UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

___________________

FORM 20-F/A

 

£    REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013

OR

 

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

OR

 

£   SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 23 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report_______________________________

For the transition period from   _____________to__________

 

Commission file number 33-65728

 

SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

CHEMICAL AND MINING COMPANY OF CHILE INC.

(Translation of registrant's name into English)

CHILE

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

El Trovador 4285, 6th Floor, Santiago, Chile +56 2 2425-2000

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Gerardo Illanes +56 2 2425-2485 gerardo.illanes@sqm.com El Trovador 4285, 6th Floor, Santiago, Chile
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile Number and Address of Company Contact Person)

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
Series B shares, in the form of American Depositary Shares New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

NONE

 

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

NONE

 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

 

Series A shares 142,819,552
Series B shares 120,376,972

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in rule 405 of the Securities Act: T YES £ NO

 

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange act of 1934: £ YES T NO

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). £ YES £ NO

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

T Large accelerated filer £ Accelerated filer £ Non- accelerated filer

 

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

£ U.S. GAAP TInternational Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board £ Other

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. £ Item 17 T Item18

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):

£ YES T NO

 
 

  

EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. ("SQM") is filing this Amendment No. 1 to the annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2013 (the "Form 20-F"), solely to correct the period identified in the Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Except for the signature page and the updated certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, this Amendment No. 1 to our Form 20-F does not modify or update other disclosures in, or exhibits to, the Form 20-F.  The financial statements of SQM included in this amendment have not changed since the filing of the Form 20-F.

 

 

 
 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
     
PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION ii
GLOSSARY ii
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS v
   
PART I   2
     
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS 2
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE 2
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION 2
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY 17
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS 63
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES 84
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 96
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 99
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING 102
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 104
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 117
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES 118
     
PART II   120
     
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES 120
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS 120
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 120
ITEM 16. RESERVED 121
ITEM 16.A AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL  EXPERT 121
ITEM 16.B CODE OF ETHICS 121
ITEM 16.C PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 122
ITEM 16.D EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES 122
ITEM 16.E PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUERS AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. 122
ITEM 16.F CHANGE IN REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT. 122
ITEM 16.G CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. 123
ITEM 16.H MINE SAFETY AND DISCLOSURE. 123
     
PART III   124
     
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 124
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 124
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS 124
SIGNATURES 125
   
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 126
EXHIBIT 1.1    
EXHIBIT 8.1    
EXHIBIT 12.1    
EXHIBIT 12.2    
EXHIBIT 12.2    
EXHIBIT 12.3    
EXHIBIT 12.4    
EXHIBIT 13.1    
EXHIBIT 13.2    
EXHIBIT 13.3    

  

 
 

 

PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION

 

In this Annual Report on Form 20-F, except as otherwise provided or unless the context requires otherwise, all references to "we", "us", "Company" or "SQM" are to Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A., an open stock corporation (sociedad anónima abierta) organized under the laws of the Republic of Chile, and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

All references to "$," "US$," "U.S. dollars," “USD” and "dollars" are to United States dollars, references to "pesos," “CLP” and "Ch$" are to Chilean pesos, references to ThUS$ are to thousands of United States dollars, references to ThCh$ are to thousands of Chilean pesos and references to "UF" are to Unidades de Fomento. The UF 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. As of December 31, 2013, UF 1.00 was equivalent to US$44.43 and Ch$23,309.56.

 

The Republic of Chile is governed by a democratic government, organized in fourteen regions plus the Metropolitan Region (surrounding and including Santiago, the capital of Chile). Our production operations are concentrated in northern Chile, specifically in the Tarapacá Region and in the Antofagasta Region.

 

Our fiscal year ends on December 31. As December 31 is a public holiday in Chile; certain financial information is reflected as of December 30, 2013.

 

We use the metric system of weights and measures in calculating our operating and other data. The United States equivalent units of the most common metric units used by us are as shown below:

 

1 kilometer equals approximately 0.6214 miles

 

1 meter equals approximately 3.2808 feet

 

1 centimeter equals approximately 0.3937 inches

 

1 hectare equals approximately 2.4710 acres

 

1 metric ton (“MT”) equals 1,000 kilograms or approximately 2,205 pounds.

 

We are not aware of any independent, authoritative source of information regarding sizes, growth rates or market shares for most of our markets. Accordingly, the market size, market growth rate and market share estimates contained herein have been developed by us using internal and external sources and reflect our best current estimates. These estimates have not been confirmed by independent sources.

 

Percentages and certain amounts contained herein have been rounded for ease of presentation. Any discrepancies in any figure between totals and the sums of the amounts presented are due to rounding.

 

GLOSSARY

 

assay values” Chemical result or mineral component amount that contains the sample.

 

average global metallurgical recoveries” Percentage that measures the metallurgical treatment effectiveness based on the quantitative relationship between the initial product contained in the mine-extracted material and the final product produced in the plant.

 

average mining exploitation factor” Index or ratio that measures the mineral exploitation effectiveness, based on the quantitative relationship between (in-situ mineral minus exploitation losses) / in-situ mineral.

 

CAGR Compound annual growth rate, the year over year growth rate of an investment over a specified period of time

 

cash and cash equivalents The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) defines cash and cash equivalents as short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

 

ii
 

  

Controller Group”* A person or company or group of persons or companies that according to Chilean law, have executed a joint performance agreement, that have a direct or indirect share in a company’s ownership and have the power to influence the decisions of the company’s management.

 

Corfo” Production Development Corporation (Corporación de Fomento de la Producción), formed in 1939, a national organization in charge of promoting Chile's manufacturing productivity and commercial development.

 

cut-off grade” The minimal assay value or chemical amount of some mineral component above which exploitation is economical.

 

dilution” Loss of mineral grade because of contamination with barren material (or waste) incorporated in some exploited ore mineral.

 

exploitation losses” Amounts of ore mineral that have not been extracted in accordance with exploitation designs.

 

fertigation” The process by which plant nutrients are applied to the ground using an irrigation system.

 

geostatistical analysis” Statistical tools applied to mining planning, geology and geochemical data that allow estimation of averages, grades and quantities of mineral resources and reserves.

 

heap leaching” A process whereby minerals are leached from a heap, or pad, of ROM (run of mine) ore by leaching solutions percolating down through the heap and collected from a sloping, impermeable liner below the pad.

 

horizontal layering” Rock mass (stratiform seam) with generally uniform thickness that conform to the sedimentary fields (mineralized and horizontal rock in these cases).

 

hypothetical resources” Mineral resources that have limited geochemical reconnaissance, based mainly on geological data and samples assay values spaced between 500–1000 meters.

 

Indicated Mineral Resource” See "Resources—Indicated Mineral Resource."

 

Inferred Mineral Resource” See "Resources—Inferred Mineral Resource."

 

industrial crops” Refers to crops that require processing after harvest in order to be ready for consumption or sale. Tobacco, tea and seed crops are examples of industrial crops.

 

Kriging Method” A technique used to estimate ore reserves, in which the spatial distribution of continuous geophysical variables is estimated using control points where values are known.

 

“LIBOR” London Inter Bank Offered Rate.

 

limited reconnaissance” Low or limited level of geological knowledge.

 

Measured Mineral Resource” See "Resources—Measured Mineral Resource."

 

metallurgical treatment” A set of chemical and physical processes applied to the caliche ore and to the salar brines to extract their useful minerals (or metals).

 

ore depth” Depth of the mineral that may be economically exploited.

 

ore type” Main mineral having economic value contained in the caliche ore (sodium nitrate or iodine).

 

ore” A mineral or rock from which a substance having economic value may be extracted.

 

Probable Mineral Reserve” See "Reserves—Probable Mineral Reserve."

 

Proved Mineral Reserve” See “Reserves—Proved Mineral Reserve.”

 

Reserves—Probable Mineral Reserve”** The economically mineable part of an Indicated Mineral Resource and, in some circumstances, Measured Mineral Resource. The calculation of the reserves includes diluting of materials and allowances for losses which may occur when the material is mined. Appropriate assessments, which may include feasibility studies, have been carried out and include consideration of and modification by realistically assumed mining, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors. These assessments demonstrate at the time of reporting that extraction is reasonably justified. A Probable Mineral Reserve has a lower level of confidence than a Proved Mineral Reserve.

 

iii
 

 

Reserves—Proved Mineral Reserve” ** The economically mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource. The calculation of the reserves includes diluting materials and allowances for losses which may occur when the material is mined. Appropriate assessments, which may include feasibility studies, have been carried out and include consideration of and modification by realistically assumed mining, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors. These assessments demonstrate at the time of reporting that extraction is reasonably justified.

 

Resources—Indicated Mineral Resource” ** That 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 calculation is based on exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings, and drill holes. The locations are too widely or inappropriately spaced to confirm geological continuity and/or grade continuity but are spaced closely enough for continuity to be assumed. An Indicated Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to a Measured Mineral Resource, but has a higher level of confidence than that applying to an Inferred Mineral Resource.

 

A deposit may be classified as an Indicated Mineral Resource when the nature, quality, amount and distribution of data are such as to allow the Competent Person, as that term is defined under Chilean Law Number 20,235, determining the Mineral Resource to confidently interpret the geological framework and to assume continuity of mineralization. Confidence in the estimate is sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters and to enable an evaluation of economic viability.

 

Resources—Inferred Mineral Resource” ** That part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage, grade and mineral content can be estimated with a low level of confidence, by inferring them on the basis of geological evidence and assumed but not verified geological and/or grade continuity. The estimate is based on information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes, and this information is of limited or uncertain quality and/or reliability. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource.

 

Resources—Measured Mineral Resource” ** 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 and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings, and drill holes. The locations are spaced closely enough to confirm geological and/or grade continuity.

 

A deposit may be classified as a Measured Mineral Resource when the nature, quality, amount and distribution of data are such as to leave no reasonable doubt, in the opinion of the Competent Person, as that term is defined under Chilean Law Number 20,235, determining the Mineral Resource, that the tonnage and grade of the deposit can be estimated within close limits and that any variation from the estimate would not significantly affect potential economic viability. This category requires a high level of confidence in, and understanding of, the geology and controls of the mineral deposit. Confidence in the estimate is sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters and to enable an evaluation of economic viability.

 

solar salts A mixture of 60% sodium nitrate and 40% potassium nitrate used in the storage of thermo- energy.

 

vat leaching” A process whereby minerals are extracted from crushed ore by placing the ore in large vats containing leaching solutions.

 

waste” Rock or mineral which is not economical for metallurgical treatment.

 

Weighted average age” The sum of the product of the age of each fixed asset at a given facility and its current gross book value as of December 31, 2013 divided by the total gross book value of the Company's fixed assets at such facility as of December 31, 2013.

 

*The definition of a Controller Group that has been provided is the one that applies to the Company. Chilean law provides for a broader definition of a Controller Group.
**The definitions we use for resources and reserves are based on those provided by the “Instituto de Ingenieros de Minas de Chile” (Chilean Institute of Mining Engineers).

 

 

iv
 

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Form 20-F contains statements that are or may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not based on historical facts and reflect our expectations for future events and results. Words such as "believe," "expect," "predict," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "should," "may," "likely", "could" or similar expressions may identify forward-looking information. These statements appear throughout this Form 20-F and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management, including but not limited to any statements concerning:

 

·trends affecting the prices and volumes of the products we sell;
·level of reserves, quality of the ore and brines, and production levels and yields;
·our capital investment program and development of new products;
·the future impact of competition; and
·regulatory changes.

Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements included in this Form 20-F, including, without limitation, the information under Item 4. Information on the Company, Item Number 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects and Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to:

 

·volatility of global prices for our products;
·political, economic and demographic developments in certain emerging market countries, where we conduct a large portion of our business;
·changes in production capacities;
·the nature and extent of future competition in our principal markets;
·our ability to implement our capital expenditures program, including our ability to obtain financing when required;
·changes in raw material and energy prices;
·currency and interest rate fluctuations;
·risks relating to the estimation of our reserves;
·changes in quality standards or technology applications;
·adverse legal, regulatory or labor disputes or proceedings;
·changes in governmental regulations; and
·additional factors discussed below under Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors

 

v
 

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

 

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

 

Not Applicable.

 

 

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

 

3.A. Selected Financial Data

The following table presents selected financial data as of December 31, 2013 and the previous three years. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto, “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and other financial information included herein.

 

Since January 1, 2010, the Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as published by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

 

The Company’s consolidated financial information as of and for the year ended, December 31, 2009 was restated in accordance with IFRS.

 

   As of and for the year ended December 31, 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)(1)  2013   2012   2011   2010   2009 
                     
Statement of income:                         
Revenues   2,203.1    2,429.2    2,145.3    1,830.4    1,438.7 
Cost of sales   (1,481.7)   (1,400.6)   (1,290.5)   (1,204.4)   (908.5)
                          
Gross profit   721.5    1,028.6    854.8    626.0    530.2 
                          
Other income   96.7    12.7    47.7    6.5    17.0 
Administrative expenses   (105.2)   (106.4)   (91.8)   (78.8)   (75.5)
Other expenses   (49.4)   (34.6)   (63.0)   (36.2)   (21.8)
Other gains (losses)   (11.4)   0.7    5.8    (7.0)   (13.7)
Finance income   12.7    29.1    23.2    12.9    13.5 
Finance expenses   (58.6)   (54.1)   (39.3)   (35.0)   (31.0)
Equity income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method   18.8    24.4    21.8    10.7    4.5 
Foreign currency exchange differences   (12.0)   (26.8)   (25.3)   (5.8)   (7.6)
                          
Income before income tax expense   613.1    873.5    733.8    493.3    415.6 
                          
Income tax expense   (138.5)   (216.1)   (179.7)   (106.0)   (75.8)
                          
Profit for the year   474.6    657.4    554.1    387.3    339.8 
Profit attributable to:                         
Controlling interests   467.1    649.2    545.8    382.1    338.3 
Non-controlling interests   7.5    8.2    8.4    5.1    1.5 
Profit for the year   474.6    657.4    554.1    387.3    339.8 
                          
Basic earnings per share(2)   1.77    2.47    2.07    1.45    1.29 
Basic earnings per ADS(2)(3)   1.77    2.47    2.07    1.45    1.29 
Dividends per share(4)(5)(6)   1.04    1.25    1.04    0.66    1.24 
Dividends per ADS(5)(6)   1.04    1.25    1.04    0.66    1.24 
Weighted average(3) shares outstanding (000s)   263,197    263,197    263,197    263,197    263,197 

 

2
 

 

(1) Except shares outstanding, dividend and net earnings per share and net earnings per ADS.

 

(2) The Company has not conducted any type of operation which would give rise to a potential dilutive effect on its earnings per share. The total number of outstanding shares is the same as the weighted average shares outstanding.

 

(3) The calculation of earnings per ADSs and dividends per ADS is based on the ratio of 1:1.

 

(4) Dividends per share are calculated based on 263,196,524 shares for the periods ended December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

 

(5) Dividends may only be paid from net income as determined in accordance with IFRS; see Item 8.A.8. Dividend Policy. For dividends in Ch$ see Item 8.A.8. Dividend Policy — Dividends.

 

(6) Dividend amount paid per calendar year to shareholders of the Company.

 

   As of and for the year ended December 31,     
(in millions of U.S. dollars)  2013   2012   2011   2010   2009 
Balance Sheet Data:                    
Total assets   4,767.6    4,416.4    3,871.6    3,372.8    3,141.8 
Total liabilities   2,335.4    2,229.0    2,007.2    1,702.0    1,677.4 
Total equity   2,432.2    2,187.4    1,864.4    1,670.8    1,464.5 
Equity attributable to controlling interests   2,376.6    2,132.8    1,812.8    1,622.8    1,418.8 
Equity attributable to non-controlling interest   55.6    54.7    51.5    48.0    45.7 
Capital stock   477.4    477.4    477.4    477.4    477.4 

 

3
 

 

EXCHANGE RATES

 

Chile has two currency markets, the Formal Exchange Market (Mercado Cambiario Formal) in which we conduct our transactions, and the Informal Exchange Market (Mercado Cambiario Informal). The Formal Exchange Market comprises banks and other entities authorized by the Chilean Central Bank (Banco Central de Chile). The Informal Exchange Market comprises entities that are not expressly authorized to operate in the Formal Exchange Market, such as certain foreign exchange houses and travel agencies, among others. The Chilean Central Bank is empowered to determine that certain purchases and sales of foreign currencies be carried out on the Formal Exchange Market.

 

Both the Formal Exchange Market and the Informal Exchange Market are driven by free market forces. Current regulations require that the Chilean Central Bank be informed of certain transactions and that these transactions be effected through the Formal Exchange Market.

 

The Observed Exchange Rate (dólar observado), which is reported by the Chilean Central Bank and published daily in the Chilean newspapers, is computed by taking the weighted average of the previous business day’s transactions on the Formal Exchange Market. The Chilean Central Bank has the power to intervene by buying or selling foreign currency on the Formal Exchange Market to attempt to maintain the Observed Exchange Rate within a desired range. During the past few years the Chilean Central Bank has intervened to attempt to maintain the Observed Exchange Rate within a certain range only under special circumstances. Although the Chilean Central Bank is not required to purchase or sell U.S. dollars at any specific exchange rate, it generally uses spot rates for its transactions. Other banks generally carry out authorized transactions at spot rates as well.

 

The Informal Exchange Market reflects transactions carried out at an informal exchange rate (the “Informal Exchange Rate”). There are no limits imposed on the extent to which the Informal Exchange Rate can fluctuate above or below the Observed Exchange Rate. In recent years, the variations between the Observed Exchange Rate and the Informal Exchange Rate have not been significant.

 

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not report a noon buying rate for Chilean pesos. As of April 21, 2014 the rate of exchange for Chilean pesos was US$1.00 per CH$ 557.63.

 

4
 

 

Observed Exchange Rate (1)
 
       Ch$ per US$         
                 
Year  Low (1)   High (1)   Average (1)(2)   Year/Month
End(3)
 
                     
2009   491.09    643.87    559.15    507.10 
2010   468.01    549.17    510.22    468.01 
2011   455.91    533.74    483.57    519.20 
2012   469.65    519.69    486.59    479.96 
2013   466. 5    533.95    495.00    524.61 
                     
Last six months  Low (1)   High (1)   Average (1)(2)  

Year/Month

End(3)

 
                     
2013                    
October   493.36    508.58    500.81    507.64 
November   507.64    528.19    519.25    529.64 
December   523.76    533.95    529.45    524.61 
2014                    
January   524.61    550.53    537,03    553,84 
February   546,94    563.32    554.41    559.38 
March   550,53    573,24    563,84    551,18 

 

Source: Central Bank of Chile

 

(1)Reflects high and low rates on a day-to-day basis, for each period reported.

 

(2)The monthly average rate is calculated on a day-to-day basis for each month reported. The yearly average rate is calculated on a month-to-month basis for each year reported.

 

(3)Based on transactions observed during the last day of the period.

 

3.B.   Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not applicable.

 

3.C.   Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

 

3.D.   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 on Form 20-F, 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 current global economic conditions. 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 SQM, and its respective business strategies.

 

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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 second half of 2013, we observed lower pricing of contracts between Chinese purchasers and major potash producers, which has increased volatility in the price of fertilizers. We cannot assure you that potassium-based fertilizer prices and sales volumes will not decline in the future.

 

Iodine prices followed an upward trend since late 2003 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$50 per kilogram in 2013, approximately 6% less than average prices seen by the Company in 2012. We cannot assure you that iodine prices or sales volumes will not continue to decline in the future.

 

In 2010, we observed demand recovery in the lithium 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. The average price of lithium carbonate in 2013 was US$5,400 per ton. We cannot assure you that this positive demand trend will continue in the future. 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 SQM, 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 in volume demand, 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 115 countries around the world. In 2013, approximately 49% of our sales were made in emerging market countries: 17% in Central and South America (excluding Chile); 8% to Africa and the Middle East; 12% in Chile; and 12% in Asia and Oceania (excluding Japan). 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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Our inventory levels may increase because of the global economic slowdown

 

In general, the global economic slowdown experienced during 2008 and 2009 had an impact on our inventories. Demand decreased during 2009 and, as a result, inventories increased significantly and continued to be high in 2013. Higher inventories carry a financial risk due to increased need for cash to fund working capital. Higher inventory levels could also imply increased risk of loss of product. We cannot assure you that inventory levels will not continue to remain high in 2014, 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 the global economic slowdown 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 safe guards, such as using credit insurance, letters of credits 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

 

During 2013, supply of iodine and lithium carbonate increased due to new supply from existing competitors entering the market and increases in production from some of our current competitors, which affected prices for both products. Potential new production of iodine and lithium carbonate from current or new competitors in the markets in which we operate could adversely affect 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. 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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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 sources of energy (diesel, electricity, LNG, fuel oil and others) to manufacture our products. Purchases of raw materials that we do not produce and energy constitute an important part of our cost of sales, approximately 16% in 2013. In addition, we may not be able to obtain energy at any price if supplies of our sources of energy are curtailed or otherwise become unavailable. To the extent we are unable to pass on increases in raw materials and energy prices to our customers or we are unable to obtain energy, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 

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, 2013, the Chilean peso exchange rate was Ch$524.61 per U.S. dollar, while as of December 31, 2012, the Chilean peso exchange rate was Ch$479.96 per U.S. dollar. The Chilean peso therefore depreciated against the U.S. dollar by 9% in 2013. As of March 17, 2014, the Observed Exchange Rate was Ch$570.35 per U.S. dollar.

 

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, 2013, approximately 16% 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.

 

Our reserves estimates could be subject to significant changes

 

Our caliche ore mining reserves estimates are prepared by our own geologists, and were validated in January 2014, by Mrs. Marta Aguilera, a geologist with over 20 years of experience in the field. She is currently employed by SQM as Manager of Non-metallic Geology.  Mrs. Aguilera is a Competent Person (Persona Competente), as that term is defined under Chilean Law No. 20,235 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”). Our Salar de Atacama brine mining reserve estimates are prepared by our own geologists, and were validated by Álvaro Henríquez, a geologist with over 10 years of experience in hydrogeology, who is currently employed in SQM as Superintendent of Geology, and is a Competent Person (Persona Competente), as the term is defined under Chilean Law No. 20,235.. 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.

 

  

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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 or are enacting 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.

 

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.

 

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, damages 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.

 

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 liquid crystal display (“LCD”) screens. Changes in technology, the development of substitute raw materials or other developments could adversely affect demand for these and other products which we produce.

 

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We are exposed to labor strikes and labor liabilities that could impact our production levels and costs

 

Over 95% of our employees are employed in Chile, of which approximately 71% were represented by 25 labor unions as of December 31, 2013. As in previous years, during 2013 we renegotiated collective labor contracts with individual unions one year before the expiration of such contracts. As of December 31, 2013, we had concluded advanced negotiations with four labor unions, which represent 8.5% of our total unionized workers, signing new agreements with each for the next three years. We are in the process of negotiating collective labor contracts with the 21 remaining unions. We are exposed to labor strikes that could impact our production levels. If a strike 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.

 

Chilean Law No. 16,744, known as the Law on Work Related Accidents and Professional Diseases (Ley de Accidentes de Trabajo y Enfermedades Profesionales or the “Labor Accidents Law”), provides 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 either the National Geology and Mining Service (Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería or “SERNAGEOMIN”) or the Labor Board (Dirección del Trabajo or “Labor Board”) or the National Health Service (Servicio Nacional de Salud or “SNA”), inspect the site and prescribe the measures such company must take to prevent future risks. 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.

 

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 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.

 

We have operations in multiple jurisdictions with differing regulatory, tax and other regimes

 

We operate in multiple jurisdictions with complex regulatory environments subject to different interpretations by companies and respective governmental authorities. These jurisdictions may each have their own tax codes, environmental regulations, labor codes and legal framework, which could complicate efforts to comply with these regulations, which could have, in turn, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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SQM employs its best efforts to ensure such compliance. For example, the second deadline for the registration of chemical substances under the European REACH regulations (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) expired in May 2013 and, prior to that, SQM managed to enroll 10 new substances that it can export to the European market with a tonnage limit equivalent to 100-1000 MT/year. The European Commission's Directorate General for Health and Consumers (DG Sanco) also issued, in July 2013, a statement on the presence of perchlorate in foods and, based on that, established provisional limits for their presence in the latter, including fruits and vegetables and indicating, at the same time, that the soil, water, and fertilizers are considered potential sources of perchlorate contamination in food. SQM fertilizers, currently marketed in the European market, contain less than 100 ppm of perchlorate. The industry is currently conducting studies of absorption in some target crops to demonstrate that the use of fertilizers, including those of SQM, allows compliance with the values ​​set by DG Sanco. In turn, those provisional values ​​could be ratified or modified by DG Sanco after issuing a risk assessment report which is currently being prepared by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA ) and is expected to be available in September of this year.

 

In 2012, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (“OSHA”) aligned its Hazard Communication Standard to comply with the Globally Harmonized System (“GHS”), which requires companies to review hazard information for all chemicals imported into the US, classify chemicals according to the new classification criteria, and update labels and safety data sheets by June 2015. We are already working on a program which aims to comply with the requirements of this new regulation in line with the stages and deadlines established by OSHA. The updating of the Safety Data Sheets (“SDS”) for all products sold in the US has been finished, and the update of labels is in progress and will be completed the first quarter of 2015.

 

We could be adversely affected by the negative outcome of pending proceedings against our Chairman of the Board and certain other named defendants

 

On September 10, 2013, the SVS issued a press release disclosing it had instituted certain administrative proceedings against Mr. Julio Ponce (in his capacity as chairman and “controller” of entities with direct or indirect share ownership interests in the Company (the “Cascading Companies”)) and other named defendants, including the son of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, alleging violations of Chilean corporate and securities laws (the “Cascading Companies Proceedings”). SQM has been informed that Mr. Ponce, who is Chairman of the Board of the Company, and related persons, beneficially own 29.92% of SQM’s total shares. See Item 6.E. Share Ownership. On January 31, 2014, the SVS added a number of financial institutions and asset managers, and certain of their controlling persons, executives or other principals, as named defendants to the Cascading Companies Proceedings.

 

The SVS alleges the existence of a scheme, involving the named defendants, whereby, through a number of transactions occurring between 2009 and 2011, the Cascading Companies sold securities of various companies, including securities of the Company, at below-market prices to companies related to Mr. Ponce and to other named defendants, which companies, after a lapse of time, sold such securities, in most instances back to the Cascading Companies, at prices higher than those at which they were purchased. The SVS alleges violation by the defendants of a number of corporate and securities laws in furtherance of the alleged scheme.

 

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In response to the Cascading Companies Proceedings, Mr. Ponce has filed a criminal complaint against the superintendent of the SVS alleging, among others things, malfeasance in public office and abuse of power against private citizens. The High Complexity Crimes Unit (Unidad de Delitos de Alta Complejidad) of the Metropolitan District Attorney’s Office (Fiscalía Metropolitana Centro Norte) is also investigating various criminal complaints filed by and against various parties to the Cascading Companies Proceedings.

 

In addition, the Chilean IRS (Servicio de Impuestos Internos) announced it is currently investigating the nature and characteristics 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 with the purpose of evading taxes.

 

The allegations made in connection with the Cascading Companies Proceedings do not relate to any acts or omissions of the Company or of any of its directors, officers or employees in their capacities as such. If any such claim were made by the SVS or by any other claimant, including the Chilean IRS, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company. In addition, a final disposition of claims in connection with the current Cascading Companies Proceedings that is adverse to Mr. Ponce or other named defendants could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s market reputation and commercial dealings, even if no claim is asserted against the Company or any of its directors, officers or employees in their capacities as such.

 

Our water supply could be affected by geological changes

 

Our access to water may be impacted by changes in geology or other natural factors, such as wells drying up, that we cannot control, and which may have a material adverse effect on 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, and regulatory and legal changes or administrative practices of Chilean authorities, 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 (including brine extraction) operations 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 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. SQM Salar S.A. holds 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 S.A. is entitled to exploit the mineral resources of 81,920 hectares. These rights are owned by Corfo and leased to SQM Salar S.A. pursuant to a lease agreement between Corfo and SQM Salar S.A. (the “Lease Agreement”). Corfo may not unilaterally amend the Lease Agreement, and the rights to exploit the resources cannot be transferred. The Lease Agreement establishes that SQM Salar S.A. is responsible for the maintenance of Corfo’s exploitation rights and for annual payments to the Chilean government, and it expires on December 31, 2030. Furthermore, under the regulations of the Chilean Nuclear and Energy Commission (Comisión Chilena de Energía Nuclear or “CCHEN”), we are limited to 180,100 tons of total lithium extraction in the aggregate for all periods. More than halfway through the term of the lease agreement, we have extracted less than 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.

 

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We also operate port facilities at Tocopilla, Chile for the shipment of our products and the delivery of certain raw materials, pursuant to concessions granted by Chilean regulatory authorities. These concessions are renewable provided that we use such facilities as authorized and pay annual concession fees.

 

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 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 locations 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 concession fees to maintain water rights we are not exercising. These and potential future changes to the Water Code 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 Law No. 20,026 that “Establishes 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.

 

As a result of the earthquake and tsunami in February 2010, the Chilean government raised the corporate income tax rate in order to pay for reconstruction following the earthquake and tsunami. 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% effective for the 2013 calendar year.

 

On April 1, 2014, a new tax bill was sent to the Congress. The proposed bill aims to increase the general corporate tax to 21% in 2014, 22.5% in 2015, 24% in 2016 and 25% in 2017. The tax bill also aims to change the manner in which the general corporate tax is applied: currently, such tax is applied on an imputated basis, whereby companies must pay a 20% tax on accrued profits and no further tax until those profits are distributed by the company. The bill proposes the gradual modification of this system, resulting in profits being taxed on an accrual basis as of 2017.

 

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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. In addition, 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.

 

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. We are required to conduct environmental impact studies or statements of any future projects or activities (or significant modifications thereto) that may affect the environment and we are required to obtain an environmental license for certain projects and activities. The environmental assessment service (Servicio de Evaluación Ambiental or “Environmental Assessment Service”) currently evaluates environmental impact studies submitted for its approval, and private citizens, public agencies or local authorities may challenge projects that may adversely affect the environment, either before these projects are executed or once they are already operating, if they fail to comply with applicable regulations. Enforcement remedies available include fines up to approximately US$10 million and temporary or permanent closure of facilities and revocation of the environmental license.

 

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.

 

We continuously monitor the impact of our operations on the environment and have, from time to time, made modifications to our facilities to minimize any adverse environmental impacts. We believe we are currently in compliance in all material respects with applicable environmental regulations in Chile. Future developments in the creation or implementation of environmental requirements, or in their interpretation, could result in substantially increased capital, operation or compliance costs or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In connection with our current investments at the Salar de Atacama and Nueva Victoria, the success of these investments 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.

 

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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 peoples. The Indigenous Rights Convention established several rights for indigenous individuals and communities. Among other rights, the Indigenous Rights Convention outlines that (i) indigenous groups be notified of and consulted prior to the development of any project on land deemed indigenous (without any veto or approval right) and of any legislative or administrative measure that may affect them directly; and (ii) indigenous groups have, to the extent possible, a stake in benefits resulting from the exploitation of natural resources in alleged indigenous land. The extent of these benefits has not been defined by the Chilean government. The new rights outlined in the Indigenous Rights Convention could affect the development of our investment projects in alleged indigenous lands 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 in April 2014, offshore, and had a magnitude of 8.2. This earthquake followed one in February 2010, which caused substantial damage to major areas of the country. A major earthquake or a volcano 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 insurance policies standard for this industry with earthquake coverage, we cannot assure you that a future seismic event will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Risks related to our shares and to our ADRs

 

The price of our ADSs and the U.S. dollar value of any dividends will be affected by fluctuations in the U.S. dollar/Chilean peso exchange rate

 

Chilean trading in the shares underlying our ADSs is conducted in Chilean pesos. The depositary will receive cash distributions that we make with respect to the shares in Chilean pesos. The depositary will convert such Chilean pesos to U.S. dollars at the then prevailing exchange rate to make dividend and other distribution payments in respect of ADSs. If the value of the Chilean peso falls relative to the U.S. dollar, the value of the ADSs and any distributions to be received from the depositary will decrease.

 

Developments in other emerging markets could materially affect the value of our ADSs

 

The Chilean financial and securities markets are, to varying degrees, influenced by economic and market conditions in other emerging market countries or regions of the world. Although economic conditions are different in each country or region, investor reaction to developments in one country or region can have significant effects on the securities of issuers in other countries and regions, including Chile and Latin America. Events in other parts of the world may have a material effect on Chilean financial and securities markets and on the value of our ADSs.

 

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The volatility and low liquidity of the Chilean securities markets could affect the ability of our shareholders to sell our ADSs

 

The Chilean securities markets are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets in the United States. The volatility and low liquidity of the Chilean markets could increase the price volatility of our ADSs and may impair the ability of a holder to sell our ADSs into the Chilean market in the amount and at the price and time he wishes to do so.

 

Our share price may react negatively to future acquisitions and investments

 

As world leaders in our core businesses, part of our strategy is to look for opportunities that will allow us to consolidate and strengthen our competitive position in jurisdictions in which we currently do not operate. Pursuant to this strategy, we may carry out acquisitions or joint ventures relating to any of our businesses or to new businesses in which we believe we may have sustainable competitive advantages. Depending on our capital structure at the time of such acquisitions, we may need to raise significant debt and/or equity which will affect our financial condition and future cash flows. Any change in our financial condition could affect our results of operations, negatively impacting our share price.

 

You may be unable to enforce rights under U.S. Securities Laws

 

Because we are a Chilean company subject to Chilean law, the rights of our shareholders may differ from the rights of shareholders in companies incorporated in the United States, and you may not be able to enforce or may have difficulty enforcing rights currently in effect under U.S. Federal or State securities laws.

 

Our Company is a "sociedad anónima abierta" (open stock corporation) incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Chile. Most of our directors and officers reside outside the United States, principally in Chile. All or a substantial portion of the assets of these persons are located outside the United States. As a result, if any of our shareholders, including holders of our ADSs, were to bring a lawsuit against our officers or directors in the United States, it may be difficult for them to effect service of legal process within the United States upon these persons. Likewise, it may be difficult for them to enforce judgments obtained in United States courts based upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States against them in United States courts.

 

In addition, there is no treaty between the United States and Chile providing for the reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgments. However, Chilean courts have enforced judgments rendered in the United States, provided that the Chilean court finds that the United States court respected basic principles of due process and public policy. Nevertheless, there is doubt as to whether an action could be brought successfully in Chile in the first instance on the basis of liability based solely upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws.

 

As preemptive rights may be unavailable for our ADS holders, they have the risk of their holdings being diluted if we issue new stock

 

Chilean laws require companies to offer their shareholders preemptive rights whenever selling new shares of capital stock. Preemptive rights permit holders to maintain their existing ownership percentage in a company by subscribing for additional shares. If we increase our capital by issuing new shares, a holder may subscribe for up to the number of shares that would prevent dilution of the holder's ownership interest.

 

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If we issue preemptive rights, United States holders of ADSs would not be able to exercise their rights unless a registration statement under the Securities Act were effective with respect to such rights and the shares issuable upon exercise of such rights or an exemption from registration were available. We cannot assure holders of ADSs that we will file a registration statement or that an exemption from registration will be available. We may, in our absolute discretion, decide not to prepare and file such a registration statement. If our holders were unable to exercise their preemptive rights because we did not file a registration statement, the depositary bank would attempt to sell their rights and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to them, after deducting the depositary's fees and expenses. If the depositary could not sell the rights, they would expire and holders of ADSs would not realize any value from them. In either case, ADS holders' equity interest in us would be diluted in proportion to the increase in our capital stock.

 

If we were classified as a Passive Foreign Investment Company there could be adverse consequences for U.S. investors

 

We believe that we were not classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for 2013. Characterization as a PFIC could result in adverse U.S. tax consequences to you if you are a U.S. investor in our shares or ADSs. For example, if we (or any of our subsidiaries) are a PFIC, our U.S. investors may become subject to increased tax liabilities under U.S. tax laws and regulations and will become subject to burdensome reporting requirements. The determination of whether or not we (or any of our subsidiaries or portfolio companies) are a PFIC is made on an annual basis and will depend on the composition of our (or their) income and assets from time to time. See Item 10.E. Taxation – United States Tax Considerations.

 

Changes in Chilean tax regulations could have adverse consequences for U.S. investors

 

Currently cash dividends paid by us to foreign shareholders are subject to a 35% Chilean withholding tax. If we have paid corporate income tax (the "First Category Tax") on the income from which the dividend is paid, a credit for the First Category Tax effectively reduces the rate of Withholding Tax. Changes in Chilean tax regulations could have adverse consequences for U.S. investors.

 

ITEM 4.   INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

 

4.A.   History and Development of the Company

 

Historical Background

 

Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. "SQM" is an open stock corporation (sociedad anónima abierta) organized under the laws of the Republic of Chile. We were constituted by public deed issued on June 17, 1968 by the Notary Public of Santiago, Mr. Sergio Rodríguez Garcés. Our existence was approved by Decree No. 1,164 of June 22, 1968 of the Ministry of Finance, and we were registered on June 29, 1968 in the Registry of Commerce of Santiago, on page 4,537 No. 1,992. Our headquarters is located at El Trovador 4285, Fl. 6, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile. Our telephone number is +56 2 2425-2000. Our US representative is SQM NA located at 2727 Paces Ferry Road, Building Two, Suite 1425, Atlanta GA 30339. The phone number is +1 (770) 916-9407.

 

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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 Corporación de Fomento de la Producción (“Production Development Corporation” 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 ADRS have traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “SQM” since 1993.

 

Since our inception, in addition to producing nitrates, we have produced iodine, which is also found in the caliche ore deposits in northern Chile.

 

Between the years 1994 and 1999, we invested approximately US$300 million in the development of the Salar de Atacama project in northern Chile. The project involved the construction of a potassium chloride plant, a lithium carbonate plant, a potassium sulfate plant, and a boric acid plant.

 

To help finance the above projects, we accessed the international capital markets by issuing additional Series B ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange in 1995. In 1999 we issued additional Series A shares, which were also listed on the New York Stock Exchange as ADSs. Effective March 27, 2008, the Company voluntarily delisted its Series A ADS (“SQM-A”) from the New York Stock Exchange. In addition, on April 5, 2013, we filed a Form F-6 in order to issue 100 million additional Series B ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange, to be effective as of April 15, 2013.

 

During the period from 2000 through 2004, we principally consolidated the investments carried out in the preceding five years. We focused on reducing costs and improving efficiencies throughout the organization.

 

Since 2005, we have strengthened our leadership in our main businesses by increasing our capital expenditure program and making advantageous acquisitions and divestitures. During this period we acquired Kemira Emirates Fertiliser Company (Kefco) in Dubai and the iodine business of Royal DSM N.V. (DSM). We also sold (i) Fertilizantes Olmeca, our Mexican subsidiary, (ii) our butyllithium plant located in Houston, Texas and (iii) our stake in Impronta S.R.L., our Italian subsidiary. These sales allowed us to concentrate our efforts on our core products. In 2007, we completed the construction of a new prilling and granulating plant., and in 2008, we completed our lithium carbonate capacity expansion and began work on the engineering stage of a new potassium nitrate plant. In addition, in 2008 we entered into a joint venture with Migao Corporation (“Migao”) for the construction of a potassium nitrate plant with a production capacity of 40,000 metric tons per year, and we completed construction and began operations of our potassium nitrate plant as part of our joint venture with Migau in January 2011.

 

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From 2010 to 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. In the second half of 2011, we effected a corporate reorganization whereby our subsidiary Soquimich European Holding B.V. acquired a 66.6% ownership in Fertilizantes Naturales S.A. (later renamed SQM Iberian S.A.) from Nutrisi Holding N.V. Soquimich European Holding B.V. owned a non-controlling 50% stake in Nutrisi Holding N.V. which was divested following this acquisition in December 2011. The effect of these transactions has been that we indirectly control SQM Iberian S.A. through Soquimich European Holding B.V. SQM Iberian S.A. sells and distributes fertilizers, primarily in Spain.

 

In 2012, SQM Vitas FZ Company, our joint venture with the French Roullier Group, 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, occasionally, smaller amounts of other chemicals. The Brazilian plant (Candeias Industrial Complex) began operating in March 2012. It has a production capacity of 25,000 metric tons per year, and represented a total investment of US$10 million.

 

In 2013, we sold our royalty rights over the Antucoya mining project to Antofogasta Minerals for a sum of US$ 84 million. We also opened a trading office in Thailand.

 

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 acquisition of new assets, construction of new facilities and renewal of plant and equipment, and performed with internal financing through our capital expenditure program for investments in Chile.

 

Our capital expenditures include investments aimed at sustaining, improving or increasing production levels, including acquisitions and investments in related companies.

 

Our capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

 

(in millions of US dollars)  2013   2012   2011 
Capital Expenditures   371.7    446.0    501.1 

 

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During 2011, we had total capital expenditures of US$501.1 million, primarily relating to:

 

·increased production capacity of potassium-based products at the Salar de Atacama, with the continued construction and completion of potassium chloride and granulated potassium chloride facilities at the Salar de Atacama;

 

·increased capacity and efficiencies at nitrate and iodine facilities;

 

·optimization of our rail system; and

 

·various projects designed to maintain production capacity, increase yields and reduce costs.

 

During 2012, we had total capital expenditures of US$446.0 million, primarily relating 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.

 

During 2013, we had total capital expenditures of US$371.7 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.

 

The Board of Directors has approved a capital expenditures plan for 2014 of US$135 million in connection with investments to be made in Chile. The 2014 capital investment program is primarily focused on the maintenance of our production facilities. Our 2014 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.

 

4.B.   Business Overview

 

The Company

 

We believe that we are the world’s largest producer of potassium nitrate, iodine and lithium chemicals. We produce specialty plant nutrients, iodine and iodine derivatives, lithium and lithium derivatives, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate and certain industrial chemicals (including industrial nitrates and solar salt). Our products are sold in more than 115 countries through our worldwide distribution network, with 88% of our sales in 2013 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.

 

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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. In addition, we complement our portfolio of plant nutrients through the buying and selling of other commodity fertilizers for use mainly in Chile. 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 solar thermal energy plants as a means for energy storage.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013, we had revenues of US$2,203.1 million, gross profit of US$721.5 million and profit attributable to controlling interests of US$467.1 million. Our world wide market capitalization as of December 31, 2013 was approximately US$6.8 billion.

 

Our Series A and Series B common shares are listed on the Santiago Stock Exchange. Our Series B American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) since 1993. Our ticker symbols on the Santiago Stock Exchange for our Series A and Series B common shares are “SQM-A” and “SQM-B,” respectively, and our ticker symbol on the NYSE for the Series B ADSs is “SQM.”

 

Specialty Plant Nutrition: We produce four principal types of specialty plant nutrition products: 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 nutrition products 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 marketed under the brands: Ultrasol™ (fertigation), Qrop™ (open field application), Speedfol™ (foliar application), and Allganic™ (organic farming). Specialty plant nutrition has 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.

 

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The needs of more sophisticated customers are leading the industry to provide solutions rather than individual products. The advantages of our products, plus customized specialty blends that meet specific needs along with 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 nutrition products are sold at a premium price compared to other 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.

 

Lithium and its derivatives: We are a leading producer of lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, products which are used in a variety of applications, including electrochemical materials for batteries, frits for the ceramic and enamel industries, heat-resistant glass (ceramic glass), primary aluminum smelting process, air conditioning chemicals, lubricating greases, continuous casting powder for steel extrusion, and pharmaceuticals among others. Lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide are also basic lithium chemicals used to produce a wide range of lithium derivatives.

 

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.

 

Industrial Chemicals: We produce and market four industrial chemicals: sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, potassium chloride and boric acid. 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 solar-based electricity generating 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 is also used as an additive in oil drilling as well as in food processing, among others.

 

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 sulphate and potassium chloride.

 

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The following table shows the percentage breakdown of our revenues for 2013, 2012 and 2011 according to our product lines:

 

   2013   2012   2011 
Specialty Plant Nutrition   31%   28%   34%
Iodine and Derivatives   21%   24%   21%
Lithium and Derivatives   9%   9%   9%
Potassium   28%   25%   26%
Industrial Chemicals   7%   10%   7%
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;
·increase our production capacity of potassium-related fertilizers from the Salar de Atacama;
·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 nutrients 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; and (vii) reduce our production costs through improved processes and higher labor productivity so as to compete more effectively.

 

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Iodine and its derivatives

Our strategy in our iodine business is to (i) maintain our leadership in the iodine market by adjusting our production capacity in line with market needs; (ii) encourage demand growth and develop new iodine derivatives, (iii) participate in iodine recycling projects; (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.

 

Lithium and its derivatives

Our strategy in our lithium business is to (i) maintain our leading position in the lithium industry as a producer and distributor of lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide; (ii) encourage demand growth, (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 significantly increase our production capacity of potassium chloride and potassium sulfate. Our distribution strategy 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; and (iii) focus on markets where we have logistical advantages.

 

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 currently exploring concessions for certain metallic minerals. If such minerals are found, we may decide to exploit, sell or enter into a joint venture to extract these resources. We may decide to acquire part or all of the equity of, or undertake joint ventures or other transactions with, other companies involved in our businesses or in other businesses. We are also exploring the possibility of acquiring controlling interests in companies that have mining properties in our core business areas, and that 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 in companies with mining properties outside of Chile and Latin America, including in other emerging markets.

 

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In addition we are actively conducting exploration operations in various properties we own for copper, gold and other metals deposits and we have already identified several areas in which we are conducting more targeted exploration. Fiel Rosita, a copper-gold deposit located close to the city of Vallenar, is our most advanced prospect. It is located in the same district as other deposits currently being exploited by other companies. We are updating the geological model using new 2013 drill data that will be used in updating the resource estimate prior to advancing a preliminary economic assessment to completion. Additional exploration will be undertaken to confirm the updated geological model and test extensions to the known mineralized areas. We may decide not to move forward with any potential metallic prospects discovered from our exploration operations.

 

In parallel to our exploration operations, we have entered into memoranda of understanding, option agreements and similar arrangements with third-party mining companies relating to metallic minerals.  In all these agreements, we retain the rights to non-metallic minerals such as nitrate, iodine, potassium, lithium and their respective derivatives

 

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 48% of global potassium nitrate sales by volume in 2013. This estimate does not include potassium nitrate we produced and sold locally in China, only net imports. During 2013, the potassium nitrate market remained stable, with global sales at 1 million MT. We also produce the following specialty plant nutrition products: 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 2013, our specialty plant nutrients sales were US$687.5 million, representing 31% of our total sales for that year and a 1.8% increase from US$675.3 million specialty plant nutrients sales in 2012. This increase was a result of higher demand for premium vegetables and fruits, caused by improved economic conditions, which has reinforced the consumption of specialty fertilizers.

 

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Specialty Plant Nutrition: Our 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.

 

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. Global microirrigation acreage is estimated at 10 million hectares, which represents approximately 3% of total worldwide irrigated area. 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.

 

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 2013, 2012 and 2011.

 

   2013   2012   2011 
Sales Volume  (Th. MT)               
Sodium nitrate   26.2    24.4    22.2 
Potassium nitrate and sodium potassium nitrate   512.6    469.3    551.1 
Blended and other specialty plant nutrients(1)   308.9    286.5    276.0 
Total Revenues (in US$ millions)   687.5    675.3    721.7 
(1)Includes blended and other specialty plant nutrients. It also includes Yara’s products sold pursuant to our commercial agreement

 

Specialty Plant Nutrition: Marketing and Customers

 

In 2013, we sold our specialty plant nutrients in close to 90 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 2013, and we estimate that our 10 largest customers accounted in the aggregate for approximately 23% of sales during that period.

 

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Sales Breakdown  2013   2012   2011 
Central & South America   14%   18%   14%
North America   25%   27%   24%
Europe   16%   18%   26%
Chile   25%   19%   17%
Others   20%   18%   19%

 

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 nutrition products 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 products are used on a wide variety of crops, particularly value-added crops, where the use of our products enables our customers to increase yield and command a premium price. 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 Unites States of America. Scientifically proven benefits of Speedfol™ Crop SP applications include increased yields, better quality (e.g. larger-sized fruits) and reduced crop losses (e.g. less premature fruit drop, 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 nutrient products.

 

From time to time we evaluate opportunities to expand in our current core businesses, including our specialty plant nutrients business, or within new businesses in which we believe we may have sustainable competitive advantages, both within and outside Chile. Consistent with our business strategy, we evaluate potential acquisitions, joint ventures and alliances in our core businesses with companies outside of Chile and Latin America, including in emerging markets.

 

In May 2008, we signed a commitment letter for a joint venture with Migao for the production and distribution of specialty plant nutrients in China. In 2009, we signed a shareholders agreement in connection with this joint venture. 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 offers us an increased our presence in China,

 

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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 fertilizers (NPK grades). This new facility required a total investment of approximately US$2.6 million and 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 nutrients, 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 September 2010, SQM Vitas implemented a new phosphate line that will allow the production of two of the main water soluble phosphorus products in the world: mono ammonium phosphate and urea phosphate.

 

In the second half of 2011, we effected a corporate reorganization whereby our subsidiary Soquimich European Holding B.V. acquired a 66.6% ownership in Fertilizantes Naturales S.A. (later renamed SQM Iberian S.A.) from Nutrisi Holding N.V. Soquimich European Holding B.V. owned a non-controlling 50% stake in Nutrisi Holding N.V. which was sold following this acquisition. The effect of these transactions has been that we indirectly control SQM Iberian S.A. through Soquimich European Holding B.V. SQM Iberian S.A. sells and distributes fertilizers, primarily in Spain.

 

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 Brazilian plant (Candeias Industrial Complex) began operating in March 2012. It has a production capacity of 25,000 million tons per year, and represented a total investment of US$10 million.

 

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. In addition, as mentioned above, we entered into a joint venture with Migao in 2008 for the construction of a potassium nitrate plant with a production capacity of 40,000 metric tons per year that began operating in January 2011.

 

The market for potassium nitrate in China is 350,000-400,000 MT, of which approximately 150,000 is related to the tobacco industry and 40,000-50,000 is related to the horticulture business. Our market share in agricultural potassium nitrate products in China is approximately 80% for water-soluble fertilizers and we expect to increase our market share for water-soluble NPK blends.

 

During 2013 we changed our development strategy for the Chinese water-soluble fertilizer segment. In particular, we revised our marketing and distribution strategy through our subsidiary SQM (Beijing) and in connection with the SQM-Migao joint venture, located in Qingdao of Shandong Province. Pursuant to this new strategy, our water-soluble fertilizer products produced by the SQM-Migao joint venture will be sold through SQM (Beijing), and the marketing team of the SQM-Migao joint venture will be integrated into 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 for applications in order to increase popularity and expand the use of these products.

 

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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 2009, SQM VITAS and Quimigra S.A, part of the Roullier Group, a French multinational group involved in plant, animal and human nutrition, entered into a joint venture for the construction and development of a new production facility in Port Cádiz, Spain, of nutritional solutions with high-added value to be destined for local demand. On June 12, 2013, the facilities were completed and began operating. The new facility has a production capacity of 15,000 MT per year. The production is focused on nutritional solutions with high added value destined to meet local demand for both, the Roullier Group and SQM, and to market to the agricultural sector in nearby countries.

 

Specialty Plant Nutrition: Fertilizer Sales in Chile

 

We market specialty plant nutrition products in Chile through Soquimich Comercial S.A., either as a standalone product or in blends with other imported products, in particular triple super phosphate (TSP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP).

 

Soquimich Comercial S.A. sells imported fertilizers to farmers in Chile principally for use in the production of sugar beets, cereals, industrial crops, potatoes, grapes and other fruits. Most of the fertilizers that Soquimich Comercial S.A. imports are purchased on a spot basis from different countries in the world, including China, Mexico and Venezuela.

 

All contracts and agreements between Soquimich Comercial S.A. and its suppliers of imported fertilizers generally contain standard and customary commercial terms and conditions. During the preceding 10 years, Soquimich Comercial S.A. has experienced no material difficulties in obtaining adequate supplies of such fertilizers at satisfactory prices.

 

Soquimich Comercial S.A.’s sales of fertilizers represented approximately 30% of total fertilizer sales in Chile during 2013. Soquimich Comercial S.A.’s consolidated revenues were approximately US$230 million and US$256 million in 2013 and 2012, 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.

 

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 33% of total world sales during 2013 (excluding sales by Chinese producers to the domestic Chinese market), compared to our share of the market which accounted for approximately 48% of global potassium nitrate sales by volume for the period.

 

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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 Wentong 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 2013, our revenues from iodine and iodine derivatives amounted to US$461.0 million, representing 21% of our total revenues in that year. We estimate that our sales accounted for approximately 28% of world iodine sales by volume in 2013.

 

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. We have seen consistent growth in the iodine market over the last ten years, with the exception of 2009 which that was affected by the global financial crisis, with demand being led by uses related to X-ray contrast media and pharmaceuticals. During 2013, iodine demand only saw a moderate increase compared to 2012 as a consequence of high prices and stock optimization. We estimate that the global market size in 2013 was 31 thousand metric tons, with close to 60% of supply coming from Chilean producers, including us. Increased supply entered the market in 2012 and 2013.

 

Iodine: Our Products:

 

We produce iodine, and through a joint venture with Ajay Chemicals Inc., (“Ajay”), a U.S.-based Company, we produce organic and inorganic iodine derivatives. Ajay-SQM Group (“ASG”), established in the mid-1990s, has production plants in the United States, Chile and France. ASG is the world’s leading inorganic and organic iodine derivatives producer.

 

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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 2013, 2012 and 2011:

 

   2013   2012   2011 
Sales Volume (Th. MT)               
Iodine and derivatives   9.3    11.0    12.2 
Revenues (in US$ millions)   461.0    578.1    454.5 

 

Our sales revenues decreased from US$578.1 million in 2012 to US$461.0 million in 2013. This decrease was primarily attributable to slower demand growth than seen in previous years, and supply outpacing demand.

 

Iodine: Marketing and Customers

 

In 2013, we sold our iodine products to approximately 300 customers in over 70 countries and most of our sales were exports: 37% was sold to customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, 36% to customers in North America, 11% to customers in Central and South America and 16% to customers in Asia and other regions. No single customer accounted for more than 13% of our iodine sales in 2013, and we estimate that our 10 largest customers accounted in the aggregate for approximately 50% of sales.

 

The following table shows the geographical breakdown of our sales for 2013, 2012, and 2011.

 

Sales Breakdown  2013   2012   2011 
Europe, Middle East & Africa   37%   31%   36%
North America   36%   36%   32%
Central & South America   11%   3%   3%
Others   16%   30%   29%

 

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.

 

Iodine: Competition

 

The world’s main iodine producers are based in Chile, Japan and the United States. Iodine is also produced in Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Russia and China.

 

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Iodine production in Chile starts from a unique mineral ore known as caliche ore, whereas in Japan, the United States, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, and Russia 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 (SQM; 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 Sirocco Mining Inc., a Canadian company previously known as Atacama Minerals) accounted for approximately 56% of global iodine sales in 2013 (28% by SQM and 28% by the other five Chilean producers).

 

We estimate that eight Japanese iodine producers accounted for approximately 31% of global iodine sales in 2013, 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 2013.

 

Iodine recycling is an increasing 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 70% to 75% of the world 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, the United States and Asia.

 

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. As a result of new supply from other Chilean producers, our annual average iodine sales prices decreased to US$ 50 per kilogram in 2013.

 

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 ore available for certain applications, such as antiseptics and disinfectants, which could represent a cost-effective alternative to iodine depending on prevailing prices. We believe that some substitution has taken place during 2012 and 2013.

 

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.

