichuan Fertilizer | Other related parties | China | US$ | 22,351 | 30.857 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria | Other related parties | Brazil | US$ | 21,350 | 11.487 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Fzco | Other related parties | United Arab Emirates | US$ | 65 | 65 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C | Other related parties | Perú | US$ | 12,068 | 7.754 | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | US$ | 22,786 | 2.239 | ||||||||||
| Total | 430,697 | 587,273 | ||||||||||||||
SQM Potasio S.A. and Subsidiaries: Trade receivables due from related parties, non-current:
| Country of | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||||
| Tax ID N° | Company | Nature | origin | Currency | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Matriz | Chile | US$ | - | 1,270 | ||||||||||
| Total | - | 1,270 | ||||||||||||||
SQM Potasio S.A. and Subsidiaries: Trade payables due to related parties, current:
| Tax ID N° | Company | Nature | Country
of origin | Currency | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | RS Agro Chemical Tranding | Associate | Aruba | US$ | 5,189 | 5.189 | ||||||||||
| 79.770.780-5 | SIT S.A. | Associate | Chile | US$ | 129,188 | 105.340 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM(beijing) Commercial Co.,Ltd. | Other related parties | China | US$ | 1,284 | - | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Brasil Limitada | Other related parties | Brazill | US$ | - | 19 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Europe N.V. | Other related parties | Belgium | US$ | 96 | - | ||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Matriz Común | Chile | US$ | 14,354 | 14.430 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQMC de México S.A. | Other related parties | México | US$ | 5,021 | 5.014 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Charlee SQM(thailand) Co | Other related parties | Thailand | US$ | 21 | - | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Matriz | Chile | US$ | 5,350 | 251.994 | ||||||||||
| Total | 160.503 | 381,986 | ||||||||||||||
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SQM Industrial S.A. and Subsidiaries: Summary Consolidated Classified Statements of Financial Position
| As of December 31, 2014 ThUS$ | As of December 31, 2013 ThUS$ | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 99,989 | 98,825 | ||||||
| Trade receivables due from related parties, current | 297,767 | 290,763 | ||||||
| Current inventories | 942,008 | 999,950 | ||||||
| Other current assets | 88,221 | 571,247 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 1,427,985 | 1,960,785 | ||||||
| Non-current assets | ||||||||
| Investments in associates | 70,212 | 71,031 | ||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 615,711 | 679,648 | ||||||
| Other non-current assets | 36,211 | 25,543 | ||||||
| Total non-current assets | 722,134 | 776,222 | ||||||
| Total assets | 2,150,119 | 2,737,007 | ||||||
| Liabilities and Equity | ||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||
| Trade payables due to related parties, current | 916,970 | 1,447,751 | ||||||
| Other current liabilities | 163,584 | 164,694 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 1,080,554 | 1,612,445 | ||||||
| Non-current liabilities | ||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | 73,680 | 57,037 | ||||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 27,769 | 27,540 | ||||||
| Total non-current liabilities | 101,449 | 84,577 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 1,182,003 | 1,697,022 | ||||||
| Equity | ||||||||
| Equity attributable to owners of the Parent | 906,549 | 979,897 | ||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 61,567 | 60,088 | ||||||
| Total equity | 968,116 | 1,039,985 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | 2,150,119 | 2,737,007 | ||||||
| 301 |
9) Financial Reports
SQM Industrial S.A. and Subsidiaries: Summary Consolidated Statements of Income by Function
| January to December | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Revenue | 1,892,883 | 2,189,557 | ||||||
| Cost of sales | (1,678,630 | ) | (1,975,291 | ) | ||||
| Gross profit | 214,253 | 214,266 | ||||||
| Profit (loss) from operating activities | 114,145 | 119,537 | ||||||
| Profit (loss) before taxes | 106,527 | 90,165 | ||||||
| Income tax expense, continuing operations | (29,011 | ) | (23,386 | ) | ||||
| Profit for the year | 77,516 | 66,779 | ||||||
| Profit attributable to | ||||||||
| Owners of the Parent | 73,289 | 64,602 | ||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 4,227 | 2,177 | ||||||
| Profit for the year | 77,516 | 66,779 | ||||||
| January to December | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| US$ | US$ | |||||||
| Earnings per share | ||||||||
| Common shares | ||||||||
| Basic earnings per share (US$ per share) | 0.1025 | 0.0903 | ||||||
| Basic earnings per share (US$ per share) from continuing operations | 0.1025 | 0.0903 | ||||||
| Diluted common shares | ||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share (US$ per share) | 0.1025 | 0.0903 | ||||||
| Diluted earnings per share (US$ per share) from continuing operations | 0.1025 | 0.0903 | ||||||
SQM Industrial S.A. and Subsidiaries: Summary Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
| January to December | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Profit for the year | 77,516 | 66,779 | ||||||
| Other comprehensive income | (4,458 | ) | (2,496 | ) | ||||
| Resultado integral Total | 73,058 | 64,283 | ||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to | ||||||||
| Owners of the Parent | 69,197 | 61,853 | ||||||
| Non-controlling interests | 3,861 | 2,430 | ||||||
| Total comprehensive income | 73,058 | 64,283 | ||||||
| 302 |
9) Financial Reports
Summary Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Net cash generated from (used in) operating activities | 147,129 | 209,893 | ||||||
| Net cash generated from (used in) investing activities | (8,372 | ) | (181,985 | ) | ||||
| Net cash generated from (used in) financing activities | (135,321 | ) | (22,026 | ) | ||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents before the effect of changes in the exchange rate | 3,436 | 5,882 | ||||||
| Effects of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held | (2,272 | ) | 430 | |||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | 1,164 | 6,312 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 98,825 | 92,513 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 99,989 | 98,825 | ||||||
SQM Industrial S.A. and Subsidiaries: Summary Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