 

Lithium and its derivatives

 

We believe we are the leading producer of lithium carbonate and one of the world’s largest producers of lithium hydroxide. In 2013, our revenues from lithium sales amounted to US$196.5 million, representing 9% of our total revenues. We estimate that our sales accounted for approximately 27% of the sale of global lithium chemicals sales in volume.

 

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Lithium: Market

 

Lithium carbonate is used in a variety of applications, including electrochemical materials for batteries, ceramic and enamel frits, heat resistant glass (ceramic glass), primary aluminum smelting process, air conditioning chemicals, continuous casting powder for steel extrusion, synthesis of pharmaceuticals and lithium derivatives.

 

Lithium hydroxide is primarily used as a raw material in the lubricating grease industry, as well as in the dyes and the battery industries.

 

During 2013, lithium chemicals demand increased 4% reaching 130 thousand metric tons, with close to 50% supplied by Chilean producers.

 

Lithium: Our Products

 

We produce lithium carbonate at the 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 2013, 2012 and 2011:

 

   2013   2012   2011 
Sales Volume (Th. MT)               
Lithium and derivatives   36.1    45.7    40.7 
Revenues (in US$ millions)   196.5    222.2    183.4 

 

Our revenues in 2013 were US$196.5 million, a 13% decrease from US$222.2 million in 2012, due to lower sales volumes resulting from an increase in supply in 2013.

 

Lithium: Marketing and Customers

 

In 2013, we sold our lithium products to over 300 customers in approximately 50 countries. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of our lithium sales in 2013, and we estimate that our 10 largest customers accounted in aggregate for approximately 50% of sales.

 

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The following table shows the geographical breakdown of our sales for 2013, 2012 and 2011.

 

Sales Breakdown  2013   2012   2011 
Europe, Middle East & Africa   30%   24%   28%
North America   13%   10%   10%
Asia & Oceania and others   57%   66%   62%

 

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”), a subsidiary of Rockwood Specialties Group Inc., and FMC Corporation (“FMC”). In addition, a number of Chinese producers together accounted for approximately 40% of the world market in 2013, in volume. Rockwood produces lithium carbonate at its operations in Chile, through Sociedad Chilena del Litio Limitada, and in Nevada, United States. Its production of downstream lithium products is mostly performed in the United States, Germany and Taiwan. 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. A number of new projects to develop lithium deposits have been announced recently, some of them 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.

 

In 2013, our potassium chloride and potassium sulfate revenues amounted to US$606.3 million, representing 28% of our total revenues and a 0.2% increase compared to 2012. We are currently completing projects in the Salar de Atacama, which will enable us to increase production and sales of potassium-based products.

 

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 to accumulate to excess levels in the rooting systems of the plant.

 

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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 1.6%.

 

According to most recent studies prepared by the International Fertilizer Industry Association in 2010-2010/11, 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 2013. We estimate that demand reached the level of 54 million MT for potassium chloride during 2013, an increase of approximately 6% as compared to 2012. After unfavorable farming conditions in several countries during 2012, production had to increase in order to meet demand (in a year with historical low inventory levels). We expect the potassium chloride market maintain its growth trend to up to 57 million MT during 2014.

 

Average prices in the potassium market decreased significantly during 2013 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. In the last quarter of 2013 the market saw major industry contracts close at significantly lower prices than previous years. We believe these price pressures will have an impact on our potassium revenues in the near term.

 

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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 2013, 2012 and 2011.

 

   2013   2012   2011 
Sales Volume (Th. MT)               
Potassium Chloride & Potassium Sulfate   1,434.9    1,209.5    1,103.4 
Revenues (in US$ millions)   606.3    605.1    555.7 

 

Potassium: Marketing and Customers

 

In 2013, we sold potassium chloride and potassium sulfate in approximately 70 countries. No single customer accounted for more than 20% of our sales of potassium chloride and potassium sulfate in 2013, and we estimate that our 10 largest customers accounted in the aggregate for approximately 53% of such sales.

 

The following table shows the geographical breakdown of our sales for 2013, 2012, and 2011.

 

Sales Breakdown  2013   2012   2011 
Chile   4%   5%   8%
Central & South America   41%   42%   32%
Africa & the Middle East   14%   11%   15%
North America   15%   15%   11%
Others   26%   27%   34%

 

Potassium: Competition

 

The prices in the potassium chloride market declined during the second half of 2013 as a result of the unexpected announcement made by the Russian company, Uralkali, on July 30, 2013, that it was terminating its participation in BPC. As a result of the termination of Uralkali’s participation in BPC, there was increased price competition in the market. We believe that world market demand is the most important indicator when assessing pricing and the overall future of the potash market. We remain confident that total potash demand levels in 2014 will surpass levels recorded during 2013, which could lead to a positive change in the prices.

 

We estimate that we accounted for less than 3% of global sales of potassium chloride in 2013. Our main competitors are Uralkali, PCS, Belaruskali and Mosaic. We believe that in 2013 the leading producer in the market was Uralkali Group, which accounted for approximately 18% of global sales. PCS and Mosaic, accounted each 15% and 14% respectively, and Belaruskali, who accounted for 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 believe that these three producers account for approximately 40% of the world production of potassium sulfate.

 

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Industrial Chemicals

 

In addition to producing sodium and potassium nitrate for agricultural applications, we produce three grades of sodium and potassium nitrate for industrial applications: industrial, technical and refined grades. The three grades differ mainly in their chemical purity. We enjoy certain operational flexibility when producing industrial sodium and potassium nitrate 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 boric acid, a by-product of the production of potassium sulfate, and industrial-grade potassium chloride, both of which are sold into industrial markets in crystalline form.

 

In 2013, our revenues from industrial chemicals were US$245.2 million, representing approximately 7% of our total revenues for that year.

 

Industrial Chemicals: Market

 

In addition to producing sodium and potassium nitrate for agricultural applications, we produce three grades of sodium and potassium nitrate for industrial applications: industrial, technical and refined grades. The three grades differ mainly in their chemical purity. We enjoy certain operational flexibility when producing industrial sodium and potassium nitrate 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.

 

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 enjoys long-term growth potential from industrial nitrates for thermal storage in solar energy projects. Solar salts for this specific application contain a blend of 60% sodium nitrate and 40% potassium nitrate by weight ratio.

 

Boric acid is primarily used as raw material in the manufacturing of glass, fiberglass, ceramic and enamel frits, and LCD flat panel displays.

 

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 others.

 

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Industrial Chemicals: Our Products

 

The following table shows our sales volumes of industrial chemicals and total revenues for 2013, 2012 and 2011:

 

   2013   2012   2011 
Sales Volume (Th. MT)               
Industrial nitrates   173.5    277.7    181.2 
Boric Acid   2.0    1.8    2.4 
Revenues (in US$ millions)   154.0    245.2    139.5 

 

Sales of industrial chemicals decreased from US$245.2 million in 2012 to US$154.0 million in 2013 primarily as a result of a decrease in sales volumes of solar salts products due to new alternative energy projects that utilize industrial grade sodium and potassium nitrate solar thermal energy.

 

Industrial Chemicals: Marketing and Customers

 

We sold our industrial nitrate products in over 50 countries in 2013, with 47% percent of our sales of industrial chemicals to customers in North America, 35% to customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, 12% to customers in Central and South America and 6% to customers in other regions. No single customer accounted for more than 22% of our sales of industrial chemicals in 2012, and we estimate that our 10 largest customers accounted in the aggregate for approximately 59% of such sales.

 

The following table shows the geographical breakdown of our sales for 2013, 2012, and 2011.

 

Sales Breakdown  2013   2012   2011 
Europe, Middle East & Africa   35%   37%   52%
North America   47%   49%   26%
Central & South America   12%   7%   17%
Others   6%   7%   5%

 

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 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 50% of world demand in 2013 (excluding China and India internal demand, 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 hydroxide, 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.

 

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Our main competitor in the industrial potassium nitrates business is Haifa; which we estimate had a 23% of the market share. We estimate that our market share was approximately 28% for 2013.

 

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 and iodine; and
·salar brines, which contain potassium, lithium, sulfate, boron and magnesium.

 

Caliche Ore Deposits

 

Caliche ore deposits are located in northern Chile. During 2013, we operated three mines in this region: Pedro de Valdivia, El Toco (mining site of Maria Elena production facilities) and Nueva Victoria. In December 2013, mining operations at El Toco were temporarily suspended in an effort to optimize our production facilties with lower production costs.

 

Caliche ore is found under a layer of barren overburden in seams with variable thickness from one meter to five meters, and with the overburden varying in thickness between zero and two meters.

 

Before proper mining begins, a full exploration stage is carried out, including full geological reconnaissance, sampling and drilling caliche ore to determine the features of each deposit and its quality. 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). After drill holes are made, information is updated to offer the most accurate ore supply schedule to the processing plants.

 

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 on off-road trucks. In 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.

 

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At the Pedro de Valdivia facility, the ore is crushed and leached to produce concentrated solutions containing the nitrate and iodine. The crushing of the ore produces a coarse fraction that is leached in a vat system and a fine fraction that is leached by agitation. These are followed by liquid-solid separation, where solids precipitate as sediment and liquids containing nitrate and iodine are sent to be processed. In Nueva Victoria and El Toco, the run of mine ore is loaded in heaps and leached with water to produce concentrated solutions.

 

Caliche Ore-Derived Products

 

Caliche ore-derived products are: sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium potassium nitrate, iodine and iodine derivatives.

 

Sodium Nitrate

 

During 2013, sodium nitrate for both agricultural and industrial applications was produced at the Pedro de Valdivia facility 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 process, the brine is pumped to the iodine facilities, where the iodide is separated in a solvent extraction plant. The brine is returned to the vat leaching process. The fine fraction of caliche’s crushing process is leached at ambient temperature with water, producing a weak solution that 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.

 

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 processed further at the Coya Sur and María Elena production plants to produce potassium nitrate in different qualities, sodium potassium nitrate and/or crystallized or prilled nitrates (potassium or sodium), which are transported to our port facilities in Tocopilla by railway for shipping to customer and distributors worldwide.

 

Potassium nitrate

 

Potassium nitrate is produced at our Coya Sur facility using a production process developed by us. The brine leached with the fine fraction process at Pedro de Valdivia and the brines produced by heap leaching process in Maria 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 potassium salts are added and where a chemical reaction begins and produces 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.

 

Concentrated nitrate salts were produced at Pampa Blanca until March 2010, and are currently produced at Nueva Victoria by leaching caliche ore in heaps in order to extract solutions that are rich in iodine and nitrates. 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.

 

Our current potassium nitrate production capacity at Coya Sur is approximately 950,000 metric tons per year. A new potassium nitrate plant began operations in 2011. During 2013, we produced approximately 247,000 tons of potassium nitrate at this plant. This new plant was designed to use raw material salts harvested in Nueva Victoria and potassium salts from the Salar de Atacama.

 

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The nitrates produced in crystallized or prilled form at Coya Sur have been certified by TÜV-Rheiland under the quality standard ISO 9001:2008. Potassium nitrate produced at Coya Sur and María Elena is transported to Tocopilla for shipping 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

 

We produce iodine at our Pedro de Valdivia, Maria Elena and Nueva Victoria facilities. During 2013, iodine was produced by extracting it from the solutions resulting from the heap leaching of caliche ore at María Elena and Nueva Victoria, including the Iris facility as part of the Nueva Victoria facility, and from the vat leaching of caliche ore at the Pedro de Valdivia facilities. Production of iodine at the Iris plant was stopped during October 2013.

 

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 operational 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 recently in Chile under the 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, then packed in 20 to 50 kilogram drums or 350 to 700 kilogram maxibags and transported by truck to Antofagasta or Iquique for export. Our iodine and iodine derivatives production facilities have qualified under the new 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 2013 was approximately 10,757 metric tons: approximately 6,119 metric tons from Nueva Victoria and Iris, 3,165 metric tons from Pedro de Valdivia, and 1,474 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 12,500 metric tons per year.

 

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We use a portion of the produced iodine 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 marketed 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, the National Environmental Commission of Chile (Comisión Nacional del Medioambiente or “CONAMA”) approved the environmental study of our Pampa Hermosa project in the Region of Tarapacá in Chile. This approval allowed us to increase the production capacity of our Nueva Victoria operations from 4,500 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. During 2012, we 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 to implement new areas of mining and collection of solutions. Additional expansions may be done from time to time in the future, depending on market conditions.

 

During 2012, we submitted a request to the CONAMA requesting approval to expand our caliche ore extraction in the region of Antofagasta, which, if approved, is expected to increase production capacity by 10,000 tons of iodine and 1.3 million tons of nitrates per year. The project also requested permission to build a pipeline from the Pacific Ocean to the mining site. Currently, the request is being evaluated by the commission and other governmental agencies.

 

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 with Corfo, which expires in 2030. The lease agreement permits the CCHEN to establish a total accumulated extraction limit of 180,100 tons of lithium extraction 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.

 

We process these brines to produce potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, lithium chloride, boric acid and bischofite (magnesium chloride).

 

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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.

 

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 transferred for 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 will depend on volume, metallurgical recovery rates and quality of the mining resources pumped from the Salar de Atacama. We expect to finish expansion capacity of compacted potassium chloride to 1.4 million metric tons per year during 2014. 

 

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.

 

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.

 

Lithium carbonate and lithium chloride

 

A portion of the brines remaining after the production of potassium chloride is sent to additional solar concentration ponds adjacent to the potassium chloride production facility. Following additional 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.

 

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.

 

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Lithium hydroxide

 

Lithium carbonate is sold to customers, and we also use it as a raw material for our lithium hydroxide monohydrate 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 monohydrate, which is dried and packaged for shipment to customers.

 

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 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 from which aprox. 95,000 metric tons correspond to potassium chloride production as by product of the potassium sulphate 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 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.

 

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 in heat generation. Our raw material costs (excluding caliche ore and salar brines and including energy) represented approximately 20% of our cost of sales in 2012.

 

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We have several electricity supply agreements signed with major producers in Chile which are expected to cover our electricity needs until 2030. We are connected to the northern power grid in Chile, which currently supplies electricity to most cities and Industrial facilities in northern Chile, since April 2000.

 

In May 2001, we entered into a 10-year gas supply contract with Distrinor S.A. (a subsidiary of E-CL) for a maximum of 5,160,000 MMBtu per year, considering an average of consumption of 3,120,000 MMBtu per year. This gas supply was considered sufficient at the time to satisfy the requirements for the facilities that are connected to a natural gas supply. However, beginning in 2004, the Argentinean government imposed restrictions on the supply of natural gas to Chile and, in 2011; the supply came to a complete stop. In 2010, Chile began to import liquefied natural gas. We signed a new contract in 2013 for liquefied natural gas with Solgas, which is in effect from 2013 to 2014.

 

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

 

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. We additionally buy water from third parties for our production processes at the Salar del Carmen lithium carbonate plant. In addition, we purchase potable water from local utility companies. We have not experienced significant difficulties obtaining the necessary water to conduct our operations.

 

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, environmental laws, tax 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 to conduct mining operations in the areas covered by the concessions, provided that annual concession fees are paid (with the exception of the Salar de Atacama rights, which have been leased to us until 2030). 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.

 

Under Law No. 16,319 that created the CCHEN (Chilean Nuclear Energy Commission), we have an agreement with the CCHEN regarding the exploitation and sale of lithium from the Salar de Atacama. The agreement sets quotas for the tonnage of lithium authorized to be sold.

 

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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 and anticipated operating requirements. See “Risk factors—Risks relating to Chile.” The Water Code is subject to changes, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Law No. 20,017, published on June 16, 2005, modified the Chilean laws relating to water rights. Under certain conditions, these modifications allow the constitution of permanent water rights of up to two liters per second for each well built prior to June 30, 2004, in the locations 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 for shipment of products and delivery of certain raw materials pursuant to maritime concessions, under applicable Chilean laws, which 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 the Royalty Law, which established 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%. 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, certain 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 SERNAGEOMIN, the Labor Board or the SNA, inspect the site and prescribe the measures such company must take to prevent future risks. 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 a system of criminal liability for legal entities. The objective of the new regulation is to allow legal entities to be prosecuted for the crimes of (a) asset laundering, (b) financing terrorism and (c) bribery, where such crimes are committed by people who hold relevant positions within a legal entity in order to benefit that legal entity. The law establishes a prevention model that includes, among others, the designation of a person in charge of prevention and the establishment of special programs and policies. The implementation of this model can exempt a company from liability.

 

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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 relates to 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 concept of an independent director for certain corporations, including SQM. Such director has a preferential right to be a member of the Directors’ Committee, a position which, in turn, grants the director further powers. The new independent director may be proposed by any shareholder with an ownership interest of 1% or more in a company, but he or she 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 refines 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.

 

On January 26, 2010, the Chilean Congress amended the Environmental Law to create the Ministry of Environment, the Environmental Assessment Service and the Environmental Enforcement Superintendence (Superintendencia del Medioambiente or “Environmental Enforcement Superintendence”). 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 Assessment Service pursues procedures of the Environmental Impact Assessment System, pursuant to which projects are environmentally approved or rejected. 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 Environmental Enforcement Superintendence is an independent agency which oversees and coordinates with other governmental agencies in charge of supervision of suspended projects and projects requiring environmental approval. Likewise, it will receive, investigate and rule on complaints concerning the infringement of environmental regulations and will sanction violators, deliver injunction orders and levy relevant fines. The Environmental Enforcement Superintendence had its powers suspended until the First Environmental Court was installed in Santiago on December 28, 2012.

 

There are currently no material legal or administrative proceedings pending against us except as discussed in Note 16.1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements and below under “—Safety, health and environmental regulations in Chile,” and we believe that 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 Safety Act 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 framework law of 1994, amended in 2010 (Ley sobre Bases Generales del Medio Ambiente or the “Environmental Law”).

 

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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. 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 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 that is safe and free of health risks, in as much as this is reasonably practicable. 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 Mine Closure and its Facilities (Ley que Regula el Cierre de Faenas e Instalaciones Mineras). This new statute entered in force in November 2012. Its main requirements 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 secure compliance with the decommissioning plans. There are various types of financial assurance that satisfy the requirement.  By November 2014, we have to inform the SERNAGEOMIN of the estimated costs for each of our decommissioning plans and the corresponding financial assurances we propose to provide, which are subject to approval by the SVS.

 

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 Assessment Service, and the Environmental Enforcement Superintendence. The Environmental Enforcement Superintendence began operations on December 28, 2012. The new and modified Environmental Law replaced the CONAMA with both the Ministry of the Environment, which is currently the governmental agency responsible for coordinating and supervising environmental issues and the Environmental Assessment 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. With the above mentioned modifications to the Environmental Law, the Environmental Assessment Service, together with other public institutions with mandates related to the environment, evaluates environmental impact studies or statements submitted for its approval. The Environmental Enforcement Superintendence is responsible for auditing environmental performance during the construction, operation, and closure of the projects. The Environmental Law also promotes citizen participation in project evaluation and implementation, providing more opportunities during the environmental evaluation process. Annually, the Environmental Enforcement Superintendence 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.

 

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In 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 ceased 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 remain closed. Air quality in the area has improved significantly and compliance of air quality standards required by law is being assessed. When the average of three consecutive years meets the Chilean air quality standard, 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 coast-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 participation in particulate matter emissions is very small (less than 0.20% of the total). However, a decontamination plan was developed by the environmental authority, and its implementation 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.

 

We continuously monitor the impact of our operations on the environment and have made, from time to time, 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 that 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 applying an Environmental Management System to continuously improve our environmental performance.

 

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

 

In May 2013, the second deadline for registration of chemicals under European regulation  REACH (Regulation, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical Substances) expired. SQM registered 10 substances imported to the European market in the tonnage threshold of 100-1000 MT/year.

 

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In July 2013, the Health and Consumers Directorate-General of the European Commission (“DG Sanco”) released a statement about the presence of perchlorate in food, setting provisional maximum levels  in all foods, including fruits and vegetables, and indicating  that fertilizers, in addition to soil and water,  are considered to be potential sources of perchlorate contamination in food.  The provisional values could be kept or changed by DG Sanco after the release of a risk assessment report  which is currently being developed by the European Food Safety Authority (“EFSA”), and which is expected to be ready on September 2014.  SQM fertilizers marketed in the European market contain less than 0,01% of perchlorate, and uptake studies in targeted crops are being performed by the industry to demonstrate compliance with the above referred provisional values.

 

In 2012, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (“OSHA”) aligned its Hazard Communication Standard to comply with the Globally Harmonized System (“GHS”), which requires companies to review hazard information for all chemicals imported into the US, classify chemicals according to the new classification criteria, and update labels and safety data sheets by June 2015. We are already working on a program which aims to comply with the requirements of this new regulation in line with the stages and deadlines established by OSHA. The updating of the Safety Data Sheets (“SDS”) for all products  sold in the US has been finished, and the update of labels is in progress and will be completed the first quarter of 2015.

 

Research and development, patents and licenses

 

See Item 5.C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

 

4.C. Organizational Structure

 

All of our principal operating subsidiaries are essentially wholly-owned, except for Soquimich Comercial S.A., which is approximately 61% owned by us and whose shares are listed and traded on the Santiago Stock Exchange, and Ajay SQM Chile S.A., which is 51% owned by us. The following is a summary of our main subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013. For a list of all our consolidated subsidiaries, see Note 2.5 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Principal subsidiaries   Activity   Country of
Incorporation
  SQM Beneficial
Ownership Interest
(Direct/Indirect)
             
SQM Nitrates S.A.   Extracts and sells caliche ore to subsidiaries and affiliates of SQM   Chile   100%
             
SQM Industrial S.A.   Produces and markets SQM’s products directly and through other subsidiaries and affiliates of SQM   Chile   100%
             
SQM Salar S.A.   Exploits the Salar de Atacama to produce and market SQM’s products directly and through other subsidiaries and affiliates of SQM   Chile   100%
             
SQM Potasios S.A.   Produces and markets SQM’s products directly and through other subsidiaries and affiliates of SQM   Chile   100%
             
Servicios Integrates de Transitos y Transferencias S.A. (SIT)   Owns and operates a rail transport system and also owns and operates the Tocopilla port facilities   Chile   100%
             
Soquimich Comercial S.A.   Markets SQM’s specialty plant nutrition products domestically and imports fertilizers for resale in Chile   Chile   61%
             
Ajay-SQM Chile S.A.   Produces and markets SQM’s iodine and iodine derivatives   Chile   51%
             
Sales and distribution subsidiaries in the United States, Belgium, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, China, Thailand and other locations.   Market SQM’s products throughout the world   Various    

 

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4.D. Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Discussion of our mining rights is organized below according to the geographic location of our mining operations. SQM's mining interests located throughout the valley of the Tarapacá and Antofagasta regions of northern Chile (in a part of the country known as “el Norte Grande”), referred to collectively as the “Caliche Ore Mines”, are discussed first. The Company's mining interests within the Atacama Desert in the eastern region of el Norte Grande (the “Salar de Atacama Brines”) are discussed second.

 

Description of the Caliche Ore Mines

 

As of December 31, 2013, we held constituted exploitation rights to mineral resources representing approximately 551,418 hectares. In addition, as of December 31, 2013, we held exploration rights to mineral resources representing approximately 21,600 hectares, and we have applied for additional exploration rights for approximately 500 hectares. Currently, Pedro de Valdivia, María Elena and Nueva Victoria are being exploited.

 

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. These facilities have been in operation since 1931 and were previously owned and operated by Anglo Lautaro. The areas currently being mined are located approximately 17 kilometers southeast and approximately 20 kilometers west of the Pedro de Valdivia production facilities. Our mining facilities at Pedro de Valdivia have a Weighted average age of approximately 10.1 years. Electricity, natural gas and fuel oil are the primary sources of power for this operation.

 

María Elena

The mining operations using heap leaching were temporarily suspended in October 2013. The María Elena mine and facilities, named El Toco, are located 220 kilometers northeast of Antofagasta and are accessible by highway. The area mined until operations were suspended is located approximately 14 kilometers north of the María Elena production facilities. Electricity, natural gas, and fuel oil are the primary sources of power. The Weighted average age of the Company's mining facilities at María Elena is approximately 13.5 years.

 

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Pampa Blanca

We operated mining facilities in Pampa Blanca, which is located 100 kilometers northeast of Antofagasta, until operations were suspended in March 2010. Ore from the Pampa Blanca mine was transported by truck to nearby heap leaching pads where it is used to produce iodine and nitrate salts. The Weighted average age of the ore recovery facilities at Pampa Blanca is approximately 14.8 years. Electricity, produced by mobile diesel generators was the primary source of power.

 

Nueva Victoria

We currently conduct caliche ore operations in Nueva Victoria, which is located 180 kilometers north of María Elena and is accessible by highway. Since 2007, the Nueva Victoria mine includes the mining properties Soronal, Mapocho and Iris. Ore from Nueva Victoria is transported by truck to heap leaching pads where it is then used to produce iodine is produced in Nueva Victoria and the Iris plants. Electricity is the primary source of power. The Weighted average age of the ore recovery facilities at Nueva Victoria is approximately 7.2 years.

 

Description of the Salar de Atacama Brines

 

Salar de Atacama Brines

 

As of December 31, 2013, SQM Salar S.A. 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 S.A. is entitled to exploit the mineral resources of 81,920 hectares. These rights are owned by Corfo and leased to SQM Salar S.A. pursuant to a lease agreement between Corfo and SQM Salar S.A. (the “Lease Agreement”). Corfo may not unilaterally amend the Lease Agreement, and the rights to exploit the resources cannot be transferred. The Lease Agreement establishes that SQM Salar S.A. is responsible for the maintenance of Corfo’s exploitation rights and for annual payments to the Chilean government, and it expires on December 31, 2030. Furthermore, the same lease Agreement permits the CCHEN to establish a total accumulated extraction limit set at 180,100 tons of lithium extraction in the aggregate for all periods. SQM Salar S.A. is required to make lease-royalty payments to Corfo according to specified percentages of the value of production of minerals extracted from the Salar de Atacama brines. SQM Salar S.A. holds an additional 297,688 hectares of constituted exploitation rights in the Salar de Atacama.

 

In addition, as of December 31, 2013, we held constituted exploration rights covering approximately 70,100 hectares, and we had applied for additional exploration rights covering approximately 55,800 hectares. Exploration rights are valid for a period of two years, after which we can (i) request an exploitation concession for the land, (ii) request an extension of the exploration rights for an additional two years (the extension only applies to a reduced surface area equal to 50% of the initial area), or (iii) cease exploration of the zone covered by the rights. The weighted average age of the assets of our mining facilities at the Salar de Atacama is approximately 6.8 years. Solar energy is the primary source of power used by the Salar de Atacama operation.

 

Under the terms of the Salar de Atacama project agreement between Corfo and SQM Salar S.A., (the “Project Agreement”), Corfo has agreed that it will not permit any other person to explore, exploit or mine any mineral resources in approximately 147,000 hectares of the Salar de Atacama (which include the 140,000 hectares) mentioned above. The Project Agreement expires on December 31, 2030.

 

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Concessions, Extraction Yields and Reserves for the Caliche Ore Mines and Salar Brines

 

Concessions Generally

 

Caliche ore. We hold our mineral rights pursuant to one of two types of exclusive concessions granted pursuant to applicable law in Chile:

 

(1)“Exploitation Concessions” These are concessions whereby we are legally entitled 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; or
(2)“Exploration Concessions” These are concessions whereby we are legally entitled to use the land in order to explore for 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.

 

An Exploration Concession is generally obtained for purposes of evaluating the mineral resources in an area. Generally, after the holder of the Exploration Concession has determined that the area contains exploitable mineral resources, such holder will apply for an Exploitation Concession for the area. Such application will give the holder absolute priority with respect to such Exploitation Concession against third parties. If the holder of the Exploration Concession determines that the area does not contain commercially exploitable mineral resources, the concession is usually allowed to lapse. An application also can be made for an Exploitation Concession without first having obtained an Exploration Concession for the area involved.

 

Concessions for the Caliche Ore Mines and Salar Brines

 

As of December 31, 2013, approximately 93% of our total mining concessions were held pursuant to exploitation concessions and 7% pursuant to exploration concessions. Of the exploitation concessions, approximately 88% already have been granted pursuant to applicable Chilean law, and approximately 12% are in the process of being granted. Of the exploration concessions, approximately 70% already have been granted pursuant to applicable Chilean law, and approximately 30% are in the process of being granted.

 

We made payments to the Chilean government for our exploration and exploitation concessions of approximately US$9.7 million in 2013.

 

The following table shows our constituted exploitation and exploration concessions as of December 31, 2013:

 

   Exploitation concessions   Exploration concessions   Total 
Mines  Total
number
   Hectares   Total
number
   Hectares   Total
number
   Hectares 
Pedro de Valdivia   565    144,737    16    4,500    581    149,237 
Maria Elena-EI Toco   647    190,352    42    10,600    689    200,952 
Pampa Blanca   469    137,662    21    5,900    490    143,562 
Nueva Victoria   306    78,667    1    600    307    79,267 
Subtotal Caliche Ore Mines   1,987    551,418    80    21,600    2,067    573,018 
Salar de Atacama(1)   1,025    444,808    112    70,100    1,137    514,908 
Subtotal Mines   3,012    996,226    192    91,700    3,204    1,087,926 
Subtotal other Areas   7,931    1,763,668    251    62,800    8,182    1,826,468 
Total   10,943    2,759,894    443    154,500    11,386    2,914,394 

(1)See Description of Salar Brines, Item 4.D.

 

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Extraction yields

 

The following table shows certain operating data relating to each of our mines for 2013, 2012 and 2011:

 

(in thousands, unless otherwise stated)  2013   2012   2011 
Pedro de Valdivia               
Metric tons of ore mined   11,571    12,027    12,151 
Average grade nitrate (% by weight)   7.5    7.3    7.2 
Iodine (parts per million (ppm))   415    406    417 
Metric tons of crystallized nitrate produced   445    466    454 
Metric tons of iodine produced   3.2    3.2    3.1 
                
Maria Elena(1)               
Metric tons of ore mined   5,870    6,787    6,787 
Average grade nitrate (% by weight)   6.6    6.2    6.2 
Iodine (ppm)   484    454    454 
Metric tons of crystallized nitrate produced            
Metric tons of iodine produced   1.5    1.7    1.7 
                
Coya Sur(2)               
Metric tons of crystallized nitrate produced   441    491    395 
                
Pampa Blanca(1)               
Metric tons of ore mined            
Iodine (ppm)            
Metric tons of iodine produced            
                
Nueva Victoria(1)               
Metric tons of ore mined   23,515    23,937    18,418 
Iodine (ppm)   462    465    457 
Metric tons of iodine produced   6.1    6.0    5.2 
                
Salar de Atacama (3)               
Metric tons of lithium carbonate produced   33    41    38 
Metric tons of potassium chloride and potassium sulfate produced   1,908    1,977    1,448 

 

(1)Operations at the El Toco and Pampa Blanca mines were temporarily suspended in November 2013 and March 2010 respectively. Operations at the Iris Iodine Plant were temporarily suspended in October 2013.

 

(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)Lithium carbonate is extracted at the Salar de Atacama and processed at our facilities at the Salar del Carmen.

 

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Reserves

 

Reserves for the Caliche Ore Deposits

 

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 no assurance can be given that the indicated levels of recovery of nitrates and iodine will be realized.

 

We estimate ore reserves based on engineering evaluations 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 mineral 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 five 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. Mining resources can be calculated using the information from the drill-hole sampling.

 

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 evaluating polygons 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.

 

Probable reserves are the economically mineable part of an "Indicated Mineral Resource" and, in some circumstances, a "Measured Mineral Resource." 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 calculation is based on exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings, and drill holes. A measured 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 high level of confidence. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings, and drill holes.

 

Proven reserves are the economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource. The calculation of the reserves includes diluting materials and allowances for losses which may occur when the material is mined. Appropriate assessments, which may include feasibility studies, have been carried out and include consideration of and modification by realistically assumed mining, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors. These assessments demonstrate at the time of reporting that extraction is reasonably justified.

 

The calculation of the reserves includes diluting of materials and allowances for losses which may occur when the material is mined. Appropriate assessments, which may include feasibility studies, have been carried out and include consideration of and modification by realistically assumed mining, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors.

 

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Proven and probable reserves are determined using extensive drilling, sampling and mine modeling, in order to estimate potential restrictions on production yields, including cut-off grades, ore type, dilution, waste-to-ore ratio and ore depth. Economic feasibility is determined on the basis of this information.

 

The estimates of proven reserves of caliche ore at each of our mines as of December 31, 2013 are set forth below. The Company holds 100% of the concession rights for each of these mines.

 

Mine   Proven Reserves (1) (6)
(millions of metric tons)
  Nitrate Average Grade
(percentage by weight)
  Iodine Average Grade
(parts per million)
  Cutoff Grade Average for
Mine (5)
Pedro de Valdivia   194.4   7.1%   369   Nitrate  6.0 %
María Elena   134.1   7.2%   416   Nitrate 6.0 % - Iodine 300 ppm
Pampa Blanca   71.4   5.6%   544   Iodine 300 ppm
Nueva Victoria   336.7   5.7%   442   Iodine 300 ppm – Nitrate 6.0%

 

In addition, the updated estimates of our probable reserves of caliche ore at each of our principal mines as of December 31, 2013, are as follows:

 

Mine  Probable Reserves (1) (2) (7)
(millions of metric tons)
   Nitrate Average Grade
(percentage by weight)
   Iodine Average Grade
(parts per million)
   Cutoff Grade (5)
Pedro de Valdivia (3)   118.7    6.9%   444   Nitrate  6.0 %
María Elena   98.0    7.3%   380   Nitrate  6.0 %
Pampa Blanca   447.8    5.8%   538   Iodine 300 ppm
Nueva Victoria   59.1    7.6%   362   Nitrate  6.5 %

 

Notes on Reserves:

 

(1)The proven and probable reserves set forth in the tables above are shown before losses related to exploitation and mineral treatment. Proven and probable 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. On average, this conversion factor is higher than 60%. This factor depends on geological conditions and caliche ore continuity, which vary from mine to mine. The difference between the probable reserve amounts and the converted probable reserve amounts is the result of the lower degree of certainty pertaining to probable reserves compared with proven reserves.

 

(3)The increase in probable reserves of Pedro de Valdivia, from 78.5 MMTons to 118.7 MMTons is the product of a recognition program in unexplored areas of Lynch.

 

(4)Information set forth in the table above was validated in January 2014, by Mrs. Marta Aguilera, a geologist with over 20 years of experience in the field. She is currently employed by SQM as Manager Exploration and Mining Development.  Mrs. Aguilera is a Competent Person (“Persona Competente”), as that term is defined under Chilean Law Number 20,235.

 

(5)The cutoff grades referring to the Proven and Probable reserves are variable due to the fact that the various mines have different areas which in turn demonstrate variable cutoff grades, according to required objectives. The assigned values ​​correspond to averages of the different sectors.

 

(6)The Proven reserves include the projection of indicated and measured resources and the measured mineral resources (bonanza - 3d). The Proven reserves may change as a result of the exploitation method, producing differences between the reserves calculated in the mining plan and the material placed in vats or heaps. The average exploitation factor for different mining operations is around 80%, allowing, with this factor, to project these reserves to a Proven Exploitable category.

 

(7)To increase and ensure the quality of the probable reserve, an average geological factor greater than 60% is considered allowing projecting this reserve to a minable category.

 

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The proven and probable reserves shown above are the result of exploration and evaluation of approximately 19.4% of the total caliche-related mining property of our Company. However, we have explored those areas in which we believe there is a higher potential of finding high-grade caliche ore minerals. The remaining 80.6% of this area has not been explored yet or has had limited reconnaissance to determine hypothetical resources. Reserves shown in these tables are calculated based on mining properties that are not involved in any legal disputes between SQM and other parties.

 

The subject of the dilution factors is as follows:

·The Proven reserves consist of: Measured Mineral resources (bonanza or 3d) and the projection of indicated resources to measured resources (a projection factor is applied here which, on the average, reaches 0.7). In turn, the measured mineral resources are indicated entirely without any correction factor.
·The Probable reserves are comprised of Inferred resources; these become Probable reserves without any correction factor or projection.
·In the Exploitable Proven Reserves category, we apply an average dilution factor of 0.8 - 0.9 to our proven reserves.
·For Probable reserves, the projection factor is reduced to an average of 0.6 - 0.7.

 

The dilution factor applied to the measured resources averages 10 - 12%, in order to project them to exploitable, in the case of iodine at Nueva Victoria, while for Pampa Blanca and Maria Elena, it averages 20%. For Pedro de Vadivia, the dilution factor averages 25% (Lynch 20% - Manchas Antiguas 30%). This factor increases in the measure that we change the resources category. For example, the factor to project NV’s indicated resources to measured resources considers a 10% dilution, while to project Lynch’s indicated resources to measured resources, the dilution increases to 30%.

 

We maintain an ongoing program of exploration and resource evaluation on the land surrounding the mines at Nueva Victoria, Pedro de Valdivia, María Elena and Pampa Blanca and at other sites for which we have the appropriate concessions. In 2013, 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. Additionally, we conducted general explorations based on a closer grid pattern of drill-holes over a total area of approximately 3,920 hectares and, in addition, carried out in-depth sampling of approximately 1,239 hectares (1,113 hectares at Pedro de Valdivia,126 hectares at Nueva Victoria). There is no exploration and development program in 2014.

 

Caliche ore is the key raw material used in the production of iodine, speciality plant nutrition, 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.

 

   2013   2012   2011 
   Gross Margin   Price   Gross Margin   Price   Gross Margin   Price 
Iodine and derivatives   56%   US$50/kg    63%   US$53/kg    58%   US$34/kg 
Specialty Plant Nutrition   22%   US$811/ton    32%   US$866/ton    32%   US$850/ton 
Industrial Chemicals   28%   US$877/ton    34%   US$877/ton    40%   US$745/ton 

 

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Reserves for the Salar de Atacama Brines

 

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 explotation concessions of approximately 819.2 square kilometers where we have carried out geological exploration, brine sampling and geostatistical analysis. We estimate that our proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2013 based on economic restrictions, geological exploration, brine sampling and geostatistical analysis up to a depth of 100 meters of our total explotation concessions, and additionally, up to a depth of 500 meters over approximately 47% of the same total area, are as follows:

 

   Proven Reserves (1)   Probable Reserves (1)   Total Reserves 
   (millions of metric tons)   (millions of metric tons)   (millions of metric tons) 
Potassium (K+) (2)   52.8    18.6    71.4 
Sulfate (SO4-2) (3)   31.0    10.3    41.3 
Lithium (Li+) (4)   3.0    3.1    6.1 
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%.

 

A cutoff grade of 1% K is used in the calculation considering MOP-S as the low margin scenario and using diluted brine with higher contaminants as raw material, yielding on the lower side of approx. 47% recovery. In this scenario cost for MOP production is competitive considering actual and recent years historic market situation.

 

Cutoff for lithium Extraction is set to 0,05% Li. Cost of the process is competitive in the market though small increase from actual cost is considered to accommodate more evaporation area (to reach required Li concentration) and the use of additives to maintain brine quality feeding the plant.

 

The proven and probable reserves are based on drilling, brine sampling and geo-statistic reservoir modeling in order to estimate brine volumes and their composition. To evaluate reserves, we conduct a geostatistical study using the Kriging Method in 2 and 3D. 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. Proven reserves are defined as those geographical blocks that comply with a Kriging method estimation error of up to 15%. In the case of probable reserves, the selected blocks must comply with an estimation error between 15% and 35%. Blocks with an error greater than 35% are not considered in the evaluation of reserves and remain as an indicated resource until further exploration is performed . 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.

 

Salar brines are the key raw material used in the production of potassium chloride and potassium sulfate, and lithium and 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.

 

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   2013   2012   2011 
   Gross Margin   Price   Gross Margin   Price   Gross Margin   Price 
Potassium Choride and Potassium Sulfate   27%   US$423/ton    41%   US$500/ton    39%   US$497/ton 
Lithium and derivatives   49%   US$5,444/ton    50%   US$4,863/ton    46%   US$4,427/ton 

 

Ports and water rights

 

We operate port facilities at Tocopilla in northern Chile for shipment of products and delivery of certain raw materials pursuant to renewable concessions granted by Chilean regulatory authorities, provided that such facilities are used as authorized, and annual concession fees are paid by us. We also hold water rights for the supply of water from rivers and wells near our production facilities sufficient to meet our current operational requirements.

 

PRODUCTION FACILITIES

Our principal production facilities are located near our mines and extraction facilities in northern Chile. The following table shows the principal production facilities as of December 31, 2013:

 

Location   Type of Facility   Approximate Size (Hectares)
Pedro de Valdivia (1)   Nitrates and iodine production   236
María Elena (1)   Nitrates and iodine production   98
Coya Sur  (1)   Nitrates and iodine production   251
Pampa Blanca (1)   Concentrated nitrate salts and iodide production   129
Nueva Victoria (1)   Concentrated nitrate salts and iodine production   537
Salar de Atacama (2)   Potassium chloride, lithium chloride, potassium sulfate and boric acid   4,122
Salar del Carmen, Antofagasta (2)   Lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide production   63
Tocopilla   Port facilities   22

 

(1)          Includes production facilities, solar evaporation ponds and leaching heaps.

(2)          Includes production facilities and solar evaporation ponds.

 

We own, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries, all of the facilities free of any material liens, pledges or encumbrances, and believe that they are suitable and adequate for the business we conduct in them. As of December 31, 2013, the approximate gross book value of the property and associated plant and equipment at our locations was as follows: Pedro de Valdivia (US$118.5 million), María Elena (US$143.2 million), Coya Sur (US$339.5 million), Pampa Blanca (US$16.5 million), Nueva Victoria (US$316.9 million), Salar de Atacama (US$786.4 million), Salar del Carmen (US$212.4 million) and Tocopilla (US$89.7 million).

 

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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.

 

The approximate Weighted average age of our production facilities as of December 31, 2013 was as follows: Pedro de Valdivia (10.1 years), María Elena (13.5 years), Coya Sur (3.5 years), Nueva Victoria (7.2 years), Salar de Atacama (6.8 years), and Salar del Carmen (9.6 years). 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. The Tocopilla port facilities were originally constructed in 1961 and have been refurbished and expanded since that time. The Weighted average age of the Tocopilla port facilities is approximately 11.1 years. We consider the condition of our principal plant and equipment to be good.

 

The map below shows the location of SQM’s principal mining operations and land concessions that have been granted and those that are in the process of being granted.

 

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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.

 

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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 facilities. Other facilities include Nueva Victoria and the lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide finishing plants. 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 first stored at our Pedro de Valdivia mine, and then 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 in the Salar del Carmen area, 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 Antofagasta and Mejillones terminals for shipment on charter vessels or container vessels.

 

Iodine raw material, obtained in the same mines as the nitrates, is processed, bagged and stored exclusively in the facilities of Pedro de Valdivia and Nueva Victoria, and then shipped by truck to Antofagasta, Mejillones or Iquique for vessel container transport 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 production 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 bagging capacity is approximately 300,000 metric tons per year.

 

For shipping 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 hatches. Both bulk and bagged trucks are loaded in Tocopilla Port Terminal for transferring product directly to customers or for container vessels shipping from other ports, mainly Antofagasta, Mejillones and Iquique.

 

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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 in Coya Sur are certified by third party organization TÜV-Rheiland under the quality standard ISO 9001:2008.

 

ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5.     OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

 

The information in this Item 5 should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

 

Since January 1, 2010, the Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as published by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties, which would potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions.

 

We believe that our critical accounting policies applied in the preparation of our audited consolidated financial statements are limited to those described below. It should be noted that in many cases, IFRS specifically dictates the accounting treatment of a particular transaction, limiting management’s judgment in their application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting available alternatives would not produce materially different results.

 

Trade and Other Accounts Receivable

 

Trade and other accounts receivable relate to non-derivative financial assets with fixed payments that can be determined and are not quoted in any active market. These arise from sales operations involving products and/or services that we sell directly to our customers that are not within the following categories:

 

·those which we have the intention of selling immediately in the near future and which are held-for-sale;
·those designated at their initial recognition as available-for-sale; and

 

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·those through which we do not intend to recover for reasons other than credit impairment and therefore must be classified as available-for-sale.

 

These assets are initially recognized at their fair value (which is equivalent to their face value, discounting implicit interest for installment sales) and subsequently at amortized cost according to the effective interest rate method less a provision for impairment loss. When the face value of the account receivable does not significantly differ from its fair value, it is recognized at face value. An allowance for impairment loss is established for trade accounts receivable when there is objective evidence that we will not be able to collect all the amounts owed to us according to the original terms of accounts receivable.

 

Implicit interest in installment sales is recognized as interest income when interest is accrued over the term of the sale.

 

Income tax

 

Corporate income tax for the year is determined as the aggregate of current taxes from all of the consolidated companies. Current taxes are calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted as of the date of our statements of financial position in the countries in which we and our subsidiaries operate and generate taxable income.

 

Deferred tax is recognized using the liability method on temporary differences arising between the tax basis for assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in our audited consolidated financial statements. Deferred income taxes are calculated using the tax rates expected to be applicable when the assets are realized or the liabilities are settled.

 

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 credits associated with it. 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 income statement accounts or net shareholders’ equity accounts in our consolidated statements of financial position, depending on the origin of the gains or losses which have generated them.

 

At the year end, the carrying value of deferred tax assets has been reviewed and reduced for as long as possible for there to be no sufficient taxable income to allow the recovery of all or a portion of the deferred tax asset. Likewise, at the date of the statement of financial position, deferred tax assets not recognized are revalued and recognized as long as it has become possible that future taxable income will allow the recovery of the deferred tax asset.

 

With respect to deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associated companies and interests in joint ventures, deferred tax assets are recognized solely provided that there is a possibility that the temporary differences will be reversed in the near future and that there will be taxable income with which they may be used.

 

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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.

 

Inventories

 

We state inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The method used to determine the cost of inventory is weighted average cost. The cost 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 inventory to their current location and conditions.

 

The net realizable value represents the estimate of the sales price less all finishing estimated costs and costs that will be incurred in sales and distribution processes. Commercial discounts, rebates obtained and other similar entries are deducted in the determination of the cost. We conduct an evaluation of the net realizable value of inventory at the end of each year, recording a provision with a charge to income when circumstances warrant. When the circumstances that previously gave rise to the reserve cease to exist, or when there is clear evidence of an increase in the net realizable value due to a change in 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 estimated net realizable value.

 

Provisions on our inventory have been made based on a technical study which covers the different variables affecting 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.

 

Obligations related to staff severance indemnities and pension commitments

 

Our obligations with respect to our employees are established in collective bargaining agreements and individual employment contracts. In the case of certain employees in the United States, our obligations are established through a pension plan, which was terminated in 2002.

 

These obligations are valued using an actuarial calculation that considers factors such as 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.

 

Actuarial losses and gains that may be generated by variations in previously defined obligations are directly recorded in profit or loss for the year.

 

Actuarial losses and gains originating from deviations deviations between the estimate and the actual behavior of actuarial hypotheses or in the reformulation of established actuarial hypotheses are recorded in equity.

 

The discount rate used for for calculating obligations outside the United States was 6% for the periods ended as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.

 

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Our United States subsidiary, SQM North America Corp. has established pension plans for its retired employees that are calculated by measuring the projected benefit obligation in accordance with International Accounting Standards (“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 5.0% interest rate for 2013 and 2012. The net balance of this obligation is presented in the line item called Provisions for Employee Benefits, Non-Current.

 

Mining development costs

 

Mine exploration costs and stripping costs to maintain production of mineral resources extracted from operating mines are considered variable production costs and are included in the cost of inventory produced during the period. Mine development costs at new mines, and major development costs at operating mines outside existing areas under extraction that are expected to benefit future production, are capitalized under “other long-term assets” and amortized using a units-of-production method over the associated proven and probable reserves. We determine our proven and probable reserves based on drilling, brine sampling and geostatistical reservoir modeling in order to estimate mineral volume and composition.

 

All other mine exploration costs, including expenses related to low grade mineral resources rendering reserves that are not economically exploitable, are charged to the statement of income in the period in which they are incurred.

 

Asset value impairment

 

We assess on an annual basis any impairment on the value of buildings, plant and equipment, intangible assets, goodwill and investments accounted for using the equity method of accounting in accordance with IAS 36 “Impairment of Assets.” Assets to which this method applies are:

 

·investments recognized using the equity method of accounting;
·property, plant and equipment;
·intangible assets; and
·goodwill.

 

Assets are reviewed for impairment as to the existence of any indication that the carrying value is lower than the recoverable amount. If such an indication exists, the asset recoverable amount is calculated in order to determine the extent of the impairment, if any. In the event that the asset does not generate any cash flows independent from other assets, we determine the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit to which this asset belongs according to the corresponding business segment (specialty plant nutrients, iodine and derivatives, lithium and derivatives, potassium, industrial chemicals and other products and services.)

 

We conduct impairment tests on intangible assets and goodwill with indefinite useful lives on an annual basis and every time there is indication of impairment. If the recoverable value of an asset is estimated at an amount lower than its carrying value, the latter decreases to its recoverable amount.

 

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Financial derivatives and hedging transactions

 

Derivatives are recognized initially at fair value at the date in which the derivatives contract has been signed and subsequently they are valued at fair value at each period end. The method for recognizing the resulting loss or gain depends on whether the derivative has been designated as an accounting hedging instrument and if so, the type of hedging, which may be:

 

a.fair value hedge of assets and liabilities recognized (fair value hedges); or
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, we document the relationship between hedging instruments and those entries hedged, as well as their objectives for risk management purposes and the strategy to conduct different hedging operations.

 

We also document our evaluation both at the beginning and the end of each period of whether derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective to offset changes in the fair value or in cash flows of hedged entries.

 

The fair value of derivative instruments used for hedging purposes is shown in Note 9.3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Non-hedge instruments are classified as current assets or liabilities, and the change in their fair value is recognized directly in profit or loss.

 

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 hedging related to items recorded at amortized cost, the adjustment of the fair value is amortized against income on the remaining years to its expiration. 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 no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the fair value not amortized is immediately recognized with a debit or credit to profit or loss.

 

b.Cash flow hedge

 

The effective portion of gains or losses from the hedging instrument is initially recognized as “other revenue” 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 accumulated in equity are transferred to profit or loss when the hedged transaction affects income for the period, such as when the hedged interest income or expense is recognized when a forecasted sale occurs. When the hedged item is the cost of a non-financial asset or liability, amounts taken to equity are transferred to the initial carrying value of the non-financial asset or liability.

 

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Should the expected firm transaction or commitment no longer be expected to occur, the amounts previously recognized as other comprehensive income are transferred to income. If a hedging instrument expires, is sold, finished, and exercised without any replacement, or if a rollover is performed or if its designation as hedging is revoked, the amounts previously recognized in equity are maintained in equity until the expected firm transaction or commitment occurs.

 

5.A. Operating Results

 

Introduction

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Certain calculations (including percentages) that appear herein have been rounded.

 

Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS standards and prepared in U.S. dollars. The U.S. dollar is the primary currency in which we operate.

 

We operate as an independent corporation. Nonetheless we are a "controlled corporation", as that term is defined under Chilean law. See Item 6.E. Share Ownership.

 

Overview of Our Results of Operations

 

We divide our operations into the production and sale of the following product lines:

 

·specialty plant nutrients;
·iodine and its derivatives;
·lithium and its derivatives;
·potassium, including potassium chloride and potassium sulfate;
·industrial chemicals, principally industrial nitrates and solar salts; and
·the purchase and sale of other commodity fertilizers for use primarily in Chile.

 

We sell our products through three primary channels: our own sales offices; a network of distributors; and, in the case of our fertilizer products, through Yara International ASA’s (formerly Norsk Hydro ASA) (“Yara”) distribution network in countries where its presence and commercial infrastructure are larger than ours. Similarly, in those markets where our presence is larger, both our specialty plant nutrients and Yara’s are marketed through our offices.

 

Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

 

Our results of operations substantially depend on:

 

·trends in demand for and supply of our products, including global economic conditions, which impact prices and volumes;
·efficient operations of our facilities, particularly as some of them run at production capacity;
·our ability to accomplish our capital expenditures program in a timely manner;
·the levels of our inventories;
·trends in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Chilean peso, as a significant portion of the cost of sales is in Chilean pesos, and trends in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the euro, as a significant portion of our sales is denominated in euros; and
·energy, logistics, raw materials, labor and maintenance costs.

 

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The following table shows our revenues (in millions of U.S. dollars) and the percentage accounted for by each of our product lines for each of the periods indicated:

 

   2013   2012   2011 
   US$   %   US$   %   US$   % 
Specialty plant nutrition   687.5    31%   675.3    28%   721.7    34%
Iodine and derivatives   461.0    21%   578.1    24%   454.5    21%
Lithium and derivatives   196.5    9%   222.2    9%   183.4    9%
Potassium   606.3    28%   605.1    25%   555.7    26%
Industrial chemicals   154.0    7%   245.2    10%   139.5    7%
Other Income(1)   97.9    4%   103.2    4%   90.5    4%
                               
Total   2,203.1    100    2,429.2    100    2,145.3    100 

 

The following table shows certain financial information of the Company under IFRS (in millions of U.S. dollars) for each of the periods indicated, as a percentage of revenues:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2013   2012   2011 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)  US$   %   US$   %   US$   % 
Revenues   2,203.1    100.0    2,429.2    100.0    2,145.3    100.0 
Cost of sales   (1,481.7)   67.3    (1,400.6)   57.7    (1,290.5)   60.2 
Gross profit   721.5    32.7    1,028.6    42.3    854.8    39.8 
Other income   96.7    4.4    12.7    0.5    47.7    2.2 
Administrative expenses   (105.2)   4.8    (106.4)   4.4    (91.8)   4.3 
Other expenses   (49.4)   2.2    (34.6)   1.4    (63.0)   2.9 
Other gains (losses)   (11.4)   0.5    0.7        5.8    0.3 
Finance income   12.7    0.6    29.1    1.2    23.2    1.1 
Finance expenses   (58.6)   2.6    (54.1)   2.2    (39.3)   1.8 
Equity income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method   18.8    0.8    24.4    1.0    21.8    1.0 
Foreign currency exchange differences   (12.0)   0.5    (26.8)   1.1    (25.3)   1.2 
Income before income tax expense   613.1    27.8    873.5    36.0    733.8    34.2 
Income tax expense   (138.5)   6.3    (216.1)   8.9    (179.7)   8.4 
                               
Profit attributable to:                              
Controlling interests   467.1    21.2    649.2    26.7    545.8    25.4 
Non-controlling interests   7.5    0.3    8.2    0.3    8.4    0.4 
Profit for the year   474.6    21.5    657.4    27.1    554.1    25.8 

 

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Results of Operations – 2013 compared to 2012

 

Revenues

 

During 2013, we generated total revenues of US$2,203.1 million, a 9.3% decrease compared to US$2,429.2 million in 2012.

 

The main factors causing the increase in revenues and the variation in the different product lines are described below.

 

Specialty plant nutrition

 

Specialty plant nutrition revenues for 2013 totaled US$687.5 million, a 1.8% increase compared to US$675.3 million in 2012. Set forth below are sales volume data for the specified years by product category in this product line.

 

(in Th. MT)  2013   2012   % Change 
Potassium nitrate and sodium potassium nitrate   512.6    469.3    9%
Specialty blends   208.1    197.5    5%
Other specialty plant nutrients (*)   100.8    89.0    13%
Sodium nitrate   26.2    24.4    7%

* Includes trading of other specialty fertilizers.

 

The speciality plant nutrition market experienced stable demand growth during 2013 when compared to 2012. We have not seen any curtailment of supply, and do not expect any new supply from any of the three main players, including SQM, in the market.

 

Our sales volumes in the specialty plant nutrition business line in 2013 increased 8.6% compared to sales volumes in 2012. In general, potassium nitrate prices are less volatile than other commodity fertilizers such as potassium chloride; we saw prices in the business line decrease 6% during 2013 when compared to 2012.

 

Iodine and its derivatives

 

Revenues for iodine and its derivatives during 2013 totaled US$461.0 million, a 20.3% decrease compared to US$578.1 million in 2012. Set forth below are sales volume data for the specified years.

 

(in Th. MT)  2013   2012   % Change 
Iodine and its derivatives   9.3    11.0    (15)%

 

Iodine market growth was approximately 2% during 2013, slightly lower than the growth rates we have seen in previous years. We believe this is related to inventory optimization from our customers. Based on our analysis, consumption continued to grow at a rate of 2-4% during 2013, slightly higher than demand growth. As we have seen in recent years, demand was led primarily by x-ray contrast media and LCD and LED applications.

 

Our sales volumes decreased approximately 15% in 2013 when compared to 2012. Average prices for 2013 were just under US$50/kg, almost 6% less than prices reported during 2012. These price decreases were in line with market conditions and our expectations.

 

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We are the world leader in the iodine market, with the largest capacity, the best natural resources, and a significant cost advantage. We believe that total demand will grow between 3-4% during 2014. Despite these positive signals, we believe our sales volumes could decrease during 2014 as uncertainty surrounding the production and sales volumes of our competitors continues. We have also seen pressure on pricing in recent months, as announced at the end of 2013. We expect this pressure to continue through 2014.

 

Lithium and its derivatives

 

Revenues for lithium and its derivatives totaled US$196.5 million during 2013, an 11.6% decrease compared to US$222.2 million in 2012. Set forth below are sales volume data for the specified years.

 

(in Th. MT)  2012   2012   % Change 
Lithium and its derivatives   36.1    45.7    (21)%

 

The lithium market continued to grow in 2013, due primarily to growth in the rechargeable battery. Demand growth reached 4%, while demand growth in batteries grew well over 10%.

 

Our sales volumes in the lithium segment decreased approximately 21% in 2013, when compared to 2012. This resulted from increased supply from various competitors. We believe our market share totaled 27% in 2013. Prices remained strong in the lithium market, and our average price in the lithium business line was almost 12% higher in 2013 than prices seen in 2012.

 

We believe the lithium market is positioned to grow in the short and long term resulting from the development of new technologies, as well as due to the strong growth in industrial applications. We expect lithium market demand to grow between 8-10% in 2014.

 

Potassium

Potassium revenues for 2013 totaled US$606.3 million, a 0.2% increase as compared to US$606.3 million in 2012. Set forth below are sales volume data for the specified years.

 

(in Th. MT)  2013   2012   % Change 
Potassium chloride and potassium sulfate   1,434.9    1,209.5    19%

 

As anticipated, the potassium chloride market demand increased in 2013; we estimate that demand reached levels close to 53 million metric tons for potassium chloride during 2013, an increase of 6% when compared to 2012. The prices in the potassium chloride market declined during the second half of 2013 as a result of the unexpected announcement made by the Russian company, Uralkali, on July 30, 2013, that it was terminating its participation in BPC. As a result of the termination of Uralkali’s participation in BPC, there was increased price competition in the market.

 

Amidst all of the announcements and information published surrounding the potassium market in 2013, we saw our sales volumes in this business line increase over 18% compared to 2012, which was in line with our expectations. As mentioned above, pricing for the second half of 2013 remained volatile, and we were not immune to impacts. Our average price for the potassium chloride and potassium sulfate business line in 2013 was approximately 16% lower than average prices reported during 2012.

 

We continued to take advantage of our developed distribution network, and distributed potassium chloride to customers all over the world. Our biggest market continued to be Brazil, which, in 2013, accounted for approximately one third of our potassium chloride sales. Moving forward, we expect demand to grow in 2014 to over 55 million tons. Additionally, we expect our sales volumes of potassium chloride and potassium sulfate to increase over 10% when compared to sales volumes seen in 2013. As we have stated in the past, we believe that market demand is the most important indicator when evaluating the potash market, and specifically future potassium chloride prices.

 

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Industrial chemicals

 

Industrial chemicals revenues for 2013 totaled US$154.0 million, a 37.2% decrease as compared to US$245.2 million in 2012. Set forth below are sales volume data for the specified years by product category.

 

(in Th. MT)  2013   2012   % Change 
Industrial nitrates   173.5    277.7    (38)%
Boric acid   2.0    1.8    (6)%

 

Industrial chemical demand for traditional applications such as detergents and glass has remained relatively stable when compared to 2012.

 

Average prices for industrial chemicals business line in 2013 remained virtually unchanged compared to 2012. As expected, volumes during 2013 decreased significantly compared to sales volumes reported during 2012. This is a direct result of a reduction in the sale of solar salts, products used for alternative energy sources. This decrease in sales volumes was particularly relevant during the second half of 2013 when sales volumes in solar salts were trivial.

 

Sales volumes in this business line in 2014 are expected to be lower than sales volumes seen in 2013. However, we do see a peaked interest in the market, and expect sales volumes to return in 2015; these estimations are based on current negotiations. The long-term prospects in the solar salt market remain positive.

 

Other products and services

 

Revenues from sales of other commodity fertilizers and other products totaled US$97.9 million during 2013, a 5.1% decrease compared to US$103.2 million in 2012.

 

Cost of sales

 

Cost of sales increased by 5.0% to US$1,481.7 million in 2013 from US$1,400.6 million in 2012, representing 67% of revenues in 2013 as compared to 58% of revenues in 2012. This increase in the percentage of revenues was principally caused higher volumes and lower prices in most of our products. Cost of sales includes, among others, the costs of depreciation and amortization.

 

Gross profit

 

Gross profit decreased by 29.9% from US$1,028.6 million in 2013 to US$721.5 million in 2013 and decreased as percentage of revenues, representing 32.7% of revenues in 2013 as compared to 42.3% of revenues in 2012. Gross margin was impacted by generally lower average prices in 2013 compared to 2012 in the fertilizer business lines.

 

Administrative expenses

 

Administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues increased in 2013 as compared to 2012. Administrative expenses were US$105.2 million (5.9% of revenues) in 2013 and US$106.4 million (4.4% of revenues) in 2012. The increase to 5.9% of revenues was mostly caused by decreases in revenues and relatively stable expenses.

 

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Other expenses

 

Other expenses increased by 42.6% to US$49.3 million in 2013 from US$34.6 million in 2012. Other expenses represented 2.2% of revenues in 2013 as compared to 1.4% of revenues in 2012.

 

Other gains (losses)

 

Other gains (losses) decreased by 1.6% to a loss of US$11.3 million in 2013 from a gain of US$0.7 million in 2012.

 

Finance income

 

Finance income decreased by 43.6% to US$12.6 million in 2013 from US$29.1 million in 2012, and decreased as percentage of revenues, representing 0.6% of revenues in 2013 as compared to 1.2% of revenues in 2012.Financial income decreased resulting from lower returns in financial investments such as money market and time deposits.

 

Finance expenses

 

Finance expenses increased by 8.3% to US$58.6 million in 2013 from US$54.1 million in 2012, but remained relatively stable as a percentage of revenues, representing 2.1% of revenues in 2012 as compared to 2.6% of revenues in 2013. The increase in finance expenses was due to a net increase in indebtedness during 2013.

 

Equity income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method

 

Equity income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method decreased by 23.0% to US$18.8 million in 2013 from US$24.4 million in 2012, representing 0.9% of revenues both in 2013.

 

Foreign currency exchange differences

 

Losses from foreign currency exchange differences decreased by 44.9% to a loss of US$11.9 million in 2013 from a loss of US$26.8 million in 2012, and decreased as a percentage of revenues, representing 0.5% of revenues in 2013 as compared to 1.1% of revenues in 2012. Since most of our operations are in Chile part of our costs of sales are related to the Chilean peso. Although we have an active hedging program and policy, we are subject to currency fluctuations. During 2013, the Chilean peso appreciated by 9.4% against the U.S. dollar.

 

Income tax expense

 

In 2013, income taxes were US$138.5 million, compared to income taxes of US$216.1 million in 2012. The effective tax rate in 2013 was 22.5% compared with 24.7% in 2012. The difference between the statutory and effective tax rates is due primarily to royalty taxes on income.

 

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Profit for the year

 

Profit for the year decreased by 27.8% to US$474.6 million in 2013 from US$657.4 million in 2012, as a result of the foregoing factors. Profit for the year was lower in 2013 resulting from lower prices across multiple business lines, and lower volumes in lithium, iodine, and industrial chemicals when compared to 2012.

 

Results of Operations – 2012 compared to 2011

 

Revenues

 

During 2012, we generated total revenues of US$2,429.2 million, a 13.2% increase compared to US$2,145.3 million in 2011.

 

The main factors causing the increase in revenues and the variation in the different product lines are described below.

 

Specialty plant nutrition

 

Specialty plant nutrition revenues for 2012 totaled US$675.3 million, a 6.4% decrease compared to US$721.7 million in 2011. Set forth below are sales volume data for the specified years by product category in this product line.

 

(in Th. MT)  2012   2011   % Change 
Potassium nitrate and sodium potassium nitrate   469.3    551.1    (15)%
Specialty blends   197.5    189.3    4%
Other specialty plant nutrients (*)   89.0    86.7    3%
Sodium nitrate   24.4    22.2    10%

* Includes trading of other specialty fertilizers.

 

Market supplies of the specialty plant nutrition market increased during 2012, as a significant competitor returned to normal production levels. In general, the specialty plant nutrition markets are less volatile than commodity and fertilizer markets, but future improvement in this product line will depend on the behavior of the market for potassium based fertilizers such as potassium chloride.

 

Our overall sales volumes in the specialty plant nutrition product line in 2012 decreased compared to 2011. This was a result of increased supply in the market and low market growth due mainly to the financial situation in Europe, one of the most important markets for this product line. Prices within our specialty plant nutrition product line increased by almost 2% in 2012 as compared to 2011.

 

Iodine and its derivatives

 

Revenues for iodine and its derivatives during 2012 totaled US$578.1 million, a 27.2% increase compared to US$454.5 million in 2011. Set forth below are sales volume data for the specified years.

 

(in Th. MT)  2012   2011   % Change 
Iodine and its derivatives    11.0    12.2    (10)%

 

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Overall market sales volumes of iodine reached new levels in 2012 mainly as a result of increased demand. Strong demand was led primarily by X-ray contrast media and pharmaceutical applications. Increased supply entered the market in 2012, and we expect to see additional new supply in 2013.

 

Our sales volumes decreased by approximately 10% in 2012, as a result of new market supply, and as we returned to normal operational inventory. These volume decreases were more than offset by prices, which were more than 40% higher than average prices during 2011, increasing gross profit in the iodine product line by over 38%.

 

Lithium and its derivatives

 

Revenues for lithium and its derivatives totaled US$222.2 million during 2012, a 21.2% increase compared to US$183.4 million in 2011. Set forth below are sales volume data for the specified years.

 

(in Th. MT)  2012   2011   % Change 
Lithium and its derivatives   45.7    40.7    12%

 

The lithium market continued to grow in 2012, primarily due to growth in the rechargeable battery and lubricating grease markets, as has been the trend in recent years.

 

Our sales volumes in the lithium segment increased by 12% in 2012, as compared to 2011. We believe we supply over one-third of the world lithium chemical market, and aim to maintain this market share in coming years.

 

Along with increased volumes, we saw increased prices of approximately 8% in this product line during 2012 as compared to the previous year, increasing our gross margin by approximately 30% as compared with 2011.

 

We believe we are the lowest cost producer of lithium in the world. We produce lithium as a by-product of potassium chloride, which gives us a unique competitive advantage.

 

Potassium

 

Potassium revenues for 2012 totaled US$605.1 million, an 8.9% increase as compared to US$555.7 million in 2011. Set forth below are sales volume data for the specified years.

 

(in Th. MT)  2012   2011   % Change 
Potassium chloride and potassium sulfate   1,209.5    1,103.4    10%

 

We estimate that market sales volumes of potassium chloride decreased by 12% in 2012 as compared to 2011. Despite favorable economic conditions of relevant crops, demand was mainly affected by economic uncertainty in Europe and the behavior of influential buyers in China and India.

 

We increased our sales volumes in this product line by approximately 10% compared to 2011, as we took advantage of our developed distribution network. Average prices in the potassium market remained relatively stable as compared to 2011. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the potassium market saw major contracts close at lower prices than seen earlier in 2012; during the first quarter of 2013, prices have remained stable.

 

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Industrial chemicals

 

Industrial chemicals revenues for 2012 totaled US$245.2 million, a 75.8% increase as compared to US$139.5 million in 2011. Set forth below are sales volume data for the specified years by product category.

 

(in Th. MT)  2012   2011   % Change 
Industrial nitrates   277.7    181.2    53%
Boric acid   1.8    2.4    (23)%

 

Industrial chemical demand for traditional applications such as detergents and glass has remained relatively stable as compared to 2011.

 

New alternative energy projects that utilize industrial-grade sodium and potassium nitrate in solar thermal energy storage had a positive impact on our 2012 industrial chemicals volumes, which increased by over 50% as compared to 2011.

 

Prices for industrial chemicals increased by 15%, mainly because of the product mix, increasing our gross margins by approximately 48%.

 

Other products and services

 

Revenues from sales of other commodity fertilizers and other products totaled US$103.2 million during 2012, a 14.0% increase compared to US$90.5 million in 2011.

 

Cost of sales

 

During 2012, cost of sales increased by 8.5% to US$1,400.6 million in 2012 from US$1,290.5 million in 2011, but remained stable as a percentage of revenues, representing 58% of revenues in 2012 as compared to 60% of revenues in 2011. This increase was principally caused by higher volume production and a stronger Chilean peso. Cost of sales includes, among others, the costs of depreciation and amortization.

 

Gross profit

 

Gross profit increased by 20.3% from US$854.8 million in 2011 to US$1,028.6 million in 2012 and remained stable as percentage of revenues, representing 42.3% of revenues in 2012 as compared to 39.8% of revenues in 2011. Gross margin was impacted by generally higher average prices in 2012 compared to 2011, led by iodine prices, which increased by 40% on average in 2012 as compared to prices in 2011.

 

Administrative expenses

 

Administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues remained stable in 2012 as compared to 2011. Administrative expenses were US$106.4 million (4.4% of revenues) in 2012 and US$91.8 million (4.3% of revenues) in 2011.

 

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Other expenses

 

Other expenses decreased by 45.1% to US$34.6 million in 2012 from US$63.0 million in 2011. Other expenses represented 1.4% of revenues in 2012 as compared to 2.9% of revenues in 2011. The decrease in other expenses is attributable to a decrease in expenses accounted for as depreciation of assets no longer in use.

 

Other gains (losses)

 

Other gains (losses) decreased by 87.9% to a gain of US$0.7 million in 2012 from a gain of US$5.8 million in 2011, but remained stable as a percentage of revenues, representing 0.03% of revenues in 2012 as compared to 0.3% of revenues in 2011. The decrease is attributable in part to a loss in sales of investment in associated companies and a provision no longer in effect for the suspension of our operations at El Toco mine at the Maria Elena facility.

 

Finance income

 

Finance income increased by 25.4% to US$29.1 million in 2012 from US$23.2 million in 2011, but remained stable as a percentage of revenues, representing 1.2% of revenues in 2012 as compared to 1.1% of revenues in 2011.

 

Finance expenses

 

Finance expenses increased by 37.7% to US$54.1 million in 2012 from US$39.3 million in 2011, but remained stable as a percentage of revenues, representing 1.8% of revenues in 2011 as compared to 2.1% of revenues in 2012. The increase in finance expenses was due to a net increase in indebtedness during 2012 and a decrease in capitalized interest related to ongoing capital expenditure projects as compared to 2011.

 

Equity income of associated companies and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method

 

Equity income of associated companies and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method increased by 11.9% to US$24.4 million in 2012 from US$21.8 million in 2011, but remained stable as a percentage of revenues, representing 1.0% of revenues both in 2012 and in 2011.

 

Foreign currency exchange differences

 

Losses from foreign currency exchange differences increased by 5.9% to a loss of US$26.8 million in 2012 from a loss of US$25.3 million in 2011, but remained stable as a percentage of revenues, representing 1.1% of revenues in 2012 as compared to 1.2% of revenues in 2011. Since most of our operations are in Chile, part of our costs of sales are related to the Chilean peso. Although we have an active hedging program and policy, we are subject to currency fluctuations. During 2012, the Chilean peso appreciated by 7.6% against the U.S. dollar.

 

Income tax expense

 

In 2012, income taxes were US$216.1 million, compared to income taxes of US$179.7 million in 2011. During 2012, the Chilean tax rate increased to 20%. The effective tax rate in 2012 was 24.7% compared with 24.5% in 2011. The difference between the statutory and effective tax rates is due primarily to royalty taxes on income.

 

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Profit for the year

 

Profit for the year increased by 18.6% to US$657.4 million in 2012 from US$554.1 million in 2011, as a result of the foregoing factors.

 

Impact of Foreign Exchange Rates

 

We transact a significant portion of our business in U.S. dollars, which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which we operate and is our financial currency for financial reporting purposes. A significant portion of our operating costs is related to the Chilean peso, and therefore an increase or decrease in the exchange rate between the Chilean peso and the U.S. dollar affects our costs of production. Additionally, as an international company operating in Chile and several other countries, we transact a portion of our business and have assets and liabilities in Chilean pesos and other non-U.S. dollar currencies, such as the Euro, the South African Rand and the Mexican peso. As a result, fluctuations in the exchange rate of such currencies to the U.S. dollar may affect our financial condition and results of operations. See Note 24 of Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.

 

We monitor and attempt to maintain our non-dollar assets and liabilities position in balance and make use of foreign exchange contracts and other hedging instruments aiming to minimize our exposure to the risks of changes in foreign exchange rates. As of December 31, 2013, for hedging purposes we had open contracts to buy U.S. dollars and sell Euros for approximately US$8.6 million (EUR6.2million) and sell South African rand for approximately US$30 million (ZAR301 million), as well as forward exchange contracts to sell U.S. dollars and buy Chilean pesos for US$92.5 million (CH$48,526 million). As of this date, all of our UF and Chilean pesos bonds were hedged with cross-currency swaps to the U.S. dollar for approximately US$ 555.3 million.

 

Also, we had open forward exchange contracts to buy U.S. dollars and sell Chilean pesos to hedge our time deposits in Chilean Pesos for approximately US$134.1 million (CH$70,384 million).

 

5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of December 31, 2013, we had US$908.5 million of cash and cash equivalents and time deposits. In addition, as of December 31, 2013, we had unused uncommitted working capital credit lines amounting to US$555.0 million.

 

Shareholders’ equity increased from US$2,132.8 million as of December 31, 2012 to US$2,409.5 million as of December 31, 2013. Our ratio of total liabilities to total equity (including non-controlling interest) on a consolidated basis decreased from 1.02 as of December 31, 2012 to 0.94 as of December 31, 2013.

 

We evaluate from time to time our cash requirements to fund capital expenditures, dividend payouts and increases in working capital. As debt requirements also depend on the level of accounts receivables and inventories, we cannot accurately determine the amount of debt we will require.

 

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The table below shows our cash flows for 2013, 2012, and 2011:

 

(in millions of U.S. dollars)  2013   2012   2011 
Net cash from (used in):               
Net cash from operating activities   651.7    650.2    571.3 
Net cash used in financing activities   (2.3)   (197.7)   (105.2)
Net cash used in investing activities   (487.4)   (562.9)   (516.2)
Effects of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents   (9.8)   (10.3)   (29.6)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   (152.3)   (120.6)   (79.7)

 

We operate a capital-intensive business that requires significant investments in revenue-generating assets. Our growth strategy has included the purchase of production facilities and equipment and has also included the improvement and expansion of existing facilities. Funds for capital expenditures and working capital requirements have been obtained from net cash from operating activities, borrowings under credit facilities and issuance of debt securities.

 

The Board of Directors has approved a capital expenditures plan for 2014 of US$135 million in connection with investments to be made in Chile. The 2014 capital investment program is primarily focused on the maintenance of our production facilities. Our 2014 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.See “Business—Business strategy—Capital expenditure program.”

 

Our other major use of funds is the payment of dividends. We paid dividends of US$273.6 million and US$334.8million during 2013 and 2012, respectively. Our 2013 dividend policy, as approved by shareholders, is to pay 50% of our profit for each fiscal year in dividends. Under Chilean law, the minimum dividend payout is 30% of profit for each fiscal year.

 

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Financing activities

 

Our current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) was 3.40 as of December 31, 2013, a change from 3.70 as of December 31, 2012. The following table shows key information about our outstanding long- and short-term debt as of December 31, 2013.

 

Debt Instrument(1)(2)  Interest rate   Issue date  Maturity date  Amortization
3.625% Notes due 2023 — US$ 300 million   3.625%  Apr. 3, 2013  Apr. 3, 2023  Bullet
Series O Bond — UF 1.50 million   3.80%  Apr. 4, 2012  Feb. 1, 2033  Bullet
Series H Bond — UF 4 00 million   4.90%  Jan. 13, 2009  Jan. 5, 2030  Semiannual, beginning in 2019
Series C Bond — UF 2.1 million   4.00%  Jan. 24, 2006  Dec. 1 , 2026  Semiannual, beginning in 2007
5.50% Notes due 2020 — US$ 250 million   5.50%  Apr. 21,2010  Apr. 21, 2020  Bullet
Series M Bond — UF 1.00 million   3.30%  Apr. 4, 2012  Feb. 1, 2017  Bullet
Bilateral loan — US$140 million   2.69%  Sep. 13, 2012  Sep. 13, 2017  Bullet
6.125% Notes due 2016 — US$ 200 million   6.13%  Apr. 5, 2006  Apr. 15, 2016  Bullet
Bilateral loan — US$40 million   1.52%  Oct. 6, 2011  Oct. 6, 2016  Bullet
Bilateral loan — US$50 million   1.26%  Oct. 12, 2011  Oct. 12, 2016  Semiannual, beginning in 2014
Bilateral loan — US$50 million   1.46%  Dec. 21, 2011  Dec. 21, 2016  Semiannual, beginning in 2014
Bilateral loan — US$50 million   1.62%  Oct. 19, 2012  Oct. 19, 2015  Bullet
Series G Bond — CH$21,000  million   7.00%  Jan. 13, 2009  Jan. 5, 2014  Bullet
Series I Bond — UF 1.50 million   3.00%  May. 8, 2009  Apr. 1, 2014  Bullet
Series J Bond — CH$52,000  million   5.50%  May. 8, 2009  Apr. 1, 2014  Bullet
Bilateral loan — US$50 million   1.54%  Sep. 12, 2011  Sep. 12, 2014  Bullet

 

(1)UF- and Ch$-denominated bonds are fully hedged to U.S. dollars with cross-currency swaps.
(2)Some floating rate bilateral loans are currently hedged to fixed rate loans using interest rate swaps.

 

As of December 31, 2013, we had total financial debt of US$1,834 million, compared to US$1,599 million as of December 31, 2012. Taking into account the effects of financial derivatives, our total financial debt amounted to US$1,803.5 million as of December 31, 2013 and US$1,498.4 million as of December 31, 2012. Of the total debt as of December 31, 2013, US$401.4 million was short-term debt. All of our UF and Ch$ local bonds, as of December 31, 2013, were hedged with cross-currency swaps to the U.S. dollar.

 

All of our long-term debt (including the current portion) as of December 31, 2013 was denominated in U.S. dollars, and all our UF and Ch$ local bonds were hedged with cross-currency swaps to the U.S. dollar.

 

The financial covenants related to our debt instruments include: (i) limitations on the ratio of total liabilities to equity (including non-controlling interest) on a consolidated basis, (ii) minimum net worth requirements, (iii) limitations on net financial debt to EBITDA, (iv) limitations on interest indebtedness of operating subsidiaries and (v) minimum production assets. We believe that the terms and conditions of our debt agreements are standard and customary and that we are in compliance in all material respects with such terms and conditions as of December 31, 2013.

 

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The following table shows the maturities of our long-term debt by year as of December 31, 2013 (in millions of US dollars):

 

Maturity(1)  Amount 
     
2014   357,3 
2015   95,1 
2016   285.1 
2017   191.6 
2018   5.1 
2019 and thereafter   805.7 
Total   1,410.4 

 

(1)Only the principal amount has been included. For the UF- and Ch$-denominated local bonds, the amounts presented reflect the real U.S. dollar obligation as of December 31, 2013, not including the effects of the cross currency swaps that hedge these bonds to the U.S. dollar and which had, as of December 312013, a market value of US$23 million in favor of SQM.

 

Environmental Projects

 

In 2013, we made disbursements amounting to US$13.3 million related to environmental, safety and health projects. We have budgeted future disbursements for the year 2014 amounting to approximately US$ 9.6 million related to environmental, safety and health projects. This amount forms part of the capital expenditure program discussed above.

 

5.C. 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.

 

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, to improve the physical quality of our prilled products and to 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.

 

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For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we invested US$9.3 million, US$ 10.4 million, and US$6.9 million, respectively, on research and development activities.

 

5.D. Trend Information

Our revenues totaled US$2,203.1 million during 2013, representing a decrease of 9.3% from revenues of US$2,429.2 million in 2012. Gross margin was US$721.5 million (32.7% of revenues), 29.9% lower than gross margin of US$1,028.6 million (42.3% of revenues) in 2012. Profit attributable to controlling interests decreased by 27.8% to US$467.1 million in 2013, compared to US$649.2 million in 2012.

 

Our sales volumes in the specialty plant nutrition business line in 2013 increased by 8.6% compared to 2012. This increase was a result of increased demand in the market. In particular, this product line depends on the behavior of the market for potassium-based fertilizers such as potassium chloride. Potassium chloride is an important raw material in the production of potassium nitrate, a specialty fertilizer and, as a result, prices of the two products are related. However, the specialty plant nutrition markets tend to be less volatile than commodity and fertilizer markets. We saw this during 2013 as prices fell in the speciality plant nutrition business line approximately 6%, while prices in the potassium chloride and potassium sulfate business lines fell over 15%. We feel confident in the future of specialty plant nutrient market as food quality requirements increase, and land and fresh water scarcity impacts some parts of the world. We suspect market growth to be led primarily by potassium nitrate, and we believe we are prepared to meet the growing market demand in the future.

 

Our sales volumes in the iodine business line decreased by 11.5% in 2013 as a result of new supply from competitors in the market, and a result of slightly slower growth rates than we have seen in previous years. Therefore, we saw pressure on prices in the iodine market, and our average price in the business line was 5.7% lower than average prices seen during 2012. We continue to be a world leader in the iodine market, and these special market conditions have created unique opportunities for us.

 

Our sales volumes in the lithium business line decreased by 21% in 2013 compared to 2012. However, despite lower sales volumes, we saw increased prices in this business line during 2013 when compared to 2012, up 11.9%. The decrease in sales volumes can be attributed to increased supply from competitors. We believe the lithium market is positioned to grow in the short and long term due to the development of new technologies, as well as strong growth in industrial applications. We expect world lithium production to increase in the near future, as a number of new projects have been announced and have begun procurement.

 

Our sales volumes in the potassium business line increased by 18.6% in 2013 compared to the prior year. Average prices in the potassium market fell following during the second half of 2013, and therefore our average prices for 2013 were 15.5% lower than prices seen during 2012. We expect market sales volumes to increase during 2014, and believe that this could have a positive impact on prices.

 

Our sales volumes in the industrial chemicals product line decreased by 37.2% in 2013 compared to 2012. As anticipated, the decrease was caused by delays in new alternative energy projects that utilize industrial-grade sodium and potassium nitrate in solar thermal energy storage. In particular, our sales volumes in solar salts decreased by approximately 100,000 metric tons during 2013. We remain confident in the long-term prospects in the solar thermal energy storage market, and are currently working on negotiations sales contracts for 2015 and beyond.

 

5.E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have not entered into any transactions with unconsolidated entities whereby we have financial guarantees, retained or contingent interests in transferred assets, derivative instruments or other contingent arrangements that would expose us to material continuing risks, contingent liabilities, or any other obligations arising out of a variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to us or that engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.

 

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5.F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

 

The following table shows our material expected obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2013:

 

       Less Than   1  -  3   3  -  5   More
Than
 
   Total   1 year   years   Years   5 years 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Long- and short-term debt   1,819,317    382,463    3383,339    197,762    855,762 
Capital lease obligations   -    -    -    -    - 
Operating leases   132,946    6,997    13,994    13,994    97,961 
Purchase commitments (*)   127,484    127,484    -    -    - 
Staff severance indemnities   34,839    -    -    -    34,839 
Total Contractual Obligations and Commitments   1,894,306    287,324    350,940    553,808    702,234 

 

(*) The purchase commitments held by the Company are recognized as a liability when the services and goods are received by the Company.

 

5.G. Safe Harbor

 

The information contained in Items 5.E and 5.F contains statements that may constitute forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this Annual Report, for safe harbor provisions.

 

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ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

 

6.A. Directors and Senior Management

We are managed by our executive officers under the direction of our Board of Directors, which, in accordance with our by-laws, consists of eight directors, seven of whom are elected by holders of Series A common shares and one of whom is elected by holders of Series B common shares. The entire Board of Directors is regularly elected every three years at our ordinary shareholders’ meeting. Cumulative voting is allowed for the election of directors. At the annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting that took place on April 25, 2013, a new Board was elected, and their terms will expire in 2016. 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. Our Chief Executive Officer is appointed by the Board of Directors and holds office at the discretion of the Board. The Chief Executive Officer appoints our executive officers. There are regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors once a month. Extraordinary meetings may be called by the Chairman when requested by (i) the director elected by holders of the Series B common shares, (ii) any other director with the assent of the Chairman or (iii) an absolute majority of all directors. The Board has a Directors’ Committee and its regulations are discussed below.

 

Our directors as of the date of this Annual Report are as follows:

 

Name   Position and relevant experience   Current position
held since
Julio Ponce L.(1)   Chairman of the Board and Director. Mr. Ponce is a Forestry Engineer with a degree from the Universidad de Chile. He joined SQM in 1981. He is also Chairman of the board of directors of the following corporations: Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A., Sociedad de Inversiones Oro Blanco S.A., Norte Grande S.A. and Soquimich Comercial S.A. He is the brother of Eugenio Ponce L.   September 1987
         
Wayne R. Brownlee   Vice Chairman of the Board and Director. Mr. Brownlee is Executive Vice-President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, Inc. Mr. Brownlee earned degrees in Arts and Science and Business Administration from the University of Saskatchewan. He is on the board of directors of Great Western Brewing Company. He became a director of SQM in December 2001.   December 2001
         
Hernan Buchi B.   Director. Mr. Buchi is a Civil Engineer with a degree from the Universidad de Chile. He served as Vice Chairman of SQM’s Board from January 2000 to April 2002. He is currently a member of the board of directors of Quinenco S.A. Banco de Chile, S.A.C.I. Falabella and Madeco S.A., among others. He is also Chairman of the board of directors of the Universidad del Desarrollo.   April 1993
         

 

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Name   Position and relevant experience   Current position
held since
Patricio Contesse Fica.   Mr. Contesse is a lawyer who obtained his degree from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A. and Norte Grande S.A. Prior to joining SQM, he was an associate at Barros & Errázuriz Abogados, and CEO of Potasios de Chile S.A. and Nitratos de Chile S.A. He is the son of Patricio Contesse G.   April 2013
         
Jose Maria Eyzaguirre B.   Director. Mr. Eyzaguirre is a lawyer and is a partner of the Chilean law firm Claro y Cía. He obtained his law degree from the Universidad de Chile and was admitted to the Chilean Bar in 1985.  In 1987, he obtained a Master’s Degree from New York University School of Law. He was admitted to the New York Bar in 1988. He is also a member of the board of directors of Gasoducto del Pacifico S.A., a transandean gas pipeline, Embotelladora Andina S.A., a bottler of The Coca Cola Company, and Chairman of the board of directors of Club de Golf Valle Escondido.   December 2001
         
Juan Antonio Guzmán M.   Mr. Guzmán is an Industrial and Chemical Engineer from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and has a Ph.D. from the Polytechnic of North London. He has professional experience in managing different organizations both in the public service (Minister of Education) and in the private sector where he has been appointed to several executive positions as CEO and Board member (Gener, Polpaico, CGE, Sonda, Indisa). Furthermore he has been active as owner in entrepreneurial activities in sectors such as Energy, Education, Real Estate and Health.   April 2013
         
Alejandro Montero P.   Mr. Montero graduated from the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile with a degree in Business Administration. He is a Partner and CEO of Celfin Capital, a BTG Pactual company. Mr. Montero joined Celfin Capital in December 1993 to restructure the Research Unit. He became a Partner in 1997 and CEO in 2007.   April 2013
         
Wolf von Appen   Director. Mr. Von Appen is an entrepreneur. He is currently a member of Centro de Estudios Publicos.   May 2005

 

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Our executive officers as of the date of this Annual Report were as follows:

 

Name   Position and relevant experience   Current position
held since
Patricio Contesse G.   Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Contesse is a Forestry Engineer with a degree from the Universidad de Chile. He joined SQM in 1981 as CEO, a position he held until 1982, and again in 1988 for one year.  In the past, he has been CEO of Celco Limitada, Schwager S.A. and Compañía de Aceros del Pacífico S.A. He has also served as Operations Senior Executive Vice President of Codelco Chile, President of Codelco USA and Executive President of Codelco Chile. Mr. Contesse is also a member of the board of directors of Soquimich Comercial S.A. He is the father of Patricio Contesse F.   March 1990
         
Patricio de Solminihac T.   Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President. Mr. de Solminihac is an Industrial Engineer with a degree from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and holds a Master in Business Administration from the University of Chicago. He joined SQM in 1988 as Business Development Vice President. Currently he is a member of the board of directors of Melon S.A. Mr. de Solminihac is also a member of the board of directors of Soquimich Comercial S.A.   January 2000
         
Matías Astaburuaga S.   General Counsel and Senior Vice President. Mr. Astaburuaga is a lawyer with a degree from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. He joined SQM in 1989.  Prior to joining SQM, he was Regional Counsel of The Coca Cola Export Corporation, Andean Region and Regional Counsel of American Life Insurance Company, Latin America Region.   February 1989
         

 

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Name   Position and relevant experience   Current position
held since
Ricardo Ramos R.   Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Business Development.  Mr. Ramos is an Industrial Engineer with a degree from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. He joined SQM in 1989. Mr. Ramos is also a member of the board of directors of Soquimich Comercial S.A.   November 1994
         
Jaime San Martín L.  

Nueva Victoria Operations Senior Vice President. Mr. San Martín is a Transportation Engineer with a degree from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. He joined SQM in 1995 as Project Manager. He became Metallic Mining Development Manager in 1997, and Development Manager in 1998, Business Development and Mining Property Vice President in 1999, Technical Senior Vice President in 2001, and Senior Vice President of Lithium Operations and Mining Affairs in January 2007. From 2008 until August 2013, he was the Senior Vice President of Nueva Victoria Operations (iodine and nitrates in the I Region of Chile). He left the Company is August 2013

  March 2008
         
Eugenio Ponce L.   Senior Commercial Vice President. Mr. Ponce is a Mechanical Engineer with a degree from the Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. In 1981, he joined SQM as a Sales Manager. He became Commercial Manager in 1982, Commercial and Operations Manager in 1988 and Chief Executive Officer of SQM Nitratos S.A. in 1991. Currently he is a member of the board of directors of Soquimich Comercial S.A. and Vice Chairman of the board of directors of Pampa Calichera S.A. He is the brother of Julio Ponce L.   April 1981
         
Carlos Díaz O.   Senior Vice President Operations, Nitrates-Iodine. Mr. Diaz is an Industrial Civil Engineer with an engineering degree and an MBA from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. In 1996, he joined SQM as Planning Engineer in the Sales Division where he was promoted to Planning Manager in 1998. In 2002, he assumed the position of Deputy Financial Manager of the Commercial Offices and after four years took up the position of Logistics Manager.   October 2012
         

 

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Name   Position and relevant experience   Current position
held since
Pauline De Vidts S.   Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Sustainability. Mrs. De Vidts is an Industrial Engineer with a degree from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University. She joined SQM in 1996 to work in process development for the Salar de Atacama Operations, becoming Development Manager for these operations in 1998, and later Corporate R&D and Environmental Issues Vice President in 2001. Since 2005, she has overseen safety, health and environmental issues, and in 2011, she also began overseeing public affairs for SQM. In 2013, she began her new role in the current position.   August 2013
         
Juan Carlos Barrera P.   Senior Vice President Operations, Salar and Lithium. Mr. Barrera is an Industrial Engineer with a degree from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and holds a Masters in Business Administration degree from Tulane University and a Masters in Business Administration degree from Universidad de Chile.  He joined SQM in 1991 as an advisor in the Business Development area and has served in many positions since then.  In 1995, he became Business Development Manager of SQM Nitratos S.A. In 1999, he became the Corporate Quality Manager, in 2000, Corporate Supply Chain Vice President and, in 2006, General Manager of Soquimich Comercial S.A.   January 2007
         
Daniel Jiménez Sch..   Senior Vice President of Exploration. Mr. Jiménez is an Industrial Engineer with a degree from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and holds a Masters in Business Administration degree from Old Dominion University. He joined SQM in 1991, holding several positions in the finance and sales areas at SQM’s headquarters and foreign subsidiaries in USA and Belgium, countries he was based in for eight years.  In 2002, he became VP Sales and Marketing Iodine, Lithium and Industrial Chemicals.   August 2013

 

(1)Mr. Julio Ponce’s ownership interest in SQM is explained in Item 6.E. Share Ownership.
(2)The individual beneficially owns less than one percent of the Company’s shares

 

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6.B. Compensation

During 2013, directors were paid a monthly fee (UF 300 to the Chairman and UF 50 to each of the remaining seven directors), which was independent of attendance and the number of Board sessions. In addition, the directors received variable compensation (in Chilean pesos) based on a profit-sharing program approved by the shareholders. In 2013, the Chairman received the equivalent of 0.35% of 2012 profit and each of the remaining seven directors received the equivalent of 0.04% of 2012 profit.

 

In addition, during 2013, members of the Directors’ Committee were paid UF 17 regardless of the number of sessions held by the Committee. Additionally, shareholders approved variable compensation for the 2013 fiscal year of an amount equal to 0.013% of 2012 profit for each Committee member. This remuneration is also independent from what the Committee members obtain as members of our Board of Directors.

 

During 2013, the compensation paid to each of our directors, who served on the Board during the year, was as follows (amounts in Chilean pesos):

 

   SQM Board
Meeting(Ch$)
   SQM
Committee (Ch$)
   SQM Committee
Meeting (Ch$)
   Total (Ch$) 
Julio Ponce L.   1,175,395,866        82,791,807    1,258,187,673 
Hernan Buchi B.   136,303,635    43,973,524        180,277,159 
*Eduardo Novoa C.   127,873,049    41,627,438        169,500,487 
Jose Maria Eyzaguirre B.   137,077,176            137,077,176 
*Daniel Yarur E.   127,873,049            127,873,049 
Wolf Von Appen   145,008,656    43,973,524        188,982,180 
**Patricio Contesse Fica   9,227,566            9.227.566 
**Alejandro Montero Purviance   8,062,089            8,062,089 
Wayne Brownlee   145,006,762            145,006,762 
*Kendrick T. Wallace   136,944,673            136,944,673 
**Juan Antonio Guzman Molinari   8,062,089    2,741,109        10,803,198 
Total   2,156,834,610    132,315,595    82,791,807    2,371,942,012 

* until april 2013

**since may 2013

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013, the aggregate compensation paid to our 117 principal executives based in Chile was US$24.1 million. We do not disclose to our shareholders or otherwise make available to the public information as to the compensation of our individual executive officers.

  

We maintain incentive programs for our employees, based on individual performance, company performance, and short- medium- and long-term indicators. Additionally, in order to provide incentives to key executives and to retain such executives, we maintain a long-term cash bonus compensation plan for certain senior executives, which consists of a long-term bonus linked to share price and is payable between 2015 and 2018.

 

As of December 31, 2013, the provision providing a long-term bonus linked to our share price would have increased or decreased by approximately US$1.5 million per each movement of US$1 in the Series B common share price, when the share price is above US$50. The amount of actual cash bonuses payable under the long-term incentive program will vary depending on the market share price of the Series B common shares on the date as of which the bonuses are paid.

 

As of December 31, 2013, we had a provision related to all of the incentive programs in an aggregate of US$25.2 million.

 

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We do not maintain any pension or retirement programs for the members of the Board or our executive officers in Chile.

 

6.C. Board Practices

Information regarding the period of time each of SQM's current Directors has served in his office is provided in the discussion of each member of the Board above in Item 6.A Directors and Senior Managers.

 

The date of expiration of the term of the current Board of Directors is April 2016. The contracts of our executive officers are indefinite. On April 5, 2013, Mr. Kendrick T. Wallace resigned from his position as Director of the Company. As required by our by-laws and in light of this vacancy, we held elections for the entire board at the regularly scheduled meeting on shareholders on April 25, 2013.

 

The members of the Board are remunerated in accordance with the information provided above in Item 6.B. Compensation. There are no contracts between SQM, or any of its subsidiaries, and the members of the Board providing for benefits upon termination of their term.

 

Directors' Committee – Audit Committee

 

As required by Chilean Law, during 2013 we had a Directors’ Committee (Comité de Directores) composed of three Directors, which performs many of the functions of an audit committee. This Directors’ Committee complies with the requirements of the NYSE corporate governance rules applicable to audit committees. Under the NYSE corporate governance rules, the audit committee of a U.S. company must perform the functions detailed in the NYSE Listed Company Manual Rules 303A.06 and 303A.07. Non-U.S. companies are required to comply with Rule 303A.06 but are not at any time required to comply with Rule 303A.07.

 

As of December 31, 2013, our Directors’ Committee was comprised of three Directors: Mr. Buchi, Mr. Guzmán and Mr. Von Appen. Each of the three members meet the NYSE independence requirements for audit committee members. According to Chilean independence requirements, Mr. Guzmán meets the requirements for independence. Our Directors’ Committee operates in accordance with article 50 bis of the Chilean Corporations Act, which provides that the Directors’ Committee will, among other things:

 

(a)     examine and issue an opinion regarding the external auditor’s report including financial statements prior to its final presentation for approval at the ordinary shareholders meeting;

 

(b)     propose to the Board the external auditors and the rating agencies that will be presented at the ordinary shareholders meeting;

 

(c)     examine and elaborate a report concerning the operations covered by Title XVI of the Chilean Corporations Act, which relates to related party transactions; and

 

(d)     examine the remuneration and compensation plans of the senior management.

 

Accordingly, the following were the main activities of our Directors’ Committee during 2013:

 

(a)     analysis of unaudited financial reports;

 

(b)     analysis of audited financial reports;

 

(c)     analysis of reports and proposals submitted by external auditors, account inspectors and rating agencies, and recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding external auditors and rating agencies that could be designated by shareholders at the respective annual general shareholders meeting;

 

(d)     analysis of tax and other non-audit services provided by external auditors for SQM and its subsidiaries in Chile and abroad;

 

(e)     analysis of functions, objectives and working programs of the Internal Audit Department;

 

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(f)     analysis of SQM’s senior executives’ remuneration and compensation plans;

 

(g)     analysis of the records relating to the transactions referred to in Title XVI of the Chilean Corporations Act;

 

(h)     analysis of matters related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, especially regarding Section 404;

 

(i)     analysis of matters related to IFRS standards issued by U.S. standard-setter, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; and

 

(j)     analysis of an internal control report.

 

On April 25, 2013, the Annual General Shareholders Meeting of SQM approved an operational budget for the Directors Committee; the operational budget is equivalent to the annual remuneration of the members of the Directors Committee.

 

The activities carried out by the Committee, as well as the expenses incurred by it, are to be disclosed at the General Shareholders Meeting. During 2013, the Directors Committee did not incur any consulting expenses.

 

Article 50 bis of the Chilean Corporations Act states that the Committee should consist of three Directors, of which at least one member should preferably be independent from the controller (i.e. any person or entity who “controls” the company for Chilean law purposes), if any, and that their functions be remunerated.

 

Comparative Summary of Differences in Corporate Governance Standards

 

The following table provides a comparative summary of differences in corporate governance practices followed by us under our home-country rules and those applicable to U.S. domestic issuers pursuant to Section 303A of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Listed Company Manual.

 

Listed Companies that are foreign private issuers, such as SQM, are permitted to follow home country practices in lieu of the provisions of Section 303A, except such companies are required to comply with the requirements of Section 303A.06, 303A.11 and 303A.12(b) and (c).

 

Section   NYSE Standards   SQM practices pursuant to Chilean Stock
Exchange regulations
303A.01   Listed companies must have a majority of independent directors.   There is no legal obligation to have a majority of independent directors on the Board but, according to Chilean law, the Company's directors cannot serve as executive officers.
         
303A.02   No director qualifies as "independent" unless the board of directors affirmatively determines that the director has no material relationship with the listed company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the company).
In addition, a director is not independent if:
(i) The director is, or has been within the last three years, an employee of the listed company, or an immediate family member is, or has been within the last three years, an executive officer, of the listed company.
(ii) The director has received, or has an immediate family member who has received, during any twelve-month period within the last three years, more than $120,000 in direct compensation from the listed company, other than director and committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior service (provided such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service).
  A director would not be considered independent if, at any time, within the last 18 months he or she:

(i) Maintained any relationship of a relevant nature and amount with the company, with other companies of the same group, with its controlling shareholder or with the principal officers of any of them or has been a director, manager, administrator or officer of any of them;

(ii) Maintained a family relationship with any of the members described in (i) above;

(iii) Has been a director, manager, administrator or principal officer of non-profit organizations that have received contributions from (i) above;
         

 

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Section   NYSE Standards   SQM practices pursuant to Chilean Stock
Exchange regulations
    (iii) (A) The director is a current partner or employee of a firm that is the listed company's internal or external auditor; (B) the director has an immediate family member who is a current partner of such a firm; (C) the director has an immediate family member who is a current employee of such a firm and personally works on the listed company's audit; or (D) the director or an immediate family member was within the last three years a partner or employee of such a firm and personally worked on the listed company's audit within that time.
(iv) The director or an immediate family member is, or has been with the last three years, employed as an executive officer of another company where any of the listed company's present executive officers at the same time serves or served on that company's compensation committee.
(v) The director is a current employee, or an immediate family member is a current executive officer, of a company that has made payments to, or received payments from, the listed company for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $1 million, or 2% of such other company's consolidated gross revenues.
  (iv) Has been a partner or a shareholder that has had or controlled, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the capital stock or has been a director, manager, administrator or principal officer of an entity that has provided consulting or legal services for a relevant consideration or external audit services to the persons listed in (i) above;
 
(v) Has been a partner or a shareholder that has had or controlled, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the capital stock or has been a director, manager, administrator or principal officer of the principal competitor, supplier or clients.
         
303A.03   The non-management directors must meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management.   These meetings are not needed given that directors cannot serve as executive officers.
         
303A.04   (a) Listed companies must have a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors.
(b) The nominating/corporate governance committee must have a written charter that addresses:
  This committee is not required as such in the Chilean regulations.  However, pursuant to Chilean regulations SQM has a Directors' Committee (see Board practices above).
    (i) the committee's purpose and responsibilities – which, at minimum, must be to: identify individuals qualified to become board members, consistent with criteria approved by the board, and to select, or to recommend that the board select, the director nominees for the next annual meeting of shareholders; develop and recommend to the board a set of corporate governance guidelines applicable to the corporation; and oversee the evaluation of the board and management; and    
    (ii) an annual performance evaluation of the committee.    
         
303A.05   Listed companies must have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors, and must have a written charter   This committee is not required as such in the Chilean regulations. Pursuant to Chilean regulations, SQM has a Director’s Committee (see Board practices above) that is in charge of reviewing management’s compensation.
         
303A.06   Listed companies must have an audit committee.   This committee is not required as such in the Chilean regulations. Pursuant to Chilean regulations, SQM has a Directors’ Committee that performs the functions of an audit committee and that complies with the requirements of the NYSE corporate governance rules.
         

 

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Section   NYSE Standards   SQM practices pursuant to Chilean Stock
Exchange regulations
303A.07   The audit committee must have a minimum of three members. All audit committee members must satisfy requirements of independence, and the committee must have a written charter. The listed companies must have an internal audit function to provide management with ongoing assistance of the Company's risk management process and the system of internal controls   Pursuant to Section 303A.00, SQM is not required to comply with requirements in 303A.07. Pursuant to Chilean Regulations SQM has a Director’s Committee (see Board practices above) that also performs the functions of an audit committee with certain requirements of independence.
         
303A.08   Shareholders must have the opportunity to vote on all equity-compensation plans and material revisions thereto.   SQM does not have equity compensation plans. However, as mentioned in Item 6.B Compensation, the Company does have a long-term cash bonus compensation plan. Directors and executives may only acquire SQM shares by individual purchases. The purchaser must give notice of such purchases to the Company and the Superintendence of Securities and Insurance.
         
303A.09   Listed companies must adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines.   Chilean law does not require that corporate governance guidelines be adopted. Directors' responsibilities and access to management and independent advisors are directly provided for by applicable law. Directors' compensation is approved at the annual meeting of shareholders, pursuant to applicable law.
         
303A.10   Listed companies must adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees and promptly disclose any waivers of the code for directors or executive officers.   Not required in the Chilean regulations. SQM has adopted and disclosed a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, available at the Company's website, www.sqm.com.
         
303A.11   Listed foreign private issuers must disclose any significant ways in which their corporate governance practices differ from those followed by domestic companies under NYSE listed standards.   Pursuant to 303A.11, this table shows a comparative summary of differences in corporate governance practices followed by SQM under Chilean regulations and those applicable to U.S. domestic issuers pursuant to Section 303A.
         
303A.12   Each listed company CEO must (a) certify to the NYSE each year that he or she is not aware of any violation by the listed company of NYSE corporate governance listing standards; (b) promptly notify the NYSE in writing after any executive officer becomes aware of any material non-compliance with any applicable provisions of Section 303A; and (c) must submit an executed Written Affirmation annually to the NYSE.   In addition, each listed company must submit an interim Written Affirmation as and when required by the interim Written Affirmation form specified by the NYSE. The annual and interim Written Affirmations must be in the form specified by the NYSE.   Not required in the Chilean regulations.  The CEO must only comply with Section 303A.12 (b) and (c).
         
303A.13   The NYSE may issue a public reprimand letter to any listed company that violates a NYSE listing standard.   Not specified in the Chilean regulations.

 

6.D. Employees

As of December 31, 2013, we had 4,792 permanent employees, 209 of whom were employed outside of Chile. The average tenure of our permanent employees is approximately 7.2 years.

 

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   As of December 31, 
   2013   2012   2011 
Employees in Chile   4,583    5,450    4,720 
Employees outside of Chile   209    193    182 
Total employees   4,792    5,643    4,902 

 

As of December 31, 2013, 71% of our permanent employees in Chile were represented by 25 labor unions, which represent their members in collective negotiations with us. Compensation for unionized personnel is established in accordance with the relevant collective bargaining agreements. The terms of most such agreements currently in effect are three years, and expiration dates of such agreements vary from contract to contract. Under these agreements, employees receive a salary according to a scale that depends upon job function, seniority and productivity. Unionized employees also receive certain benefits provided by law and certain benefits provided under the applicable collective bargaining agreement, which vary depending upon the terms of the collective agreement, such as housing allowances and additional death and disability benefits.

 

In addition, we own all of the equity of Institución de Salud Previsional Norte Grande Limitada (“Isapre Norte Grande”), which is a health care organization that provides medical services primarily to our employees and Sociedad Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz de Norte S.A. (“Prestadora”), which is a hospital in María Elena. We make contributions to Isapre Norte Grande and to Prestadora in accordance with Chilean laws and the provisions of our various collective bargaining agreements, but we are not otherwise responsible for its liabilities.

 

Non-unionized employees receive individually negotiated salaries, benefits provided for by law and certain additional benefits which we provide.

 

We provide housing and other facilities and services for employees and their families at the María Elena site.

 

We do not maintain any pension or retirement programs for our Chilean employees. Most workers in Chile are subject to a national pension law, adopted in 1980, which establishes a system of independent pension plans that are administered by the corresponding Sociedad Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones. We have no liability for the performance of any of these pension plans or any pension payments to be made to our employees. We, however, sponsor staff severance indemnities plans for our employees and employees of our Chilean subsidiaries whereby we commit to provide a lump sum payment to each employee at the end of his/her employment, whether due to death, termination, resignation or retirement.

 

Over 95% of our employees are employed in Chile, of which approximately 71% were represented by 25 labor unions as of December 31, 2013. As in previous years, during 2013, we renegotiated collective labor contracts with individual unions one year before the expiration of such contracts. As of December 31, 2013, we had concluded advanced negotiations with four labor unions, which represent 8.5% of our total unionized workers, signing new agreements with each for durations of three years. We are in the process of negotiating collective labor contracts with the 21 remaining unions. We are exposed to labor strikes that could impact our production levels. If a strike 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.

 

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6.E. Share Ownership

As of December 31, 2013, SQM had a “controlling group”, as such term is defined in Title XV of Chilean Law N°18,045. SQM has been informed that, as of December 31, 2013, Mr. Julio Ponce Lerou, Chairman to the Board of SQM, and related persons, control 100% of Inversiones SQYA Ltda. (“SQYA”), which controls indirectly 29.92% of all shares of SQM (consisting of 71,736,516 Series A shares and 7,007,688 Series B shares), as follows: (i) SQYA controls 67.31% of Norte Grande S.A. (“Norte Grande”), which controls 76.34% of Sociedad de Inversiones Oro Blanco S.A., which controls 88.62% of Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A. (“Pampa Calichera”), which controls 19.67% 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 98.62% 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. (“Pampa Group”), control 29.92% of SQM. In addition, the Pampa Group has also informed SQM that, as of December 31, 2013, it owns an additional 35,889 shares of SQM,currently held under custody at Larraín Vial Corredora de Bolsa S.A.

 

Kowa Company Ltd., Inversiones La Esperanza (Chile) Limitada, Kochi S.A., and the Esperanza Delaware Corporation (“Kowa Group”) are owners of 2.08% of all shares in SQM. On December 21, 2006, the Pampa Group and the Kowa Group entered into a Joint Operation Agreement which, together, allows them to control 32% of all shares in SQM. Therefore, the Pampa Group, together with Kowa Group, indirectly control 32% of all SQM shares, giving them the status of “controlling group” of the Company.

 

We do not grant stock options or other arrangements involving the capital of SQM to directors, managers or employees.

 

The following table shows the combined stakes that the Controller Group held in SQM as of:

 

   % Beneficial ownership 
December 31, 2013   32.00%
December 31, 2012   34.05%
December 31, 2011   34.05%

 

Separately from any ownership interest held by the Controller Group, as of December 31, 2013, SQM has been informed that the Canadian company Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (“PCS”) indirectly controls 100% of the shares of Inversiones El Boldo Limitada and 100% of the shares of Inversiones RAC Chile Limitada. PCS also owns shares of SQM through BTG Pactual Chile S.A. Corredora de Bolsa. Through these companies, PCS owns 32% of the total shares of SQM.  For additional information regarding share ownership of the Company, see Item 7. below.

 

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ITEM 7.      MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

7.A. Major Shareholders 

The following table shows certain information concerning beneficial ownership of the Series A and Series B common shares of SQM as of December 31, 2013 with respect to each shareholder known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding Series A or Series B common shares. The following information is derived from our records and reports filed by certain of the persons named below with the SVS and the Santiago Stock Exchange.