| 2014 | Share capital | Other reserves | Retained earnings | Equity attributable to owners of the Parent | Non-controlling interests | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity at beginning of the year | 715,066 | 980 | 263,851 | 979,897 | 60,088 | 1,039,985 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year) | - | - | 73,289 | 73,289 | 4,227 | 77,516 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | - | (4,092 | ) | - | (4,092 | ) | (366 | ) | (4,458 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | - | (4,092 | ) | 73,289 | 69,197 | 3,861 | 73,058 | |||||||||||||||||
| Dividends | - | - | (133,294 | ) | (133,294 | ) | (2,382 | ) | (135,676 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in transfers and other changes | - | - | (9,251 | ) | (9,251 | ) | - | (9,251 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Equity as of December 31, 2014 | 715,066 | (3,112 | ) | 194,595 | 906,549 | 61,567 | 968,116 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | Share capital | Other reserves | Retained earnings | Equity attributable to owners of the Parent | Non-controlling interests | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity at beginning of the year | 715,066 | 3,729 | 199,249 | 918,044 | 59,684 | 977,728 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year | - | - | 64,602 | 64,602 | 2,177 | 66,779 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | - | (2,749 | ) | - | (2,749 | ) | 253 | (2,496 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | - | (2,749 | ) | 64,602 | 61,853 | 2,430 | 64,283 | |||||||||||||||||
| Dividends | - | - | - | - | (2,026 | ) | (2,026 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Equity as of December 31, 2013 | 715,066 | 980 | 263,851 | 979,897 | 60,088 | 1,039,985 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 303 |
9) Financial Reports
SQM Industrial S.A. and Subsidiaries: Balances and transactions with related parties
Related party disclosures
Balances pending at period-end are not guaranteed, accrue no interest and are settled in cash. No guarantees have been delivered or received for trade and other receivables due from related parties or trade and other payables due to related parties. For the period ended December 31, 2014, the Company has not recorded any impairment in accounts receivable related to amounts owed by related parties. This evaluation is conducted every year through an examination of the financial position of the related party in the market in which it operates.
Detailed identification of the link between the Parent and subsidiary
Transactions between the Parent and its subsidiaries are part of the Company's common transactions. Their conditions are those customary for this type of transactions in respect of terms and market prices. In addition, these have been eliminated in consolidation and are not detailed in this note.
Maturity terms for each case vary by virtue of the transaction giving rise to them.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there are no allowances for doubtful accounts related to balances pending of transactions with related parties as there is no impairment in them.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the detail of transactions with related parties is as follows:
| Tax ID No. | Company | Nature | Country of origin | Transaction | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||
| 96.592.190-7 | SQM Nitratos S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Sale of services | 7,440 | 6,317 | ||||||||||
| 96.592.190-7 | SQM Nitratos S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Purchase products | 123,390 | 184,486 | ||||||||||
| 96.592.190-7 | SQM Nitratos S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Purchase fixed asset | - | 38 | ||||||||||
| 96.592.190-7 | SQM Nitratos S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Sale of fixed assets | 253 | 1,086 | ||||||||||
| 96.592.190-7 | SQM Nitratos S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Current account interest | 37,073 | 47,557 | ||||||||||
| 96.592.190-7 | SQM Nitratos S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Current account interest | 4,435 | 3,605 | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Sale of solutions | 209,834 | 296,693 | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Current account interest | 28,469 | 23,789 | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Current account interest | 33,073 | 29,549 | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Sale of services | 585 | 823 | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Rental payments received | 266 | 294 | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Purchase fixed asset | 112 | 595 | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Sale of fixed assets | 1,691 | 2,989 | ||||||||||
| 79.626.800-K | SQM Salar S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Sale of services | 16,957 | 17,522 | ||||||||||
| 79.626.800-K | SQM Salar S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Rental payments received | 238 | 263 | ||||||||||
| 79.626.800-K | SQM Salar S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Sale of fixed assets | 118 | 181 | ||||||||||
| 79.626.800-K | SQM Salar S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Current account interest | 2,859 | 8,819 | ||||||||||
| 79.626.800-K | SQM Salar S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Current account interest | 8,003 | 6,329 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Royal Seed Trading Corporation V.V.V. | Other related parties | Aruba | Current account interest | 1,245 | 1,290 | ||||||||||
| 304 |
9) Financial Reports
| Tax ID No. | Company | Nature | Country of origin | Transaction | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Investment Corporation N.V | Other related parties | Dutch Antilles | Current account interest | 1,060 | 1,073 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Ajay Europe SARL | Associate | France | Sale of products | 27,678 | 34,087 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Ajay Europe SARL | Associate | France | Dividends | 3,433 | 5,093 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL. | Associate | United Arab Emirates | Sale of products | 8,535 | 7,908 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Ajay North America LLC | Other related parties | United States | Sale of products | 22,838 | 37,460 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS | Associate | Turkey | Sale of products | 26,806 | 13,844 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Kowa Company Ltd. | Other related parties | Japan | Sale of products | 5,834 | 27,006 | ||||||||||
| 96.651.060-9 | SQM Potasio S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Current account interest | 7,429 | 2,039 | ||||||||||