 

Shareholder  Number of series
A shares
beneficially
owned
   % series A
shares
   Number of
series B shares
beneficially
owned
   % series B
shares
   % total
shares
 
The Bank of New York           56,302,367    46.77%   21.39%
Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A. (1)   44,758,830    31.34%   6,971,799    5.79%   19.65%
Inversiones El Boldo Ltda.(2)   29.225.196    20.46%   18.028.676    14.98%   17.95%
Inversiones RAC Chile Ltda.(2)   19,200,242    13.44%   2,202,773    1.83%   8.13%
Potasios de Chile S.A.(3)   18,179,147    12.73%       0%   6.19%

 

(1)Pampa Calichera is a publicly held corporation whose shares are traded on the Santiago Stock Exchange. Originally, the shareholders of Pampa Calichera were employees of SQM. Pampa Calichera was formed to hold the capital stock of SQM contributed by such employees or later acquired in the open market.

 

(2)PCS owns 100% of Inversiones El Boldo Limitada and 100% of Inversiones RAC Chile Ltda., and, accordingly, is the beneficial owner of 85,047,999 of SQM’s shares. In addition, PCS owns shares of SQM through BTG Pactual Chile S.A. Corredora de Bolsa, and is the beneficial owner of 32.00% of SQM’s total shares. The stake held by PCS as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 was, respectively, 32.00% and 32.00% of SQM’s total shares.

 

(3)As of December 31, 2013, SQM had a “controlling group”, as such term is defined in Title XV of Chilean Law N°18,045. SQM has been informed that, as of December 31, 2013, Mr. Julio Ponce Lerou, Chairman to the Board of SQM, and related persons, control 100% of Inversiones SQYA Ltda. (“SQYA”), which controls indirectly 29.92% of all shares of SQM (consisting of 71,736,516 Series A shares and 7,007,688 Series B shares), as follows: (i) SQYA controls 67.31% of Norte Grande S.A. (“Norte Grande”), which controls 76.34% of Sociedad de Inversiones Oro Blanco S.A., which controls 88.62% of Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A. (“Pampa Calichera”), which controls 19.67% 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 98.62% 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. (“Pampa Group”), control 29.92% of SQM. In addition, the Pampa Group has also informed SQM that, as of December 31, 2013, it owns an additional 35,889 shares of SQM,currently held under custody at Larraín Vial Corredora de Bolsa S.A.

 

Kowa Company Ltd., Inversiones La Esperanza (Chile) Limitada, Kochi S.A., and the Esperanza Delaware Corporation (“Kowa Group”) are owners of 2.08% of all shares in SQM. On December 21, 2006, the Pampa Group and the Kowa Group entered into a Joint Operation Agreement which, together, allows them to control 32% of all shares in SQM. Therefore, the Pampa Group, together with Kowa Group, indirectly control 32% of all SQM shares, giving them the status of “controlling group” of the Company.

 

On December 21, 2006, Pampa Calichera and Kowa executed a joint performance agreement that allows them to become the “controller group” of the Company, as such term is defined under Chilean law. We have been informed that, as of December 31, 2013, Mr. Julio Ponce L. and related persons beneficially owned, through Pampa Calichera and certain other companies, 29.92% of the shares of the Company. As of December 31, 2013, Kowa Group owned, directly and indirectly, 2.08% of the shares of the Company. As of December 31, 2013, pursuant to the joint performance agreement, the “controller group” led by Mr. Julio Ponce L. beneficially owned 32.00% of the total shares of the Company.

 

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Series A and Series B common shares have the same economic rights (i.e., both series are entitled to share equally in any dividends declared on the outstanding stock) and voting rights at any shareholders meeting, whether ordinary or extraordinary, with the exception of the election of the Board, in which the Series A shareholders elect seven members and the Series B shareholders elect one member. Additionally, Series B common shares cannot exceed 50% of SQM’s issued and outstanding stock; shareholders of at least 5% of this Series may call an ordinary or extraordinary shareholders’ meeting; and the director elected by this Series may request an extraordinary Board meeting without the authorization of the Chairman of the Board. These conditions will remain in effect until 2043. Under our by-laws, the maximum individual voting power personally and/or in representation of other shareholders per Series is limited to 37.5% of the subscribed shares of each Series with voting rights and 32% of the total subscribed shares with voting rights. To calculate these percentages, shares that belong to the voting shareholder’s related persons must be added. In addition, the director elected by the Series B shareholders cannot vote in the election of the Chairman of the Board if a tie vote has occurred in the prior voting process. As of December 31, 2013, there are 142,819,552 Series A common shares and 120,376,972 Series B common shares outstanding.

 

7.B. Related Party Transactions

Title XVI of the Chilean Corporations Act regulates transactions with related parties for publicly held corporations and its related parties.

 

Articles 146 to 149 of the Chilean Corporations Act requires that our transactions with related parties (i) have as their purpose to contribute to SQM’s interests (ii) be on price, terms and conditions similar to those customarily prevailing in the market at the time of their approval and (iii) satisfy the requirements and procedures established by the Chilean Corporations Act. Violation of such articles may also result in administrative or criminal sanctions and civil liability may be sought by SQM, shareholders or interested third parties that suffer losses as a result of such violations.

 

In addition, article 89 of the Chilean Corporations Act requires that transactions between affiliates, subsidiaries or related parties of a closed-stock company, such as some of SQM’s main affiliates and subsidiaries, shall also be on terms similar to those customarily prevailing in the market. Directors and executive officers of companies that violate article 89 are liable for losses resulting from such violations.

 

With respect to SQM, operations with related parties include negotiations, proceedings, contracts or operations involving SQM and its controller, directors, managers and officers, and their spouses and relatives, and other companies and persons connected to the abovementioned parties or mentioned in the by-laws or by the Directors’ Committee. Such operations may only be carried out if (i) their objective is to contribute to SQM’s interests and if their price, terms and conditions conform to prevailing market prices, terms and conditions at the time of their approval and (ii) they satisfy the requirements and procedures established by the Chilean Corporations Act. Such requirements include, among others:

 

·that the operation be informed to the Directors’ Committee and to the Board of Directors prior to its execution;

·that the Board of Directors, excluding any Directors involved in the operation, approves the operation with an absolute majority of its members, or, if an absolute majority is not feasible, with a unanimous vote by the Directors not involved in the transaction, or, if neither of these options is available, that an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting be held and that shareholders representing 2/3 of the outstanding shares with voting rights approve the operation. In the latter case, prior to the meeting, the shareholders must be provided with a report by an independent evaluator and with statements by the directors as to whether or not such operation is in SQM’s interest;

 

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·that the grounds for the decision and for the exclusion be recorded in the respective minutes of the Board meeting; and

·that the agreement and the names of the directors who approved the same be reported at the next shareholders’ meeting. Infractions will not affect the validity of the operation but they will grant SQM or its shareholders the right to demand that the related party committing such infraction refund the amount equivalent to the benefits received by such party in the operation to SQM, and that such party indemnify for any corresponding damages.

 

However, the Board of Directors may authorize the following operations with related parties to be carried out without following such requirements and procedures, as long as such authorization is obtained in advance: (a) operations wherein the amount of the transaction is not significant or (b) operations that, according to the general policies on customary practices determined by the Board of Directors, are considered normal based on SQM’s business activities or (c) operations carried out between legal entities wherein SQM holds at least a 95% ownership interest in the counterpart.

 

We believe that we have complied with the applicable requirements of the referred articles in all transactions with related parties. Accounts receivable from and payable to related companies are stated in U.S. dollars and accrue no interest. Other than the above, transactions are made under terms and conditions that are similar to those offered to unrelated third parties. We further believe that we could obtain from third parties all raw materials now being provided by related parties that are not our affiliates. The provision of such raw materials by new suppliers could initially entail additional expenses.

 

In each case, terms and conditions vary depending on the transaction pursuant to which it was generated.

 

The Company regularly enters into business arrangements with related parties, principally its joint ventures and associates, which are described in Note 9.0 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

7.C. For additional information concerning our transactions with affiliates and other related parties, see Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Interests of Experts and Counsel

 

Not applicable.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

8.A.1 See Item 18. Financial Statements

 

8.A.2 See Item 18. Financial Statements.

 

8.A.3 See Item 18. Financial Statements—Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

8.A.4 Not applicable.

 

8.A.5 Not applicable.

 

8.A.6 Export Sales

 

We derive most of our revenues from sales outside of Chile. The distribution of sales presented below reflects the location of the Company’s subsidiaries making such sales and does not necessarily reflect the final destination of the products sold.

 

The following is the composition of the consolidated sales for the periods ending on December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011:

 

US$  2013   2012   2011 
             
Foreign sales   1,960,767    2,159,739    1,897,776 
Total sales   2,203,140    2,429,160    2,145,286 
                
% of foreign sales   89.00%   88.91%   88.46%

 

8.A.7 Legal Proceedings

 

In October 2010, the City of Pomona, California, named Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) and SQM North America Corporation (SQMNA) as defendants in an action filed in the California Superior Court for Los Angeles County. In this matter the plaintiff seeks damages for alleged groundwater contamination from the use of defendant’s fertilizer products. This case has been dismissed by the trial court and is currently on appeal by the plaintiff to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

 

In October 2010, the City of Lindsay, California, named Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) and SQM North America Corporation (SQMNA) as defendants in an action filed in the California Superior Court for Tulare County. In this matter the plaintiff seeks damages for alleged groundwater contamination from the use of defendant’s fertilizer products. This case is pending in the trial court subject to the resolution of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the City of Pomona’s action.

 

SQM has not been served in either action. SQMNA and SQM (if it is legally served) intend to vigorously defend both actions.

 

We are party to various other lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. For more information on these lawsuits, see Note 16.1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Also see Item 3.D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to our Business—Lawsuits and arbitrations could adversely impact us.

 

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8.A.8. Dividend Policy

 

As required by Chilean law and regulations, our dividend policy is decided upon from time to time by our Board of Directors and is announced at the Annual Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting, which is generally held in April of each year. Shareholder approval of the dividend policy is not required. However, each year the Board must submit the declaration of the final dividend or dividends in respect of the preceding year, consistent with the then-established dividend policy to the Annual Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting for approval. As required by the Chilean Companies Act, unless otherwise decided by unanimous vote of the holders of issued shares, we must distribute a cash dividend in an amount equal to at least 30% of our consolidated net income for that year (determined on an IFRS basis), unless and except to the extent it has a deficit in retained earnings.

 

The dividend policy for 2012 established that SQM must distribute and pay in favor of its shareholders, as a final dividend, the amount in Chilean pesos equivalent to 50% of the distributable income for 2012. At the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 25, 2013, SQM’s shareholders approved a payment of a definitive dividend in the amount of US$1.23323 per share. From this definitive dividend, the interim dividend amount of US$0.94986 per share was deducted. Payments for this dividend were made on May 8, 2013.

 

At the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 25, 2013, shareholders also agreed to pay and distribute a dividend equal to 50% of the distributable income corresponding to 2013. For this purpose, distributable net income includes income for the year included in the income statement item “Profit (Loss) Attributable to Owners of the Parent" less significant changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities that are not realized - and which correspond to earnings net of taxes that have been generated in relation to the acquisition of companies. Also, at the same meeting, shareholders agreed to the payment and distribution of an interim dividend. The interim dividend was paid on December 6, 2013 in the amount of US$0.75609 per share.

 

We generally declare dividends in U.S. dollars (but may declare dividends in Chilean pesos) and pay such dividends in Chilean pesos. When a dividend is declared in U.S. dollars, the exchange rate to be used to convert the dividend into Chilean pesos is decided by the shareholders at the meeting that approves the dividend, which has usually been the Observed Exchange Rate on the date the dividend is declared. In the case of interim dividends, the exchange rate to be used is the Observed Exchange Rate published five business days before the payment date.

 

Although the Board of Directors has no current plan to recommend a change in the dividend policy, the amount and timing for payment of dividends is subject to revision from time to time, depending upon our then current level of sales, costs, cash flow and capital requirements, as well as market conditions. Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to the amount or timing of declaration or payment of dividends in the future. Any change in dividend policy would ordinarily be effective for dividends declared in the year following adoption of the change, and a notice as to any such change of policy must be filed with Chilean regulatory authorities and would be publicly available information.

 

Dividends

 

Each Series A Share and Series B Share is entitled to share equally in any dividends declared on the outstanding capital stock of SQM.

 

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The following table shows the U.S. dollar equivalent of dividends per share and per ADS paid in each of the years indicated, based on the Observed Exchange Rate for the date on which the dividend was declared.

 

Dividends  Per Share   Per ADS (1) 
Declared for the
business year
  Paid in  Ch$   US$ 
            
2008 (interim)  2008   243.34    0.37994 
2008  2009   515.90    0.85835 
2009 (interim)  2009   191.32    0.37994 
2009  2010   126.69    0.24137 
2010 (interim)  2010   198.90    0.41794 
2010  2011   142.40    0.30798 
2011 (interim)  2011   376.99    0.73329 
2011  2012   147.66    0.30350 
2012(interim)  2012   456.93    0.94986 
2012  2013   134.56    0.28337 
2013 (interim)  2013   401.60    0.75609 

 

(1)The Series A ADSs were delisted from the New York Stock Exchange on March 27, 2008. The ratio of ordinary shares to Series B ADSs changed from 10:1 to 1:1 on March 28, 2008. The calculation in the table for all periods is based on a ratio 1:1.

 

Dividends payable to holders of ADSs will be paid net of conversion expenses of the Depositary and will be subject to Chilean withholding tax, currently imposed at the rate of 35% (subject to credits in certain cases).

 

As a general requirement, a shareholder who is not a resident of Chile must register as a foreign investor under one of the foreign investment regimes contemplated by Chilean law to have dividends, sale proceeds or other amounts with respect to its shares remitted outside Chile through the Formal Exchange Market. Under the Foreign Investment Contract, the Depositary, on behalf of ADR holders, will be granted access to the Formal Exchange Market to convert cash dividends from Chilean Pesos to U.S. dollars and to pay such U.S. dollars to ADR holders outside Chile net of taxes, and no separate registration of ADR holders is required.

 

8.B. Significant Changes

 

No significant change has occurred since the date of the financial statements set forth in Item 18.

 

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ITEM 9.      THE OFFER AND LISTING

 

9.A. Offer and Listing Details

 

Price History

 

The table below shows, for the periods indicated, the reported high and low closing prices for our shares on the Santiago Stock Exchange and the high and low closing prices of the ADSs as reported by the NYSE, as the two main exchanges on which our shares are traded. On March 27, 2008, the Company voluntarily delisted its series A ADRs from the New York Stock Exchange. In addition, on March 28, 2008, a ration change for the Company’s series B ADSs entered into effect, modifying the ratio of ordinary shares to Series B ADSs from the previous ration of 10:1 to a new ratio of 1:1.

 

(a)              Last 5 years

 

   Santiago Stock Exchange   NYSE 
   Per Share (1)   Per ADS 
   Series A   Series B   Series B (3) 
   High   Low   High   Low   High   Low 
   Ch$   Ch$   Ch$   Ch$   US$   US$ 
2009   22,000    17,000    21,839    14,319    40.18    23.84 
2010   27,000    21,000    26,536    17,561    58.42    31.91 
2011   30,000    25,000    30,787    23,495    66.60    45.86 
2012   30,050    26,000    30,475    26,155    65.09    51.12 
2013   27,350    16,500    27,700    12,126    58.76    22.82 

 

(b)Last 8 quarters

 

   Santiago Stock Exchange   NYSE 
   Per Share (1)   Per ADS 
   Series A   Series B   Series B (3) 
   High   Low   High   Low   High   Low 
   Ch$   Ch$   Ch$   Ch$   US$   US$ 
                         
2012                              
First quarter   27,690    26,000    29,138    27,603    60.50    54.49 
Second quarter   28,000    27,000    28,869    26,267    59.74    51.12 
Third quarter   30,050    27,400    30,475    27,739    65.09    56.09 
Fourth quarter   30,020    27,300    29,352    26,155    62.05    55.10 
                               
2013                              
First quarter   27.350    25.500    27.700    25.729    58.76    54.20 
Second quarter   25.500    20.600    25.899    19.743    54.94    39.04 
Third quarter   20.600    16.500    20.530    12.765    40.43    24.98 
Fourth quarter   21.500    17.650    15.368    12.126    30.52    22.82 

 

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(c)                Last 6 months

 

   Santiago Stock Exchange   NYSE 
   Per Share (1)   Per ADS 
   Series A   Series B   Series B (3) 
   High   Low   High   Low   High   Low 
   Ch$   Ch$   Ch$   Ch$   US$   US$ 
October 2013   21.500    20.000    15.368    13.534    30.52    27.12 
November 2013   21.500    18.500    14.729    12.635    28.75    24.35 
December 2013   19.500    17.650    13.410    12.126    25.88    22.82 
January 2014   18.500    17.650    15.388    13.300    28.51    24.91 
February 2014   19.000    18.222    17.047    13.699    30.8    24.52 
March 2014   19.071    17.767    18.781    16.577    33.1    29.9 

 

(1)Pesos per share of Common Stock reflect nominal price at trade date.
(2)Series A shares started trading on the New York Stock Exchange on April 9, 1999.
(3)Series B shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on September 20, 1993. Historical prices have been restated to reflect the change in the ratio of local shares to ADSs from 10:1 to 1:1, effective March 28, 2008.

 

As of December 31, 2013, there were 56,302,367 Series B ADRs outstanding. As of December 31, 2013, such ADSs represented approximately 21.39% of the total number of issued and outstanding shares of our Company.

 

9.B      Plan Of Distribution

 

Not Applicable.

 

9.C      Markets

 

The Series A shares and the Series B shares are currently traded on the Santiago Stock Exchange, the Bolsa Electrónica de Chile Bolsa de Valores S.A., (the Electronic Stock Exchange), and the Bolsa de Corredores Bolsa de Valores S.A., (the Valparaíso Stock Exchange). As of December 31, 2013, each series was also traded on the New York Stock Exchange in the form of ADSs at a ratio of 1:1. The ADSs representing Series B shares have traded on the NYSE since September 20, 1993. The depositary bank for these ADSs is the Bank of New York Mellon.

 

9.D      Selling Shareholders

 

Not applicable.

 

9.E      Dilution

 

Not applicable.

 

9.F      Expenses Of The Issue

 

Not applicable.

 

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ITEM 10.    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

10.A. Share Capital

Not applicable.

 

10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

SQM S.A., headquartered at El Trovador No. 4285, 6th Floor, Santiago, Chile, is an open stock corporation -sociedad anónima abierta- 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.

 

Corporate purposes

 

Our main purposes, which appear in article 4 of our By-laws, are to: (a) perform all kinds of chemical or mining activities and businesses and, among others, those related to researching, prospecting, extracting, producing, working, processing, purchasing, disposing of, and marketing properties, as applicable, of all metallic and non-metallic and fossil mining substances and elements of any type or nature, to be obtained from them or from one or more concessions or mining deposits, and in their natural or converted state, or transformed into different raw materials or manufactured or partially manufactured products, and of all rights and properties thereon; (b) manufacture, produce, work, purchase, transfer ownership, import, export, distribute, transport, and market in any way, all kinds of fertilizers, components, raw materials, chemical, mining, agricultural, and industrial products, and their by-products; (c) generate, produce, distribute, purchase, transfer ownership, and market, in any way, all kinds of electrical, thermal, geothermic or other type of power, and hydric resources or water rights in general; (d) request, manifest, claim, constitute, explore, work, lease, transfer ownership, and purchase, in any way, all kinds of mining concessions; (e) purchase, transfer ownership, and administer, in any way, any kind of telecommunications, railroads, ships, ports, and any means of transport, and represent and manage shipping companies, common carriers by water, airlines, and carries in general; (f) manufacture, produce, market, maintain, repair, assemble, construct, disassemble, purchase and transfer ownership, and in any way, any kind of electromechanical structure, and substructure in general, components, parts, spares, or parts of equipment, and machines, and execute, develop, advice, and market, any kind of electromechanical or smelting activities; (g) purchase, transfer ownership, lease, and market any kind of agro industrial and farm forestry activities, in any way (h) purchase, transfer ownership, lease, and market, in any way, any kind of urban or rural real estate; (i) render any kind of health services and manage hospitals, private clinics, or similar facilities; (j) construct, maintain, purchase, transfer ownership, and manage, in any way, any kind of roads, tunnels, bridges, water supply systems, and other required infrastructure works, without any limitation, regardless of whether they may be public or private, among others, to participate in bids and enter into any kind of contracts, and to be the legal owner of the applicable concessions; and (k) purchase, transfer ownership, and market, in any way, any kind of intangible properties such as stocks, bonds, debentures, financial assets, commercial papers, shares or rights in corporations, and any kind of bearer securities or instruments, and to administer such investments, acting always within the Investment and Financing Policies approved by the applicable General Shareholders Meeting. We may comply with the foregoing by acting ourselves or through or with other different legal entities or natural persons, within the country or abroad, with properties of our own or owned by third parties, and additionally, in the ways and territories, and with the aforementioned properties and purposes, we may also construct and operate industrial or agricultural facilities or installations; constitute, administer, purchase, transfer ownership, dissolve, liquidate, transform, modify, or form part of partnerships, institutions, foundations, corporations, or associations of any kind or nature; perform all actions, enter into all contracts, and incur in all obligations convenient or necessary for the foregoing; perform any business or activity related to our properties, assets, or patrimony, or with that of our affiliates, associated companies, or related companies; and render financial, commercial, technical, legal, auditing, administrative, advisory, and other pertinent services.

 

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Directors

 

As stated in article 9 of the Company's By-laws, the Company has 8 Directors. One of the Directors must be “independent” as such term is defined in article 50 bis of Law No. 18,046. Moreover, the possession of shares is not a condition necessary to become a Director of the Company.

 

As stated in article 10 of the Company's By-laws, the term of the Directors is of three years and they can be reelected indefinitely; thus, there is no age limit for their retirement.

 

The Company's By-laws, in articles 16 and 16 bis, essentially establish that the transactions in which a Director has a material interest must comply with the provisions set forth in articles 136 and 146 to 149 of Law No. 18,046 and the applicable regulations of such Law.

 

The Board of Directors duties are remunerated, as stated in article 17 of the Company's By-laws, and the amount of that compensation is fixed yearly by the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting. Therefore, Directors can neither determine nor modify their compensation.

 

Directors cannot authorize Company loans on their behalf.

 

The Board of Directors must provide shareholders and the public with sufficient, reliable and timely information pertaining to the Company’s legal, economic and financial situation, as required by the Law or the Chilean Superintendency of Securities and Insurance. The Board of Directors must adopt the appropriate measures in order to avoid the disclosure of such information to persons other than those persons who should possess such information as a result of their title, position or activity within the Company before such information is disclosed to shareholders and the public. The Board of Directors must treat business dealings and other information about the Company as confidential until such information is officially disclosed. No Director may take advantage of the knowledge about commercial opportunities that he has obtained through his position as Director.

 

Independent Directors and Directors Committee

 

According to Chilean Law, SQM must appoint at least one Independent Director and a Directors’ Committee, due to the fact that (a) the Company has a market capitalization greater than or equal to UF 1,500,000 and (b) at least 12.5% of the Company’s shares with voting rights are held by shareholders who, on an individual basis, control or possess less than 10% of such shares.

 

Persons who have not been involved in any of the circumstances described in the Law at any time during the preceding 18 months are considered independent. Candidates for the position of Independent Director must be proposed by shareholders representing 1% or more of the Company’s shares, at least 10 days prior to the date of the Shareholders’ Meeting that has been called in order to elect the Directors. No less than two days prior to the respective Shareholders’ Meeting, the candidate must provide the Chief Executive Officer with a sworn statement indicating that he: (a) accepts his candidacy for the position of Independent Director (b) does not meet any of the conditions that would prevent him from being the Independent Director (c) is not related to the Company, the other companies of the group to which the Company belongs, the controller of the Company, or any of the Company’s officers in such a way that would deprive a sensible person of a reasonable degree of autonomy, interfere with his ability to perform his duties objectively and effectively, generate a potential conflict of interest, or interfere with his independent judgment, and (d) assumes the commitment to remain independent as long as he holds the position of Director.

 

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The Directors’ Committee shall have the following powers and duties: (a) to examine the reports of the external auditors, the balance sheet and other financial statements presented by the Company’s managers or liquidators to its shareholders and issue an opinion about the same prior to their submission for the approval of the shareholders (b) to propose to the Board of Directors the external auditors and risk rating agencies to be proposed to the shareholders at the respective Shareholders’ Meeting. In the event that an agreement cannot be reached, the Board of Directors shall formulate its own suggestion, and both options shall be submitted for shareholder consideration at such Shareholders’ Meeting (c) to examine the information relating to operations referred to in articles 146 to 149 of Law No. 18,046 and to prepare a report about such operations. A copy of such report shall be sent to the Board of Directors, and such report must be read at the Board Meeting called for the purpose of approving or rejecting the respective operation or operations (d) to examine the remuneration system and compensation plans for the Company’s management, officers and employees (e) to prepare an annual report on its activities, including its main recommendations to the shareholders (f) to inform the Board of Directors about whether or not it is advisable to hire the external audit firm to provide non-audit services where the audit firm is not prohibited from providing such services because the nature of the same could pose a threat to the audit firm’s independence, and (g) any other issues indicated in the Company’s by-laws or authorized by a Shareholders’ Meeting or the Board of Directors.

 

The Directors’ Committee shall be comprised of three members, with at least one independent member. In the event that more than three Directors have the right to form part of the Committee, these same Directors shall unanimously determine who shall make up the Committee. In the event that an agreement cannot be reached, the Directors who were elected with a greater percentage of votes by shareholders controlling or possessing less than 10% of the Company’s shares shall be given priority. If there is only one Independent Director, this Director shall name the other members of the Committee among the other Directors who are not independent. Such other members of the Committee shall have all of the rights associated with such position. The members of the Committee shall be compensated for their role. The amount of their remuneration shall be set annually at the General Shareholders’ Meeting, and it may not be less than the remuneration set for the Company Directors, plus an additional 1/3 of that amount. The General Shareholders’ Meeting shall determine a budget for the expenses of the Committee and its advisors. Such budget may not be less than the sum of the annual remunerations of the Committee members. The Committee may need to hire professional advisory services in order to carry out its duties in accordance with the abovementioned budget. The proposals made by the Committee to the Board of Directors that are not accepted by the latter must be reported to the Shareholders’ Meeting prior to the vote by shareholders on the corresponding matter or matters. In addition to the responsibilities that are associated with the position of Director, the members of the Committee are jointly and severally liable for any damages they cause in performing their duties as such to the shareholders and to the Company.

 

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 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. 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.

 

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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 Superintendency of Securities and Insurance (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.

 

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.

 

Shareholders’ meetings

 

Article 29 of the Company's By-laws states that the call to a Shareholders’ Meeting, either Ordinary or Extraordinary, will be by means of a highlighted public notice that will be published at least three times, and on different days, in the newspaper of the legal address determined by the Shareholders’ Meeting, and in the way and under the conditions indicated by the regulations. Additionally, a notice will be sent by mail to each shareholder at least fifteen days prior to the date of the Meeting, which shall include a reference of the matters to be addressed at the meeting. However, those meetings with the full attendance of the shares with right to vote may be legally held, even if the foregoing formal notice requirements are not met. Notice of any Shareholders’ Meeting shall be delivered to the SVS at least fifteen days in advance of such meeting.

 

Any holder of Series A and/or Series B shares registered in the Company's shareholder registry on the fifth business day prior to the date of the meeting will have a right to participate at that meeting.

 

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Article 67 of Law No. 18,046 provides that decisions made at Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting on the following matters require the approval of 2/3 of the outstanding shares with voting rights: (1) transformation or division of the Company and its merger with another company; (2) modification of the Company’s term of duration, if any; (3) early dissolution of the Company; (4) change of the corporate domicile; (5) capital decrease; (6) approval of contributions and estimation of non-cash assets; (7) modification of powers reserved for Shareholders Meetings or limitations on powers of the Board of Directors; (8) reduction in the number of members of the Board of Directors; (9) disposal of 50% or more of the Company’s assets; formulation or modification of any business plan exceeding the above percentage; disposal of 50% or more of an asset belonging to a subsidiary that represents at least 20% of the Company’s assets and disposal of shares of the referred subsidiary such that the parent company would lose its position as controller of the same; (10) method in which profits are distributed; (11) granting of real or personal guarantees as sureties for third-party obligations that exceed 50% of the Company assets, except for subsidiaries, in which case approval of the Board of Directors shall suffice; (12) acquisition of own shares as set forth in articles 27A and 27B of the said law; (13) other matters indicated in the By-laws; (14) amendment of the Company By-laws as a result of errors in the constitution process and amendments in the By-laws involving one or more of the matters stated in the preceding numbers; (15) forced sale of shares carried out by the controller who would acquire more than 95% of the Company’s shares in a tender offer, and (16) approval or ratification of proceedings or contracts with related parties in accordance with the provisions of articles 44 and 147 of Law No. 18,046.

 

Amendments to the By-laws that are intended to create, modify, defer or suspend preferential rights shall be approved by 2/3 of the shares of the affected Series.

 

The transformation of the Company, the merger of the same, the disposal of assets referred to in number (9) above, the constitution of guarantees set forth in number (11) above, the constitution of preferences or the increase, postponement or decrease of the existing preferences, the reparation of formal nullities incurred in the By-laws and the possession of more than 95% of the Company’s shares and other matters contemplated in the Law or in the By-laws, confer “withdrawal rights”.

 

Foreign shareholders

 

There exists no restriction on ownership or share concentration, or limiting the exercise of the related right to vote, by local or foreign shareholders other than those discussed under Item 2.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association -Shares above.

 

Change in control

 

The Company By-laws provide that no shareholder may hold more than 32% of the Company’s shares, unless the By-laws are modified at an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting. Moreover, on December 12, 2000, the Chilean Government published the Ley de Oferta Pública de Acciones (“Public Share Offering Law”) or (OPA law) that seeks to protect the interests of minority shareholders of open stock corporations in transactions involving a change in control, by requiring that the potential new controller purchase the shares owned by the remaining shareholders either in total or pro rata. The law applies to those transactions in which the controlling party would receive a material premium price compared with the price that would be received by the minority shareholders.

 

There are three conditions that would make it mandatory to operate under the OPA law:

1)When an investor wants to take control of a company's stock.
2)When a controlling shareholder holds two-thirds of the company's stock. If such shareholder buys one more share, it will be mandatory to offer to acquire the rest of the outstanding stock within 30 days of surpassing that threshold.
3)When an investor wants to take control of a corporation, which, in turn, controls an open stock corporation that represents 75% or more of the consolidated assets of the former corporation.

 

Parties interested in taking control of a company must (i) notify the company of such intention in writing, and notify its controllers, the companies controlled by it, the SVS and the markets where its stocks are traded and (ii) publish a highlighted public notice in two newspapers of national circulation at least 10 business days prior to the date of materialization of the OPA.

 

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Disclosure of share ownership

 

The Company's By-laws do not provide for a minimum threshold at which share ownership must be disclosed.

 

10.C. Material Contracts

The following summarizes the terms and conditions of the main contracts to which SQM or any subsidiary is a party:

 

·On February 12, 1999, SQM S.A. entered into an Electrical Energy Supply contract with Electroandina S.A. This contract allowed for two three-year renewal options, at the option of SQM. The two options were exercised. As a result, the contract extends through March 16, 2016. Early termination of the contract is subject to payment of non-amortized investments.

 

·On March 21, 1997, SQM Salar S.A. entered into an Electricity Supply agreement with Norgener S.A. The term of this contract extends through March 20, 2017, and early termination is subject to penalties.

 

·On January 13, 1998, SQM Nitratos S.A. entered into an Electrical Energy Supply agreement with Norgener S.A. The term of this contract extends through January 31, 2013. Early termination of the contract is subject to payment of non-amortized investments.

 

·On March 30, 2012, SQM S.A. entered into an Electrical Energy Supply agreement with Norgener S.A.  The term of this contract extends through December 31, 2030.  Early termination of the contract is subject to an agreement between both parties, or in case of Force-Majeure extended for more than 12 months.

 

In addition, the Company, during the normal course of business, has entered into different contracts, some of which have been described herein, related to its production, commercial and legal operations. We believe all of these contracts are standard for this type of industry, and none of them is expected to have a material effect on the Company's results of operations.

  

10.D. Exchange Controls

The Central Bank of Chile is responsible for, among other things, monetary policies and exchange controls in Chile. Appropriate registration of a foreign investment in Chile permits the investor access to the Formal Exchange Market. Foreign investments can be registered with the Foreign Investment Committee under Decree Law No. 600 of 1974 or can be registered with the Central Bank of Chile under the Central Bank Act, Law No 18,840 of October 1989. The Central Bank Act is an organic constitutional law requiring a "special majority" vote of the Chilean Congress to be modified.

 

Our 1993, 1995 and 1998 capital increases were carried out under and subject to the then current legal regulations, whose summary is hereafter included:

 

A 'Convención Capítulo XXVI del Título I del Compendio de Normas de Cambios Internacionales' or Compendium of Foreign Exchange Regulations of the Central Bank of Chile, "Foreign Investment Contract" was entered into and among the Central Bank of Chile, our Company and the Depositary, pursuant to Article 47 of the Central Bank Act and to Chapter XXVI of the Compendium of Foreign Exchange Regulations of the Central Bank of Chile, "Chapter XXVI", which addresses the issuance of ADSs by a Chilean company. Absent the Foreign Investment Contract, under applicable Chilean exchange controls, investors would not be granted access to the Formal Exchange Market for the purposes of converting from Chilean pesos to U.S. dollars and repatriating from Chile amounts received in respect to deposited Series B shares, or Series B shares withdrawn from deposit on surrender of ADSs (including amounts received as cash dividends and proceeds from the sale in Chile of the underlying Series B shares and any rights arising therefrom). The following is a summary of the material provisions contained in the Foreign Investment Contract. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to Chapter XXVI and the Foreign Investment Contract.

 

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Under Chapter XXVI and the Foreign Investment Contract, the Central Bank of Chile has agreed to grant to the Depositary, on behalf of ADS holders, and to any investor not residing or not domiciled in Chile who withdraws Series B shares upon delivery of ADSs (such Series B shares being referred to herein as "Withdrawn Shares") access to the Formal Exchange Market to convert Chilean pesos to U.S. dollars (and remit such U.S. dollars outside of Chile) in respect of the Withdrawn Shares, including amounts received as (a) cash dividends, (b) proceeds from the sale in Chile of Withdrawn Shares, or from shares distributed because of the liquidation, merger or consolidation of the Company, subject to receipt by the Central Bank of Chile of a certificate from the holder of such shares (or from an institution authorized by the Central Bank of Chile) that such holder's residence and domicile are outside Chile and a certificate from a Chilean stock exchange (or from a brokerage or securities firm established in Chile) that such shares were sold on a Chilean Exchange, (c) proceeds from the sale in Chile of preemptive rights to subscribe for additional Series A and Series B shares, (d) proceeds from the liquidation, merger or consolidation of the Company and (e) other distributions, including without limitation those resulting from any recapitalization, as a result of holding Withdrawn Shares. Transferees of Withdrawn Shares will not be entitled to any of the foregoing rights under Chapter XXVI unless the Withdrawn Shares are redeposited with the Depositary. Investors receiving Withdrawn Shares in exchange for ADSs will have the right to redeposit such shares in exchange for ADSs, provided that the conditions to redeposit described hereunder are satisfied.

 

Chapter XXVI provided that access to the Formal Exchange Market in connection with dividend payments will be conditioned upon certification by the Company to the Central Bank of Chile that a dividend payment has been made and any applicable tax has been withheld. Chapter XXVI also provided that access to the Formal Exchange Market in connection with the sale of Withdrawn Shares or distributions thereon will be conditioned upon receipt by the Central Bank of Chile of certification by the Depositary that such shares have been withdrawn in exchange for ADSs and receipt of a waiver of the benefit of the Foreign Investment Contract with respect thereto until such Withdrawn Shares are redeposited.

 

Chapter XXVI and the Foreign Investment Contract provide that a person who brings certain types of foreign currency into Chile, including U.S. dollars, to purchase Series B shares with the benefit of the Foreign Investment Contract must convert it into Chilean pesos on the same date and has 5 banking business days within which to invest in Series B shares in order to receive the benefits of the Foreign Investment Contract. If such person decides within such period not to acquire Series B shares, he can access the Formal Exchange Market to reacquire foreign currency, provided that the applicable request is presented to the Central Bank within 7 banking business days of the initial conversion into Chilean pesos. Series B shares acquired as described above may be deposited for ADSs and receive the benefits of the Foreign Investment Contract, subject to receipt by the Central Bank of Chile of a certificate from the Depositary that such deposit has been effected and that the related ADSs have been issued and receipt by the Custodian of a declaration from the person making such deposit waiving the benefits of the Foreign Investment Contract with respect to the deposited Series B shares.

 

Access to the Formal Exchange Market under any of the circumstances described above is not automatic. Pursuant to Chapter XXVI, such access requires approval of the Central Bank of Chile based on a request presented through a banking institution established in Chile. The Foreign Investment Contract will provide that if the Central Bank of Chile has not acted on such request within seven banking days, the request will be deemed approved.

 

Under current Chilean law, foreign investments abiding by the Foreign Investment Contract cannot be changed unilaterally by the Central Bank of Chile. No assurance can be given, however, that additional Chilean restrictions applicable to the holders of ADSs, the disposition of underlying Series B shares or the repatriation of the proceeds from such disposition could not be imposed in the future, nor can there be any assessment of the duration or impact of such restrictions if imposed.

 

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As of April 19, 2001, Chapter XXVI of Title I of the Compendio de Normas de Cambios Internacionales of the Central Bank of Chile was eliminated and new investments in ADSs by non-residents of Chile, are now governed by Chapter XIV of the Compendio de Normas de Cambios Internacionales of the Central Bank of Chile. This was made with the purpose of simplifying and facilitating the flow of capital to and from Chile. According to the new regulations, such investments must be carried out through Chile's Formal Exchange Market and only reported to the Central Bank of Chile. Foreign investments may still be registered with the Foreign Investment Committee under Decree Law 600 of 1974, as amended, and obtain the benefits of the contract executed under Decree Law 600.

 

The Central Bank is also responsible for controlling incurrence of loan obligations to be paid from Chile and by a Chilean borrower to banks and certain other financial institutions outside Chile. Chapter XIV establishes what type of loans, investments, capital increases and foreign currency transactions are subject to the current Chapter XIV framework. Foreign currency transactions related to foreign loans must be performed through the Formal Exchange Market, and such transactions and the subsequent modifications of original loans must be properly informed to the Central Bank. Transactions prior to April 19, 2001, will continue to be regulated by the previous legal framework, except in cases where an express request has been presented to the Central Bank resigning previous rights to be regulated by the provisions of Chapter XIV. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of Chapter XIV.

 

As of December 31, 2013, we had bonds issued in the international markets under Rule 144A/Regulation S of US$200 million, US$250 million and US$300 million. Additionally, we had outstanding bilateral loans through wholly owned subsidiaries in the amount of US$240 million, which were fully guaranteed by us.

 

Any purchases of U.S. dollars in connection with payments on these loans will occur with the Formal Exchange Market. There can be no assurance, however, that restrictions applicable to payments in respect to the loans could not be imposed in the future, nor can there be any assessment of the duration or impact of such restrictions if imposed.

 

10.E. Taxation

 

Chilean Tax Considerations

 

The following describes the material Chilean income tax consequences of an investment in SQM ADSs by an individual who is not domiciled or resident in Chile or any legal entity that is not organized under the laws of Chile and does not have a permanent establishment located in Chile, a ("foreign holder"). This discussion is based upon Chilean income tax laws presently in force, including Ruling No. 324 (1990) of the Chilean Internal Revenue Service and other applicable regulations and rulings. The discussion is not intended as tax advice to any particular investor, which can be rendered only in light of that investor's particular tax situation.

 

Under Chilean law, provisions contained in statutes such as tax rates applicable to foreign holders, the computation of taxable income for Chilean purposes and the manner in which Chilean taxes are imposed and collected may only be amended by another statute. In addition, the Chilean tax authorities issue rulings and regulations of either general or specific application and interpret the provisions of Chilean tax law. Chilean tax may not be assessed retroactively against taxpayers who act in good faith relying on such rulings, regulations and interpretations, but Chilean tax authorities may change said rulings, regulations and interpretations prospectively.

 

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Cash Dividends and Other Distributions

 

Cash dividends paid by the Company with respect to the shares, including shares represented by ADSs held by a U.S. holder will be subject to a 35% Chilean withholding tax, which is withheld and paid by the Company, the "Withholding Tax.” If the Company has paid corporate income tax, the "First Category Tax", on the income from which the dividend is paid, a credit for the First Category Tax effectively reduces the rate of Withholding Tax. When a credit is available, the Withholding Tax is computed by applying the 35% rate to the pre-tax amount needed to fund the dividend and then subtracting from the tentative withholding tax so determined the amount of First Category Tax actually paid on the pre-tax income. Under Chilean income tax law, dividends are assumed to have been paid out of our oldest retained tax profits for purposes of determining the rate at which the First Category Tax was paid.

 

The effective Withholding Tax rate, after giving effect to the credit for First Category Tax, generally is:

 

(Withholding Tax rate) - (First Category Tax effective rate)
1 - (First Category Tax effective rate)

 

The effective rate of Withholding Tax to be imposed on dividends paid by the Company will vary depending upon the amount of the First Category Tax paid by the Company on the earnings to which the dividends are attributed. The Company distributed an interim dividend in December 2013 corresponding to the business year 2013. The dividend, paid in December 2013, was considered taxable, and the total tax retention rate was approximately 21.1%.

 

Dividend distributions made in property (such as distribution of cash equivalents) would be subject to the same Chilean tax rules as cash dividends. Stock dividends are not subject to Chilean taxation.

 

Capital Gains

 

Gains from the sale or other disposition by a foreign holder of ADSs outside Chile will not be subject to Chilean taxation. The deposit and withdrawal of the shares in exchange for ADRs will not be subject to any Chilean taxes.

 

The tax basis of the shares received in exchange for ADSs (repatriation) will be the acquisition value of the shares. The shares exchanged for ADSs are valued at the highest price at which they trade on the Chilean Stock Exchange on the date of the exchange or on either of the two business days preceding the exchange. Consequently, the conversion of ADSs into the shares and the immediate sale of such shares at a price equal to or less than the highest price for Series B shares on the Chilean Stock Exchange on such dates will not generate a gain subject to Chilean taxation.

 

Gain recognized on a sale or exchange of shares (as distinguished from sales or exchanges of ADSs representing such shares) will be subject to both the First Category Tax and the Withholding Tax if either (i) the foreign holder has held the shares for less than one year since exchanging the ADSs for the shares, (ii) the foreign holder acquired and disposed of the shares in the ordinary course of its business or as a regular trader of shares, or (iii) the foreign holder and the purchaser of the shares are related parties within the meaning of Chilean tax law. The amount of the First Category Tax may be credited against the amount of the Withholding Tax. In all other cases, gain on the disposition of the shares will be subject only to a capital gains tax, which is assessed at the same rate as the First Category Tax. Gain recognized in the transfer of common shares that have significant trading volumes in the stock exchange, however, is not subject to capital gains tax in Chile, provided that the common shares are transferred in a local stock exchange authorized by the SVS, within the process of a public tender of common shares governed by the Chilean Securities Market Act. Law No. 20,448 states that common shares must also have been acquired after April 19, 2001, either on a local stock exchange authorized by the SVS, within the referred process of public tender of a common shares governed by the Chilean Securities Market Act, in an initial public offering of common shares resulting from the formation of a corporation or a capital increase of the same, in an exchange of convertible securities subject to public offer, or in the redemption of mutual funds shares. According to Ruling No. 224 (2008) of the Chilean Internal Revenue Service, common shares received by exchange of ADRs are also considered as “acquired on a stock exchange” if the respective ADRs have been acquired on a foreign stock exchange authorized by the SVS (i.e. London Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange and Bolsa de Valores de Madrid). Common shares are considered to have a high presence in the stock exchange when they: (a) are registered in the Securities Registry, (b) are registered in a Chilean Stock Exchange, (c) have an adjusted presence equal to or above 25%.

 

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As of June 19, 2001, capital gains obtained in the sale of common shares that are publicly traded in a stock exchange are also exempt from capital gains tax in Chile when the sale is made by "foreign institutional investors" such as mutual funds and pension funds, provided that the sale is made in a local stock exchange authorized by the SVS, or in accordance with the provisions of the securities market law (Law 18,045). To qualify as foreign institutional investors, the referred entities must be formed outside of Chile, not have a domicile in Chile, and they must be an "investment fund" in according with the Chilean tax law.

 

The exercise of preemptive rights relating to shares will not be subject to Chilean taxation. Any gain on the sale or assignment of preemptive rights relating to shares will be subject to both the First Category Tax and the Withholding Tax (the former being creditable against the latter).

 

Other Chilean Taxes

 

No Chilean inheritance, gift or succession taxes apply to the transfer or disposition of the ADSs by a foreign holder, but such taxes generally will apply to the transfer at death or by gift of the shares by a foreign holder. No Chilean stamp, issue, registration or similar taxes or duties apply to foreign holders of ADSs or shares.

 

Withholding Tax Certificates

 

Upon request, the Company will provide to foreign holders appropriate documentation evidencing the payment of Chilean withholding taxes.

 

United States Tax Considerations

 

The following discussion summarizes the principal U.S. federal income tax consequences to beneficial owners arising from ownership and disposition of the Series A shares and the Series B shares, together the "shares" and the ADSs. The discussion which follows is based on the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the "Code", the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, all as in effect and available on the date hereof, and is subject to any changes in these or other laws occurring after such date. In addition, the summary assumes that the depositary’s activities are clearly and appropriately defined so as to ensure that the tax treatment of ADSs will be identical to the tax treatment of the underlying shares.

 

For purposes of this summary, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of shares or ADSs that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (a) an individual who is a United States citizen or resident, (b) a corporation or partnership created or organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, (c) an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of the source, or (d) a trust (i) that validly elects to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (ii)(A) if a court within the U.S. is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and (B) one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust.

 

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The term "Non-U.S. Holder" means, for purposes of this discussion, a beneficial owner of shares or ADSs that is not a U.S. Holder.

 

If a partnership (or any other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares or ADSs, the tax treatment of the partnership and a partner in such partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Such a partner or partnership should consult its own tax advisor as to its consequences.

 

The discussion that follows is not intended as tax advice to any particular investor and is limited to investors who will hold the shares or ADSs as "capital assets" within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code and whose functional currency is the United States dollar. The summary does not address the tax treatment of U.S. Holders and Non-U.S. Holders that may be subject to special U.S. federal income tax rules, such as insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions, persons who are subject to the alternative minimum tax, or persons who are broker-dealers in securities, who hold the shares or ADSs as a hedge against currency risks, as a position in a "straddle" for tax purposes, or as part of a conversion or other integrated transaction, or who own (directly, indirectly or by attribution) 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of the Company's capital stock entitled to vote or 10% or more of the value of the outstanding capital stock of the Company.

 

As of this date, there is currently no applicable income tax treaty in effect between the United States and Chile. However, in 2010, the United States and Chile signed an income tax treaty that will enter into force once the treaty is ratified by both countries. There can be no assurance that the treaty will be ratified by either country. The following summary assumes that there is no applicable income tax treaty in effect between the United States and Chile.

 

The discussion below does not address the effect of any United States state, local, estate or gift tax law or foreign tax law on a U.S. Holder or Non-U.S. Holder of the shares or ADSs. U.S. HOLDERS AND NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF SHARES OR ADSs SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS TO DETERMINE THE PARTICULAR CONSEQUENCES UNDER ANY SUCH LAW OF OWNING OR DISPOSING THE SHARES OR ADSs.

 

For purposes of applying U.S. federal income tax law, any beneficial owner of an ADS generally will be treated as the owner of the underlying shares represented thereby.

 

TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH U.S. TREASURY DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR 230, INVESTORS ARE ADVISED THAT: (A) ANY DISCUSSION OF U.S. FEDERAL TAX ISSUES IN THIS FORM 20-F IS NOT INTENDED OR WRITTEN TO BE RELIED UPON, AND CANNOT BE RELIED UPON, BY INVESTORS FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING PENALTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED ON SUCH INVESTORS UNDER THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED; (B) SUCH DISCUSSION IS INCLUDED BY THE COMPANY IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROMOTION OR MARKETING (WITHIN THE MEANING OF CIRCULAR 230) BY THE COMPANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS OR MATTERS ADDRESSED HEREIN; AND (C) INVESTORS SHOULD SEEK ADVICE BASED ON THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES FROM AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR.

 

Cash Dividends and Other Distributions

 

The U.S. Treasury Department has expressed concern that depositaries for ADSs, or other intermediaries between the holders of shares of an issuer and the issuer, may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of U.S. foreign tax credits by U.S. holders of such receipts or shares. Accordingly, the analysis regarding the availability of a U.S. foreign tax credit for Chilean taxes and sourcing rules described below could be affected by future actions that may be taken by the U.S. Treasury Department.

 

114
 

 

The following discussion of cash dividends and other distributions is subject to the discussion below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations”. The gross amount of a distribution with respect to shares or ADSs generally will be treated as a taxable dividend to the extent of the Company's current and accumulated earnings and profits, computed in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. A dividend distribution will be so included in gross income when received by (or otherwise made available to) (i) the U.S. Holder in the case of the shares or (ii) the depositary in the case of the ADSs, and in either case will be characterized as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Distributions in excess of the Company's current and accumulated earnings and profits will be applied against and will reduce the U.S. Holder's tax basis in the shares or ADRs and, to the extent distributions exceed such tax basis, the excess will be treated as gain from a sale or exchange of such shares or ADSs. U.S. Holders that are corporations will not be allowed a deduction for dividends received in respect of distributions on the shares or the ADSs. For example, if the gross amount of a distribution with respect to the shares or ADSs exceeds the Company's current and accumulated earnings and profits by US$10.00, such excess will generally not be subject to a U.S. tax to the extent the U.S. Holder's tax basis in the shares or ADSs equals or exceeds US$10.00. The Company does not maintain calculations of its earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles. Accordingly, U.S. Holders should assume that any cash distribution made by us will be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

If a dividend distribution is paid in Chilean pesos, the amount includable in income will generally be the U.S. dollar value, on the date of receipt by the U.S. Holder in the case of the shares or by the depositary in the case of the ADSs, of the peso amount distributed, regardless of whether the payment is actually converted into U.S. dollars. The amount of any distribution of property other than cash will be the fair market value of such property on the date of distribution. Any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange rate fluctuations during the period from the date the dividend is includable in the income of the U.S. Holder to the date the pesos are converted into U.S. dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss.

 

A dividend distribution will be treated as foreign source income and will generally be classified as "passive category income" or in the case of certain U.S. Holders “general category income" for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. If Chilean withholding taxes are imposed on a dividend, U.S. Holders will be treated as having actually received the amount of such taxes (net of any credit for the First Category Tax) and as having paid such amount to the Chilean taxing authorities. As a result, the amount of dividend income included in gross income by a U.S. Holder will be greater than the amount of cash actually received by the U.S. Holder with respect to such dividend income. A U.S. Holder may be able, subject to certain generally applicable limitations, to claim a foreign tax credit or a deduction for Chilean withholding taxes (net of any credit for the First Category Tax) imposed on dividend payments. The rules relating to the determination of the U.S. foreign tax credit are complex and the calculation of U.S. foreign tax credits and, in the case of a U.S. Holder that elects to deduct foreign taxes, the availability of deductions, involve the application of rules that depend on a U.S. Holder's particular circumstances. U.S. Holders should, therefore, consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of the U.S. foreign tax credit rules to dividend income on the shares or ADSs.

 

Subject to the discussion below under “Information Reporting and Backup Withholding”, if you are a Non-U.S. Holder, you generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on dividends received by you on your shares or ADSs, unless you conduct a trade or business in the United States and such income is effectively connected with that trade or business.

 

115
 

 

Capital Gains

 

A U.S. Holder will generally recognize gain or loss on the sale, redemption or other disposition of the shares or ADRs in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or exchange and the U.S. Holder's adjusted basis in such shares or ADSs. Thus, if the U.S. Holder sells the shares for US$40.00 and such U.S. Holder's tax basis in such shares is US$30.00, such U.S. Holder will generally recognize a gain of US$10.00 for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Subject to the discussion below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations”, gain or loss upon the sale of the shares or ADSs will be capital gain or loss if the shares or ADSs are capital assets in the hands of the U.S. Holder. Capital gains on the sale of capital assets held for one year or less are subject to U.S. federal income tax at ordinary income tax rates. Net capital gains derived with respect to capital assets held for more than one year are eligible for reduced rates of taxation. Gain or loss realized by a U.S. Holder on the sale or exchange of shares or ADSs will be U.S. source income. In addition, certain limitations exist on the deductibility of capital losses by both corporate and individual taxpayers. Any tax imposed by Chile directly on the gain from such a sale would generally be eligible for the U.S. foreign tax credit; however, because the gain would generally be U.S. source, a U.S. Holder might not be able to use the credit otherwise available. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the foreign tax credit implications of the sale, redemption or other disposition of a share or ADS.

 

Subject to the discussion below under “Information Reporting and Backup Withholding”, a Non-U.S. Holder of ADSs or shares will not be subject to United States income or withholding tax on gain from the sale or other disposition of ADSs or shares unless, in general (i) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States or (ii) the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who is present in the United States for at least 183 days during the taxable year of the disposition and certain other conditions are met.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations

 

A Non-U.S. corporation will be classified as a “passive foreign investment company”, or a PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes in any taxable year in which, after applying certain look-through rules, either (i) at least 75% of its gross income is “passive income” or (ii) at least 50% of the average value of its gross assets is attributable to assets that produce “passive income” or are held for the production of passive income. Passive income for this purpose generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents and gains from the sale of stock (including gains from the sale of stock of certain subsidiaries), partnership interests, securities or commodities.

 

Based on certain estimates of our gross income and gross assets and the nature of our business, the Company believes that it was not classified as a PFIC in 2013. The Company’s status in future years will depend on its assets and activities in those years. If the Company were a PFIC for 2013 or for any prior or future taxable year during which a U.S. Holder held shares or ADSs, such U.S. Holder of shares or ADSs generally would be subject to additional filing requirements, imputed interest charges and other disadvantageous tax treatment (including the denial of taxation at the lower rates applicable to long-term capital gains with respect to any gain from the sale or exchange of shares or ADSs).

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

Payments of dividends on the shares or ADSs and the proceeds of sale or other disposition of the shares or ADSs within the United States by holders may be subject to U.S. information reporting and backup withholding. A U.S. Holder generally will be subject to U.S. information reporting and backup withholding (currently at a rate of 28%) unless the recipient of such payment supplies an accurate taxpayer identification number, as well as certain other information, or otherwise establishes an exemption, in the manner prescribed by United States law and applicable regulations. U.S. information reporting and backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax at the same rate may also apply to Non-U.S. Holders that are not "exempt recipients" and that fail to provide certain information as may be required by United States law and applicable regulations. Any amount withheld under U.S. backup withholding is not an additional tax and is generally allowable as a credit against the U.S. Holder's federal income tax liability upon furnishing the required information to the IRS.

 

In addition, certain U.S. Holders, electing nonresident aliens and residents of a U.S. possession may be required to report information with respect to their investment in shares or, it is assumed, ADSs to the Internal Revenue Service. Investors who fail to report required information could become subject to substantial penalties and/or an extended statute of limitations.

 

116
 

 

HOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF U.S. INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING RULES TO THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.

 

10.F.    Dividends and Paying Agents

Not applicable.

 

10.G.    Statement by Experts

Not applicable.

 

10.H.    Documents on Display

Documents referred to in this form 20-F are available to the public at:

 

http://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch.html, CIK: 909037.

 

10.I.    Subsidiary Information

See Item 4.C. Organizational Structure.

 

ITEM 11.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

As explained elsewhere in this Annual Report, we transact our businesses in more than 115 countries, thereby rendering our market risk dependent upon the fluctuations of foreign currencies and local and international interest rates. These fluctuations may generate losses in the value of financial instruments taken in the normal course of business.

 

We, from time to time and depending upon then current market conditions, review and re-establish our financial policies to protect our operations. Management is authorized by our Board of Directors to engage in certain derivative contracts such as forwards and swaps to specifically hedge the fluctuations in interest rates and in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.

 

Derivative instruments used by us are generally transaction-specific so that a specific debt instrument or contract determines the amount, maturity and other terms of the hedge. We do not use derivative instruments for speculative purposes.

 

Interest Rate Risk. As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately 16% of our financial debt effectively priced at LIBOR, and therefore significant increases in the rate could impact our financial condition.

 

Interest rate fluctuations, due to the uncertain future behavior of markets, may have a material impact on our financial results.

 

We have short and long term debt valued at LIBOR plus a spread. We are partially exposed to fluctuations of this rate, as we hold hedging derivative instruments to hedge a portion of our liabilities subject to LIBOR rate fluctuations.

 

As of December 31, 2013, approximately 13% of our current financial obligations were subject to LIBOR rate fluctuation and therefore, significant increases in the rate may impact our financial position.

 

In addition, as of December 31, 2013, our total financial debt is primarily long-term, with 21% of maturities less than 12 months, which decreases the exposure to changes in the interest rates.

 

117
 

 

Exchange Rate Risk. Although the U.S. dollar is the primary currency in which we transact our businesses, our operations throughout the world expose us to exchange rate variations for non-U.S. dollar currencies. Therefore, fluctuations in the exchange rate of such local currencies may affect our financial condition and results of operations. To lessen these effects, we maintain derivative contracts to protect the net difference between our principal assets and liabilities for currencies other than the U.S. dollar. These contracts are renewed periodically depending on the amount covered in each currency. Aside from this, we do not hedge potential future income and expenses in currencies other than the U.S. dollar with the exception of the Euro and Chilean peso. We estimate annual sales in Euros and expenses in Chilean pesos, and depending on the circumstances we secure the exchange difference with derivative contracts.

 

The following is a summary of the aggregate net monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in non-U.S. dollar currencies as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Figures do not include our financial hedging positions for year-end:

 

   2013   2012   2011 
   Th US$   Th US$   Th US$ 
Chilean pesos   (524,530)   (473,976)   (275,756)
Brazilian real   (1,211)   (1,421)   (1,500)
Euro   32,776    45,809    56,053 
Japanese yen   1,183    954    1,876 
Mexican pesos   137    652    (2,862)
South African rand   29,404    25,565    19,849 
Dirhams   24,594    17,044    14,615 
Other currencies   22,924    19,443    16,855 
Total, net   (414,723)   (365,930)   (170,650)

 

Also, we had open forward exchange contracts to buy U.S. dollars and sell Chilean pesos to hedge our time deposits in Chilean Pesos for approximately US$134.1 million (CH$70,384 million)

 

The information contained in Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, contains statements that may constitute forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this Annual Report, for safe harbor provisions.

 

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

 

ITEM 12.A. DEBT SECURITIES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 12.B. WARRANTS AND RIGHTS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 12.C. OTHER SECURITIES

 

Not applicable.

 

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ITEM 12.D. AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS

 

Depositary Fees and Charges

 

The Company’s American Depositary Shares (“ADS”) program is administered by The Bank of New York Mellon (101 Barclay St., 22 Fl.W., New York, NY 10286), as Depositary. Under the terms of the Deposit Agreement, an ADS holder may have to pay the following service fees to the Depositary:

 

Service Fees   Fees
Execution and delivery of ADSs and the surrender of ADRs   $0.05 per share

 

Depositary Payments Fiscal Year 2013

 

The Depositary has agreed to reimburse certain expenses related to the Company’s ADS program and incurred by the Company in connection with the program. In 2013, the Depositary reimbursed expenses related to investor relations for a total amount of US$42,000.00.

 

119
 

 

PART II

 

ITEM 13.     DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

 

Not applicable

 

ITEM 14.     MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 15.     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a)Disclosure Control and Procedures

 

SQM management, with the participation of the Company's Executive management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13(a)-15(b), as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Based upon that evaluation, management with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance that material information is made known to management and that financial and non-financial information is properly recorded, processed, summarized and reported.

 

The procedures associated with our internal controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance that our transactions are properly authorized, assets are safeguarded against unauthorized or improper use, and transactions are properly recorded and reported. However, through the same design and evaluation period of the disclosure controls and procedures, the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, recognized that there are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any internal control system regardless of how well designed and operated. In such a way they can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and no evaluation can provide absolute assurance that all control issues or instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.

 

There were no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Annual Report that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

SQM Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not necessarily prevent or detect some misstatements. It can only provide reasonable assurance regarding financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness for future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or because the degree of compliance with the polices or procedures may deteriorate over time.

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2013. The assessment was based on criteria established in the framework “Internal Controls — Integrated Framework (1992)” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on the assessment, SQM management has concluded that as of December 31, 2013, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

 

120
 

 

(c) Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

PriceWaterhouseCoopers Consultores, Auditores y Compañia Limitada (“PWC”), the independent registered public accounting firm that has audited our Consolidated Financial Statements, has also issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013. This attestation report appears on pages F-2 and F-3 under Item 18 Financial Statements.

 

(d) Changes in internal control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 16.     [Reserved] 

 

ITEM 16A.      AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

 

The Board of Directors has determined that the Company does not have an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of the regulations adopted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Pursuant to Chilean regulations, the Company has a Directors' Committee whose main duties are similar to those of an audit committee. Each of the members of the Directors' Committee is a member of the audit committee. See 6.C. Board Practices.

 

Our Board believes that the members of the Directors' Committee have the necessary expertise and experience to perform the functions of the Directors' Committee pursuant to Chilean regulations.

 

ITEM 16B.    CODE OF ETHICS

 

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct that applies to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the Internal Auditor, as well as, to all our officers and employees. Our Code adheres to the definition set forth in Item 16B of Form 20-F under the Exchange Act.

 

No waivers have been granted therefrom to the officers mentioned above.

 

The full text of the code is available on our website at http://www.sqm.com in the Investor Relations section under “Corporate Governance”.

 

Amendments to, or waivers from one or more provisions of the code will be disclosed on our website.

 

121
 

 

ITEM 16C.     PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The table shows the amount of fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years by our independent auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers Consultores, Auditores y Compañía Limitada (“PwC”) for the 2013 and 2012 fiscal year, in relation to audit services, audit-related services, tax and other services provided to us (in thousands of U.S. dollars).

 

   2013   2012 
Audit fees   1,458    1,365 
Audit-related fees   -    172 
Tax fees   445    233 
Other fees   78    65 
Total fees   1,981    1,835 

 

Audit fees in the above table are the aggregate fees billed by PwC in 2013 and 2012, in connection with the audit of our annual Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as the review of other statutory filings.

 

Audit-related fees in the above table are fees billed by PwC in 2013 and 2012 for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under "Audit Fees."

 

Total fees in the above table are fees billed by PwC in the amount of US$1.98 million in 2013, and in the amount of US$1.84 million in 2012.

 

Directors' Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Chilean law states that public companies are subject to "pre-approval" requirements under which all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent auditor must be pre-approved by the Directors’ Committee. Our Directors’ Committee approves all audits, audit-related, tax and other services provided by our auditors.

 

Any services provided by our auditors that are not specifically included within the scope of the audit must be pre-approved by the Directors’ Committee prior to any engagement.

 

ITEM 16D.      EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 16E.       PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

 

Not applicable.

 

122
 

 

ITEM 16F.      CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

 

There has been no change in independent accountants for the Company during the two most recent fiscal years or any subsequent interim period except as previously reported in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, and there have been no disagreements of the type required to be disclosed by Item 16F (b).

 

ITEM 16G.      CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

For a summary of the significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the NYSE corporate governance standards, please see "Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees-C. Board Practices".

 

ITEM 16H.      MINE SAFETY AND DISCLOSURE

 

Not applicable.

 

123
 

 

PART III

 

ITEM 17.       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

See Item 18. Financial Statements.

 

ITEM 18.       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

See Item 19.(a) for a list of all financial statements filed as part of this Form 20-F Annual Report.

 

ITEM 19.       EXHIBITS

 

(a) Index to Financial Statements

 

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms   F-1
     
Consolidated Financial Statements:    
     
Audited Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2013 and 2012   F-2
     
Audited Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013   F-4
     
Audited Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013   F-6
     
Audited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013   F-7
     
Audited Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013   F-9
     
Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements   F-12
     
Supplementary Schedules*    

 

*All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

 

(b) Exhibits

 

Exhibit
No.
 
Exhibit
     
1.1   By-laws (Estatutos) of the Company*
     
8.1   Significant subsidiaries of the Company**
     
12.1   Section 302 Chief Executive Officer Certification**
     
12.2   Section 302 Chief Financial Officer Certification**
     
12.3   Section 302 Chief Executive Officer Certification
     
12.4   Section 302 Chief Financial Officer Certification
     
13.1   Section 906 Chief Executive Officer Certification**
     
13.2   Section 906 Chief Executive Officer Certification
     
13.3   Section 906 Chief Financial Officer Certification

 

*Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2011.

 

**Previously filed on April 28, 2014.

 

124
 

 

 

SIGNATURES

  

 

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F/A and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

  

 

 

SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.

 

(CHEMICAL AND MINING COMPANY OF CHILE INC.)

 

 

 

/s/ Ricardo Ramos

 

Ricardo Ramos R.

Chief Financial Officer and

Business Development Senior Vice President

 

 

Date: April 29, 2014

 

125
 

  

SOCIEDAD QUIMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Contents 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-1
   
Consolidated Financial Statements  F-2
   
Audited Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2013 and 2012  F-2
Audited Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013  F-4
Audited Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013  F-6
Audited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013  F-7
Audited Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013  F-9
Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements  F-12

 

Ch$ - Chilean pesos
ThCh$ - Thousands of Chilean pesos
US$ - United States dollars
ThUS$ - Thousands of United States dollars
UF - The UF is an inflation-indexed, Chilean peso-denominated monetary unit. The UF rate is set daily in advance, based on the change in the Consumer Price Index of the previous month.

 

126
 

  

   Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and Subsidiaries

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A.

 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows and of changes in equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 15. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers

Santiago, Chile

April 28, 2014

 

F-1
 

  

   Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and Subsidiaries

  

CONSOLIDATED CLASSIFIED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

 

  Note   As of
December
31, 2013
ThUS$
   As of
December
31, 2012
ThUS$
 
ASSETS            
             
Current assets               
Cash and cash equivalents   7.1    476,622    324,353 
Other current financial assets   10.1    460,173    316,103 
Other current non-financial assets   25    44,230    67,820 
Trade and other receivables, current   10.2    330,992    510,616 
Trade receivables due from related parties, current   9.5    128,026    101,372 
Current inventories   8    955,530    890,579 
Current tax assets   28.1    59,476    30,234 
Total current assets        2,455,049    2,241,077 
                
Non-current assets               
Other non-current financial assets   10.1    95    29,492 
Other non-current non-financial assets   25    36,505    23,339 
Trade receivables, non-current   10.2    1,282    1,311 
Investments in associates   11    51,075    50,955 
Investments in joint ventures   12    25,943    19,343 
Intangible assets other than goodwill   13.1    104,363    99,754 
Goodwill   13.1    38,388    38,388 
Property, plant and equipment   14.1    2,054,377    1,912,549 
Deferred tax assets   28.4    531    223 
Total non-current assets        2,312,559    2,175,354 
Total assets        4,767,608    4,416,431 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-2
 

  

   Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and Subsidiaries

 

CONSOLIDATED CLASSIFIED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION, (continued)

 

 

  Note   As of
December
31, 2013
ThUS$
   As of
December 31,
2012
ThUS$
 
Liabilities and Equity            
             
Liabilities               
Current liabilities               
Other current financial liabilities   10.4    401,426    152,843 
Trade and other payables, current   10.5    150,960    207,944 
Trade payables due to related parties, current   9.6    -    19 
Other current provisions   18.1    17,953    18,489 
Current tax liabilities   28.2    31,707    23,624 
Provisions for employee benefits, current   15.1    25,236    33,974 
Other current non-financial liabilities   18.3   95,353   172,200 
Total current liabilities        722,635    609,093 
                
Non-current liabilities               
Other non-current financial liabilities   10.4    1,417,390    1,446,194 
Other non-current provisions   18.1    8,633    7,357 
Deferred tax liabilities   28.4    154,295    125,445 
Provisions for employee benefits, non-current   15.1    32,414    40,896 
Total non-current liabilities        1,612,732    1,619,892 
Total liabilities        2,335,367    2,228,985 
                
Equity   17           
Share capital        477,386    477,386 
Retained earnings        1,909,725    1,676,169 
Other reserves        (10,491)   (20,772)
Equity attributable to owners of the Parent        2,376,620    2,132,783 
Non-controlling interests        55,621    54,663 
Total equity        2,432,241    2,187,446 
Total liabilities and equity        4,767,608    4,416,431 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3
 

  

   Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and Subsidiaries

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME BY FUNCTION

 

 

 

       January to December 
   Note   2013
ThUS$
   2012
ThUS$
   2011
ThUS$
 
                 
Revenue   20    2,203,140    2,429,160    2.145,286 
Cost of sales   27.2    (1,481,690)   (1,400,567)   (1,290,494)
Gross profit        721,450    1,028,593    854,792 
                     
Other income   27.3    96,716    12,702    47,681 
Administrative expenses   27.4    (105,189)   (106,442)   (91,760)
Other expenses by function   27.5    (49,397)   (34,628)   (63,047)
Other gains (losses)   27.6    (11,391)   683    5,787 
Profit (loss) from operating activities        652,189    900,908    753,453 
Finance income        12,696    29,068    23,210 
Finance costs   22    (58,608)   (54,095)   (39,335)
Share of profit of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method        18,786    24,357    21,808 
Foreign currency translation differences   23    (11,954)   (26,787)   (25,307)
Profit (loss) before taxes        613,109    873,451    733,829 
Income tax expense, continuing operations   28.4    (138,539)   (216,082)   (179,710)
                     
Profit (loss) from continuing operations        474,570    657,369    554,119 
                     
Profit for the year        474,570    657,369    554,119 
Profit attributable to                    
Owners of the Parent        467,113    649,167    545,758 
Non-controlling interests        7,457    8,202    8,361 
Profit for the year        474,570    657,369    554,119 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4
 

  

   Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and Subsidiaries

  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME BY FUNCTION (continued)

 

       January to December 
   Note   2013   2012   2011 
       US$   US$   US$ 
Earnings per share                    
Common shares                    
Basic earnings per share (US$ per share)   21    1,7748    2,4665    2,07 
                     
Basic earnings per share (US$ per share) from continuing operations        1,7748    2,4665    2,07 
                     
Diluted common shares                    
Diluted earnings per share (US$ per share)   21    1,7748    2,4665    2,07 
                     
Diluted earnings per share (US$ per share) from continuing operations        1,7748    2,4665    2,07 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5
 

  

   Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and Subsidiaries

  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

   January to December 
   2013   2012   2011 
  ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Statement of comprehensive income            
             
Profit for the year   474,570    657,369    554,119 
Components of other comprehensive income before taxes and foreign currency translation differences               
Gain (loss) from foreign currency translation differences, before taxes   (3,559)   982    (2,890)
Other comprehensive income before taxes and foreign currency translation differences   (3,559)   982    (2,890)
Cash flow hedges               
(Gain) loss from cash flow hedges before taxes   15,778    (7,872)   (1,241)
Other comprehensive income before taxes and cash flow hedges   15,778    (7,872)   (1,241)
Other comprehensive income before taxes and actuarial gains (losses) from defined benefit plans   1,012    711    (918)
Other miscellaneous reserves   -    -    (1,677)
Other components of other comprehensive income before taxes   13,231    (6,179)   (6,726)
                
Income taxes associated with components of other comprehensive income               
Income taxes associated with cash flow hedges in other comprehensive income   (3,022)   1,580    218 
Income taxes associated with components of other comprehensive income   (3,022)   1,580    218 
                
Other comprehensive income   10,209    (4,599)   6,508 
                
Total comprehensive income   484,779    652,770    547,611 
                
Comprehensive income attributable to               
Owners of the Parent   477,394    644,507    539,359 
Non-controlling interests   7,385    8,263    8,252 
Total comprehensive income   484,779    652,770    547,611 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6
 

  

   Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and Subsidiaries

  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

  12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
   12/31/2011
ThUS$
 
Statements of cash flows            
             
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities               
                
Types of receipts from operating activities               
Cash receipts from sales of goods and rendering of services   2,392,696    2,387,979    2,012,188 
                
Types of payments
               
Cash payments to suppliers for the provision of goods and services   (1,496,053)   (1,447,970)   (1,287,094)
Cash payments to and on behalf of employees   (48,033)   (44,429)   (42,609)
Other payments related to operating activities   (24,774)   (8,396)   (4,257)
Dividends received   16,423    15,126    4,299 
Interest paid   (87,018)   (59,509)   (56,718)
Interest received   12,696    24,368    23,209 
Reimbursed (paid) income taxes   (119,107)   (250,201)   (76,015)
Other cash inflows (outflows)   4,883    33,238    (1,658)
                
Net cash generated from (used in) operating activities   651,713    650,206    571,345 
                
Cash flows from investing activities               
Cash receipts from the loss of control of subsidiaries and other businesses   -    961    5,736 
Other cash payments made to acquire interests in joint ventures   (69)   (197)   (4,909)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment   216    2,050    4,185 
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets   86,157    -    39,046 
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment   (386,495)   (449,984)   (501,118)
Cash advances and loans granted to third parties   528    (623)   83 
Other cash inflows (outflows) (*)   (187,722)   (115,092)   (59,251)
                
Net cash generated from (used in) investing activities   (487,385)   (562,885)   516,228 

 

(*)Includes other cash receipts (payments) associated with, 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 have a maturity date greater than 90 days at the time of acquisition. Investments and redemptions are reported net as they are typically rolled over upon maturity.

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-7
 

  

   Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and Subsidiaries

  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (continued)

 

   12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
   12/31/2011
ThUS$
 
             
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities               
                
Proceeds from long-term borrowings   300,000    366,502    550,000 
Proceeds from short-term borrowings   160,000    -    - 
Total proceeds from borrowings   460,000    366,502    550,000 
Repayment of borrowings   (176,485)   (220,000)   (370,000)
Dividends paid   (279,668)   (334,762)   (277,334)
Other cash receipts (payments)   (6,132)   (9,437)   (7,862)
                
Net cash generated from (used in) financing activities   (2,285)   (197,697)   (105,196 
                
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents before the effect of changes in the exchange rate   162,043    (110,376)   (50,079)
                
Effects of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held   (9,774)   (10,263)   (29,581)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents   152,269    (120,639)   (79,660)
                
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   324,353    444,992    524,652 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   476,622    324,353    444,992 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-8
 

  

   Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and Subsidiaries

 

STATEMENT 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 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-9
 

  

   Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and Subsidiaries

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

2012  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    (1,251)   (10,230)   (2,954)   (1,677)   (16,112)   1,351,560    1,812,834    51,546    1,864,380 
                                                   
Profit for the year                                 649,167    649,167    8,202    657,369 
                                                   
Other comprehensive income   -    921    (6,292)   711    -    (4,660)   -    (4,660)   61    (4,599)
                                                   
Comprehensive income   -    921    (6,292)   711    -    (4,660)   649,167    644,507    8,263    652,770 
                                                   
Dividends   -    -    -    -    -    -    (324,558)   (324,558)   (5,146)   (329,704)
                                                   
Increase (decrease) in transfers and other changes   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
                                                   
Increase (decrease) in equity   -    921    (6,292)   711    -    (4,660)   324,609    319,949    3,117    323,066 
                                                   
Equity As of December 31, 2012   477,386    (330)   (16,522)   (2,243)   (1,677)   (20,772)   1,676,169    2,132,783    54,663    2,187,446 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-10
 

  

   Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and Subsidiaries

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

2011  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    1,530    (9,207)   (2,036)   -    (9,713)   1,155,131    1,622,804    48,016    1,670,820 
                                                   
Profit for the year                                 545,758    545,758    8,361    554,119 
                                                   
Other comprehensive income   -    (2,781)   (1,023)   (918)   (1,677)   (6,399)   -    (6,399)   (109)   (6,508)
                                                   
Comprehensive income   -    (2,781)   (1,023)   (918)   (1,677)   (6,399)   -    (6,399)   (109)   (6,508)
                                                   
Dividends   -    -    -    -    -    -    (349,329)   (349,329)   (3,706)   (353,035)
                                                   
Increase (decrease) in transfers and other changes   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (1,016)   (1,016)
                                                   
Increase (decrease) in equity   -    (2,781)   (1,023)   (918)   (1,677)   (6,399)   196,429    190,030    3,530    193,560 
                                                   
Equity As of December 31, 2011   477,386    (1,251)   (10,230)   (2,954)   (1,677)   (16,112)   1,351,560    1,812,834    51,546    1,864,380 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-11
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 1 – Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries

 

1.1Historical 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.

 

1.2Main domicile where the Company performs its production activities

 

The Company’s main domiciles are: Calle Dos Sur sitio No. 5 - Antofagasta; Arturo Prat 1060 - Tocopilla; Edificio Administración w/n - Maria Elena; Edificio Administración s/n Pedro de Valdivia - María Elena, Anibal Pinto 3228 - Antofagasta, kilometro 1378 Ruta 5 Norte - Antofagasta, Coya Sur Plant s/n - Maria Elena, kilometro 1760 Ruta 5 Norte - Pozo Almonte, Planta Cloruro de Potasio Salar de Atacama s/n - San Pedro de Atacama, Planta Sulfato de Potasio Salar de Atacama s/n – San Pedro de Atacama, Campamento Minsal s/n Planta CL, Potasio – San Pedro de Atacama, Ex Oficina Salitrera Iris S/N, Comuna de Pozo Almonte, Iquique.

 

1.3Codes 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)

 

1.4Description 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 largest 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.

 

F-12
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 1 – Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries (continued)

 

1.4Description 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 mixes. This business is characterized by maintaining closer relations with 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 line of business, potassium derivative products and specialty potassium nitrate have had a leading role given their unique charateristcs that allow an improvement in post-crop life in addition to improving quality, flavor and fruit color. The potassium nitrate, which is sold in multiple formats and as a part of other specialty mixtures, is complemented by sodium nitrate, potassium sodium nitrate, and more than 200 fertilizer mixtures.

 

Iodine: The Company is a major producer of iodine at a global level. Iodine is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, technology and nutrition. Additionally, iodine is used as an X ray contrast media and as 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 electric vehicles, but is also used in industrial applications to lower melting temperature and to help save costs and energy.

 

F-13
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 1 – Identification and Activities of the Company and Subsidiaries (continued)

 

1.4Description of the nature of operations and main activities, continued

 

Industrial Chemicals: Industrial chemicals are products used as supplies for a large number of production processes. SQM has participated in this line of business for years producing sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, boric acid and potassium chloride. Industrial nitrates have become increasingly important over the last few years due to their use as storage means for thermal energy at solar energy plants, which are widely used in countries as Spain and the United States as they look to decrease CO2 emissions

 

Potassium: The potassium is a primary essential macro-nutrient, that although does not form part of the plant’s structure, has a significant role in the development of its basic functions, ensuring the quality of a crop, increasing post-crop life, improving the crop flavor, its vitamin content and its physical appearance. Within this business line, SQM has also potassium chlorate and potassium sulfate, both extracted from the salt layer located under the Salar de Atacama (the Atacama Saltpeter Deposit.)

 

Other products and services: This business line includes revenue from commodities, services, interests, royalties and dividends.

 

1.5Other background:

 

Staff

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, staff was detailed as follows:

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
           
Permanent staff   4,792    5,643 

 

F-14
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 1 – Identification and Activities of the Company and subsidiaries (continued)

 

1.5Other background, continued

 

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, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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, 2013  No. of Series A
with ownership
   % of Series A
shares
   No. of Series B
with ownership
   % 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 foreign 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 29.9%

 

Shareholder as of December 31, 2012  No. of Series A
with ownership
   % of Series A
shares
   No. of Series B
with ownership
   % of Series B
shares
   % of total
shares
 
Inversiones El Boldo Limitada   44,751,196    31.33%   17,571,676    14.60%   23.68%
Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A.(*)   44,558,830    31.20%   9,003,799    7.48%   20.35%
The Bank of New York   -    -    46,559,106    38.68%   17.69%
Inversiones RAC Chile Limitada   19,200,242    13.44%   2,699,773    2.24%   8.32%
Potasios de Chile S.A.(*)   17,919,147    12.55%   -    -    6.81%
Inversiones Global Mining (Chile) Limitada (*)   8,798,539    6.16%   -    -    3.34%
Banco Itau on behalf of investors   -    -    4,579,293    3.80%   1.74%
Inversiones La Esperanza Limitada   3,693,977    2.59%   -    -    1.40%
Banco Santander on behalf of foreign investors   -    -    3,238,105    2.69%   1.23%
Banco de Chile on behalf of non-resident third parties   -    -    3,082,612    2.56%   1.17%

 

(*) Total Pampa Group 30.50%

 

On December 31, 2013 the total number of shareholders had decreased to 1,331 from 1,483 on December 31, 2012.

 

F-15
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 2 - Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements

 

2.1Accounting period

 

These consolidated financial statements cover the following periods

 

-Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

 

-Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

 

-Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

 

-Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows –Direct method for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

 

F-16
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 2 - Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements (continued)

 

2.2Financial 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).

 

These annual 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 financial accounts comply with each IFRS in force at their date of presentation. Certain reclassifications have been made for comparative purposes, refer to Note 14.6.

 

2.3Basis 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.

 

F-17
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 2 - Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements (continued)

 

2.4Accounting pronouncements

 

New accounting pronouncements.

 

a)The following standards, interpretations and amendments are mandatory for the first time for the annual periods beginning on January 1, 2013:

 

Standards and interpretations   Mandatory for
annual periods
beginning on
     
Revised IAS 19 Employee Benefits was adopted on January 1, 2013, with retrospective effect. The revision eliminates the use of the corridor method of accounting for actuarial gains and losses and the return on plan assets arising in connection with defined benefit plans and introduces changes to the way in which such plans are accounted for in income and other comprehensive income.   01/01/2013
     
IAS 27, “Separate Financial Statements”, now contains accounting and disclosure requirements for investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates only when an entity prepares separate financial statements.   01/01/2013
     
IFRS 10, “Consolidated Financial Statements”, which replaces parts of IAS 27, “Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements” and all of SIC-12, “Consolidation – Special Purpose Entities”, builds on existing principles by identifying the concept of control as the determining factor in whether an entity should be included within the consolidated financial statements of the parent company.   01/01/2013
     

IFRS 11 ‘Joint Arrangements’

In May 2011, the IASB issued IFRS 11 ‘Joint Arrangements’, one of a suite of standards relating to interests in other entities and related disclosures. IFRS 11 establishes a principle that applies to the accounting for all joint arrangements, whereby parties to the arrangement account for their underlying contractual rights and obligations relating to the joint arrangement. IFRS 11 identifies two types of joint arrangements. A ‘joint venture’ is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net assets of the arrangement. A ‘joint operation’ is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement. Investments in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in joint operations are accounted for by recognizing the group’s assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses relating to the joint operation.

  01/01/2013

 

F-18
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 2 - Basis of presentation of the consolidated financial statements (continued)

 

2.4Accounting Standards, Interpretations and Amendments, (continued)

 

Standards and interpretations   Mandatory for
annual periods
beginning on
     
IFRS 12 ‘Disclosures of Interests in Other Entities’ combines all the disclosure requirements for an entity’s interests in subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates and structured entities into one comprehensive disclosure standard.   01/01/2013
     
IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement was adopted on January 1, 2013, with prospective effect. The standard affects nearly all instances where assets and liabilities are currently recognised or disclosed at fair value, primarily by refining the measurement concept to reflect an asset or liability’s exit value. The standard also introduces certain additional considerations to the measurement process and additional disclosures.   01/01/2013

 

Amendments and improvements   Mandatory for
annual periods
beginning on
     

Revised IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements changes the presentation of items in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income to distinguish between those items of other comprehensive income that under other accounting standards may be reclassified to income in later periods and those that are not. 

  07/01/2012
     
IAS 28, “Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures”, was amended as a consequence of the issuance of IFRS 11. In addition to prescribing the accounting for investment in associates, it now sets out the requirements for the application of the equity method when accounting for joint ventures. The application of the equity method has not changed as a result of this amendment.   01/01/2013
     
Revised IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures introduces disclosures relating to the offsetting of certain financial assets and financial liabilities, principally derivative contracts and trade receivables and payables.   01/01/2013

 

F-19
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 2 - Basis of presentation of the consolidated financial statements (continued)

 

2.4Accounting Standards, Interpretations and Amendments, (continued)

 

Amendments and improvements   Mandatory for
annual periods
beginning on
     

IFRS 10 “Consolidated Financial Statements”, NIIF 11 “Joint Arrangements” and IFRS 12 “Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities”

Clarifies the transitional provisions for IFRS 10 indicating changes should be applied on the first day of the annual period in which the standard is adopted. Therefore, it may be necessary to make amendments to comparative information presented in such a period, if the evaluation of control over investments differs from that recognized in accordance with IAS 27/SIC 12.

  01/01/2013
     

Improvements to International Financial Reporting Standards (2011)

Issued in May 2012.

 

IFRS 1 “First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards” – clarifies that an entity may apply IFRS 1 more than once under certain circumstances.

IFRS 1 “First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards” – clarifies that an entity may adopt IAS 23, "Borrowing Costs" on the transition date or from an earlier date.

IAS 1 “Presentation of Financial Statements” – clarifies the requirements for comparative information when an entity presents a third column in the balance sheet.

IFRS 1 “First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards” – clarifies that an entity adopting IFRS for the first time may present information in footnotes for all periods presented.

IAS 16 “Property, Plant and Equipment” – clarifies that spare-parts and service equipment should be classified as Property, Plant and Equipment as opposed to inventories when they meet the definition of Property, Plant and Equipment.

IAS 32 “Financial Instruments: Presentation” – clarifies the treatment of income tax related to distribution and transaction costs.

IAS 34 “Interim Financial Reporting” – clarifies the disclosure requirements of assets and liabilities by segments at interim periods, conforming to the same requirements applicable to annual financial statements.

  01/01/2013

 

The adoption of the standards, interpretations and amendments above had no significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

F-20
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 2 - Basis of presentation of the consolidated financial statements (continued)

 

2.4Accounting Standards, Interpretations and Amendments, (continued)

 

b)The new standards, interpretations and amendments issued not yet effective for the annual period 2013 which have not been early adopted are listed below.

 

Standards and interpretations   Mandatory for
annual periods
beginning on
     
IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement’ introduces new requirements for classifying and measuring financial assets and financial liabilities and, when finalized, will address hedge accounting and impairment of financial assets. The effective date for IFRS 9 is not expected to be before 1 January 2017. The amendments to existing accounting standards that are effective from 1 January 2014, ‘Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities’ (Amendments to IAS 32) and ‘Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets’ (Amendments to IAS 36).   Not yet determined
     
IFRIC 21 Levies, issued in May 2013, addresses the accounting for liabilities to pay levies that are within the scope of IAS 37 Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets.   01/01/2014

 

Amendments and improvements   Mandatory for
annual periods
beginning on
     
The amendments to IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation, issued in December 2011, clarify the requirements for offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities in the financial statements.   01/01/2014

 

F-21
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 2 - Basis of presentation of the consolidated financial statements (continued)

 

2.4Accounting Standards, Interpretations and Amendments, (continued)

 

Amendments and improvements   Mandatory for
annual periods
beginning on
     

IAS 27 “Separate Financial Statements”; IFRS 10 “Consolidated Financial Statements” and IFRS 12 “Disclosure of Interests in Other entities”

Issued in October 2012, the IASB published “Investment Entities (amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27)”, providing an exemption for the consolidation of subsidiaries under IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements for entities meeting the definition for an “investment entity”, such as investment funds. The amendments require the use of fair value through profit or loss in conformity with IFRS 9 Financial Instruments in its consolidated and separate financial statements. The amendment also introduces new disclosure requirements relative to investment entities in IFRS 12 and IAS 27.

  01/01/2014
     

IAS 36 “Impairment of Assets”, when events or changes in market conditions indicate that tangible or intangible assets may be impaired, such assets are reviewed in detail to determine whether their carrying value is higher than their recoverable value (i.e. the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell), which could lead to recording an impairment loss.

Value in use is estimated by calculating the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset. Fair value less costs to sell is based on the most reliable information available (such as market statistics and recent transactions).

  01/01/2014
     
IAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” Issued in June 2013, under the amendments there would be no need to discontinue hedge accounting if a hedging derivative was novated, provided certain criteria are met.  The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014, with earlier application being permitted. The amendments also include changes in contractual guarantee requirements, right of offset for trade receivables also payables, taxes and levies.   01/01/2014

 

F-22
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 2 - Basis of presentation of the consolidated financial statements (continued)

 

2.4Accounting Standards, Interpretations and Amendments, (continued)

 

Amendments and improvements   Mandatory for
annual periods
beginning on
     
IFRS 9 "Financial Instruments" Issued in November 2013, amendments primarily include a substantial review of hedge accounting to allow entities to better reflect their risk management activities in the financial statements. This amendment also allows entities to early adopt  the requirement of recognizing changes in the fair value attributable to changes in the entity's credit risk in other comprehensive income (for financial liabilities that are recorded under the fair value option). Such an amendment may be applied without having to adopt the remainder of IFRS 9   Not yet determined
     

IAS 19 “Employee Benefits”

Issued in November 2013, this amendment applies to employee or third party contributions to defined benefit plans. The objective of this amendment is to simplify the accounting recognition of contributions that are independent of the number of years of employee service; i.e., employees’ contributions that are calculated in accordance with a fixed salary percentage. 

  07/01/2014
     

Improvements to Information Financial Reporting Standards (2012)

Issued in December 2013.

 

IFRS 2 “Share-based Payment” – 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.

 

IFRS 3, "Business Combinations" - Clarifies that the obligation to pay contingent consideration in the form 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, be measured at fair value at each reporting date through profit or loss. Consequently, there are also changes to IFRS 9, IAS 37 and IAS 39.The amendment is applicable prospectively for business combinations with an acquisition date on or after July 1, 2014. Early adoption is permitted provided that amendments of IFRS 9 and IAS 37 also issued as part of the 2012 improvement plan are applied.

  07/01/2014

 

F-23
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 2 - Basis of presentation of the consolidated financial statements (continued)

 

2.4Accounting Standards, Interpretations and Amendments, (continued)

 

Amendments and improvements   Mandatory for
annual periods
beginning on
     

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. This includes a description of segments that have been aggregated and economic indicators that have been assessed in the determination that aggregated segments share similar economic characteristics. The standard was additionally modified to require a reconciliation of assets of each segment to total assets of an entity, when assets are reported by segment. Early adoption is permitted.

 

IFRS 13 "Fair Value Measurement” – When IFRS 13 was applied, paragraphs B5.4.12 of IFRS 9 and AG79 of IAS 39 were eliminated. This raised a doubt as to whether entities no longer had the ability to measure short-term receivables and payables at their nominal amounts if the effect was not significant. IASB has modified the basis of the 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 in such cases.

 

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. In such cases the carrying amount of the asset is adjusted to the revalued amount and the division of such revaluation between the gross carrying amount and accumulated depreciation is treated as follows: 1) either adjusting the gross carrying amount in a manner consistent with the revaluation of the carrying amount and accumulated depreciation is adjusted to equal the difference between the gross carrying amount and carrying amount after taking into consideration any accumulated impairment losses; or 2) accumulated depreciation is eliminated against the gross carrying amount of the asset. Early adoption is permitted.

  07/01/2014
     
IAS 24 "Related Party Disclosures" – The standard is modified to include, as a related party, an entity that provides key management personnel services to the reporting entity or the Parent of the reporting entity (“the managing entity”). The reporting entity is not obliged to disclose the compensation paid to the managing entity´s employees or managers, but is required to disclose amounts charged to the reporting entity by the managing entity for key management personnel services rendered. Early adoption is permitted.   07/01/2014

 

F-24
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 2 - Basis of presentation of the consolidated financial statements (continued)

 

2.4Accounting Standards, Interpretations and Amendments, (continued)

 

Amendments and improvements   Mandatory for
annual periods
beginning on
     

Improvements to Information Financial Reporting Standards (2013)

Issued in December 2013.

 

IFRS 1 “First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards” – 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 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.

 

IFRS 13 “Fair Value Measurement” – 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 at their net amount applies to all contracts (including non-financial contracts) within the scope of IAS 39 or IFRS 9.

The amendment is mandatory for annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2014. An entity must apply the amendments prospectively from the start of the first annual period in which this standard is applied.

 

IAS 40 “Investment Property” – the standard is modified to clarify that IAS 40 and IFRS 3 are not mutually exclusive. IAS 40 provides a guide to distinguish between investment property and properties occupied by their owners. In preparing the financial information, the application guide to IFRS 3 should be considered to determine whether the acquisition of investment property is or is a business combination. This amendment is applicable for annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2014, but can be applied to individual acquisitions of investment property prior to such date if and only if the information required to apply the amendment is available.

  07/01/2014

 

The adoption of the standards, amendments and interpretations described above are under evaluation and are not expected to have a significant impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.

 

F-25
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 2 - Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements (continued)

 

2.5Basis of consolidation

 

(a)Subsidiaries

 

Relate to all the entities on which Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. hasthe ability to manage financial and operating activities, which is general are accompanied by share holdings, greater than half the voting rights. Subsidiaries are included in consolidation from the date in which control of the Company is transferred and are excluded from consolidation on the date where such control ceases. Subsidiaries apply the same accounting policies of their Parent.

 

To account for the acquisition, 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 acquire either at fair value or as proportional share of net identifiable assets of the acquiree.

 

F-26
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 2 - Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements (continued)

 

2.5Basis of consolidation, continued

 

Companies included in consolidation:

 

                  Ownership interest  
        Country of         12/31/2013     12/31/2012  
TAX ID No.   Foreign subsidiaries   origin   Functional currency     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$         0.8600       99.1400       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       51.0000       51.0000       51.0000  
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$         2.7900       97.2100       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   Iodine Minera B.V. (c)   Netherlands   US$         0.0000       0.0000       0.0000       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 (b)   Thailand   US$         0.0000       99.996       99.996       -  

 

F-27
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 2 - Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements (continued)

 

2.5Basis of consolidation, continued

 

Companies included in consolidation:

 

                  Ownership interest  
        Country of         12/31/2013     12/31/2012  
TAX ID No.   Domestic subsidiaries   origin   Functional currency     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.(a)   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 (d)   Chile   US$         100.0000       -       100.0000       -  
76.360.575-2   Orcoma SPA ( e)   Chile   US$         100.0000       -       100.0000       -  

  

(a)Comercial Agrorama Ltda. was consolidated given that the Company has control through the subsidiary Soquimich Comercial S.A.

 

(b)During the first half of 2013 Soquimich European Holdings BV purchased shares of SQM Thailand Limited, acquiring 99.996% of this company.

 

(c)During the first half of the year, Iodine Minera was absorbed into Soquimich European Holdings.

 

(d)On December 31, 2013, the subsidiary Orcoma Estudios SPA was incorporated into the company Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. making a capital contribution of US$ 1,500, acquiring 100% ownership.

 

(e)On December 31, 2013, the subsidiary Orcoma SPA, was incorporated into the company Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. making a capital contribution of ThUS$ 2,358, acquiring 100% ownership.

 

F-28
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 2 - Basis of presentation for the consolidated financial statements (continued)

 

2.5Basis of consolidation, continued

 

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 dependent on companies acquired or disposed of during the year are included in consolidated 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.

 

2.6Significant 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 Standard Board (IASB) have been applied in full.

 

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, 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.

 

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.

 

F-29
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies

 

3.1Classification of balances as current and non-current

 

In the attached consolidated statement of financial position, balances are classified in consideration of their remaining maturity; i.e., those maturing on a date equal to or less 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 their maturity.

 

3.2Functional 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 U.S. dollar.

 

The consolidated financial statements are presented in thousands of United States dollars without decimals.

 

3.3Foreign 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012 have been translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rates prevailing at those dates. The corresponding Chilean pesos were converted at Ch$524.61 per US$1.00 as of December 31, 2013, and Ch$479.96 per US$1.00 as of December 31, 2012.

 

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, 2013 amounted to Ch$23,309.56 (US$44.43), and as of December 31, 2012 amounted to Ch$22,840.75 (US$47.59).

 

F-30
 

 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.3Foreign currency translation, continued

 

(b)Foreign entities:

 

The translation 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 effective 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 effective at acquisition date.

 

Foreign currency translation differences which arise from the effective 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:

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   US$   US$ 
         
Brazilian real   2.34    2.04 
New Peruvian sol   2.75    2.75 
Argentine peso   6.48    4.92 
Japanese yen   105.39    86.58 
Euro   0.73    0.76 
Mexican peso   13.07    12.99 
Australian dollar   1.12    1.05 
Pound Sterling   0.61    0.62 
South African rand   10.56    8.47 
Ecuadorian dollar   1.00    1.00 
Chilean peso   524.61    479.96 
UF   44.43    47.59 

 

F-31
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.3Foreign currency translation, continued

 

(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 using historical cost in a foreign currency are translated 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 at which the fair value is determined.

 

(d)Group entities

 

The revenue and 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 loss or gain from the sale.

 

F-32
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.4Subsidiaries

 

SQM S.A. consolidates those subsidiaries for which it exercises control. The Company has control 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.

 

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.

 

3.5Consolidated statement of cash flows

 

Cash equivalents correspond to highly-liquid short-term investments that are easily convertible into known amounts of cash and 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 the purposes of preparing the statement of cash flows, cash comprise cash and cash equivalents as defined above.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2013, the statement of cash flows was prepared using the direct method, which is a change in the method of presentation from previously issued consolidated financial statements. Prior year amounts have been restated to conform with the direct method.

 

3.6Financial 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.

 

F-33
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.6Financial assets, continued

 

Management 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 or one or more events occurred 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.

 

3.7Financial 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.

 

3.8Financial 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, if by doing so eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement or recognition inconsistency, that would otherwise arise from the measurement of assets or liabilities or from the recognition of the gains and losses from them on different bases.

 

3.9Financial instrument offsetting

 

The Company offsets an asset and liability if and only if it has at the time of the legal right to offset the amounts recognized and has the intent of net settling the related asset and liability.

 

F-34
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.10Reclassification of financial instruments

 

At the time at which the Company changes its business model for managing financial assets, it will reclassify the financial assets affected by the new business model.

 

In the case of financial liabilities, these will not be able to be reclassified.

 

3.11Derivative financial instruments

 

Derivatives are recognized initially at fair value as of the date at which the derivatives contract is signed and subsequently they are valued at fair value. The method for recognizing the resulting loss or gain depends on whether the derivative has been specified 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 specific 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 the end of each period of whether 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.

 

F-35
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.11Derivative and hedging financial instruments, continued

 

(a)    Fair value hedge

 

Changes in the fair value of a derivative are 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 associated fair value not amortized is immediately recognized in 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.

 

The amount recognized in equity is 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 transaction or firm 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 and exercised without any replacement, or if a rollover is performed or if its designation as a hedging is revoked, the amounts previously recognized in other reserves are maintained in equity until the expected firm transaction or commitment occurs.

 

F-36
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.12Derecognition 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 all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset have been substaintially 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 the main liability associated has been legally discharged.

 

3.13Derivative financial instruments

 

The Company maintains derivative financial instruments to hedge its risk in foreign currency. 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 assesses the existence of embedded derivatives both in its contracts and financial instruments. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, there are no embedded derivatives.

 

3.14Fair value measurements

 

At 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.

 

3.15Leases

 

(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.

 

F-37
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.15Lease, continued

 

Each lease payment is distributed between the liability and the interest expenses to obtain ongoing interest on the pending balance of the 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. The asset acquired through a finance lease is subject to depreciation over its useful life or the life of the agreement, whichever is shorter.

 

(b)    Lease – Operating lease

 

Leases in which the lesser holds 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.

 

3.16Deferred 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 recognized in expenses in the proportion with the period of time they cover, regardless of the related payment dates.

 

3.17Trade and other receivables

 

Trade and other receivables relate to non-derivative financial assets with fixed and determinable payments and are not listed in any active market. These arise from sales operations involving the products and/or services which the Company provides 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.

 

F-38
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.18Inventory measurement

 

The Company recognizes inventories for the lower of cost and net realizable value. The cost 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 estimated finishing costs and costs which will be incurred in market, 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 charge to income when these are overstated. When 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, 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.

 

F-39
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.19Investments in associates and joint ventures

 

Interests in companies over 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 issuer.

 

Under this method, the investment is recognized in the statement of financial position at cost plus changes subsequent to the acquisition based on the proportional share in the equity of the associate, using for such purposes, the interest percentage in the ownership of the associate. The associated goodwill acquired is included in the carrying amount of the investment 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 based on the percentage of interest that the Company has on such entities. Unrealized losses are also eliminated, except in the case that the transaction provides evidence of impairment loss of the transferred asset.

 

Changes in the equity of associates are recognized based onthe proportional amounts with a debit or credit to “Other reserves” and classified based on their origin.

 

Reporting dates of the associate and 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.

 

If the resulting amount according to the equity method is negative, the share of investment or losses are 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”.

 

F-40
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 – Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.20Transactions 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.

 

3.21Related 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 in 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.

 

3.22Property, 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.

 

F-41
 

 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 – Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.22Property, plant equipment, continued

 

2.     The future costs that the Company will have to incur 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.

 

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 concluded 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.

 

F-42
 

 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.23Depreciation 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

 

3.24Intangible assets

 

Intangible assets mainly relate to goodwill acquired, water rights, trademarks, and rights of way related to electric lines, development expenses, and computer software licenses.

 

(a)     Goodwill acquired

 

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 acquisitions 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.

 

F-43
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.24Intangible assets, continued

 

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.

 

3.25Intangible assets other than goodwill

 

(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 perpetual legal rights granted to the Company, they are not amortized, however, they are evaluated for impairment annually.

 

(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 duration of the contract.

 

(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.

 

F-44
 

 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.25Intangible assets other than goodwill, continued

 

(d)Mining property and concession right

 

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 not associated with the Chilean Government are recorded at acquisition cost within intangible assets.

 

No impairment of intangible assets exists as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011.

 

3.26Research and development expenses

 

Research and development expenses are charged to profit or loss in the period in which the disbursement was made.

 

3.27Prospecting expenses

 

The Company has mining property and concession rights acquired both from the Chilean Government and from third parties, which are intended for the exploitation and development of caliche ore and saltpeter deposits.

Upon obtaining these rights, the Company initially records disbursements directly associated with the exploration and evaluation of deposits associated with commercially viable reserves as asset at cost. Such disbursements include the following concepts:

 

-Disbursements for geological reconnaissance evaluation
-Disbursements for drilling work and sampling
-Disbursements for activities related to technical assessment and commercial studies, and of drilling work
-Disbursement directly related to specific projects associated with finding mining resources.

 

F-45
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.27Prospecting 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 recorded directly as an expense. Otherwise, it is kept in the other non-current assets, reclassifying the portion related to the area to be exploited in the year in the entry inventories and this amount is amortized as production cost on the basis of estimated tons to be extracted.

 

The technical reasons for this classification are due to the fact that this is an identifiable non-monetary asset that is owned to be used in the production of our processes as main raw material.

 

Paragrap17 of IFRS 6 establishes that an asset for exploitation and evaluation should be classified as such when it loses the technical feasibility for extraction and therefore, must be impaired. Because disbursements correspond to reserves used as main raw material in our production processes these costs are presented as inventories that will be developed within the commercial year, with the remainder as presented as development and exploration costs, and Other non-current assets.

 

F-46
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.28Impairment 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. In this case impairment is also recognized with a debit to equity up to the amount of any previous revaluation.

 

As of December 31, 2013, as explained in Note 14 the Company has recorded an impairment loss. As of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company was unaware of any indication of impairment with respect to its assets.

 

For assets other than acquired goodwill, an annual evaluation is conducted of whether there exists impairment loss indicators recognized previously that might have already ceased to exist or decreased. 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.

 

F-47
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.29Minimum 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, 2013, 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, 2013.

 

3.30Earnings 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.

 

3.31Trade 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.

 

3.32Interest-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.

 

F-48
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.33Other 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 an outflow of resources will be required 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 taxes 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 to maintain 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.

 

F-49
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.34Obligations related to employee termination benefits and pension commitments

 

Obligations with the Company’s employees are established in accordance with current collective bargaining agreements and individual employment contracts, except for the United States, which is regulated in accordance with pension 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 IAS 19 revised.

 

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 6% for the periods ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

 

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 2013 and 2012. The net balance of this obligation is presented under the non-current provisions for employee benefits.

 

F-50
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.35Compensation 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 Standard No. 2 "Share-based Payments.” Changes in the fair value of options granted are recognized with a debit 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 No.16).

 

3.36Revenue 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, when 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

 

Sales of goods are recognized when the Company has delivered products to the customer, and there is no pending obligation that could affect the acceptance of products by the customer. The delivery does not occur until products have been shipped to the customer or collected by customers, and 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, the acceptance period has ended or 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.

 

F-51
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.36Revenue recognition, continued

 

(b)     Sales 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.

 

3.37Finance income and finance costs

 

Finance income is mainly composed of interest income in financial instruments such as time 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 expense in bank borrowings, 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.

 

Finance costs accrued during the construction period that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets using the effective interest rate related to the project’s specific financing; if none exists, the average financing rate of the subsidiary that makes the investment if used.

 

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.

 

F-52
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.38Income 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 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.

 

Income tax and variations in deferred tax assets or liabilities that are not the result of business combinations are recorded in the statement of income or in the consolidated statement of financial position, based on the origin of the gains or losses which 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 part of the deferred tax assets. Likewise, as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, deferred tax assets that are not recognized are evaluated and recognized in a way that future taxable income will allow for the 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 legal right to offset tax assets against tax liabilities and the deferred tax is related to the same tax entity and tax authority.

 

F-53
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 3 - Significant accounting policies (continued)

 

3.39Segment 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 to make 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

 

3.40Environment

 

In general, the Company follows the criteria of considering amounts spent on 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, depending on the case.

 

F-54
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 4 - Financial risk management

 

4.1Financial risk management policy

 

The Financial Risk Management Policy of the Company is oriented towards safeguarding the stability and sustainability of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. and Subsidiaries in relation to all such relevant components of the financial uncertainty.

 

The operations of the Company are subject to certain financial risk factors that may affect the financial position or results of the same. Among these risks, the most relevant are market risk, liquidity risk, currency risk, bad debt risk, and interest rate risk

 

There may be additional risks that are currently unknown to us or other known risks that we currently believe are not significant, which could also affect the commercial operations, the business, the financial position or the results of the Company.

 

The financial risk management structure includes identifying, determining, analyzing, quantifying, measuring and controlling these events. The Management, in particular the Finance Management, is responsible for constantly assessing the financial risk. The Company uses derivatives to cover a significant portion of these risks.

 

F-55
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 4 - Financial risk management (continued)

 

4.2Risk factors

 

4.2.1Market risk

 

Market risks are those uncertainties associated with fluctuations in market variables that affect the assets and liabilities of the Company, such as:

 

a)Country risk: The economic position of the countries where the Company has a presence may affect its financial position. For example, the sales carried out in emerging markets expose SQM to risks related to economic conditions and trends in those countries. On the other hand, inventories may also be affected by the economic situation of these countries and/ or the global economy, amongst other probable economic impacts.

 

b)Price volatility risk: The prices of the products of the Company are affected by the fluctuations of international prices of fertilizers and chemical products and changes in productive capacities or market demand, all of which might affect the Company’s business, financial condition and operational results.

 

c)Commodity Price risk: The Company is exposed to changes in the prices of raw materials and energy which may have an impact on its production costs, thus giving rise to instability in the results.

 

Currently, the Company has a direct annual expense close to US$140 million on account of petrol, gas and equivalents and close to US$54 million on account of electricity.

Variations of 10% in the prices of energy the Company required to operate, may involve in the short-term movements in costs of approximately US$17 million.

 

As expressed in the Company’s 2012 annual report, the markets in which the Company operates are unpredictable, are exposed to significant variations in supply and demand, and have volatile prices. Additionally, the supply of certain fertilizers or chemical products, including certain products which the Company trades, vary mainly depending on the production of the top producers and their respective business strategies. Therefore, the Company cannot predict with certainty changes in demand, the responses of the competition, and the fluctuations in the final price of its products. These factors can lead to significant impacts on sale volumes of its products, the financial situation of the Company and its share price.

 

F-56
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 4 - Financial risk management (continued)

 

4.2.1Market risk, continued

 

d)Quality standards: In those markets where we operate, customers might impose quality standards for our products and/or governments could enact more stringent for the distribution and/or use of our products. As a result, we could 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 the new standards. Not being able to sell our products in one or more markets or to significant customers might significantly affect our business, financial position or the results of our operations.

 

4.2.2Doubtful accounts risk

 

A contraction of the global economy and the potentially negative effects in the financial position of our clients may extend the receivables collection time for SQM, increasing the bad debt exposure. While measures have been taken in order to minimize risk, the global economy may trigger losses that might have a material adverse effect on the business, financial position or the results of the Company’s operations.

 

To mitigate these risks, SQM actively controls debt collection and uses measures such as, loan insurance, letters of credit, and prepayments as a part of trade receivables.

 

4.2.3Currency risk

 

As a result of its influence in determining price level, of its relationship with sales costs and due to the fact that a significant part of the business of the Company is carried out in that in United States Dollar, this is the functional currency of the Company. However, the global business activities of the Company expose create exposure to the foreign exchange fluctuations of several currencies with respect to the US dollar. Therefore, SQM has hedge contracts to mitigate the exposure generated by its main mismatches (assets net of liabilities) in currencies other than the US dollar against the foreign exchange fluctuation. Those contracts are periodically updated depending upon the mismatch amount to be covered in these currencies. Occasionally and subject to the Board of Directors’ approval, the Company insures cash flows from certain items in currencies other than U.S. dollar at shortterm.

 

A significant portion of the costs of the Company, particularly payroll, is related to the Chilean peso. Therefore, an increase or decrease in the exchange rate against the dollar would affect the net income of SQM. Approximately US$ 470 million cost of the Company are related to the Chilean peso. A significant part of the effect of such obligations in the statement of financial position is covered by operations of derivative instruments that hedge the mismatch of balance in this currency.

 

F-57
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 4 - Financial risk management (continued)

 

4.2.3Currency risk, continued

 

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had derivative instruments classified as hedges against currency and interest rate associated with all the obligations denominated bonds both in Chilean pesos and UF, with a fair value of US$ 100.6 million. As of December 31, 2013, this value amounts to US$ 23.6 million, both in favor of SQM.

 

As of December 31, 2013, the Chilean peso to US dollar Exchange rate was Ch$ 524.61 per US$1.00, and as of December 31, 2012 it was Ch$ 479.96 per US$ 1.00.

 

4.2.4Interest rate risk

 

Interest rate fluctuations, due to the uncertain future behavior of markets, may have a material impact on the financial results of the Company.

 

The Company has short and long-term debts valued at LIBOR plus a spread. The Company is partially exposed to fluctuations of said 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, 2013, approximately 16% of the Company’s financial obligations are valued at LIBOR; therefore significant increases in the rate may impact its financial position. A 100 base point variation in this rate may trigger variations in the financial expenses close to US$ 1 million. Notwithstanding, this effect is significantly counterbalanced by the returns of the Company’s investments that also relate to LIBOR.