| 96.651.060-9 | SQM Potasio S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Purchase fixed asset | - | 1,986 | ||||||||||
| 96.651.060-9 | SQM Potasio S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Sale of fixed assets | - | 427 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Charlee SQM Thailand Co. Ltd. | Associate | Thailand | Sale of products | 6,517 | 5,668 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Japon Co. Ltd. | Other related parties | Japan | Sale of products | 746 | 424 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Coromandel SQM | Joint venture | India | Sale of products | 4,930 | 5,242 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertiliezers Co Ltda. | Joint venture | China | Sale of products | 20,004 | 17,852 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertiliezers Co Ltda. | Joint venture | China | Sale of services | - | 282 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Star Qingdao Crop Nutrition Co. Ltd. | Joint venture | China | Sale of services | - | 148 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria | Joint venture | Brazil | Sale of products | 11,188 | 14,378 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Fzco. | Joint venture | Arab Emirates | Sale of products | 1,681 | 289 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Fzco. | Joint venture | Arab Emirates | Sale of products | - | 98 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C. | Joint venture | Perú | Sale of products | 13,053 | 11,445 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Southem Africa Pty | Joint venture | South Africa | Sale of products | 13,975 | 17,908 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Spain | Joint venture | Spain | Sale of products | 7,700 | 1,624 | ||||||||||
| 305 |
9) Financial Reports
Trade receivables due from related parties, current:
| Tax ID N° | Company | Nature | Country of origin | Currency | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||
| 79.876.080-7 | Adepo Ltda | Other related parties | Chile | Ch$ | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | Comercial Caiman Int. S.A. | Other related parties | Panama | US$ | 797 | 1,023 | ||||||||||
| 76.425.380-9 | Exploraciones Mineras S.A.. | Other related parties | Chile | US$ | 31 | 29 | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | Royal Seed Trading Co. | Other related parties | Aruba | US$ | - | 13,013 | ||||||||||
| 76.359.919-1 | Orcoma Estudio Spa | Other related parties | Chile | US$ | 14 | - | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | SQM Investment Co. | Other related parties | Dutch Antilles | US$ | - | 5,120 | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | SQm Japan K.K. | Other related parties | Japan | US$ | 96 | 108 | ||||||||||
| 96.592.190-7 | SQM Nitratos S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | US$ | - | 58,727 | ||||||||||
| 79.626.800-k | SQM Salar S.A. | Common parent | Chile | US$ | - | 105,359 | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | Soquimich SRL Argentina | Subsidiary | Argentina | US$ | 160 | 151 | ||||||||||
| 79.049.778-9 | Callegari Agrícola S.A. | Jointly controlled entity | Chile | Ch$ | 87 | 363 | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | Kowa Company Ltd. | Jointly controlled entity | Japan | US$ | - | 2,460 | ||||||||||
| 96.511.530-7 | Soc. Inv P. Calichera S.A. | Jointly controlled entity | Chile | US$ | 7 | 8 | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Ind | Other related parties | United Arab Emirates | US$ | 3,595 | 2,958 | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | Ajay Europe SARL | Other related parties | France | US$ | 3,382 | 5,056 | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | Ajay North América llc | Other related parties | United States | US$ | 2,131 | 4,797 | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | Charlee SQM Thailand Co. | Other related parties | Thailand | Bath Tailandés | 2,580 | 331 | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | Doktor Tarsa | Other related parties | Turkey | US$ | (71 | ) | 11 | |||||||||
| 77.557.430-5 | Sales de Magnesio Ltda. | Other related parties | Chile | US$ | 7 | 4 | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | Coromandel SQM India | Joint venture | India | Rupia India | 2,534 | 2,271 | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | SQM Star Qingdao Corp Nutrition Co., Ltd | Joint venture | China | US$ | 36 | - | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | SQM Migao Sichuan Fertilizer | Joint venture | China | US$ | 21,549 | 17,053 | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria | Joint venture | Brazil | US$ | 8,075 | 7,591 | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | SQM Vitas Fzco. | Joint venture | United Arab Emirates | US$ | 458 | 420 | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C | Joint venture | Perú | US$ | 8,648 | 10,109 | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V | Joint venture | Holland | US$ | - | 133 | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | SQM Vitas Southern Africa Pty. | Joint venture | South Africa | US$ | 3,772 | 4,553 | ||||||||||
| Extranjero | SQM Vitas Spain (JV) | Joint venture | Spain | US$ | 1,099 | 760 | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | US$ | - | 246,428 | ||||||||||
| Total | 58.988 | 488,837 | ||||||||||||||
| 306 |
9) Financial Reports
Trade payables due to related parties, current:
| Tax ID No. | Company | Nature | Country of origin | Currency | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | Comercial Caiman Int. S.A. | Other related parties | Panama | US$ | - | 227 | ||||||||||
| Foreign o | Royal Seed Trading Co. | Other related parties | Aruba | US$ | 67,810 | 128,682 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Investment Co. | Other related parties | Dutch Antilles | US$ | 40,820 | 48,300 | ||||||||||
| 96.592.190-7 | SQM Nitratos S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | US$ | 542,461 | 459,811 | ||||||||||
| 79.626.800-k | SQM Salar S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | US$ | 37,932 | 230,511 | ||||||||||
| 96.651.060-9 | SQM Potasio S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Ch$ | 12,579 | 96,676 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQMC Holding Corporation L.L.P. | Other related parties | United States | US$ | 17,272 | 10,841 | ||||||||||
| Foreign o | Ajay Europe SARL | Other related parties | France | US$ | - | 260 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria | Joint venture | Brazill | US$ | - | 873 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Fzco. | Joint venture | United Arab Emirates | Arab Emirates dirham | - | 50 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Perú S.A.C | Joint venture | Perú | US$ | - | 23 | ||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V | Other related parties | Holland | Euro | 159 | - | ||||||||||