 

In addition, as of December 31, 2013, the Company's financial debt is mainly in the long-term, with 21% with maturities of less than 12 months which decreases the exposure to changes in the interest rates.

 

F-58
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 4 - Financial risk management (continued)

 

4.2.5Liquidity risk

 

Liquidity risk is related to the fund requirements to comply with payment obligations. The object of the Company is to keep financial flexibility by comfortably balancing the fund requirements and the flows from the regular business conduct, bank loans, public bonds, short term investments, and negotiable instruments, amongst other.

 

The company has an important capital expenditure program which is subject to change over time.

 

On the other hand, world financial markets go through contraction and expansion periods that are not foreseeable in the long-term and may affect SQM’s access to financial resources. These factors may have a material adverse impact on the business, financial position, and results of operations of the Company.

 

SQM constantly monitors obligations and investments to ensure they match, taking care of the obligations and investments maturities from a conservative perspective as part of its financial risk management and strategy. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had non-committed and available bank credit lines for working capital for a total of approximately US$555 million.

 

The position in other cash and cash equivalents so generated by the Company is invested in highly liquid mutual funds which have an AAA risk rating.

 

4.3Risk measurement

 

The Company has methods to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of financial risk hedging strategies, both prospectively and retrospectively. Those methods are consistent with the risk management profile of the Group.

 

F-59
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 5 - Changes in accounting estimates and policies (consistent presentation)

 

5.1Changes in accounting estimates

 

There are no changes in accounting estimates as of the closing date of the consolidated financial statements.

 

5.2Changes in accounting policies

 

As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s consolidated financial statements present no changes in accounting policies or estimates compared to the prior period.

 

The consolidated classified statements of financial position as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and the statements of comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for the periods ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, have been prepared in accordance with IFRS, and accounting principles and criteria have been applied consistently.

 

F-60
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 6 - Background of companies included in consolidation

 

6.1Parent’s stand-alone assets and liabilities

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
         
Assets   4,269,749    3,908,259 
Liabilities   (1,893,129)   (1,775,476)
Assets (liabilities)   2,376,620    2,132,783 

 

6.2Parent entity

 

As provided in the Company’s by-laws, no shareholder can hold more than 32% of the Company’s voting right shares and therefore there is no controlling entity.

 

6.3Joint 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 29.9% as of December 31, 2013 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 2.09% 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. 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.

 

F-61
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

6.3Joint arrangements of controlling interest, continued

 

Detail of effective concentration

 

Tax ID No.  Name  Ownership
interest %
 
96.511.530-7  Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A.   19.65 
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      29.90 
         
79,798,650-k  Inversiones la Esperanza (Chile)  Ltda.   1.40 
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      2.09 

 

F-62
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 6 - Background of companies included in consolidation (continued)

 

6.4General information on consolidated subsidiaries

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 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$     -    60.6382    60.6382 
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. (a)  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$     100.0000    -    100.0000 
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 

 

F-63
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 6 - Background of companies included in consolidation (continued)

 

6.4General information on consolidated subsidiaries

 

                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  Sint Pietersvliet 7 bus 8, 2000. Antwerp  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  Calle Industria Eléctrica s/n Lote 30, Manzana A Parque Industrial Bugambilias CP 45645, Trajomulco de Zuñiga, Jalisco  Mexico  US$     0.0013    99.9987    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  Calle Industria Eléctrica s/n Lote 30, Manzana A Parque Industrial Bugambilias CP 45645, Trajomulco de Zuñiga, Jalisco  Mexico  US$     -    100.0000    100.0000 
SQM Nitratos México S.A. de C.V.  Foreign  Calle Industria Eléctrica s/n Lote 30, Manzana A Parque Industrial Bugambilias CP 45645, Trajomulco de Zuñiga, Jalisco  Mexico  US$     -    100.0000    100.0000 

 

F-64
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 6 - Background of companies included in consolidation (continued)

 

6.4General information on consolidated subsidiaries

 

                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 
Iodine Minera B.V. (b)  Foreign  Loacalellikade 1 Parnassustoren 1076 AZ Amsterdan  Netherlands  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 

 

(a)Comercial Agrograma is 70% owned by Soquimich Comercial S.A.
(b)During the first half of 2013, Iodine Minera was absorbed by Soquimich European Holding B.V.

 

F-65
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 6 - Background of companies included in consolidation (continued)

 

6.5Information 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
 
       12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
       ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                             
Proinsa Ltda.   0.1%   -    -    -    -    -    - 
SQM Potasio S.A.   0.0000001%   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Ajay SQM Chile S.A.   49%   (3,389)   (4,890)   8,806    9,817    4,400    1,764 
SQM Indonesia S.A.   20%   -    -    16    -    -    - 
SQM Nitratos México S.A. de C.V.   0%   -    -    -    5    -    - 
Soquimich Comercial S.A.   39.3616784%   (4,051)   (3,367)   46,448    44,476    2,026    - 
Comercial Agrorama Ltda.   30%   (18)   56    351    364    -    - 
Agrorama S.A.   0.001%   -    -    -    -    -    - 
SQM (Thailand) Limited   0.004%   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Total        (7,458)   (8,201)   55,621    54,662    6,426    1,764 

 

F-66
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 6 - Background of companies included in consolidation (continued)

 

6.6Information on consolidated subsidiaries

 

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 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 América 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 Perú 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)

 

F-67
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 6 - Background of companies included in consolidation (continued)

 

6.6Information 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 

 

F-68
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 6 - Background of companies included in consolidation (continued)

 

6.6Information on consolidated subsidiaries, continued

 

   12/31/2012   12/31/2012 
   Assets   Liabilities           Comprehensive 
Subsidiary  Current   Non-current   Current   Non-current   Revenue   Profit (loss)   income (loss) 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                             
SQM Nitratos S.A.   610,140    125,407    519,148    15,721    366,936    148,768    148,768 
Proinsa Ltda.   220    1    -    -    -    -    10 
SQMC Internacional Ltda.   292    -    -    -    -    2    15 
SQM Potasio S.A.   19,134    1,130,587    1,013    13,293    10,172    259,578    259,578 
Serv. Integrales de Tránsito y Transf. S.A.   272,955    84,635    319,214    7,308    47,861    4,330    4,330 
Isapre Norte Grande Ltda.   786    742    672    201    4,517    263    297 
Ajay SQM Chile S.A.   25,125    1,137    5,454    772    64,806    9,980    9,980 
Almacenes y Depósitos Ltda.   398    54    1    -    -    (11)   35 
SQM Salar S.A.   700,153    911,055    315,982    148,687    933,061    318,275    318,404 
SQM Industrial S.A.   1,273,599    714,896    997,339    73,112    1,027,856    93,488    93,329 
Exploraciones Mineras S.A.   469    31,475    4,383    -    -    (236)   (236)
Sociedad Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz del Norte S.A.   890    148    362    540    320    17    26 
Soquimich Comercial S.A.   167,089    19,373    72,651    819    239,909    8,555    8,555 
Comercial Agrorama Ltda.   15,515    1,693    15,868    128    14,842    (185)   (135)
Comercial Hydro S.A.   7,882    218    135    95    110    430    430 
Agrorama S.A.   14,086    164    14,039    54    11,886    47    47 
SQM North America Corp.   303,666    16,070    281,313    2,190    441,315    23,736    23,736 
RS Agro Chemical Trading Corporation A.V.V.   5,214    -    -    -    -    (10)   (10)
Nitratos Naturais do Chile Ltda.   8    282    5,005    -    -    (284)   (284)
Nitrate Corporation of Chile Ltd.   5,076    -    -    -    -    -    - 
SQM Corporation N.V.   669    86,348    3,724    -    -    (3,314)   (3,314)
SQM Peru S.A.   867    37    1,215    -    321    (165)   (165)
SQM Ecuador S.A.   19,321    99    18,029    35    23,753    244    244 
SQM Brasil Ltda.   672    51    942    -    965    78    78 
SQI Corporation N.V.   -    17    43    -    -    (8)   (8)
SQMC Holding Corporation L.L.P.   5,685    18,912    1,657    -    -    2,422    2,422 

 

F-69
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 6 - Background of companies included in consolidation (continued)

 

6.6Information on consolidated subsidiaries, continued

 

   12/31/2012   12/31/2012 
   Assets   Liabilities           Comprehensive 
Subsidiary  Current   Non-current   Current   Non-current   Revenue   Profit (loss)   income (loss) 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                             
SQM Japan Co. Ltd.   2,190    286    166    544    2,476    (125)   (125)
SQM Europe N.V.   391,321    269    356,718    -    853,143    (14,928)   (14,928)
SQM Italia SRL   1,360    -    17    -    -    -    28 
SQM Indonesia S.A.   5    -    1    -    -    -    - 
North American Trading Company   160    145    39    -    -    -    - 
SQM Virginia LLC   14,829    14,375    14,829    -    -    -    - 
SQM Comercial de México S.A. de C.V.   77,811    1,280    55,509    163    172,412    3,254    3,254 
SQM Investment Corporation N.V.   63,933    331    39,426    813    4,551    743    743 
Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.   241,921    786    13,736    240,000    -    (2,435)   (2,435)
SQM Lithium Specialties LLP   15,782    3    1,264    -    -    -    - 
Soquimich SRL Argentina   422    -    176    -    -    (39)   (39)
Comercial Caimán Internacional S.A.   333    -    1,147    -    -    (58)   (58)
SQM France S.A.   345    6    114    -    -    -    - 
Administración y Servicios Santiago S.A. de C.V.   50    -    683    128    2,457    127    127 
SQM Nitratos México S.A. de C.V.   29    4    19    4    153    -    - 
Soquimich European Holding B.V.   70,432    108,680    102,950    -    -    (4,932)   (4,171)
SQM Iberian S.A   81,420    9    81,883    -    169,202    (2,136)   (2,136)
Iodine Minera B.V.   16,929    -    1    -    2,792    3,708    3,708 
SQM Africa Pty Ltd.   97,915    212    91,369    -    97,974    (2,921)   (2,921)
SQM Oceania Pty Ltd.   5,621    -    1,613    -    4,669    755    755 
SQM  Agro India Pvt. Ltd.   17    -    11    -    -    (38)   (38)
SQM Beijing Commercial Co. Ltd.   3,512    123    1,779    -    12,674    1,621    1,621 
Total   4,536,248    3,269,910    3,341,639    504,607    4,511,133    848,596    849,517 

 

F-70
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 6 - Background of companies included in consolidation (continued)

 

6.7Detail of transactions between consolidated companies

 

a)Transactions carried out in 2013

 

On December 31, 2013, the subsidiary Orcoma Estudios SPA was incorporated into the company with Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. making a capital contribution of US$ 1,500, acquiring 100% ownership.

 

On December 31, 2013, the subsidiary Orcoma SPA was incorporated into the company with Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. made a capital contribution of ThUS$ 2,358, acquiring 100% ownership.

 

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 the year 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.

 

Transactions conducted in 2012

 

On November 30, 2012, SQM S.A. transferred and made a capital contribution of the 99% of the ownership interest in Minera Nueva Victoria Limitada to SQM Potasio S.A.; therefore, SQM Potasio S.A. obtains 100% of the ownership. As a result of the above, Minera Nueva Victoria Limitada merged into SQM Potasio S.A., which generates the dissolution of Minera Nueva Victoria Limitada.

 

F-71
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 7 - Cash and cash equivalents

 

7.1Types of cash and cash equivalents

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, cash and cash equivalents are detailed as follows:

 

a)   Cash  12/31/2013   12/31/20121 
   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
         
Cash on hand   119    90 
Cash in banks   29,671    41,541 
Other demand deposits   3,625    833 
Total cash   33,415    42,464 

 

b)   Cash equivalents  12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
         
Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents   158,208    139,943 
Short-term investments, classified as cash equivalents   284,999    141,946 
Total cash equivalents   443,207    281,889 
           
Total cash and cash equivalents   476,622    324,353 

 

F-72
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 7 - Cash and cash equivalents (continued)

 

7.2Short-term investments, classified as cash equivalents

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, short-term investments, classified as cash and cash equivalents relate to mutual funds (investment liquidity funds) for investments in:

 

Institution  12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
 
Legg Mason - Western Asset Institutional Cash Reserves   95,941    47,408 
BlackRock - Institutional US Dollar Liquidity Fund   94,726    47,490 
JP Morgan US dollar Liquidity Fund Institutional   94,332    47,048 
Total   284,999    141,946 

 

Short-term investments are highly liquid mutual funds that are basically invested in short-term fixed rate notes as cash equivalents in the U.S. market.

 

7.3Information on cash and cash equivalents by currency

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, information on cash and cash equivalents by currency is detailed as follows:

 

Original currency  12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Chilean Peso (*)   25,391    76,712 
U.S. dollar   430,263    234,181 
Euro   9,230    3,601 
Mexican Peso   429    720 
South African Rand   7,229    7,421 
Japanese Yen   1,435    1,369 
Peruvian Sol   2    75 
Brazilian Real   73    20 
Chinese Yuan   384    181 
Indonesian Rupiah   4    5 
Indian rupee   7    - 
Thai baht   2,161    - 
Pound sterling   14    68 
Total   476,622    324,353 

 

(*) The Company maintains financial derivative policies which allow dollarizing these term deposits in Chilean pesos.

 

F-73
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 7 - Cash and cash equivalents (continued)

 

7.4Amount 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company has no significant cash balances with any type of restriction.

 

F-74
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 7 - Cash and cash equivalents (continued)

 

7.5Short-term deposits, classified as cash equivalents

 

The detail at the end of each period is as follows:

 

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$
   31/12/2012
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$     -    12/20/2013    01/09/2014    10,000    2    10,002    - 
Banco BBVA Chile  Fixed term  US$     -    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    37,725 
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    36,946 
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    03/31/2014    2    -    2    2 
Citibank New York  Overnight  US$     0.01    12/31/2013    01/02/2014    444    -    444    51,770 
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    - 
Banco Security  Fixed term  US$     -    -    -    -    -    -    3,501 
Corpbanca  Demand deposit  US$     -    -    -    -    -    -    9,999 
                                            
Total                          158,020    188    158,208    139,943 

 

F-75
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 8 - Inventories

 

The composition of inventory at each period-end is as follows:

 

Type of inventory  12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
         
Raw material reserves   8,552    8,675 
Supplies for production reserves   42,366    37,919 
Products-in-progress reserves   400,824    405,382 
Finished product reserves   503,788    438,603 
Total   955,530    890,579 

 

Inventory provisions recognized as of December 31, 2013 amount to ThUS$97,248, and ThUS$72,687 as of December 31, 2012. Inventory provisions have been made based on a technical study that covers the different variables affecting products in stock (density, humidity, among others). Additionally, reserves are recognized if goods are sold cheaper than the related cost, and for differences that arise from inventory counts.

 

The total amount recorded as cost of sale related to inventory in the statement of income amounts to ThUS$1,314,276 and to ThUS$1,093,075 as of December 31, 201 and 2012, respectively.

 

The breakdown of inventory reserves is detailed as follows:

 

Type of inventory  12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
         
Raw material reserves   93    93 
Supplies for production reserves   500    500 
Products-in-progress reserves   65,768    46,635 
Finished product reserves   30,887    25,459 
           
Total   97,248    72,687 

 

The Company has not delivered inventory as collateral for the periods indicated above.

 

F-76
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 9 - Related party disclosures

 

9.1Related 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, 2013, 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.

 

9.2Relationships 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 29.9% as of December 31, 2013 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 2.09% of the total amount of shares of SQM S.A. issued, subscribed and fully-paid.

 

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.

 

F-77
 

 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 9 - Related party disclosures (continued)

 

9.2Relationship between the Parent and the entity

 

Detail of effective concentration

 

Tax ID No.  Name  Ownership
interest %
 
96.511.530-7  Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera S.A.   19.65 
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      29.90 
         
79,798,650-k  Inversiones la Esperanza (Chile) Ltda.   1.40 
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      2.09 

 

9.3Detailed identification of the link between the Parent and subsidiary

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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
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   Iodine Minera B.V. (a)   The Netherlands   US$   Subsidiary
Foreign   SQM Agro India Pvt. Ltd.   India   US$   Subsidiary
Foreign   SQM Beijing Commercial Co. Ltd.   China   US$   Subsidiary
Foreign   SQM Thailand Limited (b)   Thailand   US$   Subsidiary

 

F-78
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 9 - Related party disclosures (continued)

 

9.3Detailed identification of the link between the Parent and subsidiary, continued

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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 (c )   Chile   US$   Subsidiary
76.360.575-2   Orcoma SPA ( d )   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 Crop Nutrition Co., Ltd.   China   US$   Joint venture
Foreign   SQM Vitas Spain   Spain   Euro   Joint venture
Foreign   SQM Vitas Holland   Dutch Antilles   Euro   Joint venture
Foreign   SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V   Dutch Antilles   Euro   Joint venture
Foreign   Kowa Company Ltd.   Japan   US$   Other related parties
96.511.530-7   Sociedad de Inversiones Pampa Calichera   Chile   US$   Other related parties
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

 

F-79
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 9 - Related party disclosures (continued)

 

9.3Detailed identification of the link between the Parent and subsidiary, continued

 

(a)During the first half of 2013 Iodine Minera S.A. was absorbed into Soquimich European Holdings B.V.

 

(b)During the first half of 2013 Soquimich European Holdings B.V. purchased shares of SQM Thailand Limited, acquiring 99.996% of the company.

 

(c)On December 31, 2013, the subsidiary Orcoma Estudios SPA was incorporated into the company Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. making a capital contribution of US$ 1,500, acquiring 100% ownership.

 

(d)On December 31, 2013, the subsidiary Orcoma SPA was incorporated into the company Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. making a capital contribution of ThUS$ 2,358, acquiring 100% ownership.

 

F-80
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

9.4Detail 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, 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.

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the detail of transactions with related parties is as follows:

 

Tax ID No.  Company  Nature  Country of
origin
  Transaction  12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
   12/31/2011
ThUS$
 
Foreign  Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi As  Associate  Turkey  Sale of products   13,844    9,587    26,748 
Foreign  Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi As  Associate  Turkey  Other Transactions   740    -      
Foreign  Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.  Associate  France  Sale of products   35,884    37,232    27,743 
Foreign  Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.  Associate  France  Dividends   5,093    3,564    824 
Foreign  Ajay North America LLC.  Associate  United States  Sale of products   40,605    42,081    47,501 
Foreign  Ajay North America LLC.  Associate  United States  Dividends   10,437    10,175    1,499 
Foreign  Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL  Associate  United Arab Emirates  Sale of products   7,908    6,285    8,234 
Foreign  Charlee SQM Thailand Co.Ltd.  Associate  Thailand  Sale of products   5,669    10,203    7,355 
77.557.430-5  Sales de Magnesio Ltda.  Associate  Chile  Sale of products   1,186    1,472    - 

 

F-81
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 9 - Related party disclosures (continued)

 

9.4Detail of related parties and transactions with related parties, continued

 

Tax ID No.  Company  Nature  Country of
origin
  Transaction  12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
   12/31/2011
ThUS$
 
77.557.430-5  Sales de Magnesio Ltda.  Associate  Chile  Dividends   892    1,052    491 
96.529.340-k  Norte Grande S.A.  Other related parties  Chile  Sale of services   140    -      
Foreign  Kowa Company Ltd.  Other related parties  Japan  Sale of products   77,176    123,581    138,818 
Foreign  SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria  Joint control or significant influence  Brazil  Sale of products   52,901    40,518    34,514 
Foreign  SQM Vitas Peru S.A.C.  Joint control or significant influence  Peru  Sale of products   21,255    26,123    13,608 
Foreign  SQM Vitas Southern Africa Pty.  Joint control or significant influence  South Africa  Sale of products   17,908    10,930    2,287 
Foreign  SQM Vitas Fzco.  Joint venture  United Arab Emirates  Sale of products   289    120    1,562 
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   56,254    -    - 
Foreign  Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltda.  Joint venture  China  Sale of services   282    62    - 
Foreign  Coromandel SQM  Joint venture  India  Sale of products   5,242    2,300    - 
Foreign  SQM Star Qingdao Crop Nutrition Co., Ltd.  Joint venture  China  Sale of services   148    -    - 
Foreign  SQM Vitas Spain  Joint venture  Spain  Sale of products   1,624    -    - 

 

F-82
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 9 - Related party disclosures (continued)

 

9.5Trade receivables due from related parties, current:

 

Tax ID No.  Company  Nature  Country of origin  Currency   12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
 
77.557.430-5  Sales de Magnesio Ltda.  Associate  Chile  Ch$    147    303 
Foreign  Charlee SQM Thailand Co. Ltd.  Associate  Thailand  US$    331    6,098 
Foreign  Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS  Associate  Turkey  US$    11    - 
Foreign  Ajay Europe S.A.R.L.  Associate  France  Euro    4,974    4,775 
Foreign  Ajay North America LLC.  Associate  United States  US$    4,166    4,633 
Foreign  Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL  Associate  United Arab Emirates  Arab Emirates dirham    2,958    1,805 
Foreign  Kowa Company Ltd.  Other related parties  Japan  US$    22,960    29,929 
96.511.530-7  Soc.de Inversiones Pampa Calichera  Other related parties  Chile  US$    8    8 
Foreign  SQM  Star Qingdao Crop Nutrition Co., Ltd  Joint venture  China  US$    -    27 
Foreign  SQM Vitas Brasil Agroindustria  Joint venture  Brazil  US$    18,205    27,903 
Foreign  SQM Vitas Peru S.A.C.  Joint venture  Peru  US$    17,840    18,143 
Foreign  SQM Vitas Southern Africa PTY  Joint venture  South Africa  US$    4,553    1,478 
Foreign  Coromandel SQM  Joint venture  India  Indian rupee    2,271    756 
Foreign  Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltda.  Joint venture  China  US$    47,910    4,000 
79.049.778-9  Callegari Agrícola S.A.  Other related parties  Chile  Ch$    363    844 
Foreign  Coromandel Internacional  Other related parties  India  Indian rupee    -    670 
Foreign  SQM Vitas Fzco.  Joint venture  United Arab Emirates  Arab Emirates dirham    436    - 
Foreign  SQM Vitas Spain  Joint venture  Spain  Euro    760    - 
Foreign  SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V  Joint venture  Dutch Antilles  Euro    133    - 
Total to-date     128,026    101,372 

 

F-83
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 9 - Related party disclosures (continued)

 

9.6Trade payables due to related parties, current:

 

Tax ID No.  Company  Nature  Country of origin  Currency   12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
 
                      
Foreign  SQM Vitas Fzco.  Joint ventures  United Arab Emirates  Arab Emirates dirham    -    19 
Total as of to-date    -    19 

 

F-84
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 9 - Related party disclosures (continued)

 

9.7Board 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, 2013, 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

 

2.1.1Board 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 50 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 2013.

 

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 0.04% of profit for the period effectively earned by the Company during fiscal years 2013.

 

F-85
 

 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 9 - Related party disclosures (continued)

 

9.7Board of Directors and Senior Management, continued

 

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, 2013.

 

e)Therefore, the remunerations and profit sharing paid to members of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee during 2013 amount to ThUS$4,827 (ThUS$ 3,973 as of December 31, 2012).

 

2.1.2 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 2013.

 

F-86
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 9 - Related party disclosures (continued)

 

9.7Board of Directors and Senior Management, continued

 

3)No guarantees have been constituted in favor of the directors.

 

4)Senior management compensation

 

As of December 31, 2013, the global compensation paid to the 117 main executives amounts to ThUS$24,150 (ThUS$32,888 as of December 31, 2012). 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.

 

5)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).

 

6)No guarantees have been constituted in favor of the Company’s management.

 

7)The Company’s Managers and Directors do not receive or have not received any benefit during the period ended December 31, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012 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.

 

8)In accordance with IAS 24, we should report that the Company's Director Mr. Wolf Von Appen B. is member of the Ultramar Group. During the period ended December 31, 2013, the amount of operations with this Group is approximately ThUS$16,850 (ThUS$22,577 as of December 31, 2012).

 

9.8Key management personnel compensation

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
           
Key management personnel compensation   24,150    32,888 

 

F-87
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 – Financial instruments

 

Financial assets in conformity with IAS 39 are detailed as follows:

 

10.1Types of other financial assets

 

Description of other financial assets  12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
 
           
Other current financial assets (1)   431,883    244,161 
Derivatives (2)   3,283    680 
Hedging assets, current   25,007    71,262 
Total other current financial assets   460,173    316,103 
           
Other non-current financial assets   95    107 
Hedging assets, non-current   -    29,385 
Total other non-current financial assets   95    29,492 

 

(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  12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
 
Banco Santander   131,534    41,691 
BBVA   80,206    31,579 
Banco de Crédito e Inversiones   79,530    82,145 
Banco de Chile   42,095    42,992 
Corpbanca   61,244    10,499 
Banco Scotiabank   -    25,141 
Banco Itaú   30,207    10,114 
Banco Security   7,067    - 
Total   431,883    244,161 

 

10.2Trade and other receivables, current and non-current

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   Current   Non-
current
   Total   Current   Non-
current
   Total 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                         
Trade receivables   314,151    -    314,151    490,770    -    490,770 
Prepayments   12,127    -    12,127    14,046    -    14,046 
Other receivables   4,714    1,282    5,996    5,800    1,311    7,111 
Total trade and other receivables   330,992    1,282    332,274    510,616    1,311    511,927 

 

F-88
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 – Financial instruments, (continued)

 

10.2Trade and other receivables, continued

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   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   330,052    (15,901)   314,151    507,562    (16,792)   490,770 
                               
Trade receivables, current   330,052    (15,901)   314,151    507,562    (16,792)   490,770 
                               
Prepayments, current   14,927    (2,800)   12,127    14,046    -    14,046 
Other receivables, current   6,663    (1,949)   4,714    7,801    (2,001)   5,800 
                               
Current trade and other receivables   351,642    (20,650)   330,992    529,409    (18,793)   510,616 
                               
Other receivables, non-current   1,282    -    1,282    1,311    -    1,311 
                               
Non-current receivables   1,282    -    1,282    1,311    -    1,311 
                               
Total trade and other receivables   352,924    (20,650)   332,274    530,720    (18,793)   511,927 

 

F-89
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 – Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.2Trade 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 maintaining insurance policies for certain accounts as deemed necessary by management.

 

Unsecuritized portfolio

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the detail of the unsecuritized portfolio is as follows:

 

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 

 

12/31/2012
   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   2,591    2,228    539    400    367    303    319    268    301    33,380    40,696 
Portfolio under no renegotiated terms   408,390    20,030    1,216    46,079    38    56    332    9,816    469    11,466    497,892 
Number of customers under renegotiated terms portfolio   75    13    6    9    -    5    6    11    10    210    345 
                                                        
Portfolio under renegotiated terms, gross   4,166    91    43    189    -    73    63    324    325    4,396    9,670 
                                                        
Total gross portfolio   412,556    20,121    1,259    46,268    38    129    395    10,140    794    15,862    507,562 

 

F-90
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 – Financial instruments, (continued)

 

10.2Trade and other receivables, continued

 

Movement in the allowances is as follows:

 

Allowance and write-offs  12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
             
Balance at January 1   18,793    18,673    18,882 
Provisions for impairment and other adjustments   2,377    1,518    3,079 
Write-offs for the period   (520)   (1,398)   (3,228)
Balance as of December 31   20,650    18,793    18,673 

 

a)Credit risk concentration

 

Credit risk concentrations with respect to trade receivables are reduced due to the great number of entities included in the Company’s client database and their distribution throughout the world.

 

F-91
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 – Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.3Hedging 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 relating to 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, 2013, the face value of cash flows in Cross Currency Swap contracts agreed upon in US dollars amounted to ThUS$555,303 as of December 31, 2012 such contracts amounted to ThUS$515,156, and as of December 31, 2011, such contracrs amounted to thUS$405,486.

 

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)
                          
December 31, 2012   100,647    49,853    (18,419)   3,684    (14,735)
                          
December 31, 2011   56,108    (39,718)   (12,184)   2,104    (10,080)

 

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, 2013   1,339    (93)   (1,153)   -    (1,153)
                          
December 31, 2012   1,879    27    (1,786)   -    (1,786)
                          
December 31, 2011   270    (120)   (150)   -    (150)

 

The balances in the effect on profit or loss column consider the interim effects of the contracts in force as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

 

F-92
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 - Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.3Hedging assets and liabilities, continued

 

Derivative contract maturities are detailed as follows:

 

Series  Contract amount   Currency  Maturity date
    ThUS$       
C   66,710   UF  12/01/2026
G   33,673   Chilean peso  01/05/2014
H   191,638   UF  01/05/2018
I   56,041   UF  04/01/2014
J   92,440   Chilean peso  04/01/2014
M   46,463   UF  02/01/2017
O   68,338   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 against 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%.

 

The hedge instruments are classified as effective or not effective on the basis of the effectiveness test results. 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.

 

F-93
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 - Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.3Hedging assets and liabilities, continued

 

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.

 

10.4Financial liabilities

 

Other current and non-current financial liabilities

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the detail is as follows:

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   Current   Non-
current
   Total   Current   Non-
current
   Total 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Bank borrowings   171,347    309,489    480,836    122,373    379,119    501,492 
Obligations with the public   227,652    1,106,496    1,334,148    20,135    1,067,075    1,087,210 
Derivatives   1,088    -    1,088    8,456    -    8,456 
Hedging liabilities   1,339    1,405    2,744    1,879    -    1,879 
Total   401,426    1,417,390    1,818,816    152,843    1,446,194    1,599,037 

 

Current and non-current borrowings

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the detail is as follows:

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
         
Long-term borrowings   309,489    379,119 
           
Short-term borrowings   100,135    120,921 
Current portion of long-term borrowings   71,212    1,452 
Short-term loans and current portion of long-term borrowings   171,347    122,373 
Total borrowings assumed   480,836    501,492 

 

F-94
 

 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 - Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.4Financial liabilities, continued

 

a)Bank loans, current:

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the detail of this caption is as follows:

 

Debtor  Creditor                12/31/2013
Current maturities
 
Tax ID No.  Subsidiary  Country  Tax ID No.  Financial institution  Country  Currency
or
adjustment
index
  Repayment  Effective
rate
   Nominal
rate
   Up to 90
days 
ThUS$
   91 days to 1
year ThUS$
   Total
ThUS$
 
93.007.000-9  SQM.S.A.  Chile  97.018.000-1  Scotiabank Sud Americano  Chile  US$  Upon maturity   0.65%   0.65%   3    20,000    20,003 
93.007.000-9  SQM.S.A.  Chile  97.018.000-1  Scotiabank Sud Americano  Chile  US$  Upon maturity   0.47%   0.47%   7    20,000    20,007 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A.  Chile  Foreign  Banco Estado NY Branch  United States  US$  Upon maturity   3.10%   2.39%   1,012    -    1,012 
79.626.800-K  SQM Salar S.A.  Chile  97.030.000-7  Banco Estado  Chile  US$  Upon maturity   0.61%   0.61%   20,033    -    20,033 
79.626.800-K  SQM Salar S.A.  Chile  97.018.000-1  Scotiabank Sud Americano  Chile  US$  Upon maturity   0.59%   0.59%   11    20,000    20,011 
79.947.100-0  SQM Industrial S.A.  Chile  97.030.000-7  Banco Estado  Chile  US$  Upon maturity   0.75%   0.75%   -    20,081    20,081 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  Bank of America  United States  US$  Upon maturity   1.75%   1.27%   -    120    120 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  Export Development Canada  Canada  US$  Upon maturity   1.69%   1.30%   -    10,014    10,014 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd.  Cayman Islands  US$  Upon maturity   1.35%   1.24%   189    50,000    50,189 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd.  Cayman Islands  US$  Upon maturity   1.73%   1.41%   -    139    139 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Lda. (New York)  United States  US$  Upon maturity   1.37%   1.01%   -    10,108    10,108 
                                   21,255    150,462    171,717 
Borrowing costs                   (26)   (344)   (370)
Total                   21,229    150,118    171,347 

 

F-95
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 - Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.4Financial liabilities, continued

 

Debtor  Creditor                12/31/2012
Current maturities
 
Tax ID No.  Subsidiary  Country  Tax ID No.  Financial institution  Country  Currency
or
adjustment
index
  Repayment  Effective
rate
   Nominal
rate
   Up to 90
days 
ThUS$
   91 days to 1
year ThUS$
   Total
ThUS$
 
93.007.000-9  SQM.S.A.  Chile  97.030.000-7  Banco Estado  Chile  US$  Upon maturity   1.70%   1.70%   -    20,175    20,175 
93.007.000-9  SQM.S.A.  Chile  97.030.000-7  Banco Estado  Chile  US$  Upon maturity   1.09%   1.09%   -    20,017    20,017 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A.  Chile  Foreign  Banco Estado NY Branch  United States  US$  Upon maturity   3.01%   2.69%   1,139    -    1,139 
79.626.800-K  SQM Salar S.A.  Chile  97.032.000-8  Banco BBVA Chile  Chile  US$  Upon maturity   1.90%   1.90%   -    20,243    20,243 
79.626.800-K  SQM Salar S.A.  Chile  97.018.000-1  Scotiabank Sud Americano  Chile  US$  Upon maturity   1.03%   1.03%   20,153    -    20,153 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  Bank of America  United States  US$  Upon maturity   1.83%   1.52%   -    141    141 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  Export Development Canada  Canada  US$  Upon maturity   1.81%   1.46%   -    20    20 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd.  Cayman Islands  US$  Upon maturity   1.60%   1.54%   -    235    235 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd.  Cayman Islands  US$  Upon maturity   1.92%   1.62%   -    164    164 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Lda. (New York)  United States  US$  Upon maturity   1.49%   1.26%   -    140    140 
79.947.100-0  SQM Industrial S.A.  Chile  97.030.000-7  Banco Estado  Chile  US$  Upon maturity   1.64%   1.64%   -    20,172    20,172 
79.947.100-0  SQM Industrial S.A.  Chile  97.018.000-1  Scotiabank Sud Americano  Chile  US$  Upon maturity   1.04%   1.04%   20,162    -    20,162 
Total                   41,454    81,307    122,761 
Borrowing costs                   (26)   (362)   (388)
Total                   41,428    80,945    122,373 

 

F-96
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 – Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.4Financial liabilities, continued

 

b)Unsecured obligations, current:

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the detail of current unsecured interest-bearing obligations is composed of promissory notes and bonds, as follows:

 

Bonds

 

Debtor               Periodicity          12/31/2013
Current maturities
 
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
   Up to 90
days 
ThUS$
   91 days to
1 year
ThUS$
   Total
ThUS$
 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   -    ThUS$200,000   04/15/2014   US$   Semiannual   Upon maturity   6.32   6.13   -    2,586    2,586 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   -   ThUS$250,000  04/21/2014  US$   Semiannual   Upon maturity   5.70%   5.50%   -    2,674    2,674 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   -   ThUS$300,000  04/03/2014  US$   Semiannual   Upon maturity   3.87%   3.63%   -    2,658    2,658 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   446   C  06/01/2014  UF   Semiannual   Semiannual   4.44%   4.00%   -    6,951    6,951 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   563   G  01/05/2014  $   Semiannual   Upon maturity   7.50%   7.00%   41,377    -    41,377 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   564   H  01/05/2014  UF   Semiannual   Semiannual   5.10%   4.90%   4,207    -    4,207 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   563   I  04/01/2014  UF   Semiannual   Upon maturity   3.35%   3.00%   -    67,144    67,144 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   563   J  04/01/2014  $   Semiannual   Upon maturity   6.23%   5.50%   -    100,466    100,466 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   700   M  02/01/2014  UF   Semiannual   Upon maturity   3.62%   3.30%   606    -    606 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   699   O  02/01/2014  UF   Semiannual   Upon maturity   3.95%   3.80%   1,045    -    1,045 
          Total                 47,235    182,479    229,714 
          Bond issuance costs                 (335)   (1,727)   (2,062)
          Total                 46,900    180,752    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.

 

F-97
 

 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 – Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.4 Financial liabilities, continued

 

Debtor               Periodicity          12/31/2013
Current maturities
 
Tax ID No.  Subsidiary  Country  Number of
registration or
ID of the
instrument
   Series  Maturity date
Payment of
interest
  Currency
or
adjustment
index
  Payment of
interest
   Repayment  Effective
rate
   Nominal
rate
   Up to 90
days 
ThUS$
   91 days to
1 year
ThUS$
   Total
ThUS$
 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   -   ThUS$200,000  4/15/2013  US$   Semiannual   Upon expiration   6.32%   6.13%   -    2,577    2,577 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   -   ThUS$250,000  4/21/2013  US$   Semiannual   Upon expiration   5.70%   5.50%   -    2,667    2,667 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   446   C  6/1/2013  UF   Semiannual   Semiannual   4.44%   4.00%   -    7,464    7,464 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   563   G  7/5/2013  Ch$   Semiannual   Upon expiration   7.50%   7.00%   1,465    -    1,465 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   564   H  7/5/2013  UF   Semiannual   Semiannual   5.10%   4.90%   4,484    -    4,484 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   563   I  4/1/2013  UF   Semiannual   Upon expiration   3.35%   3.00%   -    532    532 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   563   J  4/1/2013  Ch$   Semiannual   Upon expiration   6.23%   5.50%   -    1,470    1,470 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   700   M  8/1/2013  UF   Semiannual   Upon expiration   3.62%   3.30%   644    -    644 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile   699   O  8/1/2013  UF   Semiannual   Upon expiration   3.95%   3.80%   1,110    -    1,110 
          Total                 7,703    14,710    22,413 
          Bond issuance costs                 (473)   (1,805)   (2,278)
          Total                 7,230    12,905    20,135 

 

F-98
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 – Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.4Financial liabilities, continued

 

c)Types of interest-bearing borrowings, non-current

 

Non-current interest-bearing borrowings as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are detailed as follows:

 

Debtor  Creditor                12/31/2013
Years to maturity
     
Tax ID No.  Subsidiary  Country  Tax ID No.  Financial institution  Country  Currency
or
adjustment
index
  Repayment  Effective
rate
   Nominal
rate
   Over 1 years
to 3
ThUS$
   Over 3
to 5
ThUS$
   Over 5
years
ThUS$
   Total
ThUS$
 
                                              
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A.  Chile  Foreign  Banco Estado NY Branch  United States  US$  Upon maturity   3.10%   2.39%   -    140,000    -    140,000 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd.  Cayman Islands  US$  Upon maturity   1.35%   1.41%   50,000    -    -    50,000 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  Bank of America  United States  US$  Upon maturity   1.75%   1.27%   40,000    -    -    40,000 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  Export Development Canada  Canada  US$  Upon maturity   1.69%   1.30%   40,000    -    -    40,000 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd (New York)  United States  US$  Upon maturity   1.37%   1.01%   40,000    -    -    40,000 
Total                                  170,000    140,000    -    310,000 
  Borrowings costs                 (441)   (70)   -    (511)
Total                                  169,559    139,930    -    309,489 

 

Debtor  Creditor                12/31/2012
Years to maturity
     
Tax ID No.  Subsidiary  Country  Tax ID No.  Financial institution  Country  Currency
or
adjustment
index
  Repayment  Effective
rate
   Nominal
rate
   Over 1 years
to 3
ThUS$
   Over 3
to 5
ThUS$
   Over 5
years
ThUS$
   Total
ThUS$
 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A.  Chile  Foreign  Banco Estado NY Branch  United States  US$  Upon maturity   3.01%   2.69%   -    140,000    -    140,000 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd.  Cayman Islands  US$  Upon maturity   1.60%   1.54%   50,000    -    -    50,000 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd.  Cayman Islands  US$  Upon maturity   1.92%   1.62%   50,000    -    -    50,000 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  Bank of America  United States  US$  Upon maturity   1.83%   1.52%   -    40,000    -    40,000 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  Export Development Canada  Canada  US$  Upon maturity   1.81%   1.46%   -    50,000    -    50,000 
Foreign  Royal Seed Trading Corporation A.V.V.  Aruba  Foreign  The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd (New York)  United States  US$  Upon maturity   1.49%   1.26%   -    50,000    -    50,000 
Total                                  100,000    280,000    -    380,000 
  Borrowings costs                 (235)   (646)   -    (881)
Total                                  99,765    279,354    -    379,119 

 

F-99
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 – Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.4Financial liabilities, continued

 

d)Non-current unsecured interest-bearing bonds

 

The breakdown of non-current unsecured interest-bearing bonds as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is detailed as follows:

 

Debtor              Periodicity              12/31/2013
Current maturities
 
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
   Over 1
years
to 3
ThUS$
   Over 3
to 5
ThUS$
   Over 5
years
ThUS$
   Total
ThUS$
 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile  -  ThUS$200,000  04/15/2016  US$  Semiannual  Upon maturity   6.32%   6.13%   200,000    -    -    200,000 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile  -  ThUS$250,000  04/21/2020  US$  Semiannual  Upon maturity   5.70%   5.50%   -    -    250,000    250,000 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile  -  ThUS$300,000  04/03/2023  US$  Semiannual  Upon maturity   3.87%   3.63%   -    -    300,000    300,000 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile  446  C  12/01/2026  UF  Semiannual  Semiannual   4.44%   4.00%   13,328    13,328    53,322    79,978 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile  564  H  01/05/2030  UF  Semiannual  Semiannual   5.10%   4.90%   -    -    177,729    177,729 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile  700  M  02/01/2017  UF  Semiannual  Upon maturity   3.62%   3.30%   -    44,432    -    44,432 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile  699  O  02/01/2033  UF  Semiannual  Upon maturity   3.95%   3.80%   -    -    66,648    66,648 
         Total       213,328    57,760    847,699    1,118,787 
         Bond issuance costs       (737)   (593)   (10,961)   (12,291)
         Total       212,591    57,167    836,738    1,106,496 

 

Debtor              Periodicity               12/31/2013
Current maturities
 
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
   Over 1
years
to 3
ThUS$
   Over 3
to 5
ThUS$
   Over 5
years
ThUS$
   Total
ThUS$
 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile  -  ThUS$200,000  04/15/2016  US$   Semiannual   Upon maturity   6.32%   6.13%   -    200,000    -    200,000 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile  -  ThUS$250,000  04/21/2020  US$   Semiannual   Upon maturity   5.70%   5.50%   -    -    250,000    250,000 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile  446  C  12/01/2026  UF   Semiannual   Semiannual   4.44%   4.00%   14,280    14,280    64,260    92,820 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile  564  H  01/05/2030  UF   Semiannual   Semiannual   7.5%   4.90%   -    -    190,401    190,401 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile  563  G  01/05/2014  Ch$   Semiannual   Upon maturity   5.10%   7.00%   43,764    -    -    43,764 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile  563  I  04/01/2014  UF   Semiannual   Upon maturity   3.35%   3.00%   71,400    -    -    71,400 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile  563  J  04/01/2014  Ch$   Semiannual   Upon maturity   6.23%   5.50%   108,368    -    -    108,368 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile  700  M  02/01/2017  UF   Semiannual   Upon maturity   3.62%   3.30%   -    47,600    -    47,600 
93.007.000-9  SQM S.A  Chile  699  O  02/01/2033  UF   Semiannual   Upon maturity   3.95%   3.80%   -    -    71,400    71,400 
         Total   237,812    261,880    576,061    1,075,753 
         Bond issuance costs   (631)   (1,420)   (6,627)   (8,678)
         Total   237,181    260,460    569,434    1,067,075 

 

F-100
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 - Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.4Financial liabilities, continued

 

e)Additional information

 

Bonds

 

On the 31th of December 2013 and the 31st of December 2012, short term bonds of MUS$ 227,652 and MUS$ 20,135 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 MUS$1,106,496 on the 31th December 2013 and MUS$1,067,075 on the 31st December 2012, corresponding to the issuance of series C bonds, Single series bonds (ThUS$ 200), series G bonds, series H bonds, series I bonds, series J bonds, second issue single series bonds (ThUS$ 250), series M bonds, series O bonds and third issue single series bonds (ThUS$ 300), excluding debt issue costs.

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and December 31 2011, the Company has made the following payments towards the Series C bonds:

 

Payments made  12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Principal   6,780    6,858    6,678 
Interest payment   3,694    4,004    4,169 

 

Single series first issue ThUS$200,000

 

On April 5, 2006, the Company issued 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and December 31 2011, the Company has made the following payments with a charge to the Single Series bonds:

 

Payments made  12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Payments of interest   12,250    12,250    12,250 

 

F-101
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 - Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.4Financial 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 issued 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and December 31 2011, the Company has made the following payments on the Series G and H bonds:

 

Payments made  12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Payments of interest, Series G bonds   2,962    2,845    3,094 
Payments of interest, Series H bonds   9,062    8,565    8,989 

 

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 issued 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 issued 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and December 31 2011, the Company has made the following payments with on the Series J and I bonds:

 

Payments made  12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Payment of interest, Series J bonds   5,790    5,879    5,665 
Payment of interest, Series I bonds   2,106    2,100    1,954 

 

F-102
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 - Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.4Financial liabilities, continued

 

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% for the purpose of refinancing long-term liabilities.

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 the detail of payments charged to the line of single series bond, second issue is as follows:

 

Payments made  12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Interest payment   13,750    13,750    13,750 

 

Series “M” and “O” bonds

 

In April 2012, the Company issued two bond series in the domestic market. Series M for UF 1,000,000 (ThUS$46,601) was issued 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 issued 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, 2013, and December 31, 2012 the Company has made the following payments with a charge to the Series M and O bonds:

 

Payments made  12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Payment of interest, Series M bonds   1,522    765 
Payment of interest, Series O bonds   2,626    1,320 

 

Single series bonds, third issue ThUS$300,000

On April 3, 2013, the Company issued in the United States 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.

 

Payments made  12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Payment of interest   5,438    - 

 

F-103
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 - Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.5Trade and other payables

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   Current   Non-
current
   Total   Current   Non-
current
   Total 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                         
Accounts payable   150,322    -    150,322    207,429    -    207,429 
Deferred income   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Retained  (or accrued)   638    -    638    515    -    515 
Total   150,960    -    150,960    207,944    -    207,944 

 

Purchase commitments held by the Company are recognized as liabilities when the goods and services are received by the Company. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has purchase orders amounting to ThUS$29,395 (ThUS$127,484 as of December 31, 2012).

 

10.6Financial 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
  12/31/2013   Effect on profit
or loss as of
12/31/2013
   12/31/2012   Effect on profit
or loss as of
12/31/2012
 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Current                    
Derivative instruments (forward)   423    5,100    5,612    (4,559)
Derivative instruments (options)   665    1,827    2,492    (1,456)
Derivative instruments (IRS)   1,339    251    2,231    (240)
    2,427    7,178    10,335    (6,255)

 

Financial liabilities at fair value through
profit or loss
  12/31/2011   Effect on profit
or loss as of
12/31/2011
 
   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Current          
Derivative instruments (forward)   1,053    (1,053)
Derivative instruments (options)   1,036    (1,036)
Derivative instruments (IRS)   354    (150)
    2,443    (2,239)

 

Balances in the column effect on profit or loss consider the annual effects of agreements which were in force as of December 31, 2013.

 

F-104
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 - Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.7Financial asset and liability categories

 

a)Financial Assets

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   Current   Non-current   Total   Current   Non-current   Total 
  Amount
ThUS$
   Amount
ThUS$
   Amount
ThUS$
   Amount
ThUS$
   Amount
ThUS$
   Amount
ThUS$
 
Description of financial assets                        
                         
Financial assets measured at amortized cost   431,883    -    431,883    244,161    -    244,161 
Investments held-to-maturity measured at amortized cost   -    95    95    -    107    107 
Loans and receivables measured at amortized cost   330,992    1,282    332,274    510,616    1,311    511,927 
Total financial assets measured at amortized cost   762,875    1,377    764,252    754,777    1,418    756,195 
                               
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss   3,283    -    3,283    680    -    680 
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income   25,007    -    25,007    71,261    29,385    100,646 
Total financial assets at fair value   28,290    -    28,290    71,941    29,385    101,326 
Total financial assets   791,165    1,377    792,542    826,718    30,803    857,521 

 

F-105
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 - Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.7Financial asset and liability categories (continued)

 

b)Financial liabilities

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   Current   Non-current   Total   Current   Non-current   Total 
  Amount
ThUS$
   Amount
ThUS$
   Amount
ThUS$
   Amount
ThUS$
   Amount
ThUS$
   Amount
ThUS$
 
Description of financial liabilities                        
                         
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss   2,427    1,405    3,832    10,335    -    10,335 
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss   2,427    1,405    3,832    10,335    -    10,335 
                               
Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost   549,959    1,415,985    1,965,944    350,452    1,446,194    1,796,646 
Total financial liabilities measured at amortized cost   549,959    1,415,985    1,965,944    350,452    1,446,194    1,796,646 
Total financial liabilities   552,386    1,417,390    1,969,776    360,787    1,446,194    1,806,981 

 

F-106
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 - Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.8Fair 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 against bonds issued in local currency ($/UF), and Interest Rate Swaps (IRS) to against hedge LIBOR rate debt issued.

The value of the Company’s assets and liabilities recognised by CCS contracts is calculated as the difference between the present value of discounted cash flows of the asset (pesos/UF) and liability (USD) parts of the derivative. In the case of the IRS, the asset value recognised 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 recognised 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 within 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 (USD), credits denominated in foreign currency (USD).

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’).

 

F-107
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 - Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.9Financial 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012, assets pledged as guarantees are as follows:

 

Restricted cash  12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Isapre Norte Grande Ltda.   708    571 
Total   708    571 

 

10.10Estimated 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 such as bank loans and unsecured obligations with original maturity of more than a year, fair values are calculated at discounting contractual cash flows at current market with similar terms (level 2).
-For forward and swap contracts, fair value is determined using quoted market prices of financial instruments with similar characteristics.

 

F-108
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 - Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.10Estimated fair value of financial instruments and financial derivatives, continued

 

The detail of the Company’s instruments at carrying value and estimated fair value is as follows:

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   Carrying
value
ThUS$
   Fair 
value
ThUS$
   Carrying
value
ThUS$
   Fair value
ThUS$
 
Cash and cash equivalents   476,622    476,622    324,353    324,353 
Current trade and other receivables   330,992    330,992    510,616    510,616 
Other financial assets, current:                    
- Time deposits   431,883    431,883    244,161    244,161 
- Derivative instruments   3,283    3,283    680    680 
- Current hedging assets   25,007    25,007    71,262    71,262 
   Total other current financial assets   460,173    460,173    316,103    316,103 
Non-Current Trade Receivables   1,282    1,282    1,311    1,311 
Other non-current financial assets:   95    95    107    107 
Non-current hedging assets   -    -    29,385    29,385 
   Other non-current financial assets:   95    95    29,492    29,492 
Other financial liabilities, current:                    
- Bank loans   171,347    171,347    122,373    122,373 
- Derivative instruments   1,088    1,088    8,456    8,456 
- Hedging liabilities   1,339    1,339    1,879    1,879 
- Unsecured obligations   227,652    227,652    20,135    20,135 
  Other financial liabilities, current   401,426    401,426    152,843    152,843 
Current and non-current accounts payable   150,960    150,960    207,944    207,944 
Other non-current financial liabilities:                    
- Bank loans   309,489    324,246    379,119    401,465 
- Unsecured obligations   1,106,496    1,077,049    1,067,075    1,137,363 
- Non-current hedging liabilities   1,405    1,405    -    - 
  Other non-current financial liabilities:   1,417,390    1,402,700    1,446,194    1,538,828 

 

Fair value hierarchy

 

Fair value hierarchies are as follows:

 

-Level 1: When only quoted (unadjusted) prices have been used in active markets.
-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.
-Level 3: When in a phase in the valuation process variable which are not based in observable market data have been used.

 

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. .

 

F-109
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 10 - Financial instruments (continued)

 

10.11Nature 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.

 

F-110
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 11 – Equity-accounted investees

 

11.1Investments in associated companies recognized according to the equity method of accounting

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, in accordance with criteria established in Note 2.6 and Note 3.19, investment in associated companies recognized according to the equity method of accounting are as follows:

 

Associated Companies  Equity-accounted investees   Share on profit (loss) of 
associates and joint
ventures accounted for
 using the equity method
   Share on other comprehensive
income of associated
companies and joint ventures
accounted for using the equity
method, net of tax
   Share on total other comprehensive 
income of associated companies 
and joint ventures accounted 
for using the equity method
 
   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                                         
Sales de Magnesio Ltda.   1,649    1,656    1,005    1,088    667    -    -    1,005    1,088    667 
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL   11,453    9,890    1,596    1,628    1,492    -    -    1,596    1,628    1,492 
Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS   15,193    15,346    2,192    4,134    2,580    -    -    2,192    4,134    2,580 
Ajay North America   13,125    15,357    7,919    10,927    11,608    -    -    7,919    10,927    11,608 
Ajay Europe SARL   7,924    8,495    3,825    6,295    4,192    -    -    3,825    6,295    4,192 
SQM Eastmed Turkey   142    85    132    -    (46)   -    -    132    -    (46)
Charlee SQM Thailand Co. Ltd.   1,589    126    237    32    70    -    -    237    32    70 
Nutrisi Holding N.V.   -    -    -    -    1,720                        1,720 
Total   51,075    50,955    16,906    24,104    22,157    -    -    16,906    24,104    22,157 

 

   Description of the nature of the     Country of  Share of
ownership in
associated
   Dividends received 
Associated Companies  Relationship  Domicile  incorporation  Companies   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
                ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Sales de Magnesio Ltda.  Commercialization of magnesium salts.  El Trovador 4285, Las Condes  Chile   50%   892    1,052 
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL  Distribution and commercialization of specialty plant nutrients in the Middle East.  PO Box 71871, Abu Dhabi  United Arab Emirates   50%   -    - 
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%   10,437    10,628 
Ajay Europe SARL  Production and commercialization of iodine derivatives.  Z.I. du Grand Verger BP 227 53602 Evron Cedex  France   50%   5,093    3,446 
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%   -    - 

 

F-111
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 11 – Equity-accounted investees (continued)

 

11.2Assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses of associated companies

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2013 
   Assets   Liabilities       Gain (loss)
from
   Other     
   Current   Non-
current
   Current   Non-
current
   Revenue   continuing
operations
   Comprehensive
income
   Comprehensive
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 

 

   12/31/2012   12/31/2012 
   Assets   Liabilities       Gain (loss)
from
   Other     
   Current   Non-
current
   Current   Non-
current
   Revenue   continuing
operations
   Comprehensive
income
   Comprehensive
income
 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                                 
Sales de Magnesio Ltda.   4,662    364    1,713    -    14,259    2,177    -    2,177 
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL   21,885    2,187    4,291    -    42,899    3,255    -    3,255 
Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS   67,345    7,982    36,332    8,304    77,839    8,267    -    8,267 
Ajay North America   28,914    8,719    6,292    -    83,340    22,300    -    22,300 
Ajay Europe SARL   27,587    2,091    12,688    -    84,203    12,591    -    12,591 
SQM Eastmed Turkey   16    412    258    -    -    -    -    - 
Charlee SQM Thailand Co. Ltd.   12,898    462    13,048    -    13,536    81    -    81 
Total   163,307    22,217    74,622    8,304    316,076    48,671    -    48,671 

 

F-112
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 11 – Investment in Associates (continued)

 

11.2Assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses of associates, continued

 

   12/31/2011   12/31/2011 
   Assets   Liabilities       Gain (loss)
from
   Other     
   Current   Non-
current
   Current   Non-
current
   Revenue   continuing
operations
   Comprehensive
income
   Comprehensive
income
 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                                 
Sales de Magnesio Ltda.   4,428    56    1,595    -    8,683    1,335    -    1,335 
Abu Dhabi Fertilizer Industries WWL   19,701    2,267    5,846    3    38,024    2,985    -    2,985 
Doktor Tarsa Tarim Sanayi AS   67,683    7,583    40,713    13,039    0    5,160    -    5,160 
Ajay North America   31,332    8,884    9,876    -    -    22,689    -    22,689 
Ajay Europe SARL   25,400    2,288    14,600    -    -    8,384    (15)   8,369 
SQM Eastmed Turkey   16    422    264    -    -    (94)   -    (94)
Charlee SQM Thailand Co. Ltd.   3,550    608    4,227    -    -    175    -    175 
Total   152,110    22,108    77,121    13,042    46,707    40,634    (15)   40,619 

 

11.3Other information

 

The Company has no participation in unrecognized losses in investments in associates.

 

The Company presents no investments not accounted for according to the equity method of accounting.

 

The equity method was applied to the Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

 

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.

 

F-113
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 12 - Joint Ventures

 

12.1Policy for the accounting for equity accounted investment in joint ventures

 

The method for the recognition of joint ventures 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

 

12.2Disclosures of interest in joint ventures

 

a)Operations conducted in 2013

 

As of December 31, there are no changes in the composition of the interest in joint ventures.

 

b)Operations conducted in 2012

 

In March 2012, the Company Coromandel SQM increased its capital by ThUS$394. This Company has an ownership of 50% in Soquimich European Holding B.V.

 

c)Operations conducted in 2011

 

In January 2011, the Company SQM Industrial S.A increased its capital by ThUS$2.500, in the Company Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizer Co.

 

F-114
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 12 - Joint Ventures (continued)

 

12.3Investment in joint ventures accounted for under the equity method of accounting:

 

         Country of  Share of interest   Dividends received 
Joint venture  Description of the nature of the relationship  Domicile  Incorporation  in ownership   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
                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  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 Crop 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  Dutch Antilles   50%   -    - 
SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V.  Production and commercialization of controlled-released fertilizers  Herikerbergweg 238, 1101 CM Amsterdam Zuidoost  Dutch Antilles   50%   -    - 

 

F-115
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 12 - Joint Ventures (continued)

 

12.3Investment in joint ventures accounted for under the equity method of accounting:

 

Joint Venture  Equity-accounted investees   Share on profit (loss) of associated companies and
joint ventures accounted for using the equity
method
 
   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                         
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltda.   11,504    10,428    10,142    255    287    181 
Coromandel SQM   801    683    785    90    184    (19)
SQM Vitas Fzco.   12,762    7,153    5,698    1,807    (266)   (529)
SQM Star Qingdao Crop Nutrition Co., Ltd.   1,475    1,079    1,032    396    48    18 
SQM Vitas Holland   (599)   -    -    -    -    - 
    25,943    19,343    17,637    2,548    253    (349)

 

Joint Venture  Share on other comprehensive income of
associated companies and joint ventures
accounted for using the equity method, net of tax
   Share on total other comprehensive income of
associated companies and joint ventures accounted
for using the equity method
 
   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                         
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltda.   13    -    -    267    287    181 
Coromandel SQM   -    (87)   -    89    98    - 
SQM Vitas Fzco.   (339)   (159)   (158)   1,467    (425)   (688)
SQM Star Qingdao Crop Nutrition Co., Ltd.   -    -    -    395    48    18 
SQM Vitas Holland   -    -    -    (667)   -    - 
    (326)   (246)   (158)   1,551    8    (489)

 

The following companies are subsidiaries of SQM Vitas Fzco.

 

   Equity-accounted investees   Share on profit (loss) of associated companies and
joint ventures accounted for using the equity
method
 
   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                         
SQM Vitas Brazil   4,747    2,799    3,725    2,538    (621)   (1,728)
SQM Vitas Peru   4,314    2,525    530    (224)   (28)   (471)
SQM Vitas Southern Africa   1,096    506    (320)   55    (238)   - 
SQM Vitas Spain   -    248    -    -    -    - 
SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V.   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Total   10,157    6,078    3,935    2,369    (887)   (2,199)

 

F-116
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 12 - Joint Ventures (continued)

 

12.3Investment in joint ventures accounted for under the equity method of accounting, continued:

 

   Share on other comprehensive income of
associated companies and joint ventures
accounted for using the equity method, net of tax
   Share on total other comprehensive income of
associated companies and joint ventures accounted
for using the equity method
 
   12/31/2013   12/31/2012    12/31/2011    12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$    ThUS$    ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                             
SQM Vitas Brazil   -    (306)           1,152    (927)   - 
SQM Vitas Peru   -    (26)           93    (54)   - 
SQM Vitas Southern Africa   -    14            102    (224)   (160)
SQM Vitas Spain   -    -            (177)   -    - 
SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V.   -    -            (385)   -    - 
Total   -    (318)           785    (1,205)   (160)

  

12.4Assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses from Joint Ventures:

 

   12/31/2013 
   Assets   Liabilities       Gain (loss)
from
   Other    
   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   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 Crop Nutrition Co. Ltda.   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 

 

F-117
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 12 - Joint Ventures (continued)

 

12.4Assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses from Joint Ventures, continued:

 

   12/31/2012   12/31/2012 
   Assets   Liabilities       Gain (loss)
from
   Other    
   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.   21,843    9,984    6,899    4,072    29,980    573    -    573 
Coromandel SQM   4,388    1,397    4,419    -    5,633    369    (174)   195 
SQM Vitas Fzco.   4,568    10,522    785    -    19,643    (532)   (318)   (850)
SQM  Star Qingdao Crop Nutrition Co., Ltd.   1,986    304    132    -    5,028    95    -    95 
SQM Vitas Brazil   36,874    6,865    32,331    8,609    53,955    (621)   (306)   (927)
SQM Vitas Peru   23,308    1,512    20,149    2,145    32,376    (28)   (26)   (54)
SQM Vitas Southern Africa   2,730    101    2,325    -    12,850    (238)   14    (224)
SQM Vitas Spain   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Total   95,697    30,685    67,040    14,826    159,465    (382)   (810)   (1,192)

 

   12/31/2011   12/31/2011 
   Assets   Liabilities       Gain (loss)
from
   Other    
   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.   18,014    10,576    8,306    -    -    363    -    363 
Coromandel SQM   559    1,074    62    -    -    (37)   -    (37)
SQM Vitas Fzco.   14,164    9,240    1,005    320    25,127    (1,059)   -    (1,059)
SQM  Star Qingdao Crop Nutrition Co., Ltd.   1,974    403    314    -    -    37    -    37 
SQM Vitas Brazil   31,426    6,607    34,307    -    25,371    (1,729)   -    (1,729)
SQM Vitas Peru   17,579    230    17,279    -    8,006    (471)   -    (471)
SQM Vitas Southern Africa   2,695    60    3,075    -    -    (320)   -    (320)
Total   86,411    28,190    64,348    320    58,504    (3,216)   -    (3,216)

 

F-118
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 12 - Joint Ventures (continued)

 

12.5Other Joint Venture disclosures:

 

   Cash and cash equivalents   Other current financial
liabilities
   Other non-current financial
liabilities
 
   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                         
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltda.   8,049    485    7,660    -    -    - 
Coromandel SQM   197    248    880    1,289    -    - 
SQM Vitas Fzco.   10,605    7,977    -    -    -    - 
SQM  Star Qingdao Crop Nutrition Co., Ltd.   1,988    524    -    -    -    - 
SQM Vitas Brazil   854    549    -    66    8,600    8,039 
SQM Vitas Peru   1,166    286    -    -    -    - 
SQM Vitas Southern Africa   351    179    -    -    -    - 
SQM Vitas Spain   310    -    -    -         - 
SQM Vitas Holland   26    -    -    -    -    - 
SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V.   109    -    5,567    -    -    - 
Total   23,655    10,248    14,107    1,355    8,600    8,039 

 

F-119
 

  

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 12 - Joint Ventures (continued)

 

12.5Other Joint Venture disclosures, continued:

 

  

Depreciation and amortization

expense

       Interest expense      

Income tax expense,
continuing operations

     
   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                                     
Sichuan SQM Migao Chemical Fertilizers Co Ltda.   (549)   (702)   (734)   (813)   -    (3)   (12)   (97)   (43)
Coromandel SQM   (2)   (91)   (75)   (87)   (75)   -    (92)   (56)   - 
SQM Vitas Fzco.   (1,001)   (982)   (939)   (16)   (15)   (10)   -    -    - 
SQM  Star Qingdao Crop Nutrition Co., Ltd.   (71)   (74)   (95)   -    -    (1)   (242)   (27)   7 
SQM Vitas Brazil   (328)   (247)   (357)   (931)   (463)   (1,900)   -    -    (126)
SQM Vitas Peru   (82)   (32)   (32)   (445)   (102)   (2)   91    -    - 
SQM Vitas Southern Africa   (67)   (29)   (29)   (104)   (37)   (9)   -    -    - 
SQM Vitas Spain   -    -    -    (14)   -    -    -    -    - 
SQM Vitas Holland   -    -    -    (2)   -    -    -    -    - 
SQM Vitas Plantacote B.V.   -    -    -    (176)   -    -    -    -    - 
Total   (2,100)   (2,157)   (2261)   (2,588)   (692)   (1,925)   (255)   (180)   (162)

 

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.

 

F-120
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 13 - Intangible assets and goodwill

 

13.1Balances

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
             
Intangible assets other than goodwill   104,363    99,754    80,056 
Goodwill   38,388    38,388    38,605 
                
Total   142,751    138,142    118,661 

 

13.2Disclosures 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are detailed as follows:

 

      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 mineral rights  Finite   1,576    (882)   694 
Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and mineral rights  Intermidiate   97,392    -    97,392 
Other intangible assets  Intermidiate   4,081    -    4,081 
Intangible assets other than goodwill      112,212    (7,849)   104,363 
                   
Goodwill  Intermidiate   38,388    -    38,388 
                   
Total intangible assets and goodwill      150,600    (7,849)   142,751 

 

F-121
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 13 - Intangible assets and goodwill (continued)

 

13.2Disclosures on intangible assets and goodwill, continued

 

      12/31/2012 
Intangible assets and goodwill  Useful life  Gross
amount
ThUS$
   Accumulated
Amortization
ThUS$
   Net Value
ThUS$
 
                
Trademarks  Finite   3,821    (3,821)   - 
Software  Finite   3,765    (2,115)   1,650 
Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and mineral rights  Finite   1,198    (820)   378 
Intellectual property rights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and mineral rights  Intermidiate   96,366    -    96,366 
Other intangible assets  Intermidiate   1,360    -    1,360 
Intangible assets other than goodwill      106,510    (6,756)   99,754 
                   
Goodwill  Intermidiate   38,388    -    38,388 
                   
Total intangible assets and goodwill      144,898    (6,756)   138,142 

 

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 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 relate 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 have a finite useful life when they are subject to a fixed term contract, and indefinite otherwise.

 

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 in the case of mining claims estimated tons to be extracted.

 

F-122
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 13 - Intangible assets and goodwill (continued)

 

13.2Disclosures on intangible assets and goodwill, continued

 

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 internally generated intangible assets.

 

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.

 

Costs incurred prior to obtaining mining concessions, are expensed when incurred.

 

F-123
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 13 - Intangible assets and goodwill (continued)

 

13.2Disclosures on intangible assets and goodwill, continued

 

f)Movements in identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2013:

 

Movements in identifiable intangible assets 

Trademarks

Net

ThUS$

  

Software

Net

ThUS$

  

Intellectual property rights,

patents and other industrial

property rights, service and

exploitation right, rights of

way, Net

ThUS$

  

Intellectual property rights,

patents and other industrial

property rights, service and

exploitation right, rights of

way, Net

ThUS$

  

Other

intangible

assets, Net

ThUS$

  

Goodwill,

Net

ThUS$

  

Identifiable

intangible

assets, Net

ThUS$

 
                             
Opening balance   -    1,650    378    96,366    1,360    38,388    138,142 
Additions        1,577    377    3,394    2,721    -    8,069 
Amortization        (1,019)   (61)   (12)   -    -    (1,092)
Other increases (decreases)        (12)   -    (2,356)   -    -    (2,368)
Final balance   -    2,196    694    97,392    4,081    38,388    142,751 

 

g)Movements in identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2012:

 

Movements in identifiable intangible assets 

Trademarks

Net

ThUS$

  

Software

Net

ThUS$

  

Intellectual property rights,

patents and other industrial

property rights, service and

exploitation right, rights of

way, Net

ThUS$

  

Intellectual property rights,

patents and other industrial

property rights, service and

exploitation right, rights of

way, Net

ThUS$

  

Other

intangible

assets, Net

ThUS$

  

Goodwill,

Net

ThUS$

  

Identifiable

intangible

assets, Net

ThUS$

 
                             
Opening balance   -    1,938    440    77,282    396    38,605    118,661 
Additions        501    -    19,080    964    -    20,545 
Amortization        (789)   (62)   -    -    -    (851)
Other increases (decreases)        -    -    4    -    (217)   (213)
Final balance   -    1,650    378    96,366    1,360    38,388    138,142 

 

F-124
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 13 - Intangible assets and goodwill (continued)

 

13.2Disclosures on intangible assets and goodwill, continued

 

h)Movements in identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2011:

 

Movements in identifiable intangible assets 

Trademarks

Net

ThUS$

  

Software

Net

ThUS$

  

Intellectual property rights,

patents and other industrial

property rights, service and

exploitation right, rights of

way, Net

ThUS$

  

Intellectual property rights,

patents and other industrial

property rights, service and

exploitation right, rights of

way, Net

ThUS$

  

Other

intangible

assets, Net

ThUS$

  

Goodwill,

Net

ThUS$

  

Identifiable

intangible

assets, Net

ThUS$

 
                             
Opening balance   4    823    501    1,546    396    38,388    41,658 
Additions   -    1,812    -    -    -    217    2,029 
Amortization   (4)   (697)   (61)   -    -    -    (762)
Other increases (decreases)   -    -    -    75,736    -    -    75,736 
Final balance   -    1,938    440    77,282    396    38,605    118,661 

 

F-125
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 14 - Property, plant and equipment

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the detail of property, plant and equipment is as follows:

 

14.1Types of property, plant and equipment

 

Description of types of property, plant and equipment  12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
 
         
Property, plant and equipment, net          
           
Land   33,812    33,320 
Buildings   190,529    169,731 
Machinery   465,327    438,331 
Transport equipment   105,979    88,954 
Furniture and fixtures   9,534    6,736 
Office equipment   6,062    5,249 
Constructions in progress   415,740    423,184 
Other property, plant and equipment (1)   827,394    747,044 
Total   2,054,377    1,912,549 
           
Property, plant and equipment, gross          
           
Land   33,812    33,320 
Buildings   364,695    329,397 
Machinery   1,179,860    1,065,641 
Transport equipment   263,268    224,462 
Furniture and fixtures   27,575    22,667 
Office equipment   39,142    36,215 
Constructions in progress   415,740    423,184 
Other property, plant and equipment   1,506,708    1,336,991 
Total   3,830,800    3,471,877 

 

F-126
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 14 - Property, plant and equipment (continued)

 

14.1Types of property, plant and equipment, continued

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Accumulated depreciation and value impairment of property, plant and equipment, total          
Accumulated depreciation and value impairment of buildings   174,166    159,666 
Accumulated depreciation and value impairment of machinery   714,533    627,310 
Accumulated depreciation and value impairment of transport equipment   157,289    135,508 
Accumulated depreciation and value impairment of furniture and fixtures   18,041    15,931 
Accumulated depreciation and value impairment of office equipment   33,080    30,966 
Accumulated depreciation and value impairment of other property, plant and equipment   679,314    589,947 
Total   1,776,423    1,559,328 

 

(1)The detail of other property, plant and equipment is as follows:

 

Other property, plant and equipment, net  12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
 
         
Conveyor belt   53,783    52,582 
Tank (TK)   25,781    26,810 
Geomembrane / liner   169,255    143,585 
Electric facilities   21,889    29,725 
Lights   28,748    23,945 
Other constructions   62,390    59,230 
Piping   22,499    23,952 
Pool   181,844    180,348 
Well (water)   39,963    20,737 
Pipes / HD lines   101,886    78,244 
Railroad track   21,628    21,719 
Other property, plant and equipment   97,728    86,167 
Total   827,394    747,044 

 

F-127
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 14 - Property, plant and equipment (continued)

 

14.2Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by type as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

Reconciliation entries of changes in

property, plant and equipment by type

as of December 31, 2013

  Land  

Buildings,

net

  

Machinery,

net

  

Transport

equipment,

net

  

Furniture and

fixtures, net

  

Office

equipment,

net

  

Constructions

in progress

  

Other

property,

plant and

equipment,

net

  

Property, plant

and equipment,

net

 
   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 charged to profit or loss (as a component 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 mine development.

 

F-128
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 14 - Property, plant and equipment (continued)

 

14.2Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment by type as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, continued:

 

Reconciliation entries of changes in

property, plant and equipment by  type
as of December 31, 2012

  Land  

Buildings,

net

  

Machinery,

net

  

Transport

equipment,

net

  

Furniture and

fixtures, net

  

Office

equipment,

net

  

Constructions

in progress

  

Other

property,

plant and

equipment,

net

  

Property, plant

and equipment,

net

 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                                     
Opening balance   33,252    146,532    424,460    82,822    5,015    5,312    297,996    683,913    1,679,302 
                                              
Changes                                             
Additions   36    -    1,092    34    70    323    443,349    972    445,876 
Divestitures   -    -    (115)   -    (67)   (12)   (2,936)   (78)   (3,208)
Depreciation expense   -    (14,800)   (79,534)   (18,400)   (1,858)   (1,857)   -    (79,709)   (196,158)
Increase(decrease) in foreign currency exchange   32    (1)   5    15    -    (13)   -    67    105 
Reclassification   -    37,916    92,441    24,535    3,576    1,478    (287,291)   127,345    - 
Other increases (decreases) (*)   -    84    (18)   (52)   -    18    (27,934)   14,534    (13,368)
                                              
Total changes   68    23,199    13,871    6,132    1,721    (63)   125,188    63,131    233,247 
Final balance   33,320    169,731    438,331    88,954    6,736    5,249    423,184    747,044    1,912,549 

 

(*) The net balance of Other increases (decreases) corresponds to: 1) investment plan expenses which are charged to profit or loss (as a component 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.

 

F-129
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 14 - Property, plant and equipment (continued)

 

14.3Detail 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.

 

14.4Additional information

 

Interest capitalized in construction-in-progress:

 

The amount capitalized for this concept amounted to ThUS$17,232 as of December 31, 2013 and ThUS$ 14,153 as of December 31, 2012.

 

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.

 

14.5Impairment of assets

 

As stated in Note 3.22, 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, 2012, and 2011, no impairment adjustments were generated.

 

14.6Reclassifications

 

For comparative purposes, ThUS$75,740 were reclassified from the caption property, plant and equipment (land) to intangible assets (indeterminable mineral rights). These assets represent mining concessions SQM acquired from third-parties, which have been recorded at acquisition cost, and are amortized as the corresponding property is developed based on the tons estimated to be extracted over the life of the property. These mining concessions are comprised of land and their associated mineral rights, which can be legally separated and were reclassificed to conform with the presentation and disclosure requirements of the SVS.

 

F-130
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 15 - Employee benefits

 

15.1Provisions for employee benefits

 

Classes of benefits and expenses by  12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
employee  ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Current          
Profit sharing and bonuses   25,236    33,974 
Total   25,236    33,974 
           
Non-current          
Profit sharing and bonuses   277    6,056 
Severance indemnity payments   32,137    34,431 
Pension Plan   -    409 
Total   32,414    40,896 

 

F-131
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 15 Employee benefits (continued)

 

15.2Policies 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 exception 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.

 

For each incentive bonus delivered to the Company’s employees, there will be a disbursement in the first quarter of the following year based on Profit at the end of each period applying a rate obtained subsequent to the employee’s evaluation.

 

Employee benefits include retention bonuses for the Company’s executives, which are linked to the Company’s share price and paid in cash. The short-term portion is presented as a provision for current employee benefits and the long-term portion.

 

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 accordance with the Labor Laws that indicate that employees with more than a year of service will be entitled to annual holidays for a period not less than fifteen 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 establishes the financing of this insurance through monthly contributions and payments by both the employee and the employer.

 

F-132
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 15 - Employee benefits (continued)

 

15.3Other long-term benefits

 

The other long-term benefits relate to staff severance indemnities and are recorded at their actuarial value.

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
Staff severance indemnities at actuarial value  ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Staff severance indemnities, Chile   31,470    33,731 
Other obligations in companies elsewhere   667    700 
Total other non-current liabilities   32,137    34,431 
           
SQM North America’s pensions plan   -    409 
Total post-employment obligations   -    409 

 

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 is 6%.

 

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 3.500 of 1980.

 

Methodology

 

The determination of the obligation for benefits under IAS 19, Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) is described as follows:

 

The Company’s total liability is based on an actuarial model applied to each employee on an individual basis.

 

F-133
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 15 - Employee benefits (continued)

 

15.3Other long-term benefits, continued

 

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 developed 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.

 

The following methodology to determine the accrual for all the employees included in the 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.

 

15.4Post-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”, of which an obligation is calculated measuring the expected future forecasted staff severance indemnity obligation using salary rate adjusted for inflation, mortality and turnover assumptions discounted to their present value using the interest rate defined by the authorities.

 

Since 2003, SQM North America has offered its employees a 401K system, which does not generate obligations for the Company.

 

The table below shows the plan financing status and the amounts recognized in the consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

 

Reconciliation table  2013   2012   2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Variation in the benefit obligation:               
Benefit obligation at January 1   6,482    6,620    6,548 
Service cost   1    1    1 
Interest cost   412    406    413 
Actuarial gain (loss)   387    (236)   (46)
Benefits paid   (360)   (309)   (297)
Benefit obligation at December 31   6,922    6,482    6,619 

 

F-134
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Nota  15 - Employee benefits (continued)

 

15.4Other long-term benefits, continued

 

   2013   2012   2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Variation in plan assets:               
Fair value of plan assets as of January 1   6,073    5,206    5,847 
Employer contributions   453    436    189 
Actual return (loss) on plan assets   1,743    740    (533)
Benefits paid   (360)   (309)   (297)
Fair value of plan assets as of December 31   7,909    6,073    5,206 
                
Funding status   987    (409)   (1,413)
Items not yet recognized as net periodical pension and healthcare cost elements:               
Net actuarial loss at the beginning of the period   (2,243)   (2,954)   (2,111)
Amortization during the period   109    131    84 
                
Net profit or loss expected to occur during the period   903    580    (927)
Adjustment to recognize a minimum pension and healthcare obligation   (1,231)   (2,243)   (2,954)

 

As of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the net periodical pension and healthcare expense comprised the following elements.

 

   2013   2012   2011 
Reconciliation  ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
             
Cost of benefits from services obtained during the period   2    2    1 
Interest cost on benefit obligation   412    406    413 
Actual return on plan assets   1,743    739    (532)
Amortization for prior period losses   109    131    84 
Net loss during the period   (1,290)   (344)   973 
Net periodic provisional expense   69    142    57 

 

F-135
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 15 - Employee benefits (continued)

 

15.5Staff severance indemnities

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, severance indemnities calculated at the actuarial value are as follows:

 

   2013
ThUS$
   2012
ThUS$
   2011
ThUS$
 
Opening balance   (34,431)   (28,188)   (27,208)
Current cost of service   (107)   (8,087)   (7,871)
Interest cost   (2,248)   (1,037)   (1,106)
Actuarial gain/loss   (127)   40    (151)
Exchange rate difference   2,946    (2,237)   2,693 
Benefits paid during the year   1,830    5,078    5,455 
Balance   (32,137)   (34,431)   (28,188)

 

F-136
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 15 - Employee benefits (continued)

 

15.5Staff severance indemnities, continued

 

The liability recorded for staff severance indemnity is valued the actuarial value method, using the following actuarial assumptions:

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011    
Mortality rate  RV - 2012   RV - 2011   RV - 2010    
Actual annual interest rate   6%   6%   6%   
Voluntary retirement rotation rate:                  
Men   0.96%   0.9%   0.9%  annual
Women   1.36%   1.53%   1.53%  annual
Salary increase   3.0%   3.0%   3.0%  annual
Retirement age:                  
Men   65    65    65   years
Women   60    60    60   years

 

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 changes in SQM’s share price.

 

1)Shares

 

Liquidated in cash, executives are able to exercise their rights until 2016.

 

Characteristics of the plan

 

This compensation plan is related to the Company’s performance through SQM Series B share price(Santiago Stock Exchange).

 

Participants in this plan

 

This compensation plan includes 10 executives of the Company who are entitled to this benefit, provided that they stay with the Company during the dates these options are executed. The dates for exercising the options will be the first 7 calendar days of May following the fiscal year.

 

F-137
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 16 - Executive compensation plan (continued)

 

Compensation

 

The compensation for each executive is the difference between the average share 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are the following:

 

Movement for the period  2013   2012 
In effect as of January 1   2,200,500    2,340,000 
Granted during the fiscal year   45,000    103,500 
Redundant workers   (187,500)   (103,500)
Exercised during the fiscal year   -    139,500 
Changes in benefit plan   (522,000)   - 
In circulation as of December 31, 2013   1,536,000    2,200,500 
Average contractual life   28 months    40 months 
Executives   10    40 

 

The amounts accrued by the plan, as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, amount to:

 

Effect on profit or loss  2013
ThUS$
   2012
ThUS$
 
Effect on profit or loss   8,200    (3,142)

 

2)Executive Shares

 

Plan characteristics

 

This compensation plan was established in 2013 and is also related to the Company’s performance through the SQM Series B share price (Santiago Stock Exchange).

 

Plan participants

 

This compensation plan includes 30 of the Company’s top executives, who obtain this benefit, provided they remain in the Company at the payment dates. The payments dates, if any, will be the first of January 2016, 2017 and 2018.

 

Compensation

 

The compensation for each executive is the difference 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, with the latter being the value between US$28 and the average weighted price of the trading of SQM Series B shares in the Santiago Stock Exchange during December 2014. The difference 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 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 bond of December 2017, the differential will be multiplied by 15,000.

 

F-138
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

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, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are the following:

 

Movement for the period  2013* 
In effect as of January 1   - 
Granted during the fiscal year   450,000 
In circulation as of December 31, 2013   450,000 
Average weighted contractual life   48 months 
Executives   30 

 

*Plan was adopted in 2013.

 

F-139
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 17 - Disclosures on equity

 

Detail and changes in equity accounts are shown in the consolidated statement of changes in equity.

 

17.1Capital 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 debt 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 debt level in 1.4 times, in its more strict level.

 

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, 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 2,8 times during the last periods.

 

The Company’s management controls capital management based on the following ratios:

 

CAPITAL
MANAGEMENT
  12/31/2013   12/31/2012   Description (1)  Calculation (1)
Net Financial Debt MUS$   882,020    929,197   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   3.40    3.69   Current Asset divided by Current Liability  Total Current Assets / Total Current Liabilities
Net Debt / Capitalization   0.27    0.30   Net Financial Debt divided by Total Equity  Net financial debt / ( Net financial debt + Total Equity)
ROE   19.5%   30.1%  Income divided by Total Equity  Total Income / Equity (UH 12 months)
ROA   16.4%   25.1%  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   0.96    1.02   Total Liability on Equity  Total Liabilities / Total Equity

 

(1)Assumes the absolute value of the accounting records

 

F-140
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 17 - Disclosures on equity (continued)

 

17.1Capital management, continued

 

The Company’s capital requirements change depending on variables such as: work capital requirements, new investment financing and dividends, among others. The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments on the basis of the predominant economic conditions so as to mitigate the risks associated with adverse market conditions and to 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.

 

17.2Disclosures 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.

 

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, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Group does not hold any treasury shares either directly or through its companies in which it has investments.

 

F-141
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 17 - Disclosures on equity (continued)

 

17.2Disclosures on preferred share capital, continued

 

Detail of types of capital in preference shares:

 

Type of capital in preferred shares  12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
Description of type of capital in preferred shares  Series A   Series B   Series A   Series A   Series A   Series B 
Number of authorized shares   142,819,552    120,376,972    142,819,552    142,819,552    142,819,552    120,376,972 
Number of fully subscribed and paid shares   142,819,552    120,376,972    142,819,552    142,819,552    142,819,552    120,376,972 
Par value of shares in US$   0.9435    2.8464    0.9435    0.9435    0.9435    2.8464 
Number of current shares   142,819,552    120,376,972    142,819,552    142,819,552    142,819,552    120,376,972 
Capital amount in shares ThUS$   134,750    342,636    134,750    134,750    134,750    342,636 
Total number of subscribed shares, total   142,819,552    120,376,972    142,819,552    142,819,552    142,819,552    120,376,972 

 

As of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company has not placed any new issuances of shares on the market.

 

F-142
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 17 - Disclosures on equity (continued)

 

17.3Disclosures on reserves in equity

 

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, this caption comprises the following:

 

   12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
   12/31/2011
ThUS$
 
Reserve for currency exchange conversion   (3,817)   (330)   (1,251)
Reserve for cash flow hedges   (3,766)   (16,522)   (10,230)
Reserve for actuarial gains or losses in defined benefit plans   (1,231)   (2,243)   (2,954)
Other reserves   (1,677)   (1,677)   (1,677)
                
Total other reserves   (10,491)   (20,772)   (16,112)

 

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 from each company’s origin country 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 2013 and 2012.

 

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).

 

F-143
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 17 - Disclosures on equity (continued)

 

17.4Dividend 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 that it has a deficit in retained earnings (losses not absorbed in prior years).

 

The Company’s dividend policy for 2013 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 2013.

 

-Distribution and payment, if possible during 2013, of a interim dividend which will be recorded against the aforementioned final dividend. This provisional dividend will be paid probably during the last quarter of 2013 and its amount could not exceed 50% of the retained earnings for distribution obtained during 2013, which are reflected in the Company’s financial statements as of September 31, 2013.

 

-The distribution and payment by the Company of the remaining balance of the final dividend related to Profit for the period for the 2013 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 2013 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.

 

-The Board of Directors considers as necessary to indicate that the aforementioned Dividends Policy correspond to the intention or expectation of the Board regarding this matter. Consequently, the enforcement of such Policy Dividends 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 policy dividend does not suffer a significant change, SQM S.A. will timely communicate its shareholders on this matter.

 

F-144
 

 

    Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 17 - Disclosures on equity (continued)

 

17.5Provisional dividends

 

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, stating 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 September 30 of such year. The above, also, is 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 dollar” or “USA 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 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 dollar” or “USA dollar” that appears published in the Official Gazette on April 25, 2013.

 

F-145
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 17 - Disclosures on equity (continued)

 

17.5Provisional dividends, continued

 

Dividends presented deducted from equity are:

 

   12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
   12/31/2011
ThUS$
 
Dividends attributable to owners of the parent   203,401    253,438    270,915 
Dividends payable   36,583    76,267    82,120 
Total   239,984    329,705    353,035 

 

F-146
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 18 - Provisions and other non-financial liabilities

 

18.1Types of provisions

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   Current   Non-
current
   Total   Current   Non-
current
   Total 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                         
Provision for legal complaints (*)   8,567    3,000    11,567    5,567    3,000    8,567 
Provision for dismantling, restoration and rehabilitation cost   -    5,633    5,633    -    4,357    4,357 
Other provisions   9,386    -    9,386    12,922    -    12,922 
Total   17,953    8,633    26,586    18,489    7,357    25,846 

 

(*) 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 subsidiary located in Brazil and United States (see note 19.1) and other litigations.

 

F-147
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 18 - Provisions and other non-financial liabilities (continued)

 

18.2Description of other provisions

 

Description of other provisions  12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
 
Current provisions, other short-term provisions          
Provision for tax loss in fiscal litigation   1,401    1,606 
Royalties, agreement with CORFO (the Chilean Economic Development Agency)   4,782    7,712 
Fine to Brazil   2,500    2,500 
Miscellaneous provisions   703    1,104 
Total   9,386    12,922 
Other long-term provisions          
Mine closure   5,633    4,357 
Total   5,633    4,357 

 

18.3Other non-financial liabilities, current

 

Description of other liabilities  12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
 
         
Tax withholdings   12,334    11,887 
VAT payable   2,531    16,481 
Guarantees received   1,000    872 
Accrual for dividend   36,583    76,267 
Monthly tax provisional payments   6,601    22,073 
Deferred income   13,475    16,291 
Withholdings from employees and salaries payable   4,087    7,546 
Accrued vacations   18,652    20,710 
Other current liabilities   90    73 
Total   95,353    172,200 

 

F-148
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 18 - Provisions and other non-financial liabilities (continued)

 

18.4Changes in provisions as of 12/31/2013

 

Description of items that gave rise to
variations
  Legal complaints   Provision for
dismantling,
restoration and
rehabilitation cost
   Other
provisions
   Total 
   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 

 

F-149
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 18 - Provisions and other non-financial liabilities (continued)

 

18.4Changes in provisions as of 12/31/2012

 

Description of items that gave rise to
variations
  Legal complaints   Provision for
dismantling,
restoration and
rehabilitation cost
   Other
provisions
   Total 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                 
Total provisions, initial balance   7,571    3,724    14,237    25,532 
                     
Changes in provisions:                    
                     
Additional provisions   1,000    633    8,863    10,496 
                     
Provision used   (4)   -    (10,061)   (10,065)
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency exchange   -    -    (117)   (117)
                     
Total provisions, final balance   8,567    4,357    12,922    25,846 

 

F-150
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 18 - Provisions and other non-financial liabilities (continued)

 

18.5Changes in provisions as of 12/31/2011

 

Description of items that gave rise to
variations
  Legal complaints   Provision for
dismantling,
restoration and
rehabilitation cost
   Other
provisions
   Total 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                 
Total provisions, initial balance   4,590    3,500    12,424    20,514 
                     
Changes in provisions:                    
                     
Additional provisions   3,000    224    13,076    16,300 
                     
Provision used   (19)   -    (11,080)   (11,099)
Increase (decrease) in foreign currency exchange   -    -    (183)   (183)
                     
Total provisions, final balance   7,571    3,724    14,237    25,532 

 

F-151
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 18 - Provisions and other non-financial liabilities (continued)

 

18.6Detail 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 U.S.A.).

 

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 Atacama Saltpeter deposit.

 

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.

 

F-152
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 19 - Contingencies and restrictions

 

According to note 18.1 the Company has only registered a provision for those lawsuits in which the probability to lose is “more likely than not”. The Company is party to lawsuits and other relevant legal actions, including the claimed or nominal value amount, that are detailed as follows:

 

19.1Lawsuits 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

 

F-153
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 19 - Contingencies and restrictions (continued)

 

19.1Lawsuits 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 : Conditional waiver as a result of pending appeal. Appeal will be reviewed in a hearing in October of 2013. Sentence pending.
  Nominal value : Not possible to determine
       
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. Suspended procedure
  Nominal value : Not possible to determine
       
5. Plaintiff : Metalúrgica FAT Limitada
  Defendant : SQM Salar S.A.
  Date : August 2011
  Court : 9th Civil Court in Santiago
  Reason : Compensation for early termination of supply contract and installation of metal structures
  Status : .Verdict of $40m in damages. Appeal pending.
  Nominal value : ThUS$175

 

F-154
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 19 - Contingencies and restrictions (continued)

 

19.1Lawsuits and other relevant events, continued

 

6. Plaintiff : Angelina Castillo Figueroa and others
  Defendant : SQM Nitratos S.A. and its insurers
  Date : June 2012
  Court : 2nd Civil Court in Santiago
  Reason : Compensation claim for alleged civil liability under tort
      derived from explosion occurred on September 6, 2010
      near Baquedano causing the death of 6 workers
  Status : Evidence.
  Nominal value : ThUS$9,400
       
7. 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 attempted sexual assault.
  Status : Replay to claim.
  Nominal value : ThUS$200
       
8. Plaintiff : Workers Union of the Sociedad Industrial Minera Nueva Victoria
  Defendant : SQM S.A. and SQM Industrial S.A.
  Date : May 2013
  Court : Iquique Labor Court of First Instance
  Reason : Charging of benefits allegedly owed due to possible application of bonus for meeting goals
  Status : Trial Preparation Hearings (2)
  Nominal value : ThUS$400
       
9. Plaintiff : Cristián Plaza Portilla, Sergio Herrera Contreras and other
  Defendant : SQM Salar S.A.
  Date : August 2013
  Court : Antofagasta Labor Court of First Instance
  Reason : Charging of benefits allegedly owed due to possible application of bonus for meeting goals
  Status : Trial Preparation Hearings (8)
  Nominal value :  ThUS$1,120

 

F-155
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 19 - Contingencies and restrictions (continued)

 

19.1Lawsuits and other relevant events, continued

 

10. 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
       
11. Plaintiff :

Workers Union of the Sociedad Industrial Minera Nueva Victoria 

  Defendant : SQM S.A. and SQM Industrial S.A.
  Date : October 2013
  Court : Iquique Labor Court of First Instance
  Reason : Charging of benefits allegedly owed due to possible application of bonus for meeting goals
  Status : Response to law suit (2)
  Nominal value : ThUS$400

 

F-156
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 19 - Contingencies and restrictions (continued)

 

19.1Lawsuits and other relevant events, continued

 

The Company and its subsidiaries have been involved and will probably continue to be involved in,either as plaintiffs or defendants, 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 in and will probably continue being involved in either as plaintiff or defendant 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 to make efforts to obtain payment of certain amounts that are still owed to 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.

 

F-157
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 19 - Contingencies and restrictions (continued)

 

19.2Restrictions to management or financial limits

 

Credit contracts subscribed by the SQM Group with domestic and foreign banks and for issuance of bonuses in the local and international market, requires the Company complies 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$900,000.

-To maintain a Net Financial Debt and EBITDA ratio not higher than 3 times.

-To maintain a Total Indebtedness Ratio not higher than 1.4 times Total Indebtedness level defined as the Total Liabilities ratio divided by Total Equity.

-To maintain a ratio between the operating subsidiaries SQM Industrial S.A. and SQM Salar S.A., or their respective legal successor’ financial debt and the total Issuer’s consolidated current assets not higher than 0.3 times.

 

As of December 31, 2013, the aforementioned financial indicators are as follows:

Indicator  12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
Equity ThUS$   2,432,241    2,187,446 
Net Financial Debt/ EBITDA   1.06    0.83 
Indebtedness   0.96    1.02 
SQM Industrial and SQM Salar debt / Current assets   0.02    0.04 

 

Issuance contracts for bonuses issued abroad require the Company does not 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 United States’ 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.

 

F-158
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 19 - Contingencies and restrictions (continued)

 

19.3Commitments

 

The subsidiary SQM Salar S.A. has signed a rental contract with the Economic Development Agency (CORFO), which establishes that this subsidiary will pay rent to CORFO for the concept of commercialization of certain mining properties owned by CORFO and for the products resulting from this 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$22,885 as of December 31, 2013 (ThUS$ 27,193 as of December 31, 2012).

 

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 Atacama Salt Flat” 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 lese 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.

 

19.4Restricted 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, 2013, the guarantee amounts to ThUS$708.

 

F-159
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 19 - Contingencies and restrictions (continued)

 

19.5Securities obtained from third parties

 

The main security received from third parties (distributors) 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$14,178 as of December 31, 2013; which is detailed as follows:

 

   31/12/2013 
Company  ThUS$ 
     
Agrícola Lobert Ltda.   1,271 
Agroc Patricio Bornand L. Eirl   392 
Agrocomercial Bornand Ltda.   344 
Agroindustrial Orzonaga Ltda.   133 
Aldo Epple Davazno   935 
Bernardo Guzman Schmidt   139 
Coop. Ag. Lechera Bio Bio Ltda.   3,431 
Comercial Agrosal Ltda.   116 
Contador Frutos S.A.   1,447 
Dante Hauri Gomez   126 
Gilberto Rivas Y Cia. Ltda.   136 
Hortofruticola La Serena   323 
Jose Antonio Gonzalez   118 
Juan Luis Gaete Chesta   425 
Lemp Martin Julian   124 
Neyib Farran Y Cia. Ltda.   133 
Patricio Meneses Saglieto   953 
Sebastian Urrutia Araya   116 
Soc.Agr. Huifquenco Cia Ltda.   117 
Soc. Agrocom. Julio Polanco   132 
Tattersall S.A.   1,789 
Vicente Oyarce Castro   525 
Vito Leopolo Llanos   953 
Total   14,178 

 

F-160
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 19 - Contingencies and restrictions (continued)

 

19.6Indirect guarantees

 

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     Pending balances as of
the closing date of the
financial statements
 
Creditor of the guarantee  Name  Relationship  Type of
guarantee
  12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
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   -    - 
Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd.  Royal Seed Trading A.V.V.  Subsidiary  Bond   50,189    50,235 
Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd.  Royal Seed Trading A.V.V.  Subsidiary  Bond   50,139    50,164 
Bank of America  Royal Seed Trading A.V.V.  Subsidiary  Bond   40,120    40,141 
Export Development Canada  Royal Seed Trading A.V.V.  Subsidiary  Bond   50,014    50,020 
The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd.  Royal Seed Trading A.V.V.  Subsidiary  Bond   50,108    50,140 
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   -    - 

 

F-161
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 19 - Contingencies and restrictions (continued)

 

19.6Indirect guarantees, continued

 

   Debtor     Pending balances as of
the closing date of the
financial statements
 
Creditor of the guarantee  Name  Relationship  Type of
guarantee
  12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
 
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   -    - 

 

F-162
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 20 - Revenue

 

As of December 31, 2013 as 2012 and 2011, revenue is detailed as follows:

 

   January to December 
Types of revenue  2013   2012   2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
             
Sales of goods   2,191,650    2,420,357    2,138,264 
Lending of services   11,490    8,803    7,022 
Total   2,203,140    2,429,160    2,145,286 

 

Note 21 - Earnings per Share

 

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  12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
   12/31/2011
ThUS$
 
             
Earnings (losses) attributable to owners of the parent   467,113    649,167    545,758 

  

   12/31/2013
Units
   12/31/2012
Units
   12/31/2011
Units
 
Number of common shares in circulation   263,196,524    263,196,524    263,196,524 

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
             
Basic earnings per share (US$ per share)   1.7748    2.4665    2,07 

 

The Company has not made any operation with a potential dilutive effect that assumes diluted earnings per share different from the basic earnings per share.

 

F-163
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 22 - Borrowing costs

 

The cost of interest is recognized as an expense 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 which comply with the requirements of IAS 23. As of December 31, 2013, total interest expenses incurred amount to ThUS$58,608 (ThUS$54,095 as of December 31, 2012), and THUS$39,335 as of December 31, 2011.

 

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.

 

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:

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
         
Capitalization rate of costs for capitalized interest, property, plant and equipment   7%   7%
           
Amount of costs for interest capitalized in ThUS$   17,232    14,153 

 

F-164
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

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:

 

   12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
   12/31/2011
ThUS$
 
             
Foreign exchange gains (losses) recognized in the result of the year.   (11,954)   (26,787)   (25,307)
Foreign exchange reserves attributable to the owners of the controlling entity   (3,487)   921    (2,781)
                
Foreign exchange conversion reserves attributable to the non-controlling entity   (72)   61    (109)

 

b)Reserves for foreign currency exchange differences:

 

As of December 31, 2013 as December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, foreign currency exchange differences are detailed as follows:

 

Detail  12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
   12/31/2011
ThUS$
 
             
Changes in equity generated through the equity method:               
Comercial Hydro S.A.   1,004    1,004    937 
SQMC Internacional Ltda.   22    39    23 
Proinsa Ltda.   16    29    17 
Comercial Agrorama Ltda.   36    87    102 
Isapre Norte Grande Ltda.   15    59    55 
Almacenes y Depósitos Ltda.   69    99    57 
Sales de Magnesio Ltda.   103    209    48 
Sociedad Prestadora de Servicios de Salud Cruz del Norte S.A.    9    20    24 
Agrorama S.A.   (16)   (6)   (11)
Doktor Tarsa   (3,647)   (1,074)   (2,003)
Nutrisi Holding B.V.   -    -    (42)
SQM Vitas Fzco   (657)   (318)   (159)
Ajay Europe   146    (275)   (176)
SQM Eastmed Turkey   (42)   (42)   (40)
Charlee SQM (Thailand) Co. Lta.   (129)   (32)   (52)
Coromandel SQM India   (231)   (118)   (31)
SQM Italia SRL   89    28    - 
SQM Oceania Pty Limited   (619)   (39)   - 
SQM Indonesia S.A.   15    -    - 
Total   (3,817)   (330)   (1,251)

 

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 US dollar.

 

F-165
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 23 - Effect of fluctuations on foreign currency exchange rates (continued)

 

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).

 

Note 24 - Environment

  

24.1Disclosures 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.

 

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 Maria 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 (Atacama Saltpeter Deposit) 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.

 

F-166
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 24- Environment (continued)

 

24.1Disclosures of disbursements related to the environment, continued

 

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, and in order to do so, it acts both individually and in conjunction with private and public entities.

 

24.2Detail of information on disbursements related to the environment

 

The accumulated disbursements in which the Company incurred as of December 31, 2013 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$20,043 and are detailed as follows:

 

F-167
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 24- Environment (continued)

 

24.2Detail 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 the disbursement is
associated
  Concept for which the disbursement was made or
will be made
  Asset /
Expense
  Description of
the asset or
expense Item
  Amount of
disbursement
for the Period
   Actual or
estimated date on
which
disbursements
were or will be
made
Others  Environmental-operational area  Not classified  Expense  Not-classified   1,753   12-31-2013
SQM Industrial S.A.  CQLX-S Carmen and Lagarto hazardous waste yard  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 Combustibles  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  Asset/ 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

 

F-168
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 24- Environment (continued)

 

24.2Detail 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 the disbursement is
associated
  Concept for which the disbursement was made or
will be made
  Asset /
Expense
  Description of
the asset or
expense Item
  Amount of
disbursement
for the Period
   Actual or
estimated date on
which
disbursements
were or will be
made
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
SQM S.A.  IPXE-Environmental monitoring plan Llamara Salt Flat  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

 

F-169
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 24- Environment (continued)

 

24.2Detail 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 the disbursement is
associated
  Concept for which the disbursement was made or
will be made
  Asset /
Expense
  Description of
the asset or
expense Item
  Amount of
disbursement
for the Period
   Actual or
estimated date on
which
disbursements
were or will be
made
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    

 

F-170
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 24- Environment (continued)

 

24.2Detail 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 the disbursement is
associated
  Concept for which the disbursement was
made or will be made
  Asset /
Expense
  Description of
the asset or
expense Item
  Amount of
disbursement
for the Period
   Actual or
estimated date on
which
disbursements
were 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 Combustibles  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   07-01-2011
SQM Industrial S.A.  PQLV-DIA Pedro de Valdivia Mine  Environmental processing  Asset  Not classified   103   06-01-2013
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 Llamara Salt Flat 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    

 

F-171
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 24- Environment (continued)

 

24.2Detail of information on disbursements related to the environment, continued

 

Accumulated expenses as of 12/31/2012, continued

 

Identification of the Parent
or subsidiary
  Name of the project with which the disbursement is
associated
  Concept for which the
disbursement was made
or will be made
  Asset /
Expense
  Description of
the asset or
expense Item
  Amount of
disbursement
for the Period
ThUS$
   Actual or estimated
date on which
disbursements were or
will be made
SQM Industrial S.A.  Environmental and community management (2012 Expense Accumulated as of 4Q)  Not classified  Expense  Not classified   1,808   12-31-2012
SQM Industrial S.A.  IQ8G- Improvement of Bureau of Exchange, offices and facilities  Medium projects (between ThUS$300 and ThUS$999)  Asset  Sustainability   72   12-31-2012
SQM Industrial S.A.  JQEZ – Change of Bertrams Prilling Boiler CS  Sustainability: Replacement of equipment  Asset  Development   235   12-31-2012
SQM Industrial S.A.  JQH9 – Purchase of Bertrams Boiler  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset  Development   600   12-31-2012
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 Combustibles  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset  Not classified   841   12-31-2012
SQM Industrial S.A.  MPQU - Construction of Hazardous Chemical Supplies warehouse  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset  Development   211   12-31-2012
SQM Industrial S.A.  MQ8M - Reconditioning monitoring station ME  Sustainability: Natural Resources  Expense  Not classified   8   12-31-2012
SQM Industrial S.A.  MQA8- Normalization gas system, external cafeterias (Stage 1: projects)  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Expense  Not classified   106   12-31-2012
SQM Industrial S.A.  MQAJ - Improvements to Camp Water and Sewage (P Contesse commitment to DDSS)  Sustainability: Natural Resources  Expense  Not classified   8   12-31-2012
SQM Industrial S.A.  MQHF -Sustaining of batteries ME  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset / Expense  Not classified   161   12-31-2012
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   12-31-2012
SQM Industrial S.A.  PPNK-Management of Ammonia PV stoppage plant  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset / Expense  Not classified   193   12-31-2012

 

F-172
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 24- Environment (continued)

 

24.2Detail of information on disbursements related to the environment, continued

 

Accumulated expenses as of 12/31/2012, continued

 

Identification of the Parent
or subsidiary
  Name of the project with which the disbursement is
associated
  Concept for which the
disbursement was made
or will be made
  Asset /
Expense
  Description of
the asset or
expense Item
  Amount of
disbursement
for the Period
ThUS$
   Actual or estimated
date on which
disbursements were or
will be made
SQM Industrial S.A.  PPZU - Standardize and certify Plant Fuel Tanks  Environmental processing  Asset  Not classified   1,763   12-31-2012
SQM Industrial S.A.  SQ7X-Reach 2011-2013  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Expense  Not classified   199   12-31-2012
SQM Industrial S.A.  TQA2 - Drainage Improvement Villa Prat  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Expense  Not classified   16   12-31-2012
SQM Industrial S.A.  CQLX-SCarmen and Lagarto hazardous waste yard  Sustainability  Expense  Not classified   47   12-31-2012
Sqm Industrial S.A.  MQBM-Archaeological Digging Deployment Maria Elena - Toco  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Expense  Not classified   7   12-31-2012
Sqm Industrial S.A.  MQK2-Elimination of PCBs I  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Expense  Not classified   16   12-31-2012
SQM Industrial S.A.  JQ8K – DIA Line 4 Floor Drying, Coya Sur  Environmental processing  Asset  Not classified   32   12-31-2012
SQM Industrial S.A.  FP55 - FPXA-EIA Pampa Blanca Expansion  Environmental processing  Asset  Not classified   1,425   12-31-2012
SQM Industrial S.A.  JQB6 - DIA Plant NPT4, Coya Sur  Environmental processing  Asset  Not classified   65   12-31-2012
SQM Industrial S.A.  PQLV-DIA Pedro de Valdivia Mine  Environmental processing  Asset  Not classified   131   12-31-2012
SQM S.A.  AQ0A-Drilling of 4 Wells for Change in Catchment Point at Pampa del Tamarugal  Increase of capacity  Asset  Development   534   12-31-2012
SQM S.A.  IPFT-Cultural Heritage Region I  Sustainability  Expense  Not Classified   166   12-31-2012

 

F-173
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 24- Environment (continued)

 

24.2Detail of information on disbursements related to the environment, continued

 

Accumulated expenses as of 12/31/2012, continued

 

Identification of
the Parent or
subsidiary
  Name of the project with which the disbursement is
associated
  Concept for which the
disbursement was made
or will be made
  Asset /
Expense
  Description of
the asset or
expense Item
  Amount of
disbursement
for the Period
   Actual or estimated
date on which
disbursements were or
will be made
SQM S.A.  IPXE-Environmental monitoring plan Llamara Salt Flat  Cost reduction  Expense  Not Classified   872   12-31-2012
SQM S.A.  IPXF-Environmental monitoring plan Pampa del Tamarugal  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Expense  Not Classified   881   12-31-2012
SQM S.A.  IQ08-PSA Llamara & Pampa del Tamarugal  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset  Development   1,759   12-31-2012
SQM S.A.  IQ0C-Mine Area Enhancement NV  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Expense  Not Classified   66   12-31-2012
SQM S.A.  IQ1K-Construcion of 3 observation wells in Sur Viejo  Capacity expansion  Asset  Development   195   12-31-2012
SQM S.A.  IQ1M-PSA Re-injection of water to Puquíos Llamara  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset  Not Classified   1,653   12-31-2012
SQM S.A.  IQ3S-Hazardous Materials Management Standardization  Sustainability  Asset-Expense  Not Classified   251   12-31-2012
SQM S.A.  IQ52- Nueva Victoria Environmental Office  Minor projects (between ThUS$50 and ThUS$299)  Expense  Not Classified   29   12-31-2012
SQM S.A.  IQ53-Cultural heritage route Soronal adduction (Pampa Hermosa)  General Projects (ThUS$ < 50)  Expense  Not Classified   24   12-31-2012
SQM S.A.  IQ54-Cultural heritage Pampa Hermosa  Minor projects (between ThUS$50 and ThUS$299)  Asset  Not Classified   500   12-31-2012
SQM S.A.  IQ9V – Quillagua Project  Minor projects (between ThUS$50 and ThUS$299)  Expense  Not classified   788   12-31-2012
SQM S.A.  PQB9-PQB9 - Change of exhaust extractor SO2 gas  Not classified  Asset  Not classified   178   12-31-2012

 

F-174
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 24- Environment (continued)

 

24.2Detail of information on disbursements related to the environment, continued

 

Accumulated expenses as of 12/31/2012, continued

 

Identification of
the Parent or
subsidiary
  Name of the project with which the disbursement is
associated
  Concept for which the
disbursement was made
or will be made
  Asset /
Expense
  Description of
the asset or
expense Item
  Amount of
disbursement
for the Period
   Actual or estimated
date on which
disbursements were
or will be made
SQM S.A.  MQLQ- Gas scrubbing system  Not classified  Asset  Development   324   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   61   12-31-2012
SQM S.A.  IQ6M -IQ6N-DIA  Nueva Victoria Sur Mine Expansion  Environmental processing  Asset  Not classified   115   12-31-2012
SQM S.A.  IP83 - DIA Expansion TLN-15  Environmental processing  Asset  Not classified   23   12-31-2012
SQM Salar S.A.  CQ4M – Regularization of Contractor facilities  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset  Not classified   17   12-31-2012
SQM Salar S.A.  CQ8U - New Changing Room CL - HL  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset  Not classified   242   12-31-2012
SQM Salar S.A.  LP82 - Project for the Promotion of Agricultural Activity in Communities of the Salt deposit  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Expense  Development   1,126   12-31-2012
SQM Salar S.A.  LPTF – Environmental study and exploration 2010  Environmental processing  Expense  Not classified   398   12-31-2012
SQM Salar S.A.  LPTJ - Improvements Sanitary Works  Sustainability:  Asset  Not classified   206   12-31-2012
SQM Salar S.A.  LQDM – Certification of tanks  Sustainability: Replacement of equipment  Asset  Not classified   146   12-31-2012
SQM Salar S.A.  LQI6-EIA Operating maintenance at Salar de Atacama  Environmental processing  Asset  Not classified   358   12-31-2012
SQM Salar S.A.  LQNI-DIA KCI Floor Drying and compacting expansion  Environmental processing  Asset  Not classified   19   12-31-2012
SIT S.A.  MQ6Y-MQ6Y - Maintenance and repair of ME and Tocopilla bureau of exchange  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Expense  Not classified   20   12-31-2012

 

F-175
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 24- Environment (continued)

 

24.2Detail of information on disbursements related to the environment, continued

 

Accumulated expenses as of 12/31/2012, continued

 

Identification of
the Parent or
subsidiary
  Name of the project with which the disbursement is
associated
  Concept for which the
disbursement was made
or will be made
  Asset /
Expense
  Description of
the asset or
expense Item
  Amount of
disbursement
for the Period
   Actual or estimated
date on which
disbursements were
or will be made
SIT S.A.  TPR8 - Disposal of liquid waste generation by aspiration  Sustainability:  Expense  Not classified   64   12-31-2012
SIT S.A.  TPYX - Enabling the dust collector of the crib and court seal 3 Tocopilla  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset / Expense  Development   1,658   12-31-2012
SIT S.A.  TQAP - Paving Field No. 3 and No. 4  Capacity Expansion  Expense  Not classified   13   12-31-2012
SIT S.A.  TQAV - Paving paths IV  Sustainability:  Asset  Development   3   12-31-2012
SIT S.A.  TQM2- Unloading/loading encapsulation project/Field 1 and 8  Sustainability:  Asset  Not classified   8   12-31-2012
SIT S.A.  TQLY- Dust extractor packing machine No. 1  Environmental processing  Asset  Not classified   25   12-31-2012
SIT S.A.  TQNA- Tocopilla weather station (Tocopilla Decontamination Plan Network)  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset  Not classified   15   12-31-2012
SIT S.A.  TQQ5- Environmental curtains Field No. 8  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Expense  Not classified   22   12-31-2012
SQM Nitratos S.A  IQDN - Storage Rises – Maintenance of Mine NV  Not classified  Asset  Not classified   26   12-31-2012
Minera Nueva Victoria S.A.  IQ4C - Development Camp (Osmosis and Others)  Minor projects (between ThUS$50 and ThUS$299)  Asset  Not classified   1,987   12-31-2012
SQM Nitratos S.A.  PQI9 – Mine waste water treatment plant  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset  Not classified   47   12-31-2012
SQM Nitratos S.A.  IQMH - Normalization Mine NV area operation  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset  Not classified   99   12-31-2012
SQM Salar S.A  LQFD – Bureaus of exchange  Not classified  Asset  Not classified   160   12-31-2012
            TOTAL   23,207    

 

F-176
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 24- Environment (continued)

 

 

24.2Detail of information on disbursements related to the environment, continued

 

Future expenses as of 12/31/2012

 

Identification of
the Parent or
subsidiary
  Name of the project with which the disbursement is
associated
  Concept for which the
disbursement was made
or will be made
  Asset /
Expense
  Description
of the asset
or expense
Item
  Amount of
disbursement
for the Period
   Actual or
estimated date on
which
disbursements
were or will be
made
SQM Industrial S.A.  Environmental and Community Management (Budget available for the second quarter of 2012)  Not classified  Expense  Not classified   2,027   12-31-2013
SQM Industrial S.A.  MNYS - Measures of Technological Change Cultural Heritage Dissemination Maria Elena  Environmental processing  Expense  Not classified   68   12-31-2013
SQM Industrial S.A.  MP5W - Normalization TK´s Combustibles  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset  Not classified   1,600   12-31-2013
SQM Industrial S.A.  MPQU - Construction of Hazardous Chemical Supplies warehouse  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset  Development   152   06-30-2013
SQM Industrial S.A.  MQHF -Sustaining of batteries ME  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset - Expense  Not classified   16   08-01-2013
SQM Industrial S.A.  PPC1-Remove switches park OCB sub 3 and 1/12 Pedro de Valdivia  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Expense  Not classified   44   12-31-2013
SQM Industrial S.A.  PPZU - Standardize and certify Plant Fuel Tanks  Environmental processing  Asset  Not classified   1,315   12-31-2013
SQM Industrial S.A.  SQ7X-Reach 2011-2013  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Expense  Not classified   20   01-31-2014
SQM Industrial S.A.  TQA2 - Drainage Improvement Villa Prat  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Expense  Not classified   104   06-30-2013
SQM Industrial S.A.  CQLX- S Carmen and Lagarto hazardous waste yard  Sustainability  Asset  Not classified   53   03-31-2013
SQM Industrial S.A.  JQL7- KNO3 prilled dust collection and drying engineering and project  Sustainability  Asset  Research   200   08-01-2013
SQM Industrial S.A.  MQBM - Archaeological Digging Deployment Maria Elena - Toco  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Expense  Not classified   49   03-31-2013
SQM Industrial S.A.  MQK2 – Elimination of PCBs I  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Expense  Not classified   554   03-31-2014
SQM Industrial S.A.  FP55 - FPXA-EIA Pampa Blanca Expansion  Environmental processing  Asset  Not classified   135   08-31-2013

 

F-177
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 24- Environment (continued)

 

24.2Detail of information on disbursements related to the environment, continued

 

Future expenses as of 12/31/2012

 

Identification of
the Parent or
subsidiary
  Name of the project with which the disbursement is
associated
  Concept for which the
disbursement was made
or will be made
  Asset /
Expense
  Description
of the asset
or expense
Item
  Amount of
disbursement
for the Period
   Actual or
estimated date on
which
disbursements
were or will be
made
SQM Industrial S.A.  JQB6 - DIA Plant NPT4, Coya Sur  Environmental processing  Asset  Not classified   5   11-30-2013
SQM Industrial S.A.  PQLV-DIA Pedro de Valdivia Mine  Environmental processing  Asset  Not classified   243   09-30-2013
SQM S.A.  IPFT - Cultural Heritage Region I  Sustainability  Expense  Not classified   17   03-31-2013
SQM S.A.  IPXE - Environmental Monitoring Plan Llamara Salt flat  Cost reduction  Expense  Not classified   87   03-31-2013
SQM S.A.  IPXF - Environmental Monitoring Plan Pampa del Tamarugal  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Expense  Not classified   168   06-30-2013
SQM S.A.  IQ1M - PSA Re-injection of water to Puquios Llamara  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset  Not classified   441   12-31-2013
SQM S.A.  IQ3S- Hazardous Materials Management Standardization  Sustainability  Asset - Expense  Not classified   148   12-31-2013
SQM S.A.  IQ54 - Cultural heritage Pampa Hermosa  Minor projects (between ThUS$50 and ThUS$299)  Asset  Not classified   219   12-31-2013
SQM S.A.  MQLQ- Gas scrubbing system  Not classified  Asset  Development   288   06-30-2013
SQM S.A.  IQOW- Deposit authorization for Humberstone heritage  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Expense  Not classified   38   03-31-2013
SQM S.A.  IQ6M -IQ6N-DIA Nueva Victoria Sur Mine Expansion  Environmental processing  Asset  Not classified   2   03-31-2013
SQM Salar S.A.  LQDM – Certification of tanks  Sustainability: Replacement of equipment  Asset  Not classified   600   12-31-2013
SQM Salar S.A.  LQI6-EIA Operating maintenance at Salar de Atacama  Environmental processing  Asset  Not classified   265   06-30-2013
SQM Salar S.A.  LQNI-DIA KCI Floor Drying and compacting expansion  Environmental processing  Asset  Not classified   16   08-31-2013
SIT S.A.  TPYX - Enabling the dust collector of the crib and court seal 3 Tocopilla  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset / Expense  Development   40   12-31-2013

 

F-178
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 24- Environment (continued)

 

24.2Detail of information on disbursements related to the environment, continued

 

Future expenses as of 12/31/2012

 

Identification of
the Parent or
subsidiary
  Name of the project with which the disbursement is
associated
  Concept for which the
disbursement was made
or will be made
  Asset /
Expense
  Description
of the asset
or expense
Item
  Amount of
disbursement
for the Period
   Actual or
estimated date on
which
disbursements
were or will be
made
SIT S.A.  TQAV - Paving paths IV  Sustainability  Asset  Development   162   12-31-2013
SIT S.A.  TQQ5- Environmental curtains Field No. 8  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Expense  Not classified   30   04-27-2013
SQM Nitratos S.A.  IQMH - Normalization Mine NV area operation  Sustainability: Environment and Risk prevention  Asset  Not classified   157   03-31-2013
SQM Salar S.A.  LQG8 – Waste room  Toconao Campsite  Sustainability: Natural Resources  Expense  Not classified   16   03-31-2012
            Total   9,279    

 

F-179
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 24 – Environment (continued)

  

24.3Description of each project, indicating whether these are in process or have been finished

 

SQM Industrial S.A.