| Foreign | Kowa Company Ltd. | Other related parties | Japan | US$ | 150 | - | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | US$ | 197,787 | 471,497 | ||||||||||
| Total | 916.970 | 1,447,751 | ||||||||||||||
Trade payables due to related parties, non-current:
| Tax ID No | Company | Nature | Country of origin | Currency | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. | Parent | Chile | US$ | 1,781 | 1.781 | ||||||||||
| Total | 1.781 | 1,781 | ||||||||||||||
| 307 |
9) Financial Reports
SQM Nitratos S.A.: Summary Classified Statements of Financial Position
| As of December 31, 2014 ThUS$ | As of December 31, 2013 ThUS$ | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||
| Trade receivables due from related parties, current | 614,410 | 459,810 | ||||||
| Other current assets | 23,662 | 30,274 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 638,072 | 490,084 | ||||||
| Non-current assets | ||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 93,541 | 117,800 | ||||||
| Other non-current assets | 15,814 | 7,166 | ||||||
| Total non-current assets | 109,355 | 124,966 | ||||||
| Total assets | 747,427 | 615,050 | ||||||
| Liabilities and Equity | ||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||
| Trade payables due to related parties, current | 667,775 | 511,580 | ||||||
| Other current liabilities | 11,867 | 14,344 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 679,642 | 525,924 | ||||||
| Non-current liabilities | ||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | 19,075 | 13,434 | ||||||
| Provisions for employee benefits, non-current | 2,210 | 2,111 | ||||||
| Total non-current liabilities | 21,285 | 15,545 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 700,927 | 541,469 | ||||||
| Equity | ||||||||
| Equity attributable to owners of the Parent | 46,500 | 73,581 | ||||||
| Non-controlling interests | - | - | ||||||
| Total equity | 46,500 | 73,581 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | 747,427 | 615,050 | ||||||
| 308 |
9) Financial Reports
SQM Nitratos S.A.: Summary Statements of Income by Function
| January to December | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Revenue | 123,390 | 184,486 | ||||||
| Cost of sales | (118,730 | ) | (163,071 | ) | ||||
| Gross profit | 4,660 | 21,415 | ||||||
| Profit (loss) from operating activities | 1,939 | 17,273 | ||||||
| Profit (loss) before taxes | 172 | 24,222 | ||||||
| Income tax expense, continuing operations | (701 | ) | (5,788 | ) | ||||
| Profit for the year | (529 | ) | 18,434 | |||||
| January to December | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| US$ | US$ | |||||||
| Earnings per share | ||||||||
| Common shares | ||||||||
| Basic earnings per share (US$ per share) | 0.0115 | 0.4022 | ||||||
| Basic earnings per share (US$ per share) from continuing operations | 0.0115 | 0.4022 | ||||||
| Diluted common shares | ||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share (US$ per share) | 0.0115 | 0.4022 | ||||||
| Diluted earnings per share (US$ per share) from continuing operations | 0.0115 | 0.4022 | ||||||
SQM Nitratos S.A.: Summary Statements of Comprehensive Income
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Profit for the year | (529 | ) | 18.434 | |||||
| Other comprehensive income | - | - | ||||||
| Total comprehensive income | (529 | ) | 18.434 | |||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to | ||||||||
| Owners of the Parent | (529 | ) | 18.434 | |||||
| Non-controlling interests | - | - | ||||||
| Total comprehensive income | (529 | ) | 18.434 | |||||
| 309 |
9) Financial Reports
SQM Nitratos S.A.: Summary Statements of Cash Flows
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Net cash generated from (used in) operating activities | 4,304 | 17,309 | ||||||
| Net cash generated from (used in) investing activities | (4,258 | ) | (18,646 | ) | ||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents before the effect of changes in the exchange rate | 46 | (1,337 | ) | |||||
| Effects of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held | (80 | ) | 98 | |||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (34 | ) | (1,239 | ) | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 108 | 1,347 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 74 | 108 | ||||||
| 310 |
9) Financial Reports
SQM Nitratos S.A.: Summary Statements of Changes in Equity
| 2014 | Share capital | Retained earnings | Equity attributable to owners of the Parent | Non-controlling interests | Total | |||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||
| Equity at beginning of the year | 30,350 | 43,231 | 73,581 | - | 73,581 | |||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year) | - | (529 | ) | (529 | ) | - | (529 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | - | (529 | ) | (529 | ) | - | (529 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Dividends | - | (19,972 | ) | (19,972 | ) | - | (19,972 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in transfers and other changes | - | (6,580 | ) | (6,580 | ) | - | (6,580 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Equity as of December 31, 2014 | 30,350 | 16,150 | 46,500 | - | 46,500 | |||||||||||||||
| 2013 | Share capital | Retained earnings | Equity attributable to owners of the Parent | Non-controlling interests | Total | |||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||
| Equity at beginning of the year | 30,350 | 170,327 | 200,677 | - | 200,677 | |||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year) | - | 18,434 | 18,434 | - | 18,434 | |||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | - | 18,434 | 18,434 | - | 18,434 | |||||||||||||||
| Dividends | - | (145,530 | ) | (145,530 | ) | - | (145,530 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Equity as of December 31, 2013 | 30,350 | 43,231 | 73,581 | - | 73,581 | |||||||||||||||
| 311 |
9) Financial Reports
SQM Nitratos S.A.: Related party disclosures
Balances pending at period-end are not guaranteed, accrue no interest and are settled in cash. No guarantees have been delivered or received for trade and other receivables due from related parties or trade and other payables due to related parties. For the period ended December 31, 2014, the Company has not recorded any impairment in accounts receivable related to amounts owed by related parties. This evaluation is conducted every year through an examination of the financial position of the related party in the market in which it operates.
SQM Nitratos S.A.: Detail of related parties and related party transactions
Transactions between the Parent and its subsidiaries are part of the Company's common transactions. Their conditions are those customary for this type of transactions in respect of terms and market prices.
Maturity terms for each case vary by virtue of the transaction giving rise to them.
| Country of | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||||
| Tax ID No | Company | Nature | origin | Transaction | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Sale of products | 123,389 | 184,487 | ||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Services received | 5,777 | 127 | ||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Current account interest | 37,073 | 47,557 | ||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Purchase fixed asset | 234 | 675 | ||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Sale of fixed assets | - | 38 | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Mining concession rental service | 10,870 | - | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Services received | 977 | 13,816 | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Current account interest | 35,378 | 37,895 | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Dividends | 19,973 | |||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Purchase fixed asset | 19 | |||||||||||
| 79.770.780-5 | Serv. Integrales de Tránsito y Transferencias S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | Services received | 6,623 | 5,524 | ||||||||||
| 79.770.780-5 | Serv. Integrales de Tránsito y Transferencias S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | Purchase fixed asset | - | 411 | ||||||||||
| 79.770.780-5 | Serv. Integrales de Tránsito y Transferencias S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | Current account interest | 4,435 | 3,605 | ||||||||||
| 79.626.800-K | SQM Salar S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | Current account interest | 16 | 14 | ||||||||||
| 76.725.380-9 | Exploraciones Mineras S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | Current account interest | 21 | 20 | ||||||||||
| 79.906.120-1 | Isapre Norte Grande Ltda. | Other related parties | Chile | Services received | 392 | 347 | ||||||||||
| 76.534.490-5 | Sociedad Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz del Norte S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | Services received | 340 | 320 | ||||||||||
| 96.651.060-9 | SQM Potasio S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Current account interest | 643 | 331 | ||||||||||
| 96.651.060-9 | SQM Potasio S.A. | Common parent | Chile | Services received | 3,233 | - | ||||||||||
| 312 |
9) Financial Reports
SQM Nitratos S.A.: Trade receivables due from related parties, current:
| RUT | Nombre | Naturaleza | País de origen | Moneda | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Matriz común | Chile | US$ | 614,410 | 459.810 | ||||||||||
| Total | 614.410 | 459,810 | ||||||||||||||
SQM Nitratos S.A.: Trade payables due to related parties, current:
| RUT | Nombre | Naturaleza | País de origen | Moneda | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Matriz | Chile | US$ | 584,239 | 445.829 | ||||||||||
| 96.651.060-9 | SQM Potasio S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | US$ | 11,005 | 6.514 | ||||||||||
| 79.770.780-5 | SIT S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | US$ | 71,949 | 58.728 | ||||||||||
| 79.626.800-k | SQM Salar S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | US$ | 263 | 211 | ||||||||||
| 76.425.380-9 | Exploraciones Mineras S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | US$ | 319 | 298 | ||||||||||
| Total | 667.775 | 511,580 | ||||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there are no allowances for doubtful accounts related to balances pending of transactions with related parties as there is no impairment in them.