 

CQLX: The project includes the construction at each location a courtyard of 145 m2 approx. The project is finished.

 

FP55 – FPXA: These 2 projects have a final objective consisting in the installation of a sea water sucking system of 87 km from the Mejillones area to the SQM facilities located in Pampa Blanca. The projected expenses correspond only to the filing of the EIA of the PB mine zone and the EIA of the PB expansion. Both projects are in process.

 

IQW2: Gathering, information and recording into the Company’s system of the water level, volume, instantaneous and average flow data of the exploitation wells that are currently in the Operations Center No.1, LLamara area wells, two wells Iris area and the information of the Sonoral wells that will be provided during the current year. The purpose of this project is to monitor in real time the exploitation variables of water resources and be able to perform a more precise control of extractions. The project is in process.

 

IQWZ: Perform an analysis of the Tank facilities (civil works, mechanical work, piping, electrical work and instrumentation) by a company specialized in liquid fuels and that is a Certifying Entity. After that, performing the detail engineering and then implementing 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.

 

JQ8K: This project has the purpose of building a new drying plant in Coya Sur. The projected expenses correspond only to the environmental filing. The project is in finishing stage.

 

JQB6: Preparation and filing of the EID of project NPT4 of Coya Sur, which increases the salt production capacity. The project is in process.

 

JQH9: The purpose of this project is to purchase Bertram’s boilers in order to improve the combustion levels, decrease and control the emission of fumes to the environment. The project is closed.

 

JQL7: Perform a study that allows optimizing the dust collection and lost product in KNO3 drying and CS prilling plants in the future. Assess accurately the product lost in dust. The project is in process.

 

F-180
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 24 - Environment (continued)

 

24.3Description of each project, indicating whether these are in process or have been finished, continued

 

MNYS: Preparation and execution of a project of geoglyphs conservation; editing and publishing a book and implementing a diffusion center. Construction of a collection deposit. All these are compensation measures of the project Technological Change Maria Elena. The project is in process.

 

MP5W: Normalization of the fuel storage and distribution system in SQM installations. The project is in process.

 

MPQU: Construction of warehouses for dangerous chemicals supplies in order to decrease the chance of accidents and pollution. The project is in process.

 

MQA8: Normalization of gas networks of peripheral casinos (stage 1: projects): CS, Lagarto, Iodum, PV, Toco and Rancho 6. The Project is in process.

 

MQBM: Implementing archeological measures in Maria Elena – Toco site, such as the archeological registry, analysis of lithic materials, and generation of reports. The project is in process.

 

MQHF: Enable a wastewater plant in Toco according to SD 594, a change room for operators and contractors, among other things. The project is finished.

 

MQK2: The project involves the decontamination of equipment and items contaminated with PCBs and / or final disposal in accordance with applicable regulations. The project is in process.

 

PPC1: Purchase and replacement of equipment contaminated with PCB and obsolete equipment without spare parts. The project is in process.

 

PPZU: The necessary actions to normalize and certify certified fuel tanks in the plants in María Elena, Coya Sur and Pedro de Valdivia were performed. The project is in process.

 

PQLV: Preparation and filing of EID Pedro de Valdivia. The 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.

 

F-181
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 24 - Environment (continued)

 

24.3Description of each project, indicating whether these are in process or have been finished, continued

 

SQ7X: The purpose of this project is to obtain and record information of components and finished products of SQM in the ECHA database in order to comply with the requirements set by the REACH regulation of the European Union. The project is in finishing stage.

 

TQA2: This project aims to improve the sewerage system of Villa Prat. The project is in finishing stage.

 

SQM S.A.

 

IP83: Preparation and filing of the EID of the Project “Extension TLN-15”. The projected expenses only include the environment document filing. The project is in process.

 

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 in finishing stage.

 

IPXE: To implement the plan of environment follow-up of Project Pampa Hermosa in Salar de Llamara. The project is in finishing stage.

 

IPXF: To implement the environment plan follow-up of the project Pampa Hermosa in Pampa del Tamarugal. The project is in finishing stage.

 

IQ1M: To implement 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 finishing stage.

 

IQ3S: Improvements in the storage installations of dangerous raw materials in Nueva Victoria. The project is in process.

 

IQ54: This corresponds to the implementation of environmental commitments acquired through the environment assessment of the project Pampa Hermosa (RCA N°890/2010). The project is in process.

 

F-182
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 24 - Environment (continued)

 

24.3Description of each project, indicating whether these are in process or have been finished, continued

 

IQOW: Enable 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 finishing stage.

 

IQPJ: The project consists of the implementation of heritage measures involved in the Environmental Assessment for the mine areas. The measures will be implemented according to the requirements of the mining operation VPONV.

 

IQWS: Implementation of heritage-related environmental commitments, to make 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.

 

IQX6: Implementation of environmental commitments of the Pampa Hermosa Project at Pampa del Tamarugal contemplated for the years 2013-2014. The project is in process.

 

IQXB: Implementation of environmental commitments of the Pampa Hermosa Project at Salar de Llamara contemplated for the years 2013-2014. The project is in process.

 

MQLQ: Design and implement a system to scrub gases allowing mitigating of SO2 emissions, this system should be aligned to SQM´s Sustainable Development Policy. The project is in process.

 

SQM Salar S.A.

 

LQG8: Increase the capacity of the waste room of Toconao Camp, in order to avoid accumulation problems and waste handling. The project is in process.

 

LQDM: Certification of the liquid fuel storage tanks. The project is in process.

 

LQI6: Preparation and processing of the EIA Update Operations in the Salar de Atacama. The project is in process.

 

F-183
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 24 - Environment (continued)

 

24.3Description of each project, indicating whether these are in process or have been finished, continued

 

LQNI: Preparation and processing of EID of project "Expansion of Drying and KCI Compacting Plant". The expenses considered include environmental processing only. The project is in process.

 

LQSZ: To perform certifications to comply with the SEC regulations.

 

SIT S.A.

 

TPYX: To comply with the commitment of decreasing the emission of particulate material towards the city of Tocopilla. The project is in process.

 

TQAV: Paving and maintenance of internal roads of the port of Tocopilla, to decrease pollution and to comply with the Supreme Decree related to the saturated zone. The project is in process.

 

TQLY: This project aims at eliminating environmental contamination that may exist in the areas of work of operators. The project is in process.

 

TQQ5: This project aims to contain emissions of particulate matter to prevent contamination to adjacent communities. The project is in process

 

SQM Nitratos S.A.

 

IQMH: Creation of an area allowing to store hazardous substances. The project is in process.

 

PQI9: Construction of a new pit replacing the current with a new waste water treatment technology. The project is in process.

 

F-184
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 25 - Other current and non-current non-financial assets

 

As of December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012, the detail of other current and non-current assets is as follows:

 

Other non-financial  assets, current  12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
 
Domestic Value Added Tax   21,263    42,136 
Foreign Value Added Tax   5,842    9,306 
Prepaid mining licenses   1,522    1,512 
Prepaid insurance   9,767    8,278 
Other prepayments   623    494 
Other assets   5,213    6,094 
Total   44,230    67,820 

 

Other non-financial  assets, non-current  12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
 
Stain development expenses and prospecting expenses (1)   33,388    22,496 
Guarantee deposits   708    571 
Pension plan   987    - 
Other assets   1,422    272 
Total   36,505    23,339 

 

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, 2013, and December 31, 2012:

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
Reconciliation  ThUS$   ThUS$ 
         
Assets for the exploration and evaluation of mineral resources, net, opening balance   22,496    21,395 
Changes in assets for exploration and assessment of mineral resources:          
Additions, other than business combinations   13,064    843 
Depreciation and amortization   (2,059)   (2,080)
Increase (Decrease) due to transfers and other charges   (113)   2,338 
Assets for exploration and assessment of mineral resources, net, closing balance   33,388    22,496 

 

-As of the presentation date, no reevaluations of assets for exploration and assessment of mineral resources have been conducted.

 

F-185
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 26 - Operating segments

 

26.1Operating segments

 

General information:

 

The amount of each item presented in each operating segment is equal to that reported to the highest 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 and 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.

 

F-186
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 26 - Operating segments (continued)

 

26.1Operating segments, continued

 

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".

 

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 to which they affect and as this information is not used by management in decisions 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 that affects them and as 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.

  

F-187
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 26 - Operating segments (continued)

 

26.2Operating segment disclosures as of December 31, 2013 as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

12/31/2013
  Specialty
plant
nutrients
   Iodine and
its
derivatives
   Lithium and
its
derivatives
   Industrial
chemicals
   Potassium   Other
products
and
services
   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$ 
                                             
Revenue   687,455    461,015    196,492    153,963    606,315    97,900    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)   -    -    - 
                                                        
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    (2,077,534)   -    -    2,203,140 
                                                        
Interest revenue   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
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)
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)
Other items other tan significant cash   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -         -    - 
Income (loss) before taxes   151,388    258,366    97,248    43,042    162,327    93,079    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    (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    (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 
Equity and liability                                                     4,767,608 
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss   (15,985)   (1,832)   (783)   (3,733)   (2,509)   (352)   (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)

 

F-188
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 26 - Operating segments (continued)

 

26.2Operating segment disclosures as of December 31, 2013 as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

12/31/2012
  Specialty
plant
nutrients
   Iodine and
its
derivatives
   Lithium
and its
derivatives
   Industrial
chemicals
   Potassium   Other
products
and
services
   Operating
segments
   Elimination
of inter-
segments
amounts
   Unallocated
amounts
   Significant
reconciliation
entries
   Total 
12/31/2012
 
Operating segment items  ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                                             
Revenue   675,350    578,091    222,238    245,208    605,059    103,214    2,429,160    -    -    -    2,429,160 
Revenues from transactions with other operating segments of the same entity   265,814    848,243    154,248    348,667    569,219    493,884    2,680,075    (2,680,075)   -    -    - 
                                                        
Revenues from external customers and transactions with other operating segments of the same entity   941,164    1,426,334    376,486    593,875    1,174,278    597,098    5,109,235    (2,680,075)   -    -    2,429,160 
                                                        
Interest revenue   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Interest expense   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    225,396    (279,491)   -    (54,095)
depreciation and amortization expense   (54,383)   (47,100)   (17,896)   (19,745)   (48,723)   (8,311)   (196,158)   -    -    -    (196,158)
The entity’s interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    24,357    -    24,357 
income tax expense, continuing operations   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (216,082)   -    (216,082)
Other items other tan significant cash   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -         -    - 
Income (loss) before taxes   217,880    362,518    110,695    83,055    246,027    8,419    1,028,594    (786,634)   631,491    -    873,451 
                                                        
Net income (loss) from continuing operations   217,880    362,518    110,695    83,055    246,027    8,419    1,028,594    (786,634)   415,409    -    657,369 
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations                                                       
Net income (loss)   217,880    362,518    110,695    83,055    246,027    8,419    1,028,594    (786,634)   415,409    -    657,369 
                                                        
Assets   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (7,296,791)   11,713,222    -    4,416,431 
Equity-accounted investees   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (3,423,758)   3.494,056    -    70,298 
Increase of non-current assets   -    -    -    -    -    -    -         255,363    -    255,363 
Liabilities   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (3,393,525)   5,622,510    -    2,228,985 
Equity                                                     2,187,446 
Equity and liability                                                     4,416,431 
Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit and loss for the year                       -         -         -         - 
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss   (10,281)   (2,081)   (162)   (3,043)   (2,471)   (120)   (18,158)   -    (2,900)   -    (21,058)
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    650,206    -    650,206 
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (562,885)   -    (562,885)
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (197,697)   -    (197,697)

  

F-189
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 26 - Operating segments (continued)

 

26.2Operating segment disclosures as of December 31, 2013 as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

12/31/2011
   Specialty
plant
nutrients
   Iodine and
its
derivatives
   Lithium
and its
derivatives
   Industrial
chemicals
   Potassium   Other
products
and
services
   Operating
segments
   Elimination
of inter-
segments
amounts
   Unallocated
amounts
   Significant
reconciliation
entries
   Total 
12/31/2011
 
Operating segment items  ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                                             
Revenue   721,696    454,468    183,403    139,508    555,742    90,469    2,145,286    -    -    -    2,145,286 
Revenues from transactions with other operating segments of the same entity   268,628    620,516    136,894    265,298    568,393    365,225    2,224,954    (2,224,954)   -    -    - 
                                                        
Revenues from external customers and transactions with other operating segments of the same entity   990,324    1,074,984    320,297    404,806    1,124,135    455,694    4,370,240    (2,224,954)   -    -    2,145,286 
                                                        
Interest revenue   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Interest expense   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    196,461    (235,796)   -    (54,095)
depreciation and amortization expense   (65,902)   (41,500)   (16,747)   (12,739)   (50,748)   (8,261)   (195,897)   -    -    -    (195,897)
The entity’s interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    21,808    -    21,808 
income tax expense, continuing operations   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (179,710)   -    (179,710)
Other items other tan significant cash   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -         -    - 
Income (loss) before taxes   227,476    262,361    85,230    56,005    218,264    5,456    854,792    (757,832)   636,869    -    733,829 
                                                        
Net income (loss) from continuing operations   227,476    262,361    85,230    56,005    218,264    5,456    854,792    (757,832)   457,159    -    554,119 
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations                                                       
Net income (loss)   227,476    262,361    85,230    56,005    218,264    5,456    854,792    (757,832)   457,159    -    554,119 
                                                        
Assets   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (6,740,071)   10,611,654    -    3,871,583 
Equity-accounted investees   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (2,595,886)   2,656,580    -    60,694 
Increase of non-current assets   -    -    -    -    -    -    -         207,320    -    207,320 
Liabilities   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (3,699,768)   5,706,971    -    2,007,203 
Equity                                                     1,864,380 
Equity and liability                                                     3,871,583 
Reversal of impairment losses recognized in profit and loss for the year                       1,543         1,543         179         1,722 
Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss   (3,379)   (596)   (420)   (3,085)   -    (207)   (7,687)   -    (5,364)   -    (13,051)
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    571,345    -    571,345 
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (516,228)   -    (516,228)
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (105,196)   -    (105,196)

 

F-190
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 26 - Operating segments (continued)

 

26.3Statement of comprehensive income classified by operating segments based on groups of products as of December 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 

 

F-191
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 26 - Operating segments (continued)

 

26.3Statement of comprehensive income classified by operating segments based on groups of products as of December 31, 2012:

 

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   675,350    578,091    222,238    245,208    605,059    103,214    -    2,429,160 
Cost of sales   (457,470)   (215,573)   (111,543)   (162,153)   (359,032)   (94,796)   -    (1,400,567)
                                         
Gross profit   217,880    362,518    110,695    83,055    246,027    8,418    -    1,028,593 
                                         
Other incomes by function   -    -    -    -    -    -    12,702    12,702 
Administrative expenses   -    -    -    -    -    -    (106,442)   (106,442)
Other expenses by function   -    -    -    -    -    -    (34,628)   (34,628)
Other gains (losses)   -    -    -    -    -    -    683    683 
Financial income   -    -    -    -    -    -    29,068    29,068 
Financial costs   -    -    -    -    -    -    (54,095)   (54,095)
interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method   -    -    -    -    -    -    24,357    24,357 
Exchange differences   -    -    -    -    -    -    (26,787)   (26,787)
Profit (loss )before taxes   217,880    362,518    110,695    83,055    246,027    8,418    (155,142)   873,451 
Income tax expense   -    -    -    -    -    -    (216,082)   (216,082)
Profit (loss )from continuing operations   217,880    362,518    110,695    83,055    246,027    8,418    (371,224)   657,369 
Profit (loss ) from discontinued operations   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Profit (loss)   217,880    362,518    110,695    83,055    246,027    8,418    (371,224)   657,369 
Profit (loss, attributable to                                        
Profit (loss ) attributable to the controller´s owners   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    649,167 
Profit (loss ) attributable to the non-controllers   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    8,202 
Profit (loss)   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    657,369 

 

F-192
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 26 - Operating segments (continued)

 

26.3Statement of comprehensive income classified by operating segments based on groups of products as of December 31, 2011:

 

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   721,696    454,468    183,403    139,508    555,742    90,469    -    2,145,286 
Cost of sales   (494,220)   (192,107)   (98,173)   (83,503)   (337,478)   (85,013)   -    (1,290,494)
                                         
Gross profit   227,476    262,361    85,230    56,005    218,264    5,456    -    854,792 
                                         
Other incomes by function   -    -    -    -    -    -    47,681    47,681 
Administrative expenses   -    -    -    -    -    -    (91,760)   (91,760)
Other expenses by function   -    -    -    -    -    -    (63,047)   (63,047)
Other gains (losses)   -    -    -    -    -    -    5,787    5,787 
Financial income   -    -    -    -    -    -    23,210    23,210 
Financial costs   -    -    -    -    -    -    (39,335)   (39,335)
interest in the profit or loss of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method   -    -    -    -    -    -    21,808    21,808 
Exchange differences   -    -    -    -    -    -    (25,307)   (25,307)
Profit (loss )before taxes   227,476    262,361    85,230    56,005    218,264    5,456    (120,963)   733,829 
Income tax expense   -    -    -    -    -    -    (179,710)   (179,710)
Profit (loss )from continuing operations   227,476    262,361    85,230    56,005    218,264    5,456    (300,673)   554,119 
Profit (loss ) from discontinued operations   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Profit (loss)   227,476    262,361    85,230    56,005    218,264    5,456    (300,673)   554,119 
Profit (loss, attributable to                                        
Profit (loss ) attributable to the controller´s owners   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    545,758 
Profit (loss ) attributable to the non-controllers   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    8,361 
Profit (loss)   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    554,119 

  

F-193
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 26 - Operating segments (continued)

 

26.4Revenue from transactions with other Company operating segments as of December 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 

  

26.4Revenue from transactions with other Company operating segments as of December 31, 2012

 

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   675,350    578,091    222,238    245,208    605,059    103,214    2,429,160 

 

26.4Revenue from transactions with other Company operating segments as of December 31, 2011

 

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   721,696    454,468    183,403    139,508    555,742    90,469    2,145,286 

 

F-194
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 26 - Operating segments (continued)

 

26.5Disclosures 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.

 

26.6Disclosures 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.

 

F-195
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 26 - Operating segments (continued)

 

26.7Segments by geographical areas as of December 31, 2013 as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

  Chile   Latin America
and the
Caribbean
   Europe   North
America
   Asia and
others
   12/31/2013 
Items  ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                               
Revenue   242,373    379,063    504,043    546,075    531,586    2,203,140 
                               
Non-current assets:   2,218,631    434    36,680    16,636    38,270    2,310,651 
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 

 

  Chile   Latin America
and the
Caribbean
   Europe   North
America
   Asia and
others
   12/31/2012 
Items  ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                               
Revenue   269,421    416,089    558,245    619,667    565,738    2,429,160 
                               
Non-current assets:   2,054,806    488    35,709    18,066    29,602    2,138,671 
Investment accounted for under the equity method   1,656    -    24,051    15,357    29,234    70,298 
Intangible assets other than goodwill   23,630    -    -    378    5    24,013 
Goodwill   26,929    86    11,373    -    -    38,388 
Property, plant and equipment, net   1,985,128    183    285    2,331    363    1,988,290 
Investment property   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Other non-current assets   17,463    219    -    -    -    17,682 

 

F-196
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 26 - Operating segments (continued)

 

26.7Segments by geographical areas as of December 31, 2013 as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

  Chile   Latin America
and the
Caribbean
   Europe   North
America
   Asia and
others
   12/31/2011 
Items  ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                               
Revenue   247,510    284,605    837,126    445,048    330,997    2,145,286 
                               
Non-current assets:   1,809,871    1,757    28,681    15,335    27,664    1,883,308 
Investment accounted for under the equity method   1,444    -    16,919    14,867    27,464    60,694 
Intangible assets other than goodwill   3,877    -    -    439    -    4,316 
Goodwill   27,146    86    11,373    -    -    38,388 
Property, plant and equipment, net   1,752,991    1,433    389    29    200    1,755,042 
Investment property   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Other non-current assets   24,413    238    -    -    -    24,651 

 

F-197
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 26 - Operating segments (continued)

 

26.8Property, 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

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

  

F-198
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Nota 27 - Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income by function of expenses, included according to their nature

 

      12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
      ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
27.1  Revenue            
                   
  Products   2,191,650    2,420,357    2,38,264 
  Services   11,490    8,803    7,022 
                   
  Total   2,203,140    2,429,160    2,145,286 

  

      12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
      ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
27.2  Cost of sales            
            
  Raw material and supplies   (811,518)   (1,066,803)   (762,350)
                   
   Types of employee benefits expenses               
   Salaries and wages   (138,937)   (134,400)   (104,757)
   Other short-term employee benefits   (44,601)   (66,370)   (52,804)
   Termination benefit expenses   (10,811)   (4,325)   (4,646)
  Total employee benefits expenses   (194,349)   (205,095)   (162,207)
                   
   Depreciation expense   (216,388)   (190,509)   (163,438)
   Amortization expense   -    -      
   Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss for the year   (25,195)   (1,762)   (6,144)
   Other expenses, by nature (*)   (234,240)   63,602    (196,355)
                   
   Total    (1,481,690)   (1,400,567)   (1,290,494)

 

(*)Include the variation of finished and products in-process

 

F-199
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 27 - Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income by function of expenses, included according to their nature (continued)

 

      12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
      ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
27.3  Other income            
                
   Discounts obtained from suppliers   1,349    648    777 
  Compensation received and insurance claim recovery   5,306    5,240    1,271 
   Penalties charged to suppliers   374    312    453 
   Taxes recovered   9    15    12 
   Excess in the provision of liabilities with 3rd parties   712    669    630 
   Excess in allowance for doubtful accounts   -    154    178 
   Sale of Property, plant and equipment   107    281    2,213 
   Sale of materials, spare parts and supplies   1,392    1,388    959 
   Sale of mining concessions (1)   86,157    1,578    613 
   Sale of scrap   27    176    141 
   Indemnity Minera Esperanza   -    28    192 
  Excess indemnity provision Yara South Africa   272    335    - 
   Lowest Price paid in portfolio purchase   337    -      
   Lowest Price in goodwill purchases   248    -      
   Change inventory provision             559 
   Sale of concession of Minera Sierra Gorda             37,679 
   Other operating results   426    1,878    2,004 
                   
   Total   96,716    12,702    47,681 

 

(1)During 2013, the Company, Antofagasta Minerals S.A. and Minera Antucoya entered into an amendment to their Mining Claim Sale Contract in relation to the “Antucoya Project”, whereby the Company sold certain mining concessions for ThUS$84,000. The amendment provided a one time cash payment in lieu of annual royalty payments.

 

      12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
      ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
27.4  Administrative expenses            
                
  Employee benefit expenses by nature               
   Salaries and wages   (48,033)   (44,429)   (42,609)
   Other short-term benefits to employees   (3,176)   (2,868)   (3,884)
                   
  Total employee benefit expenses   (51,209)   (47,297)   (46,493)
                   
   Other expenses, by nature   (53,980)   (59,145)   (45,267)
                   
   Total   (105,189)   (106,442)   (91,760)

 

F-200
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Nota 27 - Gains (losses) from operating activities in the statement of income by function of expenses, included according to their nature (continued)

 

      12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
      ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
27.5  Other expenses by function            
                
  Employee benefit expenses by nature               
   Other short-term benefits to employees   (6)   (24)   (16)
                   
   Depreciation and amortization expenses               
   Depreciation of stopped assets   (433)   (5,649)   (32,459)
                   
   Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss for the year               
   Impairment of allowance for doubtful accounts   (732)   (1,054)   (3,364)
                   
   Subtotal to date   (732)   (1,054)   (3,364)
                   
   Other expenses, by nature               
   Legal Expenses   (3,791)   (1,984)   (2,422)
   Worksite stoppage expenses   (75)   (75)   - 
  VAT and other unrecoverable tax   (1,196)   (1,182)   (685)
   Fines paid   (444)   (790)   - 
   Consultancy services   (8)   (19)   - 
   Provisions, investment and material plan expenses   (19,397)   (15,578)   (13,462)
   Donations rejected as expense   (5,253)   (5,517)   (2,557)
   Provision for work closing   (1,276)   (634)   (224)
   Legal provision   -    -    (3,500)
   Adjustment to net realizable value of items of PP&E   (10,085)   -      
   Indemnities paid   (146)   (281)   (3,495)
   Other operating expenses   (6,555)   (1,841)   (863)
                   
   Subtotal to date   (48,226)   (27,901)   (27,208)
                   
   Total   (49,397)   (34,628)   (63,047)

  

      12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
      ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
27.6  Other income (expenses)            
                
   Personnel restructuring expenses   (11,545)   -      
  Sale of investment in associates   -    (404)   1,467 
   Retirement plan provision   -    -    880 
   El Toco closing provision   -    -    3,016 
   Other   154    1,087    424 
                   
   Total   (11,391)   683    5,787 

 

F-201
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

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 :  January to December 
       2013   2012   2011 
       ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                 
    Raw material and supplies used   (811,518)   (1,066,803)   (762,350)
                    
    Types of employee benefits expenses               
                    
    Salaries and wages   (186,970)   (178,829)   (147,366)
    Other short-term employee benefits   (47,783)   (69,262)   (56,704)
    Termination benefit expenses   (10,811)   (4,325)   (4,646)
    Total employee benefit expenses   (245,564)   (252,416)   (208,716)
    Depreciation and amortization expenses               
    Depreciation expense   (216,821)   (196,158)   (195,897)
    Amortization expense   -    -      
    Impairment loss recognized in profit or loss for the year   (25,927)   (2,816)   (11,508)
    Other expenses, by nature   (347,837)   (23,444)   (266,830)
                    
    Total expenses, by nature   (1,647,667)   (1,541,637)   (1,445,301)

  

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  January to December     
       2013   2012   2011 
       ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
                 
    Interest expense from bank borrowings and overdrafts   (3,186)   (2,613)   (2,271)
    Interest expense from bonds   (62,966)   (54,130)   (50,900)
    Interest expense from loans   (8,691)   (10,043)   (6,304)
    Capitalized interest expenses   17,232    14,153    22,249 
    Other finance costs   (997)   (1,462)   (2,109)
                    
    Total   (58,608)   (54,095)   (39,335)

 

F-202
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Nota 28 - Income tax and deferred taxes

 

Accounts receivable from taxes as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, are as follows:

 

28.1Current tax assets:

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Monthly provisional income tax payments, Chilean companies current year   44,018    23,713 
Monthly provisional payment Royalty   10,417    2,430 
Monthly provisional income tax payments, foreign companies   1,444    1,979 
Corporate tax credits (1)   2,025    144 
Corporate tax absorbed by tax losses (2)   1,572    1,968 
Total   59,476    30,234 

 

(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 2013 and 2012.

 

(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 (20%, 17%, 16.5%, 16%, 15%, 10% 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.

 

F-203
 

  

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 28 - Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)

 

28.1Current tax assets, continued

 

Taxpayers 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.

 

28.2Current tax liabilities:

 

Current tax liabilities  12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
1st Category income tax   21,466    9,811 
Royalty tax on mining activity   -    3,597 
Foreign company income tax   10,113    10,206 
Article 21 Single Tax   128    10 
Total   31,707    23,624 

 

Income tax is determined on the basis of the determination of tax result to which the tax rate currently in force in Chile is applied. As established by Law 20.630, beginning on 2012 and after this tax rate is 20%.

 

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.

 

28.3Tax earnings

 

As of December 31, 2013 as December 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011 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:

 

   12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
   12/31/2011
ThUS$
 
Taxable profits with credit rights   1,321,643    1,262,201    1,053,651 
Taxable profits without credit right   90,628    138,535    150,234 
Taxable loss   7,425    9,931    15,069 
Credit for shareholders   321,006    294,146    242,143 

 

F-204
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 28 - Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)

 

28.3Tax earnings, continued

 

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.

 

28.4Income tax and deferred taxes

 

Assets and liabilities recognized in the Statement of financial position are offset if and only if:

 

1The Company has legally recognized before the right the tax authority to offset the amounts recognized in these entries; and

 

2Deferred 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.

 

F-205
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 28 - Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)

 

28.4Income tax and deferred taxes, continued

 

Deferred income tax assets recognized are those income taxes 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.1Income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013 are detailed as follows:

 

   Net position, assets   Net position,
liabilities
 
Description of deferred income tax assets and  Assets   Liabilities   Assets   Liabilities 
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 

 

F-206
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 28 - Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)

 

28.4Income tax and deferred taxes, continued

 

d.2Income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2012 are detailed as follows

 

   Net position, assets   Net position,
liabilities
 
Description of deferred income tax assets and  Assets   Liabilities   Assets   Liabilities 
Liabilities  ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
Depreciation   -    -    -    145,251 
Doubtful accounts impairment   -    -    5,807    - 
Accrued vacations   -    -    3,971    - 
Manufacturing expenses   -    -    -    60,160 
Unrealized gains (losses) from sales of products   -    -    105,879    - 
Fair value of bonds   -    -    3,684    - 
Severance indemnity   -    -    -    4,483 
Hedging   -    -    -    22,890 
Inventory of products, spare parts and supplies   37    -    14,990    - 
Research and development expenses   -    -    -    4,917 
Tax losses   -    -    1,509    - 
Capitalized interest   -    -    -    20,449 
Expenses in assumption of bank loans   -    -    -    2,243 
Unaccrued interest   -    -    215    - 
Fair value of property, plant and equipment   -    -    -    2,743 
Employee benefits   -    -    2,027    - 
Royalty deferred income taxes   -    -    -    8,430 
Purchase of intangible assets   -    -    -    - 
Provision for lawsuits and legal expenses   -    -    1,823    - 
Provision for investment plan   -    -    2,487    - 
Provision of fines and crushing site closure   -    -    745    - 
Other   186    -    2,984    - 
Balance to date   223    -    146,121    271,566 
Net balance   223    -    -    125,445 

 

F-207
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 28 - Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)

 

28.4Income tax and deferred taxes, continued

 

d.3Reconciliation 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
 
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    146    -    146    4,628 
Hedging   22,890    (17,629)   -    (17,629)   5,261 
Inventory of products, spare parts and supplies   (14,990)   (5,802)   -    (5,802)   (20,828)
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   (3,984)   2,841    -    2,841    201 
Total temporary differences, losses and unused fiscal credits   125,445    25,520    3,023    28,543    154,295 

 

F-208
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 28 - Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)

 

28.4Income tax and deferred taxes, continued

 

d.3Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liabilities (assets) as of December 31, 2012

 

   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
 
Depreciation   114,151    31,100    -    31,100    145,251 
Doubtful accounts impairment   (4,061)   (1,746)   -    (1,746)   (5,807)
Accrued vacations   (2,642)   (1,329)   -    (1,329)   (3,971)
Manufacturing expenses   54,747    5,413    -    5,413    60,160 
Unrealized gains (losses) from sales of products   (97,441)   (8,438)   -    (8,438)   (105,879)
Fair value of bonds   (2,104)   -    (1,580)   (1,580)   (3,684)
Severance indemnity   3,036    1,447    -    1,447    4,483 
Hedging   16,636    6,254    -    6,254    22,890 
Inventory of products, spare parts and supplies   (7,866)   (7,161)   -    (7,161)   (14,990)
Research and development expenses   4,598    319    -    319    4,917 
Capitalized interest   17,461    2,988    -    2,988    20,449 
Expenses in assumption of bank loans   1,855    388    -    388    2,243 
Unaccrued interest   (386)   171    -    171    (215)
Fair value of property, plant and equipment   (1,539)   4,282    -    4,282    2,743 
Employee benefits   (1,177)   (850)   -    (850)   (2,027)
Royalty deferred income taxes   10,035    (1,605)   -    (1,605)   8,430 
Unused tax losses   (1,046)   (463)   -    (463)   (1,509)
Purchase of intangible assets   -    -        -    - 
Provision for lawsuits and legal expenses   (1,848)   25    -    25    (1,823)
Provision for investment plan   (2,861)   374    -    374    (2,487)
Provision of fines and crushing site closure   (640)   (105)   -    (105)   (745)
Other   (618)   (2,552)   -    (2,552)   (2,984)
Total temporary differences, losses and unused fiscal credits   98,290    28,512    (1,580)   26,932    125,445 

 

F-209
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 28 - Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)

 

28.4Income tax and deferred taxes, continued

 

d.4Deferred taxes related to benefits for tax losses

 

The Company’s tax loss carryforwards were mainly generated by losses in Chile, which in accordance with current Chilean tax regulations have no expiration date.

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, tax loss carryforwards (NOL carryforwards) are detailed as follows:

 

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
         
Chile   468    1,509 
Other countries   -    - 
           
Total   468    1,509 

 

Tax losses as of December 31 correspond mainly to Servicios Integrales de Tránsitos y Transferencias S.A., Exploraciones Mineras S.A. e Isapre Norte Grande Ltda.

 

d.5Unrecognized deferred income tax assets and liabilities

 

Unrecognized deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
   Assets (liabilities)   Assets (liabilities)   Assets (liabilities) 
             
Tax losses (Carry Forwards)   139    139    139 
Doubtful accounts impairment   81    81    81 
Inventory impairment   1,020    1,020    1,020 
Pensions plan   (536)   (536)   (536)
Accrued vacations   29    29    29 
Depreciation   (57)   (57)   (57)
Other   (19)   (19)   (19)
                
Balances to date   657    657    657 

 

Tax losses mainly relate to the United States, and they expire in 20 years.

 

F-210
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 28 - Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)

 

28.4Income tax and deferred taxes, continued

 

d.6Movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities

 

Movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are detailed as follows:

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
   Liabilities
(assets)
   Liabilities
(assets)
 
         
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, net opening balance   125,222    98,290 
Increase in deferred taxes in profit or loss   25,519    28,512 
Tax Recovery of first category credit absorbed by tax losses   -    - 
Increase (decrease) in deferred taxes in equity   3,023    (1,580)
           
Balances to date   153,764    125,222 

 

d.7Disclosures 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

 

F-211
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 28 - Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)

 

28.4Income tax and deferred taxes, continued

 

Current and deferred tax (expenses) income are detailed as follows:

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
   Income
(expenses)
   Income
(expenses)
   Income
(expenses)
 
             
Current income tax (expense)               
Current income tax (expense)   (113,326)   (187,715)   (181,424)
Adjustments to prior year current income tax   305    145    (1,950)
                
Current income tax (expense), net, total   (113,021)   (187,570)   (183,374)
                
Deferred tax (expense)               
Deferred tax (expense) income relating to the creation and reversal of temporary differences   (25,518)   (28,512)   3,664 
Deferred tax (expense), net, total   (25,518)   (28,512)   3,664 
                
Tax (expense) income   (138,539)   (216,082)   (179,710)

 

Tax (expense) income for foreign and domestic parties are detailed as follows:

 

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
   Income
(expenses)
   Income
(expenses)
   Income
(expenses)
 
             
Current income tax expense by foreign and domestic parties, net            
Current income tax (expense), foreign parties, net   (8,267)   (14,790)   (5,231)
Current income tax (expense), domestic, net   (104,769)   (172,780)   (178,143)
                
Current income tax (expense), net, total   (113,036)   (187,570)   (183,374)
                
Deferred tax expense by foreign and domestic parties, net               
Deferred tax (expense), foreign parties, net   492    474    (651)
Deferred tax (expense), domestic, net   (25,995)   (28,986)   4,315 
                
Deferred tax (expense), net, total   (25,503)   (28,512)   3,664 
                
Income tax (expense)   (138,539)   (216,082)   (179,710)

 

F-212
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 28 - Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)

 

28.4Income tax and deferred taxes, continued

 

d.8Equity 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 better opportunity 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.9Disclosures on the tax effects of other comprehensive income components:

 

   12/31/2013 
   ThUS$ 
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
 
Cash flow hedge   15,113    (3,023)   12,090 
Total   15,113    (3,023)   12,090 

 

   12/31/2012 
   ThUS$ 
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
 
             
Cash flow hedge   (6,236)   1,580    (4,656)
                
Total   (6,236)   1,580    (4,656)

 

F-213
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 28 - Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)

 

28.4Income tax and deferred taxes, continued

 

   12/31/2011 
   ThUS$ 
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
 
             
Cash flow hedge   (1,091)   218    (873)
                
Total   (1,091)   218    (873)

 

d.10Explanation 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 financial gains 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.)

 

Reconciliation of numbers in income tax expenses (income) and the result of multiplying financial gain by the rate prevailing in Chile

 

   12/31/2013   12/31/2012   12/31/2011 
   ThUS$   ThUS$   ThUS$ 
   Income
(expense)
   Income
(expense)
   Income
(expense)
 
             
Consolidated income before taxes   613,110    873,451    733,829 
Income tax rate in force in Chile   20%   20%   20%
                
Tax expense using the legal rate   (122,622)   (174,690)   (146,766)
Effect of royalty tax expense   (10,277)   (25,486)   (24,487)
Tax effect of non-taxable revenue   5,669    7,419    6,865 
Effect of taxable rate of non-deductible expenses for determination of taxable income (loss)   (1,955)   (3,091)   (2,548)
Tax effect of tax rates supported abroad   (2,268)   (5,265)   (3,173)
Effect on the tax rate arising from changes in the tax rate   -    -      
Other tax effects from the reconciliation between the accounting income and tax expense (income)   (7,086)   (14,969)   (9,601)
Tax expense using the effective rate   (138,539)   (216,082)   (179,710)

 

F-214
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 28 - Income tax and deferred taxes (continued)

 

28.4Income tax and deferred taxes, continued

 

d.11Tax 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:

 

a)Chile:

 

According to article 200 of Decree Law No. 830, the tax authority shall review for any deficiencies in its settlement of any taxes to be paid, by applying a requirement of a 3 years term from the expiration of the legal deadline when payment should have been made. In addition, this requirement could be extended to a 6 years term for the revision of taxes subject to declaration, when such declaration was not been filed or has been presented purposely false.

 

b)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.

 

c)Mexico:

 

In Mexico, the tax authority can review tax returns up to 5 years from the expiration date of the tax return.

 

d)Spain:

 

In Spain, the tax authority can review tax returns up to 4 years from the expiration date of the tax return.

 

e)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.

 

f)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.

 

F-215
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

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 asset  Currency  12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
 
Current assets:             
Cash and cash equivalents  BRL   73    20 
Cash and cash equivalents  CLP   25,391    76,712 
Cash and cash equivalents  CNY   384    181 
Cash and cash equivalents  EUR   9,230    3,601 
Cash and cash equivalents  GBP   14    70 
Cash and cash equivalents  IDR   4    5 
Cash and cash equivalents  INR   7    13 
Cash and cash equivalents  MXN   428    720 
Cash and cash equivalents  PEN   2    75 
Cash and cash equivalents  THB   2,161    - 
Cash and cash equivalents  YEN   1,435    1,369 
Cash and cash equivalents  ZAR   7,229    7,421 
Subtotal cash and cash equivalents      46,358    90,187 
Other current financial assets  CLP   108,892    182,427 
Subtotal other current financial assets      108,892    182,427 
Other current non-financial assets  ARS   21    29 
Other current non-financial assets  AUD   95    - 
Other current non-financial assets  BRL   1    5 
Other current non-financial assets  CLF   75    23 
Other current non-financial assets  CLP   25,814    42,378 
Other current non-financial assets  CNY   33    29 
Other current non-financial assets  EUR   5,383    8,534 
Other current non-financial assets  MXN   793    736 
Other current non-financial assets  PEN   3    55 
Other current non-financial assets  THB   13    - 
Other current non-financial assets  YEN   -    15 
Other current non-financial assets  ZAR   801    702 
Subtotal other current non-financial assets      33,032    52,506 
Trade and other receivables  AUD   -    14 
Trade and other receivables  BRL   32    58 
Trade and other receivables  CLF   507    826 
Trade and other receivables  CLP   50,112    78,112 
Trade and other receivables  CNY   9    2,014 
Trade and other receivables  EUR   31,975    47,962 
Trade and other receivables  GBP   261    399 
Trade and other receivables  MXN   240    200 
Trade and other receivables  PEN   92    114 
Trade and other receivables  THB   1,823    - 
Trade and other receivables  YEN   -    - 
Trade and other receivables  ZAR   14,742    16,004 
Subtotal trade and other receivables      99,793    145,703 
Receivables from related parties  AED   379    - 
Receivables from related parties  CLP   517    1,154 
Receivables from related parties  EUR   845    34 
Receivables from related parties  YEN   197    28 
Receivables from related parties  ZAR   9,157    3,312 
Subtotal receivables from related parties      11,095    4,528 
Current tax assets  AUD   -    452 
Current tax assets  CLP   1,033    457 
Current tax assets  EUR   75    72 
Current tax assets  INR   -    5 
Current tax assets  MXN   230    698 
Current tax assets  PEN   267    363 
Current tax assets  YEN   -    135 
Subtotal current tax assets      1,605    2,182 
Total current assets      300,775    477,533 

 

F-216
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 29 - Disclosures on the effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (continued)

 

Class of asset  Currency  12/31/2013
ThUS$
   12/31/2012
ThUS$
 
Non-current assets:             
Other non-current financial assets  BRL   27    30 
Other non-current financial assets  CLP   20    20 
Other non-current financial assets  YEN   45    54 
Subtotal other non-current financial assets      92    104 
Other non-current non-financial assets  BRL   191    219 
Other non-current non-financial assets  CLP   758    624 
Subtotal other non-current non-financial assets      949    843 
Non-current rights receivable  CLF   465    602 
Non-current rights receivable  CLP   818    709 
Subtotal non-current rights receivable      1,283    1,311 
Equity-accounted investees  AED   24,215    17,044 
              
Equity-accounted investees  CLP   1,649    1,656 
Equity-accounted investees  IDR   802    - 
Equity-accounted investees  EUR   7,924    8,495 
Equity-accounted investees  INR   -    683 
Equity-accounted investees  THB   1,876    1,608 
Equity-accounted investees  TRY   15,336    15,431 
Subtotal equity-accounted investees      51,802    44,917 
Intangible assets other than goodwill  CLP   507    170 
Intangible assets other than goodwill  CNY   3    6 
Subtotal intangible assets other than goodwill      510    176 
Property, plant and equipment  CLP   5,633    3,639 
Subtotal property, plant and equipment      5,633    3,639 
Total non-current assets      60,269    50,990 
Total assets      361,044    528,523 

 

F-217
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 29 - Disclosures on the effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (continued)

 

Liabilities held in foreign currencies are detailed as follows:

 

      12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
Class of liability  Currency 

Up to 90 days

ThUS$

  

Over 90 days

up to 1 year

ThUS$

  

Total

ThUS$

  

Up to 90

days

ThUS$

  

Over 90 days

up to 1 year

ThUS$

  

Total

ThUS$

 
Current liabilities                                 
Other current financial liabilities  CLF   1,455    77,866    79,321    5,967    7,465    13,432 
Other current financial liabilities  CLP   -    141,704    141,704    1,265    1,470    2,735 
Subtotal other current financial liabilities      1,455    219,570    221,025    7,232    8,935    16,167 
Trade and other payables  ARS   3    -    3    1    -    1 
Trade and other payables  BRL   64    -    64    71    -    71 
Trade and other payables  CHF   1    -    1    155    -    155 
Trade and other payables  CLP   55,785    26,224    82,009    132,037    35    132,072 
Trade and other payables  CNY   117    -    117    1,642    -    1,642 
Trade and other payables  EUR   18,654    -    18,654    18,983    279    19,262 
Trade and other payables  GBP   6    -    6    142    -    142 
Trade and other payables  INR   1    -    1    4    -    4 
Trade and other payables  MXN   485    -    485    808    2    810 
Trade and other payables  PEN   3    -    3    36    -    36 
Trade and other payables  YEN   -    -    -    66    49    115 
Trade and other payables  ZAR   2,517    -    2,517    1,810    -    1,810 
Subtotal trade and other payables      77,636    26,224    103,860    155,755    365    156,120 
Other current provisions  ARS   62    -    62    -    -    - 
Other current provisions  BRL   821    595    1,416    17    1,606    1,623 
Other current provisions  CLP   6    -    6    28    -    28 
Other current provisions  EUR   7    -    7    248    -    248 
Other current provisions  INR   1    -    1    -    -    - 
Subtotal other current provisions      897    595    1,492    293    1,606    1,899 
Current tax liabilities  INR   -    -    -    5    -    5 
Current tax liabilities  BRL   -    -    -    -    3    3 
Current tax liabilities  CLP   -    33    33    -    2,660    2,660 
Current tax liabilities  CNY   -    -    -    -    22    22 
Current tax liabilities  EUR   -    1,553    1,553    -    2,742    2,742 
Current tax liabilities  MXN   -    -    -    36    -    36 
Current tax liabilities  ZAR   -    -    -    -    55    55 
Subtotal current tax liabilities      -    1,586    1,586    41    5,482    5,523 
Current provisions for employee benefits  CLP   24,172    -    24,172    7,557    14,760    22,317 
Current provisions for employee benefits  MXN   156    -    156    -    212    212 
Subtotal current provisions for employee benefits      24,328    -    24,328    7,557    14,972    22,529 

 

F-218
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 29 - Disclosures on the effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (continued)

 

      12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
Class of liabilities  Currency 

Up to 90 days

ThUS$

  

Over 90 days

up to 1 year

ThUS$

  

Total

ThUS$

  

Up to 90

days

ThUS$

  

Over 90 days

up to 1 year

ThUS$

  

Total

ThUS$

 
Other current non-financial liabilities  BRL   55    -    55    12    44    56 
Other current non-financial liabilities  CLP   7,055    19,922    26,977    9,561    26,714    36,275 
Other current non-financial liabilities  CNY   18    -    18    26    -    26 
Other current non-financial liabilities  EUR   2,442    -    2,442    637    -    637 
Other current non-financial liabilities  MXN   720    62    782    250    103    353 
Other current non-financial liabilities  AUD   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Other current non-financial liabilities  PEN   70    -    70    70    -    70 
Other current non-financial liabilities  THD   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Other current non-financial liabilities  ZAR   8    -    8    9    -    9 
Subtotal other current non-financial liabilities      10,368    19,984    30,352    10,565    26,861    37,426 
Total current liabilities      114,684    267,957    382,641    181,443    58,221    239,664 

 

F-219
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 29 - Disclosures on the effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (continued)

 

      12/31/2013   12/31/2012 
Class of liabilities  Currency 

Over 1

year up to

3 years

ThUS$

  

Over 3

years up

to 5 years

ThUS$

  

Over 5

years

ThUS$

  

Total

ThUS$

  

Over 1

year up

to 3 years

ThUS$

  

Over 3

years up

to 5 years

ThUS$

  

Over 5

years

ThUS$

  

Total

ThUS$

 
Non-current liabilities                                           
Other non-current financial liabilities  CLF   12,957    57,168    293,844    363,969    85,681    61,119    321,857    468,657 
Other non-current financial liabilities  CLP   -    -    -    -    151,500    -    -    151,500 
Subtotal other non-current financial liabilities      12,957    57,168    293,844    363,969    237,181    61,119    321,857    620,157 
                                            
Deferred tax liabilities  CLP   -    -    -    -    -    -    43    43 
Deferred tax liabilities  MXN   -    -    -    -    159    -    -    159 
Subtotal deferred tax liabilities      -    -    -    -    159    -    43    202 
Non-current provisions for employee benefits  CLP   -    -    28,532    28,532    -    -    33,766    33,766 
Non-current provisions for employee benefits  MXN   -    -    131    131    -    -    132    132 
Non-current provisions for employee benefits  YEN   -    -    494    494    -    -    532    532 
Subtotal non-current provisions for employee benefits      -    -    29,157    29,157    -    -    34,430    34,430 
Total non-current liabilities      12,957    57,168    323,001    393,126    237,340    61,119    356,330    654,789 

 

F-220
 

 

   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013

 

Note 30 – Subsequent events

 

30.1Authorization 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, 2013 were approved and authorized for issuance by the Management on April 23, 2014.

 

30.2Disclosures on events occurring after the reporting date

 

Management is not aware of any significant events that occurred between December 31, 2013 and the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements that may significantly affect them.

 

30.3Detail of dividends declared after the reporting date

 

At the date of these financial statements, there are no dividends declared after the balance sheet date.

 

F-221