| 313 |
9) Financial Reports
Orcoma SPA: Summary Classified Statements of Financial Position
| As of December 31, 2014 ThUS$ | As of December 31, 2013 ThUS$ | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Total current assets | 3 | 2 | ||||||
| Total non-current assets | 2,356 | 2,356 | ||||||
| Total assets | 2,359 | 2,358 | ||||||
| Liabilities and Equity | ||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 4 | - | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 4 | - | ||||||
| Equity | ||||||||
| Total equity | 2,355 | 2,358 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | 2,359 | 2,358 | ||||||
Orcoma SPA: Summary Statements of Income by Function
| January to December | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Revenue | - | - | ||||||
| Cost of sales | - | - | ||||||
| Gross profit | - | - | ||||||
| Profit (loss) from continuing operations | (3 | ) | - | |||||
| Profit for the year | (3 | ) | - | |||||
| 314 |
9) Financial Reports
Orcoma SPA: Summary Statements of Changes in Equity
| 2014 | Share capital | Retained earnings | Equity attributable to owners of the Parent | Total | ||||||||||||
| MUS$ | MUS$ | MUS$ | MUS$ | |||||||||||||
| Equity at beginning of the year | 2,358 | - | 2,358 | 2,358 | ||||||||||||
| Profit for the year) | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | - | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | |||||||||
| Equity as of December 31, 2014 | 2,358 | (3 | ) | 2,355 | 2,355 | |||||||||||
| 2013 | Share capital | Equity attributable to owners of the Parent | Total | |||||||||
| MUS$ | MUS$ | MUS$ | ||||||||||
| Equity at beginning of the year | 2,358 | 2,358 | 2,358 | |||||||||
| Profit for the year) | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Comprehensive income | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Equity as of December 31, 2013 | 2,358 | 2,358 | 2,358 | |||||||||
Orcoma SPA: Detail of related parties and related party transactions
Transactions between the Parent and its subsidiaries are part of the Company's common transactions. Their conditions are those customary for this type of transactions in respect of terms and market prices
Maturity terms for each case vary by virtue of the transaction giving rise to them.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there are no allowances for doubtful accounts related to balances pending of transactions with related parties as there is no impairment in them
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the detail of transactions with related parties is as follows:
| Tax ID No. | Company | Nature | Country of origin | Transaction | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Capital contribution | 2,358 | 2,358 | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A | Parent | Chile | Municipal patent expenses | 3 | - | ||||||||||
| 315 |
9) Financial Reports
Rs Agro Chemical Trading Corporation A.V.V.: Summary Classified Statements of Financial Position
| As of December 31, 2014 ThUS$ | As of December 31, 2013 ThUS$ | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Total current assets | 5,201 | 5,204 | ||||||
| Total assets | 5,201 | 5,204 | ||||||
| Equity | ||||||||
| Total equity | 5,201 | 5,204 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | 5,201 | 5,204 | ||||||
Rs Agro Chemical Trading Corporation A.V.V.: Summary Statements of Income by Function
| January to December | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Profit (loss) from operating activities | (2 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||
| Profit (loss) before taxes | (3 | ) | (9 | ) | ||||
| Income tax expense, continuing operations | - | - | ||||||
| Profit (loss) from continuing operations | (3 | ) | (9 | ) | ||||
| Profit for the year | (3 | ) | (9 | ) | ||||
| January to December | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| US$ | US$ | |||||||
| Earnings per share | ||||||||
| Common shares | 60 | 60 | ||||||
| Basic earnings per share (US$ per share) | (0.05 | ) | (0.15 | ) | ||||
| Basic earnings per share (US$ per share) from continuing operations | (0.05 | ) | (0.15 | ) | ||||
| Diluted common shares | ||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share (US$ per share) | (0.05 | ) | (0.15 | ) | ||||
| Diluted earnings per share (US$ per share) from continuing operations | (0.05 | ) | (0.15 | ) | ||||
| 316 |
9) Financial Reports
Rs Agro Chemical Trading Corporation A.V.V.: Summary Statements of Comprehensive Income
| January to December | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Profit for the year | (3 | ) | (9 | ) | ||||
| Other comprehensive income | - | - | ||||||
| Total comprehensive income | (3 | ) | (9 | ) | ||||
Statements of cash flows s
| 31/12/2014 ThUS$ | 31/12/2013 ThUS$ | |||||||
| Net cash generated from (used in) operating activities | (3 | ) | 1 | |||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents before the effect of changes in the exchange rate | (3 | ) | 1 | |||||
| Effects of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held | - | - | ||||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (3 | ) | 1 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 15 | 14 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 12 | 15 | ||||||
Rs Agro Chemical Trading Corporation A.V.V.: Summary Statements of Changes in Equity
| 2014 | Share capital | Retained earning | Total | |||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||
| Equity at beginning of the year | 6 | 5,198 | 5,204 | |||||||||
| Profit for the year) | - | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | |||||||
| Comprehensive income | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Equity as of December 31, 2014 | 6 | 5,195 | 5,201 | |||||||||
| 2013 | Share capital | Retained earning | Total | |||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||
| Equity at beginning of the year | 6 | 5,207 | 5,213 | |||||||||
| Profit for the year) | - | (9 | ) | (9 | ) | |||||||
| Comprehensive income | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Equity as of December 31, 2013 | 6 | 5,198 | 5,204 | |||||||||
| 317 |
9) Financial Reports
Rs Agro Chemical Trading Corporation A.V.V.: Transactions with related parties
Transactions between the Parent and its subsidiaries are part of the Company's common transactions. Their conditions are those customary for this type of transactions in respect of terms and market prices
Maturity terms for each case vary by virtue of the transaction giving rise to them.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there are no transactions between Rs Agro Chemical Trading Corporation A.V.V. and related parties.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there are no allowances for doubtful accounts related to balances pending of transactions with related parties as there is no impairment in them.
Rs Agro Chemical Trading Corporation A.V.V.: Trade receivables due from related parties, current:
| Tax ID No. | Company | Nature | Country of origin | Currency | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign | SQM Investment Corporation N.V. | Associate | Aruba | US$ | 5,189 | 5.189 | ||||||||||
| Total | 5.189 | 5,189 | ||||||||||||||
| 318 |
9) Financial Reports
Orcoma Estudios SPA: Summary Classified Statements of Financial Position
| As of December 31, 2014 ThUS$ | As of December 31, 2014 ThuS$ | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 4,630 | - | ||||||
| Trade receivables due from related parties, current | - | 2 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 4,630 | 2 | ||||||
| Non-current assets | ||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 1,375 | - | ||||||
| Total non-current assets | 1,375 | - | ||||||
| Total assets | 6,005 | 2 | ||||||
| Liabilities and Equity | ||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||
| Trade and other receivables, current | 3 | - | ||||||
| Trade receivables due from related parties, current | 1,368 | |||||||
| Total current liabilities | 1,371 | - | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 1,371 | - | ||||||
| Equity | ||||||||
| Share capital | 4,632 | 2 | ||||||
| Retained earnings | 2 | - | ||||||
| Total equity | 4,634 | 2 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | 6,005 | 2 | ||||||
Orcoma Estudios SPA: Summary Statements of Income by Function
| January to December | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Profit (loss) before taxes | 2 | - | ||||||
| Income tax expense, continuing operations | - | - | ||||||
| Profit for the year | 2 | - | ||||||
Orcoma Estudios SPA: Summary Statements of Comprehensive Income
| January to December | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Profit for the year | 2 | - | ||||||
| Other comprehensive income | - | - | ||||||
| Total comprehensive income | 2 | - | ||||||
| 319 |
9) Financial Reports
Orcoma Estudios SPA: Summary Statements of Cash Flows
| 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Net cash generated from (used in) financing activities | 4.630 | - | ||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents before the effect of changes in the exchange rate | 4.630 | - | ||||||
| Effects of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held | - | - | ||||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | 4.630 | - | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | - | - | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 4.630 | - | ||||||
Orcoma Estudios SPA: Summary Statements of Changes in Equity
| 2014 | Share capital | Equity attributable to owners of the Parent | Total | |||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||
| Equity at beginning of the year | 2 | - | 2 | |||||||||
| Profit for the year) | - | 2 | 2 | |||||||||
| Comprehensive income | - | 2 | 2 | |||||||||
| Share issuance | 4.630 | 4.630 | ||||||||||
| Equity as of December 31, 2014 | 4.632 | 2 | 4.634 | |||||||||
| 2013 | Share capital | Equity attributable to owners of the Parent | Total | |||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||
| Equity at beginning of the year | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Profit for the year) | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Comprehensive income | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Share issuance | 2 | - | 2 | |||||||||
| Equity as of December 31, 2013 | 2 | - | 2 | |||||||||
| 320 |
9) Financial Reports
Orcoma Estudios SPA: Related party disclosures
Balances pending at each year-end are not guaranteed and are settled in cash. No guarantees have been delivered or received for trade and other receivables due from related parties or trade and other payables due to related parties. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company has not recorded any impairment in accounts receivable related to amounts owed by related parties. This evaluation is conducted every year through an examination of the financial position of the related party in the market in which it operates.
Orcoma Estudios SPA: Relationships between the parent and the entity
Orcoma Estudios SPA. Is controlled by two shareholders, Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and IM Inversiones Limitada with ownership percentages of 51% and 49%, respectively.
Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. is registered with the Securities Registry of the Chilean Superintendence of Securities and Insurance under No. 0184 of March 18, 1983 and accordingly, is subject to the oversight of such regulating authority.
Orcoma Estudios SPA: Detailed identification of the link between the Parent and subsidiary
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the detail of entities that are a related parties is as follows :
| Tax ID No. | Name | Country of origin | Functional currency | Nature |
| 93.007.000-9 | Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. | Chile | U.S. dollar | Parent |
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Chile | U.S. dollar | Other related parties |
Orcoma Estudios SPA: Trade receivables due from related parties, current:
| Tax ID N° | Company | Nature | Country of origin | Currency | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | US$ | - | 2 | ||||||||||
| Total | - | 2 | ||||||||||||||
Orcoma Estudios SPA: Trade payables due to related parties, current:
| Tax ID No. | Company | Nature | Country of origin | Currency | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||||||||||
| 79.947.100-0 | SQM Industrial S.A. | Other related parties | Chile | US$ | 14 | - | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Ch$ | 1.354 | - | ||||||||||
| Total | 1.368 | - | ||||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there are no allowances for doubtful accounts related to balances pending of transactions with related parties as there is no impairment in them.
| 321 |
9) Financial Reports
Ajay SQM Chile: Summary Classified Statements of Financial Position
| As of December 31, 2014 ThUS$ | As of December 31, 2013 ThUS$ | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||
| Trade and other receivables, current | 4,875 | 7,123 | ||||||
| Trade receivables due from related parties, current | 2,566 | 178 | ||||||
| Current inventories | 8,014 | 12,848 | ||||||
| Other current assets | 2,743 | 2,572 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 18,198 | 22,721 | ||||||
| Non-current assets | ||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment | 987 | 1,231 | ||||||
| Other non-current assets | 139 | - | ||||||
| Total non-current assets | 1,126 | 1,231 | ||||||
| Total assets | 19,324 | 23,952 | ||||||
| Liabilities and Equity | ||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||
| Trade and other payables, current | 826 | 974 | ||||||
| Trade payables due to related parties, current | - | 3,852 | ||||||
| Other current liabilities | 309 | 400 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 1,135 | 5,226 | ||||||
| Non-current liabilities | ||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | 150 | 46 | ||||||
| Provisions for employee benefits, non-current | 688 | 709 | ||||||
| Total non-current liabilities | 838 | 755 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 1,973 | 5,981 | ||||||
| Equity | ||||||||
| Total equity | 17,351 | 17,971 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | 19,324 | 23,952 | ||||||
| 322 |
9) Financial Reports
Ajay SQM Chile: Summary Statements of Income by Function
| January to December | ||||||||
| 2014 ThUS$ | 2013 ThUS$ | |||||||
| Revenue | 57,305 | 67,413 | ||||||
| Cost of sales | (49,678 | ) | (57,702 | ) | ||||
| Gross profit | 7,627 | 9,711 | ||||||
| Profit (loss) from operating activities | 6,880 | 8,804 | ||||||
| Profit (loss) before taxes | 6,714 | 8,662 | ||||||
| Income tax expense, continuing operations | (1,418 | ) | (1,746 | ) | ||||
| Profit for the year | 5,296 | 6,916 | ||||||
| January to December | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| US$ | US$ | |||||||
| Earnings per share | ||||||||
| Common shares | ||||||||
| Basic earnings per share (US$ per share) | 5.554 | 7.253 | ||||||
| Basic earnings per share (US$ per share) from continuing operations | 5.554 | 7.253 | ||||||
| Diluted common shares | ||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share (US$ per share) | 5.554 | 7.253 | ||||||
| Diluted earnings per share (US$ per share) from continuing operations | 5.554 | 7.253 | ||||||
Ajay SQM Chile: Summary Statements of Cash Flows
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | |||||||
| Net cash generated from (used in) operating activities | 6,674 | 7,918 | ||||||
| Net cash generated from (used in) investing activities | (32 | ) | (253 | ) | ||||
| Net cash generated from (used in) financing activities | (5,916 | ) | (8,980 | ) | ||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents before the effect of changes in the exchange rate | 726 | (1,315 | ) | |||||
| Effects of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held | - | - | ||||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | 726 | (1,315 | ) | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 1,255 | 2,570 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 1,981 | 1,255 | ||||||
| 323 |
9) Financial Reports
Ajay SQM Chile: Summary Statements of Changes in Equity
| 2014 | Share capital | Retained earnings | Equity attributable to owners of the Parent | Non-controlling interests | Total | |||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||
| Equity at beginning of the year | 5,314 | 12,657 | 17,971 | - | 17,971 | |||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year) | - | 5,296 | 5,296 | - | 5,296 | |||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | - | 5,296 | 5,296 | - | 5,296 | |||||||||||||||
| Dividends | - | (5,916 | ) | (5,916 | ) | - | (5,916 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Equity as of December 31, 2014 | 5,314 | 12,037 | 17,351 | - | 17,351 | |||||||||||||||
| 2013 | Share capital | Retained earnings | Equity attributable to owners of the Parent | Non-controlling interests | Total | |||||||||||||||
| ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||||||||
| Equity at beginning of the year | 5,314 | 14,722 | 20,036 | - | 20,036 | |||||||||||||||
| Profit for the year) | - | 6,916 | 6,916 | - | 6,916 | |||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | - | 6,916 | 6,916 | - | 6,916 | |||||||||||||||
| Dividends | - | (8,981 | ) | (8,981 | ) | - | (8,981 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Equity as of December 31, 2013 | 5,314 | 12,657 | 17,971 | - | 17,971 | |||||||||||||||
| 324 |
9) Financial Reports
Ajay SQM Chile: Related party disclosures
Balances pending at period-end are not guaranteed, accrue no interest and are settled in cash. No guarantees have been delivered or received for trade and other receivables due from related parties or trade and other payables due to related parties. For the period ended December 31, 2014, the Company has not recorded any impairment in accounts receivable related to amounts owed by related parties. This evaluation is conducted every year through an examination of the financial position of the related party in the market in which it operates.
Ajay SQM Chile: Relationships between the parent and the entity
Ajay-SQM Chile S.A., Is controlled by two shareholders Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A., and Ajay Chemicals Inc, with ownership percentages of 51% and 49%, respectively.
Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A., is registered with the Securities Registry of the Chilean Superintendence of Securities and Insurance (SVS) under No. 0184 dated March 18. 1983 and is subject to the inspection of the SVS.
Ajay SQM Chile: Detailed identification of the link between the Parent and subsidiary
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the detail of entities that are a related parties is as follows:
| Tax ID No. | Name | Country of origin |
Functional currency | Nature |
| 93.007.000-9 | Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. | Chile | US$ | Parent |
Ajay SQM Chile: Trade receivables due from related parties, current:
| Country of | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||||
| Tax ID N° | Company | Nature | origin | Currency | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000-9 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Ch$ | 2,566 | 178 | ||||||||||
| Total | 2.566 | 178 | ||||||||||||||
Ajay SQM Chile: Trade payables due to related parties, current:
| Country of | 12/31/2014 | 12/31/2013 | ||||||||||||||
| Tax ID No. | Company | Nature | origin | Currency | ThUS$ | ThUS$ | ||||||||||
| 93.007.000 | SQM S.A. | Parent | Chile | Ch$ | - | 3,852 | ||||||||||
| Total | - | 3,852 | ||||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there are no allowances for doubtful accounts related to balances pending of transactions with related parties as there is no impairment in them.
| 325 |
10) Responsibility Statement
| 326 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
CHEMICAL AND MINING COMPANY OF CHILE INC.
(Registrant)
Date: April 6, 2015
/s/ Ricardo Ramos
By: Ricardo Ramos
CFO & Vice-President of Development
Persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained SEC 1815 (04-09) in this form are not required to
respond unless the form displays currently valid OMB control number.
| SQM |  |
| Los Militares 4290, | |
| Las Condes, Santiago, Chile | |
| Tel: (56 2) 425 2000 | |
| www.sqm.com |
| 327 |